Quarterly Journal Fides et Ratio is an interdisciplinary scholarly journal publishing original, high-quality research articles in the fields of social sciences, family studies, medical and health sciences, humanities, as well as theology and arts, while also appreciating an interdisciplinary approach in these fields. The journal has been published continuously since 2010, providing open access to articles by both Polish and international authors. It is published by the Academic's Society Fides et Ratio Foundation. Each of the issues of the Quarterly in the annual cycle focuses on the following thematic areas: Love, Marriage, and Family: An Interdisciplinary Approach Dialogue and Communication: An Interdisciplinary Approach Life and Fertility: An Interdisciplinary Approach Exploring Science, Religion, Society, Culture And Art In The Human Journey: An Interdisciplinary Approach Journal Metrics: 70 points in the List of Journals of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (Poland).
Maladaptive emotion regulation strategies as mediators in the relationship between gaming disorder and psychological pain, depression, and anxiety
Video game use disorder, classified in the ICD-11 as a behavioral addiction (code: 6C51), is characterized by impaired control over gaming, prioritization of gaming over other activities, and continuation despite negative consequences. Affecting an estimated 3.3% of the global population and 3.7% in Poland, it has been linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Individuals struggling with this disorder often exhibit difficulties in emotion regulation, which may lead to the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies such as rumination, self-blame, or catastrophizing. These strategies not only reinforce problematic gaming behaviors as a means of escaping negative emotional states but may also intensify symptoms of mental health issues. The aim of this study was to examine the role of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between video game use disorder and psychological pain, anxiety, and depression. Methods: The study included 201 Polish computer game players who completed five standardized self-report measures: the IGD-20 (symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder), HADS (symptoms of anxiety and depression), PAS (psychological pain), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (KPRE; emotion regulation strategies). Mediation models were analyzed in R (version 4.5.1) using the lavaan package with bootstrap confidence interval estimation (5000 samples, 95% CI). Results: Mediation analysis showed that catastrophizing mediated the relationship between Internet Gaming Disorder and all psychopathological variables. Rumination was a significant mediator only for anxiety, while self-blame mediated the relationship with psychological pain. Blaming others did not serve as a significant mediator. Conclusions: The findings confirmed the mediating role of maladaptive self-blame, rumination, and catastrophizing strategies in the relationship between computer game use disorder and depression, anxiety, and psychological pain. A stronger mediating effect was observed in the case of psychological pain, suggesting the particular importance of maladaptive emotion regulation in the context of intense emotional suffering. These results highlight the need to address self-blame, rumination, and catastrophizing strategies in the treatment of IGD, as well as in the diagnosis and assessment of co-occurring emotional symptoms and suicide risk among gamers. Further exploration of the identified issue is needed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Quarterly Journal Fides et Ratio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Silence as a support for adolescent mental health
Contemporary youth is growing up in a reality shaped by noise, excess, and acceleration – both technologically and culturally. This noise is not confined to the acoustic dimension; it encompasses informational, emotional, and social overload that leads to disorientation, fatigue, and a diminished capacity for reflection and mindfulness. Drawing on Byung-Chul Han’s (2022) conceptual framework, this article explores the conditions of youth within the paradigms of the society of exposure, control, dopamine, and intimacy – contexts in which young people are subjected to constant pressure to remain visible, reactive, and permanently present. Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing noise as a phenomenon that transcends sound, manifesting also as informational, emotional, and existential disturbance. Such pervasive noise destabilizes identity development and weakens the ability to engage in self-reflection. In this context, silence is proposed as both a pedagogical and existential alternative – a space that not only offers respite from overstimulation but also enables profound experiences of presence, relationality, and meaning. The text presents silence as a developmental resource that can serve regulatory, supportive, and transformative functions – psychologically as well as educationally. Drawing on contemporary pedagogical theories and a psychosocial-cultural framework, the article highlights silence’s potential in cultivating resilience, grounded subjectivity, and emotional robustness. Silence is depicted as a space for pause, internal organization, and contact with personal experience – thereby supporting the development of reflectivity, agency, and emotional competence. Practices of silence are described as a tool for educational mental health prevention, not only at the individual level but also within communal dimensions. From a pedagogical standpoint, silence is not a lack of action but rather an intentional educational environment which – within a world of incessant noise, excess, and digital stimulation – facilitates cognitive, emotional, and existential processes. It enables deeper learning, the development of self-awareness, and the creation of spaces for encountering the Other without the violence of words or the pressure of constant communication. The article advocates for recognizing silence as an integral element of educational practice, particularly within the context of youth mental health promotion. It argues for the implementation of silence not only as a concrete pedagogical strategy but also as a shift in educational paradigm – towards greater attentiveness, presence, and humanistic care.
Professional independence of midwives: Analysis of determining factors
The professionalisation of the midwifery profession is a key process both from the perspective of the professional group itself and the quality of healthcare provided to women and their families. By definition, professionalisation is a collective strategy undertaken by a professional group to achieve recognised status and autonomy. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) emphasise the importance of education, legal regulations and strong professional organisations as pillars of this process. Despite global efforts, the pace of professionalisation is uneven – midwives in highly developed countries often function as independent specialists, while in many lower-income countries they lack access to formal education, licensing and systemic recognition. One of the most important indicators of professionalisation is professional autonomy, understood as the ability to make clinical decisions, provide continuous care and assume professional responsibility. The development of this autonomy is influenced by both systemic (legal, organisational) and psychosocial factors, including internal motivation, self-efficacy and the work environment. Generational differences also play an important role – younger generations of midwives (e.g. Generation Z) have higher expectations of autonomy and work-life balance, but also a higher risk of burnout and job insecurity. The aim of this article is to analyse the professional autonomy of midwives as a key factor in the professionalisation process, taking into account educational, psychological, generational and systemic conditions, with particular reference to the situation in Poland.
Attitudes of women with reproductive problems towards pregnancy and childbirth and their life satisfaction
Abstract: Introduction: Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (3-4 times per week). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess life satisfaction and attitudes toward pregnancy and childbirth among women undergoing infertility treatment. Materials and methods: The study involved 103 women treated for infertility. Data were collected using a diagnostic survey, including a self-designed questionnaire and two standardized tools: the Test for Assessing Women’s Attitudes Toward Pregnancy and Childbirth, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Results: The average score for attitudes toward pregnancy was M = 23.18 (SD = 3.35), with scores ranging from 15 to 32 points. For attitudes toward childbirth, the mean score was higher at M = 26.11 (SD = 4.36), ranging from 10 to 36 points. The mean SWLS score was M = 22.34 (SD = 6.11), with scores between 10 and 35 points. A significant negative correlation was found between duration of attempts to conceive and life satisfaction (r = -0.250; p = 0.011). A weaker but significant negative correlation was observed for attitude toward pregnancy (r = -0.216; p = 0.029). Significant differences were found in attitudes toward pregnancy across groups (H = 13.95; p = 0.003). Differences in attitudes toward childbirth by age groups showed a statistical trend (H = 7.156; p = 0.067). Conclusions: Women undergoing infertility treatment showed varied but generally average life satisfaction levels. Most women had positive attitudes toward pregnancy and childbirth. Prolonged infertility treatment was associated with a decrease in overall life satisfaction among respondents.
The problem of medically assisted suicide in Italy in the years 2024-2025
The main purpose of the article is to present an ethical and legal analysis of the dispute over medically assisted suicide in Italy. In early July 2025, a bill was submitted to the country’s Parliament to regulate the termination of life on request. The legislative initiative represents yet another stage in the intense public debate over medical aid in dying that has been going on in Italy for several decades. One of its major milestones was the enactment in 2017 of the Law on living wills, which consists of an anticipatory expression of will by an adult or legal guardian – made while enjoying full mental capacity – concerning the possible undertaking or abandonment in the future of various medical therapies and treatments which the individual wishes or does not wish to consent to. The adoption of the Living Will Law has significantly revived the debate on the criteria for terminating life on request. In 2019, the Italian Constitutional Court ruled that Italian residents have the right to receive medical assistance in suicide. In order to gain access to such a medical procedure, several requirements must be met: the person must suffer from an irrecoverable disease that causes physical or mental suffering qualifying as unbearable; he or she must be fully capable of making free and informed decisions; and ultimately must receive life-sustaining treatment. In recent years, some circles in Italy have been pushing for the liberalization of these regulations, advocating for the abolition of the life-sustaining treatments criterion. In 2024, the Constitutional Court and the National Committee for Bioethics spoke out on the matter. The Italian bioethics dispute over medically assisted suicide touches on a number of important issues at the intersection of law and ethics. Analyses presented in the article demonstrate that the most important elements of this debate concern the understanding of the dignity of human life, the relationship that exists between law and morality, and the limits of our freedom.
Factors influencing the regularity of the menstrual cycle in Polish university female students
Introduction: The regularity of the menstrual cycle is one of the key indicators of procreation health. The frequency of menstruation disorders in young women, including students, may result from various socio-demographic and lifestyle-related factors. The aim of the study was to examine whether the regularity of Polish female students’ menstrual cycles depended on selected socio-demographic variables and their lifestyle. Material and method: The study involved 490 Polish female university students over the age of 18, representing various fields of study. The study was carried out in the form of an anonymous online questionnaire from November 2022 to March 2023. A diagnostic survey method was used, employing a bespoke questionnaire. Socio-demographic data, lifestyle (for example, sleep, physical activity, stress, drugs), characteristics of the menstrual cycle and the occurrence of accompanying symptoms were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed (chi-square test, p < 0.05). Results: 30% of participants reported irregular menstrual cycles. Among the analysed variables, only the year of studies (p = 0.024), smoking (p = 0.006) and eating breakfast every day (p = 0.014) showed a statistically significant relationship with the cycle regularity. Students in higher years of their studies, non-smokers and those who ate breakfast every day were more likely to report regular menstruation. Conclusions: Nearly one in three students had irregular menstruation cycles, which may indicate actual and potential health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to identify factors related to irregular menstruation to determine appropriate preventive and remedial strategies. Irregular menstrual cycles were significantly more common among respondents who were in their first years of studies. The rest analysed socio-demographic variables did not differentiate the group of study participants. Smoking tobacco and skipping breakfast were strongly associated with irregular menstruation, which highlights the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in the prevention and promotion of procreation health.
Psychometric evaluation of the family APGAR Scale in a Polish population: Reliability, validity, and factor structure
The main objective of the study was to adapt the Family APGAR by Smilkstein to the Polish reality and check its reliability and validity for the purpose of the diagnostic properties of this tool and scientific research. FAPGAR is a self-descriptive, paper-pencil type questionnaire. It consists of five statements concerning the functioning of the family in five domains: Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve. 312 adults (156 women and 156 men) in married couples from one year to 35 years of married life were studied. The studies also used the Spanier’s Dyadic Adjustment Scale (abbr. DAS) and the Family Rating Scale (abbr. SOR) based on Flexibility and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (abbr. FACES-IV) by Olson. The validity and reliability of the scale were analysed by appropriate statistical methods. The results obtained with its assistance are significantly correlated with the results of measuring the functioning of the family by other methods. It can be concluded that FAPGAR has obtained satisfactory indicators of reliability and relevance. The results showed that FAPGAR can be used in the Polish market for both scientific research and clinical work. It may be particularly useful for physicians and health care professionals for screening and initial diagnosis of the functioning of patients.
The Polish adaptation of the Blood Donor Identity Survey
The present study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Polish version of the Blood Donor Identity Survey (BDIS-PL), a multidimensional tool grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) for assessing motivational profiles of blood donors. Despite increasing public health concerns over declining donor numbers in Poland, psychological research in this area remains limited. The BDIS fills a critical gap by capturing six types of motivational regulation: amotivation, external, introjected, identified, integrated, and intrinsic regulation. A total of 665 Polish participants completed the BDIS-PL, along with personality and prosocial orientation measures (NEO-PI-R subscales and the Light Triad Scale). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the original six-factor structure (CFI = .93; RMSEA = .08), and all subscales demonstrated acceptable to high internal consistency (α = .66–.88). Metric, but not scalar, measurement invariance was supported across gender. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed via multitrait–multimethod matrix analyses, showing expected correlations between motivation types and personality traits. Motivational profiles significantly differentiated between active donors, former donors, and non-donors: active donors displayed significantly higher levels of internalized motivation (identified, integrated, intrinsic) and lower amotivation. These findings support the psychometric robustness of the BDIS-PL and highlight the importance of internalized motivation for sustained blood donation. The tool offers valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to enhance donor retention and recruitment in Poland, particularly by fostering autonomous forms of motivation. This study provides cross-cultural validation of the BDIS and reinforces the utility of SDT in health-related behavior research.
Perinatal experience of women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable individual variability. Population-based studies put its prevalence at 1% to 5% of the population. Due to the different presentation of symptoms, women with ADHD are less likely to receive adequate help. They face more difficulties in the perinatal period than neurotypical women. Pregnant women with ADHD are more likely to experience family difficulties, including conflicts with their partner or lack of support from relatives, as well as a variety of obstetric complications, such as the need for delivery by cesarean section, pregnancy-induced hypertension or anaemia. A small number of scientific papers focus on their individual experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Method: the study was conducted by means of semi-structured individual interviews. Ten women with a formal diagnosis of ADHD, whose last delivery was between 2019 and 2024, participated in the study. Participants were selected by purposive sampling from women willing to participate in the study. Data were analysed and coded according to reflective thematic analysis methodology. Results: When analysing the content of the interviews, 3 leading themes were identified: 1. ADHD in the perinatal period (Attention Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity and impulsivity, Atypical sensory processing), 2. In relationships with others, and 3. Consequences of perinatal experiences, together with subthemes that were relevant to the women interviewed. Conclusions: The perinatal experiences of women with ADHD were significantly influenced by the symptoms of the disorder. Focusing on the individual needs of pregnant and birthing women and taking into account the difficulties arising from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can significantly improve the perinatal experience of these women. Care during labour should take into account the particular sensory sensitivity to the hospital environment described in the study and avoid immobilising parturients. Lack of support from medical staff and family can result in long-term negative consequences. Changes are needed in the management of care for pregnant and birthing women with ADHD, as research has shown that some women, due to traumatic birth experiences, declared abandonment of further procreative plans.
Children as victims of domestic violence: Effective CBT strategies for treating trauma
A child’s experience of domestic violence can be considered interpersonal trauma, as they are harmed by someone they know and are close to. On the other hand, domestic violence is associated with severe and chronic stress, which in the long term can have devastating effects on the child’s physical and mental health. The aim of this review paper is to present the problem of domestic violence against children, signaling modern methods of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy that are highly effective in treating psychological trauma. The article consists of two parts: the first part provides characteristics and a scale of the phenomenon of domestic violence against children, its determinants and its consequences. The second part reviews effective CBT strategies in the treatment of post-traumatic disorders. The subject matter for the first part of this article relates to theoretical models of the causes of violence, in terms of its determinants, and in particular the GAM (General Aggression Model), Albert Bandury’s social learning theory, and the theory of intergenerational transmission of violence. As part of the characterization of the consequences of domestic violence, numerous studies confirming the relationship between relation trauma and a range of diverse disorders are cited. In particular, the etiology of PTSD is discussed. The second part of the article addresses effective methods of trauma treatment based on the cognitive-behavioral paradigm. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (TF-CBT), as a practice based on reliable scientific evidence (EBP – evidence-based practice), has been recognized as the first-line therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorders. The text presents Edna Foa’s prolonged exposure method, Patricia Resick’s cognitive processing therapy, along with a discussion of the neurobiological basis of PTSD and CPT. The paper also includes a description of an innovative process-based approach. An important research task for the future remains to conduct further scientific research on predictors of the effectiveness of PTSD treatment, with particular emphasis on the therapeutic alliance and factors protecting children from developing trauma.
Sexual initiation and premarital sexual partners and the quality of bond, communication, and perceived marital match among young adult spouses
The quality of marital relationships, including emotional bond, communication, and the perceived compatibility of partners, has long been of interest to researchers. Among the various factors influencing relationship quality, premarital sexual experiences are increasingly recognized. Due to the scarcity of research on this topic within the population of Polish spouses, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between the number of sexual partners and the type of first sexual partner (spouse, former romantic partner, non-romantic partner) and the quality of marital relationships among young adults, specifically regarding bond, communication, and perceived partner match. The study also explored the relationship between the quality of the marital relationship and regret over initiating sexual activity with someone other than the spouse. The study involved 306 married individuals (153 women and 153 men) aged 20 to 35. The research was conducted using a diagnostic survey in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. Three standardized psychometric tools were used (the Marital Bond Scale by Józef Szopiński, the Marital Communication Questionnaire by Maria Kaźmierczak and Mieczysław Plopa, and the Marital Match Questionnaire by Jan Rostowski and Mieczysław Plopa), along with an author-developed questionnaire. The results showed that women who had sexual experiences exclusively with their spouse scored significantly higher in the areas of bonding and marital compatibility than women whose sexual initiation occurred with a non-romantic partner, as well as those with a higher number of sexual partners. As the number of sexual partners increased, women reported lower levels of emotional connection, intimacy, and self-fulfillment, and higher levels of spouse devaluation and relationship disappointment. Among men, no statistically significant relationships were found. For women, regret about sexual initiation with someone other than the spouse correlated with a lower sense of marital compatibility. The results obtained allow us to conclude that premarital sexual experiences may have a long-term impact on the quality of marital relationships, especially among women.
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Attachment styles as mediators between autistic traits and psychological distress: The role of social and communication difficulties
Autistic traits such as social skill and communication difficulties are linked to increased risk of depression and anxiety. Attachment theory offers a useful framework for understanding these associations, as insecure attachment styles are known to affect emotion regulation and mental health. This study examined whether adult attachment styles (secure, avoidant, anxious-ambivalent) mediate the relationship between autistic traits and psychological distress. A sample of 130 adults completed measures of autistic traits, attachment, and psychological functioning. Mediation analyses revealed that social difficulties – but not communication deficits – consistently mediated the link between attachment styles and psychological symptoms. Secure attachment was protective, while avoidant and especially anxious-ambivalent styles predicted greater distress. These findings highlight the importance of addressing attachment-related processes and social functioning in interventions for individuals with elevated autistic traits.
Specificity of euphemistic lexis in media discourse on the example of Russian press from 2017-2021
This article investigates the issue of euphemistic lexicon used in Russian periodicals of the early 21st century. The purpose of the study is to analyse the functional features of euphemisms, the specifics of their use in media discourse, and to determine their role in the manipulation of public opinion. The material of the study consisted of texts in modern Russian socio-political periodicals. Examples of euphemistic units from the newspaper sub-corpus of the National Corpus of the Russian Language are used as illustrative material. The manipulative potential of euphemisms is manifested in masking the true meaning of the message by creating a neutral or positive connotation, distorting the real scale of events or phenomena. Publicistic discourse is a source of information for a wide audience, which strengthens the influential role of euphemistic lexicon. The central focus of the study is to identify priority topics belonging to the socio-political sphere that are subject to euphemisation in the modern Russian press. There is an indication of an increase in the number of euphemisms related to socially significant topics and spheres of human activity in the journalistic discourse. The characteristic feature of this group is its close connection with socio-cultural processes. The repeated use of euphemism weakens its key function and stimulates the formation of new euphemistic units. The use of some euphemisms in publicistic discourse is dictated by the norms of political correctness in modern communication. The results of the study presented in the article indicate a fairly wide use of euphemisms in the language of the modern Russian press.
Maternal attachment styles and maternal-fetal attachment: The serial mediation role of alexithymia and depressive symptoms
Maternal-fetal attachment refers to the emotional and cognitive bond a pregnant woman develops with her unborn child. This bond plays a significant role in prenatal care behaviors and the later formation of the mother-infant relationship. The aim of the present study was to identify the psychological mechanisms underlying maternal-fetal attachment, with particular emphasis on maternal attachment styles, alexithymia, and depressive symptoms, using a serial mediation model. The study sample consisted of 173 women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The findings indicated that maternal attachment styles – secure, anxious, and avoidant – significantly influenced emotional bonding with the unborn child. Alexithymia and depressive symptoms functioned as successive mediators in this process. A secure attachment style was associated with lower levels of alexithymia and depressive symptoms, which in turn facilitated stronger maternal-fetal attachment. Conversely, anxious and avoidant attachment styles were linked to higher levels of alexithymia and depressive symptoms, which weakened maternal-fetal attachment.
Attachment styles, body image and sexual communication as predictors of sexual satisfaction in young men: A serial mediation model
The aim of the present study was to identify the psychological mechanisms that mediate the relationship between attachment style and sexual satisfaction among young men in romantic relationships. Based on a review of the literature, a serial mediation model was proposed in which body image and sexual communication serve as mediators. The study included 187 men aged between 19 and 32 years (M = 26; SD = 7.26). Standardized psychometric instruments were used to assess attachment style, body image attitudes, sexual communication self-efficacy, and overall sexual satisfaction. Results revealed that secure attachment was positively associated with sexual satisfaction, and this effect was fully mediated by a more positive body image and higher sexual communication efficacy. For the anxious-ambivalent attachment style, a full serial mediation was observed: individuals with high attachment anxiety tended to exhibit a more negative body image, which reduced their openness in sexual communication and, in turn, was linked to lower sexual satisfaction. In the case of avoidant attachment, a partial mediation was identified: the negative impact of avoidant attachment on sexual satisfaction was primarily explained by reduced sexual communication efficacy, with a weaker but still significant link to body image. These findings highlight the importance of complex psychological mechanisms that connect early attachment patterns with the quality of adult sexual functioning. The results also point to the relevance of therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing body image and developing sexual communication skills among men with insecure attachment styles.
Copyright (c) 2025 Quarterly Journal Fides et Ratio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The importance of family fat talk and body image for indirect self-destructiveness of adult girls and boys in late adolescence
Introduction: During adolescence, relationships and communication within the family undergo significant changes, but they remain important, and a supportive family reduces the risk of mental health disorders in the future. However, caregivers – apart from engaging in various activities for the children’s development – also initiate fat talk, which refers to conversations that devalue the shape and weight of their own bodies and/or the bodies of others. This article addresses the potential connections between family fat talk conversations and body image, as well as the significance of these phenomena for the indirect self-destructiveness of both girls and boys in late adolescence. An exploratory study was designed using a correlational model, as the literature review indicates that these relationships – particularly in Poland – have not been empirically verified before, since the tool for assessing family fat talk conversations was only published in December 2024. Method: The study involved 83 individuals aged 18 and 19 – late adolescence. The following measurement tools were used: a) Personal Questionnaire – used to collect data characterizing the sample (e.g., age, gender, siblings), b) Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA) in the Polish adaptation by Słowińska to measure body image, c) Family Fat Talk Questionnaire (FFTQ-PL) in the Polish adaptation by Ziółkowska et al. to measure body-related conversations within the family, d) Indirect Self-Destructiveness Scale (PAD-25) in the Polish adaptation by Pilarska and Suchańska to measure the intensity of risky behaviors. Results: The study confirmed that the greater the involvement in fat talk conversations within the family, the more negative self-perception and body image. It was shown that more intense participation in family fat talk conversations could be associated with a reduction of indirect self-destructiveness symptoms. Furthermore, higher frequency of family fat talk conversations is linked to a more negative self-image and a higher level of indirect self-destructive behaviors. Conclusions: Participation in family fat talk conversations may alleviate emotional tension related to dissatisfaction with one’s body, while temporarily protecting against more drastic forms of self-destructive behaviors. On the other hand, these conversations can also be considered a form of indirect self-destructive behavior due to their self-deprecating nature and the negative consequences that manifest over time. It is important to emphasize that further exploration of these areas and their co-occurrence is necessary to obtain more representative results.
The importance of interpersonal commitment in intimate relationships for the relationship between personal resilience and life satisfaction
Introduction: Numerous studies show that good social relationships, including formalised and informal intimate relationships, are important for the quality of life. Personal resources of partners and mature communication are necessary for relationships to be satisfactory, those result from interpersonal commitment and allow for building an authentic dialogue between partners. The presented study aimed to check whether interpersonal commitment (understood as the desire but also the compulsion to remain in a relationship), is associated with personal resilience (defined as the potential to present resourcefulness through available internal and external resources) and life satisfaction. Method: The study was conducted on 115 women and men via the Internet by sending Internet users a link to access an electronic form. The study included people in a close formalised or informal relationship. The study used Commitment Inventory, the Lifespan Individual Resilience Scale (LIRS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results: The results of the analysis indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between the levels of personal resilience and commitment as dedication (r = .45; p < .001) and as constraint commitment (r = .29; p = .002), as well as between life satisfaction and commitment as dedication (r = .50; p < .001) and constraint commitment (r = .33; p < .001). It was also proven that various aspects of interpersonal commitment in an intimate relationship (bond with the partner, importance of the relationship and concern for the partner’s well-being) act as mediators in the relationship between resilience and life satisfaction, which explains the significant role of interpersonal commitment for the quality of life. Conclusions: The study results indicate that interpersonal commitment in an intimate relationship plays a mediating role in the relationship between resilience and satisfaction. The discussed topics may be used in preventive and psychotherapeutic work with couples and marriages, especially in a crisis.
Parental attitudes and screen time in early primary school children: The role of digital prevention
In the context of increasing digitalization of society, the ways in which early primary school children spend their time are undergoing significant transformation, necessitating a thorough analysis of its consequences. Parents play a crucial role in this process by mediating their children’s interactions with digital technologies, which has a substantial impact on their cognitive, emotional, and social development. This article presents a detailed examination of how various parenting practices, including screen time monitoring, shape children’s engagement with digital media. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between parental attitudes and children's screen exposure time, as well as the identification of preventive measures most frequently undertaken by parents. The study involved 173 participants aged 29 to 44 years (M = 36.56; SD = 3.16; Me = 37), including 127 mothers and 46 fathers of children aged 7 to 10 years from Podkarpackie Voivodeship in Poland. The research employed the Parental Attitudes Scale (SPR) by Mieczysław Plopa (2008) and a custom-designed questionnaire aimed at collecting data on the number and type of preventive actions taken by parents in the context of screen education and children's screen time. The findings indicate that fathers’ autonomy-supportive attitudes are negatively correlated with children's screen time – less autonomy granted by fathers is associated with longer screen exposure. Furthermore, the number of preventive actions taken by mothers is negatively correlated with protective and inconsistent parenting attitudes, suggesting that more protective and inconsistent mothers engage less frequently in preventive measures. Conversely, among fathers, an attitude of acceptance and support for autonomy is linked to greater involvement in preventive actions. The qualitative analysis of parental responses suggested that their efforts focus primarily on controlling screen time, highlighting the need for further education and support in digital mediation. The study's conclusions emphasize the importance of parental mediation, media literacy education, and the implementation of effective preventive strategies to minimize digital risks.
Communication forms and experienced well-being in close emotional relationships
Introduction: Communication is an essential element in building interpersonal relationships. Its quality has a significant impact on relationship satisfaction and overall happiness in a romantic partnership. Partners communicate in various ways. Not every form of the communication is beneficial for the relationship. Effective communication, based on mutual understanding and openness, significantly increases the level of intimacy in a relationship, leading to higher psychological well-being. In contrast, ineffective communication can lead to increased conflicts and reduced relationship satisfaction. The article aims to present the relationship between communication styles used by partners and well-being. Particular attention has been given to two forms of communication: empathetic and depreciative, as well as their influence on an individual’s psychological well-being. The study presents gender differences in the communication style used. Method: The study included 80 people in romantic relationships with an age range of 19-65 years. A survey was conducted using two tools: the Psychological Well-Being Scale (C. Ryff) and the Communication Forms Questionnaire (M. Ryś, P. Kwas). Data analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test, Spearman’s rho correlation, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: statistically significant differences were identified between men and women regarding the communication used. Women scored higher on empathic communication (M = 39.302, SD = 4.335), while men were more likely to use deprecatory communication (M = 32.471, SD = 6.501). A significant but weak negative correlation was also observed between empathic communication and well-being, suggesting that excessive empathy may lead to lower psychological well-being. Furthermore, it was revealed that the higher the empathic communication level, the higher the positive relationship level, confirming the importance of empathic communication in building satisfying interpersonal connections. Conclusions: The study provides new evidence on the importance of communication form in romantic relationships and highlight the need for education on regulating empathy and effective communication. Furthermore, the study indicates the need for further research on the negative consequences of excessive empathy and the influence of personality and socio-cultural factors on communication styles in relationships.
Communicative impulsivity, benevolence and the success of interpersonal communication of older adults
The aim of the study was to explore the features of communicative impulsivity and benevolence among older adults and to compare these features in individuals with different socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, specifically focusing on those whose communication is more or less successful. Communicative impulsivity and benevolence are personality traits that influence the success of older individuals in social interactions. The study included 263 participants aged 57 to 86. The Communicative Impulsivity Level Questionnaire by V.A. Losenkov and the Benevolence Scale by W.K. Campbell were used, alongside additional data collection on respondents’ personal characteristics. The findings revealed that most older individuals exhibit moderate levels of communicative impulsivity and benevolence, maintaining positive but selective social interactions. A statistically significant correlation was found between communicative impulsivity and success in interpersonal communication, with lower impulsivity linked to greater social engagement and life satisfaction. However, no significant correlation was found between benevolence and communication success, as communication opportunities and life satisfaction remained consistent regardless of benevolence levels. Factors such as loneliness, attitude toward life, and living conditions influence both communicative impulsivity and benevolence. Those experiencing loneliness tend to be less benevolent and more reactive to external circumstances, while older adults living with family and actively communicating demonstrate greater self-control and positivity in interactions. Employed individuals, older men, and those satisfied with their lives also exhibit better communication regulation. No significant correlations were found between these traits and age, education, place of residence, or the desire to change one’s life. A significant negative correlation was found between communicative impulsivity and benevolence, with higher impulsivity linked to lower benevolence. These findings highlight the importance of self-regulation in fostering effective interpersonal communication in old age.
Shaping patriotic attitudes in the Pilecki family
The research refers to shaping of patriotic attitudes amongst renowned Polish families. The objective of the research is to answer to the following question: How patriotic attitudes had been shaped in the Pilecki family? The author applies the history-pedagogy method. Pilecki family history in the period between the second half of the 19th century and the thirties of the 20th century (repressions after the January Uprising in particular) has been analysed. Three generations of the Pilecki family have been described: Julian and Ludwika Pilecki, Witold and Maria Pilecki, and finally Witold and Maria’s children. The author concentrates on the three following levels of the shaping of attitudes: emotional, behavioural, cognitive. Results and conclusions: The results of the analysis show that, in the Pilecki family, patriotism had been taking shape at all three levels. At the emotional level, an atmosphere of patriotism had been present and recollections of the Tsarist regime’s injustices had been cultivated. At the behavioural level, young people had been encouraged to fill the ranks of scouting organizations and to cultivate Polish language and traditions. It happened to move to other places where Russification pressure had been weaker. The repressions had been met with both courage and determination. At the cognitive level, interesting discussions concerning Polish history were regularly organized. The knowledge on this subject had been transferred to the youth. Polish literature and paintings had been carefully studied. Cognitive actions had been carefully planned. Children’s acumen had been shaped thanks to constructive games and working with books. Patriotism engraved in memories of the insurgents had also been consolidated. The research demonstrates how patriotism had been shaping itself in the Pilecki family. The next challenge is to find out how this information can be used in modern times. Situations and episodes from the Pilecki family’s life, described in the article, can serve as inspiration in shaping patriotism.
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Love and the value of family seen by university students. A cognitive quantitative and qualitative case study of the UMCS students
Taking into account the fact that emotional intelligence is an important factor in the performance and development potential of young people, this article aims to investigate the world of emotions in two selected groups of students, i.e. students of Applied Linguistics at UMCS from the first and fifth year of studies. In particular, the study concerns the range of experienced emotions of love and the importance of family in young adults and the reasons why the selected two groups of students experience these feelings. The theoretical framework that best fits this quantitative and qualitative study on emotions and their causes is based on a hybrid model resulting from the combination of two important cognitively oriented theoretical models, namely: (i) Plutchik’s (1980) theory of eight basic emotions; and (ii) Averill’s (1980) social-constructivist model of emotions. The study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire method without taking into account sensitive data. It included quantitative survey questions, multiple choice and matrix with one possible answer and one direct open question – all of them concerning students’ emotions. The results based on the preliminary survey show that love received the highest percentage increase among female students of Applied Linguistics at UMCS, or more precisely, 5th-year students experience love 12% more often than the 1st-year students. In the case of men in the last year of Applied Linguistics studies, love increased by 17%, which ranks third among all emotions studied. In general, the emotional life of both women and men studying Applied Linguistics develops and deepens around the values ​​of love and family.
Motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic: the significance of coparenting in explaining mothers’ marital satisfaction and life satisfaction
Despite the currently observed changes in the way women and men engage in family roles, mothers continue to play the key role in the care and upbringing of children. Therefore, their well-being seems to have special significance for the functioning of the whole family system. In view of the requirements that mothers had to meet during the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors decided to check what factors were significant in explaining their satisfaction with life and marriage. Special attention was devoted to coparenting, which, according to the literature, can be a valuable resource, making it possible to cope with family stressors more effectively. The study included 375 mothers, who were married and took care of at least one child aged 7–12 years. Coparenting was measured using the Coparenting Relationship Scale (Więsyk et al., 2024), while satisfaction was assessed using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985) and the Marital Satisfaction Scale (Norton, 1983). It was expected that a higher quality of coparenting was associated with higher marital satisfaction (H1) and with higher life satisfaction (H2). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that coparenting was the key predictor explaining mothers’ life satisfaction and marital satisfaction. It was found that coparenting quality was particularly significant in explaining marital satisfaction and that the strong relationship between these two variables could be described using the mechanism of spillover.
The mediating role of stress coping styles in the relationship between maternal attachment styles and maternal-fetal attachment
The study aimed to explore the mediating role of stress coping styles in the relationship between maternal attachment styles and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA). A sample of 191 pregnant women completed three questionnaires: the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) to assess coping styles, the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) to measure maternal attachment, and the Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) to evaluate the emotional bond with the unborn child. The results showed that coping styles fully mediated the relationship between secure attachment and MFA. Mothers with secure attachment styles tended to use task-oriented coping strategies, which were associated with stronger prenatal attachment, and relied less on emotion-focused and avoidance styles, which weakened MFA. In the case of avoidant and anxious attachment, task-oriented coping fully mediated the negative impact of these attachment styles on MFA. However, emotion-focused coping did not significantly mediate the relationship between avoidant attachment and MFA, nor did avoidance coping mediate the relationship between anxious attachment and MFA. Interventions encouraging adaptive coping may benefit women with insecure attachment.
Family system and sleep and circadian rhythm disorders in children and adolescents
Introduction: The aim of the article was to refer to the current psychological knowledge on the functioning of the family system, considered in the context of difficulties resulting from sleep disorders and circadian rhythm in children and adolescents. The considerations were based on the assumptions of the systemic theory of families and the theory of psychosocial development. Due to the increasingly common problems with maintaining the natural rhythm of life, division into day and night, special attention was paid to the importance of preventive measures, covering both the entire family system and the school environment and work of its members. Method: The method of content analysis of publications presenting the results of quantitative psychological studies on the functioning of family systems in a situation of psychological crisis, sleep disorders and circadian rhythm in children and adolescents and their relationship with the health behaviors of parents, as well as the effects that these disorders cause in children and adolescents was used in the review. Scientific databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, PsychArticle were used. Results: The presented results of the literature review allow for a greater understanding of the connections between family values, parents' health behaviors, parenting patterns, conditions stemming from the school environment and sleep and circadian rhythm disorders in children and adolescents. Conclusions: It was found that the family environment can both prevent the occurrence of numerous difficulties in the functioning of children and adolescents, as well as be their source or even contribute to their intensification. Awareness that sleep and circadian rhythm disorders occurring in children and adolescents disrupt their social and cognitive development, contribute to the deterioration of their health and significantly limit the implementation of compulsory schooling and learning, it seems necessary to take decisive preventive and therapeutic actions. Further exploration of the undertaken issue through conducting scientific research becomes a significant challenge, the results of which can contribute to the creation of effective psychological intervention programs supporting families in coping with crisis situations related to sleep and circadian rhythm disorders occurring in children and adolescents.
Attachment styles in the family of origin and ressentiment. Young adult survey
Everyone experiences difficult situations that they have to face. Many researchers raise questions about the determinants of coping or lack of coping skills in such situations. One of the little-studied aspects in psychological analyses is the problem of resentment. This article considers how resentment is framed in psychology, as well as examines one of the factors concerning its determinants, namely attachment style during childhood. Research Objective: The article attempts to find an answer to the question of whether there are correlations between attachment style in the family of origin and resentment in young adults. Methodology: the study of 185 subjects used the Scale for the Study of Attachment Style in the Family of Origin (SPRP) by M. Ryś, Z. Krasowska and N. Witerek (2021), and those dimensions of the Scale of Psychological Resilience (SOP) by M. Rys et al. (2020), which address issues of resentment. Results: The results of the study indicate significant correlations between non-secure parenting styles in the family of origin and the studied aspects of resentment. The results also indicate differences in the experience of resentment between men and women.
secure and non-secure childhood attachment styles
Familism and the retrospective assessment of the interpersonal relationship with grandparents of young adults from monoparental families
Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the intensity of the dimensions of familism and the retrospective assessment of the interpersonal relationship with grandparents in groups of young adults from monoparental families with their mother and from full families, and to estimate the relationship between the dimensions of familism and the retrospective assessment of the interpersonal relationship with grandparents. Method: The research conducted was quantitative, cross-sectional and self-report. Four psychological tools with good psychometric properties were used, i.e. the Familism Scale, the Scale for the Retrospective Assessment of the Interpersonal Relationship with the Grandmother, the Scale for the Retrospective Assessment of the Interpersonal Relationship with the Grandfather, the Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale and the questionnaire. Results: There were no differences in the dimensions of familism in the groups of young adults from monoparental families with a mother and from complete families. Young women from monoparental families with their mother rated the quality of interpersonal relationships with their grandmother and grandfather higher than women from intact families. Statistically significant relationships were obtained between the dimensions of familism from the traditional values ​​trend and the retrospective assessment of the interpersonal relationship with the grandmother. They occurred most frequently in the group of women from monoparental families with a mother. Conclusions: The specificity of research on the relationship between the dimensions of familism and the quality of interpersonal relationships between grandparents and grandchildren, especially those in early adulthood, is associated with methodological awareness of the high complexity of the family environment. Considering these issues creates space for searching for new methodological solutions.
Interculturalism – a challenge and a potential for marriage
The impact of culture on behaviour is particularly visible in romantic relationships. However, there are only few studies concerning the exceptional and unique aspects of intercultural marriages. As there is a great variety of such couples, it might be necessary to indicate their specificity, but it is also important to look for similarities. Two cultures in one marriage can be a challenge for the spouses and may trigger strategies aimed at protecting such a relationship. That will require a mobilization of the potential of a couple for building a life together. Based on the review of the studies, in this article the authors presented the most commonly reported challenges faced by intercultural couples. The most severe of them appeared to be the problems connected with the family of origin, communication, money management and confronting cultural values. The article shows some strategies applied by the partners to solve untypical and unexpected difficulties. It appears that the ways of coping with such problems play a protective role for the marriage. Nevertheless, whether a couple will be able to take up protective actions by applying proper strategies and whether they will prove effective depends on the resources of the partners. The authors also point to the significance of the most important relational resources necessary to build and maintain an intercultural relationship, activate strategies for achieving a cultural compromise and face a possible social disapproval. However, it should be emphasized that developing adaptability to a new culture, improving mutual relational skills, understanding the expectations of the partner and their social group as well as verifying the applied strategies are all complex time-consuming processes. The above-mentioned challenges faced by mixed couples were described not only in the recent studies but also in the previously conducted ones. That means that despite the promoted openness for diversity and inclusivity, the spouses from different cultures still experience similar problems. Taking this into account and some context variables difficult to control (cultural, social, situational ones), no wonder that the assessment of the quality of intercultural relationships is ambiguous.
strategies of coping with cultural differences
Differentiation of self and relational mindfulness in the dyadic adaptation model in the face of stressful external factors
Introduction: The functioning of couples in today’s world is increasingly associated with experiencing a growing number of external stressors, such as professional responsibilities, family member illnesses, or global crises. These stressors negatively affect the quality of romantic relationships, leading to reduced satisfaction and increased conflict within the relationship. The aim of this article is to present a modified model of dyadic adaptation in the face of external stressors, integrating differentiation of self and relational mindfulness. The model is based on family systems theory, the theory of mindfulness shaping processes in romantic relationships and their outcomes and is framed by the assumptions of the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation (VSA) Model. Method: A systematic literature review of the last five years (since 2020) was conducted, analyzing quantitative and qualitative studies on differentiation of self, relational mindfulness, and their correlations with romantic relationship quality, satisfaction, and couples’ coping and adaptation in the face of external stressors. The review utilized databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer Link, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library. Results: The literature review indicates that a high level of differentiation of self can positively influence the quality of romantic relationships and enhance couples’ ability to cope with external stressors. Relational mindfulness may be a better predictor of relationship quality than dispositional mindfulness; however, its connections to couples’ coping with stress require further research. A modified theoretical model of dyadic adaptation in the face of external stressors was proposed, which incorporates psychological variables such as differentiation of self and relational mindfulness. The outcomes of adaptation in the model include a high level of romantic relationship quality and stability. Conclusions: Empirical verification of the proposed model’s assumptions and longitudinal studies could contribute to the development of effective therapeutic programs supporting couples in managing stress, which may translate into building stable and satisfying relationships.
„What’s new about emotional intelligence?” A review of selected theoretical models of emotional intelligence and research on its significance in human social functioning
It has been 35 years since the publication of the first paper by Salovey and Mayer on emotional intelligence in 1990. Over this period, thousands of theoretical papers and empirical studies have been dedicated to the construct, significantly contributing to the expansion of knowledge on the topic. Interest in emotional intelligence remains strong, as evidenced by the consistent increase in scholarly works on the subject. This article provides a review of selected publications from the past few years on emotional intelligence. The starting point is a discussion of the 2016 revision of Salovey and Mayer’s ability model, carried out by researchers, and its implications for future research. The article then presents a new theoretical model–the concept of meta-emotional intelligence proposed by D’Amico. The final section of the article reviews selected studies on the significance of emotional intelligence in human social functioning, drawing from each of the two previously outlined research strands. The presented empirical data lead to the general conclusion that emotional intelligence is one of the dispositions that significantly contributes to improving human effectiveness in interpersonal relationships.