Vol. 2 No. 1 (2023)

Open Access

Editorials

Article ID: 1375

A brief discussion on three common mental disorders

by Naval Garg

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 1375; , 2024; 7 Views, 4 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

Original Research Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 361; , 2023; 81 Views, 78 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

Original Research Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 476; , 2023; 55 Views, 24 PDF Downloads

This article examines consumers’ intention to purchase green product, such as electric scooters based on the theory of planned behavior. Specifically, the study incorporates several essential variables, which 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, psychological perceived risk strengthens the relationship between product knowledge and purchase intention, and functional perceived risk dampens the relationship between them. By examining three major external factors that influence green product consumers’ purchasing intention this study contributes to the theory of planned behavior and generate practical recommendations. 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 up consumers’ purchasing intention and organizing educational events about green products.

Open Access

Original Research Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 510; , 2023; 21 Views, 12 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 organization, 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

Original Research Articles

Article ID: 567

Global research patterns in corporate social responsibility within electronic commerce: A bibliometric analysis

by Tamzida Fatema, Yongming Zhu, M. D. Moyaje Uddin

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 567; , 2023; 32 Views, 14 PDF Downloads

This study examines the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in e-commerce literature by locating and collecting data from academic publications. By doing a search using specific terms such as “e-commerce”, “electronic commerce”, and “corporate social responsibility” in a prominent online publisher’s database from 2001 to 2023, our analysis reveals the increasing importance of the CSR matter in the field of e-commerce. Multiple levels of observation have identified this growing trend (conceptual, geographical, and technological). This article primarily focuses on providing a conceptual framework that provides the economic reason for the increasing interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues in the field of electronic commerce. While there are several ethical and social aspects that can account for this interest, this research specifically explores the complementing justification.

Open Access

Original Research Articles

Article ID: 1138

Loneliness and life’s stages: A commentary

by Ami Rokach

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 1138; , 2023; 16 Views, 12 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 does it feel. 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.

Open Access

Original Research Articles

Article ID: 507

Social enterprises transformation and its effects on socio-economic development in developed and developing countries

by Li Qi, Hero Rana Barua Mito, Mousumi Akter

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 507; , 2023; 35 Views, 20 PDF Downloads

In the twenty-first century, the idea of social enterprises influencing global socio-economic growth has gained much attention and has momentous implications for the modern economy. Both emerging and developed countries frequently observe its considerable impact on their economy as social enterprise transformation has such a wide-ranging effect on socioeconomic growth. The purpose of this study is to present evidence of the impacts of global social enterprise transformation on global socio-economic development. However, there are no official statistics available on the effects of the transformation of global social companies on global socio-economic development. The debate in this research demonstrates how social enterprises transform like a collaboration between the private, public, and civil sectors, continually honing their approach to their goals, based on the review of several case studies of social enterprises from around the world. Revamp, acquisitions, and improved performance are all efforts to achieve sustainable societal progress in the fields of economics, culture, and politics. The results indicate that social enterprises transformation cause the socio-economic development of the world. Our results also suggest that social enterprise transformation impact and outcome are more significant in developed countries than in developing countries.

Open Access

Original Research Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 548; , 2023; 46 Views, 25 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, and 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

Original Research Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 551; , 2023; 31 Views, 18 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 cases 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

Original Research Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 550; , 2023; 43 Views, 11 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 most severe cases 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, also effective prevention methods have not been developed. Therefore, it is particularly important to observe people at risk of such disorder.

Open Access

Original Research Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 1139; , 2023; 30 Views, 8 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 term, while maintaining close contact with Japanese culture), and the stayers group, (residing long term in W.A. while assimilating into Australian lifestyle). Participants in the research are asked about preferred traits for their children to develop while in Australia, and 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 style. 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

Original Research Articles

Article ID: 1200

A narrative discourse analysis of analyzing James Joyce’s “Araby” through narrative discourse on multiple levels

by Hammad Hussain Shah, Sumera Iqbal, Khizar Abbas, Ushba Rasool

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 1200; , 2023; 119 Views, 31 PDF Downloads

This article employs narrative discourse analysis to analyze James Joyce’s short story “Araby” by using two narrative analysis frameworks that focus on the macrostructure and microstructure aspects of the story. The analysis covers the story’s purpose, generic structure, and lexico-grammatical cohesion. The writer follows a series of structural moves and uses a variety of narrative strategies (e.g., a high level of involvement and a wide range of lexical and grammatical cohesive ties), which contribute to the creation of a well-formed text that has effectively achieved its purpose and made its intended effect. This macro-structural analysis sheds light on the story’s thematic elements, character development, and overall narrative trajectory, providing a deeper understanding of its intended message and impact. The article unveils Joyce’s underlying linguistic mechanisms to convey meaning and evoke emotion within the narrative. By exploring the story’s purpose, structure, and linguistic nuances, the analysis offers valuable insights into Joyce’s narrative techniques and the profound impact of “Araby” as a well-formed literary text. This analysis of James Joyce’s “Araby” through narrative discourse analysis offers valuable insights that can be applied in the classroom to enrich student engagement with literature.

Open Access

Review Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 335; , 2023; 54 Views, 25 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 Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 347; , 2023; 848 Views, 714 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 Articles

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, pp. 2(1), 549; , 2023; 52 Views, 27 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

Review Articles

Article ID: 547

Perspectives on World English(es): Perceptions of Italian EFL learners at secondary state schools with regard to grammar teaching, British and American accents and what model to aspire to when learning English as a second language

by Federico Valente

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 547; , 2023; 23 Views, 11 PDF Downloads

The aim of this paper is to provide effective responses to three different articles that discuss the issues of grammar translation instruction, the differences between British and American accents and, above all, what model to aspire to when learning English, in order investigate what are the perceptions of Italian EFL learners at secondary state schools with regard to these elements. The trigger for this analysis comes firstly from my EFL teaching experiences at Italian state high schools where the syllabi employed tend to overlook these features and focus on conventional teaching practices. Secondly, the stimulus for this study comes also from research articles in this field that I read before writing these responses in order to have a broader view of these themes. Each response describes in detail theoretical issues with regard to the articles selected for this analysis, and it also makes reference to the context identified for this investigation. This study was conducted in Italy and the data gathering processes consist mainly of qualitative semi-structured interviews with eight participants (four EFL learners and for teachers of English as a foreign language and English literature), interview transcripts, and content analysis techniques which I used to examine and interpret data collected. Findings indicate that innovative EFL teaching and learning practices are needed in Italian state high schools, especially where the syllabi employed overlooks these identified aspects of the language.