Recent studies suggest that women's divergent thinking, an indicator of creative potential, peaks during ovulation, potentially as a signal to attract mates. However, given that arousal is a key factor facilitating creative cognition, this increase may be a by-product of general heightened arousal during ovulation. This hypothesis has not been fully explored, as most research relies on self-reported measures of arousal, which is a significant limitation. Thus, the role of arousal in linking ovulation to divergent thinking remains unclear. To address this question, we conducted an intraindividual study measuring electrodermal activity (EDA) as a physiological indicator of arousal. Women of reproductive age (N = 69) participated in four sessions involving divergent thinking tasks across different phases of their menstrual cycle. Results indicate that electrodermal reactivity mediates the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and the originality of ideas. Additionally, reducing arousal through relaxation during ovulation decreased idea originality. These findings support the hypothesis that increased state-dependent creative potential during ovulation may be a by-product of heightened arousal.
Low adherence remains a persistent challenge in self-guided internet interventions, and universal strategies are needed to address it. In this study, we designed and evaluated a brief self-guided add-on module aimed at strengthening self-efficacy specific to adhering to internet interventions. The module included a testimonial video and two text-based exercises grounded in self-efficacy theory. It targeted self-efficacy specific to integrating and maintaining use of internet interventions. In Phase 1, university students (N = 217) were randomized to the module or a waitlist control. The aim was to test the immediate effect of the module on internet intervention adherence self-efficacy. In Phase 2, final-year medical students and medical interns (N = 214) were randomized to receive either the module before a two-week self-guided intervention (Med-Stress Student) or the intervention alone. The goal was to test the module in a naturalistic setting. In Phase 1, an independent samples t-test did not detect a between-group difference in adherence self-efficacy. In Phase 2, linear mixed effects models indicated that the groups did not differ in adherence self-efficacy immediately after the module or at posttest. Wilcoxon tests detected no between-group differences in actual adherence. Mixed ANOVAs found no group by time interactions for work engagement or job stress. Job stress decreased from baseline to posttest across both groups, but this uncontrolled change cannot be attributed to the intervention. In conclusion, we found no evidence that the brief, one-time pre-intervention module improved adherence to internet interventions. High attrition in Phase 2 limits this conclusion. Future studies should test whether continuous support improves adherence.
Pursuing more than one long-term identity goal places considerable demands on individuals. Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) often balance between two identity goals: being feminine and professional. Striving to achieve these two goals can lead to certain affective consequences, especially when they are not met. We investigated whether failure in one goal might possibly be compensated for by reporting success in pursuing the other goal. In Study 1 (N = 220), we found that having to report failures in both feminine and STEM identity goals led to more self-blaming (guilt and regret) and less self-affirming (pride and satisfaction) emotions as compared to having to report failure in only one or none of the two identity goals (i.e., success had to be reported instead). In Study 2 (N = 234), we observed that women who had to report failures and felt incomplete as feminine women or STEM professionals experienced less self-blaming when given the opportunity to compensate by describing their success and achievements than those who did not have such an opportunity. Moreover, women with the possibility to compensate and to experience completeness reported more self-affirming emotions than at the baseline measurement. In conclusion, we explicitly discuss the nature of compensatory effects concerning affective outcomes when pursuing identity goals.
Pozostałe osiągnięcia naukoweArtykuły (zamknięty dostęp)Journal article
This study examines temporal and regional patterns in police-recorded sexual offences across England and Wales between the years ending June 2021 and June 2025. Using Office for National Statistics (ONS) police-recorded crime data, a quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted examining annual offence counts, year-on-year percentage change, overall percentage change, population-adjusted regional offence rates (per 10,000 population) and the proportion of sexual offences within overall recorded crime across England and Wales, between 2021 and 2025. The findings indicate an overall increase in police-recorded sexual offences across the five-year observation period, alongside clear regional variation. The Northeast, Northwest, and Yorkshire and the Humber, generally recorded higher rates per population, whereas London and the East of England generally recorded lower rates. Sexual offences represented a relatively small but regionally variable proportion of all recorded crime. The observed patterns may reflect not only underlying offending but also differences in victim reporting, police recording practices, legislative change and policing activity. By providing an up-to-date five-year regional analysis during a post-pandemic period, marked by policing reform and legislative change, this study contributes new evidence on recent geographical and temporal patterns in police-recorded sexual offences across England and Wales. Although police-recorded crime does not provide a direct measure of the prevalence of sexual victimisation, it offers valuable insights into recent spatial and temporal trends and provides an important evidence base for informing policing priorities, resource allocation and future research.
