Purpose This study aims to examine the connections linking Dark Triad Personality (DTP) traits, bullying and cyberbullying (CB) through psychological network analysis in a sample of adolescents from Ecuador.Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional descriptive design focused on associations and correlations was implemented using network analysis. Participants were 847 adolescents aged 16-19 years (M = 17.19, SD = 0.88); 55.8% identified as female and 44.2% identified as male. All were enrolled in a pre-university programme in Ambato and had completed their secondary education in institutions located in the provinces of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi.Findings DTP, bullying and CB formed a dense, precise and stable network comprising 29 nodes and 62 edges, within which the three theoretical communities were clearly distinguished. The network exhibited "small-world" properties that enhance rapid and efficient activation and transmission of symptom-like patterns, suggesting co-occurrence across constructs.Originality/value DTP, bullying and CB constitute an interconnected symptom-like ecosystem that contributes to in-person and online perpetration among adolescents in Ecuador.
Purpose This article aims to introduce a scale for measuring civilian survival responses in armed conflict. Design/methodology/approach The study was grounded in existing scholarship and informed by empirical data collected on the Taliban insurgency in Pakistan. Based on factor analysis, the scale comprises four subscales that represent distinct survival strategies: resistance, accommodation, resolution and avoidance. Findings Parallel analysis and subsequent exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a four-factor structure of the scale. The final measurement model demonstrated strong internal consistency, composite reliability and convergent validity. Research limitations/implications Although the scale is primarily designed to assess civilian survival responses in intrastate conflicts such as insurgencies and civil wars, it may also apply to other conflict settings. Originality/value The literature offers several typologies of survival strategies to explain how people cope with violence and survive during armed conflicts. The typologies are from various conflicts worldwide but are primarily based on qualitative studies. Little attention has been paid to developing a quantitative scale to measure civilians’ survival responses in armed conflicts. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a Survival Tactics Scale.
Purpose The study aims to examine the relationship between the gaslighting of intimate partners and other forms of emotional abuse, considering a potential role for personality. Design/methodology/approach In all, 246 community participants completed online questionnaires examining gaslighting and other forms of abuse. Of these, 73% identified as women. Participants completed the Gaslighting Behaviour Questionnaire (GBQ), Revised Controlling Behaviours Scale (CBS-R), Stalking and Obsessive Relational Intrusions Questionnaire (SORI-Q), Mini International Personality Item Pool (Mini IPIP) and the Psychopathic Processing and Personality Assessment (PAPA-2). Findings Gaslighting perpetration predicted other forms of aggressive perpetration (i.e. coercive control and stalking), with being a victim of gaslighting predicting other forms of victimisation. Psychopathy predicted all forms of aggression perpetration with other forms of personality presenting with a more mixed picture. A network analysis verified associations between aggression forms and a clustering of personality traits, confirming a mixed picture in relation to personality but highlighting a role for psychopathy. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to include consideration of gaslighting as part of a broader array of emotional aggression and to consider adaptive and maladaptive personality as potential predictors. Gaslighting presents as an important element of interpersonal abuse to consider. The association between gaslighting, coercive control and stalking is notable, suggesting evidence for poly-victim and poly-aggressors.
PurposePerformance monitoring of aggressive behavior involves dynamic cognitive control, including threat detection and response inhibition, and this study aims to investigate whether impulsive individuals' impaired monitoring stems from heightened threat sensitivity or weakened response inhibition, moderated by threat types and cognitive load, through two experiments.Design/methodology/approachExperiment 1 (n = 42) used the combined flanker-stop-signal task to verify whether impulsivity can affect threat detection and response inhibition in performance monitoring. Experiment 2 (n = 100), building upon Experiment 1, examined the influence of cognitive load on the response monitoring of impulsive individuals by increasing cognitive load and expanding the types of threats.FindingsExperiment 1 found that highly impulsive individuals showed greater threat sensitivity but similar response inhibition compared to low-impulsive individuals. Aggressive threats impair the impulsive person's ability to inhibit responses. The results of Experiment 2 showed that the weakening effect of cognitive load on impulsive individuals' response inhibition was different with different types of threats, and the weakening effect of cognitive load on symbolic threats was greater than that of realistic threats. Cognitive load enhances the ability of low-impulsive individuals to filter out irrelevant information and modulates the processing of symbolic and realistic threats in high- and low-impulsive individuals' ability to defend against reputation.Originality/valueThis research uses a combined flanker-stop-signal task across two experiments to examine how impulsivity influences threat detection and response inhibition. Experiment 1 reveals that highly impulsive individuals exhibit greater threat sensitivity, particularly to aggressive threats but show no significant deficits in response inhibition compared to low-impulsive individuals. Experiment 2 extends these findings by demonstrating that cognitive load differentially affects response inhibition across various threat types, with symbolic threats having a more pronounced impact under high cognitive load. Additionally, electrophysiological data (error-related negativity, N2 and P2 components) provide insights into the neural underpinnings of these processes, highlighting the interplay between impulsivity, cognitive load and threat type in modulating performance monitoring.
Purpose - This paper aims to reframe hatred as a socially contagious and biologically embedded condition with measurable health consequences. It aims to synthesize evidence across disciplines to conceptualize hatred as a public health threat and propose a framework for prevention and intervention. Design/methodology/approach - This narrative review integrates evidence from psychology, neuroscience, trauma studies, epidemiology, public health and social science. Targeted database searches and synthesis of relevant literature were used to conceptualize hatred within a biopsychosocial-environmental and political framework. Findings - Hatred exhibits disease-like characteristics, spreading interpersonally and intergenerationally through trauma, social learning and structural reinforcement. Exposure to hatred alters brain function, elevates stress responses and contributes to chronic disease and mental health disorders. It clusters in marginalized communities and is amplified by political rhetoric and institutional bias. An emphasis on implementing health-promoting policies may mitigate its spread. Research limitations/implications - This review highlights that current research on the spread of hatred is limited by methodological, definitional and contextual gaps. Most studies are correlational, use inconsistent measures and focus on high-income or online settings. Despite these constraints, evidence suggests hatred spreads through identifiable social and structural mechanisms, supporting a public health approach to prevention. Future research should empirically test contagion dynamics through longitudinal and network-based studies, validate cross-cultural measurement tools and rigorously evaluate peace-promoting public health interventions across diverse global contexts through interdisciplinary collaboration. Originality/value - To the authors' knowledge, this is the first review to holistically frame hatred as a public health condition, integrating biological, psychological and social evidence. It contributes to health equity discourse by highlighting hatred's role in exacerbating health disparities.
PurposeThis study aims to examine the risks faced by electoral officials in electoral violence hotspot areas in Nigeria and to empirically explore the political factors that increases the likelihood of their being targeted in balloting spaces.Design/methodology/approachThe study chronicles the experiences of electoral officials who were targets of political hoodlums seeking to disrupt elections. The author utilized in-depth interviews and mini focus group discussions to elicit information on the dangers faced by the study participants in violent hotspots. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were purposively sampled. Data analysis considered thematic approaches. The paper also draws from a diverse set of secondary sources selected to address different aspects of the discussion. Scholarly sources are used to address how the relationship between electoral violence and electoral officials have been discursively framed in academic scholarship. Similarly, policy and journalistic sources are utilized to triangulate the primary data and clarify election-related events within specific periods.FindingsThe findings highlighted the pervasiveness of political thugs or hoodlums in voting and ballot collation spaces, as well as the inadequacy of state security agents to protect election officials. Close electoral races among two major political parties in a political context where violence is both leverageable and commodified increases the likelihood of violent skirmishes in balloting spaces, which impacts the safety of electoral officials. The findings equally align with previous studies that link off-cycle elections in Nigeria to high incidents of violence compared to general elections.Research limitations/implicationsThis study acknowledges two primary limitations. Firstly, the restricted participant pool may not capture the full spectrum of experiences, thus potentially limiting the generalizability of findings beyond Rivers State's 2016 re-run elections. Secondly, lack of inclusion of Nigeria Police Force perspectives due to the adverse political climate in the country in the period of fieldwork impacts the richness of the primary data. While this omission affects data comprehensiveness, insights were partially supplemented by existing secondary research on related themes. Consequently, the findings are context-specific.Originality/valueThe findings in this study expand the theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship between violence and off-cycle elections in Nigeria, as well as their related impact on electoral officials.
PurposeThis study aims to explore the effects of low differentiation of self (DoS) and exposure to inter-parental conflicts during childhood on levels of aggression in adulthood, with psychological distress - particularly trait anxiety - serving as a mediating factor. The sample included 529 participants aged 18-40, comprising two distinct cultural groups: Jews and Arabs. Of the participants, 294 were Arab and 384 were women. The results provided partial support for the proposed mediation model, revealing cultural and gender-related variations. Notably, for Jewish participants, inter-parental conflicts were not associated with aggression through the mediation of trait anxiety. Furthermore, trait anxiety had a stronger predictive effect on aggression among men than women, suggesting a gender-specific pattern in the anxiety-aggression linkage. Overall, the findings suggest that aggression in adult offspring is shaped by an interplay of cultural, familial and psychological factors.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study used an online self-report survey to assess the mediating role of trait anxiety in the relationship between DoS, exposure to inter-parental conflict and aggression. Participants were 529 adults (aged 18-40) from Jewish and Arab populations in Israel. Validated questionnaires were translated into Hebrew and Arabic using a back-translation process. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, MANCOVA, ANCOVA and moderated mediation models using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Gender was examined as a moderator, and age and parental marital status were included as covariates. Ethical approval was obtained, and participation was anonymous and voluntary.FindingsSignificant ethnic and gender differences were observed in DoS, inter-parental conflict, trait anxiety and aggression. Arab participants reported higher emotional cutoff, fusion with others and aggression than Jews. Trait anxiety levels varied by gender and ethnicity, with Arab men showing the highest anxiety. Mediation-moderation analyses revealed that among Jews, trait anxiety mediated the link between I-position and aggression only in men, while for Arabs, trait anxiety mediated most predictors for both genders, but more strongly for men. Inter-parental conflict predicted aggression in both groups, but only mediated through anxiety among Arabs. Gender moderated anxiety's impact on aggression.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has several limitations. First, it was conducted in Israel, focusing on Jewish and Arab participants, limiting generalizability to other cultures. Second, the reliance on retrospective reports of childhood inter-parental conflict may introduce memory bias. Participants' recollections could be influenced by current emotional states or selective memory, potentially affecting the accuracy of the reported associations. Third, the use of convenience sampling via social networks may limit the generalizability of the findings, as participants who are active on these platforms might not fully represent the broader population. Fourth, there is a notable gender imbalance in the sample, with 72.6% of participants being female.Practical implicationsThe study suggests practical implications, emphasizing the need for family counseling and educational programs focused on conflict resolution, healthier coping and enhancing DoS. Tailored interventions by gender and ethnicity, especially in anxiety management, are recommended. Considering family dynamics and cultural context is crucial in mitigating aggression linked to DoS, inter-parental conflict and anxiety. Lastly, training programs for Jewish and Arab communities in Israel are advised.Social implicationsThis study highlights the critical role of family dynamics and emotional functioning in shaping aggression among young adults in diverse cultural contexts. By revealing how DoS, inter-parental conflict and anxiety contribute to aggression differently across gender and ethnicity, the findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive interventions. The study advocates for family counseling, psychoeducation on conflict resolution, and anxiety management, particularly among Arab and Jewish populations in Israel. These insights can inform public health policies, educational curricula and community outreach programs aimed at fostering emotional resilience and reducing interpersonal violence across communities.Originality/valueThis study uniquely integrates individual, familial and sociocultural factors to explain aggression among young adults, offering a mediation-moderation model rarely applied across distinct ethnic groups. By comparing Jewish and Arab populations in Israel, it highlights culturally specific pathways to aggression, including the moderating role of gender. The use of validated tools in both Hebrew and Arabic adds methodological rigor and inclusivity. The study's value lies in its practical implications for tailoring interventions to different cultural contexts, and its contribution to the understanding of emotional functioning and intergenerational influences on aggression in diverse societies.
Purpose - The purpose of this study is to analyze the social representations and perceived causality of workplace aggression by means of a comparison between bullied (n= 152) and non-bullied (n= 155) workers within the private banking sector in Istanbul, Turkiye. Design/methodology/approach - Based on free association tasks, this study uses data gathered from bank workers in Istanbul to use Verge's method, which regards the frequency of recurrence of a word or expression and its rank of appearance. Findings - The study reveals the differences in the social representations between bullied and non-bullied workers. Whereas non-bullied employees represent aggression as an organizational issue, bullied workers concentrate on specific aggressive acts. While bullied individuals link workplace aggression to personal traits, non-bullied workers attribute it to contextual and organizational variables. Originality/value - This study, being the inaugural investigation of workplace bullying via the lens of social representation theory, contributes a new perspective to the area. These findings provide novel insights on social representations within the workplace bullying conception.
Purpose Passive aggression, defined as harming others through indirect means rather than directly expressing anger or other negative emotions, has substantial effects on personal and social relationships. This study aims to adapt the passive aggression scale (PAS), originally developed by Lim and Suh, into Turkish and to evaluate its validity and reliability. By offering a culturally adapted tool, this study seeks to facilitate research and intervention efforts addressing passive-aggressive behaviours in the Turkish context. Design/methodology/approach The study sample consisted of 429 participants (326 females, 103 males). Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which confirmed the three-factor structure: inducing criticism, avoiding/ignoring and sabotaging. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω coefficients. Concurrent validity was tested via correlations with the trait anger (T-Anger) and anger expression scales (AngerES). Findings The CFA results supported the original three-factor model of the PAS. Both Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω coefficients indicated high internal consistency. Significant correlations were found between PAS scores and measures of trait anger and anger expression, in line with theoretical expectations. These findings demonstrate that the Turkish PAS is a reliable and valid measure of passive aggression. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first Turkish adaptation of the PAS, supported by strong psychometric evidence. The instrument can be used in research and clinical practice to identify passive-aggressive tendencies, enabling timely interventions. Its application may contribute to public mental health by improving the understanding, prevention and management of passive-aggressive behaviours in Turkish society.
Purpose-This literature review examines trauma-informed educational practices for war-affected refugee students in Greece and Cyprus. This study aims to evaluate the theoretical foundations, practical implementations and policy gaps in both contexts. The objective is to highlight effective strategies for addressing refugee children's psychosocial and academic needs while offering evidence-based policy recommendations. This paper advocates for a systemic and culturally responsive integration of trauma-informed approaches into national education systems to promote resilience, inclusion and well-being among refugee learners, ultimately informing cross-sector collaboration and educational reform in frontline refugee-hosting nations. Design/methodology/approach-This study uses a comprehensive literature review methodology, synthesizing empirical and theoretical research from interdisciplinary sources including education, psychology and neuroscience. It draws on global frameworks and systematically reviews trauma-informed approaches, with a focus on their application and gaps in the Greek and Cypriot educational contexts. Key sources include systematic reviews by Berger (2019) and Avery et al. (2020), complemented by region-specific data, reports and academic studies. The review critically evaluates trauma-informed strategies and policy responses, providing a comparative perspective that underscores the need for systemic, multitiered educational interventions for refugee children. Findings-Trauma-informed practices have demonstrable benefits for refugee children's academic performance, emotional well-being and social inclusion. However, Greece and Cyprus face significant implementation challenges due to fragmented systems, limited teacher training and insufficient mental health support. While nongovernmental organization (NGO)-led initiatives show promise, the absence of national frameworks and whole-school models constrains long-term impact. The findings underscore the need for trauma-informed pedagogy, integration of mental health services, family engagement and culturally responsive teacher training. Institutionalization of these practices, supported by intersectoral collaboration and sustainable funding, is essential for supporting the educational and psychosocial needs of refugee students. Research limitations/implications-This review is limited by the paucity of longitudinal and context-specific empirical studies on trauma-informed education in Greece and Cyprus. Most available literature is descriptive or policy-oriented, with limited evaluative research on outcomes. There is also a reliance on NGO data due to insufficient state reporting. Future research should focus on empirical evaluations of trauma-informed models across diverse educational settings, exploring their scalability, sustainability and long-term impact on refugee students. Addressing these research gaps would provide robust evidence for guiding national education reforms and cross-country policy learning in refugee-hosting regions. Practical implications-Educators and policymakers can use this review to develop trauma-informed strategies tailored to refugee students' unique needs. It highlights the importance of integrating trauma-sensitive pedagogy, staff training and whole-school approaches into national systems. Schools should embed social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching and mental health support to mitigate the effects of trauma and foster student resilience. The findings suggest that collaborative models involving schools, NGOs and health professionals are essential for effective implementation. Ministries of education should leverage European funding to institutionalize trauma-informed education, thereby improving academic outcomes and psychosocial support for refugee children. Social implications-The review identifies education as a critical site for promoting social inclusion, equity and psychological recovery among war-affected refugee children. Implementing trauma-informed practices can reduce educational disparities and prevent further marginalization by creating safe and supportive school environments. Addressing trauma through education also enhances community cohesion and integration by fostering empathy, reducing stigma and promoting intercultural understanding. Systemic adoption of such practices contributes to breaking cycles of trauma and exclusion. Ultimately, the social well-being of refugee children and their successful integration into host societies depend on trauma-sensitive, inclusive and rights-based educational systems. Originality/value-This review offers one of the few comparative analyses of trauma-informed educational practices focused specifically on Greece and Cyprus-two frontline refugee-hosting nations. It bridges global research with local implementation contexts, identifying critical gaps and offering concrete policy and practice recommendations. By integrating interdisciplinary evidence and highlighting region-specific needs, this study contributes original insights to the emerging field of trauma-informed education for refugee children. Its value lies in informing both scholarly discourse and practical policymaking, with implications for improving education equity, psychosocial well-being and social cohesion in refugee-hosting contexts.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to critically analyse discursive constructions of military victimhood in a commemorative context, ascertaining the relationship between such constructions and the mediation of militarism in Britain since 1918.Design/methodology/approachThis study is a critical discourse analysis of a sample of 352 texts taken from three mainstream British newspapers published between 1918 and 2018, with the aim of establishing how discourse in this context sees a particular construction of the soldier as victim. Adopting a victimological lens centred on Christie's (1986) ideal victim construct, this article chronicles how dominant British narratives portray military victimhood through adherence to normative assumptions concerning gender norms when discussing three groups of military victims: the war dead, the bereaved and the war living.FindingsDiscursive constructions of military victimhood in the text sample largely adhere to normative understandings of victimhood, with the status of "victim" being afforded to non-masculine individuals, with the soldier's "hypermasculinity" reinforced, particularly through depictions of the war dead and the bereaved. Constructions of these two groups mediate militarism, highlighting the compatibility of normative victimological and militaristic perspectives through a specific deployment of discursive "referential" strategies. Constructions of the war living prove more transient, regarded as both "non" and "deserving" victims at different locations in the text sample, demonstrating the victim label is fluid in relation to contextual socio-political pressures.Originality/valueThis study is a critical exploration of military victimhood as a potential perpetuator of a militaristic ideology, with emphasis placed on the originality of the synthesis of literature concerning both militarism and victimology - a valuable platform upon which further critique of militaristic practices can be carried out.
PurposeThis paper explores German artist Willy Jaeckel's representations of the soldier as a victim of war within the context of German visual culture of the First World War. The paper draws attention to Jaeckel's groundbreaking role within the German avant-garde, where he was among those earliest voices that actively challenged the morale-preserving, even jingoistic images of the war, which promoted a narrow dialogue of both the modern front experience and the human ability to endure it.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on careful examination of German wartime and postwar art and visual culture, to include art exhibited in galleries, artists' periodicals and popular print media. Jaeckel's wartime letters and contemporary critical reviews were consulted to provide insight to the artist's intentions and the works' reception respectively, while the position of Jaeckel's images of soldiers among the war-related work of Germany's revolutionary avant-garde is also considered.FindingsJaeckel's work is shown to be among the very earliest and most unique of the entire war in its singular focus on the suffering of soldiers. Within the sociopolitical and artistic environment in Germany during the war years, it was courageous - and remains relevant - in its contestation of the popular image of the front experience, which worked to conceal the shattering impact of the war on soldiers' bodies and minds.Originality/valueIn addition to drawing attention to the artist's pivotal role in challenging the dominant language of wartime art, the paper addresses significant lacunae in Jaeckel scholarship, including analysis of the artist's important body of works for the high-quality wartime arts periodicals Der Front (virtually absent from the literature), Kriegszeit and Krieg und Kunst, as well as critical responses to the exhibition of his confrontational portfolio of lithographs Memento 1914/15 and the major war picture Sturmangriff.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two public safety interventions implemented in Pernambuco, Brazil - banning alcohol sales and restricting organized fan groups (torcidas organizadas) inside football stadiums. A novel methodology for constructing time scenarios and assessing contradictory dilemmas is proposed to support the effective implementation of public sanctions and justice policy on crowd control and sport-related violence.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a three-step time scenario methodology using autoregressive moving average models with regressors and hypothesis tests to predict the past under a counterfactual condition - estimating what would have occurred without the intervention. The analysis covers over a decade of match-day violence data, allowing for a robust evaluation of each policy's contribution.FindingsResults show that both the alcohol ban and the prohibition of organized fan groups had no statistically significant effect on reducing violent behavior around football stadiums. The ineffectiveness of the gang restriction is largely attributed to weak enforcement practices, such as reliance on visual identification through fan apparel. Similarly, the alcohol ban's impact may have been undermined by other endogenous or exogenous determinants.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that legal interventions alone - particularly those lacking rigorous enforcement mechanisms - may not effectively curb football-related violence. Policymakers and law enforcement agencies should reconsider blanket bans and instead focus on integrated strategies that include spatial policing, community engagement, targeted intelligence on high-risk groups and the effects of other determinants of violent behavior in young sport spectators.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel construction and application of time scenario analysis to the context of sport-related violence and criminal justice interventions, expanding traditional approaches to policy evaluation. Modeling counterfactual outcomes in the past rather than the future provides a unique empirical lens for assessing the real impact of interventions where randomized control is unfeasible. The dual assessment of alcohol bans and fan club restrictions within a single analytical framework contributes original evidence to an ongoing debate in both academic and policy circles about how best to address crowd violence in football cultures.
PurposeThis study aims to examine how the disputing spouses (husband and wife) perceive and represent themselves and each other in their narratives of protracted conflictual divorce.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative longitudinal research strategy in the form of a case study. The participants were a legally married couple (husband and wife) who had been undergoing the divorce process for two years at the time of the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using narrative positioning analysis.FindingsAt the beginning of his narrative, the husband positions himself as a people-pleaser in his relationship with his wife, but by the end, he sees himself as a fighter, defending himself against an aggressor (his wife). Meanwhile, the wife initially perceives herself as an independent woman, and by the end of her story, she views herself as even stronger and financially stable, capable of providing for both her and her children. At the beginning of the story, the husband positions his wife as the woman who has fulfilled all his dreams; at the end of the story, he positions her as the aggressor who tries to take away his property and children. The wife positions her husband as someone who wants to be above her and harm her in every possible way. The findings reveal that although both spouses try to understand their own contributions to the situation, they continue to perceive each other through a lens distorted by defense mechanisms.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study are not generalizable due to methodological limitations and a small sample size. However, it provides a deeper insight into how both spouses perceive themselves and each other during a prolonged, high-conflict divorce before the legal dissolution of marriage.Practical implicationsIt is crucial for professionals working with families to recognize how dynamics such as splitting and projection emerge during a high-conflict divorce, as these mechanisms can hinder any possibility of conflict resolution. It is essential for specialists not only to support everyone's innate resilience and sense of self but also to ensure that personal beliefs, values and attitudes do not become so dominant that they hardly give space to other people's perspectives.Social implicationsGiven that divorcees are important sources of information for changes in policy and practice, knowing about their experiences can help improve the resources and assistance available to them and their children.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is one of the first studies that is focused on what is representation of self and other of both parties in the context of protracted conflictual divorce.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to illustrate the relevance of EMDR to the treatment of PTSD in recently divided societies. The mental health of people in the military context can be significantly affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both during and after a conflict or war. The authors decided to concentrate on the application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing to the treatment of PTSD in the military context of Cyprus. After second word war, Cyprus is the only EU country to have been invaded. Thus, the divided, very small Mediterranean country is a case study with a unique context for studying PTSD because it remains occupied and a large part of the population have been affected by the conflict. Because of the island's division and ongoing conflict, PTSD is a personal and collective issue within a particularly social, political and sociopsychological context. Design/methodology/approach The analysis draws from an extended secondary research review of existing literature on PTSD treatment with a clear focus on eye-movement desensitization therapy's (EMDR) potential in military settings and synthesizing evidence for conflict-affected individuals in Cyprus, considering the country's unique challenges. It further indirectly draws from analysis of previously collected empirical data that highlighted the need for addressing the collective and individual trauma experienced both by military personnel and civilians in conflict-affected regions. Findings While EMDR has been widely recognized as an effective intervention for PTSD, its implementation in military settings presents unique challenges, particularly in post-conflict societies with ongoing military presence and deeply embedded trauma. The review highlighted the complexities of PTSD in both military personnel and civilians affected by war, emphasizing the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the socio-political barriers to mental health care. Additionally, factors such as stigma, military culture, logistical constraints and trauma typology were identified as key mediators influencing treatment effectiveness. Given the specific military context of Cyprus, where military service remains mandatory and geopolitical tensions persist, the need for tailored interventions such as EMDR is particularly pressing. To address these challenges, this study developed the contextualized dual attention model (CDAM), which integrates core EMDR mechanisms with military-specific factors to enhance its effectiveness in treating PTSD within this unique setting. Furthermore, a set of policy recommendations was proposed to improve access to EMDR, overcome structural and cultural barriers and promote trauma-informed care in both military and civilian populations. Originality/value This study developed the CDAM, which integrates core EMDR mechanisms with military-specific factors to enhance its effectiveness in treating PTSD within this unique setting. Furthermore, a set of policy recommendations was proposed to improve access to EMDR, overcome structural and cultural barriers and promote trauma-informed care in both military and civilian populations. By advancing this model and implementing targeted policy measures, EMDR can be optimized as a viable treatment option for PTSD in Cyprus and other conflict-affected regions.
PurposeThis study aims to examine whether critical thinking (CT), assessed using the critical reasoning assessment (CRA) as a performance-based measure and the critical thinking attitude (CTA) as a dispositional measure, relates to dysfunctional beliefs, peace attitudes and psychological well-being in 354 Italian university students. The study also explored mediating mechanisms linking CT, peace orientations and well-being.Design/methodology/approachParticipants completed CRA, CTA and measures of dysfunctional beliefs, peace attitudes and well-being. Confirmatory factor analyses verified construct distinctiveness. Structural equation modeling tested associations among CT, peace attitudes, dysfunctional beliefs and well-being, and mediation analyses evaluated whether beliefs and peace orientations explained the CT-well-being link.FindingsBoth performance-based and dispositional CT positively predicted peace attitudes and well-being, and negatively predicted dysfunctional beliefs. Mediation analyses indicated that lower dysfunctional beliefs and stronger peace orientations partially explained CT's link to well-being. Alternative models fit comparably well, precluding causal interpretations.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the sample restricts generalizability. Future research should use longitudinal or experimental designs and more diverse populations to clarify mechanisms. Findings highlight that CT, particularly as a reflective disposition, interacts with beliefs and social context to promote prosocial attitudes and psychological wellbeing.Practical implicationsFostering CT dispositions can enhance peace attitudes and well-being. Educational programs promoting reflective judgment, open-minded reasoning and cooperation may reduce dysfunctional beliefs and support prosocial behavior. Integrating CT training with social-emotional development can advance individual well-being and promote harmonious social interactions.Originality/valueThis study uniquely integrates performance-based and dispositional measures of critical thinking to examine their associations with peace attitudes and psychological well-being, extending CT research beyond cognitive performance to prosocial and flourishing outcomes. By exploring dysfunctional beliefs as a potential mediator, the study highlights mechanisms linking reflective reasoning to peace-oriented behavior. Unlike prior work, it considers CT as a value-neutral capacity that can foster prosocial attitudes while remaining strategically applicable in competitive contexts. The findings provide novel insights for education and intervention design, suggesting that cultivating critical thinking dispositions can contribute to individual flourishing and the promotion of peace.
Purpose This research paper aims to examine the relationship between the mental health of army veteran entrepreneurs and the development of their ventures. The exploration of mental health conditions (Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, Depression, Trauma, Stress) of army veteran entrepreneurs opens a new pathway in theory and practice to assess their impact on the development and sustainability of businesses. Design/methodology/approach The researchers applied an exploratory design and a scoping review to analyze an unexplored research theme and raise questions about veteran entrepreneurship and mental health. This exploratory design was well-suited for this study because of the limited and fragmented nature of the existing literature on army veteran entrepreneurship and mental health. In addition, the scoping review supported a systematic mapping of the available evidence across multiple data sources by identifying literature gaps and contributed to the development of a conceptual framework for future research. Findings The research on army veteran entrepreneurship and mental health is rather limited and underexplored at present. Throughout this study, the researchers conducted an extensive investigation of the relationship between army veterans’ mental health and the entrepreneurial outcomes of their ventures in terms of performance, sustainability and growth, while taking into consideration job demands, job resources, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions and subjective norms as mediating variables. Originality/value The proposed conceptual framework and the integration of the job demands resources model and the theory of planned behavior create the foundation for strong theoretical and practical innovations in the field of army veteran entrepreneurship.
Purpose This purpose of this article is to critically examine the 2025 policy introducing voluntary female enlistment in the Cyprus National Guard, arguing that without systemic reform, it risks functioning as a symbolic gesture. Situating Cyprus within broader post-conflict and patriarchal military contexts, the article explores how gender inclusion can either challenge or reinforce entrenched militarised masculinities. It assesses whether this policy represents genuine institutional renewal or political theatre, and offers concrete policy pathways for sustainable integration. Design/methodology/approach The article uses a qualitative, comparative case study approach. It draws on existing academic literature, policy documents and media discourse, as well as original scholarship on Cyprus’s military culture. International models of gender integration – including Norway, Finland, Sweden, Israel and the USA – are used as comparative frameworks to extract best practices and evaluate their relevance to Cyprus. The study is grounded in critical feminist and civil–military relations theory, with attention to post-conflict dynamics and the intersection of gender, nationalism and institutional legitimacy. Findings The article finds that the 2025 policy is currently more symbolic than transformative. Deep-rooted cultural resistance, infrastructural deficiencies and the absence of accountability mechanisms continue to marginalise women in the National Guard. However, comparative models suggest that with targeted investment, leadership buy-in and cultural reframing, gender integration can serve as a strategic lever for institutional renewal. Without such systemic change, Cyprus risks reproducing gendered hierarchies under the guise of inclusion. Originality/value This is the first academic analysis of gender integration in the Cyprus National Guard following the 2025 policy shift. It offers a rare contribution by situating Cyprus in global debates on militarised masculinity, post-conflict conscription and symbolic inclusion. The article provides actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations rooted in both Cypriot realities and international best practice. It will be of value to scholars in gender studies, military sociology and Eastern Mediterranean politics, as well as policymakers seeking to modernise defense institutions in post-conflict settings.
Purpose This paper aims to examine the experiences of three Colombian women, former combatants, as they cease their political militancy. It is shown that political violence against former combatants is central in postconflict political engagement lack. Design/methodology/approach The data – individual testimonies – was collected as part of a finished doctoral research project in Sociology and Gender Studies. These narratives were produced from in-depth interviews and an archive built by a collective initiative of ex-combatant women in Colombia. Findings The main contribution of this paper lies in its gender focus, which makes it possible to visualize political, emotional and caregiving dimensions that are generally absent in demobilization analyses. Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on demobilization processes that occurred in the 1990s. It makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons with the more recent experience of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejército del Pueblo after the signing of the 2016 Peace Agreement. Social implications However, the experiences presented reveal how political violence persists in forms such as threats and assassinations. This situation demonstrates the need for reincorporation policies with a gender focus that guarantee security and recognize former combatants as key moral and political agents in peacebuilding. Originality/value The findings highlight the importance of guaranteeing real conditions of security, political participation and recognition of ex-combatants, whose role can be decisive in the consolidation of an inclusive and transformative peace.
