Psychoinformatics and learning: a transformative paradigm for Educational Psychology

Cristian Vasile
Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti, Bd. Bucuresti, nr, 39, Ploiesti, 100680, Romania
Introduction
The digital transformation of society has greatly impacted our understanding of human behavior and learning. Among the most promising advances in this field is psychoinformatics, an interdisciplinary field combining psychology, data analytics, and computer science (Montag & Reuter, 2017). Using big data and machine learning in psychoinformatics reshapes educational psychology by providing new insights into cognitive and behavioral patterns. This editorial aims to critically examine the implications of psychoinformatics for enhancing learning processes, personalizing instruction, and promoting equity in education.

Socio-emotional competence of teachers from primary schools

Otilia Clipa, Iuliana Strugariu
Stefan cel Mare University, Suceava, Romania
Abstract
Socio-emotional competence it is considered one of the very important aspect of practicing the teaching profession and an significative factors for work performance, Although initial academic training is an important indicator of a trajectory that can lead to success and self-efficacy in the workplace, it is the continuous development of skills that can contribute decisively to the creation of effective teaching practices that can ensure student success and teachers’ long-term enthusiasm that is equally or perhaps even more important. In addition to caring for the academic development of the students they work with; teachers must be aware of their needs and take measures to help them develop socio-emotionally and practice activities that exercise their ability to have emotional self-control in various situations.
Keywords: well-being; self-esteem; self-efficacy; educational climate; emotional self-control; performance at work

Academic engagement among secondary school students in relation to teacher-student relationship

Uzma Siddiqui, Ruby Khan
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202001, India
Abstract
The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of the teacher-student relationship on the academic engagement of secondary school students. This research delves into the multifaceted factors that influence the degree of academic engagement within secondary schools. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques. Results indicated that gender, use of teaching aids, and teacher-led activities significantly impacted secondary school students’ academic engagement. However, factors like school board, class size, subject preferences, teacher cooperation, and study help did not show a significant effect on academic engagement. Overall, the findings signified a positive, significant, and weak relationship between academic engagement and the teacher-student relationship.
Keywords: academic engagement; teacher-student relationships; academic achievement; secondary school students

Transforming educational leadership in Romanian pre-university education: Adapting to contemporary challenges and digital transformation

Claudiu Langa, Adriana Nicoleta Lazăr, Loredana Sofia Tudor
University Politehnica Bucharest, Pitești University Centre, Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Psychology, No. 1 Targu din Vale street, Pitești, 110440, Romania
Abstract
Educational leadership in Romanian pre-university institutions is undergoing a critical transformation in response to globalization, digitalization, decentralization, and curriculum modernization. Traditional hierarchical leadership models are increasingly being replaced by transformational, distributed, instructional, and technology-integrated approaches that foster innovation, inclusivity, and institutional resilience. This study examines the necessity of adapting educational leadership to contemporary challenges, analyzing policy shifts, leadership theories, and strategic implementation methods. Drawing from international case studies and Romanian educational reforms, it highlights the role of school autonomy, digital education, and leadership training in enhancing institutional effectiveness. The findings emphasize the need for visionary leadership, teacher empowerment, and digital integration to create sustainable and student-centered learning environments. This research contributes to shaping future educational policies and leadership development strategies in Romania.
Keywords: educational leadership; digital transformation; school autonomy; transformational leadership;

Student experiences and factors that can contribute to facilitating a successful transition to high school: A systematic literature review

Nicoleta-Ancuța Iacobescu
West University of Timisoara, Department or Educational Sciences. Bulevardul Vasile Pârvan 4, Timișoara 300223, Romania
Abstract
This systematic literature review aims to identify the experiences of students during the transition from middle school to high school, and the factors that may facilitate this transition. Findings reveal that during such transition students face rather distruptive experiences for their further educational path, but also go through a series of challenges that are beneficial for their development. Teachers running pre-transition support programs, and post-transtion induction programs can have an impact on students' engagement in learning; parents offering emotional support to reduce negative behaviors and increase students' motivation, and peers who can become mentors for vulnerable students are possible facilitaors of transition.
Keywords: transition from middle to high school; student experiences; facilitating factors

The student’s independent work and the didactic success of multigrade teaching

Irina-Roxana Acatrinei, Dorin Opriş
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, "Babeș-Bolyai" University Cluj-Napoca, 7 Sindicatelor Street, 400029, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Faculty of History, Letters and Educational Sciences, "1 Decembrie 1918" University Alba Iulia, 5 Gabriel Bethlen, 510009, Alba Iulia, Romania
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to provide additional statistically validated data on the impact of using independent work in multigrade teaching. The review of the literature shows a series of advantages of this form of education, but dependent on the active involvement of the students in the lessons. The survey was attended by 539 teachers from the multigrade education in Romania, from the primary cycle, who responded to a questionnaire with closed questions. Differentiating the content of the indirect activity is a priority for the respondents who obtained teaching degrees and for those who are older. In the organization of indirect activities, respondents prefer independent work with significant differences. The control of the independent work through a direct activity, with applications similar to those of the indirect activity, is used statistically significantly in relation to other variants.
Keywords: didactic strategy; indirect activity; individual activity; collegiality; equal opportunities

Academic well-being: essential condition for deep and sustainable learning

Mihaela Suditu, Cristina Georgiana Safta
Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiești, Bvd. București, no. 39, 100680, Romania
Abstract
The study explores the relationship between students’ mental, emotional and physical well-being and academic success, highlighting the importance of an educational environment that supports not only intellectual development but also the psychological well-being of those involved in the learning process. It examines, using the Well-Being Measurement Scale (WEMWBS), how emotional health, self-awareness and positive relationships contribute to a quality education. The study draws on a combination of theoretical research and empirical data, highlighting interventions and strategies that can support student well-being. The results suggest that robust well-being facilitates not only deep learning but also the development of a long-term commitment to education.
Keywords: well-being; deep learning; sustainable learning; quality in education

Diversity through sustainable development at modern universities

Nataliia Kholiavko
Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, 95 Shevchenko Str., Chernihiv, 14030, Ukraine
Abstract
Research shows that university efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) often enhance diversity among students and academics, such as through scholarships for vulnerable students and reducing gender disparities in hiring and promotion. This alignment with SDGs like SDG 1, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 17 increases the competitiveness of universities by enhancing inclusiveness, flexibility, and adaptability. Modern higher education institutions (Western Sydney University, University of Technology Sydney, Western University, Queen's University, Newcastle University, University of Manchester and other) are implementing policies and strategies to improve the involvement and career advancement of diverse groups, including migrants, refugees, and individuals with different ethnic, religious, and demographic backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities.
Keywords: higher education institution; sustainability; sustainable development goal; diversity management; inclusion; anti-discrimination policy; equality

Predicting life satisfaction based on role boundary management strategies in telework – A dyadic polynomial regression

Gavril Rad, Laurențiu Maricuțoiu
Center of Research Development and Innovation in Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences aPsychology and Social Sciences, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, 310032 Arad, Romania,
Department of Psychology, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
Abstract
This dyadic study investigates the predictive relationship between telework role boundary management strategies and life satisfaction among couples. Using polynomial regression analysis, the research explores congruence and incongruence effects within spousal dyads. Congruence signifies alignment in outcomes between partners, while incongruence denotes disparities. Findings shed light on how couples' perceptions and practices in telework role boundary management influence their life satisfaction levels. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights into the dynamics between work-life balance strategies and satisfaction within couples. The study underlines the importance of considering dyadic perspectives in examining the impact of telework on life satisfaction.
Keywords: telework; role boundary management; dyadic study; life satisfaction

Experience of implementing online teaching at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic – The mediating role of teaching style, stress resilience of teachers, and other individual variables

Marija Marković, Ivana Jeremić, Marija Vujović
Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš, Serbia
Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract
The paper’s objective was to ascertain how 664 STEM teachers have evaluated the quality of online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers have evaluated the quality of online instruction generally favourably. Respondents who used more digital tools for online instruction had higher positive evaluations of the quality of online teaching, and teachers with prior experience in using digital tools for instruction had higher positive evaluations. There is a correlation between the respondents' gender and the subject they teach, as well as their teaching style. A correlation was also observed between the respondents' level of resilience and their length of work experience. The highest percentage of teachers exhibit a medium level of resilience to stress. There are significant differences in evaluating the quality of instruction based on teachers' teaching styles.
Keywords: emergency online teaching; STEM teachers; stress resilience; teaching style

Inclusive science teaching-learning resources for visually-impaired students

Pinkal Chaudhari
Assistant Professor, Department of Education, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
Abstract
Education is a means to bring social changes. It is fundamental right of a learner to access quality education irrespective of subject and learning ability. Traditionally, Science education has not been accessible to visually impaired students. It is injustice to visually impaired learners if they are excluded from basic school science learning on the grounds of their ability. This paper sketches the notion of inclusion in science education at the school level, aimed at bringing visually impaired students into mainstream science education. The major focus is on the issues and concerns of democratizing school science curriculum for visually impaired students. It also encourages prospective science teachers to make science education accessible to visually impaired students using science teaching-learning resources. This could provide good assistance to science teachers in achieving the objectives of inclusive education.
Keywords: nevi; phototype; stress; life satisfaction; teachers

Solving mathematical word problems using self-regulated learning skills

Ioana-Cristina Magdaș, Suzan Khatib, Liliana Ciascai
Department of the Exact Sciences Didactics, Faculty of Psychology and Sciences of Education, Babeş-Bolyai University, 7 Sindicatelor Street, 400029, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
“Tradition, Development, Innovation” Doctoral School of Didactics, Faculty of Psychology and Sciences of Education, Babeş-Bolyai University, 7 Sindicatelor Street, 400029, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
Abstract
This study presents an innovative way to integrate self-regulated learning (SRL) skills into learning mathematics by future teachers for primary and preschool education, and so, to contribute on the development of more effective teaching strategies that meet current educational needs. The results obtained through this research confirmed that SRL plays a fundamental role in enhancing academic performance in solving mathematical word problems and increasing students’ independence in learning. Also seems to be a positive correlation between adherence to SRL steps and solution accuracy in solving mathematics word problems if the students are involved in sufficient number of training sessions about SRL strategies. The results of the study may also form the basis for further research on the impact of SRL at different educational levels or other disciplines.
Keywords: mathematics; word problems; self-regulated learning; pre-service primary school teachers

Mindfulness as a strategy to reduce science anxiety in 5th-grade students: A small-scale quasi-experimental study

Michael Hast
IU International University, Juri-Gagarin-Ring 152, 99084 Erfurt, Germany
Abstract
The primary to secondary school transition is a critical period marked by increased academic demands and psychological stress, often leading to heightened science anxiety among students. This study investigates the prevalence of science anxiety in German 5th-grade students and assesses the effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention in reducing anxiety levels. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-intervention-post test design, 67 students participated in a six-week mindfulness program integrated into their science curriculum. Findings indicate a significant reduction in science anxiety among students in the mindfulness groups compared to the control group. Moreover, extended mindfulness practice yielded cumulative benefits, with anxiety levels continuing to decline over time. These results highlight the potential of mindfulness-based interventions in supporting students during key academic transitions.
Keywords: science anxiety; mindfulness; school transition

The effects of early intervention on the cognitive development of children with autism spectrum disorders

Andreea-Cristina (Pokker) Coman
Individual Psychology Practice, Constanța, 900182, Romania
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder in Romania represent an important segment of the population due to the high and, in fact, increasing incidence. Pediatricians and family doctors represent another key segment for early identification, using relatively simple methods, of autism spectrum elements. The goal of therapy/intervention is ultimately social integration, increasing self-care and adaptation skills, improving quality of life, etc. The conclusions suggest that the therapy had a positive and significant impact on multiple aspects of development in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, influencing both cognitive and communication aspects, as well as autonomy and self-care skills.
Keywords: autism; early intervention; cognitive development; language; speech therapy

The predictive role of social support, cognitive abilities and achievement motivation on the academic achievement of high school students

Badri Abbasi, Rammohan Mallipeddie
Department of the Education and Psychology, Ra.C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
College of IT Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Republic of Korea
Abstract
The factors which predict students’ academic achievement are crucial to improve the quality of their learning status. This study examined how cognitive abilities, social support, and achievement motivation distinctly contribute to academic achievement of high school students. Research data gathered from a comprehensive survey conducted on 384 Sama high school students from 2022 to 2023. The results showed that there is significant positive relationship between social support, cognitive abilities and achievement motivation (p < .05). The results of multiple linear regression indicated that social support, cognitive abilities and achievement motivation can predict 4.41, 9.71 and 21.9 percent of academic achievement variance of high school students, respectively. The implications for improving the predicting variables and educational implications are discussed in details.
Keywords: achievement motivation; social support; cognitive abilities; academic achievement

Anxiety in high school students – cultural and social differences

Dorina Maria Nijloveanu, Elpida Bagana, Teodora Holbea
Teaching Assistant, PhD, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPSE), University of Bucharest, Department of Applied Psychology and Psychotherapy, Romania
Psychologist, PhD, Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Epirus, Department of Preschool Education, Greece Master Graduate,
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPSE), University of Bucharest, Romania
Abstract
The current study aims at presenting the results of the research regarding anxiety in high school students approached in terms of test anxiety (thoughts, off-task behaviors, autonomic reactions, global), classroom anxiety, interaction anxiousness, vulnerability to depression (high standards, self-criticism, generalization). The main research question of this study referred to the differences in the anxiety’s dimensions among high school students depending on a) culture (Romania – Greece), b) gender and perception of the economic status? The study comprised 348 high school students, 165 from Greece and 183 from Romania. The results sustained most hypotheses, highlighting the role of cultural and social context in distinguishing anxiety in students. They also provide a number of suggestions for configuring psychoeducational counseling programs to better adapt students to the academic environment.
Keywords: test anxiety; classroom anxiety; interaction anxiousness; vulnerability to depression; academic environment; cultural differences

How does academic engagement influence postgraduate students’ subjective well-being: The chain mediating role of general belongingness and self-esteem

Juncheng Guo, Mansor Abu Talib, Bolin Guo, Jiaxin Ren, Jia Liu
Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
Wellbeing Research Centre, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
Human Resources Education and Training Centre, Ganzhou Bank, Jiangxi, 341000, China
School of Foreign Languages, Gannan Normal University, Jiangxi, 341000, China
Abstract
This study explores the impact of academic engagement on postgraduate students’ subjective well-being, focusing on the mediating roles of general belongingness and self-esteem. Guided by Self-Determination Theory and the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, it integrates social and psychological dimensions to elucidate well-being mechanisms in academic contexts. Using structural equation modeling with a bias-corrected bootstrap method, data from 547 postgraduate students in Jiangxi, China, revealed significant positive associations between academic engagement and subjective well-being (p < 0.001). General belongingness (indirect effect = 0.15) and self-esteem (indirect effect = 0.03) mediated this relationship, with a chain mediation pathway also identified (indirect effect = 0.04). These findings highlight the need for supportive educational environments fostering community integration and personal development to enhance postgraduate well-being.
Keywords: academic engagement; subjective well-being; general belongingness; self-esteem; postgraduate students; quality education

The relationships among dark triad trait, moral disengagement, and cyberbullying: Personality-coping-outcome theory as a framework

Poh Chua Siah, Xiao Fang Kee
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar Campus, Malaysia
Abstract
This study aims to use personality-coping-outcome theory as a framework to examine the mechanism that associates dark triad traits, moral disengagement, and cyberbullying. It is expected that all three dark triad traits indirectly affect cyberbullying through moral disengagement, but only psychopath has a direct effect on cyberbullying. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 103 undergraduates to complete an online survey. The results reveal an indirect-only mediating effect that psychopath only affects cyberbullying through moral disengagement. No similar mediating effect was found in Machiavellianism and narcissism. The results indicate that psychopath is more likely to use moral disengagement to cyberbully others as the online context enables them to use their preferred way of exploiting others.
Keywords: cyberbullying; coping; dark triad; personality-coping-outcome

The impact of nevi and phototype on experienced stress and life satisfaction in the case of future teachers

Tatiana Niță, Alexandra Predoiu, Gabriela Szabo, Mihaela Zahiu, Andrei Bitang, Dan Mircea Enescu
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Institute of Doctoral Studies, Eroii Sanitari 8, Bucharest, 050474, Romania
National University of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Constantin Noica 140, Bucharest, 060057, Romania
George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research Center, Gheorghe Marinescu 38, Târgu Mureș, 540139, Romania
"Aurel Vlaicu" University of Arad, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Elena Dragoi 8,
Arad, 310330, Romania
Department of Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Microsurgery and Burns, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Hospital, Iancu de Hunedoara 30-32, Bucharest, 011743, Romania
Abstract
Teachers are one of the most influential and powerful forces in promoting educational equity, accessing educational opportunities, and improving educational quality, and are key to global sustainable development. The present study aims to investigate the impact of nevi and phototype on perceived stress and overall life satisfaction of future teachers. Sixty-seven future teachers took part in the study, 47 females and 20 male future teachers, aged 21-22 years, 3rd year students at the National University of Physical Education and Sports, and at the University of Bucharest, respectively. To assess experienced stress, The Sense of Stress Questionnaire was used and life satisfaction was assessed using The Cantril Ladder. The two instruments were completed by questions on age and gender, close-questions regarding eye, hair and skin color, as well as about the skin type (to determine future teachers’ phototype), and open-questions regarding the presence of facial and neck nevi, their number and size. The results were based on analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), and Chi-square test of association using SPSS 20. Also, independent samples t-test was used to verify the differences between future teachers (in terms of stress levels and life satisfaction). The findings could suggest the need for targeted support and ways to address the stressors faced by future teachers, particularly those with less resilient skin types.
Keywords: nevi; phototype; stress; life satisfaction; teachers

The role of self-rated sexual functioning in general life satisfaction of generation X, Y, Z. Does pornography use matter?

Kinga Kalcza-Janosi, Karmen Sulyok (Demeter), Ibolya Kotta, Eszter Eniko Marschalko, Bea Bibok
Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Applied Psychology Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapist in private practice, Budapest, Hungary
Abstract
Sexual health and sexual functioning play a significant role in the life satisfaction of adults throughout the lifespan; therefore, we aimed to explore the predictive role of sexual functioning and problematic pornography use on life satisfaction in three cohorts, considering generational identity (Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z). 4182 eligible individuals were included in the study (321 Gen X, 1191 Gen Y, 2670 Gen Z participants). A cross-sectional correlational design was used. The sexual functioning dimension has a much smaller effect on life satisfaction than we would have expected based on literature. Orgasm achievement is the most important sexual function predicting life satisfaction in every generation. Problematic pornography use has a small significant negative role on life satisfaction in Gen Y and Gen Z.
Keywords: life satisfaction; sexual functioning; problematic pornography use; generations

Decision-making process in olympic martial arts

Radu Predoiu, Tim Marron, Alessandro Quartiroli, Mihai Ciolacu, Corina Stancu, Ryszard Makarowski, Germina Cosma
University of Craiova, Doctoral School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Brestei 146, Craiova, Romania
Tim Marron Sport Psychology, Nohoval, Co. Cork, P17D376, Ireland
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, 1725 State St, La Crosse, 54601, USA
University of Portsmouth, School of Psychology, Sport and Health Science, Winston Churchill Avenue Portsmouth Hampshire, Portsmouth, PO1 2UP, United Kingdom
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Panduri 90,
Bucharest, 050663, Romania
National University of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Constantin Noica 140, Bucharest, 060057, Romania
Academy of Applied Medical and Social Sciences, 82-300 Elbląg, ul. Lotnicza 2, Elblag, Poland
University of Craiova, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Brestei 146, Craiova, 200207, Romania
Abstract
Automatized assessments of athletes’ cognitive processing in sport advance knowledge. The research aims to examine if decision time (DT) makes a significant difference in martial arts athletes, and whether DT can predict sports performances. Sixty-eight athletes practicing Olympic martial arts took part in the study (Mage = 21.85). Two computerized tests were used (TR and RCMV), developed by the Romanian company RQ Plus, the results being automatically generated. First, ANOVA procedures and Tukey post-hoc test were used to verify the differences considering DT, according to athletes’ sports performances. Next, using the Goodman and Kruskal tau association test the link between athletes’ gender and combat sports athletes’ results for DT was examined. Not least, binomial logistic regression was performed, predicting the likelihood of superior performances in athletes based on decision time. Data analysis revealed that DT is an important predictor of sports performances in Olympic martial arts. Athletes with superior sporting achievements showed faster decision time (I < N < R/L). Gender-related associations were examined, male athletes obtaining slightly better results for decision time, compared to female athletes. The results could support specialists for a better understanding of the role that the speed of mental processes (identification and selection) plays in martial artists’ sports performance.
Keywords: mental processes; decision time; martial arts; information processing speed

The impact of social networks on couple satisfaction – A narrative review

Simona Trifu, Ana Maria Cojocaru, Arina Cipriana Pietreanu
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021Bucharest, Romania
Abstract
Social networks have become an integral part of people's daily routine. For about two decades, scientists have tried to reach a consensus regarding the beneficial or detrimental effects of social networks on people's well-being and interpersonal relationships, but this has not been achieved. Our study aims to synthesize the existing evidence in the literature regarding the impact of social media use on couple relationships. The level of knowledge regarding the connection between the use of social networks by the partners in a relationship and the degree of satisfaction in the couple is explored. Also, a series of mediating mechanisms of the link between the use of social networks and satisfaction in the couple can be observed, more precisely, self-esteem, the level of intimacy in the couple, and the tendency to socially compare one's romantic relationship with those of other people on social media platforms. More research is needed to determine how social networks may affect people's romantic relationships.
Keywords: relationship; self-esteem; political opinion; teenagers; communication