Psychological Questionnaires Research Articles

Pain Candidate Genes 5-HTTLPR and COMT Affect Anxiety and Mood in Japanese Ballet Dancers: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

The balance of mental, physical, and technical aspects is essential in improving ballet performance. Ballet dancers’ emotional and behavioral characteristics vary, even under identical stress conditions. This study aimed to investigate the association between the pain candidate genes 5-HTTLPR and COMT and anxiety in Japanese ballet dancers. Participants were 18 youth elite ballet students with professional aspirations (Y-Elite) and 16 dancers in a professional ballet company (Pro). We administered psychological questionnaires, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), to participants under the following four different stress conditions: standard practice day, cast decision day, rehearsal day, and one week before competition day. In addition, the genotypes of 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met were examined. The distribution of 5-HTTLPR was not different between Y-Elite and Pro dancers, although one of the COMT genotypes was different. Y-Elite dancers had higher trait anxiety scores than Pro dancers for these genotypes before competition (ps < 0.03), although no significant association was observed between both genotypes and scores on the STAI across conditions. Their moods were significantly different through the four conditions (p < 0.004). Pro dancers’ moods were also more stable than those of the Y-Elite dancers in the presence of pain. The results indicate that 5-HTTLPR and COMT play a crucial role in dancers’ anxiety and mood during pain (ps < 0.05). Pro dancers are probably predicted by their lower neuroticism and mood scores and their better adaptation to stress than Y-Elite dancers. The 5-HTTLPR and COMT genes may be influencing the sensitivity to the environment. Youth elite ballet dancers need to understand the relationship between pain and physical activity from an early stage.

The state of psychological and immunological indicators in graduate students of a medical university

Training future doctors for professional practice usually entails building awareness and embracing the significant responsibility inherent in the field. This, in turn, leads to significant psycho-emotional stress by the time of graduation from academic institution. With the aim of identifying the correlation between homeostatic system indicators, a comparative analysis was conducted to characterize the immunological and psychological parameters of final-year medical university students, contingent upon their respective training programs. The study involved sixth-year students of the Therapeutic and Preventive Faculty [TPF] (29 individuals) and the Military Training Center [MTC] (34 individuals) of Rostov State Medical University, a Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education. The exclusion criteria for all participants included the presence of chronic diseases and any infectious process of any origin within three months prior to the study. The groups were similar in terms of age (23.8±1.82 and 23.9±2.2 years, respectively), gender (all male), and corresponded to health group I. Psychological evaluation was conducted employing the Spielberger–Hanin Scale to gauge levels of personal and situational anxiety. The assessment of immunological status was carried out at the Scientific Research Institute of Clinical Immunology using standard methodological approaches. Registration cards for immunopathology analysis were used to characterize health status over the year. Analysis of the obtained data from psychological questionnaires revealed that students of the Therapeutic and Preventive Faculty, compared to their counterparts from the Military Training Center, demonstrated a higher degree of situational and, particularly, personal anxiety. Differences in the immune response system between the compared groups were identified with regards to indicators that characterize both adaptive and innate immunity. These differences were expressed in a more significant number of circulating regulatory T lymphocytes, a less pronounced lytic potential of effector cells, a greater number of TLR9+ monocytes with a decrease in the proportion of cells of the monocyte series carrying HLA-DR in medical students compared to their counterparts studying in the medical service officers’ program. Thus, the period of psychological preparation in a medical university for the commencement of professional activity varies based on the characteristics of the educational process and proves to be more effective for sixth-year students of MTC. Students from the TPF exhibit more pronounced psycho-emotional stress compared to their counterparts in military medical training, leading to evident signs of immune system dysregulation. It is imperative to develop strategies for timely detection of changes in both psychological and immunological adaptive capacities.

Body image is associated with persistence. A study of the role of weight-related stigma

AbstractThe study replicates a preliminary report from 2019 on therelationship between body image and persistence.PurposeThe aim of our study was to analyze the associations between body image, persistence, and body weight stereotypes.Patients and methodsA total of 750 individuals were recruited for the study. The research was carried out in computer labs. The procedure consisted of psychological questionnaires (Persistence Scale, The Body Esteem Scale, Perceived Weight Stigma Questionnaire, Weight Bias Internalization Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Formal Characteristics of Behavior – Temperament Inventory, and NEO-PI-R) and The Maze Test (a computer tool). After completing the Simple Maze Test, saliva samples were collected. Next, the subjects proceeded to the laboratory where anthropometric and body composition measurements were taken. The hormone levels (cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone) in the collected saliva samples were analyzed via ELISA to determine stress.ResultsBody image and persistence are related variables. They are associated with the internalization of stereotypes and perceived stigma related to body weight. These associations are differentially shaped according to sex and the regularity of body weight. In women, a stronger association of these variables with body image was observed, while in men, the relationship with body image was weaker, with a stronger association shown by perceived weight-related stigma. In the group of participants with a BMI<18.5, there was no significant association between the internalization of stereotypes and the analyzed variables. This relationship appeared in the group of subjects with a normal body weight and was strongest in the group of participants who were overweight or obese. Perceived weight-related stigma was most strongly associated with body image in the group with BMI<18.5 kg/m2 and with persistence in the group with BMI>25 kg/m2.ConclusionBody-related stigma affects not only overweight and obese individuals and its mechanisms may be shaped differently.

Low psychological resilience and physical fitness predict attrition from US Marine Corps Officer Candidate School training

ABSTRACT The objective is to examine the predictors of attrition in male and female candidates undergoing a 10-week early career military training program. 1006 candidates (79.5% male, 24.7 ± 3.2 years) consented to participating in a larger study examining predictors of injury during US Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS). Participants completed a blood draw, demographic and psychological characteristics questionnaires, and two fitness tests. Participants were then grouped based on successful completion of OCS or not. Associations between potential predictors and attrition were analyzed using simple logistic regression analyses, followed by a backward stepwise elimination method. Area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the accuracy of the attrition prediction model. 260 candidates (25.8%) attritted over the 10-week training, with the highest number of discharges during week 5. Musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) was the most common cause of attrition (30%), followed by non-MSKI medical (21.5%), and volitional withdrawals (19.6%). Sex, body mass index (BMI), resilience, initial physical fitness test score, combat fitness test (CFT) score, and prior military service were all significantly associated with attrition from OCS (all p < .05). The final prediction model of attrition included CFT score (p = .027) and resilience (p = .018). Multiple demographic, psychological, and fitness characteristics are associated with attrition from an early career military training course (OCS) and may be utilized as part of early screening procedures to identify and provide guidance for individuals at risk for not completing OCS.

Predicting Children’s Mental Well-Being During COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Maternal Cognitive Emotion Regulation

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of warm, supportive, and positive relationships caused behavioral and psychological problems in children. This study aimed to predict the psychological well-being of primary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic based on parental self-efficacy and cognitive emotion regulation in mothers based on the mediating role of the parent-child relationship. Methods: The present applied research used a descriptive correlation in terms of data collection and analysis. This research was conducted on 385 cases, including students and their parents, who were selected using a random sampling method. The research instruments included the Reef&amp;apos;s psychological well-being questionnaire (18 questions), Johnston and Mash parenting sense of competence scale, Garnefski&amp;apos;s cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, and Fine&amp;apos;s parent-child relationship scale. Two psychology experts assessed the face validity of the questionnaires. Reliability of the questionnaires was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Results: The average total scores of psychological well-being, parenting sense of competence, parent-child relationship, and cognitive emotion regulation were 68, 58.3, 72.1, and 61.4, respectively. Maternal cognitive emotion regulation was a significant predictor of the parent-child relationship (p&amp;lt; 0.01). We found that parenting sense of competence and maternal cognitive emotion regulation were able to predict students&amp;apos; psychological well-being through parent-child relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Increasing the level of parenting sense of competence and regulating parental emotions can improve the relationship between parents and their children.

Structured-unstructured activity behaviours on preschoolers’ mental and physical health: a compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis

This study analysed the relationship between the structured and unstructured activities of preschoolers and their mental and physical health, and also investigated the predicted changes in mental and physical health by reallocating activity time. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 324 preschoolers. Video recording and SOPARC activity observation system was used for the division of structured and unstructured activities. An accelerometer sensor was used to measure activity intensity. The SDQ psychological questionnaire was adopted to collect data on internalizing difficulties, externalizing difficulties, total difficulties and pro-social behaviours. Physical indices including body shape (height, weight, BMI), and physical fitness (upper and lower limb strength, flexibility, agility, and balance) were collected using Chinese toddler physical fitness measurement tools. Component data and isotemporal reallocation analyses were conducted using R Studio (Version 4.2). A total of 308 preschoolers (160 boys; aged 4.50 ± 0.93 years) were included in the data analysis. The activities composition, adjusted for sex, area, mental level (for mental indicators), or age (for physical indicators), was significantly correlated with various measurement indicators (p < 0.05). Specifically, structured (β=-0.87, p < 0.05) and unstructured (β=-1.24, p < 0.05) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were significantly positive correlated with internalizing difficulties, while structured MVPA was significantly positively correlated with body shape (β = 2.17, p < 0.05). Replacing structured light physical activity (LPA) with 10 min of structured MVPA has a positive effect on internalizing difficulties (SMD=-1.28, 95%CI: -2.30 to -0.27) and body shape (SMD = 1.76, 95%CI: 0.37 to 3.15). When the total replacement time reaches 25 min, the benefits become even more pronounced. Structured and unstructured MVPA are both beneficial to preschoolers’ mental and physical health, with the incorporation of MVPA for over 25 min in structured activities and supplementary unstructured MVPA yielding even greater benefits.

Psychometric Evaluation of Women's Knowledge of Healthcare Rights and Perception of Resource Scarcity during Maternity.

Background/Objectives: Resources to cope with maternity and women's participation are essential modulators of maternal well-being. Therefore, it is relevant that the psychosocial factors of woman be monitored during maternity to promote adequate healthcare. This study involved the design and the validation of two new tools that identify women's knowledge of healthcare rights (MatCODE) and perception of resource scarcity (MatER) during pregnancy, labor and early postpartum; Methods: The content validity was carried out using the Aiken's V coefficient and the content validity index (CVI-i) based on five experts. In addition, for the face validity, the pilot cohort was considered the INFLESZ scale. Finally, the questionnaires were applied to 185 women, which allowed to assess the construct validation by factorial and Rasch analysis. The divergent validity was also studied with validated psychological questionnaires; Results: MatCODE and MatER questionnaires received CVI-i and Aiken's V > 0.80 values, and the INFLESZ demonstrated acceptable semantic understanding. The analysis confirms the unidimensionality of the questionnaires, with fit values for MatCODE of RMSEA = 0.113 [0.105; 0.122] and for MatER of RMSEA = 0.067 [0.063; 0.072]. The divergent validity showed significant and consistent correlations with the constructs assessed. For MatCODE, ω = 0.95 and α = 0.94, and for MatER, ω = 0.79 and α = 0.78; Conclusions: MatCODE and MatER are useful new tools for monitoring maternal healthcare, with adequate psychometric characteristics in the Spanish context.

A study of Belarusian women’s perceptions of safety and its relationships with victimization and social gender

The differences between Belarusian women’s perceptions of safety, as well as the links between these perceptions with victimization and social gender have been analyzed. The purpose of the study is to identify the peculiarities of women’s perceptions of safety, considering its relationship with victimization and social gender. Methods used: analysis and synthesis, method of interview and psychological testing, results processing and generalization, tabular, etc. The psychological safety perceptions assessment has been studied with the help of N.E. Kharlamenkova’s psychological safety questionnaire and victimization with the help of V.P. Sheinov’s methodology, to determine gender-role peculiarities the masculinity-femininity scale from the Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI) was used. The sample included 590 women aged 18 to 60 years old. Differences in perceptions of psychological safety among women of different age groups have been revealed. It has been shown that for women security is associated with such concepts as peace in their country, reliability, health, and control of the situation. Adult women also associate safety with compliance with norms and rules, possession of information, and a reliable companion. For young girls, security is also associated with a sense of comfort, trust, and lack of anxiety. Perceptions of safety differ between feminine and masculine women. It has been shown that feminine-type women associate safety with their qualities and abilities, and masculine-type women associate it with the attitude to solving personal safety problems with the help of psychological strength and orientation to independence.

What makes medical students choose their residencies? Association between mental health of medical students and their choices of future medical specialties

Background: Excessive cognitive demands and chronic stress contribute to the occurrence of mental health problems among medical students. It may be hypothesized that the presence of such disturbances have an influence on their choices of post-graduate training programs. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the state of mental health of medical students and to assess if there is any association between the prevalence of mental health problems and their residency choices. Materials and methods: 114 medical students were surveyed in terms of their residencies' choices and their mental health with the usage of validated psychological questionnaires. Results: 74 (64,91%) of medical students needed psychiatric or psychological treatment at some stage in their lives. Intensity of risky alcohol consumption was positively correlated with the choice of surgery (p=.0000) and negatively correlated with the choice of psychiatry (p=.0000). The severity of depressive symptoms was positively correlated with emergency medicine choice (p=.0479). Anxiety symptoms, eating disorders and autism spectrum severity symptoms were not significantly correlated with the choice of any medical specialty. Conclusions: Medical students were found seriously affected by mental health problems, what to some extent seemed to impact their future career choices.

The relationship between perceived organizational support and burnout in newly graduated nurses from southwest China: the chain mediating roles of psychological capital and work engagement.

Burnout affects the quality of work and health, increases the rate of turnover of newly graduated nurses, and leads to a shortage of nurse resources. Perceived organizational support (POS) can mitigate burnout, but the exact mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the mediating roles of psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement (WE) in the relationship between POS and burnout. This is a cross-sectional study. An anonymous investigation with a convenience sampling of nurses was conducted in Sichuan province, southwest China between October 2023 and November 2023. The Perceived Organizational Support Scale, Maslach's Burnout Inventory General Survey, the Psychological Capital questionnaire, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used to collect data. SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0 were applied for statistical analysis. A total of 995 newly graduated nurses participated in this study. The average burnout score of the nurses was 2.45 (1.06) and the incidence of burnout was 82.6%. Burnout was negatively correlated with POS (r=-0.624, p < 0.05), PsyCap (r = -0.685, p < 0.05) and WE (r = -0.638, p < 0.05). The total effect of POS on burnout (β = 0.553) consisted of a direct effect (β = 0.233) as well as an indirect effect (β = 0.320) mediated through PsyCap and WE. PsyCap and WE have a chain-mediated effect between the POS of newly graduated nurses and burnout (β = -0.056, Bootstrap 95% confidence interval (-0.008, -0.003), which represented 10.12% of the total effect. This study confirms that POS has a significant negative predictive effect on burnout. POS was first associated with a decrease in PsyCap, followed by a sequential decline in WE, which in turn was associated with an increase in burnout symptoms among newly graduated nurses. Hospital managers can reduce the levels of burnout of newly graduated nurses by increasing organizational support and improving PsyCap and WE.

Doctoral Student’s Psychological Well-Being: A Scoping Review

Doctoral students are a group that is prone to experiencing mental health problems during their study period which provides an overview of their psychological well-being. Generally, the psychological problems that arise in this group are anxiety, depression, and some physical problems. This study basically aims to understand the psychological well-being of doctoral students through an analysis of the concepts related to psychological well-being, how it is measured, and what factors are often connected and influence it. The method used is scoping review with PRISMA-Scr 2020. Articles were obtained from 4 databases namely Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. There were 9 articles that were filtered based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of this study found that the most frequently used concept to describe the psychological well-being of doctoral students is the subjective well-being of Diener (1984) and Ryff (1989). In addition, the presence/absence of psychological problems is also used as a basis for describing their psychological well-being. Psychological health measurement usually uses SWLS and SPANE from Diener and a psychological health questionnaire from Ryff. Some of the factors identified as related to psychological well-being are relationships with supervisors, research self-efficacy, perfectionism, achievement orientation, and family support. In addition, impostor syndrome and psychology capital (PsyCap) function as mediator variables.

Psychological Skills Among Postgraduate Students

The current research aims to identify Psychological skills among postgraduate students, Statistically significant differences in psychological skills according to the variable (gender/males - females).Statistically significant differences in psychological skills according to the variable of specialization/scientific-humanities). To achieve the objectives of the research, the researcher built a measure of psychological skills. It may be in the final form of (30) items, and each item has four alternatives: It applies to me always - It applies to me sometimes - It applies to me rarely - It applies to me at all. To achieve the objectives of the research, the researcher prepared a scale (skills The psychological questionnaire, in its form, consists of (30) items, and each item has (5) alternatives, which are (always applies to me, often applies to me, sometimes applies to me, rarely applies to me, never applies to me). The researcher extracted the psychometric characteristics of discrimination and validity of its logical, phenomenological, and structural types. As for reliability, it was extracted using the test-retest method and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The researcher applied the tool to a randomly selected research sample consisting of (300) male and female postgraduate students, with (150) male and (150) female students from the colleges and departments of Tikrit University. The statistical methods used in the research are (Chi-square test, t-test for one sample, t-test for two independent samples, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Cronbach’s alpha equation). The results showed the following: Graduate students have a high level of psychological skills. There are no statistically significant differences on the psychological skills scale according to the variable (gender, specialization). In light of the research results, several recommendations and proposals were crystallized.

Effect of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Cardiac Autonomic Activation and Diabetes Self-Care in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), decreased autonomic activation and heightened negative emotions may worsen glycemic control. This study investigated the effects of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) on autonomic activation, negative emotions, diabetes self-care, and glycemic control in patients with T2DM. A total of 61 participants with T2DM were assigned to either the HRVB group (n = 30; 62.67 ± 7.28years; 14 females) or the control group (n = 31; 63.39 ± 6.96years; 14 females). Both groups received the treatment as usual, and the HRVB group received 60min of HRVB sessions weekly for 6weeks. Participants completed psychological questionnaires, a resting electrocardiogram (ECG), and breathing rate assessments at pre- and post-tests. Heart rate variability (HRV) indices were derived from ECG data, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were collected from the electronic medical records. The analysis revealed significant Group × Time interaction effects on HRV indices, breathing rate, depression symptoms, and diabetes self-care behavior. The HRVB group demonstrated higher HRV indices, lower breathing rate, and improved diabetes self-care behavior compared to the control group. Moreover, the HRVB group showed enhanced HRV indices and diabetes self-care behavior, as well as reduced breathing rate and depression in the post-test compared to the pre-test. However, there was no significant interaction effect on HbA1c levels. Six sessions of HRVB proved effective as a complementary therapy for T2DM, enhancing HRV indices, alleviating depressive symptoms, and promoting better diabetes self-care behaviors.

Practical Course Experience Promotes the Improvement of Graduate Students' Motivation for Public Service: The Chain Mediated Effect of Positive Psychological Capital and Social Emotional Ability

Objective: To investigate the impact of practical course experience(PCE) on graduate students' motivation for public service(PSM), as well as the mediating role of positive psychological capital(PPC) and social emotional ability(SEA). Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted on 266 graduate students from a university in Beijing using the Delaware Social Emotional Ability Scale, Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Public Service Motivation Scale. Result: (1) After controlling for variables such as age and student cadre experience, the predictive effect of PCE on PSM was significant. (2) PCE can influence PSM through the individual mediation of PPC and the chain mediation of PPC and PCE. Conclusion: PPC and SEA play a chain mediated role between practical course experience and graduate public service motivation. This conclusion contributes to providing empirical support for promoting high-quality development of graduate education from the perspective of self-determination theory.

The relationship between psychological capital and humanistic caring ability among mental health nurses in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe ability to provide humanistic care has a significant impact on the therapeutic relationships in psychiatric services, which in turn influences patients’ outcomes.AimTo examine the relationship between psychological capital and humanistic care ability among mental health nurses in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA descriptive correlational research design was implemented in this study. A convenience sampling method was used to collect information from 500 mental health nurses from a governmental mental health facility. The data were collected using the psychological capital questionnaire and the caring ability inventory.ResultsThe results revealed high levels of psychological capital and humanistic care ability among mental health nurses. Psychological capital significantly predicted humanistic care ability (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{R}^{2}=$$\\end{document} 0.630, F(1,498) = 851.16, p< 0.001). Also, there were significant relationships between sociodemographic variables and psychological capital (age, educational level, and professional title) and humanistic care ability (age and years of experience).ConclusionPsychological capital was found to be be positively associated with the humanistic care ability of mental health nurses. The findings of this study suggest that nursing managers should explore strategies from the viewpoint of positive psychology to enhance the psychological capacity of mental health nurses to provide humanistic care abilities, which can effectively improve nurses-patients’ relationships and outcomes in clinical practice.

The effect of physical activity on depression in university students: the mediating role of self-esteem and positive psychological capital.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical exercise and depression among college students, focusing on the mediating role of self-esteem and positive psychological capital. Group psychological measurements were conducted on 579 students using various scales, including the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PPQ), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). The data was analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and bootstrap methods to test and analyze the effects. A negative correlation between physical exercise and depressive mood, with physical exercise significantly predicting college students' depressive mood. Additionally, physical exercise was found to positively predict self-esteem and positive psychological capital, both of which are negatively predictive of depressive mood. Self-esteem and positive psychological capital were identified as significant mediators between physical exercise and depressive mood, with three mediating paths: physical exercise, self-esteem, and depressed mood (Path 1), exhibited an indirect effect of 0.017, with the bootstrap 95% confidence interval excluding 0 (LLCI = -0.051, ULCI = -0.004) and accounting for 8.30% of the total effect. Physical exercise, positive psychological capital, and depression emotion (Path 2), had an indirect effect of 0.049, with the bootstrap 95% confidence interval also not containing 0 (LLCI = -0.088, ULCI = -0.011) and contributing to 23.90% of the total effect. Physical exercise, self-esteem, positive psychological capital, depressed mood (Path 3), demonstrated an indirect effect of 0.006, with the bootstrap 95% confidence interval excluding 0 (LLCI = -0.011, ULCI = -0.001) and representing 2.90% of the total effect. Physical exercise negatively predicts depressive mood among college students and has a mediating effect through self-esteem and positive psychological capital, creating a chain-like impact on their depressive symptoms.

Is inflammatory change associated with psychological risk and resilience in high-risk military personnel?

IntroductionIn military populations, the potential for under-reporting of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and challenges in recognising early changes can make it difficult to detect an emerging disorder. However, early...

Impact of dietary fats on mental health: Omega-3, saturated, and trans fats in a healthy Israeli population

This study investigates the relationship between dietary fat consumption and mental health in a healthy Israeli population, addressing a gap in research regarding the effects of specific fats—Omega-3, saturated fats, and trans fats—on mental well-being. Despite existing studies on general eating patterns and mental health, limited research focuses on these specific dietary fats within this population. A sample of 98 participants was analysed using a correlational design and measures, including nutrition and psychological self-reported questionnaires. Results revealed that higher consumption of trans fats was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms, with depressive scores significantly higher in those with a high trans-fat intake (M = 16.67, SD = 5.81) compared to those with lower intake (M = 10.25, SD = 4.95). Additionally, the interaction between trans-fat consumption and PUFA/SFA ratio significantly predicted depressive scores (β = 10.86, p < .001 for high PUFA/SFA ratio; β = 3.77, p < .001 for low PUFA/SFA ratio). Similarly, higher trans-fat consumption was linked to increased anxiety symptoms, as indicated by anxiety scores (β = 12.08, p < .001 for high PUFA/SFA ratio; β = 5.22, p < .05 for low PUFA/SFA ratio). Conversely, consumption of saturated fats did not significantly affect mental health, though interactions with PUFA/SFA ratios were noted (β = .14, p < .05 for high PUFA/SFA ratio). The study highlights the complex relationships between different types of fatty acids and mental health, contributing to a deeper understanding of how specific dietary fats impact mental well-being. These findings suggest potential avenues for nutritional interventions to improve mental health, mainly by reducing trans-fat intake.

Chain mediating effect of gratitude and meaning in life between nurses’ psychological response and emergency capability-a multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundClinical nurses face high-pressure situations requiring rapid decision-making and skilled intervention, impacting their psychological responses and emergency capabilities. Understanding the relationships between psychological factors like gratitude and meaning in life is crucial for improving nurses’ performance in emergencies. This study explores the mediating role of gratitude and meaning in life in the impact of psychological responses on clinical nurses’ emergency capabilities, aiming to enhance their effectiveness in such situations.MethodsThis study is a multi-center cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1833 clinical nurses in five tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province, China including general information questionnaire, nurses’ emergency capability scale, Meaning in life scale, Gratitude scale and Psychological response questionnaire. According to the results of the questionnaire survey, a chain mediating model was constructed and tested.ResultsThe total score of emergency capability of 1833 clinical nurses was (71.65 ± 10.77), the total score of meaning in life was (50.67 ± 9.04), the total score of gratitude was (30.96 ± 3.57), and the total score of psychological response was 13.00 (6.00, 20.00). The emergency capability of subjects was positively correlated with the meaning in life, the total score of gratitude scale and the scores of each dimension of the two scales, and negatively correlated with the total score of psychological response scale and each dimension of this scale (all P < 0.05). The total effect coefficient, direct effect coefficient and indirect effect coefficient of psychological response on nurses’ emergency capability are − 0.230, -0.110 and − 0.120 respectively, that is, the indirect effect accounts for 52.17% of the total effect. Among the indirect effects, the specific mediating effects of gratitude and meaning in life account for 22.50% and 62.50% respectively, and the chain mediating effects of gratitude and meaning in life account for 15.00%.ConclusionGratitude and meaning in life have multiple mediating roles in the mechanism of psychological response that affecting clinical nurses’ emergency capability. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to dynamically evaluating the psychological response level of clinical nurses, and strive to improve their gratitude and meaning in life, so as to further enhance their emergency response ability.

Impact of psychological empowerment on job satisfaction among preschool teachers: mediating role of professional identity

The centrality of job satisfaction in fostering the stability and progression of the teaching cadre and in underpinning the effective operation of educational institutions is paramount. Drawing from motivation theory and the Job Demands-Resources model, this research delves into the influence of psychological empowerment on the job satisfaction of 533 preschool educators in China, employing the Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire, the Occupational Identity Questionnaire, and the Job Satisfaction Scale. The inquiry probes the intermediary function of occupational identity in the nexus between psychological empowerment and job satisfaction within the cohort of preschool teachers. The findings underscore that psychological empowerment substantially foretells heightened job satisfaction in preschool educators, and concurrently, occupational identity serves as a partial mediator in the association between psychological empowerment and job satisfaction. Augmenting levels of psychological empowerment and occupational identity among preschool teachers is a strategic avenue for fortifying their holistic contentment in their professional roles, thereby contributing indispensably to the fortification of a robust teaching workforce in kindergarten establishments.