Vol. 2 No. 1 (2023)

Open Access

Editorial

Article ID: 1375

A brief discussion on three common mental disorders

by Naval Garg

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2024; 39 Views, 28 PDF Downloads

Mental disorders are complex and multifaceted issues that affect individuals across all societies, including modern ones. Several factors, such as information overload, blind materialism, sedentary lifestyle, sleep disruption, and lack of face-to-face interactions, contribute to growing instances of mental disorders. While advancements in understanding and treating mental health conditions have been made, modern society has its own unique challenges that can contribute to the prevalence and manifestation of these disorders. A growing number of concerns are raised about mental diseases, which is also one of the main topics of Volume 2, Issue 1 of Applied Psychology Research . Three prevalent mental illnesses discussed in this issue are eating disorders, autism, and job burnout.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 361

Burnout, mental resilience and quality of life in Greek professionals of public and private sector: Which is the impact of demographic, occupational and psychological variables?

by Nikolaos Plemmenos, Dimitris D. Vlastos, Paraskevi Theofilou

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 128 Views, 110 PDF Downloads

The research investigated the relationship between burnout syndrome and the variables of mental resilience, quality, and enjoyment of life in Greek private and public sector workers (N = 112), with demographic differences. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire that was distributed in the form of an electronic Microsoft form. The questionnaire contained demographic questions, the psychometric tool Burnout Assessment Tool version 2.0, the psychometric tool Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the psychometric tool Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), which were used to measure the three variables examined by the research. For statistical analysis, linear regression analysis was used to find independent factors. The main research hypothesis was verified, finding a negative correlation between burnout and the variables of mental resilience and quality of life, while it was identified that employees experienced greater exhaustion and spiritual withdrawal compared to freelancers. Hypotheses regarding age, educational level, and public-private job data were not verified as there were no statistically significant differences in demographic results.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 476

Factors driving consumers intention to buy products: An empirical investigation

by Li-Fan Wu, Cheng Yang, Yang-Hsin Fu, Yu-Jia Li

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 98 Views, 58 PDF Downloads

This article examines consumers’ intention to purchase green products, such as electric scooters, based on the theory of planned behavior. Specifically, the study incorporates several essential variables that are likely to influence consumer intentions: (a) product knowledge; (b) subjective norm; and (c) psychological and functional perceived risk. The research model was tested using data from the survey of 568 participants. Results indicate that Purchase intention is influenced by Product Knowledge and Subjective Norm while consumer’s Perceived Risk has a moderating effect. More specifically, psychologically perceived risk strengthens the relationship between product knowledge and purchase intention, and functionally perceived risk dampens the relationship between them. By examining three major external factors that influence green product consumers’ purchasing intentions, this study contributes to the theory of planned behavior and generates practical recommendations. The authors recommended that marketing managers need to pay attention to both consumers’ psychological and functional perceived risk and utilize such marketing activities as engaging with “opinion leaders” in order to boost consumers’ purchasing intentions and organize educational events about green products.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 510

Exploring moral heuristics in managerial decision-making. The dialectic of duty and consequence

by Mark Crowder, Marilena Antoniadou

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 45 Views, 35 PDF Downloads

This paper explores the use of moral heuristics within a large public sector organisation in the UK. Managers within the case study organisation were interviewed and directly observed over a four-year period, using a grounded theory methodology, to examine the ways in which they made decisions. Whereas the extant literature primarily focuses on hypothetical situations, this paper delves into the application of the heuristic in real-world situations. The results reveal widespread use of moral heuristics within the organisation, accompanied by a clear dichotomy between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ business units. Moral heuristics find extensive application in the former but encounter opposition in the latter. Consequently, the paper argues that managers in ‘soft’ work environments are more inclined to employ moral heuristics compared to their counterparts in other parts of the workplace. This study contributes to knowledge in three ways: proposing a new conceptualization of the moral heuristic, identifying instances of its use, and illustrating how it operates in real-world situations. The significance of this paper lies in its demonstration of how the heuristic is practically employed to make crucial, potentially life-changing decisions.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 548

Sensory integration disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder—A review study

by Karolina Krupa-Kotara, Matylda Kosiorz, Katarzyna Barylska, Mateusz Grajek

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 143 Views, 81 PDF Downloads

In this article, we examine the diagnostic process for children on the autism spectrum, paying particular attention to the importance of sensory diagnosis as a key tool in identifying therapeutic needs and establishing intervention strategies. We discuss the challenges posed to therapists by difficulties in communication, relationship building, and motivation, as well as the need to flexibly adapt diagnostic tools to each child’s individual needs. Sensory diagnosis not only helps parents understand their children’s behaviors and their underlying causes but also provides concrete knowledge of effective therapeutic strategies that can be used in the day-to-day support of the development of children on the autism spectrum. Our analysis underscores the importance of sensory diagnosis as a tool to help understand and support children in coping with daily challenges and building harmonious relationships with their environment, a key component of effective therapy for children with autism.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 551

Exploring the efficacy of neuro-linguistic programming in alleviating school challenges among primary schoolchildren in Lebanon

by Hiba Chehabeddine, Mouna Chehabeddine, Hiba Abdo, Inaam Nasrallah, Assem El-Kak, Georges Hatem

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2024; 64 Views, 54 PDF Downloads

This four-month study investigated the impact of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) sessions on the strengths and difficulties of 128 elementary school students from a private school in Lebanon. Paired T-test and Pearson correlation analyses examined changes in behavior and academic performance pre- and post-NLP intervention. The findings revealed a significant reduction in headaches, stomachaches, and overall negative emotions such as unhappiness, depression, or tearfulness after NLP sessions. Although the case group had a higher proportion of females, no notable gender-based differences were observed. Positive correlations were identified between student age and emotional and conduct scores. While there was a decrease in reported fights and bullying post-intervention, it did not reach statistical significance. The study advocates for integrating NLP into traditional medical treatment programs, emphasizing its potential as a non-medical intervention, especially in integrated pain management strategies. The research underscores NLP’s role in addressing emotional and behavioral challenges among students.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 550

Unconventional compensation methods used by patients with bulimia nervosa

by Martyna Szymanska, Katarzyna Barylska, Łukasz Stefański, Mateusz Grajek

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 91 Views, 38 PDF Downloads

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is more common among young girls and women. It bears a lot of life-long consequences for those affected by it, and in the most severe cases, it can be deadly. The aim of the study was to review the literature to help describe unconventional compensation methods used by patients with bulimia nervosa. The following methods were described: excessive and compulsive physical activity, induced vomiting, strict diets, enemas, use of pharmacy products, medication and dietary supplements, diabulimia, and drunkorexia. Atypical compensation methods used by bulimics depend on the resources the patients have at their disposal. Bulimia nervosa is still a significant and complicated health problem, and effective prevention methods have not been developed. Therefore, it is particularly important to observe people at risk of such disorders.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 1139

Parenting in diaspora: A Japanese case study of sojourners and stayers in Western Australia

by Anne Becker, Ines Tyson

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 61 Views, 35 PDF Downloads

This paper examines the child-rearing practices and experiences of Japanese families parenting in diaspora in Western Australia (W.A.). Two groups are interviewed—the sojourners group (residing in W.A. for a short time while maintaining close contact with Japanese culture) and the stayers group (residing long-term in W.A. while assimilating into the Australian lifestyle). Participants in the research are asked about preferred traits for their children to develop while in Australia and the challenges and benefits of parenting in diaspora. The research seeks to illustrate embedded assumptions in child-rearing and how the values of collectivist and individualist communities are reflected in parenting styles. The findings of the study reveal that parenting in diaspora presents a unique opportunity to explore one’s parenting practices and values. Implications in relation to worldviews other than English-centric foci are discussed.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 335

Smoking as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD): Contemporary insights into treatment strategies

by Frosyna Anagnosti, Dimitra Darahani, Anna Bilali, Dimitrios Chaniotis, Fragkiski Anthouli- Anagnostopoulou, Petros Papagiorgis, Nikolaos Thalassinos

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 81 Views, 44 PDF Downloads

Smoking is a powerful risk factor for coronary heart disease, responsible for numerous deaths each year. This qualitative literature review provides contemporary knowledge regarding the relationship between CHD and smoking as well as an evaluation of current treatment approaches. An electronic search was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct to examine and assess academic material during the last 5 years. The results indicate that smoking is connected with CHD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in the female population. Also, there is an association with alcohol, body weight, and smokeless tobacco. Gender is also a crucial factor in the frequency of smoking, as heavy smokers need more time to lower the danger of CHD in comparison to current smokers. Modern treatment strategies place a lot of focus on pharmacotherapy and holistic treatments.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 347

Attitudes of health care workers toward COVID-19 vaccination: A literature review

by Daria Łaskawiec-Żuławińska, Marika Wlazło, Mateusz Grajek, Ilona Korzonek-Szlacheta

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 880 Views, 742 PDF Downloads

One of the main goals of current COVID-19 vaccination programs is to achieve herd immunity, which would inhibit further spread of the virus. However, achieving this goal is impossible without widespread public acceptance of vaccination. As a result, concerns about the decision to accept vaccination have become a key public health challenge on a global scale in recent years. Healthcare workers’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination are mostly related to accepting vaccine preparations and recommending them to patients. This is of great importance for maintaining the continuity of health care, as it contributes to protecting medical workers from SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and thus counteracts their absenteeism. In turn, with an adequate number of employees in healthcare facilities, it is possible to provide proper care to patients in a life- or health-threatening condition. In addition, medics are often considered authorities on health issues. Therefore, their trust and submission to vaccination will positively influence the public and encourage them to undergo the COVID-19 vaccination.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 549

Occupational therapy role in enhancing creativity and intelligence development—A review study

by Mateusz Grajek, Karolina Krupa-Kotara, Katarzyna Barylska, Antoniya Yanakieva

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 106 Views, 63 PDF Downloads

This article provides a comprehensive review of the impact of occupational therapy (OT) on the development of creativity and intelligence, areas of growing interest within the field of cognitive and developmental psychology. Through a systematic examination of the literature, this review aims to elucidate the role of OT in enhancing cognitive functions that underpin creativity and intelligence, including problem-solving skills, cognitive flexibility, and executive functioning. The methodology employed involves a rigorous search of peer-reviewed articles, employing inclusion and exclusion criteria designed to capture relevant studies, followed by a qualitative synthesis of findings to identify common themes and insights. The review reveals that OT interventions, particularly those incorporating creative activities and tasks targeting executive functions, can significantly contribute to cognitive development. Studies highlighted within the review demonstrate improvements in cognitive flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and overall intelligence quotients (IQ) among participants engaging in OT. Theoretical frameworks, such as Cognitive Stimulation Theory and Environmental Enrichment Theory, provide insight into the mechanisms through which OT may foster creativity and intelligence. In conclusion, this article underscores the potential of OT to enhance creativity and intelligence, suggesting that OT interventions could be a valuable component of educational and developmental programs. By fostering engagement in meaningful and challenging activities, OT not only supports the rehabilitation and adaptive capabilities of individuals with various needs but also contributes to the cognitive and emotional growth of a broader population. This review advocates for the integration of creative and cognitively stimulating activities within OT practice, highlighting the importance of further research to expand our understanding of these relationships.

Open Access

Commentary

Article ID: 1138

Loneliness and life’s stages: A commentary

by Ami Rokach

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, 2023; 44 Views, 40 PDF Downloads

Loneliness is an integral part of life. It may be experienced periodically or on a continuous basis, but regardless, humans are all aware of its existence and influence on their lives. In this commentary, we examine the loneliness that humans face, from cradle to grave, and how it feels. Age, life experience, maturation, personal awareness, and cultural background bring about and affect our loneliness experiences. We highlight the experience as it presents itself in each of life’s stages.