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- The volunteer functions inventory (VFI): Adaptation and psychometric properties among a portuguese sample of volunteersPublication . Martins, Cátia; da Silva, José Tomás; Jesus, Saúl; Ribeiro, Conceição; Estêvão, M. Dulce; Baptista, Ricardo; Carmo, Cláudia; Brás, Marta; Santos, Rita; Nunes, C.: The Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) is an instrument widely used to assess volunteers’ motivation based on the Functionalist Model of Omoto and Snyder. It assesses six factors that reflect several motivational functions. The VFI has been translated into various languages and validated in different cultural contexts, but some studies have reported different factor structures (e.g., five or four factors). In the Portuguese context, previous studies have also shown inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the VFI for Portuguese volunteers, testing several alternative models (nine models) using confirmatory factor analysis. The sample comprised 468 volunteers (76.3% women), aged from 13 to 81 years (M = 36.66, SD = 14.93). The results support the original interrelated six-factor model as the best-fitting one. The VFI showed good internal consistency and convergent validity. Significant correlations were found between the VFI factors, organizational commitment, and volunteers’ satisfaction. Overall, the six-factor VFI is a valid and reliable tool for measuring the motivational functions of Portuguese volunteers, with implications for practice and research in the volunteering field.
- Meaningful experiences in tourism: A systematic review of psychological constructsPublication . Câmara, Ester; Pocinho, Margarida; AGAPITO, DORA; Jesus, SaúlThis study explored the components of meaningful tourist experiences together with their antecedents and outcomes according to a framework of positive psychology and tourism. The theoretical rationale of this systematic literature review was chosen to clarify the synergies between these constructs, wellbeing and mindfulness to understand how tourists derive meaning from their experiences. The scientific platforms Scopus and Web of Science were selected to conduct the search for journal articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample was comprised of 70 articles. The results evidence the holistic character of meaningful experiences in tourism in terms of personal, emotional, wellbeing, relational and behavioural dimensions that enable a better conceptualisation of the construct. These experiences were significantly assessed on life satisfaction, meaning and purpose, emotions, authenticity and mindfulness. This review highlights the potential of positive psychology to maximise tourists' wellbeing through their experiences. It represents an opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industry as well as other entities to enhance tourists' experiences, such as researchers, psychologists, resident communities and universities. Therefore, this study contributes to future research to better assess meaningful tourist experiences and to tourism companies so they can manage enhanced experiences considering the multidimensional nature of the construct from a positive psychology perspective.
- Wellness tourism: a bibliometric analysis approachPublication . Martins, Patrícia Raquel Fernandes; De jesus, Saúl; Pocinho, Margarida; Patrícia Valle, Patrícia Oom do ValleAn emerging field, wellness tourism can reduce stress levels and foster positive emotions, leading to a healthy balance of body, mind, and spirit and satisfying consumer experiences that enhance personal well-being. As a distinct subcategory of health tourism, it is often erroneously interchanged with medical tourism in the literature. Moreover, up to this point, no comprehensive review has assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on wellness tourism research. A bibliometric review was conducted to fill this gap. Data was collected in June 2023 through the Web of Science (WoS) database. The selection process encompassed articles published from January 2013 to June 2023. A total of 143 relevant peer-reviewed articles published in English-language journals were selected. Data were analyzed through evaluation techniques based on productivity and impact measures and relational techniques via mapping the results through VOSviewer software. Based on these findings, potential directions and suggestions for future research were proposed.
- Effects of the Interculturality and Mindfulness Program (PIM) on university students: a quasi-experimental studyPublication . Chiodelli, Roberto; Jesus, Saúl; Mello, Luana Thereza Nesi de; Andretta, Ilana; Oliveira, Diana; Costa, Maria Emília Santos; Russell, TamaraRates of mental health issues have been increasing among university students. This study investigates the effects of the Interculturality and Mindfulness Program (PIM) on academic students on mindfulness, emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, stress, life satisfaction, optimism, positive solitude, and loneliness. A quasi-experimental research was conducted, with pre- and post-test comparative measurements in three groups: in-person (IG), synchronous online (OG), and passive control (CG). A diverse group of students (n = 150; mean age = 25.4 ± 8.31) participated from two universities in Portugal. When compared to the CG, both active groups (IG and OG) demonstrated a beneficial interaction effect in acceptance, positive solitude, optimism, and mindfulness. The IG demonstrated a positive interaction effect in awareness and satisfaction with life, whereas the OG indicated a favorable interaction effect in impulse. When analyzing the intra-group effects, both active groups presented a significant improvement in stress, emotion regulation, mindfulness, positive solitude, and optimism. The OG demonstrated an improvement in awareness and loneliness. The main limitations of this research are that students were not randomly assigned, and groups were heterogeneous in nationality, education level, and sex. Nonetheless, PIM has indicated beneficial results in both IG and OG, and is a promising intervention for the prevention of mental health issues (e.g., stress, difficulties in emotional regulation, and loneliness), as well as for the promotion of well-being (e.g., positive solitude, mindfulness, life satisfaction, and optimism).
- The Volunteer Motivation Scale (VMS): Adaptation and psychometric properties among a Portuguese Sample of VolunteersPublication . Martins, Cátia; Jesus, Saúl; da Silva, José Tomás; Ribeiro, Conceição; Estêvão, M. Dulce; Mocho, Helena; Ratinho, Elias; Nunes, C.Using self-determination theory, this study examined the autonomous motivation and regulatory styles of volunteers. The Volunteer Motivation Scale (VMS) is one of the main instruments available to assess these constructs, but it requires validation and adaptation for different contexts. Therefore, the goal of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the 12-item VMS in a sample of Portuguese volunteers. The sample consisted of 207 volunteers, mostly women (74.4%), aged from 14 to 81 years, from various areas of volunteering. The measures included self-regulation, basic psychological needs, causality orientation, and autonomy support. Confirmatory factor analysis using the lavaan package in R was performed to test a four-factor model and a two-factor model. The results indicated that the four-factor model had a better fit to the data. The VMS showed good internal consistency, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. The VMS can be viewed as a valuable tool for professionals and a promising avenue for future research on the motivations of volunteers.
- Exploring creativity and wellbeing characteristics of Portuguese touristsPublication . Garces, Soraia; Pocinho, Margarida; Jesus, Saúl; Camara, Ester; Martins, PatriciaThe purpose of this study was to explore creativity and wellbeing characteristics in a sample of Portuguese tourists while simultaneously building a creative tourist profile. A sample of 857 Portuguese tourists with ages ranging from 17 to 76 years was used. The Creative Personality Scale short form and the Tourism Experience Scale were applied for data collection. The results indicated positive and significant correlations between wellbeing and creativity. Women showed higher levels of wellbeing. Older tourists performed better in creativity. Age had a significant influence only on creativity and not on tourists' overall wellbeing. Non-students obtained higher and significant scores for creativity, while overall wellbeing was not influenced by having a job (student vs non-student). A significant multiple linear regression model suggested that wellbeing and age are significant predictors of creativity in tourism settings. Wellbeing rankings showed positive emotions in first place, creativity in second place and meaning in third place. In conclusion, the results indicated that creativity and wellbeing are important factors for tourism experiences and that Portuguese tourists' psychological profile already shows evidence that unique and memorable experiences are essential in tourism destinations.
- Place attachment, risk perception, and preparedness in a population exposed to coastal hazards: a case study in Faro Beach, southern PortugalPublication . Domingues, Rita; Jesus, Saúl; Ferreira, OscarLiving by the coast is a high-risk choice, but most people do it voluntarily. At Faro Beach, a heavily urbanized settlement located on a sandy barrier peninsula exposed to coastal hazards, houses and roads were destroyed due to storm action. However, residents feel safe living there and have no intentions of relocating. The development and implementation of coastal management plans and disaster risk reduction measures require the understanding of psychological drivers of residents’ risk perception and behaviours. Thus, the main goal of this study is to evaluate the relationships between place attachment, risk perception, and preparedness in Faro Beach. We hypothesized that place attachment and past experience with hazards would have a negative effect on risk perception, while risk perception would positively influence preparedness. We administered a self-report questionnaire to 131 residents, and analysed the data using partial least squares modelling. Results show that stronger place attachment is associated with lower risk perception, as residents tend to accept the risk as part of their environment. Experience contributed to higher risk perception in Faro Beach residents, most likely because residents have had direct and personal experience with hazards and are fully aware of the consequences. In addition, risk perception was negatively associated with preparedness; although residents’ risk perception is moderate, probably due to risk normalisation, they still make some preparations to deal with a potential disaster. This study is useful for the design and implementation of more sustainable coastal management plans, as it validates the relevance of affective variables in risk perception and preparedness.
- Mindfulness-based interventions in undergraduate students: a systematic reviewPublication . Chiodelli, Roberto; Mello, Luana; De jesus, Saúl; Beneton, Emanueli Ribeiro; Russel, Tamara; Andretta, IlanaObjective: To describe how mindfulness-based intervention (MBIs) are held with undergraduate students, systematize the outcomes of these interventions and indicate possible limitations. Method: Systematic searches were performed in seven databases in January 2019 with the following descriptors: ("mindfulness intervention" AND ("undergraduate" OR "college" OR "students"). Results: A total of 510 articles were found, and 19 articles fully met the inclusion criteria. The searches showed a visible growth in this field of research as articles publications increased in the past years. Regardless of intervention's length, most studies reported beneficial effects. The examination of Anxiety, Stress, and Depression constructs have shown to be predominant. Even though study designs were mostly randomized controlled trials (RCT), it was noticed a shortage use of physiological measures and follow-up assessments. Conclusions: Nonetheless, MBIs have shown to be promising interventions to promote mental health in academic settings.
- Role of individual and organizational variables as predictors of job satisfaction among hotel employeesPublication . Viseu, J.; Patrícia Valle, Patrícia Oom do Valle; Borralha, Sergio; Jesus, SaúlJob satisfaction is a key concept in the organizational literature, as satisfied employees allow organizations to achieve desired work-related outcomes. Nevertheless, more research is needed to understand what organizational and individual variables shape the job satisfaction of employees from the hospitality sector. This study assesses the role of organizational variables (perceived organizational support and organizational health) and individual variables (positive psychological capital and creative personality) as possible determinants of job satisfaction. A total of 504 hotel employees from the Algarve region, the main Portuguese tourism destination, participated in this study. Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to evaluate the proposed model. Results showed that perceived organizational support was the most important predictor of job satisfaction, followed by organizational health. Organizational health also predicted positive psychological capital, which, in turn, was significantly associated with job satisfaction. These results have important practical implications for human resources management in the hospitality industry.
- Wellbeing and resilience in tourism: a systematic literature review during COVID-19Publication . Pocinho, Margarida; Garcês, Soraia; Jesus, SaúlThe United Nations World Tourism Organization (UWTO) has acknowledged 2020 as the worst year in tourism history due to the worldwide pandemic COVID-19. Destinations, tourists, local communities, stakeholders, and residents, and their daily activities were affected. Thus, wellbeing and resilience are two crucial variables to help the industry and the people recover. This research aims to analyze early positive approaches and attitudes to respond to the negative impact of COVID-19 in tourism everyday activities that have at its core wellbeing and resilience, the two main variables of the Positive Psychology field of studies. A systematic literature review was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines to achieve this aim. The research was done using the Online Knowledge Library (B-on) and all the available databases. The research led to 32 articles that were screened using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 18 scientific articles met all criteria. Overall, results show that a positive and resilient approach to deal with the adverse outcomes of the pandemic is a concern for stakeholders and the future of the organizations in the tourism and hospitality sector, as is tourists’ wellbeing. However, less research has been done on wellbeing and a clear lack of research regarding residents’ wellbeing and resilience is evident. A deeper study of wellbeing and resilience in tourism is needed, and actual practices and interventions to ensure that all tourism actors have the resources to overcome the pandemic and restart the industry’s daily lives feeling well and safe.