Background High quality coach–athlete relationships strongly influence athlete performance and wellbeing, yet limited evidence exists on how relational quality and maintenance strategies interact within Greek basketball. Objective This study investigated the coach–athlete relationship within the Greek basketball community, examining the associations between relationship quality (closeness, commitment, complementarity; measured by the Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire) and relationship maintenance strategies (COMPASS model; measured by Coach–Athlete Relationship Maintenance Questionnaire), and how these dynamics are moderated by athletes’ demographic characteristics. Methods Greek basketball players (male/female, n = 595) across various age groups, competitive levels (A1 League to Amateur), and years of experience participated in the online questionnaires. Non-parametric analyses revealed significant positive correlations between all dimensions of relationship quality and maintenance strategies, with conflict management and openness showing particularly strong associations with closeness, commitment, and complementarity. Results Motivation emerged as the most highly rated maintenance strategy, while social networks and preventative strategies were the least frequently reported. Significant demographic differences were found: female athletes reported higher commitment; younger athletes (≤22 years) reported lower closeness and complementarity; A1 League athletes reported lower complementarity; athletes with more experience reported higher overall relationship quality and greater use of conflict management, assurance, and motivation strategies. Age and competitive level also significantly influenced the use of specific maintenance strategies. Conclusion The findings underscore the interdependence of relationship quality and maintenance strategies, highlighting the importance for coaches to consider athlete demographics, particularly age, experience, and competitive level, when fostering effective coach–athlete dyads in the Greek basketball context.

Background Sleep disorders are common among individuals with epilepsy, often leading to disturbances in sleep patterns and architecture. Certain anti-seizure medications adversely affect sleep independently of their anti-seizure effects. Objective This study aims to examine the impact of perampanel (PER) on sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy. Methods The effects of adjunctive PER therapy on circadian rhythm and daytime sleepiness were evaluated in epilepsy patients with comorbid sleep disorders. Twenty-one eligible patients were included, excluding those with liver failure or psychological disorders. This pilot case series assessed participants using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. PER blood concentrations were measured. Patients were selected based on baseline PSQI scores ≥6 (mean 11.57 ± 2.77). Results After 3 months of PER administration, the mean global PSQI score significantly improved to 6.71 ± 5.00 (p<0.01). Improvements were observed in PSQI components: C1 (sleep quality), C2 (sleep latency), and C6 (frequency of sleep medication use). A strong positive correlation was found between changes in PSQI scores (delta-PSQI = post-PER − pre-PER score) and PER blood concentrations (r = 0.71, p<0.01). Conclusion Adjunctive PER therapy significantly improved subjective sleep quality in epilepsy patients with comorbid sleep disorders. The correlation between the magnitude of improvements and PER blood concentration suggests a dose–response relationship. These findings indicate that PER may be a beneficial therapeutic option for managing sleep disturbances in this population and support the need for further investigation in larger, controlled studies.

Background Burnout is a psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Although extensively studied across various occupational settings, limited attention has been given to its occurrence among basketball referees. Referees hold a dual role as impartial decision-makers and mediators in high-pressure, emotionally charged environments. Objective This study aims to map and synthesize the existing literature on the antecedents and consequences of burnout among basketball referees. Methods A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across seven electronic databases: Scopus, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, PROQUEST, SPONET, and ORIA. Eligible studies were published in English or Spanish and specifically examined burnout in basketball referees, with no restrictions on year of publication. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. All included studies employed cross-sectional, quantitative designs and utilized either standardized questionnaires or custom-designed measurement tools. Conclusion The findings highlight considerable heterogeneity in the instruments and variables used across studies. Key antecedents of burnout included emotional exhaustion, reduced personal accomplishment, low resilience, interpersonal conflict, and time-related pressure. Reported consequences consistently involved decreased decision-making efficiency, lower motivation and satisfaction, and increased intention to abandon refereeing duties. The review emphasizes the need for further research using longitudinal and mixed-methods designs to enhance understanding and support targeted interventions for burnout prevention in basketball referees.

Background Sleep paralysis (SP) is characterized by rapid eye movement, sleep atonia, brain wakefulness, and a hypervigilant state. Objective This study assesses the predictive factors and characteristics of SP episodes among university students. Methods A self-reported questionnaire was administered through the university’s email to students from Jordan. It inquired about SP, sleep hygiene, and perceived stress using the Unusual Sleep Experience Questionnaire, the Sleep Hygiene Index, and the Higher Educational Stress Inventory, respectively. In addition, frequency and episode features were measured, and students’ demographic data were gathered. Results A total of 455 students were enrolled in the study. Most participants exhibited good sleep hygiene (77.6%) but also reported high stress levels. The frequency of SP episodes was associated with the duration of the episodes, prone position, and multiple sleeping disorders. In contrast, no association was found with sleep duration, sleep latency, or the presence of multiple psychiatric disorders. Conclusion This study is the first to examine the characteristics of SP episodes and predictive factors among university students in Jordan, highlighting the importance of recognizing factors associated with SP. This study paves the way for more extensive research on students, particularly examining the effect of stress on different aspects of their lives that could predispose them to various medical conditions, including SP.

Background Sports can be considered an element that significantly improves psychological and physical well-being, enhancing individual abilities, especially in people with disabilities. Objective This research aims to explore the impact of wheelchair basketball on the psychological well-being of players with physical disabilities. It analyzes aspects such as self-esteem, quality of life, and coping strategies to understand how this sport influences self-perception and promotes the well-being of athletes with motor disabilities. Methods This qualitative study was conducted from February to April 2024. The sample consisted of 18 male participants aged 21–46 years (mean age = 35.89, standard deviation = 7.03) who are active players in the National Serie B Championship of wheelchair basketball. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used to present participant demographics, including education level and type of disability. Results The results revealed that regular practice of wheelchair basketball produced positive psychological effects. This sport is confirmed to be an effective tool for improving the psychological and physical well-being of people with disabilities, highlighting the complexity of individual experiences. Conclusion The research highlights the importance of considering the multifaceted nature of individual experiences, suggesting that sports, such as wheelchair basketball, can play a crucial role in promoting overall well-being. Future interventions should focus on exploring these benefits further and expanding access to such activities for people with disabilities.

Background Maladaptive smartphone use (MSU) has emerged as a significant concern, particularly among adolescents. In Jordan, a country with a youthful population and high rates of smartphone engagement, understanding MSU and its psychological impacts is crucial. Objective The study aims to (i) determine the point prevalence and patterns of MSU among Jordanian adolescents, and (ii) examine whether cognitive emotion regulation strategies mediate the relationship between MSU and psychological health. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational survey was conducted. Using a multistage sampling approach, the study targeted students aged 13 – 17 in Jordanian public and private schools, with schools randomly selected from each region. A structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data, smartphone addiction, cognitive emotion regulation, and psychological health targeting depression, anxiety, and stress. Results Among the 960 students who participated, 36% exhibited signs of MSU. Adolescents with high MSU reported significantly higher maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies than those with low MSU. Factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and academic performance influenced MSU levels. Maladaptive emotion regulation strategies partially mediated the relationship between MSU and psychological health, with high MSU linked to greater levels of emotional distress. Conclusion This study reveals a significant prevalence of MSU among Jordanian adolescents, with notable demographic variations. It proposes a link between MSU and psychological health, emphasizing the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation. These results contribute to the growing body of literature on smartphone use behaviors and their psychological implications, particularly within the context of Jordanian adolescents. The study’s insights are relevant for developing targeted interventions to mitigate MSU and its psychological impacts.

Background Autistic children often experience challenges with social participation and forming relationships. Previous studies have shown that learning to perform magic effects (i.e., magic tricks) and demonstrating them to others can promote improvements in social behaviors among autistic children. Objective This qualitative study used thematic analysis with a phenomenological approach to explore how autistic children and their parents perceived a virtual magic-arts training (MAT) program. Methods Fifteen autistic children participated in a virtual magic camp conducted through Zoom (Zoom Communications Inc., United States of America). The program consisted of 45-min sessions, held 3 times/week for 3 weeks, during which participants were trained to perform magic effects for others. Following the program, 1-time semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with both the child participants and their parents. Results Three major themes emerged from the participant interviews: (i) increased social motivation, (ii) gained self-confidence in social communication, and (iii) built self-esteem. Participants stated that the ability to demonstrate magic effects for others made them more inclined to initiate and engage in social interactions. Similarly, three themes emerged from the parent interviews regarding their children’s experiences: (i) improved social motivation and social communication, (ii) built children’s self-confidence and self-esteem, and (iii) learned implicitly. Both participants and parents expressed interest in continuing MAT programs. Conclusion This study identified several key features and themes related to improved social skills among autistic children following participation in a virtual magic camp. These findings align with existing literature suggesting that programs incorporating special interests can positively influence social participation in autistic children. This study lays the groundwork for developing a conceptual model to better understand the mechanisms linking MAT and social skills improvement.

As of 2023, stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of death and disability globally, with an expected rise by 2030. While traditional risk factors like demographics, smoking, inactivity, diabetes, and hypertension are well-known, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains under-studied despite its 13% incidence rate and link to stroke risk. This cross-sectional study, conducted from 1st November, 2023 to 30th January, 2024 in Doanhung, Phutho Province, involved stroke patients over 18 years old diagnosed within the past year. A 56-question questionnaire assessed demographics, clinical characteristics, the Barthel Index, and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Multivariable logistic regression using Stepwise AIC identified optimal models related to PTSD. A cohort of 397 participants, with a mean age of 67.98 years and 54.9% female, had a PTSD prevalence of 10.8%. Significant PTSD predictors included regular alcohol consumption (OR=11.43, 95% CI: 1.30-99.15, p=0.027), slight memory decrease (OR=3.59, 95% CI: 1.28-10.62, p=0.017), female gender (OR=3.15, 95% CI: 1.08-10.44, p=0.045), extroverted personality (OR=4.36, 95% CI: 1.73-11.86, p=0.003), and Barthel Index scores (OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.80-0.90, p<0.001). However, age showed marginally significant association with PTSD (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-1.00, p=0.067), and unconsciousness during stroke (yes) had an OR of 2.43 (95% CI: 0.96-6.04, p=0.056). This study highlights the complex interplay of demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors influencing PTSD risk in stroke survivors. Addressing these factors in interventions is crucial to reduce the psychological burden and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Are individuals who use hallucinogens self-medicating their mental illness and are they more likely to abuse other illegal substances? Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) database was queried for correlations with hallucinogen use. Using age group as a control variable, different variables were run through a crosstab in order to find significant data pointing to the implications of hallucinogen use. The data from the crosstab analysis showed three key findings about hallucinogen use: Those with mental illness or substance abuse issues were substantially more likely to use hallucinogens, the hallucinogen use greatly increased with the pandemic along with further mental health issues, and those who used hallucinogens were more significantly likely to abuse other illegal substances, primarily in a younger population. The positive correlation between mental health issues and hallucinogen use emphasizes the need for better mental health services, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.The positive correlation between hallucinogen use and other drug use indicates the widespread drug abuse problem, especially within a younger population in which drugs pose a larger neurological threat.

Substance use disorder (SUD), based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is defined by symptoms caused by utilizing a substance that a person continues taking despite its negative effects. Impulsive decision making is commonly defined as a reduced ability to choose a delayed large reward instead of a small immediate reward. Dopamine has been implicated as a prominent neurotransmitter implicated in the development and pattern of addiction and impulsivity, especially in regard to substance use disorder. Discovery as a key player in the development of addiction dates to the 1950s, with a study performed by Olds and Milner on rats placed in a Skinner box. Their original discovery is part of the beginning of what would become the search into the main mechanistic source of addiction, and how exactly it works at a cellular, physiological, and psychological level. The dopaminergic pathways of our brains are well-studied. It is well established that most of the dopaminergic neurons of the brain are located in the ventral mid-brain and consists of four main pathways: mesocortical, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and tuberoinfundibular pathways. Dopamine acts various receptors, with dopamine (D) receptors 1, 2, and 3 playing a major role in motor function and receptors D1 and D2 playing a major role in reward. There are additional studies warranted, especially finding ways to manipulate the dopaminergic system to treat addiction disorders of all varieties. The focus of the present investigation is to delve into the current literature regarding dopamine and its clinical implications in substance use disorder and impulsive behavior.