New Trends in Psychology

Emotion and Public Speaking

Cătălina Cătălin — 2025-09-08

The fear of public speaking surpasses the fear of heights, snakes, and sometimes even the fear of death. Why? Because as "social animals," we care (sometimes too much, I would say) about what others think of us. I wrote this article as part of my personal quest to understand and overcome the emotions I experience every time I have to give a speech in front of an unfamiliar audience. Managing emotions has become an increasingly debated topic in recent years, and as we evolve in terms of emotional intelligence, I believe that the first step to overcoming an obstacle is recognizing it.

Couple Satisfaction and Dark Triad Personality Traits: An Empirical Study

Brigitte Popa — 2025-09-15

This study examines the relationship between couple satisfaction and the Dark Triad personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—while also exploring gender differences in both relational satisfaction and the expression of these traits. Previous research has shown that personality traits shape relationship outcomes, with the Dark Triad increasingly recognized as a cluster of socially aversive traits that may undermine intimacy. Yet, findings remain inconsistent, particularly regarding cultural and gender-related variations. A quantitative design was applied using standardized instruments: the Short Dark Triad questionnaire (SD3) (Jones & Paulhus, 2014) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32) (Spanier, 1976). Statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS. Results indicated no significant correlations between Dark Triad traits and overall couple satisfaction, contrary to expectations. However, gender differences emerged: men scored higher on psychopathy and Machiavellianism, while women reported greater satisfaction. These findings suggest that the influence of dark personality traits on relationships is more complex than assumed and may be moderated by cultural or relational factors. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of couple dynamics and offers insights relevant for counseling and therapeutic practice.

Understanding School Transition Stress in Children Aged 8–9: Observations from a School Counselor in Nepal

Swopnil Devkota — 2025-09-15

Objectives: This study examines the emotional and behavioral challenges faced by children aged 8–9 during school transitions in a private school in Kathmandu, Nepal. Prior Work: While international research has highlighted school transition as a critical developmental challenge, Nepalese literature has given little attention to the psychological experiences of children at this stage. Approach: A qualitative, observational method was employed over two academic years, focusing on Grade 3 students. Data sources included counseling session notes, classroom observations, and informal conversations. Results: Findings reveal prominent emotional and behavioral responses, including anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, and somatic complaints, particularly within the first weeks of transition. Teacher-student interactions, family dynamics, and peer relationships strongly influenced adjustment. Implications: The study emphasizes the need for teacher training, early emotional screening, and accessible counseling support to reduce transition stress and foster resilience in children. Value: This research provides one of the first in-depth explorations of school transition stress in Nepal, offering context-specific insights that may guide policy, intervention, and further research.

Emotion Regulation, Stress, and Well-Being Investigated Through Life Experiences

Neaga Susanu — 2025-09-16

Emotion regulation, stress, and well-being are crucial aspects of mental health that deeply influence our daily lives. This article explores how these factors are connected, specifically focusing on how the way we manage emotions affects our experience of stress and overall well-being. By looking at different emotional strategies, the article highlights how certain approaches can either protect or hinder mental health. It also examines how life experiences, such as personal challenges and trauma, shape our emotional responses and contribute to our resilience or vulnerability. Drawing on both research and practical examples, this work aims to provide a clearer understanding of the complex relationship between emotion regulation, stress, and well-being, with important implications for clinical practice and future research.

Maintenance Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Continuous Support for Emotional Health

Nicu-Ionel Sava — 2025-09-18

The present paper examines the relevance of counseling and maintenance psychotherapy as a sustained framework for protecting and enhancing emotional health. Rather than being viewed as a mere post-treatment follow-up, maintenance interventions are conceptualized here as an integral part of the therapeutic process, aimed at consolidating psychological change and supporting long-term adaptation. Through a critical synthesis of current literature and clinical perspectives, the article highlights how regular counseling sessions contribute to preventing relapse, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening clients’ ability to cope with life stressors. Particular attention is given to the importance of tailoring maintenance plans to individual needs, balancing session frequency, psychoeducational components, and therapeutic goals. The discussion also explores the ethical and systemic implications of integrating maintenance psychotherapy into standard mental health services. Overall, the paper argues for a broader recognition of maintenance counseling as a preventive and developmental tool, essential not only for sustaining treatment gains but also for promoting resilience and overall well-being.

Personality Specificities of Recidivist Offenders: Psychological and Social Correlates

Adrian Trica — 2025-09-18

This article explores the personality traits of recidivist offenders, with a focus on impulsivity, antisocial tendencies, and lack of empathy, in order to better understand the psychological mechanisms that contribute to repeated offending. Building on foundational research in criminology and forensic psychology, this paper synthesizes existing findings on the personality structure of repeat offenders and integrates them with social and contextual factors influencing recidivism. A narrative review of the literature and relevant empirical studies was conducted, complemented by a case study illustrating the interaction between personality traits, substance abuse, and social circumstances in the life of a recidivist offender. Evidence shows that recidivists present consistent patterns of impulsivity, egocentric thinking, and deficient empathy, which—when combined with environmental stressors—lead to a higher likelihood of reoffending. Cognitive-behavioral intervention programs have demonstrated the strongest outcomes in reducing criminal relapse. The findings support the design of targeted rehabilitation programs that combine psychological treatment, social support, and vocational training, offering actionable insights for policymakers and prison administrators. This paper highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to recidivism reduction and provides an integrative perspective linking personality, context, and intervention strategies.

Transgender Youth in Romania: Psychological Challenges, Social Perceptions, and Evidence-Based Clinical Interventions

Nicu-Ionel Sava — 2025-09-24

This article explores the psychological challenges, social perceptions, and evidence-based interventions concerning transgender youth in Romania, a population facing heightened vulnerability due to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to affirming care. Addressing this topic is crucial for advancing clinical practice and educational policy in a context where public discourse remains polarized. While international research has extensively documented the mental health risks of transgender youth, including elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality (Olson et al., 2006; Turban et al., 2020), Romanian data remain scarce. This article builds on global literature while contextualizing findings within the cultural, legal, and social realities of Romania. The article employs a theoretical review combined with illustrative case vignettes based on clinical and educational observations. Sources were drawn from peer-reviewed literature, WHO guidelines, and WPATH standards of care. Findings highlight pervasive social stigma, lack of family and institutional support, and systemic barriers to healthcare access. Evidence-based interventions—such as gender-affirming psychotherapy, family counseling, and guided social transition—demonstrate positive outcomes for psychological well-being and resilience. This work provides a culturally adapted framework for clinicians, educators, and policymakers, advocating for inclusive mental health services and systemic reforms. It contributes to the limited Romanian literature on transgender youth, offering actionable recommendations for improving support and reducing risk.

Inmates with Severe Mental Disorders: A Challenge for the Prison System

Ecaterina Popa — 2025-09-25

This article explores the pressing issue of inmates with severe mental disorders, a group that is both highly vulnerable and particularly challenging to manage within the prison system. Drawing on specialized literature and institutional reports, it examines the clinical and behavioral profiles of these individuals, the major difficulties posed by the prison environment, and the resulting implications for security and mental health. Special consideration is given to inmates diagnosed with schizophrenia—one of the most common psychiatric conditions in correctional facilities—which raises complex treatment and reintegration challenges. Building on international research and exploratory data, the article formulates a set of practical recommendations, including the creation of specialized units, closer collaboration between prisons and psychiatric hospitals, targeted staff training, and the implementation of psychosocial programs. The conclusions stress the urgent need for a comprehensive public policy that balances security requirements with mental health needs, safeguards fundamental rights, reduces recidivism risk, and promotes the effective social reintegration of inmates with severe mental disorders.

Affective Maturity

Neaga Susanu — 2025-09-26

The evolution of human affectivity is strongly influenced by social interactions, by imitating the emotions of those around us and by life experiences. During development, emotions become organized and become more and more complex, guiding interpersonal relationships and everyday decisions. Psychologist Paul Ekman described six basic emotions, but subsequent studies have shown that they can combine, generating a wide range of feelings. Emotions are an essential component of the experience.

Adaptation of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale for Category B Car Drivers

Cosmina-Marilena Manea — 2025-09-26

Impulsive behavior is found in all people, this includes people who drive cars, but most of the time the level of impulsivity is not known. This can be done using a psychological tool to measure impulsivity such as the Barratt Impulsivity Scale. This instrument was created by Ernest S. Barratt in 1995 and has been revised and adapted over time to different populations. Thus, in the framework of the present research, the statistical analysis of the fidelity and validity of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale at the level of the population of category B car drivers in Romania was carried out. The results obtained highlighted the fact that this tool is faithful and valid in terms of measuring impulsivity at the global level during the research stage. Regarding the first and second-order factors, the results were below the established and accepted level, highlighting the need to expand research in this field.

A Dual Perspective on Experiential Learning and Psychological Intervention in Prison: Formative and Clinical Insights

Ecaterina Popa — 2025-09-26

This article explores the psychological challenges encountered in a maximum-security prison setting and highlights psychological interventions through a dual-perspective analysis that combines the experiential learning of a psychology intern with the clinical expertise of a supervising psychologist. The study examines the dynamics of mental health in detention and underscores the role of psychological interventions in managing suicide risk, hunger strikes, and severe psychiatric disorders. While existing literature recognizes the importance of psychological assessment and intervention in carceral settings, few studies merge educational practice with clinical analysis. This paper addresses that gap by presenting a locally grounded, twofold perspective linking professional development with practical insights. The methodology included direct observation, case reflection, and structured supervisory discussions. Clinical situations were jointly analyzed to identify effective strategies and extract professional learning outcomes. Emphasis was placed on reflective practice, integrating field experiences with theoretical frameworks. The analysis revealed recurrent challenges such as heightened inmate stress, communication barriers, and a high incidence of suicidal behaviors. Interventions focused on emotional stabilization, treatment adherence, and adaptive functioning. For the intern, this practicum fostered professional empathy, ethical awareness, and critical thinking skills. Findings highlight the importance of integrating formative training with clinical supervision in preparing future psychologists and call for specialized training in crisis intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration in correctional facilities.

Professional Motivation for Learning among Military Students

Iulia Iurchevici — 2025-09-29

This article presents the results of both theoretical and empirical research on learning motivation among military students. The main objective of the empirical study was to identify the specific features of professional learning motivation in this population. Previous studies in educational and organizational psychology have emphasized the role of motivation in academic success, but research on military students remains limited, particularly in Eastern Europe. This article builds on classical motivational theories while situating the discussion within the specific psychosocial context of military education. The research employed a comparative design, analyzing motivational structures among military students across different years of study. Both theoretical analysis and empirical data were integrated to capture the dynamics of motivation in relation to psychosocial development during higher education. Findings indicate that the core motivational structure, oriented towards professional learning, varies significantly depending on the students’ academic year and developmental stage. Differences were observed in the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, with higher-year students displaying stronger professional orientation. These results highlight the need for differentiated pedagogical and psychological strategies in military higher education, tailored to students’ psychosocial development and year of study. The study provides one of the few empirical investigations into the learning motivation of military students in the region, contributing both to the theoretical understanding of professional motivation and to the practical improvement of military education and training.

Depression in Children and Adolescents

Alina Florina Stoica — 2025-09-30

Depression in children is not a new phenomenon as we might tend to believe, but rather it was underdiagnosed and underestimated in the past. It is an increasingly common phenomenon in recent decades, but this does not mean that it did not exist before. The idea that before children did not suffer from depression could be supported by arguments like that people were not sufficiently informed about this disorder, and the methods of information were not as many as they are nowadays. Very often this disorder was overlooked in children and attributed to other gender problems: disobedient behavior, school problems, and others.

“Positive Psychology”: A Revolutionary Approach To Mental Well-Being

Mirela Nicoleta Avram — 2025-09-30

One of the latest trends in psychology that focuses on human well-being is “Positive Psychology.” In contrast to traditional approaches that focus on problems and disorders, positive psychology explores what makes people thrive and live fulfilling lives. Positive psychology promotes the cultivation of positive relationships and social well-being. Positive psychology offers a progressive and inspirational view of how we can live life in happiness and fulfillment.

Psychology Students and the Emergence of Impostor Syndrome

Diana-Madalina Fîșie — 2025-09-30

The study on the impostor syndrome among psychology students explores the impact of this phenomenon on young individuals pursuing a career in psychology. The impostor syndrome is characterized by a persistent feeling of insecurity and doubt about one’s abilities, even in the face of evident successes. In the context of psychology students, this research analyzes the factors that can contribute to the development and intensification of the impostor syndrome in this specific group. Academic pressures, social expectations, perceptions of perfection, and self-evaluation among psychology students are examined. Additionally, strategies for management and educational interventions are identified to help students overcome or reduce the impact of the impostor syndrome in their academic and professional journey in the field of psychology. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychology students’ experience and provides guidance for the development of educational practices that promote self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.

Migration Intentions, Intercultural Interaction, and Dreams: Psychological Orientations of Student Youth

Irina Caunenco — 2025-10-03

The article examines migration intentions, intercultural interaction, and the dreams of university students. It analyzes the socio-economic and psychological factors influencing emigration attitudes and their relationship with intercultural interest and personal aspirations. The empirical base includes studies conducted in 2021 and 2024, within a sociocultural approach that considers context, ethnic status, generational belonging, and individual characteristics such as identity and intercultural attitudes. The research involved Moldovan and Gagauz youth, revealing diverse migration motives, including economic difficulties, career goals, and family ties. Both ethnic groups showed a high level of intercultural interest, explained by the region’s historical multiculturalism and the influence of labor migration. The analysis of dreams and ambitions indicated students’ aspirations for personal happiness, professional self-realization, national well-being, and travel. The analysis of dreams highlighted students’ aspirations toward personal happiness, professional self-realization, national prosperity, and opportunities for travel. The findings highlight the importance of integrating socio-economic and psychological perspectives in shaping youth policy.

Child Online Safety and Parental Intervention: A Study of Zimbabwean Internet Users

Maxwell Sandada — 2025-10-03

Objectives: Ensuring child online safety is a shared responsibility among parents, children, and educators. This article underscores the collaborative nature of the solution, exploring how parents and teachers can intervene in children’s online safety to ensure responsible digital citizenship among children. Prior work: Despite extensive research (Wright, 2011; Tapscott, 2009), there remains a gap in understanding the effectiveness of parental and teacher involvement across different contexts, particularly in Zimbabwe. Approach: A quantitative research approach was adopted. Two thousand seven hundred eighty children aged 8 to 18 were interviewed, constituting 55% girls and 45% boys across all ten provinces in Zimbabwe. Data was collected using questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Results: The main finding from the study was that children are more likely to receive help from parents than teachers when faced with online difficulties, explaining good versus bad websites, suggesting safe internet use, guiding online behaviour, and dealing with past online issues. Implications: The results underscore the important role parents play in ensuring children’s online safety in internet use. Value: The findings of this study will be used to develop educational programs and policies that will empower parents and teachers to create a safe digital environment for the younger generation.

Adolescent Stress, AI and Social Media: Clinical and Educational Perspectives for 2025

Nicu-Ionel Sava — 2025-10-20

This article explores the psychological impact of stress in adolescents, with a particular focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media as amplifiers of emotional vulnerability. The aim is to identify clinical risk factors, outline evidence-based interventions, and offer recommendations for educational and mental health professionals. Building on recent studies in developmental psychology and digital well-being (Haidt, 2023; Valkenburg & Nesi, 2022), this paper integrates clinical and educational perspectives to bridge gaps between research and practice in adolescent mental health. The article employs an integrative literature review methodology, synthesizing findings from psychological, sociological, and neurodevelopmental research, combined with case studies from educational and clinical settings. The synthesis highlights that excessive exposure to social media, algorithm-driven content, and online comparison processes are strongly associated with increased anxiety, depression, and body image concerns among adolescents. These findings emphasize the urgent need for mental health screening in schools, digital literacy programs, and early therapeutic interventions tailored to adolescents’ developmental needs. The paper contributes a timely and interdisciplinary perspective on adolescent stress, integrating AI-related challenges and proposing concrete recommendations for educators, clinicians, and policymakers.

When Betrayal Goes Digital: Women’s Experiences of Online Infidelity and Attachment Injury

Diana Filimon — 2025-10-24

Objectives: The current study explores how Romanian women experience, interpret, and cope with the discovery of their spouses’ online sexual infidelity, conceptualized as an attachment injury. Prior Work: While online sexual infidelity has been increasingly examined in Western societies, little is known about its emotional and relational impact in traditional, religious Eastern European contexts such as Romania. Approach: Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Romanian women (aged 37–59) who experienced their husbands’ online sexual infidelity and were undergoing divorce counselling. Data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Results: Four primary themes emerged: (1) sexual interactions – activation of attachment needs, sexual inadequacy, and sexual withdrawal; (2) emotional effects – trauma symptoms, emotional disengagement or hyper-attachment, and negative affect toward self and spouse; (3) cognitive impacts – distorted self-perceptions, rumination, and intrusive imagery related to betrayal; (4) behavioral consequences – surveillance behaviors, avoidance, and verbal or emotional retaliation. Participants reported profound emotional pain, loss of self-worth, and disrupted attachment patterns consistent with post-traumatic responses. Implications: Online sexual infidelity constitutes a severe form of attachment-related trauma with emotional, cognitive, and behavioral consequences. Findings highlight the role of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in addressing culturally shaped responses to betrayal. Value: This study contributes to the understanding of digital intimacy and attachment trauma in a non-Western context, informing culturally sensitive interventions.