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  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    The Importance of Optimism and School Belonging for Children’s Well-Being and Academic Achievement

    Geonho Na1, Ryewon Ma2,*, Heetae Cho1,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.073087
    Abstract Background: Academic achievement is an important indicator of student development, and its pursuit should be considered alongside students’ mental health and overall quality of life. Traditional martial arts, as an educational activity that emphasizes self-discipline, communal values, and positive emotional experiences, may support key psychological factors related to learning, such as optimism, school belonging, and well-being. However, how these factors are connected to academic achievement has not been fully examined. Therefore, this study investigated the associations between these psychological resources and academic achievement among students participating in traditional martial arts training. Methods: Data were collected from… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Caregiving Stress in Parents of Children with Leukemia

    Jinpan Wang1,#, Yue Yuan2,#,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071212
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Mental Health Promotion and Psychosocial Support in Vulnerable Populations: Challenges, Strategies and Interventions)
    Abstract Background: Childhood leukemia, a malignant proliferative disorder of the hematopoietic system and the most common childhood cancer, poses a significant threat to the lives and health of affected children. For parents, a leukemia diagnosis in their child is a profoundly traumatic event. As primary caregivers, they endure immense psychological distress and caregiving stress throughout the prolonged and demanding treatment process, which can adversely affect their own well-being and caregiving capacity. However, the psychological mechanisms, such as the role of mindfulness, linking caregiver stress to parental coping strategies remain underexplored, and evidence-based interventions to support these parents… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Pills as Aids? Substance Use, School Satisfaction, Sleep Quality, Body Image, and Mental Well-Being Among Korean Adolescents

    Wufan Jia1, Seung Hee Yoo2, Hye Eun Lee3,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071572
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Health Issues in Modern Society: Addictive Behaviors and Psychological Health)
    Abstract Background: With growing concerns about the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), diet pills, and sleep aids, among adolescents in South Korea, this study aimed to investigated how these substances affect key aspects of adolescent well-being, specifically school satisfaction, body image, and sleep quality, and their association with mental health outcomes. Methods: A two-wave longitudinal survey was conducted with Korean female high school students (Wave 1: n = 494; Wave 2: n = 189). Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the effects of ADHD medications, diet pills, and… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    The Impact of EU Immigration Law and Policy on Immigrants’ Subjective Well-Being

    Quan Cheng, Yun Lin, Hui Yu*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072232
    Abstract Background: Against the backdrop of the complex interplay between global migration flows and the European Union’s governance system, immigrants’ subjective well-being (SWB) has become a crucial indicator for assessing both their social integration and the effectiveness of integration policies. However, few studies have systematically linked immigration law and policy to SWB through a structured framework of human needs. This study aims to assess how European Union (EU) immigration policies influence immigrants’ SWB by facilitating the fulfillment of hierarchical needs based on Maslow’s theory. Methods: Using data from the European Social Survey (ESS, 2010–2023), this study analyzed… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Associations between Work Schedule Type and Physical Activity with Mental Health and Job Stress among Seoul Metro Employees

    Youngho Kim1, Jonghwa Lee2,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072560
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Improving Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) Through Promoting Health-Related Behaviors)
    Abstract Background: Shift-based occupations have been consistently linked to adverse psychological outcomes; however, limited research has examined how work schedule type and physical activity are jointly associated with mental health and job stress in public transportation employees, a population frequently exposed to irregular hours and safety-critical responsibilities. This study investigated the associations between work schedule type and physical activity with mental health indicators and job stress among Seoul Metro employees. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 298 full-time male employees of Seoul Metro. Participants were categorized by work schedule (shift vs. regular) and physical activity level… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Understanding Adolescent Social Media Use: A Narrative Review of Motivations, Risk Factors, and Mental Health Implications

    Kyung-Hyun Suh1,*, Sung-Jin Chung1, Goo-Churl Jeong1, Kunho Lee1, Ji-Hyun Ryu2
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071879
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Causes, Consequences and Interventions for Emerging Social Media Addiction)
    Abstract This narrative review examines adolescent social media use by exploring its underlying motivations, risk and protective factors across personal, environmental, and digital domains, and their implications for mental health. Adolescents engage with social media for connection, self-expression, and identity exploration. Individual vulnerabilities—such as low self-esteem, impulsivity, and poor sleep—interact with contextual factors like peer pressure and family conflict to elevate risks. Digital environments shaped by algorithmic feeds, feedback mechanisms, and curated content promote social comparison and fear of missing out, further contributing to problematic usage patterns. These risks are counterbalanced by potential protective elements, including More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Determining the Emotions and Views of Patients with Post-Cesarean Surgical Site Infection: A Qualitative Study

    Elçin Alaçam1,*, Mualla Yılmaz2
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071033
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Mental Health Promotion and Psychosocial Support in Vulnerable Populations: Challenges, Strategies and Interventions)
    Abstract Background: Post-cesarean surgical site infection is a frequent complication with significant consequences for maternal, physical, and psychological well-being. This study explored women’s lived experiences of post-cesarean surgical site infection, focusing on emotional responses, treatment experiences, and perceived psychosocial impact. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 23 patients hospitalized due to post-cesarean surgical site infection, selected through purposeful sampling between 15 August 2022, and 15 January 2024. Results: The mean age of the participants in the study was 28.69 ± 5.07 years. Of them, 13 were high school graduates, and 22… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Family Organization and Resilience in Chinese Primary Students: Mediating Effects of Proactive Coping and Mindfulness

    Jingyuan Yu, Xueyan Wei*, Jinghui Wang
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071233
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Risk and Protective Factors in Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Insights for Research and Practice)
    Abstract Background: Chinese elementary students face mental health challenges due to excessive academic pressures. Previous research has indicated that resilience is crucial for improving their mental health, which is fostered by a supportive family environment. This study, therefore, explored the impact of family organization on children’s resilience and examined whether proactive coping and mindfulness mediate this relationship. Methods: Data were collected from 702 elementary school students (grades 3–6) in 3 cities in China using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Validated scales measured family organization, proactive coping, mindfulness, and resilience. The hypothesized model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Enhancing Well-Being through Psychological Resilience and Social Capital: An Empirical Study of Female Entrepreneurs in the Long-Term Care Industry

    Chia-Hui Hou*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.073748
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social and Behavioral Determinants of Mental Health: From Theory to Practice)
    Abstract Objectives: With the rapid aging of populations worldwide, the long-term care (LTC) industry has become a critical arena for both social welfare and entrepreneurial development, particularly among women who play a leading role in caregiving enterprises. However, female LTC entrepreneurs often face emotional strain and limited social resources that affect their professional well-being. This study investigates the effects of psychological resilience and social capital on the well-being of female entrepreneurs in the long-term care (LTC) industry and examines the mediating role of entrepreneurial competence. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 73… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Social Value and Public Health: Exploring the Impact of Social Connection on the Community Mental Health

    Jimin Chae1, Youngbin Lym2,*, Geiguen Shin2,3,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071482
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social and Behavioral Determinants of Mental Health: From Theory to Practice)
    Abstract Background: Social connection is widely recognized as a protective determinant of health, yet its direct and indirect effects on mental health remain underexplored. This study examines the relationship between social connection and mental health, focusing on the mediating role of quality of life (QoL) and the moderating effect of regional differences. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey, comprising 229,099 adults. Mental health was assessed through validated measures of depressive symptoms and psychological well-being. Social connection was measured using indicators of interpersonal ties and community participation, and QoL was assessed via self-reported… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Effect of Virtual Reality Combined with Forest Therapy on Psychological Resilience of Submarine Personnel with Insomnia Symptoms

    Yang Deng1,#, Tong Su1,#, Bin Wu1, Li Peng2, Muyu Chen1,2,*, Liang Zhang1,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072327
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Emotional Regulation, Wellbeing, and Happiness)
    Abstract Background: Submarine personnel often experience insomnia and reduced psychological resilience due to extended deployments in confined, high-stress environments. Effective non-pharmacological interventions are needed to improve sleep quality and resilience in this population. This study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) combined with forest therapy interventions on psychological resilience and sleep quality among submarine personnel with insomnia symptoms. Methods: Using convenience sampling, 92 submarine personnel with insomnia symptoms undergoing recuperation at a PLA sanatorium between July 2023 and May 2025 were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups (n = 46 each). The control group… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Alienation and Life Satisfaction: Mediation Effects of Social Identity and Hope among University Students

    Shu-Hsuan Chang1, Der-Fa Chen1, Jing-Tang Sie1, Kai-Jie Chen2, Zhe-Wei Liao1, Tai-Lung Chen1, Yao-Chung Cheng3,4,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.068264
    Abstract Background: Interpersonal alienation has increasingly been recognized as a salient risk factor affecting university students’ psychological adjustment and life satisfaction. Guided by Social Identity and Self-Categorization theories, this study examines how alienation influences life satisfaction through the mediating roles of social identity and hope. Methods: This study surveyed 492 Taiwanese undergraduate students (53.7 percent female, mean age 21.08 years) from 60 universities using convenience sampling in May 2023. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed via faculty-managed teaching media platforms. Measures included perceived social identity, state hope, interpersonal alienation, and life satisfaction. All instruments were… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    The Reciprocal Effects Among Cumulative Risk, Depression, and Psychache in Adolescents: A Developmental Cascade Model

    Kai Jing1,2,#, Jingqun Wang3,#, Baojuan Ye3,4,*, Qi Dai4, Xian Gong5, Guorong Wang2
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071120
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Adolescent and Youth Mental Health: Toxic and Friendly Environments)
    Abstract Objectives: Early adolescence is a key period of ecological and physiological change, during which exposure to accumulating risks from various environmental systems can negatively impact mental health. This study aimed to investigate the potential longitudinal relationships among cumulative risk, depression, and psychache in adolescents. Methods: A three-wave longitudinal study spanning one year was conducted with 675 (47.5% girls; Mean age = 14.13, standard deviation [SD] = 0.45) middle school students. The Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) was used to explore the dynamic reciprocal relationships among these variables. Results: At the within-individual level, cumulative risk, depression, and… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    ChatGPT, Loneliness, and Well-Being among International PhD Students in Malaysia: A Mixed-Methods Study

    Tianyu Zhao1, Xiaoli Zhao2, Kenny S. L. Cheah3,*, Ye Zhang3
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071322
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Self-Concept in the Digital Era: Exploring Its Interplay with Internet Use Patterns, Mental Health, and Physical Well-Being)
    Abstract Background: Despite access to university counseling services, many students underutilize them due to cultural stigma, language barriers, and perceived irrelevance. As a result, ChatGPT has emerged as an informal, always-available support system. This study investigates how international PhD students in Malaysia navigate loneliness, mental well-being, and social disconnection through interactions with Generative AI (mainly ChatGPT. Methods: Using a mixed-methods design, the study surveyed 155 international doctoral students and analyzed quantitative responses across four dimensions: loneliness, well-being (WHO-5), perceived social support, and AI-facilitated emotional support. Additionally, open-ended responses were examined using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to identify… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Understanding Young Adults’ Social Media Anxiety: Mediating Role of Upward Social Comparison and the Moderating Role of Psychological Resilience

    Jinqian Li1, Jianhong Wu2,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071306
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Psychological Well-being and Psychopathology in the New Millennium: Evolving Paradigms, Challenges, and Resources)
    Abstract Background: Platform algorithms driving content presentation are profoundly shaping the experience of younger users. While prior research has examined anxiety stemming from young adults’ social media usage, the link between upward social comparison and anxiety remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of upward social comparison in this relationship and determine the moderating role of psychological resilience. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 562 young Chinese adults aged 18–35 (53% female). Data were collected via an online questionnaire employing validated measurement instruments, including scales for social media usage patterns, upward comparator behaviour… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Preventive Efects of Tai Chi on Depression and Perceived Stress in HealthyOlder South Korean Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

    Ye Hoon Lee1, Yoonjung Park2,*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.069800
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: From Tradition to High-Intensity: Examining the Psychological and Emotional Impacts of Exercise Types)
    Abstract Objectives: Population aging is occurring at a rapid speed all over the world, bringing considerablepublic health challenges, including for the mental health of older adults. Considering that older populations are proneto depression and stress, the need for efective preventive interventions is critical. Tus, we conducted a study aimedat exploring the preventive impact of a community-based Tai Chi program over 8 weeks on depression and perceivedstress in healthy older adults in South Korea. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized, with 63 olderadults participating (31 individuals in the Tai Chi group and 32 in the control group). Te Tai… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    The Relationship between Friendship Quality and Loneliness of Primary School Students Based on Meta-Analysis and the Analysis of Intervention Measures

    Lizao Chen*
    International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2023.027190
    Abstract The relationship between friendship quality and loneliness belongs to an important aspect of peer relationships and plays an important role in the individual growth of primary school students. Loneliness will seriously affect the mental health level of primary school students, and good friendship quality can effectively alleviate loneliness and promote the development of students’ mental health. Therefore, the relationship between friendship quality and loneliness of primary school students based on meta-analysis and the analysis of intervention measures are proposed. This paper discusses the relationship between the quality of friendship and loneliness of primary school students… More >