Behav. Sci., Volume 11, Issue 4 (April 2021) – 15 articles

There is a critical need for the public to have trusted sources of vaccine information. A longitudinal online study assessed trust in COVID-19 vaccine information from 10 sources. A factor analysis for data reduction revealed two factors. The first factor contained politically conservative sources (PCS) of information. The second factor included eight news sources representing mainstream sources (MS). Multivariable logistic regression models were used. Trust in Dr. Fauci was also examined. High trust in MS was associated with intention to encourage family members to get COVID-19 vaccines, altruistic beliefs that more vulnerable people should have vaccine priority, and belief that racial minorities with higher rates of COVID-19 deaths should have priority. High trust in PCS was associated with intention to discourage friends from getting vaccinated. Higher trust in PCS was also associated with participants more likely to disagree that minorities with higher rates of COVID-19 deaths should have priority for a vaccine. High trust in Dr. Fauci as a source of COVID-19 vaccine information was associated with factors similar to high trust in MS. Fair, equitable, and transparent access and distribution are essential to ensure trust in public health systems’ abilities to serve the population. Full article

Several studies reported impaired cognitive functioning after pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. The present study examined cognitive and executive functioning in women with preeclampsia at a time at which immediate effects of gestation have resolved, brain damage due to other risk factors have not yet manifested, and impairments may thus primarily occur as a result of the huge stress induced by the potentially life threatening condition. Verbal learning/memory (California Verbal Learning Test) and inhibitory functioning (Mittenecker Pointing Test) of 35 women with preeclampsia and 38 women with uncomplicated pregnancy were followed over five measurement time points during the period from 16 to 48 weeks postpartum. A further control group comprised 40 women with no history of recent pregnancy. The groups did not differ in their verbal learning/memory performance. Higher levels of currently experienced everyday-life stress were associated with poorer inhibitory control/greater stereotypy in responding, but this effect was not directly connected with pregnancy complications. Taken together, the findings do not indicate rapid-onset cognitive impairment after preeclampsia, brought about by its extremely stressful nature or other factors that take effect during gestation. Deficits observed in later life may develop on a long-term basis through late-diagnosed hypertension and unfavorable lifestyle factors. The large time window in which exaggerated cognitive decline can be prevented or mitigated should be utilized for the control of risk factors and interventions to improve lifestyle where appropriate. Full article

Cognitive impairment risk in Parkinson’s disease increases with disease progression and poses a significant burden to the patients, their families and society. There are no disease-modifying therapies or preventative measures for Parkinson’s disease mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), or Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). This article reviews current and previously investigated treatments and those under investigation, including pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic and surgical procedures. There are currently no effective pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic treatments for PD-MCI. The only recommended treatment for PDD currently is rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor. Donepezil and galantamine—other cholinesterase inhibitors—are possibly useful. Memantine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, is considered investigational in PDD. Drug repurposing (atomoxetine, levodopa, insulin, atomoxetine for PD-MCI; ambroxol and ceftriaxone for PDD) and novel medications (SYN120, GRF6021, NYX-458 for PD-MCI; ANAVEX2-73, LY3154207, ENT-01, DAAOI-P for PDD) currently have insufficient evidence. There is growing research supporting exercise in the treatment of PD-MCI, but most non-pharmacological approaches have insufficient evidence for use in PD-MCI (cognitive rehabilitation, deep brain stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial ultrasound, vestibular nerve stimulation) and PDD (cognitive intervention, deep brain stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, transcranial ultrasound, temporal blood brain barrier disruption). Research is needed for both disease-modifying and symptomatic treatments in PD cognitive impairment. Full article

The aim of the study was to assess adherence to hand washing by healthcare workers (HCWs) and its variations over time in hospital wards. We wanted to check whether the pandemic had changed the behavior of HCWs. The study was conducted between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2020. The HCWs were observed to assess their compliance with the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. We described the percentage of adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines stratified per year, per specialty areas, per different types of HCWs. We also observed the use of gloves. Descriptive data were reported as frequencies and percentages. We observed 13,494 hand hygiene opportunities. The majority of observations concerned nurses who were confirmed as the category most frequently involved with patients. Hospital’s global adherence to WHO guidelines did not change in the last six years. During the pandemic, the rate of adherence to the procedure increased significantly only in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In 2020, the use of gloves increased in pre-patient contact. The hand-washing permanent monitoring confirmed that it is very difficult to obtain the respect of correct hand hygiene in all opportunities, despite the ongoing pandemic and the fear of contagion. Full article

Migraine is one of the most prevalent headache disorders in children and negatively influences their quality of life. Physical, social, and school functioning are negatively affected. Mood changes are common in migraineurs and may happen before, during, or after a migraine headache. Children with migraine are not exempt from mood swings. The majority of mood changes occur during the prodromal phase, manifesting as a psychobiological response, e.g., difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, irritability, higher or lower energy, confusion, and depression. A bi-directional relationship between migraine and mood has been proposed, but mechanisms are not clear. Collectively, a maladaptive stress response has been suggested to explain the inability to balance homoeostatic changes when facing various stressors. Recognizing mood changes and monitoring mood patterns in children with migraine, for example, by various apps and so-called mood monitors, is valuable for better management. A multidisciplinary intervention has been recommended to reduce migraine disability, improve coping strategies, and reduce chronification risks in children with migraine. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies are both available and effective. Biofeedback, relaxation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy yield positive outcomes in pediatric migraine. Developing healthy lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, sleep) also seems to improve migraine in this population. Full article

Maintaining cognitive health across the lifespan has been the focus of a multi-billion-dollar industry. In order to guide treatment and interventions, a clear understanding of the way that proficiency in different cognitive domains develops and declines in both sexes across the lifespan is necessary. Additionally, there are sex differences in a range of other factors, including psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and substance use, that are also known to affect cognition, although the scale of this interaction is unknown. Our objective was to assess differences in cognitive function across the lifespan in men and women in a large, representative sample. Leveraging online cognitive testing, a sample of 9451 men and 9451 women ranging in age from 12 to 69 (M = 28.21) matched on socio-demographic factors were studied. Segmented regression was used to model three cognitive domains—working memory, verbal abilities, and reasoning. Sex differences in all three domains were minimal; however, after broadening the sample in terms of socio-demographic factors, sex differences appeared. These results suggest that cognition across the lifespan differs for men and women, but is greatly influenced by environmental factors. We discuss these findings within a framework that describes sex differences in cognition as likely guided by a complex interplay between biology and environment. Full article

Past research has found that a perceived meaning in life can act as a protective factor against adverse mental health symptomology, while also providing coping resources to buffer against the impact of negative life events. The current research investigated how the impact of self-perceived meaning in life as well as its predictors interact with stressors and worry related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected survey based data (n = 260) from Australian participants during the pandemic, measuring their meaning in life, orientation to differing life goals and COVID-19 related stressors via the impact of events scale. We found that meaning in life predicted less stress and worry associated with COVID-19. We also found that intrinsic based aspirations related positively to meaning in life within this context whereas extrinsic based goals related negatively to it, although these aspirations were not significant in reducing the stressors associated with COVID-19. These results reinforce past findings that meaning in life can effectively buffer against the impact of negative life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They also suggest that intrinsic based aspirations centred on relationships and self-acceptance may be an important mechanism in how people choose to pursue life meaning during uncertain life events. Full article

The COVID-19 epidemic posed great challenges to the healthcare community. To contain the epidemiological emergency, confinement measures were instituted, affecting the entire population. The lack of social contact, as well as the disruption of daily life, caused the exacerbation of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The present review of the literature aims to investigate what the effects of the pandemic have been on patients with schizophrenia, hypothesizing, an exacerbation of psychotic symptomatology (positive, negative, disorganized symptoms). Between November 2020 and January 2021, 5353 articles were collected and analyzed from the databases of the ResearchGate, Pubmed, and Psycnet websites, subjected to PRISMA methodology. Of these, 11 were evaluated for eligibility, but only three were included in the study because they met all inclusion criteria. The research did not confirm the expected results, showing that any kind of worsening of schizophrenic symptomatology involved the study samples. However, interesting outcomes were highlighted, such as a significant increase in general well-being during the early period of the pandemic, especially by women, or an increase in CPR (C-reactive Protein) levels in the blood, signaling an inflammatory state. Although the systematic review refuted the initial hypothesis, this must be a starting point: the topic is recent and these findings leave ample room for further investigation, particularly in long-term longitudinal research. It is possible that the true response to this disruption of daily life that occurred only during the past year may manifest itself later in time. On the other hand, interesting outcomes have been brought to light that may provide further interesting research insights. Full article

Young people experience a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidal ideation. These issues are at even higher rates among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) young people, due to the additional burden of having to navigate a world in which transphobia impacts them at the individual, organizational, and policy levels. However, much of the extant research focuses only on comparing TGD youth to cisgender counterparts. This study explores the nuance within the TDG youth population regarding mental health, examining how gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation change the likelihood of experiencing each of these mental health concerns. Among a sample of over 400 young people, findings indicate that those TGD young people who do not identify themselves within the masculine/feminine binary and those with marginalized sexual orientations were two to three times more likely to experience adverse mental health outcomes, as compared to their peers who are questioning their gender, and who are heterosexual. The implications for mental health professionals and others who work with young people are to recognize that mental health is not a one-size-fits all model for young TGD people, and that the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, must be addressed in order to improve the mental health of this group of young people. Findings can also be used to better understand issues of stigma, discrimination, and victimization in education, health care, and beyond. Full article

This paper determined the predefining factors of loan repayment behavior based on psychological and behavioral economics theories. The purpose of this research is to identify whether an individual’s credit risk can be predicted based on psychometric tests measuring areas of psychological factors such as effective economic decision-making, self-control, conscientiousness, selflessness and a giving attitude, neuroticism, and attitude toward money. In addition, we compared the psychological indicators to the financial indicators, and different age and gender groups, to assess whether the former can predict loan default prospects. This research covered the psychometric test results, financial information, and loan default information of 1118 borrowers from loan-issuing applications on mobile phones. We validated the questionnaire using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and achieved an overall Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient greater than 0.90 (α = 0.937). We applied the empirical data to construct prediction models using logistic regression. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the parameters of a logistic model. The outcome indicates that positive results from the psychometric testing of effective financial decision-making, self-control, conscientiousness, selflessness and a giving attitude, and attitude toward money enable individuals’ debt access possibilities. On the other hand, one of the variables—neuroticism—was determined to be insignificant. Finally, the model only used psychological variables proven to have significant default predictability, and psychological variables and psychometric credit scoring offer the best prediction capacities. Full article

Associations of disaster mental health sequelae between children and their parents have been demonstrated, but not using full diagnostic assessment. This study examined children and their parents after a series of disasters in 1982 to investigate associations of their psychiatric outcomes. Members of 169 families exposed to floods and/or dioxin or no disaster were assessed in 1986–1987 with structured diagnostic interviews. This vintage dataset collected several decades ago provides new information to this field because of the methodological rigor that is unparalleled in this literature. Disaster-related PTSD and incident postdisaster disorders in children were associated, respectively with disaster-related PTSD and incident postdisaster disorders in the chief caregiver and mother. More flood-only than dioxin-only exposed parents reported great harm by the disaster, but neither children nor parents in these two groups differed in incident psychiatric disorders. Although this study did not determine the direction of causal influences, its findings suggest that clinicians working with disaster-exposed families should work with children and adult members together, as their mental health outcomes may be intertwined. Full article

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the adoption of restriction measures that have had notable consequences on the health and wellbeing of individuals. This survey was carried out on a sample of 905 Albanian undergraduates to assess their knowledge about COVID-19 and their health-related behaviors and communication changes during lockdown. The students were invited to complete a pre-validated questionnaire during lessons. The results show that the majority of the surveyed students were able to answer correctly about the main epidemiological features of the disease. The level of knowledge was proven to be proportional to the students’ education level (enrollment year and age). No considerable relationship emerged with respect to diet or smoking. On the other hand, a relevant portion of the sample (37.6%) declared decreased physical activity (PA). Finally, a notable increase in the intensity and frequency of communication with their peers and with their parents was declared by 34.7% and 50.8% of the sample, respectively. Lifestyle variables were found to be mutually related, as were communication outcomes. The participants showed a satisfactory awareness regarding the COVID-19 epidemic. However, the registered reduction in PA may represent a public health issue and should be addressed with adequate policies. The use of electronic media seems to have increased communication habits in this population group. Full article

The psychology of art and aesthetics has a long-standing interest in how low-level features, such as symmetry, curvature, and color, affect people’s aesthetic experience. Recent research in this tradition suggests that people find glossy, shiny objects and materials more attractive than flat, matte ones. The present experiment sought to replicate and extend research on the attractiveness of images printed on glossy and flat paper. To control for several possible confounding factors, glossiness was manipulated between-person and varied with methods that held constant factors like weight, color quality, and resolution. To extend past work, we explored art expertise and Openness to Experience as potential moderators. A sample of 100 adults viewed landscape photographs on either high-gloss photo paper or on identical paper in which a flat, matte spray finish had been applied. Ratings of attractiveness showed weak evidence for replication. People rated the glossy pictures as more attractive than the matte ones, but the effect size was small (d = −0.23 [−0.62, 0.16]) and not statistically significant. Attractiveness ratings were significantly moderated, however, by individual differences in the aesthetic appreciation facet of Openness to Experience. When aesthetic appreciation was high, people found the images attractive regardless of condition; when it was low, people strongly preferred the glossy images over the matte ones, thus showing the classic glossiness effect. We conclude with some methodological caveats for future research. Full article

Meditation and positive psychology have been reported as promising approaches to deal with stress. This exploratory pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of meditation and positive psychology-based intervention on stress. Two experiments are reported; in the first one, 29 healthcare professionals were included (intervention = 14; control = 15), and the second one included 57 women managers (intervention = 27; control = 30). All participants were evaluated before and after eight weeks for levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric symptoms. In Experiment 1, intervention group participants showed a reduction in stress levels and anxiety symptoms, and in Experiment 2, participants in the intervention group showed a decrease in stress, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep quality, when compared to the control group. A multi-component intervention based on positive psychology and meditation practices was effective at reducing stress as well as improving related stress parameters such as anxiety, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep quality. Full article

Healthy nutritional habits are of vital importance for good health and quality of life for all individuals in all life stages. Nutritional habits shaped in early childhood set the foundation for future dietary practices applied through lifespan, hence informing risk towards chronic diseases. A key contributor to child health is maternal impact. A healthy childhood status translates into increased lifespan, health, and life-quality, as well as better family and social interactions and improved academic performance. These conditions can contribute to a healthier and more vibrant workforce, and thus extend positive impact on the economic and overall development of a country. Evidence related to maternal impact on childhood dietary habits is limited in Turkey, an emerging economy with notable disparities and a significant segment (approximately one third) of its 83 million population under the age of 30. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of mothers on the dietary habits of their preschool children. A pilot cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving the mothers of 109 preschool children aged 4–6 years. Data on the nutritional status of children were collected through a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-h recall interview, while sociodemographic information was also collected, and statistical analyses conducted. An unexpected finding regarding the lack of association between the socioeconomic and employment status of mothers and the nutritional intakes of their children was observed. Interestingly, it appears that more traditional societal and nutritional practices typically undertaken in the case of lower SES, especially in more traditional settings like the case of Turkey, appear to extend a protective effect as per the nutritional habits and ensuing obesity risk in the case of children of women with lower SES. Another way to interpret our finding is that the difference in education and SES is not adequate to produce a significant effect in terms of children dietary intake. This is an interesting finding that warrants further study. Additionally, such studies serve to increase awareness about the importance of healthy nutritional practices in preschool children and the critical role of the mother on their nutritional status, particularly in the Turkish idiosyncratic setting. Full article