Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the distinct correlations between shame, guilt, and depressive symptoms in Albanian students. Self-conscious emotions, particularly the shame and the guilt, play a significant role in how individuals evaluate themselves and interact with the others. When experienced intensely or chronically, these emotions have been linked to various forms of psychopathology, including depression. In exploring these variable relations, this study aims to clarify the unique contributions of shame and guilt to the depressive symptomatology in the emerging adulthood. The current research seeks to enhance the understanding of shame and guilt and their distinct psychological impacts and contribute to refining the psychological models of the emotional regulation and distress. Material and methods. A total of 349 students, aged 18 to 28, participated in this study, taking into consideration that this age range represents a pivotal stage of emerging adulthood marked by significant identity development, emotional regulation challenges and increased susceptibility to self-conscious emotions and mental health issues. The Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA-3) was used in order to assess shame and guilt-proneness, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered with the aim to evaluate the severity of the depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis focused on correlations between these variables. Results. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between the shame and the depressive symptoms, meaning that the students who experienced higher levels of shame also reported more severe depressive symptoms. Conversely, the guilt was also associated with depression, but this correlation was less pronounced compared to shame. Conclusions. The findings highlight the critical role of shame in the development of the depressive symptoms, illustrating how the pervasive feelings of the inadequacy may undermine the mental well-being. The study emphasizes the need for the mental health interventions that specifically target shame-proneness to mitigate its detrimental impact on the depression in emerging adults, promoting the emotional resilience. Keywords: shame, guilt, depression, self-conscious emotions, students.

Objectives. This research investigates the role of key psychosocial resources in well-being among professionally active adults. The present work aims to identify essential psychosocial resources for achieving personal goals across different age groups and examine how these resources predict subjective well-being. Material and methods. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 involved 213 adults aged 18-65, divided into four age groups. Participants evaluated 204 personal goals and assessed the utility of 93 resources, based on checklists. Study 2 included 514 adults and used the Positive Psychological Functioning Scale to measure key psychological resources, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support to measure social support, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale to measure subjective well-being. The psychometric properties of these instruments were validated for the Romanian population. Results. Psychosocial resources appreciated essential for successfully achieving personal goals vary in importance as individuals age and progress through different stages of adulthood. Priorities and valued resources adapt to the specific needs of each period of adult life. The influence of psychological resources on well-being varies with age. Psychological resources, central for well-being, fully (or partially) mediate the influence of other psychological resources, as well as social support. Conclusions. Age functions more than a fragmentation variable; it shapes the opportunities and constraints faced by professionally active adults, thereby necessitating different resources for the successful achievement of personal goals. Furthermore, key psychological resources, deemed essential for personal goals, not only predict well-being but also mediate the influence of other resources, including social support, on subjective well-being. Keywords: psychosocial resources, subjective well-being, personal goals, age differences, professionally active adults.

Objectives. This article focuses on a relatively under-researched topic – different forms of work (on-site, hybrid and remote) in Bulgarian organizations. The aim of present study is to explore the influence of form of work on well-being, work engagement and work-life balance as well as the interactions between these phenomena. Material and methods. An online survey was conducted with 432 managers and employees from private and public organizations in Bulgaria, using three scales (UWES-9, WHO-5, WLBS) for measuring the main constructs and a questionnaire on the individual-demographic data. The Work-life Balance Scale is applied for the first time among Bulgarian sample. One-Way ANOVA, correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results. The results indicate that respondents who use hybrid and on-site form of work are more engaged (three elements Vigor, Dedication and Absorption) (p<.001), but the participants who work in a hybrid form and remotely have significantly better work-life balance (p<.001). The Bulgarian sample showed good levels of engagement compared to other cultures. No statistically significant differences were found in the well-being scores based on respondents’ form of work (p>.05). A strong positive correlation was found between the work engagement and the well-being, and a weak one was noticed between the work engagement and the work-life’s balance. The work-life’s balance positively influences the well-being (R=.465). Conclusions. The present study confirms that the hybrid work combines many beneficial elements for Bulgarian managers and employees, such as good levels of work engagement and work-life balance, opportunities for social interactions with colleagues at the office but also a flexibility to work from home a part of the week. Keywords: well-being, engagement, work-life balance, remote, hybrid.

Objectives. This paper delves into the significance of media literacy for PR professionals, especially during crises. Ineffective media communication and poor strategic planning can erode trust, weaken stakeholder relations, and lead to social media crises and a loss of public legitimacy. Materials and Methods. The Cision Global State of Media Report (2022) reveals a decline in media trust and highlights journalists’ preferences for multimedia content. This study examines two crisis situations in Bulgaria: 1) NEXO, a leading digital asset management institution accused of fraud in the USA, and 2) TELUS International Bulgaria’s content moderation issues on Facebook. The focus is on communication techniques like official statements, press releases, and media interviews. The communication techniques used for media relations, like official statements, open letters, press releases, press conferences, and media interviews, are considered for the purposes of this publication. Results. There’s a noticeable gap in research on PR professionals’ media and digital literacy. The NEXO case underscores the challenge journalists face in understanding crises in specialized sectors and the importance of PR specialists in conveying complex information. The TELUS case highlights failures in crisis communication, ineffective diversion tactics, and improper handling of accusations. Conclusions. PR professionals must prioritize the media and journalists during significant public crisies. While media communication practices are evolving in the digital age, the relationship between journalists and PR experts is crucial, yet strained by factors like mistrust and poor communication. Both parties play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse during crisies and have an ethical duty to provide clarity to society. Keywords: media literacy, digital communication, crisis, Bulgaria, public relations.

Objectives. The study was designed to explore the current State of social service provision for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children and their families, analyze the existing problems in the process of providing services to children and their families from the perspective of facility managers and service providers. The research results serve as a basis for reviewing and providing recommendations to promote the effectiveness of social work services in this field. Material and methods. This study applied both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. It employed the quantitative method with surveying of 133 front line social service providers from 15 public and private institutions, and qualitative with desk review and 30 in-depth interviews. Participants were voluntary participating in the study with informed consent. Results. Vietnamese children with ASD and their families have faced many problems and risks, including the lack of opportunities and resources to access support and care services. However, social work services for children with ASD and their families in Vietnam were under-developed compared to special education field and faced many limitations, including a shortage of in-depth intervention and outreach programs, inequality of supportive policies between the public and private service providers. Conclusions. Developing a holistic social work support services to meet the ADS children and families is key to address their current problems and contributing to improving the parents'/ caregivers' care and education for children with ASD. In addition, the Government plays an essential role in issuing guaranteed policies and social security programs. Keywords: children with autism spectrum disorders, families, social work services, service providers.

Objectives. The main purposes of this study were to: examine possible existing relationships between couple values and coparenting quality reported by both partners of cohabitants heterosexual couples; investigate whether couple values explain coparenting quality reported by both partners of cohabitants heterosexual couples. Material and methods. 94 Italian heterosexual couples with at least one child under the age of 13 years were enrolled. Both mothers (Mage = 41.25, SD = 6.82) and fathers (Mage = 44.21, SD = 6.97) were asked to fill in two self-report questionnaires: The Portrait Values ​​Questionnaire [PVQ] for couple values and The Coparenting Relationship Scale for the coparenting quality. Results. The main findings of regression model analysis conducted showed that Self-Transcendence resulted the most important predictor (β = .412, t = 4.253, p = .000) for coparenting quality perceived by fathers. In contrast, Conservation resulted the most important predictor (β = .239, t = 2.086, p = .040) for coparenting quality perceived by mothers. Conclusions. From the results obtained, the authors found an important preference for parents of respecting one’s cultural traditions, respecting the rules, being tolerant, ensuring the well-being of others by mitigating impulsive behaviors that could harm others physically and emotionally. The presence of these values ​​could allow both partners to implement supportive and collaborative behaviors, agree on education-related issues for their children, and feel close and allied in upbringing their child. Keywords: co-parenting, couple values, mutual support, couple’s well-being.

Objectives. To evaluate body composition and describe the prevalence of various types of obesity in a sample of the adult population from Moscow. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study included measurements of weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and bioimpedance analysis for body composition assessment in the sample of 131 adults (44 males aged 21 to 73 years and 87 females aged 18 to 67 years) from Moscow. Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Results. Up to 30% of the adults were classified as overweight and obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2); among them more than half had signs of central obesity. Almost 20% of females with normal BMI had increased body fat and were classified as normal weight obese. A significant increase in body fat mass and a decrease in lean muscle mass were associated with ageing. Conclusions. About a third of the adults from the studied sample were classified as overweight and obese. Central obesity was observed in conjunction with general obesity. The prevalence of normal weight obesity was higher in the group of females. Because the “obesogenic” environment promotes chronic positive energy balance, people with normal BMI may also have excessive body fat and the subsequent health risks similarly to people with general obesity. Further research is needed to estimate the prevalence of different types of obesity in the Moscow population. Keywords: obesogenic environment, Moscow city, normal weight obesity, central obesity, adults.

Objectives. The presence of the so-called Dark Triad (Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy) can be toxic to those around, can lead to counterproductive behaviors and dysfunctional behaviors. On the other hand, people who are successful in personal and professional life are considered to have a high level of emotional intelligence, numerous studies showing that this is a predictor of good functioning and personal, social and organizational adaptation. This study investigates the relationship between the “dark side” of personality and emotional intelligence, and whether or to what extent Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy are negative predictors of emotional intelligence. Material and methods. One hundred and thirty-four individuals aged 21 to 71 years (M = 42.11, SD = 11.68; Females = 71.1%) took part in this study. The following tools were used: Narcissistic Personality Inventory, The Short Dark Triad Scale, Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale and Battery of Emotional Intelligence profile. Results. The regression coefficients were calculated, controlling the role of the other predictors (age, gender, marital status). Narcissism was not a predictor of emotional intelligence (r = .097, p> 0.01). Age and psychopathy were significantly negatively related with the criterion; the gender did not correlate and was removed from the regression model. Emotional intelligence and Machiavellianism did not correlate either positively or negatively, so this dimension cannot be predictor. Conclusions. As predictors of emotional intelligence, the three dimensions, although in many studies have been negatively correlated, in this study this is partially confirmed. Only psychopathy has a negative relationship, it predicts but to a small extent emotional intelligence. Keywords: dark triad, Psychopathy, Machiavellianism, Narcissism, emotional intelligence.

Objectives. Bullying and physical fighting are prevalent among adolescents and have negative health and psychosocial effects for both perpetrators and victims. Risk and protective factors for bullying and violence have been identified, including the protective role of the characteristics of Positive Youth Development. According to Lerner’s 5Cs model these include Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, and Caring. The aim of the study was to explore the impact of Positive Youth Development characteristics on adolescent bullying and cyberbullying perpetration and participation in physical fighting. Material and methods. Data from the 2017/2018 Bulgarian Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children [HBSC] study were used. The national representative sample comprised 1517 adolescents aged 15 years. Measures included the Positive Youth Development Scale – short form and single-item measures of bullying, cyberbullying and physical fighting. Results. Bullying, cyberbullying, and physical fighting were prevalent among Bulgarian adolescents, more often in boys. The proportion of explained variance by the 5 Positive Youth Development characteristics was 3% for bullying, 11% for cyberbullying and 4% for fighting. Bullying and cyberbullying were both significantly negatively associated with Character, with bullying also significantly negatively associated with Confidence. Physical fighting was significantly negatively associated with Confidence and Caring and positively associated with Competence. These associations remained significant after being adjusted for gender and socioeconomic status, except for the association between fighting and Caring. Conclusions. Findings suggest the development of the characteristics of Positive Youth Development (especially Character and Confidence) through various youth programs can contribute to the reduction of bullying and violence in young people. Keywords: bullying perpetration, cyberbullying perpetration, physical fighting, Positive Youth Development, adolescents.

Objectives. Although tribals constitute around 8.6% of the total population of India, detailed information on their body composition is scanty. Thus, our objective was to evaluate age variations and sexual dimorphism in adiposity and body composition among rural tribal adolescents of Kharagpur, West Bengal, India. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 788 tribal adolescent boys and girls, aged 10-17 years of Kharagpur, West Midnapore, West Bengal, India. Height (kg), weight (cm) and skinfolds were measured following standard method. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was derived. Body composition measures including Percent Body Fat (PBF), Fat Mass (FM), Fat Free Mass (FFM), Fat Mass Index (FMI) and Fat Free mass Index (FFMI) were computed using standard equations. Results. All the variables showed a significant age trend in both sexes. Age-combined significant sex differences existed in mean BMI and all body composition measures. Girls had significantly higher mean values of fat measures (PBF, FM and FMI) whereas boys had significantly higher mean values of non-fat measures (FFM and FFMI). In both sexes, age had significant correlations with BMI and the five body composition measures. Similarly, all body composition indicators were significantly correlated with BMI in both sexes. Conclusions. There were significant age and sex variations in body composition measures. Girls had significantly more fat mass whereas boys had more lean body mass. All body composition measures increased significantly with increasing age as well as BMI. Attainment of puberty could be a mediating factor causing these age variations and sexual dimorphism. Keywords: India, tribal adolescents, age variations, sexual dimorphism, body composition.