With the centralization of digitalization in everyday life, individuals’ practices of moral judgment and responsibility have undergone a significant transformation. In particular, social media and AI-supported digital environments have brought renewed attention to the question of how conscience is experienced, expressed, and translated into action. Although the concept of “digital conscience” has gained visibility in recent years in both public and academic discourse as a way of describing this transformation, its theoretical boundaries and functional role have not yet been sufficiently clarified in the literature. This study aims to explain how conscience has acquired a symbolic mode of operation in the digital age by bringing together the public definition provided by the Turkish Language Association and the normative digital ethics literature within a theoretical framework. Based on theoretical analysis and concept construction, the article departs from classical psychology and ethics literature that defines conscience as a regulatory mechanism guiding action, and discusses the conditions under which this function becomes weakened in digital environments. The study argues that while digital conscience is predominantly addressed as an ethical ideal in normative approaches, in digital practices conscience often operates through low-cost, visibility-oriented, and emotionally relieving symbolic actions. Accordingly, the proposed theoretical model explains, in an integrated framework, the antecedent conditions, operational mechanisms, and potential individual and societal consequences that lead to the symbolization of digital conscience.
Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a bibliometric analysis of global research on sleep disorders associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection (1990–2025). Publications were filtered by research field and analyzed using the Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer. Bibliometric indicators, including publication trends, citation impact, the most productive authors, institutions, journals, and keyword networks, were examined to identify global research patterns. Results: A total of 1,732 publications were identified, showing a steady increase in annual output and a marked rise after 2010. United States (735 articles) led in productivity, while Harvard University ranked first among institutions. Keyword analysis revealed four main clusters: (1) pharmacotherapy and treatment outcomes; (2) developmental and pediatric spectrum disorders; (3) epidemiology and risk factors; and (4) psychiatric comorbidities and sleep disorders. Since 2018, research has shifted toward neurobiological and circadian mechanisms. Conclusion: Scientific interest in sleep disorders associated with ADHD has expanded significantly over the past two decades, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration and advances in neuroimaging and sleep assessment. Methodological heterogeneity and the limited representation of low- and middle-income countries remain persistent gaps in the literature.
Objective: This study aimed to adapt the Psychosocial Support Scale, initially developed by Panzeri et al., into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: A methodological research design was used, following standard translation and back-translation procedures. After cultural adaptation, data were collected from adults through an online survey. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine whether the original one-dimensional, four-item structure was retained in the Turkish sample. Construct validity and model fit indices served as the primary outcomes. Results: The CFA supported the original factor structure, with all items loading significantly onto a single psychosocial support dimension. The model demonstrated acceptable fit indices (SRMR = .047; CFI = .994; NFI = .982; GFI = .985; TLI = .982; CMIN/DF = 1.447; RMSEA = .067). These findings suggest that the adapted scale accurately reflects the theoretical foundation of the original instrument and is suitable for assessing perceived psychosocial support. The results also demonstrate that the scale offers a concise and practical tool for use in both the general population and research settings. Conclusion: The Turkish adaptation of the Psychosocial Support Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool. Its brevity and conceptual clarity make it suitable for evaluating the extent to which individuals perceive psychosocial support from their environment.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the multidimensional nature of the experience of old age and the effects of social changes on this experience through the film “Hanım.” The study aims to make the phenomena of aging, loneliness, social isolation, and social exclusion visible through cinema and to foster a better understanding of the psychosocial experiences of older individuals. Method: A thematic analysis approach was employed in the research. The 1990 film “Hanım” was selected as the sample because it reflects the effects of urbanization, modernization, and transformations in family structure on older adults. Scenes in the film were analyzed at the levels of scene, dialogue, and thematic units and evaluated from psychological, sociological, and gerontological perspectives. Results: The analysis identified the following core themes: elderly loneliness and social isolation, psychosocial effects, ageism, othering, devaluation, nostalgia for the past, elderly vulnerability, neglect and abuse, and end-of-life and preparation for death. The findings demonstrate that the experience of aging is not merely an individual process; rather, it exhibits a multi-layered structure shaped by the weakening of social relationships, economic vulnerability, the dissolution of family bonds, and societal attitudes. Conclusion: The film "Hanım" provides an important resource for understanding the effects of aging and social isolation in the 1990s. In this regard, it is recommended that cinematic narratives on aging be used as material in awareness-raising education and academic studies; that aging issues be addressed as a societal rather than an individual problem; and that empowering social policies, such as animal-assisted interventions, be developed.
Menstruation is a biological process that is a natural part of reproductive health; however, it is also socially and culturally gendered. Social stigmas around menstruation often construct it as a form of “illness”, “impurity”, or “restriction”. This sociocultural construct defines which activities are considered “forbidden” or “permissible” for women during menstruation, thereby regulating their behaviors and social involvement. Furthermore, menstruation is usually seen as a “private” or “taboo” topic, and when it is discussed, it is often linked with derogatory or shameful language. Discriminatory attitudes toward women’s bodies during the menstrual process are more explicit in developing and underdeveloped countries, while in developed societies, they exist in more subtle forms. Nonetheless, these attitudes are shared by both women and men, emphasizing the universal link between menstruation and gender ideology. This article seeks to conceptualize attitudes toward menstruation through the lens of Ambivalent Sexism Theory, examine the interconnectedness of hostile and benevolent sexism within these cultural representations, and analyze women’s and men’s attitudes toward menstruation. The existing literature is reviewed within a comprehensive framework, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation for future empirical studies on this topic.
Repetitive negative thinking is a transdiagnostic mechanism that includes subtypes such as rumination, worry, obsession, and pre- and post-event processing, and is associated with various psychopathologies. Findings in the literature indicate that repetitive negative thinking is a risk factor for the development and maintenance of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders, somatic symptom disorders, sleep problems, and personality disorders. Factors such as neuroticism, intolerance of uncertainty, negative metacognitive beliefs, and low cognitive flexibility are identified as risk factors for repetitive negative thinking, while processes such as self-compassion, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility stand out as protective factors. Additionally, during adolescence, limitations in executive functioning and egocentric cognitive tendencies increase the risk of repetitive negative thinking; this risk tends to decrease with adulthood. An examination of the literature in Türkiye reveals that most intervention studies are diagnosis-specific; comprehensive, transdiagnostic experimental studies targeting processes such as repetitive negative thinking, cognitive flexibility, metacognition, and emotion regulation remain limited. Globally, although interventions aimed at reducing RNT are promising, comprehensive intervention programs that address repetitive negative thinking from a transdiagnostic perspective are quite rare. Overall, the present review study examines the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and psychopathologies from a transdiagnostic perspective.
Although not every trauma-exposed individual develops a mental health problem, a considerable proportion experience conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. This review aims to examine the relationship between peritraumatic reactions, defined as acute psychological and physiological responses that occur during or immediately after a traumatic event, and posttraumatic stress symptoms as well as related mental health problems. Within this scope, core peritraumatic responses including peritraumatic distress, peritraumatic dissociation, tonic immobility, mental defeat, and peritraumatic somatoform dissociation are discussed. Findings indicate that these reactions are critical determinants of long-term psychological outcomes and can influence the processing of traumatic experiences through their effects on memory encoding, threat appraisal, and emotion regulation mechanisms. In particular, high levels of peritraumatic distress and dissociation may contribute to the persistence of traumatic memories in a fragmented, decontextualized, and intrusive form. Tonic immobility and mental defeat, on the other hand, may intensify symptom severity by reinforcing secondary cognitive and emotional processes such as perceived loss of control, helplessness, shame, and self-blame. At the neurobiological level, alterations in networks involved in emotion regulation and contextual memory, particularly those associated with the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, are emphasized as potential mechanisms increasing vulnerability to posttraumatic psychopathology. Early assessment of peritraumatic reactions and the development of response-sensitive intervention strategies are therefore crucial for the prevention of trauma-related psychological disorders.
Study engagement is defined as a positive academic disposition characterized by students’ levels of vigor, dedication, and absorption in learning processes. This concept provides a key explanatory framework for understanding university students’ academic achievement, psychosocial adjustment, and satisfaction with their higher education experiences. Within the perspective of positive psychology, study engagement is conceptualized not only as observable academic behaviors but also as a holistic construct that encompasses students’ psychological investment in learning. In this review, study engagement is examined through theoretical approaches and recent empirical findings. Prominent theoretical models of student engagement are examined through four primary lenses: contextual perspectives (e.g., Tinto’s Theory of Academic and Social Integration and Stage–Environment Fit Theory), affective perspectives (e.g., Flow Theory), institutional perspectives (e.g., Student Involvement Theory), and motivational perspectives (e.g., Achievement Goal Theory and Self-Determination Theory), in addition to Kahu’s integrative holistic framework. Moreover, recent studies on momentary student engagement conceptualize engagement as a dynamic, context- and time-sensitive process rather than a stable trait. In the context of Turkish higher education, the growing number of students, increasing dropout rates, and youth unemployment have made study engagement a critical issue. Therefore, examining the conceptual and theoretical foundations of study engagement provides an essential contribution not only to academic achievement and persistence but also to students’ psychosocial adjustment and post-graduation life satisfaction.
This review article comprehensively examines complementary and alternative treatment (CAT) approaches for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). CAT usage rates among individuals with ASD range from 28-95%, with families turning to these methods due to insufficient responses to conventional treatments, concerns about side effects, and the pursuit of "natural" therapies. The article covers biologically-based interventions (gluten-free/casein-free diet, ketogenic diet, omega-3 supplements, vitamins, probiotics, melatonin), mind-body practices (yoga, music therapy, massage), and manipulative therapies (hippotherapy, sensory integration). While melatonin and music therapy demonstrate strong evidence levels, risky and ineffective methods such as chelation therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are not recommended. Evidence for gluten-free/casein-free diet, probiotics, and omega-3 remains inconsistent, requiring individual evaluation. It is critically important for clinicians to maintain non-judgmental, open communication with families and provide evidence-based guidance. CAT applications should be integrated with standard treatments, monitored with concrete goals, and potential risks must be considered. Future controlled studies accounting for phenotypic heterogeneity are needed to determine which CAT strategies are appropriate for whom and under what conditions. Although more than half of parents prefer to discuss CAT options with their child's physician, the perception that physicians lack sufficient knowledge about CAT can lead to reluctance in disclosure.
Alexithymia is a condition characterized by difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions. This narrative review aimed to provide an integrative synthesis of the conceptual, neurobiological, and clinical dimensions of alexithymia across major psychiatric diagnoses. Recent research has connected alexithymia with various psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma and related disorders, somatic symptom disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and alcohol and substance use disorders. Across diagnostic categories, reported prevalence rates vary considerably, ranging from approximately 13% to over 70% depending on the disorder and population studied, with rates exceeding 40–60% in somatic symptom disorders. Clinically, alexithymia is linked to higher symptom burden, reduced functioning, lower quality of life, increased suicidal thoughts, and poorer response to treatment. Neurobiological findings consistently implicate alterations within the anterior insula, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and prefrontal regions, supporting the conceptualization of alexithymia as a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor associated with disrupted interoceptive awareness and emotion regulation networks. Including alexithymia routinely in psychiatric assessments could greatly enhance diagnosis and treatment planning. It is thought that treatment approaches that aim to increase emotional awareness, strengthen the link between bodily sensations and emotions, and improve emotion regulation skills may improve clinical outcomes in individuals with psychiatric disorders who exhibit alexithymic features.
Anxiety disorders hold an important place in both clinical and research studies due to their prevalence and potential to negatively impact individuals' functioning and quality of life. Traditional diagnosis-based intervention approaches target symptoms specific to certain disorders; however, they have significant limitations, such as the prevalence of comorbidity and insufficient consideration of individual differences. Therefore, transdiagnostic approaches, which target cognitive and emotional processes that commonly occur across different disorders, offer a more comprehensive and flexible intervention opportunity. This review addresses the main transdiagnostic mechanisms involved in the onset, development, and maintenance of anxiety disorders, including comprehensively examining rumination, anxiety sensitivity, emotion regulation difficulties, behavioral avoidance, intolerance of uncertainty, perfectionism, cognitive flexibility, psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and self-compassion processes. In line with relevant literature findings, it is understood that the examined transdiagnostic processes are associated with multiple psychopathologies, play a central role in explaining comorbidity patterns, and can provide meaningful improvement in anxiety and accompanying symptoms when targeted for intervention.
Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by individuals setting excessively high standards for themselves and those around them and avoiding making mistakes. In recent years, the effects of perfectionism on romantic relationships have received increasing academic interest. This study comprehensively reviews the current literature on the effects of perfectionism on interpersonal relationships and its relationship with various variables such as relationship satisfaction, marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, forgiveness/unforgiveness, relationship adjustment, etc. in romantic relationships. In this context, the effects of perfectionism on both interpersonal and romantic relationships are discussed. In the reviewed studies, it has been stated that, in particular, other-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism are associated with interpersonal conflict, social disconnection, and hostility. In addition, there are many empirical studies that specifically maladaptive/negative perfectionism, socially prescribed perfectionism, and partner-focused and partner-determined perfectionism negatively affect relationship dynamics. It is recommended that future research examine the relationships between different dimensions of perfectionism and romantic relationship processes, examine intervention strategies to reduce the negative effects of perfectionism on romantic relationships, and provide evidence on how this factor can be addressed in therapy processes. In conclusion, balancing perfectionism plays a critical role in maintaining healthy relationship dynamics, and interdisciplinary approaches need to be developed in this area.
The objective of this study was to systematically synthesize the findings on the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and technology-related addictive behaviors such as online gambling, impulsive and compulsive online buying, video gaming, online compulsive sexual behaviors, and problematic use of social media, the Internet, or smartphones. The inclusion criteria were containing early maladaptive schemas and technology-related addictive behaviors, being published in a refereed journal in the English language, using validated instruments, and being a research article. The exclusion criteria were being in a language other than English, lacking relevance, not containing online addictive behaviors, not using the Young Schema Questionnaire, and being a source other than a research article. Electronic database searches were conducted via Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, and Web of Science using comprehensive terms such as “maladaptive schemas”, “internet addiction”, “smartphone addiction”, "social media addiction", "technology addiction", "online gaming", "online gambling", "online buying", and "online pornography". A total of 11 studies were included. While technology-related addictive behaviors were associated with all five schema domains, the Disconnection and Rejection, and Impaired Limits domains were the domains most strongly associated with technology-related addictive behaviors. In general, this review indicates that little is known regarding the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and technology-related addictive behaviors. Therefore, further studies are needed to better understand this relationship.
This study focuses on the definitions of emotional neglect and emotional abuse experienced during early childhood, their impact on mental health, and the preventive and intervention efforts related to these phenomena. Initially, the overlapping and distinct aspects of emotional neglect and emotional abuse are examined, and conceptual explanations regarding these issues are provided. In this context, the historical development and visibility of these concepts are explored, along with an analysis of how different periods and societies have approached these phenomena. Emotional neglect and emotional abuse are discussed within the frameworks of psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, social learning theory, psychosocial development theory, and ecological theory, with an emphasis on their short- and long-term effects on individuals. Risk factors are thoroughly analyzed, particularly focusing on the mechanisms through which emotional neglect and abuse during the 0-6 age period influence mental health problems in adulthood. Furthermore, intervention programs developed in this area are reviewed, and recommendations are offered to professionals for preventing, identifying, and addressing emotional neglect and abuse effectively. Individual and group therapies aiming to increase parents' self-awareness and psychoeducation programs designed to improve parenting skills are thought to play an important role in intervening in emotional neglect and abuse by helping parents develop emotional regulation, stress management and parenting skills.
This review emphasizes the need to understand not only the biological but also the psychological and neurobiological aspects of cancer. Factors such as psychosocial stress, depression and social isolation have important effects on cancer initiation and progression through the neuroendocrine system and the immune system. In this context, the effects of interactions between the nervous system and the immune system on the tumor microenvironment, neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter levels are detailed. In addition, the neurobiological effects of cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy) on cognitive and emotional functions were discussed; “chemobrain”, neuropathic pain and treatment-related neurocognitive impairments were explained. Recent research has shown that these effects can be mitigated by psychooncological approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy and mindfulness. These interventions support neuroplasticity by regulating stress responses and their effects on brain regions are supported by neuroimaging studies. Finally, the critical role of neuropsychological assessments and cognitive rehabilitation programs in individualized intervention processes was emphasized and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach was revealed. This study aims to critically evaluate the existing literature and draw attention to the gaps in the research field by comprehensively examining the neurobiological and psychooncological effects of cancer.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the persistence of obsessions and compulsions, which negatively impact functionality and may become chronic if left untreated. Although the efficacy of pharmacological treatment and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involving exposure and response prevention techniques has been proven in OCD, treatment discontinuation rates and residual symptoms following treatment have led researchers to explore different therapeutic approaches. One such approach gaining increasing interest is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a third-generation therapeutic model, which is proving to be an innovative and effective treatment for OCD. ACT primarily aims to guide individuals toward leading a life aligned with their chosen values, by accepting the pains that exist in the natural flow of life instead of avoiding them. In the treatment of OCD, with the ACT approach, interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility have been shown to positively impact the prognosis of the disorder. In addition to engaging in compulsions to avoid the anxiety caused by obsessions, OCD patients may follow a wide variety of experiential avoidance strategies. With the ACT approach, these strategies can be reduced and the anxiety caused by obsessions and compulsions can be eliminated through the acceptance of negative internal experiences. This review article addresses experiential avoidance in OCD within the framework of ACT. Based on recent publications, the article discusses how ACT targets experiential avoidance in OCD treatment and the effects of interventions on the relationship between OCD symptom severity and psychological flexibility.
This study attempts to define the subject of attention, which is at the forefront of cognitive skills that are required for daily life. This review aims to determine attention and understand its neurophysiological structure, as well as to elucidate the distinctions in terms of orientation, detection, and alertness functions in more detail. In addition, along with the explanation of attention-related disorders and their symptoms, suggestions that can be used in treatment and rehabilitation processes have been presented, and an individual, social, and technological perspective has been provided for the studies to be carried out in the future. Attention, defined in the simplest sense as the ability to focus on a location, object, or message, is a cognitive process necessary for cognitive functions such as perception, learning, memory, decision-making, and reasoning skills. The subfunctions of attention, orientation, detection, and alertness have been defined. Cortex areas related to attention and different aspects of attention have been reviewed, supported by neuropsychological study findings related to attention. Based on the findings obtained from the studies, evidence indicates that attention has a neurophysiological structure that spreads over very different areas of the brain. In particular, an increase in parietal cortex activity in tasks related to attention is among the common findings of the studies. In addition, functional differences have been revealed between the right and left hemispheres during attention processing. In addition, studies on developmental, neurocognitive, and mood disorders in which attention function is impaired have been reviewed.
Major depression and anxiety disorders are characterized by negative moods that are prolonged, intense, and persistent compared to transient, experimentally induced, or self-reported mood changes. The mood-congruent memory effect has been extensively demonstrated in studies involving individuals with depression and anxiety disorders. However, the effect of mood-congruent false memories has been investigated in fewer studies. This review examines the mechanisms underlying false memories in depression and anxiety disorders using the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm and critically discusses current empirical findings. Available evidence indicates that the mood-congruent false memory effect is frequently observed in depression, whereas this effect appears to be more limited in anxiety disorders. Cognitive biases or heightened activation levels toward mood-congruent information (particularly concepts related to depression or threat) in these disorders may impair cognitive control processes or hinder effective monitoring, consequently increasing susceptibility to false memories. Furthermore, existing studies suggest that backward associative strength, resting activation levels, expertise, or salience may modulate the activation of negative (depression-related) information in depressive individuals. Finally, this review evaluates the literature within the theoretical framework of false memory formation, addresses methodological limitations, and provides recommendations for future research.
Aging is an irreversible physiological process, with the period of 65 years and older defined as old age. Suicide, a deliberate act of ending one’s life, is a complex global public health issue with multifaceted psychological, biological, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. This study aims to examine the risk factors associated with suicide in the elderly population and provide an overview of elderly suicides within the context of Türkiye. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes older adults into young-old (65–74), middle-old (75–84), and oldest-old (85+) groups, noting that mortality rates due to suicide increase significantly with advancing age. Key risk factors identified include depression, often underdiagnosed and presenting atypically in this demographic, social isolation, loneliness, chronic physical illnesses, and experiencing significant losses such as bereavement or loss of social status. The most common methods of suicide among Turkish elderly are hanging and firearms, with chronic disease being the most frequently cited reason. The findings underscore the critical need for a multifaceted prevention approach. This includes strengthening social support networks to combat isolation, improving accessibility and detection of mental health services within primary care settings, and implementing targeted, community-based suicide prevention programs. Addressing these factors through updated assessment tools, public awareness campaigns, and supportive government policies is essential for mitigating suicide risk in the growing elderly population.
This article thoroughly examines the psychoanalytic foundations of eating disorders, tracing their conceptual evolution from Freud’s early theories to contemporary relational approaches. Freud initially conceptualized eating disorders as manifestations of unconscious conflicts, interpreting behaviors such as food refusal as expressions of psychosexual struggles. The development of object relations theory shifted the analytic focus to the relational dynamics between mother and child, emphasizing the critical role of early interactions in emotional regulation and identity formation. Lacanian psychoanalysis further deepened this perspective by framing eating behaviors as symbolic acts shaped within linguistic and relational structures, particularly in the context of the triadic relationship between mother, child, and father. Modern approaches, including self-psychology, attachment theory, and intersubjectivity, have expanded this understanding by highlighting the roles of unmet self-object needs, disrupted attachment patterns, and intergenerational family dynamics in the persistence of eating disorders. These frameworks center the individual’s subjective experiences and relational contexts, offering a more nuanced understanding of the complex nature of eating disorders. The article underscores the importance of integrating psychoanalysis’s historical insights with modern relational theories to develop a comprehensive understanding of eating disorders and to design effective therapeutic interventions that address their symbolic, relational, and emotional dimensions.
