Australian Psychologist

Objective This study explored whether self-control and empathy mediate the link between phubbing and the quality of social relationships. Method A total of 664 Turkish university students (373 female), aged 18–34 (M = 20.66, SD = 2.02), completed an online survey including the Phubbing Scale, Brief Multidimensional Self-Control Scale, Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, and Social Relationship Scale. Results Higher phubbing was associated with lower self-control and empathy, and weaker relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. In contrast, greater self-control and empathy were positively linked to stronger social connections. Mediation analyses showed that self-control and empathy both mediated the negative impact of phubbing on social relationships. Conclusion These findings suggest that phubbing weakens social bonds by reducing self-control and empathy. However, individuals with stronger self-control and empathy are more likely to maintain close relationships, despite frequent technology use. Interventions that promote mindful phone use and strengthen emotional and behavioural regulation skills may help young adults build and sustain healthier social ties.

Objective: Our study aims to explore the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Supports (MSPSS) within Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, recognising the vital role of social support in their well-being and health outcomes. Method: 730 Adult Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People (female = 68.5%; aged 19 to82 years) residing in South Australia participated in the study as part of a follow-up study in a longitudinal cohort research project. We employed a network approach to examine the psychometric properties of the MSPSS: (1) network structure, stability, and fit; (2) measurement invariance; (3) criterion validity; and (4) reliability. Results: The MSPSS was shown to have a hierarchical network structure, with a lower-order domain consisting of three communities – Special Person, Family, and Friends – and a unidimensional higher-order domain – Perceived Social Supports. This structure was found to have strong structural consistency and item/subscale stability. The MSPSS subscales displayed excellent reliability and the model provided a good explanation for the data. There was evidence of metric invariance across sex, age, and location. Conclusion: The MSPSS shows validity and reliability in Indigenous contexts but may miss broader kinship roles. Its validation enables exploring social support, cultural resilience, and Indigenous well-being with adaptations.

Objective While health literacy is known to impact general well-being positively, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are not fully understood. The current study examined the associations between health literacy and general well-being in adults, focusing on the mediating roles of the perceived importance of health and self-awareness behaviours and the moderating influence of health status. Method This study collected data via an online survey from a total of 2,101 Turkish-speaking adults, 1,482 females (70.5%) and 619 males (29.95%), aged between 17 and 60, with a mean age of 25.58 (SD = 9.66). Data collection was conducted during January and February 2023. Participants completed self-reported measures assessing health literacy, the importance of health, self-awareness, well-being, and health status. Results Mediation analysis indicated that health literacy is linked to general well-being through the importance of health [effect = 0.13, 95% [0.05, 0.11]) and self-awareness [effect = 0.06, 95% [0.05, 0.11]). Moderation analysis revealed a significant moderating effect of health status on the relationship between self-awareness and general well-being, with a significant relationship only evident among those reporting good health (B = 0.051, p < 0.05). Conclusions Enhancing health literacy is essential for improving general well-being by promoting individuals’ understanding of health and fostering self-awareness. Understanding how health literacy and changes in health status impact well-being can inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at promoting both well-being and health outcomes.

Objective: Engaging in excessive digital gaming can detrimentally affect physical and psychological health. This research aimed to examine the relationships between digital game addiction , classroom engagement, sleep deprivation, and mind-wandering and to test the mediating effect of sleep deprivation and mind-wandering on the relationship between digital game addiction and classroom engagement. Method: Employing a relational survey design, data were collected from a convenience sample of 750 Turkish adolescents (295 males, 455 females) aged 13-17 years, using an online cross-sectional survey. All participants were in middle or high school. Results: Digital game use varied; 154 (20.5%) did not play digital games. Among those who played digital games, the highest percentage played 0-1 hour per day, 188 (25.1%). Digital game addiction scores ranged from 7-35 (M = 13.57, SD = 5.90). Digital game addiction, sleep deprivation, and mind-wandering were associated with poorer classroom engagement. Sleep deprivation and mind-wandering mediated the relationship between digital game addiction and classroom engagement. Conclusion: The relationship between digital game addiction and classroom engagement appears to be at least partly explained by sleep deprivation and mind-wandering. Future research should investigate these variables across different age groups of adolescents, employing both qualitative approaches and longitudinal quantitative methods. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic (1) Digital game addiction is significantly associated with poorer classroom engagement. (2) Sleep deprivation and mind-wandering have been identified as significant predictors of classroom engagement. (3) The mechanisms driving the relationships between digital game addiction, sleep deprivation , mind-wandering, and classroom engagement remain less understood. What this topic adds (1) High levels of digital game addiction were associated with greater sleep deprivation and mind wandering, which in turn was associated with lower classroom engagement. (2) Sleep deprivation and mind wandering mediated the relationship between digital game addiction and classroom engagement. (3) These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing sleep deprivation and mind wandering may be especially beneficial for adolescents who experience poor classroom engagement due to digital game addiction.

ABSTRACT Objective: The current study aimed to validate an extended version of a frequently used parent-report measure of child functioning and parent self-efficacy, the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale (CAPES). Method: A 5-item peer relationship problems subscale was developed to address the original measure’s limitation in assessing the quality of children’s peer relationships. Three additional items were added to the parent self-efficacy subscale that measures parents’ confidence in supporting children to manage peer relationship problems. Utilising data from 2,272 Australian parents of primary-school-aged children, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the extended CAPES through conducting a confirmatory factor analysis, correlational analyses of relevant measures, and calculations of internal consistency. Results: A three-factor structure of the child adjustment subscale was supported, which included three subscales, namely the original emotional maladjustment subscale, the original behavioural problems subscale, and the newly developed peer relationship problems subscale. The one-factor structure of the updated parent self-efficacy subscale was also supported. All subscales displayed acceptable to excellent internal consistency, and significant correlations with relevant measures. Conclusions: The extended CAPES demonstrated good validity, reliability, and readability in this initial validation study. It has great potential to be used in both research and clinical practice.