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Cyberbullying, which has been exacerbated by the widespread use of smartphones and the increasing stress associated with the pandemic, needs the promotion of positive online behaviour, cyberbullying awareness, and victim support. The PRISMA technique is used in this review to identify effective preventative tools and intervention options. Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected for review. A quality assessment was conducted. Upon thorough evaluation of the included studies, the intervention data was compiled in a narrative format. Using thematic analysis, we explored the effectiveness of technological interventions for preventing cyberbullying comprehensively. Technology-driven strategies for identifying and combating cyberbullying in educational settings, such as language-specific cyberbullying detection tools, IRCB programmes for empowering teenagers, and technologies such as CREEP Semantic Technology and CREEP Virtual Coach, have showed potential. TIPIP and the #WIIWY movement have also assisted to raise awareness and educate people about cyberbullying. However, more research is required to design targeted interventions that address varied demographics and circumstances, while including parents and taking the target audience's age into account remains critical for effective technology-driven educational interventions and digital advocacy.

This study examined the mediating role of social support in the relationship between perceived stress and nomophobia among Malaysian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with N = 547 university students. Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire measuring nomophobia, social support, and perceived stress. Exploratory analyses were conducted using partial least square structural equation modelling. We found that perceived stress was positively associated with nomophobia during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst social support partially mediated the relationship between perceived stress and nomophobia. The results of this study indicated that stress may be buffered by social support in individuals with higher levels of nomophobia., Author(s): Samantha Arielle Lai [sup.1] , Khong Yun Pang [sup.3] , Ching Sin Siau [sup.4] , Caryn Mei Hsien Chan [sup.4] , Yee Kee Tan [sup.4] , Pei Boon Ooi [...]

AbstractCyberbullying, which has been exacerbated by the widespread use of smartphones and the increasing stress associated with the pandemic, needs the promotion of positive online behaviour, cyberbullying awareness, and victim support. The PRISMA technique is used in this review to identify effective preventative tools and intervention options. Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected for review. A quality assessment was conducted. Upon thorough evaluation of the included studies, the intervention data was compiled in a narrative format. Using thematic analysis, we explored the effectiveness of technological interventions for preventing cyberbullying comprehensively. Technology-driven strategies for identifying and combating cyberbullying in educational settings, such as language-specific cyberbullying detection tools, IRCB programmes for empowering teenagers, and technologies such as CREEP Semantic Technology and CREEP Virtual Coach, have showed potential. TIPIP and the #WIIWY movement have also assisted to raise awareness and educate people about cyberbullying. However, more research is required to design targeted interventions that address varied demographics and circumstances, while including parents and taking the target audience’s age into account remains critical for effective technology-driven educational interventions and digital advocacy.

Objectives Sarcopenia has emerged as a significant aging-related disease that affects many facets of societal-level and patient-level public health. This study analysed knowledge of sarcopenia and associated socio-demographic factors among the general public of Malaysia in order to effectively improve its prevention and countermeasures. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Selangor, Malaysia, using Google Forms among 202 Malaysian adults from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge scores. The continuous variables were evaluated using the independent t-test, Mann–Whitney test, and one-way analysis of variance test. The Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to determine the correlation between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge score levels. Results The final analysis included 202 participants. The mean±standard deviation age was 49.03±12.65. Only 6.9% of participants had good knowledge of sarcopenia and were aware of sarcopenia’s characteristics, consequences, and treatments. Post-hoc comparisons using the Dunnett T3 test showed statistical significance in mean knowledge score and age group (p=0.011) and education level (p≤0.001). The Mann–Whitney test revealed that gender (p=0.026) and current smoking status (p=0.023) significantly influenced knowledge scores. Conclusions The general public’s knowledge of sarcopenia was found to be poor to moderate and associated with age and education status. Therefore, education and interventions by policymakers and healthcare professionals to improve public knowledge of sarcopenia in Malaysia are needed.

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic leads to working from home culture. Long hours of the static sitting posture on improper chairs at home may lead to low back pain (LBP). This study aims to study the prevalence of LBP in sitting position during usage of portable computing devices and the association of LBP and sitting behaviour in home environment settings. Methods: An online questionnaire cross-sectional study was conducted, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Modified Oswestry LBP Disability questionnaire were adapted. The association between the factors such as duration of chair break, type of posture and the incidence of LBP were examined. Results: Majority of the 279 participants who participated in the study experienced LBP while working from home. We found strong evidence for suggesting a significant statistical association between duration of chair break (chi-squared value = 19.86, p-value = 0.006) and LBP. Most of the participants were categorised as having minimal disability, followed by moderate disabilities and only around 1% were crippled. ODI for sitting posture was statistically significant (Za value = 16.35, p = 0.022). Posture with round back and increased kyphosis with the feet supported on the floor is the highest reported posture with VAS score. VAS for duration of sitting posture was statistically significant (Za value = 10.37, p = 0.035). Those who spent only 5 – 30 minutes in the posture reported significantly lower VAS score compared to more than 30 minutes in the posture. Conclusion: Correct posture and taking chair breaks are essential to reduce the incidents of back pain and functional disabilities within the home working environment. The outcome of our research can be evidence-based information to occupational health specialists to optimise the current standard of practice and guidelines in working from home management.

Cyberbullying was explored through the ‘lived experiences’ of youth with visual impairment (VI) and their schoolteachers in this study. A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used to reveal the rich details of how the 29 youth and five schoolteachers (n = 34) experienced cyberbullying in their different lifeworlds. Interviews and focus groups were conducted over a period of seven months. Three themes emerged: Sites of Cyberbullying, Coping Mechanisms and Sources of Help and Cybersecurity Awareness. Most youth with VI experienced traditional bullying in their school lifeworlds from school mates and teachers while in their cyber worlds, verbal bullying in the form of insults and body shaming from outsiders was common. Interestingly, most youth with VI participated in playing games on their mobile phones and in multiplayer games with sighted individuals. All 29 Malaysian youth participants demonstrated high anxiety towards cyberbullying and any potential threat, illuminating their lack of preparedness and training towards such threats. Protective policies by schools and parents designed to shield youth with VI may inadvertently yield the opposite results. Hence, this study further develops the theorisation of cyberbullying, and further research could include the perspectives of parents, police and school administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, such as large language model chatbots, is likely to have a significant impact in psychotherapy and counselling in the future. In this paper we consider the current state of AI in psychotherapy and counselling and the likely evolution of this field. We examine the ethical codes of practice for counselling in four countries in different parts of the world, namely the UK, the USA, Australia and Malaysia, and identify aspects of these codes that will need enhancement to reflect good AI governance. Using the Model Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework as an example, we have identified how the key elements of the AI framework relate to the core elements of the ethical codes, as a pointer to how such ethical codes will need to be enhanced if generative AI systems are to be adopted by the counselling profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After nearly three years of COVID-19 and multiple lockdowns, Malaysia entered the early endemic phase in April 2022. This transition brought new challenges and required continued adaptation, with mental health concerns rising due to the uncertainties of living with the virus. This study thus sought to examine, within the context of the early endemic phase, the quality of life among Malaysians, the mediating effect of fear arising from COVID-19, and how it results in anxiety and burnout. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 462 respondents (Mean age = 24.42; S.D.= 7.88), utilizing validated measures including the Malay versions of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, COVID-19 Burnout Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and the abbreviated WHO Quality of Life Scale. Results showed that quality of life negatively predicted an individual’s fear and burnout, but not anxiety. Fear arising from COVID-19 mediated the relationship between anxiety and burnout. While co-existing with COVID-19, it is important to consider the psychological impacts of this co-existence in promoting good health and individual well-being. Governments can use this data to implement risk management programs and policies to improve individuals’ quality of life. Post-pandemic, recognizing and addressing fear is essential for effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attachment to mobile devices during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the possibility of increased nomophobia, which is the intense fear of losing access to one's mobile device. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if nomophobia was independently associated with suicidality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among university students in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study had two-time points in data collection: one year before and one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. N = 806 university students aged ≥ 18 years completed an online questionnaire comprising the Nomophobia Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised. A multiple logistic regression (controlling for gender, age, and social support) was conducted to determine the association between nomophobia and suicidality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of severe nomophobia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was 15.7% and 35.6% respectively. The level of nomophobia was significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Pre-pandemic, there were no significant associations. During the pandemic, participants with moderate (aOR 3.09, 95% CI [1.14–8.40], p =.027) and severe (aOR 3.57, 95% CI [1.25–10.20], p =.018) nomophobia had higher odds of suicide plan. During the pandemic, moderate and severe nomophobia were independently associated with more than three times higher odds for a lifetime suicide plan. Our study findings carry implications for the well-being of university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle-aged adults typically play multiple roles with centralized responsibility for younger and older persons. Midlife health and well-being impact the state of aging in later years. Limited studies have investigated midlife experiences from the perspective of the middle-aged group themselves. This paper presents a systematic review of middle-aged women's perceptions and experiences of midlife through a qualitative synthesis. Systematic databases searches resulted in 938 articles. Six selected articles were analyzed and three core themes were identified using thematic analysis: heightened awareness of lifespan, expectation of establishment and freedom from expectations, clarity of values, and self-acceptance. The findings showed the interconnected and progressive nature of midlife experiences toward a hoped for sense of congruence, revealing its connectivity to subsequent life stages and importance for healthy development. Credible and relevant information need to be provided as resources for the middle-aged women themselves and pertinent healthcare professionals. Proper information is also needed to address stereotypes, educate the public and equip relevant educators with evidence-based knowledge. Further research on midlife experiences in general from the perspective of middle-aged males, and in diverse settings is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main challenges developing nations face is curbing bribery. While there are many efforts to curb bribery, most focused at macro level, such as law, while little has been examined at the micro level, e.g., individual behavior and intention. Those who did investigate at the micro level tend to focus on the recipients rather than the ones giving the bribe. We explored eight factors that influence Malaysian young adults' bribe giving intention based on the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA). A total of 345 respondents (Mage = 20.68, SD = 2.01, 189 are females) completed questionnaires about all RAA variables. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was carried out using smartPLS3.0 to analyze the result. The result revealed that out of the eight variables, four variables—Instrumental attitudes, Experiential Attitudes, Parents' descriptive norms and Capacity—explain 74% of the variance in bribe giving intention. An important take-away is that young adult's perception of whether their parents gave or did not give bribes in a given situation is important in influencing their bribe giving intention. Bribe giving prevention messages must be targeted explicitly toward parents, where they play a crucial role in curbing this dishonesty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-efficacy has been considered an essential mediator and predictor of individual counseling performance. As there is no existing scale to measure counseling self-efficacy in the counseling domain, the Sources of Middle School Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale was modified in this study. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Sources of Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale, Malaysia (SCSE-M) in a sample of 541 Malaysian secondary school counselors. In addition, it aims to also examine the invariance between registered and non-registered counselors. The results reveal that the SCSE-M four-factor model (social persuasion, mastery experience, vicarious learning, and physiological and affective state) has good fit and is appropriate in the domain-specific counseling profession. In terms of validity and reliability, SCSE-M reported good internal consistency and support for configural, metric, and scalar invariance among registered and non-registered counselors. The generalizability of the results should be considered as tentative and limited to public secondary schools’ counselors who were the sample in this study. More research is needed in the other private, international, primary, and tertiary counseling sectors to determine the appropriateness of the SCSE-M for use in the counseling domain in Malaysia.