Search Results (1,438)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) necessitates comprehensive management, addressing complex challenges in social communication, behavioral regulation, and sensory processing, for which wearable technologies offer valuable tools to monitor and support interventions. Therefore, this review explores recent advancements in wearable technology, categorizing devices based on executive function, psychomotor skills, and the behavioral/emotional/sensory domain, highlighting their potential to improve ongoing management and intervention. To ensure rigor and comprehensiveness, the review employs a PRISMA-based methodology. Specifically, literature searches were conducted across diverse databases, focusing on studies published between 2014 and 2024, to identify the most commonly used wearables in ASD research. Notably, 55.45% of the 110 devices analyzed had an undefined FDA status, 23.6% received 510(k) clearance, and only a small percentage were classified as FDA Breakthrough Devices or in the submission process. Additionally, approximately 50% of the devices utilized sensors like ECG, EEG, PPG, and EMG, highlighting their widespread use in real-time physiological monitoring. Our work comprehensively analyzes a wide array of wearable technologies, including emerging and advanced. While these technologies have the potential to transform ASD management through real-time data collection and personalized interventions, improved clinical validation and user-centered design are essential for maximizing their effectiveness and user acceptance. Full article

Background and Objectives: Meditation and mindfulness, rooted in ancient traditions, enhance mental well-being by cultivating awareness and emotional control. It has been shown to induce neuroplasticity, increase cortical thickness, reduce amygdala reactivity, and improve brain connectivity and neurotransmitter levels, leading to improved emotional regulation, cognitive function, and stress resilience. This systematic review will synthesize research on neurobiological changes associated with mindfulness and meditation practices. Materials and Methods: Studies were identified from an online search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases without any search time range. This review has been registered on Open OSF (n) GV2JY. Results: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) enhances brain regions related to emotional processing and sensory perception, improves psychological outcomes like anxiety and depression, and exhibits unique mechanisms of pain reduction compared to placebo. Conclusions: This review highlights that mindfulness, particularly through MBSR, improves emotional regulation and brain structure, reduces anxiety, and enhances stress resilience. Future research should focus on diverse populations and naturalistic settings to better understand and optimize these benefits. Full article

Background and objectives: Drunkorexia is a novel alcohol-related disorder prevalent among adolescents and young adults. Extensive research on the causes and their relationship is lacking. Identifying these aspects could improve early detection and management by healthcare professionals. The aim of this review was to identify the influencing factors of drunkorexia in adolescents and young adults, as well as the main opportunities for action by health professionals. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in June and July 2024 using three databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science). A search and review protocol were established and registered in PROSPERO. The research questions were formulated in Patient, Concept, Context (PCC) formats for an adequate literature review. Original articles from January 2008 to July 2024 were included. Reviews, meta-analyses, and doctoral theses or academic texts were excluded. In the screening phase, a methodological assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) critical appraisal tools to support study eligibility. Depending on the study design, different checklists were used, and cross-sectional studies that received scores of 4/8 or higher, quasi-experimental designs that obtained 5/9 or higher, and qualitative research that obtained 5/10 or higher were accepted. Results: A total of 1502 studies were initially found. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 20 studies were selected. Complications of emotion regulation, both positive and negative metacognitive beliefs, inability to effectively manage stress and anxiety, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, self-discipline and self-control, or differences in social expectations are predisposing factors for drunkorexia. The management of malnutrition and dehydration is an opportunity for clinical professionals to address this problem. In addition, mental health issues can provide another opportunity to manage heavy alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Drunkorexia must be recognized as a new disease to be addressed from a multidisciplinary perspective. In this way, increasing research on this trend would support prevention and intervention strategies. The use of digital platforms is essential for raising social awareness of this negative habit. Full article

Background: Pediatric pain significantly affects children’s lives, leading to school absenteeism, impaired social interactions, and psychological distress. The perception of sensory signals as pain is influenced by the brain’s noradrenergic system, and recent evidence suggests that chronic pain may impact cognitive functioning and emotional regulation. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with alterations in the dopaminergic/noradrenergic systems, which could affect pain perception. Pain-associated conditions and frequent analgesic use in childhood may be linked to ADHD development and could serve as early indicators, yet data on this potential association remain limited. Study Aim: This population-based case-control study in Israel aimed to assess the prevalence of pain-related diagnoses prior to ADHD diagnosis in children aged 5 to 18. The study included children registered with Leumit Health Services (LHS) between 1 January 2006, and 30 June 2021. Children diagnosed with ADHD were compared to matched controls, selected based on age, gender, socioeconomic status, and other sociodemographic factors, who were never diagnosed with ADHD during the study period. Results: Children with ADHD (N = 18,756) and controls (N = 37,512) were precisely matched for sociodemographic characteristics. Individuals with ADHD exhibited significantly higher frequencies of diverse pain conditions, including those associated with illness [headache, earaches, and throat pain (odds ratios [OR] = 1.156 [95%CI 1.085, 1.232], 1.295 [95%CI 1.217, 1.377], and 1.080 [95%CI 1.019, 1.145], respectively; p < 0.01)] and injury [sprains and strains (OR = 1.233 [95% CI 1.104,1.376)]. Analgesics were more frequently purchased by individuals with ADHD, particularly paracetamol (OR = 1.194 [95%CI 1.152, 1.237], p < 0.001) and ibuprofen (OR = 1.366 [95%CI 1.318, 1.416], p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights a potential connection between ADHD and pediatric pain. The elevated rates of pain diagnoses and analgesic usage among children with ADHD underscore the need for further research. Full article

The main objective of this article is to analyze the effect of a group of predictors on entrepreneurial intention from the perspective of emotional competencies. To achieve this aim, a sample of 996 students belonging to ten public and seven private universities was selected, with each university having been granted high-quality accreditation by the Colombian Ministry of Education. The theoretical approach was based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the empirical analysis was based on structural equation models. Eight hypotheses were tested, with entrepreneurial intention as the dependent variable and emotional competencies, subjective norms, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial attitude as independent variables. The information was obtained by applying a questionnaire with a Likert scale to students of subjects related to entrepreneurship. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that in the two ecosystems analyzed (public and private), emotional competencies (EC) have neither a direct influence on entrepreneurial intention (EI) nor an indirect one since no significant influence is observed between emotional competencies and entrepreneurial attitude; however, a direct and positive effect was recorded between the self-efficacy and entrepreneurial attitude constructs on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, it is observed that subjective norms (SN) do not directly affect EI, but they do influence it indirectly, being mediated by entrepreneurial attitude and self-efficacy. The contribution of this study is focused on obtaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Colombia, which will make it possible to foster strategies for the generation of youth employment and public policies to promote various entrepreneurial initiatives. This could be based on government regulations adopted in the last decade, which are still under development, and the broad participation of university students and research groups of higher education institutions. Furthermore, given the dearth of research examining the impact of emotional competencies on the entrepreneurial intentions of young Colombian university students, this study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap, thereby contributing to the development of a more robust body of literature that can inform the design and implementation of educational strategies and public policies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the university ecosystems of this country. Full article

Background: Adolescence is an important point in the emotional development of young people. It is a time when young people are characterised by a high degree of emotional instability and seek effective ways to regulate their emotions. One of the frequent methods they use to cope with emotional tension is self-injurious behaviour. Methods: In the context of the rising incidence of self-harm among adolescents, this study aims to understand the association of temperament with the experience of tension and self-injurious behaviour along with the mediating role of perfectionism among 366 adolescents aged 15 to 20 years (Mage = 17.98, SD = 1.302, 52.7% female). Participants completed questionnaires on temperament traits, level of perfectionism, and experience of tension and self-injurious behaviour. Results: The results show that traits such as perfectionism, sensory sensitivity and emotional reactivity increase the risk of self-injurious behaviour. Maladaptive perfectionism partially mediates the relationship between these traits and the tendency to experience emotional tension. A temperament profile with a protective role was also identified. Conclusions: The results of the study highlight the importance of innate traits as well as environmental and cognitive influences, and may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to self-injurious behaviour and strategies aimed at its prevention. Full article

Background and Objective: In this study, we aimed to identify the factors that could impact the Stress-Related Growth Scale (SRGS) questionnaire administered to patients. Materials and Methods: Participants were asked to complete a written SRGS questionnaire (a translated and approved version in Romania) at varying time intervals relative to the traumatic event. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with legal regulations of the World Health Organization and the European Union for research involving human subjects for medical purposes. It took approximately 15 min to complete. The questionnaire was filled out by the patient or their legal guardian/parent for minors between January 2021 and January 2022. Results: The findings revealed the individual dimensions in the context of the traumatic impact, and the subsequent conclusions could be applied to a larger group with similar traumatic experiences. It is recognized that psychosomatic pathologies can hinder posttraumatic rehabilitation, leading to slower and more challenging recovery. Conclusions: Posttraumatic stress disorder often manifests as chronic development of symptoms characterized by reexperiencing traumatic scenes, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition, and heightened arousal. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, persistent, and psychologically debilitating syndrome that can significantly impair an individual’s ability to cope with life. The etiology and manifestation of this disorder present numerous challenges due to the complexity of defining and diagnosing these conditions. The distribution of men and women affected by posttraumatic stress disorder varies across different sources and cannot be simplified into one explanation. While sex distribution is an important factor, it is not the sole determinant for understanding the various aspects of these disorders. The diversity of stressors has been shown to correlate with changes in SRGS scores, including subtle emotions like shame and guilt, which contribute to the moral injury resulting from trauma. Full article

Academic procrastination is a widespread phenomenon among college students, significantly affecting their academic performance and mental health. Although previous studies have suggested a relationship between negative academic emotions and academic procrastination, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain insufficiently explored. Based on theoretical analysis and a review of the literature, this study utilizes structural equation modeling to examine the effects of negative academic emotions, self-efficacy, and goal orientation on academic procrastination. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between negative emotions and academic procrastination. Furthermore, self-efficacy fully mediates the relationship between negative academic emotions and academic procrastination, while goal orientation plays a moderating role in this relationship. This study reveals the intricate relationships between negative academic emotions and academic procrastination among Chinese college students, emphasizing the importance of enhancing self-efficacy and goal orientation to prevent procrastination. It provides theoretical and empirical support for improving learning efficiency and academic achievement, as well as for designing interventions to address academic procrastination. Full article

As the cultural importance of universities continues to grow, university museums have become key platforms for promoting university heritage and values. However, enhancing the visitor experience in these museums remains challenging. This study examines the effectiveness of smellscape in enhancing the visitor experience in university history museums, with a focus on how various scents impact visitors’ emotions. Using the Fuzhou University History Museum as a case study, the museum was divided into three distinct zones: the Historical Evolution Zone (HEZ), the Contemporary Development Zone (CDZ), and the Thematic Exhibition Zone (TEZ). Specific scents were selected for each area to evaluate their emotional impact, and data were gathered using electroencephalography (EEG) indicators, emotional questionnaires, and scent pleasure scales. The results indicated that calming scents like sandalwood and agarwood, used in the HEZ, convey a sense of historical depth but may also evoke negative emotions, whereas sage enhances positive feelings. In the CDZ, rosemary and mint significantly improve emotional states, while lemongrass exhibits weaker pleasantness and appears less suited for this area. In the TEZ, scents such as patchouli and orange blossom align well with future-oriented themes, demonstrating high levels of pleasantness and emotional value. Smellwalk interviews further validated the experimental results, revealing notable differences in the emotional impact of smellscape across different exhibit zones. A thoughtful selection of scents can enhance the cultural expression of spaces and effectively regulate visitors’ emotional experiences, strengthening the cultural resonance of museum environments. Future designers may consider incorporating olfactory elements into landscape design. Full article

Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder typically caused by a somatic mosaic mutation in R183Q GNAQ. At-risk children present at birth with a capillary malformation port-wine birthmark. The primary diagnostic characteristic of the disorder includes leptomeningeal enhancement of the brain, which demonstrates abnormal blood vessels and results in impaired venous drainage and impaired local cerebral perfusion. Impaired cerebral blood flow is complicated by seizures resulting in strokes, hemiparesis and visual field deficits, hormonal deficiencies, behavioral impairments, and intellectual disability. Therefore, anti-seizure medication in combination with low-dose aspirin is a common therapeutic treatment strategy. Recently published data indicate that the underlying mutation in endothelial cells results in the hyperactivation of downstream pathways and impairment of the blood–brain barrier. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been used to treat medically refractory seizures in SWS due to its anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Pilot research suggests that CBD improves cognitive impairment, emotional regulation, and quality of life in patients with SWS. Recent preclinical studies also suggest overlapping molecular pathways in SWS and in CBD, suggesting that CBD may be uniquely effective for SWS brain involvement. This review aims to summarize early data on CBD’s efficacy for preventing and treating epilepsy and neuro-cognitive impairments in patients with SWS, likely molecular pathways impacted, and provide insights for future translational research to improve clinical treatment for patients with SWS. Full article

Exer-games are interactive experiences in which participants engage in physical exercises to achieve specific goals. Some of these games have a collaborative nature, wherein the actions and achievements of one participant produce immediate effects on the experiences of others. Music serves as a stimulus that can be integrated into these games to influence players’ emotions and, consequently, their actions. In this paper, a framework of music services designed to enhance collaborative exer-games is presented. These services provide the necessary functionality to generate personalized musical stimuli that regulate players’ affective states, induce changes in their physical performance, and improve the game experience. The solution requires to determine the emotions that each song may evoke in players. These emotions are considered when recommending the songs that are used as part of stimuli. Personalization seeds based on players’ listening histories are also integrated in the recommendations in order to foster the effects of those stimuli. Emotions and seeds are computed from the information available in Spotify data services, one of the most popular commercial music providers. Two small-scale experiments present promising preliminary results on how the players’ emotional responses match the affective information included in the musical elements of the solution. The added value of these affective services is that they are integrated into an ecosystem of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and cloud computing resources to support the development of a new generation of emotion-based exer-games. Full article

This study investigates the role of anthropomorphic design in alleviating consumer anxiety induced by mortality salience and delves into the underlying emotional and non-emotional mechanisms. Through a series of meticulously designed experiments, we confirm that anthropomorphic design significantly enhances positive emotional responses in consumers, reduces negative emotions, and thereby increases their preference and willingness to purchase products. Even after the diminution of emotional reactions, anthropomorphic design continues to sustain consumer preference by enhancing psychological intimacy. These findings reveal the crucial role of anthropomorphic design as an effective emotional regulation strategy in consumer purchasing behavior, enriching the application of terror management theory and emotion regulation theory in consumer behavior research. Furthermore, our study provides valuable practical guidance for product design and marketing strategies, especially for consumer groups frequently facing high-pressure situations. Products with anthropomorphic designs may be more appealing to these consumers, helping to mitigate their death anxiety and enhance psychological well-being. Full article

Need for Cognition (NFC) is an investment trait reflecting interindividual differences in intrinsically motivated engagement in cognitive endeavors. While other motivational constructs like the ability self-concept are typically conceptualized domain-specific, NFC was initially conceived to describe domain-general behavior. Building on a previous study reporting the relevance of domain-specific aspects of NFC in the school context, we investigated the domain-specificity of NFC in predicting various aspects of subjective well-being across three samples with N = 1074 participants and subsamples of students and professionals ranging from n = 140 to n = 346. Our findings reveal positive associations of both domain-general and domain-specific NFC with positive affect, life satisfaction, and job- and study-related satisfaction. In part, domain-specific NFC was more strongly related to domain-specific life satisfaction compared to domain-general NFC. Additionally, we found evidence for small incremental values of domain-specific NFC over and above domain-general NFC in predicting subjective well-being. Confirming previous research, self-control and the emotion regulation strategy reappraisal partially mediated the prediction of well-being by NFC. Our results indicate that additionally considering NFC as domain-specific can meaningfully complement the domain-general conceptualization. Full article

This commentary critically examines the article by Rodríguez-Cortés et al. on the links between circadian preferences, eating disorders, and obesity in pediatric populations, emphasizing the association between evening chronotypes and disordered eating behaviors. Key findings highlight the increased prevalence of food addiction (FA) and night eating syndrome (NES) among evening-oriented children and adolescents, though the article’s reliance on studies with adult samples limits the generalizability of its conclusions. Additionally, the ambiguous classification of FA and NES within broader eating disorder frameworks necessitates further investigation to delineate these behaviors from traditional disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa. This commentary advocates for future research focusing on pediatric populations to explore the intersection of circadian misalignment with emotional regulation and environmental factors, aiming to develop tailored preventative strategies that incorporate chronobiological and lifestyle modifications. Full article

We examined the associations between attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and attachment to group (to Israel) and mental health scores. The study used a community sample of 434 participants in response to the October 7th attack on Israel. Additionally, we explored the potential mechanisms linking these attachment patterns to mental health scores. We focused on emotion regulation strategies, such as task-focused, emotion-focused, and distance-focused strategies, as potential mediators. The results indicated that the negative direct association between attachment anxiety and mental health is fully mediated by a high emotion-focused strategy and a low task-focused strategy. Attachment avoidance did not have a significant direct association with mental health scores. However, it had significant negative indirect associations through a high emotion-focused strategy and a low task-focused strategy. Attachment to the group (to Israel) showed both direct and indirect positive associations with mental health through a low emotion-focused strategy and a high task-focused strategy. The discussion highlights the role of internal representations of insecure attachment, group attachment, and emotion regulation strategies (especially emotion- and task-focused strategies) in how highly stressful external situations affect mental health. Full article