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Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the introduction of unprecedented safety measures, one of them being physical distancing recommendations. Here, we assessed whether the pandemic has led to long-term effects on two important physical distancing aspects, namely interpersonal distance preferences and interpersonal touch behaviors. We analyzed nearly 14,000 individual cases from two large, cross-cultural surveys – the first conducted 2 years prior to the pandemic and the second during a relatively stable period of a decreased infection rate in May-June 2021. Preferred interpersonal distances increased by 54% globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase was observable across all types of relationships, all countries, and was more pronounced in individuals with higher self-reported vulnerability to diseases. Unexpectedly, participants reported a higher incidence of interpersonal touch behaviors during than before the pandemic. We discuss our results in the context of prosocial and self-protection motivations that potentially promote different social behaviors.
Keywords: neverbalna komunikacija, preference glede medosebne razdalje, medosebni dotiki, pandemija, kovid, COVID-19, fizična distanca, medkulturna psihologija, coronavirus, nonverbal communication, interpersonal distance preferences, interpersonal touch behaviour, cross-cultural psychology, physical distancing
Published in DKUM: 02.08.2024; Views: 89; Downloads: 5
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Abstract: Past research has shown that news media may contain a disproportionate amount of negative news. Frequent exposure to such negative information could have detrimental effects on our mental well-being. We aimed to gain further insight into the potentially adverse effects of exposure to soft and hard news, as well as to examine potential reasons why individuals might expose themselves to such negative information. To do so, we conducted an online survey involving 176 participants (66 male, 107 female and 3 other) aged 15–65 years. The study included manipulation and additional (correlational) analyses. In the manipulation, we tested for the potential short-term effects of exposure to soft or hard news on the psychological well-being of our participants (as measured by the semi-projective Rotter Incomplete Sentences Blank; Rotter, 1950). This was done by setting three conditions (soft news, hard news and control group) wherein participants were exposed to 15 consecutive front page screenshots of the chosen soft and hard newspapers respectively. Hard news is generally more focused on major issues and breaking events – i.e., news that is important for the individual to understand, while soft news usually focuses on personal stories, is less time-bound, and is more incident-based. The correlational part of our study focused on discovering associations between long-term exposure to (different types of) news and the degree of negative emotions and well-being (measured by the DASS-21, Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965). The results did not show statistically significant differences between conditions. When comparing the long-term readers of the chosen hard and soft newspapers, statistically significant differences were found only in anxiety levels, however, a forming trend seemed to suggest that long-term exposure to soft news might be associated with reduced psychological well-being. Our findings are discussed in line with the contemporary psychological literature.
Keywords: hard news, soft news, sensationalism, mental health, schadenfreude
Published in DKUM: 10.07.2024; Views: 119; Downloads: 8
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Abstract: Introduction: While increasing awareness of climate change is needed to address this threat to the natural environment and humanity, it may simultaneously negatively impact mental health. Previous studies suggest that climate-specific mental health phenomena, such as climate anxiety and worry, tend to be especially pronounced in youth. To properly understand and address these issues, we need valid measures that can also be used in non-Anglophone samples. Therefore, in the present paper, we aimed to validate Slovenian versions of the Climate Anxiety Scale (CAS) and the Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) among Slovenian youth. Method: We conducted an online survey in which 442 young individuals (18–24 years) from Slovenia filled out the two central questionnaires and additional instruments capturing other relevant constructs (e.g., general anxiety, neuroticism, and behavioral engagement). Results: The confirmatory factor analyses results supported the hypothesized factorial structure of the CAS (two factors) and the CCWS (one factor). Both scales also demonstrated great internal reliability. Moreover, the analyses exploring both constructs’ nomological networks showed moderate positive associations with similar measures, such as anxiety and stress (convergent validity), and very weak associations with measures they should not be particularly related to, such as narcissism (discriminant validity). Lastly, we found that the CAS and, even more so, the CCWS have unique predictive value in explaining outcomes such as perceived threat, support for climate policies, and behavioral engagement (incremental validity). Discussion: Overall, Slovenian versions of the CAS and the CCWS seem to be valid, reliable, and appropriate for future studies tackling young individuals’ responses to climate change. Limitations of the study and areas for future research are discussed.
Keywords: climate anxiety, climate change, climate worry, validation, youth
Published in DKUM: 04.06.2024; Views: 137; Downloads: 12
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Abstract: Recent cross-cultural and neuro-hormonal investigations have suggested that love is a near universal phenomenon that has a biological background. Therefore, the remaining important question is not whether love exists worldwide but which cultural, social, or environmental factors influence experiences and expressions of love. In the present study, we explored whether countries’ modernization indexes are related to love experiences measured by three subscales (passion, intimacy, commitment) of the Triangular Love Scale. Analyzing data from 9474 individuals from 45 countries, we tested for relationships with country-level predictors, namely, modernization proxies (i.e., Human Development Index, World Modernization Index, Gender Inequality Index), collectivism, and average annual temperatures. We found that mean levels of love (especially intimacy) were higher in countries with higher modernization proxies, collectivism, and average annual temperatures. In conclusion, our results grant some support to the hypothesis that modernization processes might influence love experiences.
Keywords: love, modernization, collectivism, gender equality, cross-cultural studies
Published in DKUM: 20.03.2024; Views: 266; Downloads: 13
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Abstract: Digital technologies can be a key component in helping older adults maintain their autonomy and quality of life in their homes and communities. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the existing literature on the role of assistive digital technologies in promoting a higher quality of life and independent living for older adults by supporting their self-regulation in various aspects of daily living. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Major electronic databases were searched to identify relevant articles published between 2012 and 2022. A total of 972 articles were identified, of which 19 articles met all inclusion criteria. Results are presented in four categories: (i) types of digital technologies, (ii) quality of life domains, (iii) quality of life benefits, and (iv) technological aspects supporting self-regulation. Our review also showed that successful adoption of assistive technologies depends on older adults’ trust in these technologies and the perceived benefits of technological support. Early involvement of older adults in the development of assistive technologies appears to play an important role in their technological self-efficacy. The limitations of the studies reviewed are discussed, and some general guidelines for future research in this area are suggested.
Keywords: digitalna tehnologija, podporna tehnologija, kakovost življenja, staranje, samouravnavanje, pregledni članek, digital technology, assistive technology, quality of life, aging, self-regulation, scoping review
Published in DKUM: 27.02.2024; Views: 348; Downloads: 6
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