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Open Access September 18, 2025

Does Stress Explain the Effects of Sexual/Gender Minority Status on Children’s Behavioral and Emotional Risk?

Abstract Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are at elevated risk for adverse mental health and substance use outcomes. Stressors such as family conflict, discrimination, and trauma have been suggested as possible mediators of these disparities. Aims: This study examined whether family conflict, discrimination, and trauma mediate the associations between SGM identity and [...] Read more.
Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are at elevated risk for adverse mental health and substance use outcomes. Stressors such as family conflict, discrimination, and trauma have been suggested as possible mediators of these disparities. Aims: This study examined whether family conflict, discrimination, and trauma mediate the associations between SGM identity and adverse outcomes, including suicide attempt, major depressive disorder (MDD), nicotine use, and marijuana use. Methods: Participants were children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. SGM identity was reported at baseline, while outcomes included past MDD and suicide attempts as well as future nicotine and marijuana use. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test both direct and indirect pathways linking SGM identity to mental health and behavioral outcomes. Results: No significant mediation was found through family conflict, discrimination, or trauma. Instead, effects of SGM identity were primarily direct: SGM youth had higher odds of past suicide attempts and MDD, as well as future marijuana use, but not future nicotine use. Stressor variables, however, were independently associated with outcomes. Discrimination predicted all outcomes; trauma was positively associated with suicide, nicotine, and marijuana use but not MDD; and family conflict predicted all outcomes except MDD. Conclusion: Family conflict, discrimination, and trauma did not mediate SGM disparities in mental health and substance use, but each emerged as an independent predictor of risk. These findings highlight the complexity of mechanisms underlying SGM-related disparities and suggest the need for future research to explore additional pathways and contextual influences.
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Open Access March 25, 2025

Resting-State Sensory-Motor Connectivity between Hand and Mouth as a Neural Marker of Socioeconomic Disadvantage, Psychosocial Stress, Cognitive Difficulties, Impulsivity, Depression, and Substance Use in Children

Abstract Background: The sensory-motor network is essential for integrating sensory input with motor function and higher-order cognition. Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within this network undergoes significant developmental changes, and disruptions in these connections have been linked to behavioral and psychiatric outcomes. However, the relationship between sensory-motor [...] Read more.
Background: The sensory-motor network is essential for integrating sensory input with motor function and higher-order cognition. Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within this network undergoes significant developmental changes, and disruptions in these connections have been linked to behavioral and psychiatric outcomes. However, the relationship between sensory-motor connectivity, early-life adversity, and later health behaviors remains understudied. Objective: This study examines the associations between rsFC within the sensory-motor network (mouth and hand regions) and key social, psychological, and behavioral factors, including baseline and past socioeconomic status (SES), trauma exposure, family conflict, impulsivity, major depressive disorder (MDD), and future substance use. Methods: Data were drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a national sample of U.S. children. Resting-state fMRI data were used to assess functional connectivity within the sensory-motor network. Bivariate analyses examined associations between rsFC in the sensory-motor mouth and hand regions and baseline SES, past SES, childhood trauma exposure, family conflict, impulsivity, and MDD. Longitudinal analyses assessed whether baseline rsFC predicted future substance use. Results: Greater rsFC between the sensory-motor mouth and hand regions was significantly associated with lower SES, higher trauma exposure, and greater family conflict. Increased connectivity was also correlated with older age and more advanced puberty status. Higher rsFC between the sensory-motor mouth and hand regions was linked to greater impulsivity, lower cognitive function, an increased likelihood of MDD, and future marijuana use. Conclusion: These findings suggest that sensory-motor connectivity is sensitive to socioeconomic and psychosocial stressors, with potential long-term implications for mental health and substance use risk. The results highlight the importance of early-life environmental factors in shaping neurodevelopmental trajectories and emphasize the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the effects of adversity on brain function and behavior. Future research should further explore the role of sensory-motor network alterations in behavioral health outcomes as a function of environmental stressors.
Original Article
Open Access August 30, 2024

Exploring the Benefits of Forgiveness among Adolescents in Junior High Schools in Bimbilla in Ghana: A Comparative Study Based on Age

Abstract This study investigates the benefits of forgiveness among adolescents in Junior High Schools (JHS) in Bimbilla, Ghana, focusing on the influence of age on the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions. The study adopted a mixed-method experimental design, a purposive selection of eight JHSs within the Nanumba North Municipality, from which 60 adolescents were randomly chosen to participate. The [...] Read more.
This study investigates the benefits of forgiveness among adolescents in Junior High Schools (JHS) in Bimbilla, Ghana, focusing on the influence of age on the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions. The study adopted a mixed-method experimental design, a purposive selection of eight JHSs within the Nanumba North Municipality, from which 60 adolescents were randomly chosen to participate. The study employed the Enright Forgiveness Inventory, Depression Mood Scale, and Anger Self-Report items to assess participants' emotional states before and after the intervention. The interventions were structured around the REACH model of forgiveness, which included sessions aimed at helping participants identify sources of hurt, understand the concept of forgiveness, and recognise the emotional costs of holding onto grievances. Qualitative data were analysed into themes using an interpretative lens. A two-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that exposure to forgiveness therapies significantly reshaped participants' negative emotions, leading to a marked decrease in feelings of anger and depression. Post-intervention assessments indicated that participants developed a more positive outlook towards their offenders, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness in fostering emotional well-being. The study's results align with previous research, indicating that forgiveness interventions can effectively reduce negative emotional states and promote psychological resilience. The implications of these findings suggest that integrating forgiveness education into school curricula could be beneficial for enhancing the mental health of adolescents. By fostering an environment that encourages forgiveness, educators and mental health professionals can help mitigate the adverse effects of unresolved emotional conflicts, ultimately contributing to healthier interpersonal relationships and improved overall well-being among young individuals.
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Open Access July 21, 2024

From Designed Object to Designed Context: Changes in Environmental Discourse in the First Twenty Years of the International Design Conference in Aspen

Abstract Through an in-depth discussion of the International Design Conference in Aspen from 1951 to 1970, this paper explores how environmental discourse underwent a shift in its connotations in the field of design during the conference. Of particular importance in this process of discursive transformation was the 1970 conference. This year's conference erupted into a conflict over the connotations of [...] Read more.
Through an in-depth discussion of the International Design Conference in Aspen from 1951 to 1970, this paper explores how environmental discourse underwent a shift in its connotations in the field of design during the conference. Of particular importance in this process of discursive transformation was the 1970 conference. This year's conference erupted into a conflict over the connotations of environmental discourse as environmental discourse outside of design impacted on and transformed the environmental discourse within design. This article examines the different concepts of the term 'environment', as presented by speakers and participants at the International Design Conferences in Aspen from 1951 to 1970, and especially focuses on the debates surrounding 'environment' at the 1970 conference. The article concludes by exploring the implications of this event and summarises the role of the 1970 International Design Conference in Aspen at this crucial turning point in environmental discourse. The aim is to explain and strengthen the significance of discourse a design conferences in the history of design, and to explore a new direction of design history research.
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Open Access May 12, 2024

Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Work-Family Conflict Among Hotel Managers

Abstract This study examines the influence of socio-demographic factors on work-family conflict among management staff in star-rated hotels in the Accra Metropolis. The research aims to explore how variables such as gender, age, marital status, and educational background impact the experiences of work-family conflict among hotel managers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected [...] Read more.
This study examines the influence of socio-demographic factors on work-family conflict among management staff in star-rated hotels in the Accra Metropolis. The research aims to explore how variables such as gender, age, marital status, and educational background impact the experiences of work-family conflict among hotel managers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to a purposive sample of hotel managers. The findings reveal significant associations between socio-demographic characteristics and work-family conflict, highlighting the complexities of balancing work responsibilities with family obligations in the hospitality industry. The implications of the study underscore the importance of tailored interventions to support the well-being of hotel managers, while the recommendations emphasise the implementation of work-life balance programs, support for family obligations, promotion of diversity and inclusion, and continuous training and development. It is recommended that hotel organisations create a supportive work environment that enhances the job satisfaction and productivity of their management staff. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on work-family conflict in the hospitality sector and provides a foundation for future research endeavours in this area.
Article
Open Access October 22, 2023

An Appraisal of Work-Family Conflict on Management Staff of Star-Rated Hotels

Abstract The objective of this research was to investigate work-family conflict among management staff of hotels in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The study employs the pragmatism approach and Convergent parallel mixed methods research technique. The population of the study is all-star-rated management staff of star-rated hotels in the Accra metropolis. Stratified, random and convenient sampling techniques [...] Read more.
The objective of this research was to investigate work-family conflict among management staff of hotels in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The study employs the pragmatism approach and Convergent parallel mixed methods research technique. The population of the study is all-star-rated management staff of star-rated hotels in the Accra metropolis. Stratified, random and convenient sampling techniques were used to select 182 out of 356 respondents. One hundred (100) were sampled using a formula and a table determination of sample size based on the confidence level needed from a given population as provided by Krejcie and Morgan in 1970 for the study. Ten managers were conveniently interviewed on the issues of work-family conflict. The main instruments for data collection were a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. This study adopted factor analysis and a structural equation model to examine factors that influence work-family conflict. This statistical technique was used in the research to investigate the factorability of the variables of work-related and family-related factors separately and a structural equation model was used to combine both factors to better understand the relationship. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between work-family conflict. Pearson product-moment Correlation and structural equation model were used to determine the consequences of work-family conflict. It can be concluded that both work-related such as work overload, job type and involvement as well as family-related factors such as life cycle stage, and childcare arrangement predict work-family conflict among managers of hotels in the Accra metropolis. It is also deducted WFC affect managers’ performance on the job, exhaust them emotionally and also influences their intentions to leave the job for another. Managers usually feel fatigued to prepare for work and physically drained after work. They also feel depressed and emotionally drained sometimes. It is recommended that top management of hotels should allocate a budget to build an organisational culture that encourages work-family balance. Frontline managers should be trained to be aware of the benefit of providing support in the work environment that will help staff balance work and family. It is also recommended that hotel jobs be redesigned by the human resource unit to reduce workload and make it more interesting for managers so they may not feel overworked. Overworking of managers will enhance their intentions to quit the job and this will be costly for hotels.
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Open Access July 28, 2023

An Assessment of Coping Strategies on Work-family Conflict and Job Performance in Ghana

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies for managing the effects of work-family conflict on the management staff of hotels in the Accra metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a Convergent parallel mixed methods research technique. The population of the study is all-star-rated management staff of star-rated hotels in the Accra metropolis. multi-stage sampling. The estimation of [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies for managing the effects of work-family conflict on the management staff of hotels in the Accra metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a Convergent parallel mixed methods research technique. The population of the study is all-star-rated management staff of star-rated hotels in the Accra metropolis. multi-stage sampling. The estimation of the sample size for the hotel managers was based on Krejcie and Morgan’s table for the determination of the sample size for a given population. The population of 100 managers were stratified and randomly sampled out of the 182 managers. The main instruments for data collection were questionnaires and an interview. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to determine simple percentages and frequencies of responses. Pearson product-moment Correlation and structural equation model were used to determine the consequences of work-family conflict as well as coping strategies adopted by managers. Amos PLS was used to determine the moderating effect of coping strategies on work-family conflict and job performance. Hotel managers in the Accra metropolis combine the strategies of structural role redefinition, personal role redefinition, cognitive restructuring and reactive role redefinition to curb work-family conflict. The study demonstrated a positive relationship between coping strategies and job performance. Coping strategies had a moderating effect on the relationship between work-family conflict and the job performance of hotel managers. Thus, to improve the job performance of hotel managers, there should be the application of coping interventions to help them perform on the job. The study also determined that work-family conflict had a significant positive relationship with job performance. Similarly, the study established that coping strategies significantly moderate the relationship between work-family conflict and job performance among hotel managers in the Accra metropolis. Although coping strategies were employed by hotel managers in the Accra metropolis, it is recommended that training sessions on the use of coping strategies and stress management techniques should be considered by management to address psychological and emotional work environment stressors since they have been proven to reduce stress and WFC. It is also recommended that there should be an inter-hotel collaboration to offer smaller hotels which do not have the resources some leverage the impact of work-family conflict. This platform can be provided by the Ghana hotels association to impact knowledge of coping strategies in smaller hotels. The government must be encouraged to liaise with the Ghana hotels association to enforce the mandatory eight-hour work per day to avoid overworking of hotel managers.
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Open Access December 17, 2022

A Descriptive Phenomenology of Nature and Characteristics of Chieftaincy Succession Conflict: A Case of Akuapem Traditional Area, Ghana

Abstract The study focused on the nature and characteristics of the chieftaincy succession conflict in the Akuapem Traditional Area of Ghana. This study was anchored on an interpretivist philosophical viewpoint. Methodologically, the study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenology research design. Thirty-four (34) adults who have lived in the area for the past five years [...] Read more.
The study focused on the nature and characteristics of the chieftaincy succession conflict in the Akuapem Traditional Area of Ghana. This study was anchored on an interpretivist philosophical viewpoint. Methodologically, the study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenology research design. Thirty-four (34) adults who have lived in the area for the past five years participated in the study. They included members of the traditional council, the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, the royal gates to the paramountcy and others within the community. Participants were selected using extreme case, critical case and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected with the use of interview guide, focus-group discussion and observation protocols. The data collected were analysed thematically in line with the research questions and emerged patterns from the dataset. The study found out that the dynamics of the conflict revolved around the nature and frames. The findings showed multiple causes that resulted in the exacerbation of the conflict. A major conclusion drawn from the study was that the chieftaincy institution in Akuapem is hurled with conflict which has complex dynamics and thus, has had multiple implications on the stability and development of the society. It is therefore recommended that all stakeholders to the installation are duly left to perform their duties without any intrusion from external parties or outsiders. Moreover, the grievances of these stakeholders should be addressed to ensure smooth running of the processes. This can be ensured by the traditional council of the area.
Article
Open Access June 27, 2022

Perceived Interparental Conflicts Irrational Beliefs and Mental Health among Juvenile Offenders

Abstract The present study examines a sample of 140 juveniles. Study aimed to explore the relationship between interparental conflicts, irrational beliefs and mental health. Sample of the study was taken from borstal jail Faisalabad and district jail Lahore. Perceived interparental conflicts scale (CPIC), Irrational beliefs inventory (IBI) and mental health inventory (MHI) was use Results indicated that [...] Read more.
The present study examines a sample of 140 juveniles. Study aimed to explore the relationship between interparental conflicts, irrational beliefs and mental health. Sample of the study was taken from borstal jail Faisalabad and district jail Lahore. Perceived interparental conflicts scale (CPIC), Irrational beliefs inventory (IBI) and mental health inventory (MHI) was use Results indicated that psychological distress has significant positive relationship with interparental conflicts and mental health. Furthermore, it was found that interparental conflicts significantly predict irrational beliefs. The study will give insights into as what type of interparental conflicts predicts irrational beliefs and different mental health problems in juveniles. It may help clinical psychologists/mental health practitioners to develop appropriate ways to manage interparental conflicts, irrational beliefs and mental health problems. Findings of the study may help mental health practitioners to develop appropriate assessment and treatment programs.
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