World Psychology

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FALSE CONFESSIONS: INVESTIGATING THE COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL FACTORS BEHIND INVOLUNTARY ADMISSIONS

Lucy Lidiawati Satioso — 2026-04-26

False confessions have long been a concern in the criminal justice system, yet the cognitive and emotional factors that drive individuals to confess to crimes they did not commit remain insufficiently explored. This research investigates the psychological underpinnings of false confessions, focusing on the cognitive overload and emotional stress experienced by suspects during interrogations. The study aims to examine how these psychological factors contribute to involuntary admissions and how they can be mitigated to prevent wrongful convictions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with legal professionals, psychologists, and law enforcement officers, along with a case study analysis of documented false confession cases. The findings reveal that emotional stress, particularly fear and anxiety, combined with cognitive overload during prolonged interrogations, significantly increases the likelihood of false confessions. The study concludes that false confessions are not solely the result of coercive interrogation techniques but are also deeply influenced by emotional and cognitive vulnerabilities. The research suggests the need for reform in interrogation practices, including better psychological safeguards and more effective legal protections for suspects.

DEVELOPMENT OF DISTANCE LEARNING STRATEGIES BASED ON LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF CONCEPTS

Ahkamsyadid Yusmaputra Salim — 2026-04-20

Advances in information technology have significantly changed higher education, particularly through the implementation of distance learning. However, challenges remain, including low levels of student self-directed learning and inadequate conceptual understanding. This study aims to develop an LMS-based distance learning strategy in the form of digital learning modules that are valid, practical, and effective in improving student self-directed learning and conceptual understanding. This study uses a research and development (R&D) approach with Dick and Carey's instructional design model. Product validity was evaluated through expert validation, with results of 91% from subject matter experts, 80% from media experts, and 100% from learning design experts, indicating that the product is feasible for implementation. The usefulness and effectiveness were evaluated through small and large group trials and N-Gain analysis. The results of the independent learning questionnaire increased from 83% in the small group trial (practical category) to 97% in the large group trial (very practical category), indicating the high usefulness of the developed product. Additionally, N-Gain analysis showed a significant increase in students' conceptual understanding between pre- and post-tests. These findings indicate that LMS-based distance learning strategies effectively enhance students' self-directed learning and conceptual understanding.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND EMPLOYEE ADAPTABILITY: A STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING WORKPLACE INNOVATION

Dodi Setiawan — 2026-04-27

Digital transformation has become a critical factor for organizational success, yet the ability of employees to adapt to technological changes remains a significant challenge. Employee adaptability is influenced by various psychological factors, which have not been sufficiently explored in the context of digital transformation. This study aims to investigate the role of emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility, self-efficacy, and stress management in shaping employee adaptability during digital transformation processes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 300 employees and 30 managers from various industries undergoing digital transformation. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis revealed that emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and self-efficacy significantly correlate with employee adaptability, while stress management showed a weaker relationship. Qualitative interviews supported these findings, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence in reducing resistance to change and fostering collaboration. The study concludes that organizations should prioritize developing these psychological traits to enhance employee adaptability and improve the success of digital transformation initiatives. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms involved in employee adaptation, offering practical implications for organizations aiming to optimize workforce performance during technological transitions.

MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS: EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF TRAUMA-FOCUSED THERAPY

Suyanti — 2026-04-30

First responders are routinely exposed to traumatic events, placing them at high risk for developing mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and burnout. Despite the critical role these professionals play, mental health interventions remain limited. Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFT) has shown promise in treating trauma-related disorders, yet its efficacy for first responders has not been extensively studied. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TFT in improving the mental health outcomes of first responders, specifically in reducing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and burnout symptoms. The study employed a randomized controlled design, with 120 first responders assigned to either the experimental group receiving TFT or the control group. Pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up assessments were conducted using standardized instruments such as the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results indicated significant reductions in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and burnout scores in the experimental group, with improvements sustained at the six-month follow-up. The control group showed minimal changes. These findings suggest that TFT is an effective intervention for enhancing the mental well-being of first responders. The study highlights the importance of incorporating TFT into mental health support systems for first responders.

RECONSTRUCTING THE STRATEGIC PLAN OF ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS BASED ON COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY FOR ACCELERATING THE QUALITY OF LEARNING

Sri Inayati Ningrum — 2026-04-02

The quality of education in Islamic educational institutions has long been a focal point for enhancing both academic performance and the moral development of students. However, there is a growing need to address the cognitive aspects of learning in these institutions, which has often been overlooked in strategic planning. This research explores the integration of cognitive psychology into the strategic plans of Islamic educational institutions, aiming to accelerate the quality of learning through a more psychologically informed approach to education. The study’s purpose is to reconstruct the strategic planning process by incorporating principles from cognitive psychology, focusing on memory retention, motivation, and problem-solving. A qualitative approach with a descriptive design was employed, involving interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis across 15 Islamic educational institutions. The findings reveal significant gaps in the integration of cognitive psychology, with universities showing better adoption of cognitive-based strategies compared to primary schools and madrasahs. Institutions that integrated cognitive psychology into their strategies demonstrated improved student engagement and academic performance. This research concludes that integrating cognitive psychology into the strategic planning of Islamic educational institutions can enhance learning outcomes, foster critical thinking, and improve student motivation. The study provides a framework for future educational leaders to incorporate cognitive psychology principles to optimize educational strategies.

PSYCHOSOCIAL TUTOR INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE LONELINESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG OPEN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

A Hadian Pratama Hamzah — 2026-04-30

This study aims to examine the challenges faced by distance education students, particularly loneliness and difficulties in social adaptation due to limited interpersonal interaction. It also seeks to identify strategies that can reduce psychological distress and improve students’ adaptation and participation in the distance learning environment. The study applies a narrative literature review approach. Data collection began with formulating research questions, followed by searching for relevant academic journals through electronic databases and credible reference sources. To strengthen the analysis, additional insights were obtained through interviews with groups of students from several open universities. The findings show that distance education students are vulnerable to loneliness, social maladaptation, and reduced learning performance due to limited interaction with peers and instructors. Difficulties in forming study groups and the absence of direct communication contribute to psychological and academic challenges. The study also finds a strong relationship between psychosocial support and reduced loneliness. Higher levels of social support from tutors and academic staff are associated with lower levels of loneliness and better student adaptation to the distance learning environment. The novelty of this research lies in emphasizing tutor-mediated psychosocial support as an integrated strategy to address loneliness and social maladaptation among distance learning students within the framework of open and distance education. The study implies that open universities should strengthen institutional support systems by integrating psychosocial assistance from tutors and academic officers into learning services to enhance student well-being, improve adaptation to distance learning culture, and increase academic success.

EXPLORING LEADERSHIP STYLES AND EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING: A CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE IN MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS

Puspita Puji Rahayu — 2026-04-26

In multinational corporations (MNCs), leadership styles play a pivotal role in shaping employee well-being, which in turn influences organizational performance. However, the impact of leadership on employee well-being varies significantly across different cultural contexts. This study explores how various leadership styles—transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire—affect employee well-being within MNCs operating in diverse cultural settings. The primary objective is to examine the relationship between leadership styles and employee well-being across four regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys (300 employees) and qualitative interviews (30 managers) to gather comprehensive data on leadership styles and employee well-being. The results indicate that transformational leadership is positively correlated with high employee well-being, particularly in individualistic cultures, while transactional leadership shows a weaker association with well-being in more collectivist cultures. The study also highlights significant regional differences in leadership perceptions and their impact on employee engagement and job satisfaction. This research underscores the importance of culturally adaptive leadership practices and provides practical implications for MNCs seeking to optimize employee well-being across diverse workforces.