Psychological Theory Research Articles

Can watching the World Cup make you mentally healthier? Positive associations between involvement in physical activities and flourishing were mediated by psychological need satisfaction

BackgroundThe current understanding of the relationship between physical activity involvement and flourishing, as well as the underlying psychological mechanisms, remains limited. Building upon the basic psychological need theory, this study investigates whether and how engaging in physical activities, either as a spectator (e.g., in sports events such as the World Cup) or a participant, explains individual differences in flourishing.MethodsA total of 1201 Hong Kong-based Chinese adults (Mage = 42.90, SD = 11.40; 54% female) completed an anonymous online survey from the quarter-final to final stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in December 2022.ResultsFindings showed that spectator (World Cup) involvement and participant involvement were positively correlated. Moreover, both types of involvements were correlated with flourishing. In addition to the hypothesized positive association with relatedness satisfaction, spectator (World Cup) involvement was also demonstrated significant associations with autonomy and competence satisfaction. Path analysis indicated that associations between physical activities and flourishing were partially mediated by the satisfaction of all three basic psychological needs.ConclusionsThis study is the first to apply the basic psychological need theory in the context of physical activity and supports its relevance in understanding individual differences in flourishing. Different stakeholders are encouraged to recognize the benefits of both spectator and participant involvements in physical activities, which may help them develop supportive strategies (e.g., physical activities with parents, sports events for spectators and participants, and funding for media/communities) in mental health promotion.

Notes On Artificial Intelligence And The Rise Of New Images

Pamela Breda’s (Digital Arts) contribution "Notes On Artificial Intelligence And The Rise Of New Images" explores how hyper-realistic computer-generated images (CGI) reshape our perception of reality and its implications for human creativity. Her considerations stem from an ongoing interdisciplinary artistic research project that combines positions from visual cultural studies, cognitive psychology, and perceptual theory with historical perspectives. Breda’s contribution reflects on the historical background of CGI, its influence on various domains of individual and collective life, and its philosophical implications, her contribution provides current viewpoints on the position of AI and its past implications.

The Impact of Online Gambling on Mental Health in New Zealand: A Comparative Study

Online gambling has witnessed exponential growth globally, facilitated by the proliferation of internet access and digital platforms. This phenomenon has sparked significant concerns regarding its potential impact on mental health, particularly in regions like New Zealand where gambling is popular. This paper endeavors to investigate the relationship between online gambling and mental health outcomes within the unique socio-cultural context of New Zealand, comparing these impacts with those of traditional forms of gambling. The introduction of online gambling has revolutionized the accessibility and convenience of participating in gambling activities. In New Zealand, as in many other jurisdictions, this shift has prompted regulatory responses aimed at managing potential risks while balancing consumer demand and industry growth. Despite these efforts, the pervasive nature of online gambling introduces distinct challenges that may exacerbate issues related to mental health. The study will begin by reviewing existing literature on global trends in online gambling and its documented effects on mental health. This will include an analysis of regulatory frameworks implemented in various countries to address these concerns, highlighting successes and challenges in consumer protection and harm minimization strategies. Psychological theories and models explaining addictive behaviors associated with online gambling will be explored to provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the observed impacts. A key focus of this research will be a comparative analysis between online gambling and traditional forms of gambling prevalent in New Zealand, such as land-based casinos and sports betting. By contrasting these modalities, the study aims to elucidate whether online gambling uniquely intensifies mental health risks or presents analogous challenges to traditional gambling activities. Methodologically, the study will employ a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis will draw upon national gambling prevalence surveys and data from online gambling platforms to assess the prevalence of online gambling in New Zealand and profile its participants. Qualitative research will involve in-depth interviews with online gamblers and mental health professionals to capture nuanced insights into the psychological and emotional impacts experienced. Findings from the study are expected to contribute empirical evidence on the prevalence of online gambling in New Zealand, alongside comparative assessments of mental health outcomes between online and traditional gamblers. Specific risk factors associated with online gambling addiction and deterioration in mental health will be identified, shedding light on mechanisms through which these impacts manifest. The implications of these findings for policy and regulation will be discussed, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies that safeguard mental well-being without stifling technological innovation or economic contributions from the gambling sector. Recommendations will be made for enhancing existing regulatory frameworks to ensure they adequately address the unique challenges posed by online gambling while promoting responsible gambling practices. This research seeks to advance understanding of the complex interplay between online gambling and mental health in New Zealand. By elucidating comparative impacts and exploring regulatory responses, the study aims to inform evidence-based interventions that support public health objectives while fostering a sustainable gambling environment.

जिउँदो लास नाटकमा असामान्य पात्र {An Unusual Character in Jiundo las Drama}

The article titled "Abnormal Characters in Living Corpse Drama" delves into the peculiar behavior and thoughts exhibited by the characters within. It explores how desires, harbored within the conscious mind, become suppressed in the unconscious realm due to their inability to be fulfilled in a timely manner. Drawing from Sigmund Freud's psychological theory, it posits that when such repressed sentiments cannot find external expression, characters manifest abnormal behaviors when confronted with challenging circumstances within the play. Urmila, for instance, depicted as awaiting her husband for years, finds herself in a state of profound dependency, unable to endure solitude. Symbolically represented by Mausuli, a snake, her husband's absence haunts and terrifies her in her dreams. This imagery symbolizes the struggle of existing as a living corpse, consumed by a desire for death rather than embracing a legitimate existence. Similarly, Radhakrishna emerges as an unconventional character who perceives individuals as Murkutas and classrooms as Masanghats. Through the utilization of subheadings such as topic introduction, study method, theoretical framework, plot analysis of Jiendo Las Natak, and examination of Jiondo Las Natak, the article meticulously dissects the abnormal behaviors of the characters. Ultimately, the article concludes that if repressed desires remain unfulfilled over time, individuals may descend into abnormality and mental instability, ultimately leading to their demise.

Effects of (de)motivating supervision styles on junior doctors' intrinsic motivation through basic psychological need frustration and satisfaction: an experimental vignette study.

In clinical practice, junior doctors regularly receive supervision from consultants. Drawing on Basic Psychological Needs Theory, consultants' supervision styles are likely to affect junior doctors' intrinsic motivation differently in terms of psychological need frustration and psychological need satisfaction. To examine the effects of (de)motivating supervision styles, we conducted two experimental vignette studies among junior doctors. In Study 1 (N = 150, 73.3% female), we used a 2 (need support: high vs. low) x 2 (directiveness: high vs. low) between-subjects design and, in Study 2, a within-subjects design with the same factors (N = 46, 71.7% female). Both studies revealed a consistent positive effect of need-supportive supervision styles on psychological need satisfaction (+), need frustration (-), and intrinsic motivation (+). Particularly in Study 2, the main effect of need-supportive styles was strengthened by supervisor's directiveness. Moreover, in both studies, the effects of supervision styles on intrinsic motivation were explained through psychological need frustration and psychological need satisfaction. We discuss the implications of these findings for postgraduate clinical training.

The role of omnichannel integration and digital value in building brand trust: a customer psychological perception perspective

PurposeIn the dynamic landscape of the digital economy, companies are increasingly adopting omnichannel integration strategies to enhance customer experiences. However, the interplay between this strategy and digitalisation in fostering brand trust remains uncharted. Drawing on the social exchange and psychological reactance theories, this study ventures into unexplored territory by examining the impact of omnichannel integration and digital value on brand trust building. It also delves into the boundary roles of customers’ psychological perceptions, both positive (customer empowerment) and negative (privacy concerns and perceived deception), in this process.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted an online survey of 595 omnichannel users in China and validated the model using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThis study’s results have significant implications for businesses. They show that customer perception of omnichannel integration and perceived digital value are critical drivers of omnichannel brand trust, with customer empowerment playing a mediating role. Notably, the study also reveals that customers’ negative psychological perceptions can have different moderating effects, highlighting the need for businesses to address these concerns in their omnichannel strategies.Originality/valueThis study breaks new ground in marketing research by highlighting the benefits of omnichannel integration and incorporating digital perspectives. It demonstrates the positive impact of blending customer perception of omnichannel integration and perceived digital value on brand trust formation. Furthermore, it explores the boundary roles of customers’ psychological perceptions in this process, offering a unique and comprehensive perspective.

The impact of financial development on enterprise green innovation under low carbon pilot city.

Low-carbon pilot city (LCPC) plays a pivotal role in stimulating green innovation among enterprises. However, relying solely on policy often proves less effective, necessitating support from financial development. Yet, current research frequently overlooks the impact of financial development on LCPC policy. Drawing on economic, management, and organizational psychology theories, we investigate the influence of the financial development level on enterprise green innovation in LCPC, utilizing data from listed companies between 2010 and 2018. The main finding is that LCPC facilitates institutional-level green innovation. Concurrently, financial development augments the effectiveness of LCPC policy, further expediting green innovation activities among enterprises in these pilot cities. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that financial development significantly promotes green innovation, particularly among state-owned enterprises, those with myopic management, non-high technology industries, and businesses in the southern region within LCPC. Mechanism tests identify enterprises' financing constraints and R&D investment levels as key pathways through which financial development fosters green economic development in LCPC. This study provides micro-level evidence from China elucidating the effects of environmental policies and offers practical implications for the low-carbon transformation of the manufacturing sector amid peak emissions and carbon-neutral targets. Additionally, it provides valuable guidance for other emerging economies seeking enhanced resource and environmental protection through the implementation of energy-saving and emission-reduction fiscal policy.

Moderation of tax attitudes on the relationship of knowledge and tax incentives on sustainable MSMEs performance

Recently, public opinion regarding tax avoidance has become unbreakable; and issues related to tax institutions are disrupting tax revenues. Tax avoidance leads to an issue that still requires resolution and is firmly entrenched among the business community in developed countries. The small and medium business sector refers to a sector that is involved in aggressive tax avoidance practices. Thus, tax can be accepted as a problem to achieve sustainability. This research applies a fiscal psychology theory approach with a survey approach on 150 MSME owners in Bandung City, West Java. The collected data was then analyzed using the Partial least squares approach to test and analyze the hypothesis. The results of this research show that tax knowledge and the tax incentives provided have a positive effect on the sustainable business performance of MSMEs in Bandung. Apart from that, this research also proves that tax attitudes are a determinant that can strengthen or weaken the relationship between tax knowledge and the tax incentives provided in achieving sustainable MSME business performance. It is hoped that the results of this research will add to the literature and expand the body of knowledge, especially in the context of taxation and business performance, and for practitioners, especially business owners. It can be a consideration that compliance in paying taxes is an essential factor in achieving business performance.

Research on Range of Appropriate Spatial Scale of Underground Commercial Street Based on Psychological Perception Evaluation

Developing and utilizing underground space is a vital direction for urban growth. Underground commercial streets, as a significant component of underground space accommodating extensive human social activities, consequently necessitate the creation of human-scale spaces. In the evolution of urban design development towards more significant, more terrific refinement, applying architectural theories and excessively subjective designs has resulted in a deficient human-centered design and a disordered spatial environment. This study merges environmental psychology and architectural theory to determine the appropriate length of spatial scale. Two experiments focusing on spatial perception evaluation were conducted using a virtual experimental platform that featured varying dimensions of spatial scale combinations. These quantified combinations were correlated with the perception evaluation, and a regression analysis was employed to identify appropriate scale ranges, which were superimposed with the range of length selection. Finally, the optimal length and scale combination for underground commercial street spaces was established, providing a reference for the human-centered design of these environments.

Group decision making based on dice similarity measure and 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy weighted arithmetic aggregation operator for 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy variables

In the process of decision-making, it usually applies 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy variable (2DLFV) to describe the uncertainty caused by the decision objects and the decision makers. This proposal aims to design group decision making method based on dice similarity measure (DSM) and 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy weighted arithmetic aggregation (2DLFWAA) operator for 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy framework. Based on the psychological theory and prospect theory, 2-dimension linguistic scale function (2DLSF) about 2DLFV is firstly proposed, and new operational rules of 2DLFV are introduced. Two forms of DSM are proposed to measure the closeness between two 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy sets (2DLFSs). A definition is given for 2DLFWAA operator and some of its properties are studied. Based on the DSM and the 2DLFWAA operator for 2DLFSs, the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is extended to handle the multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems under 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy environments. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to show the concrete process of the proposed method. Comparative analysis and sensitivity analysis are conducted to test the rationality and robust of the proposed method. The results suggest that the proposed method offers a flexible and reliable approach in 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy scenarios.

Does Social Support Play a Role in the Expression and Everyday Functioning Impact of Apathy in HIV Disease?

Clinically notable apathy occurs in approximately one-third of persons living with HIV (PLWH). Drawing from psychological theory, this cross-sectional study examined the interplay between apathy and social support in persons with (n = 143) and without (n = 61) HIV disease. Analyses were conducted using multiple regression and mediation procedures with 95th percentile bootstrap confidence intervals. Positive HIV serostatus and lower social support were associated with more frequent apathy, independent of other mood symptoms. Social support did not moderate apathy's associations with everyday functioning among PLWH, but post hoc analyses revealed that apathy mediated the relationship between social support and everyday functioning among PLWH. Stronger social support may provide a buffer against the frequency of apathy symptoms in persons with and without HIV disease. The relationship between lower social support and poorer everyday functioning in HIV might be partly explained by apathy. Longitudinal research is needed to examine the mechanisms of these relationships.

THE AMBIGUITY OF LEADERSHIP STYLES: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Leadership is a multifaceted process that involves guiding, influencing, and directing a group toward common goals. Ambiguity in leadership styles arises due to the complex interaction of personality traits, situational factors and the dynamic nature of human interactions. This article examines the psychological underpinnings of leadership, exploring how different styles can be adopted and the impact of those styles on both leaders and followers. Based on various psychological theories and empirical studies, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nuances and ambiguities inherent in leadership styles and an argument for a leaders adaptability and authenticity which are not mutually exclusive, but can be complementary when properly managed.

THE AMBIGUITY OF LEADERSHIP STYLES: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Leadership is a multifaceted process that involves guiding, influencing, and directing a group toward common goals. Ambiguity in leadership styles arises due to the complex interaction of personality traits, situational factors and the dynamic nature of human interactions. This article examines the psychological underpinnings of leadership, exploring how different styles can be adopted and the impact of those styles on both leaders and followers. Based on various psychological theories and empirical studies, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nuances and ambiguities inherent in leadership styles and an argument for a leaders adaptability and authenticity which are not mutually exclusive, but can be complementary when properly managed.

Persons in contexts: The role of social networks and social density for the dynamic regulation of face-to-face interactions in daily life.

Current psychological theories on daily social interactions emphasize individual differences yet are underspecified regarding contextual factors. We aim to extend this research by examining how two context factors shape social interactions in daily life: how many relationships people maintain and how densely people live together. In Study 1, 307 German participants (Mage = 39.44 years, SDage = 14.14) answered up to 20 experience sampling questionnaires regarding their social interactions over 2 days. In Study 2, 313 German participants (Mage = 48.96 years, SDage = 15.54) summarized their daily interactions in daily diaries for 14 days. Participants reported on their social network size and the social density (i.e., household and neighborhood density) of their living situations. Mobile sensing provided additional measures of social interactions and network size. The results showed that participants living in densely populated households transitioned faster from solitude to social interactions but slower from social interactions to solitude. Participants living in dwellings with more homes also transitioned slower from solitude to social interactions. Contrary to the hypothesis, social network size was inconsistently linked with transitions from solitude to social interactions and vice versa. Furthermore, current social desires predicted subsequent social interactions within days, but not across days-irrespective of individuals' social network size or social density. Together the results point out that people live their daily life in social contexts, which contribute to how they engage in social interactions. The findings thus call for a greater integration of contextual factors in personality theories of social interactions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring the Emotional Experience of Tourists in Immersive Service Scenarios: A Case Study of Super Wenheyou Restaurant

With the rapid development of the immersive service scenarios, the practical problems of the tourism industry have gradually undergone qualitative changes, and the core contradiction has changed from the simple "tourism attraction" to the more complex "tourism experience quality" problem. In the process of "immersive experience", "emotion" plays a powerful guiding role in the immersive scenarios design, guiding tourists to real-time interaction, immersive and emotional resonance. Therefore, emotional experience has become the key in the development of immersive service scenarios. This study collects the data of tourists in Wenheyou through a questionnaire of tourists' emotional experience test, and discusses the tourists' emotional experience needs, effects and improvement strategies under the background of the three-stage characteristics of immersive scenarios and emotional interaction. Tourists' emotional experience and Word frequency by ROST CM (ROST Content Mining System) 6.0, was employed for data analysis. The study elucidates that within the Wenheyou immersive service scenarios, the physical service environment, cultural stimuli, and service products serve as primary catalysts for fostering positive emotional experiences among tourists. Drawing on psychological theories and utilizing the PANAS (Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule) scale and Robert Plutchik's emotion wheel model, the research delves into tourists' emotional experiences within the Wenheyou immersive service scenarios. It identifies key factors shaping positive and negative emotional experiences, offering valuable insights for service enterprises to enhance tourists' emotional quality.

Audience costs, humiliation, and social creativity strategies: how Beijing boosts citizens’ esteem in international conflicts

Can Beijing afford to appear weak, especially after threatening an adversary to escalate in an international crisis? According to audience costs theory, the more high-profile a threat is, the more difficult it would be for a government to back down. Its citizens expect it to stand firm and punish it if it does not. One explanation for the “micro” logic of audience costs is that from a sociopsychological perspective, backing down sullies the national honor. It harms an in-group’s collective self-esteem vis-à-vis the adversarial out-group. The humiliation that citizens endure would compel them to punish their government. In this article, I examine how humiliation can be redressed proactively. I argue that governments—in this case, that of China—may not just brace for a backlash. They resort to a range of what scholars of Social Identity Theory in psychology call “social creativity strategies” in their propaganda to alleviate their citizens’ sense of humiliation. Such strategies arrest—and in some cases, even reverse—damage done to the in-group’s collective self-esteem. I present and elaborate on 10 such strategies. I demonstrate how they work with anecdotes and two case studies on Chinese propaganda in the aftermath of Japan’s “nationalization” of the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands (2012) and the country’s standoff with India in Doklam/Donglang (2017).

Construction and Application of Psychological Entropy Dissipation Model in Teenagers Resilience

This paper utilizes the psychological entropy dissipative structure theory to study adolescent psychological development from a new perspective, to dissect the dissipative structure of the psychological quality education system, and to study the prevention and treatment mechanism of psychological crisis. Based on the research data of secondary school students in China's second-tier urban areas, this study adopts the psychological entropy and dissipative structure model to compare the differences in the effects of the two quality education modes with and without team practice activities on the cultivation of adolescents' psychological resilience qualities by using the team social practice program as an example, and to form the entropy-reducing program for exploring the improvement of adolescents' psychological resilience in the quality education and cultivation reform program. The results show that the overall level of psychological resilience of the subjects is relatively satisfactory, the traditional education model of students in the training with the knowledge of the problem of the brush, a moderate amount of brush the amount of the problem of the problem can enable students to train a relatively good positive state of mind, the team practice activities of the students through the interpersonal connection, through the interaction of members of the team to obtain mutual support, more flexible response to emergencies and introspection and enhancement. It is suggested that in the process of comprehensive quality education for adolescents, the psychological stress management of adolescents can be realized by increasing the number of students from different schools to form irregular teams to carry out multiple team social practices. This study provides new theoretical perspectives and analytical methods for secondary school students' psychological quality education, and is of positive significance for the promotion of youth's healthy growth and the effective prevention of psychological crisis.

Understanding and optimising helmet-related and other health and social effects of the first North American university campus skatepark

ABSTRACT Skateboarding has growing societal uptake, as seen through its inclusion in 2021’s Summer Olympics. To promote positive health and social outcomes, skateparks are being developed around the world. A challenge in optimising skateparks’ benefits lies in reducing injury risk, particularly head trauma. This study occurred at the University of British Columbia Skatepark (July–September 2019) with the goal of identifying and theoretically contextualising facilitators and barriers to helmet use. Participants (total n = 54, 92.6% male) were interviewed (n = 54) and surveyed (n = 27). We performed thematic analysis on the transcripts, finding that barriers to helmet use included helmet discomfort, low perceived risk of injury, cultural norms, and style, and facilitators included a belief that helmets promote safety, higher-risk skating activities, older and younger ages, and role modelling. We propose a conceptual model showing multiple points of intervention to promote skatepark safety beyond helmet use alone, integrating theories of sociology, social psychology, and public health.

Research on the Influence of Humor Response in the Context of Artificial Intelligence Service Failure: Moderating Effect Based on User Humor

With the development of high and new technology, artificial intelligence technology has been widely used in all walks of life. However, limited by the technical development level and the complexity of the service environment, the failure of artificial intelligence robots is inevitable. How to make an effective remedy has become the focus of attention of enterprises and academia. Based on cognitive-affective system theory of personality, benign violation theory and personality trait congruence theory, this paper conducts three situational experiments. This paper explores the relationship between artificial intelligence humor response, perceived sincerity and user forgiveness in the context of artificial intelligence service failure, and discusses the moderating effect of user humor degree. It is found that artificial intelligence humor response has a positive effect on user forgiveness in the context of service failure, and perceived sincerity plays a part of mediating role. In addition, for users with different degrees of humor, the same humorous reply will cause users to perceive different sincerity, and then lead to different users' forgiveness. This study complements the research on consumer psychology and behavior theory and remedy strategies in the context of service failure by artificial intelligence robots. At the same time, it provides a reference for enterprises how to dynamically adjust the artificial intelligence humor response level according to the user portrait, and further provides practical enlightenment for enterprises to implement effective remedy strategies.

Consumer decision-making processes in digital environments—A psychological perspective

This conceptual paper examines the influence of psychological principles on consumer decision-making within digital shopping environments, integrating psychological theories with empirical observations to understand how cognitive, emotional, and social factors shape consumer behaviors online. By reviewing existing literature and applying a constructivist epistemology and relativist ontology, the study develops a conceptual framework highlighting the impact of digital interface design, information availability, and personalized marketing on consumer choices. The paper analyzes various examples and identifies vital psychological triggers and decision-making barriers, offering strategic insights for enhancing digital marketing practices. This research contributes to academic and practical understandings of digital consumer behavior, proposing that a more profound integration of psychological insights can lead to more effective and ethically grounded marketing strategies in the digital era.