Beliefs Scale Research Articles

Re-evaluation of the relationship between paranormal belief and perceived stress using statistical modelling.

Recent research indicates that paranormal belief, in the absence of allied cognitive-perceptual and psychopathology-related factors, is not associated with negative wellbeing outcomes. However, investigators have historically reported relationships between specific facets of belief (e.g., superstition) and stress vulnerability. These typically derive from the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS), which has questionable psychometric integrity. The main issue being that several RPBS items perform poorly. Noting this, the present paper re-examined the relationship between paranormal belief and stress using the Rasch purified version of the RPBS. This comprises two dimensions, called Traditional Paranormal Belief (TPB) and New Age Philosophy (NAP). These are operationalised in terms of function. Specifically, whether belief provides a sense of control at the social (TPB) or individual level (NAP). Accordingly, this study examined whether TPB and NAP were differentially predictive of levels of perceived stress. In this context, stress served as an indicator of well-being. A sample of 3084 participants (Mage = 50.31, SD = 15.20, range 18-91) completed the RPBS alongside the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling revealed that TPB was significantly predictive of higher Distress, and lower Coping. NAP was neither predictive of Distress nor Coping. These findings support the notion that TPB is attendant with external control, particularly the notion that unknown supernatural forces/powers influence existence.

A survey of the effect of an information-motivation-behavioral model-based intervention on university students’ osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy

ABSTRACT This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a Healthy Living Awareness Program for the Prevention of Osteoporosis based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model (HLAPPO-IMB) in university students [intervention group (n = 43), control group (n = 44)]. The intervention group completed the online training to prevent osteoporosis in the information stage of the IMB. In the motivation stage, the researchers texted (WhatsApp) the intervention group spot and reminder notifications concerning the prevention of osteoporosis. They also provided them with telephone counseling. In the final stage, the researchers evaluated whether the intervention group participants developed target behavioral skills. The intervention group had significantly higher mean posttest and follow-up Osteoporosis Knowledge Test scores than the control group (respectively, r = .519, r = .513, p < .001), indicating a large effect size in the posttest and follow-up test. There was no significant difference in pretest and follow-up Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, Osteoporosis Self-Effective Scale, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form scores between the groups (p > .05). The results showed that the HLAPPO-IMB helped the intervention group participants expand their knowledge of osteoporosis. However, it did not improve their self-efficacy in doing weight-bearing exercises, taking calcium, and engaging in physical activity.

COVID-19 Parental Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Trust in Science and Conspiracy Beliefs

Background. Parent vaccine hesitancy is a sensitive topic despite the benefits associated with children’s vaccination. Especially regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, parents displayed concerns about children’s vaccination, questioning their effectiveness and security. Although several studies were conducted on the general population, few studies investigated this relationship on parents’ intentions. Methods. An online survey was advertised from May to December 2022 on social networks, collecting data from 109 participants (90% F; mean age: 41.34 years, SD: ±6.40). The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine hesitancy through the Parents Attitude towards Childhood Vaccine—PAVC, trust in science through the Belief in Science Scale—BISS, and conspiracy beliefs through the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale—GCBS. Results. In our sample, 29 parents (26.6%) scored more than 50 points to PAVC and, for this reason, were considered hesitant. Moreover, more than half of parents (60.6%) declared that they did not intend to vaccinate their children in the future. The path analysis model showed that parents with low education tended to have higher conspiracy beliefs (β = −0.40). Holding conspiracy beliefs (β = 0.28) and having low trust in science (β = −0.23) was associated with higher parent hesitancy and, in turn, no future intention to vaccinate their children for COVID-19 (OR = 0.83, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion. The results of the current paper suggest that targeted campaigns should be aimed at parents with lower levels of education, mainly on social media, debunking the most common fake news or myths, independently from the type of vaccine, and highlighting the importance of scientific research for improving people’s living conditions.

A study of some psychological variables as predictors of COVID-19 vaccination anxiety among Faculty Members of Ain Shams University

The study aimed to investigate the relative contribution of each of psychasthenia, psychological flexibility, suggestibility, and conspiracy beliefs in predicting the anxiety of vaccination with the anti COVID-19 vaccine among faculty members at Ain Shams University (ASU). Examining the difference in the sample’s scores on the vaccination anxiety scale and its sub-factors according to the variables (age—chronic diseases—academic specialization—previous infection with COVID-19—gender), the sample of the study included 139 faculty members at Ain Shams University aged ranged from 23 to 78 years, with a mean of 49.52 years, and a standard deviation of 13.29 years. The vaccination anxiety scale, psychasthenia scale, psychological flexibility scale, suggestibility scale, and conspiracy beliefs scale were used to collect data. The results revealed that the variables of suggestibility and conspiracy beliefs significantly contribute to predicting the vaccination anxiety among faculty members at Ain Shams University. There is a significant difference in the average scores on the vaccination anxiety scale according to age, with the difference in favor of the age group less than fifty years, as well as according to the presence/absence of a previous infection with COVID-19, with the vaccination anxiety being higher for those who were previously infected. There has been no observed significant difference according to the presence/absence of chronic diseases or academic specialization.

Cultural normative beliefs in the U.S. as a determinant of negative dental experiences and dental anxiety: a preliminary investigation

AbstractDental anxiety, a predictor of both dental treatment avoidance and health outcomes, has been linked with early negative dental experiences. The causes of this relationship remain largely unexplored. This study provides a preliminary exploration of within-cultural variations of dental normative beliefs on the perception of negative dental experiences and the subsequent experience of dental anxiety in the U.S. A sample of 190 U.S. adults recruited from Amazon’s MTurk completed measures of cultural normative beliefs about oral health care, age and fear at first dental visit, history of negative dental experiences, and dental anxiety. Factor analysis yielded support for a three-factor model (daily maintenance, regular check-up, and dental treatment) of the dental cultural normative beliefs scale. Correlations and structural equation modeling found support for a previously posited theoretical model in which negative dental experiences and fear at first dental visit mediate associations between the cultural normative beliefs and dental anxiety. Most notably, cultural normative beliefs favoring a prevention orientation to dental treatment and daily maintenance of oral health predicted less fear at the first dentist visit, which in turn, related to fewer negative dental experiences and less dental anxiety. This preliminary survey suggests that dental cultural normative beliefs within the U.S. shape fear during initial dental visits. Future research should build on this initial work and explore between-cultural norm variations as well as strategies for changing cultural normative beliefs to improve perceptions of dental experiences and lessen dental anxiety.

A Critical Evaluation of the Updated Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale

ABSTRACT The article critiques the adaptation of the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (TABS). While commending the modernization of language, the critique highlights methodological issues, including limited sample diversity, overemphasis on terminology changes, and a lack of test-retest reliability. Additionally, the study is criticized for inadequate theoretical engagement and insufficient exploration of practical applications, particularly in healthcare. Recommendations for future research include incorporating more diverse samples and deeper theoretical analysis to enhance the scale’s utility.

Navigating Burnout: Exploring Pharmacists’ Attitudes toward Patient Care

Abstract Background The study aimed to investigate the link between pharmacists’ burnout levels and their attitudes toward patient care, crucial for addressing burnout’s impact on service quality and fostering positive patient interactions. Methods The study utilized the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ) to assess burnout levels among 442 community pharmacists. Additionally, the five-point Likert Scale of General Attitudes and Beliefs of Pharmacists about their Work with Patients (SOSUF), developed by the authors, was employed to measure pharmacists’ cognitive, affective, and behavioral attitudes toward patient care. Statistical analyses involved correlation and regression procedures. Results Moderate burnout levels among pharmacists observed (mean SMBQ score: 4.18 ± 0.96, range: 1.45 to 6.55), alongside generally positive attitudes toward patient care (mean SOSUF score: 3.44 ± 0.37). Regression analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between burnout and attitudes toward patient care (R = 0.336, R Square = 0.113, Adjusted R Square = 0.111, p &amp;lt; .001). Burnout impacted pharmacists’ attitudes, notably in perceptions of patients not appreciating their efforts (r = -0.317, p &amp;lt; 0.001), finding patient interactions challenging (r = -0.409, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and disregarding their advice (r = -0.333, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions Despite generally positive attitudes toward patient care, burnout moderately correlates with negativity, notably impacting perceptions of patient appreciation, interaction challenges, and adherence to advice. Addressing burnout is crucial for maintaining positive patient care attitudes and ensuring quality service delivery. Key messages • Burnout impacts pharmacists’ patient care attitudes, emphasizing the need for intervention to enhance healthcare delivery. • Implementing strategies to reduce burnout among pharmacists can improve patient care outcomes.

Relationship Stability in a Polish Cultural Setting: A Moderated Mediation Model of Acceptance of Transcendence, Sanctification, and Religious Literalism

This cross-sectional study involved 470 Polish, Catholic (90%), married (67%), or unmarried cohabiting (33%) individuals (237 women and 233 men) and is the first to examine whether and how two dimensions of individual religiousness (inclusion vs. exclusion of transcendence (IT) and symbolic vs. literal interpretation (SI)) as assessed by the Post-Critical Beliefs Scale are associated with the participants’ perceived stability of their marriages/intimate unions. As expected, greater affirmation of God’s existence as real (i.e., higher inclusion of transcendence) and greater literal interpretation of religious doctrines (i.e., lower symbolic interpretation) were each associated with greater perceived stability of marital/cohabiting unions. Also as expected, the former pathway was mediated by sanctification for both types of couples. However, the mediation pathway from the IT and from sanctification to relationship stability was markedly stronger for those with more literal views of religious doctrine only for married couples, and this complex moderator effect was not found for cohabiting couples. The findings imply that Polish individuals with a firmer belief that God exists and a more literal belief in Catholic teachings are more likely to view their intimate partnership as sanctified, which, in turn, is associated with a lower risk of union dissolution.

CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING IN SCIENCE TEACHERS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF EPISTEMOLOGY

This study examines the role of epistemological beliefs in moderating the relationship between critical and creative thinking among science teachers. It aims to explore how advancements in understanding knowledge influence these cognitive skills. The primary focus is on the extent to which epistemological beliefs impact critical and creative thinking, highlighting the need for a deeper grasp of knowledge to foster these skills. A mixed-methods approach is used, combining qualitative and quantitative data within a pragmatic framework to provide a comprehensive view. The sample includes science teachers from Selçuklu, Meram, and Karatay districts in Konya, Türkiye. Quantitative data were gathered using the Epistemological Beliefs Scale, the Critical Thinking Scale, and the Creative Thinking Scale. Results show that epistemological beliefs significantly influence critical and creative thinking, suggesting that these skills are closely tied to epistemological development. Qualitative findings support this, indicating that a solid epistemological foundation is essential for both types of thinking. Additionally, the study finds that authoritarian teaching methods suppress critical thinking, while student-centered strategies enhance it. To promote critical and creative thinking, science teachers should develop their epistemological beliefs and create an environment that encourages open discussion and diverse perspectives. Keywords: critical and creative thinking, epistemological development, mixed-methods research, science education

Faith Inside an Immanent Frame

Those who are charged with the responsibility of governing, leading or teaching in Catholic schools at this time are challenged by questions which go to the heart of their school’s mission. How is it possible for the mission of the Catholic school to be realised in a culture that is increasingly secularising? What is the secularising context and how is religious belief still possible today? These are questions of profound significance also for the families who seek a Catholic education for their children. Charles Taylor’s analysis of our secular age provides a foundation for addressing these questions as do findings from the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) research. Whilst the secularising context is sometimes painted as the enemy of Catholic education, it is presented here as being the context in which Catholic schools must realise their mission and this cultural context, like any cultural context, has elements which support the mission and elements which impede it. The following key concepts from Taylor’s analysis are reviewed because of their relevance for Catholic schools: the Expressivist Age, the Cross-Pressured context and the Immanent Frame. The Post-Critical Belief Scale from the ECSI research is also reviewed, as a key finding is that Post-Critical Belief is the only viable option for faith in a secularising context.

Sociodemographic aspects, beliefs about lifestyles, and religiosity as predictors of life satisfaction in Peruvian university students: a cross-sectional study.

Beliefs and practices related to healthy lifestyles and religiosity can play an important role in overall well-being. However, few studies have explored the association between these factors and life satisfaction in the university context. This study examined the association between sociodemographic aspects, lifestyle beliefs, and religiosity with life satisfaction in university students. A cross-sectional predictive study was conducted during the months of March and May 2024 at a private university located in the northern region of Peru. Validated instruments were distributed that included a lifestyle beliefs scale, the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire-Short Form (SCSRFQ-SF), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and a sociodemographic data section. A total of 1,258 students participated in the study. Multiple linear regression models were used for predictive analysis. Being a student of foreign origin, compared to being Peruvian, is negatively and significantly associated with life satisfaction (β = -0.066, p = 0.003). In contrast, a positive association is observed between belonging to the Faculty of Health Sciences (β = 0.119, p = 0.048) and life satisfaction, compared to students from other faculties. Furthermore, lifestyle beliefs (β = 0.579; p < 0.001) and religiosity (β = 0.182; p < 0.001) are positively and significantly associated with life satisfaction. These findings suggest that universities and health professionals should consider promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting religious practices as important strategies to improve student life satisfaction, considering relevant sociodemographic aspects.

The effect of superstitions during pregnancy on quality of life and pregnancy adjustment.

This study was planned to determine the effect of superstitions during pregnancy on quality of life and pregnancy adjustment. A descriptive and correlational design was employed. Data were collected from all pregnant women who accepted to participate in the study and lived in the Central Anatolia Region in Türkiye between December 2022 and May 2023 (a single region was targeted due to the possibility of cultural diversity between regions). Data collection tools were a Descriptive Information Form, the Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, the Superstitious Belief Scale (SBS), and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. Descriptive, comparative, and multiple regression analyses were performed. The mean age of the participants was 27.78 ± 5.09. The mean score of the pregnant women was 32.73 ± 11.18 on the total SBS, 155.80 ± 29.37 on the total Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, and 59.27 ± 22.02 on the total SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. A relationship was observed between superstition and pregnancy adjustment and quality of life. The findings of this study showed that as the superstition level of pregnant women increased, their incompatibility with pregnancy increased and quality of life decreased. Midwives and other health personnel should be informed and made aware of superstitions and practices that affect maternal and child health and women should be educated about harmful superstitious practices in the prenatal period.

The Impact of Epistemological Beliefs and School Climate on the Sustainability of Critical Thinking Dispositions in Middle School Students

The objective of this study is to ascertain whether school climate and students’ epistemological beliefs serve as predictors of sustainable critical thinking dispositions in middle school students. This research is designed as a correlational study. A total of 585 students from four middle schools in Çanakkale, Turkey, participated in the research. To this end, the researchers administered the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale, the Middle School Students’ Epistemological Belief Scale, and the School Climate Survey, gradually collecting the raw data. Following the collection of the data, they were subjected to analysis using multiple linear regression. The results of the statistical analysis demonstrated that the students’ critical thinking dispositions were significantly predicted by both epistemological beliefs and school climate. In other words, belief in the omniscient power of authority and quick learning were found to have a negative correlation with critical thinking, whereas belief in simple knowledge was observed to have an inverse positive relationship. The dimension of the school climate, relating to positive student–teacher relations, appeared to constitute a prospective positive predictor, while authoritarian student–teacher relations and the lack of resources were identified as the main negative classroom environment factors. The study highlights the complex mutual influence of individual beliefs and the learning environment in the development of critical thinking dispositions.

Do social media epistemological beliefs and health perception impact parents' vaccine hesitancy? A mediation analysis.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in vaccine hesitancy among individuals. It is crucial to identify the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy to effectively address this issue. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media-specific epistemological beliefs on vaccine hesitancy and the mediating role of health perception in this impact. This study is a cross-sectional study conducted with 444 parents. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Social Media-Specific Epistemological Beliefs Scale, the Perception of Health Scale, and the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale. When there is no mediator variable, the total effect of social media-specific epistemological beliefs on vaccine hesitancy is statistically significant (β = -0.219, p < 0.001). However, it was found that health perception did not mediate the relationship between social media-specific epistemological beliefs and vaccine hesitancy (β = 0.0038, 95% confidence interval (-0.0090, 0.0205)). Furthermore, it was determined that social media-specific epistemological beliefs positively predicted health perception (β = 0.136, p < 0.01). Health perception was found to have no significant effect on vaccine hesitancy (β = 0.028, p > 0.05). It can be concluded that social media-specific epistemological beliefs negatively predict vaccine hesitancy, and this effect is independent of health perception. Primary healthcare professionals should consider incorporating interventions aimed at enhancing individuals' social media-specific epistemological beliefs into their health education programs related to vaccines.

Pre-hospital delay intention and its associated factors in the high-risk population of stroke: A latent profile analysis.

To explore the possible latent classifications of pre-hospital delayed intention at high risk of stroke and to analyze the characteristics of different profiles. A cross-sectional study was conducted in one community in Shanghai, China. 470 individuals at high risk of stroke were recruited, and self-reported questionnaires (including socio-demographic, stroke knowledge, health belief, and pre-hospital delay behavior intention scale) were distributed between April and June 2023. A latent profile analysis was employed to identify the delay intention clusters, and multinomial logistic regression was utilized to ascertain the factors influencing the latent classes of delay intention. 457 high-risk populations with a response rate of 97.23% were finally enrolled in this study. Four distinct classes were identified: High warning signs-Low delay intention (26.3%), Low warning signs-Low delay intention (17.7%), moderate level of delay intention (37.3%), and high level of delay intention (18.7%). The influencing factors included stroke knowledge, health belief, age, education background, the nearest distance to the medical institution, and household income. The pre-hospital delay intention among high-risk populations of stroke was classified into four distinct classes. It is crucial for individuals at high risk to remain vigilant towards stroke symptoms and to take prompt action. Health promotion education may be explored as a strategy to bridge the gap between the recognition of stroke symptoms and the low pre-hospital delay intention.

Japanese Clinical Physical Therapists With the Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy License Are More Competent and Confident in Pain Management Than Those Without It: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) has long been misunderstood as a biomedical approach. In fact, it is a biopsychosocial approach with an up-to-date evidence-based educational curriculum. Recently, it has become possible to partially measure competence in clinical decision-making based on contemporary pain understanding and confidence in pain management using the Pain Understanding and Confidence Questionnaire (PUnCQ). The primary aim of this study was to compare the following outcomes between physical therapists with and without credential license in MDT (Cred.MDT) and the PUnCQ as well as attitudes toward the biopsychosocial perspective, adherence to evidence-based management for low back pain (LBP), and knowledge of modern pain science. The secondary aim was to explore relevant factors in the PUnCQ. Methodology Clinical physical therapists who were managing patients with pain were recruited from two associations (the Japanese Society of Allied Health and Rehabilitationand the Japan Branch of the International McKenzie Institute, who had all acquired at least the Cred.MDT). The following outcomes were measured: (1) the PUnCQ-1 for partial competence in evidence-based clinical decision-making for pain management; (2) part 2 scores of the PUnCQ for confidence in pain management; (3) the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physical Therapists (PABS-PT) biopsychosocial/biomedical ratio for treatment perspectives; (4) the Knowledge and Attitudes of Pain (KNAP) for knowledge of modern pain science; and (5) a questionnaire for adherence to LBP practice guidelines. Two group comparisons were conducted for the primary aim and a multiple regression analysis for the independent variable of the PUnCQ-1 was conducted for the secondary aim. Results Data from 122 physical therapists (63 and 59 participants with and without the Cred.MDT, respectively) were analyzed. Statistically significantly higher scores were detected for physical therapists with Cred.MDT compared to those without (all p<0.05) for all of the above outcomes. The multiple regression analysis demonstrated that statistically significant contributors to the PUnCQ-1 were part 2 scores of the PUnCQ for the pain management factor (p = 0.016) and acquisition of the Cred.MDT (p = 0.038) (R2 = 0.12). Conclusion Competence and confidence in pain management, attitudes toward biopsychosocial approaches, knowledge of modern pain science and guideline adherence are higher in physical therapists with the Cred.MDT than those without it. Confidence in pain management and acquisition of the Cred.MDT contributed to competence in evidence-based clinical decision-making for pain management.

The Level of Depression and Irrational Thoughts among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum

This study aimed to identify the depression and irrational thoughts level among mothers of children with autism spectrum in Jordan. The researcher applied the descriptive method, and the study population consisted of all the mothers on the autism spectrum who are constant visitors of the Autism Academy of Jordan and have children inside the academy. The sample consisted of (40) mothers of autism spectrum children who were chosen intentionally. The researcher employed the Irrational Beliefs Scale that was used in Al-Nawasreh's study (2017), which consists of 40 items to measure irrational beliefs. Test-retest procedures calculated the scale reliability by calculating Pearson Correlation Coefficient, which amounted (to 0.90). Furthermore, reliability was also verified through the internal consistency according to the Alpha Cronbach equation, where the reliability coefficient reached (0.98). Beck Depression Scale was also used (Abdel Khaleq, 2015 translated that), which is valid, reliable, and suitable for the Jordanian environment. The scale consists of (21) items, and every item consists of 4 statements. The study results showed a medium level of irrational thoughts and a medium level of depression among the mothers of children on the autism spectrum. The results also showed a clear relationship between irrational thoughts and the existence of depressive disorder in the mothers. Depression level

Особенности личностно-смысловой сферы студентов с разным индексом склонности к когнитивным ошибкам

Introduction. Cognitive errors (distortions) are of a semantic nature; they are based on distortions in the semantic sphere of personality, first of all, at its deep levels related to beliefs, semantic attitudes, life orientations, and metacognitive characteristics. However, there is currently a shortage of studies that would set a goal to prove this statement. The purpose of the work: to identify the peculiarities of the personal and semantic sphere of students with different indexes of propensity to cognitive errors. The materials and methods. The study was conducted using the Google Forms platform for creating and administering surveys and online forms. The sample size was 485 respondents, including 433 men and 52 women aged 17-25 years. The Cognitive Mistakes Questionnaire (CMQ − CMQ) (A. Freeman, R. Devulf, adapted by A.E. Bobrov and E.V. Faizrakhmanova) was used to study the propensity of personality to cognitive errors. The following methods were used to study the personal and semantic sphere of the respondents: the method of diagnostics of socio-psychological adaptation (SPA) (C. Rogers, R. Diamond, adapted by A.K. Osnitsky), “Big Five” (BFI) (R. McCrae, P. Costa, adapted by A.B. Khromov), Irrational Attitudes Diagnostic Methodology (A. Ellis), Basic Beliefs Scale (WASWorld assumptions scale) (R. Janov-Bulman, adapted by O. Kravtsova), Biographical Questionnaire for the Diagnosis of Behavioural Disorders (BIVBiographisches Inventar zur Diagnose von Verhaltensstoerungen) (Bottscher, Jager, Lischer), Life Orientations Questionnaire (LOQ) (E. Yu. Kravtsova), The Questionnaire to determine the content of the system of life meanings (V.Y. Kotlyakov), the method of diagnostics of coping mechanisms (E. Heim). Kruskal-Wallis H-criterion was used as a method of statistical data processing. The results of the research. It was revealed that there are statistically significant differences in the following indicators of the personal and semantic sphere of students with different indexes of propensity to cognitive errors: in adaptability in interpersonal relations; in the indicators of extraversion, emotional instability and expressiveness; in the expression of irrational attitudes and such basic beliefs as the benevolence of the world, the kindness of people, the value of one's own self, the degree of luck, the conviction in one's own value; in the indicators of family deficit syndrome; in such life orientation as transsituational mobility; in communicative life meanings and dominant coping mechanisms. The conclusion. The study revealed differences in the indicators of the personal and semantic sphere in students with different indexes of propensity to cognitive errors.

Exploring the Association between Sexual Orientation Beliefs and Ambivalent Sexism in Young Adults

This paper investigated the association between sexual orientation beliefs and ambivalent sexism in young adults. It was hypothesized that sexual orientation beliefs would correlate with and predicate ambivalent sexism, while there would be significant sociodemographic differences across the study variables. Selecting a cross-sectional (correlation) approach, a non-probability convenient sample of 221 young adults (Mage = 24.84, SDage = 5.82) was recruited. After filling out a detailed sociodemographic information sheet, the participants responded to original (English) versions of the Sexual Orientation Beliefs Scale (Arseneau et al., 2013) and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (Glick &amp; Fiske, 1996). The analysis revealed that all sub-scales of the Sexual Orientation Beliefs Scale (discreetness, naturalness, informativeness and homogeneity) had positive correlations with hostile sexism and benevolent sexism. Moreover, discreetness, informativeness, and homogeneity beliefs predicted hostile sexism, while only the homogeneity belief predicted benevolent sexism. The socio-demographic variables of age and education emerged as significant correlates. Muslims held stronger ambivalent sexism than non-Muslims but no difference was found in sexual orientation beliefs. Hostile sexism was higher in men and those from a nuclear family system. Benevolent sexism was higher in unemployed and non-heterosexual individuals. Lastly, the discreetness belief was stronger in men and heterosexuals. This study would be a valuable addition to the academic scholarship as it provided insights into the indigenous patterns of sexual orientation beliefs and their relationship with specific forms of sexism.

Psychometric Properties of Post-Critical Belief Scale and Centrality of Religiosity Scale: Portuguese Versions.

The primary objective of this research is to confirm the four-dimensional structure of the Post-Critical Belief Scale (PCBS) and the five-dimensional structure of the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS), specifically for the Portuguese population. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the relationship between these religious scales. The research employed both exploratory factorial analysis with a polychoric matrix (suitable for ordinal data) and confirmatory factorial analysis with maximum likelihood estimation. The reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the scales were evaluated using measures such as Cronbach's alpha coefficient, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and AVE squared roots. Pearson correlations were calculated to explore the associations between the two instruments. The Portuguese adaptations of both the PCBS and CRS exhibited strong model fits. Significant correlations were observed among the instruments and with religious identity. The study identified variations in dimensions of PCBS and CRS concerning sociodemographic variables. This research contributes validated instruments for assessing religiosity within the Portuguese population.