Science Publishing Group: American Journal of Applied Psychology: Table of Contents
<i> American Journal of Applied Psychology (AJAP) </i> is truly international outlet for the scholarly dissemination of findings in applied psychology. The journal emphasizes the publication of original investigations that contribute new knowledge and understanding to fields of applied psychology. Articles are encouraged from all areas of applied psychology including, but not limited to, organizational, cross-cultural, educational, health, counseling, sport and environmental psychology.
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American Journal of Applied Psychology
American Journal of Applied Psychology
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Children, Spirituality, and Counselling
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Spirituality is an abstract concept and has been defined differently by researchers. Watson (2006) defines spirituality as beliefs and values that are formed in response to human condition. Mabe and Josephson (2004) defined spirituality as the belief in and devotion to a higher power.Harris (2007) offered definitions such as living out stories of our lives, forming connections and creating meaning in life, and development of self-awareness. Spirituality can be considered an important focus during play therapy if it is significant to the client or their parents.
Spirituality is an abstract concept and has been defined differently by researchers. Watson (2006) defines spirituality as beliefs and values that are formed in response to human condition. Mabe and Josephson (2004) defined spirituality as the belief in and devotion to a higher power.Harris (2007) offered definitions such as living out stories of our lives, forming connections and creating meaning in life, and development of self-awareness. Spirituality can be considered an important focus during play therapy if it is significant to the client or their parents.
Children, Spirituality, and Counselling
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20120101.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Shelley A. Jackson
Children, Spirituality, and Counselling
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Psychological and Socio-Cultural Adaptation of Immigrant and National Adolescents in Australia: A Test of the Acculturative Stress Hypothesis
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Purpose: The first aim of this study was to test the acculturative stress hypothesis within the Australian context predicting that immigrant adolescents are more prone to psychological and socio-cultural adaptation problems than their national Australian peers. The second aim of the study was to profile the socio-demographic factors underlying adaptation problems. Methods: The study utilised stratified surveys conducted by the New South Wales Ministry of Health during the years 2005-2008. The surveys collected information on socio-demographics, and psychological problems (i.e. emotional problems) and socio-cultural problems (i.e. hyperactivity-inattention, peer problems, and conduct problems). Adolescents aged 11-15 years (n = 5,779 for the total sample; n = 638, n = 5054, for immigrants and nationals, respectively) were included. Logistic regression analyses, taking observations’ weights into account, were used for the adaptation problems outcomes. Results: The two groups differed in socio-cultural adaptation problems only (specifically in hyperactivity-inattention), with nationals having greater odds for this than immigrants even after adjusting for socio-demographics (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.23—4.06). While immigrant adolescents’ sex was associated with hyperactivity-inattention problems only, sex was associated with emotional problems, hyperactivity-inattention problems, and conduct problems among national adolescents. In addition, mothers’ education was associated with conduct problems and household income was associated with peer problems among national adolescents only. Conclusions: Contrary to the acculturative stress hypothesis, this study shows that immigrant adolescents do not seem maladaptive. In addition, certain socio-demographic factors play a differential role in the emergence of adaptation problems among immigrant and national adolescents.
Purpose: The first aim of this study was to test the acculturative stress hypothesis within the Australian context predicting that immigrant adolescents are more prone to psychological and socio-cultural adaptation problems than their national Australian peers. The second aim of the study was to profile the socio-demographic factors underlying adaptation problems. Methods: The study utilised stratified surveys conducted by the New South Wales Ministry of Health during the years 2005-2008. The surveys collected information on socio-demographics, and psychological problems (i.e. emotional problems) and socio-cultural problems (i.e. hyperactivity-inattention, peer problems, and conduct problems). Adolescents aged 11-15 years (n = 5,779 for the total sample; n = 638, n = 5054, for immigrants and nationals, respectively) were included. Logistic regression analyses, taking observations’ weights into account, were used for the adaptation problems outcomes. Results: The two groups differed in socio-cultural adaptation problems only (specifically in hyperactivity-inattention), with nationals having greater odds for this than immigrants even after adjusting for socio-demographics (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.23—4.06). While immigrant adolescents’ sex was associated with hyperactivity-inattention problems only, sex was associated with emotional problems, hyperactivity-inattention problems, and conduct problems among national adolescents. In addition, mothers’ education was associated with conduct problems and household income was associated with peer problems among national adolescents only. Conclusions: Contrary to the acculturative stress hypothesis, this study shows that immigrant adolescents do not seem maladaptive. In addition, certain socio-demographic factors play a differential role in the emergence of adaptation problems among immigrant and national adolescents.
Psychological and Socio-Cultural Adaptation of Immigrant and National Adolescents in Australia: A Test of the Acculturative Stress Hypothesis
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130201.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Hisham Motkal Abu-Rayya
Psychological and Socio-Cultural Adaptation of Immigrant and National Adolescents in Australia: A Test of the Acculturative Stress Hypothesis
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© Science Publishing Group
The Relationship Between Ego Integrity and Death Attitudes in Older Adults
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This study investigates how one’s ability to accept the past contributes to death attitudes within the elderly population. 115 individuals (47 men and 68 women) participated by filling out self-report questionnaire packets collected from a variety of residential settings. The Death Attitudes Profile – Revised (DAP-R) was used to assess the individuals attitude towards death and the Ability to Accept the Past scale (ACPAST) was used as a measure of ego integrity. A linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictive relationship between the two variables. The results indicate that scores on the ACPAST are significant predictors of DAP-R subscales Neutral Acceptance Fear of Death and Death Avoidance. The results did not show a significant relationship between the scores on the ACPAST and the DAP-R subscales Approach Acceptance or Escape Acceptance. Thus, the ability to accept the past was a significant predictor of Fear of Death, Death Avoidance, and Neutral Acceptance. Yet, accepting the past was not a significant predictor of Approach Acceptance or Escape Acceptance.
This study investigates how one’s ability to accept the past contributes to death attitudes within the elderly population. 115 individuals (47 men and 68 women) participated by filling out self-report questionnaire packets collected from a variety of residential settings. The Death Attitudes Profile – Revised (DAP-R) was used to assess the individuals attitude towards death and the Ability to Accept the Past scale (ACPAST) was used as a measure of ego integrity. A linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictive relationship between the two variables. The results indicate that scores on the ACPAST are significant predictors of DAP-R subscales Neutral Acceptance Fear of Death and Death Avoidance. The results did not show a significant relationship between the scores on the ACPAST and the DAP-R subscales Approach Acceptance or Escape Acceptance. Thus, the ability to accept the past was a significant predictor of Fear of Death, Death Avoidance, and Neutral Acceptance. Yet, accepting the past was not a significant predictor of Approach Acceptance or Escape Acceptance.
The Relationship Between Ego Integrity and Death Attitudes in Older Adults
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130201.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Daniel W. Parker
The Relationship Between Ego Integrity and Death Attitudes in Older Adults
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© Science Publishing Group
Further Testing of the Inter-rater Reliability of ESTER-assessment – a Risk-need Assessment Instrument for Youths with or at Risk for Conduct Problems
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Behavioral problems in childhood have been associated with conduct problems later in life. Thus, it is essen-tial that youths with or at risk for conduct problems receive the help they need on time. Therefore, youth with or at risk for conduct problem must receive effective risk-need assessments and intervention plans regardless the person who conducts the assessment. ESTER-assessment is a structured, computer-aided, risk-need instrument developed for assessing youth (0-18) with or at risk for conduct problems. It uses a five-step response scale to assess 19 research-based risk and protective factors and the present study tests the inter-rater reliability of these 19 factors. This was done by comparing the assessments conducted by two independent raters who assessed the file information of 30 girls (mean age = 16.9) who had been incarcerated due to psychosocial problems, criminality and/or drug abuse. Results showed fair to good agreement for the majority of the factors via intra-class correlations and percentage agreement varied on the 19 factors from 24.1 to 80.8 % for exact agreement and from 72.2 to 96.7 % for exact agreement or difference by one step on the response scale. We conclude that it is possible to gain acceptable to excellent inter-rater reliability in assessing risk and protective factors via ESTER-assessment.
Behavioral problems in childhood have been associated with conduct problems later in life. Thus, it is essen-tial that youths with or at risk for conduct problems receive the help they need on time. Therefore, youth with or at risk for conduct problem must receive effective risk-need assessments and intervention plans regardless the person who conducts the assessment. ESTER-assessment is a structured, computer-aided, risk-need instrument developed for assessing youth (0-18) with or at risk for conduct problems. It uses a five-step response scale to assess 19 research-based risk and protective factors and the present study tests the inter-rater reliability of these 19 factors. This was done by comparing the assessments conducted by two independent raters who assessed the file information of 30 girls (mean age = 16.9) who had been incarcerated due to psychosocial problems, criminality and/or drug abuse. Results showed fair to good agreement for the majority of the factors via intra-class correlations and percentage agreement varied on the 19 factors from 24.1 to 80.8 % for exact agreement and from 72.2 to 96.7 % for exact agreement or difference by one step on the response scale. We conclude that it is possible to gain acceptable to excellent inter-rater reliability in assessing risk and protective factors via ESTER-assessment.
Further Testing of the Inter-rater Reliability of ESTER-assessment – a Risk-need Assessment Instrument for Youths with or at Risk for Conduct Problems
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130202.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Henrique Bond
Marja Rudenhed
Eva Bergquist
Anna-Karin Andershed
Henrik Andershed
Further Testing of the Inter-rater Reliability of ESTER-assessment – a Risk-need Assessment Instrument for Youths with or at Risk for Conduct Problems
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© Science Publishing Group
Adults’ Alcohol Consumption Behaviour and Support for Restrictions on Youth-Oriented Alcohol Advertisements
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Research suggests that underage drinking is a serious problem in the United States, and that many of the factors that influence minors to consume alcohol are environmental in their nature. One such factor is youth-oriented alcohol advertisements. Although many adults support restrictions on such advertisements, others do not or do so to a lesser degree. In this study, we explored one factor that may influence how strongly adults support restrictions on youth-oriented alcohol advertisements: The frequency with which adults themselves report consuming alcoholic beverages. A total of 767 adult Idahoans completed a survey asking about a variety of perceptions related to underage drinking, including whether they supported five types of restrictions on youth-oriented alcohol advertisement. They also answered a question about their own drinking behavior. The results revealed a significant effect of adults’ self-reported alcohol consumption behavior on their support for all five types of advertising restrictions. Adults who reported not consuming alcohol were significantly more supportive of all five types of advertising restrictions than those who reported consuming at least one alcoholic beverage in an average week. Significant differences in adults’ levels of support for all five types of advertising restriction were also revealed as a function of frequency with which adults consumed alcoholic beverages. Adults who reported consuming alcohol on one day in an average week reported significantly more support for all five types of advertising restrictions than those who reported consuming alcohol four or more days in an average week. These findings identify a population—heavier drinking adults—for education about problems associated with underage drinking and advertising alcohol to minors.
Research suggests that underage drinking is a serious problem in the United States, and that many of the factors that influence minors to consume alcohol are environmental in their nature. One such factor is youth-oriented alcohol advertisements. Although many adults support restrictions on such advertisements, others do not or do so to a lesser degree. In this study, we explored one factor that may influence how strongly adults support restrictions on youth-oriented alcohol advertisements: The frequency with which adults themselves report consuming alcoholic beverages. A total of 767 adult Idahoans completed a survey asking about a variety of perceptions related to underage drinking, including whether they supported five types of restrictions on youth-oriented alcohol advertisement. They also answered a question about their own drinking behavior. The results revealed a significant effect of adults’ self-reported alcohol consumption behavior on their support for all five types of advertising restrictions. Adults who reported not consuming alcohol were significantly more supportive of all five types of advertising restrictions than those who reported consuming at least one alcoholic beverage in an average week. Significant differences in adults’ levels of support for all five types of advertising restriction were also revealed as a function of frequency with which adults consumed alcoholic beverages. Adults who reported consuming alcohol on one day in an average week reported significantly more support for all five types of advertising restrictions than those who reported consuming alcohol four or more days in an average week. These findings identify a population—heavier drinking adults—for education about problems associated with underage drinking and advertising alcohol to minors.
Adults’ Alcohol Consumption Behaviour and Support for Restrictions on Youth-Oriented Alcohol Advertisements
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130203.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Sandina Begic
Elsa K. M. Howard
Theodore W. McDonald
Adults’ Alcohol Consumption Behaviour and Support for Restrictions on Youth-Oriented Alcohol Advertisements
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© Science Publishing Group
Using the Brain’s Fight-or-Flight Response to Predict, Prevent and Recover from Mental Illness during NASA’s Deep Space Missions
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The cause(s) and cure(s) of mental illness eludes the medical health industry allowing today’s pharmaceutical industry to drive the treatment for all people with mental illness using drugs that minimize the symptoms allowing people to return to the lifestyle that exacerbated it. It is more profitable for pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs to treat the symptoms than cure or prevent mental illnesses. Deep space missions provide a harsh environment for astronauts, one that may increase the rate and severity of mental illness. Mental illness has been reported by astronauts in low earth orbit and some astronauts have become severely mentally after resuming other responsibilities. Looking at mental illness using electrical engineering, communications science and predictive science, the effects on the brain can be better quantified and understood in defining the cause, prevention and the recovery from mental illness if it is acquired during a deep space mission. This paper proposes that a person’s fight-or-flight response be used to explain the cause, prevention and recovery from mental illness due to no other available model in the mental health community. By accepting the FOFR as the cause of mental illness, it can also be used to explain the cause of most other diseases through its control of a person’s immune system when activated. Each time a person’s immune system is suppressed by the FOFR, it increases the likelihood of contracting a viral illness including cancer and many other diseases the immune system paralyzes. The results of this paper can be applied for general use by encouraging pharmaceutical companies to develop the drugs necessary to suppress the FOFR and subsequently stop the onset of most viral diseases, cancer and mental illness; much as drugs are used to suppress a person’s immune system to treat autoimmune diseases.
The cause(s) and cure(s) of mental illness eludes the medical health industry allowing today’s pharmaceutical industry to drive the treatment for all people with mental illness using drugs that minimize the symptoms allowing people to return to the lifestyle that exacerbated it. It is more profitable for pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs to treat the symptoms than cure or prevent mental illnesses. Deep space missions provide a harsh environment for astronauts, one that may increase the rate and severity of mental illness. Mental illness has been reported by astronauts in low earth orbit and some astronauts have become severely mentally after resuming other responsibilities. Looking at mental illness using electrical engineering, communications science and predictive science, the effects on the brain can be better quantified and understood in defining the cause, prevention and the recovery from mental illness if it is acquired during a deep space mission. This paper proposes that a person’s fight-or-flight response be used to explain the cause, prevention and recovery from mental illness due to no other available model in the mental health community. By accepting the FOFR as the cause of mental illness, it can also be used to explain the cause of most other diseases through its control of a person’s immune system when activated. Each time a person’s immune system is suppressed by the FOFR, it increases the likelihood of contracting a viral illness including cancer and many other diseases the immune system paralyzes. The results of this paper can be applied for general use by encouraging pharmaceutical companies to develop the drugs necessary to suppress the FOFR and subsequently stop the onset of most viral diseases, cancer and mental illness; much as drugs are used to suppress a person’s immune system to treat autoimmune diseases.
Using the Brain’s Fight-or-Flight Response to Predict, Prevent and Recover from Mental Illness during NASA’s Deep Space Missions
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130204.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Len Losik
Using the Brain’s Fight-or-Flight Response to Predict, Prevent and Recover from Mental Illness during NASA’s Deep Space Missions
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Terminal Values as Predictors of Religious Experience in the Lives of Married Couples and Singles
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The aims of the research I embarked on were: (a) to show the preference of terminal values in personal and in social character as well as the level of religious experience: God's presence and God's absence among singles and married couples; and (b) to show the relation between terminal values in personal and in social character and religious experience: God's presence and God's absence in two groups: singles and married couples. In the research the following methods were applied. In order to define the level of religious experience: God's presence and God's absence - the Scale of Religious Experience (SRE) by S. Głaz, and in order to show the terminal values preference among the singles and married couples the Rokeach Value Survey (RVS) was applied. The research was carried out in Kraków. The age of the respondents ranged from 35 to 45. All people were Polish born. The analysis of the subject matter seems to indicate: Married couples have a higher level of religious experience of God's presence than singles. Married couples respect most two values in social character (mature love, true friendship), and two values in personal character (a comfortable life, freedom). Singles respect most three values in personal character (a comfortable life, a successful life, freedom), and one social value (mature love). The strongest variables which contribute to accounting for the variance of religious experience (God's presence and God's absence) were found to be two values in personal character: freedom in case of singles and wisdom in case of married couples.
The aims of the research I embarked on were: (a) to show the preference of terminal values in personal and in social character as well as the level of religious experience: God's presence and God's absence among singles and married couples; and (b) to show the relation between terminal values in personal and in social character and religious experience: God's presence and God's absence in two groups: singles and married couples. In the research the following methods were applied. In order to define the level of religious experience: God's presence and God's absence - the Scale of Religious Experience (SRE) by S. Głaz, and in order to show the terminal values preference among the singles and married couples the Rokeach Value Survey (RVS) was applied. The research was carried out in Kraków. The age of the respondents ranged from 35 to 45. All people were Polish born. The analysis of the subject matter seems to indicate: Married couples have a higher level of religious experience of God's presence than singles. Married couples respect most two values in social character (mature love, true friendship), and two values in personal character (a comfortable life, freedom). Singles respect most three values in personal character (a comfortable life, a successful life, freedom), and one social value (mature love). The strongest variables which contribute to accounting for the variance of religious experience (God's presence and God's absence) were found to be two values in personal character: freedom in case of singles and wisdom in case of married couples.
Terminal Values as Predictors of Religious Experience in the Lives of Married Couples and Singles
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130205.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Stanisław Głaz
Terminal Values as Predictors of Religious Experience in the Lives of Married Couples and Singles
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Essence of Locus of Control and Loneliness on Online Flow, Depression, Subjective Happiness and Satisfaction with Life
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This empirical study demonstrates locus of control and loneliness as important variables predicting online flow experience, depression, subjective happiness and satisfaction with life. Locus of control was categorized into two categories, namely high (external locus of control) and low (internal locus of control). Similarly loneliness was also categorized into high and low loneliness. Data was collected from 342 participants (184 males and 158 females) using a structured questionnaire that contained all the variables of the study. Statistical techniques such as reliability and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to analyze the data. Results revealed significant main effects of locus of control and loneliness on online flow experience, depression, subjective happiness and satisfaction with life. External locus of control and loneliness had a positive effect on online flow experience and depression, and a negative effect on subjective happiness and satisfaction with life. Interaction effects indicated that an individual has high online flow experience and high depression, and low subjective happiness when he/she has external locus of control and suffers from high loneliness. But the interaction effect of locus of control and loneliness on satisfaction with life was insignificant. The limitations, future directions and details of findings of the study have been suitably discussed.
This empirical study demonstrates locus of control and loneliness as important variables predicting online flow experience, depression, subjective happiness and satisfaction with life. Locus of control was categorized into two categories, namely high (external locus of control) and low (internal locus of control). Similarly loneliness was also categorized into high and low loneliness. Data was collected from 342 participants (184 males and 158 females) using a structured questionnaire that contained all the variables of the study. Statistical techniques such as reliability and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to analyze the data. Results revealed significant main effects of locus of control and loneliness on online flow experience, depression, subjective happiness and satisfaction with life. External locus of control and loneliness had a positive effect on online flow experience and depression, and a negative effect on subjective happiness and satisfaction with life. Interaction effects indicated that an individual has high online flow experience and high depression, and low subjective happiness when he/she has external locus of control and suffers from high loneliness. But the interaction effect of locus of control and loneliness on satisfaction with life was insignificant. The limitations, future directions and details of findings of the study have been suitably discussed.
Essence of Locus of Control and Loneliness on Online Flow, Depression, Subjective Happiness and Satisfaction with Life
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130205.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Soma Parija
Asmita Shukla
Essence of Locus of Control and Loneliness on Online Flow, Depression, Subjective Happiness and Satisfaction with Life
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© Science Publishing Group
Personal Values: A Perceptual Lens for Investigating Spousal Perception of Marital Conflict among Ghanaian Dual Career Couples
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Theoretical work on marital conflicts suggests that perception plays a crucial role in influencing spouses’ attitude towards marital conflict. However, relatively little research exists on psychological factors influencing spousal perception of marital conflicts. This study investigated spousal perception of marital conflict among Ghanaian dual career couples through the perceptual lens of personal values. Using dual career couples as the target population, 88 respondents answered questionnaire that consisted of the 21 Portrait Value Questionnaire designed to measure four value orientations, and the Spousal Perception of Marital Conflict Scale. Two hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between the value orientations and spousal perception of marital conflict. Data was analyzed using hierarchical and standard multiple regression methods. Contrary to expectations, none of the hypothesis was supported. However, the study revealed that values such as openness to change, conservation and self-enhancement positively influenced spousal perception of marital conflict. These have implications for marital interactions and the development of interventions for couples dealing with marital conflicts.
Theoretical work on marital conflicts suggests that perception plays a crucial role in influencing spouses’ attitude towards marital conflict. However, relatively little research exists on psychological factors influencing spousal perception of marital conflicts. This study investigated spousal perception of marital conflict among Ghanaian dual career couples through the perceptual lens of personal values. Using dual career couples as the target population, 88 respondents answered questionnaire that consisted of the 21 Portrait Value Questionnaire designed to measure four value orientations, and the Spousal Perception of Marital Conflict Scale. Two hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between the value orientations and spousal perception of marital conflict. Data was analyzed using hierarchical and standard multiple regression methods. Contrary to expectations, none of the hypothesis was supported. However, the study revealed that values such as openness to change, conservation and self-enhancement positively influenced spousal perception of marital conflict. These have implications for marital interactions and the development of interventions for couples dealing with marital conflicts.
Personal Values: A Perceptual Lens for Investigating Spousal Perception of Marital Conflict among Ghanaian Dual Career Couples
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Linda Adzo Elorm Tormeti
Roseline Mercy Abotsi
Personal Values: A Perceptual Lens for Investigating Spousal Perception of Marital Conflict among Ghanaian Dual Career Couples
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© Science Publishing Group
Empirical Research on College Student’s Role Identity Status in China
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“College Student” is such a role that plenty of people once played, now are playing or will play in China. College students’ positive identity of the role will help them develop well at this special stage. The definition of college students’ role identity in the research is the cognitive orientation, emotive experience and behavioral reaction of college students to the student role they are playing. Based on the open-questionnaire investigation, the paper analyzed three status of college student’s role identity by factor analysis technique: role adaptation, and role burnout and role contradiction. The paper also analyzed the difference on the three role identification status based on gender, birthplace, major, grade and other variables and the reason for the variance.
“College Student” is such a role that plenty of people once played, now are playing or will play in China. College students’ positive identity of the role will help them develop well at this special stage. The definition of college students’ role identity in the research is the cognitive orientation, emotive experience and behavioral reaction of college students to the student role they are playing. Based on the open-questionnaire investigation, the paper analyzed three status of college student’s role identity by factor analysis technique: role adaptation, and role burnout and role contradiction. The paper also analyzed the difference on the three role identification status based on gender, birthplace, major, grade and other variables and the reason for the variance.
Empirical Research on College Student’s Role Identity Status in China
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.15
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Zhou Yongkang
Zeng Weixi
Hu Yalin
Wang Hui
Empirical Research on College Student’s Role Identity Status in China
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© Science Publishing Group
The Effect of a Token Economy System Program and Physical Activity on Improving Quality of Life of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.13
The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effect of an exercise and token economy system program on improving quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. Thirty (30) patients with schizophrenia separated in three groups (control group, an exercise observation with tokens group and an actual exercise with tokens group) of 10 individuals, took part in an eight weeks exercise program combining physical activity with token economy behavioral treatment. Data included the use of SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ). Experiment group B participants as compared to those of the experiment group A and control group individuals found at the end of the exercise program as experiencing less problems with daily activities and felling more energetic and vigorous leading to an improved mental component score. Overall, findings are encouraging concerning the effect of a combined exercise and token economy program on improving quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.
The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effect of an exercise and token economy system program on improving quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. Thirty (30) patients with schizophrenia separated in three groups (control group, an exercise observation with tokens group and an actual exercise with tokens group) of 10 individuals, took part in an eight weeks exercise program combining physical activity with token economy behavioral treatment. Data included the use of SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ). Experiment group B participants as compared to those of the experiment group A and control group individuals found at the end of the exercise program as experiencing less problems with daily activities and felling more energetic and vigorous leading to an improved mental component score. Overall, findings are encouraging concerning the effect of a combined exercise and token economy program on improving quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.
The Effect of a Token Economy System Program and Physical Activity on Improving Quality of Life of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Dimitrios Kokaridas
Georgia Maggouritsa
Periklis Stoforos
Asterios Patsiaouras
Yiannis Theodorakis
Nikolaos Diggelidis
The Effect of a Token Economy System Program and Physical Activity on Improving Quality of Life of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
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88
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.13
© Science Publishing Group
Thrill and Adventure Seekers: Affective Organization of Personal Meaning of Extreme Weather
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.12
The aim of the article is the analysis of the personal meaning of extreme weather among a Thrill and Adventure Seekers. There are two affective motives, which play an important role in the analysis of personal meaning of extreme weather: (1) the striving for self-enhancement, (2) the longing for the unification with nature. Furthermore, the process of meaning construction can be examined on the basis of two types of emotions: positive and negative ones. In the research on the personal meaning of extreme weather a modified version of H. Herman's Self-Confrontation method and the Thrill and Adventure Seeking Scale of M. Zuckerman`s were used. 130 students (M = 20.40; SD = 1.5) were asked about personal experiences concerning the elements of nature: the thunderstorm, the fog, the heavy rain, the strong wind and the snowstorm. The results have indicated that a Thrill and Adventure Seekers in contact with severe weather conditions tend to reveal: score higher on the level of desire for self-enhancement, the level of positive emotions or the level of the longing for the unification with nature and score lower on the level of negative emotions than controls.
The aim of the article is the analysis of the personal meaning of extreme weather among a Thrill and Adventure Seekers. There are two affective motives, which play an important role in the analysis of personal meaning of extreme weather: (1) the striving for self-enhancement, (2) the longing for the unification with nature. Furthermore, the process of meaning construction can be examined on the basis of two types of emotions: positive and negative ones. In the research on the personal meaning of extreme weather a modified version of H. Herman's Self-Confrontation method and the Thrill and Adventure Seeking Scale of M. Zuckerman`s were used. 130 students (M = 20.40; SD = 1.5) were asked about personal experiences concerning the elements of nature: the thunderstorm, the fog, the heavy rain, the strong wind and the snowstorm. The results have indicated that a Thrill and Adventure Seekers in contact with severe weather conditions tend to reveal: score higher on the level of desire for self-enhancement, the level of positive emotions or the level of the longing for the unification with nature and score lower on the level of negative emotions than controls.
Thrill and Adventure Seekers: Affective Organization of Personal Meaning of Extreme Weather
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Piotr Próchniak
Thrill and Adventure Seekers: Affective Organization of Personal Meaning of Extreme Weather
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79
79
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.12
© Science Publishing Group
Practical Problem Solving Efficacy among Older and Young Adults
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.14
We compared the relationship between general cognitive ability, social cognition and the ability to understand and make decisions about practical problems among groups of college age and older adults. Results indicated that both general cognitive functioning and social cognitive ability were related to practical problem solving ability among older adults. In contrast college age adults practical problem solving was related to only general cognitive ability. Results indicate that social cognitive ability may compensate for age related decline in general cognitive functions among older adults and allow for continued competence in practical problem solving as speed of processing and short term memory functions decline.
We compared the relationship between general cognitive ability, social cognition and the ability to understand and make decisions about practical problems among groups of college age and older adults. Results indicated that both general cognitive functioning and social cognitive ability were related to practical problem solving ability among older adults. In contrast college age adults practical problem solving was related to only general cognitive ability. Results indicate that social cognitive ability may compensate for age related decline in general cognitive functions among older adults and allow for continued competence in practical problem solving as speed of processing and short term memory functions decline.
Practical Problem Solving Efficacy among Older and Young Adults
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.14
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Glenn Shean
Barbara Haskins
Practical Problem Solving Efficacy among Older and Young Adults
2
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93
93
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20130206.14
© Science Publishing Group
Efficacy of Correction Beliefs Related to Family Functioning Based on Cognitive Method to Reduce Marital Conflict in Men
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.12
This study examines the effectiveness of the correct relationship beliefs about family functioning, based on Cognitive method to Reduce Male Marital Conflict. The research method used in this study is quasi-experimental. Research design is pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The study population consists of all married men who referred to a clinic in an oil company in jam, Iran. Among these patients, typical methods are used to fit 30 people that sampling method was selected and, 15 people were randomly placed in the experimental group and 15 people were in the control group. The experimental group participated in eight 60-minute sessions. The tools used in this study were Contact Beliefs Questionnaire (RBI) and the Inventory of marital conflicts. Before and after implementation of the independent variable (Correct relationship beliefs) members of both groups were asked to respond to the questionnaire. Data analysis for this study was spss16 software. In order for describing the data, descriptive statistics (such as mean and standard deviation of frequency), and T tests were used to test the research hypothesis. The results showed that the Correct Relationship beliefs related to family functions based on the cognitive method in reducing marital conflicts that affect men.
This study examines the effectiveness of the correct relationship beliefs about family functioning, based on Cognitive method to Reduce Male Marital Conflict. The research method used in this study is quasi-experimental. Research design is pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The study population consists of all married men who referred to a clinic in an oil company in jam, Iran. Among these patients, typical methods are used to fit 30 people that sampling method was selected and, 15 people were randomly placed in the experimental group and 15 people were in the control group. The experimental group participated in eight 60-minute sessions. The tools used in this study were Contact Beliefs Questionnaire (RBI) and the Inventory of marital conflicts. Before and after implementation of the independent variable (Correct relationship beliefs) members of both groups were asked to respond to the questionnaire. Data analysis for this study was spss16 software. In order for describing the data, descriptive statistics (such as mean and standard deviation of frequency), and T tests were used to test the research hypothesis. The results showed that the Correct Relationship beliefs related to family functions based on the cognitive method in reducing marital conflicts that affect men.
Efficacy of Correction Beliefs Related to Family Functioning Based on Cognitive Method to Reduce Marital Conflict in Men
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Mohammad Hojati
Mohammad Abasi
moein shokri
Efficacy of Correction Beliefs Related to Family Functioning Based on Cognitive Method to Reduce Marital Conflict in Men
3
1
11
11
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.12
© Science Publishing Group
Illness Perception, Religiosity and Mental Health of Diabetic Patients in Ghana
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.13
This study examines the influence of diabetic patients’ perception of their illness and their levels of religiosity on their mental health problems. A sample of 194 diabetic patients was drawn from two major hospitals (Korle-Bu Teaching and Tema General Hospitals) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The cross-sectional survey method was used as the study design. Results from Pearson correlation show that the diabetic patients’ level of religiosity did not significantly correlate with their mental health problems. However, illness perception correlates significantly and positively with their general mental health problem (GSI) and specific ones such as somatization, obsessive-compulsion, depression, anxiety and psychoticism. Multiple regression analyses show that level of general mental health problem (GSI) was significantly predicted by perception of illness Coherence followed by perceptions Symptoms and Concern. Similarly, perception of coherence was the most significant predictor of both depression and anxiety among diabetic patients. The implications of the findings are discussed.
This study examines the influence of diabetic patients’ perception of their illness and their levels of religiosity on their mental health problems. A sample of 194 diabetic patients was drawn from two major hospitals (Korle-Bu Teaching and Tema General Hospitals) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The cross-sectional survey method was used as the study design. Results from Pearson correlation show that the diabetic patients’ level of religiosity did not significantly correlate with their mental health problems. However, illness perception correlates significantly and positively with their general mental health problem (GSI) and specific ones such as somatization, obsessive-compulsion, depression, anxiety and psychoticism. Multiple regression analyses show that level of general mental health problem (GSI) was significantly predicted by perception of illness Coherence followed by perceptions Symptoms and Concern. Similarly, perception of coherence was the most significant predictor of both depression and anxiety among diabetic patients. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Illness Perception, Religiosity and Mental Health of Diabetic Patients in Ghana
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Kingsley Nyarko
Nuworza Kugbey
Samuel Atindanbila
Illness Perception, Religiosity and Mental Health of Diabetic Patients in Ghana
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20
20
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.13
© Science Publishing Group
Personal Uniqueness Therapy: Living with an Inner Ideal
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.11
The article under consideration represents a new system of psychotherapy and self-therapy – Personal Uniqueness Therapy (PUT). It is based on the author’s Person-oriented conception of happiness (POCH), particularly its “PU” system. The motivating force of inner ideals is applied in the process of therapy. The author demonstrates PUT distinctions from all other systems of therapy which have a surface resemblance to it. A client is taught to feel, get in contact and gradually broaden her ideal part that helps her to initiate the coping process during distress and gradually overcome external difficulties. A vignette concerning the application of the main PUT techniques in the author’s work with a depressive client is adduced.
The article under consideration represents a new system of psychotherapy and self-therapy – Personal Uniqueness Therapy (PUT). It is based on the author’s Person-oriented conception of happiness (POCH), particularly its “PU” system. The motivating force of inner ideals is applied in the process of therapy. The author demonstrates PUT distinctions from all other systems of therapy which have a surface resemblance to it. A client is taught to feel, get in contact and gradually broaden her ideal part that helps her to initiate the coping process during distress and gradually overcome external difficulties. A vignette concerning the application of the main PUT techniques in the author’s work with a depressive client is adduced.
Personal Uniqueness Therapy: Living with an Inner Ideal
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Leonid Z. Levit
Personal Uniqueness Therapy: Living with an Inner Ideal
3
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7
7
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.11
© Science Publishing Group
The Occurrence of Test Anxiety in Student Nurses in Selected Nursing Schools in Ghana
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.14
This paper examined the occurrence of test anxiety among student nurses in selected Nursing Schools in Ghana. A total of one hundred and sixty four student nurses (N= 164) were drawn from five Nursing Training Schools in Ghana using stratified sampling technique. The Westside Test Anxiety Scale was administered to students from the various schools who came to Pantang Psychiatric Hospital for affiliation. Results were analysed using the independent t test and ANOVA. The findings of the study revealed that there was no significant difference in test anxiety among the various ages of the students. Secondly, there was no significant difference in anxiety scores among males and females. Thirdly, there was no significant difference in test anxiety between Christians and Muslims. There was also a significant difference in test anxiety levels among the various types of training with Health Assistant Clinical (HAC) students reporting higher test anxiety compared to both Registered General Nursing (RGN) and Midwifery students. The final finding was that there was a significant difference in reported test anxiety levels among students from the various schools with those from private institutions reporting significantly higher levels. It was recommended that the various HAC schools should organised training programmes for students on how to prepare and take exams and tests successfully.
This paper examined the occurrence of test anxiety among student nurses in selected Nursing Schools in Ghana. A total of one hundred and sixty four student nurses (N= 164) were drawn from five Nursing Training Schools in Ghana using stratified sampling technique. The Westside Test Anxiety Scale was administered to students from the various schools who came to Pantang Psychiatric Hospital for affiliation. Results were analysed using the independent t test and ANOVA. The findings of the study revealed that there was no significant difference in test anxiety among the various ages of the students. Secondly, there was no significant difference in anxiety scores among males and females. Thirdly, there was no significant difference in test anxiety between Christians and Muslims. There was also a significant difference in test anxiety levels among the various types of training with Health Assistant Clinical (HAC) students reporting higher test anxiety compared to both Registered General Nursing (RGN) and Midwifery students. The final finding was that there was a significant difference in reported test anxiety levels among students from the various schools with those from private institutions reporting significantly higher levels. It was recommended that the various HAC schools should organised training programmes for students on how to prepare and take exams and tests successfully.
The Occurrence of Test Anxiety in Student Nurses in Selected Nursing Schools in Ghana
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.14
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Samuel Atindanbila
Edward Abasimi
Kingsley Nyarko
Johnson Atambila Adika
The Occurrence of Test Anxiety in Student Nurses in Selected Nursing Schools in Ghana
3
1
26
26
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140301.14
© Science Publishing Group
Comparisons of Self-Determination among Students with Learning Disabilities and without Learning Disabilities
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.11
This study compared self-determination in 40 elementary school children with learning disabilities ) (sixth and fifth grade) and 40 their peers without LD. An ex post facto design was used. Statistical population comprised of all students in elementary schools (sixth and fifth grade) in, Ahwaz, Iran, during the 2013-2014 academic year. Students with learning disability were randomly selected. The students with LD had been diagnosed by Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ). The student completed the Wechsler Memory scale and Self-Determination Student Scale (SDSS). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20) was used for computing descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Differences were found between the groups on the self-determination.
This study compared self-determination in 40 elementary school children with learning disabilities ) (sixth and fifth grade) and 40 their peers without LD. An ex post facto design was used. Statistical population comprised of all students in elementary schools (sixth and fifth grade) in, Ahwaz, Iran, during the 2013-2014 academic year. Students with learning disability were randomly selected. The students with LD had been diagnosed by Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ). The student completed the Wechsler Memory scale and Self-Determination Student Scale (SDSS). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20) was used for computing descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Differences were found between the groups on the self-determination.
Comparisons of Self-Determination among Students with Learning Disabilities and without Learning Disabilities
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Manijeh Shehni Yailagh
Mohammad Abbasi
Nasser Behrozi
Sirus Alipour
Alireza Haji Yakhchali
Comparisons of Self-Determination among Students with Learning Disabilities and without Learning Disabilities
3
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31
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.11
© Science Publishing Group
Psychosocial Correlates of Substance Use among Unemployed Persons in Ibadan, Nigeria
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.12
Background: The study explored the prevalence of substance use among unemployed persons in Ibadan, and the roles of some psychological and socio-demographic variables. Method: A standardized questionnaire was used to collect relevant data from 200 unemployed persons. Respondents’ were 109 males and 91 females, with a mean age of 29.07 and a standard deviation of 5.46. Mean years of graduation (when a respondent had graduated without a job) was 5.38 years with a standard deviation of 3.53. Results: Lifetime and current use of psychoactive substances were 69% and 44% respectively, indicating that this particular population (the unemployed) might be at an elevated risk for substance abuse. The most currently used psychoactive substances were alcohol (36%), followed by stimulants (29%), Tobacco (28%), and sedatives (12.5%), while for lifetime use the following were the most common: alcohol (44.5%), stimulant (35%), tobacco (32%) and cannabis (21%). Results showed that age (r = -.23; p<.05), sex (r = -.39; p<.01), Marital status (r = -.22; p<.05), Number of years of formal education (r = -.27; p<.05), number of years spent after graduation (r = .33; p<.01), personality (r = -.47; p<.01), perceived social support (r = -.41; p<.01), and distress tolerance (r = -.47; p<.01) were significantly related to substance use. Conclusion/Recommendation: Unemployed persons should be considered for social schemes and social security benefits. Also, unemployed persons should be targeted for psychological services such as counseling and specially designed psycho-educational programmes aimed at engendering core self-evaluation traits (high self-esteem, generalized self-efficacy, emotional stability and internal locus of control), distress tolerance, and social support
Background: The study explored the prevalence of substance use among unemployed persons in Ibadan, and the roles of some psychological and socio-demographic variables. Method: A standardized questionnaire was used to collect relevant data from 200 unemployed persons. Respondents’ were 109 males and 91 females, with a mean age of 29.07 and a standard deviation of 5.46. Mean years of graduation (when a respondent had graduated without a job) was 5.38 years with a standard deviation of 3.53. Results: Lifetime and current use of psychoactive substances were 69% and 44% respectively, indicating that this particular population (the unemployed) might be at an elevated risk for substance abuse. The most currently used psychoactive substances were alcohol (36%), followed by stimulants (29%), Tobacco (28%), and sedatives (12.5%), while for lifetime use the following were the most common: alcohol (44.5%), stimulant (35%), tobacco (32%) and cannabis (21%). Results showed that age (r = -.23; p<.05), sex (r = -.39; p<.01), Marital status (r = -.22; p<.05), Number of years of formal education (r = -.27; p<.05), number of years spent after graduation (r = .33; p<.01), personality (r = -.47; p<.01), perceived social support (r = -.41; p<.01), and distress tolerance (r = -.47; p<.01) were significantly related to substance use. Conclusion/Recommendation: Unemployed persons should be considered for social schemes and social security benefits. Also, unemployed persons should be targeted for psychological services such as counseling and specially designed psycho-educational programmes aimed at engendering core self-evaluation traits (high self-esteem, generalized self-efficacy, emotional stability and internal locus of control), distress tolerance, and social support
Psychosocial Correlates of Substance Use among Unemployed Persons in Ibadan, Nigeria
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-04-22
© Science Publishing Group
James A. Adekoya
Gboyega E. Abikoye
Psychosocial Correlates of Substance Use among Unemployed Persons in Ibadan, Nigeria
3
2
38
38
2014-04-22
2014-04-22
10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.12
© Science Publishing Group
Development, Validity And Reliability of Physical Education Instructor’s Personality Description Scale
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.13
This current study describes the development, reliability and validation of a scale concerning the assessment of Physical Education Instructor’s Personality traits. According to the literature review, the Five Factor Model theory (Costa & McCrae, 1985; 1992; McCrae & Costa, 1987) is constituted by a widely accepted classification of human characteristics and an integrated description of human personality. For this reason, the questionnaire was structured based on the factors of Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional stability and lastly on the Openness to new experiences. The questionnaire was distributed to the owners of private health clubs and to the Managers of sports organization municipals who evaluated 481 Physical Education Instructors. During the exploratory factor analysis (n1=161) the criterion of Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (.946) supported the total sufficiency and suitability of the sample for factor analysis, while the examination of Bartlett’s test of Sphericity (2642.791, df 171, p<.00001) led to the rejection of the null hypothesis that variables are independent. The Principal Components Analysis supported the existence of five (5) factors that interpret the 79.539% of overall variance. During the confirmatory factor analysis (n2=320), was checked the internal consistency with the Cronbach a index which gave: a=.87 for the extraversion, a=.90 for the agreeableness, a=.91 for the conscientiousness, a=.82 for the emotional stability/neuroticism and a=.92 for the openness to experience. The adaptation survey indicators [χ2 = 535.782, p<.001, Satorra-Bentler χ2 = 433.245, p<.001, df142, χ2 / df ratio = 3.051, NNFI = .902, CFI = .919, RCFI = .903, IFI = .920, SRMR = .052, RMSEA = .093 (90% CI of RMSEA =.085-.101)] supported the existence of five correlated factors and exceeded the questionnaire’s adaptability limits. Therefore, this specific questionnaire is a sufficient psychometric tool that can be used in the management of human resources in gyms and sports organizations
This current study describes the development, reliability and validation of a scale concerning the assessment of Physical Education Instructor’s Personality traits. According to the literature review, the Five Factor Model theory (Costa & McCrae, 1985; 1992; McCrae & Costa, 1987) is constituted by a widely accepted classification of human characteristics and an integrated description of human personality. For this reason, the questionnaire was structured based on the factors of Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional stability and lastly on the Openness to new experiences. The questionnaire was distributed to the owners of private health clubs and to the Managers of sports organization municipals who evaluated 481 Physical Education Instructors. During the exploratory factor analysis (n1=161) the criterion of Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (.946) supported the total sufficiency and suitability of the sample for factor analysis, while the examination of Bartlett’s test of Sphericity (2642.791, df 171, p<.00001) led to the rejection of the null hypothesis that variables are independent. The Principal Components Analysis supported the existence of five (5) factors that interpret the 79.539% of overall variance. During the confirmatory factor analysis (n2=320), was checked the internal consistency with the Cronbach a index which gave: a=.87 for the extraversion, a=.90 for the agreeableness, a=.91 for the conscientiousness, a=.82 for the emotional stability/neuroticism and a=.92 for the openness to experience. The adaptation survey indicators [χ2 = 535.782, p<.001, Satorra-Bentler χ2 = 433.245, p<.001, df142, χ2 / df ratio = 3.051, NNFI = .902, CFI = .919, RCFI = .903, IFI = .920, SRMR = .052, RMSEA = .093 (90% CI of RMSEA =.085-.101)] supported the existence of five correlated factors and exceeded the questionnaire’s adaptability limits. Therefore, this specific questionnaire is a sufficient psychometric tool that can be used in the management of human resources in gyms and sports organizations
Development, Validity And Reliability of Physical Education Instructor’s Personality Description Scale
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-04-22
© Science Publishing Group
Kaprinis Stylianos
Kakkos Vasilios
Strigas Ethan
Kipreos George
Development, Validity And Reliability of Physical Education Instructor’s Personality Description Scale
3
2
46
46
2014-04-22
2014-04-22
10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140302.13
© Science Publishing Group
The Strange Situation Procedure: The Role of the Attachment Patterns in the Italian Culture
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.11
The Strange Situation Procedure (SSP; Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, Wall, 1978) is the most widely used procedure to assess attachment in early childhood (Bowlby, 1969, 1973, 1980). Indeed, this method finds very large application in many fields of research and, particularly, in the intercultural study of attachment. The intercultural applications of the SSP, are referred to various Western cultures and cultures other than the Western one, such as, for instance, the African, Chinese, Japanese and Israeli ones. In this research 76 12-month-old infants were observed in the SSP in order to assess the distribution of infant-mother attachment in the Italian culture, and to compare the pattern classification with other national (Ammaniti et al., 1994; Tambelli et al. 2008) and international non-clinical samples (van IJzendoorn et al., 1992; Schuengel et al., 1999). Results: Results show a significant lower proportion of Secure attachment and more Insecure Avoidant one in the Italian group than in US samples of meta-analytic studies. From a socio-cultural perspective, a possible explanation for the obtained results can be found in the peculiar changes which have come about in child-rearing procedures, especially in first infancy. This behavioral organization could show an adjustment strategy within a context which is not exclusively dyadic anymore, but which requires an ability to find resources even in a condition characterized by daily separations, multiple interactions and repeated caregiving micro-modifications.
The Strange Situation Procedure (SSP; Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, Wall, 1978) is the most widely used procedure to assess attachment in early childhood (Bowlby, 1969, 1973, 1980). Indeed, this method finds very large application in many fields of research and, particularly, in the intercultural study of attachment. The intercultural applications of the SSP, are referred to various Western cultures and cultures other than the Western one, such as, for instance, the African, Chinese, Japanese and Israeli ones. In this research 76 12-month-old infants were observed in the SSP in order to assess the distribution of infant-mother attachment in the Italian culture, and to compare the pattern classification with other national (Ammaniti et al., 1994; Tambelli et al. 2008) and international non-clinical samples (van IJzendoorn et al., 1992; Schuengel et al., 1999). Results: Results show a significant lower proportion of Secure attachment and more Insecure Avoidant one in the Italian group than in US samples of meta-analytic studies. From a socio-cultural perspective, a possible explanation for the obtained results can be found in the peculiar changes which have come about in child-rearing procedures, especially in first infancy. This behavioral organization could show an adjustment strategy within a context which is not exclusively dyadic anymore, but which requires an ability to find resources even in a condition characterized by daily separations, multiple interactions and repeated caregiving micro-modifications.
The Strange Situation Procedure: The Role of the Attachment Patterns in the Italian Culture
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-05-06
© Science Publishing Group
Alessandra Simonelli
Francesca De Palo
Marilena Moretti
Paola Merlin Baratter
Alessio Porreca
The Strange Situation Procedure: The Role of the Attachment Patterns in the Italian Culture
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3
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56
2014-05-06
2014-05-06
10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.11
© Science Publishing Group
Teacher Motivation: A Study of Work Motivation of the Primary Stage Teachers in Jordan
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.12
This study aims to investigate the work motivation of the primary stage teachers in relation to age, type of school, educational qualifications, and gender. To fulfill this, three hundred and twelve participants were selected randomly by stratified method from government and private schools in Balqa governorate. The finding of the study revealed: i) The primary stage teachers in Jordan have relatively good level of work motivation ii) No significant difference was found in the work motivation among teachers working in government and private schools iii) No significant difference was found in the work motivation of teachers due to the age iv) There were significant differences in the work motivation of male and female teachers, specifically, our results suggest that female teachers were found to be more motivated to their work than male teachers v) Significant difference was reported in the work motivation of teachers having bachelor and high diploma qualification, the analyses revealed that the teachers having bachelor were found to be more motivated to their work than the teachers having high diploma.
This study aims to investigate the work motivation of the primary stage teachers in relation to age, type of school, educational qualifications, and gender. To fulfill this, three hundred and twelve participants were selected randomly by stratified method from government and private schools in Balqa governorate. The finding of the study revealed: i) The primary stage teachers in Jordan have relatively good level of work motivation ii) No significant difference was found in the work motivation among teachers working in government and private schools iii) No significant difference was found in the work motivation of teachers due to the age iv) There were significant differences in the work motivation of male and female teachers, specifically, our results suggest that female teachers were found to be more motivated to their work than male teachers v) Significant difference was reported in the work motivation of teachers having bachelor and high diploma qualification, the analyses revealed that the teachers having bachelor were found to be more motivated to their work than the teachers having high diploma.
Teacher Motivation: A Study of Work Motivation of the Primary Stage Teachers in Jordan
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-05-19
© Science Publishing Group
Emad Mhammad Jamil Al-Salameh
Teacher Motivation: A Study of Work Motivation of the Primary Stage Teachers in Jordan
3
3
61
61
2014-05-19
2014-05-19
10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.12
© Science Publishing Group
Young Mexican Physical Self – Concept Gender Comparisons
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.13
The purpose of the present study was to compare the profiles of physical self-concept between men and women high school Mexican students. A total sample of 709 participants, 324 women and 385 men, aged 13-19 years participated in this study. A quantitative approach with a descriptive and transversal survey design was used. All the participants completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. Results of the one-way multivariate analysis of variance, followed by the one-way univariate analysis of variance, showed that in comparison among women, men obtained higher scores on the health, coordination, activity, sports competence, strength, flexibility, endurance, global physical self-concept and global self-esteem subscales. However, in the body fat and appearance subscales statistically significant differences were not found because of the differences between men and women in their perception of their physical self-concept, these findings suggest that in order to design any intervention for improving the perceived physical self-concept of the students, the variable gender should be taken into account.
The purpose of the present study was to compare the profiles of physical self-concept between men and women high school Mexican students. A total sample of 709 participants, 324 women and 385 men, aged 13-19 years participated in this study. A quantitative approach with a descriptive and transversal survey design was used. All the participants completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. Results of the one-way multivariate analysis of variance, followed by the one-way univariate analysis of variance, showed that in comparison among women, men obtained higher scores on the health, coordination, activity, sports competence, strength, flexibility, endurance, global physical self-concept and global self-esteem subscales. However, in the body fat and appearance subscales statistically significant differences were not found because of the differences between men and women in their perception of their physical self-concept, these findings suggest that in order to design any intervention for improving the perceived physical self-concept of the students, the variable gender should be taken into account.
Young Mexican Physical Self – Concept Gender Comparisons
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-05-27
© Science Publishing Group
María Del Carmen Zueck
José René Blanco
Judith Rodríguez-Villalobos
Oswaldo Ceballos
Gustavo Álvarez
Young Mexican Physical Self – Concept Gender Comparisons
3
3
65
65
2014-05-27
2014-05-27
10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.13
© Science Publishing Group
Burnout among Palestinian School Counselors in Gaza Strip
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.14
This study determined the prevalence of burnout among Palestinian school counselors in Gaza Strip. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Self-Esteem Scale (Richardson & Benbow, 1990) questionnaire were distributed to 230 subjects, while 164 participants completed and returned the questionnaire (RR=71.30%). Participants reported high prevalence of burnout syndrome which represented as follows: 53.6% high level of Emotional Exhaustions (EE), 59.8% high level of Depersonalization (DP) and 73.8% high level of Reduced Personal Accomplishment (RPA). Positive self-esteem was correlated negatively with burnout. Results indicated significant differences in burnout due to age, experience and type of employer. Females were more burnout but did not reach significant difference. It can be concluded that Palestinian school counselors in Gaza are highly burnout. Burnout reduction program is suggested and comfortable working environment is recommended.
This study determined the prevalence of burnout among Palestinian school counselors in Gaza Strip. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Self-Esteem Scale (Richardson & Benbow, 1990) questionnaire were distributed to 230 subjects, while 164 participants completed and returned the questionnaire (RR=71.30%). Participants reported high prevalence of burnout syndrome which represented as follows: 53.6% high level of Emotional Exhaustions (EE), 59.8% high level of Depersonalization (DP) and 73.8% high level of Reduced Personal Accomplishment (RPA). Positive self-esteem was correlated negatively with burnout. Results indicated significant differences in burnout due to age, experience and type of employer. Females were more burnout but did not reach significant difference. It can be concluded that Palestinian school counselors in Gaza are highly burnout. Burnout reduction program is suggested and comfortable working environment is recommended.
Burnout among Palestinian School Counselors in Gaza Strip
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.14
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-06-12
© Science Publishing Group
Sami Awad Abu Ishaq
Burnout among Palestinian School Counselors in Gaza Strip
3
3
71
71
2014-06-12
2014-06-12
10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.14
© Science Publishing Group
A Multiple Mediator Model: Power Analysis Based on Monte Carlo Simulation
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.15
Most of the applied psychological researchers usually conduct studies requiring application of advanced mediation models, such as multiple mediator models. However, in designing research, most of the applied researchers largely ignore the statistical power of their studies. As a result, power analyses are ignored when researchers report their results. It is well recognized that low power is one possible reason for no statistically significant result being identified in a study. Moreover, studies with low statistical power have been labeled “scientifically useless”. The current study describes how to apply Monte Carlo simulation to test the type I error rates and statistical power of mediating effects in a multiple mediator model. Findings from the current simulation study indicated that the effect sizes of mediating effects and sample sizes were two important factors influencing type I error rates of indirect effects in a multiple mediator model. Furthermore, the requirement of sample size and desired power level were strongly depended on the effect size of the indirect effect.
Most of the applied psychological researchers usually conduct studies requiring application of advanced mediation models, such as multiple mediator models. However, in designing research, most of the applied researchers largely ignore the statistical power of their studies. As a result, power analyses are ignored when researchers report their results. It is well recognized that low power is one possible reason for no statistically significant result being identified in a study. Moreover, studies with low statistical power have been labeled “scientifically useless”. The current study describes how to apply Monte Carlo simulation to test the type I error rates and statistical power of mediating effects in a multiple mediator model. Findings from the current simulation study indicated that the effect sizes of mediating effects and sample sizes were two important factors influencing type I error rates of indirect effects in a multiple mediator model. Furthermore, the requirement of sample size and desired power level were strongly depended on the effect size of the indirect effect.
A Multiple Mediator Model: Power Analysis Based on Monte Carlo Simulation
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.15
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-06-17
© Science Publishing Group
Ze-wei Ma
Wei-nan Zeng
A Multiple Mediator Model: Power Analysis Based on Monte Carlo Simulation
3
3
79
79
2014-06-17
2014-06-17
10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140303.15
© Science Publishing Group
Relationship between Social Mentality and Urban Social Adaptation of New Citizens in the Process of China’s Urbanization
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.12
This study explored the relationship between social mentality and urban social adaptation of new citizens in China's urbanization process. 580 new citizens have been tested in the study. The results are as follows: Firstly, new citizens have the high sense of trust in the government, social problems and social stress, while they have the low sense of social fair; new citizens’ urban social adaptation conditions are a little worse, especially for the adaptation of job and values about life. Secondly, new citizen who has a higher levels of education, longer citizen’s experience and better economic conditions, will have a better social adaptability. Thirdly, social mentality is significant predictive variable of urban social adaptation. Specifically, sense of life satisfaction, sense of social fair and trust in the government are significant and positive predictor of new citizens’ urban social adaptation, and sense of social stress and social problems are significantly negative effect of prediction on new citizens’ urban social adaptation.
This study explored the relationship between social mentality and urban social adaptation of new citizens in China's urbanization process. 580 new citizens have been tested in the study. The results are as follows: Firstly, new citizens have the high sense of trust in the government, social problems and social stress, while they have the low sense of social fair; new citizens’ urban social adaptation conditions are a little worse, especially for the adaptation of job and values about life. Secondly, new citizen who has a higher levels of education, longer citizen’s experience and better economic conditions, will have a better social adaptability. Thirdly, social mentality is significant predictive variable of urban social adaptation. Specifically, sense of life satisfaction, sense of social fair and trust in the government are significant and positive predictor of new citizens’ urban social adaptation, and sense of social stress and social problems are significantly negative effect of prediction on new citizens’ urban social adaptation.
Relationship between Social Mentality and Urban Social Adaptation of New Citizens in the Process of China’s Urbanization
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-06-17
© Science Publishing Group
Xiao-bing Xie
Xiao-fu Pan
Kai Du
Relationship between Social Mentality and Urban Social Adaptation of New Citizens in the Process of China’s Urbanization
3
4
98
98
2014-06-17
2014-06-17
10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.12
© Science Publishing Group
Longitudinal Examination of Personal Self-Efficacy and Engagement-Related Attributes: How Do they Relate
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.11
A synthesis of the contemporary literature indicates that longitudinal examination of self-efficacy beliefs in educational contexts has been limited to a few notable studies. The present study, utilizing a longitudinal research design, makes attempts to explore the distal impact of students’ enactive learning experiences on their academic self-efficacy beliefs. More importantly, apart from this research focus, we also examine the interrelations between self-efficacy and three major motivation-related attributes of engagement (e.g., absorption) on students’ achievement outcomes in the subject mathematics. This avenue of inquiry, for example, stipulates motivation-related attributes of engagement as potential consequences and antecedents of self-efficacy beliefs. 326 Year 10 students (185 girls, 141 boys) participated in this investigation. We administered a number of Likert-scale questionnaires on multiple occasions over a two-year period, using SEM to analyze the repeated data. MPlus 7.11 yielded some key findings for discussion and educational consideration, for example: the positive influence of Time 1 enactive learning experience on Time 2 self-efficacy and Time 3 motivation-related attributes of engagement; and the positive influence of Time 2 and Time 4 self-efficacy beliefs on Time 5 achievement outcomes. Finally, evidence obtained indicated the mediating mechanisms of both self-efficacy and motivation-related attributes.
A synthesis of the contemporary literature indicates that longitudinal examination of self-efficacy beliefs in educational contexts has been limited to a few notable studies. The present study, utilizing a longitudinal research design, makes attempts to explore the distal impact of students’ enactive learning experiences on their academic self-efficacy beliefs. More importantly, apart from this research focus, we also examine the interrelations between self-efficacy and three major motivation-related attributes of engagement (e.g., absorption) on students’ achievement outcomes in the subject mathematics. This avenue of inquiry, for example, stipulates motivation-related attributes of engagement as potential consequences and antecedents of self-efficacy beliefs. 326 Year 10 students (185 girls, 141 boys) participated in this investigation. We administered a number of Likert-scale questionnaires on multiple occasions over a two-year period, using SEM to analyze the repeated data. MPlus 7.11 yielded some key findings for discussion and educational consideration, for example: the positive influence of Time 1 enactive learning experience on Time 2 self-efficacy and Time 3 motivation-related attributes of engagement; and the positive influence of Time 2 and Time 4 self-efficacy beliefs on Time 5 achievement outcomes. Finally, evidence obtained indicated the mediating mechanisms of both self-efficacy and motivation-related attributes.
Longitudinal Examination of Personal Self-Efficacy and Engagement-Related Attributes: How Do they Relate
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-06-17
© Science Publishing Group
Huy P. Phan
Bing H. Ngu
Longitudinal Examination of Personal Self-Efficacy and Engagement-Related Attributes: How Do they Relate
3
4
91
91
2014-06-17
2014-06-17
10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.11
© Science Publishing Group
Internet Addiction and Psychological Morbidity among Nursing Students in Gaza-Palestine
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.13
Despite the positive aspects of the internet have been readily praised over the last years, there has been increased interest in the addictive potential of the internet. The present study was conducted in order to investigate not only the prevalence of internet addiction among the nursing students at the Islamic University of Gaza, but also the relationship between internet addictions and psychological morbidity. At the beginning of first semester of the academic year 2013/2014, all nursing students from second, third, and fourth year students-excluding first year students-were handed the questionnaires, which included the Arabic versions of Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and demographic data. A total of 236 nursing students completed and returned the questionnaires. Female participants were 124 (52.5%) and fourth year students were 107 (45.3%). Results indicated that 30.1% of participants scored high level of internet addiction. Male nursing students were significantly higher than females in both internet addiction and psychological morbidity. No significant differences in IAT or GHQ-12 were found among nursing students due to study year. The results showed that there is significant positive correlation between internet addiction and psychological morbidity. It can be concluded that Palestinian nursing students in Gaza are highly addicted on internet and this affected their psychological morbidity. A program to reduce addiction on internet is suggested and comfortable study environment is recommended.
Despite the positive aspects of the internet have been readily praised over the last years, there has been increased interest in the addictive potential of the internet. The present study was conducted in order to investigate not only the prevalence of internet addiction among the nursing students at the Islamic University of Gaza, but also the relationship between internet addictions and psychological morbidity. At the beginning of first semester of the academic year 2013/2014, all nursing students from second, third, and fourth year students-excluding first year students-were handed the questionnaires, which included the Arabic versions of Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and demographic data. A total of 236 nursing students completed and returned the questionnaires. Female participants were 124 (52.5%) and fourth year students were 107 (45.3%). Results indicated that 30.1% of participants scored high level of internet addiction. Male nursing students were significantly higher than females in both internet addiction and psychological morbidity. No significant differences in IAT or GHQ-12 were found among nursing students due to study year. The results showed that there is significant positive correlation between internet addiction and psychological morbidity. It can be concluded that Palestinian nursing students in Gaza are highly addicted on internet and this affected their psychological morbidity. A program to reduce addiction on internet is suggested and comfortable study environment is recommended.
Internet Addiction and Psychological Morbidity among Nursing Students in Gaza-Palestine
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-07-07
© Science Publishing Group
Bashir Ibrahim Alhajjar
Internet Addiction and Psychological Morbidity among Nursing Students in Gaza-Palestine
3
4
103
103
2014-07-07
2014-07-07
10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.13
© Science Publishing Group
Body Piercing and Self-Mutilation: A Multifaceted Relationship
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.14
Goal was to examine the connection between piercings and self-mutilation and the practice of self-piercing. Participants (n=140) completed an anonymous online survey consisting of a 54-item questionnaire and a standardized personality test. All respondents were members of internet communities specialized on piercings. The majority of participants (77.1%) were female, 22.9% were male. The mean age of the group was 24.7 years (range: 16-57 years). Participants had an average of 8.9 piercings. More than half (57.9%) of participants were between 15 and 20 years old when they acquired their first piercing. The most common piercings reported were facial (in 82.9% of participants), ear cartilage (in 67.9% of participants), nipple (in 48.6% of participants) and genital piercings (in 45.0% of participants). Participants were asked to complete the NEO-FFI personality inventory, which is a tool used to measure the personality factors Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Extraversion, Openness and Neuroticism. Although all of the NEO-FFI results were within the average norm, significant differences between the participants with/without self-injury were found regarding the T-Scores for Neuroticism and Agreeableness. Thirty-one percent of the participants reported a history of self-mutilation. Those with a history of self-mutilation did not have more piercings than their peers. Half of these individuals described a decrease in auto-aggressive behavior since having acquired piercings, twenty-five percent claim to have ceased self-injurious behavior. The incidence of self-mutilation appears to be higher among pierced individuals than among the general public. Participants who had engaged in self-injury had significantly more often self-pierced. Piercings and self-piercings may serve as substitute behavior for self-mutilation in some individuals.
Goal was to examine the connection between piercings and self-mutilation and the practice of self-piercing. Participants (n=140) completed an anonymous online survey consisting of a 54-item questionnaire and a standardized personality test. All respondents were members of internet communities specialized on piercings. The majority of participants (77.1%) were female, 22.9% were male. The mean age of the group was 24.7 years (range: 16-57 years). Participants had an average of 8.9 piercings. More than half (57.9%) of participants were between 15 and 20 years old when they acquired their first piercing. The most common piercings reported were facial (in 82.9% of participants), ear cartilage (in 67.9% of participants), nipple (in 48.6% of participants) and genital piercings (in 45.0% of participants). Participants were asked to complete the NEO-FFI personality inventory, which is a tool used to measure the personality factors Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Extraversion, Openness and Neuroticism. Although all of the NEO-FFI results were within the average norm, significant differences between the participants with/without self-injury were found regarding the T-Scores for Neuroticism and Agreeableness. Thirty-one percent of the participants reported a history of self-mutilation. Those with a history of self-mutilation did not have more piercings than their peers. Half of these individuals described a decrease in auto-aggressive behavior since having acquired piercings, twenty-five percent claim to have ceased self-injurious behavior. The incidence of self-mutilation appears to be higher among pierced individuals than among the general public. Participants who had engaged in self-injury had significantly more often self-pierced. Piercings and self-piercings may serve as substitute behavior for self-mutilation in some individuals.
Body Piercing and Self-Mutilation: A Multifaceted Relationship
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.14
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-08-07
© Science Publishing Group
Anika Wessel
Erich Kasten
Body Piercing and Self-Mutilation: A Multifaceted Relationship
3
4
109
109
2014-08-07
2014-08-07
10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140304.14
© Science Publishing Group
Effects of Psychotherapy on Patients Suffering from Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140305.11
People suffering from Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) feel the intense desire for a physical disability (e.g. amputation or palsy of a limb). The suffering is caused by a divergence between their intact real body and their desired mental self-image of a disabled person. Aim of this pilot-study was to answer the question, whether psychotherapy can help to prevent the desire for amputation or palsy. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to investigate experiences with psychotherapy in BIID-patients. These people were asked about the success of different psychological and psychopharmacological types of therapy. Respondents stated whether they experienced an increase or decrease of their desire for amputation or palsy due to the specific kind of therapy and to what extent their psychological strain had been changed after therapy. Results: BIID is a very rare disturbance; still 25 people were investigated in this study. 32% had psychopharmacological treatment, 24% had cognitive behavioral therapy, 20% psychodynamic therapy, 20% had trained a relaxation technique, 8% had counseling therapy and 4% had experiences with art- and body-centered exercise therapies. In contrast to our hypothesis, all therapy-methods tended to cause an increase of the desire for obtaining a disability. A higher number of therapy sessions was positively correlated with an increased desire for an amputation, paralysis or other disability. On the other hand, the psychological strain in relation to BIID was reduced by all types of therapies; the highest reduction could be reached with psychodynamic therapy. Conclusion: Psychotherapy can reduce the psychological strain in BIID affected persons. The fact that the desire to obtain a disability increases during the therapy is explained as a result of an intense exchange about BIID with the therapist.
People suffering from Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) feel the intense desire for a physical disability (e.g. amputation or palsy of a limb). The suffering is caused by a divergence between their intact real body and their desired mental self-image of a disabled person. Aim of this pilot-study was to answer the question, whether psychotherapy can help to prevent the desire for amputation or palsy. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to investigate experiences with psychotherapy in BIID-patients. These people were asked about the success of different psychological and psychopharmacological types of therapy. Respondents stated whether they experienced an increase or decrease of their desire for amputation or palsy due to the specific kind of therapy and to what extent their psychological strain had been changed after therapy. Results: BIID is a very rare disturbance; still 25 people were investigated in this study. 32% had psychopharmacological treatment, 24% had cognitive behavioral therapy, 20% psychodynamic therapy, 20% had trained a relaxation technique, 8% had counseling therapy and 4% had experiences with art- and body-centered exercise therapies. In contrast to our hypothesis, all therapy-methods tended to cause an increase of the desire for obtaining a disability. A higher number of therapy sessions was positively correlated with an increased desire for an amputation, paralysis or other disability. On the other hand, the psychological strain in relation to BIID was reduced by all types of therapies; the highest reduction could be reached with psychodynamic therapy. Conclusion: Psychotherapy can reduce the psychological strain in BIID affected persons. The fact that the desire to obtain a disability increases during the therapy is explained as a result of an intense exchange about BIID with the therapist.
Effects of Psychotherapy on Patients Suffering from Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140305.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-08-24
© Science Publishing Group
Katharina Kröger
Thomas Schnell
Erich Kasten
Effects of Psychotherapy on Patients Suffering from Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)
3
5
115
115
2014-08-24
2014-08-24
10.11648/j.ajap.20140305.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140305.11
© Science Publishing Group
Body Integrity Identity Disorder and Mancophilia: Similarities and Differences
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140305.12
Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is characterized by the intense desire for some form of body impairment. Most often sufferers report wanting a healthy limb to be amputated. Currently most professionals classify this strange wish as an identity disturbance, but several BIID affected persons also speak of a sexual component when describing their desire for an amputation. In contrast to BIID, “mancophilia” (also referred to as deformation fetishism, acrotomophilia, or amelotatism) is a form of paraphilia. Those with this condition are sexually aroused by people with a physical impairment as such as an amputation. In this pilot-study we investigated the differences between BIID and mancophilia with a self-report questionnaire, which asked 36 participants (18 with BIID, 18 with mancophilia) about their sexual preferences. The results showed a considerable overlap between the sexual preferences of people with BIID and those of people with mancophilia. BIID-participants self-reported an erotic preference for people with disabilities and, overall, a cluster-analysis resulted in three observable groups: Cluster-I, BIID with a strong sexual component (61.1%); Cluster-II, BIID with a moderate sexual component (16.7%); and Cluster-III, BIID with low or no sexual component (22.2%). However, the erotic fascination for one’s own amputation was only found in BIID afflicted persons and did not occur in people with mancophilia. Only the wish for an own handicap allows a strict differentiation between those two syndromes. In summary, these preliminary findings suggest that an erotic component seems to be a frequent part of the identity disorder BIID.
Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is characterized by the intense desire for some form of body impairment. Most often sufferers report wanting a healthy limb to be amputated. Currently most professionals classify this strange wish as an identity disturbance, but several BIID affected persons also speak of a sexual component when describing their desire for an amputation. In contrast to BIID, “mancophilia” (also referred to as deformation fetishism, acrotomophilia, or amelotatism) is a form of paraphilia. Those with this condition are sexually aroused by people with a physical impairment as such as an amputation. In this pilot-study we investigated the differences between BIID and mancophilia with a self-report questionnaire, which asked 36 participants (18 with BIID, 18 with mancophilia) about their sexual preferences. The results showed a considerable overlap between the sexual preferences of people with BIID and those of people with mancophilia. BIID-participants self-reported an erotic preference for people with disabilities and, overall, a cluster-analysis resulted in three observable groups: Cluster-I, BIID with a strong sexual component (61.1%); Cluster-II, BIID with a moderate sexual component (16.7%); and Cluster-III, BIID with low or no sexual component (22.2%). However, the erotic fascination for one’s own amputation was only found in BIID afflicted persons and did not occur in people with mancophilia. Only the wish for an own handicap allows a strict differentiation between those two syndromes. In summary, these preliminary findings suggest that an erotic component seems to be a frequent part of the identity disorder BIID.
Body Integrity Identity Disorder and Mancophilia: Similarities and Differences
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140305.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-10-23
© Science Publishing Group
Lea Pregartbauer
Thomas Schnell
Erich Kasten
Body Integrity Identity Disorder and Mancophilia: Similarities and Differences
3
5
121
121
2014-10-23
2014-10-23
10.11648/j.ajap.20140305.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140305.12
© Science Publishing Group
A Study of Adjustment and Emotional Intelligence of University Coaches in India
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.11
The purpose of the study was to examine the differences between state and central university coaches of India in their level of adjustment and emotional Intelligence. A random sample was selected from 42 different state and central recognized universities of India from different states. Two hypotheses for the study include ( 1) There is no significant difference in the adjustment of university coaches belonging to state and central universities of India and (2) There is no significantly difference in the Emotional intelligence of university coaches belonging to state and central universities of India. Tools employed were Saxena’s Adjustment Inventory and Mangal Emotional Intelligence Inventory that served as the main data sources. Critical Ratio was applied to get the results. It was observed that the mean scores of state university coaches in India (m = 52.4) was higher than the mean scores of central university coaches in India (m = 50.29) which further means that coaches belonging to state universities have better adjustment than the coaches belonging to central universities. It was also found that state and central university coaches did not differ significantly in their level of emotional-intelligence.
The purpose of the study was to examine the differences between state and central university coaches of India in their level of adjustment and emotional Intelligence. A random sample was selected from 42 different state and central recognized universities of India from different states. Two hypotheses for the study include ( 1) There is no significant difference in the adjustment of university coaches belonging to state and central universities of India and (2) There is no significantly difference in the Emotional intelligence of university coaches belonging to state and central universities of India. Tools employed were Saxena’s Adjustment Inventory and Mangal Emotional Intelligence Inventory that served as the main data sources. Critical Ratio was applied to get the results. It was observed that the mean scores of state university coaches in India (m = 52.4) was higher than the mean scores of central university coaches in India (m = 50.29) which further means that coaches belonging to state universities have better adjustment than the coaches belonging to central universities. It was also found that state and central university coaches did not differ significantly in their level of emotional-intelligence.
A Study of Adjustment and Emotional Intelligence of University Coaches in India
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-10-29
© Science Publishing Group
Mandeep Singh Nathial
A Study of Adjustment and Emotional Intelligence of University Coaches in India
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126
126
2014-10-29
2014-10-29
10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.11
© Science Publishing Group
Comparing Psychological Playfulness between the Visually Impaired and the Sighted Students in Iran
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.12
This research was aimed at comparing psychological playfulness between the visually impaired and their sighted counterparts. This study was performed using comparative-causative method,and the statistical population included all 14-18-year-old visually impaired and sighted male and female students in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 40 visually impaired and 40 sighted students were selected using random sampling method. The research instrument was the Short Measure of Adult Playfulness (SMAP; Proyer ,2012b).The research data was analyzed using SPSS in descriptive and inferential statistic levels. The descriptive statistics included indexes such as frequency, average, and Standard deviation, while the T test was applied in inferential statistics section. The obtained result indicated no significant difference in psychological playfulness between the visually impaired and the sighted students. This can be seen as first evidence of comparing psychological playfulness between the visually impaired and sighted student. Data are interpreted within current literature and future research directions are given.
This research was aimed at comparing psychological playfulness between the visually impaired and their sighted counterparts. This study was performed using comparative-causative method,and the statistical population included all 14-18-year-old visually impaired and sighted male and female students in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 40 visually impaired and 40 sighted students were selected using random sampling method. The research instrument was the Short Measure of Adult Playfulness (SMAP; Proyer ,2012b).The research data was analyzed using SPSS in descriptive and inferential statistic levels. The descriptive statistics included indexes such as frequency, average, and Standard deviation, while the T test was applied in inferential statistics section. The obtained result indicated no significant difference in psychological playfulness between the visually impaired and the sighted students. This can be seen as first evidence of comparing psychological playfulness between the visually impaired and sighted student. Data are interpreted within current literature and future research directions are given.
Comparing Psychological Playfulness between the Visually Impaired and the Sighted Students in Iran
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-11-10
© Science Publishing Group
Mozhgan Jahanbakhsh
Amir Ghamarani
Comparing Psychological Playfulness between the Visually Impaired and the Sighted Students in Iran
3
6
130
130
2014-11-10
2014-11-10
10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.12
© Science Publishing Group
Impact of Organisational Preferential Treatment and Employees’ Preference For Merit on Job Involvement of Civil Servants in Ekiti State
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.15
The study examined the impact of organisational preferential treatment and employees’ preference for merit on job involvement of workers in Ekiti State Civil Service. Two hundred (200) participants drawn from the Ekiti State Civil Service responded to three instruments used in this study. A total of five hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, Independent t-test and two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings of the study revealed that a positive relationship exists between job involvement and employees’ preference for merit. It also showed a positive relationship between job involvement and organisational preferential treatment. There was no significant influence of organisational preferential treatment and employees’ preference for merit on job involvement. Each of the independent variables has a separate main effect on job involvement. Both employees’ preference for merit and organizational preferential treatment has a positive relationship with job involvement. There was, however, no significant interaction effect observed for both employees’ preference for merit and organisational preferential treatment on job involvement of workers. The study concluded that feelings of organisational preferential treatment and job involvement significantly differ along gender while employees’ preference for merit does not. Based on the conclusion therefore, recommendations were mad
The study examined the impact of organisational preferential treatment and employees’ preference for merit on job involvement of workers in Ekiti State Civil Service. Two hundred (200) participants drawn from the Ekiti State Civil Service responded to three instruments used in this study. A total of five hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, Independent t-test and two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings of the study revealed that a positive relationship exists between job involvement and employees’ preference for merit. It also showed a positive relationship between job involvement and organisational preferential treatment. There was no significant influence of organisational preferential treatment and employees’ preference for merit on job involvement. Each of the independent variables has a separate main effect on job involvement. Both employees’ preference for merit and organizational preferential treatment has a positive relationship with job involvement. There was, however, no significant interaction effect observed for both employees’ preference for merit and organisational preferential treatment on job involvement of workers. The study concluded that feelings of organisational preferential treatment and job involvement significantly differ along gender while employees’ preference for merit does not. Based on the conclusion therefore, recommendations were mad
Impact of Organisational Preferential Treatment and Employees’ Preference For Merit on Job Involvement of Civil Servants in Ekiti State
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.15
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-11-17
© Science Publishing Group
Ogunleye, Adedeji Julius
Osagu, Judith Chineye
Oluwajuyitan, Femi Raphael
Impact of Organisational Preferential Treatment and Employees’ Preference For Merit on Job Involvement of Civil Servants in Ekiti State
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150
150
2014-11-17
2014-11-17
10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.15
© Science Publishing Group
Body Integrity Identity Disorder and Gender Dysphoria: A Pilot Study to Investigate Similarities and Differences
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.14
Objective: Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) describes a phenomenon in which physically healthy people feel the constant desire for an impairment of their body. M. First [4] suggested to classify BIID as an identity disorder. The other main disorder in this respect is Gender Dysphoria. In this paper these phenomena are compared. Method: A questionnaire survey with transsexuals (number of subjects, N=19) and BIID sufferers (N=24) measuring similarities and differences. Age and educational level of the subjects are predominantly matched. Results: No differences were found between BIID and Gender Dysphoria with respect to body image and body perception (U-test: p-value=.757), age of onset (p=.841), the imitation of the desired identity (p=.699 and p=.938), the etiology (p=.299) and intensity of desire (p=.989 and p=.224) as well as in relation to a high level of suffering and impaired quality of life (p=.066). Conclusion: There are many similarities between BIID and Gender Dysphoria, but the sample was too small to make general statements. The results, however, indicate that BIID can actually be classified as an identity disorder.
Objective: Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) describes a phenomenon in which physically healthy people feel the constant desire for an impairment of their body. M. First [4] suggested to classify BIID as an identity disorder. The other main disorder in this respect is Gender Dysphoria. In this paper these phenomena are compared. Method: A questionnaire survey with transsexuals (number of subjects, N=19) and BIID sufferers (N=24) measuring similarities and differences. Age and educational level of the subjects are predominantly matched. Results: No differences were found between BIID and Gender Dysphoria with respect to body image and body perception (U-test: p-value=.757), age of onset (p=.841), the imitation of the desired identity (p=.699 and p=.938), the etiology (p=.299) and intensity of desire (p=.989 and p=.224) as well as in relation to a high level of suffering and impaired quality of life (p=.066). Conclusion: There are many similarities between BIID and Gender Dysphoria, but the sample was too small to make general statements. The results, however, indicate that BIID can actually be classified as an identity disorder.
Body Integrity Identity Disorder and Gender Dysphoria: A Pilot Study to Investigate Similarities and Differences
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.14
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-11-17
© Science Publishing Group
Antonia Ostgathe
Thomas Schnell
Erich Kasten
Body Integrity Identity Disorder and Gender Dysphoria: A Pilot Study to Investigate Similarities and Differences
3
6
143
143
2014-11-17
2014-11-17
10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.14
© Science Publishing Group
Effects of Marked Routes in You-are-Here Maps on Navigation Performance and Cognitive Mapping
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.13
A You-are-here map (YAH map) is a popular way to guide way-searchers (i.e. a person who is navigating in a more or less unknown area to a specific goal) through a designated area. With current technologies, information such as the current position and the optimal route to a chosen destination can be provided easily by marking the route in a map. In our study, we investigated the advantages and disadvantages of such marked routes on navigation performance in desktop virtual environments. 24 participants navigated through a 2 ½ D virtual environment. Navigation performance was measured by navigation time and number of deficiencies. In order to separate effects of cognitive maps from those of navigation performance, participants were asked to draw sketch maps after each trial. The results showed that participants who were shown the optimal route marked in the map beforehand, exhibited impaired knowledge of the environment and impaired navigation performance compared with those viewing the map without the route, independent of route complexity or viewing time of the map. Although map goodness was only slightly better when the route was not marked, the representation of the periphery was rated significantly better. Only route accuracy was better in the condition in which the route was marked. The results are interpreted in such way that basic impairments arise in cognitive mapping when reading a map of the designated area with a marked route, resulting in worse navigation performance.
A You-are-here map (YAH map) is a popular way to guide way-searchers (i.e. a person who is navigating in a more or less unknown area to a specific goal) through a designated area. With current technologies, information such as the current position and the optimal route to a chosen destination can be provided easily by marking the route in a map. In our study, we investigated the advantages and disadvantages of such marked routes on navigation performance in desktop virtual environments. 24 participants navigated through a 2 ½ D virtual environment. Navigation performance was measured by navigation time and number of deficiencies. In order to separate effects of cognitive maps from those of navigation performance, participants were asked to draw sketch maps after each trial. The results showed that participants who were shown the optimal route marked in the map beforehand, exhibited impaired knowledge of the environment and impaired navigation performance compared with those viewing the map without the route, independent of route complexity or viewing time of the map. Although map goodness was only slightly better when the route was not marked, the representation of the periphery was rated significantly better. Only route accuracy was better in the condition in which the route was marked. The results are interpreted in such way that basic impairments arise in cognitive mapping when reading a map of the designated area with a marked route, resulting in worse navigation performance.
Effects of Marked Routes in You-are-Here Maps on Navigation Performance and Cognitive Mapping
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-11-17
© Science Publishing Group
Sarah Lukas
Victor Mittelstaedt
Gabriel Olaru
Cedric Sachser
Julia Seibold
Anke Huckauf
Effects of Marked Routes in You-are-Here Maps on Navigation Performance and Cognitive Mapping
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137
137
2014-11-17
2014-11-17
10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.13
© Science Publishing Group
Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavioural Group Counselling for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Orphan Children Found in Kechene Children’s Home
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.16
In this study, a non-equivalent control group pre and post-tests of quasi-experimental research design was employed. The study was examined the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavioral Group Counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder in orphan children of Kechene Children’s Home found in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Using the inclusion criteria, 60 participants aged 12 to 17 years old were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to the control and the treatment groups, with 30 participants in each group. The child posttraumatic stress symptoms scale was employed to measure the dependent variable before and after intervention. Participants in the treatment group were received 12 sessions of rational emotive behavioral group counseling for 4 successive weeks, 3 sessions per week; each session last for 1 hour. Results obtained from dependent t-test revealed that, after the intervention there was statistically significant reduction in the level of posttraumatic stress symptoms among participants in the treatment group (df=29, t=2.245, p<0.05) compared to participants in the control group. This result implies that, rational emotive behavioral group counseling is effective for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in orphan children. Hence, it is recommendable to employ rational emotive behavioral group counseling in the intervention for children with posttraumatic stress disorder.
In this study, a non-equivalent control group pre and post-tests of quasi-experimental research design was employed. The study was examined the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavioral Group Counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder in orphan children of Kechene Children’s Home found in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Using the inclusion criteria, 60 participants aged 12 to 17 years old were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to the control and the treatment groups, with 30 participants in each group. The child posttraumatic stress symptoms scale was employed to measure the dependent variable before and after intervention. Participants in the treatment group were received 12 sessions of rational emotive behavioral group counseling for 4 successive weeks, 3 sessions per week; each session last for 1 hour. Results obtained from dependent t-test revealed that, after the intervention there was statistically significant reduction in the level of posttraumatic stress symptoms among participants in the treatment group (df=29, t=2.245, p<0.05) compared to participants in the control group. This result implies that, rational emotive behavioral group counseling is effective for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in orphan children. Hence, it is recommendable to employ rational emotive behavioral group counseling in the intervention for children with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavioural Group Counselling for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Orphan Children Found in Kechene Children’s Home
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.16
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-11-22
© Science Publishing Group
Shimelis Keno Tulu
Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavioural Group Counselling for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Orphan Children Found in Kechene Children’s Home
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158
158
2014-11-22
2014-11-22
10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.16
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.16
© Science Publishing Group
The Structure of Personality Constructs among Police Officers from Special Force KFOR
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.17
A group of Police Officers from Special Force KFOR (Kosovo Force) who were the participants of a training preparing them for the peace mission in Kosovo took part in this study. The group consisted of 163 police officers, male only (M=32.5; SD=5.2). Among the participants were antiterrorists, pyrotechnics and detectives. Police officers completed six psychological scales. These were: the ZKPQ Scale, the Value Survey, the Time Perspective Scale, the Ways of Coping Scale, the Sense of Coherence Scale and the Attitudes towards Death Scale. The results indicated: (1) numerous inter relationships obtained from correlation analyses of and (2) a four factor structure for the scales.
A group of Police Officers from Special Force KFOR (Kosovo Force) who were the participants of a training preparing them for the peace mission in Kosovo took part in this study. The group consisted of 163 police officers, male only (M=32.5; SD=5.2). Among the participants were antiterrorists, pyrotechnics and detectives. Police officers completed six psychological scales. These were: the ZKPQ Scale, the Value Survey, the Time Perspective Scale, the Ways of Coping Scale, the Sense of Coherence Scale and the Attitudes towards Death Scale. The results indicated: (1) numerous inter relationships obtained from correlation analyses of and (2) a four factor structure for the scales.
The Structure of Personality Constructs among Police Officers from Special Force KFOR
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.17
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-11-25
© Science Publishing Group
Piotr Próchniak
The Structure of Personality Constructs among Police Officers from Special Force KFOR
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165
165
2014-11-25
2014-11-25
10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.17
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.17
© Science Publishing Group
Comparison of Ego Strength between Addicted and Non Addicted People from Karaj and Tehran Cities of Iran
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.18
A healthy ego-strength is connected to a healthy self-concept, one that is flexible, thus can look at a situation and see outcome of it, understand the difference between wants and needs, and practices acceptance to distinguish between what can and cannot be changed, to respond accordingly. The aim of this research was to compare the ego strength of addicted and non addicted people. The sample size of 200 men (100 addicts+ 100 non addicts) living in Karaj and Tehran cities of Islamic Republic of Iran that was selected through the availability sampling. To collect data, a 52-item BESS (Barron’s ego strength scale) questionnaire was used. The normal t-test was applied as statistics methods and for data analysis using SPSS software. Sig.-value of 0.0001 indicates that the difference between the addicted and healthy people is statistically significant. The high ego-strength scores of the healthy people indicate that they can defeat the difficulties. On the other hand, the low ego-strength scores of the addicted people indicate that they cannot overcome the problem correctly.
A healthy ego-strength is connected to a healthy self-concept, one that is flexible, thus can look at a situation and see outcome of it, understand the difference between wants and needs, and practices acceptance to distinguish between what can and cannot be changed, to respond accordingly. The aim of this research was to compare the ego strength of addicted and non addicted people. The sample size of 200 men (100 addicts+ 100 non addicts) living in Karaj and Tehran cities of Islamic Republic of Iran that was selected through the availability sampling. To collect data, a 52-item BESS (Barron’s ego strength scale) questionnaire was used. The normal t-test was applied as statistics methods and for data analysis using SPSS software. Sig.-value of 0.0001 indicates that the difference between the addicted and healthy people is statistically significant. The high ego-strength scores of the healthy people indicate that they can defeat the difficulties. On the other hand, the low ego-strength scores of the addicted people indicate that they cannot overcome the problem correctly.
Comparison of Ego Strength between Addicted and Non Addicted People from Karaj and Tehran Cities of Iran
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.18
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2014-10-31
© Science Publishing Group
Zynab Rezaei Behbahani
Ali Reza Kakavand
Comparison of Ego Strength between Addicted and Non Addicted People from Karaj and Tehran Cities of Iran
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6
168
168
2014-10-31
2014-10-31
10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.18
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20140306.18
© Science Publishing Group
The Role of Specific Experiences in Childhood and Youth in the Development of Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.11
Task: BIID (Body Integrity Identity Disorder) is an intense feeling of discrepancy between a real intact body and the subjective mental image of a disabled body (e.g. amputation, palsy). The disturbance exists since late childhood or early adolescence and often results in the desire for a surgery. The cause is still unknown but may lie in early developmental phases. Until now, childhood experiences have not been subject of systematic psychological research of BIID. Methods: On the basis of specific hypotheses we investigated differences between a BIID-group (n= 36) and an age and gender parallelized group (n= 36). BIID sufferers vs. control subjects were examined for the following characteristics: quality and quantity of experiences with mental and physical disease, experiences with secondary profit from illness, maladaptive education (emotional neglect, overprotection) and a general admiration for handicapped people in their youth. Results: On the basis of the findings of the present study, it can be assumed, that BIID afflicted persons had experienced no considerable maladaptive education from their parents, neither in the direction of physical abuse nor as overprotective control. On the other hand we found significant differences in specific childhood experiences, particularly with regard to quantity and quality of emotional experience with disability; e.g. participants from our BIID-group reported significantly more disabled people in their former environment than participants from our control group (M BIID = 3.69 ± 0.75, M control = 1.47 ± 0.41, p= 0.004). Moreover we found significant discrepancies according to positive or negative associations towards disability in childhood (M BIID= 5.44 ± 0.31, M control = 3.88 ± 0.29, p< 0.01). We assume those specific experiences with handicapped people in the surrounding of BIID-patients as to be a trigger for early conflicts with the appearance of their own body and an intense feeling that a disabled body fits better to their mental body image. Future investigation should focus on the validation of those cognitions, e.g. through a comparison of BIID-affected people who shared the same social environment in childhood (e.g. siblings).
Task: BIID (Body Integrity Identity Disorder) is an intense feeling of discrepancy between a real intact body and the subjective mental image of a disabled body (e.g. amputation, palsy). The disturbance exists since late childhood or early adolescence and often results in the desire for a surgery. The cause is still unknown but may lie in early developmental phases. Until now, childhood experiences have not been subject of systematic psychological research of BIID. Methods: On the basis of specific hypotheses we investigated differences between a BIID-group (n= 36) and an age and gender parallelized group (n= 36). BIID sufferers vs. control subjects were examined for the following characteristics: quality and quantity of experiences with mental and physical disease, experiences with secondary profit from illness, maladaptive education (emotional neglect, overprotection) and a general admiration for handicapped people in their youth. Results: On the basis of the findings of the present study, it can be assumed, that BIID afflicted persons had experienced no considerable maladaptive education from their parents, neither in the direction of physical abuse nor as overprotective control. On the other hand we found significant differences in specific childhood experiences, particularly with regard to quantity and quality of emotional experience with disability; e.g. participants from our BIID-group reported significantly more disabled people in their former environment than participants from our control group (M BIID = 3.69 ± 0.75, M control = 1.47 ± 0.41, p= 0.004). Moreover we found significant discrepancies according to positive or negative associations towards disability in childhood (M BIID= 5.44 ± 0.31, M control = 3.88 ± 0.29, p< 0.01). We assume those specific experiences with handicapped people in the surrounding of BIID-patients as to be a trigger for early conflicts with the appearance of their own body and an intense feeling that a disabled body fits better to their mental body image. Future investigation should focus on the validation of those cognitions, e.g. through a comparison of BIID-affected people who shared the same social environment in childhood (e.g. siblings).
The Role of Specific Experiences in Childhood and Youth in the Development of Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-01-12
© Science Publishing Group
Catharina Obernolte
Thomas Schnell
Erich Kasten
The Role of Specific Experiences in Childhood and Youth in the Development of Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)
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1
8
8
2015-01-12
2015-01-12
10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.11
© Science Publishing Group
Physical Self-Concept Differences in Young Male Mexican Athletes and Non-Athletes
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.12
The object of this study consists of determining the differences and similarities in the physical self-concept between two groups, male high school Mexican students who practice a sport on a regular basis and those who do not. A total sample of 385 male students, aged 13-19 years participated in this study; 173 of them practice a sport and participate regularly in tournaments and/or competitions. A quantitative approach with a descriptive and transversal survey design was used. All the participants completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. The results of the one-way multivariate analysis of variance, followed by the one-way univariate analyses of variance, show that students who do not participate in a sport regularly are the ones who obtained lower scores in the health, coordination, activity, sports competence, strength, flexibility, endurance, global physical self-concept, and global self-esteem subscales. However, in the appearance subscale, no statistically significant differences were found. Further research should reply these findings in larger samples.
The object of this study consists of determining the differences and similarities in the physical self-concept between two groups, male high school Mexican students who practice a sport on a regular basis and those who do not. A total sample of 385 male students, aged 13-19 years participated in this study; 173 of them practice a sport and participate regularly in tournaments and/or competitions. A quantitative approach with a descriptive and transversal survey design was used. All the participants completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. The results of the one-way multivariate analysis of variance, followed by the one-way univariate analyses of variance, show that students who do not participate in a sport regularly are the ones who obtained lower scores in the health, coordination, activity, sports competence, strength, flexibility, endurance, global physical self-concept, and global self-esteem subscales. However, in the appearance subscale, no statistically significant differences were found. Further research should reply these findings in larger samples.
Physical Self-Concept Differences in Young Male Mexican Athletes and Non-Athletes
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-01-14
© Science Publishing Group
Maria del Carmen Zueck Enriquez
Francisco Muñoz Beltran
Alejandro Chavez Guerrero
Judith Margarita Rodriguez-Villalobos
Francisco Javier Flores Rico
Physical Self-Concept Differences in Young Male Mexican Athletes and Non-Athletes
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12
12
2015-01-14
2015-01-14
10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.12
© Science Publishing Group
An Analysis of the Components of Emotional Maturity and Adjustment in Combat Sport Athletes
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.13
The researchers of this study aim to know about the role of emotional maturity and adjustment in performance of combat sport athletes. To obtain data, the investigator had selected Seventy Five (N=75) male Inter college level combat sport athletes of 19 to 25 years of age to act as subjects. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the subjects. All the subjects, after having been informed about the objective and protocol of the study, gave their consent and volunteered to participate in this study. To measure the level of emotional maturity among subjects, Emotional Maturity Scale constructed by Singh and Bhargava’s (1988) was administered. The level of Adjustment was measured by applying Adjustment Inventory prepared by A.K.P. Sinha & R.P. Singh (1980). One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to find out the intra-group differences. Where F values were found significant LSD (Least Significant Difference) Post-hoc test was applied to find out the direction and degree of difference. For testing the hypotheses, the level of significance was set at 0.05. In a nutshell it can be said that from the findings that insignificant differences were found among combat sport athletes (Boxing, Judo and Wrestling) on the sub-variables of Emotional Maturity i.e., Emotional Unstability, Emotional Regression, Social Maladjustment, Personality Disintegration, Lack of Independence and Emotional Maturity (Total). Concludingly from the findings that significant differences were present among combat sport athletes (Boxing, Judo and Wrestling) on the sub-variables of Adjustment i.e., Social Adjustment, Emotional Adjustment and Total Adjustment. However, insignificant differences had been observed on the sub-variables; Home Adjustment, Health Adjustment and Educational Adjustment.
The researchers of this study aim to know about the role of emotional maturity and adjustment in performance of combat sport athletes. To obtain data, the investigator had selected Seventy Five (N=75) male Inter college level combat sport athletes of 19 to 25 years of age to act as subjects. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the subjects. All the subjects, after having been informed about the objective and protocol of the study, gave their consent and volunteered to participate in this study. To measure the level of emotional maturity among subjects, Emotional Maturity Scale constructed by Singh and Bhargava’s (1988) was administered. The level of Adjustment was measured by applying Adjustment Inventory prepared by A.K.P. Sinha & R.P. Singh (1980). One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to find out the intra-group differences. Where F values were found significant LSD (Least Significant Difference) Post-hoc test was applied to find out the direction and degree of difference. For testing the hypotheses, the level of significance was set at 0.05. In a nutshell it can be said that from the findings that insignificant differences were found among combat sport athletes (Boxing, Judo and Wrestling) on the sub-variables of Emotional Maturity i.e., Emotional Unstability, Emotional Regression, Social Maladjustment, Personality Disintegration, Lack of Independence and Emotional Maturity (Total). Concludingly from the findings that significant differences were present among combat sport athletes (Boxing, Judo and Wrestling) on the sub-variables of Adjustment i.e., Social Adjustment, Emotional Adjustment and Total Adjustment. However, insignificant differences had been observed on the sub-variables; Home Adjustment, Health Adjustment and Educational Adjustment.
An Analysis of the Components of Emotional Maturity and Adjustment in Combat Sport Athletes
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-02-10
© Science Publishing Group
Baljinder Singh Bal
Davinder Singh
An Analysis of the Components of Emotional Maturity and Adjustment in Combat Sport Athletes
4
1
20
20
2015-02-10
2015-02-10
10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150401.13
© Science Publishing Group
Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Chandra Nadi Pranayama on Components of Health-Related Fitness
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.11
The present study was conducted with the objective to determine the short term practice of Chandra-Nadi pranayama on components of health-related fitness. For the purpose of present study 34 university level girls between the age group of 19-25 years were selected. The subjects were purposively assigned into two groups: Group-A: Experimental (n1=17); Group-B: Control (n2=17). The subjects from Group-A: Experimental were subjected to a 4-weeks Chandra Nadi pranayama. Student t test for paired samples was utilized to compare the means of the pre-test and the post-test. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, we conclude that the significant differences were found in Components of Health-Related Fitness (i.e., Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Flexibility) of University Level Girls. Insignificant between-group differences were noted in Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, % Body Fat, Fat Weight and Lean Body Weight of University Level Girls.
The present study was conducted with the objective to determine the short term practice of Chandra-Nadi pranayama on components of health-related fitness. For the purpose of present study 34 university level girls between the age group of 19-25 years were selected. The subjects were purposively assigned into two groups: Group-A: Experimental (n1=17); Group-B: Control (n2=17). The subjects from Group-A: Experimental were subjected to a 4-weeks Chandra Nadi pranayama. Student t test for paired samples was utilized to compare the means of the pre-test and the post-test. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, we conclude that the significant differences were found in Components of Health-Related Fitness (i.e., Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Flexibility) of University Level Girls. Insignificant between-group differences were noted in Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, % Body Fat, Fat Weight and Lean Body Weight of University Level Girls.
Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Chandra Nadi Pranayama on Components of Health-Related Fitness
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-03-26
© Science Publishing Group
Baljinder Singh Bal
Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Chandra Nadi Pranayama on Components of Health-Related Fitness
4
2
27
27
2015-03-26
2015-03-26
10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.11
© Science Publishing Group
The Root Causes of Conflicts in the Horn of Africa
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.12
The Horn of Africa (HOA) has been mentioned as one of the most disputed regions of the globe. It has been experienced with a number of armed conflicts, ethno-linguistic disputes, religious radicalism where in it catches the attention of most developed nations including US for their strategic interest over the region. Accordingly, this paper attempted to identify and critically analyze the due reasons for an escalated war and instability throughout the region. By collecting secondary data from different reliable and verifiable sources, the data were analyzed using a combination of interpretivism and constructivism to guide the qualitative method of research. Hence, the output of the research depicted that the HOA is challenged by diversified intra-state and inter-state conflicts among the neighboring countries owing to economic, social, political and historical grounds. Most of them were rooting to boarder and territorial conflicts and ethnic and religious polarization. There are also resource centered disputes especially on the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and River Nile (the start of Ethiopia to construct The Great Renaissance Dam brings tension and anxiety among the three competing countries i.e. Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt). Though it is less sever, an armed cattle-raiding conflict in the frontier border lines of some of the states of the horn make them in trouble occasionally. Footed on identity conflicts, clan or religious based political parties struggle for power by provoking the peaceful society to get in to violence for their personal interests at the expense of the community. Even after they took power these parties will be either dictatorial or against good governance which drives multifaceted dispute with in a society. However, it is possible to peacefully resolve or prevent these issues including anticipating possible conflicts to early warn them, strategic intervention and necessary action, if required, by the sub-regional, regional and international organizations. It is pertinent to use cultural conflict resolution methods by involving ethnic figureheads and religious leaders for discussion and to hamper conflict escalations.
The Horn of Africa (HOA) has been mentioned as one of the most disputed regions of the globe. It has been experienced with a number of armed conflicts, ethno-linguistic disputes, religious radicalism where in it catches the attention of most developed nations including US for their strategic interest over the region. Accordingly, this paper attempted to identify and critically analyze the due reasons for an escalated war and instability throughout the region. By collecting secondary data from different reliable and verifiable sources, the data were analyzed using a combination of interpretivism and constructivism to guide the qualitative method of research. Hence, the output of the research depicted that the HOA is challenged by diversified intra-state and inter-state conflicts among the neighboring countries owing to economic, social, political and historical grounds. Most of them were rooting to boarder and territorial conflicts and ethnic and religious polarization. There are also resource centered disputes especially on the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and River Nile (the start of Ethiopia to construct The Great Renaissance Dam brings tension and anxiety among the three competing countries i.e. Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt). Though it is less sever, an armed cattle-raiding conflict in the frontier border lines of some of the states of the horn make them in trouble occasionally. Footed on identity conflicts, clan or religious based political parties struggle for power by provoking the peaceful society to get in to violence for their personal interests at the expense of the community. Even after they took power these parties will be either dictatorial or against good governance which drives multifaceted dispute with in a society. However, it is possible to peacefully resolve or prevent these issues including anticipating possible conflicts to early warn them, strategic intervention and necessary action, if required, by the sub-regional, regional and international organizations. It is pertinent to use cultural conflict resolution methods by involving ethnic figureheads and religious leaders for discussion and to hamper conflict escalations.
The Root Causes of Conflicts in the Horn of Africa
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-04-10
© Science Publishing Group
Muhabie Mekonnen Mengistu
The Root Causes of Conflicts in the Horn of Africa
4
2
34
34
2015-04-10
2015-04-10
10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.12
© Science Publishing Group
The Psychological Distress, Subjective Burden and Affiliate Stigma among Caregivers of People with Mental Illness in Amanuel Specialized Mental Hospital
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.13
The researcher employed mixed approach with cross sectional research design in order to collect comprehensive data from caregivers of people with mental illness at a time. Most of the caregivers developed from moderate to severe psychological distress, subjective burden and stigma. Most of the participant’s variables don’t have statistically significant difference in experiencing of psychological distress and subjective burden on caregivers. But, patients’ type of disorder brings statistically significant difference in creating psychological distress and subjective burden on caregivers (t=2.28, df =173, p<0.05 and t=2.64, df, =173, p<0.05) respectively. In relation to the care giving burden, average mean score of caregivers of people with psychotic disorder were found to be 46.83 and the average mean score of participants who have been giving care for the mood patients were found to be 43.92. With regards to the psychological distress, the average mean score of participants who give care for psychotic patients and mood patients were found to be 27.58 and 25.66 respectively. There is also significant relationship between care giving burden and psychological distress (r = 0.34, p< 0.01), care giving burden and affiliate stigma (r = 0.335, p< 0.01), psychological distress and affiliate stigma (r = 0.23, p<0.01), time spent on care giving and care giving burden (r = -0.205, p<0.01). Generally, having family members with mental illness exposed caregiver to have psychological distress, subjective burden and affiliate stigma.
The researcher employed mixed approach with cross sectional research design in order to collect comprehensive data from caregivers of people with mental illness at a time. Most of the caregivers developed from moderate to severe psychological distress, subjective burden and stigma. Most of the participant’s variables don’t have statistically significant difference in experiencing of psychological distress and subjective burden on caregivers. But, patients’ type of disorder brings statistically significant difference in creating psychological distress and subjective burden on caregivers (t=2.28, df =173, p<0.05 and t=2.64, df, =173, p<0.05) respectively. In relation to the care giving burden, average mean score of caregivers of people with psychotic disorder were found to be 46.83 and the average mean score of participants who have been giving care for the mood patients were found to be 43.92. With regards to the psychological distress, the average mean score of participants who give care for psychotic patients and mood patients were found to be 27.58 and 25.66 respectively. There is also significant relationship between care giving burden and psychological distress (r = 0.34, p< 0.01), care giving burden and affiliate stigma (r = 0.335, p< 0.01), psychological distress and affiliate stigma (r = 0.23, p<0.01), time spent on care giving and care giving burden (r = -0.205, p<0.01). Generally, having family members with mental illness exposed caregiver to have psychological distress, subjective burden and affiliate stigma.
The Psychological Distress, Subjective Burden and Affiliate Stigma among Caregivers of People with Mental Illness in Amanuel Specialized Mental Hospital
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-04-15
© Science Publishing Group
Kahsay Weldeslasie Hailemariam
The Psychological Distress, Subjective Burden and Affiliate Stigma among Caregivers of People with Mental Illness in Amanuel Specialized Mental Hospital
4
2
49
49
2015-04-15
2015-04-15
10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.13
© Science Publishing Group
Heuristics of Self-Consciousness between Theory of Mind and Intentionality
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.11
This article starts from the interpretation of subjective experience and narrative hermeneutics, suggesting a cognitive re-evaluation of egotic intentionality from the “first-person perspective” and showing together the conjunction between phenomenology and cognitivism (the egotic self). The article also addresses the phenomenal consciousness according to D. Dennett’s theory of intentionality. In an attempt to highlight the reflected self as a form of consciousness, the work seeks the continuous updating of the divided self (hyphenated self) and the discovery of a new hybrid self by intercommunication and the awareness of self through “us”. Based on the theory of mind, the fluctuations of self and subjectivity aim at revealing the self existence. However, by the need to rethink the self position in relation to the hyper-reality of the mental metabolism, this article explores self-awareness as a new form of intentional dynamics / intentionality.
This article starts from the interpretation of subjective experience and narrative hermeneutics, suggesting a cognitive re-evaluation of egotic intentionality from the “first-person perspective” and showing together the conjunction between phenomenology and cognitivism (the egotic self). The article also addresses the phenomenal consciousness according to D. Dennett’s theory of intentionality. In an attempt to highlight the reflected self as a form of consciousness, the work seeks the continuous updating of the divided self (hyphenated self) and the discovery of a new hybrid self by intercommunication and the awareness of self through “us”. Based on the theory of mind, the fluctuations of self and subjectivity aim at revealing the self existence. However, by the need to rethink the self position in relation to the hyper-reality of the mental metabolism, this article explores self-awareness as a new form of intentional dynamics / intentionality.
Heuristics of Self-Consciousness between Theory of Mind and Intentionality
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-04-22
© Science Publishing Group
Cristina-Georgiana Voicu
Heuristics of Self-Consciousness between Theory of Mind and Intentionality
4
3
54
54
2015-04-22
2015-04-22
10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.11
© Science Publishing Group
A Comparison of the Cognitive Profiles of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Receiving Pharmacotherapy and Those Not Receiving Pharmacotherapy in Wechsler Intelligence Scales-Forth Edition
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.13
The first group of psychiatric treatments for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is stimulant drug such as methylphenidate. The aim of this study is investigating cognitive profile in ADHD children who are using medicated treatment and no medicated treatment, in WISC IV. Participants are 29 ADHD children (13 no medicated and 16 medicated) and 25 normal children. The sampling method is convenient. Children were 7 to 12 years old. Result showed significant differences between ADHD group who uses medication and those who don’t, and normal and ADHD groups who don’t use medication in verbal comprehension and processing indexes. In perceptual reasoning index, there was significant difference between normal group and ADHD group in using medication, also in working memory index there were no significant differences between ADHD groups (with and without medication use). Using medical treatment and changing in the process of disorder toward normal function in children with ADHD following it, can be an evidence of neurological problems in these children.
The first group of psychiatric treatments for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is stimulant drug such as methylphenidate. The aim of this study is investigating cognitive profile in ADHD children who are using medicated treatment and no medicated treatment, in WISC IV. Participants are 29 ADHD children (13 no medicated and 16 medicated) and 25 normal children. The sampling method is convenient. Children were 7 to 12 years old. Result showed significant differences between ADHD group who uses medication and those who don’t, and normal and ADHD groups who don’t use medication in verbal comprehension and processing indexes. In perceptual reasoning index, there was significant difference between normal group and ADHD group in using medication, also in working memory index there were no significant differences between ADHD groups (with and without medication use). Using medical treatment and changing in the process of disorder toward normal function in children with ADHD following it, can be an evidence of neurological problems in these children.
A Comparison of the Cognitive Profiles of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Receiving Pharmacotherapy and Those Not Receiving Pharmacotherapy in Wechsler Intelligence Scales-Forth Edition
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-05-06
© Science Publishing Group
Abasian Maryam
Pour Shahbaz Abbas
Abasian Mahboubeh
Saffarian Zahra
Abasi Imane
Abasian Masoumeh
A Comparison of the Cognitive Profiles of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Receiving Pharmacotherapy and Those Not Receiving Pharmacotherapy in Wechsler Intelligence Scales-Forth Edition
4
3
65
65
2015-05-06
2015-05-06
10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.13
© Science Publishing Group
Influence of Cognitive Abilities, Conative Characteristics and Social Status on Student School Grades in Mother Tongue
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.12
The study was conducted in order to determine the influence of cognitive dimensions, conative characteristics and social status on school grades in the native language of the students of a secondary school of chemical technology. For this purpose, 224 students of a secondary school of chemical technology were included in the sample. To evaluate the effectiveness of the input processor, or perceptual reasoning, IT-1 test was chosen. To evaluate the effectiveness of the serial processor, or symbolic reasoning, AL-4 test was selected. To evaluate the effectiveness of the parallel processor, or identification of relations and correlates, S-1 test was chosen. For the assessment of conative characteristics, CON6 measurement instrument was selected by means of which the following conative regulators were evaluated: regulator of activity, regulator of organic functions, regulator of defense reactions, regulator of attack reactions, system for coordination of regulatory functions, system for integration of regulatory functions and system for excitation and inhibition. To evaluate social status, a model constructed by Saksida and Momirovic was applied. INST2 and questionnaire SSMIN were used in this research. For the evaluation of students` academic achievements, their school grades were used. The academic achievements were checked by means of knowledge tests as indicators of the acquired knowledge and skills. The algorithms and programs implemented within this study are presented in full and, the results of these programs are analyzed.
The study was conducted in order to determine the influence of cognitive dimensions, conative characteristics and social status on school grades in the native language of the students of a secondary school of chemical technology. For this purpose, 224 students of a secondary school of chemical technology were included in the sample. To evaluate the effectiveness of the input processor, or perceptual reasoning, IT-1 test was chosen. To evaluate the effectiveness of the serial processor, or symbolic reasoning, AL-4 test was selected. To evaluate the effectiveness of the parallel processor, or identification of relations and correlates, S-1 test was chosen. For the assessment of conative characteristics, CON6 measurement instrument was selected by means of which the following conative regulators were evaluated: regulator of activity, regulator of organic functions, regulator of defense reactions, regulator of attack reactions, system for coordination of regulatory functions, system for integration of regulatory functions and system for excitation and inhibition. To evaluate social status, a model constructed by Saksida and Momirovic was applied. INST2 and questionnaire SSMIN were used in this research. For the evaluation of students` academic achievements, their school grades were used. The academic achievements were checked by means of knowledge tests as indicators of the acquired knowledge and skills. The algorithms and programs implemented within this study are presented in full and, the results of these programs are analyzed.
Influence of Cognitive Abilities, Conative Characteristics and Social Status on Student School Grades in Mother Tongue
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-05-01
© Science Publishing Group
Dragan Popovic
Evagelia Boli
Vladimir Savic
Milos Popovic
Milica Bojevic
Marina Kostic
Influence of Cognitive Abilities, Conative Characteristics and Social Status on Student School Grades in Mother Tongue
4
3
60
60
2015-05-01
2015-05-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.12
© Science Publishing Group
Body Integrity Identity Disorder: Development and Evaluation of an Inventory for the Assessment of the Severity
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.15
Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), the wish of subjects for an amputation of otherwise healthy limbs, is a rare disturbance. Until now, BIID was seen as a symptom affecting a group of people suffering from an urging desire for amputation. But while some of the BIID-affected people only have a weak wish for an amputation others show severe symptoms. The aim of this work was the development of a psychological test to measure the severity of the wish for amputation or palsy in BIID afflicted subjects. Additionally, we analyzed correlation with demographic data. We developed a survey in English and German language from which three pairs of similar items were created for a test of reliability. 45 people affected by BIID answered this survey (38 men, 7 women, age 42.6 ±12.4). After controlling for robustness, a normal distribution of the "BIID-severity" could be detected and the subjects were divided into 5 groups (<2 SD: very low, -2 to -1 SD: light, -1 to +1 SD: moderate, +1 to +2 SD: heavy, > +2 SD: very heavy BIID). The severity of BIID sufferers was not more pronounced in older than in younger subjects, but BIID affects more men than women and the first manifestation of BIID occurs predominantly in childhood.
Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), the wish of subjects for an amputation of otherwise healthy limbs, is a rare disturbance. Until now, BIID was seen as a symptom affecting a group of people suffering from an urging desire for amputation. But while some of the BIID-affected people only have a weak wish for an amputation others show severe symptoms. The aim of this work was the development of a psychological test to measure the severity of the wish for amputation or palsy in BIID afflicted subjects. Additionally, we analyzed correlation with demographic data. We developed a survey in English and German language from which three pairs of similar items were created for a test of reliability. 45 people affected by BIID answered this survey (38 men, 7 women, age 42.6 ±12.4). After controlling for robustness, a normal distribution of the "BIID-severity" could be detected and the subjects were divided into 5 groups (<2 SD: very low, -2 to -1 SD: light, -1 to +1 SD: moderate, +1 to +2 SD: heavy, > +2 SD: very heavy BIID). The severity of BIID sufferers was not more pronounced in older than in younger subjects, but BIID affects more men than women and the first manifestation of BIID occurs predominantly in childhood.
Body Integrity Identity Disorder: Development and Evaluation of an Inventory for the Assessment of the Severity
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.15
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-05-23
© Science Publishing Group
Mona L. Fischer
Thomas Schnell
Erich Kasten
Body Integrity Identity Disorder: Development and Evaluation of an Inventory for the Assessment of the Severity
4
3
82
82
2015-05-23
2015-05-23
10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.15
© Science Publishing Group
A Dynamic and Psychosocial Analysis of Soccer: Problems and Solutions
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.14
Integrating aspects of playing dynamics, psychosocial insights derived from expertise in clinical psychology, psychiatry and public health, soccer observations, years of playing and refereeing experience, and literature review, the article offers a new perspective of soccer based on a qualitative analysis of the various problems such as critical and game-changing refereeing errors due to lack of sufficient objectivity, excessive fouling, scarcity of goals, the near impossibility of a solo run, flagrant fouling and disabling of gifted players, and the disproportionately frequent fan frustration and violence. The article argues that it is of unique importance in soccer that critical calls by the referee should be nearly 100% accurate primarily because the outcomes of most games are decided by a total of one or two goals. Theories are suggested as to why FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) does not allow the referee to verify critical calls using IVR (Instant Video Review or Replay). Creative solutions are proposed for stimulating lively debate.
Integrating aspects of playing dynamics, psychosocial insights derived from expertise in clinical psychology, psychiatry and public health, soccer observations, years of playing and refereeing experience, and literature review, the article offers a new perspective of soccer based on a qualitative analysis of the various problems such as critical and game-changing refereeing errors due to lack of sufficient objectivity, excessive fouling, scarcity of goals, the near impossibility of a solo run, flagrant fouling and disabling of gifted players, and the disproportionately frequent fan frustration and violence. The article argues that it is of unique importance in soccer that critical calls by the referee should be nearly 100% accurate primarily because the outcomes of most games are decided by a total of one or two goals. Theories are suggested as to why FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) does not allow the referee to verify critical calls using IVR (Instant Video Review or Replay). Creative solutions are proposed for stimulating lively debate.
A Dynamic and Psychosocial Analysis of Soccer: Problems and Solutions
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.14
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-05-06
© Science Publishing Group
Sonny Joseph
A Dynamic and Psychosocial Analysis of Soccer: Problems and Solutions
4
3
75
75
2015-05-06
2015-05-06
10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150403.14
© Science Publishing Group
Computer-Mediated Communication and Its Influence on Psychological Functioning
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.12
This study applied online disinhibition effect [1] to examine perceived psychological benefits (PPB) derived from computer-mediated communication (CMC). The models examined the relationship between psychological health (loneliness, self-esteem and social anxiety) and CMC for social interaction (to seek romantic/sexual relationships and emotional/social support), compulsive internet use (CIU) and PPB derived from CMC. Group comparisons across sex were also examined. The sample included 167 (47 men and 120 women) university students from Malaysia. Results suggest loneliness, low self-esteem and social anxiety in men can help explain CIU. For women, only social anxiety explains CIU. However, group comparison indicated that socially anxious men were less likely to be compulsive Internet users. Contrary to expectation, CMC for social interaction was perceived as a negative influence to psychological functioning by men and women. Results further suggest that women’s PPB from using CMC to seek emotional/social support was significantly less compared to men’s. Bidirectional relationship was indicated only in the men’s model between self-esteem with CIU, and self-esteem and CMC for romantic/sexual relationship.
This study applied online disinhibition effect [1] to examine perceived psychological benefits (PPB) derived from computer-mediated communication (CMC). The models examined the relationship between psychological health (loneliness, self-esteem and social anxiety) and CMC for social interaction (to seek romantic/sexual relationships and emotional/social support), compulsive internet use (CIU) and PPB derived from CMC. Group comparisons across sex were also examined. The sample included 167 (47 men and 120 women) university students from Malaysia. Results suggest loneliness, low self-esteem and social anxiety in men can help explain CIU. For women, only social anxiety explains CIU. However, group comparison indicated that socially anxious men were less likely to be compulsive Internet users. Contrary to expectation, CMC for social interaction was perceived as a negative influence to psychological functioning by men and women. Results further suggest that women’s PPB from using CMC to seek emotional/social support was significantly less compared to men’s. Bidirectional relationship was indicated only in the men’s model between self-esteem with CIU, and self-esteem and CMC for romantic/sexual relationship.
Computer-Mediated Communication and Its Influence on Psychological Functioning
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-03-06
© Science Publishing Group
Ming Sing Chai
Joyce Baptist
Computer-Mediated Communication and Its Influence on Psychological Functioning
4
3
14
14
2015-03-06
2015-03-06
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.12
© Science Publishing Group
Student Approaches to Learning Among University Students
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.13
This study evaluated the learning characteristics of university students based on three learning approaches (surface approach, deep approach and achieving approach) and six subscales, namely three learning motives (LM) and three learning strategies (LS). A survey form adapted from Biggs’s study process questionnaire (SPQ) was distributed to a total of 193 students at a private university college in Malaysia. This study employed descriptive correlation research design to address the research questions. Results of the study indicated that students were more prone to apply deep approach. Further analysis revealed a combination of “achieving strategy and deep motive” was the most popular approach among students. The pattern of surface and achieving approaches showed significant differences across subject variable. Proposed teaching methods were introduced to suit the needs of these major learning characteristics among university students.
This study evaluated the learning characteristics of university students based on three learning approaches (surface approach, deep approach and achieving approach) and six subscales, namely three learning motives (LM) and three learning strategies (LS). A survey form adapted from Biggs’s study process questionnaire (SPQ) was distributed to a total of 193 students at a private university college in Malaysia. This study employed descriptive correlation research design to address the research questions. Results of the study indicated that students were more prone to apply deep approach. Further analysis revealed a combination of “achieving strategy and deep motive” was the most popular approach among students. The pattern of surface and achieving approaches showed significant differences across subject variable. Proposed teaching methods were introduced to suit the needs of these major learning characteristics among university students.
Student Approaches to Learning Among University Students
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-03-09
© Science Publishing Group
Hee Chong Teoh
Teng Teng Yap
Student Approaches to Learning Among University Students
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3
20
20
2015-03-09
2015-03-09
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.13
© Science Publishing Group
Students’ Perceptions of Using Collaborative Learning as a Tool for Acquiring Writing Skills in University
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.11
This paper examines students’ perceptions of the use of group discussion as a collaborative learning tool among English-as-a-Second-language (ESL) learners when learning writing skills in university. Studies on collaborative learning have shown that group discussions enhance students’ learning experiences and knowledge. Collaborative learning in the form of group discussions has encourages students to produce work that is creative as well as stimulate critical thinking. This form of learning further develops interpersonal skills and social relationships among students. Twenty-four university students divided into six groups were the respondents in this study. The data was collected using voice recorded transcriptions of a semi-structured interview session with each group after completing the collaborative learning activity. The transcriptions were then analysed qualitatively using the interpretative approach. The transcripts were read and reread until common ideas emerged that were then categorised and discussed under various themes. The results showed that students perceived that collaborative learning tended to help them reflect on the content and context of the tasks they had to carry out. This form of learning was perceived to increase their confidence and motivation to communicate with their peers in a second language, and there were higher rates of task completion.
This paper examines students’ perceptions of the use of group discussion as a collaborative learning tool among English-as-a-Second-language (ESL) learners when learning writing skills in university. Studies on collaborative learning have shown that group discussions enhance students’ learning experiences and knowledge. Collaborative learning in the form of group discussions has encourages students to produce work that is creative as well as stimulate critical thinking. This form of learning further develops interpersonal skills and social relationships among students. Twenty-four university students divided into six groups were the respondents in this study. The data was collected using voice recorded transcriptions of a semi-structured interview session with each group after completing the collaborative learning activity. The transcriptions were then analysed qualitatively using the interpretative approach. The transcripts were read and reread until common ideas emerged that were then categorised and discussed under various themes. The results showed that students perceived that collaborative learning tended to help them reflect on the content and context of the tasks they had to carry out. This form of learning was perceived to increase their confidence and motivation to communicate with their peers in a second language, and there were higher rates of task completion.
Students’ Perceptions of Using Collaborative Learning as a Tool for Acquiring Writing Skills in University
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-03-06
© Science Publishing Group
Daljeet Singh Sedhu
S. Chee Choy
Mun Yee Lee
Students’ Perceptions of Using Collaborative Learning as a Tool for Acquiring Writing Skills in University
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3
6
6
2015-03-06
2015-03-06
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.11
© Science Publishing Group
An Exploratory Study on Personality Traits and Procrastination Among University Students
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.14
The present research examines the association between personality traits and procrastination behavior among 148 university students (52 males, 96 females). Respondents completed two measurements - Leonard Personality Inventory and General Procrastination Scale. Descriptive analysis indicated that Diploma Year 2 students scored the highest (Mean = 58.47), while Degree Year 1 students scored the lowest (Mean = 54.75) in the level of procrastination. Personality traits profiling consistently indicated that the most dominant personality trait of Diploma Year 2, Degree Year 1, 2 and 3 students is Neutral trait (Mean = 78.05, 80.75, 78.84 & 76.82); while the least dominant trait is Decisiveness (Mean = 67.48, 68.25, 69.89 & 68.33). The most dominant personality traits among male university students are Openness (Mean = 75.77), Decisiveness (Mean = 68.69) and Neutral (Mean = 78.48), while female university students are Analytical (Mean = 73.36) and Relational (Mean = 72.42). Meanwhile, male students scored slightly higher in procrastination (Mean = 58.25) as compared to females (Mean = 57.09). However, independent sample t-test indicated no significant gender differences in respondents’ level of academic procrastination [t (146) = .702, p > .05]. Finally, correlational analyses reported no significant associations between the five personality traits with procrastination behavior among university students. Future studies should explore on whether cultural differences may influence personality traits and the level of academic procrastination of university students.
The present research examines the association between personality traits and procrastination behavior among 148 university students (52 males, 96 females). Respondents completed two measurements - Leonard Personality Inventory and General Procrastination Scale. Descriptive analysis indicated that Diploma Year 2 students scored the highest (Mean = 58.47), while Degree Year 1 students scored the lowest (Mean = 54.75) in the level of procrastination. Personality traits profiling consistently indicated that the most dominant personality trait of Diploma Year 2, Degree Year 1, 2 and 3 students is Neutral trait (Mean = 78.05, 80.75, 78.84 & 76.82); while the least dominant trait is Decisiveness (Mean = 67.48, 68.25, 69.89 & 68.33). The most dominant personality traits among male university students are Openness (Mean = 75.77), Decisiveness (Mean = 68.69) and Neutral (Mean = 78.48), while female university students are Analytical (Mean = 73.36) and Relational (Mean = 72.42). Meanwhile, male students scored slightly higher in procrastination (Mean = 58.25) as compared to females (Mean = 57.09). However, independent sample t-test indicated no significant gender differences in respondents’ level of academic procrastination [t (146) = .702, p > .05]. Finally, correlational analyses reported no significant associations between the five personality traits with procrastination behavior among university students. Future studies should explore on whether cultural differences may influence personality traits and the level of academic procrastination of university students.
An Exploratory Study on Personality Traits and Procrastination Among University Students
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.14
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-03-20
© Science Publishing Group
Chooi Seong Lai
Abdul Rahman bin Ahmad Badayai
Khartikka Chandrasekaran
Siew Yen Lee
Rubini Kulasingam
An Exploratory Study on Personality Traits and Procrastination Among University Students
4
3
26
26
2015-03-20
2015-03-20
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.14
© Science Publishing Group
Personality and Leadership Qualities among Student Leaders
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.15
This research focused on a group of student leaders who have been elected by their peers to hold various positions in societies and clubs in the university setting. It explored the leadership qualities that student leaders had and the influence of personality on those leadership qualities among student leaders. A total of 59 participants from a private university college in Malaysia were involved, with 33 males and 26 females. Leonard Personality Inventory (LPI) online was used to assess the personality dimensions. Participants were asked to do a self-rating on 10 leadership qualities listed in [17]. Findings showed that student leaders chosen by their peers had very high integrity. Multiple regression results showed Neutral personality dimension was the most significant predictor for the leadership quality of showing concern for others. Open personality dimension was a significant predictor for self-confidence. Similarly, Relational personality dimension was a significant predictor for both charisma and integrity. To a certain extent, personality of leaders influences the leadership qualities that they display readily and some leadership qualities such as charisma need to be further enhanced through leadership training.
This research focused on a group of student leaders who have been elected by their peers to hold various positions in societies and clubs in the university setting. It explored the leadership qualities that student leaders had and the influence of personality on those leadership qualities among student leaders. A total of 59 participants from a private university college in Malaysia were involved, with 33 males and 26 females. Leonard Personality Inventory (LPI) online was used to assess the personality dimensions. Participants were asked to do a self-rating on 10 leadership qualities listed in [17]. Findings showed that student leaders chosen by their peers had very high integrity. Multiple regression results showed Neutral personality dimension was the most significant predictor for the leadership quality of showing concern for others. Open personality dimension was a significant predictor for self-confidence. Similarly, Relational personality dimension was a significant predictor for both charisma and integrity. To a certain extent, personality of leaders influences the leadership qualities that they display readily and some leadership qualities such as charisma need to be further enhanced through leadership training.
Personality and Leadership Qualities among Student Leaders
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.15
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-03-23
© Science Publishing Group
Ming Sing Chai
Personality and Leadership Qualities among Student Leaders
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3
32
32
2015-03-23
2015-03-23
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.15
© Science Publishing Group
Personality, Coping and Stress Among University Students
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.16
The study examined the relationship between personality, coping strategies, and level of psychological stress. Participants consisted of 148 university students from a private university college in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Leonard Personality Inventory (LPI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and COPE Inventory were used. The results revealed that participants who have high analytical personality dimension were more likely to use problem-focused coping. Those with high relational and low openness personality dimension were more likely to use socially supported coping strategies. Contrary to expectation, level of psychological stress was not influenced by personality. However, higher level of psychological stress was related to avoidant and socially supported coping strategies. Findings may be beneficial to mental health professionals in helping university students to manage their stress.
The study examined the relationship between personality, coping strategies, and level of psychological stress. Participants consisted of 148 university students from a private university college in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Leonard Personality Inventory (LPI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and COPE Inventory were used. The results revealed that participants who have high analytical personality dimension were more likely to use problem-focused coping. Those with high relational and low openness personality dimension were more likely to use socially supported coping strategies. Contrary to expectation, level of psychological stress was not influenced by personality. However, higher level of psychological stress was related to avoidant and socially supported coping strategies. Findings may be beneficial to mental health professionals in helping university students to manage their stress.
Personality, Coping and Stress Among University Students
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.16
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-03-28
© Science Publishing Group
Ming Sing Chai
Chee Seong Low
Personality, Coping and Stress Among University Students
4
3
38
38
2015-03-28
2015-03-28
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.16
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.16
© Science Publishing Group
Personality Traits, Emotional Intelligence and Academic Achievements of University Students
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.17
This research investigated the relationships between personality traits, emotional intelligence and academic achievements among 160 university students in Malaysia. Big Five Inventory (BFI) was used to measure the five dimensions of personality traits - extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness; Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale (SEIS) was used to measure emotional intelligence and students’ academic achievement was measured by Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Bivariate analysis using Pearson Correlation method indicated that extraversion (r=.311, p<.05), agreeableness (r=.378, p<.05), conscientiousness (r=.315, p<.05) and openness (r=.497, p<.05) were positively and significantly correlated with emotional intelligence. Neuroticism (r= -.303, p<.05) was found negatively and significantly associated with emotional intelligence. However, emotional intelligence (r=.002, p>.05) was insignificantly associated with academic achievement. Future researches are recommended to employ Structural Equation Modeling analysis to determine how both personality traits and emotional intelligence have an impact on academic achievements.
This research investigated the relationships between personality traits, emotional intelligence and academic achievements among 160 university students in Malaysia. Big Five Inventory (BFI) was used to measure the five dimensions of personality traits - extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness; Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale (SEIS) was used to measure emotional intelligence and students’ academic achievement was measured by Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Bivariate analysis using Pearson Correlation method indicated that extraversion (r=.311, p<.05), agreeableness (r=.378, p<.05), conscientiousness (r=.315, p<.05) and openness (r=.497, p<.05) were positively and significantly correlated with emotional intelligence. Neuroticism (r= -.303, p<.05) was found negatively and significantly associated with emotional intelligence. However, emotional intelligence (r=.002, p>.05) was insignificantly associated with academic achievement. Future researches are recommended to employ Structural Equation Modeling analysis to determine how both personality traits and emotional intelligence have an impact on academic achievements.
Personality Traits, Emotional Intelligence and Academic Achievements of University Students
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.17
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-04-07
© Science Publishing Group
Yoke Theing Chen
Chooi Seong Lai
Personality Traits, Emotional Intelligence and Academic Achievements of University Students
4
3
44
44
2015-04-07
2015-04-07
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.17
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.17
© Science Publishing Group
Dog Ownership, Perceived Social Supports and Stress Among University Students
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.18
This study was conducted to determine whether there is a significant mean difference of perceived stress between dog owners and non-dog owners and whether there are significant correlations between different sources of perceived social supports and perceived stress. Participants were 116 undergraduate students in a Malaysian private university college. Among 116 participants, 44 were dog owners. Participants completed 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The results indicated that there was a significant mean difference of perceived stress between dog owners (N = 44, M = 19.57) and non-dog owners (N = 72, M = 21.67). Among non-dog owners, a significant negative correlation was found between perceived social support from friends and perceived stress. However, among non-dog owners, no significant correlations were found between perceived stress and perceived social support from family, friends, significant others and dogs. Further research using a bigger sample size is needed to verify the relationship between perceived stress and perceived social support among dog owners.
This study was conducted to determine whether there is a significant mean difference of perceived stress between dog owners and non-dog owners and whether there are significant correlations between different sources of perceived social supports and perceived stress. Participants were 116 undergraduate students in a Malaysian private university college. Among 116 participants, 44 were dog owners. Participants completed 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The results indicated that there was a significant mean difference of perceived stress between dog owners (N = 44, M = 19.57) and non-dog owners (N = 72, M = 21.67). Among non-dog owners, a significant negative correlation was found between perceived social support from friends and perceived stress. However, among non-dog owners, no significant correlations were found between perceived stress and perceived social support from family, friends, significant others and dogs. Further research using a bigger sample size is needed to verify the relationship between perceived stress and perceived social support among dog owners.
Dog Ownership, Perceived Social Supports and Stress Among University Students
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.18
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-04-12
© Science Publishing Group
Vei Kit Lee
Ming Sing Chai
Dog Ownership, Perceived Social Supports and Stress Among University Students
4
3
50
50
2015-04-12
2015-04-12
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.18
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.18
© Science Publishing Group
Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem in the Predictive Relationship of Personality and Academic Self-Handicapping
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.19
This study was undertaken to examine the predictive relationship between personality traits and academic self-handicapping with self-esteem as the mediator. A total of 62 (19 males, 43 females) Psychology undergraduates participated in the study. Respondents completed a questionnaire that measured their personality, academic self-handicapping and self-esteem. Results revealed that academic self-handicapping has significantly been predicted by neutral personality (B = -.25, p<0.05). Self-esteem mediated the relationship between relational personality and academic self-handicapping. The paths from relational personality to the mediator self-esteem, and sequential to academic self-handicapping were momentous (B = .46, p<0.05; B = -.35, p<0.05). This study has provided implication in which certain personality traits are evident in contributing to different levels of self-esteem and successively self-handicapping behaviors among the undergraduates.
This study was undertaken to examine the predictive relationship between personality traits and academic self-handicapping with self-esteem as the mediator. A total of 62 (19 males, 43 females) Psychology undergraduates participated in the study. Respondents completed a questionnaire that measured their personality, academic self-handicapping and self-esteem. Results revealed that academic self-handicapping has significantly been predicted by neutral personality (B = -.25, p<0.05). Self-esteem mediated the relationship between relational personality and academic self-handicapping. The paths from relational personality to the mediator self-esteem, and sequential to academic self-handicapping were momentous (B = .46, p<0.05; B = -.35, p<0.05). This study has provided implication in which certain personality traits are evident in contributing to different levels of self-esteem and successively self-handicapping behaviors among the undergraduates.
Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem in the Predictive Relationship of Personality and Academic Self-Handicapping
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.19
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-04-17
© Science Publishing Group
Sau Keng Cheng
Mei Yui Law
Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem in the Predictive Relationship of Personality and Academic Self-Handicapping
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3
57
57
2015-04-17
2015-04-17
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.19
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.19
© Science Publishing Group
Measuring Academic Misconduct: Evaluating the Construct Validity of the Exams and Assignments Scale
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.20
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Examinations and Assignments Scale (EAS), a newly designed instrument intended to capture perspectives about the severity of a variety of potential misconduct actions and behaviors, and examine evidence for construct validity. A total of 140 veterinary medical students completed the survey in the spring of 2015. Psychometric results indicate the EAS is a psychometrically-sound instrument capable of producing valid and reliable measures of misconduct severity. Substantive results and implications are also discussed.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Examinations and Assignments Scale (EAS), a newly designed instrument intended to capture perspectives about the severity of a variety of potential misconduct actions and behaviors, and examine evidence for construct validity. A total of 140 veterinary medical students completed the survey in the spring of 2015. Psychometric results indicate the EAS is a psychometrically-sound instrument capable of producing valid and reliable measures of misconduct severity. Substantive results and implications are also discussed.
Measuring Academic Misconduct: Evaluating the Construct Validity of the Exams and Assignments Scale
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.20
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-06-30
© Science Publishing Group
Kenneth D. Royal
Keven Flammer
Measuring Academic Misconduct: Evaluating the Construct Validity of the Exams and Assignments Scale
4
3
64
64
2015-06-30
2015-06-30
10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.20
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.s.2015040301.20
© Science Publishing Group
Depression of the Aging Parents Who Lost Their Only Child in China
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.11
The CES-D scale is used to investigate depression of 201 aging parents who lost their only child in China. The results show that the bereaved parents have greater depression than the elder individuals in the general population. The results also indicate that sudden death and poor health have a significant positive relationship with depression of older parents who lost only one child. There is significant negative relationships between PTG and depression of older parents who lost only one child. The findings suggested the necessity of exploring psychological well-being of child-deceased elders and importance of developing interventions to assist these elders achieve posttraumatic growth from loss of their child.
The CES-D scale is used to investigate depression of 201 aging parents who lost their only child in China. The results show that the bereaved parents have greater depression than the elder individuals in the general population. The results also indicate that sudden death and poor health have a significant positive relationship with depression of older parents who lost only one child. There is significant negative relationships between PTG and depression of older parents who lost only one child. The findings suggested the necessity of exploring psychological well-being of child-deceased elders and importance of developing interventions to assist these elders achieve posttraumatic growth from loss of their child.
Depression of the Aging Parents Who Lost Their Only Child in China
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-06-17
© Science Publishing Group
Peng Juan Wang
Xiao Fu Pan
Jin Yu Liu
Depression of the Aging Parents Who Lost Their Only Child in China
4
4
89
89
2015-06-17
2015-06-17
10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.11
© Science Publishing Group
Do Age and Gender Have Anything to Do with Job Satisfaction: A Practical Outlook on the Nigerian Public Sector
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.15
This research examined the influence of gender and age on job satisfaction among employees working in the public service of Nigeria. 3000 participants from the head quarters of Nigeria’s federal service were randomly chosen for the study. Participants were dichotomized into 1620 males and 1380 females, 1590 older employees and 1410 younger employees. The instrument used for the study was the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (r=0.89). The design employed was the 2x2 factorial design while the two way ANOVA was used for data analysis. The results of the study revealed that the female employees experienced a higher level of job satisfaction than the male employees. Furthermore, the older employees of 45 years and above experienced a higher job satisfaction than the younger employees of 20 years and above. There was no significant interaction between age and gender. The implication of this finding is that the expectation of male workers from the organization seem to be higher than that of the females as a result of their heavy financial obligations to their immediate and extended families in line with the African culture. Also, older employees were more satisfied because their long stay had attracted many benefits which younger employees could not obtain.
This research examined the influence of gender and age on job satisfaction among employees working in the public service of Nigeria. 3000 participants from the head quarters of Nigeria’s federal service were randomly chosen for the study. Participants were dichotomized into 1620 males and 1380 females, 1590 older employees and 1410 younger employees. The instrument used for the study was the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (r=0.89). The design employed was the 2x2 factorial design while the two way ANOVA was used for data analysis. The results of the study revealed that the female employees experienced a higher level of job satisfaction than the male employees. Furthermore, the older employees of 45 years and above experienced a higher job satisfaction than the younger employees of 20 years and above. There was no significant interaction between age and gender. The implication of this finding is that the expectation of male workers from the organization seem to be higher than that of the females as a result of their heavy financial obligations to their immediate and extended families in line with the African culture. Also, older employees were more satisfied because their long stay had attracted many benefits which younger employees could not obtain.
Do Age and Gender Have Anything to Do with Job Satisfaction: A Practical Outlook on the Nigerian Public Sector
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.15
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-07-14
© Science Publishing Group
Manasseh N. Iroegbu
Do Age and Gender Have Anything to Do with Job Satisfaction: A Practical Outlook on the Nigerian Public Sector
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4
114
114
2015-07-14
2015-07-14
10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.15
© Science Publishing Group
Detecting Alcohol and Drug Use with the Touch of a Finger
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.12
The present study measured the accuracy and utility of the Veracity TouchScreener™ technology as a viable alternative to urine drug testing. 101 participants enrolled in court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment participated in the current study. All participants were administered 18 questions on a the Veracity TouchScreener™ and then participated in a visually monitored drug and alcohol urine test. The results revealed 92% accuracy at classifying alcohol and drug user’s self-report of sobriety by using this new technology. Clinical implications for the treatment of alcohol and drug users are examined through the implementation this technology.
The present study measured the accuracy and utility of the Veracity TouchScreener™ technology as a viable alternative to urine drug testing. 101 participants enrolled in court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment participated in the current study. All participants were administered 18 questions on a the Veracity TouchScreener™ and then participated in a visually monitored drug and alcohol urine test. The results revealed 92% accuracy at classifying alcohol and drug user’s self-report of sobriety by using this new technology. Clinical implications for the treatment of alcohol and drug users are examined through the implementation this technology.
Detecting Alcohol and Drug Use with the Touch of a Finger
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-07-02
© Science Publishing Group
Todd D. Pizitz
Timothy A. Scheuber
Court Wallner
Kathleen Fernandez
Detecting Alcohol and Drug Use with the Touch of a Finger
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4
94
94
2015-07-02
2015-07-02
10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.12
© Science Publishing Group
Introducing a Model of Relationship between Knowledge Sharing Behavior, OCB, Psychological Empowerment and Psychological Capital: A Two-Wave Study
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.13
This study investigated the effects of employees' positively oriented organizational behavior and organizational citizenship behavior use on knowledge sharing behavior after a two-month period. Based on previous research, it was expected that (1) organizational citizenship behavior would be positively related to knowledge sharing behavior, (2) psychological capital would be positively related to knowledge sharing behavior, (3) OCB would mediate the relationship between psychological capital and knowledge sharing behavior, (4) psychological empowerment would be positively related to knowledge sharing behavior, and (5) OCB would mediate the relationship between psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing behavior. Results provided support for the direct effects of OCB, psychological capital and psychological empowerment on knowledge sharing behavior. Psychological capital and psychological empowerment were each indirectly related to knowledge sharing behavior, mediate by OCB. In other words, individuals with higher level of psychological capital and psychological empowerment were not only more likely to engage in organizational citizenship behavior, but having a higher level of positively orientated organizational behavior was also associated with a higher likelihood of being participated in knowledge sharing behavior two months later.
This study investigated the effects of employees' positively oriented organizational behavior and organizational citizenship behavior use on knowledge sharing behavior after a two-month period. Based on previous research, it was expected that (1) organizational citizenship behavior would be positively related to knowledge sharing behavior, (2) psychological capital would be positively related to knowledge sharing behavior, (3) OCB would mediate the relationship between psychological capital and knowledge sharing behavior, (4) psychological empowerment would be positively related to knowledge sharing behavior, and (5) OCB would mediate the relationship between psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing behavior. Results provided support for the direct effects of OCB, psychological capital and psychological empowerment on knowledge sharing behavior. Psychological capital and psychological empowerment were each indirectly related to knowledge sharing behavior, mediate by OCB. In other words, individuals with higher level of psychological capital and psychological empowerment were not only more likely to engage in organizational citizenship behavior, but having a higher level of positively orientated organizational behavior was also associated with a higher likelihood of being participated in knowledge sharing behavior two months later.
Introducing a Model of Relationship between Knowledge Sharing Behavior, OCB, Psychological Empowerment and Psychological Capital: A Two-Wave Study
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-07-08
© Science Publishing Group
Tayebeh Sadegh
Introducing a Model of Relationship between Knowledge Sharing Behavior, OCB, Psychological Empowerment and Psychological Capital: A Two-Wave Study
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4
104
104
2015-07-08
2015-07-08
10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.13
© Science Publishing Group
Factors Affecting Readiness to Change among Literate Obese Patients in Primary Care
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.14
Background: Obesity is a chronic disease which contributes to morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases. Urbanization, western lifestyles and demographic transition contribute to this problem in Nigeria. Primary care physicians should be active in early detection, and motivating obese people for life style change. Motivation is an important first step towards any action or behaviour change and clinicians can assess and enhance motivation to change before extensive damage is done to health, relationships, reputation, or self-image. Aims: To determine pattern and predictive factors for readiness to change among literate obese patients in primary care. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2012, among literate obese patients in the outpatient department of an urban hospital. Obese patients were identified by clinical examination, and readiness to change was measured with the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) score. Results: Prevalence of obesity was 17.43%. Most of the subjects were married (83.8%), female (76.5%) had tertiary education (64.7%) and from professional cadre (54.4%). Mean age was 43.5±9.2. Majority (69.1%) felt that they were motivated (self- perception) to lose weight, but most (58%) were not confident that they could lose weight (self-efficacy). Based on the URICA score, most (73.5%)of the literate obese patients were contemplators. There were no significant predictors of the stage of change. Conclusion: Obesity is common among literate patients in the outpatient setting. The mean URICA score was 8.68±1.68, and most were in contemplation stage.
Background: Obesity is a chronic disease which contributes to morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases. Urbanization, western lifestyles and demographic transition contribute to this problem in Nigeria. Primary care physicians should be active in early detection, and motivating obese people for life style change. Motivation is an important first step towards any action or behaviour change and clinicians can assess and enhance motivation to change before extensive damage is done to health, relationships, reputation, or self-image. Aims: To determine pattern and predictive factors for readiness to change among literate obese patients in primary care. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2012, among literate obese patients in the outpatient department of an urban hospital. Obese patients were identified by clinical examination, and readiness to change was measured with the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) score. Results: Prevalence of obesity was 17.43%. Most of the subjects were married (83.8%), female (76.5%) had tertiary education (64.7%) and from professional cadre (54.4%). Mean age was 43.5±9.2. Majority (69.1%) felt that they were motivated (self- perception) to lose weight, but most (58%) were not confident that they could lose weight (self-efficacy). Based on the URICA score, most (73.5%)of the literate obese patients were contemplators. There were no significant predictors of the stage of change. Conclusion: Obesity is common among literate patients in the outpatient setting. The mean URICA score was 8.68±1.68, and most were in contemplation stage.
Factors Affecting Readiness to Change among Literate Obese Patients in Primary Care
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.14
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-07-09
© Science Publishing Group
Oyebanji Ayodele Emmanuel
Dankyau Musa
Factors Affecting Readiness to Change among Literate Obese Patients in Primary Care
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4
110
110
2015-07-09
2015-07-09
10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150404.14
© Science Publishing Group
The Causes and Consequences of Child Commercial Sex Work in Arba Minich City, South Ethiopia
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.11
The general objective of this study was assessing the causes and consequence of commercial sex worker in Arab Minch city, South Ethiopia .Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to analyze and interpret the data. Due to the hidden nature of the problem, it is difficult to know about the exact number of total victims or the target population so that the snow boll sampling technique was employed to determine the sample size. Hence, 30 victim respondents’ for quantitative data (questionnaire) and purposely-selected 6 respondents for semi – structural interview were involved in the study. To analyze the quantitative data sample distractive analytical technique (frequency and percentage) was used, while qualitative data (summarization and narration) was used to triangulate with quantitative data. The major finding of this study revealed that peers-pressure, seeking better life in urban area, seeking job opportunity in urban area, Poverty, lake of employment Opportunity, Lack of information , & family conflict or divorce were the major suggested causes that forced children to involve in commercial sex work. This study also identified negative consequence (i.e. victimization in the street, health problem, social isolation and anxiety and depression.) on the children. Moreover, abuse (i.e. physical, sexual and psychological abuse) as the major adverse effect of child commercial sex workers. Enhancing Education, job opportunities and awareness are critical mechanisms to handle child commercial sex work. Based on these findings, the study is recommended a collaborative action of all stakeholders should encourage through creating awareness to the family, the community and society. Mobilizing public participation also, a means to tackle the problem at it grass root level.
The general objective of this study was assessing the causes and consequence of commercial sex worker in Arab Minch city, South Ethiopia .Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to analyze and interpret the data. Due to the hidden nature of the problem, it is difficult to know about the exact number of total victims or the target population so that the snow boll sampling technique was employed to determine the sample size. Hence, 30 victim respondents’ for quantitative data (questionnaire) and purposely-selected 6 respondents for semi – structural interview were involved in the study. To analyze the quantitative data sample distractive analytical technique (frequency and percentage) was used, while qualitative data (summarization and narration) was used to triangulate with quantitative data. The major finding of this study revealed that peers-pressure, seeking better life in urban area, seeking job opportunity in urban area, Poverty, lake of employment Opportunity, Lack of information , & family conflict or divorce were the major suggested causes that forced children to involve in commercial sex work. This study also identified negative consequence (i.e. victimization in the street, health problem, social isolation and anxiety and depression.) on the children. Moreover, abuse (i.e. physical, sexual and psychological abuse) as the major adverse effect of child commercial sex workers. Enhancing Education, job opportunities and awareness are critical mechanisms to handle child commercial sex work. Based on these findings, the study is recommended a collaborative action of all stakeholders should encourage through creating awareness to the family, the community and society. Mobilizing public participation also, a means to tackle the problem at it grass root level.
The Causes and Consequences of Child Commercial Sex Work in Arba Minich City, South Ethiopia
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.11
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-08-01
© Science Publishing Group
Meaza Genemo
Mesfin Balgu Tito
The Causes and Consequences of Child Commercial Sex Work in Arba Minich City, South Ethiopia
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5
119
119
2015-08-01
2015-08-01
10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.11
© Science Publishing Group
Addressing Psychosocial Hazards and Improving Employee Psychological Wellbeing in the Ghanaian Banking Industry: Application of Organization Development Intervention Using Action Research Model
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.12
Employee safety and wellbeing is significantly influenced by the working environment and the nature of work itself. In Ghana, working in the bank is beneficial in that it provides people with the means to satisfy social and economic needs. However, employees in the Ghanaian banking industry are faced with a wide range of psychosocial hazards, and they experience work-related stress which potentially affects their physical and mental health. Efforts made by banking institutions to minimize the problem of occupational health and safety tend to focus more on physical hazard to the neglect of psychosocial hazards. From an organisation development perspective using the Action Research Model, this paper provides a step-by-step approach to diagnosing the problem in relation to the poor psychosocial work environment in the Ghanaian banking sector. Further, it provides an intervention strategy that can be used to address the problem and improve employee psychological wellbeing in the banking industry.
Employee safety and wellbeing is significantly influenced by the working environment and the nature of work itself. In Ghana, working in the bank is beneficial in that it provides people with the means to satisfy social and economic needs. However, employees in the Ghanaian banking industry are faced with a wide range of psychosocial hazards, and they experience work-related stress which potentially affects their physical and mental health. Efforts made by banking institutions to minimize the problem of occupational health and safety tend to focus more on physical hazard to the neglect of psychosocial hazards. From an organisation development perspective using the Action Research Model, this paper provides a step-by-step approach to diagnosing the problem in relation to the poor psychosocial work environment in the Ghanaian banking sector. Further, it provides an intervention strategy that can be used to address the problem and improve employee psychological wellbeing in the banking industry.
Addressing Psychosocial Hazards and Improving Employee Psychological Wellbeing in the Ghanaian Banking Industry: Application of Organization Development Intervention Using Action Research Model
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.12
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-09-02
© Science Publishing Group
Maxwell A. Asumeng
Richmond Acquah-Coleman
Justina J. Dadzie
Addressing Psychosocial Hazards and Improving Employee Psychological Wellbeing in the Ghanaian Banking Industry: Application of Organization Development Intervention Using Action Research Model
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128
128
2015-09-02
2015-09-02
10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.12
© Science Publishing Group
An Analysis of the Components of Superstitions Behavior and Will to Win in Basketball Performance
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.13
The researcher of this study aim to know about the role of Superstitions Behavior and Will to Win in Basketball Performance. To obtain data, the investigator had selected Fifty (N=50) male inter-college level basketball players of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab were selected for this study. The purposive sampling technique was used to attain the objectives of the study. All the subjects, after having been informed about the objective and protocol of the study, gave their consent and volunteered to participate in this study. They were further divided into (N=10) each playing position i.e. Point guard (n1=10), Shooting guard (n2=10), Small forward (n3=10), Power forward (n4=10) and Center (n5=10). To measure the level of superstitions behaviors of the subjects, the superstitions beliefs and behaviour scale constructed by Bleak and Frederick (1998) was administered. To measure the level of will to win was measured by applying will to win questionnaire prepared by Kumar and Shukla (1998). One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to find out the intragroup differences. Where F values were found significant LSD (Least Significant Difference) Post-hoc test was applied to find out the direction and degree of difference. For testing the hypotheses, the level of significance was set at 0.05. In a nutshell it can be said that from the findings that significant differences were found in basketball players Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward and Center on the sub-variables of Superstitions Behavior i.e., Clothing and Appearance, fetish, Team Ritual and Superstitious (Total). However, insignificant differences had been observed in the basketball players Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward and Center on the sub-variables of Superstitions Behavior i.e., Preparation, Game/Competition, Prayer and Coach. Conculdingly from the above findings that insignificant differences were present in the basketball players on the variable of will to win.
The researcher of this study aim to know about the role of Superstitions Behavior and Will to Win in Basketball Performance. To obtain data, the investigator had selected Fifty (N=50) male inter-college level basketball players of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab were selected for this study. The purposive sampling technique was used to attain the objectives of the study. All the subjects, after having been informed about the objective and protocol of the study, gave their consent and volunteered to participate in this study. They were further divided into (N=10) each playing position i.e. Point guard (n1=10), Shooting guard (n2=10), Small forward (n3=10), Power forward (n4=10) and Center (n5=10). To measure the level of superstitions behaviors of the subjects, the superstitions beliefs and behaviour scale constructed by Bleak and Frederick (1998) was administered. To measure the level of will to win was measured by applying will to win questionnaire prepared by Kumar and Shukla (1998). One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to find out the intragroup differences. Where F values were found significant LSD (Least Significant Difference) Post-hoc test was applied to find out the direction and degree of difference. For testing the hypotheses, the level of significance was set at 0.05. In a nutshell it can be said that from the findings that significant differences were found in basketball players Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward and Center on the sub-variables of Superstitions Behavior i.e., Clothing and Appearance, fetish, Team Ritual and Superstitious (Total). However, insignificant differences had been observed in the basketball players Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward and Center on the sub-variables of Superstitions Behavior i.e., Preparation, Game/Competition, Prayer and Coach. Conculdingly from the above findings that insignificant differences were present in the basketball players on the variable of will to win.
An Analysis of the Components of Superstitions Behavior and Will to Win in Basketball Performance
doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.13
American Journal of Applied Psychology
2015-09-02
© Science Publishing Group
Nishan Singh Deol
Davinder Singh
An Analysis of the Components of Superstitions Behavior and Will to Win in Basketball Performance
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5
136
136
2015-09-02
2015-09-02
10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=203&doi=10.11648/j.ajap.20150405.13
© Science Publishing Group