The Journal of Behavioral Science

Academic Adjustment and Academic Performance of Thai Undergraduates: The Moderated-mediating Roles of Motivation and Psychological Well-being

2024-06-10T12:39:27+07:00

Background/problem: The higher education environment presents significant challenges for first year Thai undergraduates, with inadequate adjustment leading to academic difficulties and higher dropout rates. Current research focuses on negative psychological issues and outcomes, neglecting the crucial role of psychological well-being in enhancing adjustment and academic performance.

Objective/purpose: This study examined the role of psychological well-being as a moderator and motivation as a mediator in the relationship between academic adjustment and performance.

Design and Methodology: A quantitative online questionnaire was used to collect data from 572 first-year undergraduate students from a university in Thailand. Data analysis was conducted using Hayes’s PROCESS macro for moderated-mediation analysis.

Results: The results indicate that positive extrinsic motivation significantly and partially mediates the relationship between academic adjustment and academic performance (β = .01, 95% CI = [.002, .03]). Conversely, negative amotivation also significantly and partially mediates this relationship (β = .01, 95% CI = [.002, .02]). Furthermore, moderated mediation analysis shows that psychological well-being significantly moderates the relationship between academic adjustment and academic performance when mediated by extrinsic motivation (β = .03, 95% CI = [.002, .06]).

Conclusion and Implications: This study recommends that educators integrate extrinsic motivation and psychological well-being into their pedagogies to promote academic adjustment and enhance academic performance.

Originality/Value for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This study offers valuable insights for improving educational practices and policies in line with SDG 4 (quality education) emphasizing quality and inclusivity. It highlights the significance of external rewards and psychological well-being in enhancing academic outcomes for first-year students. By promoting a supportive environment that integrates mental health services and reward systems, the research advocates for boosting extrinsic motivation and well-being, which are crucial for fostering lifelong learning and personal growth. The strategic use of external rewards also helps sustain engagement and improve academic performance by addressing students' need for connection and support.

Cultivating Gratitude through Intervention among Gay Working Men in Thailand: A Narrative Research

2024-06-12T16:38:25+07:00

Background/Problem: Despite ongoing efforts and numerous studies aimed at enhancing inclusion for sexual and gender minorities (SGM), most research has focused primarily on mental health and discrimination issues among gay men. There remains a significant gap in studying the cultivation of gratitude within this group from a behavioral science perspective, particularly among working-age individuals.

Objective: This research examined the experience of gratitude cultivation among working-age gay men in Thailand through four gratitude interventions: (1) counting blessings, (2) gratitude visits, (3) three good things, and (4) mental subtraction.

Design and Methodology: This narrative qualitative study delved into the experiences of five Thai gay men of working age. Data collection involved in-depth interviews and diary recordings of their experiences. Thematic analysis was utilized for data interpretation.

Findings: The research findings were divided into two main themes, comprising gratitude cultivation experience and consecutive experience, which were further divided into two sub-themes, including gratitude towards oneself and gratitude towards others and the environment. The results indicated that the gratitude interventions positively impacted emotions, built personal resources, and developed interpersonal relationships. These effects continued at a two-week follow-up, suggesting lasting positive outcomes.

Conclusion and Implications: Gratitude intervention yields beneficial results, which can be used as a self-directed intervention for well-being enhancement within the sexual minority group. Future studies need some adjustments to be culturally appropriate within the Thai context.

Originality/Value for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This research addresses the gap in studies on gratitude within sexual minorities by integrating theories such as the broaden-and-build theory, the find-remind-bind theory, and symbolic interactionism. It aims to promote well-being and reduce sexual inequality, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of good health and well-being (SDG 3), as well as reduced inequality (SDG 10). By focusing on gratitude within this group, the research seeks to ensure equal access to well-being among working-age sexual minorities.

Determinants of Child Marriage in Thailand: A Study among the Hmong Communities and Southernmost Provinces

2024-07-04T15:22:18+07:00

Background/ problem: Child marriage in Thailand has never received adequate academic recognition. Without knowledge of the fundamental determinants of child marriage in the country, it is difficult for Thailand to effectively deal with child marriage.

Objective/ purpose: This study aimed to explore the determinants that facilitate the ongoing practice of child marriage in two areas of Thailand: the Hmong communities in the northern provinces and the Muslim communities in the southernmost provinces.

Design and Methodology: A constructivist grounded theory research methodology was applied in this study, with the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions as tools for data collection. A total of 113 participants voluntarily took part in this study.

Findings: Three similar themes were found in both study areas: patriarchy and culture, a taboo of pre-marital sex and pregnancy outside of wedlock, and intergenerational oppression. The main differences among the Hmong communities and the Muslim communities in the south were the doctrines, which laid the cultural foundation for the two areas.

Conclusion and Implications: The findings highlight the significant determinants that influence child marriage in the two study areas of Thailand. Any future programs aiming to eradicate child marriage in the country could apply the results from this study as foundations of their works.

Originality/Value for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Preventing child marriage is listed under SDGs-5, which aims to combat gender inequality. With regards to the SDG-5, the UN urges member states to take action against child marriage and conduct academic research on this issue. However, the current studies on child marriage suggest that research on child marriage tend to be conducted in the regions where the rate of the practice is critically high, which Thailand is not included. This presents the gaps in child marriage research. This study addresses this gap by aiming to systematically study child marriage in rural Thailand. By focusing on the first-hand information from children, families, and communities, this study seeks to develop a model that explains determinants that support the existence of child marriage in rural Thailand.

The Effects of Religiosity, Forgiveness, and Emotion Regulation on Marital Satisfaction in Ethiopia

2024-07-05T11:29:14+07:00

Background/ problem: Despite the growing body of studies on marital relationships, there are limited research addressing factors that positively contribute to marital satisfaction.

Objective/ purpose: The study aimed to examine the effect of religiosity, forgiveness, and emotion regulation on marital satisfaction in the Ethiopian context.

Design and Methodology: A descriptive-correlational study involved 198 civil servants of the Addis Ababa city administration. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze the data.

Results: The findings of the correlation analysis indicated that the main study variables were significantly associated with marital satisfaction. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that religiosity (β = .27, p < .001), forgiveness (β = .18, p < .001), and emotion regulation (β = .14, p = .042) significantly contributed to explaining 32% of the variance in marital satisfaction (R² =.32) [F (9, 168) = 8.84, p < .001].

Conclusion and Implications: In conclusion, the findings suggest that enhancing marital satisfaction among partners is crucial, with religiosity, forgiveness, and emotion regulation being key factors. The positive effect of religiosity highlights the importance of designing programs that encourage partners to engage in different religious activities. Furthermore, by implementing training programs focused on fostering forgiveness and emotion regulation, practitioners can enhance their clients' marital satisfaction. Specifically, holistic counseling and couple's therapy programs that integrate religious teachings, forgiveness exercises, and emotion regulation strategies could help couples to address relationship challenges.

Originality/Value for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This study can make a valuable contribution to SDG-3 (good health and wellbeing) and SDG-5 (gender equality). By providing insights into the qualities that influence marital well-being, this study can inform policies and programs designed to promote healthy marital relationships and gender equality within the Ethiopian context.

Parenting Styles and Behavioral Problems among Preschoolers in Thailand

2024-08-02T12:23:58+07:00

Background/problem: Children exposed to domestic violence face a higher risk of behavioral problems, which can lead to a diversity of problems into adulthood. The discipline methods used by families, known as parenting styles, particularly harsh discipline, potentially contribute to child abuse and negatively influence emotional development.

Objective/purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between parenting styles, child abuse, and behavioral problems in preschoolers in Thailand.

Design and Methodology: Data from 5,345 children aged 3 to 4 years was analyzed using the Thailand multiple indicator cluster survey 2019 (MICS6/2019). Multiple probit regression was used to predict behavioral problems based on each parenting style and socio-environmental factors.

Results: The findings indicated that inattention was the most prevalent behavior issue (40.2%). Authoritarian, hybrid, and neglectful parenting styles were identified as forms of child maltreatment that significantly impact aggressive behavior, with neglectful parenting showing a strong association with aggressive behavior (boys: AVE = 0.18, p < .01; girls: AVE = 0.16, p < .01). No significant association was found between parenting styles and children's inability to get along. Permissive parenting was not significantly associated with behavior problems compared to authoritative parenting. Other factors, including gender, screen time, location, income, and single-parent family structure, were significantly associated with behavioral issues.

Conclusion and Implications: The study clarifies the significant impact of parenting styles on child behavior, particularly child abuse and heightened aggression. These findings hold substantial implications for caregivers and preschool instructors, emphasizing adopting nonviolent parenting and considering socio-environmental factors to effectively manage behavioral issues and promote child well-being.

Originality/Value for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This study's findings highlight the need for social policies and strategies for guiding families and educators regarding child rearing and parenting styles for shaping child behaviors and contribute to achieving SDG-5, the sustainable goal that seeks to create a world where women and girls have equal rights, especially for SDG-5.2 that seeks to eliminate all forms of violence against children and girls.

Developing and Assessing Positive Reinforcers to Understand Learning Behavior of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Malaysia

2024-07-12T15:15:10+07:00

Background: This study makes a significant contribution to the field of behavioral science by developing and validating a measurement instrument for assessing the positive reinforcers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. The newly developed instrument is intended for implementation in National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) centers, addressing the crucial need for a validated tool to assist educators in identifying positive reinforcers for children ASD effectively.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate the measurement instrument for assessing the positive reinforcers of children with ASD diagnosis.

Design and Methodology: A total of 97 parents of children with ASD diagnosis from four NASOM centers in Selangor participated in the study, using a simple random sampling method. The methodology involved developing, validating, and assessing positive reinforcers for Children with ASD diagnosis. Exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and preference index were employed with the developed questionnaire.

Results: Construct validity demonstrated good instrument validity (KMO = 0.74, p < 0.001), while the instrument’s reliability was also consistent (α = .95). The top preferences are indoor activities specifically on sensory toys, with a preference index of 77.10.

Conclusion and Implications: The preference index reflects the preferences of children with ASD diagnosis involved in this study. This research offers a valuable tool for teachers and caretakers of children with ASD diagnosis, enabling a better understanding of their preferences and behavior to improve management and educational processes.

Originality/Value for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This study advances behavioral science knowledge and supports the SDGs by enhancing understanding of children with ASD diagnosis’s behaviors, addressing SDG-4 (quality education) by tailoring educational strategies to individual needs, and supporting SDG-10 (reduced inequalities) by promoting inclusive settings.

Knowledge Sharing as a Mediator between Clan Culture, Trust, and Resilience and Innovative Work Behavior in Indonesian Village-owned Enterprises

2024-08-28T12:23:56+07:00

Background/ problem: In contemporary organizational settings in Indonesia, encouraging innovative work behavior is crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage. Understanding the factors that influence such behavior is essential for organizational success in Indonesia, particularly village-owned enterprises.

Objective/ purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of clan culture and village enterprise manager's resilience on innovative work behavior, while also exploring the mediating role of knowledge sharing in these relationships.

Design and Methodology: This research was conducted in various villages in Central Java, Indonesia, focusing on village owned enterprises. Data collection was carried out both through offline distribution and an online system. A total of 228 questionnaires were successfully analyzed. Structural Equation Modeling was used for data analysis.

Results: The results support all hypotheses, indicating significant positive relationships between clan culture (β = .23, p = .02), manager's resilience (β = .15, p = .01), knowledge sharing (β = .27, p = .00), and innovative work behavior. Clan culture, manager's resilience, and knowledge sharing positively influenced innovative work behavior, with knowledge sharing acting as a significant mediator (indirect effect = .12, p = .01; indirect effect = .04, p = .02).

Conclusion and Implications: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of social interactions, adaptive leadership, and collaboration in creating an innovative work environment in government-owned business institutions. Good social interactions and adaptive leadership can foster effective collaboration among team members.

Originality/Value for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This study provides new insights into how clan culture and managerial resilience drive innovative work behavior through knowledge sharing. It supports SDG-3 (good health and well-being) by fostering a healthier work environment, SDG-8 (decent work and economic growth) by enhancing productivity and job opportunities, and SDG-9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) by advancing technological and industry innovations.

Development of Future Skills Assessment Criteria for Undergraduate Students in Cambodia: Mixed Methods Research

2024-07-04T15:38:37+07:00

Background and Problem: Cambodian students face challenges due to a lack of essential skills for future job demands, which stems from limited access to modern educational resources and a mismatch between current curricula and evolving global skill requirements. However, research studies on this issue remain limited.

Objective/ purpose: This study aims to: 1) analyze and validate a future skills model using multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA); and 2) develop future skills assessment criteria for Cambodian undergraduate students.

Design and Methodology: A mixed-method multilevel explanatory sequential design was employed in two phases. Quantitative data were collected from 400 Cambodian students across 50 majors using multistage random sampling. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with seven key informants. Data analysis involved MCFA for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data.

Results: The MCFA revealed three main components of future skills: learning and innovation skills, information, media and technology skills, and life and career skills (= 83.96, df = 78, RMSEA= .01, CFI = 1.00, TLI = .98, SRMR_W = .02, SRMR_B = .08). At both the student and major levels, life and career skills emerged as the most significant factor, which aligns with key informants' opinions. The study developed 86 indicators and 102 assessment criteria across three main components, based on both quantitative and qualitative data.

Conclusion and Implications: The study's results can be used as guidelines to improve curricula, teaching methods, and assessments of future skills for undergraduate students, helping them to be well prepared for their future careers.

Originality/Value for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): This research on future skills and assessment criteria illuminates competencies needed for rapid technological and social changes. It informs educational interventions promoting lifelong learning and workforce readiness. By integrating critical skills into curricula, the study aligns with future workforce demands, contributing to SDG-4 (quality education) and SDG-8 (decent work and economic growth). The resulting framework guides educators and policymakers in bridging the gap between academic preparation and evolving workforce needs in Cambodia, equipping undergraduates for 21^st century workplace challenges.