College Students In Mainland China Research Articles

Influence of cognitive control on the moral foreign language effect

Purpose: The Moral Foreign Language Effect (MFLE) is characterized by an increase in utilitarian responding when moral dilemmas are presented in a foreign language. Renewed interest in this psycholinguistic phenomenon has led to investigation of its boundary conditions and the modulatory influence of separable dimensions of foreign language experience. However, even when accounting for these additional differences, considerable variability in the MFLE is observed across participants. Recently, cognitive control, a set of mental processes that regulate thinking and behavior, has been identified as a potential modulator of the MFLE. To date, no studies have investigated whether differences in cognitive control influence the emergence of the MFLE. The present study aimed to directly explore this topic in a sample of Mandarin-English bilingual university students in Mainland China. Methodology: Participants responded to a set of moral dilemmas presented in either their native or foreign language and completed a Simon task to assess cognitive control. Findings: We report a dilemma and language context-specific modulatory role for cognitive control on the MFLE. Specifically, when presented in a foreign language, higher levels of cognitive control were associated with higher rates of utilitarian decisions on the classic Trolley dilemma. Originality: This study marks the first empirical investigation of the influence of cognitive control on the MFLE. Significance: Findings from this work highlight the role of cognitive control in moral decision-making and chart a course for future investigations on this topic.

Prevalence and relevant factors of nocturia and its impact on sleep quality in Chinese university students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and relevant factors of nocturia and its impact on sleep quality in university students in Mainland China. A large-scale survey was conducted on 14,000 university students from 3 universities in Henan province, China by using an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire collected the information from the past six months. The relationships between the prevalence of nocturia and its relevant factors were evaluated. A total of 13,874 questionnaires were collected and 13,104 qualified for statistical analysis. A total of 659 students suffered from clinically relevant nocturia (CRN) (4.56% in male and 5.34% in female). Both univariate analysis and the logistic stepwise regression model showed that the prevalence of nocturia was significantly related to female, history of enuresis, ease of waking up, urgency, frequency and RUTI (P < 0.05). The sleep quality and the university entrance score of CRN group was significantly lower than that of control group (P < 0.05). Nocturia was common in Chinese university students and showed a negative impact on sleep and academic performance. Gender of female, history of enuresis, ease of waking up, urgency, frequency and RUTI were relevant factors for CRN.

How Mandarin-English bilinguals interpret qián/forward: impact of language proficiencies on retrieval of temporal concepts.

Mandarin qián and English forward are semantically equivalent in the domain of Space, but could be semantically opposite in the domain of Time. In other words, equivalent spatial lexical items could convey opposite temporal concepts. What temporal concepts conveyed by qián and forward would be retrieved by Mandarin-English (M-E) bilinguals with different language proficiencies? Drawing a sample from college students in Mainland China, this study examines how L1 and L2 proficiencies would affect M-E bilinguals' retrieval of temporal concepts by examining their interpretation of the Mandarin temporal metaphor of qián and the English temporal metaphors of forward. The results show that L1 temporal concepts would be retrieved more frequently than L2 temporal concepts regardless of the testing languages, that L1 and L2 proficiencies were not predictors for the way of interpretation, and that the higher L2 proficiency group could retrieve temporal concepts in line with the testing languages with higher accuracy than the lower L2 proficiency group. The findings suggest that bilinguals with higher L2 proficiency may be able to represent temporal concepts with language tags or may have an attentional and/or inhibitory control advantage.

University students’ concepts of nation in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau: Patriotism or nationalism?

AbstractThis study investigated the concepts of nation among university students in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The findings revealed a lack of consistent patterns among university students’ perceptions of patriotism and nationalism across these regions. Ideological differences were observed, with students in Mainland China and Hong Kong representing the extremes of collectivism and individualism, respectively. Students in Hong Kong demonstrated a blended perspective of nationalism and patriotism rooted in localism, while students in Mainland China clearly distinguished between nationalism and patriotism within culture localism. Students in Macau exhibited perspectives that fit somewhere between those of their counterparts in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Hong Kong has encountered unique challenges in implementing patriotic education, while Mainland China and Macau have implemented it effectively. As a result, Macau has achieved better integration with Mainland China than Hong Kong in the postcolonial era. However, the key educational stakeholders in these societies must reassess their policies on preparing youths for the complex world and recognise their desire for authenticity and external recognition.

Insecure Attachment and Depressive Symptoms among a Large Sample of Chinese Young Adults: The Mediating Role of Positive and Negative Self-Compassion.

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between insecure attachment (attachment anxiety and avoidance) and depressive symptoms in Chinese young adults as well as the mediating roles of positive and negative self-compassion. An online survey was administered among college students in mainland China. This involved their completion of questionnaires encompassing socio-demographic details, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms. Attachment anxiety and avoidance exhibited connections with depressive symptoms through increased negative self-compassion and decreased positive self-compassion. Attachment anxiety was associated with depressive symptoms primarily through the mediating effect of negative self-compassion. Conversely, attachment avoidance was related to depressive symptoms mainly through the mediating role of positive self-compassion. Attachment anxiety exerted a slightly stronger influence on negative self-compassion, whereas attachment avoidance exhibited a more prominent impact on positive self-compassion. Despite these differences, both attachment styles were comparable in their overall influence on depressive symptoms. This revelation provides fresh insights into the relationship between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms among young adults, underscoring the importance for intervention program development.

How to Improve Grit Among Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students: The Effect of Thinking Style.

The researchers examined the associations between thinking styles and grit. A cross-sectional design was adopted, with two weeks of data collection. The Thinking Styles Inventory-Revised II and the Grit Scale were administered to 365 signing deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) Arts and Design students and 443 hearing university students in mainland China. CFA, MANOVA, hierarchical multiple regression analyses, and a multi-group analysis were executed for data analysis. DHH and hearing students with Type I styles (i.e., more creativity-generating, less structured, and cognitively more complex) had higher grit levels, with large effect sizes for the identified relationships. There were no differences in the relations for either group. The associations between thinking styles and grit may protect against psychological pressure and rehabilitation problems and enable university/school administrators, counselors, social workers, teachers, parents, and students to enhance the grit of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Evaluating the Relationship between Health Education Programs and Health Behavior of College Students in Mainland China

Aim: The study is based on the premise that mental health and physical health education can make a great impact on the psychological well-being and health behavior of college students in China. This research also tested the role of psychological well-being as a mediating variable between mental health education, physical health education and health behavior. Methods: A sample of 382 college students from Mainland China was collected with a random sampling technique, and a Likert scale questionnaire was employed for data collection. The statistical data of this research was analyzed with RStudio for running data into R language and programming. Three structural equations were developed for the model plot, path diagram, and path plot. Resutls: The research found there is no impact of mental health education on the health behavior of students and the physical health education also made a negative effect on health behavior. The rest of the relationships was significantly accepted. Conclusion: The research recommends that Chinese colleges should integrate health education into the learning of students for their better health behavior and productive performance. The study has some limitations but is presented with future directions for the scholars.

The HEXACO model of personality is associated with loneliness in a university setting

The problem of loneliness among college students has attracted extensive attention from researchers. As a fundamental psychological framework, personality traits are associated with loneliness. Thus, we conducted a survey of 688 college students in Mainland China to examine the relationship between the HEXACO personality traits and loneliness. Regression analysis revealed a negative association between loneliness and the personality traits of agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience, and a positive association between loneliness and the personality traits of honesty???humility, emotionality, and extraversion. This model explained 33.78% of the variance in loneliness. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Learning motivation and environmental support: how first-generation college students achieve success?

With the continuous expansion of higher education worldwide, the academic performance of first-generation college students has become an essential topic in the scope of international educational research. This study examines the impact of learning motivation (i.e., intrinsic and extrinsic motivation) and environmental support (i.e., instructional, relational, and campus support) on the academic outcomes of first-generation college students based on the Cultural Mismatch Theory and Self-Determination Theory from both individual and environmental perspectives. A two-stage stratified sampling strategy was adopted to guarantee that the samples were representative of the national populations of college students in mainland China. 87418 data were collected from the China College Student Survey (CCSS) 2020, among which 58,864 were first-generation college students. This study primarily employed descriptive statistical analysis and regression analysis methods. Data analysis revealed that intrinsic learning motivation, relational support, campus support, and academic performance of first-generation college students are significantly lower than those of non-first-generation students. However, this study found no significant differences concerning external learning motivation and teaching support. Regression analysis showed that both learning motivation and environmental support positively predicted learning outcomes, with intrinsic learning motivation having the most substantial influence. Moreover, learning motivation and environmental support interact in jointly promoting the student's academic success. This study highlighted that the academic development of first-generation college students results from the interplay between individual characteristics and the surrounding environment. Postnatal factors, particularly individual learning motivation, and institutional environment support, play a crucial role in their academic achievements.

Metacognitive Strategies Used in Chat GPT among College Students

In March 2023, OpenAI released Chat GPT (GPT) version 4.0, which quickly set off a new wave of artificial intelligence around the world. Compared with the previous edition, GPT-4 is much stronger in terms of basic functions, imagination space, logic ability, and thinking ability. This study relates metacognitive concepts that have been developed for more than four decades to the use of GPT, trying to explore the association between metacognitive application level and GPT usage among college students in mainland China. In this study, MCQ-30 questionnaire was used, and the use method of 5 college students was explored by interview. Finally, the characteristics were analyzed by combining the score of the questionnaire with their use method. The study found that college students with higher metacognitive levels were able to clearly describe their goals and processes with GPT, and were able to critically adopt the answers given by GPT, while students with lower levels rely more on GPT than just using it as a tool.

The Mediating Role of Positive Psychological Capital in the Relationship between Acculturative Stress and Ethnic Identity among Ethnic Minority University Students in Mainland China

The Mediating Role of Positive Psychological Capital in the Relationship between Acculturative Stress and Ethnic Identity among Ethnic Minority University Students in Mainland China

How Positive Emotions Affect Foreign Language Learning Enjoyment of University Students in Mainland China

Positive emotions are viewed as a way of achieving psychological development, intellectual progress, and better well-being through time, as well as the ultimate goal of wealth and well-being. Previous research on the acquisition of a second language has failed to produce a consistent positive correlation between positive emotions and the second language learning enjoyment and studentsacademic performance in their foreign language classroom. However, the experience of many language educators suggests that the positive emotions required for foreign language learning are essential in improving one's language learning experience. This correlational study intends to investigate the association between students studying second or foreign languages at mainland Chinese universities and their positive psychological feelings (hope and happiness). 83 Junior students majoring in Business English were invited to the study, and the data were collected through the Wenjuanxing application. Based on the results of the questionnaires, we found that positive emotions have a positive impact on students' learning enjoyment. This implies that positive psychological factors may be positively associated with students' performance and learning experiences. We expect to integrate relevant elements of positive psychology into the design of instruction to provide a more engaging and inspiring learning environment for students.

Using the fsQCA approach to investigate factors affecting university students' satisfaction with online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case from China.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions have been forced to switch their teaching mode to online education. There has been limited in-depth exploration of the factors affecting students' satisfaction with online learning, and no consensus has been reached among these studies' results. Students' satisfaction is essential for realizing effective online education practices and meaningful to promoting the sustainable development of online courses, and it cannot be fully explained by one single factor. Research exploring the configuration of factors affecting students' satisfaction with online learning has been rare. This study adopted a novel data analysis method, the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method, to explore collocations of different factors affecting higher education students' satisfaction with online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research surveyed 357 university students in Mainland China during the second semester of the 2021-2022 academic year using a structured questionnaire. The study identified that when students were satisfied with assignments and had a higher level of internet self-efficacy, or they were satisfied with their instructors and assignments, they were satisfied with online classes. Additionally, internet self-efficacy is indispensable to explaining students' higher level of satisfaction with online learning. This study contributes to our understanding of university students' satisfaction with online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic by using a novel method to explore the configuration of influential factors, and it provides implications for administrators and policymakers in the education field who seek to improve students' satisfaction with online learning.

Examining Media Co-socialization by Parents and Its Impact on Body Satisfaction among Female College Students in Mainland China on WeChat

This study investigates the phenomenon of media co-socialization by parents on WeChat, focusing on its implications for body satisfaction among female college students in Mainland China. With the ubiquity of digital media platforms, parental involvement in children’s media experiences, including discussion and content sharing related to body image, has gained prominence. While relevant research has examined the relationship between social media and body satisfaction among adolescents and parental influence, few studies delve into digital platforms like WeChat or address this context specifically in Mainland China. Employing in-depth interviews and content analysis, this study reveals diverse modes of parental media co-socialization on WeChat, spanning health advice, beauty tips, and fashion guidance. Its impact on body satisfaction varies, from minimal influence to reduced impact as students gain independence, or enhanced satisfaction due to positive feedback. Participants’ attitudes towards parental influence on body image ideals range from acceptance of disagreements to avoidance of discussion. This research contributes vital insights into the complex dynamics of media co-socialization and its implications for body satisfaction. It underscores the need for tailored approaches to address body image concerns and promote open family communication.

College Students' Degree of Support for Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Educational institutions worldwide have experienced the suspension of offline teaching activities in favor of online teaching due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have focused on the degree of support for online learning among college students in mainland China. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the degree of support for online learning among Chinese college students during the epidemic and whether depression, loneliness, family communication, and social support were associated factors. A questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data from 9319 college students in mainland China, and a structural equation model was analyzed. The results of the study showed high degrees of support for online learning among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than half expressing support. The SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) results showed that depression had a negative and significant effect on college students' support for online learning (β = -0.07; p < 0.001); family communication had a positive and significant effect on college students' support for online learning (β = 0.09; p < 0.001); social support had a positive and significant effect on college students' support for online learning (β = 0.11; p < 0.001). Social support and family communication can alleviate the negative psychological status of college students, and depression plays a mediating role in the effect of social support and family communication on college students' degree of support for online learning. In addition, a significant chain-mediating effect was found of family communication, loneliness, and depression between social support and college students' degree of support for online learning. Government and education institutions must focus on college students' mental health issues and consider family interventions and general support that college students require.

An Internet-Based Education Program for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Female College Students in Mainland China: Application of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model in a Cluster Randomized Trial.

BackgroundPatients diagnosed with cervical cancer in the last 2 decades were mainly young females. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is the most radical way to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer. However, most female college students in mainland China have not yet been vaccinated, and their relevant knowledge is limited. Theory-based education delivered via the internet is a potentially accessible and useful way to promote HPV vaccination among this population.ObjectiveThis 3-month follow-up study intended to identify the feasibility and efficacy of an information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model–based online intervention for promoting awareness and willingness regarding HPV vaccination among female college students.MethodsA 7-day online HPV education program for female college students in mainland China was developed using a cluster randomized trial design. Recruitment and questionnaire surveys were performed online without face-to-face contact. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. The chi-square test and t test were used to compare differences in qualitative and continuous variables between intervention and control groups. The generalized estimating equation was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention with a consideration of the time factor.ResultsAmong 3867 participants, 102 had been vaccinated against HPV before the study (vaccination rate of 2.6%). A total of 3484 participants were followed up after the baseline survey, with no statistical difference in the loss rate between the intervention and control groups during the intervention and follow-up periods. At different follow-up time points, HPV-related knowledge, and the motivation, behavioral skills, and willingness regarding HPV vaccination were higher in the intervention group than in the control group. HPV-related knowledge was statistically different between the 2 groups, while the motivation, behavioral skills, and willingness regarding HPV vaccination only showed statistical differences right after the intervention, reaching a peak right after the intervention and then gradually reducing over time. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the HPV vaccination rate between the 2 groups.ConclusionsIMB model–based online education could be a promising way to increase the HPV vaccination rate and reduce the burden of HPV infection and cervical cancer among high-risk female college students in China.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900025476; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx? proj=42672International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-DOI:10.1186/s12889-019-7903-x

Service Leadership through Serving Minority Adolescents in Rural China Using a Rural Version of a Positive Youth Development Program.

With the emerging service economy globally, nurturing university students to be service leaders possessing the leadership qualities of competence, character and care is of great importance. Through service-learning (SL), the academic learning of the students on Service Leadership can be consolidated. In the present study, we piloted a SL subject on Service Leadership in a university in the Southwestern part of China. After learning the basic academic knowledge on Service Leadership, seven students provided service for the Yi minority adolescents in Liangshan using the rural version of the program. To understand the impact of SL on the service recipients, a single group pretest-posttest design was used to assess the changes in Yi minority adolescents (N = 79) before and after they received the service. We also conducted subjective outcome evaluation of the service providers (the university students providing the service) and service recipients (Yi adolescents). Results showed that the service recipients had significant positive changes in the outcome indicators and they had positive perceptions of the program. The qualitative evaluation findings are also encouraging. The findings provide evidence supporting the use of SL in nurturing service leadership qualities in university students in mainland China.

Fertility Intentions, Parenting Attitudes, and Fear of Childbirth among College Students in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the current situation regarding fertility intentions, parenting attitudes, and fear of childbirth among college students in mainland China and the factors related to these variables. A cross-sectional study SETTING: Colleges across China PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and eighty-three college students attending regular institutions of higher education MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fertility intentions and fear of childbirth were measured using the Swedish Fertility Awareness Questionnaire and the Childbirth Fear Prior to Pregnancy scale. Only 38.8% of participants expressed their willingness to have children, and there was a significant difference between male and female students (P < .02). Males regarded having children as more important (P < .01), and females were more concerned about the negative effects of becoming parents, including difficulties in the labor market, having less freedom, and having less money. When deciding whether to have children, factors such as work, economics, and childcare were more important to females. Students who did not want children had higher levels of fear of childbirth than those who wanted children or were unsure (P < .02). The fertility intentions of college students were not optimistic. In addition to the 2-child Chinese fertility policy, interventions aimed at reducing the cost of raising children, eliminating gender inequality in the workplace, and normalizing childcare institutions might help alleviate conflict between work and childrearing.

The Influence of Personal Motivation and Innovative Climate on Innovative Behavior: Evidence from University Students in China.

PurposeDrawing on the motivation theory, this study investigated the effect and consequences of personal motivation and innovative climate on innovative behavior among university students in mainland China. The study also examined whether the effect of personal motivation and innovative climate on Chinese university students’ innovative behavior is heterogeneous between disciplines and place of residence.MethodsA quantitative study was conducted to test the hypotheses. Data were collected from 245 undergraduate students at Chinese universities with paper-based questionnaires. Self-report scales were used to measure levels of personal motivation, innovative climate, and innovative behaviors. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the scale and questionnaire’s reliability and validity. The logistic model was applied to analyze the data and test the hypotheses.ResultsPersonal motivation and innovative climate have significant effects on Chinese university students’ innovative behavior. The effect of personal motivation and innovative climate on students’ innovative behavior is heterogeneous between disciplines and place of residence. Further, extrinsic motivation serves as a positive incentive. Mentor support, good academic climate, and knowledge sharing affect students’ innovative behavior positively. However, insufficient guaranteed resources has a significant negative influence. The data demonstrated no statistically significant difference between intrinsic motivation and students’ innovative behavior.ConclusionThis study contributes to the empirical literature on mechanisms that influence innovative behavior by testing the relation between personal motivation, innovative climate, and innovative behavior on the part of Chinese university students. In addition, these findings also provide evidence for ways to improve university students’ innovative consciousness and innovative ability, as well as universities’ management practice of innovative education.

Prevalence of and factors associated with unintended pregnancies among sexually active undergraduates in mainland China

BackgroundUnintended pregnancies (UIP) among unmarried sexually active college students in mainland China have emerged as a major reproductive health issue with detrimental personal and socioeconomic consequences. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with UIP among sexually active undergraduates in mainland China.MethodsBetween September 8, 2019 and January 17, 2020, a total of 48,660 participants were recruited across the Chinese mainland to complete the self-administered, structured, online questionnaire. This analysis was restricted to 6347 sexually experienced, never-married 15–26 year old undergraduates. Pearson’s Chi square tests and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify sociodemographic, familial and individual variables associated with UIP.ResultsThe overall prevalence of UIP was 17.7%. More specifically, 19.5% of male college students reported they had unintentionally gotten a partner pregnant, while 14.9% of female college students became unintentionally pregnant. Students who experienced UIP were more likely to belong to the older age group (23–26 years), live with only one parent or live without parents at home, report that their family members approve of premarital sex, initiate sexual activity younger than 14 years old and have casual sex partners. Furthermore, females with multiple partners and males who came from low- income households, experienced sexual abuse, perceived difficulties in acquiring condoms and did not know how to use condoms correctly were also at higher risk of experiencing an unintended pregnancy.ConclusionIn order to prevent UIP, a comprehensive intervention measure should be taken to target older students and those engaging in risky sexual behaviors, work with young male students to improve condom use skills, improve the availability of free condoms, optimize the involvement of parents and other family members in their children’s sex education.