Social Interaction Patterns Research Articles

This study aims to determine the relationship between gadget addiction and the social interaction patterns of students in vocational high schools. The method used in this study was qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Participants were selected based on tendencies toward addictive behavior in gadget use, based on information from guidance counselors. The results showed that students experienced difficulty managing time, emotional dependence, and a decline in the quality of direct social interactions. Limitations of this study lie in the homogenous background of the participants and the lack of in-depth exploration of students' personal experiences. These findings can be used to design preventative services such as information services, group guidance services, and curative services that include collaboration between school counselors and parents, the implementation of group counseling using the CBT model, as well as family counseling.

With the rapid development of digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies, the emotional economy has increasingly become a major driving force behind global economic and social structural transformations. Emotional value is being amplified across various domains—such as digital platforms, online healthcare, live-streaming e-commerce, and virtual communities—reshaping production relations, consumer behavior, and patterns of social interaction. Grounded in multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks, this paper systematically reviews the historical evolution, core characteristics, and digital driving mechanisms of the emotional economy. It further analyzes its profound impacts on mental health, employment structures, social relationships, and cultural identity, and reveals its real-world manifestations through case studies of representative platforms and industries from both domestic and international contexts. The findings suggest that while the emotional economy significantly contributes to social welfare, industrial innovation, and inclusive development, it also poses a series of risks, including the alienation of emotional labor, privacy breaches, digital divides, algorithmic bias, and challenges in platform governance. The paper concludes by proposing collaborative governance strategies—such as digital literacy education, platform innovation, legal and policy advancement, and multi-stakeholder participation—to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the emotional economy and offer both theoretical insight and practical reference for the shared prosperity of digital society.

Autism spectrum disorder (asd) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behavior patterns in children. These children often face challenges in motor development, limiting their autonomy and daily activities. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in early intervention to stimulate motor development, improve postural skills, and improve gross and fine motor coordination. This study aimed to analyze the contributions of physical therapy to the motor development of children with asd, highlighting its importance in improving quality of life and promoting social inclusion. The literature review showed that physical therapy, through specific methods and interdisciplinary approaches, can significantly improve functionality, reduce limitations, and expand the motor potential of these children.

Autism is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by restricted, repetitive behaviors and atypical patterns of social communication and interaction. A considerable proportion of autistic individuals experience divergent auditory perception, which can interfere with their ability to navigate everyday sound environments. Auditory brainstem responses are electrophysiological potentials elicited by auditory stimuli that evaluate neural activity along the auditory nerve and brainstem. Importantly, the auditory brainstem response varies by sex, with females typically showing higher amplitudes and shorter latencies than males. This sex-specific neurophysiological profile is especially relevant in autism research, where the male-to-female diagnosis ratio is approximately 3:1. Thus, exploring the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex-specific variations in autistic traits is essential. Furthermore, autism sensory profiles may vary based on the independent and mutual effects of environmental and genetic factors. To deepen this understanding, we examined auditory brainstem responses in two rat models of autism: the GRIN2B rare mutation model and the prenatal valproic acid induction model, alongside control animals. We assessed peak amplitudes and latencies (Waves I through V), inter-peak intervals (I-III, I-V, and III-V), and amplitude ratios (III:I, V:I, and V:III). Female rats generally exhibited greater amplitudes and longer latencies across waveforms. Regarding rat models, control animals consistently showed larger amplitudes and shorter latencies compared to autism-like models. Exploratory analyses further suggested pairwise interactions between sex and rat model, indicating modulation of auditory phenotypes linked to autism. Thus, our findings reveal key insights into the effects of sex and rat model, as well as their interactions.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social interaction, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. ASD presents as a clinical spectrum, with variable levels of severity and multiple co-occurring conditions. The etiology of ASD may involve hundreds of genes and there is evidence that neurotransmitter and synaptic (NS) pathways are implicated. Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) has made it possible to study the concentration of brain neurometabolites and compare their levels in the brains of ASD and control individuals. We integrated genetic variants in NS genes with 1H-MRS analysis, and identified 12 predicted damaging variants (PDVs) in 12 NS genes in 10 ASD individuals, most mapping to genes involved in Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate pathways. Total creatine (tCr) and total N-acetyl aspartate (tNAA), markers of bioenergetics and neuronal metabolism, respectively, were lower in ASD patients with genetic alterations in NS genes compared to a control group without ASD. We conclude that PDVs in NS genes that are important for the regulation of glutamate or involved in GABAergic functions are associated with neurometabolic alterations, and that dysfunction in glutamatergic and/or GABAergic pathways may be implicated as these pathways are linked to the metabolic measures altered in cases.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-20090-x.

In animal groups, spatial structure shapes social interaction patterns, thereby influencing the transmission of infectious diseases. Active modifications to the spatial environment could therefore be a potent tool to mitigate epidemic risk. We tested whether Lasius niger ants modify their nest architecture in response to pathogens by introducing control- or pathogen-treated individuals into nest-digging groups and monitoring three-dimensional nest morphogenesis. Pathogen exposure led to architectural changes, including faster nest growth, increased interentrance distance, transmission-inhibitory changes in nest network topology, and reduced chamber centrality. Simulations confirmed that these changes reduced transmission and highlighted a synergy between architectural and behavioral responses to disease. These results provide evidence for architectural immunity in a social animal and offer insights into how spatial organization can be leveraged to decrease epidemic susceptibility.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by anormal development, behavioral manifestações, deficits in communication and social interaction, repetitive and unoriginal behavior patterns, and a limited interest in a particular activity. This study seeks to understand what can be done to improve the quality of life of parents of autistic children by reducing burden and analyzing the characteristics of their routine and behavior. It concludes that the SF36 questionnaire is na important tool for understanding how to help parents of autistic children.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behavior patterns, frequently associated with food selectivity. This condition may lead to restrictive diets, nutritional deficiencies, and family overload. Considering its relevance, this study aimed to investigate strategies and tools of nutritional education designed to improve food acceptance in children with ASD, seeking to understand their effects on health and quality of life. This research consisted of an integrative literature review carried out in national and international databases, including scientific articles, books, and academic papers published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Recent studies were selected that addressed adapted nutritional interventions, such as parent training programs, behavioral techniques, technological resources, sensory strategies, and telehealth support. The results indicated that structured parent training programs and behavioral techniques were the most effective in increasing food acceptance, while sensory and digital strategies showed promising results, especially when associated with family involvement. Telehealth interventions proved feasible to reduce caregiver stress and support nutritional follow-up, although their effectiveness depended on family adherence. It is concluded that food acceptance in children with ASD requires multifaceted and interdisciplinary approaches, integrating nutritional, sensory, technological, and educational aspects. Active family participation and the use of methodologies tailored to individual needs stand out as decisive factors for the success of interventions. Further longitudinal studies are needed to broaden the understanding of nutritional and functional impacts of these strategies.

The present work explores how two intuitive theories inform young children's inferences about social groups. In three studies (N = 821), we tested whether 3- to 7-year-old children view novel (Studies 1 and 3), gender (Studies 2 and 3), and racial (Studies 2 and 3) groups as (a) marking individuals who are fundamentally similar to one another and (b) marking patterns of social relationships and interactions. We found evidence for both of these sets of beliefs. Children predicted that ingroup members would be more similar to one another than outgroup members for all of the groups tested. Children also predicted that novel group members would be friends with one another, would be nice to one another, and would avoid harming one another, and predictions regarding gender and racial groups increasingly followed patterns similar to predictions about novel groups across development. We also found preliminary evidence that individual differences among children inform the ways in which children develop their expectations of intergroup interaction. These findings suggest that children combine their abstract knowledge with their understanding of groups in the real-world to navigate the complex social world that they inhabit. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the optimal length of time to engage older adults with moderate dementia in preferred therapeutic recreation interventions (TRIs). By elucidating the patterns of engagement within and between TRIs, this study offers valuable insights for recreation therapists (RTs), enabling them to more adeptly address the needs of this demographic. Key findings from the study indicate that TRIs with a duration of 35 minutes or less are more effective in promoting engagement among older adults with moderate dementia, compared to longer sessions. Higher engagement levels were also observed in programs that support independent participation, suggesting that autonomy plays a critical role in sustaining involvement. Moreover, TRIs designed for continuous participation, rather than those requiring invited or turn-based engagement, were associated with more favorable engagement outcomes. When examining patterns of social interaction, programs characterized by aggregate interactional formats yielded higher levels of engagement than those with more competitive or cooperative approaches. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying engagement in recreation settings and underscore the importance of program structure and delivery. The results inform practical recommendations for RTs, providing an evidence-informed rationale for selecting specific intervention types and optimizing program duration for individuals with moderate dementia. Suggestions are presented for future research projects.

Abstract Animal social systems are remarkably diverse, ranging from solitary individuals to well-connected cooperative groups. Understanding the drivers of this variation is a key question in behavioural ecology and has been the focus of numerous studies linking social structure to ecological, demographic, and life history patterns within groups, populations, and species. Equipped with this information, researchers are now turning to investigations that are comparative in nature. However, comparing social networks remains a considerable logistical and analytical challenge. Here, we present the latent layers framework, which outlines how observed social networks are linked to the two underlying latent networks that are of interest for most research questions: the realised social network (the actual pattern of social interactions), and the social preference network driving these interactions. This conceptual framework provides a clear and unified approach to understand when and why differences in network properties and sampling protocols can introduce discrepancies between observed and latent networks, potentially biasing or confounding statistical inference. We then use this conceptual framework to outline some of the central challenges to comparing animal social networks, describe why and how they create challenges for comparative analyses, and suggest potential directions for solutions. The latent layers framework can help researchers to identify networks they can (or cannot) compare. In doing so, this framework facilitates advances in comparative social network studies with the potential to generate new and important insights into the ecological and evolutionary drivers of variation in social structure across the animal kingdom.

Social behaviors are essential for both reproduction and survival. Human and animals exhibit distinct patterns of social interaction following trauma experienced during puberty, which are shaped by the complex interplay between environmental and biological factors. Although neuropeptides and early life stress (ELS) influence social behavior, it remains unclear whether the regulation of neuropeptides in response to ELS further modulates social behavior. Two sex neuropeptides, oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), exert profound effects on social behaviors. Therefore, we investigate the involvement of OT and AVP in modulating the alterations in social behavior resulting from ELS. The 89 adult men participants were divided into heterosexual (n=32) and gay/bisexual (n=57) groups. Mental health and the serum levels of OT and AVP were evaluated. Our clinical samples reveal significant variations in ELS exposure across sexual orientation groups, which correlate with neuroendocrine alterations, including altered OT and AVP levels. Animal study further substantiates the critical role of OT and AVP in mediating these changes, highlighting their involvement in shaping social behavior. These findings uncover potential underlying mechanisms through which the OT and AVP systems contribute to stress-induced alterations in social behavior.

The divide between urban and rural life has been one of the most enduring themes in human history. Cities have long symbolized opportunity, innovation, and cultural exchange, while villages have represented stability, agriculture, and community life. In India, this contrast has been particularly striking, from the planned cities of the Indus Valley to the colonial port towns and today’s sprawling metropolises. The twenty-first century, however, has introduced a new force reshaping both spaces: artificial intelligence (AI). Much like the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century, AI promises to alter patterns of work, education, healthcare, and social interaction, but it also raises questions about inequality, access, and continuity with the past. This paper offers a historical reflection on the transition of living conditions in cities and villages in the age of AI. It begins by tracing the roots of the urban–rural divide in Indian history, examining how colonial and post-colonial policies deepened or reshaped these differences. It then explores how AI is influencing healthcare, education, employment, housing, and cultural life in both urban and rural settings, comparing opportunities with limitations. The study argues that while AI may deepen existing divides, it also carries the potential to bridge them if approached inclusively. By placing current transformations within a longer historical arc, this research suggests that the AI era is not an unprecedented rupture but part of the ongoing story of how technology reshapes the balance between cities and villages.

The birth of a baby is a significant milestone for both parents, marking a major life transition into parenthood. In high-risk situations, such as preterm delivery, this event disrupts functional adaptation and greatly impacts parents' ability to recognize and effectively respond to their newborn's physiological and developmental needs. Positive interactions and sensitive responses to an infant's needs enable parents to foster development, supporting regulatory processes and establishing healthy social interaction patterns. The Newborn Behavioral Observation (NBO) Early Intervention is a prevention-focused follow-up program initiated shortly after birth during a developmental window when the infant's brain is highly receptive to environmental influences, maximizing its impact on infant development. Recent applications of the NBO intervention in at-risk contexts have shown promising effects on both infant development and the parent-infant relationship. This educational mini-review aims to summarize the main findings and future prospects of using the NBO to support the transition to parenthood from birth through the first months of life, particularly in high-risk environments such as intensive care units.

Mobile health (mHealth) for breast cancer care can greatly benefit patients' symptom management. Although research supports the effectiveness of mHealth, older adult patients with breast cancer often face difficulties using it, hindering them from accessing effective symptom management possibilities. Understanding the preference for mHealth among this population is crucial for providing insights into effective mHealth design. This study aimed to better understand the symptom management preference using mHealth for Chinese older adult patients with breast cancer and use the approach of personas to inform the mHealth design. This was a descriptive qualitative study. In total, 17 patients with breast cancer aged 60 years and older were recruited from tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China, using purposive sampling. Data were collected through one-on-one interviews. Content analysis was used to identify the factors that influence participants' symptom management preference using mHealth. The categories of influencing factors of preference informed the persona template and guided the development of the persona. We identified 3 major categories affecting participants' preference for mHealth, including social interaction patterns, mHealth literacy, and symptoms. The following five personas were developed: (1) Positive Manager, (2) Dependent Parent, (3) Management Isolationist, (4) Image Manager, and (5) Clinician Dependent. We provide insights into how these personas can be used when designing and implementing mHealth for symptom management support. Key factors influencing symptom management preference using mHealth among Chinese older adult patients with breast cancer and personas developed based on that can foster a better understanding of this population and initiate future mHealth design and implementation.

Social media has profoundly reshaped the way youth interact, communicate, and build relationships in the digital age. As platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp become central to daily life, understanding their psychosocial impacts on young people is critical. This scoping review aims to map and synthesize existing research on how social media influences youth social interaction patterns. A total of 82 studies published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed, covering diverse cultural and geographical contexts. Thematic analysis identified four key areas: (1) social media as a catalyst for friendship formation, (2) evolving communication styles shaped by visual and ephemeral content, (3) the rise of digital intimacy and emotional support networks, and (4) the amplification of peer conflict, social comparison, and algorithmic pressures. The findings reveal both opportunities (e.g., global connections and creative self-expression) and risks (e.g., performative self-presentation, cyberbullying, and FOMO). Practical recommendations include implementing digital literacy programs in education, fostering authentic connections through platform design, and developing policies for algorithmic transparency and youth online safety. This review highlights the need for intersectional and globally aware frameworks and calls for longitudinal research to inform interventions that promote youth well-being in digital spaces.

The transformation of public spaces in urban areas often reflects a response to changes in lifestyle and patterns of social interaction. One form of such transformation can be found in the revitalization of the second floor of Pasar Kosambi, Bandung, which is now known as The Hallway Space. This space offers a more contemporary interior design approach, targets the needs of the younger generation, and demonstrates an effort to make traditional spaces a new platform for more inclusive social and economic activities. This research aims to examine the extent to which the space-forming elements, namely the floor, walls and ceiling, play a role in facilitating social interaction in a semi-commercial culinary space. The approach used is descript-+ive-qualitative, with field observation methods and an in-depth literature review o/f interior element theory and the concept of third space. The research focused on the culinary tenant area and communal dining room as the main center of user activities. By considering interior design as an active element in shaping social experience, this study highlights the interrelationship between the structure of space and the dynamics of user interaction. This research is expected to enrich the understanding of how creative public spaces act as facilitators of social relations in the context of contemporary cities, as well as open new discussions on the role of design in supporting the formation of adaptive and relevant third spaces Keywords: Interior Design, Third Space, Space Elements, The Hallway Space, Social Interaction

Road construction is not merely a physical infrastructure project; it also significantly impacts the social dynamics of local communities. This study aims to analyze the social dynamics within the community during the road construction process carried out by PT. Cipta Bangun Nusantara (CBN), particularly focusing on social interactions, shifts in power structures, and community adaptation to physical environmental changes. The research was conducted in Ulubelu Village, Golewa Sub-district, Ngada Regency, using a descriptive qualitative method, including observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The findings reveal that road infrastructure development has led to changes in social interaction patterns, both among individuals and community groups, as well as shifts in local power structures. The study also uncovers several negative impacts, such as conflicts over land ownership, access to resources, and changes in community lifestyles. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable road development planning that includes community participation and considers the social impacts of such projects. This research is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the social impacts of rural infrastructure development and provide recommendations for more inclusive and sustainable planning and implementation.

The rapid urbanization of Chinese cities has intensified the demand for age-friendly public spaces that promote health and social engagement among the elderly. This research investigates the complex relationships among environmental attributes, perceived well-being, and social interaction in Chengdu’s neighborhood parks, using Space Syntax analysis as a core methodological framework. A total of 287 elderly individuals were surveyed across six neighborhood parks, selected to represent varying spatial structures and amenity quality. Environmental configuration was quantified using Space Syntax metrics such as integration, connectivity, and visual accessibility. Simultaneously, structured observations and on-site questionnaires captured data on social interaction patterns and perceived well-being. The data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) and statistical methods, including Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression, was used to assess relationships between spatial configuration, perceived well-being, and social interaction frequency. The results showed strong positive effects of social interaction (β = 0.44) and environmental quality (β = 0.42) on perceived well-being (p < 0.001). All constructs demonstrated high reliability (α = 0.81–0.88) and valid factor structures, confirming model strength. Furthermore, an SEM analysis showed that this mediation was moderated by interaction type, with family-based interactions exerting a stronger influence on well-being compared to friend-based ones. This research provides empirical evidence that spatially well-integrated and visually accessible park environments significantly enhance social cohesion and subjective well-being among the elderly. These findings offer critical insights for designing inclusive, age-friendly public spaces that support active and healthy aging in urban China.

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth and stillbirth are primary adverse pregnancy outcomes. Research during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed reductions in preterm birth in some countries, while stillbirth rates increased or remained unchanged. These findings suggest the presence of preventable risk factors associated with changes in physical activity and lower exposure to community-acquired infections due to lockdown measures, altered social interaction patterns or reduced access to antenatal care. Assessing seasonal variation may offer insights into whether lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 lockdown period influenced preterm birth rates. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the electronic medical records of Bihor and Sibiu counties. Preterm deliveries (<37 weeks) and stillbirths during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) were compared with the corresponding pre-pandemic (2018 and 2019) and post-pandemic (2022 and 2023) period. Preterm birth rates during summer and winter in the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic years were analyzed. A comparison with rates during strict lockdown was made. Results: Out of 52,021 newborn infants, 4473 were born preterm. Preterm birth rates remained stable across all three periods (p = 0.13), and no significant seasonal pattern was identified (p = 0.65). In contrast, stillbirth rates increased notably during the strict lockdown period, with the median incidence almost doubling compared to other periods (0.87%, p = 0.05), while remaining unchanged during the rest of the pandemic (p = 0.52). Conclusions: Our study found that preterm birth rates remained unaffected by the pandemic and lockdown periods, while stillbirths increased significantly during the strict lockdown. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining access to timely antenatal care during public health emergencies to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes.