Scandinavian journal of psychology最新文献

To communicate effectively about risk and uncertainty we need to understand how phrases that describe the probability of an event are understood. Phrases may refer to higher or lower probabilities; they may communicate a precise or a rough estimate, and there may be more or less agreement on the interpretation of the phrase. Previous research has provided taxonomies for how phrases refer to different ranges of quantified probabilities. Our online survey (N = 537) showed that 22 Norwegian probability phrases were interpreted to refer to roughly the same probabilities as their English counterparts. In accordance with preregistered hypotheses, the phrases that were expected to express higher probabilities were assigned higher point estimates of interpretation (H1). The phrases that were expected to be less precise were assigned wider ranges of possible interpretation (H2). In addition to presenting the phrases alone, our study also presented the phrases as part of positive or negative clinical framing. This manipulation led to medium-sized effects that phrases were assigned lower probabilities both when they were used in positive (H3a) and in negative frames (H3b). The current study suggests a taxonomy for how the probability of an event is expressed in Norwegian. This may be relevant for high-stakes settings where it is important to communicate effectively and accurately about risk.

Mother-infant bonding develops when the mother is emotionally and physically present in her infant's life, offering affection and manifesting nurturing behaviors. However, this process may be disrupted by factors such as postpartum depression symptoms or other dysfunctional parenting behaviors (e.g., emotional unavailability or excessive maternal smartphone use), both of which can reduce maternal availability. While researchers have widely explored mother-infant bonding disorders, there has been little research investigating its associations with parenting behavior, such as phubbing, particularly in the context of postpartum depression symptoms. The current study aimed to (1) explore associations between postpartum depression symptoms, parental phubbing, and mother-infant bonding disorder, and (2) explore the possible mediating role of parental phubbing on the link between postpartum depression symptomatology and maternal-infant bonding disorder. Using a cross-sectional web-based survey, we included 488 adult women (M age = 30 years, SD = 4.76) who had an infant aged between 0 weeks and 12 months of age (M age = 175.98 days, SD = 105.34). They completed self-report questionnaires assessing mother-infant bonding (the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire), parental phubbing (the Distraction in Social Relations and Use of Parent Technology), and postpartum depression symptoms (the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale). Current postpartum depression symptomatology was 56.1%, 12.1% scored above the bonding disorder cut-off, and 4.1% had severe bonding disorder. Higher levels of postpartum depression symptoms were correlated with higher parental phubbing and impaired bonding. Parental phubbing partially mediates the relationship between postpartum depression symptoms and maternal-infant bonding disorder. Our findings provide a new mediation model for the association between postpartum depression symptoms and mother-infant bonding disorder. Considering the growing prevalence of mobile device use and the potential risks underscored in this study, parenting, educational, and behavioral programs may benefit from incorporating specific strategies and information to enhance parental knowledge and interpersonal competency. These preventive intervention strategies may have the potential to be particularly beneficial for mothers at heightened risk for postpartum depression.

Long-distance romantic relationships have become an increasingly common type of relationship. Especially among emerging adults, the preference for such relationships is increasing. This situation reveals the importance of analyzing how long-distance relationships are maintained and the quality that individuals perceive from these relationships. The study group of this research consists of emerging adults who have been in a long-distance romantic relationship for at least 6 months. The study examined the relationships between relationship maintenance behaviors, dyadic trust and relationship quality. The findings obtained using a serial mediation model show that relationship maintenance behaviors predict relationship quality both directly and indirectly through dyadic trust. In particular, openness and positivity play important roles in the formation of trust, which in turn increases overall relationship quality. The results emphasize that adaptive communication and relationship maintenance behaviors play a critical role in overcoming the difficulties encountered in long-distance relationships. The findings are discussed within the framework of family systems theory and the impact of stressors on the system and the role of effective relationship maintenance behaviors in maintaining relational balance and functioning are discussed. Finally, implications for practice and future research in the field of relationship counseling are discussed.

This is a cross-sectional study investigating the validity of the Dimensional Clinical Personality Inventory 2 (IDCP-2) as a tool for assessing HiTOP spectra. In Study 1, a nonclinical sample of 1659 Brazilian participants (65.4% females, with ages ranging from 18 to 70 years) was utilized to evaluate the internal structure of the IDCP-2 and its alignment with the HiTOP framework, according to four experts' independent ratings. Given the disparities in expert ratings regarding the conscientiousness scales of IDCP-2, we conducted exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to identify the optimal placement for the anankastia factor within our model. Study 2 involved 641 nonclinical participants (87.17% females, with ages ranging from 18 to 82 years) and examined the external validity of the IDCP-2 factors that are shown to be representative of the HiTOP spectra by correlating its scales with the PID5BF + M domains. The findings indicate the IDCP-2's robust internal consistency and factorial validity as a tool for assessing the HiTOP spectra and confirming its external validity based on the significant moderate to high correlations with the PID5BF + M domain. Additionally, our results suggest anankastia to be a separate sixth factor within the HiTOP framework. These results underscore the IDCP-2's value in capturing a wide range of pathological traits, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of personality and psychopathology. Future research should focus on further validating the IDCP-2 in clinically diverse populations, to enhance its clinical applicability according to global healthcare developments, and to support the broader implementation of the HiTOP model globally.

Because of the limited success at fostering sustained weight loss through behavioral changes, surgical and pharmaceutical interventions are increasingly relied upon. Better accommodating key constructs within health behavior-change theory might be necessary for improving success through behavioral means. Women with obesity (N = 73) participated in a 6-month theory-informed and community-based weight-loss program. They demonstrated significant within-group improvements in self-regulation and self-efficacy related to exercise and eating, dietary behaviors, cardiovascular exercise, and weight over 12 months. Paths from early changes in self-regulation, to early changes in behavior, to longer-term changes in self-efficacy and further behavioral changes were significant for both cardiovascular exercise and dietary behavior changes. Similar paths, but initiating from self-efficacy change, were not significant. Reductions in weight over both 6 months (-6.0%) and 12 months (-5.5%) were significantly predicted by the changes in cardiovascular exercise and dietary behaviors. Findings suggested that an initial emphasis on self-regulatory skill development will promote self-efficacy and weight-loss behaviors.

This study's primary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (IACT) program modified to include interoceptive exposure for treating panic disorder with or without concurrent agoraphobia. Its secondary aim was to examine whether therapist- and client-rated working alliances were related to treatment outcomes. This randomized controlled trial included 79 participants, assigned to either a treatment group (n = 40) or a waitlist control group (n = 39) over 10 weeks. The study investigated the effects on panic disorder and quality of life, as well as the relationship between working alliances (rated by therapists and clients) and treatment outcomes. At post-treatment, there was a significant between-group treatment effect on panic disorder symptoms, with an observed effect size of d = 0.92. The model-predicted effect size based on the multilevel model was d_GMA-raw = 0.86. Furthermore, 43% of participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria. Participants with concurrent agoraphobia exhibited higher initial panic symptom scores and were less likely to be diagnosis-free post-treatment. However, they still experienced significant and large treatment effects, with an observed effect size d = 1.22 and d_GMA-raw = 0,99. There was no significant between-group difference in quality-of-life measurements. The therapist-rated working alliance was associated with treatment outcome, but no significant relationship was found for the client-rated alliance. Overall, the study suggests that interoceptive exposure-modified IACT is an effective treatment for panic disorder and shows promise for patients with concurrent agoraphobia.

Personality traits (e.g., the Big Five) shape human behavior, decision-making, and life outcomes. Evidence from various countries suggests that these traits are not randomly distributed but follow systematic regional patterns, fueling interest in their geographical variation. We analyze N = 22,225 geo-coded personality assessments, aggregated at regional levels. Using Hot Spot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi), we identify spatial clusters of personality traits and test their associations with health and well-being indicators at the regional level. Even though Sweden has a reputation for equality, our analysis reveals notable spatial differences in personality composition. The data reveal overlapping geographical clustering in Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Emotional Stability (i.e., low Neuroticism), traits that are established predictors of better psychological functioning. These traits co-occur at relatively higher levels in southern Sweden, particularly in the Scania region, whereas they co-occur at relatively lower levels in parts of central Sweden. These patterns are descriptively supported by municipal-level correlations with health and well-being variables, although the associations are not uniform across all measures. In view of these results, we reflect on how these clusters may connect to long-standing regional histories, including industrial legacies. Such interpretations remain speculative, and we outline a future research agenda to further investigate the causes and consequences of regional personality variation, as well as its possible societal implications.

The negative relationship between math anxiety and mathematics performance is well established. However, factors such as how math anxiety is operationalized, the specific mathematical domain, gender, and cultural context may influence this relationship. Still, these factors have not been considered together and the results in primary school students have been inconsistent. Thus, this study aimed to investigate how math anxiety is related to arithmetic fluency and number processing in fourth-grade students across three cultural contexts (Finnish- and Swedish-speaking students from Finland and Swedish-speaking students from Sweden). In addition, we investigated the dimensionality of math anxiety (i.e., cognitive and affective dimensions) and gender differences in the level of and relations between math anxiety and mathematics performance. The sample included 1022 fourth-grade students (52.6% girls) from Finland and Sweden. The participants completed a survey measuring their math anxiety and a mathematics performance test (arithmetic fluency and number processing). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-dimensional math anxiety construct for the Finnish-speaking sample and a unidimensional math anxiety construct for the Swedish-speaking samples. The negative math anxiety-performance relationship was demonstrated in each sample, showing a slightly stronger association for arithmetic fluency than number processing. On average girls experienced higher levels of math anxiety and boys had better arithmetic fluency. The negative relationship between math anxiety and mathematics performance, especially for number processing, was stronger for boys. The results highlight the relationships between math anxiety and mathematics performance in fourth-grade students in Finland and Sweden. More research considering cultural (e.g., language) and gender differences is needed.

Experience plays a role in belief development. We present a method to evaluate the experiential basis of a belief and investigate whether belief-change interventions are more effective if the qualities of an intervention experience more closely match the experience that might have led to the belief. Psychology department research pool participants (total N = 1102) were in either a read-only or experience-based intervention for three beliefs: that they can detect stares from unseen others, that pyramids have remarkable powers of preservation, and that pyramids produce concentration benefits for people meditating under them. Stare detection and pyramid effects on concentration were diagnosed as experience-based beliefs and were both more strongly affected by experience-based interventions. Pyramid preservation power did not have the properties of an experience-based belief, and intervention type had no effect on that belief. Potential improvements in evaluating experience and implications for more consequential belief change research are discussed.

Frontline police officers frequently face ambiguous and high-pressure situations requiring rapid decision-making under uncertainty. Traditional police training often emphasizes procedural and tactical skills, neglecting cognitive competencies such as situational awareness (SA) and shared mental models (SMM). This study investigates whether a brief, theoretically grounded decision-making training program can enhance SA and team behavior among regular and SWAT-type police officers during simulated arrest scenarios. A quasi-experimental 2 × 2 factorial design was employed, involving 166 police officers (category 3: SWAT-type; category 4: regular patrol). Participants were assigned to either a training group (n = 54) or a control group (n = 112). The training program consisted of three modules focusing on decision-making frameworks, scenario-based exercises, and group debriefings. SA was measured using the Situational Awareness Rating Scale (SARS), and team behavior was assessed by subject matter experts during ambiguous and non-ambiguous simulated scenarios. Statistical analyses included factorial ANOVAs and planned comparisons. Trained officers demonstrated significantly higher SA scores than untrained controls (F(1, 162) = 12.587, p < 0.000). SWAT-type officers outperformed regular officers in SA and team behavior across scenarios. A training effect on team behavior was observed only among regular officers in the ambiguous scenario (F(1, 81) = 6.66, p < 0.012). No training effect was found in the non-ambiguous scenario. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium, with the strongest impact observed in SA and ambiguous decision-making. Brief decision-making training improved SA across both officer categories and enhanced team behavior in ambiguous scenarios for regular officers. These findings support the integration of scenario-based, cognitively focused training in police education to better prepare officers for complex operational environments.