6th APSPA International Conference 2024 on ‘Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Human Development and Learning: Navigating the Nexus of Education, Psychology, Business, Language and Philosophy

Development of Career Decision Self-Efficacy Enhancement Training Module for Myanmar Emerging Adults

Laha Hkawng Lum — 2025-03-04

The study aimed to develop a Career Decision Self-Efficacy (CDSE) enhancement training program tailored for emerging adults in Myanmar, addressing the significant challenges posed by not only the country’s socio-political instability, but also by the inherent developmental struggles of their age group. A qualitative research design was employed, beginning with an extensive literature review to identify effective career guidance strategies. The intervention “The Game Plan: You Can Be the Captain of Your Team,” originally developed by Jean Miles, was selected for adaptation to the Myanmar context. Modifications were made through expert consultations to ensure relevance and accuracy. Pilot testing and interview were conducted with two emerging adults in Myanmar to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the adapted module. The results indicated with the seven session program successfully addressed key career development areas and effectively enhanced CDSE and was well-received by the participants. Conclusively, the adapted program has shown potential for broader application in Myanmar. Further research will assess its long term impact and scalability in improving career decision making among emerging adults facing socio-economic and political challenges.

Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionism’s Relations to Employee Well-Being: Development of a Conceptual Framework

Premika Batra — 2025-03-04

This conceptual paper seeks to explore the relationships between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism and employee well-being among employed mothers in Thailand. Further, the mediating role of family-work conflict (FWC) is discussed. A conceptual framework is illustrated and a quantitative approach that employs path analysis via multiple regression is proposed to test the hypotheses. This includes utilizing three valid and reliable research instruments, the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS), the Family-to-work conflict (FWC) subscale of the Work–Family Conflict Scale (WAFCS), and the Employee Well-Being Scale (EWB Scale) among a sample of employed mothers in Thailand. The expected implications and limitations of the study are also presented.

The effectiveness of self-compassion intervention on Vietnamese migrants’ resilience and mental well-being

Yen Ngoc Bui — 2025-03-04

This study investigates the effectiveness of a self-compassion intervention in enhancing resilience and mental well-being among internal migrant women in Vietnam. Internal migrants often face unique stressors, including socio-economic challenges and limited access to mental health services, which can heighten their vulnerability to psychological distress. A mixed-method approach was employed to assess both the quantitative and qualitative impacts of the intervention. A total of 85 participants were recruited, with 43 participants receiving a 3-week self-compassion training and the control group receiving no intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of resilience, self-compassion, and mental well-being were conducted using standardized measures such as the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). The study results indicated a significant improvement in resilience, mental well-being and even self-compassion among the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.00 < 0.05). Qualitative interviews further revealed personal experiences of increased mindfulness, emotional regulation, enhanced coping skills, and improved social support networks. These findings suggest that self-compassion intervention is an effective tool for promoting mental health, resilience, and self-compassion among marginalized populations, particularly internal migrant women. Future studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects and scalability of such interventions across broader settings.

Job demands, burnout, job performance and self-efficacy among medical media workers in China A moderated mediation model

Huinan Liang — 2025-03-04

This article aims to explore the relationship between job demands, burnout, and job performance among Medical Media Workers (MMWs), and to investigate the moderating role of self-efficacy. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, data will be collected through surveys from 120 MMWs in three medical media companies in China. The study will employ multiple regression analysis to examine the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between job demands and burnout, and its impact on job performance. Instruments such as the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, Burnout Assessment Tool, Individual Work Performance Questionnaire, and General Self-Efficacy Scale will be used to measure key variables. The findings may provide insights into how self-efficacy can buffer the negative impact of job demands on burnout, and its subsequent influence on job performance. The results could help inform interventions aimed at enhancing job performance and reducing burnout in MMWs by targeting self-efficacy as a modifiable personal resource.

The Effect of Loneliness on Short Video Addiction Among Chinese University Students

Yong Zhu — 2025-03-04

Previous research shows the widespread and excessive use of short video apps among Chinese university students, which impairs their academic performance, relationship quality, and physical and mental health. However, the contributing factors behind short video addiction remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to establish a conceptual framework for understanding this addiction, particularly by theoretically examining the effect of loneliness on short video addiction among Chinese university students, with boredom as a mediator and emotion regulation as a moderator. Methodology: A narrative review of related literature sources was conducted to explain the concepts and interplay of loneliness, boredom, emotion regulation, and short video addiction among Chinese university students. Results: The theoretical framework suggests that loneliness positively predicts short video addiction among Chinese university students. Boredom can play a mediator in this dynamic in which users with greater loneliness experience increased boredom, which in turn results in short video addiction. Furthermore, emotion regulation can moderate the relationship between loneliness and boredom among Chinese university students. Conclusion: The findings contribute to the literature on the effect factors of short video addiction, paving the way for further research in this critical area and building a theoretical foundation for future empirical research.

Bullying in middle school, peer attachment, psychological resilience, and school adjustment: A moderated mediation model

Yang Zhang — 2025-03-04

This study aims to investigate the relationship between junior high school students' experiences of bullying and their adjustment to school. Specifically, it examines whether peer attachment mediates the relationship between bullying and school adjustment, as well as whether psychological resilience mediates the effects of bullying on peer attachment. Data will be collected through convenient sampling from students aged 12-16 at the 16th Middle School in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, with a total of 179 self-report questionnaires being administered. The data will be analyzed using multiple regression analysis and path analysis. The ultimate goal is to assist students who have experienced bullying in better adjusting to their school environment by fostering robust peer relationships and enhancing psychological resilience.

Exploring Spiritual Well-being of University Students: A Framework for Spiritual Eco-map

Thuy Vy Tran — 2025-03-04

The objective of this study is to explore the spiritual well-being of university students with a view to developing a framework for spiritual eco-map. Many university students fall into the age range of emerging adulthood, which is a new distinct and crucial stage of exploration, new experiences, and personal growth. However, it is also a stage of struggling with identity, future confusions, life meaning and purposes. In addition to the challenges that come with this developmental period, university students often face high academic expectations, which might be very stressful. Without adequate support, these challenges can significantly impact their overall well-being, which spiritual well-being is fundamental. Despite the vital role of spiritual well-being, it has been underestimated. Based on an empirical literature review, this study proposes a framework for a spiritual eco-map as a promising tool to help university students identify their spiritual resources, enhance their spiritual well-being, and hopefully prevent them from the development of psychopathology or mental health problems. This spiritual eco-map framework can be utilized by educators and therapists working with university students and can also be integrated into the university curriculum. Future research should assess the effectiveness of the framework’s implication based on empirical data.

Developing a Module to Enhance High School Students' Wellbeing in Pathein, Myanmar

Min Thit Lwin - — 2025-03-04

Student well-being plays a crucial role in fostering academic success and personal growth, particularly during adolescence. The objective of this study is to develop a psychological intervention module to enhance the subjective well-being for high school students at Pathein, Myanmar. The program includes various activities from positive psychology such as, Gratitude Exercises, Affirmations, Vision Boards, and Goal Setting. All the activities were adapted to the local cultural context based on experts’ advice and research. A pilot test was conducted with two students, observed by an expert. The intervention consisted of four sessions facilitated by two educators, focusing on fostering joy in learning, school connectedness, educational purpose and academic self-efficacy. The results indicated that the students experienced improvements in their overall subjective well-being, became more motivated in their learning, and showed higher levels of school involvement. Both students and educators appreciated the benefits of the program, which highlighted the positive effects of culturally adapted intervention on students’ subjective well-being. However, the small sample size makes it challenging to draw broad conclusions, and it might not show the wide range of experiences that high school students have. Future research should have a larger number of participants and test the effectiveness of the program and its application in educational settings.

Design Language: Design Criticism in Identifying Lexemes and Morphemes in Design

Chutarat Laomanacharoen — 2025-03-04

Designs of architecture, objects, or experiences, when perceived as a form of communication, can transcend the notion of aesthetics and become a powerful language capable of conveying meaning, evoking emotion, and fostering function. Through the lens of semiotics—the study of signs and symbols—this paper uses exploratory research methods to investigate the symbiosis of this theory and design in providing a framework for design articulation and substantiation. Further, the paper analyzes the role of design criticism in identifying lexemes (design terms) and morphemes (smallest units of meaning) in design language. Drawing parallels to linguistic analysis, it examines how critics dissect design elements to uncover recurring patterns, symbolic meanings, and cultural significance. Through case studies and historical context, the paper illustrates how lexemes like "minimalism" evolve through critique, while morphemes such as color, shape, and texture contribute to a design's overall meaning. Findings include the proposition that design criticism can serve not only as a reflection on aesthetics and form but also as a tool for dissecting the "linguistic" elements of design—components that construct the broader narrative or meaning in design works. The paper concludes with implications for using design criticism to assist in identifying design lexemes and morphemes.

Ethical Management of Erotic Transference: A Brief Review

Yong Zhu — 2025-03-04

Purpose: Erotic transference occurs frequently in counseling. The mismanagement of erotic transference harms the effectiveness of therapy and the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, this study aims to identify the ethical issues surrounding erotic transference in counseling and clarify valuable strategies to manage this phenomenon. Methodology: This study conducted a brief review of the literature on the topic of erotic transference to explain the concept and illustrate related ethical issues and management methods. Results: The study suggests that therapists should promptly identify the manifestations of erotic transference, refrain from disclosing their sexual feelings toward the client, disillusion the client, reclaim the fantasy, restore the client’s ego deficits in the transference, consult professional colleagues and supervisors, consider cultural influences, and, when necessary, terminate therapy promptly or appropriately refer the client. Conclusions: Therapists have the responsibility to benefit, not harm, the client, preserve professional and ethical boundaries, consider carefully self-disclosure in therapy, and engage in ongoing learning to properly recognize and address erotic transference. The findings contribute to the literature on erotic transference and offer valuable insights into the management of the phenomenon. Future research could explore erotic feelings in female therapist-male client therapy, same-gender therapy, and therapist-minor therapy to provide further insights into the transference.

A Pre-Investigation of Model Testing on Subjective Well-Being Among Single Emerging Adults

Ding yuanhu — 2025-03-04

Purpose: This study aims to examine the psycho-social model of gratitude and its impact on subjective well-being and physical health among Chinese single emerging adults. It investigates both direct and indirect pathways, mediated by perceived social support, prosocial behavior, and relationship quality. Research design, data and methodology: A cross-sectional study will be conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships among gratitude, subjective well-being, and physical health. A sample of 700 Chinese single emerging adults (aged 18-30) residing in Suzhou will be recruited through online data collection. Standardized psychological scales will be used to measure gratitude (CGQ-6), subjective well-being (CFS), physical health (CSRH), perceived social support (CMSPSS), prosocial behavior (CPSA), and relationship quality (CFQQ). Results: The study hypothesizes that gratitude will have significant direct effects on subjective well-being and physical health, and indirect effects through perceived social support, prosocial behavior, and relationship quality. Conclusions: Findings will contribute to the understanding of gratitude’s role in well-being and provide practical insights for psychological interventions and well-being enhancement programs for single emerging adults.

Student Satisfaction and Experiences with EMI at an International University in Thailand

Adisorn Vinitwatanakhun — 2025-03-04

This research was conducted at an international institution known for its extensive use of English as the medium of instruction across various subjects. The study took place during the Intensive English Course. It was essential to evaluate the EMI approaches and identify issues for stakeholders, particularly the students involved. The study’s objective is to find the relationship between EMI and students’ satisfaction. The research aimed to understand how students respond to their satisfaction level with EMI experience related to the course, the university and teachers’ attributes. To gather data, we used a questionnaire with a sample of 412 participants enrolled in a 90-hour intensive English language course designed to prepare them for the EMI context. At the end of the course, 18 students agreed to answer open-ended questions regarding their EMI experience. Both the satisfaction survey and the written response addressed three research questions. The results indicated that students’ overall satisfaction with the EMI experience towards teachers’ attributes was very high (mean = 4.38, SD = 0.84). Secondly, the overall satisfaction level regarding the EMI status of the university was very high (mean = 4.42, SD = 0.76). Lastly, participants are very satisfied with the intensive course (mean = 4.33, SD =0.79) and the activities throughout the course (mean = 4.22, SD = 0.88); however, their satisfaction was lower compared to their feelings about the instructors and the university. Essentially, effective EMI curriculums should foster an inclusive learning environment that can develop competent language users regardless of their linguistic background. Therefore, student engagement is the priority. Additionally, pedagogical recommendations and recommendations for future research were provided at the end of our study.