Humanistic Studies and Social Researches

Abstract Introduction: The global healthcare workforce shortage is a critical issue impacting patient care, economic stability, and healthcare access, particularly in specialties like orthopedics, anesthesiology, and nursing. In Iran, this crisis is worsened by economic sanctions, limited training opportunities, and unequal distribution of healthcare workers. This review examines the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to workforce shortages, with a focus on Iran.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted to analyze existing literature on workforce shortages in orthopedics, anesthesiology, and nursing. Sources included peer-reviewed articles, WHO reports, and national surveys. Data were synthesized to identify trends, impacts on patient care, and strategies for addressing these gaps.

Results: The shortage of orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists has led to delays in surgeries and worse patient outcomes, especially in underserved regions. Nursing shortages are driven by low wages, poor working conditions, and gender disparities. In Iran, sanctions restrict access to medical equipment, worsening the crisis. Additionally, healthcare workers are concentrated in urban areas, deepening the gap in rural settings. These shortages contribute to higher mortality rates, reduced care quality, and escalating healthcare costs.

Conclusion: The healthcare workforce shortage, particularly in orthopedics, anesthesiology, and nursing, presents a significant global challenge. Solutions include expanding training programs, improving working conditions, providing incentives for rural placements, and fostering international collaboration. These efforts are especially vital in countries like Iran, where external economic pressures exacerbate the issue.

Abstract Background: The importance of sleep quality for neurobiological and psychological health is increasingly recognized in multidisciplinary research. Current findings indicate that sleep quality serves as a key mediator connecting advanced cognitive operations with emotional control, highlighting the need for a unified overview of these interrelated processes.
Objective: This review seeks to combine current research to clarify the two-way connections between sleep quality, fundamental cognitive areas (attention, memory, executive function), and emotion regulation abilities, and to describe the common neural foundations that support these interactions.
Methods: A narrative study was performed. Literature from 2000–2025 was gathered from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science using search terms such as "sleep quality," "cognitive function," "emotion regulation," "prefrontal cortex," "amygdala," "sleep deprivation," and "neuroimaging." Selected studies included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and notable neuroimaging research.
Results: Strong evidence indicates that inadequate sleep quality—including short duration, fragmentation, and disrupted sleep stages—significantly harms attention, memory formation, and all aspects of executive function. At the same time, it increases negative emotional responses, reduces positive emotions, and weakens the ability to control emotions consciously. Neurobiological research points to dysregulation in the prefrontal-amygdala circuit and impaired hippocampal activity as central explanations. These influences are bidirectional, creating harmful cycles that can contribute to mental health disorders.
Conclusion: Sleep quality is a fundamental component of mental and brain health, inseparably connecting cognitive and emotional functioning. Sleep-focused interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), offer broad treatment potential for improving thinking skills and emotional well-being. Future studies should use long-term designs and examine factors related to individual differences.

Abstract Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects both motor and non-motor functions, with communication impairments playing a significant role in patients' quality of life and mental health. While motor symptoms are widely addressed, difficulties in speech, language comprehension, and cognitive processing are also critical challenges. This review explores the communication difficulties faced by PD patients, the impact on daily life, and strategies to improve communication, with a particular focus on how medical treatments, including anesthesiology, influence these outcomes.
Methods: A narrative review of studies published through October 2024 was conducted using digital repositories such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The focus was on research related to speech, language, cognitive functions, and social support for PD patients.
Results: PD patients frequently experience challenges in speech production, language comprehension, and cognitive processing, leading to diminished social interactions, isolation, and psychological distress. Medical treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and anesthesia during surgeries can further impact cognitive function and postoperative communication, necessitating careful anesthetic management. Effective strategies like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, patient-centered care, and information communication technologies (ICTs) have shown potential in improving communication. Strong social support systems and improved health literacy are also essential for enhancing well-being and treatment adherence.
Conclusion: A holistic, multidisciplinary approach that integrates personalized communication strategies, robust social support, and specialized anesthetic management can significantly improve communication abilities and the overall quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Abstract Background: The widespread adoption of social networking sites (SNSs) into the daily lives of teenagers marks a major sociotechnological shift of this century. As young people grow up immersed in digital technology, their journeys of self-discovery and self-evaluation increasingly occur within online spaces shaped by algorithms, rather than solely in face-to-face settings. This change requires a close look at how these platforms both influence and complicate core aspects of psychological and social development.
Objective: This narrative review brings together recent research (2015–2025) to examine the complex, and often opposing, effects of SNSs on how adolescents form their identity and develop self-esteem. It seeks to provide a detailed understanding of the processes, influencing factors, and two-way dynamics at play, moving beyond oversimplified cause-and-effect explanations.
Methods: A systematic search was performed across PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Key search terms included: "social media," "adolescent," "teen," "youth," "identity," "self-concept," "self-esteem," "social comparison," and "digital identity." The review included empirical studies (cross-sectional, longitudinal, experimental), systematic reviews, and important theoretical papers. Sources were selected based on relevance and methodological quality.
Results: Research reveals a dual role for SNSs, acting as both a catalyst and an obstacle to development. These platforms enable identity exploration through trying out different self-presentations and finding specialized communities, but they also risk fragmenting identity due to pressures to perform and seek external approval. Similarly, SNSs can strengthen self-esteem by providing social support and opportunities to showcase skills, yet they can also systematically weaken it by encouraging constant social comparison and reliance on quantified feedback (likes, followers). The ultimate impact depends heavily on individual differences, how platforms are used, specific platform designs, and the quality of a teenager's offline relationships.
Conclusion: The review frames SNSs as active "developmental environments" that shape how adolescents socialize, rather than seeing them as neutral tools. Future research should use methods like ecological momentary assessment to capture real-time experiences and investigate the role of content algorithms. Practical steps should focus not just on reducing screen time, but on building critical digital literacy skills and pushing for platform designs that are ethically informed by developmental psychology.

Abstract Introduction: Thyroid surgery has evolved significantly, with ongoing debates surrounding indications, techniques, and postoperative outcomes. Historically, total thyroidectomy was the standard approach for both benign and malignant thyroid diseases. However, more conservative methods, like thyroid lobectomy, have gained traction, especially for well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). Additionally, minimally invasive and transoral techniques are emerging as potential alternatives to improve patient outcomes and reduce scarring. This review explores these developments and examines the challenges associated with thyroid surgery, particularly postoperative complications.
Methods: This narrative review synthesizes recent literature on thyroid surgery, focusing on total thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, and hemi-thyroidectomy for benign and malignant thyroid conditions. It also evaluates the impact of minimally invasive and transoral approaches, along with common postoperative complications such as recurrent nerve palsy, hypocalcemia, and hematoma, and their management strategies.
Results: Thyroid lobectomy has shown to be a safe and effective alternative to total thyroidectomy for low-risk WDTC, offering similar outcomes. Minimally invasive and transoral techniques have improved cosmetic results and reduced recovery times, though they require specialized skills. Postoperative complications, including recurrent nerve injury and hypocalcemia, remain significant but manageable with proper monitoring and early intervention.
Conclusion: Thyroid surgery has shifted toward more conservative approaches, such as thyroid lobectomy, and newer minimally invasive techniques. While these advancements offer improved patient outcomes, the management of complications remains crucial. Continued research and collaboration are key to refining surgical practices and enhancing patient care.

Abstract Background: Gratitude, a positive emotional response to perceived benefits, has evolved from a philosophical concept to a subject of rigorous neuroscientific inquiry. Emerging evidence suggests deliberate gratitude practices can structurally and functionally remodel the brain.
Objective: This review synthesizes contemporary neuroimaging, psychophysiological, and behavioral research to examine the mechanisms by which gratitude practices induce neuroplastic changes that promote happiness and resilience.
Methods: A narrative review of literature from 2000-2024 was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Search terms included "gratitude neuroscience," "neuroplasticity AND gratitude," "gratitude intervention fMRI," and "gratitude well-being." Included studies employed fMRI, EEG, hormonal assays, or longitudinal intervention designs.
Results: Neuroimaging studies consistently identify a gratitude network involving the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and ventral striatum. Longitudinal interventions (e.g., journaling, letters) demonstrate increased activity and connectivity within this network, coupled with reduced amygdala reactivity to threat. Psychophysiological data show downregulation of the HPA axis and increased vagal tone. Behavioral outcomes include sustained increases in subjective well-being, prosocial behavior, and resilience.
Conclusion: Daily gratitude practice acts as a form of cognitive-emotional training that strengthens reward and social connection pathways via Hebbian plasticity. These practices may confer resilience by modulating stress-response systems. While promising, limitations include heterogeneous methodologies and a need for more longitudinal neuroimaging studies. Gratitude training presents a scalable, low-cost adjunct to clinical and wellness programs.

Abstract Background: The social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly shape the prevalence, incidence, and management of diabetes. This review examines the complex relationship between SDOH and diabetes, focusing on economic factors, education, insurance coverage, community context, physical environment, healthcare access, lifestyle factors, and key considerations in orthopedic and anesthesiology care.
Methods: A review of peer-reviewed articles and studies published over the past decade was conducted to explore how SDOH impact diabetes outcomes. The review also addresses orthopedic and anesthesiology concerns, especially related to musculoskeletal complications and anesthesia management for diabetic patients.
Results: Lower economic status, limited education, and insufficient insurance coverage are strongly linked to worse diabetes outcomes. Social and community support, including mental health resources and community programs, is crucial for diabetes self-management. The physical environment—such as access to nutritious food and safe spaces for physical activity—also influences diabetes risk. Additionally, orthopedic issues, such as diabetic neuropathy and musculoskeletal complications, and anesthesiology challenges, such as blood glucose control and cardiovascular concerns during surgery, are vital factors in the care of diabetic individuals.
Conclusion: Addressing diabetes requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach that incorporates economic, educational, and healthcare factors, along with specialized care for orthopedic and anesthesiology needs. Policy interventions, community-based programs, and healthcare reforms are essential to improving outcomes and reducing disparities. Future research should focus on integrated strategies that incorporate SDOH into diabetes care, particularly for underserved populations.

Abstract Backgrounds: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and varied neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors. Its increasing global prevalence highlights a crucial public health need to understand its origins. Modern research has moved beyond the traditional “nature versus nurture” debate, demonstrating that ASD results from dynamic interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, which influence brain development during sensitive prenatal and early postnatal periods. This review consolidates current knowledge on genetic and environmental risks, examines biological mechanisms, and identifies directions for future research.
Methods: A thorough narrative review was performed by systematically searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025. Search terms included combinations such as “autism spectrum disorder,” “etiology,” “genetics,” “environment,” “gene-environment interaction,” and “epigenetics.” Articles were chosen based on relevance, study design, and scientific impact, with emphasis on meta-analyses, large cohort studies, and experimental models.
Results: The genetic basis of ASD is highly diverse, involving rare, impactful de novo mutations, inherited common variants that add to polygenic risk, and syndromic forms. Well-supported environmental risk factors include advanced parental age, maternal immune activation, prenatal exposure to teratogens like valproate, and certain pregnancy complications. Importantly, gene-environment interactions are significant, where genetic predisposition increases vulnerability to environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation changes in immune and synaptic pathways, appear to be key in mediating these interactions.
Conclusion: Evidence supports a “multi-hit” model, where combined genetic and environmental risks disrupt specific neurodevelopmental pathways. Key challenges include determining causality for environmental factors, defining precise timing of exposures, and integrating multi-omics data across varied populations. Future research should focus on large prospective birth cohorts with detailed phenotypic data, advanced experimental models to test interactions, and greater inclusion of diverse global populations. A deeper understanding is necessary to advance toward personalized risk assessment and prevention strategies.

Abstract Academic procrastination is a prevalent issue among university students, particularly those in high-stress programs like medical studies. This behavior is often associated with negative consequences such as lower academic performance, heightened stress, and a decline in psychological well-being. One promising solution to this problem involves teaching self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies, with a focus on metacognition, which encourages students to monitor, evaluate, and adjust their learning processes. This review synthesizes the body of research on the effectiveness of SRL and metacognitive strategies in reducing academic procrastination and enhancing key outcomes, including psychological well-being, academic self-efficacy, and overall academic satisfaction, particularly among medical students. The review finds that SRL and metacognitive interventions significantly improve both academic performance and mental health by helping students better manage their time, reduce procrastination, and increase motivation. By promoting greater awareness and control over their learning habits, students can overcome procrastination tendencies, leading to improved academic outcomes and greater satisfaction in their studies. The findings of this review suggest that SRL and metacognitive approaches are valuable tools in addressing procrastination and fostering more successful, well-rounded students, particularly in demanding academic environments such as medical education.

Abstract Objective: This review synthesizes contemporary empirical research and theoretical models on the psychological construct of trust. It seeks to elucidate its cognitive, affective, and neurobiological foundations, trace its development and dynamics within interpersonal relationships, and evaluate its impact on relational outcomes across contexts. Furthermore, it examines the processes of trust violation and repair, identifying gaps for future research.
Methods: A narrative review methodology was employed. Electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus) were searched for English-language articles published between 1990-2024, using keywords including "trust," "interpersonal trust," "trustworthiness," "betrayal," "attachment," and "relationship quality." Theoretical papers, empirical studies (experimental, longitudinal, neuroimaging), and meta-analyses were included. Key theoretical frameworks (Attachment, Social Exchange) provided the structure for synthesis.
Results: Trust is a multifaceted construct predicated on perceived ability, benevolence, and integrity. Its development is heavily influenced by early attachment patterns and subsequent interpersonal experiences. Neurobiological research implicates oxytocinergic systems and prefrontal-limbic circuitry in trust decisions. High trust is consistently associated with superior relationship outcomes, including increased satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, and effective conflict resolution. Trust violations trigger profound distress and relational reevaluation, yet repair is possible through structured processes involving acknowledgment, restitution, and consistent behavioral change.
Conclusion: Trust functions as the foundational currency of social life, enabling vulnerability and cooperation. Its psychology is best understood through an integrative lens that combines dispositional, experiential, and situational factors. While cultural and individual differences modulate trust dynamics, its core role in relationship health is universal. Future research must further explore digital trust formation, neurodiversity, and the efficacy of trust-building interventions across the lifespan.

Abstract Chronic low back pain and sciatica caused by intervertebral disc herniation are among the leading causes of disability and healthcare utilization worldwide. Effective management of lumbar disc herniation is crucial, encompassing medical therapy, physiotherapy, and interventional procedures. Nucleotomy, the gold standard for decades, directly removes herniated disc material but carries risks such as infection and adjacent segment disease. Recently, percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD), a minimally invasive technique, has gained prominence due to its favorable safety profile, reduced recovery times, and efficacy in selected cases. PLDD employs laser energy to vaporize the nucleus pulposus, reducing intradiscal pressure and alleviating nerve compression. This review critically compares nucleotomy and PLDD, focusing on their techniques, indications, outcomes, and complications. While nucleotomy is preferred for complex herniations, PLDD is effective for smaller, contained cases, with success heavily reliant on patient selection. The integration of nutraceuticals with PLDD represents a promising innovation, enhancing neuroprotection and pain management. With a growing emphasis on minimally invasive solutions, PLDD offers a cost-effective alternative for patients seeking less invasive options. This discussion aims to guide clinicians and patients in selecting the most appropriate treatment while exploring advancements shaping the future of spinal care.

Abstract Background: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a complex, multifactorial origin. While dopaminergic theories have been predominant, contemporary perspectives highlight an integrated dysfunction across genetic, molecular, and neural circuit levels, rooted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
Objectives: This review synthesizes recent evidence from genetics, neuroimaging, and molecular psychiatry to present an updated model of schizophrenia pathophysiology. It focuses on the interplay between synaptic pruning, interneuron dysfunction, and brain network dysconnectivity.
Methods: We conducted a narrative, integrative review. Searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2014-2025) utilized terms like "schizophrenia neurobiology," "dysconnectivity," "NMDA receptor hypofunction," "parvalbumin interneurons," and "genetic risk." Evidence was thematically synthesized to construct a coherent pathophysiological model.
Results: Findings outline a pathway from genetic risk (e.g., complement C4 loci) to excessive adolescent synaptic pruning, leading to impairment of parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons. This results in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction, a disrupted cortical excitation/inhibition balance, and aberrant neural oscillations. These local deficits manifest as large-scale dysconnectivity within cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuits, underpinning positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Dopaminergic dysregulation is positioned downstream of primary glutamatergic/GABAergic pathology.
Conclusion: Schizophrenia is best conceptualized as a neurodevelopmental disorder of synaptic connectivity. Future therapeutics should target earlier pathological stages, such as immune-mediated pruning and glutamatergic signalling, offering potential for novel treatments and preventative strategies.

Abstract Objectives: this narrative review, empirical findings from multiple sources are brought together with the aim of examining the relational competencies that nurses assess in themselves as well as the caring behaviors they display when engaging with patients, while also pointing out factors that predict these elements, methods used for measurement, and the broader consequences for education in nursing.

Methods: A narrative literature review was carried out in a systematic manner, involving searches for peer-reviewed studies that were published from 1997 through to 2025 and drawn from a range of databases.

Results: When evidence from a variety of international settings was synthesized, it became clear that both nursing students and those already working as practitioners tend to regard their relationships with patients as supportive and helpful provided that there is enough time for contact, a sense of personal capability, increasing age, and accumulated experience. At the same time, the caring behaviors that nurses exhibit often place greater emphasis on completing technical procedures rather than on showing expressive qualities such as compassion and emotional support.

Conclusions: Both the education provided to nurses and the practices they follow in clinical settings need to incorporate structured forms of self-evaluation so that technical abilities can be developed alongside relational skills in a balanced way, with attention paid to influences from the surrounding context and from demographic factors in order to foster genuine interactions with patients and to support ongoing growth in the profession.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the foremost cause of death worldwide . Although established risk factors such as hypertension and smoking are well-recognized, a considerable amount of CVD risk remains unaccounted for, shifting focus toward psychosocial influences . Emotional suppression—the deliberate inhibition of emotional expression—constitutes an ineffective emotion regulation strategy with possible cardiotoxic effects.
Objective: This narrative review seeks to consolidate contemporary psychophysiological research to clarify the mechanisms through which habitual emotional suppression elevates CVD risk and contributes to adverse health outcomes.
Methods: A thorough literature review was performed using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for publications between 1990 and 2025. Search terms included "emotional suppression," "expressive inhibition," "cardiovascular disease," "autonomic nervous system," "cortisol," "inflammation," and "endothelial function." Emphasis was placed on human studies exploring physiological pathways or clinical correlations.
Results: Current findings indicate that emotional suppression reliably initiates harmful psychophysiological processes: (1) amplified and sustained sympathetic nervous system activity alongside reduced parasympathetic function, (2) dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, (3) heightened inflammatory responses, and (4) acute and potentially persistent endothelial impairment. Epidemiological research further connects trait suppression with greater incidence of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular mortality.
Conclusion: Chronic emotional suppression operates as a meaningful psychosocial stressor, fostering a pathogenic internal environment that accelerates atherosclerosis and cardiovascular incidents. Incorporating emotion regulation evaluation into cardiovascular risk assessment and implementing focused psychological interventions offer promising strategies for enhancing preventive cardiology within a biopsychosocial model.

Abstract Aim: This review aims to discover the ways burnout and JS influence OCB among nurses.

Methods: Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative research till 2025, this narrative review brings together evidence from PubMed and comparable databases, centering on studies involving registered nurses.

Results: Higher JS consistently showed up as a reliable predictor of stronger OCB, sometimes explaining a surprisingly large share of its variance. These effects often worked through mechanisms like organizational justice, social connectivity, or nurses’ own growing sense of professional capability. Meanwhile, burnout, especially its more corrosive elements such as depersonalization and emotional exhaustion, was strongly linked to declines in OCB, whereas a solid sense of personal accomplishment seemed to act like a buffer. Structural empowerment helped soften exhaustion and indirectly lifted OCB, and supportive supervisors increased nurses’ commitment as well as their willingness to engage in citizenship acts. When woven together, these threads formed an integrated model accounting for about 45% of variation in OCB, with ethical climate and workload standing out as meaningful contributors.

Conclusion: If JS is the fuel for OCB, burnout is the slow leak that drains it. Empowerment strategies, stronger supervisory support, and ethical organizational climates appear capable of preserving OCB while simultaneously holding burnout at bay, changes that ripple outward into patient care and retention.

Abstract Background: Educational institutions globally face significant human resource (HR) challenges, including teacher burnout, attrition, and fluctuating morale. In response, psychological assessments are increasingly integrated into HR practices for selection, development, and retention. A clear synthesis of how these tools correlate with critical organizational outcomes—job satisfaction and organizational commitment—is needed.
Aims: This review aims to critically examine empirical evidence on the relationship between standardized psychological assessments used in educational HR and the job satisfaction and organizational commitment of teaching and administrative staff.
Methods: A narrative review methodology was employed. Peer-reviewed articles, empirical studies, and meta-analyses published between 2000-2025 were identified through systematic searches in databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ERIC. Keywords included: "psychological assessment," "personality," "emotional intelligence," "teacher job satisfaction," "organizational commitment," and "educational human resources."
Results: Consistent positive correlations were found between specific psychological constructs and the outcomes of interest. Personality traits, particularly conscientiousness and emotional stability, and higher emotional intelligence (EI) show strong, direct associations with increased job satisfaction and affective commitment. Person-organization fit, often measured through value congruency assessments, emerges as a significant mediator.
Conclusion: Psychological assessments, when ethically and strategically applied, provide valuable predictive and diagnostic insights for enhancing workforce well-being and stability in educational settings. Future HR practices should leverage these tools not merely for selection but for ongoing professional development and fostering a supportive organizational climate.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of psychoactive drug and alcohol use and their association with demographic factors such as age and gender, as well as accident characteristics among trauma patients presenting to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari, Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over two years and included all eligible patients (aged 18 and above) who presented to the emergency department due to traffic accidents. Urine samples were collected for biochemical screening using multi drug assesing techniques. Demographic data, accident details, and medical history were also recorded and analyzed. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to assess statistical associations.

Results: The most commonly detected substances were cannabis (48.5%), methamphetamine (18.2%), and benzodiazepines (19.2%). Although substance use was observed across different age groups and patient roles (pedestrian, driver, passenger, etc.), most cases showed no statistically significant association between substance use and demographic variables. Specifically, no significant associations were found for methadone (p=0.382), cannabis (p=0.212), methamphetamine (p=0.292), amphetamine (p=0.232), benzodiazepines (p=0.134), tramadol (p=0.815), morphine (p>0.05), or tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) (p>0.05) with age, gender, or the patient's role in the accident. The only statistically significant findings were the association between alcohol use and accident occurrence (p=0.035), as well as gender differences in alcohol consumption (p=0.027).

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for continuous and comprehensive monitoring of drug use among trauma patients, with particular attention to alcohol consumption. The study underscores the importance of developing targeted interventions at both local and national levels to prevent substance-related traffic accidents.

Abstract Background: Life satisfaction, a core evaluative component of subjective well-being, is inherently relative. Social comparison theory posits that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. Despite six decades of research, a comprehensive synthesis of how different comparison processes, moderators, and modern digital contexts shape global life judgments is needed.
Objective: This review aims to systematically synthesize theoretical and empirical evidence on the role of social comparison in life satisfaction formation, identify key mechanisms and moderators, and highlight gaps for future research.
Methods: A narrative review methodology was employed. Scholarly databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science) were searched for English-language articles and key texts from 1954 to 2025. Search terms included "social comparison," "life satisfaction," "subjective well-being," "reference group," and related constructs. Theoretical frameworks, landmark studies, and recent empirical findings were integrated.
Results: The review confirms social comparison as a fundamental, dual-pathway mechanism. Upward comparisons typically reduce life satisfaction through contrast effects but can increase it via inspiration (assimilation). Downward comparisons generally enhance satisfaction through contrast but can induce fear. Impact is moderated by individual differences (e.g., Neuroticism, Social Comparison Orientation), target similarity, and cultural context. The pervasive influence of social media, characterized by curated upward comparisons, is strongly associated with diminished life satisfaction.
Conclusion: Life satisfaction is profoundly constructed through comparative evaluation. The effect direction hinges on cognitive processes (assimilation/contrast), target selection, and dispositional traits. In the digital age, understanding and mitigating the negative impacts of maladaptive comparison, while harnessing its potential for motivation, is a critical public health concern. Future research must employ longitudinal designs and explore intervention strategies.

Abstract Objective:

This review sought to weave together evidence on breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices across Asian and global populations.

Methods:

A structured literature review was carried out, drawing on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies that documented women’s knowledge, beliefs, and preventive actions such as breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography.

Results:

Across countries, breast cancer knowledge and screening practices varied not just statistically but culturally and emotionally. Indian women showed comparatively higher awareness (~63%) and practice (~79%), whereas Iranian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, and emigrant Asian communities often exhibited low-to-moderate knowledge combined with erratic screening habits. Widespread barriers, fear of diagnosis, financial constraints, social expectations, and limited flow of reliable health information, recurred across studies. Yet, whenever structured and culturally grounded interventions were introduced, from community-based education to navigator programs or train-the-trainer workshops, screening uptake almost always improved. Urban residence, a personal history of breast problems, and easier access to health facilities emerged as consistent predictors of engagement.

Conclusion:

In many Asian settings awareness and screening remain far from where they need to be. Still, the accumulated evidence makes one thing abundantly clear: thoughtful, culturally sensitive health education paired with improved access to care can meaningfully shift outcomes, enhance early detection, and reduce mortality. Prioritizing these strategies is essential if breast cancer control efforts are to be equitable and effective.

Abstract Background: Emotional suppression, defined as the deliberate restraint of emotional expression, is frequently utilized by people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While it may offer momentary relief, its persistent application is connected to negative long-term psychological and health outcomes. Examining this process through a psychophysiological lens is crucial for understanding the biological mechanisms involved.
Objective: This review consolidates contemporary research on the psychophysiological features and repercussions of chronic emotional suppression in trauma-exposed groups, with particular attention to autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrine, and central nervous system activity.
Methods: A narrative synthesis of literature published between 2000 and 2025 was performed, sourcing articles from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Key search terms encompassed "emotional suppression," "trauma," "PTSD," "psychophysiology," and related physiological metrics.
Results: Robust evidence demonstrates that emotional suppression in trauma patients correlates with heightened and rigid sympathetic arousal (e.g., reduced heart rate variability), dysregulated HPA axis function, and a neural pattern of excessive prefrontal effort paired with sustained limbic reactivity. These physiological markers are associated with increased PTSD symptom severity and contribute to greater allostatic load and physical health comorbidities.
Conclusion: Emotional suppression constitutes a biologically costly form of regulation that intensifies physiological stress responses and may perpetuate trauma-related pathology. Clinical interventions should prioritize helping patients replace suppression with more adaptive, antecedent-focused emotion regulation strategies to foster comprehensive resilience.

Abstract Objective

This review aimed to bring together findings on main factors that drive nurse job satisfaction and to show gender differences in satisfaction levels, stressors, and work outcomes in different nursing settings.

Methods

Narrative review of selected studies found through focused literature search.

Results

Studies showed that high workload, not enough staff, weak supervisor support, and low pay reduced satisfaction. Research indicated that autonomy from task delegation, respectful communication, strong ethical focus on patient-centred care, and good talent management practices increased satisfaction. Gender differences appeared clearly. Data showed that most nurse practitioners were women. Findings indicated that male nurses experienced more workplace bullying yet showed lower intent to leave, and structural empowerment explained part of this effect. Results showed that men had higher burnout depersonalization scores, while women working in emergency departments presented more PTSD symptoms. Evidence indicated that gender equity in nursing education raised esteem and pride among male nurses.



Conclusion

Nurse job satisfaction decreases when resources and support are missing, but it rises with autonomy and ethical patient care. Gender changes how nurses experience work, which shows that men face more bullying and burnout and bullying, while women appear more vulnerable to PTSD and loss of motivation. More research on combined gender effects is needed.

Abstract Background: The global teaching profession faces a sustainability crisis characterized by escalating attrition rates linked to deteriorating mental health and professional burnout. School leadership has emerged as a critical, modifiable organizational factor influencing these teacher outcomes, with significant implications for educational quality and equity.
Objective: This review evaluated empirical research from 2000-2025 to investigate relationships between distinct educational leadership styles and teachers' mental health and burnout levels, identify mediating mechanisms, and highlight implications for educational practice and policy.
Methods: A comprehensive narrative systematic review was conducted using electronic databases (ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science). Search terms combined leadership constructs ("educational leadership," "transformational leadership"), well-being indicators ("teacher burnout," "mental health"), and contextual factors ("school climate," "organizational support"). Inclusion criteria encompassed empirical studies examining leadership as an independent variable and teacher well-being as dependent variables in K-12 settings.
Results: Transformational and distributed leadership styles demonstrate consistent protective effects against teacher burnout while promoting psychological well-being. Laissez-faire leadership emerges as the most robust predictor of adverse mental health outcomes. Transactional leadership shows context-dependent effects, while abusive leadership produces unequivocally negative consequences. Key mediating pathways include perceived organizational support, self-efficacy, and school climate quality.
Conclusion: Educational leadership style constitutes a fundamental determinant of teacher psychological functioning and professional sustainability. Prioritizing leadership development focused on supportive, empowering practices represents an essential strategy for creating healthier schools and retaining high-quality teaching professionals.

Abstract Objective

This review put together evidence on MS levels, factors linked to it, predictors and interventions in nursing groups, mostly from Asia.

Methods

A narrative review of studies on nursing staff was done with thematic synthesis of evidence.

Results

The review looked at studies from 2010 to 2023, mainly from Asian countries and one study that compared Japan and Finland, which showed moderate levels of moral sensitivity in many nursing groups. These groups included students, ICU nurses, critical care nurses, midwives, mental health nurses and nurses who care for older people. Data from quantitative studies indicated that moral sensitivity had positive links with ethical decision-making which indicated professional values played a mediating role, emotional intelligence, moral awareness, moral self-concept, person-centered care and positive attitudes toward care of older people. The same data showed an inverse link with perceived quality of nursing care that included psychosocial and physical parts. Moral sensitivity appeared as a strong predictor of person-centered care and of compassion fatigue, especially during the COVID-19 period. Results were mixed for links with moral distress because some studies indicated no connection while others showed it existed.

Conclusions

Moral sensitivity is a clear predictor of ethical nursing practice and care quality which indicates it can also make nurses more open to distress and fatigue when conditions are hard. Targeted interventions and supportive ethical climates are needed that show how to keep moral sensitivity strong and reduce bad outcomes.

Abstract Background: Although oncology traditionally emphasizes survival rates, the patient's journey is deeply influenced by their subjective experience and psychological state. Continuity of Care (CoC)—the consistent, coordinated, and unified management of care over time—is increasingly recognized as a vital element that extends beyond its possible effects on mortality.
Objective: This review consolidates current research to explore how CoC affects patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) and mental health results in individuals with cancer.
Methods: A systematic search of databases (including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL) was performed for studies published from 2000 to 2024. Search terms comprised "continuity of care," "cancer," "oncology," "patient experience," "quality of life," "anxiety," "depression," "care coordination," and "therapeutic alliance."
results: Substantial evidence shows that greater CoC is reliably linked to better patient experiences, including enhanced communication, trust, and security. Additionally, CoC serves as an important protective factor against psychological illness, lowering anxiety, depression, and sensations of abandonment, especially during care transitions and survivorship.
Conclusion: CoC is a core, adjustable component of quality cancer care that directly improves patients' care experiences and protects their mental health. Emphasizing CoC through intentional models and policies is crucial for realizing genuinely patient-focused oncology.

Abstract Objective:to explore how different forms of digital use, including social media scrolling, generalized internet immersion, and habitual smartphone engagement, intersect with dietary choices, movement patterns, sleep routines, and broader mental health outcomes among varied demographic groups.

Methods:

The review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies that focus on social media or internet addiction alongside research on physical activity, eating behaviors, and sleep quality, that shows how these behaviors converge.

Results:

A growing body of evidence points to excessive digital involvement as a notable contributor to disordered eating behaviors, nighttime eating episodes, orthorexic traits, and a heightened intake of sugar-sweetened or ultra-processed foods that shows the subtle ways digital patterns seep into daily habits. Physical activity frequently declines when social media addiction intensifies, although structured interventions and fitness-focused applications appear capable of buffering some negative outcomes. Sleep quality tends to erode under heavy screen exposure, social media fatigue, and gaming addiction, and this decline becomes more pronounced when poor impulse regulation or late-evening device use is present. Adolescents show striking vulnerability given their developmental stage and social pressures, though adults also encounter addiction-like symptoms including compulsive engagement and nomophobia. Cultural norms and socioeconomic conditions further shape how these factors interact.

Conclusion:

Digital engagement carries substantial influence over lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being, which indicates urgent need for interventions that promote digital literacy, regular movement, balanced nutrition, and supportive sleep habits. These strategies must remain culturally adaptable in order to prevent harmful patterns of digital dependence and sustain holistic health across age groups.