Abstract: Zambia’s sports betting industry has expanded at a historically unprecedented pace, driven by mobile internet penetration, aggressive digital marketing, and entrenched youth unemployment. According to the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), active mobile cellular subscriptions surpassed 23.2 million by the end of 2024, and internet subscriptions reached 13.5 million, creating the digital infrastructure on which online betting depends. Generation Z Zambians (born between 1997 and 2012) constitute the primary demographic drawn into this market, yet the psychological, social, familial, and institutional consequences for this cohort remain empirically under-examined. This study reports findings from a systematic review and netnographic analysis of peer-reviewed literature, newspaper reportage, online news platforms, social media discourse, Google Trends data, and institutional statistical reports published between 2018 and 2025. The analysis, guided by cognitive distortion theory and Merton’s social strain theory, identifies six harm domains: illusions of financial autonomy rooted in structural precarity; progressive cognitive distortion sustaining betting escalation; suicidality and crisis following catastrophic financial loss; relational and familial erosion including marital breakdown, theft, and pension depletion; academic and occupational disengagement; and the burden on churches, government, and civil society. The study argues for coordinated multi-stakeholder intervention and proposes evidence-informed policy recommendations for Zambia and comparable sub-Saharan African contexts.

Abstract: This study employed the Ex-Gaussian distribution model to analyse eye-tracking data, to elucidate the cognitive mechanisms underlying predictive processing during Chinese reading. Using a single-factor, two-level within-subjects design (contextual predictability: high vs. low), data from 32 adult readers were analysed across the pre-target and target word regions. The results revealed that predictive reading follows a three-stage cognitive model. In the expectation generation stage (pre-target region), a significant negative τ effect indicated resource pre-allocation driven by strong contextual constraints, thereby facilitating the construction of predictive lexical representations. In the verification and integration stage (target word region), a significant negative μ effect alongside a marginally significant σ effect in the later measurement window indicated that successful prediction–input matching accelerated lexical identification and enhanced integration efficiency. In the conflict resolution stage (pre-target and target word regions), a significant positive τ effect indicated that verification failure triggered lexical activation competition at the target word, driving regressive fixations to the pre-target region for contextual reanalysis; conflict resolution costs were markedly higher under the low-predictability condition, owing to the absence of a dominant activation anchor. These findings suggest that contextual predictability influences reading through a dual mechanism: the μ parameter modulates the automatic processing speed of lexical identification, whereas the τ parameter regulates the cognitive control processes underlying expectation generation and conflict resolution. Together, these results provide empirical support for the integration of predictive coding theory and cognitive control frameworks.

Abstract: Experiential avoidance, defined as unwillingness to stay in contact with personal experiences such as thoughts, emotions and memories and difficulties in emotion regulation are closely related as emotional awareness and acceptance are crucial for regulating distressing emotions. Avoidance of internal experiences is associated with emotion regulation difficulties such as lack of emotional clarity and lack of emotional awareness. Somatic symptoms referring to bodily symptoms such as headaches, nausea and fatigue without any underlying medical conditions are frequently reported among individuals who experience unresolved trauma or emotional conflicts as these manifest as physical symptoms when avoided or not regulated in the long term. The study aimed to examine the mediating role mediator role of difficulties in emotion regulation between experiential avoidance and somatic symptoms. The cross-sectional correlational study included correlation study had a sample size of 397 recruitedemployed from a non-clinical population with convenience sampling technique. The measurement instruments were Brief Experiential Avoidance Quetionnaire (BEAQ), Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS-8) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 29 computed on SPSS IBM 29 statistical program and SPSS Process Macro 4.2 extension. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed analysis were conducted to test hypotheses of the study. Results indicated thatdifficulties in emotion regulation mediated the relationship between experiential avoidance and somatic symptoms and all variables were significantly correlated with each other.

Abstract: Detailed attention and cognitive rigidity contribute to poorer social functioning and mental health. These cognitive functions can be measured using questionnaires or behavioral tasks but existing methods have limitations. The Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) addresses several of these limitations. This study developed a Japanese translation of the DFlex and collected valid evidence for its intended score interpretations. Sixty participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 140 without ASD, and five participants who chose not to disclose whether they had an ASD diagnosis completed the Japanese version of the DFlex and the Japanese version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Data from 192 participants were analyzed. Internal consistency was good as was the internal structure, except for one item. McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha demonstrated good internal consistency and item–total correlation was acceptable, except for one item. The Japanese DFlex correlated strongly with the AQ Attention to Detail and Attention Switching subscales, supporting convergent validity. Regarding known-group validity, the ASD and non-ASD groups showed significant differences on the Cognitive Rigidity and Attention to Detail subscales. Based on its reliability and internal structural validity, the Japanese DFlex provides a better understanding of ASD-related cognitive traits for both research and clinical practice.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to explain the effect of the sustainable curricular experience on the pro-environmental behavior of Chilean university students, mediated by the new ecological paradigm and moderated by political perception variables. The sample con-sisted of 750 participants. A modeling analysis was performed by structural equations, observing adequate fit indices (χ2 = 479.968 gl (146), p < .001, RMSEA = .055, CFI = .95, TLI = .94, SRMR = .057). Curricular emphasis had a significant effect on pro-environmental behavior (β = .15, p < .001), while instructional practice had no significant effect on it (β = .05, p > .05). The new ecological paradigm had a direct and indirect effect by partially me-diating between curricular emphasis and pro-environmental behavior, while the media-tion of the new ecological paradigm between instructional practice and pro-environmental behavior was not supported. The student's political ideology and the perceived political tendency of the government with a greater orientation to environmental protection moderated several routes in the structural model. It is suggested to strengthen university education by integrating the pillars of sustainable development in environ-mental, social and economic matters as a driving force towards pro-environmental be-havior of students.

Abstract: The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed childhood, parenting, and child welfare in the twenty-first century. Parents today face unprecedented responsibilities; fostering children’s digital literacy while simultaneously protecting them from a range of online harms, including cyberbullying, predatory grooming, and exposure to developmentally inappropriate content. Drawing on recent empirical literature and theoretical frameworks in developmental ecology and parental mediation theory, this review study examines how digital environments shape child mental health outcomes, how parenting practices mediate children’s online risks and opportunities, and what higher education can contribute to equipping parents and practitioners with the competencies needed for effective digital safeguarding. The analysis reveals three convergent challenges: the inadequacy of purely restrictive parenting strategies, the widening gap between institutional child protection frameworks and the pace of technological change, and the absence of systematic digital parenting curricula within higher education learning development programmes. The study argues that universities must take a more deliberate role in embedding critical digital parenting knowledge within professional and lifelong learning pathways. The study concludes by proposing a collaborative, ecology-informed model that positions higher education as a key actor in building protective capacity around children in digital environments.

Abstract: Background: Preterm birth increases the risk of socio-emotional difficulties and later behavioural problems. Early identification is essential, but the predictive value of socio-emotional assessments at different ages remains uncertain. Aim: To examine whether socio-emotional skills at 1, 2, and 3 years predict behavioural outcomes at 4 years in very preterm children. Methods: Fifty-seven preterm children were assessed longitudinally with the Bayley-III Socio-Emotional scale at 1, 2, and 3 years, and with the CBCL 1.5–5 at 4 years. Analyses included correlations, repeated-measures ANOVA, and regression models. Results: Socio-emotional scores were within normative ranges at all ages, with improvement by age 3. Strong associations emerged between socio-emotional skills at 1 year and later behavioural outcomes, particularly internalizing and total problems. These associations weakened by 2 years and disappeared by 3 years. Regression confirmed that only the 1-year assessment predicted later difficulties. Conclusion: Socio-emotional competencies in the first year of life are robust predictors of later behavioural adjustment in preterm children. This highlights the first year as a sensitive window for screening and preventive intervention. Incorporating socio-emotional assessments into routine neonatal follow-up may enable earlier identification of at-risk children and foster resilience through timely, targeted support.

Abstract: This article examines the emerging role of artificial intelligence in mental health contexts, with a particular focus on psychotherapy and the risks associated with deploying large language models (LLMs) in sensitive clinical domains. It discusses several key concerns, including AI-related psychosis, the development of parasocial attachments and the growing number of crisis-related interactions users have with general-purpose AI models. These challenges raise important questions about the safety, reliability, and ethical management of AI systems when individuals seek support during periods of psychological crisis. Beyond identifying these risks, the article explores the potential of clinical LLMs specifically designed for mental health applications. In particular, AI can serve as a tool for therapists’ training, supervision, and professional development, offering simulated clinical scenarios, structured feedback, and support for reflective practice. The article concludes by outlining key directions for the responsible development of therapeutic AI. These include the importance of human oversight, the use of specialized and clinically informed training datasets, advances in model fine-tuning and safety alignment, and the establishment of clear professional guidelines and regulatory frameworks. Together, these developments may help ensure that AI technologies are integrated into mental health care in ways that prioritize safety, ethical practice, and the continued central role of human clinicians.

Abstract: This study examines the moderating role of generative artificial intelligence conversations in the relationship between perceived social support and quality of life among 252 young adults (18-30 years). Results indicate that generative AI usage significantly moderates this relationship, with distinct effects depending on the level of dependency. In individuals with low dependency, social support remains the primary predictor of quality of life; however, in those with high dependency, this relationship is substantially attenuated. Analysis reveals that the type of usage significantly influences this effect: emotional and recreational use diminishes the benefits of social support, while informational and professional use does not show this impact. The explanatory mechanism identified shows that emotional use contributes to the development of AI dependency, thereby reducing the ability to leverage traditional social support. These findings emphasize the importance of balanced use of conversational technologies to maintain the benefits of authentic interpersonal relationships.

Abstract: This study examines students’ psychosocial adaptability, conceptualised as a set of self-regulatory resources and social competencies that support university integration and quality of life. Using a sample of N = 420 students from Romania (n = 257) and the Republic of Moldova (n = 163), the MLO-AM, AMS, and a global adaptability/flexibility test (Adap) were administered, alongside demographic items, items on a prior diagnosis of anxiety, and the use of essential oils to reduce anxiety. Analyses (independent-samples t tests; one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests; p < 0,05) identified differentiated profiles: students from Romania obtained higher mean scores on most specific dimensions (adaptive potential, stability, communication, and socio-educational needs), whereas global flexibility was slightly higher among students from the Republic of Moldova. Age, study cycle/year, and marital status showed robust effects, indicating higher levels of stability, communication, and integration among mature students and/or those at more advanced academic levels. A prior diagnosis of anxiety was associated with lower adaptability, and the use of aromas was linked to moderate advantages in socio-communicative functioning and professional orientation. The conclusions support the need for targeted psychoeducational interventions for groups with adaptive vulnerability.

Abstract: Theories guide scientific inquiry by describing, explaining, and predicting human behavior and development across the lifespan. However, the social sciences have been largely shaped by theories rooted in Western philosophy, with Indigenous theories notably underrepresented. This scoping review identified Indigenous theories of human development and examined how they conceptualize development across the lifespan. Searches across four databases yielded 18 articles and 21 theories. Across theories, three developmental domains were prioritized (identity, relationships, and spirituality) embedded within four life stages: prenatal/childhood, youthhood, adulthood, and elderhood. Indigenous theories overwhelmingly centered community wellbeing and interconnectedness at each life stage. Last, rather than a linear, age-related progression, Indigenous theories reflected relational, cyclical, and narrative developmental trajectories- each with shared expectations for how development unfolds across the lifespan. These findings elevate Indigenous frameworks within developmental science and offer a foundation for theoretical and empirical innovation.

Abstract: This study examines the role of volunteers in the formation of social initiatives that utilize local resources. Previous research on volunteering has typically explained participation in terms of altruistic motives and a desire to contribute to society. However, this study focuses on intellectual curiosity—specifically, an interest in observing on-site situations and analyzing problem structures, as a factor that supports the continuity of volunteer activities.The study analyzes a local resource project that utilizes camellia leaves naturally growing on a remote island in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Using qualitative analysis, we examine the activities of a central practitioner, referred to as Practitioner A. Practitioner A plays a bridging role by connecting multiple actors, including local residents, companies, welfare facilities, tourism stakeholders, and researchers. This study conceptualizes such practitioners as “analytical volunteers.” Analytical volunteers are participants who are motivated not only by altruistic intentions but also by an intrinsic interest in observing real-world situations and constructing activities through problem analysis.The case analysis reveals that while the camellia project has succeeded in forming a network among diverse actors, it has not yet achieved stable commercialization. This stage is interpreted as the “growing pains” of social innovation in local communities.This study contributes to volunteer research by highlighting the presence of participants motivated by analytical thinking and by demonstrating the importance of network intermediaries in the formation of regional innovation processes.

Abstract: Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) in a sample of university students from Ecuador Method: This instrumental research examines the construct validity through confirmatory factor analysis and the reliability of the AMS. Sample: 1007 subjects (n=403 women, 39.9%) from the Salesian Polytechnic University of Ecuador. Results: Regarding the construct validity of the AMS, confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model demonstrated a good fit to the data, with CMIN or χ2(303) = 1171.948, p ¡ 0.001, CFI = 0.987 (robust), RMSEA = 0.053 (confidence interval between 0.050 and 0.057), and SRMR = 0.047. The Cronbach’s Alpha (α) and McDonald’s Omega (ω) reliability coefficients were ≥0.80. Conclusion: Given the psychometric properties presented, the use of the AMS-E is recommended for evaluating factors of academic motivation in the Ecuadorian population.

Abstract: This study examines whether the association between parenting styles and adolescent adjustment reflects universal principles or culturally embedded processes, comparing adolescents from Germany (n = 395) and Spain (n = 331). Grounded in the bidimensional model of parental socialization (warmth × strictness), four styles were identified: authoritative, indulgent, authoritarian, and neglectful. Participants (Mage = 15.6 years) completed measures of parental socialization (ESPA29) and multidimensional self-concept (AF5); academic achievement was obtained from school records, and substance use was self-reported. A cross-sectional design was employed using multivariate analyses of variance that revealed warmth was positively associated with all self-concept domains and negatively with substance use, whereas strictness showed weak or negative links. Significant Parenting Style × Country interactions emerged for academic self-concept, achievement, and substance use. In Spain, indulgent parenting showed particular advantages, especially for academic self-concept. In Germany, both indulgent and authoritative styles yielded favorable outcomes, with authoritative parenting demonstrating protective effects against substance use. These findings question the presumed universal superiority of the authoritative style and underscore the cultural embeddedness of optimal parenting, supporting a contextualist model of adolescent socialization across European contexts.

Abstract: Previous studies suggest that elevated competitive anxiety may increase the likeli-hood of injury. The present research aims to examine the role of competitive anxiety as a predictor of injury occurrence, frequency, and severity. A cross-sectional, correlational de-sign was conducted with 131 athletes, (mean age = 16.49 years), predominantly male. In-juries data were obtained through medical record review, and competitive anxiety was assessed using the Competitive Anxiety Inventory-2. Empirical frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and logistic and ordinal regression models were employed. A high incidence of injuries was observed, although most were minor. Competitive anxiety was characterized by elevated levels of cognitive anxiety and self-confidence. Injured athletes exhibited greater overall competitive anxiety (r = .31, p < .001), with higher levels observed among those who sustained more injuries (ε² = .12, p = .001), and a very large effect was found in relation to injury severity (ε² = .17, p < .001). The occurrence of injury can only be predicted in 10.9–14.7% of cases through increased cogni-tive and somatic anxiety, whereas an increase across all dimensions of competitive anxi-ety predicts a greater number (13–14%) and severity (20.3–21.8%) of injuries. These find-ings underscore the importance of developing skills to manage competitive anxiety, par-ticularly its cognitive dimension and maintaining optimal levels of self-confidence in young athletes.

Abstract: Analysis of a digitalized databank of books indicates that the topic of life’s meaning first emerged around 1800 and increased sharply in frequency during the middle of the 19th century, with take-off dates fairly similar across the six literatures we searched (American English, British English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish). We discuss major historical changes around this time that likely impacted people’s psychological approaches toward understanding their lives. Of five major needs for meaning, purpose and value were severely impacted, efficacy and self-worth found new contexts, and comprehensibility / continuity was also challenged. Important changes in society included the following. Secularization reduced the sense that the world operated under divine plan and also undermined the presumptive basis for moral values. The industrial revolution disrupted society with new kinds of goals but new problems, including changing the meaning and nature of work. Urbanization offered new life paths for many while weakening the reputational basis for morality. Cognitive changes including expanded education and literacy, thereby exposing people to new ideas. Political upheavals raised questions about how society should be organized and what the individual’s duty was. Social mobility in both directions transformed individual lives in unprecedented fashion.

Abstract: The main aim of this study was to investigate the association between areas of work life and engagement in the development of burnout syndrome in self-employed and sub-ordinate psychologists. Using a cross-sectional approach with quantitative and qualitative elements, three scales validated for the Brazilian population were applied: Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). 180 psychology professionals took part, with a predominance of females (88.3%) and a majority aged between 24 and 29. The results revealed a strong negative correlation between the BAT domains and aspects assessed by the UWES, confirming the inverse association between engagement and burnout. In addition, the positive associa-tion between areas of work life and engagement was confirmed. However, there was no confirmation of the negative association between areas of work life and burnout, and no evidence was found that these areas act as mediators in the relation between engagement and burnout. Thus, although the areas of work life have been shown to influence en-gagement and burnout independently, their role as mediators in this relationship has not been confirmed. Although some hypotheses were confirmed and significant associations were found, the research also encountered unexpected results and limitations that deserve to be considered in future investigations such as this one.

Abstract: Vaccination uptake is among the best public health behaviors to prevent infection, disease and death. However, public confidence in this behavior has waned in recent years alongside the twin respiratory threats of influenza and COVID-19. Moreover, certain populations, such as emerging adults, may be amenable to vaccination attitude and behavior change. The current investigation presents two studies that address influenza and COVID-19 vaccination uptake among emerging adults. First, among more than 2,000 emerging adults during the years of 2022-2024 we examine rates of vaccination uptake and attitudes, as well as relationships of vaccine rates with other concomitant health behaviors. Second, we explore the efficacy of a classroom-based vaccination promotion experience in altering both attitudes and behaviors regarding vaccination uptake among 275 emerging adults at college. Results highlight some health behaviors that are related to influenza uptake but not COVID-19 uptake. Moreover, results from Study 2 demonstrated that attitudes, but not behavior, seem to be most amenable to the classroom-based approach to encourage health behavior change, as a significant increase in positive attitudes toward both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines was observed. These findings are discussed further considering theoretical and practical applications.

Abstract: The positive impact of strategic self-talk on performance in various sports tasks has been well-documented. Contemporary research has therefore started to explore the potential mechanisms through which self-talk affects performance. The purpose of the present study was to examine aspects of the attentional mechanisms underlying performance on a golf putting task, endorsing a psychophysiological perspective through the assessment of Heart-Rate Variability. Participants were 40 male sport science students, with no prior experience in golf putting, who were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experiment was completed over four sessions, including baseline assessment, two training sessions, and final assessment. Participants of both groups followed the same training protocol, with the experimental group practicing strategic self-talk training and developing personal self-talk plans for the final assessment. Performance and HRV were recorded during the baseline and final assessments. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the experimental group showed greater performance improvement from baseline to final assessment and superior performance compared to the control group at the final assessment. Analysis of the HRV data provided indications that the experimental group showed different patterns of RMSSD activation at the final assessment, showing a greater activation of the para-sympathetic nervous system, in particular so, towards the latest stages of the golf-putting task. The findings are in line with an attentional interpretation of self-talk effectiveness through a more relaxed / less effortful processing, showing that when ego depletion was likely induced, the use of strategic self-talk mitigated any adverse effects.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) represents a significant global public health challenge, associated with cognitive deficits, immune dysfunction, and increased susceptibility to different comorbidities. Recent evidence suggests that neuroimmune signalling, particularly microglial activation and cytokine-mediated pathways, plays a critical role in the development, persistence, and relapse vulnerability of AUD. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the role of cytokines and interleukins in AUD, emphasizing their modulation during alcohol exposure, withdrawal, and abstinence. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review methodology was employed, including a search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using relevant keywords. Peer-reviewed studies published in English that examined cytokine and interleukin profiles in adults with AUD were included. The main findings were synthesized into thematic domains to identify recurring patterns, inconsistencies, and research gaps. Results: AUD is associated with significant alterations in cytokine pro-files. Pro-inflammatory markers such as IL-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-8, and IL-18 are elevated during active alcohol use and early abstinence, while anti-inflammatory markers like IL-10 show fluctuations. These immune changes are linked to systemic inflammation, neurotoxicity, and AUD severity. Cytokine levels tend to normalize with sustained abstinence, although severe AUD may lead to prolonged immune dysregulation. Associations between inflammatory markers and psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression, were also observed. Conclusions: Immune dysregulation plays a central role in AUD pathophysiology, with cytokines serving as potential biomarkers for disease progression and treatment response. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, diverse patient populations, and mechanistic investigations to refine biomarker utility and develop targeted immunomodulatory therapies. Addressing inflammation and neuroplasticity may enhance clinical outcomes in AUD management.