Social Functioning Research Articles

Formation of public policy on national memory in Ukraine with the participation of civil society organisations

The article's primary focus is on the examination of civil society organisations' involvement in the decision-making and implementation processes conducted by public authorities. The aim of this article is to analyse the involvement of civil society in Ukraine (with civil society organisations as a case study) in public policy regarding national memory in Ukraine. The article employs a combination of descriptive, analytical and synthetic methods, as well as inductive and deductive approaches. The use of the dialectical method ensures a comprehensive study of the activities of civil society organisations. A comparative and structural-functional analysis was employed to examine the activities and functioning of civil society organisations. The research yielded several key insights. Firstly, the main vectors of public policy regarding national memory in Ukraine were identified. Secondly, the regulatory framework of Ukraine regulating the activities of civil society organisations and their participation in political processes was analysed. Thirdly, an overview of the instruments of civil participation in the public policy regarding national memory was conducted. Finally, the activities of civil society organisations in the field of national memory through partnerships and networking were characterised using the example of the "Reanimation Package of Reforms" Coalition. It was established that the state implements a policy to advance the growth of civil society in Ukraine, with the objective of providing support to civic initiatives. In order to implement this, Ukraine has established a regulatory framework that is continually updated in response to evolving socio-political challenges and needs. The country implements the National Strategy for the Development of Civil Society, adopts international norms and standards, and fulfils international obligations.

Assessment of Symptom Burden and Quality of Life in Patients With Primary Brain Tumours Attending Palliative Care in a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre.

Background: Patients with primary brain tumors navigate a distinct illness trajectory, characterized by an uncertain prognosis, a rapid decline in physical functioning, and a significant deterioration in the quality of life. These unique challenges underscore the importance of our research in understanding and addressing the needs of these patients. Methods: The EORTC QLQ C30 & EORTC BN 20 questionnaires assessed the quality of life and symptom burden in patients with primary brain tumors. The scores were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: 100 patients - 61 males and 39 females-were included with radiological or histopathological diagnoses of primary brain tumours. Seizures (38%) was the most common presenting symptom, followed by headache (18%), loss of consciousness (13%), focal neurological deficit (9%), and blurring of vision (8%). The mean quality of life at baseline was 78.29, with a standard deviation of 9.67 on a scale of 0 to 100, and the brain tumor-specific symptom burden score was 46.9, with a standard deviation of 17.95 on a scale of 0 to 100. There was a significant difference in the global health status score between the first and third visits at 3months (P value = .03). Conclusion: Despite the aggressive and often incurable nature of primary brain tumors, there is hope in the form of palliative care. By addressing unmet symptoms, uncertainties about the future, and social functioning, palliative care can significantly improve the quality of life of these patients.

Impact of the input of women’s working hours on household non-economic welfare

BackgroundThe economic functions of families are strengthened by the labor supply of family members. However, an in-depth discussion can still be held on the impact of the labor supply of family members on the non-economic functions of families, such as residential, social and psychological functions. This paper sought to understand the household non-economic welfare of women’s working hours. In addition, the household non-economic welfare effects of women’s working hours in terms of subdividing women’s working hours and fine-tuning household non-economic welfare were explored. The residential, social and psychological effects of women’s working hours were clarified.MethodThis paper addressed the above problems based on Sen’s welfare theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, adopted the feasible ability method, and used nationally representative, timely survey data and data from the 2014–2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS).ResultsIn this study, it was shown that the psychological effects of women’s working hours are the largest on average, with an average increase of one hour per week boosting psychological effects by 0.53%. The impact of women’s working hours on both residential and social effects has the extreme points of 68.78 and 35.89 h, respectively. By the interval, the residential effects of women’s working hours are 12.7-16.2% compared with those of weekly working hours shorter than 30 h. Additionally, women’s weekly working hours of more than 60 h have the greatest impact on residential effects, which is 16.2%. From the perspective of gender, the residential effects of women’s working hours are above those of men’s working hours. Compared to weekly working hours of less than 30 h, the social and psychological effects of women’s working hours are weaker than those of men’s working hours.ConclusionsThis study not only contributes to the understanding of contributions to households from the perspective of labor value but also provides lessons for enhancing household non-economic welfare.Contributions to the literatureLimited evidence shows the contributions of working hours and healthy family development in social policies.Women’s working hours increase the residential, social and psychological effects of families. Psychological effects are the largest, with an average increase of one hour per week being associated with an increase of 0.53% in psychological effects. The impact of women’s working hours on subjective health is lower than that of men’s working hours.Few studies systematically analyze the impact of women’s working hours on family residence, socialization and subjective health, and thus target family-friendly policies.

Mental imagery for addressing mechanisms underlying motor impairments in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit various degrees of motor and cognitive impairments in fine and gross motor skills. These impairments impact social functioning, while also hindering academic achievement, self-esteem, and participation. Specifically, motor impairments are not fully addressed by current therapies. For example, approximately 50% of children with ADHD exhibit significant motor impairments, as per clinical measures, while the other 50% experience more impairments in motor planning, execution and control than do typically developed (TD) children. Such findings indicate that ADHD-specific mechanisms may be underpinning motor impairments. In this paper, we outline ADHD impairments in motor planning, execution, and control, and the potential role of two such mechanisms: internal motor representation and timing perception. Next, we suggest mental imagery as an approach for treating ADHD motor impairments, potentially through addressing internal motor representation and timing perception.

Non-state pension funds of religious organisations in Ukraine: Background and factors of influence

In this article, an attempt is made to reveal the prerequisites for and factors influencing the participation of religious organisations in establishing non-state pension funds in Ukraine. This study is based on the current regulatory framework, economic indicators, and information regarding the practical activities of the only non-state pension fund established by a religious organisation in Ukraine. Moreover, this study analyses the legal, ethical, security, economic, and corporate prerequisites for and factors that influence the formation and operation of church pension funds. In general, the conditions for the development of non-state accumulative pension funds in Ukraine are unfavourable; this is due to the high level of inflation, the backwardness of the financial institutions in the country, and the public distrust of these institutions. However, the positive factors influencing the development of pension funds established by religious organisations include the high performance of the “Pokrova” church fund, the stability of church institutions (which can become a benchmark for citizens in their attitude towards institutions established by religious organisations), and the interest of clergy and religious organisations themselves in the accumulation of clerical pensions (either in addition to the state pension or instead of it). Despite the fact that the practice of establishing such funds is not widespread, they deserve more attention from the state, as they fulfil an important social function - the provision of pension for a specific person (whether a believer, a clergyman, or any other person).

O ensino das artes no currículo educacional brasileiro e o pensamento de Ana Mae Barbosa

This writing aims to produce reflections on the productions of researcher Ana Mae Barbosa. Therefore, the question arises: What should arts teaching be like according to the thoughts of author Ana Mae Barbosa? To produce data for this qualitative research, documentary research was carried out on the CAPES journal portal. When briefly analyzing the current Brazilian educational legislation, the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) it is noted that Ana Mae Barbosa's thought was strongly considered, however, Arts Teaching still needs to overcome several challenges to develop the social function in society and the main agent for these transformations to occur is the teacher in this area of knowledge.

Metaphorical discourse in Beijing Winter Olympic news: a Trinocular Perspective analysis of language, cognition, and social functions.

This study utilizes the "Trinocular Perspective" metaphor analysis framework to delve into the language, cognition, and social functions of metaphors in news coverage of the Beijing Winter Olympics and their interactions, thereby revealing the role of metaphors in shaping and articulating the narratives within Olympic news communication. The research indicated that, at the linguistic level, metaphors enhanced the expressiveness and appeal of news discourse through diverse forms and dense distribution. At the cognitive level, metaphors fostered a deeper public understanding of abstract concepts such as the Olympic spirit, the values of a community with a shared future for mankind, China's national image, and the concept of sustainable development. On the social function level, metaphors will play a pivotal role in building social identity, disseminating values, highlighting social issues, and promoting social change. The language, cognition, and social functions of metaphors were closely interwoven, with linguistic expressions enriching cognitive frameworks, cognitive frameworks guiding the internalization and dissemination of social values, and social functions guiding public cognition through the strategic use of metaphorical language. This study reveals the critical function of metaphors in elevating the narrative richness and dissemination efficacy within the journalism of large-scale international sports competitions.

Alcohol abuse in poland - (un)solved issue? evaluation and culturally sensitive ethics of care proposal

This article deals with the issue of alcohol abuse, especially in Polish families. Although getting drunk is condemned, everyday alcohol abuse in many families is often ignored and not treated as a serious problem of high priority. Moreover, alcohol abuse among young people is also a major educational challenge and an intergenerational problem, as many Poles see alcohol as a quick and easy way to cope with difficulties in their personal and social functioning. This text is an attempt to answer the question about the current scale and dimensions of the problem of alcohol abuse in Poland. The methodology of Catholic Social Teaching has been applied to the issue in question, which includes the observation of the problem in a social perspective, its evaluation and identification of possible solutions based on the values and principles of the CST. The article also includes some recommendations for a holistic approach that takes into account the social, moral and spiritual dimensions of the problem.

A REVIEW OF CONCEPTUAL METONYMY - METHODS, THEORY AND DESCRIPTION

This paper systematically reviews the main content and academic contributions of Conceptual Metonymy - Methods, Theory and Description. As Volume 60 of the "Human Cognitive Processing" series, this book collects research findings on metonymy from the 12th International Cognitive Linguistics Conference. Through detailed analysis, this paper highlights the book's significant value in several aspects: First, the metonymy corpus and its 14-field description system established by Barcelona's team laid the methodological foundation for metonymy typology research; Second, the book's in-depth discussion of metonymy properties reveals characteristics such as the contingency and indexicality of metonymic reasoning, as well as the dual role of metonymic source in conceptual integration; Third, through multilingual empirical research, it demonstrates the universality of metonymy in constructional development, emotion construction, lexical morphological changes, and sign language construction, while highlighting metonymy's emotional, evaluative and social functions. This book not only advances the theoretical depth of metonymy research but also points out directions for future research, such as metonymy inhibiting factors and cross-linguistic metonymic features that still require further exploration. KEYWORDS: conceptual metonymy; metonymy corpus; metonymy properties; metonymic reasoning; pragmatic rhetorical functions; cognitive linguistics

Violating Maxims, Preserving Harmony: Pragmatic Strategies in Arabic Humor on Instagram Reels

Humor plays a vital role in human communication, serving complex social functions, especially within the Arab cultural context. This study aims to analyze the pragmatic aspects of Arabic humor by examining violations of cooperative principles and politeness strategies found in humorous dialogues. It focuses on pragmatic analysis based on Grice's cooperative principle and Brown and Levinson's politeness theory. These theoretical frameworks are particularly relevant to Arabic humor given the culture's strong emphasis on indirect communication and face-saving practices in social interactions. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the research analyzes ten humorous dialogues from Instagram Reels shared by the user @taraef_alarab. The study reveals that Arabic humor's effectiveness often lies in the intentional violation of the maxims of relation and quantity, along with the sophisticated use of politeness strategies to navigate sensitive situations, particularly within family and marital contexts. These findings confirm that humor serves as a social mechanism, allowing for the discussion of sensitive topics in a culturally acceptable manner. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the pragmatic role of humor in intercultural communication and provides an analytical framework for studying humor within the Arab socio-cultural context.

Relationship Between Quality of Life, Perceived Stress, and Disease Characteristics in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis in Al-Madinah.

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common chronic disease. Perceived stress is one of the risk factors that stimulate UC activity. Long-term clinical suffering negatively alters the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Aim This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HRQOL, perceived stress, and disease characteristics in patients with UC in Al-Madinah. Methodology Between June 2024 and September 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 122 participants. The test group included 61 UC patients who visited the gastroenterology department of King Fahd Hospital, Al Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Sixty-one healthy volunteers served as controls. Data were collected from the participants through an anonymous questionnaire after their consent. The questionnaire included demographic data, a 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a 36-item Short Form (SF-36) Survey, and UC clinical status data from the UC patients. Results The mean score of PSS was significantly greater in UC patients (19.23±5.28) than in the control group (11.21±6.644), p < 0.001. Patients with UC suffer significantly (p < 0.05) lower health-related quality of life than the control group. Ulcerative colitis patients experienced the lowest scores in the energy/fatigue (56.15±29.15) and emotional well-being domains (66.69±29.26). Sex standardized (β) (-0.308) and time since diagnosis β (0.336) were good predictors (p < 0.05) of physical functioning. Time since diagnosis β (0.401) and partial Mayo score (p Mayo) score β (-0.353) were good predictors (p < 0.05) of role limitations due to physical health. Time since diagnosis β (0.349) was a good predictor (p < 0.05) of role limitations due to emotional health. For social functioning, sex β (-0.348), smoking β (-0.314), time since diagnosis β (0.421), and extraintestinal manifestations β (-0.260) were good predictors (p < 0.05). Extraintestinal manifestations β (-0.386) were good predictors (p < 0.05) of pain. Time since diagnosis β (0.325) and p Mayo score β (-0.278) were good predictors (p < 0.05) of general health. Conclusion Patients with US had lower PSS and HRQOL domains than healthy individuals. Patients with UC experienced the lowest scores in the energy/fatigue and emotional well-being domains. Time since diagnosis, p Mayo score, extraintestinal manifestations, sex, and smoking were good predictors of many domains. This confirms the solidarity of psychological care with medical treatment in those patients.

Health-Related Quality of Life among Medical Students and Its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its associated factors among medical students residing in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad, Pakistan from July 2023 to December 2023. All medical students aged 18 years and above were included. HRQOL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), covering eight domains: Physical Functioning, Role Limitations due to Physical Health, Role Limitations due to Emotional Problems, Vitality, Mental Health, Social Functioning, Bodily Pain, and General Health Perception. Each domain was scored from 0 (low) to 100 (high). Physical and Mental Component Summary scores were also calculated. Results: Of total 300 students, SF-36 domains showed higher mean scores in Bodily Pain and Physical Functioning i.e., 66.6 ±24.9 and 61.6 ±29.1. Males reported significantly higher mean scores in General Health Perception (pvalue &lt; 0.001) and Vitality (p-value 0.013), while females had significantly higher Physical Functioning scores (pvalue &lt;0.005). Students &gt;21 years had significantly higher mean scores in Physical Functioning (p-value 0.017). Furthermore, day scholars showed significantly better mean scores in Physical Functioning (p-value &lt;0.001), Bodily Pain (p-value 0.020), Social Functioning (p-value 0.030), and Physical Component Summary (p-value &lt;0.001) than hostelites. Students who exercised (p-value 0.020), had strong family relationships (p-value 0.003), and faced no distressing family events (p-value &lt;0.001) reported significantly higher SF-36 scores. Conclusion: Overall, SF-36 domains showed higher mean scores in Bodily Pain and Physical Functioning, with significant differences in HRQOL based on age, gender, residence, and lifestyle factors among medical students.

Forceps minor control of social behaviour.

The PRISM project, funded by the EU's Innovative Medicines Initiative, has identified a transdiagnostic, pathophysiological relationship between the integrity of the default mode network (DMN) and social dysfunction. To explore the causal link between DMN integrity and social behaviour, we employed a preclinical back-translation approach, using focal demyelination of the forceps minor to disrupt DMN connectivity in mice. By applying advanced techniques such as functional ultrasound imaging and automated analysis of social behaviour, we demonstrated that reduced DMN connectivity leads to impaired social interactions and increased anxiety in mice. Notably, these effects were reversible, indicating that the forceps minor, a critical fibre tract connecting key DMN regions in the prefrontal cortex, plays a crucial role in social function. This study provides direct evidence for a causal relationship between DMN integrity and social dysfunction, with potential implications for developing targeted treatments in precision psychiatry.

Health-related quality of life in 62 patients with diffuse low-grade glioma during a non-therapeutic and progression-free phase: a cross-sectional study.

Few studies have evaluated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with diffuse low-grade glioma (LGG) during a clinical and radiological monitoring period. We report a cross sectional cohort study of HRQoL in patients with LGG and compare the results with normative population data. We then explore factors associated with HRQoL. We used the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30, BN-20 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to evaluate HRQoL. Averaged QLQC30 and HADS scores were compared with scores of a normative population. A general linear model multivariate analysis of variance was used to investigate the association between HRQoL and independent factors. A total of 62 patients with LGG completed HRQoL questionnaires. Compared with a normative population, LGG patients reported statistical and clinically significant lower cognitive, emotional, role and social functioning. Fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances were frequently reported. Awake surgery and preserved high Karnofsky Performance Status were found to be independent prognostic factors for better global HRQoL, while radiotherapy was associated with worsened HRQoL. Despite a non-therapeutic and progression free phase, LGG patients report noticeable limitations in several HRQoL subscales. Our study highlights the importance of HRQoL assessment not only at diagnosis or during active therapeutic stage. Further studies are needed to develop better adapted tools of HRQoL assessment.

Toward the Human Scale in Smart Cities: Exploring the Role of Active Mobility in Ecosystemic Urbanism

Active Mobility (AM) currently presents an opportunity to change the paradigm of the competitive and dispersed city created by motorized mobility, revaluing the role of walking and cycling in generating more sustainable urban ecosystems. This article addresses the challenges and opportunities for AM to contribute to the regeneration of urban systems and the capacity for anticipation. This article analyzes AM using the Ecosystemic Urbanism (EU) as an analysis framework within its four axes: social cohesion, complexity, efficiency, and compactness and functionality. Through this analysis, the points of incidence of AM were identified within each of these axes. The study highlights the potential of AM to act as a transformative driver in urban development, integrating an ecological framework where urban systems are interconnected and mutually reinforced. This perspective reveals walking and cycling as a catalyst for reshaping urban interactions. In light of this, future cities must adopt a human urban scale through compactness that fosters complexity and diverse and engaging urban interactions. In addition, the enjoyability achieved through AM brings significant ecosystem benefits by promoting awareness of others, nature, and the interconnectedness between the individual and the city. This represents a new paradigm shift in which the automobile does not play the central role, allowing more sustainable ways of living together.

Peculiarities of patrol police activity during martial law

The article carries out a thorough analysis of the current legislation regarding the peculiarities of the patrol police during the period of martial law. To formulate the problems of this research, the relevance of the topic, the state of its research by the national legal science was substantiated. The Patrol Police is a unit of the National Police of Ukraine that patrols the streets around the clock, and is also the first to respond to 102 calls, in order to ensure public order and safety, protect the rights of citizens, road safety, ensures public order and safety in the event of mass events, is involved to eliminate the consequences of an accident, disaster, natural disaster. The patrol police work in nonstop mode (round the clock and continuously). Patrolling is carried out by a police crew, which consists of two police officers, and a foot patrol also operates in clearly defined areas. Police officers report to platoon commanders. In modern conditions, the patrol police not only perform the traditional functions of maintaining public order, but are also actively involved in tasks related to ensuring the functioning of the military administration, protecting critical infrastructure, evacuating the civilian population, supporting public safety in the face of the threat of missile attacks and other military actions . The goal is a doctrinal study and determination, based on the analysis of the current legislation, of the peculiarities of the patrol police during the period of martial law. It has been established that during martial law, police officers perform not only law enforcement functions, but also social assistance functions — they organize evacuation, ensure order during the distribution of humanitarian aid, and provide psychological support to citizens. Therefore, there is a need to develop new skills for patrol officers. Patrol officers require specific combat training that includes the basics of tactical medicine, evacuating the wounded, avoiding minefields and other military threats. Without such training, their actions may be less effective, and the risks to life and health may be higher.

Supplemental Material for A Functionalist Perspective of Young Children’s Anger and Sadness

Supplemental Material for A Functionalist Perspective of Young Children’s Anger and Sadness

Intra-familial rape – characteristics of the phenomenon = Zgwałcenie w rodzinie – charakterystyka zjawiska

The main aim of the study was an attempt to develop and present characteristics of rapes that occurred in the family, with consideration of the modus operandi of the perpetrators according to the degree of kinship, their motivational background, the circumstances under which the acts were committed, and the psychosocial profile of the perpetrator and the victim. Moreover, an attempt was made to isolate the risk factors for intra-familial rapes, with the possibility of using them in preventive measures. The study was conducted based on empirical material from court cases in which the perpetrators of rapes were related to the victims. The research material consisted of files of criminal cases completed with a final judgment in 2015-2020. At the request of the researcher, criminal cases meeting the accepted criteria, where the male or female perpetrator of rape was a person related to the victim or a partner, were made available from the criminal departments of the courts. In the study presented here, a total of 46 intra-familial rape cases were analysed, of which 38 involve incestuous rape and 8 involve partner rape. Regardless of the type of abuse and kinship, the perpetrators were characterized by a fairly low psychosocial status (low level of education, low occupational status), addiction or alcohol abuse, personality disorders, problems with higher emotionality. Most of the acts against minors were of a substitutionary nature, the perpetrators did not show sexual preference disorders in the form of paedophilia. Alcohol abuse and personality disorders are risk factors irrespective of the cases. Impulse and emotional control deficits, deficits in understanding emotions and feelings, low self-esteem and lack of established normal male role models. A risk factor is the perpetrators’ limited intellect and associated impaired social functioning: reduced critical thinking, lack of internalised social norms, elevated levels of sexual drive and limitations in the areas of impulse control and deferring gratification.

The genesis of the establishment and development of the legal profession in the Ukrainian territories during the Lithuanian and Austrian Rule

The article is devoted to the study of the formation and development of the legal profession in the Ukrainian territories during the period of Lithuanian and Austrian rule. It is established that when Ukrainian lands became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the legal norms in force on its territory not only streamlined the judicial process, but also gave the prosecutor’s activity a labor character, transforming it into a profession. With the development of municipal self-government, in particular Magdeburg law, prosecutorial activity began to acquire a formalized framework, and with the introduction of the Lithuanian statutes, the legal status of prosecutors was enshrined in the highest legal acts. Despite certain shortcomings, the institution of judicial intercession was firmly rooted in the judicial process and became an integral element of the democratization of the judicial system in the Ukrainian territories in the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries. During the period when the Ukrainian territories were under the rule of the Austrian monarchs, the legal profession was regulated in accordance with Austrian law, providing a clear regulatory framework for the functioning of the Bar. Austrian legal acts defined the conditions for admission to the bar, the duties of attorneys and their liability, contributing to the formation of high standards for the personality of an attorney. The rigorous selection of applicants not only ensured that attorneys provided quality services, but also contributed to strengthening the authority of the bar in society, increasing confidence in it as an institution that performs a special social function, defending the rights and interests of citizens. As a result, the Bar of that time gradually gained public recognition, becoming an important factor in the legal life of the country and a significant social force. It is established that during the nineteenth century, the role of an attorney-at-law went beyond the traditional advocacy in court: attorneys-at-law provided legal advice, facilitated the settlement of legal transactions, and explained to citizens their rights and opportunities in the context of current legislation. In this way, lawyers contributed to the dissemination of legal knowledge and the formation of legal awareness in society. During the Austrian rule, the practice of law became the foundation for the observance of the rights and freedoms of Ukrainians, subjects of the Empire, and strengthened the level of public trust in legal institutions in the Ukrainian territories.

The dance of smiles: Comparing smile synchrony in nondistressed and therapy-seeking couples.

Dyadic affective processes are key determinants of romantic relationship quality. One such process termed emotional synchrony (i.e., the coupling of partners' emotions) has attracted growing attention in recent years. The present study focused on synchrony in partners' smiles, a nonverbal signal with significant social functions. Specifically, smile synchrony in the interactions of nondistressed couples was compared to smile synchrony in therapy-seeking couples. The former were predicted to show higher levels of smile synchrony. Data from the interactions of 61 (30 nondistressed and 31 treatment-seeking) couples were collected during a laboratory session while they engaged in four 6-min interactions during which they discussed positive or negative aspects of their relationship. FaceReader software was used to continuously code each partner's smile. Compared to treatment-seeking couples, nondistressed couples exhibited higher levels of smile synchrony, and such synchrony occurred in shorter time intervals. These results suggest that smile synchrony may be used as a behavioral signature of relationship quality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).