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Abstract Despite the growing deployment of network representation to comprehend psychological phenomena, the question of whether and how networks can effectively describe the effects of psychological interventions remains elusive. Network control theory, the engineering study of networked interventions, has recently emerged as a viable methodology to characterize and guide interventions. However, there is a scarcity of empirical studies testing the extent to which it can be useful within a psychological context. In this paper, we investigate a representative psychological intervention experiment, use network control theory to model the intervention and predict its effect. Using this data, we showed that: (1) the observed psychological effect, in terms of sensitivity and specificity, relates to the regional network control theoretic metrics (average and modal controllability), (2) the size of change following intervention negatively correlates with a whole-network topology that quantifies the “ease” of change as described by control theory (control energy), and (3) responses after intervention can be predicted based on formal results from control theory. These insights assert that network control theory has significant potential as a tool for investigating psychological interventions. Drawing on this specific example and the overarching framework of network control theory, we further elaborate on the conceptualization of psychological interventions, methodological considerations, and future directions in this burgeoning field.

The focus on the negative side of technology has become a prominent factor in the understanding of the interactions between humans and technology. However, there is a positive side to technology use that has been less investigated in scientific research. Well-being researchers have determined that it is not just the absence of negative emotions or experiences, but rather the presence and frequency of positive ones that matter most. Therefore, despite the scarcity of research on the positive side of technology, the present conceptual paper focuses on how technology may be used for the good to produce psychological benefits (e.g., greater happiness, lower loneliness, higher peer endorsement). Based on existing literature, we posit at least three directions for good interactions with technology: (1) “seeing good” by focusing on positive visual cues through technology use; (2) “feeling good” by focusing on good feelings that arise from technology use; and (3) “doing good” by focusing on positive actions that can be enacted via technology use. Based on the synthesis of these three components, we propose a framework for technology laden engagement in the good, dubbed as, the Engagement in the Good with Technology (EGT) Framework. Through this framework, we explain how these three distinct aspects of seeing, feeling, and doing good can co-occur and be interrelated, and in turn potentially lead to upward spirals of positive outcomes.

The datasets include relevant psychological and demographic variables relating to people's relationships, perceptions, and reactions to the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited from the United States (N = 396), China (N = 156), and Iran (N = 248). Participants were directed to an online survey that assessed their psychological well-being, affective states, factors related to life satisfaction, and their experiences with the Covid-19 pandemic. For the United States, participants were separated by developmental stage (e.g., young adults between 18 and 35 years old and older adults who were 55 years old or older). Participants from China and Iran were 18 years old or older. Participants from the United States also provided qualitative data in the form of a text-box response where they described their reactions to the Covid-19 pandemic. These data may be relevant for researchers who want to investigate cross-cultural or developmental differences in people's psychological states, perceptions, and reactions in the beginning phases of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the muscular activity timing during running in male children with forward head posture compared to healthy control ones. Methods 12 healthy male children with forward head posture (age: 11.7±1.4 years; height: 149.7±6.2 cm; Mass: 38.0±4.7 kg) and 16 healthy male children (age: 11.8±1.5 years; height: 148.2±6.6 cm; mass: 39.6±0.4 kg) were volunteered to participate in this study. The timing of muscular activity for erector spinae (cervical region), sternocleidomastoid, serratus anterior, upper and lower trapezius muscles of both right and left sides were evaluated during barefoot running. Muscular activity was recorded with a 16-chanels electromyography system. Independent sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results Finding did not demonstrate any significant differences in onset and offset of muscular activity during walking between both groups (P>0.05). The time duration of right erector spinae muscle in the healthy group was greater than that forward head group about 41 ms (P=0.024). Also, the time duration of left sternocleidomasteoid in the healthy group was longer than that in the forward head group by 64 ms (P=0.037). Conclusion In sum, these results could be used in rehabilitation protocols for children with forward head posture in clinical settings.