Search Results (440)

Digital technologies are making their mark in medicine, and especially also in art therapy, offering innovative therapeutic interventions for patients, including those with melanoma skin cancer. However, the integration of novel technologies, such as AI-generated art, brings along ethical, psychological, and technical challenges that are viewed differently among therapists. We aim to gauge art therapists’ views on the ethical, application, and challenge facets of utilizing AI-generated art from medical images in therapy. The focus is on assessing its applicability and limitations for melanoma patients. Art therapists were surveyed via a questionnaire focusing on their experience, digital tool familiarity, and views on AI in therapy, encompassing ethics, benefits, challenges, and applicability for melanoma. Art therapists have already implemented digital technologies and acknowledged potential therapeutic benefits of creating personalized artworks with generative artificial intelligence. Attention needs to be given to technological hurdles and the necessity for supplementary interventions. Views on the method’s adaptability varied, underscoring a need for tailored, patient-focused applications. Art therapists are welcoming AI-generated art as a promising creative therapeutic tool and acknowledge potential therapeutic benefits. There are ethical, technical, and psychological challenges that must be addressed for application in therapeutic sessions. Therapists should navigate AI integration with sensitivity, adhering to ethical norms around consent and privacy. Future studies should show the therapeutic benefit in practice with emphasis on equipping therapists to manage the technical complexities effectively. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that patients can influence the AI output, allowing for creative moments in the process. Full article

Given the increasing frequency and severity of floods caused by climate change, there is a pressing requirement for creative ways to improve public comprehension and control of hydrological phenomena. Contemporary technology provides unparalleled possibilities to transform this domain. This project investigates the possibilities for merging gaming engines and digital twins to enhance flood education, data visualization, and interactive monitoring. This study proposes the utilization of immersive digital twins to enhance the comprehension of hydrological and hydraulic systems. The suggested method utilizes game engines to generate dynamic and interactive models that connect raw data to practical insights, enabling a more profound understanding of flood dynamics. This study underscores the wide-ranging usefulness of digital twins in various watersheds by focusing on the development of advanced monitoring systems, the benefits of improved data visualization, and educational outreach. The incorporation of real-time data via IoT technology considerably improves the significance and precision of these virtual models. This novel approach seeks to refashion flood management approaches by cultivating well-informed stakeholders and advocating for effective environmental education, ultimately leading to more resilient and prepared communities. An immersive digital twin of the real world can assist decision-makers technically, psychologically, and mentally by making complex phenomena easier to understand and visualize, thanks to real-time data and simulations that keep the information up-to-date, consequently leading to a more precise and intuitive decision-making process. Full article

The number of people immersed in excessive gaming has increased in this age of rapid digitalization. The World Health Organization and American Psychiatric Association Organization recognize a gaming disorder as a condition that results in significant problems in daily life as a result of excessive gaming. Both organizations emphasize the similarities to behavioral addictions such as gambling. We examined the appropriate usage of video games from the perspectives of health and management in this study. For the general population, video games provide positive impacts such as stress alleviation and memory improvement. Game playing leads to a loss of time and money for the individual. It also has a negative impact on the individual’s family and social life, evolving into a social problem. Gaming addiction is often accompanied by psychological disorders and other addictions, and long-term medical treatment, including approaches to the individual’s psychological background and cognitive-behavioral therapy, is necessary. Therefore, the prevention of gaming disorder is essential. From a societal standpoint, action is required in three contexts: the government, game developers, and within the household as a whole. Simultaneously, the public needs to understand the positive potential of gaming, such as e-sports. Full article

Previous evaluations of teaching quality have not considered the integration of digital elements. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and offers a critical examination of the integration of digital elements in university teaching quality evaluations. The objective is to provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of the methods and target values used for special attention on the incorporation of digital elements in teaching concepts. This review analyzed 22 articles published between 2004 and 2023 from a pool of 11,851 manuscripts. The studies were classified into evidence levels A to C based on the clarity of quality criteria and documentation of measurement instruments. The findings indicate a significant gap in comprehensive quality criteria and instrument references. Self-developed questionnaires and performance examinations were prevalent, mostly classified under the lowest evidence level (C). A limited number of studies focused on psychological outcomes and the evaluation of digital teaching concepts, fulfilling all criteria for the highest evidence level (A). The results indicate a focus on using open-ended questions, interviews, and feedback mechanisms to gain insights into students’ perceptions, which are essential for refining teaching concepts. There is a need to develop and validate evidence-based measurement techniques to better accommodate digital elements integration in teaching evaluations for future university pedagogy enhancements. The findings of this review provide a robust foundation for this purpose. This systematic review has been registered on INPLASY (INPLASY202460060). Full article

Complicated grief (CG) predicts decreased mental health over time. Furthermore, feeling connected to nature (CN) is positively associated with beneficial mental health outcomes, such as psychological wellbeing and perceived psychological resilience. Thus, we hypothesized that CN moderates the association between general grief or CG and negative mental health for bereaved people. Further, we hypothesized that one’s physical exposure to nature—that is, estimated time spent in nature and greenness (i.e., vegetation) surrounding one’s residential area—might moderate the association between general grief or CG and negative mental health for bereaved people. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a cross-sectional study. We sampled 153 participants who experienced the death of a close other by COVID-19 infection. Participants reported CG, general grief, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, CN, estimated time spent in nature, and residential area postal code via a single online survey. We estimated greenness surrounding participants’ residential areas using their self-reported five-digit U.S. postal code. Cross-sectional analyses indicated that, as predicted, CN attenuated the association between CG and depression, trended toward moderating the association between CG and anxiety, and did not moderate the associations between general grief and depression or anxiety. Other variables related to the experience of nature—the estimated time an individual spends in nature and the greenness surrounding one’s residential area—did not moderate the association between general grief or CG and depression or anxiety. We thus conclude that a sense of feeling connected to nature—not simply spending more time in nature or being surrounded by nature—may serve an important role in the mental health status of people experiencing complicated grief, perhaps because CN replenishes general belonging when someone significant has passed away. Full article

With the progression of digital transformation in the workplace, the use of enterprise social media has become a daily routine in contemporary organizations. In the course of this transition, securing enterprise social media for both efficiency and individual well-being is pivotal as it steers digital transformation towards a sustainable future. Despite the huge benefits, the impact of enterprise social media on individuals is often seen as a double-edged sword, posing a managerial dilemma to organizations. To address this issue, our research developed a hybrid method aiming at maximizing efficiency and protecting employees’ psychological well-being with neither target being compromised. Polynomial regression with response surfaces was employed to visually elucidate the variations in work engagement and work exhaustion, thereby identifying the conditions for optimal values of work engagement. We then transformed the conflicting outcome variables into a single optimization goal. By calculating the equilibrium point and comparing various predictor limits, we determined an optimal condition to achieve both targets. Specifically, the equilibrium point is identified when employees’ psychological detachment slightly exceeds enterprise social media use. The optimal condition can be identified when two predictors are symmetrically aligned with each other. Our method demonstrates that a congruence framework of enterprise social media use is conducive to both efficiency and well-being, challenging the existing assertion that moderate usage is most favorable and questioning linear relationship assumptions. This study extends the innovative application of optimization techniques to broader managerial domains and provides practical solutions for reconciling the contradictory effects between well-being and efficiency, thereby promoting the sustainable success of enterprise social media. Full article

Delivering effective messages is critical to creating a more sustainable and resilient culture. The explosion of social media has enhanced information access but has often reinforced and polarized pre-existing viewpoints and norms. In contrast, digital signs are an “in your face in your space” technology that have the potential to deliver common content to a diverse local audience. Environmental Dashboard (ED) is a communications platform and set of content applications that combines information on current environmental conditions, real-time resource consumption, positive actions being taken by community members, and a community calendar. We conducted a longitudinal study to assess whether ED content delivered via digital signs in public locations would result in desirable psychological changes within a community. Participants completed surveys in six designated signage locations prior to installation (N = 174) and following two years of continuous exposure (N = 133). We observed increases in pro-environmental social norms among people of color (a demographic emphasized); enhanced awareness of and sense of connection with the local community and ecology; increased self-reported electricity conservation; and increased perception of youth engagement (another demographic emphasized). Changes were mediated by exposure to digital signage. These findings support the hypothesis that content delivered through digital signs can strengthen pro-environmental and pro-social culture within communities. Full article

The aim of this study was to quantify the multivariate relationships between clinical, cognitive performance, executive functioning, and psychological outcomes in women with fibromyalgia (FMS) using network analyses. Demographic (age, height, weight), clinical (pain history, pain intensity, and related disability), neurocognitive (D2 Attention test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure for visual perception, “Digits D/R/I” tests of the WAIS-IV battery for working memory, the 5-Digit Test for mental inhibition, the Symbol Search for processing speed and the Zoo Test for planning/decision making) and psychological (depressive symptoms, anxiety levels, sleep quality, pain hypervigilance) variables were collected in 129 women with FMS and 111 healthy women. Network analyses were conducted separately for each group to quantify the adjusted correlations between the modeled variables and to assess their centrality indices (i.e., connectivity with other symptoms in the network and their importance in the network). The network identified 74 associations in FMS women and 46 associations in controls with small differences. The strongest correlations in both groups were found between different attention variables: d2_CON with d2_C, d2_O with d_2TR, and d2_CON with d2_TA. The most central variables were d2_TA, d2_C, and d2_CON (highest strength centrality in both groups) and anxiety levels and pain hypervigilance (highest harmonic centrality in FMS women). The strength centrality of the network was stable for women with FMS (CScor0.7: 0.68) but not for healthy women (CScor0.7: 0.28). This study found that attention variables are most relevant within a neurocognitive network and that psychological variables are most important for the treatment of women with FMS. The clinical implications of the current findings, such as the development of treatments targeting these variables, are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: With the rising ubiquity of digital media and screens in everyday life, toddlers are increasingly exposed to different screens from an early age (i.e., television, computer, tablet, phone). However, few studies have examined the effect of these screens on toddlers’ perceptual development. Since tactile exploration skills are necessary for environmental discovery and overall development, the current research investigates the links between screen-use habits and the tactile exploration skills (with visual control) of 6- to 36-month-old toddlers. Methods: The study involved observing the interactions of 135 toddlers with various objects and assessing the complexity of their visuo-tactile exploration strategies through two original experimental tasks. Data concerning screen habits and other relevant factors, such as socio-economic level, were collected using a parental questionnaire. Results: Toddlers with greater screen exposure time demonstrated weaker tactile exploration skills and employed less age-appropriate exploration strategies. Socio-economic factors and parental engagement in alternative activities significantly influenced these developmental outcomes. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of reducing screen time and promoting interactive co-viewing and alternative activities to mitigate the negative effects of screen exposure. Further longitudinal research is needed to determine the long-term impacts of early screen exposure on tactile exploration and overall psychological development. Full article

Data breach incidents are now a regular occurrence, with millions of people affected worldwide. Few studies have examined the psychological aspects of data breach experiences, however, or the individual differences that influence how people react to these events. In this study, we examined the psychological stress associated with a personal experience with a data breach and several individual differences hypothesized to modulate such stress (age, gender, digital security awareness and expertise, trait anxiety, negative emotionality, and propensity to worry). A student sample (N = 166) and a community sample (N = 359) completed an online survey that asked participants to describe their most serious data breach and then complete the Impact of Events Scale—Revised (IES-R) to answer specific questions about the nature of the stress they experienced after the breach. Standard measures of trait anxiety, negative emotionality, and propensity to worry were also completed. A Data Breach Severity Index (DBSI) was created to quantify the invasiveness and consequences of each participant’s data breach. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to identify demographic variables and psychological characteristics predictive of IES-R scores while controlling for DBSI scores. As expected, more invasive and consequential data breaches were associated with higher IES-R scores (greater data-breach-induced stress). Women had higher IES-R scores than men, and this difference persisted after controlling for gender differences in anxiety, negative emotionality, and propensity to worry. Greater daily social media use was associated with higher IES-R scores, whereas higher digital security expertise was associated with lower IES-R scores. The results illuminate several relationships between demographic and psychological characteristics and data-breach-induced stress that should be investigated further. Full article

With the rapid rise in the gig economy driven by advancements in digital technology and financial technology, this study focuses on the work experiences and psychological perceptions of food delivery riders in platform-based employment. This study used a sample of food delivery riders from 19 cities in China (such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, etc.) and multiple delivery platforms (such as Meituan, Ele.me) to collect data through a combination of online and offline questionnaires. The impact relationship between perceived fairness, organizational trust, and organizational identity of food delivery riders was examined through factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and mediation effect modeling. The results of the survey and statistical analysis indicate that fairness perception and its dimensions (distributive fairness, procedural fairness, and interactional fairness) significantly influence riders’ organizational identification, with organizational trust serving as a critical mediating factor. The integration of digital technology has substantially enhanced the operational efficiency of platform-based employment by enabling real-time tracking, transparent communication, and data-driven decision-making. Innovations in financial technology, such as digital payment systems and financial management tools, offer riders safer and more convenient compensation methods, thereby contributing to their financial stability and fostering trust in the platform. The establishment of trust alleviates the riders’ concerns regarding compensation stability and bolsters their optimistic attitudes toward accessing platform resources and meeting their needs. This study provides significant insights and recommendations for leveraging digital technology and financial technology to improve the relationship and operational efficiency between riders and platform enterprises. Full article

Gamification, the integration of game design elements into non-game contexts, has gained prominence in the software engineering education and training realm. By incorporating elements such as points, badges, quests, and challenges, gamification aims to motivate and engage learners, potentially transforming traditional educational methods. This paper addresses the gap in systematic evaluations of gamification’s effectiveness in software engineering education and training by conducting a comprehensive literature review of 68 primary studies. This review explores the advantages of gamification, including active learning, individualized pacing, and enhanced collaboration, as well as the psychological drawbacks such as increased stress and responsibility for students. Despite the promising results, this study highlights that gamification should be considered a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for traditional teaching methods. Our findings reveal significant interest in integrating gamification in educational settings, driven by the growing need for digital content to improve learning. Full article

Introduction: The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the psychological well-being of millions of people around the world, and even more so among children. Contracting SARS-CoV-2, resulting in home confinement and restrictions on daily and school activities, led to negative effects on the mental health of the paediatric population. Although children suffering from COVID-19 had milder general symptoms compared to adults, impairments in cognitive, neuropsychological, and emotional-behavioural development were noted. Objective: The main aim of the present study was to detect possible changes in the neuropsychological and emotional-behavioural development of children after infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The second aim was to investigate possible relationships between cognitive abilities and psychosocial characteristics. Methods: A total of 40 patients aged 8–9 years were recruited and divided into two groups: children who contracted (CG) and did not contract (NCG) SARS-CoV-2. The BVN 5–11 (Neuropsychological evaluation battery for developmental age from 5 to 11 years) instrument was administered to assess attention, memory, verbal recall, planning, phonemics, and categorical fluency domains in the paediatric population. Data on changes in emotional-behavioural profile and daily activities were collected through a questionnaire to parents. Results: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant change in mood after the COVID-19 period only in the CG participants (p = 0.019). However, the neuropsychological performance of the two identified groups on BVN 5–11 sub-items was below the cutoff of clinical significance. Correlations were found between sub-items of the BVN 5–11 battery, extracurricular activities, and children’s psycho-motor development. Significant positive correlations were observed between Naming on visual presentation and Reading time (p = 0.006), backward digit span and time of motor activity (p = 0.009), Visual attention and Reading time (p = 0.048), and Phonemic fluency and time observed using devices (p = 0.030). Positive statistically significant correlations were also found between Mood and Free behaviour (p = 0.000), between Mood and Structured behaviour (p = 0.005), and between Mood and peer Interaction (p = 0.013). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection negatively affected the emotional development of children contracting the virus. The neuropsychological functioning of the paediatric population was influenced by psychosocial variables and time spent on daily activities, which played a protective role in children’s cognitive development. Full article

Several scientific studies have highlighted the negative impact of new technologies (NTs) on children’s psychological development, both in terms of emotional and cognitive development. NTs, such as smartphones, tablets, and video games, have a significant impact on children’s development, both in terms of social relationships and cognitive functions. This study aims to identify and explore the cultural models that shape children’s exposure to new technologies in early childhood. This study involved 48 subjects between parents and infant educators. Unstructured interviews were conducted. Emotional Text Analysis was applied. The findings reveal the existence of three cultural repertoires (clusters): Connected but isolated (45.2), Technology education (30%), and Mistrust (24.8%). Their placement in the factorial space explains how the negative effects on children’s psychological development are determined. Technology education seems to be a protective factor for the cognitive and affective development of children. These findings are discussed, comparing them with Musk’s recent experiment and the rapid loss of social ties due to the lack of an educational plan. Full article

This narrative review explores the essential role of physical activity in managing long COVID, which is characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive impairments following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this context, “physical activity” includes various exercises, such as aerobic and resistance training, as well as flexibility and balance exercises, thereby encompassing the subset known as “exercise”. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EBSCO (EDS), and Google Scholar, selecting peer-reviewed articles from December 2019 to June 2024 focusing on long COVID physical activity interventions. The review highlights that tailored exercise programs, adjusted to individual health status and abilities, significantly alleviate symptoms and enhance psychological well-being. Key findings emphasize the importance of personalized exercise prescriptions due to the variability in patient responses and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in developing and monitoring interventions. Despite promising outcomes, the review identifies research gaps, including the need for long-term studies, randomized controlled trials, and deeper mechanistic insights. It suggests that standardized reporting, templates like the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT), and integrating digital health tools are essential for optimizing interventions. Overall, the review advocates including personalized physical activity or exercise programs in standard care for long COVID to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Full article