Research in Psychology and Behavior (ISSN: 3069-0757) is an open access, peer-reviewed journal in the psychology and behavioral sciences. The journal encourages authors to submit research in psychology and behavioral sciences, counseling, and in the mental health and wellness sciences.
Copyright, 2026 by the authors. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Explicit Music Lyrics Improve Psychological Responses to Endurance Exercise but Not Performance
Introduction: Music has been repeatedly shown to impart ergogenic and psychological benefits (e.g., motivation, enjoyment) during aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Recently, our lab showed that explicit lyrical content in music results in improved performance and imparts psychological benefits during weightlifting exercise. However, it is unknown if these effects translate to other modes of exercise, such as endurance activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of explicit vs censored music on psychological responses and performance during endurance rowing exercise. Methods: In a counterbalanced crossover manner, physically active females (n=15) completed a 2000-m time trial under 2 different conditions: censored music (CENS) and explicit music (EXP). Time to completion (TTC), power output, heart rate (HR), motivation, enjoyment, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected. Visits were separated by at least 48 hours and standardized for time of day. Results: Findings show that TTC (p=0.078; d=0.48), power output (p=0.092; d=0.46), HR (p=0.883; d=0.03), and RPE (p=0.685; d=0.10) were unaltered during exercise regardless of condition. Motivation (p= 0.004; d=0.88) and enjoyment (p= 0.013; d=0.73) levels were higher during the EXP condition compared to CENS. Conclusions: Findings suggest that EXP had no impact on endurance exercise performance compared to CENS. However, EXP resulted in enhanced motivation and enjoyment during exercise versus CENS. Thus, listening to EXP music may serve as a practical means to improve psychological responses to endurance exercise.
Rowing, Motivation, Enjoyment, Censored music
Copyright (c) 2026 Haley Nguyen, Savannah Lassey, Shelby Osburn, Nicholas Washmuth, Christopher Ballmann https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Feasibility Study on the Relationship Between Aerobic Capacity and Intrinsic Motivation Associated with Task Self-Regulation
Introduction: Law enforcement officers (LEOs) face demands that require optimal task performance despite possible motivational challenges. This feasibility study’s purpose was to investigate the relationship between VO2max and four motivation-based constructs in healthy, similar-aged individuals as LEO cadets. A better understanding of the relationship between physical fitness and intrinsic motivation is imperative in the future facilitation of LEO studies regarding task self-regulation. Methods: 16 students (nmales=9, nfemales=7; age=23±3 yr) attending a private, Midwestern university completed a graded exercise test to volitional fatigue on a stationary cycle ergometer and the Task Evaluation Questionnaire designed to measure four motivational constructs after performing a given activity: interest/enjoyment (I/E), perceived competence (PCo), perceived choice (PCh), and pressure/tension (P/T). Due to non-normally distributed data, a Spearman's rank-order correlation was performed with an alpha level of p<0.05 set for statistical significance. Results: Findings suggested that there was a positive, strong relationship between VO2max (42.0±10.6) and I/E (34.8±6.7), which was statistically significant, rs(14)=.639, p=.008. Conclusions: Overall, a monotonic association was found illustrating that as the I/E motivation construct increased, VO2max also tended to increase in the same relative direction at differing rates.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mindy Mayol, Dr. Trent E. Cayot, Dr. Nathaniel R. Eckert, Dr. Candice Burkett, Kendall Ellis, Kelsey Stamm, Emma Petersen, Sebastian Murillo, Christopher Miller, Ines Oliveira, Delaney Muldoon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploratory Factor Analyses of the Female and Male Body Checking Questionnaires in Collegiate Athletes
Introduction: Collegiate athletes have demonstrated heightened risk for disordered eating and body image concerns, yet many body checking questionnaires have been developed and validated in clinical and non-clinical adult populations which reflects a gap in measures for the athlete population. Methods: Collegiate athletes (n = 174; 86 females, 84 males, and 4 non-binary) completed both the Body Checking Questionnaire (BCQ) and the Male Body Checking Questionnaire (MBCQ) using online survey software. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were performed on each questionnaire to assess their psychometric properties in our mixed-gender sample. An item-reduction technique was then performed on each questionnaire to explore more manageable and relevant sets of items in our sample. Results: A reduced-item BCQ (12 items) yielded a two-factor structure, comparison and checking behaviors, while maintaining high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.918 and McDonald’s ω = 0.921). For the MBCQ, an 11-item measure (removed 8 items) yielded three factors, comparison, flexing, and asking/seeking behaviors, while maintaining high internal consistency (α = 0.903 and ω = 0.913). Conclusions: The original and reduced-item questionnaires maintained their psychometric integrity when administered to college athletes regardless of gender, potentially reflecting an evolving consciousness of cultural and societal norms around athlete body image.
Copyright (c) 2026 Stephen M. Cirella Jr., Mark E. Hartman, Lisa L. Harlow, Melissa T. Lodge, Kathleen S. Webster https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Anxiety in Heart Failure: A Review
Introduction. Anxiety is common among patients with heart failure (HF) and may contribute to adverse health outcomes, yet treatment approaches remain underexplored. The purpose of this narrative literature review is to evaluate and synthesize the current evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety in individuals with HF, with particular attention to the methodological quality and consistency of findings across studies. Methods. This review synthesized 13 studies between 2015 and 2025 evaluating non-pharmacological interventions for managing anxiety in individuals with HF. Studies were retrieved from the CINAHL Complete (EBSCO host) database. The search strategy used keywords including anxiety, heart failure, treatment, intervention, therapy, management, and rehabilitation. Results were limited to peer-reviewed studies published in the English language. Results. Most of the interventions for anxiety in patients with HF incorporated cognitive-behavioral strategies (n = 4) or exercise (n = 4). Findings suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy, structured physical exercise, palliative care, education, and music therapy show promise in reducing anxiety symptoms; however, effects vary depending on intervention type, design, duration, delivery format, and patient characteristics. Conclusions. The results underscore the need for more high-quality research, including randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes, to better evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for individuals with HF. Additionally, greater standardization in HF classification and anxiety measurement is essential to enhance comparability across studies and to identify the most effective and feasible interventions for anxiety among HF patients.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kristen Bowie https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Relationship Between Academic Anxiety and Depression Among Undergraduate College Students
Introduction: Academic anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health challenges among college students, often impacting both personal well-being and academic performance. This study explored the relationship between academic anxiety and depression among undergraduate students enrolled in a health course at a university in Southeastern United States. Methods: A total of students participated, completing the Academic Anxiety Scale (AAS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), at both the beginning and end of the semester. Intervention components consisted of activities, discussions and assessments (quizzes) on goal setting, stress coping mechanisms, time management skills, sleep score, resiliency and psychological wellness. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0.1.0 (171) to examine correlations between academic anxiety, depressive symptoms, and academic performance pre- and post-intervention. We hypothesized that higher levels of academic anxiety at the beginning of the semester would correlate with increased depressive symptoms by semester’s end. Results: Study results showed strong statistical evidence that the course positively impacted the number of depressed students. Pre-semester moderate/high anxiety significantly decreased the odds of being not depressed, Wald χ²(1) = 4.27, p = .039, odds ratio (OR) = 0.12. Post-semester moderate/high anxiety showed a marginal effect, Wald χ²(1) = 3.66, p = .056, OR = 0.10. Conclusions: These results emphasize the need for addressing academic anxiety, as it can contribute to depressive symptoms. The results underscore the importance of enhancing mental health resources and interventions, to better support students in managing anxiety and depression within academic settings. Further research with a larger sample size and more variables is recommended to confirm these results.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joy Kagendo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining Veterans’ Health Behaviors After Homelessness: A Brief Review
Introduction: Veterans with a history of homelessness are at greater risk of developing chronic medical and mental health conditions than veterans who have never been homeless. Further, these veterans have a higher risk of suicide. Interventions aimed at improving housing stability may reduce adverse health outcomes. Eligible veterans can transition into permanent supportive housing (PSH), which provides housing support and case management services for individuals who are chronically homeless. However, after moving into PSH, veterans may not engage in health behaviors, which may lead to poor health management and reduced life expectancy. Methods: This brief review was not systematic, but rather a targeted thematic review with the primary aim of analyzing themes related to the effects of living in PSH on veterans’ health behaviors. A secondary aim was to review the literature and government reports about suicidality among veterans with a history of homelessness for broader implications. Ten articles were included in the analysis, representing 87,263 veterans. Results: The impact of homelessness on veterans' health is substantial. Veterans who have experienced homelessness are diagnosed with more chronic health conditions and have significantly higher rates of mental health challenges compared to veterans with no history of homelessness. Although access to health care and mental health support improved after moving into PSH, the long-term health outcomes are still uncertain. Conclusions: PSH is a protective factor that positively impacts the health behaviors of formerly homeless veterans. Barriers within PSH include securing affordable housing units, access to transportation, and frequent turnover among case managers. To improve veterans' health behaviors and quality of life following homelessness, providers and staff who support veterans living in PSH should provide opportunities for social engagement, establish primary care providers, and foster positive relationships.
permanent supportive housing, health, outcomes
Veteran, Homelessness, Permanent Supportive Housing, Health Behaviors, Outcomes
Copyright (c) 2025 Alyssa Clark https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Heterogeneity among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults by Age: The Kids are Not Alright
Introduction: Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience more threats to their wellbeing than their straight peers. However, it is unclear whether there are within-group differences among SGM adults and whether these interact with chronological age. Methods: To examine SGM heterogeneity by age, we used data from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We included 23,187 adults (M age= 46.2±19.6) identifying as SGM (24.1% gay/lesbian; 38.9% bisexual; 21.5% other sexual orientation; 15.6% questioning). Measures indexing emotional wellbeing were examined using 4 (Age) by 4 (SGM) ANOVAs and chi-square tests, as appropriate. Results: Significant age and SGM main effects were qualified by interactions between age and SGM. Across measures, emerging adults and established adults often reported the highest challenges to wellbeing, particularly those who identified as bisexual or gay/lesbian. In contrast, across age groups, those who were questioning their SGM or identified as some other SGM status were often the least emotionally distressed. Conclusions: Our study highlights the important mental health disparities within groups of SGM adults, especially among emerging and established adults. We advocate for increased mental health services and continued inclusion of SGM measures in publicly funded health surveillance surveys.
Copyright (c) 2025 Julie Hicks Patrick, Payton Radcliffe, C. Cassie Heilman, Leslie E. Tower https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reading Comprehension While Sitting Versus Walking
Introduction: Sitting jobs among American workers have increased. The purpose of this study was to determine if walking (vs. sitting) impacts reading comprehension. Methods: Participants included 40 college students (17-24 years, 22 males and 18 females), eight non-athletes and thirty-two athletes. Testing took approximately 30 minutes per participant. Heart rate was measured utilizing a watch, and reading comprehension was determined using an online test. Paired t-tests determined statistical differences in reading comprehension, total test time, and heart rate. Results: No significant difference was found in reading comprehension while walking (2.0 ± 1.55) and sitting (2.65 ± 1.55, p = 0.053). Heart rate was significantly higher during walking than sitting (BPM = 89.5 ± 14.51 vs. 79.4 ± 13.58, p< 0.001). Time to complete the reading comprehension test was significantly lower during walking vs. sitting (289.8s ± 78.94 vs 346.3s ± 123.44, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Walking on a treadmill did not significantly affect reading comprehension compared to sitting. However, differences were approaching significance (p = 0.053), indicating a trend towards lower reading comprehension scores while walking. Heart rate was lower while sitting vs. walking, as expected. In contrast, participants completed the reading comprehension test faster while walking.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fred Miller, Lydia Baker, Kalaina Stephens, Yenly Londono Calle https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Wearable Technology and Lean Mass Alterations in GLP-1 Agonists, Bariatric Surgery, and Testosterone Replacement Therapy
The obesity epidemic presents significant health challenges, accompanied by soaring healthcare costs. Interventions such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), bariatric surgery, and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) aim to improve body composition, primarily by reducing body fat. While GLP-1s and bariatric surgery effectively promote substantial weight loss, they frequently lead to significant reductions in lean body mass, raising concerns about metabolic health, physical function, and overall physiological well-being. Conversely, TRT demonstrates a unique ability to preserve and increase lean mass while simultaneously reducing fat, highlighting its potential role in body recomposition. However, the broader implications of these therapies remain underexplored due to a lack of real-world data on exercise, physical activity, and their impacts on vascular and cardiac function in human subjects. Wrist-worn wearable technology and noninvasive imaging present transformative opportunities, enabling continuous monitoring of metrics such as heart rate zones, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular imaging to ensure proper function. This commentary advocates for the integration of wearable devices and noninvasive imaging into research and clinical practice to optimize treatment protocols, prioritize muscle preservation, and advance personalized obesity management.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriel J. Sanders https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Relationships Among Proprioception, Balance, and Cognitive Perception of Body Awareness in College Students: A Pilot Study
Introduction: This pilot study examined the relationships among lower extremity proprioception, balance ability, and perception of body awareness. Researchers also evaluated the influence of sex, sport participation, leg dominance, and previous ankle injury. Methods: Eighteen participants (F = 11, M = 7) completed the initial testing, with eight (F = 4, M = 4) repeating the mLEPT one week later. Participant characteristics and mBARQ data were collected using an online survey. Measures included proprioception errors on the mLEPT, utilizing distances of 12 and 22 cm, and the Biodex Balance SystemÔ Limits of Stability Test. Results: For the mLEPT, good reliability was noted for the dominant leg 22 cm distance between trials 1 and 2 for all 18 participants (ICC = 0.83). Moderate test-retest reliability was observed when comparing the averages of day 1 to day 2 for the dominant leg 22 cm distance (ICC = 0.53), and for the overall error when collapsing across conditions (ICC = 0.63). Moderate reliability was also observed for the mBARQ (α = 0.76). Strong inverse relationships between proprioception error and directional control scores were observed, indicating an association between dynamic balance and lower extremity proprioception (r = -0.55-0.54, p = 0.02). Sex, sports participation, leg dominance, and previous ankle injury also influenced proprioception performance. Females displayed better lower extremity proprioception and balance control than males. In addition, participants without previous ankle injury scored higher on the mBARQ, and had better directional control and time to completion, indicating that those without ankle injury had a higher perception of body awareness and better dynamic balance. Conclusions: Both the mLEPT and mBARQ appear to have moderate reliability. mLEPT performance was strongly associated with dynamic balance measures. In addition, lower mBARQ scale scores in those with previous ankle injury were strongly associated with poorer proprioception. While preliminary findings are promising, a larger follow-up study is needed to determine if the mLEPT and mBARQ are potential quick and inexpensive tools to monitor changes in proprioception during rehabilitation post-injury.
Copyright (c) 2024 Brenda D. Reeves, Matthew Hermes, Courtney Helmick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Examination of the Impact of COVID-19 on Student Emotional Well-Being
Introduction: Emotional well-being (EWB) among university students has received deserved attention in the United States (US). The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on university student emotional well-being by examining 1) self-reported differences in symptoms of psychological distress (PD) before and after COVID-19, and 2) differences in student PD and resiliency based on demographic variables. It was hypothesized that differences in PD following the onset of COVID-19 and that differences in PD and resiliency based on demographic variables would be found. Methods: Five-hundred-and-eighty-three eligible students from a regionally accredited, southern university in the US voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional, online, retrospective study during spring 2021. Participants completed an electronic survey consisting of demographic questions and two survey instruments, the Trauma Symptom Checklist- 40 and Brief Resilience Scale. Descriptive and inferential analyses (i.e. ANOVAs) were conducted. Results: Levels of PD were significantly greater (p < .001) for all students following the onset of COVID-19 (m = 39) in comparison to pre COVID-19 (m = 22). Main effects based on pre/post condition demonstrated post levels of PD were higher for sex, race, income, and education status in comparison to pre COVID-19 PD levels (p < .001). Main effects for between group differences were indicated for PD among all demographic variables, sex (p < .001), race (p = .035), income (p < .001), and education status (p < .001). Main effects for group differences were found for resilience, sex (p < .001), race (p = .022), income (p < .001), and education status (p < .001). Students identifying as “other sex”, European American, low income and undergraduate experienced significantly greater PD and lower levels of resilience than their counterparts. Conclusions: Student EWB was impacted by the onset of COVID-19. PD increased as a result of COVID-19. Differences in PD and resilience on the basis of demographic variables provides evidence of the need to develop tailored programs/policies in order to support the EWB of all university students.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rebecca Elkins, Rhyanne McDade, Jennifer Lape Kaiser https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exercise Program for Faculty and Staff: Building Collegiality Through Convenience
Stress in university faculty and staff exists is well-documented and opportunities for reducing stress are needed. Exercise is a known strategy for reducing stress, therefore a cost-effective afterwork faculty/staff exercise program for improving wellness was implemented. Offering a faculty/staff exercise program that is convenient, inexpensive, preplanned, and fun is the key to motivating participation.
Copyright (c) 2024 Phrosini Samis-Smith Samis-Smith, Nola Schmidt https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating Differences in Perceived Stress Between Injured and Non-Injured NCAA Division II Student-Athletes During COVID-19
Introduction: Little research has examined perceived stress of injured student-athletes (SAs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to investigate if differences existed in perceived stress between injured and non-injured SAs during the pandemic. It was hypothesized that differences would be seen between the two groups with injured SAs exhibiting higher perceived stress scores. Methods: A total of 158 NCAA Division II SAs competing on 12 different athletic teams volunteered to complete an online demographics/historical questionnaire and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale designed to measure the degree to which individuals believe their life has been unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded during the previous month. An independent samples t-test was performed with an alpha level of p≤0.05 to examine differences in perceived stress scores. Results: A significant difference in perceived stress scores with a medium effect size was observed between injured and non-injured SAs [t(156)=3.18, p=0.002, d=0.51], with injured SAs (21.62±7.19) demonstrating higher scores than non-injured SAs (18.17±6.35). Conclusions: As hypothesized, results showed that injured SAs exhibited higher perceived stress when compared to their counterparts during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings are similar to existing literature where injured SAs demonstrated higher stress scores than non-injured SAs during pre-pandemic times.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mindy Mayol, Faith Atkinson, Sydney Irvine, L. Hunter Stafford, Riggs Klika, Gary Long, Nathanial Eckert, Richard Robinson, Brian Reagan, Trent Cayot https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Emergence of Creative Displacement Anxiety
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), a subset of AI that can generate novel content such as images, text, and music, has the unique transformative potential of augmenting human creativity, offering tools that can enhance creative expression and open unprecedented avenues for innovation. However, alongside its remarkable capabilities, the inevitable pervasive integration of this technology in every aspect of human life, including creative fields, involves the risk of giving rise to unforeseen psychological challenges for our society. This article discusses the potential emergence of a novel psychological phenomenon consisting in the multifaceted response to the perceived overshadowing of human creativity by AI-driven tools. Specifically, the article introduces the term “Creative Displacement Anxiety” (CDA), describe its foundation, and discuss its relationships with established psychological and psychosocial models, theories, constructs, and diagnoses such as technostress, impostor syndrome, cognitive dissonance, and economic anxiety. The article conceptualizes and elucidates the potential root causes, symptoms, and implications of CDA. Additionally, it discusses how some of the possible negative mental health outcomes could potentially be mitigated. Our work emphasizes the need for interventions that raise awareness on generative AI, support individuals in accepting and incorporating AI as a creative tool and companion and helps them navigate this new landscape. Finally, by offering a view of the interplay between AI advancements and the human creative psyche, our research aims at fostering the discussion around embracing the positive contribution of generative AI to our society.
Copyright (c) 2023 Nicholas Caporusso https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Awe Facilitates Focused Attention at Midlife
Introduction: Although research demonstrates that emotion influences cognitive processing, most investigations have relied on college student samples and focused on happiness over other emotions. Methods: Three non-college student adults completed a flanker task assessing focused attention before and after viewing an awe-inducing video. Measures of reaction time were derived for each person. Results: Differential benefits of awe were observed across the differently aged adults,. The middle-aged adult, whose initial performance was the slowest, improved the most (19%) relative to the 13% improvement by the younger adults and the stable performance for the emerging adult. Conclusions: Unlike other positive emotions that may broaden cognition, awe may help adults to focus their attention. These results suggest an avenue to support adults with attention-related deficits.
Copyright (c) 2023 Julie Hicks Patrick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Body Image, Self-Objectification, and Appearance Maintenance Among College-Aged Women
Introduction: Perceptions about one’s body can have a significant impact on social activities, quality of life, and overall psychological well-being. Women by far bear the brunt of negative psychological outcomes associated with poor body image. Little is known about the investment in appearance maintenance behaviors that women may engage to attain an idealized body standard. The current study investigated the connection between self-objectification, body image, and the time and money women invest in their appearance. Methods: 450 college-aged (M= 20.23) women completed an online survey that assessed self-objectification, body image, and appearance maintenance (e.g., non-hygienic grooming) behaviors. Results: Higher self-objectification scores were significantly correlated with body dissatisfaction (r = .41, p < .001). Self-objectification was also correlated with the amount of time (r = .17, p < .001) and money (r = .21, p < .001) that women invested in grooming. These associations suggest that women who engage in self-objectification tend to spend more time and money on appearance. There was also a significant association between grooming and body dysphoria (r = .11, p = .039). Conclusions: Overall, these findings provide initial support that women who self-objectify invest more time and money in their appearance and tend to have fewer positive feelings towards their bodies.
Copyright (c) 2023 Grace White, Cianna Piercey, Alejandra Medina Fernandez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Muscle Tension in Generalized Anxiety Disorder During a Stressful Mental Arithmetic Task
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare muscle tension between individuals with and without generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) during a resting state and a stressful mental arithmetic task. Methods: A total of 95 undergraduate students (68 females and 27 males; mean age=19.6, SD=3.5) completed an online survey on GAD symptoms and pathological worry, a diagnostic interview, and two laboratory tasks (resting and mental arithmetic tasks) while electromyography (EMG) signals were being recorded. Results: We found a significant main effect of condition, F(1,93) = 24.13, p<.001, and group, F(1,93) = 4.55, p=.036. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction effect between condition and group, F(1,93) = 5.85, p=.017. A post-hoc analysis revealed that the increase in EMG activity from the resting period, 95% CI [.002398 .003474], to the mental arithmetic task, 95% CI [.003850 .005086], was significant for the GAD group, but not for the non-GAD group. Conclusions: Individuals with and without GAD did not show significant differences in physiologically measured muscle tension at baseline. However, the GAD group showed higher levels of muscle tension during stressful situations when compared to the non-GAD group.
Copyright (c) 2023 Sungjin Im, Briana Rushing, Alexander Wright, Dzenita Softic, Arpana Lakhmani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Predictors of Fear of Dementia Among Adults
Introduction: Previous work has examined fear of dementia among younger adults;8 however, less is known about such associations across age. Thus, the current study expanded on such work by assessing objective knowledge, personal experiences, and allophilia as predictors of subjective fear of developing dementia. Methods: Data from 300 adults (Mean age = 39.7) who completed measures of objective knowledge, personal experiences with persons with dementia, allophilia attitudes towards persons with dementia, and dementia fear. We examined a path model and tested age as a multigroup factor. Results: The model fit the data well, , χ2 (DF = 1) = 0.45, p = .50; AGFI = .99; RMSEA = .00. Post hoc multigroup analyses with age revealed different processes contributing to dementia fear for those younger than and older than age 40 years. Conclusions: Our results speak to the need to examine different predictors of dementia fear for different age groups. Additional investigations of moderators of dementia fear are needed in order to develop interventions to support potential caregivers across the life span.
Copyright (c) 2023 Amber V. Rusch, Julie Hicks Patrick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining Injury-Related Differences in Motivation Sources in NCAA Division II Student-Athletes during COVID-19
Introduction: Few studies have explored motivation using the Self-Determination Theory in injured collegiate student-athletes (SAs). The purpose of this research was to assess differences in six motivation sources during the COVID-19 pandemic between SAs who experienced an injury versus those that did not. It was hypothesized that differences would be seen in intrinsic-based motivation between injured and non-injured SAs with non-injured SAs demonstrating higher intrinsic motivation. Methods: NCAA Division II SAs (n=158) from 12 teams composed of injured (n=66) and non-injured (n=92) SAs were recruited to complete an online demographics/historical questionnaire and the 18-item Sport Motivation Scale II measuring six motivation sources at one time point: intrinsic, integrated, identified, introjected, external, and amotivation regulation/motivation. Independent samples t-tests were performed with an alpha level of p≤0.05 to examine differences for each motivation source. Results: No significant differences were observed between injured and non-injured SAs among the six motivation sources, respectively (p>0.05). Specifically, no intrinsic motivation differences were observed between the injured (15.89±3.88) and non-injured SAs (16.22±3.68, t(154)=-0.53, p=0.60). Conclusions: Study findings suggested no difference between the SA groups indicating that the collegiate athletics professionals worked diligently and equally with injured and non-injured SA’s motivation and care during the pandemic.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mindy H. Mayol, Claire Tabit, Sydney Irvine, L. Hunter Stafford, Riggs Klika, Gary M. Long, Nathanial R. Eckert, Richard Robinson, Brian Reagan, Trent E. Cayot https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Current Understanding of Fathers Influence on Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Development in Adolescence: A Brief Review
The influence that parents and caregivers have on childhood development is understood and validated. Current research is focused on psychological, social, physical, and spiritual health. Though, in recent years, the early development of cardiometabolic diseases has increased among younger individuals at earlier time periods. The full extent behind the rapid development of these diseases remains unclear. Therefore, the specific influence that each parent or guardian potentially has on future cardiometabolic health development in children and adolescence is an area of growing interest. Significant research has been performed to conclude that the mother has a crucial role in proper childhood development. However, there is limited amount of published research that has isolated the specific role that fathers have on future physiological health outcomes in relation to cardiometabolic health. Thus, the focus of this brief literature review was to ascertain the current influence that a paternal parent has on cardiometabolic health development throughout childhood and adolescence. The results of the review are limited to studies focused on physical growth, nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease. For many of the studies, the father’s role was assessed as a secondary or tertiary variable, and not as a primary factor or outcome. Based on the scarce amount of literature involving the father’s role in influencing cardiometabolic health outcomes, a clear consensus cannot be fully ascertained, and future research into this area is severely needed.
Copyright (c) 2023 Phoenix Jampol, Tomas Chapman-Lopez, Andrew Gallucci, Jeffrey Forsse https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cell Phone Use, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Bodyweight During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Introduction: Cell phone use is associated with physical activity and sedentary behavior. These relationships have not been assessed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the potential effects of pandemic-related restrictions on cell phone use and the possible relationship of altered cell phone use to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and bodyweight. Methods: Participants (N = 307) completed a survey assessing cell phone use, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and bodyweight before and after pandemic restrictions were implemented. Results: Most participants reported increased cell phone use (χ2 = 61.50, p < 0.001). Participants increased sitting by 10 hours/week (F = 25.63, p < 0.001). Those that increased cell phone use reported greater increases in daily sitting (11.65 hours/week, F = 4.14, p = 0.04) than those that did not increase cell use (5.0 hours/week). There was also an increase (F = 10.08, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.04) in reported bodyweight regardless of cell phone use. Physical activity did not change (F ≤ 1.58, p ≥ 0.21). Conclusions: During the pandemic individuals reported increased cell use, sedentary behavior, and bodyweight. Those that reported increased cell use reported greater increases in sitting than those not increasing cell use.
Copyright (c) 2023 Ryan Wiet, Andrew Lepp, Jacob Barkley https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Rural College Students’ Experiences with Ethnic Foods
Introduction: While research about multiculturalism has been conducted in urban institutions, little is known about students from predominately white institutions (PWIs) experiences with multicultural opportunities, such as experiences with ethnic foods. This study aimed to qualitatively capture rural college students’ salient experiences with ethnic food. Methods: College students were asked to respond to two open-ended questions regarding a salient experience with an ethnic food, as well as how their ethnicity plays a role in their food choices. Responses to these questions were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Initial codes were created by two authors separately and then compared to assess for congruency. Results: Three themes were identified from students’ responses. First, students often described the authenticity of their ethnic food experiences, which were defined as experiences that were undisputedly created, marketed, or sold by members of that ethnicity/culture. Secondly, most students clearly conveyed affect when describing their experiences as either positive or negative. Finally, most students specifically mentioned the ethnicity or culture that was associated with the food experience. Conclusions: Overall, most students described authentic and positive ethnic food experiences. This study provides qualitative insight into how one’s homogeneous background/educational environment can impact perceptions and experiences with ethnic foods.
Copyright (c) 2023 Maria Kalantzis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Negative Relationship Between Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and Total Smartphone Usage
Introduction: Existing evidence supports a positive relationship between smartphone use and sedentary behavior (i.e., high smartphone use is associated with high sitting). While evidence supports that smartphone use during physical activity reduces intensity, the relationship between daily smartphone use and daily physical activity is equivocal. Prior research assessing these relationships has relied on self-report survey instruments. The purpose of this research was to assess the relationship between minutes of smartphone use and physical activity (steps) using objective measures. Methods: College-aged individuals (N = 50) completed a brief survey assessing daily screen time (min) and daily steps for the previous 10-days. This data was obtained from participants’ smartphone applications (e.g., “Health” and “Screen Time” apps) and the relationship was assessed. Results: There was a near moderate effect size for a negative correlation between average smartphone use and steps (r = -0.25). Mixed model regression indicated that this relationship was significant (F = 3.65, p = 0.00019). Conclusions: The results differ from prior research which has not reported a significant relationship between smartphone use and physical activity when using self-reported survey instruments. This difference highlights the need for additional research employing objective measures when assessing relationships between smartphone use and health behaviors.
Copyright (c) 2022 Jessica Smith-Ricketts, Andrew Lepp, Jacob E. Barkley https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Emotional Self-Regulation on Performative Success for Professional Fighters
Introduction: Emotional self-regulation has been determined to be an important factor regarding outcomes for athletes. Previous research has examined strategies athletes use to regulate their emotions and their motivations for doing so. However, little research has examined how professional fighters utilize emotional self-regulation strategies and their impact on performance. Fighters have been perceived as aggressive and impulsive; hence it is important to examine how they regulate their emotions. The present study investigates the association of emotional self-regulation in professional fighters versus college-aged male nonfighters. The study also evaluates the relationship between emotional self-regulation and winning percentages in professional fighters. Methods: The study used a sample of professional male fighters (n = 36) and college-aged nonfighters (n = 29). Participants completed measures examining difficulties with emotional self-regulation amongst other measures. Results: Despite no differences with professional fighters and the comparison group, difficulties with emotion regulation were negatively correlated with winning percentages (DERS-18 total scores p = .003; Awareness p = .036; Goals p = .005, and Nonacceptance p = .005). Findings also suggest significant differences (p ≤ .05) for professional fighters based upon promotion, concussions, and education level. Conclusions: These findings may contribute to understanding how emotional self-regulation factors into professional fighters’ performative success.
Copyright (c) 2022 Jordan Kwamanakweenda, Julian Pino, Olivier van Hauwermeiren, Corey Peacock, Jaime Tartar, Alexandru Cuc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Memory for Gaze Cues Can Attenuate Change Blindness in the Flicker Paradigm
Introduction: Observers often pay attention to objects that are the target of another’s gaze. The current experiments investigate if memory for gaze cues has similar effects on attention. Methods: We used the flicker paradigm, in which participants searched for changes in pictures of real-world scenes. In experiment 1, half of the scenes depicted a person looking at the changing object, and the other half depicted no people. In experiment 2, none of the scenes in the flicker sequence contained people, but participants previewed pictures prior to the flicker sequence, and half of the previews depicted a person looking at the changing object. Results: In both experiments, participants were faster to find changes when the changes were cued (Exp 1, t(20) = 2.55, p = .02; Exp 2, t(49) = 7.18, p < .001). Analysis of accuracy suggests it was not due to a speed-accuracy tradeoff. Conclusions: These results suggest that memory for gaze cues may help guide attention. However, the results do not suggest one way or the other whether this effect is reflexive or unique to social cues.
Copyright (c) 2022 Alexis Miller, Joshua Tolliver, Alex Varakin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tracking 30-Day Physical Activity Behavior with Wearable Fitness Trackers in College-Aged Adults
Introduction: Consumer grade, wrist-worn wearable fitness trackers (WFT) are commonly worn on a daily basis by college-aged adults. Objectively assessing college-aged adults physical activity throughout a 30-day period has not been well documented to accurately assess physical activity behavior. Methods: Fifteen college-aged participants (male n=7 and female n=9), completed the 30-day tracking assessment while wearing a wrist-worn WFT. The WFT was worn on the non-dominant hand, per manufacture guidelines and was to only be removed to charge the battery, at night during sleeping hours. Results: Throughout the 30 days, males accumulated more steps, expended more calories, and traveled a greater distance than their female counterparts, p < 0.005 for all. There were no main effects for step counts, daily caloric expenditure and daily total distance for days of the week (p ≥ 0.128 for all). However, there was a significant sex by day of the week interaction for daily steps (p = 0.005), but not total calories or total distance (p ≥ 0.096). Conclusions: Males were more active and expended more calories than females throughout 30 days of monitoring. However, the day of the week did not significantly alter physical activity and caloric expenditure.
Copyright (c) 2022 Kelsi Becker, Breanne Freese, Mason Howard, Olivia Cooper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Introduction: There has been extensive research conducted on religious orientations, but less so of secularism orientations. We sought to examine several ways that secularist beliefs connect and compare. Methods: Undergraduate students in introductory psychology classes (n = 397) completed an online questionnaire assessing their secularist beliefs, religious orientations, and psychological well-being. Results: An exploratory factor analysis yielded four types of secularism orientations: Faith in Humans, Faith in Law, Faith and Science, and Faith in Paranormal. These four factors then distinctly correlated with religious orientations and subcomponents of well-being. Conclusions: Identifying secular belief systems and their implications is key to understanding the consequences of the Western decline in religious practice. These preliminary data provide insights into their types and benefits for psychological functioning.
Copyright (c) 2022 Erica Leach, Jonathan Gore https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Personality Traits Predict Proximal Goals Among Emerging Adults
Introduction: Individuals often grapple with questions regarding how to accomplish their major life goals. In fact, selecting which goals to pursue is an important developmental task in emerging adulthood 1. Personality traits have been shown to be associated with which major life goals adults pursue 2. Little research, though, has examined whether these associations are present among the proximal goals emerging adults pursue. Methods: The influence of personality traits on goal pursuit of emerging adults was examined, using data from 716 emerging adults (M = 19.32, SD = 1.25) who completed measures regarding proximal goals (e.g., health, socioemotional, spiritual/religious, and cognitive) and the Big Five personality traits. Results: Using SEM, the model fit the data well, χ2 (17, N = 716) = 99.10, p < .001. The overall omnibus model showed that higher neuroticism, openness to experience, and agreeableness contributed to the number of proximal goals emerging adults are currently pursuing. Post hoc analyses showed that different personality traits contributed to the goal domains that emerging adults pursue. Conclusions: Personality may be a factor that enhances or undermines the motivation for the goals that emerging adults pursue 3, 4. Results are discussed in terms of how individual characteristics influence goal pursuit and how such activity might reinforce or further shape personality.
Copyright (c) 2022 Amy Knepple Carney, Nicole Belanger, Vanessa Hillman, Julie Patrick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cognitive and Affective Influences on Decision Quality
Introduction: Cognitive and affective factors influence decision outcomes, but few studies have examined both factors simultaneously. Study 1 used cluster analysis to test whether affective profiles related to decision domains could be identified as individual difference factors. Study 2 extended these findings to test whether such profiles can predict decision quality. Methods: We analyzed importance and meaningfulness ratings from 1123 adults regarding four low-frequency but high-salience decisions. Profile analyses revealed three meaningful profiles. A subset (n = 56) of adults completed quasi-experimental decision tasks in two of these domains. Results: Hierarchical regression examined the contributions of the affective cluster from Study 1 and executive functions to decision quality. We first regressed decision quality onto an index of executive function (F (1, 53) = 4.57, p = .037). At Step 2, affective cluster accounted for an additional 12.5% of the variance in decision quality, Fchange (2, 51) = 4.01, p = .024. The overall model retained its significance, F (3, 51) = 4.37, p = .008, R2 = .205. Conclusions: Together, Study 1 and 2 demonstrate that affective components related to the decision domain can be used as individual difference factors and that these account for unique variance in decision outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2022 Michaela S. Clark, Julie Hicks Patrick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cognitive Dynamics: Additive or Multiplicative?
Introduction: Cognition is assumed to rely on distinct and additive substages such as perceptual encoding, memory, and motor control. Nevertheless, questions surrounding the assumptions of modularity and additivity persist. If a stable cognitive architecture exists, then repeatedly executing the same cognitive act should repeatedly engage the self-same structure. If discreet sub-acts behave in a manner consistent with a sum of independent random variables, then the assumption of additive and modular cognitive processes is reasonable. However, if they develop dependencies, then the assumption of additivity and modularity in cognition should be questioned. Methods: The study required participants (N = 180) to successively execute identical elementary cognitive acts in a stacked 1-word, 2-word, and 4-word lexical decision task. Correct response time was the primary dependent measure. Results: Statistical analyses revealed evidence for additivity in mean response time after a logarithmic transformation (r2 = .81, p < .05 & r2 = .74, p < .05). This pattern is consistent with multiplicative dynamics. Conclusions: The results indicate that variance grows multiplicatively as a function of the number of sub-acts. A straightforward way to generate this pattern of variability growth is to assume the sub-acts develop successive dependencies and combine multiplicatively.
Copyright (c) 2022 Mary Jean Amon, Colin T. Annand, John Holden https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0