Tendency Scale Research Articles

Emotional intelligence is more important than the learning environment in improving critical thinking

Purpose To examine the association of critical thinking (CT) and emotional intelligence (EI) versus CT and learning environment (LE) in order to investigate which has the greatest influence EI or LE. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 340 s-year healthcare university students in two nursing and one medical schools from three universities in Greece, between October and December 2020. Critical Thinking Disposition Scale, Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form were administered. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, with five steps, was used to compare the associations of CT and EI to CT and LE. Results Participants’ mean age (years) was 20.9 (6.6 SD); 82.6% female; 86.8% studying nursing. Students mean scores were moderate to high for CT disposition (44.7 ± 4.68). The general characteristics (age, gender, and school) were not significantly associated with CT (p > 0.05). However, CT was positively associated with LE (UCB = 0.064 & p < 0.001) and EI (UCB = 1.522 & p < 0.001). Moreover, CT seems to be associated in a higher degree (R2 change adj = 0.036 & p < 0.001) with emotional intelligence (UCB = 1.522) than with learning environment (UCB = 0.064). Conclusions Our findings suggest a different more optimal pathway for educators to improve the CT of their students through EI and not with LE as believed till now. By focusing on improving EI, educators may help their students become critical thinkers, who will provide better quality of care.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Biography-Based Values Education Program Implemented by Distant Education Method

This research was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the biography-based values education program (BBVEP) implemented through the distant education method. Also, BBVEP that was carried out through distant education was studied in the context of the views of students and parents. A mixed-method was used in the research process. The research consisted of a total of 34 students, including an experimental group of 16 students and a control group of 18 students. The qualitative dimension of the research included 9 students and 15 parents. Data on the quantitative dimension of the research were collected through the Tolerance Tendency Scale, Helpfulness Value Scale and Love Value Scale. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interview forms created separately for parents and students. Quantitative data were subjected to t-test, Shapiro-Wilk Normal Distribution Test, and ANOVA; Qualitative data, on the other hand, underwent descriptive analysis. According to the quantitative results of the study, the impact of the biography-based values education program implemented through distant education on students' values of love, helpfulness, and tolerance was not significant. But there was an increase in the score averages of each scale in favor of the posttest. In interviews with parents and students, it was found that they believed the implemented program was effective and efficient. According to qualitative results, parents generally believe that the study of values education can be done through distant education. Parents and students view the biography-based values distant education program as positive. Furthermore, some parents and students noted that conducted studies were effective in the behaviors of the students, while some parents indicated that their results could be observed in the future.

AN INVESTIGATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING DISPOSITIONS AND DECISION-MAKING SKILLS

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between 3rd and 4th-grade primary school students’ critical thinking dispositions and decision-making skills. The participants in this study consist of 3rd and 4th grade students studying in a primary school in Istanbul, Turkey, and a total of 749 students participated. The correlational design, one of the quantitative research designs, was used in the study. The Critical Thinking Disposition Scale for Primary School Students and the Decision-Making Skills Scale for Primary School Students were used as data collection tools. An independent sample t-test was conducted to examine the scales according to variables such as gender and grade level. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to examine the scale scores according to the educational status of the parents. Finally, Simple Linear Regression Analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the scales. The results showed that the critical thinking disposition level of primary school students was higher than the mean score, and their decision-making skills were average. Also, it was found that primary school students’ critical thinking dispositions predicted their decision-making skills.

Linking Career Anxiety with Suicide Tendencies among University Undergraduates

Background: Suicide is increasingly becoming a worldwide public health issue. The issue of suicide in universities is one of the most pressing concerns in Nigeria and the world. Yet, it has not been clear the factors that account for increased suicide among university students. This study investigated the link between career anxiety and suicidal tendencies among university undergraduates. Methods: The study was cross-sectional correlational and used a sample of 3,501 undergraduates in Nigeria. Career anxiety was measured using the two-factor career anxiety scale (CAS -2). At the same time, suicide tendencies were weighed using the Multi-attitude Suicide Tendency Scale (MAST), and Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scales (SIDAS). Results: Data collected were analyzed using percentages to interpret demographic data. Mean and standard deviation was presented for descriptive purposes. Linear regression was used to explore the links between career anxiety and suicidal tendencies at p &lt; 0.05 level of significance. Results indicated that a high level of career anxiety was significantly correlated with increased suicidal tendencies, such as repulsion for life, attraction to death, and suicidal ideation. A low level of career anxiety was associated with decreased suicidal tendencies, characterized by an increased attitude toward attraction to life and repulsion to death. Conclusion: It was concluded that students with problematic career anxiety are likely to report a negative attitude toward life, which leads to increased suicidal ideation. Accordingly, career anxiety may cause one to seriously consider or contemplate suicide.

Consanguineous Marriage, Health Literacy and Fatalism Levels of Different Generations: A Descriptive-Correlational Study in A Sample from Turkey

Objective: This research was conducted to determine consanguineous marriage, health literacy, and fatalism levels of different generations and examine their relationship. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 463 individuals living in XXX between September 2021-March 2022. Results: Significant differences were found between the individuals' Consanguineous Marriage Attitude Scale, Health Literacy Scale, and Fatalism Tendency Scale total score means and their generation (p

Linking Learning Environment and Critical Thinking through Emotional Intelligence: A Cross-Sectional Study of Health Sciences Students.

Health sciences educators should increase the critical thinking of their students as this may improve the quality of care. However, this is rarely considered as a critical point in teaching, despite studies identifying factors such as the learning environment and emotional intelligence as increasing critical thinking at an undergraduate level. Thus, there is a need to better explore these factors and investigate interrelations and ways of improving critical thinking, especially in the critical field of healthcare students (nursing and medicine). The present study aimed to examine the potential relationships between critical thinking with emotional intelligence and the learning environment. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with 208 first year health sciences university students of two nursing departments and one medicine department from three universities in Greece. The Critical Thinking Disposition Scale, Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, and Trait Emotional Intelligence-Short Form questionnaires were used to assess critical thinking, the education environment, and emotional intelligence, respectively. The results demonstrate that critical thinking was positively related to emotional intelligence (β = 0.82, p < 0.001), but not to the learning environment (β = 1.06, p = 0.30). However, a structural equation modeling analysis supported the indirect relationship between the learning environment and critical thinking through emotional intelligence (M = 1.10, CI = 0.13-2.17, p < 0.05). Emotional intelligence may be the underlying mechanism for achieving critical thinking if it is well applied and cultivated in a learning environment. Therefore, universities could modify their curricula and place emotional intelligence at the epicenter of teaching.

Investigation of the Relationship between Individual Innovation Profiles of Special Education Teacher Candidates and Their Tendency towards the Use of Technology in Class

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between the individual innovativeness profiles of special education teacher candidates and their tendencies towards technology use in the lesson. The study group of the research designed in the survey model consists of 194 special education teacher candidates. Research data were obtained with “Personal Information Form”, “Individual Innovativeness Scale”, and “Scale of Tendency towards the Use of Technology in Class”. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The research will contribute to the literature by revealing the relationship between the individual innovativeness profiles of special education teacher candidates and their tendencies towards the use of technology in the course, and the findings will be guiding for relevant individuals and institutions in terms of both research to be made in the field of innovation and professional development of special education teachers in terms of their professional development is considered.

Through the Inner World: Development of Reclusion Tendency Scale

The aim of this study is to develop a valid and reliable scale to determine the reclusion tendency levels in adults. The sample group is consistent with adults between the ages of 18-60 (Mage=26.2 years; age range: 18-33 years). A literature review was performed and existing scales were examined prior to this study. Potential items were formed. Then the data collection using the template scale began. The collected data was used for exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and for the purpose of testing the structural validity of the scale. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, a measuring tool of 22 items consisting of four sub-dimensions of internal observation, spirituality, productivity, and autonomy sub-dimensions that explain the 58,51% of the total variations was formed. There is a meaningful positive correlation identified between the Reclusion Tendency Scale and the Preference For Solitude scale (r=.49; p &amp;lt;.001). The total reliability coefficient is calculated .92; .88 for “internal observation”, .88 for “spirituality”, .66 for “autonomy”, and .75 for “productivity” sub-dimensions. The findings from this study suggest that the reclusion tendency scale is a valid and reliable scale when tested in a sample of young adults.

Linking Career Anxiety with Suicide Tendencies among University Undergraduates

Background: Suicide is increasingly becoming a worldwide public health issue. The issue of suicide in universities is one of the most pressing concerns in Nigeria and the world. Yet, it has not been clear the factors that account for increased suicide among university students. This study investigated the link between career anxiety and suicidal tendencies among university undergraduates. Methods: The study was cross-sectional correlational and used a sample of 3,501 undergraduates in Nigeria. Career anxiety was measured using the two-factor career anxiety scale (CAS -2). At the same time, suicide tendencies were weighed using the Multi-attitude Suicide Tendency Scale (MAST), and Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scales (SIDAS). Results: Data collected were analyzed using percentages to interpret demographic data. Mean and standard deviation was presented for descriptive purposes. Linear regression was used to explore the links between career anxiety and suicidal tendencies at p &lt; 0.05 level of significance. Results indicated that a high level of career anxiety was significantly correlated with increased suicidal tendencies, such as repulsion for life, attraction to death, and suicidal ideation. A low level of career anxiety was associated with decreased suicidal tendencies, characterized by an increased attitude toward attraction to life and repulsion to death. Conclusion: It was concluded that students with problematic career anxiety are likely to report a negative attitude toward life, which leads to increased suicidal ideation. Accordingly, career anxiety may cause one to seriously consider or contemplate suicide.

Exploring the Longitudinal Stability of Food Neophilia and Dietary Quality and Their Prospective Relationship in Older Adults: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis

Poor dietary quality is a major cause of morbidity, making the promotion of healthy eating a societal priority. Older adults are a critical target group for promoting healthy eating to enable healthy aging. One factor suggested to promote healthy eating is the willingness to try unfamiliar foods, referred to as food neophilia. This two-wave longitudinal study explored the stability of food neophilia and dietary quality and their prospective relationship over three years, analyzing self-reported data from N = 960 older adults (MT1 = 63.4, range = 50-84) participating in the NutriAct Family Study (NFS) in a cross-lagged panel design. Dietary quality was rated using the NutriAct diet score, based on the current evidence for chronic disease prevention. Food neophilia was measured using the Variety Seeking Tendency Scale. The analyses revealed high a longitudinal stability of both constructs and a small positive cross-sectional correlation between them. Food neophilia had no prospective effect on dietary quality, whereas a very small positive prospective effect of dietary quality on food neophilia was found. Our findings give initial insights into the positive relation of food neophilia and a health-promoting diet in aging and underscore the need for more in-depth research, e.g., on the constructs' developmental trajectories and potential critical windows of opportunity for promoting food neophilia.

An Investigation of Social Emotional Learning Skills in Primary Schools in Terms of Some Variables

In this study, the social-emotional learning skills of the students attending the fourth and fifth grades of primary school were examined in terms of gender, class, parental association, assertiveness, aggression, and submissiveness variables. As a measurement tool in the study, it consists of four dimensions and twenty-one items developed by Baydan (2010). Behavioral Tendency Scale for Children, which was developed by Deluty (1979) and adapted to Turkish by Usakli (2006), was used. The findings of the study revealed that there were significant differences in the social-emotional learning skills of the students attending the fourth and fifth grades in terms of gender, class, parental association, assertiveness, aggression, and submissive variables. In future studies, it may be about giving social emotional learning skills training in different grade levels by associating it with assertiveness training.

Exploring the phenomenon of hope in adult illiterate Haitians

Snyder's hope theory depicts hope, through the frame of positive psychology, as a cognitive construct with the perceived sense of goal-directed, pathways, and agency thinking (Snyder et al., 1991). Hope levels have been measured in various countries; however, no research to date focused on Haitians. This study, conducted in Petit-Goâve, Haiti, addressed this gap by investigating hope, pathway, and agency levels derived from 135 Haitian-Kreyol adult literacy course participants. This manuscript reports scores of illiterate Haitians' hope levels utilizing Snyder's Adult Hope Dispositional Scale; the scores are explained by Snyder's hope theory taking Haitian cultural and social landscapes into account. Despite the challenging environment and illiterate conditions, Haitian participants reported just below average hope levels, average pathway levels, and low agency levels. These findings suggested this population garnered hope in their everyday lives, despite difficult obstacles.

Acupuncture ameliorates Mobile Phone Addiction with sleep disorders and restores salivary metabolites rhythm.

Mobile Phone Addiction (MPA) is a novel behavioral addiction resulting in circadian rhythm disorders that severely affect mental and physical health. The purpose of this study is to detect rhythmic salivary metabolites in MPA with sleep disorder (MPASD) subjects and investigate the effects of acupuncture. Six MPASD patients and six healthy controls among the volunteers were enrolled by MPA Tendency Scale (MPATS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), then the salivary samples of MPASD and healthy controls were collected every 4-h for three consecutive days. Acupuncture was administered for 7 days to MPASD subjects, then saliva samples were collected again. Salivary metabolomes were analyzed with the method of LC-MS. According to our investigation, 70 (57.85%) MPA patients and 56 (46.28%) MPASD patients were identified among 121 volunteers. The symptoms of the 6 MPASD subjects were significantly alleviated after acupuncture intervention. The number of rhythmic saliva metabolites dropped sharply in MPASD subjects and restored after acupuncture. Representative rhythmic saliva metabolites including melatonin, 2'-deoxyuridine, thymidine, thymidine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate lost rhythm and restored after acupuncture, which may attribute to promising MPASD treatment and diagnosis biomarkers. The rhythmic saliva metabolites of healthy controls were mainly enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, whereas polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis was mainly enriched in MPASD patients. This study revealed circadian rhythm characteristics of salivary metabolites in MPASD and that acupuncture could ameliorate MPASD by restoring part of the dysrhythmia salivary metabolites.

Is Nomophobia Problematic or Functional? A Perspective from Bifactor Structure.

With the extensive use of mobile phones globally, some people engage in excessive or problematic phone use behaviors. However, little is known regarding the latent structure of problematic mobile phone use. The current study employed the Chinese versions of the Nomophobia Questionnaire, Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale, and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21 to explore the latent psychological structure of problematic mobile phone use and nomophobia and their associations with mental health symptoms. Results showed that a bifactor latent model best fit nomophobia, which contained a general factor and four unique factors involving the fear of being unable to access information, losing convenience, losing contact, and losing one's Internet connection. Results also showed significant correlations among latent factors of nomophobia, problematic mobile phone use, and mental health symptoms. Through these findings, we can conclude that two problematic mobile phone use behaviors share a common factor concerning excessive use, and nomophobia has independent unique factors concerning usable function. This study clarifies the structure of problematic mobile phone use, and it implies that we can distinguish problematic mobile phone use from functional use; further investigation of problematic mobile phone use is warranted.

The mediator role of communication skill in the relationship between empathy, team cohesion, and competition performance in curlers.

Understanding the psycho-social factors such as communication, empathy, cohesion, etc., that affect successful athletic performance is a high priority and primary focus for applied sports psychology. Detailed examination of the athletes' psycho-social characteristics is essential in revealing which processes play an active role in achieving optimum performance. Developing these features of the athlete can contribute to coordinating the team, sharing tasks, increasing motivation, preparing team members for a change, and improving performance. For this purpose, the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between empathy, team cohesion, and competition performance was examined in a sample of 241 curlers competing in 69 teams in the Turkish Curling League in the 2021-2022 season. During the data collection process, Personal Information Form, Empathic Tendency Scale, Scale for Effective Communication in Team Sport, and Group Environment Questionnaire were used. Competition performance was calculated by giving 1 point for each match won by the teams in the competitions in which the single-circuit round-robin system is applied. Structural equation modeling was used in data analysis to determine the direct and indirect predictive effects between variables. The study showed that empathy and team cohesion predict competition performance through communication skills, and communication skills fully mediate this relationship. Based on the research results, it was evaluated that communication skills have a substantial effect on the competitive performance of athletes, and this finding was discussed in the context of the literature.

Through the Inner World: Development of Reclusion Tendency Scale

The aim of this study is to develop a valid and reliable scale to determine the reclusion tendency levels in adults. The sample group is consistent with adults between the ages of 18-60 (Mage=26.2 years; age range: 18-33 years). A literature review was performed and existing scales were examined prior to this study. Potential items were formed. Then the data collection using the template scale began. The collected data was used for exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and for the purpose of testing the structural validity of the scale. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, a measuring tool of 22 items consisting of four sub-dimensions of internal observation, spirituality, productivity, and autonomy sub-dimensions that explain the 58,51% of the total variations was formed. There is a meaningful positive correlation identified between the Reclusion Tendency Scale and the Preference For Solitude scale (r=.49; p &amp;lt;.001). The total reliability coefficient is calculated .92; .88 for “internal observation”, .88 for “spirituality”, .66 for “autonomy”, and .75 for “productivity” sub-dimensions. The findings from this study suggest that the reclusion tendency scale is a valid and reliable scale when tested in a sample of young adults.

Digital game addiction of preschool children in the Covid-19 pandemic: social emotional development and parental guidance.

The Covid 19 pandemic has caused children to spend more time at home and an increase in their digital addiction tendencies. Children's digital game addictions were affected by parents' strategies and negatively affected their social and emotional development. The study was carried out in order to determine the digital game addiction tendency levels of children and the strategies applied by the parents, and to examine the correlation between the results obtained and the social-emotional development of the children. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. 142 children attending pre-school education for 60-72 months were included in the study. Personal Information Form, Digital Game Addiction Tendency Scale, Digital Game Parental Mediation Scale and Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional were used. As a result, the increase in digital game addiction in children has negatively affected social and emotional development. The level of digital game addiction tendency is associated with parents' digital game manipulation strategies. Active parental guidance strategy prevented children's digital game addiction tendency, while digital oriented guidance and free parental strategies increased addiction tendency.

The Outcome-Present State Test Model of Clinical Reasoning to Promote Critical Thinking in Psychiatric Nursing Practice among Nursing Students: A Mixed Research Study

In this interventional study, 19 students were taught critical thinking skills using the OPT clinical reasoning model during a psychiatry clinical practice. Work-learning forms were used in daily 1 h individual and group discussions with students. The critical thinking disposition scale was completed by every student before and after the intervention. Moreover, the students were asked to the complete reflection experience forms. The average critical thinking disposition pre-intervention score was 95.21, whereas the average post-intervention score was 97.05, indicating an increase of 1.84. There was a significant increase in the fourth dimension of open-mindedness (z = -2.80, p < 0.01). The learning experience has been likened to a process of clearing the fog, and it involves the use of limited known conditions, thinking outside the box, and adaptation to complex care issues. Using the OPT clinical reasoning model as a teaching strategy during a psychiatric nursing internship significantly improved the open-mindedness dimension among the students. The student reflective experience of talking to teachers as peers helped students identify clues and reframe problems related to clinical care. Additionally, the students reported that this led to more harmonious interactions with their teachers.

Substance Initiation Tendency Scale (SITS): Validity and Reliability Study

Background: The purpose of the present study was to make a new contribution to the literature by developing a scale to detect the substance initiation tendencies of young people and adolescents and to create a leading tool for preventive policies to be implemented against substance use. Method: An 8-item and 2-factor measurement tool called the “Substance Initiation Tendency Scale” was created. The data obtained from 470 students studying in 5 high schools in the Genç County of Bingöl, Turkey, were subjected to reliability and validity tests. In this context, Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), item analysis, and halving methods were used along with the SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 data analysis programs. Results: It was found that the Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) value was “excellent” with .909 and the Bartlett Sphericity Test was significant, and the scale, which could explain 57.332% of the total variance, had the feature of distinguishing what was intended to be measured. The values obtained from the Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed a “good fit”. Conclusion: It was understood that the obtained data were sufficient to confirm the construct’s validity.

Investigation of Life Long Learning Tendencies of Undergraduate Students in Turkey

Investigation the lifelong learning tendencies of undergraduate students, who are legally adults, have gained their own learning responsibilities and are expected to strive for continuous self-improvement, is extremely important in terms of adapting to modern life and reaching the most accurate and up-to-date information against the ever-changing and developing information volume. In this context, the aim of the research is to determine the lifelong learning tendency levels of undergraduate students and to examine their lifelong tendencies in terms of various variables. The research is a study in survey model. The study group of the research consists of 2713 undergraduate students studying at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University in the 2020-2021 academic year. The “Lifelong Learning Tendency Scale” developed by Diker-Coşkun (2009) was used as the data collection tool. According to the results of the research, it was found that undergraduate students had a high level of lifelong learning tendency, and their lifelong learning tendency levels showed significant difference according to the variables of gender, age, grade level, cumulative grade point average, socio-economic level of the family, department and university satisfaction. It was also found that there was no statistically significant difference according to the place of residence variable. According to the findings, suggestions were made for increasing the lifelong learning tendencies of undergraduate students and for new studies.