Individuals who are racialised as ethnic minorities often report a host of adverse experiences during their educational careers. There has been some research on direct experiences of racism in education, but mostly in English-speaking countries. As racism can be manifested in diverse ways depending on the context, we cannot generalise from one country to another. In this pilot study, we explore lived experiences of students in Finland, a country that has a world-famous education system that is supposed to be equal for all learners. We interviewed nine university students who identified as ethnic minorities. We constructed three overarching themes, utilising an inductive thematic approach. These themes were (a) experiences of racism in the education system, (b) student actions and institutional and staff responses to questioning racism, and (c) consequences and impacts of racism for students. We discuss the results in the context of Finland and give recommendations for future practice.

Bystanders play a potentially important role in intervening in incidents of racism, but they often fail to act. Much research has focused on investigating facilitators and barriers to bystander behavior, but mainly in the context of sexual violence. There is a dearth of research in the context of racism, especially outside the English-speaking world. In this pilot study, we employed a qualitative approach to explore bystander facilitators and barriers in higher education students in Finland. Online participants (N = 649) read two vignettes depicting a racist incident and wrote open-ended answers on factors that would facilitate and prevent intervention. We constructed six main themes using an inductive thematic analysis: (i) Perceived self-efficacy to intervene; (ii) Justification and moral reasoning; (iii) Clarity of the situation; (iv) Responsibility and permission to act; (v) Social relationships, support, and presence of others; and (vi) Consequences and impacts of action. We discuss the results with a reference to theories and literature, as well as the unique context of Finland.

Psychopathic traits have been related to a higher tolerance for nociceptive pain and a deficit in empathy for others' pain. However, results are varied and inconsistent. As a result, this systematic review was conducted to consolidate findings. Reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement, a comprehensive literature search used 5 databases to identify articles published between 2000 and 2022 examining pain experience and empathy for others' pain in psychopathic traits (PROSPERO: CRD42023426112). From a total of 9522 articles, 8 papers were identified as eligible for inclusion. A total of 573 participants were included across 8 studies. Differences in pain tolerance to pressure and electric shocks were found in those higher in psychopathic traits, but not when using cold temperatures. In addition, higher levels of psychopathic traits related to less brain activity in response to others' pain, thus impacting empathy. This review highlights that within psychopathic traits, pain tolerance findings may be dependent upon the type of nociceptive pain stimulus and data collection method. Additionally, a lack of empathy for others may have a neurological basis. Lastly, boldness and meanness traits may play a specific tole in tolerating more nociceptive pain and lacking empathy for others.

Transgender and non-binary (TGNC) individuals are disproportionately affected by poor mental health and structural inequalities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where empirical research remains scarce. This exploratory study examined psychosocial and health-related correlates of subjective well-being (SWB), including life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect, among 287 TGNC individuals in Colombia. Using a multi-model inference approach to reach a likely consensus across more than 32,000 candidate models, we found that community cohesion, self-efficacy, and social support consistently related to higher life satisfaction and positive affect, while depression and disease burden were linked to lower SWB. Negative affect was positively associated with depression and age, and negatively with education. Although the sample was non-probabilistic and not representative of the broader TGNC population in Colombia, the prevalence of clinically significant depression and widespread discrimination were shocking. These findings are not intended as confirmatory but offer hypotheses about potential pathways through which individual and community factors may influence well-being in TGNC populations.

Racial discrimination is a pervasive global problem. Bystanders who observe racism can intervene to support the targets of racism, but they often fail to do so due to several context-specific barriers. There is currently little research on bystander behaviour in racism outside of English-speaking countries. We used mixed methods to explore bystander responses to everyday racism in Colombia. In an online survey, participants (N = 1,157) were presented with a scenario where they observed racist behaviour as a bystander. Subsequently, they were asked to respond to a series of open and closed questions. Quantitative findings suggested that knowledge on how to act was predicted by confidence and responsibility; responsibility was predicted by ethnicity (being non-mestizo), confidence, noticing the event, and feeling more uncomfortable; and confidence was predicted by noticing the event, feeling less uncomfortable and more responsible. In the analysis of the qualitative data, we identified six themes. These were (i) Bystander characteristics and circumstances; (ii) Bystander morality and attitudes towards racism; (iii) Clarity of the situation; (iv) Perceived need and deservedness; (v) Presence of authorities and other people, and (vi) Consequences of action: Safety to the bystander. We discuss these findings in relation to racism in the Colombian context.

Despite the urgency of addressing violence against the LGBTQI+ community in Colombia, scientific research on the topic remains limited. This mixed-methods study explores the lived experiences of sexual orientation-based violence and the role of bystanders witnessing such abuse. A total of 1,291 participants (50.8% cisgender women, 37.1% cisgender men, 3.1% trans or non-binary) responded to an online Spanish-language survey, which included open and closed questions focused on both real-life and hypothetical sexual orientation-based violence. Utilising thematic analysis, we constructed three themes based on responses to the open questions: (a) Lived Experiences as Targets and Bystanders in Sexual Orientation-Based Violence; (b) Diverse Proposed and Actual Intervention Strategies; and (c) Bystander Barriers and Facilitators. Further analysis (i.e. logistic regression) of the quantitative data showed that recognizing a situation as harassment and feeling responsibility to act were significantly associated with past bystander intervention. Findings highlight the diverse nature of sexual orientation-based violence in Colombia and those factors impacting the likelihood of bystander intervention.

The Sikh community may be more visible and vulnerable to racism than other religious groups, and previous research has documented the racism targeted at Sikh men and women in the United States. Relatively few studies have, however, addressed the racism experienced by Sikh communities in other countries, where racism may be less closely connected to the events of 9/11. The present study investigates the lived experience of racism in Sikh adults living in the United Kingdom. Six participants (5 male, 1 female) aged 19 to 30 years (M = 24.17, SD = 3.98) were recruited via advertisements placed on social media. Both Amritdhari Sikhs (n = 4) who had undertaken the Amrit Sanskar initiation ceremony or commitment and Sahajdhari Sikhs (n = 2) who had not undertaken the initiation participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted (totaling 372 minutes of interview data), covering a range of subjects including personal experiences of racism and subsequent responses to the racist abuse. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the interview transcripts identified five superordinate themes. These were (1) Appearance and Visibility; (2) Inevitability and Normalization; (3) Coping and Conformity (Religion as Support, Fitting In, Internalization); (4) Education and Understanding; and (5) Bystander Behavior (Experiences of Intervention, Religious Duty to Intervene, Consequences of Intervention). Findings highlight the extent to which racism occurs and the increased vulnerability of the Sikh community (e.g., appearance being the focus of racist abuse). Findings also highlight the importance of religion as a source of support and cultural pride and the significance of education and bystander behavior. Future research should further investigate these themes and introduce interventions to support the safety and well-being of members of the Sikh community experiencing racist abuse.

The present study examined whether people higher in psychopathy experienced less self-reported and psychophysiological nociceptive pressure than people lower in psychopathy. We also examined whether psychopathy affects empathy for others' pain via self-reported and psychophysiological measures. Three hundred and sixty-nine students (18-78 years; M = 26, SD = 9.34) were screened for psychopathic traits using the Youth Psychopathy Inventory (YPI). Stratified sampling was used to recruit 49 adults residing in the highest (n = 23) and lowest (n = 26) 20% of the psychopathy spectrum. Using skin conductance response (SCR) and self-report responses, participants responded to individually adjusted intensities of pneumatic pressure and others' pain images and completed self-reported psychopathy and empathy measures (Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, TriPm; Interpersonal Reactivity Index, IRI). People higher in psychopathy self-reported feeling less nociceptive pressure compared to people lower in psychopathy, yet we did not find any differences in SCR to nociceptive pressure. However, when viewing other people in pain, the high psychopathy group displayed lower SCR and lower self-reported empathy compared to those lower in psychopathy. Our results suggest psychopathic traits relate to problems empathising with others' pain, as well as the perception of nociceptive pressure. We also show support for the theory of dual harm which has been receiving increasing attention. Consequently, psychopathy interventions should focus both on recognising and empathising with the pain of others.

Bystanders play a potentially important role in sexual harassment, but they often fail to intervene. Previous research has linked bystander failure to a host of situational and individual factors. In this brief study, we investigated the Dark Triad (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and social anxiety (i.e., fear of negative social evaluation) in relation to five bystander barriers. In an online study, 294 participants (mostly from United Kingdom) completed questionnaires on the Dark Triad, Fear of Negative Social Evaluation, and five Bystander Barriers. In regression analyses (controlling for age and gender), psychopathy and fear of negative evaluation were significant positive predictors for failure to notice harassment. For failure to take intervention responsibility, gender (i.e., being male) and Machiavellianism were significant positive predictors. For skills and audience inhibition, Machiavellianism and fear of negative evaluation were significant positive, and psychopathy a significant negative predictor. Our results suggest that personality and social anxiety independently predict different difficulties in bystander intervention.

Receiving a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be a life-changing experience with both negative and positive consequences. Previous research has identified important aspects of diagnosis, such as disagreement with the label, diagnostic shifts, stigma, and communication of the diagnosis. There is, however, relatively little research from the lived experience perspective. In this study, we investigated the lived experiences of receiving a schizophrenia diagnosis utilising a popular Reddit discussion forum. We used inductive thematic analysis to consider posts from 105 unique usernames and identified five themes. These were (i) Denial and acceptance; (ii) Stigma of diagnosis and selective disclosure; (iii) The complicated process of diagnosis; (iv) Losing, maintaining, and finding a sense of self; and (v) Receiving, finding, and providing support. Diagnosis is a complex personal experience where the same person can simultaneously accept and reject the diagnostic label. Greater attention is required to the lived experience of this diagnostic journey.

Artikkeli tarkastelee etnisestä taustasta johtuvaa epäasiallista kohtelua Suomen korkeakouluissa sivustakatsojien näkökulmasta: kuinka yleistä on epäasialliseen kohteluun puuttuminen ja mitkä tekijät ovat siihen yhteydessä? Tutkimusaineistona oli Suomen korkeakoulujen ainejärjestöille lähetetty kysely (n=870). Etnisen taustan perusteella tapahtuvaan epäasialliseen kohteluun puuttuminen sekä sen näkeminen, että muut sivustakatsojat puuttuvat epäasialliseen kohteluun, oli harvinaista Suomen korkeakouluissa. Etnisiin vähemmistöihin kuuluvat ilmoittivat puuttuvansa yleisemmin näkemäänsä epäasialliseen kohteluun kuin etniseen enemmistöön kuuluvat. Etnisen taustansa takia muiden opiskelijoiden, opettajien tai muun korkeakoulun henkilökunnan toimesta epäasiallisesti kohdelluksi tulleet reagoivat yleisemmin näkemäänsä epäasialliseen kohteluun kuin sellaiset, joita ei ollut kohdeltu epäsiallisesti. Lineaarisen regressioanalyysin perusteella neljä selittävää muuttujaa ennustivat etnisen taustan perusteella tapahtuvaan epäasialliseen kohteluun puuttumista. Parhaiten puuttumista ennusti sen näkeminen, että joku muu on joskus reagoinut epäasialliseen kohteluun. Lisäksi mitä enemmän kanssaopiskelijoita oli havaittu kohdeltavan epäasiallisesti, ystävien ja läheisten opiskelutovereiden asettamat odotukset epäasialliseen kohteluun puuttumisesta sekä vuorovaikutuksen määrä muiden kuin omaa etniseen ryhmään kuuluvien kanssa ennustivat sivullisten aktiivisuutta. Tutkimus antaa tietoa syrjinnästä ja rasismista sekä siihen liittyvästä sivustakatsojien toiminnasta korkeakouluissa, ja tuloksien perusteella on mahdollista rakentaa sivullisaktiivisuutta lisääviä toimintamalleja.

Bystander behaviour in sexual violence has been investigated widely in the Global North, and especially in the US context. However, there has been a call for qualitative approaches to increase understanding of sexual violence and bystander behaviour in a wider range of countries. In the present study, we conducted focus group research to investigate sexual violence in the only public university in Guatemala, Central America. In total, 18 students (5 men) participated in one of six online focus group sessions. We employed an inductive thematic analysis, and constructed four main themes: Forms, dynamics, and consequences violence to the targets and the bystanders; Barriers to bystander action; Facilitators to bystander action; and Past bystander intervention actions. We discuss the results with a reference to the context in Guatemala, and suggest intervention approaches based for the future.

Background: Primary psychopathy (i.e., unemotional and callous predisposition) is associated with career, educational, and general life success, whereas secondary psychopathy (i.e., impulsivity and risk-taking) relates to criminality, hedonistic lifestyles, and detrimental behaviours. Although psychopathy sub-types have differential relationships to career and life success, how these traits are perceived by others relating to intelligence has not previously been researched. It is also unclear what role an individual's own psychopathy score plays in perceptions of intelligence. Methods: In an online experiment (n = 458), we investigated perceptions of intelligence (via a combined proxy of whether the rater thought the character in the vignettes had a high IQ and had attended university), using 12 vignettes of high and low primary and secondary psychopathic individuals. Results: High-secondary-psychopathy vignettes were perceived as least intelligent (in agreement with the literature which states people high in secondary psychopathy traits are usually involved in petty crimes, risk taking, and substance abuse, and therefore perceived as socially undesirable). Low-secondary-psychopathy vignettes were perceived significantly more intelligent than high-primary-psychopathy vignettes (in-line with the literature suggesting the placidity and kindness which comes with being low in psychopathic traits is an amenable quality in our society). There was evidence for assortative intelligence perceptions: those high-primary psychopathy self-scorers perceived primary psychopathy vignettes as intelligent (which could be evidence of a 'likes attract' phenomenon, whereby those high in primary psychopathy admire others who are similarly high in primary psychopathy). Conclusions: The results suggest individuals demonstrating risk-taking behaviours are perceived as least intelligent, supporting previous research associating secondary psychopathy with poor academic or career success.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented those with experience of psychosis with a number of additional challenges. In the present study, we extend previous literature on this subject to explore experiences of COVID-19 vaccination in those with psychosis or schizophrenia. We analysed 38 posts from three popular Reddit sites for individuals with experiences of psychosis and schizophrenia. We employed reflexive, inductive thematic analysis and identified the following two themes: (i) facilitators for COVID-19 vaccination uptake, and (ii) barriers to COVID-19 vaccination uptake. The facilitators consisted of (i) trust in science/fact-checking, (ii) fear of the virus/vulnerable status/personal experience, (iii) help from trusted people, (iv) others becoming vaccinated, (v) rationalising fears/paranoia, and (vi) moral decision/contact with vulnerable people. The barriers consisted of (i) lack of trust (in doctors, government, science), (ii) psychosis about things inserted into the body/fear of adverse reactions, and (iii) and increased paranoia because of the coercive tone of discussions around the vaccination. It is clear that public health guidance can be problematic for individuals who have lived experience of psychosis. We recommend employing experts by experience in the design of public health campaigns that aim to reduce the fear around COVID-19 vaccinations.

Understanding bystander barriers in sexual violence is an important step towards increasing knowledge on how to teach people to intervene safely. Although bystander behaviour has been widely studied especially in the US context, there is a dearth of research outside the Global North. In this study, we report results of an investigation in Guatemala, a Central American country with high levels of gender-based violence. In an online study, 1009 University students and staff completed adapted questionnaires on rape myth acceptance and bystander barriers. Correlational and regression analyses demonstrated that the rape myths 'She asked for it' and 'It wasn't rape' were important predictors of multiple barriers (i.e., Failure to notice, Failure to identify situation as high risk, Failure to take intervention responsibility, Failure to intervene due to a skills deficit and Failure to intervene due to audience inhibition). We discuss the results in the context of Guatemalan culture and society.

Narcissism is a personality trait characterised by selfishness, coldness, entitlement, and grandiosity. There has been much research on different parenting dimensions and their relationship to narcissism in grown-up children, with a notable lack of studies investigating the influence of narcissistic parents on their children. This study focused on individuals’ experiences in romantic relationships, using personal narratives from a popular ‘Reddit’ community for people who perceived to have grown up with narcissistic parents. Using an inductive thematic analysis on 77 Reddit posts, we identified four themes: (i) Strategies and emotions in current relationships, (ii) behaviours and characteristics of partners and their families, (iii) parent intrusiveness in current relationships, and (iv) journey to realisation and recovery. Themes are discussed in relation to existing literature and theory. We add to the sparse literature on narcissistic parents’ influence in adult relationships, highlighting the importance of process from parental behaviour to adult romantic relationships.

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to affect people who have had previous experiences of psychosis - either positively or negatively. A research gap exists in looking at qualitative experiences of the pandemic. In the present study, we address the research gap in those who self-identified as having psychosis via Reddit discussion forum posts, collecting data from a popular online community. Sixty-five posts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Five overarching themes were identifie; declining mental health, changed psychosis experiences, personal coping experiences, social connectedness and disconnectedness, and COVID-19 as a metaphor. The data show that there are varied experiences associated with the pandemic. People who have experiences of psychosis do not only have vulnerabilities but may also perceive themselves as having strengths that allow them to cope better.

Sexual coercion is a global problem that has been studied widely with regard to various characteristics of the perpetrators. The Dark Triad of personality (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, and primary and secondary psychopathy) has been indicated as an important predictor of coercive cognitions and behaviors. In this study, we report findings of an online study (N = 208), exploring the relationship between sexual coercion, the Dark Triad, and sexual assertiveness (i.e., strategies for achieving sexual autonomy). We found that the Dark Triad was a stronger predictor of sexual coercion in men than in women. In men, all the Dark Triad components were significantly, positively correlated with sexual coercion, and narcissism and Machiavellianism had significant, negative correlations with sexual assertiveness. In women, only narcissism had a significant, positive correlation with sexual coercion, and the Dark Triad traits were not correlated with sexual assertiveness. In regression analyses, controlling for shared variance between the predictor variables, high secondary psychopathy, and low sexual assertiveness emerged as significant predictors of coercion in men. Only narcissism was a significant positive predictor in women. We discuss the results with a reference to evolutionary Life History theory.

Bystanders have an important role in preventing sexual violence, but they are often reluctant to intervene due to a range of barriers. In this study, we investigated relationships between the Dark Triad of personality (i.e. psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism), rape myth acceptance and five bystander barriers. We addressed the paucity of research by collecting data from three countries (Indonesia, Singapore, and United Kingdom). In total, 716 University staff and students participated in an online survey. We found very few country-level differences in the correlations between the variables. In regression analyses, Machiavellianism and rape myth acceptance both had significant, positive relationships with failure to identify risk, failure to take responsibility, skills deficits and audience inhibition. Narcissism and psychopathy were significantly, negatively associated with audience inhibition and skills deficits. Findings indicate similarity in predictors of perceived barriers to bystander intervention across the three countries.