This study assessed the employability skill readiness of Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates in Liloan District, Cebu, during School Year 2025–2026 as a basis for developing a skill enhancement plan. Anchored on Human Capital Theory, Career Construction Theory, and Social Cognitive Career Theory, the study employed a quantitative correlational research design involving 70 ALS graduates. Data were collected using an adapted and modified questionnaire and analyzed through percentages, weighted means, standard deviations, Pearson product-moment correlation, and chi-square tests. Findings revealed high employability skill readiness in communication (M = 4.08), teamwork (M = 3.82), problem-solving (M = 3.81), self-management (M = 3.48), and technical or job-specific skills (M = 3.52). Employability readiness was significantly associated with age, parents’ educational attainment, parents’ occupation, and combined monthly family income, while gender showed no significant relationship. Furthermore, challenges encountered exhibited a significant negative relationship with employability readiness (r = −0.46), indicating that greater challenges were associated with lower readiness. Prominent challenges included limited access to training and upskilling opportunities, insufficient career preparation, inadequate hands-on experience, and limited confidence in applying acquired skills. The study recommends implementing the proposed Skill Enhancement Plan through accessible training, career guidance, workplace exposure, and strengthened stakeholder partnerships. The research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting inclusive skills development and employment readiness. Its potential contribution to educational, socioeconomic, and community sustainability lies in supporting lifelong learning, equitable employment preparation, and improved workforce participation among ALS graduates.
The concept of the human person occupies a central position in philosophical anthropology because it raises fundamental questions concerning identity, individuality, relationality, community, moral responsibility, and the meaning of human existence. In Igbo philosophical thought, the person is commonly understood not as an isolated, self-sufficient entity but as one whose existence is embedded in a network of relationships involving the individual, family, community, the spiritual order, and the wider cosmos. This paper examines the concept of the human person in Igbo philosophy through the complementary ontology of Innocent I. Asouzu, particularly his philosophy of Ibuanyidanda and the method of complementary reflection. Rather than presenting Ibuanyidanda as Asouzu’s original, complete theory of philosophical anthropology, the paper develops an anthropological application of his complementary ontology to the question of personhood. It argues that Asouzu’s emphasis on the mutual dependence and non-exclusivity of realities provides resources for reconceptualizing the human person as an existence constituted through complementarity, while preserving personal identity and agency. This study therefore uses the expression “being-in-complementarity” as an interpretive formulation for articulating the anthropological implications of Asouzu’s complementary ontology, rather than assuming it without qualification as a technical equivalent of Heidegger’s being-in-the-world or Mitsein. The paper further examines whether the transcendence associated with Asouzu’s ontology should be identified straightforwardly with indigenous Igbo conceptions of Chukwu, chi, ancestors, and other spiritual realities, or understood as a philosophical reconstruction shaped partly by his Christian and Western philosophical formation. The paper thus proposes Ibuanyidanda as a promising framework for reconstructing Igbo philosophical anthropology while acknowledging the interpretive and philosophical work involved in extending Asouzu’s ontology to personhood.
This study designed and validated a Technology-Enhanced Inquiry-Based Learning Package (TIBLEP) for junior secondary natural science in a resource-constrained context, addressing the offline connectivity barriers common in under-resourced schools. A Design and Development Research (DDR) approach guided needs analysis, design, development, expert validation, revision, and field implementation. TIBLEP was built as an offline environment combining curriculum-aligned content, guided inquiry, multimedia demonstrations, self-paced navigation, and formative feedback. Five experts assessed the package across six dimensions. Sixty Grade 8 students from two intact classes then completed a five-week field trial (30 in the TIBLEP group and 30 in the conventional group), with interviews capturing participant experiences. Expert ratings were consistently positive (grand mean = 3.69, SD = 0.29), with the highest ratings for overall suitability (M = 3.78) and the lowest for technology integration (M = 3.60). Posttest achievement was higher for TIBLEP (M = 68.30, SD = 6.20) than for the control group (M = 54.70, SD = 5.80). Interviews indicated perceived gains in conceptual clarity, autonomy, engagement, collaboration, and teachers' technological competence. TIBLEP is a feasible, expert-validated offline model for inquiry-oriented science learning where connectivity is unreliable and access remains uneven. The package offers teachers and policymakers a validated, curriculum-aligned tool for delivering inquiry-based science instruction without depending on internet access.
Islamic Religious Education (PAI) is not only intended to provide an understanding of religious concepts, but also to develop students’ ability to comprehend, internalize, and apply religious values in everyday life. Therefore, the learning process needs to move beyond mere mastery of subject matter and provide meaningful and in-depth learning experiences. This study focuses on analyzing deep learning-based PAI instruction from the perspective of Robert E. Slavin’s QAIT model, which consists of Quality of Instruction, Appropriate Levels of Instruction, Incentive, and Time, at SMP Negeri 1 Blora. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. The informants consisted of three PAI teachers and two students selected purposively. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, and documentation, and were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña model through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that PAI instruction has reflected the principles of deep learning through three main aspects: meaningful learning, mindful learning, and joyful learning. In addition, analysis based on the QAIT model shows that the learning process is supported by instructional quality, the appropriateness of instruction to students’ abilities, learning motivation, and time management. Nevertheless, limited instructional time remains a challenge in providing sufficient opportunities for in-depth learning through discussion, presentation, and reflection. This study concludes that the implementation of deep learning in PAI can support a more contextual, reflective, and meaningful learning process when supported by instructional quality, appropriate strategies tailored to students’ needs, learning motivation, and adequate time management.
This study explored collaborative lesson planning practices as part of lesson study-based supervision in selected public primary schools in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. The study was guided by Social Constructivist Theory and employed a qualitative case study design, with Bagamoyo District as the bounded case and four selected public primary schools as embedded units of analysis. A total of 34 participants, comprising 28 classroom teachers, four head teachers, and two Ward Education Officers, were purposively selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and document analysis and were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that collaborative lesson planning was widely practiced in the selected schools through joint preparation of lesson plans, discussion of learning objectives and teaching strategies, development of teaching aids, and sharing of instructional knowledge and resources. Teachers reported that these practices enhanced professional learning, teaching confidence, pedagogical knowledge, and collective problem-solving. However, the implementation of collaborative lesson planning was constrained by heavy teaching workloads, limited time, inadequate instructional resources, and competing administrative responsibilities. The study concludes that collaborative lesson planning constitutes an important foundation of lesson study-based supervision and provides teachers with opportunities for continuous professional learning and improvement of instructional practice. The study recommends that school leaders and education authorities allocate adequate time and resources for collaborative lesson planning, strengthen institutional support, and minimise competing responsibilities that interfere with regular lesson study activities
This study determined the administrative strategies employed by school leaders in implementing enhanced digital-based literacy instruction in selected public elementary schools in the City of Naga, Cebu (Region VII), and Calubian, Leyte (Region VIII), during School Year 2025–2026. It examined the respondents’ demographic and professional profiles; the level of implementation of digital-based literacy instruction in terms of curriculum integration, technological infrastructure and resources, and teacher pedagogical competence; the administrative strategies employed in resource allocation and maintenance, capacity building and professional development, and instructional supervision and monitoring; and the issues and concerns encountered. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational and descriptive-comparative research design. The respondents comprised 110 school heads and teachers from six public elementary schools, consisting of six school heads (5.45%) and 104 teachers (94.55%). Data were gathered using a researcher-made structured questionnaire anchored on the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH). Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation were used for descriptive analysis, while an independent-samples t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were proposed for examining differences and relationships. The findings revealed that digital-based literacy instruction was implemented to a great extent (overall weighted mean = 3.45, SD = 0.42), while administrative strategies were employed to a great extent (overall weighted mean = 3.51, SD = 0.39). Instructional supervision and monitoring were revealed to be the most frequently implemented administrative strategy, whereas technological infrastructure and resources were revealed to be the area requiring the greatest improvement. A significant positive relationship was revealed between administrative strategies and the level of implementation (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Limited internet connectivity, insufficient digital equipment, and the need for continuous teacher training were revealed to be the major implementation concerns. These findings suggest the value of an enhanced digital-based literacy instruction framework emphasizing strategic resource allocation, sustained professional development, reliable technological infrastructure, and consistent instructional supervision.
This article analyzes the infrastructure conditions of early childhood education institutions in Pernambuco through the application of the Pernambuco School Infrastructure Index (IEPE). The study combines quantitative analysis, based on factor analysis applied to data from the 2024 School Census, with exploratory qualitative evidence obtained through a questionnaire administered to school managers. The index is structured into three dimensions: essential physical and pedagogical infrastructure, support and accessibility, and basic operational infrastructure. The results indicate a predominance of intermediate and low levels of infrastructure, unevenly distributed across municipalities. Spatial analysis reveals differentiated patterns among daycare centers, preschools, and institutions offering both stages. The incorporation of qualitative evidence allows for the examination of the correspondence between administrative records and the actual conditions of space use, revealing discrepancies associated with the functional adequacy of infrastructure. The qualitative analysis, concentrated in the municipality of Recife due to low institutional participation, highlights the presence of adaptive strategies that enable the functioning of institutions but do not replace the need for planned infrastructure. The IEPE makes it possible to identify territorial variations and to inform public policy planning, provided it is interpreted in conjunction with other sources of information.
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest higher education institution (HEI) in Africa. In fact, UNISA is one of the largest and leading open-distance e-learning (ODeL) institutions in the world and is reputable for its commitment to providing increased access to quality education and flexible teaching. Therefore, UNISA presents a unique context for exploring teacher education through flexible learning. To this end, the current research was conducted between February and May of 2025 and explored the role of flexible learning in teacher education at an influential model in the Global South. The rationale for this research was grounded in the need to address educational challenges in Africa through innovative teaching methods. Employing systematic document analysis and governed by the principles of grounded theory in the collection and analysis of data, this study aimed to explore UNISA’s provision of flexible teacher education. The findings revealed that flexible teacher education in Africa is a necessity and a complex undertaking. It is shaped by demographic pressures, economic constraints, historical inequalities, and crisis events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Flexible learning expands access, reduces costs, and offers opportunities for curriculum transformation. Its effectiveness, however, is constrained by systemic challenges, including digital inequalities, resistance to pedagogical change, and limitations in institutional capacity. A key contribution of this research is the development of an emerging theory that reveals that flexible education is a balancing act between expanding access and maintaining quality.
This study examined the coping mechanisms and pedagogical challenges experienced by elementary teachers in utilizing interactive multimedia tools in selected public elementary schools in the Schools Division of Leyte, during School Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it determined the teachers’ demographic and professional profiles, assessed the extent of pedagogical challenges encountered in terms of technological fluency, competence, curriculum and lesson integration, time management, and resource management, and identified the coping mechanisms used to address these challenges. The study also examined whether significant differences existed in the teachers’ assessments when grouped according to their demographic characteristics and determined the relationship between pedagogical challenges and coping mechanisms. A quantitative descriptive-correlational and descriptive-comparative research design was employed, involving the total population of 145 elementary teachers from five selected public schools. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire validated by educational technology experts and analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson product-moment correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that teachers experienced varying degrees of difficulty in integrating interactive multimedia tools, particularly in managing technological demands, aligning digital resources with lessons, allocating preparation time, and addressing limitations in available resources. Despite these challenges, teachers demonstrated adaptive coping practices, particularly through collaboration and peer support, resourcefulness, adaptation, personal reflection, and self-care. The findings further indicated differences in some assessments when respondents were grouped according to selected demographic characteristics, while the relationship between pedagogical challenges and coping mechanisms reflected the teachers’ efforts to adjust to technology-related demands. Based on the findings, enhanced digital-based literacy teaching-learning activities were developed to strengthen teachers’ technological and pedagogical competencies and support more practical, engaging, and sustainable technology integration in elementary classrooms.
This paper presents an educational framework developed to promote the values and skills that business students require to successfully navigate the ethical and environmental challenges in the current digital era. The work focuses on the development of green skills and responsible digital behaviour in business students through innovative and interdisciplinary learning that integrates sustainability principles with digital citizenship. Drawing on a narrative exploration of the literature on digital citizenship, sustainability education, and gamified learning, the paper proposes three educational activities based on playful learning, gamification, business games, and project-based learning. Each activity is based on instructional techniques that promote civic engagement, critical thinking, and reflection about the future social and environmental responsibilities of business managers. By placing business education within the framework of sustainability and digital citizenship, this paper offers teachers and instructors a hands-on approach for developing future graduates who are socially conscious of the impact of their decisions. Rather than presenting empirical findings, the paper provides a conceptual and practice-oriented framework for designing sustainability-oriented and digitally responsible learning experiences in business education.
Purpose: Although leadership behaviors have been widely examined in relation to teacher outcomes, limited empirical research has explored how different leadership dimensions influence teachers’ morale within highly centralized educational systems such as Thailand’s primary education sector. Existing studies have often emphasized administrative control and procedural compliance, while comparatively less attention has been given to the role of relationship-oriented leadership behaviors in sustaining teachers’ morale within centralized administrative contexts. This study therefore examines the relationship between leadership behaviors within educational administration and teachers’ morale in Thai primary schools in central Thailand. Research design, data and methodology: This study employed a quantitative research design using a survey approach. Data were collected from 417 teachers and educational personnel working in primary schools across central Thailand through anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Leadership behaviors were categorized into task-oriented and relationship-oriented dimensions, while teachers’ morale was examined through Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationships between leadership behaviors and teachers’ morale. Results: The findings revealed that both task-oriented and relationship-oriented leadership behaviors were positively associated with teachers’ morale. Relationship-oriented leadership behaviors, particularly motivation and participation, demonstrated stronger predictive influence on teachers’ morale than task-oriented dimensions such as planning and supervision. The regression model explained a substantial proportion of variance in teachers’ morale, indicating that interpersonal and participatory leadership practices play an important role within centralized educational environments. Conclusions: The study contributes empirical evidence to educational administration research by demonstrating that leadership effectiveness within centralized educational systems may involve not only administrative coordination and policy implementation but also relationship-oriented leadership practices that support teachers’ professional well-being. The findings further suggest that balancing organizational structure with human-centered leadership may help sustain teachers’ morale within Thai primary schools.
Purpose: This study examines the determinants of student satisfaction with graduation art creation courses among senior undergraduate students in public universities in Sichuan, China. Drawing on established service quality and student satisfaction frameworks, the study proposes and tests a structural model incorporating Curriculum, Teaching Quality, Service Quality, Service Innovation, Perceived Value, Student Engagement, and Student Satisfaction. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 502 final-year students from three public universities selected through two-stage stratified proportional sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling with maximum likelihood estimation. The findings indicate that Curriculum, Teaching Quality, Perceived Value, Student Engagement, and Service Innovation have significant positive direct effects on Student Satisfaction. Notably, Service Quality exerted a significant indirect effect on Student Satisfaction through Perceived Value, rather than a direct effect, with an indirect effect size of 0.066. Among all predictors, Perceived Value emerged as the strongest determinant of overall satisfaction. The findings highlight Perceived Value as a central mediating mechanism through which institutional and instructional factors influence graduating art students' overall educational experience.
Purpose: This study aims to identify the factors influencing teachers’ job satisfaction using a middle school in Dazhou City, Sichuan Province, China. Research design, data and methodology: A quantitative research design was adopted. Questionnaire surveys were distributed to 90 teachers at a middle school in Tongchuan District using stratified random sampling. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationships between working hours, work pressure, organizational commitment, teacher self-efficacy, teacher career motivation, and job satisfaction. In addition, a 16-week strategic planning program was implemented with 30 teachers to improve job satisfaction. Paired sample t-tests were applied to compare the pre- and post-intervention results. Results: The multiple linear regression results show that organizational commitment, teacher career motivation, and teacher self-efficacy have significant positive effects on job satisfaction. Working hours and work pressure do not show significant direct effects in the regression model. After the program implementation, the paired sample t-test results indicate significant improvements in working hours, work pressure, organizational commitment, teacher self-efficacy, teacher career motivation, and overall job satisfaction. Conclusions: The findings suggest that school management practices that strengthen organizational commitment, support teachers’ professional motivation, and improve working conditions can enhance teachers’ job satisfaction. Practical actions such as flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and participatory school governance may help improve teachers’ workplace experiences and support sustainable educational development.
The Tarbiyah Anak Saleh (TRANS) Program is a character and religious development program for students at Al-Bashirah Integrated Islamic Elementary School (SDIT Al-Bashirah). Although the program has been implemented as one of the school’s flagship programs, it has never been systematically evaluated to identify discrepancies between its planning and implementation. This study aims to identify and measure the discrepancies between the planning and implementation of the TRANS Program using the Discrepancy Evaluation Model (DEM), which comprises four evaluation stages: design, installation, process, and product. The study employed an evaluation approach using a mixed-method design and was conducted from February 23 to March 7, 2026. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The questionnaires were administered to 132 students in Grades IV, V, and VI, while interviews were conducted with 3 teachers involved in implementing the program. The findings show that the overall discrepancy level of the TRANS Program was categorized as small. At the design stage, the program was supported by competent human resources and adequate facilities and infrastructure, although several activities had not yet been implemented and detailed technical guidelines were not available. At the installation stage, the level of program conformity reached 80%, with a discrepancy of 20%, categorized as small, although internet connectivity and transportation constraints were still encountered. At the process stage, the level of conformity also reached 80%, with a discrepancy of 20%, categorized as small, supported by the involvement of the school, teachers, parents, and students. At the product stage, the level of program achievement reached 84%, with a discrepancy of 16%, categorized as very small, as reflected in positive changes in students’ worship practices, moral character, discipline, and responsibility. These findings indicate that the TRANS Program demonstrates a high level of conformity and achievement; however, stronger technical guidelines and greater consistency in implementation are still needed to ensure that all program components are carried out optimally. ABSTRAK Program Tarbiyah Anak Saleh (TRANS) merupakan program pembinaan karakter dan keagamaan peserta didik di Sekolah Dasar Islam Terpadu (SDIT) Al-Bashirah. Meskipun program ini telah dilaksanakan sebagai salah satu program unggulan sekolah, belum pernah dilakukan evaluasi secara sistematis untuk mengetahui kesenjangan antara perencanaan dan pelaksanaannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi dan mengukur kesenjangan antara perencanaan dan pelaksanaan Program TRANS menggunakan Discrepancy Evaluation Model (DEM), yang mencakup empat tahap evaluasi, yaitu desain, instalasi, proses, dan produk. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan evaluasi dengan metode campuran (mixed method) yang dilaksanakan pada 23 Februari–7 Maret 2026. Data dikumpulkan melalui angket, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Angket diberikan kepada 132 peserta didik kelas IV, V, dan VI, sedangkan wawancara dilakukan terhadap 3 guru yang terlibat dalam pelaksanaan program. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kesenjangan Program TRANS secara umum berada pada kategori kecil. Pada tahap desain, program telah didukung oleh sumber daya manusia yang kompeten dan sarana prasarana yang memadai, meskipun beberapa kegiatan belum terlaksana dan belum tersedia petunjuk teknis yang rinci. Pada tahap instalasi, tingkat kesesuaian program mencapai 80% dengan kesenjangan 20% dalam kategori kecil, meskipun masih terdapat kendala jaringan dan transportasi. Pada tahap proses, tingkat kesesuaian mencapai 80% dengan kesenjangan 20% dalam kategori kecil, didukung oleh keterlibatan sekolah, guru, orang tua, dan peserta didik. Pada tahap produk, tingkat ketercapaian mencapai 84% dengan kesenjangan 16% dalam kategori sangat kecil, yang ditunjukkan oleh perubahan positif pada aspek ibadah, akhlak, kedisiplinan, dan tanggung jawab peserta didik. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa Program TRANS memiliki tingkat kesesuaian dan ketercapaian yang tinggi, tetapi masih memerlukan penguatan petunjuk teknis dan konsistensi pelaksanaan agar seluruh komponen program dapat terlaksana secara optimal.
The color collocation of the design scheme should meet multiple constraints such as functional semantics, visual harmony, accessibility and style consistency at the same time. The existing rule template, image extraction and condition generation methods have structural contradictions between constraint controllability and combination diversity, and the color relationship is always outside the generation process, only for post-output screening. In this paper, the problem is formulated as a sequential decision problem of discrete color combinations under multiple constraints, and the relation-aware diffusion generation framework ColorRel-Diff is proposed. The discrete color token sequence is used as the generation unit, and the mask discrete diffusion is used to make each denoising step explicitly masked discrete diffusion. The color relationship coding module is constructed, and the harmony and contrast relationships are encoded as the edge features of the relationship graph and aggregated into the relationship perception embedding through the graph attention. A constraining-guided denoising mechanism is designed to guide the sampling trajectory by the gradient of relational consistency score, and the feasibility mask is used to impose inviolable token-level restrictions on the hard constraints, and the grading softening strategy is used to deal with constraint conflicts. A three-layer inspection system of distribution level, constraint level and design availability level is constructed, and experiments and ablation are carried out on the basis of increasing constraint strictness. The results show that the proposed method occupies a Pareto-dominant position in the diversity-harmony plane, and the satisfaction rate of accessibility hard constraints remains above 95% under pressure, which is significantly better than the baseline without explicit modeling constraints. The ablation confirms that relational coding and constraint guidance dominate the gains of harmony and constraint compliance respectively.
Transphobia can be understood as a set of practices that produce discrimination, exclusion, and violence against transgender people and transvestites, selecting their behavioral repertoires under aversive control. In the field of Behavior Analysis, Brazilian production on the subject remains limited and poorly systematized. This study aimed to integrate behavioral analysis research on the contingencies to which transgender people are subjected in Brazil. A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA 2020, with searches in journals in the field and on Google Scholar. After applying the eligibility criteria, six studies were included. The findings indicate convergence in the understanding of transphobia as a process sustained by coercive contingencies that produce functional effects such as escape, avoidance, and psychological distress. It is concluded that Behavior Analysis offers relevant contributions to the functional understanding of transphobia and points to the need to expand socially committed research and interventions.Keywords: transphobia; behavioral-analysis; gender; LGBTQIA+; review
Introduction Computer teachers are widely recognized as key drivers of digital transformation in education, given their central role in integrating technology into teaching and learning processes. Their position places them at the forefront of adopting and modeling innovative pedagogical approaches and associated technologies—such as gamification—to support sustainable integration within schools. Methods The study aimed to identify the extent of gamification adoption among computer teachers in Jordan; to do so, a descriptive approach was used. The study instrument was a questionnaire that had items measuring computer teachers' familiarity with gamification, attitudes toward gamification, employment of gamification, and the obstacles to employing gamification. The participants were 104 computer teachers from one governorate in Jordan. Results Results indicated that computer teachers had high familiarity with gamification and positive attitudes toward gamification, reflecting strong conceptual acceptance, whereas their reported classroom use was moderate. Teachers tended to rely on basic elements such as points and rewards rather than advanced strategies, indicating surface-level application. Additionally, familiarity with gamification was not comprehensive, with a stronger understanding of general concepts than specific tools. Perceived obstacles were moderate, with administrative and institutional factors identified as the most influential barriers. Discussion The study recommends strengthening institutional support and providing targeted training to enable effective and sustained implementation of gamification in practice.
Introduction Digital romantic media may shape young adults' beliefs about intimacy, yet existing measures rarely assess relationship beliefs that jointly address autonomy, non-coercion, equality, and mutual growth. This study developed and validated the Sustainable Intimate Relationship Beliefs Scale (SIRBS) among Chinese college students. Methods An online survey yielded a final analytic sample of 2,008 participants, which was randomly divided for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability, factor-level convergent and discriminant evidence, measurement invariance, criterion-related associations, mediation, and moderation were also examined. Results The final 12-item scale comprised three correlated but conceptually distinct dimensions: Non-materialistic Relationship Beliefs, Low Control Tolerance, and Egalitarian Growth Beliefs. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the correlated three-factor model (CFI = 0.995, TLI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.036, SRMR = 0.026). Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha = 0.845; McDonald's omega total = 0.91), and composite reliability ranged from 0.878 to 0.967. Omega hierarchical (0.59) and explained common variance (0.39) indicated limited saturation by a single general factor. Approximate measurement invariance was supported across male-female gender groups and romantic relationship experience groups. SIRBS scores were positively associated with media literacy and negatively associated with unsustainable romantic-script internalization. Discussion The findings support the three subscale scores as the primary basis for construct-specific interpretation. The total score may be used as a secondary broad composite but should not be interpreted as a strictly unidimensional trait.
Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) call for a renewed examination of the ontological meaning of the human being and the nature of psychoanalytic treatment.AI-based mental health interventions show potential for improving the accessibility and efficiency of care; however, current AI systems generate verbal responses on the basis of statistical patterns, and it remains difficult to regard them as capable of performing, in the same manner as human therapists, the embodied emotional experience and relational internal transformation that psychoanalytic treatment entails.This paper conceptualizes the persistent delegation of psychological functions to external systems as the "outsourced ego" and examines the possibility that this phenomenon may, over time, lead to a weakening of ego functions and a delay in the formation of subjectivity.It also discusses the structural problems of AI-based treatment, including the lack of explainability, the reinforcement of self-deceptive narratives through hallucination, and the absence of ethical responsibility.In addition, this paper considers the difficulty of implementing, in an AI-mediated environment, core mechanisms of psychoanalytic interaction such as containment, transference and countertransference, and the analytic third.In response, it proposes four practical virtues for preserving humanity in the age of AI: reflexivity, negative capability, relational courage, and responsible subjectivity.In conclusion, the development of AI technology should not remain confined to the question of whether human therapists can be replaced; rather, it should serve as an opportunity to reflect more clearly on the distinctiveness of human existence, which lies in the capacity to endure imperfection and live with others.
Background Simulated interviews could provide behavioral information for young-adult mental-health research, including studies of social-evaluative anxiety. Their value depends on reliable observer impressions and interpretable links to participants’ self-reports. We examined personality expression, affective communication, self-observer correspondence, and competence impressions in emerging adults. Methods Two video-interview protocols were administered to participants aged 18–23 years: an occupationally framed protocol ( n = 55 ) and a broader personality-oriented protocol ( n = 33 ); 30 participants completed both. The protocols covered parallel HEXACO-related domains but differed in both framing and question content. Participants completed HEXACO self-reports and selected one of five valence-arousal categories after each response. Four observers rated personality expression, affective communication, and competence. We distinguished focused domain-matched tests from secondary question-level tests and exploratory correlation matrices, reported 95% confidence intervals, used permutation tests, and controlled the false-discovery rate within analysis families. Results Self-reported HEXACO scores were similar across protocols except for lower Agreeableness in the broader protocol (mean difference = − 0.23 , 95% CI [ − 0.35 , − 0.12 ] , q = 0.004 ). Global valence was more positive in the broader protocol (mean difference = 0.30 , 95% CI [ 0.15 , 0.45 ] , q < 0.001 ), whereas the arousal difference was uncertain. Reliability was heterogeneous: personality and competence ICCs ranged from 0.27 to 0.65 and 0.35 to 0.64 in the occupational protocol and from 0.33 to 0.58 and 0.22 to 0.73 in the broader protocol. Question-level affect ICCs were approximately 0.00 to 0.60 and − 0.91 to 0.03, respectively. Occupational self-observer correlations for Extraversion and Agreeableness survived correction; no broader-protocol personality correlation did. Strong same-observer personality-competence associations survived correction in both protocols, but broader-protocol affect-competence associations did not. Conclusions Affective reports differed between protocols, but question content also differed, precluding a pure context effect. Observer-rating reliability and self-observer correspondence identify conditions for future mental-health studies pairing simulated interviews with validated symptom and functioning measures.
