Home / Journals / JPA / Vol.36, No.2, 2026
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    Strengths-based leadership and bootleg innovation: The roles of growth need strength and work centrality

    Xixi Chu1, Run Guo1, Yujin Wang2,*, Zhong Li3
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 153-159, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.072738 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract Bootleg innovation serves as a vital supplement to routine innovation, yet strengths-based leadership mechanisms driving such informal behavior remain underexplored. This study examined the mediation mechanism of growth need strength, as well as the boundary condition set by work centrality, in the association between strengths-based leadership and bootleg innovation. We employed a time-lagged design across two waves to gather data from 375 employees within the technology sector (Wave 1, n = 583; Wave 2, n = 425). The final sample consisted of 47.5% males, with 67.7% aged between 30 and 40. Hierarchical regression results found More >

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    Empowered to excel: Developing and validating an employee empowerment scale for universities

    Linda Naidoo*, Mariette Coetzee
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 161-170, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.073305 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study tested the internal reliability and validity of a 28-item Employee Empowerment scale within a higher education context. A sample of 452 university employees (N = 452) from a South African higher education institution, comprising academics (46%), administrative staff (33%), and professional and managerial staff (21%), participated in the study. The participants were required to complete an employee empowerment questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis identified a three-construct measurement model for employee empowerment: management support, autonomy and decision-making, and access to information and resources. The results revealed that the research instrument More >

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    Growth mindset and satisfaction with life among Chinese college students: Gender moderation and self-efficacy and meaning in life mediation

    Jingxuan Lou1, Yaping Pan2,*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 171-179, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.076331 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract The present study examined the mediating roles of self-efficacy and meaning in life in the relationship between growth mindset and satisfaction with life among college students, as well as the moderating role of gender. Participants were 1791 Chinese college students (female = 52.31%, mean age = 19.31 years, SD = 1.14 years). They completed the Growth Mindset Scale (GMS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Correlation analyses results showed that a growth mindset was significantly and positively related to satisfaction with life among… More >

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    Compulsory citizenship behaviour and work-family conflict among nurses in Nigeria: Examining the moderating effects of psychological detachment and conscientiousness

    Anthony Gbenro Balogun1,*, Victor Chidi Onyencho2, Choja Akpovire Oduaran2
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 181-189, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.067947 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study examined the moderating effects of psychological detachment and conscientiousness on the relationship between compulsory citizenship behaviour (CCB) and work-family conflict (WFC) among nurses. Data were gathered from 289 nurses (104 males and 185 females) working in public hospitals in the southwestern part of Nigeria. They completed self-report measures on CCB, WFC, psychological detachment, and conscientiousness. Hayes PROCESS Macro results showed that CCB was associated with higher WFC among nurses. Psychological detachment (β = −0.05, p < 0.006) and conscientiousness (β = −0.02, p < 0.003) significantly moderated the relationship between CCB and WFC, such More >

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    Basic psychological need satisfaction and job search intensity in Chinese college students: A moderated mediation model

    Lei Tang1,2, Yangang Nie2, Pei Chen2, Jian Mao2,*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 191-200, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.072648 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract Based on self-determination theory, this study examined how basic psychological need satisfaction influenced job search intensity among Chinese graduating college students. A two-wave longitudinal survey was conducted with a sample of 244 graduating students (50.4% female; mean age = 21.44 years, SD = 0.85). Data were collected using the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale, the Goal Orientation Scale, the College Students’ Job Search Stress Scale, and the Job Search Behavior Scale. The results showed that higher basic psychological need satisfaction predicted greater job search intensity, and this relationship was partially mediated by stronger More >

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    Teacher work values, motivation, and job satisfaction: Mediation professional development engagement

    Guoxiu Tian, Yanbin Guo*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 201-208, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.072897 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract The present study explored how teacher professional development (PD) activities function as a mediator between teachers’ perceptions of work value and policy orientation, their motivation, and their overall job satisfaction. The study drew on a sample of 3047 Chinese junior high school teachers from the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), of whom 74.47% were female. Results from the mediation model revealed that job satisfaction was positively associated with teacher motivation, as well as with teachers’ perceptions of value and policy orientation. The findings further revealed that teacher participation in PD activities played a More >

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    Problematic mobile game use and executive function: negative emotions mediation and physical activity moderation

    Xin Yu, Jingbo Wang, Hao Hong*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 209-217, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.073317 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study examined the roles of negative emotions and physical activity in the relationship between problematic mobile game use and executive functioning. A total of 528 participants were included (females = 62.07%; M = 19.24, SD = 1.52). All participants completed the Adapted Internet Addiction Scale, the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Chinese version of the Adolescent Executive Function Scale, and the Chinese version of the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 (PARS-3). After controlling for gender, age, school, major, and grade, regression analysis revealed that problematic mobile gaming was significantly associated with impaired executive More >

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    Flourishing amidst adversity: Exploring mechanisms of change in a spiritually based character strengths intervention using the PERMA framework in Zambia

    Mataanana Mulavu1,*, Dana Seale2, J. Paul Seale3, Sion K. Harris4, Tulani Francis L. Matenga1, Mwitwa Mugode1, Shimeo Sakanya1, Jonathan M. Tirrell5, Phillip Chimponda6, Wilbroad Mutale7, Mutale Sampa8, Oliver Mweemba1
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 219-230, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.071580 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract Unhealthy substance use is high among adolescents and young people in Zambia. Conceivably, a character strength approach could help reduce alcohol and other psychoactive substance use among young adults. We tested the efficacy of a positive psychology based group-based character strengths prevention and recovery program for alcohol risk reduction among Zambian young adults. The primary study participants included schoolchildren and community members. We conducted 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) with school students (aged 13 to 17) and community youth (ages 18–24), 12 FGDs with parents, teachers, family, friends, and group leaders. Moreover, we conducted 8… More >

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    Sense of purpose and academic engagement: The mediating role of future orientation

    Jingxue Cai1, Xi Chen2,3, Yilei Wu4, Wanru Lin2,*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 231-237, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.078827 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study examined the role of future orientation in the association between sense of purpose and academic engagement among university students. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 1174 undergraduate students (females = 64.4%) across five universities in China. Participants completed well-validated scales assessing sense of purpose, future orientation, and academic engagement. Mediation analyses showed that sense of purpose was associated with higher academic engagement, with future orientation partially mediating this association to be stronger. The indirect effect of sense of purpose on academic engagement through future orientation accounted for 33.8% of the total More >

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    How helicopter parenting fosters malevolent creativity: A serial mediation model of family environment and moral identity

    Lihua Xu1,2, Jinmei Liu3, Yan Wang4, Wenfu Li3,*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 239-248, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.078257 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study investigated the association between helicopter parenting and malevolent creativity among college students, and the serial mediating roles of family environment and moral identity. The study sample comprised 489 Chinese college students (females = 56.2%, 18–23 years old = 87.1%). The students completed self-report measures assessing helicopter parenting, family environment, moral identity, and malevolent creativity. The results of serial mediation model showed that helicopter parenting was significantly associated with higher malevolent creativity. Moreover, family environment and moral identity sequentially mediated this relationship. Specifically, helicopter parenting may contribute to a negative family environment and undermine More >

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    BMI and social avoidance: The mediating roles of body dissatisfaction and self-esteem

    Huan Song1,2, Yuan Zhao3, Chenglin He2,4,*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 249-255, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.069347 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study aimed to explore the mediating roles of body dissatisfaction and self-esteem on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and among female college students. Using a cross-sectional study design, 669 Chinese female college students completed the Body Mass Index, the Body Image States Scale, the Self-Esteem Scale, and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. The results showed that body dissatisfaction partially mediated the relationship between BMI and social avoidance. Additionally, body dissatisfaction and self-esteem together formed a serial mediation pathway between BMI and social avoidance. In other words, BMI shows a direct association More >

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    Nomophobia and psychological loneliness: Their relationship to sleep disorders among university students in Middle Eastern countries

    Mohammad Farhan Al. Qudah1, Ismael Salamah Albursan1, Salaheldin Farah Attallah Bakhiet2,*, Mohammed Awad Al-Tartouri3, Mohammed M. Ateik Al-Khadher1, Abdo Hasan Al-Qadri4
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 257-266, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.070220 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study explored the level of nomophobia among university students in relation to psychological loneliness, sleep disorders, smartphone usage, age, and the duration of smartphone ownership. A sample of 2162 students from Middle Eastern countries: Jordan (n = 470), Saudi Arabia (n = 279), United Arab Emirates (n = 315), Egypt (n = 625), Oman (n = 237), and Sudan (n = 189) (female = 1706; 78.9%; mean age = 33.36, SD = 10.69). Data were collected using the Nomophobia Questionnaire (Yildirim et al., 2016), the UCLA Psychological Loneliness Scale (Russell, 1996), the Sleep Disorders… More >

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    Multidimensional perfectionism and procrastination: The mediating role of impostor phenomenon

    Xiaoguang Wang1,*, Feier Deng1, Yuting Zheng1, Yun Wang2,*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 267-275, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.072076 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study examined the mediating role of impostor phenomenon (IP) in the relationship between multidimensional perfectionism and procrastination. A cross-sectional survey of 393 Chinese university students (72.5% women; mean age 19.27 ± 1.26 years) completed standardized measures: the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), and Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS). Key findings following PROCESS mediation model testing revealed that adaptive perfectionism was associated with higher IP. Maladaptive perfectionism was associated with both higher IP and higher procrastination levels. IP acted as a significant suppressing mediator in the association between adaptive perfectionism and procrastination. While adaptive More >

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    Social anxiety and adolescent students’ internet fiction reading: Self-esteem mediation and school grade moderation

    Qiaobo Wei1,2, Hui Zhou1,3,*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 277-284, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.068776 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract We investigated the relationship between social anxiety on adolescent students’ internet fiction reading and mediation by self-esteem. A total of 774 adolescent students (female = 48.9%; mean age 13.39 ± 1.46) completed surveys on internet fiction addiction, social anxiety and self-esteem. Mediation analysis results indicated a significant school grade placement effect in internet fiction reading to be lower . The self-esteem of adolescent students plays a mediating role between social anxiety and internet fiction reading for higher internet fiction reading with higher self-esteem. This mediating effect accounts for about two-thirds of the total effect. This More >

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    Relationship between parental psychological control and problematic gaming among Chinese adolescents: A chain mediation model

    Jingli Wu*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 285-291, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.074079 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study explored the relationship between parental psychological control (PPC) and adolescents’ problematic gaming (PG) focusing on the mediating roles of self-control (SC) and deviant peer affiliation (DPA). A total of 2028 adolescents from high schools completed self-report measures on PPC, SC, DPA, and PG. The results revealed that PPC positively predicted PG. SC mediated the relationship between PPC and PG, and also revealed that DPA also played a mediating role in this association. Additionally, SC and DPA operated in a chain mediation, where PPC reduced SC, which in turn increased the likelihood of DPA, More >

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    Developmental dynamics between psychological distress and psychological inflexibility in college students: A two-wave cross-lagged panel study

    Yanting Li1,*, Min Hu1, Jin Jiang2, Jiamin Ge3
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 293-299, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.073569 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract The present study investigated the longitudinal and reciprocal associations between psychological distress and psychological inflexibility among college students. A total of 391 participants (77.2% male; age = 20.31, SD = 0.90) were recruited through cluster sampling, completed the DASS-21 (21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) and AAQ-II (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II) at two time points (T1: March 2024; T2: October 2024). After establishing longitudinal measurement invariance, a cross-lagged panel model was estimated while controlling for gender and age. Results from cross-lagged panel modeling (CLPM) revealed significant concurrent correlations between psychological distress and psychological inflexibility at both time… More >

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    Embedding acceptance and commitment therapy in postgraduate psychology education: A South African action research study

    Lauren Martin1,*, Henry D. Mason2, Juan A. Nel3
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 301-307, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.073424 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This study explored how psychology educators in South Africa can be professionally developed to embed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles into their pedagogy, thereby enhancing psychological flexibility among postgraduate students. Using a Collaborative Action Research approach, seven educators and thirteen students participated in a ten-month intervention comprising four iterative cycles of training, implementation, and reflection. The thematic analysis found that ACT-informed pedagogy not only promoted student resilience, present-moment awareness (mindfulness), and values-based engagement (authenticity) but also catalysed shifts in educator identity toward more reflexive teaching. Students cultivated resilience by learning to tolerate emotional discomfort More >

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    BOOK REVIEW

    BOOK REVIEW
    Book Review: Gonot-Schoupinsky, F., & Mayer, C.-H. (2025). Positive autoethnography: An introduction to theory and practice. Emerald Publishing Limited. ISBN: 978-1-80592-278-0 (Print); 978-1-80592-277-3 (Online)

    Curwyn Mapaling*
    Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.36, No.2, pp. 309-310, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2026.083289 - 29 April 2026
    Abstract This article has no abstract. More >

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