Univariate Analysis Of Covariance Research Articles

Effectiveness of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies Training on Increasing Mental Vitality of Junior High School Students

Introduction: Mental vitality has been considered as one of the components of well-being and one of the most important psychological needs of humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive emotion regulation strategies training on increasing mental vitality among junior high school students in Neka city. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included all junior high school students in Neka city during the academic year 2022-2023 (N=1732). Through purposive sampling, 60 students were selected and were randomly assigned to two groups. One group (n=30) received cognitive emotion regulation strategies training, while the control group (n=30) received no intervention. The Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS), a 7-item questionnaire, was used to measure mental vitality. The intervention consisted of 10 educational sessions, 60 minutes each twice a week. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and SPSS-26 software. Results: The results showed significant differences between mean scores of social competence and school avoidance in pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages compared to the control group (P<0/05). Conclusion: Results indicated a significant difference between the two groups in mental vitality posttest scores, demonstrating the positive and significant effect of cognitive emotion regulation strategies training on mental vitality of junior high school students. The training led to increased mental vitality among junior high school students.

Enhancing Critical Thinking and Argumentation Skills in Colombian Undergraduate Diplomacy Students: ChatGPT-Assisted and Traditional Debate Methods

This study tests the effectiveness of integrating ChatGPT into debate sessions to strengthen critical thinking and argumentation skills among undergraduate diplomacy students in Colombia. One hundred and sixty-two participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group using ChatGPT during debates and a control group engaging in traditional debates. Pretest and post-test assessments measured participants’ skills using adapted versions of the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal and a custom argumentation rubric. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) found higher scores in the experimental group for combined learning outcomes. Univariate analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) showed improvements in understanding complex concepts, critical thinking, and argumentation skills for the experimental group. Structural equation modeling (SEM) noted direct and indirect effects of ChatGPT on these skills. The study also analyzed participants’ perceptions through qualitative data from post-test open-ended questions. These findings highlight ChatGPT’s potential in fostering essential skills in resource-constrained educational settings, while noting implementation challenges in developing nations. This research adds to the growing literature on AI-powered tools in education, particularly in economically emerging regions.

Retrospective Analysis of Grip and Index Finger Strength, Job-Specific Scenario, and Shooting Performance in Incumbent Law Enforcement Personnel and Cadets.

Lockie, RG, Young, MA, Lanham, SN, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, and Nagel, TR. Retrospective analysis of grip and index finger strength, job-specific scenario, and shooting performance in incumbent law enforcement personnel and cadets. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study investigated grip and index finger strength, and scenario performance, of incumbent deputy sheriffs/police officers. All personnel (incumbents; n = 15) and cadets (n = 44) completed a job-specific scenario (step-ups, jumping jacks, sprawls, strikes, drags, carries, simulated fight) for time. Dominant grip strength (DGS) and nondominant grip strength (NDGS) and dominant index finger strength (DIFS) nondominant index finger strength (NDIFS) were measured pre- and postscenario. Incumbents and cadets then completed a 6-steel plate shooting test. Steel time (time to hit all plates) and number of shots required were recorded. Between-group differences in scenario time, steel time, and shots fired were analyzed by a univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (p < 0.05; covariates: sex, age). Relationships between grip and index finger strength with scenario variables were derived with partial correlations controlling for sex and age (p < 0.05; incumbents and cadets analyzed separately). A repeated measures ANCOVA (p < 0.05; covariates: sex, age) investigated between-group differences in grip and index finger strength, and whether there were changes postscenario. Cadets completed the scenario faster than the incumbents (p = 0.045). The incumbent group had a nonsignificant 71% faster steel time and required 40% fewer shots, and experienced a decrease in DGS and NDGS (p ≤ 0.013) postscenario. Pre- and post-DGS and NDGS, pre-DIFS, and post-NDIFS significantly related to scenario time for the cadets (r = -0.311 to -0.503). Incumbents had fitness limitations that affected scenario time but demonstrated better shooting skills. Even with grip strength decreases postscenario, incumbents likely had sufficient strength to complete the shooting task. Cadets may be more reliant on general fitness when completing job-specific scenarios because they require further skill development.

Exploring the Efficacy of Schema Therapy-Based Training on Enhancing Self-Compassion and Cognitive Flexibility Among Divorced Women

Schema therapy has gained recognition as an effective approach for improving mental health in various populations. This study aimed to examine the impact of schema therapy training on the self-compassion and cognitive flexibility of divorced women living in Shahrekord city. The research utilized a semiexperimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The sample consisted of 30 purposefully selected divorced women who met the specified criteria and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in two sessions of training per week. The research measures included the self-compassion questionnaire and the cognitive flexibility assessment. Data analysis involved univariate analysis of covariance and multivariate covariance analysis. The findings indicated that schema therapy-based education significantly improved self-compassion and cognitive flexibility among divorced women. Future research should explore the long-term effects of schema therapy training on divorced women's self-compassion and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, investigating the role of demographic and psychological factors in mediating or moderating the effectiveness of schema therapy interventions would further contribute to our understanding and refinement of therapeutic approaches for divorced individuals.

The spectrum effect: Convergence of clinical and neuropsychological characteristics in adults referred for autism assessment

Clinical and neuropsychological profiles of adults referred for autism assessment are not thoroughly understood, and information derived from studies comparing autistic adults to neurotypical controls might not be accurate to infer on individuals in a real-world, clinical setting. 263 adults (aged 18–65 years, 70 % males) referred to our clinic with a suspected diagnosis of autism were clinically explored and administered neuropsychological investigations. The suspected diagnosis was either confirmed or rejected. We conducted multivariate and post-hoc univariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA; ANCOVA), controlling for possible confounders, to evaluate differences between autistic and non-autistic participants and further associations. Effect sizes (partial η²) were calculated for significant results. There were no significant differences in age means and sex ratios. Both groups showed high Autism Questionnaire (AQ) scores, high schizoid, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive scores, and mild depressive symptoms, without significant difference between groups. The effect sizes of differences ranged from negligible to small for measures of nonsocial cognition, but were large for a measure of social cognition, the emotion recognition 40 (ER40). Autistic and non-autistic participants present converging features across multiple measures. In this diagnostic setting, psychiatric and neuropsychological measures are helpful in identifying individual difficulties and strengths. However, most of them, including the AQ, are poor indicators of autism. Our results mostly aligned with previous research and showed that information derived from comparisons to neurotypical controls cannot be directly transferred to a real-world setting. Detected impairments in emotion recognition were fairly specific to autism, expanding on previous findings.

Immediate post-concussion assessment and cognitive testing Pediatric (ImPACT Pediatric) change scores and factors associated with performance in patients aged 5-9 years following concussion: Preliminary findings

Background Computerized neurocognitive testing is one component of a multidomain assessment of concussion. However, the use of computerized neurocognitive testing has been limited to patients aged 11 years and up, leaving clinicians with few options to evaluate younger children. Purpose To examine the change in Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing Pediatric (ImPACT Pediatric) (ImPACT Applications, 2021) scores and factors associated with performance in children aged 5-9 years following a concussion. Methods Participants included 63 children (42% [n = 27] female) aged 5-9 (M = 7.5 ± 1.0) years within 30 (M = 8.5 ± 5.9) days of a concussion. All participants completed the ImPACT Pediatric at their initial visit and at medical clearance for their return to activity (RTA) visit. The ImPACT Pediatric test is a computerized neurocognitive battery that includes 5 tests that assess memory and visual processing speed. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance and paired t-tests were used to compare ImPACT Pediatric scores from the initial visit to medical clearance. Multivariate and univariate analyses of covariance and multiple linear regression examined factors associated with ImPACT Pediatric performance. Results Participants demonstrated improved overall performance from the initial visit to the medical clearance visit (F(4, 59)=3.08, p = 0.02, Wilks’ Λ = 0.83, ηp 2=0.17), with significant improvement in Rapid Processing Speed (F(1, 62)=7.48, p < 0.01, ηp 2=0.11). When controlling for age, sex, history of ADHD, and days to clinic, the improvement in overall performance remained significant (F(4, 51)=2.99, p = 0.03, Wilks’ Λ = 0.81, ηp 2=0.19). Older age was significantly associated with the Rapid Processing composite score at the initial visit (F(4, 59)=5.9, p < 0.001, Adj. R2=0.25) and medical clearance visit (F(4, 59)=3.8, p = 0.008, Adj. R2=0.16), with older children associated with better performance at both time points (Initial visit: B = 8.17, p < 0.001; Medical Clearance: B = 3.62, p = 0.03). Conclusion Our main findings suggest that children aged 5-9 years improved significantly in Rapid Processing on the ImPACT Pediatric from the initial visit to medical clearance. However, no differences were found for the memory components of the ImPACT Pediatric. Older children also performed better on processing speed than younger children. The findings suggest that the processing speed components of ImPACT Pediatric are useful for monitoring improvements in neurocognitive functioning following concussion in children aged 5-9 years, but that age differences need to be considered when interpreting performance.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Adolescent-Oriented Mindfulness Training and Positive Psychological Interventions on Self-Esteem and Sleep Problems of Female Adolescents

Aim: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of adolescent-oriented mindfulness training and positive psychological interventions on self-esteem and sleep problems of adolescent girls in city of Abadeh. Methods: The present research method was a post-event descriptive quasi-experimental study with control group. The statistical population of this research was all female teenagers studying in city of Abadeh, 45 of whom were selected through purposeful sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (adolescent-centered mindfulness training, positive psychological interventions, and control groups). The measurement tool was Cooper Smith's Self-Esteem Questionnaire and Pittsburgh's Sleep Quality Questionnaire. Findings: The findings showed that the relationship between pre-test and post-test in self-esteem scores and sleep problems is significant (p&lt;0.05). Other results also showed that the main effect of the group is significant, which indicates that the main variables of the research, namely, self-esteem and sleep problems in the post-test stage, are significantly different in the two experimental and control groups (P=0.001). Conclusion: The results of multivariate and univariate covariance analysis showed that adolescent-oriented mindfulness training and positive psychological interventions increase self-esteem and reduce sleep problems in adolescent girls. Also, mindfulness intervention had a greater effect on increasing self-esteem and reducing sleep problems in adolescent girls than positive psychotherapy intervention.

The Effectiveness of Future Perspective Education on Academic Hope and Goal Orientation in 11th Grade Students

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of future perspective education on goal orientation and academic hope in 11th grade male students of Baghmalek city (Iran). Methods: The current experimental research design included a pre-test and post-test experiment with a control group. The population of this research included all 11th grade male students in Baghmalek city in the academic year of 1400-1401 (persian calendar). Among these individuals, 48 ​​persons who met the criteria for entering the research were selected through multi-stage random sampling method and were placed in two experimental (n=24) and control (n=24) groups. In this research, Goal Orientation Questionnaire and Education Hope Questionnaire were used. After the pre-test, the experimental group received the educational perspective of the future vision during nine 60 to 90 minutes sessions. Then a post-test was taken from both groups. Findings: The results of multivariate and univariate covariance analysis showed that future perspective education had a significant effect on the dimensions of goal orientation (dominant, dominant-avoidant, performance-oriented and performance-avoidant) and academic hope in 11th grade male students (p &gt; 0.005). Conclusion: In general, the results of this research showed that teaching the future perspective is effective on goal orientation and educational hope and can be used to improve the academic hope and goal orientation of 11th grade male students.

Nutritional Behavior of Patients with Bone Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study from Austria.

A balanced diet rich in calcium and protein is recommended for bone-healthy people and osteoporosis patients, but it may also be important for rare bone disease (RBD). Little data is available on RBD and diet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional behavior of patients with RBD. This single-center, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study assessed the nutritional behavior of RBD patients (X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), hypophosphatasia (HPP)), osteoporosis (OPO) patients and healthy controls (CTRL). The nutritional questionnaire comprised 25 questions from seven nutritional areas. The associations between socioeconomic factors and BMI were assessed by age-adjusted univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Fifty patients with RBD (17 OI, 17 HPP, 16 XLH; mean age of 48.8 ± 15.9, 26.0% male, mean BMI 26.2 ± 5.6), 51 with OPO (mean age 66.6 ± 10.0, 9.8% male, mean BMI 24.2 ± 3.9) and 52 CTRL (mean age 50.8 ± 16.3, 26.9% male, mean BMI 26.4 ± 4.7) participated. Twenty-six (52.0%) RBD, 17 (33.4%) OPO and 24 (46.1%) CTRL were overweight or obese according to BMI. Only a minority of RBD, OPO and CTRL had a daily intake of at least three portions of milk or milk products (17.3% RBD, 15.6% OPO, 11.6% CTRL, p = 0.453). In general, similar nutritional behavior was observed between the three subgroups. However, significant differences were found in caffeine consumption (p = 0.016), fruit/vegetable juice consumption (p = 0.034), portions of fish per week (p = 0.044), high-fat meals per week (p = 0.015) and consumption of salty snacks (p = 0.001). Nutritional counseling, controlling BMI and ensuring sufficient calcium and protein intake are crucial in patients with osteoporosis as well as in rare bone diseases. Vitamin D does not appear to be sufficiently supplied by the diet, and therefore supplementation should be considered in patients with bone diseases.

Age-Related Differences in Body Fat and Fitness of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program.

Lockie, RG, Dulla, JM, Higuera, D, Ross, K, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, and Ruvalcaba, TJ. Age-related differences in body fat and fitness of firefighters participating in a health and wellness program. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1127-1135, 2024-Fitness tends to decline, whereas body fat increases, with age, which could impact firefighter occupational performance later in their careers. Health and wellness program participation could reduce these age-related changes. Archival data from 270 firefighters (258 men and 12 women) from a health and wellness program were analyzed. Data included body mass index; body fat percentage (BF%); waist circumference (WC); waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); sit and reach; grip strength; absolute and relative predicted 1 repetition maximum (1RM) leg press; crunches; push-ups; and estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V̇o2max). Firefighters were grouped by age ≤29 (n = 29); 30-34 (n = 44); 35-39 (n = 38); 40-44 (n = 39); 45-49 (n = 48); 50-54 (n = 42); and 55+ (n = 30) years. A univariate analysis of covariance, with sex as a covariate and Bonferroni's post hoc adjustment, determined between-group differences. Effect sizes (d) were calculated. Key results included that the 55+ group had higher BF% and WC compared with the 3 youngest groups (p ≤ 0.002; d = 0.86-1.08). The 50-54 group had higher BF% than the 30-34 group (p = 0.010; d = 0.77). The 55+ group had a greater WHR, lower grip strength, and completed fewer crunches and push-ups than most younger groups (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.60-1.32). The 50-54 and 55+ groups had a lower 1RM leg press and V̇o2max compared with the younger groups (p ≤ 0.009; d = 0.77-1.79). The program appeared generally effective, with limited differences in groups below 49 years of age. Greater disparities in fat mass and fitness tended to occur in the older groups (50-54, 55+ groups). The data highlighted that older firefighters were participating in the optional program, which could lead to better health outcomes.

경제교육프로그램이 중학생의 친사회적 행동과 진로의식 형성에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted on 56 middle school students located in C City to determine the impact of the economic education program in the school curriculum on cultivating pro-social behavior and forming career awareness. Descriptive statistical analysis, univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were conducted on the pre- and post-test results regarding behavior and career awareness formation, and the following results were obtained. The satisfaction evaluation of middle school students' economic programs for acquiring basic economic concepts, improving pro-social behavior, and forming career awareness was overall positive. The economic education program aimed at forming middle school students' pro-social behavior and career awareness had a positive impact on the formation of basic economic concepts, pro-social behavior, and career awareness. Lastly, since this study was conducted with a limited number of subjects, there are limitations in generalizing it, so follow-up research is needed to develop and disseminate economic education programs.

Evaluating the impact of smart technology on academic eagerness, academic seriousness, and academic performance in elementary english language learners as a foreign language.

The proliferation of smart devices in educational settings has prompted a need to investigate their influence on learners' attitudes and language learning outcomes. Recent advancements in smart technology (ST) have ignited curiosity regarding their impact on academic eagerness (AE), (AS), and academic performance (AP) among elementary English language learners. Despite this, there remains a dearth of comprehensive discussion in this area. This study encompasses all primary language students from the academic year 2023 as its sample. A multistage sampling method was employed for sample selection. The study introduced ST as an intervention over eight 45-minute sessions spanning two months. Data collection instruments included AE assessments adapted from Fredericks et al., an AS questionnaire developed by the researchers, and an AP questionnaire designed by Pham and Taylor. Data analysis incorporated statistical tests such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Levene test, and univariate analysis of covariance. The findings yield valuable insights into the impact of ST on AE, AS, and AP, shedding light on its potential advantages and limitations in language learning. Notably, the experimental group (EG) outperformed the control group (CG). These results contribute to the growing body of knowledge concerning ST integration in education and its consequences on AP and learner attitudes. Ultimately, this research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing language learning outcomes and experiences among elementary English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in the digital education era.

Does a person's body size and the application type influence healthcare students' perceptions of technologies to promote physical activity? Findings from a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRecent evidence suggests that weight bias may be pervasive, even among health professionals specialized in obesity, including healthcare students. Technology-based physical activity interventions are promising for people with obesity, specifically when they are theory-driven (e.g., autonomy-supportive as described by self-determination theory). However, perceptions of these technologies have been understudied among healthcare students and professionals. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a person's body size based on body mass index and technology type on healthcare students' perceptions. DesignThis is a cross-sectional, experimental study. Participants and methodsFive hundred and two healthcare students (360 females, 142 males; mean age = 23.3, SD = 5.0) were randomly exposed to one of four scenarios that manipulated a hypothetical person's body mass index (22 kg/m2 vs. 42 kg/m2) and a technology-based physical activity type based on self-determination theory (autonomy-supportive app vs. controlling app). They then completed measures of their perceptions of the person's app acceptability and self-efficacy and of their intention to recommend the app. Multivariate and univariate analyses of covariance were performed. ResultsStudents exposed to the larger-bodied people (42 kg/m2) versus the smaller-bodied people (22 kg/m2) perceived a lower level of person's app acceptability (i.e., higher social influence and less enjoyment in using the app), as well as a lower level of self-efficacy to use the technology. Students exposed to the controlling app were more likely to recommend it compared to those exposed to the autonomy-supportive app. ConclusionsThese results suggest that healthcare students' attitudes may be negatively influenced by explicit weight bias. Also, in contrast to self-determination theory precepts, a controlling app may be more frequently recommended. Further study of healthcare students' implicit attitudes toward technology is needed.

The effect of eight weeks of central stability exercises on sensory-motor development of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder

Introduction: Sensory-motor problems are among the outstanding characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Aim: The present research was conducted aiming to assess the effectiveness of eight weeks of central stability exercises on the sensory-motor development of children with high-functioning ASD. Method: The research method was semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all 6-10-year-old children with ASD referring to autism rehabilitation centers in Tehran in 2023. Twenty-four high-functioning ASD children were selected by the convenience sampling method and evaluated by the Sensory Profile-2 tests and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency after eight sessions of central stability exercises. The results were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and SPSS version 22. Results: The results of univariate ANCOVA indicated that eight weeks of central stability exercises culminated in promoting sensory development in children with high-functioning ASD (P&lt;0.01). The results of multivariate ANCOVA indicated that the F value obtained for all three dimensions of motor development, including gross motor skill, fine motor skill, and upper limb coordination, was significant (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that central stability exercises are among the efficient methods for the development of sensory-motor skills in children with high-functioning ASD, which can be used in special education and rehabilitation centers for these children.

Hippocampal subfields in remitted schizophrenia.

Current evidence of volume changes in hippocampal subdivisions in schizophrenia remains inconsistent, and few studies have investigated the relationship between regional hippocampal volumes and symptom remission. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 31 patients with schizophrenia and 31 healthy controls (HCs). Symptomatic remission in schizophrenia was determined according to Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group criteria. The volumes of hippocampal longitudinal subregions and transverse subfields were measured using manual and automatic techniques, respectively. Between-group regional hippocampal volume differences were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance followed by univariate analysis of covariance. Compared with the HCs, the patients with schizophrenia had smaller bilateral heads and tails along the longitudinal axis; they also had reduced volumes of the bilateral CA1, CA3, CA4, GC-ML-DG, molecular layer, tail, left subiculum, left HATA, and right parasubiculum along the transverse axis in the hippocampus (all corrected p < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the HCs and patients with remitted schizophrenia, the patients with nonremitted schizophrenia had smaller bilateral hippocampal tail subfields (corrected p < 0.05). Our results indicated that the pathophysiology and symptomatic remission of schizophrenia are related to changes in the volumes of hippocampal subdivisions. These volume changes might be clinically relevant as biomarkers for schizophrenia identification and treatment.

The Effect of Educational Simulation on Learning and Academic Self-Efficacy of Students in Experiential Sciences Class

The present research was conducted by the aim of investigating the effect of educational simulation on learning and academic self-efficacy in experiential sciences class in fifth-grade male students in the 4th district of Karaj, Iran. The statistical population included all the fifth-grade male students in elementary schools of the 4th district of Karaj in the academic year of 2019-2020. The study sample was selected by convenience sampling method and divided into two groups of 16 (experimental and control). The research method was semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest with control group design. The data collection tools included a researcher-made learning test and an academic self-efficacy test. To examine their validity, the comments and evaluations of teachers and professors were used. The reliability of the research instrument, that is the experiential sciences learning test, was determined by the Coder Richardson 21 which equaled 0.82, and 0.80, respectively and the Cronbach’s alpha for the academic self-efficacy test was 0.85. Univariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze learning test data and multivariate analysis of covariance was used to assess academic self-efficacy. The results showed that educational simulation had a positive effect on both variables of learning with %95 confidence level (F: 69.74, P: 0.000), and academic self-efficacy (F: 14.848, P: 0.000) in students of experiential sciences classes it can be used as a learning tool. Simulation education makes it easy for students to understand the method and nature of science in order to improve problem-solving, search and generalization, knowledge acquisition and promotion of positive attitudes.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a Therapeutic Tool for Chronic Insomnia

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Background and Objective: Insomnia is the most common sleep problem which is associated with cortical over- excitation. Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) potentially modifies insomnia-related cortical state. There- fore, we tested the hypothesis that insomnia severity can be modulated by tDCS.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. A total of 32 women with insomnia were randomly categorized into an intervention group (active stimulation) and a control group (sham stimulation). In the intervention group, tDCS ‎was used with an intensity of 2mA for 20 to 30 minutes during 12 sessions (3 times a week). Anodal stimulation was performed‎on the left primary motor cortex (M1) and cathodal stimulation was performed‎on the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The control group received sham stim- ulation for 20 to 30 minutes during 12 sessions (3 times a week). All participants were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).&#x0D; Results: The results of univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed a significant difference between the tDCS group and the sham group in terms of reduction in the severity of insomnia. We also observed that positive affect increased and negative affect decreased following insomnia treatment (P ≤ 0.005).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of our study indicated that performing our designed tDCS protocol for treating insomnia can be effective in treating insomnia and improving positive and negative affect.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Identifying Risk Factors for Preexisting or Developing Low Back Pain in Youth, High School, and Collegiate Lacrosse Players Using 3-Dimensional Motion Analysis.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition that can affect athletes of all ages. The risk factors for LBP onset and worsening associated with the lacrosse shooting motion are not yet known. To identify training and biomechanical factors associated with preexisting LBP and development of LBP over 6 months in youth, high school, and collegiate lacrosse players. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 128 lacrosse players were enrolled in this study between January 2016 and January 2019. Player characteristics, lacrosse experience, and participation in other sports were self-reported. At baseline and 2-, 4-, and 6-month follow-ups, the players self-rated the presence and severity of LBP using a numeric pain rating scale (0-10 points). Participants were grouped according to LBP symptoms: no LBP at any time point (n = 102), preexisting LBP (n = 17), or developed LBP within the 6-month period (n = 9). The lacrosse shooting motion was captured via 3-dimensional motion analysis, and kinematic and kinetic variables were recorded. A Low Back Stress Index was used to estimate lumbar stress as a function of pelvic acceleration at the time of maximum lateral trunk lean during the shot. Univariate analyses of covariance and logistic regression models were used to address study aims. Compared with the no-LBP group, the preexisting LBP group demonstrated 13.9% to 22.9% lower maximum angular velocities at the pelvis, trunk, and shoulders in the transverse plane (P < .05), 19.3% less collective pelvis-shoulder rotation in the transverse plane (P = .015), and 4.5% more knee flexion excursion (P = .063). The developed-LBP group produced 2.3% to 11.1% higher angular velocities in the pelvis, trunk, and shoulder and generated maximum pelvic acceleration values 36% to 42% higher than the remaining groups (P < .05 for both). Mean Low Back Stress Index values were not statistically significant among the groups (no LBP: 12,504 ± 13,076 deg2/s2; preexisting LBP: 8808 ± 10,174 deg2/s2; developed LBP: 19,389 ± 13,590 deg2/s2; P = .157). Preexisting LBP was associated with significantly restricted motion of the pelvis, trunk, and shoulders during a lacrosse shot. Excessive pelvic acceleration may be related to the development of LBP in lacrosse players.

Effects of Students’ Autonomy Support on their Self-Regulated Learning Strategies: Three Field Experiments in Secondary Education

Providing students with autonomy over their learning process can support the development of their self-regulation skills. This study aimed to examine the effects of autonomy-support interventions on students’ self-regulated learning strategies. The participants were 432 students from three secondary schools in the Netherlands. In each school, a one-year field experiment was performed, in which teachers and students shared control over learning processes. At the start and end of the school year, students from both the experimental and control conditions completed a questionnaire on perceived autonomy support and self-regulation strategies used. Univariate analyses of covariance were performed to examine the effects of the interventions on perceived autonomy support and the use of self-regulated learning strategies. The intervention with the highest amount of student control showed positive effects on self-regulated learning strategies ‘task orientation’, ‘planning’, and ‘process evaluation’, although it did show a small decrease in perceived autonomy support. The other two interventions showed an increase in perceived autonomy support and a positive trend in ‘monitoring’. The field experiments suggest that different ways of supporting student autonomy can yield different effects on students’ self-regulated learning strategies. The tentative conclusion is that a focus on student control is the most effective.

The effectiveness of mindfulness training on social adjustment, self-esteem, and hope among transgender individuals in Tehran

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of mindfulness training in enhancing social adjustment, self-esteem, and hope in transgender individuals. Methodology: This research employed a quasi-experimental design, incorporating pre-test and post-test measures, along with a control group. The study population comprised transgender individuals receiving support from one of the social support centres under the auspices of the Tehran Municipality in the year 1401 (2022). Fourteen participants from this population were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group underwent eight sessions of mindfulness training. Subsequently, during the post-test phase, both groups completed questionnaires. Data analysis involved multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance. Results: The research findings revealed a statistically significant difference in mean scores of social adjustment, self-esteem, and hope between the control and experimental groups during the post-test phase. Mindfulness training contributed significantly to elevating the levels of these variables within the experimental group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: In light of the research outcomes, mindfulness training emerges as a promising intervention for positively influencing social adjustment, self-esteem, and hope among transgender individuals. Consequently, this educational program is recommended for the provision of psychological services within the target community.