Background Academic burnout arises in response to prolonged stress related to university study demands. It is characterized by three main dimensions: Emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal effectiveness. Chronic academic stress can lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Early detection of burnout allows for intervention before more severe symptoms develop. Objective This study aimed to develop and assess the psychometric properties of the English version of the School Burnout Inventory (SBI) for University Students while providing further psychometric evidence for the pre-existing Italian version of the scale (SBI-U/I). Methods The study included 194 university students from the United States. The scale's factorial structure was examined, and the results were compared with the previously published Italian version. Cross-cultural validity was tested through an invariance analysis across gender and both scale versions. Convergent validity was assessed through bivariate correlation analysis. Results The findings confirmed that the three-factor structure was consistent with prior data. Confirmatory factor analysis of the American sample showed good model fit (chi 2 [24] = 51.991, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.98, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.95, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.078). Reliability coefficients were acceptable (alpha = 0.77-0.88). Measurement invariance was supported across gender and country (Delta CFI <. 0.011, easurem<. 0.002), confirming cross-cultural validity. Convergent validity was evidenced by significant correlations with perceived stress (r = 0.19-0.32, p<0.01). The scale's validity was further supported by invariance analyses across gender and cultural contexts. Conclusion The study confirmed that both versions of the SBI-U scales are valid for assessing academic burnout and can be used for cross-cultural comparisons. This underscores the importance of early burnout detection in university students, facilitating targeted interventions to enhance their well-being.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders are complex mental health conditions that significantly impact cognitive function and quality of life. While pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions are available, their effectiveness remains limited, particularly for negative symptoms and cognitive impairments. These limitations, alongside drug side effects and adherence difficulties, highlight the need for new treatments. Cognitive remediation strategies like Neurofeedback show promise by harnessing neuroplasticity. This systematic review aims to evaluate the neurocognitive and humoral changes induced by Neurofeedback and its therapeutic effects in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Our review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases including EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE were searched for relevant studies: 14 studies, 10 RCTs, and 4 Clinical trials were selected. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies involving patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, Neurofeedback interventions, and outcomes related to neurocognitive and humoral changes. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The reviewed studies suggest that Neurofeedback shows promise in addressing various aspects of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Improvements were observed in processing speed, social functioning, working memory, and emotional regulation. Several studies reported successful modulation of brain activity in regions associated with auditory hallucinations. Neurofeedback training also led to increased functional connectivity between language networks and the default mode network. Some studies found improvements in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, self-efficacy, and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Future research should focus on personalizing Neurofeedback approaches and exploring their mechanisms of action in the context of schizophrenia pathophysiology.

Eating disorders (EDs) are prevalent and often underdiagnosed, and digital interventions may reduce barriers to prevention, early detection, and care. This scoping review mapped research published in 2015–2025 on digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) applications for ED prevention, screening/assessment, prediction/monitoring, and treatment. Searches were run on 29 December 2025 via the University of Catania Primo VE discovery service, covering collections including Scopus, PubMed, PsycArticles, and others. Records were deduplicated and screened using a human-in-the-loop workflow with Large Language Model prioritization used only to order citations for manual screening; study data were charted with a standardized form and synthesized descriptively. The search retrieved 9390 records; 1845 duplicates were removed, leaving 7545 unique records. Screening focused on the top 500 prioritized citations; 191 full texts were assessed and 40 studies were included. Included evidence split evenly between digital technologies (n = 20; mainly web/app cognitive-behavioral programs, screening/triage platforms, and virtual reality interventions) and AI (n = 20; mainly machine learning and natural language processing approaches for risk detection and prediction, plus emerging chatbot-based supports). Evidence was heterogeneous and often early-stage, with limited external validation and uneven reporting of safety and implementation. Future work should emphasize workflow-integrated evaluations, engagement and equity, and governance frameworks for automated tools.

IntroductionAmbulance drivers represent a critical yet understudied component of emergency healthcare systems, exposed to high levels of occupational stress. Despite their essential role in patient transport and emergency response, this population has received limited attention compared to other healthcare professionals. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate perceived stress levels and associated factors among professional ambulance drivers, examining gender differences, predictive factors, and behavioral profiles.MethodsA sample of 1.436 ambulance drivers (76.7% male, mean age 52.77 years) underwent occupational health surveillance between October 2024–2025 at the Polyclinic University Hospital in Catania, Sicily. Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), which demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.995). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and lifestyle habits were collected. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, multiple linear regression, and cluster analysis.ResultsFemale drivers reported significantly higher perceived stress (M = 11.77, SD = 9.01) compared to males (M = 8.84, SD = 7.53), with a small-to-moderate effect size (Cohen’s d = −0.37). Multiple regression analysis identified several significant predictors of stress: female gender (B = 3.07, p < 0.001), longer work experience (B = 0.11, p = 0.006), presence of medical conditions (B = 1.22, p = 0.006), and higher alcohol consumption (B = 0.90, p = 0.017), while physical activity showed a protective effect (B = −0.28, p = 0.037). The model explained 4.5% of variance (R2 = 0.045). Cluster analysis revealed two distinct lifestyle profiles: one characterized by high physical activity but elevated alcohol consumption, and another by sedentary behavior with lower alcohol intake.DiscussionAmbulance drivers experience significant occupational stress influenced by multiple factors including gender, work seniority, health status, and lifestyle behaviors. Physical activity emerges as a protective factor, while alcohol consumption represents a risk factor. These findings highlight the need for multidimensional prevention strategies integrating both organizational interventions and individual support programs, with particular attention to gender-specific needs and promotion of healthy lifestyles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Gambling in older adults represents an emerging but still underrecognized mental health concern. Although gambling participation is increasingly observed in later life, the specific psychological, social, cognitive, and biological factors associated with gambling-related problems in older adults remain insufficiently characterized. METHODS:A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Empirical studies involving adults aged ≥55 years with Gambling were identified through searches of Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycNET, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP from January 15 to June 15, 2025. RESULTS:From 40,263 identified records, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies, published between 2000 and 2025, primarily investigated gambling behaviors, severity, psychosocial correlates, and associated mental health outcomes in older adults. Commonly identified correlates to gambling-related problems included loneliness, reduced social support, financial difficulties, male gender, stressful life events, and early gambling initiation. Gambling was frequently reported as a recreational activity but could become maladaptive when used as a strategy to regulate negative emotions or cope with social isolation. Psychiatric comorbidity, particularly depression and anxiety, was frequently observed in clinical and high-risk samples. Evidence regarding psychological interventions remains limited but suggests potential benefits. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:Current evidence highlights substantial gaps in age-specific assessment and targeted interventions. Future studies should prioritize tailored psychological interventions addressing loneliness, emotional regulation, cognitive distortions, and life transitions in later adulthood.

BackgroundTobacco use is significantly more prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) compared to the general population, contributing to elevated rates of premature mortality from smoking-related diseases. Despite a decline in smoking prevalence in the general population, individuals with SSD continue to smoke at persistently high rates, driven by biological, psychological, and social factors. Standard smoking cessation approaches yield markedly poorer outcomes in this group compared to non-psychiatric populations. This scoping review aimed to map the emerging evidence on the use of e-cigarettes among individuals with SSD or serious mental illness (SMI).MethodsThis scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Population–Concept–Context (PCC) framework and reported following the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The review focused on studies published between January 2020 and February 2026, searched on PubMed and EMBASE, providing an up-to-date synthesis of emerging evidence on e-cigarette use in this vulnerable population.ResultsThree studies reported across four publications were included (total N = 323); one research group (Pratt et al.) contributed two separate publications reporting distinct outcomes from the same study cohort. Findings suggest that e-cigarette-based interventions are feasible and acceptable in individuals with SSD and SMI, with preliminary evidence of smoking reduction and decreased exposure to tobacco-related carcinogens. However, sustained harm reduction appeared dependent on a combined approach considering that device provision was empowered in its efficacy to sustain harm reduction over time when integrated with behavioral support.ConclusionsThe available evidence, while preliminary and limited by the small number of included studies, should be interpreted with caution regarding generalizability to patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders exclusively, as three of the four included publications recruited participants with broader SMI diagnoses of which SSD represents only a subset. Further research, including larger adequately powered trials with standardized outcome measures and longer follow-up, is needed to establish the generalizability and long-term impact of these interventions.

BACKGROUND:The right hemisphere is dominant for spatial attention and is implicated in negative emotional and self-related information processing. Right hemisphere engagement produces a leftward visuospatial bias, whereas reduced engagement a rightward bias. Using a cross-sectional design, we investigated the relationship between subclinical depressive symptoms (DS) and visuospatial bias in middle-aged adults and whether attentional-cognitive processes moderate this relationship. METHODS:Forty right-handed volunteers, divided into two groups (DS: N = 20, 15 females, mean age = 51.700 years, SD = 7.596; no-DS: N = 20, 14 females; mean age = 50.750 years, SD = 7.806) based on their Beck Depression Inventory-II scores, completed a line bisection task (visuospatial bias), a Complex Visual Reaction Times test (inhibitory control, speed of processing) and a Symbol Digit Modalities Test (sustained attention, working memory). RESULTS:No-DS participants exhibited a rightward bias, whereas DS participants a leftward bias (F = 6.378, p < 0.05). The relationship between DS and the leftward bias was present only at medium-to-high sustained attention and working memory (B = -0.00133, β = -0.478), and speed of processing (B = 0.00007, β = 0.411), but not inhibitory control. CONCLUSION:The rightward bias in the absence of DS is consistent with an age-related reduction in right hemisphere dominance for spatial attention. The leftward bias in the presence of DS is consistent with attentional tendencies toward negative emotional and self-related information, which have been associated, at least in part, with the right hemisphere engagement. This relationship emerged only when attentional-cognitive functioning was preserved.

Respiratory symptoms are common among smokers without COPD, yet symptom instruments are often optimized for established disease and may under-capture early changes relevant to cessation and tobacco harm reduction. We conducted a repeatability and replicability study of the Respiratory Symptom Experience Scale (RSES) in a rigorously phenotyped cohort to confirm both measurement stability and reproducible discrimination by smoking status. Healthy adults were recruited at a UK hospital and classified as current, former, or never smokers using self-report, exhaled CO, and a comprehensive panel of biomarkers of exposure. RSES was administered at Visit 1 and repeated after 7 ± 3 days at Visit 2 to assess test–retest repeatability. Known-group validity (discriminability by smoking status) was evaluated by comparing RSES scores across biochemically verified groups using non-parametric tests, with ANCOVA for exploratory covariate adjustment. True replicability across independent datasets was not formally tested in the present study. Of 180 enrolled participants, 170 were included (55 current smokers, 60 former smokers, 55 never smokers) after excluding clinical ineligibility and biomarker-inconsistent smoking status. RSES demonstrated high repeatability (Pearson r = 0.87; Spearman ρ = 0.85) with minimal bias (− 0.07) and good agreement. RSES also showed consistent known-group discrimination by smoking status, differing between current and never smokers (p < 0.0001) and across all three groups (p < 0.0001). Current smokers reported higher scores than never (median 2.0 vs. 1.0) and former smokers (2.0 vs. 1.2), whereas former and never smokers did not differ (p = 0.686). Covariate adjustment did not materially alter results. RSES shows strong repeatability and consistent known-group discrimination by smoking status, supporting its use as a patient-relevant endpoint for cessation, and harm-reduction trials, as well as for clinical respiratory and regulatory research.

BackgroundImpulse control disorders (ICDs) are clinically relevant non-motor complications of Parkinson’s disease (PD). ICDs include gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, binge eating, hobbyism/punding, and dopamine dysregulation syndrome. Although dopaminergic replacement therapies are a key risk factor, only a subgroup of treated patients develop ICDs, potentially suggesting that neuropsychological differences may contribute to interindividual variability. Dysfunctional Metacognitive Beliefs (MBs) have recently been associated with addictive behaviors in the general population, but their role in neurologically driven addictive-like behaviors has not yet been examined. This exploratory study aimed to investigate whether dysfunctional MBs are associated with ICD symptom severity in PD patients after controlling for variables of dopaminergic exposure.Methods38 PD patients (44.7% F, mean age 67.55) completed the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) and the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS). One-sample t-tests were used to compare MCQ scores with normative values from the Italian general community sample. Two-tailed partial correlations tested associations between MCQ-30 scores and QUIP-RS outcomes, controlling for treatment duration, dopamine agonist exposure (LEDD-DA), and other dopaminergic exposures (i.e., total LEDD minus LEDD-DA). Additionally, independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare MCQ-30 scores between patients with and without ICDs. False discovery rate correction was applied.ResultsOverall, 23.7% of patients exceeded the QUIP-ICD cut-off. Compared with normative data from the general community sample, PD patients showed a more dysfunctional metacognitive profile. After controlling for dopaminergic exposure, ICD symptom severity was associated with positive beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about uncontrollability and danger, reduced cognitive confidence, greater need to control thoughts, and lower cognitive self-consciousness. In group comparisons, patients exceeding the QUIP-ICD cut-off showed significantly higher MCQ-POS, MCQ-NEG, and MCQ-NC scores and lower MCQ-CSC scores than those below the cut-off.DiscussionThese exploratory findings suggest that, after controlling for dopaminergic variables, dysfunctional MBs are associated with ICD symptom severity. In this context, MBs may represent one of the cognitive-affective correlates of ICD interindividual variability.

BACKGROUND:Participation in sport is widely recognized as a crucial factor in overall well-being, especially for individuals with motor disabilities. The role of sports in promoting social support, mental health, resilience and self-efficacy among individuals with disabilities warrants further investigation. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this systematic review is to examine the relationship between sports participation and psychological well-being outcomes in adults with motor disability. METHODS:Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines we conducted a Systematic Review across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycNET. Outcomes included psychological well-being and mental health, quality of life, self-efficacy, resilience, self-esteem, motivation, mood, disability acceptance, social support, perceived social competence, and body-sexual esteem. RESULTS:Of 10,806 initially identified records, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate sports participation is associated with improved psychological well-being (40% higher in competitive athletes; p < 0.0001; d ≥ 1.3), increased self-efficacy (P = 0.001, mean 69.5 ± 12.5 vs 62.0 ± 11.5 in non-athletes), higher resilience (r = 0.28; p = 0.004), and better social support in athletes with motor disabilities (β = 0.25; p < 0.01). Sports facilitated disability acceptance and improved social support, motivation, and mood regulation. Athletes showed varying quality of life perceptions, suggesting sports participation may serve as a mechanism for psychological adaptation and empowerment. CONCLUSIONS:This systematic review underscores the multifaceted benefits associated with sports participation among individuals with motor disabilities, highlighting its role in enhancing psychological well-being. The findings emphasize the necessity of comprehending these factors to inform the development of evidence-based policies and targeted interventions aimed at promoting social inclusion and optimizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through sports. PROSPERO REGISTERED NUMBER: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025638993.

Background Veterinary medicine students face distinctive challenges, such as exposure to animal suffering and academic pressures, which can adversely affect their quality of life (QoL), particularly regarding mental health. Although the role of adult attachment in healthcare professionals' QoL is well-documented in research, the potential mediating role of stress in this association has yet to be fully elucidated. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized self-report questionnaires to assess 926 Italian veterinary medicine students on adult attachment styles, stress, mental health QoL, lifetime mental-health issues, and demographics. Results Descriptive results showed elevated levels of stress and reduced mental health QoL compared to normative samples. Regression analysis revealed various significant predictors of lower mental health QoL, including being a woman, advanced year of study, lifetime mental health issues, stress, and preoccupied and fearful attachment styles. Mediation analysis showed that stress partially mediated the negative associations between preoccupied and fearful attachment styles and mental health QoL. Conclusions Psychological interventions for veterinary medicine students should address both stress and relationship difficulties, with attention to attachment-related vulnerabilities. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive mental health support in veterinary education.

Background Homelessness represents a multifaceted global challenge, closely linked to high rates of substance use disorders (SUDs). This intersection exacerbates health disparities and perpetuates social exclusion; however, effective, context-sensitive interventions remain limited. Objective This scoping review aims to synthesize present evidence on therapeutic, psychological, and social interventions for homeless individuals with SUDs, highlighting effective strategies and identifying gaps to inform future research and clinical practice. Methods Following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect between January and June 2025. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed studies from the past decade, published in English, and investigating psychosocial or rehabilitative interventions targeting homeless individuals aged ≥14 with SUDs. Studies exclusively medical or without intervention components were excluded. A total of 23 studies were included. Results Integrated, multidisciplinary interventions—including Housing First combined with assertive community treatment, group-based motivational programs (e.g., AWARE, Tobacco-focused group motivational intervention), harm reduction approaches (e.g., Harm reduction treatment for alcohol, Extended-release naltrexone), and intensive case management—were most effective in reducing substance use, improving mental health and quality of life, and enhancing housing stability. However, the literature showed methodological variability, generally short follow-up periods, and limited incorporation of participants’ perspectives. Conclusion This review underscores the importance of flexible, tailored, and relationship-centered interventions to address the complex needs of homeless populations with SUDs. There is an urgent need for more rigorous and long-term studies, including qualitative insights, to better capture acceptability and feasibility. Strengthening synergies between housing, health, and psychosocial services—particularly in under-researched contexts, such as Italy— could foster more sustainable pathways toward recovery, dignity, and social reintegration.

Introduction Sports participation is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to psychological and social well-being in individuals with motor disabilities. Growing attention has been given to lived experiences and subjective dimensions of well-being in this population. This systematic review explores the impact of sport on psychological outcomes, including quality of life, self-efficacy, social support, resilience, and self-esteem in adults with motor disabilities. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycNET following ENTREQ and PRISMA-S guidelines. Peer-reviewed qualitative and mixed-methods studies were included if they involved adults with motor disabilities engaged in sports and reported psychological outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the CASP Qualitative Checklist and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Confidence in findings was evaluated using GRADE-CERQual. Results Of 10,807 records identified, 359 duplicates were removed and 10,338 records were excluded after title/abstract screening. Of 110 full-text articles assessed, 96 were excluded, leaving 14 studies. Thematic synthesis identified a hierarchical structure of themes reflecting psychological outcomes of sport participation. Benefits clustered across five domains: psychological well-being, self-efficacy, self-esteem, resilience, and social support. Sub-themes included identity reconstruction, belonging, and empowerment. Some challenges, including performance-related anxiety and social inequalities in sport contexts, were also reported. Conclusions Sport plays a transformative role in the lives of individuals with motor disabilities, promoting emotional growth, resilience, and social inclusion. The synthesis provides a nuanced understanding of how adapted sport contributes to psychological adjustment and quality of life, with implications for inclusive sport policies and psychosocial interventions.

Background: Burnout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and impaired mentalizing are common among mental health trainees, potentially impacting well-being and quality of care. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in mitigating these issues. Incorporating such programs into postgraduate training may offer proactive support during a critical developmental stage. Objective: This study primarily aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program among psychiatry and child neuropsychiatry residents. Secondary exploratory aims included assessing preliminary changes in burnout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mentalizing outcomes. Methods: This single-center, non-randomized controlled pilot feasibility study included psychiatry and child neuropsychiatry residents. Participation in the intervention group was based on willingness to attend an MBSR program alongside standard institutional support services. A comparison group was identified among residents from the same departments who received standard support only. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, adherence, and participant satisfaction. Validated scales assessed burnout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mentalizing before and after intervention. Results: Thirty-nine participants were included in the final analysis (19 in the intervention group; 20 in the control group). Feasibility outcomes indicated good acceptability and participant satisfaction. Exploratory analyses showed a modest reduction in emotional exhaustion in the intervention group compared to controls (p = 0.0487), while no significant between-group differences emerged for other outcomes. Conclusion: This pilot study supports the feasibility and acceptability of implementing an MBSR program among mental health trainees. Exploratory findings suggest possible effects on emotional exhaustion, although results should be interpreted cautiously. Larger controlled studies are needed to assess clinical effectiveness.

Smoking increases complications and mortality in people with diabetes. Quitting delivers major benefits, but physiological (weight gain, insulin sensitivity shifts) and psychological barriers make cessation harder in this group. Our review article examined strategies tailored to people with diabetes. All smokers with diabetes should receive clear, personalized advice to quit, embedded in routine care. Among the available medications, varenicline has the strongest evidence in this population. Nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion may help but have limited diabetes-specific data, so they should be used with caution. Tobacco harm reduction (e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products) may facilitate switching away from combustible cigarettes and reduce exposure, although the long-term safety and efficacy in diabetes remain uncertain. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists can aid weight and glycemic control and may indirectly support cessation. Digital tools (apps, wearables, and remote monitoring) offer real-time support and adherence tracking, although diabetes-specific effectiveness is still being established. Smoking cessation in people with diabetes requires urgent attention. Evidence-based interventions should be integrated into routine care, with particular attention given to early monitoring of glucose, body weight, and blood pressure after quitting, plus structured follow-up. More research should develop and test tailored, long-term strategies for this high-risk group, including pragmatic trials integrating harm reduction and digital support.

Gambling Disorder is a chronic and debilitating condition, often associated with impulsivity, mood disturbances, and significant social and financial consequences. Despite various pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches, standardized treatment is lacking. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has recently emerged as a potential neuromodulatory intervention for addictions. We report the case of a male patient in his sixties with severe Gambling Disorder who underwent TMS treatment with high-frequency rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a first-line therapy. The patient completed a six-week protocol. Clinical assessment was conducted at baseline, after six weeks, and after three months using multiple validated scales, including the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the Visual Analog Scale for craving, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales and the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. The patient's South Oaks Gambling Screen score decreased from 20.5 to 2.0, and craving assessed via Visual Analog Scale reduced from 85 to 15 over three months. Reductions in anxiety, depression, and impulsivity were also observed, along with improvements in emotional stability and extroversion. Cognitive performance remained stable, and no adverse effects were reported throughout the treatment. This case highlights the potential of rTMS as a safe and effective intervention for Gambling Disorder, particularly in patients who are not willing to undergo a psychotherapy or pharmacological treatment. The progressive reduction in craving highlights the role of high rTMS in regulating compulsive behaviour and impulsive control.

Background Sports can be considered an element that significantly improves psychological and physical well-being, enhancing individual abilities, especially in people with disabilities. Objective This research aims to explore the impact of wheelchair basketball on the psychological well-being of players with physical disabilities. It analyzes aspects such as self-esteem, quality of life, and coping strategies to understand how this sport influences self-perception and promotes the well-being of athletes with motor disabilities. Methods This qualitative study was conducted from February to April 2024. The sample consisted of 18 male participants aged 21-46 years (mean age = 35.89, standard deviation = 7.03) who are active players in the National Serie B Championship of wheelchair basketball. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used to present participant demographics, including education level and type of disability. Results The results revealed that regular practice of wheelchair basketball produced positive psychological effects. This sport is confirmed to be an effective tool for improving the psychological and physical well-being of people with disabilities, highlighting the complexity of individual experiences. Conclusion The research highlights the importance of considering the multifaceted nature of individual experiences, suggesting that sports, such as wheelchair basketball, can play a crucial role in promoting overall well-being. Future interventions should focus on exploring these benefits further and expanding access to such activities for people with disabilities.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and psychological impact of workplace violence (WPV) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a large university hospital in Southern Italy, and to identify occupational and demographic risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January to December 2023. A total of 997 HCWs voluntarily completed a validated, anonymous questionnaire based on the “Workplace Violence in the Health Sector” (WVHS) tool. The instrument assessed exposure to different types of WPV (physical, verbal, bullying, sexual and racial harassment) and its emotional and occupational consequences. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, linear regression and ANOVA (p < 0.05).Results27% of HCWs reported experiencing at least one form of WPV in the past 12 months. Verbal violence was the most common (85%), followed by bullying (26%). Nurses, resident doctors, younger workers, and those working night shifts were more frequently affected. Victims showed higher use of psychotropic drugs and psychotherapy (p < 0.001).ConclusionWPV is highly prevalent and underreported in healthcare settings, with significant mental health repercussions. The findings highlight the need for preventive strategies, institutional support, and the key role of occupational physicians in early identification and intervention.

IntroductionThe relationship between personality traits, as defined by the Five Factor Model (FFM), and social frailty—according to the Gobbens model—represents a relatively novel area of research. Moreover, few studies have examined the link between personality and loneliness, a key determinant of social frailty, in older adults. This study aimed to explore the association between FFM personality traits and social frailty, and to assess whether perceived loneliness mediates this relationship.MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study involved community-dwelling older adults attending a Geriatric Outpatients Clinic. Individuals aged ≥65 years were enrolled; those with diagnosed major neurocognitive disorders or psychiatric conditions were excluded. Personality traits were assessed using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), loneliness via the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and frailty through the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI).ResultsData from 202 participants were analyzed (mean age: 74.45 ± 7.76 years; 57% female). Neuroticism was the only trait significantly associated with perceived loneliness (r = 0.190; p = 0.007). Perceived loneliness, in turn, was the sole variable significantly associated with social frailty (r = 0.526; p < 0.001). A mediation model (with age as covariate) revealed that loneliness fully mediated the relationship between Neuroticism and social frailty: the completely standardized indirect effect [β = 0.1017; 95% CI (0.0376, 0.1714)] confirms a moderate mediation effect.ConclusionsIn older adults, higher levels of Neuroticism—reflecting a tendency toward negative affectivity—are linked to increased social frailty, primarily through the mediating role of perceived loneliness.