Psychological Theory Research Articles

The complex social, cultural and psychological drivers of the ‘chemsex’ experiences of men who have sex with men: a systematic review and conceptual thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

IntroductionChemsex’ is the sexualised use of drugs among men who have sex with men (MSM). Past systematic reviews have primarily focussed on quantitative research exploring the key characteristics and health consequences of chemsex. However, a large body of qualitative literature exists, drawing on different theoretical frameworks.MethodsA systematic review and thematic synthesis of the qualitative research on chemsex was conducted with the aim of exploring the chemsex experiences of MSM in the context of substance misuse and addictions, and to reviewing their underlying theoretical frameworks. Six databases were searched, and 43 papers were included in the review.ResultsThe thematic synthesis resulted in four key themes: ‘characterising chemsex’, ‘the context around chemsex’, ‘the chemsex experience’, and ‘harms, saying safe, and stopping chemsex’. Only nine papers explicitly drew on theoretical frameworks, which were broadly divided into two categories: those which drew on psychological theories, and those that framed chemsex as a social and cultural phenomenon.DiscussionThe results of the thematic synthesis add further understanding of the key characteristics of chemsex as well as some of the complex social and psychological drivers which may shape why people have chemsex. Finally, the review highlights the clinical implications and inherent complexities in providing clinical services for those reporting chemsex and the need for greater application of theory to advance our understanding of chemsex and continue to develop appropriate forms of therapeutic support.Systematic review registrationhttps://osf.io/j6k9r/.

Postural correlates of pleasant landscapes visual perception

IntroductionThe interplay between motor skills and emotions in the brain represents a significant and longstanding research question. Recently, posturography has provided new insights into this subject. Understanding the biological processes that influence the appreciation of nature and landscapes is also a crucial concern, prompting various experimental methods and theoretical frameworks. This research aimed to propose, for the first time, the use of posturography to study the different ways postural control is modulated by visual perception of pleasant scenes.MethodsA total of 37 participants (27 females, 10 males; mean age = 24 years ±5 years) were shown images of pleasant and neutral landscapes, while posturographic data were collected. Two viewing conditions were employed: passive vision and active vision, where participants were instructed to envision themselves in the presented scenes.ResultsThe results indicated a differential modulation of the postural response based on valence factors (pleasant vs. neutral) and mental simulation (passive vs. active). Notably, significant differences in approach-avoidance behavior were observed approximately 7 s after the onset of stimulus viewing.DiscussionThe findings are discussed in relation to major theories in environmental psychology, highlighting the central role of emotional and embodiment processes in appreciating pleasant environmental scenes and related motor behaviors.

The Socio-Cultural Architecture of Depression: Integrating Psychological Theories with Cross-Cultural Insights

Depression is a widely prevalent mental illness that cannot be reduced by cultural, societal, or even economic statuses of people. Probably for most of the past depression has been viewed from psychological and biomedical perspectives with a center on neurochemical disorders, negative thinking patterns, and lack of understanding of one’s mood. However, there is growing understanding that socio-cultural factors bear a great influence on the development of depression, its manifestation and management. The purpose of this research was to examine the cultural factors in depressive disorders with an assessment of how culture shapes depression with particular reference to social culture, organization, and history and to examine the difference between individualist and collectivist cultures in relation to depression and its treatment aims to capture how different cultures underpin depression. The study was qualitative only in the broad sense of the term since it is cross-cultural, comparative, and based on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and case studies, which provided ample qualitative information from a range of individuals diagnosed with depression across cultures. Similarly, mental health care professionals in various organizations of different ethnicities were engaged to share culturally appropriate approaches for tackling issues and managing the clients. Content analysis was used in order to compare and contrast the data collected by identifying for patterns, trends and differences of subjects’ experience with regard to symptoms portrayed, the coping strategies utilized and social support they have, and mental health services available to them. The participants completed questionnaires as well as engaged in the semi-structured interviews to compare and contrast their experiences of depression and its treatment in individualistic societies where people do not seek help because the problem is a personal issue to people of collectivism societies where depression is viewed in the context of relationships. In conclusion, this research is intended to provide information for the improvement and development of other non-western modes of intervention for the mental health care in the global level. The study incorporated interviews with people of different cultures, and thus it helps in providing a broader outlook to depression as well as how to enhance mental health in a culturally dominating world. The study aims to advocate for the use of culturally relevant treatment plans especially in the areas of mental health to improve the quality of the overall solutions offered in the globe.

The Relationship Between Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Career Adaptability Among University Students: The Roles of Grit and Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy

Enhancing the career adaptability of university students is a practical necessity for addressing the challenge of student employment. This study explores the relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction and career adaptability among university students based on Basic Psychological Need Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory and constructs a corresponding chain mediation model. A survey was conducted among 635 university students from six provinces across China. The results indicate the following findings: (1) grit partially mediates the relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction and career adaptability among university students; (2) career decision-making self-efficacy also partially mediates this relationship; and (3) grit and career decision-making self-efficacy serve as chain mediators in the relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction and career adaptability. This study provides empirical support and significant guidance for enhancing the career adaptability development of university students.

Failing to express emotion on 911 calls triggers suspicion through violating expectations and moral typecasting.

Coming to suspect that someone has engaged in wrongdoing based on their unexpected behavior is a common phenomenon-yet, little is known about what triggers initial suspicion. We investigated how violating expectations for high emotionality during a traumatic event can trigger suspicion that one has engaged in immoral-or even criminal-activity through moral typecasting. Five studies demonstrate this theory in a criminal context with dire real-world consequences: 911 callers reporting violent crimes generating suspicion by exhibiting unexpected behavior, which could trigger confirmation bias in investigations leading to wrongful convictions. Using both real and tightly controlled simulated 911 calls, we demonstrated that failing to express the expected level of emotion on a 911 call reporting a violent crime led laypeople and police to morally typecast the caller as more of a moral agent capable of perpetrating immoral acts and less of a moral patient capable of being the victim of immoral acts-ultimately increasing suspicion that they were involved in the crime and support for treating them as a suspect. We advance moral psychological theory by demonstrating that failing to express expected levels of emotion about a moral violation can shape moral inferences about someone's capacity to commit versus be the victim of moral wrongs, thereby generating suspicion that they might have engaged in wrongdoing. We demonstrated this theory in criminal settings to explain how one tragedy can become two: altruistic witnesses calling 911 to plead for help on behalf of another person becoming suspects of the crime they reported because they failed to exhibit the expected emotional demeanor. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Book Review: Merry Morash, In a Box Gender-Responsive Reform, Mass Community Supervision, and Neoliberal Policies.

Dr. Merry Morash, a Professor at the School of Criminal Justice concluded a 6-year interdisciplinary mixed-methods study on the impact of probation and parole services on women. The study combined communication and psychology theories with criminal justice theories on supervision and reentry from prison. The second phase focused on women's identity change concerning recidivism and other life outcomes. Dr. Morash is involved as a research partner with the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries' re-entry program for women and men transitioning from prison to Detroit. Her research primarily centers on gender, crime, and justice, wii th publications on various topics such as women and girls in the juvenile justice system, experiences of battered immigrant women in the U.S., and women in law enforcement.

Nonverbal Communication and its Effects on Human Relations: An Analysis from Surah Luqman

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human relations and interactions, encompassing both verbal and nonverbal elements. While much emphasis is placed on verbal communication, nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures often carry significant weight in conveying messages. The study of nonverbal communication has garnered attention across various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and anthropology. However, the exploration of nonverbal communication through the lens of religious texts, particularly the Qur'an, remains relatively underexplored. This paper seeks to fill this gap by examining the teachings of Surah Luqman, a chapter in the Qur'an that offers profound wisdom on ethical conduct and human relationships. By integrating Islamic exegesis with psychological theories and contemporary research on nonverbal communication, this study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the role of body language and other nonverbal cues in fostering positive human relations.The analysis will focus on how nonverbal communication, as implied in the verses, influences human relations and the ethical principles that govern such interactions. The results of the study show that, in contemporary times, the relevance of these principles remains strong, as they provide a framework for addressing modern communication challenges. By adhering to the Islamic guidelines of honesty, respect, and empathy in communication, individuals can cultivate positive interpersonal relations that contribute to personal and communal well-being.

Mass Shootings in the 21st Century: An Examination through the Lens of the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide

Mass Shootings in the 21st Century: An Examination through the Lens of the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide

Fatalism, Evolution, and Interpersonal Attractiveness: Psychological Theories and Emotions in Incels' Constructions of Ingroup Identity and Outgroup Hate

ABSTRACTThe online communities of involuntary celibates, or incels, have garnered increased attention for their extreme misogyny and links to violent attacks against women. However, little is known about how (pseudo‐)psychological theories are used among the incel community to construct their identities and justify a worldview that centres on hatred against women. This study uses a critical discursive psychological approach to examine identity constructions in discussions on the so‐called blackpill worldview within the online community incels.is. Our analysis of more than 1000 discussion threads written in 2020 reveals three distinct incel identities: incels as victimised martyrs, incels as aggrieved masculine actors, and a divided identity negotiating the boundaries of ‘pure’ and ‘impure’ inceldom. These identities are constructed through psychological notions, specifically, fatalism, ‘just‐world’ beliefs, evolutionary psychology, eugenics and theories of interpersonal attraction—that serve as interpretative repertoires expressed through a plethora of rhetorical strategies and affective–discursive practices. The study highlights the importance of understanding how psychological concepts are appropriated in the construction of ingroup identities and justifications of outgroup hate within misogynist online communities.

Merton’s Unity of Action and Contemplation in Transpersonal Perspective

Adopting a transdisciplinary approach, with specific emphasis on the post-Jungian transpersonal psychological theories on the ‘Spectrum of Human Consciousness’, this paper introduces a transpersonal psychological thread of understanding of ‘Mystical Consciousness’ through an interreligious field of comparative religious approaches to action, contemplation and non-action. This paper draws on Merton’s interreligious contemplative thinking in relation to three major world religious mystical traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism and mystical Islam/Sufism and elucidates comparative insights with the Christian mystical–contemplative tradition, akin to the ‘mystical contemplation’ of Evelyn Underhill. This paper introduces and applies the transpersonal perspective to the scholarly field of mysticism. The reader is invited to consider how Merton may have responded or written about interreligious contemplative depth mysticism in terms of his own writings on ‘pure consciousness’, had he had the benefit of the language of the transpersonal models of consciousness. Finally, the reader is left with a contemplative question at the ‘heart’ of mysticism—does the ancient sculpture of the Sleeping Hermaphrodite helpfully represent an art–theological symbolic analogy for the inner repose of an illumined soul, one with God’s Unity, in whose awakened consciousness through depth mystical contemplation, action occurs as an extended manifestation, a total gestalt of contemplative solitudinous action?

Situational Context Analysis of tourists’ eWOM Engagement: The Moderating Effects of Hotel Star Category and Review Site Use Intensity

ABSTRACT Based on interactional psychology theory, this study explored the moderating effects of hotel star category and hotel review site use intensity on two antecedents of consumer engagement with electronic word of mouth (eWOM): organizational review site competence (ORSCP) and organizational review site commitment (ORSCM). Data were collected from a cross-national sample of 443 hotels and analyzed using partial least-squares methods. The results confirm that ORSCP and ORSCM affect customers’ eWOM engagement. The findings also include that the hotel star category and the use intensity of hotel review sites have a moderating effect on the ORSCP – ORSCM relationship but not on these two variables’ connection with consumer eWOM engagement. This research thus ascertained that a complex relationship exists between hotels’ management of social networking sites and customers’ eWOM engagement, which has implications for hotel marketing specialists.

The problem of conceptual coherence in psychology: Where should we look for a proper psychological theory?

The problem of conceptual coherence in psychology: Where should we look for a proper psychological theory?

Bridge employment in middle vs. late life for men and women: gendered social roles or life structures?

Abstract Utilizing longitudinal data from a stratified random sample of 15,433 retirees from Turkey, a country with uniquely large variation in postretirement work years, our study is the first to examine the phenomenology of middle vs. late life in postretirement work and demographic intersectionality in retirement. Synthesizing theory in the vocational psychology of retirement with industrial sociology of the life course, the social forces approach we advocate helps shed light on whether documented sex differences in bridge employment participation are caused by social bias or life structure. Results suggest that family and work contexts affecting the gender gap in bridge employment participation may be explained by differing communal and work factors inherent at the intersection of sex and age, and that life stage interacts with social and work opportunity structures very differently for men and women. Yet a nuanced look also points to some trends suggesting a social bias explanation.

Goals as Motives:Implications for Theory, Methods, and Practice.

The concept of human goals is central to the study of psychology (i.e., motivation, behavior, and well-being), sociology (i.e., social structure, culture, and dynamics), education (i.e., setting objectives, student motivation, and growth strategies), management (i.e., leadership, employee motivation, productivity, organizational behavior), and economics (i.e., consumer and market behavior, decision making, labor relations), among others. Because it represents the ultimate desired destination that orients decisions and actions, it plays a central role in the theory and practice in these fields. Despite its centrality, the concept lacks theoretical consensus regarding its definition and distinctiveness from related concepts such as needs, motives, and values. Like these concepts, the goals literature suffers from the proliferation of both concepts and taxonomies, suggesting a need for a return to theoretical foundations. In this article, we advocate for a fundamental reconsideration of the concept of goals, anchoring it within a new psychological theory of human motivation based on first principles. The paper's primary contribution lies in demonstrating that the operational definitions utilized by academics and practitioners alike can be thought of as attempts to approach concepts of human motivation, specifically, emotional needs, without fully getting there. We review the leading definitions of human goals in the literature, concluding that they can be distilled to a fundamental set of human emotional needs, each associated with extensive literatures of their own. A comprehensive framework of 12 human emotional needs is introduced; it is argued that a comprehensive motivational framework offers significant advantages over current theoretical approaches, which tend to spin off an ever-expanding list of concepts. We consider the impact of embedding goals concepts within existing motivational constructs with clear benefits for: (a) theory development, (b) method development, and (c) practical applications, emphasizing the advantages of clear operational definitions.

Who books the tickets for visitors to innovative installations and events in cathedrals? Exploring the psychological type profile of the gatekeepers

ABSTRACT Previous research concerned with the psychographic segmentation of cathedral visitors, employing psychological type theory has drawn attention both to the psychological types under-represented among cathedral visitors and to the capacity of an innovative event to widen the psychographic appeal of cathedrals. This study tests the thesis that the requirement for advanced online booking to attend an innovative installation may nonetheless further delimit the psychographic appeal. This thesis was supported by 778 individuals booking online to attend a Luxmuralis installation in Liverpool Cathedral who completed the Francis Psychological Type Scales. Among this constituency there was under-representation of perceiving types and over-representation of the Epimethean temperament (SJ).

Founder ownership and system‐justifying beliefs in relation to perception toward Black Lives Matter and other social movements

AbstractIt is essential to understand the psychological mechanisms that help explain how people perceive, and why they participate in, social movements. Two psychological theories relevant to this endeavor are founder ownership and system justification beliefs. The current work examined how founder ownership and system‐justifying beliefs related to people's attitudes toward the Black Lives Matter movement (Studies 1 and 2) and other social movements (Study 2), as well as people's willingness to participate in collective action for these movements (Study 2). Across two studies, participants (total N = 1064) completed measures of founder ownership beliefs, system justifying beliefs, general political orientation, and attitudes and participation intentions toward different social movements. We found that, even after controlling for demographics, people higher in founder ownership and system justifying beliefs still held more negative attitudes toward social movements that challenged the status quo and were less willing to engage in collective action that supported these movements. The present findings highlight some important psychological processes that help explain why some people are more or less likely to support and engage in social change.

Psycho-physiological foundations of human physical activity behavior and motivation: Theories, systems, mechanisms, evolution, and genetics.

Physical activity is a meaningful part of life, which starts before birth and lasts until death. There are many health benefits to be derived from physical activity, hence, regular engagement is recommended on a weekly basis. However, these recommendations are often not met. This raises the question: when and why are people motivated to be physically active? Attempts to explain the motivation for physical activity (or lack thereof) have been the research interest for many years and disciplines. In this review, we provide evidence suggesting that physical activity behavior and the psycho-physiological foundations thereof Physical activity is a meaningful part of life, which starts before birth and lasts until death. There are many health benefits to be derived from physical activity, hence, regular engagement is recommended on a weekly basis. However, these recommendations are often not met. This raises the question: when and why are people motivated to be physically active? Attempts to explain the motivation for physical activity (or lack thereof) have been the research interest for many years and disciplines. In this review, we provide evidence suggesting that physical activity behavior and the psycho-physiological foundations thereof are influenced by evolution, genetics, life stage, and the environment. The psycho-physiological foundations in turn comprise motivational and volitional factors as described in traditional psychological theories, psychological states and traits such as affective and stress reactions, as well as physiological states and systems (e.g. anatomical development and neural networks and transmitters). Importantly, physical activity elicits differential physiological responses and subjective experiences, which may impact future physical activity behavior and motivation. In summary, the interplay of psycho-physiological mechanisms and the importance of examining the ultimate mechanism for physical activity behavior are emphasized. The synthesis of knowledge provided in this review provides impetus for theory development and can facilitate the promotion of physically active lifestyles.

Exploring Emotional Connections: A Systematic Literature Review of Attachment in Human-Robot Interaction

Over the past several decades, robots have gradually infiltrated our daily lives, evolving from tools to social companions. With more robots and artificial intelligence agents becoming capable of engaging in social and emotional interactions, investigating the dynamics behind these relationships is becoming increasingly relevant. Despite increasing interests, little research has conducted systematic research to unpack their underlying mechanisms. Utilizing the PRISMA framework, this review systematically examined attachment within Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) from 30 studies, by synthesizing research on human-robot emotional bonds from the last 15 years. This review highlights the need of integrating traditional psychological attachment theories to deepen our comprehension of these relationships. It also identifies gaps in current methodologies and suggests directions for future research, emphasizing the importance of grounding these studies in established psychological frameworks to better understand and facilitate these evolving human-robot relationships.

Bullying Victimization, Psychological Pain, and Suicidal Ideation: Testing the Buffering Hypothesis of Social Support Among Saudi School Students

ABSTRACTBullying is a worrisome problem for school‐age youths, particularly as it has been associated with suicidal ideation among students. The psychological pain theory of suicide and the buffering hypothesis of social support as a protective factor have been established, but have not been tested among Saudi students. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between bullying victimization and suicidal ideation, the mediating role of psychological pain, and the moderating role of social support among Saudi students. A sample of 585 school students (59.5% female, mean age = 16.19, SD = 1.87, range = 12–18) were involved in this study. Relationships in a mediation model and a moderated mediation model were tested using RStudio. Bullying victimization was positively related to suicidal ideation. The mediation model indicated that psychological pain mediated this relationship. The moderated mediation model showed that the indirect relationship of bullying with suicidal ideation through psychological pain was stronger in those students with little support from family, friends, and significant other. This study highlighted the importance of targeting psychological pain and interpersonal relationships in suicide interventions and supported the buffering hypothesis of social support as a protective mechanism.

Importance of School Climate for Student Development and Analysis of Its Determinants in a Non-Skills-Focused Education System

Introduction: The article analyses the differences between developmental and career-oriented climates of students in different types of schools. The theoretical analysis integrates psychological, sociological, neuroscientific and educational theories to show that school climate is an important factor influencing students’ future career success. Research Aim: The objective of this article is to present school climate as a pivotal factor influencing comprehensive student development and to underscore the significance of climate in the context of their prospective careers. Method: The survey was conducted among students in the final years of primary school in three different types of schools. Quantitative analysis (ANOVA and Spearman correlation) was used for the analysis. Results: The research shows that school climate is the factor that most differentiates between private and public school. The research also shows the key role of teachers and the school climate in shaping students’ attitudes and behaviour and in strengthening students’ aspirations for their future careers. The results of the study highlight the possibility of creating different developmental incentives within the same education system, showing that the effectiveness of the system can be increased by incremental changes rather than only by systemic changes. Conclusions: The article proposes the implementation of an educational policy that adopts a holistic approach to education, aligning pedagogical strategies with the goal of increasing students’ career readiness and aspirations.