Tolga Seki

Well-being is a multidimensional construct that refers not only to the absence of distress, psychopathology, or negative affect, but also to the presence of positive functioning, life satisfaction,...

This study examined the mediating roles of self-efficacy and psychological resilience in the effect of hope on career anxiety among vocational high school students. The study was conducted using a quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The study group consisted of 440 students enrolled in various vocational high schools. Data were collected using the Dispositional Hope Scale, the Self-Efficacy for Children Scale, the Child and Youth Resilience Measure, and the Career Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis, regression-based serial multiple mediation analysis, and bootstrap resampling. Correlation findings indicated that hope was significantly and positively associated with self-efficacy and psychological resilience and significantly and negatively associated with career anxiety. The mediation analysis revealed that hope had a significant total effect on career anxiety. However, when self-efficacy and psychological resilience were included in the model, hope’s direct effect on career anxiety was found to be non-significant. In contrast, hope’s total indirect effect on career anxiety remained significant. The findings indicated that the effect of hope on career anxiety was significantly mediated through self-efficacy, psychological resilience, and a serial indirect pathway involving both constructs. In conclusion, hope does not function as a standalone predictor that directly reduces career anxiety; rather, it operates as a higher-order psychological resource that exerts its influence through self-efficacy and psychological resilience. These findings suggest that hope, self-efficacy, and psychological resilience should be addressed together in school-based interventions aimed at reducing career anxiety among vocational high school students.

The aim of this study is to reveal the mediating role of psychological capital in the relationship between co-worker support and depression, anxiety, and stress among teachers. Data were collected from teachers working in public schools in Türkiye. A total of 407 teachers aged between 23 and 62 years participated in the study. For data collection, a Demographic Questionnaire, Co-Worker Support Scale (CSS), Psychological Capital Perception Scale (PCPS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21) were administered. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between variables, and mediation analyses were conducted based on structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS 28 and AMOS 24. The analysis results showed that psychological capital plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between co-worker support and depression, anxiety, and stress among teachers. Our findings indicate that co-worker support and psychological capital serve as protective factors against depression, anxiety, and stress. The overall picture indicates that co-worker support and psychological capital are crucial factors that promote mental health and psychological well-being of teachers. The loneliness and isolation teachers experience in the work environment can negatively impact their psychological capital and intensify symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on these results, fostering a supportive school climate that encourages co-worker support is recommended to enhance teachers’ psychological capital and well-being.

The quality of family relationships during childhood is one of the key factors that can influence children’s patterns of digital media use and social-emotional characteristics such as empathy. The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of digital addiction in the relationship between family relationships and empathic tendencies in children aged 9–11, and the moderating effect of gender on this relationship. The study involved 505 students aged 9–11 (241 girls, 264 boys). The Family Relationships Scale, the Digital Addiction Scale, and the Empathic Tendency Scale were administered. Pearson correlation analysis and moderated mediation analysis using SPSS PROCESS Macro (Model 7) were performed. Correlations indicated that discouraging family relationships were positively associated with digital addiction (r = .44, p < .01) and negatively associated with empathic tendencies (r = -.31, p < .01). Supportive family relationships, on the other hand, were found to be negatively associated with digital addiction (r = -.46, p < .01) and positively associated with empathic tendencies (r = .39, p < .01). In the moderated mediation analysis, the mediating role of digital addiction in the effect of discouraging family relationships on empathic tendencies was significant; the indirect effect varied in magnitude for girls (β = -.197, 95% CI [-.287, -.103]) and boys (β = -.437, 95% CI [-.565, -.323]). Similarly, the mediating role of digital addiction in the effect of supportive family relationships on empathic tendencies was significant, and this effect was similar in magnitude for girls (β = .363, 95% CI [.266, .487]) and boys (β = .361, 95% CI [.261, .491]) and did not significantly differ by gender. The findings suggest that family-based regulation of digital media use and interventions that strengthen parent–child interaction may be clinically important in supporting empathy; particularly, boys may be at higher risk in the context of discouraging family relationships.

With the increasing prevalence of generative artificial intelligence use, addiction behaviors toward this technology have begun to attract the interest of researchers. Furthermore, addressing the multidimensional structure of generative artificial intelligence addiction through context-specific measurement tools can provide significant contributions for both researchers and practitioners. This study aims to adapt the multidimensional Generative Artificial Intelligence Dependency Scale (GAIDS) for a Turkish sample and examine its psychometric properties. The research sample consists of a total of 411 Turkish participants, comprising 341 women and 70 men. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the three-factor structure consistently with the original scale: Cognitive Preoccupation, Negative Consequences, and Withdrawal symptoms. The GAIDS exhibited a high level of internal consistency (α = 0.88; ω = 0.89). Correlation analyses conducted to examine criterion validity revealed significant positive relationships between the GAIDS and the Short Form of Young’s Internet Addiction Test and the Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Addiction Scale. These findings indicate that the Turkish adaptation of the GAIDS is a valid and reliable measurement tool for assessing generative artificial intelligence addiction.

Bu araştırmanın amacı üniversite öğrencilerinde mutluluk korkusu ile depresyon, anksiyete ve stres arasındaki ilişkide felaket kaydırmasının aracı rolünü incelemektir. Araştırmaya Türkiye’nin farklı üniversitelerinde öğrenim görmekte olan 437 üniversite öğrencisi katılmıştır. Araştırma verileri, Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Mutluluk Korkusu Ölçeği, Felaket Kaydırması Ölçeği ve Depresyon, Anksiyete, Stres Ölçeği ile toplanmıştır. Araştırma verileri çarpıklık ve basıklık analizi, iç tutarlık analizi, korelasyon analizi ve aracılık testi kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmaya katılan bireylerin %42,1’i günlük internet kullanma süresini 5-7 saat olarak belirtmiştir ve sosyal medya hesaplarını günde beş defadan fazla kontrol edenlerin oranı %34,4'tür. Araştırmada mutluluk korkusunun felaket kaydırma düzeyini pozitif yordadığı; felaket kaydırmanın da bireylerin depresyon, anksiyete ve stres düzeylerini pozitif yordadığı bulunmuştur. Araştırma, mutluluk korkusunun depresyon, anksiyete ve stres düzeyini hem doğrudan hem de felaket kaydırma aracılığıyla yordadığını ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca mutluluk korkusu ve felaket kaydırması bireylerin sahip olduğu depresyonu %21, anksiyeteyi %19 ve stresi %17 düzeyinde açıklamaktadır.

This review study comparatively examines three fundamental theoretical approaches attachment theory, social exchange theory, and the investment model in explaining the phenomenon of loyalty in close relationships. Loyalty is conceptualized as a multidimensional value encompassing trust, commitment, and continuity, and the psychological and behavioral processes associated with this value are evaluated within the framework of these theories. Attachment theory emphasizes the influence of individuals’ early attachment patterns on adult relationship satisfaction and tendencies toward loyalty. Social exchange theory argues that individuals make rational decisions in relationships based on a reward–costbalance, explaining loyalty through the evaluation of benefits and alternatives. The investment model conceptualizes loyalty as a commitment dynamic shaped by the interaction of relationship satisfaction, the quality of alternatives, and the magnitude of investments made in the relationship. The study also evaluates the effects of digitalization and changing social structures on these theoretical approaches. Findings from recent research indicate the effects of social media use, digital privacy, online jealousy, and dating applications on loyalty. The contributions of all three theories to explaining loyalty are comparatively analyzed, revealing the psychological depth of attachment theory, the rational structure of social exchange theory, and the investment model’s emphasis on relational sustainability. I

The purpose of this study is to examine individuals’ media preferences in Turkish society in relation to values and personality traits. A correlational research design was employed with a sample of 437 volunteers. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Values Scale, and Big Five Personality Questionnaire. The analyses were conducted using Pearson correlation and logistic regression with Jamovi 2.6.13 software. The findings indicate that certain value dimensions and gender significantly predicted preferences for specific media genres. For thriller and science fiction genres, higher romantic value scores were associated with a lower likelihood of preference, while male participants were more likely than female participants to prefer these genres. For reality-based and informational genres, higher freedom values increased the likelihood of preference, with male participants again showing a greater tendency than females to choose these genres. For emotional and relationship-oriented genres, spirituality and freedom values were found to be positive predictors of preference. Personality traits did not significantly predict media genre selection overall. However, spirituality and human dignity values, along with the trait of extraversion, significantly predicted preferences for Turkish series or films, whereas the intelligence/imagination dimension significantly predicted preferences for foreign series or films. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings and recommendations derived from the results.

Objective: This research was conducted to examine the mediating role of interpersonal mindfulness in the relationship between attachment styles and empathy level in young adults. Method: The study group consisted of 476 young adults studying at various universities in Turkey who had experience in romantic relationships. The ages of the participants ranged from 18 to 30 (M=21.00±1.86). Research data were collected using Personal Information Form, Toronto Empathy Scale, Interpersonal Mindfulness Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised-Short Form. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between anxious attachment and interpersonal mindfulness (r=-.25) and empathy (r=-.14) scores. Negative correlations were found between avoidant attachment and interpersonal mindfulness (r=-.15) and empathy (r=-.11) scores. Furthermore, a positive and significant relationship was found between interpersonal mindfulness and empathy (r=.47) scores. According to the results of the mediation analysis, while the direct effect of anxiety and avoidance levels of young adults on empathy was not significant, the indirect effect and total effect were found to be significant. Conclusion: Anxious and avoidant attachment styles in young adults significantly predicted empathy level and that interpersonal mindfulness mediated this relationship. This result suggests that problems in close relationships may be associated with attachment styles and interpersonal mindfulness.