In our view, human development, well-being, mental health, nature, culture, and society are co-evolving systems that interact in complex and dynamic ways. We are therefore seeking new quantitative and qualitative empirical studies, comprehensive reviews and thought-provoking perspective articles inspired by theoretical or practical dilemmas, preferably in a comparative way, through individual, socio-cultural, historical, or institutional perspectives. MORE ABOUT THE JOURNAL
Semmelweis University – Institute of Mental Health
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in Slovak.
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in Russian.
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in Romanian.
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in Polish.
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in Hungarian.
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in German.
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in English.
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in Czech.
Abstracts of Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011) in Croatian.
Assessing Parental Stress and Satisfaction: Validation of the Hungarian Version of the Parental Stress Scale
Introduction: Parenting is widely recognized as a meaningful and rewarding experience, yet it also entails significant demands and stress. Major family transitions, beginning with the transition to parenthood and extending to later life changes, profoundly reshape family dynamics and are often associated with elevated parental stress. Therefore, reliable measures are essential to effectively capture the sources and effects of this stress. Aim: The current study aimed to examine parental stress in a Hungarian sample by validating the Parental Stress Scale (PASS; Berry & Jones, 1995). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 838 Hungarian speaking parents (75.5% women; mean age = 37.50 years). Participants completed the Hungarian version of the Parental Stress Scale along with additional measures of perceived stress, depression, life satisfaction, parental resilience, and relationship satisfaction. Results: Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis with systematic model comparison supported a robust two-factor structure (Parental Stress and Parental Satisfaction) yielding a 13‑item solution with acceptable fit indices. Both scales demonstrated good internal consistency. Parental stress was positively associated with perceived stress and depression, and negatively associated with life satisfaction, parental resilience, and relationship satisfaction, whereas parental satisfaction showed the opposite pattern. Higher educational attainment and a greater number of children were associated with higher parental stress, while older age and male gender were associated with lower parental satisfaction. Conclusions: The Hungarian version of the Parental Stress Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing parental stress and satisfaction. It serves as a useful tool for research and intervention programs aimed at supporting parental well-being in Hungary.
The Role of Anxiety Sensitivity and Emotion Regulation Difficulties in the Relationship Between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Anxiety
Introduction: Sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) describes how deeply and intensely individuals process various environmental stimuli. SPS, as an adult temperament trait, may influence different aspects of an individual’s life. Aim: This study explored potential mediating roles of anxiety sensitivity (AS) and emotion regulation difficulties (ERD) in the relationship between SPS and trait anxiety (TA). Methods: Participants (N = 420; 60.5% female; age range: 18–61 years) were administered the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Results: Results of the stepwise nested regression models indicated that SPS, AS, and ERD significantly predicted trait anxiety, with the final model explaining 54% of the variance. SPS was a significant predictor initially, but its effect became nonsignificant after AS and ERD were included, indicating a full mediation pattern. Serial multiple mediation analysis indicated that the association between SPS and trait anxiety was fully mediated by AS and ERD, with AS demonstrating a significant independent indirect effect, whereas the indirect effect of ERD alone was not statistically significant. The sequential pathway from SPS to AS to ERD to trait anxiety was statistically supported, and gender remained a significant covariate throughout. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the association between SPS and trait anxiety is fully accounted for by AS and ERD rather than by a direct relationship. These results underscore the importance of considering sequential psychological mechanisms and covariate-adjusted models when examining vulnerability to trait anxiety.
Copyright (c) 2026 European Journal of Mental Health
Examination of Self-Rated Health, Psychological Well-Being and Cardiovascular Health Risks – 10-Year Follow-Up of the Budakalász Epidemiological Study in Hungary
Introduction: Self-rated health (SRH) predicts morbidity and mortality; however, its long-term trajectories and associations with psychological wellbeing (PWB), health behaviors, and cardiovascular risk remain understudied in Central and Eastern Europe. Aim: To describe 10-year changes in cardiovascular risk, health behaviors, PWB, and SRH, and to examine how SRH relates to PWB, health behaviors, and cardiovascular risk in a non-clinical Hungarian adult sample. Methods: Adults from Budakalász who participated in a cardiovascular screening in 2012 were invited to follow up in 2023. The analysis included 170 participants aged 45–65 years without major cardiovascular events. SRH was assessed with a single global item. Anthropometric and laboratory measures, FINDRISK and Framingham risk scores, health behaviors, and a fouritem PWB score derived from the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36)were included. Non-parametric tests, independent sample t-tests, and Spearman correlations were applied. Results: Over the 10-year period, SRH showed a modest overall decline, with approximately one-quarter of participants reporting deteriorated SRH, more than half remaining stable, and a minority improving. SRH trajectories were not consistently associated with changes in PWB, cardiovascular risk, or health behaviors. Cross-sectionally, SRH was moderately correlated with PWB but only weakly related to health behaviors. Anthropometric data and cardiovascular risk scores increased, whereas fasting glucose, HbA1c%, and fruit and vegetable consumption improved, and physical activity shifted toward lower intensity. Conclusions: SRH was closely aligned with PWB over 10 years but largely decoupled from objective cardiovascular risk and health behaviors, supporting SRH as a psychologically grounded subjective health construct relevant for cardiovascular prevention.
Abstracts of Vol. 9 No. 2 (2014) in Croatian.
Gratitude Moderates the Relationship Between Perceived Support, Stress, and Mental Health in Women
Introduction: Social support is strongly associated with positive mental health outcomes. One reason for this association is that support is able to reduce perceptions of stress. Identifying factors that influence this link may be particularly important for women given their greater incidence of anxiety and depression. Gratitude may play a key role in this context, as research suggests the benefits of support are stronger for individuals with higher levels of gratitude. Aim: The purpose of the current study was to examine whether the indirect association between social support and women’s mental health through perceived stress was moderated by gratitude. Methods: To test our research question, we conducted a cross-sectional correlational study of 278 women who completed questionnaires assessing social support, perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and gratitude. Results: Consistent with previous research, our results indicated that the association between social support and depression was partially mediated by perceived stress. In contrast, the association between support and anxiety was fully mediated by perceived stress. Furthermore, our results showed that conditional indirect effects of support on depression and anxiety through perceived stress were only significant at high levels of gratitude and not at low levels of gratitude. Conclusions: Our results add to the literature showing that gratitude strengthens the positive association between social support and mental health in women.
Dark and Light Triad Traits, Age, and Female Teacher Well-Being – A Parallel Mediation Analysis
Introduction: Despite its importance, teacher well-being remains underexplored, particularly regarding teacher-related traits. Identifying factors that shape well-being across career stages, especially the relationship between well-being and age, is essential. Aim: The aim of the present study is to examine the association between age, a set of Dark and Light Triad traits, and female teacher well-being indicators. Methods: 1,114 female teachers (mean age = 46, SD = 9.12) completed an online, self-reported questionnaire which included the Short Dark Triad Scale, the Light Triad Scale, and the Teacher Subjective Well-being Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical regression, moderation, and mediation analyses were carried out. Results: The mediation analysis showed a significant direct effect of older age on higher school connectedness (β = .11, p < .001, 95% CI [.05, .16]) and on higher teaching efficacy (β = .18, p < .001, 95% CI [.13, .23]). Age was positively associated with narcissism, which in turn enhanced both teaching efficacy and school connectedness, as well as with Faith in Humanity, which contributed to higher school connectedness. Conversely, lower levels of Humanism were associated with reduced teaching efficacy. Conclusions: The current study highlights key findings on the relationships between age, Dark Triad and Light Triad traits, and teacher well-being, showing that Narcissism (Dark Triad) and Faith in Humanity or Humanism (Light Triad) significantly mediated the associations between age and school connectedness and teaching efficacy, thereby offering insights into areas necessary to improve well-being throughout female teachers’ careers.
Who Do Leaders Talk To? The Role of Workplace Friendships in Professional Discussion Networks and Burnout
Introduction: Quantitative and emotional demands pose risks to leaders’ mental health, while supportive workplace relationships may mitigate these effects. Aims: This study examined the relationship between the friendship-based composition of the professional core discussion networks (pCDNs), job demands, and burnout among Hungarian social care leaders, guided by the social ledger framework to capture both the supportive and burdensome aspects of workplace relationships. Methods: 547 Hungarian social care leaders were categorised into six groups based on their pCDN composition. Participants’ pCDNs were assessed by social network analysis methods, and the COPSOQ II questionnaire measured work-related psychological dimensions and burnout. ANCOVA analyses were conducted to compare burnout and job demands across groups. Results: Leaders whose pCDNs consisted exclusively of non-friends reported the highest levels of burnout, whereas those with a single friend exhibited the lowest. Emotional demands were highest among leaders with one-friend pCDN and lowest among those with non-friend pCDNs. Emotional demands were associated with burnout; however, this relationship was moderated by pCDN composition: Leaders with one-friend pCDN reported low levels of burnout, regardless of the emotional demands, whereas the burnout of leaders with non-friend pCDNs was high even at low emotional demand levels. Additionally, those with no pCDN showed a strong association between emotional demands and burnout. Conclusions: The composition of pCDNs is important for leaders’ mental health. While friendships within pCDNs may offer emotional protection, they could also introduce strain, emphasising the need to consider not only the existence but also the quality of workplace relationships.
Copyright (c) 2025 European Journal of Mental Health
Early Intervention Strategies for Enhancing Attachment and Interaction in Families with Premature Infants: A Systematic Literature Review
Introduction: Preterm birth poses significant risks to neonatal health and development, impacting parental roles and early bonding. Aim: Our systematic review explores recent interventions aimed at enhancing parent-premature infant interactions and attachment, particularly in NICU settings. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, articles published between 2010 and 2024 were searched across major databases. 19 English-language studies assessing interventions to promote bonding, attachment, and interaction with preterm infants met the final inclusion criteria for the systematic review after rigorous screening and bias assessment. Results: The reviewed studies presented diverse interventions targeting parent-infant relationship. The interventions included kangaroo care, parent education, and psychological support, conducted predominantly in hospital settings. Positive outcomes were consistently reported in enhancing attachment, improving parental sensitivity, and reducing maternal anxiety and depression. Father involvement also showed beneficial impacts on attachment outcomes. Conclusions: Early interventions can mitigate the risks threatening the development of prematurely born infants by fostering secure parent-infant attachments and enhancing parental competence. The findings underscore the clinical significance of integrating bonding-focused interventions into routine NICU care, emphasizing the role of both parents in supporting infant development. Future healthcare strategies should prioritize the early comprehensive support to optimize the long-term developmental outcomes in preterm infants.
Why Do Adolescents Use Social Media? Validation of the Croatian version of Motives to Use Social Networking Sites Scale
Introduction: Motivation for social media use is a multidimensional construct; however, most existing questionnaires focus solely on motives and do not distinguish between active and passive use. To address this, the Motives to Use Social Networking Sites Scale (MOTUS; Reimann et al., 2023) was developed, integrating motivational aspects and usage modes. Aim: This study examined the construct and convergent validity of the MOTUS scale in Croatian high school students. The original eight-factor model was tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and measurement invariance across gender was assessed with multigroup CFA. Associations with social media, loneliness, and fear of missing out were analysed for convergent validity. The Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and the Heterotrait– Monotrait (HTMT) ratio were also calculated to further evaluate the MOTUS scale. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s α and Macdonald’s ω. Methods: Participants were 853 adolescents aged 14–19 (M = 16.21, SD = 1.07; 69.6% women). In addition to MOTUS, they completed the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMO), De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and estimated daily time on social media. Results: The eight-factor model showed acceptable fit after removing one item with cross-loadings (CFI = .916, TLI = .900, RMSEA = .061, SRMR = .074). Measurement invariance supported configural, metric, and scalar equivalence across gender. Convergent validity was confirmed through significant correlations between MOTUS subscales, time on social media, and FoMO. Conclusions: The MOTUS scale shows acceptable psychometric properties for assessing motives and usage modes of social media in Croatian adolescents.
Editorial – Foreword to the 2025 Special Compilation on “Family Therapy and Family Studies in Supporting Mental Health"
Harmonious and resilient relationships within couples and fa­milies contribute to the well­being and life satisfaction of indi­viduals as well as to the strength of societies. Conversely, chronic challenges and difficulties in close relationships and family func­tioning can make individuals and wider communities vul nerable (Li et al., 2025; Walsh, 2016). Systemic family therapy, com­bined with informal support from family members and their communities, can be an effective intervention in child and fami­ly protection (Hertlein, 2023). The Special Call titled “Family Therapy and Family Studies in Supporting Mental Health” was announced in 2024 following a significant period of population stress in recent years, during which family resilience and support were of paramount importance globally due to health crises, natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, wars, and economic hardships. The peer reviewed and edited articles were published throughout the year, and we are now publishing the entire Spe­cial Compilation at the beginning of the academic year. In addi­tion to other publications in our journal, this 2025 Special Compilation features five articles. In this short editorial fore­word, we – a sociologist and a psychologist – aim to present some interdisciplinary thoughts on contemporary family life, family studies, and family interventions.
Enhancing User Empowerment and Agency through Co-Creation of a Nonattachment-Based Post-Traumatic Stress Reduction Intervention
Introduction: Individuals with post-traumatic stress typically experience feelings of helplessness, which are often exacerbated by current treatment approaches whereby clinicians tend to rely more on personal experiences than case-by-case, evidence-based care. Aims: This study aimed to address this issue by extending the framework of existing public healthcare interventions to co-create a new nonattachmentbased approach in collaboration with end users and clinicians. The practice of nonattachment involves intentionally releasing judgement of or attachment to events, relationships, and the self, while accepting life’s changes with openness and compassion. Methods: This study employed a three-stage co-creation process: 1) evidence review and stakeholder engagement, 2) co-creation of an initial intervention, and 3) prototyping. Twenty participants (17 with experience of post-traumatic stress and three clinicians) contributed to the intervention’s development over the three stages through one-to-one meetings and group discussions, which were recorded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Artificial intelligence was used to generate language featured in the final intervention. Results: Key themes identified through the thematic analysis were empowerment and agency, the importance of grounding, as well as normalization and validation. Co-creation input from participants focused primarily on the structure and format of the intervention, while input from clinicians focused on feasibility, barriers to adoption, and safety planning. The final intervention took the form of an online program comprised of 8 self-guided modules integrating nonattachment and mindfulness principles, allowing users to control how and when they interact with the content. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this co-created protocol is the first intervention for post-traumatic stress to be principally grounded in ancient Eastern nonattachment principles. Future studies can now evaluate the intervention to determine its feasibility in post-traumatic stress settings.
Self-Oriented and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism Among Hungarian Professional Folk Dancers
Introduction: Those characterized by high levels of self-oriented or socially prescribed perfectionism strive to meet high expectations. Dancers are prone to perfectionism and related negative psychological factors. Aims: In this study, we investigated how perfectionism among Hungarian professional folk dancers is related to certain psychological factors. Methods: Ninety-six professional dancers completed an online survey (47.9% male, 52.1% female, mean age: 29.91 years, SD = 8.46). To measure perfectionism, we utilized Hewitt and Flett’s Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. We carried out a moderation analysis based on linear regression to measure the associations between the perfectionism subscales and various psychological variables and examine whether the two subscales moderated each other’s effects. Results: Higher levels of socially prescribed perfectionism were associated with higher perceived stress, burnout, weaker concentration, and lower coachability. On the other hand, self-oriented perfectionism showed fewer associations; however, these were indicative of a better mental state: those with higher self-oriented perfectionism showed lower levels of burnout, better concentration, and higher coachability. We also found that the two dimensions of perfectionism moderate each other’s effects. In the case of concentration and coachability, self-oriented perfectionism may mitigate the detrimental effects of socially prescribed perfectionism. In contrast, in the case of perceived stress, self-oriented perfectionism may actually exacerbate the harmful effects of socially prescribed perfectionism. Conclusions: The results showed significantly more dysfunctions associated with socially prescribed perfectionism. On the other hand, self-oriented perfectionism was associated with adaptive psychological outcomes.
Necessary Condition Analysis on the Relationship between Fear of Missing Out, Social Networking Addiction, and Psychological Well-Being
Introduction: With the growth of technology and increasing accessibility to various platforms, concerns surrounding the impact of technology on individuals’ well-being are also on the rise. Researchers are making significant efforts to understand this constantly evolving phenomenon. Aims: The current study aims to investigate the interrelationships between fear of missing out (FoMO), social networking addiction (SNA), and psychological well-being (PWB), as well as the relation between SNA scores and sociodemographic variables. Methods: This study employs a recently developed data analysis approach called Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) to observe essential conditions within SNA, PWB, and FoMO. The study’s main objective is to determine whether low/high levels of FoMO and SNA correspond to high/low levels of PWB. To address this objective, a convenience sample of 449 participants aged 17–40 years was selected. Statistical analyses were conducted using the NCA package to investigate the relationships between these variables. A chi-square test was also performed to assess the associations between sociodemographic variables and probable SNA cases based on the established cut-off scores. Results: The results indicated that high levels of FoMO are necessary for high levels of SNA (Effect Size (d) = .15 and p < .001), and high levels of PWB were found to be necessary for low levels of FoMO (d = .23 and p < .001) and SNA (d = .16 and p = .01) and vice versa. It was also observed associations between the demographic variables of gender, marital status, and residence, and SNA. Conclusions: This research contributes to the current discussions concerning the influence of social media on personal well-being and the field of media psychology. The findings obtained can help in guiding the development of interventions and strategies aimed at promoting psychological welfare within digitally interconnected communities.
The Relationship between Lutheran Pastors’ Well-Being and Depression and the Professional Support Available to Them: A Quantitative Study in the Hungarian Lutheran Church
Introduction: Several studies confirm the unfavorable physical and mental health status of church pastors. These findings have often been linked to the level of social support they receive. Aims: The purpose of this study is to provide insights into the relationship between the mental health of Hungarian Lutheran pastors and the availability of professional support. We examined which form of support shows the strongest association with their well-being and depression. Methods: The quantitative research was conducted in 2022 in the Hungarian Lutheran Church. 54.0% of pastors (N = 148) completed the survey. Mental health status was measured using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WBI-5) and the 9-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Three kinds of professional support were measured in the questionnaire: supervision, spiritual direction, and peer group support. Results: The results clearly indicate a significant association between increasing levels of support utilized by pastors and improved well-being [χ² (3, N = 139) = 28.75, p < .001]. In the binary logistic regression analysis, the odds of being classified in the non-normal category of the BDI decreased by approximately 60.0% if pastors had a supervisor or spiritual director [χ² (3, N = 132) = 15.33, p = .002, Nagelkerke R2 = 15.1%]. Conclusions: Our results suggest that professional support has a stronger association with pastors’ mental health status than any sociodemographic characteristics. The authors conclude that it is important to establish professional support systems for clergy to strengthen their ministry within the Hungarian Lutheran Church.
Navigating Global Family Diversity: Theory, Research, and Implications for Policy – A Narrative Review
Introduction: Families, as foundational social institutions, are undergoing significant transformations worldwide. Understanding these shifts is critical for researchers and policymakers seeking to support family well-being. Aims: This study examines global family trends across marriage, cohabitation, divorce, parent-child relationships, and kinship patterns. It integrates theoretical perspectives with empirical data to assess both converging and diverging family dynamics. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed studies in multiple languages, utilizing translation tools where necessary. Studies were selected based on thematic relevance and geographic representation, focusing on research published since 2010 while allowing flexibility in underrepresented regions. Results: Findings indicate that while family transformations are driven by modernization, economic development, and shifting gender norms, cultural and religious factors ensure distinct regional family patterns. Conclusions: Family structures continue to evolve in response to global and local influences. Policies supporting family stability, social cohesion, and mental well-being are essential for sustaining strong family systems. Future research should further explore the role of policy in mediating family transitions across diverse cultural contexts.
The Role of Majority Status in Shaping Self-Esteem: A Comparative Study of Muslim and Christian College Students in Indonesia
Introduction: Self-esteem is an adaptive trait that boosts well-being. The relationship between religiosity and self-esteem is complex, with mixed results from empirical studies. Culture and dimensions of religiousness may influence this relationship. Aim: The main purpose of this study is to understand the connection between religiousness and self-esteem in two different conditions: as a majority and as a minority. Methods: This study’s participants are college students who identify as Muslim or Christian. They are from two regions in Indonesia: Jabodetabek (Java Island), where Muslims are the majority; and East Nusa Tenggara and North Sulawesi (outside of Java), where Muslims are in the minority. Most of the respondents were between 18 and 25 years old. The survey was conducted online. Results: No significant differences emerged in religiousness and self-esteem between Muslims and Christians in both Java and regions outside of Java. However, students outside Java Island exhibited higher religiousness and self-esteem, irrespective of their religious affiliation. Conclusion: This study indicated that religiosity is a social value, with some exceptions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Family System: Possible Positive and Detrimental Effects on Parenting, Communication and Family Dynamics
Introduction: This perspective article reflects on how innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) systems like smart voice agents and chatbots, may transform family dynamics and communication. Despite the extensive research on AI’s impact in mental healthcare and education, its influence on family systems remains underexplored. This perspective article aims to draw attention to the possible positive and detrimental effects of using AI in families, highlighting the necessity of fostering AI literacy in this setting. Areas covered: The article delves into integrating AI within family therapy models, focusing on how AI redefines family boundaries, roles, communication, rituals, and narrative creation. It explores AI’s potential to enhance parent training programs and its impact on children’s social and cognitive development. Expert opinion: AI presents both opportunities and challenges for family systems. It can enhance communication, support role negotiation, and promote family cohesion, but it also raises ethical and privacy concerns. The balance between utilizing AI to support family values and avoiding the detrimental effects of over-reliance is crucial. Conclusion: Integrating AI into family systems offers significant potential benefits, but it must be managed carefully to ensure it aligns with family values and strengthens family bonds. Fostering AI literacy within families is essential to navigate the complexities and harness the advantages of AI technologies.
Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS): Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Hungarian Version
Introduction: This study aims to investigate the validity and psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS-HU), a measurement designed to assess different dimensions of coparenting. Only a few validation studies can be found, even though CRS is a widely used measurement. Methods: Currently, no assessment instruments exist in Hungarian that measure coparenting relationships and practices; therefore, we adapted CRS and designed a validation study to investigate mothers’ coparenting characteristics (N = 381). We checked the construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), then to assess convergent and discriminant validity, we examined correlations between the coparenting questionnaire factors and other similar constructs. We also examined the relationship between CRS-HU and different background variables using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Our main results showed that the internal consistency in the Hungarian version of CRS and its subscales is good or excellent (Cronbach’s apha = .75–.89). The seven-factor structure had a poor model fit in CFA, however, the brief version of the CRS-HU (RMSEA = .057; CFI = .962) and six subscales separately (RMSEA = .031–.066; CFI = .978–.999) demonstrated a good model fit. Conclusions: The brief version of Hungarian CRS and the different subscales are valid and feasible measures for assessing coparenting and its dimensions. Thus, CRS can be effectively used at last in our culture, as well.
The Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Research Network: Current Findings and a Call for Collaboration
Introduction: Mental health problems continue to rise throughout the world while access to care remains problematic due to low affordability and limited therapist availability. With the mental health crisis only getting worse, clinicians and researchers must work together to improve client outcomes. The Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Research Network (MFT-PRN) was established to improve client care and foster collaborative research in systemic therapy. This project balances research rigor and clinical flexibility, making it accessible and beneficial for practitioners, clients, and researchers. Areas covered: This paper will address the above issues by discussing how the MFT-PRN brings researchers and clinicians together, through routine outcome monitoring (ROM) and providing assessments that track client progress across sessions, allowing clinicians to create better treatment plans. We will also discuss how the MFT-PRN facilitates researcher collaboration by sharing data collected across diverse settings. Expert opinion: Professional experience and research findings suggest that using the MFT-PRN enhances therapy outcomes, reduces treatment length, and improves couple and family relationships. The MFT-PRN has facilitated research that leads to improved client care in areas such as therapeutic alliance, teletherapy efficacy, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on anxiety. Conclusion: By bringing practitioners and researchers together, the MFTPRN contributes significantly to advancing marriage and family therapy.
Using the Woolley Motivation Typology to Heal Infidelity With Emotionally Focused Therapy
Introduction: Infidelity is a common challenge in couple therapy and requires nuanced understandings and interventions tailored to the underlying motivations of the affair. Areas covered: This paper offers a practical framework for addressing infidelity by integrating Woolley’s (2011) motivation-based typology of affairs into the practice of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Attachment Injury Repair Model (AIRM). The typology categorizes infidelity into three broad categories, and seven specific types based on motivations, offering a lens through which couple therapists can focus their approach. Expert opinion: This article provides both general and specific treatment recommendations for each of the motivational types, which can help clinicians more effectively assist in ending affairs, reducing blaming, healing emotional wounds, creating safe emotional connection, and preventing future infidelity. Conclusion: This article helps fill these gaps by laying out how the Woolley (2011) motivational typology can be used to guide treatment.
Psychometric Properties of the Hungarian UCLA Loneliness Scale Among Adolescents: A Search for the Meaning of Loneliness in the Young Population
Introduction: Loneliness has been considered a major public health and policy concern, with substantial physical and mental health impacts. The University of California and Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) is one of the most widely used scales for measuring loneliness but it does not have robust psychometric properties among adolescents. Aims: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hungarian UCLA-LS among adolescents. Methods: The sample includes a total of 2508 students, 57.3% females, aged between 14 and 21 years. Studying psychometric properties, internal reliability and criterion-related validity were measured. The sample was randomly divided into two parts to examine the factorial structure: one part was used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the other was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The UCLA-LS showed good internal consistency. Its total score and the single-item measure showed a small correlation, and also indicated a significant moderate association with hopelessness and self-reported well-being. Based on the EFA, we identified two factors with 51.7% of the total variance explained. In the CFA, the two-factor model demonstrated a good fit. Conclusions: The findings suggested that the Hungarian UCLA-LS can be a reliable and valid tool for adolescents to measure some dimensions of loneliness. We confirmed the non-normal, relatively skewed distribution of the scale. We can conclude that the UCLA-LS measures a trait characteristic of loneliness. In the adolescent population, it is recommended to use further measures of loneliness to gain more information about the frequency and nature of the multi-faceted mental representation of loneliness.
Copyright (c) 2024 European Journal of Mental Health