Significant Indirect Relationship Research Articles

Interplay between childhood socioeconomic status and current job insecurity: A dual-contextual approach to decent work and well-being.

Grounded in the psychology of working theory, the link between economic constraints and decent work is well established. However, previous studies did not incorporate a developmental framework when examining this relationship. Drawing on a life history perspective, this study explored how childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with well-being through decent work. We adopted a dual-contextual approach, examining the interaction between childhood SES and current job insecurity as a predictor of decent work and well-being. Using data collected from 417 workers in South Korea, we tested a moderated mediation model. The results revealed significant indirect relationships between childhood SES and job and life satisfaction through decent work, particularly among individuals with higher job insecurity. Notably, these findings remained significant even after controlling for participants' current SES. Overall, our findings suggest that in contexts where job insecurity is prevalent, an individual's childhood SES is distinctly associated with decent work and well-being, independent of their current SES. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Comprehensive assessment of multiple biomarker mechanisms in the brackish water clam Corbicula japonica exposed to polystyrene microplastics using structural equation modeling

Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we investigated multiple biomarker mechanisms in terms of biochemical and individual marker responses in the brackish water clam Corbicula japonica following acute exposure to polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP). This study is the first to comprehensively explore multiple biomarker responses in bivalves using SEM. The model revealed that PS-MP accumulation was an independent biomarker, exhibiting significant direct effects on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) among the biochemical markers. Although CAT generally interacts closely with SOD, no significant relationship was identified between them, indicating that CAT may have independently responded to PS-MP stress. Among individual markers, significant indirect effects were observed on clearance rate (CR), reflecting feeding activity and valve open rate, indicating excretion activity via SOD and CAT. Finally, the carbon-based scope for growth was significantly influenced by CR. SEM is efficient and useful for identifying significant direct and indirect pathway relationships and for uncovering uncommon relationships in unified multiple biomarker mechanisms in aquatic studies.

Big Five personality traits, BIS/BAS dimensions and meteoropathy: a mediation model

BackgroundThe main goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between Big Five personality traits and meteor-opathy and the role of the behavioural activation system (BAS) and the behavioural inhibition system (BIS) as mediators in this relationship.Participants and procedureThe sample consisted of 1,336 women and men gathered via the online recruitment platform from the general population. The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 76 years (M = 29.52, SD = 11.67). The Polish version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory was used to assess Big Five personality traits. The BIS and BAS were diagnosed using the Polish version of the original BIS/BAS scales. Meteoropathy was assessed using the Polish adaptation of the METEO-Q questionnaire.ResultsMeteoropathy correlated negatively with emotional stability and positively with the BIS level and BAS Reward Responsive-ness. BIS negatively correlated with emotional stability. The correlations between meteoropathy and other personality vari-ables were nonsignificant. The analysis indicated a significant indirect relationship between emotional stability and meteor-opathy through BIS. We demonstrated the importance of neuroticism (low emotional stability) and the BIS dimension for the development of meteoropathy symptoms.ConclusionsNeuroticism and the BIS dimension were important for the development of meteoropathy symptoms. The results may be helpful in assessing the risk of developing meteoropathy in a healthy population.

Picture perfect: Exploring the relationship between problematic TikTok use, physical appearance perfectionism, and upward physical appearance comparison on body appreciation

Physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparisons have a potential role in explaining how the use of popular social networking sites can negatively impact a person's body image. Although there is considerable research on the relationship between body image and problematic Instagram usage, there is little reported on TikTok use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the mediating relationship of physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparison between problematic TikTok use and body appreciation. The sample included 185 TikTok users. Serial mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect negative relationship between problematic TikTok use and body appreciation through physical appearance perfectionism, but not upward physical appearance comparison, or physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparison in serial. Thus, with the rapid growth of TikTok, this study highlights the importance of identifying the individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the app. We suggest possible practice implications such as the implementation of screening strategies to identify those high in physical appearance perfectionism, and the development of workshops aimed at promoting positive body image in the face of SNS use.

Undergraduates’ reactions to errors mediates the association between growth mindset and study strategies

BackgroundStudents employ a variety of study strategies to learn and master content in their courses. Strategies vary widely in their effectiveness for promoting deep, long-term learning, yet most students use ineffective strategies frequently. Efforts to educate students about effective study strategies have revealed that knowledge about effective strategies is by itself insufficient for encouraging widespread and lasting changes. An important next step is to uncover factors that influence the decisions students make about study strategy use. We explored the association between beliefs about intelligence (mindset, universality, and brilliance) and study strategies. The most effective study strategies are error-prone, and beliefs about intelligence carry implications for whether errors are a normal and even beneficial part of the learning process (e.g., growth mindset) or signs of insufficient intelligence (e.g., fixed mindset). Therefore, we hypothesized that beliefs about and reactions to errors would mediate a relationship between beliefs about intelligence and study strategies. We tested this hypothesis by surveying 345 undergraduates enrolled in an introductory biology class at a public, research-active university in northwestern United States.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis indicated that the internal structure of all measures functioned as expected in our sample. We fit a structural equation model to evaluate our hypothesized model. We found that mindset, but not universality nor brilliance, predicts variance in both beliefs about errors and reactions to errors. In turn, adaptive reactions to errors (but not beliefs about errors) are associated with the use of highly effective study strategies and spacing study sessions. There was a significant indirect relationship between growth mindset and spacing of study sessions.ConclusionsOur results provide evidence for a mechanism explaining the association between students’ mindset beliefs and academic outcomes: believing that intelligence is improvable is associated with more adaptive reactions to making errors, which correlates with choosing more error-prone and therefore more effective study strategies. Future interventions aimed at improving students’ study strategies may be more effective if they simultaneously target reacting adaptively to errors and emphasize that intelligence is improvable.

How peer relationships affect academic achievement among junior high school students: The chain mediating roles of learning motivation and learning engagement.

Despite the recognition of the impact of peer relationships, learning motivation, and learning engagement on academic achievement, there is still a gap in understanding the specific mechanisms through which peer relationships impact academic achievement via learning motivation and learning engagement. This study aims to investigate how peer relationships affect junior high school students' academic achievement through the chain mediating roles of learning motivation and learning engagement, employing the self-system model of motivational development as the theoretical framework. In January 2024, 717 participants were selected from two middle schools in eastern China (mean age = 13.49 years, SD = 0.5). The data analysis in this study was performed using the structural equation model (SEM) in AMOS 24.0 and SPSS 24.0. The results showed that peer relationships were directly and significantly related to junior high school students' academic achievement, and that peer relationships were indirectly and positively related to junior high school students' academic achievement via learning motivation and learning engagement respectively. The results also revealed a significant indirect and positive relationship between peer relationships and junior high school students' academic achievement, mediated by the sequential mediating roles of learning motivation and learning engagement. Moreover, the path "peer relationship→learning motivation→academic achievement" has the strongest indirect effect. For junior high school students to achieve academic success, the appropriate interventions should be implemented to improve peer relationships, learning motivation, and learning engagement.

Indirect Associations Between PTSD Symptoms and Cannabis Problems in Young Adults: The Unique Roles of Cannabis Coping Motives and Medicinal Use Orientation

Background: Cannabis use in young adulthood has been associated with exposure to traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Coping motives for cannabis use represent one mechanism linking PTSD with cannabis problems, yet some individuals with PTSD consider their cannabis use to be medicinal in nature. While a medicinal orientation to cannabis overlaps conceptually with coping motives, it could be associated with unique cannabis outcomes. Objectives: This study examined trauma-related coping motives and medicinal cannabis orientation as mediators of the association between PTSD symptoms and cannabis outcomes in young adults. Method: Data came from an online survey of 212 university students (M age = 19.41; 70.3% Women; 43.4% White) who used cannabis in the past month and endorsed a traumatic life event. Path analyses examined associations of PTSD symptoms with past month cannabis frequency and problems through medicinal cannabis orientation (i.e., number of mental health symptoms that cannabis is used to manage) and trauma-related coping motives. Results: PTSD symptoms were associated with trauma-related coping motives but not with medicinal cannabis orientation. Both trauma-related coping motives and medicinal cannabis orientation were uniquely associated with greater cannabis use frequency, but only trauma-related coping motives were associated with greater cannabis problems. There were significant indirect relationships from PTSD symptoms to cannabis use frequency and problems through trauma-related coping motives but not through medicinal cannabis orientation. Conclusions: Results support unique contributions of trauma-related coping motives and medicinal cannabis orientation to cannabis outcomes and suggest that trauma-related coping motives are specifically implicated in the link between PTSD and cannabis problems.

The role of testosterone and estradiol levels in seminal plasma in the ejaculate microbiota in men

The role of testosterone and estradiol levels in seminal plasma in the ejaculate microbiota in men

Analysis of Malnutrition among Children under Five Years across Contrasting Agroecosystems of Northwest Ethiopia: Application of Structural Equation Modeling.

Child malnutrition remains a public health challenge in developing countries, but a comprehensive understanding of its burden and its determinants in specific local contexts is generally lacking. This study examined the prevalence of malnutrition and its determinants among children aged <5 years across contrasting agroecosystems in northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study involving 400 respondents was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, complemented with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The direct and indirect effects of the determinants of malnutrition were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). The overall prevalence of child malnutrition, measured using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure, was 49%, with notable variation across agroecosystems (from 36.1% [midland with red soil] to 59% [lowland and valley fragmented]). Disease experience had significant positive direct effects on malnutrition. Dietary intake had negative and significant total (direct and indirect) effects on malnutrition, partially mediated through disease experience. Serial mediation in SEM analysis revealed significant indirect relationships between malnutrition and food security, feeding and care practices, household environment, health services, maternal diet, maternal empowerment, household wealth, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices. In conclusion, child malnutrition was highly prevalent and higher among children in the lowland and valley fragmented agroecosystem, characterized by unfavorable agro-climatic conditions, lower wealth status, poor health services access, and higher disease (particularly malaria) exposure. This study demonstrates the dynamics and multifaceted nature of malnutrition, highlighting the importance of considering geographical differences when planning interventions for childhood malnutrition and its determinants.

Network Building Capabilities for a Sustainable and Circular Economy

This research introduces a novel integrated model that affiliates the innovative capacity of circular start-ups, as seen through their network-building capabilities, with the influential attribute of top management support as outlined in the T-O-E theory. The investigation employs a quantitative research methodology based on a random sampling technique for the entire research population. The structural equation model, utilizing SMARTPLS, is used on a dataset comprising 231 manufacturing-based circular start-ups and their franchises in India. The findings reveal significant direct and indirect relationships between network-building capabilities and the innovation function of circular start-ups. The study highlights the pivotal role of top management support, following the T-O-E framework, as a complete mediator between network-building capabilities and organizational innovativeness. This inquiry establishes that effective networking and other factors confer a competitive edge upon firms. Furthermore, it contributes to the literature on the circular economy within emerging markets, offering insights applicable across various sectors like IT, hospitality, aviation, pharmaceuticals, and more. The study's implications extend to future researchers and policymakers, advocating for adopting a multi-level perspective to foster and ensure the innovativeness of circular start-ups in diverse industries.

What is the Role of Motives for Smartphone Use in Elementary School Students? Problematic Smartphone Use, Family Satisfaction, Loneliness, and Academic Performance

The cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationships between motives for smartphone use, family satisfaction, loneliness, grade point average (GPA), and problematic smartphone use (PSU). It included 519 elementary school students aged 12–16 years ( M = 13.87, SD = 1.01). The authors used the Smartphone Addiction Scale, the Smartphone Usage Motivation Scale, the Illinois Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Questionnaire, and the Satisfaction With Family Life Scale. For girls, the study revealed a significant indirect relationship between loneliness and GPA via social interactions. There was also a significant indirect relationship between loneliness and PSU via relaxing entertainment. For boys, there were significant indirect relationships between loneliness and PSU via escapism and between age and PSU via loneliness. The results may serve as a basis for therapeutic interventions and prevention programs against PSU.

The Mediating Role of Social Health in the Relationships Between Depression, Lifestyle, and Control Over Negative Thoughts Among Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Background: Caring for children with intellectual disabilities presents physical and emotional challenges for mothers, who may experience increased depression as a result. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the mediating role of social health in the association between depression, lifestyle, and control over negative thoughts among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, the research population comprised mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Tehran in 2020. A sample of 213 mothers was selected via convenience sampling according to the number of variables under investigation. Data collection tools included the Beck Depression Inventory, Thought Control Questionnaire, Lifestyle Assessment Inventory, and Social Well-being Scale. Structural equation modeling was utilized to assess the proposed model. Results: There was a significant direct and inverse relationship between control over negative thoughts and depression, as well as between social health and depression, among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities (P &lt; 0.001). The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between control over negative thoughts and social health and between lifestyle and social health (P &lt; 0.001). No significant relationship was found between lifestyle and depression. The study also revealed a significant indirect relationship between control over negative thoughts and depression, mediated by social health. Similarly, the association between lifestyle and depression, mediated by social health, was significant (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The model demonstrated a strong fit and can inform the creation and implementation of interventions aimed at alleviating stress and reducing depression among these mothers.

Historic Redlining and Impact of Structural Racism on Diabetes Prevalence in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults.

We investigated direct and indirect relationships between historic redlining and prevalence of diabetes in a U.S. national sample. Using a previously validated conceptual model, we hypothesized pathways between structural racism and prevalence of diabetes via discrimination, incarceration, poverty, substance use, housing, education, unemployment, and food access. We combined census tract-level data, including diabetes prevalence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PLACES 2019 database, redlining using historic Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps from the Mapping Inequality project, and census data from the Opportunity Insights database. HOLC grade (a score between 1 [best] and 4 [redlined]) for each census tract was based on overlap with historically HOLC-graded areas. The final analytic sample consisted of 11,375 U.S. census tracts. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate direct and indirect relationships adjusting for the 2010 population. Redlining was directly associated with higher crude prevalence of diabetes within a census tract (r = 0.01; P = 0.008) after adjusting for the 2010 population (χ2(54) = 69,900.95; P < 0.001; root mean square error of approximation = 0; comparative fit index = 1). Redlining was indirectly associated with diabetes prevalence via incarceration (r = 0.06; P < 0.001), poverty (r = -0.10; P < 0.001), discrimination (r = 0.14; P < 0.001); substance use (measured by binge drinking: r = -0.65, P < 0.001; and smoking: r = 0.35, P < 0.001), housing (r = 0.06; P < 0.001), education (r = -0.17; P < 0.001), unemployment (r = -0.17; P < 0.001), and food access (r = 0.14; P < 0.001) after adjusting for the 2010 population. Redlining has significant direct and indirect relationships with diabetes prevalence. Incarceration, poverty, discrimination, substance use, housing, education, unemployment, and food access may be possible targets for interventions aiming to mitigate the impact of structural racism on diabetes.

Facilitating patient portal engagement: a channel expansion and behavior change wheel perspective

IntroductionGiven the low patient portal adoption rates, the contradictory findings on the relationship between patient-provider communication and patient portal use, and the unclear mechanism of why doctor-patient communication might facilitate portal use as indicated in some existing studies, patient portal engagement warrants further examination.MethodsGuided by the behavior change wheel framework and the channel expansion theory, this study examined the facilitators of patient portal engagement and tested the relationship between the facilitators (e.g., social opportunity and psychological capability) through analyzing the HINTS national survey data (N = 1251).ResultsWe found that patient portal access (a physical opportunity) and physician advocacy (a social opportunity) were two significant predictors of portal engagement while educational attainment was not. We did not find any direct correlation between patient-centered communication (PCC) and patient portal engagement, but instead, found a significant indirect relationship between the two.DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to employ the behavior change wheel and channel expansion theory to explain patient portal engagement. Theoretically, our study extended the behavior change theory by further explaining the relationship between the key components (e.g., capability, opportunity) of behavior change. Practical strategies to increase patient portal engagement were proposed.

Black adolescents' experiences with racial socialization, racial identity, and critical reflection of need for school change of racial inequity

AbstractThis preliminary investigation explored associations between Black adolescents' experiences with parental racial socialization (racial pride and racial barrier messages), dimensions of racial identity (centrality and private regard), and critical reflection regarding the need for school change of racial inequity. One hundred fifty‐one (78 girls; 73 boys) high school students from the southeastern United States were sampled for this self‐report cross‐sectional investigation. Findings revealed significant, positive total effects of racial pride and racial barrier socialization on critical reflection. Furthermore, a significant specific indirect relationship between racial pride socialization and critical reflection through centrality (small to medium effect), but not private regard. Unexpectedly, no significant indirect associations of perceived racial barrier socialization on critical reflection through racial identity dimensions were found. Implications for our findings are discussed for school‐based practitioners and policymakers.

The association between teacher-student relationships (TSR) and Puerto Rican teachers’ well-being

Very little research has investigated the effect of Teacher-Student Relationships (TSR) on teachers’ well-being. Based on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, this study aimed to examine the relationship between TSR and teachers’ mental health through work-related well-being. We analyzed the mediation role of work engagement and emotional exhaustion in the relationship between TSR and anxiety and depression symptoms. The sample included 179 educators across middle and high schools in Puerto Rico (PR). The results of regression-based mediation analyses indicated that TSRs have a significant indirect relationship with anxiety and depression symptoms through work engagement and emotional exhaustion. Our findings have theoretical and practical implications. TSR becomes evidently relevant within the JDR Model as a social resource and revindicates the need to develop positive TSR to improve educators’ emotional and work-related well-being.

The Mediating Role of Science Motivation in the Relationship between Computer Literacy and Academic Performance of Grade 6 Learners

In the current digital era, education research is increasingly focusing on the correlation between computer literacy, science motivation, and academic achievement. Thus, this quantitative research aimed to determine the mediating role of science motivation on the relationship between computer literacy and the academic performance of Grade 6 learners during the academic year 2023-2024. Modified and adapted survey questionnaires from the Department of Education Computerization Program (DCP), Cagayan State University – Andrews Campus, and Glynn (2011), using a 5-point Likert scale, were employed for data collection. Analysis involved mean, two-way ANOVA, and path analysis. Results showed that the Grade 6 learners exhibited a high level of computer literacy in terms of computer integration (mean=3.78). The academic performance of Grade 6 learners indicated a very high level in terms of student-related factors (mean=4.3). Concurrently, Grade six learners are often more extrinsically motivated (mean=4.09). Significant indirect relationship was shown between computer literacy and academic performance through science motivation. Significant direct relationship was also shown between computer literacy and academic performance. The total effect estimates of 0.531 (SE = 0.0804, Z = 6.61, p &lt; 0.001) suggests that there is a significant overall relationship between computer literacy and academic performance, regardless of the mediating effect of science motivation. Recommendations can be made for future researches as to longitudinal study, qualitiative researches, and intervention studies.

Modeling Dark Personality Traits Based on Childhood Traumas with the Mediation of Guilt, Anxiety, and Depression

Objective: Dark personality traits, which have been the focus of empirical and research attention in the last decade, include narcissism, antisocial behavior, and Machiavellianism. The aim of the current research was to model dark personality traits based on childhood traumas with the mediation of guilt, anxiety, and depression. Methods and Materials: The present study was correlational and utilized structural equation modeling due to its objectives. The study population consisted of university students in 2021. Based on Cochran's formula, 382 individuals were selected via convenience sampling and responded to questionnaires. The Johnson and Webster (2010) Dark Personality Traits questionnaire, the Lovibond and Lovibond (1995) Anxiety and Depression scales, the Mosher (2008) Guilt Inventory, and the Bernstein et al. (1994) Childhood Trauma questionnaire were used in this research. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling. SPSS 22 and AMOS 18 software were utilized for data analysis. Findings: The modeling results indicated that guilt did not play a mediating role in the relationship between childhood traumas and dark personality traits (p = .39), whereas childhood traumas had a significant indirect relationship with dark personality traits through anxiety and depression (p = .05). Conclusion: Given the findings, it is concluded that dark personality traits are a consequence of childhood traumas, where anxiety and depression play a significant role in this process. Therefore, it is necessary to implement intervention strategies to prevent dark personality traits in students who have experienced childhood traumas

Structural Model Presentation of Psychological Maladjustment Based on Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms with the Mediating Role of Ego Strength in Individuals with Chronic Pain

Objective: The present study aimed to present a structural model of psychological maladjustment based on post-traumatic stress symptoms with the mediating role of ego strength in individuals suffering from chronic pain. Methods: The research method was descriptive, correlational, and structural equation modeling was used. The study population included all patients suffering from chronic pain who had visited specialized pain clinics in Tehran from February 2021 to May 2021. Using the Tabachnick and Fidell (2007) formula, the sample size was determined to be 330, selected through convenience sampling. Research instruments included the Psychological Adjustment Questionnaire (Rohner &amp; Khaleque, 2005), the Mississippi Scale for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (1998), and the Psychological Ego Strength Scale (Markstrom et al., 1997). Data analysis was conducted in two parts: descriptive (central and dispersion indices, skewness, and kurtosis) and inferential (structural equation modeling) using SPSS-V23 and LISREL-V8.8 software. Findings: The results indicated that the model has a good fit. Additionally, the results showed that there is a significant direct and indirect relationship (mediated by ego strength) between post-traumatic stress and psychological maladjustment in individuals with chronic pain. The results suggest that the effect of post-traumatic stress indirectly influences psychological maladjustment positively through ego strength, with a magnitude of 0.81. Conclusion: Therefore, through individual and group therapy sessions, assistance should be provided to patients with chronic pain suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, enabling them to fairly assess their functioning in life, free the individual from potential guilt at the time of the incident, and the lack of positive individual performance. Thus, by increasing ego strength and reducing avoidance behaviors, a lesser degree of psychological maladjustment can be expected in the individual.

Structural Modeling of Psychological Maladjustment Based on Resilience with the Mediating Role of Ego Strength in Patients with Chronic Pain

Objective: This study aimed to model the structure of psychological maladjustment based on resilience with the mediating role of ego strength in patients suffering from chronic pain. Methods and Materials: Given its purpose, this research is applied in nature, quantitative in its data collection method, and descriptive in its analysis, employing correlational design and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. The study population comprised all patients with chronic pain who visited specialized pain clinics in Tehran from February 2021 to May 2022. Using the Tabachnick and Fidell (2007) formula, a sample size of 330 was determined and selected via convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Psychological Adjustment Questionnaire (Rohner &amp; Khaleque, 2005), the Resilience Scale (Connor-Davidson, 2003), and the Psychological Ego Strength Questionnaire (Marcia et al., 1997). Data analysis was performed in two stages: descriptive (central tendency and dispersion indices, skewness, and kurtosis) and inferential (structural equation modeling), using SPSS-V23 and LISREL-V8.8 software. Findings: The results showed that the model fits well. Additionally, the results indicated a significant direct and indirect (through the mediating role of ego strength) relationship between resilience and psychological maladjustment in patients with chronic pain. The impact of resilience on psychological maladjustment, mediated by ego strength, was negatively significant at a rate of 0.95. Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study, it can be concluded that ego strength, as a psychological capacity, and resilience are effective on social interactions and functioning. It is suggested that to improve the psychological adjustment of patients with chronic pain, efforts should be made to foster ego strength and resilience training.