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Using convenience sampling and snowball sampling methods, data from 432 Chinese international students in 10 countries, including the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the United States, were collected to construct a multivariate sequential-mediated mixed model for cross-cultural adaptation. SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 were employed for aggregated validity, discriminant validity, and sequential-mediated effects analysis. The study found that: Cultural adaptation stress is negatively correlated with positive coping and positively correlated with negative coping, with negative coping having a significant negative impact during the cross-cultural adaptation process. Positive coping is positively correlated with sports participation, while negative coping is negatively correlated with sports participation. Sports participation is positively associated with in-group identification and negatively associated with out-group bias. Ingroup identification has a positive impact on cross-cultural adaptation, whereas out-group bias cannot effectively predict cross-cultural adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the cat-owner/dog-owner relationship scales. The method involved several stages: conceptual, item, semantic, operational, measurement, and functional equivalence. Procedures included translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, consensus on the English versions, external evaluation by the original authors, expert committee evaluation, and pre-tests. Methods: The study surveyed 234 pet owners across Brazil using a 20-item questionnaire. Data analysis utilized confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based modeling, and multigroup analysis. Results: The study confirmed the content and construct validity of the model, demonstrating good convergent validity. Hypotheses testing revealed significant inverse relationships between Perceived Cost and Perceived Emotional Closeness, and between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. A positive correlation was found between Perceived Emotional Closeness and Pet-Owner Interactions, with Perceived Emotional Closeness also mediating the relationship between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. No significant differences were found across different pet owner groups, indicating the scale's invariance and reliability across various demographics. Discussion: The study significantly expands understanding of the complex dynamics in pet-owner relationships and emphasizes the interplay between emotional and practical factors. It offers valuable insights for future research and practices in animal and human welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThis study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the cat-owner/dog-owner relationship scales. The method involved several stages: conceptual, item, semantic, operational, measurement, and functional equivalence. Procedures included translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, consensus on the English versions, external evaluation by the original authors, expert committee evaluation, and pre-tests.MethodsThe study surveyed 234 pet owners across Brazil using a 20-item questionnaire. Data analysis utilized confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based modeling, and multigroup analysis.ResultsThe study confirmed the content and construct validity of the model, demonstrating good convergent validity. Hypotheses testing revealed significant inverse relationships between Perceived Cost and Perceived Emotional Closeness, and between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. A positive correlation was found between Perceived Emotional Closeness and Pet-Owner Interactions, with Perceived Emotional Closeness also mediating the relationship between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. No significant differences were found across different pet owner groups, indicating the scale’s invariance and reliability across various demographics.DiscussionThe study significantly expands understanding of the complex dynamics in pet-owner relationships and emphasizes the interplay between emotional and practical factors. It offers valuable insights for future research and practices in animal and human welfare.

Background: This study investigates the complex interplay between Intrapreneurial Self Capital, Cultural Intelligence, and gender, and their collective influence on the flourishing of Chinese international students in foreign academic settings. As global interconnectivity intensifies, the increasing number of Chinese students seeking education abroad presents a unique opportunity to examine the psychological and sociocultural dynamics of this demographic. Aim: Central to our investigation is the role of Cultural Intelligence, a crucial competency for navigating diverse environments, and Intrapreneurial Self Capital, a composite of psychological resources instrumental in educational and career success. The study also explores the mediating role of Cultural Intelligence in the relationship between Intrapreneurial Self Capital and student flourishing, and examines how gender moderates this dynamic. Method: The research engaged 508 Chinese international students, utilizing a variety of social networks for participant recruitment. The survey, conducted via Qualtrics, focused on a diverse range of students across different educational levels and disciplines. A moderated mediation model was tested to examine the mediation effect of cultural intelligence on the relationship between intrapreneurial self-capital and flourishing, with gender serving as a moderating variable. Results: Our findings reveal significant insights into how Intrapreneurial Self Capital and Cultural Intelligence contribute to the personal and professional development of Chinese international students. Overall, the results suggest that the impact of Intrapreneurial Self Capital on various cognitive qualities (Metacognitive Cultural Intelligence, Cognitive Cultural Intelligence, Motivational Cultural Intelligence and Behavioral Cultural Intelligence) is moderated by gender, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in this context. Related to the prediction of Flourishing, the direct effect of Intrapreneurial Self Capital on flourishing is notably strong. However, the mediating roles of Metacognitive, Cognitive, and Behavioral aspects of Cultural Intelligence show different levels of influence. Implications: The study underscores the need for educational institutions to adopt holistic approaches in fostering student well-being and success, accounting for the nuanced effects of cultural and gender dynamics. These results have significant implications for the development of targeted educational programs and training, aimed at enhancing the international educational experience for students and professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study delves into the intricate relationships between individual adaptability, various dimensions of Guanxi-Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren-- and work engagement among educators working in international educational institutions across major cities in China. Guanxi refers to complex system of social networks and influential relationships that facilitate business and other dealings. Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren represents distinct but interconnected dimensions. Ganqing refers to the emotional bonding or personal affection that is developed within a Guanxi relationship. Renqing can be understood as the norm of reciprocity or the social obligation to respond to another's needs and to maintain the balance of give and take in relationships. Finally, Xinren: This dimension represents trust and credibility in Guanxi relationships. Employing online data collection via the Qualtrics platform, the study investigates the impact of individual adaptability on work engagement, particularly examining the mediating roles of different Guanxi dimensions. Utilizing Hayes' Process Model 80 for mediation analysis, our findings demonstrate a statistically significant direct effect of individual adaptability on work engagement, thus supporting Hypothesis 1 (H1). The analysis reveals that this relationship is partially mediated by other variables within our model. Significantly, the study highlights the nuanced roles of the Guanxi dimensions of Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren in this context. Both Ganqing and Renqing were found to amplify the effect of individual adaptability on work engagement, confirming Hypotheses 2a and 2b. However, while Xinren increased the effect size, it did not significantly mediate the relationship between individual adaptability and work engagement, leading to the rejection of Hypothesis 2c. Furthermore, our research provides new insights into the interplay between these Guanxi dimensions. Specifically, Ganqing and Renqing significantly influenced Xinren, which in turn impacted work engagement, thereby supporting Hypotheses 3a and 3b. This mediated chain model suggests a more complex interaction between these factors than previously understood. Our analysis also reveals the differential impacts of these Guanxi dimensions. Notably, Ganqing exhibited a greater influence on work engagement compared to Renqing and Xinren. This finding underscores the critical role of affective bonds in social ties and their importance in enhancing work engagement. These results, robust across statistical metrics including R, R-squared, MSE, F, and p-values, are detailed in our results section and illustrated in Figure 3. The study contributes to the understanding of how individual adaptability and various Guanxi dimensions interact to influence work engagement, offering valuable insights for both academic research and practical application in organizational settings. These findings are contextualized within Confucian values and the ongoing internationalization of education. The study thus advances the theoretical discourse while offering practical recommendations for educators and institutional policies. Limitations and future research directions are also elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objective: Physical literacy assessment is considered a vital resource to decrease the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity in children and adolescents worldwide. In Portugal, there is no physical literacy assessment tool for children under 15 years old. The main objective of this study was to carry out a translation and cultural adaptation of the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment 2 (CAPL-2) into Portuguese, as well as to test its psychometric properties, in children between 8 and 12 years of age. Methods: The questionnaires included in the CAPL-2 were translated using the translation-back-translation method and adapted to their context. The test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the CAPL-2 Portuguese version were analyzed in a sample of 69 and 138 students, respectively, from a school in the Alentejo region (Portugal). Results: The Portuguese version of the CAPL-2 questionnaires demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.713-0.979) and test-retest reliability ranging from moderate to nearly perfect in the motivation and confidence domain and knowledge and comprehension domain (ICC = 0.549-0.932). The results showed a good fit after adjusting for covariation paths (CMIN/DF = 1.382, p = 0.105, RMSEA = 0.053, CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.955, NFI = 0.907). Conclusion: The CAPL-2 version of the questionnaires, translated and adapted to the Portuguese context, demonstrated validity and reliability, making them suitable for assessing physical literacy in children aged 8-12 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) is a validated measure of sports trait anxiety, with promising psychometric properties. However, its cross-cultural applicability in Chinese samples remains unexplored. Thus, the primary objectives of this study were twofold: to translate the SAS-2 into Chinese and assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version. Methods: In Study 1, we initiated the translation of the SAS-2 into Chinese. This assessment involved bilingual Chinese students proficient in both English and Chinese. Additionally, we conducted a cross-linguistic measurement invariance analysis. In Study 2, we delved into the psychometric properties of the Chinese SAS-2 using a sample of Chinese student athletes. This examination encompassed an evaluation of its factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, and measurement invariance across genders. Results: Our findings in Study 1 indicated no significant differences in item scores between the Chinese SAS-2 and the English version, and measurement invariance across languages. In Study 2, we uncovered that the Chinese SAS-2 and its factors exhibited excellent reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.80. Confirmatory factor analyses upheld the original three-factor model, demonstrating acceptable model fit indices (CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.08). Furthermore, all three factors of the Chinese SAS-2 displayed significant and positive correlations with athlete burnout and State-Trait anxiety. Additionally, this study elucidated the mediating role of Concentration Disruption (Somatic anxiety and Concentration Disruption) in the relationship between the Trait (State) anxiety, and athlete burnout. Moreover, we identified measurement invariance of the Chinese version of the SAS-2 across genders. Finally, female college athletes exhibited significantly higher scores in somatic anxiety and worry compared to their male counterparts. Discussion: In sum, our findings affirm that the Chinese version of the SAS-2 demonstrates robust reliability and correlates effectively with related criteria, thus validating its suitability for use in a Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectivePhysical literacy assessment is considered a vital resource to decrease the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity in children and adolescents worldwide. In Portugal, there is no physical literacy assessment tool for children under 15 years old. The main objective of this study was to carry out a translation and cultural adaptation of the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment 2 (CAPL-2) into Portuguese, as well as to test its psychometric properties, in children between 8 and 12 years of age.MethodsThe questionnaires included in the CAPL-2 were translated using the translation-back-translation method and adapted to their context. The test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the CAPL-2 Portuguese version were analyzed in a sample of 69 and 138 students, respectively, from a school in the Alentejo region (Portugal).ResultsThe Portuguese version of the CAPL-2 questionnaires demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.713–0.979) and test–retest reliability ranging from moderate to nearly perfect in the motivation and confidence domain and knowledge and comprehension domain (ICC = 0.549–0.932). The results showed a good fit after adjusting for covariation paths (CMIN/DF = 1.382, p = 0.105, RMSEA = 0.053, CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.955, NFI = 0.907).ConclusionThe CAPL-2 version of the questionnaires, translated and adapted to the Portuguese context, demonstrated validity and reliability, making them suitable for assessing physical literacy in children aged 8–12 years.

Introduction: Social support-seeking is considered to be an effective way for international students to cope with their acculturative stress and contribute to cross-cultural adaptation. In addition to support from people in the host country (close support), the ease of online communication now allows international students to receive additional support from people back in their home country (distant support). However, little research has investigated whether distant support works as effectively as close support. In two studies, we examined the differential effect of distant and close support-seeking on the psychological adaptation of Chinese international students in the host country and how acculturation orientations relate to the use of these two types of support. Methods: Chinese international students in Japan (Study 1; N = 172) and the United States (Study 2; N = 118) completed an online survey that assessed participants’ host/home culture orientation, distant emotional/instrumental support-seeking, close emotional/instrumental support-seeking, and psychological adaptation. Results: Results showed that distant emotional support-seeking negatively predicted psychological adaptation in the host country. Nevertheless, distant emotional support-seeking alleviated feelings of loneliness in Chinese international students as close emotional support-seeking did (Study 2). Also, the results showed that international students with higher home-culture orientation sought more distant support, whereas those with higher host-culture orientation sought more close support. Further, Chinese-culture orientation increased distant emotional support-seeking, decreasing psychological adaptation as well as loneliness. Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of considering the source and types of support when discussing the implications of social support for the cross-cultural adaptation of international students [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cultural intelligence can affect the cross-cultural adaptation of international students in China, but the mechanism of its influence is still unclear. This study examines the mediating effect of the psychological resilience of international students in China in the process of cultural intelligence adaptation scale to measure 624 foreign students in China. Results: (1) There is a significant positive correlation between the cultural intelligence, psychological resilience, and cross-cultural adaptation of international students in China. (2) Resilience plays a mediating effect in the influence of the cultural intelligence of international students in China on cross-cultural adaptation. Conclusion: The cultural intelligence of international students in China can directly affect their cross-cultural adaptation and can also affect their crosss-cultural adaption through the mediating effect of psychological resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In China, some patients avoid seeking medical care and are highly sensitive to subsequent medical care because of fear of possible hospitalization after a diagnosis has been established. Early identification of fear of hospitalization is essential for clinical staff to develop targeted education and interventions. However, there are currently no tools to assess outpatients' fear of hospitalization in mainland China. This study aimed to translate the Fear of Hospitalization (FH) scale into Chinese and verify its reliability and validity in outpatients. Methods: Through convenience sampling, 664 outpatients who required hospitalization were recruited from two cities in Liaoning Province, China. The reliability of the translated scale was measured by internal consistency, splithalf reliability, and test-retest reliability. The validity of the translated scale was evaluated by expert consultation, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States) and AMOS 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States). Results: The Cronbach's α value of the Chinese version of the FH scale was 0.849, and the Cronbach's α value of the dimensions ranged from 0.857 to 0.902. The test-retest reliability value of 0.868 shows good temporal stability. The split-half reliability value of 0.910 indicates a high degree of measuring the same content. The content validity index of the scale (S-CVI) was 0.924, indicating a good level of content validity. The 3-factor structure supported by eigenvalues, total variance explained, and scree plot was obtained using exploratory factor analysis. In addition, all recommended fit indicators were within the acceptable range by confirmatory factor analysis. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the FH scale is valid and reliable in outpatients. The developed three-factor structured scale will help identify outpatients with a high fear of hospitalization and can inform the development of educational intervention plans for care managers, physicians, and nurses. In addition, it helps clinicians and nurses take action to reduce this fear of hospitalization in patients and prevent avoidance of using health care services due to fear of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility experience is an important life event for international students, and achieving successful psychological and sociocultural adaptation is crucial for this experience to be positive. Through a three-wave longitudinal study among international students enrolled at universities in Spain, Portugal, and Poland (n = 233), we examined the relationships between social media use, social identification, and (sociocultural and psychological) adaptation across time. Results of cross lagged panel modeling (CLPM) showed that social media contact with home nationals predicted greater identification with this group. Social media contact with host country nationals predicted poorer adaptation. Social media contact with other international students did not show any effects, while identification with this group predicted better adaptation. Our results point to the dynamic nature of the adaptation process, showing that the role of social media use and identification targeted at different social groups may play different roles than was previously found in cross-sectional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the closer China-Africa relations and the vigorous development of the country’s education for international students, the number of African students studying in China has surged, and the difficulty of education management in colleges and universities has increased accordingly. Many scholars have conducted in-depth research on the educational management model, educational management policy, educational management status and optimization strategy for international students in China. However, the existing research dimensions are relatively single and lack of comprehensiveness. This study takes the educational management practice of African international students in Zhejiang Normal University as the breakthrough point and introduces the investigation of international students’ cross-cultural adaptability. A sample of African students coming to China is selected from Zhejiang Normal University (n = 475). This study designs a questionnaire based on the dimensions of enrollment management, teaching management, and daily management combined with the teaching satisfaction, cultural adaptability, and emotional attitude of African international students in China. After data analysis with SPSS 26 and AMOS 24, it can be found that enrollment management is significantly positively correlated with the time in China. Teaching management is positively correlated with age, educational background and it is positively correlated with enrollment management. Differentiated management is positively correlated with Chinese proficiency, and it is positively correlated with enrollment management and teaching management. The recognition of management staffs is positively correlated with enrollment management, teaching management and differentiated management. Teaching satisfaction is positively correlated with enrollment management, teaching management, differentiation management and recognition of management staffs. Cultural adaptation is significantly positively correlated with Chinese proficiency, enrollment management, teaching management, differentiated management, recognition of management staffs, and teaching satisfaction. Emotions and attitudes are significantly positively correlated with age and time in China, and it is positively correlated with teaching management, the recognition of management staffs, teaching satisfaction, cultural adaptation, and academic qualifications. Through in-depth analysis, it can be found that there exist problems in the current education management of African international students, such as insufficient enrollment channels, incomplete enrollment promotion, unreasonable curriculum settings, inadequate implementation of the tutorial system, and excessive differentiated management. In order to further improve the quality of educational management for African international students in China, countermeasures such as adhering to the idea of “a community with a shared future for mankind” to optimize the enrollment management; advocating the value of “harmony but different” to improve teaching management; implementing the “people-oriented” service tenet to improve daily management; deepening community value identification to promote students’ cross-cultural adaptation should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility experience is an important life event for international students, and achieving successful psychological and sociocultural adaptation is crucial for this experience to be positive. Through a three-wave longitudinal study among international students enrolled at universities in Spain, Portugal, and Poland (n = 233), we examined the relationships between social media use, social identification, and (sociocultural and psychological) adaptation across time. Results of cross lagged panel modeling (CLPM) showed that social media contact with home nationals predicted greater identification with this group. Social media contact with host country nationals predicted poorer adaptation. Social media contact with other international students did not show any effects, while identification with this group predicted better adaptation. Our results point to the dynamic nature of the adaptation process, showing that the role of social media use and identification targeted at different social groups may play different roles than was previously found in cross-sectional research.

Background: Body image is a subjective concept encompassing a person's views and emotions about their body. Head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis and treatment affects several psychosocial concepts including body image. Large numbers of HNC patients are diagnosed each year in India but there are no suitable measures in regional languages to assess their body image. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Body Image Scale (BIS), a measure suitable for clinical and research use in HNC populations, translated into Tamil, Telugu and Hindi and compared body image distress between language groups. Methods: Translated versions of BIS were completed by HNC patients recruited from three cancer centers across India one time only. Psychometric evaluation was conducted including factor analysis using principal component analysis and internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. Patients completed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) C-30 and EORTC QLQ HN-35 measures to enable exploration of convergent and discriminant validity. ANOVA was used to calculate difference in mean values for body image. Results: Our sample included 621 HNC patients (Tamil = 205, Telugu = 216, Hindi = 200). Factor analysis revealed a one-factor solution and Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged between 0.891 and 0.969 indicating good reliability. Hypothesized correlations between similar and different constructs were as expected, supporting construct validity. On the BIS, we found a statistically significant difference (F = 11.0954, P < 0.05) between means of Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi groups, with higher body image scores in Telugu (M = 12.86; SD = 7.65) and Hindi groups (M = 12.52; SD = 7.36) indicating more symptoms/body image distress, when compared to Tamil population (M = 9.28; SD = 10.04). Conclusion: The reliability and validity of the three translated Indian versions of the BIS were maintained, providing a method for assessing body image of HNC population worldwide speaking Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi across the illness trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-cultural adaptation significantly impacts the development of individuals in different cultural environments. Because of art scholars' intense cultural intervention, their cross-cultural process—cultural reconstruction—significantly differs from that of other groups. However, there is insufficient research on their process. In this study, 29 contemporary Chinese artists living in Germany were interviewed. Grounded theory was used to propose a new ladder theory. We found that the cross-cultural reconstruction process includes two sub-processes and seven ladder-like stages containing the "driver–strategy–outcome" logic. Arguably, the ladder model provides a stronger explanation for the mechanism of art scholars' cross-cultural reconstruction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-cultural adaptation significantly impacts the development of individuals in different cultural environments. Because of art scholars’ intense cultural intervention, their cross-cultural process—cultural reconstruction—significantly differs from that of other groups. However, there is insufficient research on their process. In this study, 29 contemporary Chinese artists living in Germany were interviewed. Grounded theory was used to propose a new ladder theory. We found that the cross-cultural reconstruction process includes two sub-processes and seven ladder-like stages containing the “driver–strategy–outcome” logic. Arguably, the ladder model provides a stronger explanation for the mechanism of art scholars’ cross-cultural reconstruction process.

BackgroundBody image is a subjective concept encompassing a person’s views and emotions about their body. Head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis and treatment affects several psychosocial concepts including body image. Large numbers of HNC patients are diagnosed each year in India but there are no suitable measures in regional languages to assess their body image. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Body Image Scale (BIS), a measure suitable for clinical and research use in HNC populations, translated into Tamil, Telugu and Hindi and compared body image distress between language groups.MethodsTranslated versions of BIS were completed by HNC patients recruited from three cancer centers across India one time only. Psychometric evaluation was conducted including factor analysis using principal component analysis and internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. Patients completed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) C-30 and EORTC QLQ HN-35 measures to enable exploration of convergent and discriminant validity. ANOVA was used to calculate difference in mean values for body image.ResultsOur sample included 621 HNC patients (Tamil = 205, Telugu = 216, Hindi = 200). Factor analysis revealed a one-factor solution and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged between 0.891 and 0.969 indicating good reliability. Hypothesized correlations between similar and different constructs were as expected, supporting construct validity. On the BIS, we found a statistically significant difference (F = 11.0954, P < 0.05) between means of Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi groups, with higher body image scores in Telugu (M = 12.86; SD = 7.65) and Hindi groups (M = 12.52; SD = 7.36) indicating more symptoms/body image distress, when compared to Tamil population (M = 9.28; SD = 10.04).ConclusionThe reliability and validity of the three translated Indian versions of the BIS were maintained, providing a method for assessing body image of HNC population worldwide speaking Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi across the illness trajectory.

Background: The impact of a cancer diagnosis may be traumatic, depending on the psychological resources used by patients. Appropriate coping strategies are related to better adaptation to the disease, with coping flexibility, corresponding to the ability to replace ineffective coping strategies, demonstrated to be highly related with self-efficacy to handle trauma. The Perceived Ability to Cope with Trauma (PACT) scale is a self-rated questionnaire that assesses the perceived ability to cope with potentially traumatic events, providing a measure of coping flexibility. The current study aimed at examining the psychometric properties of the PACT Scale in Portuguese patients with breast cancer. Methods: The study included 172 patients recently diagnosed with early breast cancer. Participants completed a Portuguese version of the PACT scale, and instruments of self-efficacy for coping with cancer (Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief Version—CBI-B), of quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30—QLQ-C30), and of psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—HADS) that were used as convergent and divergent measures, thus assessing construct validity. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test the factor structure of the Portuguese version of PACT scale and reliabilities were examined. Results: Results from the CFA confirmed the two-factor structure, consistent with the original Forward and Trauma focus subscales. The two subscales demonstrated high internal consistencies. Convergent and divergent validities were confirmed: the PACT scale was related to high self-efficacy to cope with cancer (CBI-B), to high perceived quality of life (QLQ-C30), and to low psychological distress (HADS). Discussion: Overall, the current results support and replicate the psychometric properties of the PACT scale. The scale was found to be a valid and reliable self-reported measure to assess Portuguese breast cancer patients regarding beliefs about their capabilities in managing the potentially traumatic sequelae of cancer. The PACT is a simple and brief measure of coping flexibility to trauma, with potential relevance for application in clinical and research settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) apps have shown the advantages of improving medication compliance, saving time required for diagnosis and treatment, reducing medical expenses, etc. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that mHealth apps should be evaluated prior to their implementation to ensure their accuracy in data analysis. Objective: This study aimed to translate the patient version of the interactive mHealth app usability questionnaire (MAUQ) into Chinese, and to conduct cross-cultural adaptation and reliability and validity tests. Methods: The Brislin's translation model was used in this study. The cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to experts' comments and the results of prediction test. The convenience sampling method was utilized to investigate 346 patients who used the "Good Doctor" ("Good Doctor" is the most popular mHealth app in China), and the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were evaluated as well. Results: After translation and cross-cultural adaptation, there were a total of 21 items and 3 dimensions: usability and satisfaction (8 items), system information arrangement (6 items), and efficiency (7 items). The content validity index was determined to be 0.952, indicating that the 21 items used to evaluate the usability of the Chinese version of the MAUQ were well correlated. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the total questionnaire was 0.912, which revealed that the questionnaire had a high internal consistency. The values of test-retest reliability and split-half reliability of the Chinese version of the MAUQ were 0.869 and 0.701, respectively, representing that the questionnaire had a good stability. Conclusion: The translated questionnaire has good reliability and validity in the context of Chinese culture, and it could be used as a usability testing tool for the patient version of interactive mHealth apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) apps have shown the advantages of improving medication compliance, saving time required for diagnosis and treatment, reducing medical expenses, etc. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that mHealth apps should be evaluated prior to their implementation to ensure their accuracy in data analysis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to translate the patient version of the interactive mHealth app usability questionnaire (MAUQ) into Chinese, and to conduct cross-cultural adaptation and reliability and validity tests.MethodsThe Brislin’s translation model was used in this study. The cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to experts’ comments and the results of prediction test. The convenience sampling method was utilized to investigate 346 patients who used the “Good Doctor” (“Good Doctor” is the most popular mHealth app in China), and the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were evaluated as well.ResultsAfter translation and cross-cultural adaptation, there were a total of 21 items and 3 dimensions: usability and satisfaction (8 items), system information arrangement (6 items), and efficiency (7 items). The content validity index was determined to be 0.952, indicating that the 21 items used to evaluate the usability of the Chinese version of the MAUQ were well correlated. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the total questionnaire was 0.912, which revealed that the questionnaire had a high internal consistency. The values of test-retest reliability and split-half reliability of the Chinese version of the MAUQ were 0.869 and 0.701, respectively, representing that the questionnaire had a good stability.ConclusionThe translated questionnaire has good reliability and validity in the context of Chinese culture, and it could be used as a usability testing tool for the patient version of interactive mHealth apps.

BackgroundThe impact of a cancer diagnosis may be traumatic, depending on the psychological resources used by patients. Appropriate coping strategies are related to better adaptation to the disease, with coping flexibility, corresponding to the ability to replace ineffective coping strategies, demonstrated to be highly related with self-efficacy to handle trauma. The Perceived Ability to Cope with Trauma (PACT) scale is a self-rated questionnaire that assesses the perceived ability to cope with potentially traumatic events, providing a measure of coping flexibility. The current study aimed at examining the psychometric properties of the PACT Scale in Portuguese patients with breast cancer.MethodsThe study included 172 patients recently diagnosed with early breast cancer. Participants completed a Portuguese version of the PACT scale, and instruments of self-efficacy for coping with cancer (Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief Version—CBI-B), of quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30—QLQ-C30), and of psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—HADS) that were used as convergent and divergent measures, thus assessing construct validity. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test the factor structure of the Portuguese version of PACT scale and reliabilities were examined.ResultsResults from the CFA confirmed the two-factor structure, consistent with the original Forward and Trauma focus subscales. The two subscales demonstrated high internal consistencies. Convergent and divergent validities were confirmed: the PACT scale was related to high self-efficacy to cope with cancer (CBI-B), to high perceived quality of life (QLQ-C30), and to low psychological distress (HADS).DiscussionOverall, the current results support and replicate the psychometric properties of the PACT scale. The scale was found to be a valid and reliable self-reported measure to assess Portuguese breast cancer patients regarding beliefs about their capabilities in managing the potentially traumatic sequelae of cancer. The PACT is a simple and brief measure of coping flexibility to trauma, with potential relevance for application in clinical and research settings.

Using convenience sampling and snowball sampling methods, data from 432 Chinese international students in 10 countries, including the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the United States, were collected to construct a multivariate sequential-mediated mixed model for cross-cultural adaptation. SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 were employed for aggregated validity, discriminant validity, and sequential-mediated effects analysis. The study found that: Cultural adaptation stress is negatively correlated with positive coping and positively correlated with negative coping, with negative coping having a significant negative impact during the cross-cultural adaptation process. Positive coping is positively correlated with sports participation, while negative coping is negatively correlated with sports participation. Sports participation is positively associated with in-group identification and negatively associated with out-group bias. In-group identification has a positive impact on cross-cultural adaptation, whereas out-group bias cannot effectively predict cross-cultural adaptation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Miao and Zhang.)

Introduction: This study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the cat-owner/dog-owner relationship scales. The method involved several stages: conceptual, item, semantic, operational, measurement, and functional equivalence. Procedures included translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, consensus on the English versions, external evaluation by the original authors, expert committee evaluation, and pre-tests., Methods: The study surveyed 234 pet owners across Brazil using a 20-item questionnaire. Data analysis utilized confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based modeling, and multigroup analysis., Results: The study confirmed the content and construct validity of the model, demonstrating good convergent validity. Hypotheses testing revealed significant inverse relationships between Perceived Cost and Perceived Emotional Closeness, and between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. A positive correlation was found between Perceived Emotional Closeness and Pet-Owner Interactions, with Perceived Emotional Closeness also mediating the relationship between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. No significant differences were found across different pet owner groups, indicating the scale's invariance and reliability across various demographics., Discussion: The study significantly expands understanding of the complex dynamics in pet-owner relationships and emphasizes the interplay between emotional and practical factors. It offers valuable insights for future research and practices in animal and human welfare., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Lopes, Lopes, Lima, Lopes, Pegoraro, Saragozo, Lauz and dos Santos.)

In the context of economic slowdown and unemployment upsurge in China, many college graduates set their goals on entrepreneurship. To help more new entrepreneurs improve their innovation ability and entrepreneurial success rate, the synergy theory of entrepreneurial psychology and entrepreneurial ability in the entrepreneurial period was put forward from the perspective of cross-cultural adaptation. On the basis of positive psychology, the entrepreneur's psychological quality and innovation ability were combined to help explore the entrepreneur's inner psychology and innovation ability. The study first analyzed the current development status and characteristics of new entrepreneurs through the literature review method, and explored the relationship between cross-cultural adaptation and new ventures. Second, it examined the relationship among achievement incentives, knowledge level, and the role of communication and entrepreneurs' entrepreneurial intentions from the perspective of positive psychology. Finally, based on the influence relationship and personal experience, research hypotheses and models, the study verified the hypotheses by designing questionnaire surveys, and used the controlled variable method to conduct single-factor test analysis on influencing factors and perform a t- test on the data. The results show that the Cronbach's α coefficient in the QS is 0.894, which has good reliability. According to the regression analysis results, achievement motivation (AM) can significantly affect entrepreneurial intention (EI) (β = 487, p < 0.05), knowledge level (KL) and EI (β = 316, p < 0.05), and the regression coefficient is greater than 0, but there is no significant effect of communicate effectiveness (CE) on EI (p = 0.109 > 0.05). In the control variables influence analysis, the level of education of new entrepreneurs was negatively correlated with AM. When the college students' educational level improved, their EI decreased. It shows that AM can promote new entrepreneurs to pursue higher goals, and different level of education has a greater impact on entrepreneurs' AM, which has a more significant impact on entrepreneurial intention. The results further prove that entrepreneurs' psychological factors have a particular impact on the development of enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to integrate cultural psychology into cross-cultural adaptation and analyze the factors of entrepreneurial psychology and entrepreneurial intention of venture entrepreneurs. The research framework of cross-cultural adaptation is constructed, and four hypotheses are put forward, and 100 venture entrepreneurs in multinational enterprises are randomly recruited and investigated through the QS (Questionnaire Survey) design. Finally, the results are analyzed through statistical software. The results show that among the basic information of venture entrepreneurs, the proportion of gender is balanced, and the educational level is generally high, with the majority of young entrepreneurs aged 20–35. Meanwhile, there are significant differences in the four dimensions of cross-cultural competence, cross-cultural adaptation, entrepreneurial intention, and psychological adaptation of venture entrepreneurs (p <0.05). Length of service influences cross-cultural competence, cross-cultural adaptation, and entrepreneurial intention but does not affect psychological adaptation. Hence, cross-cultural adaptation has a great impact on the entrepreneurial intention and psychological adaptation of venture entrepreneurs and provides a practical basis for the entrepreneurial optimization of venture entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to integrate cultural psychology into cross-cultural adaptation and analyze the factors of entrepreneurial psychology and entrepreneurial intention of venture entrepreneurs. The research framework of cross-cultural adaptation is constructed, and four hypotheses are put forward, and 100 venture entrepreneurs in multinational enterprises are randomly recruited and investigated through the QS (Questionnaire Survey) design. Finally, the results are analyzed through statistical software. The results show that among the basic information of venture entrepreneurs, the proportion of gender is balanced, and the educational level is generally high, with the majority of young entrepreneurs aged 20–35. Meanwhile, there are significant differences in the four dimensions of cross-cultural competence, cross-cultural adaptation, entrepreneurial intention, and psychological adaptation of venture entrepreneurs (p

In the context of economic slowdown and unemployment upsurge in China, many college graduates set their goals on entrepreneurship. To help more new entrepreneurs improve their innovation ability and entrepreneurial success rate, the synergy theory of entrepreneurial psychology and entrepreneurial ability in the entrepreneurial period was put forward from the perspective of cross-cultural adaptation. On the basis of positive psychology, the entrepreneur’s psychological quality and innovation ability were combined to help explore the entrepreneur’s inner psychology and innovation ability. The study first analyzed the current development status and characteristics of new entrepreneurs through the literature review method, and explored the relationship between cross-cultural adaptation and new ventures. Second, it examined the relationship among achievement incentives, knowledge level, and the role of communication and entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial intentions from the perspective of positive psychology. Finally, based on the influence relationship and personal experience, research hypotheses and models, the study verified the hypotheses by designing questionnaire surveys, and used the controlled variable method to conduct single-factor test analysis on influencing factors and perform a t-test on the data. The results show that the Cronbach’s α coefficient in the QS is 0.894, which has good reliability. According to the regression analysis results, achievement motivation (AM) can significantly affect entrepreneurial intention (EI) (β = 487, p < 0.05), knowledge level (KL) and EI (β = 316, p < 0.05), and the regression coefficient is greater than 0, but there is no significant effect of communicate effectiveness (CE) on EI (p = 0.109 > 0.05). In the control variables influence analysis, the level of education of new entrepreneurs was negatively correlated with AM. When the college students’ educational level improved, their EI decreased. It shows that AM can promote new entrepreneurs to pursue higher goals, and different level of education has a greater impact on entrepreneurs’ AM, which has a more significant impact on entrepreneurial intention. The results further prove that entrepreneurs’ psychological factors have a particular impact on the development of enterprises.

The literature on measure translation tends to hold, overtly or covertly, a questionable assumption about the possibility of exact translation and almost completely ignores issues of within language variation. Equally, psychometric methods used to assess cross-cultural validity after translation focus on large sample tests of cross-sectional measurement invariance. Such invariance is often not found and is of dubious pertinence to change/outcome measures usually used in psychotherapy research. We present a sequential process of three substudies using quantitative and qualitative procedures to explore whether an outcome measure needs to be changed when used across language variation. Qualitative data confirmed that an item was not ideal in the new context. However, quantitative exploration showed that, although statistically significant and affected by gender and item order, the impact of changing the item in the overall score was small, allowing retention of the existing Spanish translation. We argue that the myth of perfect translation and over-reliance on large-sample psychometric testing pursuing measurement invariance limit exploration of language effects. We recommend that these be used in the companion of user-based, sequential, mixed-method exploration to support the development of a richer field of understanding of outcomes and change self-report measures across languages and cultures and both across and within languages.

The literature on measure translation tends to hold, overtly or covertly, a questionable assumption about the possibility of exact translation and almost completely ignores issues of within language variation. Equally, psychometric methods used to assess cross-cultural validity after translation focus on large sample tests of cross-sectional measurement invariance. Such invariance is often not found and is of dubious pertinence to change/outcome measures usually used in psychotherapy research. We present a sequential process of three substudies using quantitative and qualitative procedures to explore whether an outcome measure needs to be changed when used across language variation. Qualitative data confirmed that an item was not ideal in the new context. However, quantitative exploration showed that, although statistically significant and affected by gender and item order, the impact of changing the item in the overall score was small, allowing retention of the existing Spanish translation. We argue that the myth of perfect translation and over-reliance on large-sample psychometric testing pursuing measurement invariance limit exploration of language effects. We recommend that these be used in the companion of user-based, sequential, mixed-method exploration to support the development of a richer field of understanding of outcomes and change self-report measures across languages and cultures and both across and within languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A short version of the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) comprising only re-experiencing symptom items has been recently validated on Japanese adults. This short-version-PDS had good psychometric properties among Japanese adults with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was to translate and culturally validate the short-version-PDS for the Brazilian sociolinguistic context.Methods: A translation of the short-version-PDS was performed based on established guidelines. We enrolled 53 patients with PTSD as a potential comorbidity. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the short-version-PDS included forward and back-translation by a Japanese Brazilian researcher and a certified translator; synthesis was achieved by consensus, backward translation, pilot test, and finalization. Content validity coefficient (CVC) was used to assess quality of adaptation. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Spearman correlations were between the new short-version-PDS and the Brazilian version of the posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the best cut-off values for the short-version-PDS.Results: The short-version-PDS was well accepted by all subjects, none of the questions were experienced as inappropriate, and all questions of the 3 items were judged important. Item 1 presented CVCt = 0.92; item 2 had a CVCt = 0.87 and item 3 had a CVCt = 0.95. The internal consistency of the final version as measured by Cronbach's alpha was 0.78. The short-version-PDS scale correlated positively with the DSM-5 scale with a Spearman rho of 0.64 (95%CI [0.4-0.8], p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve value was 0.97 (95%CI [0.9-1.0], p < 0.001). The cut-off score for a maximum Youden Index of 0.8 to distinguish moderate from severe from slight PTSD was > 31.0 with sensitivity and specificity are 86.4 and 93.5%, respectively.Conclusions: This Brazilian Portuguese version of the short-version-PDS had good psychometric properties among Brazilian adults with and without PTSD. Transferability and generalizability of the cut-off scores should be further analyzed.

We investigated, by means of the Reverse Correlation Task (RCT), visual representations of the culturally dominating group of local people held by sojourners as a function of their degree of cross-cultural adaptation. In three studies, using three different methods (reduced RCT, full RCT, conceptual replication) with three independent samples of sojourners and seven independent samples of Portuguese and US-American raters, we gathered clear evidence that poor adaptation goes along with more negative representations of locals. This indicates that sojourner adaptation is reflected, at a social-cognitive level, in the valence of outgroup representations.

Background: A short version of the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) comprising only re-experiencing symptom items has been recently validated on Japanese adults. This short-version-PDS had good psychometric properties among Japanese adults with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was to translate and culturally validate the short-version-PDS for the Brazilian sociolinguistic context. Methods: A translation of the short-version-PDS was performed based on established guidelines. We enrolled 53 patients with PTSD as a potential comorbidity. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the short-version-PDS included forward and back-translation by a Japanese Brazilian researcher and a certified translator; synthesis was achieved by consensus, backward translation, pilot test, and finalization. Content validity coefficient (CVC) was used to assess quality of adaptation. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Spearman correlations were between the new short-version-PDS and the Brazilian version of the posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the best cut-off values for the short-version-PDS. Results: The short-version-PDS was well accepted by all subjects, none of the questions were experienced as inappropriate, and all questions of the 3 items were judged important. Item 1 presented CVCt = 0.92; item 2 had a CVCt = 0.87 and item 3 had a CVCt = 0.95. The internal consistency of the final version as measured by Cronbach's alpha was 0.78. The short-version-PDS scale correlated positively with the DSM-5 scale with a Spearman rho of 0.64 (95%CI [0.4-0.8], p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve value was 0.97 (95%CI [0.9-1.0], p < 0.001). The cut-off score for a maximum Youden Index of 0.8 to distinguish moderate from severe from slight PTSD was > 31.0 with sensitivity and specificity are 86.4 and 93.5%, respectively. Conclusions: This Brazilian Portuguese version of the short-version-PDS had good psychometric properties among Brazilian adults with and without PTSD. Transferability and generalizability of the cut-off scores should be further analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated, by means of the Reverse Correlation Task (RCT), visual representations of the culturally dominating group of local people held by sojourners as a function of their degree of cross-cultural adaptation. In three studies, using three different methods (reduced RCT, full RCT, conceptual replication) with three independent samples of sojourners and seven independent samples of Portuguese and US-American raters, we gathered clear evidence that poor adaptation goes along with more negative representations of locals. This indicates that sojourner adaptation is reflected, at a social-cognitive level, in the valence of outgroup representations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive anxiety (CA) is an emotional reaction manifested at a somatic and/or cognitive level that regularly appears before or during sports competitions and can significantly impact an athlete’s performance. Given the scarcity of validated instruments available for evaluating the competitive-anxiety trait in the Brazilian context, this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2). The study sample was composed of 238 professional and amateur athletes aged 13 years or older who practice different sports modalities. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed adequate fit indices of the original three-factor theoretical model of the SAS-2 after including a correlation between the errors for items 6 and 12 of the somatic anxiety subscale (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.08, WRMR = 1.04). For convergent and divergent validity, the SAS-2 subscales exhibited a positive and strong correlations with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R (CSAI-2R; r = 0.52–0.82), weak to moderate correlations with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – only the trait scale (STAI-T; r = 0.49–0.59), weak correlations with the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN; r = 0.29–0.41) and weak to moderate correlations with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; r = 0.49–0.56). The SAS-2 was also able to discriminate among participants with and without social anxiety, general trait anxiety and depressive symptoms, thus confirming its discriminant validity. According to ROC curve analysis, the cutoff point at a score of 29 indicated the optimal balance of sensitivity (0.74) and specificity (0.82). The internal consistency (α = 0.73–0.86) and the test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73–0.80) were satisfactory. These results indicated that the Brazilian version of the SAS-2 exhibited satisfactory psychometric performance and could be used in the Brazilian context.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

The present study delves into the intricate relationships between individual adaptability, various dimensions of Guanxi-Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren-and work engagement among educators working in international educational institutions across major cities in China. Guanxi refers to complex system of social networks and influential relationships that facilitate business and other dealings. Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren represents distinct but interconnected dimensions. Ganqing refers to the emotional bonding or personal affection that is developed within a Guanxi relationship. Renqing can be understood as the norm of reciprocity or the social obligation to respond to another's needs and to maintain the balance of give and take in relationships. Finally, Xinren: This dimension represents trust and credibility in Guanxi relationships. Employing online data collection via the Qualtrics platform, the study investigates the impact of individual adaptability on work engagement, particularly examining the mediating roles of different Guanxi dimensions. Utilizing Hayes' Process Model 80 for mediation analysis, our findings demonstrate a statistically significant direct effect of individual adaptability on work engagement, thus supporting Hypothesis 1 (H1). The analysis reveals that this relationship is partially mediated by other variables within our model. Significantly, the study highlights the nuanced roles of the Guanxi dimensions of Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren in this context. Both Ganqing and Renqing were found to amplify the effect of individual adaptability on work engagement, confirming Hypotheses 2a and 2b. However, while Xinren increased the effect size, it did not significantly mediate the relationship between individual adaptability and work engagement, leading to the rejection of Hypothesis 2c. Furthermore, our research provides new insights into the interplay between these Guanxi dimensions. Specifically, Ganqing and Renqing significantly influenced Xinren, which in turn impacted work engagement, thereby supporting Hypotheses 3a and 3b. This mediated chain model suggests a more complex interaction between these factors than previously understood. Our analysis also reveals the differential impacts of these Guanxi dimensions. Notably, Ganqing exhibited a greater influence on work engagement compared to Renqing and Xinren. This finding underscores the critical role of affective bonds in social ties and their importance in enhancing work engagement. These results, robust across statistical metrics including R, R-squared, MSE, F, and p -values, are detailed in our results section and illustrated in Figure 3. The study contributes to the understanding of how individual adaptability and various Guanxi dimensions interact to influence work engagement, offering valuable insights for both academic research and practical application in organizational settings. These findings are contextualized within Confucian values and the ongoing internationalization of education. The study thus advances the theoretical discourse while offering practical recommendations for educators and institutional policies. Limitations and future research directions are also elaborated., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Li and Yu.)

Competitive anxiety (CA) is an emotional reaction manifested at a somatic and/or cognitive level that regularly appears before or during sports competitions and can significantly impact an athlete's performance. Given the scarcity of validated instruments available for evaluating the competitive-anxiety trait in the Brazilian context, this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2). The study sample was composed of 238 professional and amateur athletes aged 13 years or older who practice different sports modalities. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed adequate fit indices of the original three-factor theoretical model of the SAS-2 after including a correlation between the errors for items 6 and 12 of the somatic anxiety subscale (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.08, WRMR = 1.04). For convergent and divergent validity, the SAS-2 subscales exhibited a positive and strong correlations with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R (CSAI-2R; r = 0.52–0.82), weak to moderate correlations with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – only the trait scale (STAI-T; r = 0.49–0.59), weak correlations with the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN; r = 0.29–0.41) and weak to moderate correlations with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; r = 0.49–0.56). The SAS-2 was also able to discriminate among participants with and without social anxiety, general trait anxiety and depressive symptoms, thus confirming its discriminant validity. According to ROC curve analysis, the cutoff point at a score of 29 indicated the optimal balance of sensitivity (0.74) and specificity (0.82). The internal consistency (α = 0.73–0.86) and the test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73–0.80) were satisfactory. These results indicated that the Brazilian version of the SAS-2 exhibited satisfactory psychometric performance and could be used in the Brazilian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) is a validated measure of sports trait anxiety, with promising psychometric properties. However, its cross-cultural applicability in Chinese samples remains unexplored. Thus, the primary objectives of this study were twofold: to translate the SAS-2 into Chinese and assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version., Methods: In Study 1, we initiated the translation of the SAS-2 into Chinese. This assessment involved bilingual Chinese students proficient in both English and Chinese. Additionally, we conducted a cross-linguistic measurement invariance analysis. In Study 2, we delved into the psychometric properties of the Chinese SAS-2 using a sample of Chinese student athletes. This examination encompassed an evaluation of its factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, and measurement invariance across genders., Results: Our findings in Study 1 indicated no significant differences in item scores between the Chinese SAS-2 and the English version, and measurement invariance across languages. In Study 2, we uncovered that the Chinese SAS-2 and its factors exhibited excellent reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.80. Confirmatory factor analyses upheld the original three-factor model, demonstrating acceptable model fit indices (CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.08). Furthermore, all three factors of the Chinese SAS-2 displayed significant and positive correlations with athlete burnout and State-Trait anxiety. Additionally, this study elucidated the mediating role of Concentration Disruption (Somatic anxiety and Concentration Disruption) in the relationship between the Trait (State) anxiety, and athlete burnout. Moreover, we identified measurement invariance of the Chinese version of the SAS-2 across genders. Finally, female college athletes exhibited significantly higher scores in somatic anxiety and worry compared to their male counterparts., Discussion: In sum, our findings affirm that the Chinese version of the SAS-2 demonstrates robust reliability and correlates effectively with related criteria, thus validating its suitability for use in a Chinese context., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Zhang, Zhang, Peng, Veloo, Bailey and Tan.)

Impulsivity has mainly been described as a negative or dysfunctional characteristic associated with several disorders. However, impulsivity is not only related to dysfunctional outcomes and may explain individual differences in optimal human functioning as well. The Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII) is a self-report instrument measuring both the dysfunctional and the functional aspects of impulsivity. In this study, we performed the translation and cultural adaptation of the DII to the Brazilian context and analyzed its psychometric properties. Translation and cultural adaptation followed a rigorous process, which relied on an expert panel in the cross-cultural adaptation of psychological instruments. Data from 405 undergraduate students were obtained for the Brazilian version of the DII (Br-DII). The 23 items of the Br-DII was considered unsuitable according to model fit indices of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (both for Oblique and Orthogonal models). Exploratory Factor Analysis showed an 18 items version of the Br-DII to be suitable (CFI = 0.92; TLI = 0.90, and RMSEA = 0.057). The DII’s 18 items version also showed adequate Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient, and convergent and discriminant validity with the BIS-11. Therefore, the Br-DII demonstrated reliability and validity in the measurement of functional and dysfunctional impulsivity.

Introduction: Social support-seeking is considered to be an effective way for international students to cope with their acculturative stress and contribute to cross-cultural adaptation. In addition to support from people in the host country (close support), the ease of online communication now allows international students to receive additional support from people back in their home country (distant support). However, little research has investigated whether distant support works as effectively as close support. In two studies, we examined the differential effect of distant and close support-seeking on the psychological adaptation of Chinese international students in the host country and how acculturation orientations relate to the use of these two types of support., Methods: Chinese international students in Japan (Study 1; N  = 172) and the United States (Study 2; N  = 118) completed an online survey that assessed participants' host/home culture orientation, distant emotional/instrumental support-seeking, close emotional/instrumental support-seeking, and psychological adaptation., Results: Results showed that distant emotional support-seeking negatively predicted psychological adaptation in the host country. Nevertheless, distant emotional support-seeking alleviated feelings of loneliness in Chinese international students as close emotional support-seeking did (Study 2). Also, the results showed that international students with higher home-culture orientation sought more distant support, whereas those with higher host-culture orientation sought more close support. Further, Chinese-culture orientation increased distant emotional support-seeking, decreasing psychological adaptation as well as loneliness., Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of considering the source and types of support when discussing the implications of social support for the cross-cultural adaptation of international students., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Zheng and Ishii.)

Introduction: Cultural intelligence can affect the cross-cultural adaptation of international students in China, but the mechanism of its influence is still unclear. This study examines the mediating effect of the psychological resilience of international students in China in the process of cultural intelligence affecting cross-cultural adaptation. We used the cultural intelligence scale, psychological resilience scale, and cross-cultural adaptation scale to measure 624 foreign students in China., Results: (1) There is a significant positive correlation between the cultural intelligence, psychological resilience, and cross-cultural adaptation of international students in China. (2) Resilience plays a mediating effect in the influence of the cultural intelligence of international students in China on cross-cultural adaptation., Conclusion: The cultural intelligence of international students in China can directly affect their cross-cultural adaptation and can also affect their cross-cultural adaptation through the mediating effect of psychological resilience., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Chu and Zhu.)

Background: In China, some patients avoid seeking medical care and are highly sensitive to subsequent medical care because of fear of possible hospitalization after a diagnosis has been established. Early identification of fear of hospitalization is essential for clinical staff to develop targeted education and interventions. However, there are currently no tools to assess outpatients' fear of hospitalization in mainland China. This study aimed to translate the Fear of Hospitalization (FH) scale into Chinese and verify its reliability and validity in outpatients., Methods: Through convenience sampling, 664 outpatients who required hospitalization were recruited from two cities in Liaoning Province, China. The reliability of the translated scale was measured by internal consistency, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability. The validity of the translated scale was evaluated by expert consultation, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States) and AMOS 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States)., Results: The Cronbach's α value of the Chinese version of the FH scale was 0.849, and the Cronbach's α value of the dimensions ranged from 0.857 to 0.902. The test-retest reliability value of 0.868 shows good temporal stability. The split-half reliability value of 0.910 indicates a high degree of measuring the same content. The content validity index of the scale (S-CVI) was 0.924, indicating a good level of content validity. The 3-factor structure supported by eigenvalues, total variance explained, and scree plot was obtained using exploratory factor analysis. In addition, all recommended fit indicators were within the acceptable range by confirmatory factor analysis., Conclusion: The Chinese version of the FH scale is valid and reliable in outpatients. The developed three-factor structured scale will help identify outpatients with a high fear of hospitalization and can inform the development of educational intervention plans for care managers, physicians, and nurses. In addition, it helps clinicians and nurses take action to reduce this fear of hospitalization in patients and prevent avoidance of using health care services due to fear of hospitalization., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Li, Yu, Zhang, Li and Fu.)

With the closer China-Africa relations and the vigorous development of the country's education for international students, the number of African students studying in China has surged, and the difficulty of education management in colleges and universities has increased accordingly. Many scholars have conducted in-depth research on the educational management model, educational management policy, educational management status and optimization strategy for international students in China. However, the existing research dimensions are relatively single and lack of comprehensiveness. This study takes the educational management practice of African international students in Zhejiang Normal University as the breakthrough point and introduces the investigation of international students' cross-cultural adaptability. A sample of African students coming to China is selected from Zhejiang Normal University ( n = 475). This study designs a questionnaire based on the dimensions of enrollment management, teaching management, and daily management combined with the teaching satisfaction, cultural adaptability, and emotional attitude of African international students in China. After data analysis with SPSS 26 and AMOS 24, it can be found that enrollment management is significantly positively correlated with the time in China. Teaching management is positively correlated with age, educational background and it is positively correlated with enrollment management. Differentiated management is positively correlated with Chinese proficiency, and it is positively correlated with enrollment management and teaching management. The recognition of management staffs is positively correlated with enrollment management, teaching management and differentiated management. Teaching satisfaction is positively correlated with enrollment management, teaching management, differentiation management and recognition of management staffs. Cultural adaptation is significantly positively correlated with Chinese proficiency, enrollment management, teaching management, differentiated management, recognition of management staffs, and teaching satisfaction. Emotions and attitudes are significantly positively correlated with age and time in China, and it is positively correlated with teaching management, the recognition of management staffs, teaching satisfaction, cultural adaptation, and academic qualifications. Through in-depth analysis, it can be found that there exist problems in the current education management of African international students, such as insufficient enrollment channels, incomplete enrollment promotion, unreasonable curriculum settings, inadequate implementation of the tutorial system, and excessive differentiated management. In order to further improve the quality of educational management for African international students in China, countermeasures such as adhering to the idea of "a community with a shared future for mankind" to optimize the enrollment management; advocating the value of "harmony but different" to improve teaching management; implementing the "people-oriented" service tenet to improve daily management; deepening community value identification to promote students' cross-cultural adaptation should be implemented., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Di, Zhang, Lian, Oubibi, Li, Ding, Zhang and Yang.)