{"title":"Links Between Executive Functions and Decoding Skills in a Semitransparent Orthography: A Longitudinal Study from Kindergarten to First Grade.","authors":"Marisa G Filipe, Tânia Carneiro, Sónia Frota","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15020015","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15020015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite progress in understanding the link between executive functions (EFs) (i.e., a set of skills involved in goal-directed activities crucial for regulating thoughts and actions) and word decoding skills, research has not yet determined the dynamics and extent of this link. This longitudinal study examined whether EF subcomponents (inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) significantly predict decoding skills in Portuguese, which has a semitransparent orthography. The sample included 81 children (<i>M</i><sub>age</sub> = 5.36 years, <i>SD</i><sub>age</sub> = 0.30; 40 girls) in their final year of kindergarten. EF performance was evaluated during kindergarten using nonverbal performance-based tests, and decoding skills were assessed one year later in first grade through a pseudoword reading task. A three-step regression analysis was used to explore the unique contributions of each EF subcomponent to decoding skills. Findings indicated that inhibitory control skills were significant predictors of first-grade decoding outcomes. However, adding working memory abilities to the regression model did not increase the explained variance. In the final step, including cognitive flexibility skills reduced the significance of inhibitory control and increased the amount of explained variance. These results suggest that, while inhibitory control plays an important role, cognitive flexibility has a more significant impact on word decoding skills, highlighting the importance of early development of specific EFs for decoding abilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854787/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Manon Toutain, Nicolas Dollion, Laurence Henry, Marine Grandgeorge
{"title":"Does a Dog at School Help Identify Human and Animal Facial Expressions? A Preliminary Longitudinal Study.","authors":"Manon Toutain, Nicolas Dollion, Laurence Henry, Marine Grandgeorge","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15020013","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15020013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>(1) Background: Animals provide many benefits in children's lives, but few studies assess the effects of animal presence-especially service dogs-in schools. This pilot study examined whether a year-long exposure to a service dog could improve facial expression recognition in adolescents with cognitive function disorders. (2) Method: Twenty-three adolescents participated: 10 with cognitive function disorders who were part of a specialized French teaching program (LUSI) that included a service dog (LUSI group), and 13 neurotypical adolescents who served as controls (not in LUSI, no service dog exposure). Participants assigned one of five facial expressions (sadness, joy, fear, neutral, anger) to images of human, dog, and cat faces at three intervals: before dog integration, at 5-8 months, and 11-14 months later (same intervals for controls). (3) Results: Identification of facial expressions of both dog (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and human (<i>p</i> = 0.01) but not cat (<i>p</i> > 0.05) faces by LUSI participants exposed to service dog improved with time. The performance of LUSI participants was better when they lived with various species of animals at home. Control participants' performance did not change significantly (all <i>p</i> > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: After a school year, the presence of a service dog had helped adolescents with cognitive function disorders to better identify human and dog facial expressions.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854691/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carmen Ocete, Adolfo Rocuant-Urzúa, María Fernández-Rivas, Evelia Franco
{"title":"Do People with Intellectual Disabilities Have a Better Quality of Life If They Are Physically Active?","authors":"Carmen Ocete, Adolfo Rocuant-Urzúa, María Fernández-Rivas, Evelia Franco","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15020014","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15020014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the context of the practice of physical sports activities (PSA), people with intellectual disabilities (PID) have up to a 62% lower possibility of responding to internationally agreed-upon physical activity requirements, showing a higher risk of presenting serious health problems. This study aimed to analyze the levels of perception towards the latent construct of quality of life that a PID who practices PSA would have with respect to those PIDs who do not practice PSA. The sample consisted of 371 PIDs, of whom 278 practiced PSA and 93 did not practice PSA. The instrument used for data collection was the INICO-FEAPS scale. Methodologically, 12 binary logistic regression models were fitted. The results identify greater possibilities of perception by PIDs who perform DFA at the level of self-determination (4.88 OR), rights (5.0 OR), social inclusion (2.06 OR), personal development (2.80 OR), interpersonal relationship (3.19 OR), material well-being (4.41 OR) and quality of life (3.97 OR). Furthermore, when grouping the dimensions by independence (3.67 OR), social (4.34 OR) and well-being (3.91 OR), the odds were favourable toward those PIDs performing PSA. In conclusion, PIDs who perform PSA may present greater possibilities of having the quality of life construct.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11853830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients: A Comparative Analysis with Healthy Controls.","authors":"Leszek Sułkowski, Andrzej Matyja, Maciej Matyja","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15020012","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15020012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates fatigue and quality of life in hemodialysis patients, examining the influence of demographic and clinical factors on these outcomes. A cohort of 115 hemodialysis patients and 112 healthy controls completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the shorter MFIS-5, and the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment. The findings indicate that hemodialysis patients experience significantly higher levels of fatigue, which correspond with lower quality of life, particularly in the physical and psychological domains, compared to healthy controls. Male patients reported significantly higher levels of fatigue and lower quality of life scores, whereas younger patients demonstrated relatively better outcomes. Extended dialysis sessions exceeding four hours were associated with poorer social well-being, and educational attainment was positively linked with physical and environmental quality of life domains. However, marital status did not show a significant effect. The study validates the consistency between MFIS and MFIS-5 scores, recommending MFIS-5 for time-sensitive clinical use without compromising accuracy. These results underscore the need for individualized, multi-dimensional approaches to fatigue management in hemodialysis patients, emphasizing interventions that address physical, psychological, and social well-being to enhance overall quality of life. The findings highlight specific factors that may guide tailored support strategies to improve patient outcomes in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11853928/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elena Sandri, Germán Cerdá Olmedo, Michela Piredda, Lisa Ursula Werner, Vincenzo Dentamaro
{"title":"Explanatory AI Predicts the Diet Adopted Based on Nutritional and Lifestyle Habits in the Spanish Population.","authors":"Elena Sandri, Germán Cerdá Olmedo, Michela Piredda, Lisa Ursula Werner, Vincenzo Dentamaro","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15020011","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15020011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study used Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to examine dietary and lifestyle habits in the Spanish population and identify key diet predictors. A cross-sectional design was used, employing the validated NutSo-HH scale to gather data on nutrition, lifestyle, and socio-demographic factors. The CatBoost method combined with SHAP was applied. The sample included 22,181 Spanish adults: 17,573 followed the Mediterranean diet, 1425 were vegetarians, 365 were vegans, and 1018 practiced intermittent fasting. Fish consumption was the strongest dietary indicator, with vegans abstaining and some vegetarians consuming it occasionally. Age influenced diet: younger individuals preferred vegan/vegetarian diets, while older adults adhered to the Mediterranean diet. Vegans and vegetarians consumed less junk food, and intermittent fasters were more physically active. The model effectively predicts the Mediterranean diet but struggles with others due to sample imbalance, highlighting the need for larger studies on plant-based and intermittent fasting diets.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Claudia Susana Silva-Fernández, Paul Anthony Camacho, María de la Calle, Silvia M Arribas, Eva Garrosa, David Ramiro-Cortijo
{"title":"Analysis of Maternity Rights Perception: Impact of Maternal Care in Diverse Socio-Health Contexts.","authors":"Claudia Susana Silva-Fernández, Paul Anthony Camacho, María de la Calle, Silvia M Arribas, Eva Garrosa, David Ramiro-Cortijo","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15020010","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15020010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maternity rights are perceived and fulfilled differently according to women's psychosocial characteristics, leading to varying maternal experiences and outcomes. It is necessary to know the impact of cultural context, emotional well-being, and resource availability on the maternal woman's clinical care experience. The aim is to identify if these factors contribute to disparities in the perception of maternity rights fulfillment in Spain and Colombia. This retrospective observational study focused on women who received maternity-related healthcare in Spain or Colombia. A total of 185 women were included (Spanish = 53; Colombian = 132). Data collected included social and obstetric history, as well as psychological variables such as resilience, positive and negative affect, derailment, and maternity beliefs. The study also assessed women's knowledge of healthcare rights (MatCODE), perceptions of resource scarcity (MatER), and the fulfillment of maternity rights (FMR). C-section was more prevalent in Colombia, where women also scored higher on maternity beliefs as a sense of life and as a social duty compared to Spanish women. Conversely, FMR was higher in the Spanish context. Colombian women reported lower levels of social support and less involvement in medical decision-making. The FMR was positively correlated with positive affect, MatCODE, and MatER. Predictive modeling identified negative factors for FMR, including giving birth in Colombia (β = -0.30 [-0.58; -0.03]), previous miscarriage (β = -0.32 [-0.54; -0.09]), C-section in the most recent labor (β = -0.46 [-0.54; -0.0]), and higher MatER scores. Positive predictors included gestational age, maternal age, and previous C-section (β = 0.39 [0.11; 0.66]). The perception of the fulfillment of maternity rights depends on socio-healthcare contexts, women's age, obstetric history, and resources. It is suggested to apply culturally sensitive strategies focused on women's needs in terms of information, emotional and social support, privacy, and autonomy to manage a positive experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854457/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluating Diagnostic Accuracy and Treatment Efficacy in Mental Health: A Comparative Analysis of Large Language Model Tools and Mental Health Professionals.","authors":"Inbar Levkovich","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15010009","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15010009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Large language models (LLMs) offer promising possibilities in mental health, yet their ability to assess disorders and recommend treatments remains underexplored. This quantitative cross-sectional study evaluated four LLMs (Gemini (Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental), Claude (Claude 3.5 Sonnet), ChatGPT-3.5, and ChatGPT-4) using text vignettes representing conditions such as depression, suicidal ideation, early and chronic schizophrenia, social phobia, and PTSD. Each model's diagnostic accuracy, treatment recommendations, and predicted outcomes were compared with norms established by mental health professionals. Findings indicated that for certain conditions, including depression and PTSD, models like ChatGPT-4 achieved higher diagnostic accuracy compared to human professionals. However, in more complex cases, such as early schizophrenia, LLM performance varied, with ChatGPT-4 achieving only 55% accuracy, while other LLMs and professionals performed better. LLMs tended to suggest a broader range of proactive treatments, whereas professionals recommended more targeted psychiatric consultations and specific medications. In terms of outcome predictions, professionals were generally more optimistic regarding full recovery, especially with treatment, while LLMs predicted lower full recovery rates and higher partial recovery rates, particularly in untreated cases. While LLMs recommend a broader treatment range, their conservative recovery predictions, particularly for complex conditions, highlight the need for professional oversight. LLMs provide valuable support in diagnostics and treatment planning but cannot replace professional discretion.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765082/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143034033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matea Bodrožić Selak, Marina Merkaš, Ana Žulec Ivanković
{"title":"Effects of Parents' Smartphone Use on Children's Emotions, Behavior, and Subjective Well-Being.","authors":"Matea Bodrožić Selak, Marina Merkaš, Ana Žulec Ivanković","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15010008","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15010008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to examine the associations between parents' smartphone use during conversations with children, children's emotional and behavioral reactions to parents' smartphone use, and children's well-being. This study was conducted on a sample of 284 children (aged 10 to 15 years, with a mean age of 12.23 in 2021; 40.2% boys). The data come from a four-wave longitudinal study (2021-2023) within the project D.E.C.I.D.E. Children reported how often their parents use smartphones during conversations with them (second wave), their emotions and behaviors related to parents' smartphone use (third wave), and their subjective well-being (fourth wave). A proposed model was tested in which the frequency of parents' smartphone use during parent-child conversations was a predictor, different children's emotional and behavioral reactions to parents' smartphone use were mediators, and children's well-being was the criterion. The results showed that more frequent parents' smartphone use is associated with more frequent children's experiences of anger and sadness in situations when parents use smartphones while with children, which is linked to lower children's well-being. More frequent parents' smartphone use is associated with more giving up on seeking parents' attention among children, which is related to lower well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764600/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143034016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Health Disparities: The Emerging Trends and Pressing Challenges.","authors":"Keren Dopelt","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15010007","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15010007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Health disparities represent one of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare systems worldwide (Shadmi et al [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765355/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143034324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abu Elnasr E Sobaih, Asma Chaibi, Riadh Brini, Tamer Mohamed Abdelghani Ibrahim
{"title":"Unlocking Patient Resistance to AI in Healthcare: A Psychological Exploration.","authors":"Abu Elnasr E Sobaih, Asma Chaibi, Riadh Brini, Tamer Mohamed Abdelghani Ibrahim","doi":"10.3390/ejihpe15010006","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ejihpe15010006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed healthcare, yet patients' acceptance of AI-driven medical services remains constrained. Despite its significant potential, patients exhibit reluctance towards this technology. A notable lack of comprehensive research exists that examines the variables driving patients' resistance to AI. This study explores the variables influencing patients' resistance to adopt AI technology in healthcare by applying an extended Ram and Sheth Model. More specifically, this research examines the roles of the need for personal contact (NPC), perceived technological dependence (PTD), and general skepticism toward AI (GSAI) in shaping patient resistance to AI integration. For this reason, a sequential mixed-method approach was employed, beginning with semi-structured interviews to identify adaptable factors in healthcare. It then followed with a survey to validate the qualitative findings through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via AMOS (version 24). The findings confirm that NPC, PTD, and GSAI significantly contribute to patient resistance to AI in healthcare. Precisely, patients who prefer personal interaction, feel dependent on AI, or are skeptical of AI's promises are more likely to resist its adoption. The findings highlight the psychological factors driving patient reluctance toward AI in healthcare, offering valuable insights for healthcare administrators. Strategies to balance AI's efficiency with human interaction, mitigate technological dependence, and foster trust are recommended for successful implementation of AI. This research adds to the theoretical understanding of Innovation Resistance Theory, providing both conceptual insights and practical implications for the effective incorporation of AI in healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":30631,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143034431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}