| Title: Masthead |
| File: Masthead_V5I2 |
| Title: A contribution to the validation of Italian eHEALS scale for the Italian population |
| Volume: 5 |
| Issue: 2 |
| Abstract: Background: Modern technology allows people to search for various information on the Internet, including health information. The eHEALS scale measures and assesses the ability for consumers to find, judge and apply health information found towards health problems. The Italian version of the eHEALS scale was validated using the Principal-Component Analysis (PCA) technique. Even if the results were satisfactory and the scale was considered validated, psychometric scaling literature is also recommended to subject the scale itself to a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for a more sound and complete validation process. Methods: The sample consisted of 349 Italian participants. Each participant was administered Italian versions of the eHEALS scale, the Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale, The Anxiety – Adult (PROMIS Emotional Distress – Anxiety) – Short Form, the Locus of Control of Behavior Test and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Several psychometric tests were also performed to investigate the validity and reliability of the test, including the CFA. Results: Analysis of the data showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics and confirmed the scale’s unidimensional properties. The eHEALS eight items scale items had acceptable correlations with the eHEALS test total (min=0.780, max=0.867). Furthermore, factor loadings were significant (min=0.836, max=0.948). The measure of internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.931). Construct validity for the eHEALS scale was supported by significant positive correlations with the Internal Locus of Control of Behavior and the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the frequency of searching for information on one’s health, perceived expertise with technology, frequency of Internet use, perceived Internet expertise and a negative correlation with external locus of control. Conclusions: The Italian version of the Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is valid and reliable in assessing the ability to collect, evaluate, and apply health information to health problems amongst the general Italian population. |
| Pages: 1-23 |
| Keywords: eHeals, Health Literacy, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Italian validation. |
| Authors: Paolo Soraci, Eleonora Guaitoli, Fulvia Lagattolla, Francesco M. Melchiori, Roberta Cimaglia, Carla Nesci, Grazia Parente, Mariachiara Trovato, Sabina Spagna, Lara Scali, Valentina Roggero, Micol Lucaselli, & Giulia Bravo |
| File: Soraci et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.54127/IXUX2649 |
| Title: Online representations of anxiety amongst adolescent users on Reddit: a qualitative Internet-mediated study protocol |
| Volume: 5 |
| Issue: 2 |
| Abstract: Background: Anxiety is one of the most commonly experienced psychological states and diagnosed disorders in adolescent populations (ages 13- 19). Research indicates that the prevalence of anxiety and phobic disorders is often higher than stated in epidemiologic studies of adolescent mental health. However, mental health experiences, such as anxiety, are easy to dismiss or overlook due to broader issues in mental health service needs, preference for informal sources of help, and mental health stigma. This study will seek to understand how young people convey their experiences online. Reddit, a social networking platform, is a suitable platform for this, as large-scale subreddits focus on anxiety and mental health distress specifically. Method: Our study will adopt an Internet-mediated research methodology entailing a retroductive analysis of adolescent user posts on Reddit. The retrieved posts will be systematically organised to extract meaningful patterns across the dataset by using qualitative thematic analysis. Discussion: By analysing anonymous posts about the experience of anxiety, we anticipate that our study results will shed light on help-seeking behaviours, development of coping strategies, and stigma attitudes. |
| Pages: 24-34 |
| Keywords: Anxiety; Phobic disorders; Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD); Reddit; Internet-mediated Research; Social Media |
| Authors: Greta Kaluzeviciute, Jessica Jackson, & Joshua Moreton |
| File: Kaluzeviciute et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.54127/DJMS5818 |
| Title: Cybercrimes in the aftermath of COVID-19: Present concerns and future directions |
| Volume: 5 |
| Issue: 2 |
| Abstract: Cybercrimes are broadly defined as criminal activities carried out using computers or computer networks. Given the rapid and considerable shifts in Internet use and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cybercrime rates, online behaviours have attracted increased public and policy attention. In this article, we map the landscape of cybercrime in the UK by first reviewing legislation and policy, as well as examine barriers to reporting and address investigative challenges. Given the indisputable rise in cybercrime and its mental health impacts, we propose a four-facet approach for research and practice in this field with an eye to systemic shifts and strategies to combat cybercrime holistically: community alliances and social support, state intervention, and infrastructural sensitivity to user diversity. Lastly, empirical evidence from research guides the design of data-driven technology and provision of advice/interventions to provide a safer digital landscape — hence the importance for more informative research. |
| Pages: 35-53 |
| Keywords: Cybercrime, Mental Health, Technology, COVID-19, Policy |
| Authors: Magdalene Ng, B. Kennath Widanaralalage, Tom Buchanan, & Kovila Coopamootoo |
| File: Ng et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.54127/LWVW7835 |
| Title: A comparison of the manifestation of psychopathic traits between women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A brief report |
| Volume: 5 |
| Issue: 2 |
| Abstract: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) impacts 5-10% of women of reproductive age and is characterized by increased testosterone, psychological distress, and dampened affect. However, little research exists into wider personality traits associated with testosterone, such as psychopathy. Psychopathic traits in a community sample of women with (n = 82) and without (n = 85) PCOS were compared using MANOVA. No group differences were detected across facets of psychopathy (interpersonal manipulation, callous affect, erratic lifestyle, anti-social behavior). These null results contribute to our knowledge pertaining to personality in women with PCOS, particularly with relation to historically-deviant personalities, such as psychopathy. |
| Pages: 54-63 |
| Keywords: Testosterone; Interpersonal manipulation; Anti-social behavior; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Psychopathy |
| Authors: Dean Fido & Sophie Williams |
| File: Fido & Williams |
| DOI: doi.org/10.54127/UQLZ5455 |
| Title: Psycho-social adaptation in patients with paranoid schizophrenia addicted to synthetic cannabinoids (spice) |
| Volume: 5 |
| Issue: 2 |
| Abstract: Introduction: The use of synthetic cannabinoids by patients with paranoid schizophrenia interferes with their psycho-social adaptation and leads to further re-hospitalizations among these patients. Objective: To study the features of the psycho-social adaptation of patients who have a paranoid form of schizophrenia and suffer from a dependence on synthetic cannabinoids. Methods: A sample of 120 men with paranoid schizophrenia and dependence on synthetic cannabinoids with an average age of 30.3 ± 0.63 years were examined. STAI, TPA, MMPI, SMMPR, and LSI were used for assessing research participants. Results: The personality traits, anxiety level, behaviour modus, hierarchy of reaction variants of psychological defenses, and features of mechanisms for adjustment to stressful situations influence the features of psycho-social adaptation mechanisms of patients with paranoid schizophrenia who are dependent on synthetic cannabinoids. Conclusion: The adaptation of patients with paranoid schizophrenia who are dependent on synthetic cannabinoids is affected by psychotic personality traits including hypochondria, impulsiveness, emotional instability, paranoia, psychasthenia, and schizophrenia. This can manifest with reduced socialization, loss of contact with reality, paradoxical perception and behaviour catalyzed by delusional ideas, and drug use motive. A direct positive correlation of active negativism, conflict, aggressiveness, an increase in drug use, and intensity of destructive psychological defenses with an increase in anxiety has been established. Disturbance of adaptation mechanisms led to addictive, nonnormative and delinquent types of behaviour. Hospitalization stabilized the adaptation mechanisms among patients and helped them to identify and interact with others who had the same diagnosis, but at the same time led to the development of hospitalism among the participants. Changes in the patients’ habitual patterns of behavior (drug addiction) caused self-dislike among participants. |
| Pages: 64-75 |
| Keywords: Synthetic Cannabinoids, Schizophrenia, Psycho-social Adaptation Comorbidity, Abuse |
| Authors: Georgy Yu. Selivanov & Nikolay, A. Bokhan |
| File: Selivanov & Bokhan |
| DOI: doi.org/10.54127/BQBR4013 |
| Title: Wellbeing for Non-Academic University Staff During COVID-19: A Field Note from A Wellbeing Promotor’s Perspective |
| Volume: 5 |
| Issue: 2 |
| Abstract: Although the negative impact of COVID-19 on the wellbeing of the university staff has been reported, the existing literature primarily focused on academic staff. The purpose of this field note is to offer insights about nonacademic staff and report how we have responded to the wellbeing challenge. The role of ‘Wellbeing Promoter’ was established in our university, who encourages employee wellbeing by organising webinars, sharing information and regularly discussing colleagues’ wellbeing. Though empirical evidence was not collected, informal feedback from non-academic staff for those attempts was positive, indicating a need for further evaluation. The other universities can benefit from these wellbeing promotive practices that do not require great costs and time yet are effective to protect the staff wellbeing in this stressful time. |
| Pages: 76-80 |
| Keywords: Non-academic; COVID-19; Wellbeing; Higher Education; Information Sharing; Webinar |
| Authors: Paula Augustus & Yasuhiro Kotera |
| File: Augustus & Kotera |
| DOI: doi.org/10.54127/GNWU7664 |
| Title: Pets’ impact on people`s well-being in COVID-19: A quantitative study |
| Volume: 5 |
| Issue: 2 |
| Abstract: Introduction: The global coronavirus pandemic and the governmental restrictions to prevent the virus from spreading have generated anxiety, impacting people’s well-being. Former research suggested a positive impact of pets on their owner’s well-being, however little research has been conducted within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in which isolation measures and restrictions were implemented in many countries. Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the influence of pets on people’s well-being, social connectedness, coronavirus anxiety, and the relationship of pet attachment on wellbeing during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants(N=72) were opportunistically recruited online across several countries. Data was analyzed using a MANOVA and linear regression. Results: The results indicated that there were no significant differences between pet owners and non-pet owners in terms of well-being, social connectedness, and coronavirus anxiety. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship between higher pet attachment and greater well-being was not found. Implications: Future research should focus on greater sample sizes and longitudinal data, with a focus on how pet-related interventions may improve well-being. |
| Pages: 81-95 |
| Keywords: Well-being, Pets, Coronavirus Anxiety, Social Connectedness, Pet Attachment, Covid-19 |
| Authors: Jane Kuehne, Jenai Lieu, Yasuhiro Kotera, & Elaina Taylor |
| File: Kuehne et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.54127/FABB9024 |
| Title: In-the-moment video feedback for online counselling students’ role play assessment: A research note |
| Volume: 5 |
| Issue: 2 |
| Abstract: Although the importance of feedback has been highlighted in education, innovative practices to improve the quality of feedback remain to be reported. Moreover, traditional text-based feedback often misses the emotional tone of feedback, therefore is susceptive of misunderstanding. This is a cause for concern in many online programmes, in particular counselling as this discipline focuses on communication. Accordingly, the present research note reports our on-going study appraising the first-hand experience of online counselling students who have received our in-the-moment video feedback for their role play video assessment. Inductive thematic analysis was used on semi-structured interviews. Two themes were identified: ‘High feedback satisfaction’ and ‘Safer communication’. Findings will help educators and online education institutions to create innovative ways of providing helpful feedback to students. |
| Pages: 96-101 |
| Keywords: Video Feedback, Online Counselling Education, In-the-moment Feedback, Misunderstanding, Emotional Tone, International Students |
| Authors: Yasuhiro Kotera, Danielle Mills, & Keith Taynton |
| File: Kotera et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.54127/XGXS5388 |