Publications

Keywords: Medical humanities; COVID-19 and spirituality; clinician burnout and resilience; pastoral care in medicine; women in medicine
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JHSS 2025;10(1):13-22
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Coping with job loss: A cluster analysis of grief experiences and coping strategies among unemployed individuals
Authors: José Antonio CLIMENT-RODRÍGUEZ¹, Francesco CHIRICO^2,3, Juan GÓMEZ-SALGADO^4,5, Yolanda NAVARRO-ABAL^1
1 Department of Social, Developmental and Educational Psychology. Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain. E-mail: jose.climent@dpsi.uhu.es. ORCID: 0000-0001-7529-3854.
²  Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. E-mail: francesco.chirico@unicatt.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368.
³Department of Health Service, Italian State Police, Ministry of the Interior, Milan, Italy
⁴  Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health. Faculty of Labour Sciences. University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain. E-mail: salgado@uhu.es. ORCID: 0000-0001-9053-7730.
⁵Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
⁶Department of Social, Developmental and Educational Psychology. Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain. E-mail: yolanda.navarro@dpsi.uhu.es. ORCID: 0000-0002-0438-844X
* Corresponding Author: Juan Gómez-Salgado, Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health. Faculty of Labour Sciences. University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain; salgado@uhu.es

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between certain sociodemographic variables and the coping strategies used by people according to the intensity of grief they manifest after a job loss.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Unemployed referred by the Employment Guidance Centre of the Andalusian Public Employment Service in the city of Huelva participated. The sample consisted of 122 unemployed people aged between 22 and 52 years (M = 36.32, SD = 6.97), of which 44.3% were men and 55.7% women. The Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE-28) scale for coping strategies were administered. A two-phase cluster analysis was performed by placing the subjects into two groups, one involving prolonged grief experiences and the other involving less intense grief.
Results: As in other studies, no differences were found with respect to age and sex regarding the intensity of grief. Significant differences were obtained with respect to the length of time in unemployment and the level of responsibility for family income.
Discussion: The results obtained in the Coping Strategies scale (COPE-28) suggest an avoidant style in those people who experienced more intense grief. Unemployed people who had been unemployed for longer and who had had a job for the longest time belonged to the cluster with the highest intensity of grief.

Keywords: Coping; grief; mental health; job loss; occupational health; unemployment
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JHSS 2025;10(1):23-41
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Environmental influences in the global incidence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: A longitudinal analysis of historical trends (2010-2021) across 204 countries
Authors: Livio TARCHI^1*, Annalisa DI GIACOMO², Tiziana PISANO³, Valdo RICCA⁴, Giovanni CASTELLINI⁵, Kavita BATRA⁶, Amelia RIZZO⁷, Hicham KHABBACHE ⁸, Francesco CHIRICO^9
1 Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy. E-mail: livio.tarchi@unifi.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-9931-5621.
²  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy. E-mail: annalisa.digiacomo@unifi.it.
³ Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy. E-mail: tiziana.pisano@meyer.it ORCID: 0009-0007-5961-2588.
⁴  Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy E-mail: valdo.ricca@unifi.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-9291-2124.
⁵Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy. E-mail: giovanni.castellini@unifi.it. ORCID: 0000-0003-1265-491X
⁶Office of Research, Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV, USA. E-mail: Kavita.batra@unlv.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-0722-0191
⁷ National Institute of Social Welfare, Medical legal center of Messina, Italy. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. E-mail: amrizzo@unime.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-6229-6463.
⁸ Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences Fès-Saïss, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco. Director of the UNESCO Chair “Lifelong Learning Observatory” (UNESCO/UMSBA), Fez, Morocco. E-mail: hichamcogn@gmail.com ORCID: 0000-0001-9587-2829
⁹ Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Rome. Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Centro Sanitario Polifunzionale di Milano, Milano, Italy. E-mail: francesco.chirico@unicatti.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368.
* Corresponding Author: Dr. Livio Tarchi, Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy. E-mail: livio.tarchi@unifi.it

Abstract

Introduction: The global incidence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be shaped by social and environmental factors.
Methods: Historical incidence trends from 204 countries were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease initiative. Pearson’s correlation (for the incidence of ADHD/ASD in 2021) and multivariable regression analyses (for the rate of change in ADHD/ASD incidence between 2010 and 2021) were conducted, adjusting for key socio-economic factors (i.e. purchasing power parity, life expectancy).
Results: The incidence of ADHD in 2021 was negatively correlated with indices of urbanization and industrialization (maximum r 0.359, p <0.001). whereas, the incidence of ASD showed a positive correlation with indicators of suboptimal healthcare delivery (maximum r 0.425, p <0.001). A slower increase in ADHD incidence was associated with reductions in neonatal infections (β 0.010, p 0.007), while improvements in sanitation (β 0.041, p 0.011) were associated with a faster rise in incidence for ASD.
Discussion: These findings suggest that macro-level factors such as urbanization, healthcare infrastructure, and sanitation may play a role in shaping global trends in neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding these associations may inform public health strategies aimed at early identification and support for affected populations.

Keywords: Air pollutants; diet and nutrition; endocrine disruptors; neurotoxins; reproductive health.
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JHSS 2025;10(1):42-55
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Introducing the Ordinal Turnover Intention Scale (OTIS): A cross-sectional validation in Italian employees and foundation for longitudinal research
Authors: Debora BERTOLINI¹, Francesco MARCATTO^2*
1 Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. E-mail: deborabertolini11@gmail.com. ORCID: 0009-0003-5826-6258.
²  Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. E-mail: fmarcatto@units.it. ORCID: 0000-0003-0675-0876.
* Corresponding Author: Francesco Marcatto, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. E-mail: fmarcatto@units.it

Abstract

Introduction: Employee turnover represents a critical challenge for organizations, impacting productivity, costs, and workplace stability. Traditional measures of turnover intention typically assess its intensity but fail to capture its dynamic and multi-stage nature. The present study introduces and provides a preliminary validation of the Italian version of the Ordinal Turnover Intention Scale (OTIS), a new tool designed to capture the employees’ position within the turnover
decision-making process.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey platform. Participants (N = 303 Italian employees) completed the OTIS, along with a traditional turnover intention measure and validated scales assessing job satisfaction, work engagement, and occupational stress. Reliability was assessed using the correction for attenuation formula for single-item measures, and construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Criterion validity was examined through correlational analyses. Ordinal logistic regression and path analysis were performed to explore the relationships among turnover intention and its antecedents, based on the Job Demands-Resources model.
Results: Findings demonstrated that the OTIS categories align with the expected progression of turnover intention. The scale exhibited good reliability and convergent validity, as evidenced by its correlation with the traditional turnover intention measure. Criterion validity was further supported by the associations between OTIS scores and known antecedents of turnover intention. Path analysis revealed that work engagement and occupational stress influenced turnover intention indirectly through their effects on job satisfaction.
Discussion: The OTIS provides a simple yet flexible approach to assessing turnover intention, improving upon traditional intensity-based measures. Its ability to capture the dynamic nature of turnover intention holds promise for both researchers and organizations seeking to understand and mitigate voluntary employee departures. A longitudinal study is ongoing to further evaluate its predictive validity.

Keywords: Great resignation; occupational stress; ordinal scale: turnover intention; voluntary turnover; job satisfaction; work engagement.
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JHSS 2025;10(1):56-67
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY 
Italian adaptation of the Workplace Ostracism Scale: A psychometric analysis based on item response theory
Authors: Giusy D. VALENTI^1*, Palmira FARACI^2
1 Department of Social and Human Sciences, University of Enna, “Kore”, Enna, Italy. E-mail: giusydanila.valenti@unikore.it. ORCID: 000003-0529-8515
²  Department of Social and Human Sciences, University of Enna, “Kore”, Enna, Italy. E-mail: palmira.faraci@unikore.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-7377-8011
*Corresponding Author:  Giusy D. Valenti. E-mail: giusydanila.valenti@unikore.it

Abstract

Introduction: The term Workplace Ostracism (WO) refers to a specific form of social exclusion, involving the perception of being ignored and/or excluded by colleagues or supervisors at the workplace. Given the harmful consequences of WO on both individual and organizational outcomes, the assessment of this phenomenon is crucial. The current study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Workplace Ostracism Scale (WOS), the most commonly used tool for WO evaluation.
Methods: A sample of 441 Italian employees (53.3% males; Mage = 35, SD = 9.98) was recruited via the Prolific
Academic platform. We conducted analyses using an Item Response Theory (IRT) framework.
Results: Our results confirmed the unidimensionality of the scale [χ2 (34) = 68.962, p < .001, CFI = .963, TLI = .951,
RMSEA = .048 (.032 – 065), SRMR = .035] and suggested that the instrument was more informative at higher levels of the trait. The negative associations between WOS θ scores and outcomes, including job satisfaction, job engagement, organizational citizenship behavior, and life satisfaction, supported the validity of the scale.
Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analyses indicated that the WOS showed minimal gender non-invariance
and was invariant across age groups.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the WOS is a robust measure for assessing acute cases of workplace ostracism, which enhances its utility in high-risk settings.

Keywords: DIF; IRT; workplace violence; workplace ostracism; workplace ostracism scale.
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JHSS 2025;10(1):68-85
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PUBLIC HEALTH
A theory-based approach to explain the correlates of safe physical activity in pregnant and postpartum individuals
Authors: Asma T. AWAN^1*, Kara N. RADZAK², Manoj SHARMA^1,3
1 Department of Social and Behavioral Health. School of Public Health. University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas. USA. E-mail: asma.awan@unlv.edu. ORCID: 0009-0002-0535-218X.
²  Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas. USA. E-mail: kara.radzak@unlv.edu. ORCID: 0000-0001-8137-276X
³ Department of Internal Medicine. Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. USA. E-mail: manoj.sharma@unlv.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-4624-2414.
* Corresponding Author: Asma T. Awan, Department of Social and Behavioral Health. School of Public Health. University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas. USA. E-mail: asma.awan@unlv.edu

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has benefits for mother and child. Engaging in PA during pregnancy helps prevent excessive weight gain, decrease the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and lower maternal anxiety and depression. Barriers to PA during pregnancy and postpartum are multifaceted, a lack of knowledge on safe PA practices for this phase of life is an established concern. Even amongst women who are regularly physically active, pregnancy can create a decline or cessation of activity. Women report difficulties in finding evidence-based materials, rely on Internet information, and receive ambiguous messaging about pregnancy and postpartum PA from healthcare providers. During pregnancy, women could also adopt healthy lifestyle choices, but without resources to empower women through educated healthy choices in PA, this period of desired lifestyle improvements could become a missed opportunity. The project aimed to analyze the level of PA behavior in pregnant and postpartum–two years following birth, individuals living in a southwestern state in USA. It is also to examine safe PA efforts to support and increase the likelihood of adherence to behavior in this unique population.
Methods: In order to understand the factors that contribute to health behavior change for safe PA in pregnancy and postpartum, this cross-sectional study employed the fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) in individuals ages 18 years and older. An MTM-based 37-item pre-defined instrument for 150 minutes of safe PA was administered electronically to a local representative sample of pregnant and postpartum women in A southwestern state in USA (n = 110).
Results: The study found that in women who have been engaged in ≥ 150 minutes of PA in the last week as per recommendations, the construct of MTM, namely behavioral confidence (β = 0.175, 95% CI [-1.21, 8.12], p < 0.001) was statistically significant and important to initiate ≥ 150 minutes of PA, while attributing to a significant 62.9% of the variance in the likelihood to achieve ≥ 150 minutes of PA. The study also explained that two other constructs of MTM namely, emotional transformation (β = 0.097, 95% CI [-7.19, 12.36], p < 0.001) and changes in the social environment (β = 0.048, 95% CI [-6.97, 9.19], p < 0.001), respectively, accounted for a significant for maintenance of the repeated behavior of continuing ≥ 150 minutes of PA. These two constructs accounted for 39.0% of the variance.
Discussion: This evidence-based study verifies the use of MTM in facilitating PA interventions in pregnant and postpartum women aged 18 and over. Furthermore, outcomes from these activities can be evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative methodology. This provides future physicians with the knowledge of safe PA and allows them to develop their skill set in patient education on healthy living. While findings from the MTM survey will provide guidance on areas of need to increase PA in pregnant and postpartum individuals, identifying areas for future interventions and educational resources can be developed to address these needs.

Keywords: Multi-theory model of health behavior change (MTM); pregnancy; postpartum; physical activity (PA).
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JHSS 2025;10(1):86-98
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Knowledge, attitudes and perception of medical and nursing students towards telemedicine/telehealth
Authors: Iram AMAN¹, Michael A. WELSCH², Lei ZHANG³, Joshua MANN¹, Robert E. DAVIS⁴, Rahib K. ISLAM⁵, Joshua T. CLARK⁶, Robert T. BRODELL ⁷, Vinayak K. NAHAR^8
1 Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine/John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA. E-mail: imanelahi@hotmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-0661-4789. E-mail: jmann4@umc.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-3716-3642.
²  Department of Kinesiology, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA, USA. E-mail: michael.welsch21@gmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-6247-9235.
³ Department of Research & Scholarship, School of Nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA. E-mail: lzhang2@umc.edu. ORCID: 0009-0007-3935-362X.
⁴ Substance Use and Mental Health Laboratory, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA E-mail: red007@uark.edu. ORCID: 0000-0001-8175-4290.
⁵ LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail: rislam@lsuhsc.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-7873-8051.
⁶ Department of Health Administration, School of Health-Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA. E-mail: Jtclark2@umc.edu. ORCID: 0009-0006-4601-4266.
⁷ Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA E-mail: rbrodell@umc.edu. ORCID: 0009-0006-2848-9348.
⁸ Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA E-mail: naharvinayak@gmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-6771-1662.
* Corresponding Author: Vinayak K. Nahar, MD, PhD, MS, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street – L216, Jackson, MS 39216 USA, (601) 495-5876, naharvinayak@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: Despite widespread use of advanced technology in a range of health applications, telemedicine is still in its infancy. Acceptance of telehealth/telemedicine strategies in health-care has increased significantly, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies indicate a significant gap in preparation of healthcare providers in e-medicine concepts, despite some exposure to telemedicine during training. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes, and perception to gauge the readiness of medical and nursing students to engage in telemedicine.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional research design, a 26-item questionnaire was administered electronically to nursing and medical students attending institutions in the Southern United States.
Results: A total of 109 students completed the survey. The mean age of participants was 28.28 (SD=8.46). The majority of participants were nursing students (61.5%), female (82.6%), and white (74.3%). With regard to knowledge, only 23% feel the curriculum adequately prepared them for telemedicine/telehealth. Sixty percent of respondents said they agreed or strongly agreed that telemedicine lowers healthcare expenses, while 40% said it improves healthcare quality. Nearly a
quarter (24%) reported that they are very/completely likely to use telemedicine in practice after graduation. Perceived obstacles in practicing telemedicine included technology that is difficult to use (31.2%), disinterest among clients (25.7%), and lack of adequate telemedicine training (20.2%).
Discussion: This study demonstrated that health-care students have a perception that they are inadequately prepared for the challenges of telemedicine/telehealth, despite recognition of its potential value. Given the significant increase in the use of telemedicine/telehealth, additional studies are needed to design a more effective health-care curriculum to ensure proper preparation and instill confidence in the next generation of health-care providers.

Keywords: M Attitudes; medical students; nursing students; telehealth; telemedicine; knowledge.
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JHSS 2025;10(1):99-118
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN GASTROENETROLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) vs Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A comparative qualitative study on prevalent themes, emotions and Quality of Life (QoL)
Authors: Amelia RIZZO^1*#, Aurora MAUTONE^2#, Francesco CHIRICO³, Lukasz SZARPAK⁴, Michal PRUC⁵, Maria Grazia MAGGIO⁶, Livio TARCHI⁷, Kavita BATRA⁸, Giuseppe FERRARI⁹, Francesca BRUNO¹⁰, Aldo SITIBONDO^11
1 National Institute of Social Welfare, Messina, Italy. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Messina, Messina, Italy. E-mail: amrizzo@unime.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-6229-6463.
²  Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Messina, Messina, Italy. ORCID: 0009-0006-6470-7381.
³ Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Rome. Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Centro Sanitario Polifunzionale di Milano, Milano, Italy. E-mail: francesco.chirico@unicatti.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368.
⁴  Department of Clinical Research and Development, LUXMED Group, Warsaw, Poland. E-mail: lukasz.szarpak@gmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-0973-5455.
⁵Department of Clinical Research and Development, LUXMED Group, Warsaw, Poland. ORCID: 0000-0002-2140-9732.
⁶Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Neurolesi Center ‘Bonino Pulejo’, Messina, Italy. ORCID: 0000-0003-0757-2389.
⁷ Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy. E-mail: livio.tarchi@unifi.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-9931-5621.
⁸ Office of Research, Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV, USA. E-mail: Kavita.batra@unlv.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-0722-0191
⁹ Italian Society of Integrated Psychotherapy for Social Development and Director of Edizioni Ferrari Sinibaldi, Milan. E-mail: ferrari@sipiss.it. ORCID: 0000-0003-1244-5931.
¹¹ Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy. ORCID: 0009-0000-8534-8767.
# First Co-authorship
* Corresponding Author: Prof Amelia Rizzo. National Institute of Social Welfare, Messina, Italy. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Messina, Messina, Italy. E-mail: amrizzo@unime.it

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) (including Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are different debilitating conditions affecting the digestive system. Both diseases significantly impact patients’ lives, not only physically but also psychologically. Although some comparative literature exists, there is currently a lack of studies exploring qualitative differences in how pathology is experienced. In the present study, we explore the broad spectrum of psychological impacts caused by gastrointestinal disorders, including the experience of surgical interventions on the intestines, impact of the disease activity, severity of symptoms, and Quality of Life (QoL). Additionally, we examine how the diagnosis can be perceived as an emotional trauma for patients.
Methods: A total of 366 participants was enrolled (aged between 18 and 65 years, Mage=37.06, SD=12.09), 82% of whom are female. Patients were divided into 4 subgroups and compared according to the gastrointestinal pathology: (1) Crohn’s disease (IBD); (2) Ulcerative colitis (IBD); (3) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); (4) Other condition / Subject awaiting diagnosis. From these participants, we obtained 87 descriptive texts (1668 words; 104 segments) about describing the pathological condition, emotional experiences, and experiential aspects related. The software MAXQDA Analytics Pro (v.22.7.0) was employed for the textual analysis of prevalent themes associated with each specific medical condition.
Results: Statistically significant differences were found among the four intestinal condition groups in both perceived quality of life (χ² = 19.12, p = 0.0003) and diagnosis experience (χ² = 21.57, p = 0.043), worse for IBD group, suggesting that the perception of the impact of the intestinal condition varies depending on the diagnosis. The qualitative analyses highlighted emotional, psychological, and social aspects, including anxiety, depression, guilt, and social isolation, which significantly impacted the patients’ daily lives.
Discussion: Previous research has primarily compared QoL across gastrointestinal conditions without delineating the distinct sources of suffering characterizing each disorder. The identification of significant differences in patient experiences and underlying themes supports a more precise and condition-specific personalization of therapeutic strategies and clinical management, emphasizing the necessity of adapting interventions to the unique clinical profiles of each patient population.

Keywords: Comparative study; IBD; IBS; QoL; qualitative study.
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