Relationships Between Parenting Style, Self-Perception and Shyness Among Chinese Early Adolescents

The current study investigated the parenting style, self-perception, and shyness level of 1,338 junior high school students, so as to explore relationships between these variables. Results indicated that （1） The levels of the unassuming shyness, shyness when facing negative evaluation are higher than other dimensions of shyness; （2） The acceptance/involvement and strictness/supervision are negatively related with shyness; the acceptance/participation and strictness/supervision are positively correlated with self-perception; self-perception was negatively related with shyness; and （3） Parents＇ acceptance/participation can indirectly affect shyness through the self-perception; parents＇ strictness/supervision can affect shyness directly and indirectly through the self-perception.

Comparison of Self-Perception of Esthetics and Orthodontic Treatment Needs among Dental and Non-Dental Students with Assessment by Orthodontist

Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare the self-perception of esthetics and wish for seeking orthodontic treatment among dental and non-dental students. The realistic orthodontic treatment needs were confirmed by expert orthodontist. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 255 male students (Dental—75, Medical—93 and Pharmacy—87 students). The questionnaire included 20 items covering dental esthetics self-perception (10 questions), self-confidence and psychological impact (5 questions), and the need for seeking orthodontic treatment (5 questions) on a five-point Likert scale. The realistic orthodontic treatment needs were confirmed by photographs using aesthetic component of IOTN and clinical examination for the participants and analysis of jaw models using Dental aesthetic index (DAI). Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used to check the significant difference between groups. Results: The overall average esthetic self-perception score for total sample was 3.83. The overall average psychological impact score for the whole sample was 2.67. The total percentage of participants who either agree or strongly agree with the question related to their perception of need for seeking orthodontic treatment was 70%. According to the assessment of orthodontic needs using AC-IOTN, 19.8% required definitive treatment. According to the assessment of orthodontic treatment needs based on DAI, 20.3% and 9.9% needed highly desirable (DAI 31 - 35) and definite need of treatment (DAI ≥ 36) respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there was no difference between the esthetic perception of dental and non-dental students. The self-perception for seeking orthodontic treatment was over-reported by participants compared to real requirement as assessed by orthodontic specialist. Dental esthetics has no psychological impact on academic performance and self-confidence as perceived by study participants.

Quito Municipal Schools—Cohort Study: Self-Perception of Body Image and Factors Related with It

Self-perception of body image is one factor to be considered when planning and performing preventive initiatives and interventions in childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study was to analyse self-perception of body image in relation to body-mass index, physical inactivity, not eating breakfast, dieting, smoking and alcohol consumption or toxic habits. Materials and Methods: using data from the “Quito municipal schools” cohort study 6964 students aged from 9 to 17 years were described using a multivariate log linear model of the multidimensional table generated by the variables. A logistic regression model was then fitted to assess associations via OR. Results: 8.2% perceived themselves as overweight. Of those subjects overweight according to their BMI, 21.8% perceived themselves as such, while among those not overweight according to BMI, 96.8% considered themselves as slim or of normal weight. Among students who were dieting, 15.1% perceived themselves as overweight. Among those pupils who perceived themselves has having excess weight, the most common reasons for dieting were: lose weight (56.8%), be healthier (22.6%), and maintain current weight (8.4%). Self-perception of excess weight interacts with excess weight (ORadjusted 8.42;CI95% 6.92-10.25), no breakfast (ORadjusted 2.83;CI95% 2.13-3.77), diet (ORadjusted 2.38;CI95% 1.95-2.89), and with all the variables except toxic habits (ORadjusted 1.01;CI95% 0.78 a 1.29). Conclusion: Interventions to prevent obesity in childhood and adolescence ought to take account of specific determinants within the personal, behavioural and socio-environmental factors, such as the promotion of a positive body image.

Effects of Study Abroad on EFL Teachers' Self-perceptions

Studying abroad （SA） is an important means for EFL teachers to develop their professional competence. This paper reports on an enquiry in Shandong Province, China, into a SA program for a group of 103 secondary school English teachers. Drawing on questionnaire data and teachers＇ interview narratives, the paper examines how the SA experience influenced their self-perceptions of EFL teaching in three aspects, namely, language proficiency, teaching ideology and the comparison of native speaking and non-native speaking English teachers. The enquiry revealed that the length of SA was a powerful factor in determining teachers＇ attitudes toward their jobs and their own capacities to perform them successfully. These findings are discussed with suggestions for making SA experience an effective, sustainable path for secondary school English teachers＇ professional development.

Does playing a sports active video game improve object control skills of children with autism spectrum disorder?

Background: Active video games(AVGs) encourage whole body movements to interact or control the gaming system, allowing the opportunity for skill development. Children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD) show decreased fundamental movement skills in comparison with their typically developing(TD) peers and might benefit from this approach. This pilot study investigates whether playing sports AVGs can increase the actual and perceived object control(OC) skills of 11 children with ASD aged 6–10 years in comparison to 19 TD children of a similar age.Feasibility was a secondary aim.Methods: Actual(Test of Gross Motor Development) and perceived OC skills(Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children) were assessed before and after the intervention(6 × 45 min).Results: Actual skill scores were not improved in either group. The ASD group improved in perceived skill. All children completed the required dose and parents reported the intervention was feasible.Conclusion: The use of AVGs as a play-based intervention may not provide enough opportunity for children to perform the correct movement patterns to influence skill. However, play of such games may influence perceptions of skill ability in children with ASD, which could improve motivation to participate in physical activities.

Is the whole greater than the sum of the parts? Self-rated health and transdisciplinarity

Self-rated health (SRH)—a person’s subjective evaluation of his general health—is a more valid and powerful predictor of morbidity and mortality than any other combination of objective and self-reported measures. However, current theoretical frameworks fail to explain this association. Here, we sought to investigate SRH in relation to health outcomes from a transdisciplinary perspective. Using a selective review of epidemiological, clinical and qualitative SRH literature, we analyzed the relationships between this global subjective self-perception of health (the whole) and its directly measurable constituents (the parts). Although SRH often predicts major health outcomes, its underpinnings vary from person to person. Factors influencing individual’s health interact in complex ways evade reductionist methods assessing the parts, and may be best captured by global self-perceptions of health. The study of SRH from a transdisciplinary perspective exemplifies the notion that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Insight into individual’s experience of “health”, their association with physiological processes, and impact on the health/disease continuum may contribute to the development of individualized strategies for health care and promotion with aging. In particular, this should be most valuable for addressing non-communicable health conditions where cross-talk between health domains (biological, psychological, social, behavioral, spiritual) may significantly contribute to pathophysiology.

Achieving Self-Imitation for English Intonation Learning:The Role of Corrective Feedback

Corrective feedback is crucial for pronunciation teaching.However,in current pronunciation teaching practice,the corrective feedback provided usually fails to locate pronunciation problems and inform learners of the differences between their mispronunciations and the correct form.Based on the motor theory,this study attempted to explore a new way of corrective feedback for pronunciation teaching.Specifically,the learners’ speech output was modified and then was played back to them as an input model for learning.In this way,the learners can imitate the pronunciation model of their own voices,achieving self-imitation.This study included two experiments.The first explored the viability of obtaining one’s self-perceived voice through delayed feedback paradigm.The second experiment examined the effectiveness of self-imitation for English intonation learning.Results showed that imitating the pronunciation model of one’s own voice can reduce the learners’ phonological memory load,assist critical listening and facilitate accurate phonetic realizations of the target intonation.

Mirror Exposure and High-Fat Sauces Consumption in a University Cafeteria

A host of health problems are associated with consumption of refined sugar. Sauces such as ketchup, mayonnaise... contained higher level of refined sugar. Using behavioural influence techniques it could be possible to encourage consumer to reduce their consumption of refine sugar. In this study, the mirror exposure procedure was used in order to decrease students’ sauces consumption in a university cafeteria. A mirror was stand or not in a self-service area with various sauces (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard). People were unobtrusively observed and noticed which of the sauces was taken by each customer and the number of times the customer pressed on the sauce dispenser in order to obtain one dose of sauce. In the mirror exposure, the observers noted if the customer looked at the mirror when using the sauce dispenser. Results showed a decrease in consumption but only with individuals who look at them when using the sauce-dispensers. In a field setting, it was found that the mirror technique is an efficient method to decrease sauce consumption, and by extension, the consumption of refined sugar. The practical and the theoretical interest of this procedure are discussed.

Gender Differences in the Incidence and Related Factors of Low Social Support among Adolescents with Subthreshold Depression

Background:Social support is related to depression,but the gender differences and related factors that contribute to low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression remain to be elucidated.This study explores the relationship between social support and depression,in addition to the gender difference in the incidence of low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression and its related factors.Methods:A total of 371 Chinese adolescents with subthreshold depression were recruited.All subjects were rated on the Social Support Scale for Adolescents,the Response Style Scale,the Self-Perception Profile for Children,the Individualism-collectivism scale.Results:Binary logistic regression indicated that the stability dimension of cognitive style,the generality dimension of the Cognitive Style Questionnaire,and the social acceptance dimension of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale were significantly correlated with social support level in male adolescents with subthreshold depression.In contrast,the total score of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale,the social acceptance of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale,total individualism,and total collectivism were significantly correlated with social support level in female adolescents with subthreshold depression.Limitations:This study is a cross-sectional study,and its effectiveness in explaining factors that influence levels of social support is limited.Conclusions:The gender difference between low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression is related to cognitive style,self-perception,and collectivism–individualism.

Intercultural Communication Competence Developed by Chinese in Communicating With Malays in Bangka Island, Indonesia

This study aims to explore the cultural identity of Chinese related to their self-perception, their perception of Malays, and their communication with the Malays in Bangka Island, Indonesia, emphasizing the Chinese intercultural communication competence in terms of their self-presentation in business relationships with the Malays. The study employed an interpretive approach, more specifically the symbolic interactionlst and dramaturgical tradition. The researchers focused on intercultural communication experiences and competence as enacted by the 25 Chinese in the area of the research. The study used in-depth interviews with the Chinese as the main method with some observation of the Chinese communication with the Malays. The researchers also interviewed eight Malays as additional subjects of the research to corroborate the research findings. The study found that the Chinese in Bangka Island perceived themselves as open and willing to mingle with the Malays They are hospitable, hardworking, tenacious, frugal, and fond of maintaining long-term relationships. In contrast, in the Chinese view, the Malays are open and willing to mingle with others, obedient to the teachings of Islam, but they are lazy and are keen on being flattered, consumptive, and easily seduced. In terms of their intercultural communication competence, the Chinese are skillful in their self-presentation by employing various verbal and nonverbal tactics to adjust themselves to the interpersonal, group, and business situations where they encounter the Malays in their everyday lives

Perceived aesthetic impact of malocclusion in 16-24 year-old adults in the rural areas of India

Aim:The purpose of this study was to assess the self-perception of patients toward their dental appearance using the aesthetic component(AC)of index of orthodontic treatment need(IOTN)index and whether age and gender had any influence on it.Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the perceived esthetic impact of malocclusion in 16–24 year-old subjects selected from the rural population of Faridabad,Haryana,India.The sample was divided into two groups,older adolescents and younger adults,and the AC of the IOTN index was applied.Results:The results showed that most subjects scored themselves as having an attractive dentition with no need for orthodontic treatment(60.91%).Gender-wise differences were not found to be statistically significant in relation to the perceived needs(P=0.095),whereas age-wise differences were found to be statistically significant in relation to the perceived needs(P<0.001).Conclusion:While the age seemed to have an impact on the perceived esthetic impact of malocclusion,the gender did not seemingly influence this self-perception.