FSP - Psychology

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Do the child-related challenges associated with ASD put the poarental couple at risk for couple conflicts? : a literature review paper
(Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, 2019) Stoia, Dalia; Vintilă, Mona; Minulescu, Mihaela; Bredicean, Ana Cristina
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most widespread child psychopathologies. The impact of the diagnosis is well known in the literature as a considerable increase in marital distress. Hence, we understand very little about the exact impact of ASD upon the family dynamics, especially parents’ marital relationship. In this context and considering that couple conflict is considered one robust indicator of marital quality, we aim to approach the themes of conflict parents of ASD children face. We aim to explore some answers referring to the child-related challenges and the risks of conflicts and consider whether these conflicts are real or just the peak of the iceberg. A number of 20 studies were identified as exploring the subject, out of which only six were eligible for further analysis. The reported results revealed some of the topics of conflict and their impact on the family. The review highlights the further need of studies exploring these conflicts in ASD families and mentions practical implications of the current analysis.
The dark triad traits of firefighters and risk-taking at work : the mediating role of altruism, honesty and courage
(MDPI, 2021) Roșca, Andra Cătălina; Burtăverde, Vlad; Dan, Cristina Ioana
Firefighting is considered a dangerous profession that imposes unique safety hazards. In this research, we investigated the relationship between the Dark Triad traits of firefighters (N = 1434, Mage = 39.03, SD = 6.9) and their risk-taking at work, considering the mediation role of altruism, honesty, and courage. We showed that firefighters high on Machiavellianism and psychopathy reported high risk-taking. Altruism, honesty, and courage mediated the relationship between Machiavellianism and risk-taking in firefighters. Honesty and courage mediated the association between psychopathy and risk-taking. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Job demands and exhaustion in firefighters : the moderating role of work meaning : a cross-sectional study
(MDPI, 2021) Roșca, Andra Cătălina; Mateizer, Alexandru; Dan, Cristina Ioana
Emotional exhaustion and other symptoms of burnout are often found among emergency services professions, such as firefighting. Given the social importance of this activity and the high responsibility it requires, prevention and alleviation of burnout symptoms become primary concerns in ensuring the well-being of firefighters. Although work meaning is one of the factors associated with a lower risk of developing burnout, its protective role has not been studied in firefighters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the buffering role of work meaning in the health-impairment process of the Job Demands-Resources model, targeting the relationship between job demands and related emotional exhaustion. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from a sample consisting of Romanian firefighters (n = 1096). Structural equation modeling indicated a positive link between job demands and exhaustion. In addition, deriving personal meaning from work was associated with lower levels of exhaustion in firefighters. A small but significant interaction effect between work meaning and job demands showed that higher levels of work meaning attenuated the positive relationship between job demands and exhaustion. In conclusion, our findings suggest that work meaning has a buffering effect on the impact of various job demands on job-related exhaustion. Nevertheless, the small effect sizes warrant further research on this topic.
Sexual self-concept differentiation : an exploratory analysis of online and offline self-perspectives
(MDPI, 2022) Mateizer, Alexandru; Roșca, Andra Cătălina; Avram, Eugen
Self-concept differentiation (SCD) has been of interest to researchers, mainly as a structural concept indicative of social specialization or self-concept fragmentation. Nevertheless, this aspect of self-representation has not been studied in regard to sexuality and the extent to which the sexual self may vary across different roles or situations. With the emergence of the Internet, people found new opportunities to explore and express aspects of their sexuality in multiple online scenes, thus increasing the complexity of human sexual experience and expanding the reach of sexual identity. The aim of this study is to investigate SCD in relation to the sexual self-concept, as experienced in the online and offline environments, and its effects on sexual identity, sexual satisfaction and online sexual behaviors. Data analysis pointed towards a fragmented self-view with high degrees of differentiation between the online and offline sexual self-instances being linked to a weaker sense of sexual identity, less sexual satisfaction in real life and less partnered online interactions. However, there were some indications that these relationships were influenced by how people perceive themselves sexually in one instance compared to the other. The results obtained in this study encourage further research on SCD as an important factor in understanding the real-world consequences of online sexual expression.
Trade union strategies in the age of austerity : evidence from the Romanian public sector
(SAGE Publications, 2019) Adăscăliței, Dragoș; Muntean, Aurelian
This article examines the impact of the economic crisis and its aftermath on collective bargaining by comparing reactions to austerity policies of trade unions in healthcare and education sectors in Romania. It develops an encompassing theoretical framework that links strategies used by trade unions with power resources, costs, and union democracy. We argue that trade unions in the healthcare sector have successfully deployed their resources to advance their interests and obtain significant wage increases and better working conditions. We show that in a context of a tight labour market, generated by the massive emigration of doctors, trade union confederations in the healthcare sector have been increasingly successful in negotiating better pay. We also show that in the aftermath of the crisis healthcare trade unions have redefined their strategies and adopted a more militant stance based on a combination of local strikes, strike threats, and forging temporary alliances with various stakeholders. By comparison, we find that trade unions in the education sector have adopted less effective strategies built around negotiations with governments combined with national level militancy.
Dependence, adaptation and survival : social dialogue in multinational corporations in Romania
(ETUI aisbl, 2023) Muntean, Aurelian
As in other countries in the region, multinational companies (MNCs) have become important agents of economic growth and development in Romania. They have also successfully pressed for changes to labour law favourable to themselves which has, in turn, led trade unions to change their demands and also their strategies and methods. This chapter uses an original dataset compiled on MNCs in Romania (Muntean 2021) and in-depth interviews with management and workers’ representatives to track the development of labour relations in MNCs in the retail and automotive sectors. It explains how differences in the fragmentation and concentration of workforces, differences in the organisation and strategies of management and workers’ collective organisations and contextual factors such as workforce migration and the Covid-19 pandemic crisis affect the local, sectoral, national and transnational social dialogue.1 In the second section the chapter discusses the evolution of foreign direct investment and changes in employment relations. The third section presents a multidimensional framework of analysis for understanding the factors that influence social dialogue in companies, such as the strategies of social partners to adapt and survive, and the costs of different types of power and strategy. The fourth section analyses social dialogue in the retail sector while the fifth analyses the automotive sector. The sixth section presents empirical findings and conclusions.
Couples facing the autism spectrum disorder challenge : a literature review concerning emotionally focused therapy effectiveness
(Expert Projects Publishing House, 2019) Stoia, Dalia; Vintilă, Mona; Minulescu, Mihaela
Recent surveys reinforce the fact that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on the rise. In these cases, the family faces a chronic condition which etiology and means of treatment are still debated. The impact of the new reality is well known in the literature as a considerable increase in marital distress. Hence, until recently all the concern was around the therapy of the child. The comprehension of the psychological impact faced by the couple lead to a new approach addressing an integrative treatment plan in the case of ASD. In the new light, couple therapy is considered valuable inorder to higher the family quality of life. The present literature review oﬀ ers an overview of research exploring the eﬀ ectiveness of one couple intervention known as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples that deal with the challenge of ASD. A number of 182 studies were identifi ed as exploring the subject, out of which only four were eligible for further analysis. Two of the studies question the eﬀ ectiveness of EFT in the case of chronically ill children and the other two question the eﬀ ectiveness in the case of ASD. The reported results show a decrease of the marital distress following EFT intervention. The review highlights the further need of studies exploring EFT for parents rising ASD children and mentions practical implications of the current analysis.
Looking for the positive effects of cartoons on children’s intentional prosocial behavior still no evidence
(Editura Universitatii din Oradea, 2020) Lulciuc, Claudiu; Maricuțoiu, Laurențiu; Minulescu, Mihaela
In this experimental study, we investigated the intentional prosocial behavior of children following exposure to different types of cartoons. Subjects (N=246, mean age=7.50 years) were assigned to one of the three groups (neutral vs. prosocial vs. antisocial), and we performed pre- and post-measurements. We used an interactive audio story to facilitate the measurement of children’s intentional prosocial behavior. Children provided their answers in a special notebook, in real-time during the story. Pre- and post-exposure to a short cartoon (5 min and 22 sec), subjects offered their answers in 10 instances in which they could decide between prosocial or antisocial behavioral alternatives. We found a decrease in prosocial behavior in all groups after exposure to cartoons, regardless of their type. However, no significant differences were observed between groups that were exposed to different types of cartoons. Therefore, we did not find support for the hypothesis that assumed prosocial cartoons would increase intentional prosocial behavior, respectively, the number of prosocial decisions. Thus, we could not establish a cause and effect relationship between prosocial cartoons and prosocial behavior.
Autism spectrum disorder in Romania : development of the First Community Center for Children with ASD from Romania
(Editura Universitatii din Bucuresti, Facultatea de Sociologie si Asistenta Sociala, 2020) Stoia, Dalia; Minulescu, Mihaela; Trancă, Loredana Marcela; Bredicean, Ana Cristina
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most widespread child psychopathologies. The impact of the diagnosis is well known in the literature as a considerable increase in marital distress. Hence, we understand very little about the exact impact of ASD upon the family dynamics, especially parents’ marital relationship. In this context and considering that couple conflict is considered one robust indicator of marital quality, we aim to approach the themes of conflict parents of ASD children face. We aim to explore some answers referring to the child-related challenges and the risks of conflicts and consider whether these conflicts are real or just the peak of the iceberg. A number of 20 studies were identified as exploring the subject, out of which only six were eligible for further analysis. The reported results revealed some of the topics of conflict and their impact on the family. The review highlights the further need of studies exploring these conflicts in ASD families and mentions practical implications of the current analysis.
Do cartoons trigger an influence on children's altruism?
(West University of Timisoara, 2020) Minulescu, Mihaela; Lulciuc, Claudiu; Maricuțoiu, Laurențiu
The present study evaluated children's prosocial behavior (M = 7.39, SD = 0.93) (i.e., specific altruism) under the influence of three types of cartoons (neutral, prosocial, or antisocial). Subjects (N = 140) were randomized and exposed to treatment with pre- and post-intervention measurements. The results didn't confirm the hypothesis that children who will watch prosocial cartoons will have increased altruism proving a higher volume of donations. The second hypothesis regarding the inhibitory effect of antisocial cartoons on altruism by decreasing the volume of donations was not confirmed either. No significant gender effects were recorded. No significant general age effect was found either, however, we found that donations tend to increase with age, a statistically significant effect being recorded for children age 8 years old compared to those of 6 years old. The implications of the statistical data are discussed together with the possibility of registering a ""moral licensing"" effect."
Self-authenticity, optimism and neuroticism in relation to basic psychological needs.
(West University of Timisoara, 2019) Ionescu, Daniela; Iacob, Claudia Iuliana
This paper aimed at investigating the mediating role of one personality construct (i.e., dispositional optimism) on the relationship between self-authenticity and basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction. This study also aims to investigate the predictive role of three personality constructs (self-authenticity, optimism, and neuroticism) on basic psychological needs satisfaction. The participants were 566 Romanian adults from the general population (M = 43.66 years old, SD = 10.46), who were asked to fill in multiple questionnaires. Findings reveal that optimism mediates the relationship between self-authenticity and the satisfaction of the need for autonomy (β=.30, R2=.39, p<0.001) and also mediates the relationship between self-authenticity and the satisfaction of the need for competence (β=.51, R2=.36, p<0.001), but does not mediate the relationship between self-authenticity and the need for relatedness. Another result of this study is that the three personality factors (self-authenticity, optimism, and neuroticism) predict altogether the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (β= -.11, R2=.52, p<0.05). These results extend the current knowledge about personality determinants involved in autonomy, competence and relatedness basic needs from self-determination theory. In the end, the authors discuss the implications of the findings, the limits of the present study and future research suggestions.
COVID-19 pandemic worry and vaccination Intention : the mediating role of the health belief model components
(Frontiers, 2021) Iacob, Claudia Iuliana; Ionescu, Daniela
Given the negative consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on public health, his study aimed at investigating: (1) the differences between adults with and without chronic illness in buying behavior, vaccination ntention, pandemic worry, and the health belief model (HBM) components; (2) the HBM components as mediators of the relationship between pandemic worry and vaccination intention. The sample consisted of 864 adults (66.6% females, Mage D 47.61, SD D 9.23), of which 20.5% reported having a chronic illness. Associations between pandemic worry, vaccination intention, and HBM were ascertained using correlation and mediation analyses. Individuals with chronic illness reported a higher level of pandemic worry, higher levels of perceived threat, greater benefits from vaccination, had lower self-efficacy and bought more medicine and sanitary/hygienic products. No significant differences were observed regarding vaccination intention, barriers against vaccination, and changes in food buying behavior. We found that the relationship between pandemic worry and vaccination intention was partially mediated by the perceived threat of disease and the benefits of vaccination. Pandemic worry predicted vaccination intention directly but also through the contribution of the perceived threat of disease and the benefits of vaccination. These findings suggest that presenting evidence of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and the benefits of having the vaccine (especially for vulnerable groups, such as chronic illness patients) will encourage the population to follow vaccination recommendations.
Emotional distress related to hazards and earthquake risk perception
(Springer Nature, 2021) Ionescu, Daniela; Iacob, Claudia Iuliana; Avram, Eugen
This paper aimed to investigate emotional distress related to hazards (EDH) considering appraisals and personal resources from cognitive appraisal theory in a sample of Bucharest inhabitants periodically exposed to earthquakes (EQ). The sample consisted of 336 respondents (M = 33.71 years old, SD = 13.71, 64.6% females). The hierarchical regression model revealed that discomfort of living space, a personal resource, was the strongest predictor of EDH (β = .18, t(313) = 3.09, p < .01), closely followed by appraisals or risk perception variables: hazards anticipation (β = .17, t(316) = 2.11, p < .05) and negative EQ consequences (β = .13, t(316) = 2.28, p < .05). The overall model explained 17% of the variance of EDH. This study shows that the cognitive appraisal theory can be successfully used to explain the EDH of citizens living in an earthquake-prone city. Also, it emphasizes that earthquake-related factors can be relevant when discussing EDH levels of people in cities experiencing recurrent earthquakes.
Training needs of teachers on inclusive education
(University of Pitesti, 2022) Ionescu, Daniela; Vrăsmaș, Ecaterina
The inclusive education of children with special educational needs can represent school and education, in general, an opportunity to capitalize on the multitude of resources and potentials that the actors of the instructive-educational process have, thus opening the way to psychosocial horizons of personality development. The problem of strategies and methods of teacher training is the path to access to the goals of education, is known that openness cannot increase in the absence of a univocal training relationship between teacher and student. It can be stated that, in inclusive training, it is not known who offers and who receives the training. But for this recursive process to be able to begin, it is necessary to place the first point of support at the level of the teacher's personality, so the attitude. Positive attitudes toward the inclusion of children with special educational needs are essential for its successful implementation of it. This paper aimed to test the training needs for teachers in an inclusive education approach that will allow a deeper perspective in building ""attitudes towards the inclusion of children with SEN"". The method used was the questionnaire-based inquiry. The research sample comprised 428 teachers from urban and rural areas. The findings allowed a more precise identification of the constellation of variables and relationships that play role in creating an impact training course towards inclusion and are therefore essential for the implementation of a ""school for all"".
Patients’ personality in disease self-management : a self-determination perspective
(Springer Nature, 2023) Ene, Cristina; Rîndașu, Cristina; Ionescu, Daniela
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the personality and patient activation. It also tested the mediator effect of autonomy support from physicians in the relationship between the personality factors and patient activation. We relied on a sample of 335 participants (Mage = 37.85, SD = 12.60) who had a medical diagnosis. The study’s results showed that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness were positively related to patient activation, whilst neuroticism was negatively related to it. Autonomy support from physicians was shown to be a mediator in the relationship between the personality factors and patient activation. When receiving autonomy support from their health practitioners, patients tend to be more engaged, facilitating recovery, reducing complications, costs, and having overall better health outcomes. These findings might be considered for implementing more collaborative interventions in order to improve patients’ activation and supporting them to maintain an active role in their health.
Authenticity, volition and motivational persistence predicting well-being : a self-determination theoretical perspective
(Springer Nature, 2022) Ionescu, Daniela; Burtăverde, Vlad; Avram, Eugen; Ene, Cristina
The present study aimed to investigate a mediation model explaining the adults’ well-being. The prediction power of authenticity, motivational persistence, volitional processes of well-being, and the satisfaction of autonomy, relatedness, and competence as mediators in those relationships were examined. To date, most studies have investigated the relationship between motivational processes and well-bein in Western and individualistic cultures. Considering that cultural orientation is a potential factor that affects well-being, we tested the link between motivational processes, need satisfaction, and well-being in a collectivistic, non-Western Romanian sample. Participants were 850 adults from the general population (51.50% female; Mage = 31.18 years). The results showed that authenticity, motivational persistence, and volitional processes are significant predictors of well-being. Also, this study showed that some of the decoding keys of those three positive relationships were autonomy, relatedness, and competence from self-determination theory. These results extend the current knowledge about determinants involved in well-being and self-determination theory impact. At the end of the study, the implications of the findings, the limits of the present study, and future research suggestions are discussed.
The role of catastrophizing and basic psychological needs satisfaction on health-related quality of life and pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation
(Frontiers, 2023) Ionescu, Daniela; Iacob, Claudia Iuliana; Brehar, Felix Mircea; Avram, Eugen
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most common conditions associated with functional disability, affecting patients’ quality of life (QOL). Disability can be affected by cognitive factors, such as pain catastrophizing. Similarly, unfulfilled basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness) are associated with biases in pain perception and QOL. Using the fear-avoidance model and the self-determination theory, this study investigates: (1) the separate contribution of pain-related variables and basic psychological needs satisfaction in predicting QOL in patients proposed for LDH surgery; (2) pre- and post-surgical differences in pain catastrophizing and basic psychological needs satisfaction.

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