Environment and Social Psychology (ESP) is an international open-access academic journal dedicated to publishing highly professional research in all fields related to the relationship between environment and social psychology. All manuscripts are subjected to a rigorous double-blind peer review process, to ensure quality and originality. We are interested in the original research discoveries. This journal also features a wide range of research in ancillary areas relevant to social psychology. ESP publishes original research articles, review articles, editorials, case reports, letters, brief commentaries, perspectives, methods, etc. ESP aims to explore the connections between the environment and human condition, and enhance the environment protection consciousness and behaviors that are crucial to achieve the goals of sustainable development and human development. The research topics of ESP include but are not limited to: Environment psychology Environmental perception Environmental behaviour Environmental design Social psychology Social perception Social Behaviour Interpersonal Relationships Environment and mental health Mental Health Coping mechanisms Emotions and the Environment Sustainability and behavioral science Sustainable Development Behavioural change theory Social norms and environmental behaviour Climate psychology Psychological impacts of climate change Behavioural responses Climate education Interdisciplinary research Environment and social sciences Technology and psychology Arts and Humanities Culture and environment Social Sciences（Health） Developmental and Educational Psychology Learning, attention deficit and the environment Genderisation, child development and the social environment Neurological and physiological psychology Depression and the environment Problem Solving and the Social Environment
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Psychological pathways from energy poverty perception to clean energy adoption intention
Purpose: This study investigates how feelings of energy poverty affect Chinese residents’ plans related to the adoption of clean energy by using the theory of planned behavior and conservation of resources theory. It considers how environmental concern and perceived behavioral control act as mediators for this relationship. Methodology: Data was obtained from the Chinese General Social Survey of 2021 in collaboration with the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) environmental module. A total of 2,187 adult participants made up the entire sample. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Additionally, Bootstrap mediation analysis was performed with 5,000 resamples. Findings: Energy poverty perception had a significant negative direct influence on the adoption intention of clean energy (β = −0.14, P < 0.01). Environmental concern and perceived behavioral control both acted as significant partial mediators for the effect. The indirect effect via environmental concern was larger in magnitude (−0.091, 30.8% of total effect) compared to the indirect effect of perceived behavioral control (−0.064, 21.7%). The total indirect effect (52.5%) exceeded the direct effect (47.5%). Conclusion: Energy poverty perception indirectly hinders the adoption intention of clean energy by reducing environmental prioritization and self-efficacy perceptions. The affective path was shown to have a relatively more significant effect. Practical Implications: Policy interventions should cover the alleviation of energy poverty while also linking the benefits of clean energy in terms of health and economic gains to the shortage of resources.
Copyright (c) 2026 Junchi Du* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Visual ritual and political dissemination: The Confucian imagery mechanisms in a mirror for the emperor during the Ming Dynasty
This study focuses on the important visual text "A Mirror for the Emperor", exploring how it transforms Confucian "rites" into social norms through visual mechanisms. Unlike previous studies that mainly remained within the fields of textual analysis or political history, this paper approaches it from the perspective of visual culture and etiquette dissemination, analyzing its unique value as a "visual etiquette mechanism". Methodologically, this study combines Panofsky's three-level analysis method of iconography, visual semiotics, and political etiquette theory to conduct in-depth interpretations of the three core images: "Appointing Talents for Governance", "Warning Stelae and Criticism Boards", and "Filial Piety Ascending to Heaven". At the same time, this study pays attention to its regional reconfiguration in Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi, revealing the recontextualization process of these images in local academies, temples, and families. Additionally, this study draws on Cosmological Ethics and normative social psychology to examine how these visual symbols construct the paradigm of normative compliance. The research on Ming Dynasty etiquette images also confirms that the visual presentation of natural symbols reinforces society's understanding of "the harmony between heaven and man", thereby extending the political admonition consciousness to a widespread reverence for cosmic order and social order. The research results indicate that the visual mechanism of "A Mirror for the Emperor" mainly manifests in four aspects: Firstly, through elements such as postures, objects, and spaces, it constructs a stable visual grammar, making "rites" have systematic expressibility; Secondly, the images align with the political tensions of the Wanli period and become symbols of admonition; Thirdly, the regional re-production realizes the cycle of "central generation - local adaptation", promoting the diffusion of the ritual system in grassroots society; Fourthly, the visual medium transforms ethical norms into daily learnable postures, strengthening social integration. The academic contributions of this study can be summarized as four points: expanding the artistic history perspective beyond textual studies; emphasizing the cultural function of etiquette in visual communication; integrating iconography and etiquette theory to reveal the interaction mechanism between visual and power; and placing Chinese etiquette images within the academic discourse of global visual culture and cross-cultural comparison.
Copyright (c) 2026 Meng Duan, Lee Hoi Yeh* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In-depth analysis of the psychological mechanisms of social identity in museum heritage and innovation from the perspective of cultural thought
In the context of globalization and digitalization, museums, as material carriers of cultural memory and constructive spaces of social identity, warrant in-depth exploration of the mechanisms through which their heritage preservation and innovation practices influence social identity. Based on the perspective of cultural thought, this study employs mixed research methods and analyzes data from 680 valid questionnaires and 35 in-depth interviews, utilizing statistical techniques such as structural equation modeling and path analysis to systematically investigate the impact of museum heritage preservation and innovation on the psychological mechanisms of social identity. The findings reveal that: museum cultural heritage practices significantly promote the construction of historical identity, national identity, and civic identity through activating collective memory, disseminating heritage conservation concepts, and fulfilling educational functions (R²=0.508-0.587); innovation practices including digital transformation, cross-cultural exhibitions, and community collaboration effectively reconstruct social identity patterns through immersive experiences, pluralistic identity negotiation, and social capital accumulation (β=0.621-0.685); the relationship between traditional-modern balance and identity integration exhibits an inverted U-shape, with moderate balance yielding optimal identity integration effects (R²=0.627); environmental design elements influence identity experiences through mediating pathways such as emotional arousal, immersion, and place attachment, with mediation effects accounting for over 40%; individual difference factors such as cultural capital and visiting motivation significantly moderate the identity formation process (β=0.089-0.198). The study unveils a comprehensive psychological mechanism of "cognitive construction-emotional resonance-experiential internalization," providing theoretical foundations and practical guidance for museum functional transformation and identity construction practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yiwen Cui* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chinese Generation Z Participation in Variety Shows through Social Media: Insights from the Uses-and-Gratifications Theory
Although Generation Z in China is an obscure market with respect to their participation in the variety shows through social media platforms, this study attempts to sensitize the power of interactive capabilities to stimulate the participation as well as the real time involvement in Chinese Generation Z to the variety shows. Based on analyzing the articles in WOS and SCOPUS published between 2015 and 2025 using bibliometric data, essential trends in user motifs, media consumption, and their preferences regarding the platforms are localized. According to the results of the survey, the main reasons that induce the Gen Z population to watch variety shows on social networks are entertainment, socialization, and self-expression. Also, the paper notes the important role of user-generated content (UGC) and engagement mechanisms working in real-time (voting, commenting, and so on) in increasing user involvement and interaction. The analysis further proves that although young people both in China and western cultures are driven by similar motivations, there was still a strong difference in platform preference and content immersion in that Chinese platforms such as Douyin, Weibo, and Bilibili are more interactive than TikTok and Instagram. The paper can add to the knowledge of how social media platforms and variety show producers may become more attuned to the Gen Z behavior and offer insights into the theoretical implementation of Uses-and-Gratifications (U&G) theory into the environment of digital entertainment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Luyun Liang*, S Maartandan A/l Suppiah http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact mechanism of cultural identity on students' learning motivation in EMI teaching
This study focuses on the impact mechanism of cultural identity on the learning motivation of English major students in the context of English Medium Instruction (EMI). Based on the social psychological model of second language acquisition and multicultural interaction theory, this study designs a questionnaire on students' learning motivation and cultural identity. At the same time, it explores the impact mechanism of cultural identity on learning motivation through linear regression analysis. The results of the survey conducted on 351 English major students showed that the final overall average evaluation of cultural identity of sophomore students was 3.237, and the overall average evaluation of cultural identity of junior students was 3.202. The average evaluation of learning motivation among sophomores and juniors is 3.408 and 3.414. Regression analysis further showed that the impact coefficient of cultural identity on learning motivation was 0.67, with significance p<0.001. Based on research findings, EMI teaching should promote the coordinated development of students' cultural identity and learning motivation by creating a multicultural interactive environment, constructing inquiry-based classrooms, and integrating dual motivation guidance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mengjie Yuan*, Ruolin Hao http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Scoping Review of Intervention Strategies for Internet Behavioral Addiction among Chinese Adolescents
With the pervasive penetration of the internet, internet addiction among adolescents has become an increasingly prominent issue, posing a significant challenge to public health and the education sector. This study utilized a Scoping Review methodology to systematically examine empirical research on intervention measures for adolescent internet addiction in Mainland China published between 2015 and 2025. The primary aim was to analyze the types, theoretical underpinnings, efficacy, and maintenance mechanisms of existing interventions, alongside discussing their limitations and future directions. The review reveals that physical exercise interventions, family-based interventions, and group psychological counseling/therapy constitute the principal intervention pathways. All have demonstrated positive immediate effects in improving addictive behaviors and associated psychological symptoms, yet they differ in terms of long-term maintenance mechanisms and the stability of their efficacy. Furthermore, current research faces limitations concerning sample representativeness, intervention standardization, and long-term effect follow-up. Future research should prioritize constructing a multidimensional, collaborative intervention system that integrates family, school, community, and social resources to establish a comprehensive intervention network. This is crucial for enhancing the stability and sustainability of intervention outcomes. Additionally, emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, should be leveraged to innovate intervention models, thereby increasing the specificity and effectiveness of the treatments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Birong Xu http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Transforming People, Transforming Innovation: Leadership Mechanisms Driving Innovative Work Behavior in Global ICT Companies
This study investigates the role of transformational leadership in promoting innovative work behavior among employees in leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firms. The research specifically examines the internal mechanisms of empowerment, knowledge sharing, and perceived organizational support. The participants included eight individuals – executives, human resource managers, and supervisors – who were interviewed through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that transformational leadership is a critical factor in stimulating creative thinking, providing opportunities for employees to demonstrate their capabilities, and cultivating a work environment conducive to innovation. It also enhances employees' sense of empowerment, autonomy in decision-making, and intrinsic motivation to improve their work. Additionally, knowledge sharing facilitated by organizational structures and culture, along with employees' perceived organizational support in terms of resources and well-being, significantly contributes to the development of innovative work behavior. Therefore, fostering innovation in ICT organizations requires inspirational leadership supported by comprehensive and sustainable employee support systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Monruetai Intongsuk, Pashatai Charutawephonnukoon, Krisada Chienwattanasook http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The impact of work pressure on nurses' work engagement: A moderated mediation model
Against the backdrop of medical tax reform and escalating doctor-patient conflicts, the workload of nurses in China has surged, with resignation rates rising year after year. Based on this context, this study draws on resource conservation, social cognition, and ecosystem theories to construct an intermediary model of ‘work pressure → self-efficacy → work engagement,’ and introduces social support as a moderating variable to establish a moderated intermediary model. In terms of sampling methods, stratified cluster sampling was employed to select 765 clinical nurses from first- to third-level hospitals in Province S, China, for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The study results revealed: first, work stress significantly negatively impacts work engagement (β = –0.170, p < 0.001); Second, self-efficacy partially mediated this relationship, with work stress reducing work engagement by lowering self-efficacy, accounting for 10.88% of the total effect; Third, social support significantly moderated the effect of work stress on work engagement, with social support significantly alleviating the negative impact of work stress on work engagement; Finally, the moderated mediation model holds true, with social support significantly moderating the first half of the mediation chain ‘work pressure—self-efficacy—work engagement.’ Specifically, when nurses receive higher levels of social support, the negative chain of work pressure reducing work engagement by weakening self-efficacy is significantly buffered; conversely, in low-support situations, this negative transmission is more pronounced. The findings of this study suggest that hospitals can effectively break the vicious cycle of ‘high stress—low self-efficacy—low work engagement’ by strengthening self-efficacy training and establishing blended online and offline support networks. This approach provides feasible strategies for stabilising the nursing workforce and enhancing patient experience under the DRG reform framework.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hongxuan Yan, Nurulilyana Sansuddin, Yutian Liao, Khairilmizal Bin Samsudin http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Psychosocial factors influencing community participation and governance: Evidence from a Waqf Tube-Well Project in Malaysia
Rural water insecurity continues to be a significant issue, even with national advancements in the availability of treated water. Waqf-funded water initiatives represent innovative instruments of Islamic social finance that can enhance state infrastructure development. This research investigates the psychosocial factors influencing community engagement, governance, and sustainability in a Waqf Tube-Well Boring System project in Malaysia. A post-intervention survey involving 120 community participants identified six latent constructs: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Aspirations, Practice Change, and Community Participation, Local Governance & Sustainability. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to assess the measurement and structural models. The findings indicate that all five predictors have a positive and significant impact on community participation and governance, accounting for 33 percent of the variance. Practice Change was identified as the most significant predictor, followed by Attitude and Skills, highlighting the importance of behavioral adoption, perceived value, and technical competence in the sustainability of community-based water systems. The model exhibited acceptable reliability and structural fit for exploratory research, despite limitations in convergent validity. The findings underscore the significance of practice-oriented interventions, role-based capacity building, and narrative framing that aligns waqf values with community welfare. This study adds to the growing empirical evidence regarding waqf water systems, providing insights for program enhancement, policy integration, and the expansion of faith-based water governance initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wan Mohd Al-Faizee Wan Abd Rahman, Shaliza Alwi* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Study on the Influence of University Teachers' Innovative Intention on Innovative Behavior under the Pressure of Digital Transformation
Digital transformation has profoundly impacted the field of higher education. Under the pressure of this transformation, university teachers must engage actively in innovation to achieve breakthroughs. Through purposive sampling, this study conducted in-depth interviews with teachers from 24 universities in Guangdong Province, systematically collecting their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral manifestations during the innovation process. By employing directed content analysis on the interview data, the study systematically examined the factors influencing innovative behavior based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Stress Management Theory, exploring the interaction mechanisms among these factors. The findings indicate that university teachers' innovative behavior is primarily influenced collectively by behavioral attitude, creative self-efficacy, perceived organizational support, and challenge stress, with challenge stress playing a critical moderating role in the process through which innovative intention affects innovative behavior. This research directly responds to scholarly calls for clarifying the mechanisms among influencing factors, effectively advancing the refinement and contextualization of innovative behavior theory in specific scenarios.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xinjian Zhang, Khunanan Sukpasjaroen, Aroonroj Boonkrong http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Educational Leadership Strategies for Work Harmony and Productivity of Alpha-Oriented Behaviors of Multidisciplinary Faculty in Higher Education Settings
In the dynamic environment of higher education, managing multidisciplinary faculty with dominant or "alpha-oriented" behaviors presents unique challenges to educational leadership. Despite the strategic imperative for collaboration, limited research exists on specific strategies that foster both work harmony and productivity among these assertive groups. This study addresses this gap by exploring the containment and empowerment strategies employed by academic administrators. Using an exploratory qualitative design, the research engages 25 purposively selected academic leaders through one-on-one interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, guided by Trait Activation Theory to understand how leadership behaviors trigger or suppress dominant personality traits. Key findings reveal that impersonal structural mechanisms, specifically shared governance and data-driven dashboards, act as critical neutralizers that de-personalize authority and reduce territoriality. Regarding productivity, the study identifies bounded autonomy, defined as high-trust models operating within co-authored project charters, as the optimal approach for managing alpha faculty. Furthermore, the results highlight the necessity of epistemic translation to resolve disciplinary clashes and structural empathy interventions, such as story circles, to prevent the emotional fatigue associated with distributed leadership. The study concludes that effective leadership translates affective conflict into cognitive conflict, transforming potential disruptors into engines of institutional innovation.
Copyright (c) 2026 ANANG FATMA T. JAWALI* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Awareness and Understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among residents of Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Approach
Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals of all ages. Although awareness of ADHD has improved in recent years, significant misinformation and gaps in understanding the disorder remain. Aim: The current study aimed to determine the knowledge and awareness of ADHD in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional survey of Saudi people aged ≥18 years was undertaken utilizing an online, self-administered questionnaire based on DSM-5 criteria. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests with Bonferroni correction, and effect sizes (Cramer's V) were used. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. Results: The survey was filled out by 385 people (62.3% of whom were women). Social media (32.7%) and higher education (31.2%) were the most popular sources of ADHD information. Agreement with DSM-5 ADHD criteria varied from 66.5% to 88.8%, showing overall good awareness. There were significant gender differences in information sources and treatment preferences, but the impact sizes were small to moderate (Cramer's V = 0.18-0.29). Conclusion: The findings indicate relatively high awareness of core ADHD features among adults in Eastern Province, KSA, rather than substantial knowledge gaps. Gender-based differences highlight the influence of sociocultural and educational contexts on mental health literacy. Targeted, culturally sensitive awareness initiatives remain warranted.
Copyright (c) 2026 Seema lrshad http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Study on the Relationships Between Self-Leadership, Neijuan Anxiety, Career Confidence and Teacher Well-Being Among Novice Teachers in Chinese Vocational Colleges
Neijuan (内卷; involution) anxiety is a state or phenomenon characterized by defensive competition, chronic burnout and internalization failure. It is considered detrimental to the psychological well-being of the individual and those around them. It is especially prevalent in China where many teachers find themselves in an neijuan environment of extreme excessive irrational competition, which is not necessarily good for the work development and occupational health of novice teachers. As a result, relative issues have received much attention. Based on the self-regulation theory (SRT), this study adopted an anxiety-based self-regulation model to explore the relationships among self-leadership, neijuan anxiety, career confidence and teacher well-being. To achieve this goal, this study adopted convenience sampling and collected questionnaires via an online platform. A total of 536 valid data were collected (effectiveness rate 89.3%), including from 204 male (38.1%) and 332 female (61.9%) teachers. The data were then processed using the SPSS and AMOS software, and finally a research model was constructed. The study results showed that: 1. Self-leadership negatively predicts neijuan anxiety while positively predicting both teachers' well-being and career confidence; 2. Neijuan anxiety significantly negatively predicts both teachers' well-being and career confidence; and 3. Career confidence positively predicts teachers' well-being. This study innovatively conceptualizes “neijuan anxiety” as a maladaptive strategy, thereby enriching the conceptual framework of SRT. It also confirms that neijuan anxiety is detrimental to the well-being of early-career teachers, suggesting that teachers be helped to develop self-leadership styles to cope with challenges in their teaching careers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jian-Hong Ye, Yuting Cui, Weiguaju Nong, Yongjian Wang, Li Wang, Kun Zha, Xiantong Yang http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Fostering organizational sustainability through green HRM and green commitment in Nigeria
This study examines the relationship between Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices and organisational sustainability in the Nigerian manufacturing sector, with a specific focus on the role of employees’ green commitment. Drawing on the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) framework and Social Exchange Theory, the study investigates how internal HR systems shape pro-environmental behaviours and sustainability outcomes. A quantitative descriptive survey design was employed, targeting 234 employees from five established manufacturing firms in Lagos State. Data were collected using validated scales measuring green recruitment, green training and development, green rewards and compensation, green commitment, and organisational sustainability across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilised to assess the measurement and structural models. The results indicate that green training and development and green reward and compensation practices have significant positive effects on organisational sustainability, whereas green recruitment shows no direct significant relationship. Green commitment, however, mediates the relationships between all three GHRM practices and organisational sustainability, underscoring its central psychological role in translating HR policies into sustainable outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of systematically implementing green training, development, and incentive systems to enhance employees’ environmental competencies and motivations. The study contributes to the limited empirical evidence on GHRM in African manufacturing contexts and offers practical implications for managers and policymakers seeking to align HR systems with national sustainability agendas. It also identifies methodological and contextual limitations and proposes future research directions, including longitudinal and mixed-method designs and broader sectoral and geographical coverage.
Copyright (c) 2026 Suriana Ramli*, Egbeyemi Olaide Kafayat, Noorziah Mohd Salleh, Shaliza Alwi* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing humanitarian operations in Malaysia: The role of logistics coordination in disaster response performance
Humanitarian crises in Malaysia, resulting from floods, pandemics, and population displacement, necessitate effective logistics coordination to facilitate timely and efficient disaster response. Despite advancements in national disaster management systems, fragmentation remains evident among government agencies and NGOs, leading to delays, redundant efforts, and inconsistent operational practices. This research investigates the challenges associated with logistics coordination by empirically analyzing three fundamental dimensions: resource sharing, process synchronization, and operational standardization, and their effects on the performance of humanitarian operations. This study utilized a quantitative survey involving 593 practitioners from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. PLS-SEM was employed to assess the relationships among constructs including delivery speed, flexibility, service quality, and efficiency. Research indicates that resource sharing and operational standardization markedly improve performance, while process synchronization does not demonstrate a significant impact, underscoring deficiencies in real-time coordination and workflow integration. The model demonstrates significant explanatory power (R² = 0.757) and predictive relevance (Q² = 0.399), thereby affirming the robustness of logistics coordination as a determinant of humanitarian effectiveness. This study directly supports SDG 11 by enhancing disaster resilience, SDG 9 by promoting integrated systems and standardized operations, and SDG 17 by emphasizing inter-agency collaboration. The findings provide practical recommendations for policymakers to establish centralized coordination frameworks, digital platforms, and standardized procedures to enhance Malaysia's capacity for humanitarian response.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zeti Suzila Mat Jusoh, Shaliza Alwi*, Roslinda Murad, Nadiah Yusof, Nurul Fitri Mohd Noor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Driving mechanisms of psychological perception of water scarcity on water-saving behavior: An extension of the theory of planned behavior
Psychological perception of water scarcity, despite its strong correlation with water-saving behavior, has not been explored within major behavioral theoretical frameworks. This study develops an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model incorporating psychological perception of water scarcity as an antecedent variable. This research paper investigates how scarcity perception impacts water-saving behavior by examining three mediating mechanisms: attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Additionally, it assesses the extended model's incremental explanatory power over the original model. Using data taken from China General Social Survey, this study uses structural equation model for path analysis and Bootstrap methods to test mediating effects. According to the findings, perceived scarcity is a significant predictor of all three main constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The attitude path makes the biggest contribution as all three chained mediating paths are significant. The extended model demonstrates superior fit and predictive accuracy. This study establishes four specific objectives which include clarifying the theoretical positioning of perceived scarcity as a precursor variable within the behavioral model; outlining its specific psychological pathways to stimulate water-saving behavior; and providing targeted evidence for water-saving interventions. Policymakers must focus on effort on developing strategies that shape attitudes and enhance people’s self-efficacy to promote an overall shift residential water-saving behaviors.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lili Zeng* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Differential Effects of Online Task Planning on Formulaic Language Use and Working Memory over Time
Despite sustained pedagogical emphasis on communicative competence, oral fluency remains a persistent challenge for EFL learners, particularly in task-based speaking contexts involving time pressure. While previous research has examined the effects of task planning on linguistic performance, less attention has been paid to learners’ psychological experiences during task execution and how these experiences interact with cognitive and linguistic resources over time. This study investigates how three online task planning conditions—pressured online planning (POP), unpressured online planning (UOP), and hybrid online planning (HOP)—shape learners’ use of formulaic sequences (FSs), with a focus on both frequency and variation, as well as their relationship with working memory (WM). Ninety Chinese EFL undergraduates participated in an eight-week longitudinal intervention and completed dialogic narrative tasks at pre-test, post-test, and delayed post-test. Quantitative analyses examined changes in FS deployment and exploratory associations with WM capacity. To complement these analyses, stimulated recall interviews were conducted to capture learners’ perceived pressure, emotional responses, and strategic decision-making under different planning conditions. The results reveal condition-sensitive and time-dependent patterns in FS use, with distinct profiles emerging across planning conditions. Interview data suggest that these patterns are closely associated with learners’ psychological regulation under task constraints, particularly their tendency toward risk avoidance, reliance on familiar expressions, and prioritization of fluency under pressure. Together, the findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological perspectives into the interpretation of task-based language performance and offer implications for the design of planning conditions in L2 speaking instruction.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xu Han, Ngee Thai Yap* and Fatin Nabila Binti Abd Razak http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Big data analytics on the reinforcement of regional stereotypes and collective identity formation in cultural tourism short video diffusion
Against the backdrop of short videos becoming the dominant medium for culture and tourism information dissemination, this study focuses on the dual mechanisms of regional stereotype reinforcement and group identity formation driven by big data algorithms. Employing a mixed-methods approach, through content analysis of 3,200 culture and tourism short videos, questionnaire surveys of 800 audiences, and in-depth interviews, this research systematically examines the interactive relationships among algorithmic recommendations, content production, and audience cognition. The findings reveal: First, culture and tourism short videos exhibit significant symbolic concentration characteristics, with natural landscapes, local cuisine, and folk customs accounting for 73.34% of symbols, while dramatized narratives and emotional appeal strategies are employed at rates exceeding 80%, providing a content foundation for stereotype reinforcement. Second, algorithmic recommendations drive content homogenization through information cocoons and echo chamber effects, with the content similarity index climbing from 0.342 to 0.891 within eight weeks and high-traffic content surging by 303%. Third, audience regional perceptions demonstrate systematic biases, with virtual and actual experiences differing by an average of 1.39 points in ratings, stemming from cognitive mechanisms such as availability heuristics and representativeness bias, moderated by identity backgrounds and media literacy. Fourth, group identity forms through three-level coordination: individual cognitive activation, group symbolic interaction, and platform technological support, with high-interaction users achieving identity strength of 8.62 points, accompanied by significant group polarization phenomena (polarization index increasing by 170%). Fifth, cross-regional interactions are driven by psychological motivations including self-esteem maintenance and uniqueness needs, manifesting diverse patterns of confrontation and cooperation across different contexts. This study reveals the deep coupling mechanism of technology, content, and psychological processes, providing theoretical foundations and practical insights for optimizing culture and tourism communication strategies and promoting diverse presentations of regional images.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yi Zhao, Suwei Yin http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Harnessing Innovative Traits of ICT, Math, Science, and Engineering Learners Contributory to Sustainable Development Goals
In an era where education plays a pivotal role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there remains a limited understanding of how learners in ICT, Mathematics, Science, and Engineering cultivate and apply innovative traits toward sustainability-oriented solutions. Existing literature primarily focuses on the integration of sustainability concepts within curricula, yet the specific learner-driven innovative behaviors that contribute to sustainable development remain underexplored. Anchored on Social Cognitive Theory [1], which emphasizes the interaction of personal, behavioral, and environmental factors in shaping innovation and problem-solving, this study explores how learners in STEM-related disciplines demonstrate and apply innovative traits in addressing sustainability challenges. Using an exploratory qualitative design, twenty (n=20) ICT, Math, Science, and Engineering learners will participate in one-on-one interviews to elicit their experiences, strategies, and reflections. Data will be analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis, allowing for the emergence of nuanced themes related to creative problem-solving, adaptability, and sustainability-oriented thinking. The study is expected to reveal a range of learner-initiated innovative behaviors including interdisciplinary thinking, technological adaptability, and eco-centric design perspectives that directly or indirectly align with SDG targets. Findings are anticipated to contribute to theoretical and pedagogical frameworks that encourage the development of innovation-driven sustainability competencies among STEM learners. [2]. Ultimately, this research aims to inform educational practices that empower future professionals to active KEYWORDS: Harnessing, Innovative, Sustainable, Goals
Copyright (c) 2026 Ram Eujohn J. Diamante*, Sanny F. Fernandez, Jade Marie D. Dimzon, Kim Jay C. Encio, Etchel B. Palma, Noel A. Banca, Noriebelle B. Balbotin, Elaine H. Anzures http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the role of input in teaching of continuation writing task : A case study for senior high school English teacher
This qualitative case study investigates how senior high school English teachers in China plan and prepare input materials for the Continuation Writing Task (CWT), a component of the National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao). Through semi-structured interviews and document analysis with three teachers, the research identifies four interconnected themes. Findings reveal that teachers’ reading material selection for students CWT writing is strategically focused on aligning with exam trends, ensuring thematic relevance, controlling difficulty, and stimulating student interest, primarily using narrative genres. However, they face significant challenges, including a scarcity of high-quality texts, difficulty mismatches, cultural accessibility issues, and balancing exam preparation with classroom engagement. In response, teachers employ adaptive strategies such as diversifying resources (e.g., textbooks, online materials, past papers), implementing tiered adaptations for proficiency levels, and building cultural bridges. The study concludes that effective CWT preparation requires teachers to act as critical curators, navigating the tension between standardized exam demands and the need to foster student engagement and writing proficiency.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xu Dong*, Nur Ainil Sulaiman, Wahiza Wahi, Siti Shuhaida Shukor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Cultural Intelligence among Expatriates
With global assignments emerging as a common aspect of the multinational enterprise, the capacity of the employees to adjust successfully to culturally diverse working environments has become all the more important. Cultural intelligence (CQ), which is a multidimensional ability that is defined as having metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral dimensions, is commonly known as a prime predictor of expatriate adjustment and performance. Although the previous studies have focused on the conventional antecedents of CQ, which include international experience, proficiency in language, and formal training, the importance of social media as a digital channel of cross-cultural learning is not intensively studied; in addition, it is important to consider platform-related aspects of this learning. The present research is a study that examines the connection between cultural intelligence utilizing four dimensions and social media use among the Korean expatriates working in Beijing, using WeChat as the center of study. The survey data were gathered with the help of a quantitative cross-sectional survey design of 124 expatriates working in the Korean-owned companies. Measures of cultural intelligence were done using the Short Form Cultural Intelligence Scale and meeting social media was operationalized in terms of informational and socializing WeChat activities. Regression analyses indicate that the effects are differentiated. The belief in the use of social media demonstrates that it has a significant positive correlation with cognitive CQ (b = 0.45, p < 0.001) and motivational CQ (b = 0.414, p < 0.001): the use of the platform facilitates the acquisition of cultural knowledge and the motivation to engage in intercultural interaction. Conversely, the use of social media is neither positively related to metacognitive CQ (b = [?]0.012, p < 0.05) nor behavioral CQ (b = [?]0.053, p < 0.05) thus, the implication is that it has little impact on reflective cultural strategy and adaptive behavioral enactment. These results reveal that social media is more of an informational and a confidence-building tool and not a complete process of building deeper levels of intercultural competence. The present research contributes to the current knowledge regarding the role of digital tools in selectively facilitating the development of expatriate capability and emphasizes the significance of balancing the learning process based on social media with the use of structured interaction, feedback, and reflective practices by placing the inquiry into the platform-specific China-based context of CQ analysis.
Copyright (c) 2026 Duan Yao*, Lily Suriani Mohd Arif http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Entertained Enemy: Intercultural Communication and Visual Politics in the Anti-Japanese War Comedy Hands Up! (2003)
Anti-Japanese war comedies have become a visible strand of contemporary Chinese screen culture, blending patriotic memory with comedic ridicule of Japanese invaders. Yet it remains unclear how audiences interpret this mixture of entertainment and nationalist messaging. This study examines how Chinese viewers interpret the anti-Japanese war comedy Hands Up! (2003), focusing on their intercultural competence, humor appreciation, and nationalist orientation. Drawing on intercultural communication and humor theory, the research explores how these audience traits affect responses to the film’s satirical portrayal of Japanese soldiers. The methodology combines a survey (N=250) using structural equation modeling with in-depth qualitative interviews (N=15). Results indicate that viewers with higher intercultural competence report greater appreciation of the film’s humor and more nuanced interpretations, whereas strong nationalist orientation predicts stronger alignment with the film’s patriotic message. Humor appreciation partially mediates the relationship between intercultural competence and interpretation. Qualitative interviews reveal that audiences both laughed at and reflected on the film’s exaggerations, showing an interplay of entertainment and ideological resonance. These findings highlight the complex role of humor in politically charged media: while the comedic dehumanization of the “enemy” reinforces nationalist narratives, viewers’ cultural competence can temper simple ingroup/outgroup reading. The study contributes to theory by linking individual difference variables with audience reception of visual political discourse. It also provides practical insight into how war comedies function as cultural texts in contemporary China. The research underscores the importance of considering intercultural skill and ideology in understanding media effects in nationalist contexts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fanfan Yang, Ayu Haswida Abu Bakar* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Leadership and work performance in the public sector: Exploring the mediating role of employee engagement through a causal mechanism perspective
This study investigates the causal mechanism by which leadership influences work performance, with a focus on the mediating role of employee engagement, a topic that remains underexplored in bureaucratic contexts. The research objectives are: (1) to examine the causal mechanism through which leadership affects public sector work performance, and (2) to explore the mediating role of employee engagement. Data were collected from 359 civil servants and government employees in tax administration agencies using a five-point rating scale questionnaire with rigorously validated measurement properties. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and a 5,000-sample bootstrap procedure were used to examine both direct and indirect effects as hypothesized. The results show that the structural model explains 61.8% of the variance in employee engagement and 64.4% of the variance in work performance, demonstrating strong explanatory power. Leadership has significant positive direct and indirect effects on work performance through employee engagement, with a high total effect. Employee engagement also has a significant positive impact on work performance. These findings highlight the pivotal role of leadership and participatory mechanisms in enhancing the effectiveness of Thailand’s bureaucratic system. The study contributes to both theoretical advancement and practical implications, providing evidence-based insights for leadership development, human resource strategies, and public sector performance improvement.
Copyright (c) 2026 Krisada Chienwattanasook, Tanasak Wahawisan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
University Social Responsibility and Medical Students’ Volunteering: A TPB Perspective
Purpose: This study is to examine the impact of perceived university social responsibility (USR) on the volunteer service behavior of medical college students in Jiangxi Province, China, using the theory of planned behavior. The mediating role of volunteer service motivation is also explored. Methodology: Convenience sampling was used to select 700 students from 11 medical colleges in Jiangxi Province to participate in a questionnaire survey. SPSS and AMOS were used for statistical analysis. Findings: The results showed that University social responsibility had a significant direct positive predicted on volunteer service behavior (β = .724, p < .001). University social responsibility also had a significant positive impact on volunteer service motivation (β = .623, p < .001), and motivation further positively affected volunteer service behavior (β = .428, p < .001), forming a significant mediating path. Implications for Research and Practice: This study enriches the application of the Theory of Planned behavior within the context of university social responsibility and medical education, extending the theoretical perspective on volunteer motivation and behavior. From a practical standpoint, the findings suggest that universities should integrate social responsibility education with professional training, refine incentive mechanisms for volunteer service, and design targeted programs to enhance students’ sense of responsibility and sustained engagement. These insights also provide valuable references for educational management and policy development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhiqiang Sun, Peng-Fei Chen http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Barriers to Virtual Reality in Tourism Adoption among Chinese Elderly People: The Moderating Role of Personal Innovativeness
The VR tourism industry has a significant impact on the well-being of the elderly, and aging has become a pressing concern.This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing non-adoption intention to VR tourism among Chinese elderly people.The conceptual framework was established based on IRT theory. The relationships among various variables of usage barrier, perceived price, lack of trust, image barrier, perceived health risk, and resistance, non-adoption intention, and personal innovativeness were examined.The data were collected through online survey questionnaire. The population was the elderly aged 55 and above in China. A total of 465 participants involved in the survey.The statistical technique used in this study was partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), which was performed using Smart-PLS 4.0.The results revealed that usage barrier, perceived price, lack of trust, image barrier, perceived health risk positively influenced resistance to using VR for tourism, which, in turn, positively influenced the non-adoption intention to using VR for tourism , Additionally, personal innovativeness moderated the association between resistance and non-adoption intention to using VR for tourism. This study contributes to VR tourism analyzing IRT theory among Chinese elderly people.This study’s findings provided guidance for the government, relevant tourism enterprises, and VR suppliers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yingxiu Hong http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ethical Challenges in International Environmental Law and Policy
International environmental law is a key mechanism for promoting sustainability, but ethical conflicts in legal regimes often undermine its effectiveness. This study is focused on how justice, equity, procedural justice and accountability impact factor treaty compliance, resource allocation, enforcement mechanism, and long-term investments for sustainability. Using a mixture of quantitative analysis and a qualitative discussion of case studies, the results show that treaties with strong ethical commitments have much higher compliance rates, much more equitable access to financial and technical resources, and much better enforcement mechanisms. The study also identifies inequalities in resource allocation; whereby high-income countries receive a disproportionate amount of environmental support relative to low-income countries. Moreover, the authorization of agreements and bills promote intergenerational fairness move resources away from long-term sustainability efforts, which are overruled by short-term political and economic agendas. The findings highlight the need for ethical considerations to be included in treaty modalities to ensure legal compliance, equitability, and universality. Sustainability-related inquiries addressing moral and ethical considerations can help to foster environmental governance in a globalizing world. However, resolving these issues will need more standardized legal entities, better monitoring of compliance and interdisciplinary policy evaluation approaches. The article involved rethinking ethical governance and it is also a call for future research that deals with quantifying ethical obligations, harmonizing international legal frameworks, developing alternative enforcement mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muzaffer Yassen, Wisam Ahmed Lefta, Khadijah Zuweid Khalif Mukhayt, Ahmed Mohammed Fahmi, Ghufran Waleed http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strategic Work Flexibility and Quality of Work Life as Antecedents of Creative Task Performance: The Mediating Role of Innovative Work Behavior
Radiographers operate in technology-intensive, high-reliability clinical environments where creative task performance (CTP) is essential for sustaining service quality, patient safety, and timely problem solving. Drawing on survey data from 197 hospital radiographers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this study examines whether Strategic Work Flexibility (SWF) and Quality of Work Life (QWL) improve CTP both directly and indirectly through Innovative Work Behavior (IWB), using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that SWF and QWL positively predict CTP (β=0.242, p=0.004; β=0.204, p=0.037), and IWB also has a significant positive effect on CTP (β=0.253, p=0.005). Moreover, SWF and QWL show significant indirect effects on CTP via IWB (β=0.085, p=0.039; β=0.110, p=0.005), supporting complementary partial mediation. These findings suggest that radiology organizations can strengthen creative task outcomes by institutionalizing strategic flexibility across task, temporal, and divisional dimensions while simultaneously enhancing QWL to stimulate everyday innovation. This study contributes to the healthcare workforce literature by clarifying the behavioral mechanism through which work design and work-life quality translate into creative performance in radiography practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Beni Agus Sulistyo, Muafi Muafi and Ika Nurul Qamari http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Study on weight management stress and coping mechanisms of combat sports student-athletes in higher education—Based on the perspective of environmental psychology
This study aims to explore the characteristics of weight management stress among combat sports student-athletes in higher education and analyze how environmental factors from the perspective of environmental psychology influence their coping mechanisms. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining a quantitative questionnaire survey distributed to 150-200 participants and qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with 12-15 stratified participants. Key findings revealed that competitive pressure and nutrition control difficulty were the primary sources of weight management stress, while adaptive coping strategies (e.g., seeking professional guidance) and maladaptive strategies (e.g., extreme dieting) were both adopted by the participants. Additionally, social support, institutional nutrition policies, and physical training facilities emerged as critical environmental factors affecting their stress levels and coping choices. Theoretically, this study enriches the intersection of environmental psychology and sports psychology; practically, it provides targeted insights for optimizing the support systems for college combat sports student-athletes to alleviate their weight management burden and enhance mental health.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yulin Li, Ahmad Zabidi Abdul Razak, Syed Kamaruzaman Syed Ali* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Work alienation among labor dispatch workers in the financial industry: A Study in Shaanxi Province, China
Work alienation is an important problem faced by labor dispatch workers, as they are alienated and experience injustice in the present work system. The present research aims to identify the impact of work ostracism and organizational injustice on work alienation, as measured through a research conducted among 601 employees of the financial sector in Shaanxi, China, using a structural equation model. The mediating role of relative deprivation and emotional exhaustion, and the moderating role of psychological resilience, are also explored. The research findings suggest that work ostracism, along with the three dimensions of organizational injustice, sequentially predicts work alienation. The mediating role of relative deprivation and emotional exhaustion is also identified, as both factors sequentially mediate work ostracism, organizational injustice, and work alienation. Additionally, psychological resilience is identified as a moderator that buffers the outcomes of relative deprivation-work alienation and emotional exhaustion-work alienation. Theoretical contribution of the present research is identified as an understanding of work alienation through non-standard employment relationships, mediated through the dynamics of resource depletion. Practical contribution of the present research is identified as multi-fold, as it provides a variety of interventions at different levels to address the problems faced by organizations due to work ostracism, organizational injustice, relative deprivation, emotional exhaustion, and low psychological resilience.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jinfei Liu, Xiugang Yang http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Objectifying working animals: The interplay of morality, empathy, and social norms
Working animals such as police dogs, guide dogs, and draft animals occupy an ambiguous position between indispensable tools and sentient partners, rendering their objectification a pressing ethical concern. Although philosophical work on speciesism and animal capabilities is extensive, the psychological mechanisms that inhibit or reinforce the objectification of working animals remain insufficiently explored. The present study examines how moral sensitivity, empathy toward animals, and perceived social norms jointly shape attitudes toward the objectification of working animals and tests a dual-pathway mediation model. A two-wave cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a Chinese community sample (N = 875), and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with bootstrapped mediation tests. Moral sensitivity, empathy, and protective social norms each showed significant direct negative associations with objectification attitudes. Empathy and social norms partially mediated the link between moral sensitivity and objectification, with the social-norm pathway accounting for a larger proportion of the total effect. These findings suggest that resistance to the objectification of working animals is jointly driven by internal moral identity, cross-species emotional resonance, and the perceived strength of protective social norms. The study extends social-psychological theories of moral motivation and norms to the domain of human–animal relations and provides a theoretical basis for interventions that seek to reduce animal objectification by enhancing moral sensitivity, cultivating empathy toward animals, and strengthening protective social norms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jinglin Li*, Xiaofu Pan, Cuiping Gou, Kexiao Liu http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of ecological education intervention on adolescents' sustainability literacy and environmental responsibility: A quasi-experimental study
Limited empirical evidence exists regarding the intervention effects of environmental education on adolescents despite the growing focus on sustainable development education in the global policy space. This study used publicly available data from the PISA 2018 database to analyze 2,847 students’ (51.7% female; mean age = 15.4 years) responses from 42 schools in China to investigate the effects of comprehensive ecological education programmes on adolescents’ sustainability literacy and environmental responsibility. Schools were grouped as intervention (n = 1,456) or control (n = 1,391) based on program implementation. To estimate the effects of the intervention, multiple regression and propensity score matching were used, with gender being investigated as a potential effect modifier. Students in ecological education programs demonstrated significantly higher levels of sustainability literacy (β = .19, p < .001, d = 0.47) and environmental responsibility (β = .16, p < .001, d = 0.38) than controls. The largest effects were observed for environmental knowledge (d = 0.52) and personal environmental responsibility (d = 0.42). Gender had a significant moderating effect on these outcomes. Female students showed stronger gains in sustainability literacy (d = 0.56 vs. 0.35) and environmental responsibility (d = 0.50 vs. 0.29). The findings indicate that comprehensive ecological education programs are positively associated with adolescents' sustainability competencies. Results were consistent in multilevel modelling, propensity score matching, and subgroup analyses. Educational policies focusing on ecology education at secondary level and gender differences in intervention responses need to adopt diverse pedagogical strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Meng Wang* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Among Generations In The Context Of University Autonomy In Vietnam
This paper analyzes organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) across Generations X, Y, and Z within the context of autonomous universities in Vietnam. The study surveyed 459 faculty and staff members from Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, one of the largest public universities in Vietnam, using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Employing exploratory factor analysis (EFA), T-tests, and linear regression, the study identifies significant differences in Loyalty-Based OCB across generations, with Gen X exhibiting the highest loyalty, followed by Gen Y and Gen Z. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that factors such as policy updates, foundational knowledge, and participation in decision-making have varying impacts on loyalty across generations. Based on these findings, the study proposes human resource management strategies to enhance employee engagement and effectiveness in autonomous higher education institutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Hoang Ngoc Minh Chau *, Dr. Tran Thi Anh Thu http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Universal Design-Based Integration of UDET, Spatial Syntax and QCA Methods for Equitable Child-Friendly Environment Planning A Multilevel Decision Framework
Child-friendly environments are increasingly promoted in urban planning, yet many such spaces remain shaped by adult-centered norms and standardized safety principles, limiting their ability to accommodate children’s diverse physical, sensory, and developmental needs. Although Universal Design (UD) offers an inclusive theoretical foundation, its practical application in child-oriented environments has often lacked empirical grounding and decision-oriented evaluation tools. This study explores how UD principles can be operationalized in child-friendly environments through a multilevel, mixed-method framework. Three public children’s spaces in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou were examined using sequential quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative analyses combined Universal Design Evaluation Tools (UDET), spatial syntax indicators, and multilevel linear models to examine relationships between spatial characteristics and children’s behavior. Qualitative insights were derived from participatory observation, child-led visual methods, and stakeholder interviews, and were integrated using an explanatory spiral approach. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) was further applied to identify combinations of design conditions associated with inclusive outcomes. The findings indicate that physical accessibility, sensory inclusivity, and risk gradation influence children’s engagement in distinct but interrelated ways. Spaces that simultaneously supported accessibility and sensory regulation showed substantially higher participation, particularly among children with disabilities and neurodiversity. Spatial configuration also played an important role, with integration, intelligibility, and visual connectivity shaping patterns of engagement and exploration. Rather than relying on single design elements, inclusive child-friendly environments emerged from specific combinations of spatial, sensory, and social conditions. Based on these results, the study proposes a Child–Environment Fit Index (CEFI) to support evidence-informed planning and design decisions. The framework contributes to a more grounded understanding of how universal design principles can be translated into inclusive, context-sensitive child-friendly environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nian Xuchao, Mohd Fabian Bin Hasna*, Noranita Mansor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Sets of Light Diagram Model on Students’ Performance and Motivation in Teaching Mathematics in the Modern World
This study examined the effectiveness of the Sets of Light Diagram Model (SLDM) in enhancing students’ mathematics performance and motivation in the course Mathematics in the Modern World. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative phase measured students’ performance using pretest and posttest scores analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative phase explored students’ motivational experiences through thematic analysis of reflective journals. The results revealed that students exposed to the SLDM attained significantly higher posttest scores compared to those taught through the lecture method, indicating that the model effectively improved their understanding, accuracy, and application of mathematical concepts. Qualitative findings showed that the model fostered students’ motivation through four emerging themes: enhanced interest and enjoyment, increased confidence and independence, improved understanding and perceived usefulness, and collaboration and enjoyment through peer interaction. Overall, the study concludes that the Sets of Light Diagram Model is an effective pedagogical tool that supports both cognitive and affective dimensions of learning. It transforms abstract mathematical concepts into meaningful and engaging learning experiences, thereby promoting academic achievement and positive attitudes toward mathematics, and it offers a transferable framework for teaching other abstract mathematical concepts through manipulative visualization.
Copyright (c) 2026 Relan M. Juarez* http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Breaking barriers: Institutional and cultural constraints to sustainability in women-led rural tourism enterprises in Malaysia
Women-led rural tourism enterprises play a crucial role in fostering inclusive rural development in Malaysia; however, they encounter complex institutional and cultural challenges that threaten their sustainability. This study aims to examine the institutional and cultural constraints affecting the sustainability of women-led rural tourism enterprises in Malaysia and to explore the strategies women entrepreneurs employ to navigate and overcome these constraints. This investigation utilizes a qualitative interpretivist framework enhanced by AI-supported evidence synthesis to methodically examine peer-reviewed research and policy documents concerning women’s entrepreneurship in rural tourism. A comprehensive screening and thematic analysis were conducted on ten studies based in Malaysia, covering regions such as Kelantan, Sabah, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Selangor, and Penang, to uncover barriers, resilience strategies, and sustainability outcomes. The findings indicate ongoing barriers to formal finance, disjointed and bureaucratic policy execution, and entrenched patriarchal norms that limit mobility, decision-making, and access to markets. Women entrepreneurs exhibit remarkable adaptability by leveraging Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) and social networks, diversifying their products and markets, and strategically adopting digital technologies. By combining various theoretical perspectives, we present a cohesive conceptual framework that connects structural constraints to agency-driven adaptations and sustainability outcomes, specifically in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals 5, 8, and 10. The implications for policy encompass grant criteria that are sensitive to gender, microfinance options designed for informal enterprises, ongoing mentorship and capacity-building initiatives, as well as branding strategies that are specific to regions in order to enhance market reach. The study methodically demonstrates the potential of AI tools to enhance transparency and reproducibility in qualitative synthesis while preserving the role of interpretive judgement. The framework provides a foundation for tailored interventions and future longitudinal, comparative, and digital-inclusion studies focused on women’s rural tourism entrepreneurship.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shaliza Alwi*, Masrina Nadia Mohd Salleh, Norzanah Mat Nor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Influencing Factors on the Motivation of Teachers’ Professional Development: A Systematic Literature Review
Background: When determining the states and levels of teachers’ professional development (PD), motivation plays a crucial role in their continuous PD. Teachers’ PD motivation is dynamically influenced by a variety of individual and environmental factors. Many researchers have conducted empirical studies on the influencing factors of teachers’ PD motivation from different perspectives and aspects. However, there is no literature that systematically integrates these influencing factors and reveals the interaction mechanisms among them. Aim: This study aimed to synthesise the influencing factors related to teachers’ PD motivation and management strategies. Methods: This study used a systematic literature review to examine factors influencing teachers’ PD motivation and identify key influencing factors and the interaction mechanisms among them. Results: This study found a few findings. Firstly, the influencing factors of teachers’ PD motivation can be divided into three levels: individual-level, environmental-level, and PD activities level (PD-level). Secondly, the school’s positive shared vision, goals, mission, and value norms are the key to the formation of teachers’ intrinsic motivation for PD. Thirdly, external environmental factors help teachers internalise external values as personal beliefs by meeting their basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness, thus forming intrinsic motivation. Conclusion: This study examined factors influencing teachers’ PD motivation and how these factors interact to affect their level and nature. The findings have important implications for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers in supporting teachers’ PD motivation across career stages.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhengying Yi , Enio MSK*, Arnida Abdullah, Jingyi Cheng, Lu Li http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A systematic review of job satisfaction research in higher education (2021–2025)
Increased workload demands, organisational reorganisations, and post-pandemic changes have significantly changed working conditions in higher education in recent years, with significant ramifications for the job satisfaction of faculty and staff. In order to compile the most recent empirical data on the factors influencing job satisfaction among higher education staff, this study does a PRISMA-guided systematic review. Empirical research produced between 2021 and 2025 was thoroughly examined via an open procedure of database searching, filtering, and critical evaluation. The review categorises influencing factors into three integrative domains: context-dependent or moderating variables (e.g., institutional type, employment status, and national policy environments); negative influences (e.g., workload, job insecurity, and role conflict); and positive contributors (e.g., organisational support, leadership quality, and professional autonomy). By offering a systematic, theoretically informed synthesis that emphasises the conditional and culturally embedded aspect of work satisfaction in higher education, this review goes beyond just summarising trends and contributes to the body of knowledge. In addition to the under-representation of non-academic workers and different institutional settings, the findings show a concentration of evidence in particular national and research-intensive contexts. Although there are constant institutional levers for improving satisfaction, direct comparability is limited by variations in study designs and measuring techniques. All things considered, this review provides an evidence-based basis for future research agendas, organisational policy, and leadership practices, assisting in the creation of more equitable and context-sensitive methods to improve job satisfaction and organisational effectiveness in higher education.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yan Zhou, Bity Salwana Alias*, Aida Hanim A. Hamid http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0