6th International Scientific-Practical Conference "Psychology Science for Health" : book of abstracts : 2025 May 21

Introduction. Despite extensive theory and research on community samples, cognitive processing pathways leading to Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) or Posttraumatic Depreciation (PTD) after war exposure in refugees remain understudied. This study explores how cognitive processing, such as perceiving the event as central to one’s identity and engaging in event-related rumination shapes the relationship between war exposure and PTG and PTD among Ukrainian migrants in Lithuania, examining the moderating role of dialectical self-beliefs as a new cognitive processing variable. Methods. 439 Ukrainian migrants in Lithuania participated in the study. The Paired Format Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-X-50), Centrality of Events Scale (CES), Event-Related Rumination Inventory (ERRI), Dialectical Self Scale (DSS) were used. Results. Event centrality and deliberate rumination fully mediated the link between war exposure and PTG (b = 0.00, 95% CI [0.00, 0.00]), while event centrality and intrusive rumination only partially mediated PTD (b = 0.00, 95% CI [0.00, 0.00]). Dialectical self-beliefs did not moderate the link between event centrality and deliberate rumination (b = –0.08, p = 0.217) or intrusive rumination (b = 0.035, p = 0.531). Conclusions. War exposure was linked to PTG only through cognitive processing such as event centrality and event related deliberate rumination, while its association with PTD remained positive beyond event centrality and event-related intrusive rumination. Posttraumatic growth and depreciation in the aftermath of war exposure followed distinct cognitive pathways, with growth emerging through event centrality or deliberate rumination, while intrusive rumination strongly predicted depreciation. Dialectical self-beliefs did not shape these processes.

Introduction. In team sports, psychological factors such as sport perfectionism and pre-competitive anxiety play important role in athletes’ well-being. Sport perfectionism, characterized by a relentless pursuit of high standards, can enhance motivation but may also contribute to anxiety and distress. Also, perfectionistic traits have been linked to psychological strain and potential health risks. Pre-competitive anxiety can also increase stress responses, affecting athletes’ overall health. This study examines the relationship between sport perfectionism and pre-competitive anxiety in team athletes. Methods. A 132 athletes (49.2% males) from volleyball, basketball and football teams participated in the study. Sport perfectionism was assessed using the Multidimensional Sport Perfectionism Scale-2 (SMPS-2), including personal standards, concern over mistakes, perceived parental and coach pressure, doubts about actions, and organization subscales. Pre-competitive anxiety was measured with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), which assesses cognitive, somatic anxiety and self-confidence. Results. Concerns about mistakes, perceived parental and coach pressure, and doubts about actions were associated with higher cognitive and somatic anxiety in both genders (p < 0.05). In females, personal standards were positively linked to cognitive anxiety, while concerns about mistakes and self-doubt were negatively related to self-confidence (p<0.05). In males, Self-confidence was positively linked to personal standards and organization but negatively associated with parental pressure (p < 0.05). Across sports, concern over mistakes and doubts about actions were linked to higher anxiety, with coach pressure particularly related with somatic anxiety in volleyball and basketball, and cognitive anxiety in football teams (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Both male and female athletes showed significant relationships between sport perfectionism and precompetitive anxiety, but gender differences were observed. Volleyball, basketball and football sport-specific variations were identified. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to support athletes’ psychological and physiological health, optimize training strategies, and improve pre-competition preparation.

Introduction. Early detection of cognitive problems is becoming increasingly relevant for timely interventions and improvement of the quality of life of those affected. One of the most used cognitive assessment instruments is Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination test (ACE-III), which assesses five cognitive domains: attention, memory, verbal fluency, language, and visuospatial abilities. To expand the practical application of this test in Lithuanian clinical practice, it is important to evaluate its validity in recognizing mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Methods. The study involved healthy individuals as the control group (N = 309) and individuals with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia (N = 106). The age of the subjects ranged from 40 to 98 years. The study was conducted by meeting each person individually. The demographic data of the subject were collected, and the ACE-III and MMSE-2 tests were administered. Results. The optimal cut-off value of the ACE-III for dementia screening is 76 points, this cut-off value was characterized by 93.0% sensitivity and 95.8% specificity, and for mild cognitive impairment screening was 86 points, with 87.8% sensitivity and 81.2% specificity. Age (F(3.411) = 52.62, p < 0.001, η² = 0.278) and education (F(2.410) = 38.57, p < 0.001, η² = 0.158) were significantly associated with the results – younger and more educated people have had higher scores. It was noted that men scored slightly higher scores than women, and the differences between genders were statistically significant in all domains, except for verbal fluency domain (p = 0.249). The ACE-III score was characterized by a strong positive correlation with the MMSE-2 score (Pearson’s correlation r = 0.912, p < 0.001). Conclusions. ACE-III scores decrease with increasing cognitive impairment. Age, education, and gender are associated with ACE-III scores. The ACE-III is a valid and sensitive tool for screening for both mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Introduction. Medical students are known to experience higher stress levels, primarily due to academic pressures, financial concerns, and social expectations. These stressors often lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as emotional and stress eating. Additionally, parental nurturance plays a role in shaping responses to stress, according to literature, higher parental nurturance is linked with lower levels of stress and healthy eating behaviour. While prior studies have explored the factors individually, this study specifically aims to explore how perceived stress and parental nurturance are associated with II and III – year Lithuanian medical students’ eating behaviour. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with medical students from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) and Vilnius University (VU). To collect the data self-report instruments were used: Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire, Salzburg Emotional and Stress Eating Scales, Parental Nurturance Scale. Convenience sampling method was used. Sample included 231 students, 77.9% were female, ages ranged from 18 to 36 years. Results. Females reported higher levels of perceived stress than males (p < 0.05). On the whole, medical students report highest levels of stress in academic stressors subscale. Participants indicated that parental nurturance was not associated with levels of perceived stress. Students reported consuming less when they experience more negative emotions and/or stress (over 50% of students). Results suggested a positive relationship interpersonal and intrapersonal related stressors and anxiety related eating (OR = 2.02, p = 0.042), social related stressors and anger related eating (OR = 3.15, p = 0.026) – having higher perceived stress scores significantly increased the odds of eating more than usual when anxious or angry. Conclusion. Findings of this study support that higher levels of perceived stress were positively associated with increased emotional and stress eating behaviour. Medical students indicated that parental nurturance had no association with stress levels or their eating behaviour.

Introduction. Data shows that women’s psychological health is decreasing. According to research, romantic relationship satisfaction might be an important factor, contributing to women’s psychological well-being. However, romantic relationships might be perceived differently among women, whose partners are involved in male personal growth group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how women perceive their partner’s participation in male personal growth group. Methods. The study was conducted from July 2024 to February 2025 in Lithuania. Participants were 25–49 years old women, whose romantic partners were participating in male personal growth group. Electronic questionnaires included qualitative questions: „How do you see your partner after he started participating in male personal growth group?“; „Describe your feelings toward your partner’s participation in male personal growth group“; and „Describe Your romantic relationships after Your partner started participating in male personal growth group“. In total, 27 women answered these questions. Their responses were analyzed using Brown and Clarke’s thematic analysis method. Results. Three themes have emerged: „Men’s group in the eyes of woman“, „Woman’s, Man’s and their couple’s change“, „Three poles of feelings“. Part of the women shared that it is nice to know their partners having support from other men. Participants were able to see the changes in their partners’ emotion regulation and personality, however, some of the women saw unexpected changes. Women shared that they were hopeful about possibilities of growth, though some of the feelings towards their partners’ participation in group were unpleasant or ambivalent. Conclusions. Experiences of women who participated in this study differed. Some of them shared their happiness seeing partner’s growth, however, part of them experienced unwanted feelings and threats. This study raised questions and perspectives for further studies.

Introduction. Smoking increases people’s morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and worldwide. Although great efforts are being made to reduce smoking in Lithuania, this problem is still widespread in society to this day. Considering the harm of smoking to human health, it is important to look for factors that can reduce it. Based on scientific literature, it is observed that parenting style may be associated with the risk of smoking addiction in adulthood. Methods. The research included respondents aged between 25 and 64, consisting of 57.4% women and 42.6% men. A quantitative questionnaire survey method was applied for the study, which was conducted online and in public space. The research instrument was a questionnaire consisting of 1) the Demandingness and Responsiveness Scale, 2) the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test, and 3) sociodemographic questions. The data were analysed using univariate and bivariate statistics. Results. The most common experienced parenting style in childhood was the mother’s authoritative parenting style, while the father’s was neglectful parenting. Cigarettes were the most commonly used in the study sample, and those who smoked them had the highest risk of becoming addicted (M = 5.18). The most common level of addiction risk was moderate. Finally, parenting style in childhood was associated with higher risk of cigarette and heated tobacco addiction in adulthood. Mother’s (H = 17.93, p < 0.001) and father’s (H = 17.30, p < 0.001) neglectful parenting style in childhood were associated the increased risk of cigarette addiction, while father’s authoritarian parenting was associated with the risk of heated tobacco addiction (H = 7.81, p = 0.05). Conclusions. Higher risk of cigarette addiction was related to neglectful parenting style of the mother and father, while the risk of heated tobacco addiction – to authoritarian parenting style of the father. Meanwhile, e-cigarette smoking was not association with parenting style experienced in childhood.

Introduction. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the developmental disorders causing the greatest disability burden. This prolonged and fragmented process can negatively impact a family’s psychological well-being. Studies show that only 50% of parents are satisfied with the diagnostic process, which is linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among parents. Investigating mothers’ experiences during the diagnostic journey is crucial due to its significant effects on maternal mental health and family dynamics. Research Aim - to reveal the diagnostic acceptance process among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods. Study participants – mothers raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (n = 9). A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to explore participants’ experiences through in-depth interviews, aiming for rich, detailed descriptions. Data were analyzed using A. Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Results. The study revealed a multifaceted experience of accepting an ASD diagnosis among participating mothers, characterized by emotional challenges linked to social stigma, misconceptions, and isolation. Mothers experienced shock, denial, and feelings of guilt, which led to a variety of adaptive strategies and influenced family dynamics. Additionally, the lack of information posed a significant emotional burden, highlighting the need for psychological support and ambivalent feelings within the context of disability. Nonetheless, a rewarding perception of the diagnosis became an important source of emotional resilience for mothers, allowing a deeper understanding of their child’s peculiarities. Conclusions. The diagnostic acceptance process among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder is a multidimensional and ongoing journey, shaped by emotional, social, and informational challenges. Supporting mothers requires timely, empathetic guidance, accessible information, and recognition of their unique emotional needs.

Brain health is gaining growing attention in both the healthcare and broader society, prompting significant and wellfounded debate. Recognizing the central role of the brain in overall health, WHO has prioritized brain health, defining it as the ability to function across various domains throughout lifespan. Critical elements for maintaining optimal brain health include proactive assessment of genetic and modifiable risks, implementation of targeted risk reduction strategies, and cognitive enhancement through physical and mental training. These elements are essential for preventing cognitive decline and promoting neurological well-being, especially in high-risk populations, and underscore the need for integrated health care approaches that actively address these factors. With aging populations brain health becomes crucial not only from preventive perspective, but also from the perspective of health and social care providers. Recently, the European Commission in the framework of the Eu4Health programme supported the JADE Health Joint Action (Joint Action for DEmentia Health project) as a significant EU initiative dedicated to mitigating the burden and stigma associated with dementia and other neurological disorders. This project aims to achieve this through enhanced prevention, early detection, and holistic care strategies. During the presentation JADE work packages, focusing on care pathways of people with neurodegenerative diseases, timely recognition of neurocognitive disorders, person centered care and prevention will be discussed. We hope that JADE Health project will gain valuable insights into the global impact of dementia, encompassing its influence on society, the environment, families, and broader social spheres.

Introduction. As academic demands increase and student mental health declines, understanding the factors related to academic success becomes increasingly important. While academic anxiety and social support have been studied to some extent, their associations with academic outcomes such as grades and exam planning have not been thoroughly explored, especially in Lithuania. The aim of this study was to examine how academic anxiety and perceived social support relate to academic achievement among 11th–12th grade students. Methods. A quantitative research design was applied using an anonymous questionnaire survey. Academic anxiety was assessed using the 11-item Academic Anxiety Scale (AAS). Perceived social support from family, teachers, classmates, and friends was measured using the HBSC social support scales. Additional socio-demographic questions were created by the author. The final sample consisted of 424 students (response rate 86%), with 45% males and 55% females. The mean age was 17.4 years (SD = 0.56). Results. Academic anxiety showed no statistically significant correlation with either the number of planned school-leaving exams (r = 0.05; p = 0.304) or the average of recent grades (rho = –0.05; p = 0.302). In terms of social support, only teacher support demonstrated a significant association with academic performance. Students who perceived teacher support had significantly higher grade averages (Md = 8.0 vs. Md = 7.0; U = 26369.5; p < 0.001) and planned to take more school leaving exams (M = 4.9 vs. M = 4.7; t = –2.29; p = 0.022). Support from family, classmates, and friends showed no significant associations with academic outcomes. Conclusions. Academic anxiety was not significantly related to grades or exam planning. However, teacher support emerged as a key factor associated with higher academic achievement, highlighting the importance of educator involvement in fostering students’ academic confidence and engagement.

Introduction. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is often associated with increased emotional openness and empathy in clinical research. However, less is known about how recreational use of MDMA affects empathy among young people. Understanding this relationship is important for evaluating potential risks and socialemotional impacts of MDMA use in non-clinical settings. The main aim of this study was to examine how specific patterns of MDMA use are associated with empathy levels among young people. Objectives: (1) To assess MDMA consumption habits among young people; (2) To evaluate their levels of empathy; (3) To analyze associations between MDMA use characteristics and empathy. Methods. The study was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, involving 245 participants selected via convenience sampling. The sample included 105 MDMA users and 130 nonusers. Data analysis involved medians, interquartile ranges, and percentages for univariate analysis, while Spearman’s rho, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used for bivariate analysis. Results. Most MDMA users first tried the substance at ages 17–21 (60%), primarily in clubs (64.76%) and in the company of friends (86.67%). Notably, 84.64% did not test the substance before use. Women showed significantly higher levels of sympathy than men (U = 5118, p = 0.001), and older participants reported greater emotional distress when witnessing injustice (rho = 0.218, p = 0.001). Users who began with doses below 150 mg displayed higher empathy compared to those who started with higher doses (U = 286, p = 0.005). Conclusions. Empathy was not significantly associated with age of first MDMA use, frequency, setting, timing, or substance testing habits. However, a higher initial dose of MDMA was linked to lower empathy levels in young adults.