High levels of perfectionism in college students can compromise their academic performance and psychological well-being. This study aims to analyze the implication of perfectionism in psychological well-being and suicidal ideation in the last year. A total of 1.287 students from different degrees reported their academic performance in the previous academic year and completed questionnaires on academic perfectionism, psychological well-being, and suicidal thoughts in the last year. In both men and women, academic perfectionism correlates positively with academic performance and negatively with the different dimensions of psychological well-being. Likewise, both the average grade in the previous year (β = 0.364) and the level of demand of the degree (β = −0.461) are mediating variables between perfectionism and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the interaction between perfectionism and academic performance is related positively to psychological well-being, but not to with suicidal ideation. So, the relation between suicidal ideation and perfectionism is positive (OR = 1.075), but this is negative with academic performance (OR = 0.900), although both variables show a mild predictive capacity. These findings suggest that the levels of perfectionism are associated differently with the mental health of students, since if perfectionism is effective (high academic performance), psychological well-being is high, although in our results, this interaction is not as important for suicidal thoughts.
14 June 2025 in Education and Information Technologies
The rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly ChatGPT, among university students reflects significant changes in the teaching and learning process. This study examines the usage patterns, motivations, and attitudes of 974 university students who use generative chatbots in academic settings. Results indicate widespread usage, with 61.4% of students reporting the use of chatbots, mainly ChatGPT, and notable differences in adoption rates between genders. The main motivations for their use include understanding complex concepts, managing time efficiently, and improving academic performance. Although students find these tools beneficial for study time management and access to information, they also express concerns about potential dependency and the loss of writing and analytical skills. Gender differences reveal distinct usage patterns. Men tend to make small or moderately significant changes, while women prefer generating new and personalized responses based on the provided texts. The most commonly reported issues are incomplete, irrelevant, or inaccurate responses. These findings suggest the need to implement educational initiatives that integrate chatbots based on language models into academic settings from an appropriate perspective.
2 February 2024 in Journal of Intellectual Disability Research
Background: This study addresses the sexuality of people with moderate intellectual disabilities (PMID), a topic that has been little studied. Understanding romantic and sexual experiences is highly relevant for reducing stigma and prejudice related to their sexuality. Additionally, comprehending the level of sexual knowledge of PMID contributes to the development of preventive and sexual health education programmes tailored for this group. Our aim is to explore the sexual history (relationships, sexual behaviour, condom use and sexual abuse), sex education received and the level of sexual knowledge of PMID.Method: The total of 142 PMID completed questionnaires about sexual knowledge and experiences, and their support staff provided additional information. Data were analysed using chi‐square test (χ2) and descriptive statistical analysis.Results: Masturbation was the most common sexual behaviour (75.7%), especially among men (χ2 = 5.81, P < 0.05). Sexual intercourse was rare, and only 30.5% reported using condoms. Women reported a higher prevalence of self‐reported sexual abuse (27.3% vs. 6% in men). The study also highlighted misconceptions about sexual intercourse risks and contraceptive methods.Conclusion: The results suggest that PMID need sexual education to ensure healthy sexual experiences and prevent risky behaviour.
Recently, with the increase in demand, multiple intervention proposals aimed at improving the sexual health of people with intellectual disabilities have emerged. Among them is the SALUDIVERSEX program, which takes a positive approach to sexuality. It has an extended version, consisting of 16 sessions and whose efficacy has already been proven, and a reduced version of 10 sessions. Thus, the present study aimed to test the differential efficacy of the two versions. A total of 208 participants (103 women and 105 men) aged between 19 and 67 years (M = 37.23, SD = 10.66) completed a battery of instruments before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses showed that users who participated in the reduced version of the program presented a significantly higher rate of improvement in their sexual behaviors compared to those who participated in the extended version (Sexual response: β10 = − 0.46 ± 0.19, p = .034; Sex practices: β10 = − 0.52 ± 0.23, p = .037; Use condoms: β10 = − 1.56 ± 0.59, p = .017), as well as a significantly higher decrease in the risk of suffering sexual abuse (β10 = 3.95 ± 0.64, p < .001). However, no statistically significant differences in sexuality knowledge were obtained with respect to the improvement between the two versions (β10 = − 0.09 ± 1.21, p = .94). Meanwhile, the professionals who applied the program found that those who participated in the reduced version, although they presented a significantly greater increase in their knowledge about privacy (β10 = − 0.48 ± 0.08, p < .001), did not improve their concerns about their inappropriate sexual behaviors as much as the users of the extended version (β10 = − 1.35 ± 0.21, p < .001). Thus, although both versions were effective, the reduced version seems to do so to a greater extent and in a shorter time, which makes it the more recommendable option.
Background: Sexting is a phenomenon that has transformed people’s sexual interactions. Nevertheless, few studies have assessed these changes over time. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in behaviors, motivations and attitudes towards sexting between two groups of young people assessed at two different times: 2017 (Sexting group; SG17) and 2023 (Sexting group; SG23). Method: The Sexting Behaviors Scale, Sexting Motivations Scale, and Sexting Attitudes Scale were administered to 1246 Spanish youths (51.4% female and 48.6% male) aged 17-25 years (M = 20.36, SD = 2.45). Results: SG23 shared sexual images or messages on social networks more frequently and reported a higher frequency in eight of the ten assessed motivations for practice sexting. Being part of SG23 was also associated with an increased tendency to hold a positive attitude towards sexting within the context of a relationship and a reduced perception of the associated risks. Conclusions: This study highlights the swift evolution of sexual trends in the digital era. It is essential to understand these changes in order to design up-to-date preventive strategies aimed at mitigating potential adverse effects of sexting on mental health.