Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024)

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 1401

Social acceptance of people with chronic diseases

by Paweł Juraszek, Mateusz Grajek

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.3, No.2, 2024; 223 Views, 121 PDF Downloads

The discussion concerns social acceptance of people with chronic diseases, covering the definition of acceptance, its determinants, stereotypes, and groups of diseases that most often face social reluctance. Social acceptance is a key element of healthy social functioning and implies agreement that people with chronic diseases exist, are respected and treated equally with healthy people. It is a process dependent on education, personal experience, social support and culture. Research indicates that people with mental illness, HIV/AIDS, skin diseases and obesity often experience stigma and discrimination. In particular, people with mental illnesses face negative stereotypes, such as being seen as dangerous and unable to function in society. People living with HIV/AIDS are often victims of social ostracism due to fear of infection and moral judgments. Skin diseases such as psoriasis and obesity also lead to social isolation and discrimination. Another group is people with cancer, who often experience social resentment due to fear, ignorance and stereotypes associated with the disease. Social education and psychological and social support are key to reducing stigma and improving the quality of life for these people. Practical measures to increase social acceptance include: educational programs, media campaigns, psychological support, legislative changes, and local and community initiatives. All of these activities can help reduce stigma and discrimination against people with chronic diseases, promoting greater empathy and understanding in society.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 1413

Psychology of trauma and resilience in “The Nickel Boys”: A historical perspective

by M. Swetha, B. R. Aravind, R. K. Uthradevi

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.3, No.2, 2024; 152 Views, 92 PDF Downloads

This paper explores the depiction of trauma in Colson Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys”, analyzing the experiences of its characters through the lens of trauma theory, particularly the works of Judith Herman and Cathy Caruth. Set against the historical backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and the systemic racism of the 1960s, the novel highlights the physical and psychological abuse suffered by African American boys at the fictional Nickel Academy, based on the real-life Dozier School for Boys. By examining the characters’ journeys through Herman’s stages of trauma recovery and Caruth’s concept of belated trauma, the paper delves into the enduring impact of systemic violence on individual and collective memory. Critical responses to the novel underscore its powerful portrayal of historical and psychological trauma, positioning “The Nickel Boys” as a significant contribution to the discourse on racial injustice and resilience.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 1363

Ethical deployment of cognitive biases in marketing a framework for responsible influence

by Mohammad Shahidul Islam , Fariba Azizzadeh, Muhammad Ali

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.3, No.2, 2024; 145 Views, 75 PDF Downloads

This paper examines the intersection of cognitive biases and ethical marketing practices, highlighting how psychological principles can influence consumer behavior within ethical boundaries. Cognitive biases such as scarcity bias, authority bias, the halo effect, and confirmation bias significantly shape consumer perceptions and decisions. However, their application in marketing raises complex ethical concerns, particularly regarding consumer autonomy and the potential for manipulation. This study proposes a conceptual framework that integrates ethical guidelines with marketing strategies that utilize cognitive biases. Through a comprehensive literature review and theoretical analysis, this paper outlines the implications of these biases in marketing, develops a set of ethical guidelines, and discusses the broader impacts on consumer trust and brand integrity. The findings give marketers practical insights for ethically harnessing cognitive biases, ensuring that marketing practices drive business success and maintain consumer respect and loyalty.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 1293

The impact of the presence of hirsutism and hypertrichosis on the psychological state of women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperandrogenism

by Martyna Szymanska, Beata Nowak, Karolina Krupa-Kotara, Katarzyna Barylska, Mateusz Grajek

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.3, No.2, 2024; 113 Views, 50 PDF Downloads

This review article focuses on analyzing the impact of excessive hairiness, in the form of hirsutism and hypertrichosis, on the psychological state of women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hyperandrogenism. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance and menstrual disorders, among others. Studies suggest that excessive body hair can have a significant impact on the quality of life and psychological state of PCOS patients, leading to lowered self-esteem, depression, anxiety and body dysmorphophobia. Despite numerous clinical observations, however, a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying this association is lacking. The article underscores the need for further research to identify the biological and psychological mechanisms affecting the psychological state of women with excessive body hair in the context of PCOS and hyperandrogenism. As progress is made in this area, it will be possible to develop more effective management strategies and therapeutic interventions that can help improve the quality of life for these patients.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 1432

The impact of the menstrual cycle on emotions and behavior—A review of current research

by Magdalena Kurpanik, Maja Grzybowska, Karolina Krupa-Kotara, Katarzyna Barylska, Paweł Juraszek, Mateusz Krystian Grajek

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.3, No.2, 2024; 216 Views, 94 PDF Downloads

The menstrual cycle has attracted the interest of many researchers for many years. It is analyzed from many angles, including its impact on mental health. Hormonal changes over the course of the cycle have a very strong impact on the emotions, needs, or pain experienced. Estrogen, secreted shortly before ovulation, influences increased confidence and feelings of attractiveness, which can lead to new relationships. In contrast, progesterone, secreted during the luteal phase, promotes the strengthening of stable relationships, and a large proportion of women may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) during this time. This publication discusses studies from recent years that have assessed the variability of women’s needs and emerging symptoms during different phases of the cycle. It also summarizes any strategies and practical tips needed to work with women considering their cyclical variability.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 1439

A neuroscience perspective on antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)

by Seyyedeh Sahar Asgari Ghalebin

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.3, No.2, 2024; 230 Views, 82 PDF Downloads

Introduction: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of behavior that disregards and violates the rights of others. This disorder has biological-genetic and environmental roots, with the biological aspects playing a more significant role. Therefore, this article aims to examine the different dimensions of ASPD to adopt treatment and a suitable solution for it, considering its important effects on others and society. Method: Using a predefined search strategy, searches were conducted in databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Criminal Justice Abstracts, and PsycINFO for published articles related to the research topic. Only studies published in English between 1990 and 2024 and containing information about the neuroscience of ASPD were eligible for inclusion. A total of 37 articles were selected for analysis and synthesis of the results. Results: Findings indicate that the limbic and frontal regions are particularly implicated in ASPD, with notable differences in the upper and lower frontal sulcus compared to typical brain variants. Additionally, individuals with ASPD exhibit larger spectral bands in delta and theta waves during a resting state than healthy subjects. Conclusion: This literature review provides valuable information about the neurobiology of ASPD and can enhance the depth and breadth of our knowledge for a more comprehensive and impactful understanding and treatment of ASPD. However, since there are apparent differences in brain function between ASPD subjects and controls, further research is needed to achieve consensus.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 1433

A review of current advances in the transformative effects of physical exercise on the psychological wellbeing of those suffering from anxiety disorders

by Saima Sabri , Nadia Rashid

Applied Psychology Research, Vol.3, No.2, 2024; 119 Views, 50 PDF Downloads

Background: Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, fear, or apprehension, often leading to significant impairments in daily functioning, including difficulties maintaining physical health and psychological well-being (PWB). There is a lack of conclusive research regarding the efficacy of physical exercise (PE) as a treatment for anxiety in primary care settings, as well as uncertainty about the specific degree of activity required to produce therapeutic benefits. The goal of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of PE on the PWB of people suffering from anxiety disorders (AD), as well as to compare the benefits of different PE regimens. Method: A systematic literature search was carried out utilizing seven databases (PUBMED, PsycINFO, Science Direct Engine, Semantic Scholar, Google Scholar, Online Library, and other sources such as periodicals). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on the PICOS framework, and the risk of bias (ROB) was utilized to assess the quality of eligible research. Result: Aerobic exercise (AE) is the most effective PE modality in reducing anxiety symptoms, while the benefits of resistance exercise (RE) are also notable. Moreover, research suggests that moderate intensity PE (MI-PE) tends to yield superior results over other PE regimens in managing anxiety symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of PE intensity in achieving therapeutic benefits for anxiety management. PE is acknowledged as an effective intervention for lowering anxiety symptoms, making it an attractive therapeutic choice for those with AD. Conclusion: PE is a safe, efficient, and effective therapeutic method for treating anxiety symptoms. However, the majority of published studies contain substantial methodological flaws, necessitating additional research to determine the suitable PE modalities, frequency, duration, and intensity for maximizing the therapeutic effects of PE on AD.