
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: 4148
by Jian Zhou, Jian’er Yu, Rebecca Susan Dewey, Yuanyuan Zhou
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.5, No.1, 2026;
People have been studying the characteristics of scientists for more than 100 years. Some related studies have drawn on concepts and methods from fields such as psychology, cognitive science, ethics, and behavioral science, proposing certain incomplete perspectives. However, systematic research in this area remains insufficient to date. Based on a literature review and theoretical analysis, this study integrates research findings from modern psychology, cognitive science, ethics and moral science, and behavioral science to propose a systematic theoretical framework for the character of a scientist. The study introduces a novel definition of these traits, elucidates their constituent elements, and establishes a theoretical model for describing the characteristics of scientists. This paper also discusses the close connections between the scientist model and the Big Five Personality Model, Rational Cognitive Style Theory, Schwartz Value Theory, and Habit Behavior Theory, as well as the relationships among the various dimensions of the model. The proposal and dissemination of the scientist character theory will facilitate the objective selection of future scientists and researchers, as well as the acquisition and enhancement of their scientific research skills, ultimately advancing the progress of scientific research. Simultaneously, it may exert positive potential impacts on science communication, public understanding of science, and the development of scientific culture and science education.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 3075
by Jeffrey Overall
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.5, No.1, 2026;
To advance the empirical study of spiritual transformation, this article offers a two-part investigation into the lived experience of kensho spiritual awakenings. The first study applies grounded theory to in-depth interviews with 13 participants who underwent kensho experiences during facilitated retreat settings. The analysis identified three inductively derived categories—(1) inner peace, (2) big release, and (3) heightened senses—each encompassing affective, cognitive, and somatic dimensions of awakening. The second study employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to examine the causal configurations associated with two central outcomes: inner peace and trusting in the unknown. The inner peace configuration included karmic processing, heightened sensory awareness, and inner guidance, while the trust configuration involved sensory awareness, inner guidance, and physical sensation. These findings indicate that spiritual awakening is not solely a cognitive realization but an embodied and relational reconfiguration of experience, emerging through the interaction of somatic intensity, attentional processes, and intuitive orientation. Importantly, the results highlight overlooked dynamics in the awakening process, including the role of simplicity as a core experiential feature, the epistemic significance of sensory awareness, and the function of karmic activation in facilitating transformation. By integrating grounded theory and QCA, this study offers a methodologically innovative and conceptually nuanced contribution to transpersonal psychology and contemplative science.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 3997
by Vasiliki Kokkali, Konstantina Fragkouli, Faye Antoniou
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.5, No.1, 2026;
Teaching spelling is particularly challenging for children with, or at risk for, Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). The present study examined the effectiveness of a structured instructional intervention designed to improve spelling skills, vocabulary knowledge, and morphological awareness (MA) in Greek third-grade students receiving special education support. A pretest–intervention–posttest experimental design was implemented, with a total of 72 students randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 39) or a control group (n = 33). The four-week intervention was based on principles of Direct Instruction with systematic scaffolding and incorporated a modified version of the Morphological Processing Spelling Approach (MPSA). Standardized measures of spelling, MA and vocabulary knowledge were administered before and after the intervention to assess students’ progress. Results from repeated-measures ANOVAs showed that students in the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvement than those in the control group in text-level spelling, grammatical and historical spelling. Improvements in isolated word spelling were comparable across groups. Regression analyses further indicated that neither MA nor vocabulary knowledge predicted spelling performance at the baseline level. Overall, the findings provide strong support for the effectiveness of structured and direct instruction for enhancing spelling development among children at risk for or with SLD, highlighting its value regardless of their initial competence.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 4157
by Joshua O. Ogunsemi, Christabel E. Lapinni
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.5, No.1, 2026;
The use of social media platforms has increased among university undergraduates, and the fear of missing out may be a likely underlying factor in this increase. There is, however, a paucity of empirical research addressing whether these variables predict life satisfaction among university undergraduates. The study assessed the predictive influence of social media use and fear of missing out on life satisfaction among university undergraduates in Nigeria. An ex post facto design was used. Data were collected from 358 undergraduates (Male = 46.1%, Female = 53.9%) who completed self-reporting assessments: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SwLS), Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), and Social Media Use Scale (SMUS). Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. The study results showed that both social media use (β = −0.25, p < 0.001) and FoMO (β = −0.29, p < 0.001) predicted lower life satisfaction. Age and gender also predicted life satisfaction, with gender (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) a significant predictor, while age was not. The independent-samples t-test showed that male undergraduates reported significantly higher life satisfaction than female undergraduates (d = 0.69). In contrast, female undergraduates reported higher FoMO (d = 0.49), and both genders showed equal social media use. The research demonstrates that FoMO and social media use patterns are essential psychological factors that impact the rating of life satisfaction through likely digital social pressure experiences across genders. The study emphasises the need for interventions that address FoMO while teaching undergraduates better digital behaviour, as these measures will help them achieve higher life satisfaction.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 3998
by Thomas H. Stone, Jeff Foster, I. M. Jawahar
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.5, No.1, 2026;
Although considerable research has examined student cheating, relatively few studies have examined personality as an antecedent of student cheating. Its role in career success has been established. This is the first study to examine relationships between student cheating and personality assessed using a multi-perspective approach, i.e., peer, meta-perceptions and self-personality ratings. Results suggest this approach has implications for predicting student cheating and career success. We examine the ability of other-rated Big Five personality traits to account for more variance in student cheating and report cheating than self-rated personality ratings. Online surveys of 121 business college students and 357 other raters provided ratings of six personality traits, cheating attitudes, cheating behavior and reporting cheating. Regression and correlation analysis examined relationships between cheating and personality traits via a multi-perspectives approach: traditional self-ratings, meta-perceptions (how individuals think others view them), and other ratings. Our findings are consistent with the substantial literature demonstrating that personality ratings by others have stronger validity than traditional self-ratings. Specifically, others’ ratings of peer personality traits and meta-perceptions accounted for additional variance in cheating behavior and reported cheating beyond traditional self-ratings. Consistent with virtually all studies of deviant behavior, conscientiousness was highly significant for cheating behavior and report cheating and marginally significant for attitude. Similarly, emotional stability was significant for cheating behavior and report cheating. These findings suggest the use of multi-perspective personality measures to predict outcomes such as cheating behaviors, as previous research has shown college cheating is associated with cheating at work and dysfunctional career consequences.
Open Access
Article
Article ID: 3937
by Monika Kozieł, Tomasz Jurys, Joanna Szołtysek, Beata Nowak, Natalia Fajer, Katarzyna Gwizdek, Mateusz Grajek
Applied Psychology Research, Vol.5, No.1, 2026;
Alcohol consumption remains a significant public health issue influenced by a wide range of psychosocial factors. Understanding the determinants of alcohol use is essential for developing effective prevention strategies tailored to specific populations. This study aimed to assess psychosocial determinants of alcohol consumption among adults residing in southern Poland, with particular emphasis on demographic, social, and personality-related factors. The study was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024 among 175 adults using an anonymous, author-designed online questionnaire (CAWI) covering sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, and patterns of alcohol consumption. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and Pearson’s chi-square test (p < 0.05). A statistically significant association was found between gender and alcohol consumption, with men reporting higher alcohol use than women. Marital status was also significantly related to drinking behavior, with higher consumption observed among single individuals. No significant associations were identified for age, education, occupational status, income, place of residence, or family-related variables. Alcohol consumption occurred predominantly in social settings. Among respondents who had ceased alcohol consumption, the most frequently reported reasons were lack of perceived benefits and unfavorable taste. Overall, alcohol consumption appeared to be influenced primarily by psychosocial rather than socioeconomic factors, underscoring the importance of preventive strategies targeting social and behavioral determinants of alcohol use.