Sequential Mediation Analysis Research Articles

Exploring the link between creative tourist experiences and intentions among Gen Z: a sequential mediation modeling approach in creative tourism

Purpose This study aims to explore the influence of creative tourist experiences (CTE) on tourists’ recommendation intentions (RCI) toward creative tourist destinations. This study examines the roles of tourist engagement and satisfaction in this relationship, proposing a sequential mediation model based on the cognitive-affective-conative model. Design/methodology/approach The research surveyed travelers to Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India, using a structured questionnaire. Through purposive sampling data were collected from 413 generation Z (Gen Z in short) tourists. The study used exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and sequential mediation analysis. The present research used Model 6 by Andrew Hayes in the SPSS process macro to test the serial mediation. Findings The findings emphasize the importance of active engagement in creative tourism and its potential to transform cultural heritage into enriching experiences, thereby influencing tourists’ recommendation behaviors. Results of sequential mediation analysis show that there is a significant and positive impact of CTE on tourist’s RCI. Further, results showed the sequential mediation effect of tourist engagement and satisfaction on the relationship between CTE and RCI. Practical implications The findings offer valuable insights for destination managers and policymakers in creative tourism. Enhancing tourist engagement and satisfaction through creative experiences can effectively increase RCI, contributing to the sustainable management of cultural resources and preventing the over-commercialization of cultural heritage. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature on creative tourism by empirically testing the sequential mediation model and highlighting the pivotal role of tourist engagement and satisfaction in transforming creative experiences into positive behavioral outcomes. This study provides a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing tourists’ RCI in creative tourism contexts.

The domino effect of teacher cognitive presence triggering events and resolution on student’s grit

The aim of this current study is to assess the essential role of teacher cognitive presence within the context of the community of inquiry framework in relation to enhancing students’ academic perseverance, more specifically this type of presence influences the most students’ academic perseverance. In order to test this hypothesis, an online questionnaire was created, including the community of inquiry scale and the grit scale. A total of 529 valid and consented answers were collected. We have further analyzed the structure of the variables network with network analysis and then we have employed several sequential mediation analyses testing the impact of cognitive presence triggering events and resolution on the relationship between all the other presences and students’ academic perseverance. A circular structure has emerged in network analysis and eight significant full complementary sequential mediation analysis. Results confirm the domino effect of teacher cognitive presence triggering events and resolution on student’s grit under the community of inquiry framework.

Does physical activity and inflammation mediate the job stress-headache relationship? A sequential mediation analysis in the ELSA-Brasil study

BackgroundEvidence indicates that physical activity reduces stress and promote a myriad of health-enhancing effects through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, it is unknown whether these mechanisms interfere in the association between psychosocial job stress and headache disorders. ObjectiveTo test whether physical activity and its interplay with the systemic inflammation biomarkers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and acute phase glycoproteins (GlycA) would mediate the associations between job stress and headache disorders. MethodsWe cross-sectionally evaluated the baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) regarding job stress (higher demand and lower control and support subscales), migraine and tension-type headache (ICHD-2 criteria), self-reported leisure-time physical activity, and plasma hs-CRP and GlycA levels. Conditional process analyses with a sequential mediation approach were employed to compute path coefficients and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) around the indirect effects of physical activity and biomarkers on the job stress-headache relationship. Separate models were adjusted for sex, age, and depression and anxiety. Further adjustments added BMI smoking status, and socioeconomic factors. ResultsIn total, 7,644 people were included in the study. The 1-year prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache were 13.1 % and 49.4 %, respectively. In models adjusted for sex, age, anxiety, and depression, the association between job stress (lower job control) and migraine was mediated by physical activity [effect = −0.039 (95 %CI: −0.074, −0.010)] but not hs-CRP or GlycA. TTH was associated with higher job control and lower job demand, which was mediated by the inverse associations between physical activity and GlycA [Job Control: effect = 0.0005 (95 %CI: 0.0001, 0.0010); Job Demand: effect = 0.0003 (95 %CI: 0.0001, 0.0007]. Only the mediating effect of physical activity in the job stress-migraine link remained after further adjustments including socioeconomic factors, BMI, smoking, and the exclusion of major chronic diseases. ConclusionIn the ELSA-Brasil study, physical activity reversed the link between job stress and migraine independently of systemic inflammation, while the LTPA-mediated downregulation of GlycA was associated with lower job stress-related TTH.

Savoring Belief, Resilience, and Meaning in Life as Pathways to Happiness: A Sequential Mediation Analysis among Taiwanese University Students.

In recent decades, scholarly interest has grown in the psychological components of happiness. Savoring belief, or the capacity to attend to, appreciate, and enhance the positive experiences in one's life, along with resilience and meaning in life, have emerged as significant predictors of enhanced happiness among diverse populations. This research examined the interrelationships among savoring belief, resilience, meaning in life, and happiness. A sample of 561 students from 75 universities in Taiwan, comprising 361 female and 200 male participants with an average age of 20.88 years, participated in an online survey. The study employed various instruments, including the Savoring Belief Inventory, the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. These instruments were translated into Traditional Chinese using a back-translation method and subsequently validated for accuracy by specialists in the field. Analysis of the data using Hayes' PROCESS Model 6 revealed several key insights: (1) savoring belief positively influenced happiness, resilience, and meaning in life with resilience further enhancing happiness and meaning in life; (2) resilience served as a significant mediator in the relationship between savoring belief and happiness; (3) meaning in life significantly mediated the relationship between savoring belief and happiness; (4) a sequential mediation model illustrated the mediating effects of resilience and meaning in life on the relationship between savoring belief and happiness. This study illustrates that, much like a garden requires water, sunlight, and care to flourish, our happiness is cultivated through enhancing our ability to savor the good moments, rebound from challenges, and find deep significance in our lives. We can significantly boost well-being by fostering these qualities-savoring belief, resilience, and a sense of meaning. These findings are particularly relevant for educators, highlighting the critical need to develop these traits in students to promote greater happiness and fulfillment in their lives. Discussions included theoretical implications, educational implications, and avenues for future research.

Explaining how childhood physical abuse and physical neglect influence adult depression: An analysis with multiple sequential mediators

BackgroundSubstantial evidence indicates that experiencing physical abuse and neglect during childhood significantly elevates the likelihood of developing depression in adulthood. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding the mechanisms underpinning this correlation. ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to examine the associations of childhood physical abuse and physical neglect with depression using follow-up data from UK Biobank and quantified the contribution of smoking, insomnia, and BMI in these associations. Participants and settingsThis study included 144,704 participants (64,168 men and 80,536 women) from UK Biobank, most of whom were white (97 %). MethodsPhysical abuse and physical neglect were measured using two items of Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS). Data on the incidence of depression were obtained from primary care, hospital inpatient records, self-reported medical conditions, and death registries. We used a sequential mediation analysis based on the “g-formula” approach to explore the individual and joint effects of potential mediators. ResultsThe depression incidence rate was 1.85 per 1000 person-years for men and 2.83 per 1000 person-years for women, respectively. Results of Cox proportional risk regression showed that physical abuse (HRs: 1.39–1.53, P < 0.001) and physical neglect (HRs: 1.43–1.60, P < 0.001) are associated with depression. Smoking, insomnia, and BMI together mediated 3 %–26 % of the associations. ConclusionsThese findings contribute to our understanding of how physical abuse and physical neglect influence depression. Furthermore, a more effective reduction in the burden of depression can be achieved by managing modifiable mediators.

Sequential mediation analysis of physical activity, healthy diet, BMI, and academic burnout in the Pakistani educational landscape

Research has indicated a negative impact of physical activity on academic burnout among students, however, there is a paucity of evidence about the underlying mechanism of this association in Pakistani students. The present research seeks to investigate the relationship between physical activity and academic burnout by investigating the potential mediating effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and body mass index (BMI). A sample of 596 students using a cross-sectional survey design was gathered from two public universities (Riphah International University and Mohammed Ali Jinnah University) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan from June to July 2022. The study participants were asked to fill out the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, the Learning Burnout Scale, and the Test of Adherence to MD questionnaires. The study employed descriptive, bivariate, and path analysis through regression utilizing the SPSS software version 27. The findings demonstrated a negative correlation between academic burnout and BMI, physical activity, and adherence to the MD. The relationship between physical activity and academic burnout was mediated by BMI. Physical activity and academic burnout were inversely correlated, with adherence to the MD and BMI interacting as sequential mediators. The outcomes of this research have expanded our knowledge of the association between physical activity and academic burnout and have suggested crucial and appropriate strategies for addressing student academic burnout.

Sleep spindle activity and psychotic experiences: Examining the mediating roles of attentional performance and perceptual distortions in a daytime nap study

Decreased sleep spindle activity in individuals with psychotic disorders is well studied, but its contribution to psychotic symptom formation is not well understood. This study explored potential underlying mechanisms explaining the association between decreased sleep spindle activity and psychotic symptoms. To this end, we analysed the links between sleep spindle activity and psychotic experiences and probed for the mediating roles of attentional performance and perceptual distortions in a community sample of young adults (N = 70; 26.33 ± 4.84 years). Polysomnography was recorded during a 90-min daytime nap and duration, amplitude, and density from slow (10–13 Hz) and fast (13–16 Hz) spindles were extracted. Attentional performance was assessed via a test battery and with an antisaccadic eye movement task. Psychotic experiences (i.e., paranoid thoughts; hallucinatory experiences) and perceptual distortions (i.e., anomalous perceptions; sensory gating deficits) were assessed via self-report questionnaires. We conducted sequential mediation analyses with spindle activity as predictor, psychotic experiences as dependent variable, and attentional performance and perceptual distortions as mediators. We found reduced right central spindle amplitude to be associated with paranoid thoughts. Increased antisaccadic error rate was associated with anomalous perceptions and perceptual distortions were associated with psychotic experiences. We did not find significant mediation effects. The findings support the notion that reduced sleep spindle activity is involved in the formation of paranoid thoughts and that decreased antisaccadic performance is indicative of perceptual distortions as potential precursors for psychotic experiences. However, further research is needed to corroborate the proposed mediation hypothesis.

Childhood maltreatment and risk of endocrine diseases: an exploration of mediating pathways using sequential mediation analysis

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including childhood maltreatment, have been linked with increased risk of diabetes and obesity during adulthood. A comprehensive assessment on the associations between childhood maltreatment and all major endocrine diseases, as well as the relative importance of different proposed mechanistic pathways on these associations, is currently lacking.MethodsBased on the UK Biobank, we constructed a cohort including 151,659 participants with self-reported data on childhood maltreatment who were 30 years of age or older on/after January 1, 1985. All participants were followed from the index date (i.e., January 1, 1985, or their 30th birthday, whichever came later) until the first diagnosis of any or specific (12 individual diagnoses and 9 subtypes) endocrine diseases, death, or the end of follow-up (December 31, 2019), whichever occurred first. We used Cox models to examine the association of childhood maltreatment, treated as continuous (i.e., the cumulative number of experienced childhood maltreatment), ordinal (i.e., 0, 1 and ≥ 2), or binary (< 2 and ≥ 2) variable, with any and specific endocrine diseases, adjusted for multiple covariates. We further examined the risk of having multiple endocrine diseases using Linear or Logistic Regression models. Then, sequential mediation analyses were performed to assess the contribution of four possible mechanisms (i.e., suboptimal socioeconomic status (SES), psychological adversities, unfavorable lifestyle, and biological alterations) on the observed associations.ResultsDuring an average follow-up of 30.8 years, 20,885 participants received a diagnosis of endocrine diseases. We observed an association between the cumulative number of experienced childhood maltreatment and increased risk of being diagnosed with any endocrine disease (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.12). The HR was 1.26 (1.22–1.30) when comparing individuals ≥ 2 with those with < 2 experienced childhood maltreatment. We further noted the most pronounced associations for type 2 diabetes (1.40 (1.33–1.48)) and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis-related endocrine diseases (1.38 (1.17–1.62)), and the association was stronger for having multiple endocrine diseases, compared to having one (odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.24 (1.19–1.30), 1.35 (1.27–1.44), and 1.52 (1.52–1.53) for 1, 2, and ≥ 3, respectively). Sequential mediation analyses showed that the association between childhood maltreatment and endocrine diseases was consistently and most distinctly mediated by psychological adversities (15.38 ~ 44.97%), while unfavorable lifestyle (10.86 ~ 25.32%) was additionally noted for type 2 diabetes whereas suboptimal SES (14.42 ~ 39.33%) for HPA-axis-related endocrine diseases.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that adverse psychological sequel of childhood maltreatment constitutes the main pathway to multiple endocrine diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and HPA-axis-related endocrine diseases. Therefore, increased access to evidence-based mental health services may also be pivotal in reducing the risk of endocrine diseases among childhood maltreatment-exposed individuals.

Has human progress stagnated in recent decades? Evaluating Seligman’s (2021) model of agency and its correlates using the MIDUS three-wave longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Grounded in Seligman’s tripartite model of agency, the authors developed the 10-item Agency Scale. Using data from three waves (1994–1996, 2004–2006, 2013–2014) of the MIDUS national longitudinal study, results from midlife adults (N = 2,717) supported a three-factor structure, corresponding to self-efficacy, future-minded planning (as a measure of optimism), and imagination. Evidence for measurement invariance, construct validity, and reliability was provided. The three subscales of the Agency Scale uniquely and positively predicted effort, persistence, generativity (as an indicator of innovation), and perceived progress. Supporting Seligman’s hypothesis, sequential mediation analyses revealed that effort, persistence, and generativity significantly mediated the self-efficacy-perceived progress, future-minded planning-perceived progress, and imagination-perceived progress relations, respectively. Significant mean differences across three timepoints indicated an overall declining trend in scores of agency (including self-efficacy, future-minded planning, and imagination) and perceived progress. Collectively, these findings provide support for Seligman’s tripartite model of agency.

ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH OPTIMAL WELL-BEING AND WORK LIFE BALANCE: ENTREPRENEUR'S EQUATION FOR SUCCESS.

Entrepreneurship is the impetus behind social and economic advancement, but it also comes with a multitude of hardships that can affect an entrepreneur's general health and work-life equilibrium (WLB). This research explores the complex interactions between these factors and how entrepreneurial success affects organizational sustainability both directly and indirectly. In light of how workplace cultures are changing in the aftermath of the pandemic, this study looks at how entrepreneurs' requirements are changing and how important it is to promote WLB and optimal well-being. A quantitative technique utilising surveys was used, with 180 entrepreneurs from various industries in North Karnataka participating. The study evaluated the validity and reliability of constructs like Work-Life Balance (WLB), Organizational Sustainability (OSY), Well-Being (WBG), and Entrepreneurial Success (ESS) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis, specifically the SmartPLS approach. Significant validity and reliability were shown by the results, confirming the strength of the research approach. Analysis for the current study indicate that WBG, WLB, ESS, and OSY—workplace variables—have substantial correlations with one another. Although there is not a significant direct impact of WBG on OSY, mediation analysis shows that ESS and WLB are important factors in interpreting the relationship. In general, WLB's influence on ESS entirely mediates its favorable impact on OSY, emphasizing the significance of work-life balance in determining entrepreneur satisfaction. Similarly, ESS entirely mediates the association between WBG and OSY, highlighting the importance of employee views in explaining overall outcomes. Moreover, a sequential mediation analysis highlights the complexity of the interactions by indicating that both WLB and ESS influence OSY. Findings shed light on how crucial it is for entrepreneurs to put their health and work-life balance first in order to achieve sustainable success. The paper acknowledges the changing dynamics following the epidemic and suggests promoting supportive work settings. This study highlights the importance of work-life balance, individual well-being, and organizational success in attaining sustainable entrepreneurship. It also adds to our understanding of the complex interactions among these factors.

The key role of risk perception in preparedness for oil pipeline accidents in urban areas: A sequential mediation analysis

Effective disaster risk reduction requires conducting research within communities that gave recognized natural or technological risks, to foster the development of more resilient societies. However, limited information is available regarding risk perception and preparedness for technological hazards in disaster-prone urban areas of South America. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that influence public risk perception regarding the Trans-Ecuadorian Oil Pipeline System and its relationship with household preparedness for a potential accident in the Metropolitan District of Quito (Ecuador). We assess the link among knowledge, trust in authorities, risk perception, intention to prepare, and preparedness. Results from a sequential mediation analysis reveal that risk perception partially and positively mediates the relationship between knowledge and preparedness and acts as a negative full mediator between the latter and trust. These findings provide valuable information for future risk governance and communication strategies, aimed at enhancing risk perception and improving individual preparedness of individuals, as well as risk mitigation procedures.

Sequential mediation analysis of workplace bullying, work-life conflict, and young employees’ outcomes in Vietnam

There has been a growing focus on workplace bullying, especially in emerging countries. This study examines the impact of workplace bullying on young employees’ outcomes in Vietnamese firms. Based on the conservation of resources theory, a sequential mediation model of five constructs (workplace bullying [WPB], work-life conflict [WLC], job satisfaction [JS], work support, and negative well-being [NWB]) was studied. Data from 238 young employees of different sectors was used to test the hypothesised model. The research data were analysed using AMOS version 22 to examine the constructed hypotheses. The results confirm that bullying is, directly and indirectly, related to employees’ outcomes in terms of job satisfaction and NWB. Furthermore, the mediating effects of WLC on the relationships of bullying, job satisfaction, and NWB are confirmed. Contrary to previous research, work support did not mediate these relationships. In order to lessen the level of perceived NWB, it is essential to reduce negative acts at work as well as enhance the understanding of this phenomenon. This study contributes to the research literature on bullying in Vietnamese context, both theoretically and practically. From these findings, organisations might be beneficial from this study to reduce the level of workplace bullying. Further research could navigate which constructs could enhance young employees’ positive experience at work in the face of workplace bullying.

Corpus callosum microstructural organization mediates the effects of physical neglect on social cognition in schizophrenia

Exposure to early life adversity is associated with both increased risk of developing schizophrenia and poorer performance on measures of social cognitive functioning. In this study, we examined whether interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Corpus Callosum (CC) microstructure mediated the association between childhood physical neglect and social cognition. Fifty-eight patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were included. The CANTAB emotion recognition task (unbiased hit rate) was used to assess social cognition. We found that the microstructural organization of the CC significantly mediated the association between physical neglect and emotion recognition. Furthermore, in a sequential mediation analysis that also considered the role of inflammatory response, the association between physical neglect, and lower emotion recognition performance was sequentially mediated by higher IL-6 and lower fractional anisotropy of the CC. This mediating effect of IL-6 was only present when simultaneously considering the effects of CC microstructural organization and remained significant while controlling for the effects of sex, BMI and medication dosage (but not age). Overall, the findings suggest that the association between physical neglect and poorer emotion recognition in schizophrenia occurs, at least in part, via its association with white matter microstructure.

Social Support and Daytime Sleepiness Among Chinese Medical Students: Mediating Roles of Loneliness and Problematic Smartphone Use.

Sleep problems have become a serious threat to public health worldwide. Daytime sleepiness is an important indicator of many sleep problems, which have a significant impact on academic performance, physical and mental health, and wellbeing among medical students. We aimed to explore the factors associated with daytime sleepiness among medical students. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 466 medical students recruited via convenience sampling. Self-rated psychometric scales, including the Social Support Rate Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Chinese version of the UCLA loneliness scale, and the Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI), were utilized to evaluate social support, daytime sleepiness, loneliness, and problematic smartphone use. A sequential mediation model was constructed with daytime sleepiness as the dependent variable, social support as the independent variable, and loneliness and problematic smartphone use as mediating variables. Age, gender, and grade were taken as covariates. Social support among medical students was negatively associated with loneliness, problematic smartphone use, and daytime sleepiness (p < 0.01). A sequential mediation analysis showed that loneliness (the first mediator) and problematic smartphone use (the second mediator) sequentially mediated the path from social support to daytime sleepiness among medical students (β = -0.008; 95% CI = -0.016, -0.002). Moreover, there were also significant mediating roles observed in the relationship between social support and daytime sleepiness via loneliness only (β = -0.037; 95% CI = -0.062, -0.015) and problematic smartphone use only (β = -0.022; 95% CI = -0.041, -0.008). Social support, loneliness, and problematic smartphone use among medical students influenced their daytime sleepiness. Interventions targeting medical student loneliness and problematic smartphone use behaviors might attenuate the effects from low levels of social support and further improve daytime sleepiness.

Associations of historical trauma and racism with health care system distrust and mental health help-seeking propensity among American Indian and Alaska Native college students.

In the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) population there is a discrepancy between high rates of mental health needs and low utilization rates of mental health services. This study sought to explore whether historical trauma and racial discrimination are associated with health care system (HCS) distrust and negative attitudes toward seeking mental health services. Participants were AIAN college students (n = 392) who completed a cross-sectional online survey. A sequential mediation analysis examined whether historical trauma (thoughts and associated symptoms) was associated with less favorable attitudes toward seeking mental health services, and whether distrust of the HCS mediated this association. A second mediation analysis examined whether perceived racial discrimination was associated with less favorable attitudes toward seeking mental health services, and whether distrust of the HCS mediated this association. Greater reported historical trauma (thoughts and associated symptoms) and racial discrimination were associated with greater distrust of the HCS, which in turn was associated with less favorable attitudes toward seeking mental health services. Perceived racial discrimination was also directly associated with less favorable attitudes toward seeking mental health services. Historical trauma and perceived racial discrimination appear to contribute to less favorable attitudes toward seeking mental health services through their association with distrust of the HCS. This suggests that attempts to address the underutilization of mental health services in the AIAN population should consider the potential roles of historical trauma, racial discrimination, and distrust. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Do information publicity and moral norms trigger waste-sorting intention among households? A sequential mediation analysis.

The quick pace of technological advancement and urbanization has led to a significant increase in waste production, severely damaging environmental quality and human health. The sorting of waste is a viable option to reduce environmental hazards and attain high recovery rates in the cities. This research extended the theory of planned behavior (TPB) by integrating information publicity (IP) and moral norms (MNs). A conceptual model has been developed to explore the predictors of waste-sorting intention of households. The data from 361 Pakistani households have been collected using the purposive sampling method and analyzed via PLS-SEM. The study's results revealed that IP is important in creating awareness and establishing moral norms regarding waste sorting among households. The findings further confirm that MN, attitude (ATD), subjective norms (SNs), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) sequentially mediate between IP and WSI. The findings of the current study provides useful practical implications to the practitioners and academicians to combat environmental pollution.

The prediction of effort-reward imbalance for reward motivation.

This sequential mediation analysis study examined how the baseline effort-reward imbalance (ERI) would predict reward motivation 1 year later in 435 college students. We found that negative/disorganized schizotypal traits and anticipatory pleasure experience together mediate the prediction of ERI for reward motivation.

Exploring the relationship between gratitude and depression among older adults with chronic low back pain: a sequential mediation analysis.

Gratitude has been identified as a key factor in a number of positive health-related outcomes; however, the mechanisms whereby gratitude is associated with well-being among older adults with chronic pain are poorly understood. Using the Positive Psychological Well-Being Model as a theoretical framework, the objective of the present study was to examine the serial mediating effects of social support, stress, sleep, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on the relationship between gratitude and depressive symptoms. A total sample of 60 community-dwelling older adults with chronic low back pain (cLBP) provided blood samples for high-sensitivity TNF-α and completed the Gratitude Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and the PROMIS Emotional Support, Sleep Disturbance, and Depression forms. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and serial mediation analyses were performed. Gratitude was negatively associated with perceived stress, sleep disturbance, and depression, and was positively associated with social support. No significant association was observed between gratitude and TNF-α. After controlling for age and marital status, analyses revealed that perceived stress and sleep disturbance sequentially mediated the association between gratitude and depressive symptoms. Perceived stress and sleep disturbance may be potential mechanistic pathways by which gratitude impacts negative well-being. Targeting gratitude as a protective resource may be a potential therapeutic tool to improve psychological and behavioral outcomes in older adults with cLBP.

Religiosity, Theism, Perceived Social Support, Resilience, and Well-Being of University Undergraduate Students in Singapore during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic infection control measures severely impacted mental well-being, allowing insight into possible protective parameters. With religion playing a role during challenging times, this study investigated theism and religiosity on the mental well-being of university students during the COVID19 pandemic and how social support and resilience can mediate this effect. One hundred eighty-five university students between 17 and 42 years old responded to online surveys on their theism, religious affiliations, religiosity, well-being, perceived support, and resilience. Pearson's correlations and single and sequential mediation analyses showed that theism did not significantly predict well-being (r = 0.049), but religiosity mediated the relationship (r = 0.432, effect size = 0.187). Sequential mediation analysis showed that resilience did not mediate the relationship between religiosity and well-being, but perceived social support significantly positively mediated religiosity and well-being with an effect size of 0.079. The findings reveal that factors, such as religiosity and social support could thus aid in the mental well-being of future challenging times such as the pandemic.

A Network Analysis-Driven Sequential Mediation Analysis of Students’ Perceived Classroom Comfort and Perceived Faculty Support on the Relationship between Teachers’ Cognitive Presence and Students’ Grit—A Holistic Learning Approach

The interaction between teachers and students is critical to the learning process. Student success and learner satisfaction have consistently improved in educational situations where instructors and students connect frequently and meaningfully. The Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, as well as the sense of belonging concept, have received a significant amount of attention from researchers investigating online learning since its debut. The current study focuses on the CoI framework in general, and in particular on studies on teaching, social, and cognitive presences in connection to students' feeling of belonging and grit enhancement. This research investigated the opinion of 310 students at the Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad regarding their satisfaction with their teachers' presences, their academic sense of belonging, and their grit. Our methodology followed an innovative approach. First, we employed a network analysis on all subscales' mean scores, and then we performed a sequential mediation analysis based on both the network analysis results and the conclusions from the literature review. We tested whether students' perceived classroom comfort and perceived faculty support sequentially mediated the relationship between teacher's cognitive presence and students' grit. According to the scientific literature, teacher's cognitive presence consists of four fundamental categories: triggering events, exploration, integration, and resolution, which specifically the validation of knowledge by cooperation and reflection in a community of inquiry. We further tested if sense of belonging might mediate the relationship between teachers' cognitive presence and students' grit. The results show that students' perceived classroom comfort and perceived faculty support partially and significantly sequentially mediate the relationship between teachers' cognitive presence triggering events and students' grit. The results are then further used to suggest possible recommendations for designing holistic learning environments in Romanian higher education institutions.