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Background: Psychological safety is crucial for student-athletes, impacting their stress levels and academic anxiety. Understanding how interpersonal factors like intimacy and social adjustment impact psychological safety can guide interventions to enhance student-athlete well-being. Objectives: This study investigates the relationships between intimacy, social adjustment, psychological safety, perceived stress, and learning-related anxiety among student-athletes. It tests explicitly whether psychological safety mediates the effects of intimacy and social adjustment on perceived stress and learning-related anxiety. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 300 student-athletes from various universities in Wuhan, China. Participants completed measures of intimacy (RCI), social adjustment (SAS-SR), perceived stress (PSS), learning-related anxiety (LAS), and psychological safety (PSS). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze direct and indirect relationships among the variables. Results/Discussion: The results revealed that intimacy and social adjustment positively impact psychological safety. In turn, psychological safety negatively affects perceived stress and learning-related anxiety. The mediation analysis showed that psychological safety significantly mediates the relationships between both intimacy and social adjustment with perceived stress and learning-related anxiety. Specifically, the study found that higher intimacy and social adjustment levels increased psychological safety, subsequently reducing perceived stress and anxiety levels. These findings underscore the importance of fostering a psychologically safe environment to mitigate stress and anxiety among student-athletes. The study's implications suggest that coaches and educators should build supportive relationships and enhance social integration to improve psychological safety and overall athlete well-being. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of psychological safety in student athletes' mental health. By promoting intimacy and social adjustment, institutions can enhance psychological safety, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve athletes' academic and personal experiences. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and potential moderators to understand these relationships further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual concerns are common and problematic for breast cancer survivors. Partner and relationship factors often play a key role in determining survivors' sexual adjustment, making it likely that couple‐based interventions that integrate survivors' partners could be especially promising for addressing survivors' sexual concerns. Yet few such interventions have been tested. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Intimacy Enhancement (IE) intervention, a four‐session, couple‐based intervention addressing breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns by telephone in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Female posttreatment breast cancer survivors reporting sexual concerns and their intimate partners (N = 120 couples; 240 participants) were randomized either to the IE intervention or to Living Healthy Together (LHT), an active control intervention of equivalent length. Outcomes (measured at baseline, postintervention, and at 3 and 6 months postintervention) included breast cancer survivors' sexual function (primary), partners' sexual function (secondary), and survivors' and partners' psychosocial and relationship outcomes (secondary). Mixed linear regression models examined intervention effects on outcomes at all follow‐ups. Results: Model‐based estimates of intervention effects showed greater improvements in survivors' overall sexual function, sexual satisfaction, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm at postintervention (p <.05). Effects on survivors' 3‐month and 6‐month sexual functioning or other secondary outcomes were minimal. Most couples completed all IE sessions (97%) and LHT (92%), and satisfaction ratings were high. Conclusions: Compared with an active control intervention, the IE intervention had significant short‐term benefits for survivors' sexual function. Efforts may be needed to increase the longevity of the positive effects, such as more frequent or adjunctive treatments. This trial evaluated the efficacy of the Intimacy Enhancement intervention, a four‐session, couple‐based intervention addressing breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns by telephone. Compared with an active control intervention, the intimacy enhancement intervention showed significant short‐term benefits for survivors' sexual function, suggesting that efforts may be needed to increase the longevity of the positive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how influencers establish agency amidst precarious working conditions both on and off platforms. Findings from over 50 in-depth interviews show that influencers in Slovenia do not gain agency through platform-centred practices as described in existing literature. Influencers use platform features with minimal effort across the entire cycle of cultural production, which includes content creation, distribution, and monetisation—a phenomenon referred to as 'platform lethargy'. Instead, influencers gain agency through diverse income streams and the support of Instagram husbands and family members. Precarity is not alleviated by using intimacy as a tool in practices of relational labour with audiences, but by relational work that connects actual intimate relationships with economic transactions. This study sheds light on the integration of social media platforms into a pre-existing hustling culture and is relevant for the de-westernisation of research on platformised creative work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present breathing-with as a contribution to cultivating concrete design tactics engaging with the more-than-human. We arrive at the concept based on an analysis of three distinct projects, each aimed at exploring the relationality between human and non-human bodies, and of extending the notion of the body in design processes toward the more-than-human, with a focus on breath and breathing. We analyze each project from the perspective of how breathing allowed us as designers to move from the intimate experience of our own bodies into an extended bodily awareness that included the more-than-human as material, living and social bodies. Based on this exploration, we propose breathing-with as a design tactic that can be used throughout the design process. We further reflect on how breathing-with can provide a generative design tactic for zooming in and out of the entangled relationships between human and more-than-human bodies, through surfacing notions of intimacy and vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: This review details the pathophysiologic mechanisms from medical, surgical to psychosocial factors that illustrate how and why sexual health and intimacy are impacted in IBD. Recent Findings: Recent clinical surveys of practicing gastroenterologists document that clinicians should routinely address sexual health when addressing patient reported outcomes but very few actually make direct inquiry or suggest management into this important aspect of human life. Example ‘patter’ are suggested to clinicians to demonstrate how to introduce the subject of sexual intimacy and well-being and engender patient trust on this sensitive topic. Once specific symptomatology are elicited, then a review follows on how referral to a cadre of available multidisciplinary specialists can help directly manage the patient’s concerns. Specific emphasis on addressing the sexual health in ostomate and sexual and gender minority populations is focused upon as well. Summary: Overall, this in depth review highlights a practical clinical approach to understanding how to address sexual wellbeing and human intimacy in IBD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines Chinese journalists' use of video blogs (vlog) for news reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Situated within the "visual turn" of storytelling in the digital era, the vlog has risen in popularity as an audiovisual format on social media and video-sharing platforms, attracting followers' attention through its attributes of apparent authenticity and intimacy. Journalists have also been riding the wave by employing the amateur-style vlog for professional purposes. Based on a case study of 224 journalists' vlogs about the Wuhan lockdown, we found that the j-vlog, as a hybrid form of professional-amateur reporting, affords an alternative space for journalists to perform journalistic transparency through self-disclosure of their life and work routines, increasing intimacy and engagement with audiences. This study contributes to current research in innovative practices of digital journalism and expands existing debates on journalistic transparency by delineating its nuances in different digital news formats and national contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dementia does not merely affect individuals, the carer and the person living with dementia, but also has a profound impact on their spousal relationship. As such, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how dementia affects spousal relationships with a focus on interpersonal (i.e. relationship adjustment, communication engagement and emotional connection between two individuals) and intrapersonal (i.e. loss of self within the context of relationships) dynamics using a qualitative approach. The study also explored how carers adapt to such relationship challenges in the context of dementia care. Methods: A phenomenological approach was used to capture the subjective experiences of female spousal carers, who regularly support their partner living with dementia. A total of nine semi-structured interviews were conducted. Results: Relationship adjustment theme highlighted how learning to acknowledge role shifts from a spouse to a carer is critical for carers to manage relationship difficulties. Emotional connection theme demonstrated the importance of reminiscing about the shared history between dyads to cope with feelings of loss of affective intimacy. Communication engagement theme revealed carers' need to learn a new way of communicating due to the decrease in meaningful communication and two-way interaction. Sense of self theme highlighted the importance of self-compassion to overcome feelings of self-loss and isolation. Conclusion: Findings suggest that improving the relationship between female spousal carers and their partner living with dementia may require targeted interventions addressing different factors. Such interventions can include a couple's life story approach to enable couples to reminisce about their shared experiences, interactive communication training to enhance meaningful engagements, and a psychological approach such as compassion-focused therapy to overcome emotional challenges and facilitate self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This study aims to investigate how gamification, namely, WeChat’s cultural gifting function, improves emotional involvement among three generations (Y, X and silver) in mobile payments. It draws attention to the beneficial effects of cultural components and digital intimacy on gamified mobile payment systems. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from Y, X and silver generation in Dalian, China. The users were well equipped with the WeChat pay features and had experience. The PLS-SEM software was used to assess the data. Findings – The findings show that consumer word of mouth and loyalty are positively impacted by perceived utility, fun, and enjoyment. Besides, gamification components like fun and playfulness have a favourable effect on how useful mobile payments are judged to be. It demonstrates how delighted and ecstatic users are with WeChat Hongbao. In addition, the positive moderation effect of intimacy on the hypothesised connections shows that all three generations are likely to accept gamified money features. These results provide a substantial contribution to our comprehension of gamification in the context of mobile payment services for all three generations. Originality/value – The study is distinctive because it focuses on how China’s three generations use WeChat Pay for routine transactions. The framework confirms that the gamification elements improve user performance and encourage continued usage of mobile payment systems. Gamificación de WeChat: impacto del pago móvil en el boca a boca y la fidelidad del cliente Objetivo – Este estudio investiga cómo la gamificación, específicamente la función de regalos culturales de WeChat, mejora la participación emocional entre tres generaciones (Y, X y plata) en los pagos móviles. Se presta atención a los efectos beneficiosos de los componentes culturales y la intimidad digital en los sistemas de pago móvil gamificados. Diseño/metodología/enfoque/Metodología/Enfoque – Los datos fueron recopilados de las generaciones Y, X y plata en Dalian, China. Los usuarios estaban familiarizados con las características de pago de WeChat y tenían experiencia. Se utilizó el software PLS-SEM para evaluar los datos. Resultados – Los resultados muestran que la reputación y la lealtad del consumidor son positivamente influenciadas por la utilidad percibida, la diversión y el disfrute. Los componentes de gamificación, como la diversión y la jugabilidad, tienen un efecto favorable en cómo se juzga la utilidad de los pagos móviles. Se demuestra cuán encantados están los usuarios con WeChat Hongbao. Además, la moderación positiva de la intimidad en las relaciones supuestas muestra que las tres generaciones tienen probabilidades de aceptar las características de dinero gamificado. Estos resultados contribuyen sustancialmente a nuestra comprensión de la gamificación en el contexto de los servicios de pago móvil para las tres generaciones. Originalidad – El estudio es novedoso ya que se centra en cómo las tres generaciones de China utilizan WeChat Pay para transacciones rutinarias. El marco confirma que los elementos de gamificación mejoran el rendimiento del usuario y fomentan el uso continuado de los sistemas de pago móvil. WeChat游戏化：移动支付对口碑和客户忠诚度的影响 目的 – 本研究探讨了游戏化, 即微信的文化赠送功能, 如何提高三代人（Y、X和银发族）在移动支付中的情感投入。它引起了人们对文化成分和数字亲密关系对游戏化移动支付系统的有益影响的注意。 设计/方法/途径 – 数据来自中国大连市的Y、X和银发族用户。用户对微信支付功能非常熟悉, 并具有使用经验。采用PLS-SEM软件对数据进行评估。 研究结果 – 结果表明, 消费者的口碑和忠诚度受到了感知效用、乐趣和享受的积极影响。乐趣和趣味等游戏化组件对移动支付的有用性评估产生了积极影响, 展示了用户对微信红包的喜悦和兴奋程度。此外, 亲密关系对假设连接的正向调节效应表明, 三代人都可能接受游戏化货币功能。这些结果为我们理解移动支付服务背景下游戏化对三代人的贡献提供了实质性的帮助。 创新性 – 该研究独特之处在于它着眼于中国三代人如何将微信支付用于日常交易。该框架证实了游戏化元素如何提高用户绩效并鼓励继续使用移动支付系统。

Abstract Background Psychological safety is crucial for student-athletes, impacting their stress levels and academic anxiety. Understanding how interpersonal factors like intimacy and social adjustment impact psychological safety can guide interventions to enhance student-athlete well-being. Objectives This study investigates the relationships between intimacy, social adjustment, psychological safety, perceived stress, and learning-related anxiety among student-athletes. It tests explicitly whether psychological safety mediates the effects of intimacy and social adjustment on perceived stress and learning-related anxiety. Methodology A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 300 student-athletes from various universities in Wuhan, China. Participants completed measures of intimacy (RCI), social adjustment (SAS-SR), perceived stress (PSS), learning-related anxiety (LAS), and psychological safety (PSS). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze direct and indirect relationships among the variables. Results/Discussion The results revealed that intimacy and social adjustment positively impact psychological safety. In turn, psychological safety negatively affects perceived stress and learning-related anxiety. The mediation analysis showed that psychological safety significantly mediates the relationships between both intimacy and social adjustment with perceived stress and learning-related anxiety. Specifically, the study found that higher intimacy and social adjustment levels increased psychological safety, subsequently reducing perceived stress and anxiety levels. These findings underscore the importance of fostering a psychologically safe environment to mitigate stress and anxiety among student-athletes. The study’s implications suggest that coaches and educators should build supportive relationships and enhance social integration to improve psychological safety and overall athlete well-being. Conclusion This study highlights the critical role of psychological safety in student athletes’ mental health. By promoting intimacy and social adjustment, institutions can enhance psychological safety, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve athletes’ academic and personal experiences. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and potential moderators to understand these relationships further.

PurposesThe mediating effect of social support on the relationship between intimacy and perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) was examined among the endometriosis women of childbearing age.Method201 endometriosis (EM) women of childbearing age were investigated in the gynecology outpatient clinic and ward of a tertiary general hospital in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. Intimacy, PPR, and social support were measured by using the scales of Quality of Relationship Index (QRI), PPR Scale (PPRS), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). A four-step hierarchical regression analysis was conducted.ResultsPositive correlations were found among intimacy and subjective support, support utilization, and PPR. Mediation analysis indicated a partial mediating effect of support utilization on the relationship between intimacy and PPR.ConclusionThere is a positive correlation between intimacy and PPR in EM patients of childbearing age, and the support utilization plays a partial mediating role.

Background Sexual function during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a complex component of maternal and couple health, and it's deeply influenced by an intricate interplay of physiological, psychological, childbirth, and relational factors. Aim This review seeks to explore the nuanced dynamics of sexual function during pregnancy and the postpartum period, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities for enhancing maternal and couple sexual well-being. Methods Drawing on a combination of existing scientific literature and extensive clinical experience, this expert opinion delves into the physiological transformations, psychological adjustments, and shifts in relational dynamics that accompany pregnancy and postpartum. It sheds light on the sexual experiences of partners and underscores the necessity of a holistic understanding of sexual health in this context. Outcomes The review offers an enhanced perspective on sexual function during pregnancy and postpartum and aims to contribute to a deeper and more nuanced understanding that can inform both clinical practice and future research. Results The results highlight that pregnancy and postpartum phases influence sexual function, with fluctuations in sexual desire and activity resulting from changes in physiological, psychological, and relational factors. Women experience a decline in sexual function, particularly during the third trimester, with factors, such as hormonal changes, body image concerns, and partner dynamics shaping sexual experiences across pregnancy and postpartum stages. Clinical implications A thorough understanding of sexual function throughout pregnancy and postpartum is critical for enhancing maternal and couple health and it creates pathways to more effective and compassionate care. Strengths and limitations The strengths of this review include the integration of scientific literature with clinical experience to provide a holistic view of sexual function. However, the limitations are the reliance on cross-sectional studies and the scarcity of data on couple sexual functioning. Conclusion Understanding the interplay of physiological and anatomical changes, psychological factors, and partner dynamics is crucial in addressing sexual function during pregnancy and the postpartum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual function during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a complex component of maternal and couple health, and it's deeply influenced by an intricate interplay of physiological, psychological, childbirth, and relational factors., Aim: This review seeks to explore the nuanced dynamics of sexual function during pregnancy and the postpartum period, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities for enhancing maternal and couple sexual well-being., Methods: Drawing on a combination of existing scientific literature and extensive clinical experience, this expert opinion delves into the physiological transformations, psychological adjustments, and shifts in relational dynamics that accompany pregnancy and postpartum. It sheds light on the sexual experiences of partners and underscores the necessity of a holistic understanding of sexual health in this context., Outcomes: The review offers an enhanced perspective on sexual function during pregnancy and postpartum and aims to contribute to a deeper and more nuanced understanding that can inform both clinical practice and future research., Results: The results highlight that pregnancy and postpartum phases influence sexual function, with fluctuations in sexual desire and activity resulting from changes in physiological, psychological, and relational factors. Women experience a decline in sexual function, particularly during the third trimester, with factors, such as hormonal changes, body image concerns, and partner dynamics shaping sexual experiences across pregnancy and postpartum stages., Clinical Implications: A thorough understanding of sexual function throughout pregnancy and postpartum is critical for enhancing maternal and couple health and it creates pathways to more effective and compassionate care., Strengths and Limitations: The strengths of this review include the integration of scientific literature with clinical experience to provide a holistic view of sexual function. However, the limitations are the reliance on cross-sectional studies and the scarcity of data on couple sexual functioning., Conclusion: Understanding the interplay of physiological and anatomical changes, psychological factors, and partner dynamics is crucial in addressing sexual function during pregnancy and the postpartum period., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Sexual Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)