Journal of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development

Early literacy challenges: Assessing English letter-sound knowledge post-COVID-19 in Malaysia

2024-08-30T07:58:34+08:00

The development of reading skills relies on understanding the connection between letters and their sounds, which is crucial for decoding and encoding words, as well as enhancing reading fluency and comprehension. In Malaysia, where students are expected to excel in both English and Malay, limited letter-sound knowledge can hinder literacy development and widen the gap between policy and practice. This issue was further magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged school closures, disrupting students’ exposure to English. This study assessed the English letter-sound knowledge of 11-year-old students in a primary school located in Sarawak, Malaysia, using the Phonics Adventure module on the READi website, an interactive assessment tool that evaluates phonics proficiency. A total of 54 students participated, completing tasks that measured their ability to identify and produce letter sounds. The findings revealed that while students demonstrated strong letter-name recognition, their letter-sound knowledge was weak, indicating challenges in phonemic awareness. This suggests that the pandemic-related school closures resulted in significant learning disruptions involving phonics acquisition, which is foundational for reading development. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions is essential to support literacy recovery efforts.

Exploring challenges and coping strategies for mental well-being among international students in Malaysia

2025-02-09T12:40:38+08:00

International student mobility in higher education plays a crucial role in the global academic landscape, with cultural adaptation being a key challenge. In Malaysia, this process involves adjusting to new educational systems, navigating cultural differences, and managing psychological and financial stressors that impact mental well-being. Language barriers hinder effective communication, while cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and culture shock, contributing to anxiety, loneliness, and isolation. This study explores these challenges, and the coping mechanisms students employ using a qualitative, phenomenological approach through semi-structured interviews with five purposefully selected undergraduate students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The findings reveal that international students struggle with issues related to food, festivals, clothing, discrimination, and language barriers. To maintain their well-being, they engage in extracurricular activities, build supportive friendships, seek counselling, and develop resilience and self-reliance, fostering personal growth. The study recommends that universities strengthen support for international students by enhancing orientation programmes, fostering cross-cultural interactions, expanding student services, and providing counselling in students' native languages to facilitate adaptation and overall well-being.

Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ) in Malaysian tertiary-level chess players

2025-02-15T16:32:49+08:00

Playing chess has been shown to significantly enhance working memory performance. The original Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ) is a reliable tool for assessing working memory in both healthy and unhealthy individuals, as validated in the context of France. However, the WMQ has not yet been validated for use with tertiary-level chess players in Malaysia, raising concerns about its reliability and applicability in this context. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and factor structure of the WMQ among Malaysian tertiary-level chess players. A total of 357 participants completed the 30-item of WMQ and demographics information. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to assess the reliability of the scale, while Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the validity and factor structure of the WMQ. The results showed a high Cronbach’s Alpha of .971, indicating strong internal consistency. Additionally, CFA suggested that all items were well-correlated. To improve model fit, CFA recommended the removal of one redundant item with low factor loadings. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that the WMQ is both reliable and valid for evaluating working memory in tertiary-level chess players in Malaysia.

The good, the bad and the ineffective: An appraisal of performance appraisals

2025-02-19T22:06:28+08:00

This paper is a review of recent literature and industrial examples of performance appraisal practices to explore effective strategies and persistent challenges that are hampering effective implementation of the process. The findings indicated a shift among companies with best practices, from traditional appraisal models to a more dynamic approach that prioritises continuous feedback, employee engagement, and alignment with strategic goals. To illustrate and exemplify these developments, the innovative systems of three global companies were highlighted for their impact on performance and retention. The study also identifies enduring issues that are disabling effective performance appraisals, such as bias, transparency, and resistance to change. In addition, forced or relative ranking was examined which revealed its potential for higher competitiveness and top performer identification, while negatively impacting the workforce through decreased collaboration and affected employee morale. To address these challenges, based on the review conducted, this study proposes strengthening alignment of goal setting and performance monitoring with organisational goals, improving fairness and transparency, incorporating continuous feedback, leveraging technology, and enhancing supervisor training. By leveraging on best practices and addressing the identified gaps, organisations could be on the road to strengthened organisational performance and enhanced employee satisfaction.

Love knows no boundaries: Exploring the challenges in interracial marriages among Sarawakian women

2024-09-20T11:09:54+08:00

Interracial marriages remain a taboo in Malaysian society, with couples facing distinct challenges compared to same-race couples, including discrimination, lack of support, and the adjustment to different cultural norms. This research aimed to explore the challenges faced by women in interracial marriages, their coping strategies, and their expectations for the future of such unions. A qualitative approach was employed, with interviews conducted with eight Sarawakian women. The data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. The challenges these women encountered included cultural differences, lack of marital support, religious differences, and the specific experiences of being a wife in an interracial marriage. Coping strategies identified included communication, distractions, and the integration of both spouses' cultures. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness of the challenges faced by women in interracial marriages, underscoring the importance of policymaking, enhanced counselling practices that account for cultural differences, and community-based programmes that address their needs.

Parenting stress, mindful parenting, adolescent stress, and mindfulness: A cross-sectional study among Iranian adolescents

2024-11-06T10:09:33+08:00

Past research has extensively explored the relationships between parenting stress, mindfulness, and adolescent well-being, primarily in Western contexts. However, there has been limited investigation into how these dynamics operate within the Iranian cultural context, particularly concerning the interaction between parenting stress, mindful parenting, and adolescent stress and mindfulness. This study examines these relationships among Iranian adolescents and their parents. A total of 103 adolescents participated, completing a Demographic Questionnaire, the Adolescent Stress Scale, and the Adolescent Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. Simultaneously, 103 parents filled out a Demographic Questionnaire, the Parenting Stress Index—Short Form-15 (PSI-SF-15), and the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale. The hypotheses were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM). The results revealed that parenting stress was significantly and positively correlated with both adolescent mindfulness and adolescent stress. However, parenting mindfulness was not significantly associated with adolescent mindfulness, although it was positively linked to adolescent stress. These findings suggest that enhancing mindfulness in parents may help reduce stress in adolescents.

Online pornography consumption: Examining its role in sexual motivation, arousal, gratification, and problematic use

2025-02-19T22:18:29+08:00

This study examines the relationships between online pornography consumption, sexual motivation, arousal, and gratification, and their potential link to problematic pornography use, which is characterised by difficulties in controlling consumption despite negative consequences. A total of 202 individuals who engage in online pornography use participated in this research, which was conducted via an anonymous online questionnaire distributed across various digital platforms, including email groups and social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp). Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between online pornography consumption and an increased tendency towards problematic pornography use. Sexual arousal during pornography consumption was identified as the most significant predictor of problematic use. Furthermore, the reinforcing nature of pornography consumption, driven by motivation, arousal, and gratification, plays a crucial role in sustaining these behaviours. These findings are consistent with existing theoretical models of behavioural addiction, indicating that reinforcement mechanisms such as cue-reactivity and craving significantly contribute to the persistence of problematic pornography use. This study offers valuable insights into the psychosocial dynamics of online pornography consumption and highlights the importance of addressing its reinforcing effects to better understand and mitigate the potential risks associated with excessive or maladaptive use.

Hybrid work arrangements: Challenges and the way forward in the private sector

2025-03-02T19:03:34+08:00

Working from home, teleworking, and hybrid work arrangements are not new concepts, but they have become the norm in response to the post-pandemic environment and are increasingly recognised for promoting a healthy work-life balance. Advances in technology have also transformed how employees manage their professional and personal lives. This study explores the work-life balance of employees in hybrid work arrangements within a private organisation in Sarawak, examining the challenges, impacts, and strategies used to balance work and personal responsibilities. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with five managers, each of whom had at least one child. The findings reveal that long working hours and heavy workloads are the main challenges employees face, negatively affecting both their family time and work performance. Time management and maintaining a positive attitude were identified as key strategies for achieving work-life balance. The study also shows that employees are generally satisfied with current hybrid work arrangement policies and support, with many expressing a desire to continue working under these arrangements until retirement. It is recommended that the organisation continue offering hybrid work options, enabling employees to optimise performance without compromising their well-being.

Global competence skills among graduates of a state private university

2025-03-04T14:21:50+08:00

While global competence is increasingly recognized as a vital skill for graduates in today’s interconnected world, research on its development in state-funded private universities remains limited. This study addresses this gap by assessing the global competence skills of graduates from a state-funded private university. Using an adapted questionnaire covering nine dimensions, 436 students participated in the study. The findings reveal that graduates exhibit particularly high scores in four key areas: respecting cultural diversity, accepting other cultures, adopting diverse perspectives, and communicating effectively with people from different cultures. Additionally, five other dimensions, adaptability, global mindset, attitudes towards immigrants, understanding global issues, and self-efficacy regarding global challenges, were rated highly. These results underscore the role of global and international education coursework in enhancing graduates’ competencies and employability. Graduates prioritizing cultural respect, engaging in cultural activities, valuing cross-cultural communication, and developing a global mindset are better positioned for future career success. Based on these findings, the study proposes several measures to further enhance graduates' global competence skills and prepare them for the demands of a globalized workforce.

Exploring the role of a mindful eating module for emotion regulation and behavioural change: A qualitative study among female university students

2025-02-24T01:58:37+08:00

Malaysia is facing a growing obesity crisis, particularly among women, due to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle patterns. Despite global interest, limited research exists on mindful eating interventions in Southeast Asia, especially among university-aged females, who are vulnerable to body image concerns and emotional eating. This study addresses that gap by providing insight into a culturally relevant, gender-sensitive intervention tailored to Malaysian female university students. This qualitative study explores the influence of "The Journey to Healthier Me" (TJHM), a mindfulness-based eating module, in fostering emotion regulation and behavioural change among female university students. Mindful eating, which involves focusing on the sensory and emotional experience of eating, has been recognised as a promising approach to reducing emotional eating and promoting healthier food choices. Ten female participants aged 22–25 completed the module and were interviewed to explore their lived experiences. Thematic analysis revealed four key areas of impact: eating habits, emotion regulation, concentration, and healthier lifestyles. The findings show that mindful eating enhances emotion regulation and self-restraint, thereby reducing stress-related eating behaviours. The TJHM module shows potential in promoting long-term healthy eating habits and emotional well-being. These findings may inform future mindfulness-based interventions in higher education and public health.

Enhancing employee job performance in a public service organisation: The influence of leadership style

2025-01-25T10:21:29+08:00

Although the impact of leadership styles on employee performance has been widely studied, there is limited research on how autocratic and democratic leadership styles specifically affect job performance in Malaysia's public service sector, particularly within Sarawak's public organisations. This study investigates the relationship between these leadership styles and job performance in a public organisation in Kuching, Sarawak. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, the study employed a cross-sectional survey with an online questionnaire to assess the influence of autocratic and democratic leadership styles on employee performance. A total of 73 employees participated in the survey, and data were collected using a validated and reliable closed-ended questionnaire. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between both leadership styles and job performance, with democratic leadership having a stronger impact. These results provide valuable insights for organisational leaders seeking to improve leadership practices and enhance workforce resilience. Future research could explore the dynamics of various leadership styles, integrate mixed methods approaches, and examine their long-term effects.

Work-life challenges and how to overcome: An explorative study among female criminal investigators

2024-12-17T19:02:21+08:00

This study explores the significant challenges faced by female investigators in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), focusing on the complexities of balancing professional duties and family life. The nature of their work, coupled with irregular hours, makes achieving work-life balance particularly difficult. The research, conducted in Malaysia, aimed to identify the work-life challenges, their impacts, and potential solutions to improve the situation for female investigators. Seven female participants, selected through purposive sampling, were interviewed using semi-structured questions. The criteria for selection included a minimum of one year of marriage (with or without children) and at least two years of experience in the CID. Content analysis revealed several challenges, including time constraints, heavy workloads, role conflict, inadequate working facilities, health issues, and long work-home distances. These factors contribute to work-life conflict, highlighting the need for improved time management, stress management, work policies, workplace environment, and enhanced family support.

The relationship between career aspirations, self-efficacy, and subjective career success in Sarawak public service department

2025-02-04T17:39:16+08:00

Despite the growing interest in career development within public service sectors, the interactions between career aspirations, self-efficacy, and subjective career success remain underexplored. This descriptive-correlational study aimed to examine the relationship between career aspirations, self-efficacy, and subjective career success within the Sarawak Public Service Department. A total of 191 employees, from grade N27 and above, were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method. The survey instrument was adapted from the Career Aspirations Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Career Satisfaction Scale. The reliability of the scales was confirmed, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.7 for all variables. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between career aspirations and self-efficacy with subjective career success. Notably, self-efficacy has a dominant influence on subjective career success, surpassing the impact of career aspirations. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors influencing employee motivation and career development within public sector organisations, offering a foundation for enhancing career success strategies.