
Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Italy


Applied Psychology Research (APR, eISSN: 3029-276X) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes original articles, reviews, research notes, and short communications in the broad field of psychology. The journal seeks original research in all empirical and theoretical fields of psychology, aiming to achieve a deeper understanding of the mental processes of individuals, organizations, and institutions. This includes the cognitive, motivational, affective, and behavioral factors in various situations. It is dedicated to the application of experimental behavioral science research to societal problems, such as social psychology, organizational and leadership psychology, education, economics, management, environment, law, safety, health, and gender issues.
The topics covered in Applied Psychology Research include but are not limited to:
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 1849
by Vedmika Munogee Koonjobeeharry, Manish Putteeraj, Jhoti Somanah, Shilpa Ramdawor, Hanish Bhurtun, Veronique Francois Newton
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.4, No.2, 2025;
Background: Acne, a chronic inflammatory disease, results from multi-nodal effects, including inflammatory reactions among others. The consequences of acne extend beyond the physiological and aesthetic appearance, with reported adverse effects on mental health. Objective: This study analyzed the impact of acne on mental health determinants among Mauritian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey was carried out among Mauritian adults (n = 381) suffering from acne. The tool assessed quality of life through an adapted Acne-Specific Quality of Life scale, self-esteem and appearance anxiety using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and appearance anxiety inventory respectively. Results: (i) Acne and demographics: The data revealed that a sizeable proportion of Mauritians (86.4%) suffer from facial acne with varying severity as per the self-reported mild (50.1%), moderate (42.8%), and severe acne (7.1%) across the sampled participants. (ii) Acne and quality of life: Acne severity was associated with age group and education levels (p < 0.05) as opposed to the indifference across gender. An inverse correlation was found between acne severity and quality of life, and the majority of the sample (59.9%) suffered from body dysmorphic disorder as a result of anxiety related to the acne. (iii) Acne and mental health constructs: Participants having severe acne experienced very low self-esteem (mean score = 6), confirming the relationship between acne and self-esteem [χ2(34) = 126.105, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.426]. Acne severity had a significant effect on appearance anxiety (H = 16.05, p < 0.001), adversely impacting mental health. Mauritians generally sought dermatological assistance for their acne (54.1%); however, a significantly larger population (78.5%) felt that treatment should not be siloed through a dermatologist. 70% of the sample also preferred psychological support, which would enhance their quality of life. Conclusion: The quality of life of Mauritian adults is negatively affected by acne, and the severity of psychological impairment is multi-fold, from poor self-esteem to anxiety, leading to isolating behaviors. Preemptive processes such as psychological conditioning and support are necessary to decrease the burden associated with acne.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 2726
by Diogo Henrique Constantino Coledam
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.4, No.2, 2025;
Intensification of the work of elementary school teachers over the years has influenced teachers’ health, mainly mental health outcomes. The aim of the present study was to analyze the predictors of common mental disorders among Brazilian elementary school teachers. The sample involved 530 elementary school teachers from 63 schools in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. Common mental disorders were assessed through a self-report questionnaire. The independent variables were related to work, lifestyle, and health disorders. Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios. The prevalence of common mental disorders in the overall sample was 31.6%. In the multivariate analysis, the work predictors associated with higher common mental disorder prevalence were inadequate infrastructure of schools, experience of violence, and low job support. With regard to health characteristics, teachers with musculoskeletal symptoms, problems related to dust, emotional exhaustion, low professional achievements, and one or more chronic diseases presented a higher prevalence of common mental disorders. The magnitude of associations varied from PR = 1.27 to 2.52. The high prevalence of common mental disorders suggests a public health problem among these professionals. Educational systems should provide adequate work conditions and monitor health-related characteristics to prevent common mental disorders among Brazilian elementary school teachers.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 3055
by Jeffrey Overall
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.4, No.1, 2025;
To advance an understanding of post-kensho experiences, particularly the psychological and existential challenges that follow, this research utilizes a general interpretivist framework guided by grounded theory techniques. Thirteen in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals who reported experiencing a kensho awakening. From the axial coding analysis, three overarching categories emerged: (1) challenges, (2) purification, and (3) reluctance to share, each encompassing distinct yet interconnected themes central to post-awakening integration. A subsequent qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) identified specific conditions associated with heightened awareness of post-kensho struggles. The strongest explanatory model indicated that increased awareness of struggle occurs primarily when egoic tendencies persist without being offset by sustained mindfulness practices, openness in sharing experiences, ongoing contact with the awakened state, or recognition of the fleeting nature of kensho. These findings challenge prevailing assumptions that spiritual awakenings inherently lead to sustained clarity or ease, emphasizing instead that kensho initiates a complex psychological and existential process requiring intentional and continuous integration. This research thus provides novel theoretical insights, reframing kensho not as an endpoint but as the beginning of an ongoing, nuanced transformation.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 3068
by Himal Gaire, Ganesh Bhandari, Mamta Verma, Sabanam Karki, Laxman Nath, Anat Chaudhary, Sumita Malla, Ram Lal Shrestha
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.4, No.1, 2025;
Background: Foreign employment is a key livelihood strategy in Nepal, contributing to economic stability through remittances. However, it also imposes social costs, affecting the mental health and psychosocial well-being of migrant workers and their families. This study evaluates a mental health and psychosocial support project, assessing its progress and impact on interventions aimed at improving overall well-being. Methods: A midterm evaluation was conducted using a cross-sectional study design with a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative survey included 91 participants, utilizing validated tools such as the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), Life Satisfaction Tool, and Happiness Tool. Additionally, 13 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 26 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) explored community perspectives on mental health and psychosocial issues. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 for quantitative findings and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council (Ref. No: 660), and written informed consent was secured from all participants. Results: The evaluation demonstrated a positive impact on mental well-being, with anxiety decreasing from 37.25% at baseline to 20.95% at midterm and depression declining from 26.2% to 13.2%. Happiness and life satisfaction levels improved, and mental health services expanded from 4 to 19 health facilities. Challenges remain, including stigma, resource constraints, and policy implementation delays. Conclusion: While the project has significantly improved mental health outcomes, addressing systemic barriers is essential for sustaining progress. Strengthening policies and increasing resources can enhance long-term mental health support for migrant workers and vulnerable populations.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 3028
by Joana Neto, Félix Neto
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.4, No.1, 2025;
The importance of understanding the adaptation of international students is particularly relevant to the expansion of the internationalization of higher education. This paper examines various psychosocial features with regard to the intercultural relations of international students (IS) in Portugal. This country is receiving an increasing number of IS. Two key components of intercultural relations are acculturation and adaptation. As regards the acculturation process, we examine studies on cultural identity, acculturation strategies, and perceived discrimination. As regards psychological adaptation, we examine studies on several indicators of subjective well-being (overall well-being, satisfaction with life, satisfaction with academic life, satisfaction with migration life), and loneliness. Finally, it is reviewed research on sociocultural adaptation. This set of reviewed studies on international students is consonant with the perspective that most migrant people adapt well in the society of settlement, notwithstanding the difficulties found across the intercultural contact. A relevant contribution to the acculturation field was the demonstration that sociocultural adaptation difficulty fully mediated the relationships of perceived discrimination and two indicators of psychological adaptation, satisfaction with life and loneliness. This underlying relationship of perceived discrimination with psychological adaptation means that programs to decrease sociocultural adaptation difficulties among international students may help to improve their psychological adaptation. Several other practical recommendations can be drawn from this set of studies.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 2340
by Nicolas Roussiau, Anaïs Ameline, Constance Mambet-Doué, Jean Philippe Lanoix
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.4, No.1, 2025;
The overall objective of this research is to identify the processes responsible for the effect of spiritual well-being on therapeutic adherence in the case of HIV. Empirical research shows that spirituality helps individuals cope with difficult life events by giving them meaning and that it offers a particularly helpful course of action on a daily basis. It is also known that coping style in chronic diseases that require long-term treatment is associated with or not with therapeutic adherence. A total of 132 HIV-positive people were recruited as part of their systematic medical consultation related to the follow-up of HIV infection in the Infectious and Tropical Diseases department of the CHU of Amiens-Picardie, France. The questionnaire consisted of three scales: The spiritual well-being scale, a compliance scale, and a specific coping scale, the CHIP. The results show that the search for well-being, distraction, palive coping, and avoidance mediate the relationship between spiritual well-being and therapeutic observance. This research concludes with a set of recommendations for my health care professionals, based on the results obtained. Patients can be encouraged to have “confidence in the future” by offering them the opportunity to make “future plans” (as a form of distraction), by encouraging them to “dream about pleasant things” (a cognitive avoidance strategy), by inviting them to “pay attention to their bodily sensations and listen to their body” (palliative adaptation), or by helping them reflect on the meaning they attribute to their life, focusing on what seems important to them (spirituality). This relationship between spirituality (spiritual well-being) and the different dimensions of adaptation (measured using the CHIP scale) allows for the definition of relevant sub-dimensions aimed at improving compliance.