The Dark Tetrad (DT) - an umbrella term for four socially aversive traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism) gained a lot of research interest. However, little is known about how these traits are related to cognitive constructs such as hostile interpretation bias (HIB) and low frustration tolerance (LFT). In an attempt to explain what could contribute to understanding the development of DT, the present study aimed to combine two different theoretical perspectives: a theory underlying CBT and a trait-based model of personality. The study used a community sample of men (N = 612) to test whether LFT (a) predicts HIB and the expression of DT traits and (b) has an indirect, mediated by HIB, effect on DT traits. Results showed a significant direct effect of LFT on all four DT traits. Also, the indirect effect was significant in all four tested models. It might be that, by seeking schema confirmation, individuals gradually develop a stable pattern of behavioral, emotional, motivational reactions, labeled as (DT) traits. HIB seems to be an integral part of the assimilation process, by mediating the relationship between LFT and all four DT traits.
The majority of people almost effortlessly read emotions based on the facial expressions of other people. Numerous studies suggest that even newborns are showing interest in faces and facial expressions suggesting that this ability might be relevant from the evolutionary standpoint. This is additionally supported by cross-cultural studies that clearly demonstrate the existence of a limited number of basic emotions which are universal. Furthermore, the influence of culture and the living environment is evident regarding emotional display and recognition accuracy. From a developmental standpoint, available data suggest that the development of facial expressions recognition could be described by an inverted U curve. Starting from childhood through adulthood, we are developing the same sort of expertise in facial expression recognition. Later, with aging, the recognition of particular expressions is declining. The exact underlying mechanisms that play a role here are not fully grasped yet. In this review, we shortly summarized previous studies that investigated the universality of facial expressions and cultural effects on facial expressions recognition. Furthermore, the potential developmental courses were explained and some of the open questions were outlined regarding this topic.
The foundation for the improvement of the quality of each player are their basic skills, but success in wheelchair basketball is considered to mainly depends on the level of specific motor skills which represent the end result of work done during a specific training process.The paper aims to outline the used tests for the evaluation of specific motor skills of wheelchair basketball players in papers published between 2008 and 2022. To compile the existing studies the following databases were searched:PubMed, SCIndeks, PEDro, J-GATE, SCIndes, DOAJ and Google Scholar.Research published in the period from 2008 to 2022 was analyzed. The analysis of the compiled studies to evaluate the specific motor skills of wheelchair basketball players resulted in a recommendation for the use of several tests such as the: 20m sprint with ball test, Pickup the ball test, the Lay-up test, the Pass for accuracy test, andthe Free-throw shooting test. Based on the results achieved on these tests, it is possible to perform a selection and monitor the progress of the players, as well as the impact of the applied specific training process on the development of motor skills on which success in wheelchair basketball depends.
The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different exercises on the development of tennis players' agility. The electronic database PubMed was used to search and collect relevant studies in the field of agility in tennis. This study was conducted based on the PRISMA statement. A total of 361 participants were included in this study. Twelve studies met the criteria in order to be included in this study. The results showed that the effect was statistically significant after each exercise program (high-intensity interval training, court tennis training, neuromuscular warm-up, sport-specific training, plyometric training, neuromuscular and performance training). The exercise programs lasted from 5 - 12 weeks with a weekly frequency of three times for 45 to 90 minutes. The results, obtained in this way, indicate a sensitive period for the development of agility in this age group, i.e. junior tennis players. The analyzed areas of agility assessment, frontal and lateral agility observed on the basis of agility assessment tests, were singled out.
The aim of this study was to examine the differences in manifestations of three schizotypal dimensions (cognitive-perceptive, interpersonal, disorganized), depending on the attachment style and exposure to different adverse experiences during the childhood. The study was conducted on 181 participants, with a mean age of 20.09 years (SD = 2.19). Schizotypy was measured using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Brief Revised (SPQ-BR), and for the assessment of attachment styles and harmful experiences during childhood, special questionnaires were constructed. MANOVA showed that participants with a preoccupied attachment had the most prominent interpersonal and disorganized symptoms, while individuals with a fearful style had the highest scores on interpersonal dimension. There were no significant differences between secure and avoidant attachment style in either dimension of schizotypy. Adverse childhood experiences that turned out to be relevant for the manifestation of cognitive-perceptual symptoms were: frequent quarrels, negative impact on self-esteem in the family and frequent harassment outside the family. For interpersonal dimension, the most relevant experiences were: rejection in the peer group, severe physical punishment, negative impact on self-esteem, frequent harassment outside the family. For disorganization, the most important experiences were: restrained or aggressive behavior of the mother, aggressive and punishing behavior of the father, rejection in the peer group, severe physical punishment, negative impact on self-esteem, harassment outside the family. The results showed that preoccupied and fearful attachment styles were characterized by the most prominent schizotypal manifestations, and that different dimensions of schizotypy can be associated with specific early harmful experiences, which could explain the great heterogeneity in schizotypal symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization every 40 seconds, someone somewhere in the world dies from suicide. The number of suicide attempts that do not end with death is twenty times larger than the number of suicide deaths. For decades researchers have been developing theories and models aiming to explain why people kill themselves. At the same time, they are trying to provide tools for successful suicide prediction and to emphasize different psychological, social, and economic factors that we should target when planning prevention. However, even though there is a significant number of theories of suicide, suicide prevalence is telling us that our theories are failing, suggesting that we should probably change the approach to this phenomenon. This study represents a review of selected psychological theories and models of suicide that are addressing psychological processes that underpin suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior. This paper covers psychoanalytic theories of suicide, diathesis-stress models of suicidal behavior, cognitive-behavioral models of suicide and suicidal behavior, complex (integrative) models and evolutionary theories of suicide and as such this paper represents a conceptual framework for understanding suicide from a psychological perspective.
This article represents a methodological overview of how active teaching and learning meth ods by Ivić et al. (2001) can be applied in the ESL classes with the psychology students at the university level. Each element of the active teaching methodology will be placed in the context of the English Language class with the students of Psychology. These key elements include student interaction, student initiative, explorative talk, methods of revision and evaluation etc. The aim of the paper is to discuss possibilities of incorporation of various ESL class activities and resources that correspond to the active learning model which as a result can contribute to a higher level of learning and engagement of the students. Additionally, the emphasis will be on the main language skills which include reading, listening, writing and speaking that are developed in the setting of active teaching methodology.
The aim of this study was to examine the relations between the quality of close relationships and attachment styles using a clinical sample (N = 57.61% female, Age range = 17-68 years). To measure the quality of social functioning we used the Inventory of the Social Relations Network (NRI), to assess the attachment styles, we used the Relationships Questionnaire (RQ), and for assessing the severity of psychopathological symptoms: the Beck Depression Inventory, Cornell index and MMPI-202 were used. The obtained results showed that subjects of different categories of mental disorders do not differ significantly according to general estimates of the quality of close relationships. However, when considering the dimensions of psychopathological symptoms, we found statistically significant differences in the quality of close relationships. The research also shows that subjects with different attachment styles significantly differ in the quality of close relationships. Given that more pronounced psychopathological problems are associated with diminished quality of close relationships, we discussed that mental difficulties are potentially adversely reflected in the social functioning of individuals.
Taekwondo fighters require sufficient postural stability to maintain tactical superiority over an opponent. Postural balance is controlled by somatosensory, visual and vestibular system. Cervical spine has neurophysiological connection to the visual and vestibular system as well as abundance of receptors within the connective tissues of the spine. Guard-specific posture in taekwondo requires constant head and neck rotations, therefore deficits in cervical spine could alter the balance. The aim of the study was to study connections between cervical spine kinesthesia and balance in taekwondo specific postural tasks. Sixteen healthy male taekwondo fighters (22 ±1,3 years of age) competing at the national level were enrolled in the study. Postural balance during a single leg stance while facing forward or with 90° of neck torsion using a force plate (Bilateral force plate, S2P, Ljubljana, Slovenia) was assessed. Kinesthetic awareness of cervical spine was measured using a Butterfly test with a NeckCare system (Butterfly Method, NeckCare ehf., Reykjavik, Iceland). Statistically significant correlations were observed for Undershoot standard deviation of the Butterfly test and Neck torsion balance test while standing on the non-dominant leg. These correlations were most prominent for the average amplitude of centre of pressure movement in the medial-lateral direction (r > 0.85) and anterior posterior direction (r > 0,80) Results of this study indicate that taekwondo fighters develop side specific adaptations in the balance control. Increased variability of cervical spine kinesthetic awareness is correlated to an increased average amplitude of medial-lateral body sway while standing on the kick preferred leg. This can lead to higher body oscillations during the fight, decreased stability, prolonged reaction time and quickness. Specific cervical spine training is recommended to improve fighting performance.
Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most prominent problems in cancer patients, which often remains inadequately treated, because the etiology of this syndrome is still relatively unknown. This study aimed to examine demographic, clinical, and psycho-social determinants of physical and mental aspects of cancer-related fatigue. The study was conducted on 64 women with a breast cancer diagnosis, aged between 33 and 79 years (M=58.36, SD=11.30) while undergoing radiation therapy. For the assessment of physical and mental fatigue, the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS Serbian) was used. Demographic and clinical data, symptoms of anxiety and depression (DASS-21), neuroticism (BFI), and functional and structural social support (Serbian translation MOS-SSS) were examined as well. The results showed that depression, anxiety, and neuroticism correlated positively with both physical and mental fatigue, while structural and functional social support correlated negatively only with the physical dimension. Participants who have a partner reported significantly lower levels of physical fatigue compared to those who are not in a relationship, while such a difference was not detected in the case of mental fatigue. Neuroticism and relationship status were the most important predictors of physical fatigue, while neuroticism alone was the most significant predictor of mental fatigue. The results showed that physical and mental fatigue have different correlates, and that personality traits and social support might be of greater relevance for understanding fatigue, than clinical and demographic factors. These findings may be of importance when assessing the risk factors for fatigue and planning psycho-social interventions to empower breast cancer patients.
When researchers are conducting studies that require repeated measures, it is not uncommon for them to assume that the particular instrument is equally going to assess the latent construct of interest no matter how many times the instrument (test) is administered. In other words, it is not in question whether the properties of the test are likely to change or not. However, measurement invariance is not something that the instrument possesses by default. Measurement invariance has to be tested. The aim of this paper was to provide an insight into testing factorial invariance performing the confirmatory factor analysis on a set of longitudinal data. The first part of this paper is theoretical and describes different forms of invariance. The second part offers a concrete example and a step-by-step guide on how to perform confirmatory factor analysis for repeated measurements to test the invariance using statistical software R.
The environment in which a child develops determines, to a greater extent, the direction of his motor development. The main aim of our study was to examine the influence of parental permission regarding free physical play on the development of children's motor ability. Different aspects of motor development were measured in 24 children aged 3 to 5 years. Parental permission for free play was assessed via a questionnaire filled by parents. The results showed significant correlations between parental permission and child's motor development. Permissions were related mostly to manual precision and coordination. Then, to a lesser degree with fine motor skills and endurance, while there was no correlation with balance. Additionally, we found that this strong relationship emerges at 4 and 5 years of age, while at the age of three it is not documented. Our research results emphasize the strong impact of parental permission on determining the process of child's motor development.
Cardiorespiratory performance is one of the most important determinants of success in sports activities. In order to better prepare for sports challenges, the athletes must be exposed to appropriate training which should be based on individualized physiological parameters during activity. Even though training intensity can be determined in many different ways, the endurance training intensity is often quantified by the lactate thresholds obtained from the blood sampling or the ventilator thresholds obtained from the gas exchange. These data represent delayed indirect indicators of an increased anaerobic ATP resynthesis. The muscle oximetry, based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), represents non-invasive method that enables the information about the changes in oxygenation in hemoglobin, and potentially represents a very suitable technique to detect a critical exercise threshold directly in the exercising muscle.
The aim of the study was to compare elite junior and senior women table tennis players, using three parameters of the table tennis: rally length, serve and receive analysis. Twenty-five junior and twenty-five elite senior matches were analysed (total: 263 sets and 4958 points) between players ranked in Top 25 in ETTU rankings in the last two years. All the athletes used an offensive style of play. The results of non-parametric Mann-Whitney U Test, showed a significantly higher rally length in senior compared to junior category (4.46 vs. 3.93). Moreover, the results of Pearson's Chi-square tests show an association between the age categories and selected parameters (laterality, technique and placement) for both serve and receive. Different behavior between the two categories was noted. The senior players used more the flip technique (22.2 % vs 14.7 %) and short push to return the services of the opponents (32.5 % vs 26.0 %). These results provide useful information to analyze junior players' behavior compared to the senior players in order to plan specific training sessions. It can be also useful to identify some parameters as predictors of the future success for junior players.
A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (March and April 2020) in the Republic of Serbia, with the aim to evaluate the relationship between coping strategies and readiness to get a vaccine against coronavirus. At that time vaccines against COVID-19 were not developed. Coping strategies were measured on the Cybernetic Coping scale. Results confirmed that coping strategies could predict someone's negative attitudes toward vaccination. Namely, more frequent usage of devaluation was negatively associated with someone's intention to get vaccinated. It seems that underestimating the danger, believing that pandemic is not real, that COVID-19 is "just another flu-like virus" reasonably decreases the chance that someone will take precautionary measures.
Greece owns one of the most extensive and best organized coastal and open sea lighting systems across the world. Some of the most breathtaking and historic lighthouses and beacons of the Hellenic Lighthouse Network have been characterized as "Monuments of Modern Cultural Heritage" and are available to visitors under certain circumstances. Greek lighthouses are austere albeit multi symbolic structures that enchant people seeking refined and reclusive experiences beyond the mass tourism spectrum. This paper aims at succinctly presenting the history of Greek lighthouses and examining the perspective of their valorization in cultural tourism, taking into account their legal framework, ownership status and inherent worthiness. Lighthouses represent tangible and intangible cultural values, which deserve to be rediscovered and communicated in ways that ensure sustainability and protection for lighthouse buildings and surrounding areas.
Hiking is a physical activity aiming at recreation, training, and physical fitness. As a rule, people are engaged in this activity during vacations. However, very often, hiking is the main motive for travelling. This very fact allows us to refer to hiking as a distinct type of tourism, being the very reason to make a trip. In Greece, both Greeks and foreigners engage in this activity, following one of the two European long-distance footpaths (E4 and E6). This research aims at investigating motives, attitudes and behaviours of Greek hikers, members of the "Friends of Mountain and Sea Club", who undertake hiking tours in Greece and abroad. The research indicates that the main motive the hikers have, are contact with nature, wish to explore new places, and getting to know the civilization of different regions. On the way to their destination, hikers, in addition to hiking, also visit places and monuments of cultural interest. This form of tourism is environment friendly, as the majority of hikers respect and protect the natural and cultural environment.
The horizontal acceleration and agility are both an essential part of sports performance in handball. The foot placement variability has been shown to vary between differences in speed and direction of running. However, no studies have considered the connection between the foot placement variability, forward acceleration and agility performance. In the present study, a proposed repetitive single leg countermovement drift test was analyzed as a measure of the foot placement variability and correlated with forward sprinting and agility performance in handball players. Twenty-three male handball players performed a series of 10 consecutive single leg countermovement jumps, 10 m forward acceleration sprint, a handball adapted T-agility test and a single leg countermovement jump test. Correlations between the drift area, T-agility test duration, acceleration performance are measured as well as the time used to accelerate at a 5 m and 10 m distance and the height of the single leg countermovement jump. The drift area for the non-dominant leg had high and significant negative correlations with the first 5 m of forward acceleration sprinting and a positive correlation with the T-agility test to the non-dominant side. The countermovement jump height had no significant correlation to any other parameters. This data indicates that the foot placement variability of the jumps performed on the non-dominant leg could be an indicator of the ability to control stability during short forward acceleration sprints and a quick change of direction. On the contrary, these correlations disappeared when the direction change was performed under reaction time conditions.
This paper discusses the attitudes of the local population towards the impact of tourism on the tourist destination Palić. By researching the role and the importance of the local population in the process of tourism development, what is presented is the current situation, positive and negative influences as well as the possibilities of improving tourism. The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of tourism on destination Palić observed through the attitudes, involvement, and the contribution of the local population. A sample of 100 adults was surveyed with 18 questions taken from previous similar surveys. The good internal reliability of the questionnaire was determined by using Cronbach's alpha. It was found that the local population of Palić generally highly evaluates the impact of tourism and recognizes its positive impact on the local development. Women were stricter in assessing the impact of tourism, while the assessment of respondents of different ages did not differ significantly. The importance of tourism for the local development is more recognized by those who are engaged in it. However, the real impact of all three factors (gender, age, and engagement in tourism) was small.
