Understanding Mental Health and Sociocultural Dynamics in a Changing World
A complex web of individual experiences, social interactions, and broader cultural contexts shapes mental health. Research from the Nisantasi University sheds light on how social exclusion, cultural norms, and pandemic-driven changes influence psychological behaviors and well-being. These studies reveal how intertwined human behavior is with societal structures, offering valuable insights for better understanding mental health challenges and opportunities for positive change
Influence of Social Dynamics, Technology, and Work on Mental Well-Being
Social dynamics, technology, interpersonal relationships, and work environments shape mental well-being. Feelings of social exclusion can drive compulsive buying behavior. This process is mediated by the fear of missing out (FoMO), with cultural differences playing a role in Denmark’s individualistic and Turkey’s collectivistic norms [1]. Technology has a significant impact on mental health. Studies show that social support enhances ikigai—a sense of life purpose—which in turn reduces smartphone addiction, especially among women [2]. Interpersonal relationships have a strong influence on life satisfaction. Loneliness is a key mediator between cognitive distortions and well-being, with younger individuals being more affected than older ones [3]. Lastly, work environments contribute to mental strain, as social comparison increases work stress, which exacerbates social anxiety [4].
Impact of Societal Crises on Mental Health and Sociopolitical Attitudes
Societal changes driven by crises like the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impact mental health and sociopolitical attitudes. Fear of COVID-19 indirectly reduces life satisfaction among married individuals in Türkiye by increasing work-family conflict, especially for women, while remote work helps reduce this strain [5]. The pandemic also amplified Euroscepticism in Turkish media, with both pro-government and opposition outlets portraying EU policies as disorganized. This scenario highlights how crises shape public opinion and international relationships [6].
These studies collectively illuminate the intricate interplay between individual behaviors, social contexts, and cultural dynamics in shaping mental health. By understanding these interconnected factors, societies can better address psychological challenges through targeted interventions, supportive environments, and adaptive policies. As the world evolves, prioritizing mental well-being must remain a shared responsibility.
*Notes: This article provides research teasers for each reference to showcase the novelties
References
[1] Mert, M., & Tengilimoğlu, D. (2023). The mediating role of FoMO and the moderating role of narcissism in the impact of social exclusion on compulsive buying: A cross-cultural study. Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica, 36(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41155-023-00274-y
[2] Şimşek, O. M., Kaya, A. B., Çevık, O., & Koçak, O. (2024). How is the problematic smartphone use affected by social support? A research model supported by the mediation of Ikigai. Current Psychology, 43(2), 1102–1117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04362-1
[3] Şimşek, O. M., Koçak, O., & Younis, M. Z. (2021). The impact of interpersonal cognitive distortions on satisfaction with life and the mediating role of loneliness. Sustainability, 13(16), 9293. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169293
[4] Soyer, M., Uludağ, D., & Mert, M. (2024). The role of work stress in the effect of social comparison on social anxiety: A study on aviation industry employees. Sosyoekonomi, 32(60), 225–241. https://doi.org/10.17233/sosyoekonomi.2024.02.11
[5] Solmaz, U., Çevik, O., Şimşek, O. M., Çoltu, İ., & Koçak, O. (2024). How does fear of Covid-19 affect the life satisfaction of married individuals in Türkiye? The role of work-family life conflict as mediator. Current Psychology, 43(25), 22121–22133. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05548-3
[6] Ustun, C. (2022). Euroscepticism during COVID-19: The Case of Turkish Media. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS, 2, 30–45. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2755621984?sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals
Promising Techniques in Geotechnical Engineering
Soil and its interaction with structural foundations is a cornerstone of geotechnical engineering, influencing the stability and safety of infrastructures. Whether dealing with seismic challenges, enhancing port capacities, or improving soil performance, modern engineering relies on innovative techniques and careful analysis to address these complex issues. The research of Dr. Selçuk Bildik (Department of Civil Engineering, Nisantasi University) explores two key areas—soil-structure interaction and soil reinforcement—highlighting advancements that blend experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches to optimize foundation performance and ground stability.
Soil-Structure Interaction
The stability of geotechnical structures under seismic forces is critical, especially in earthquake-prone areas. Dynamic loads notably affect pile foundations, with factors like soil layers, groundwater, and pile material influencing stress and deformation. Earthquake magnitude is particularly impactful, as weaker soils amplify strain along the pile’s length [1]. Ports, essential for trade, benefit from hybrid pile designs that integrate reinforced and unreinforced elements. As seen in Guinea, these innovations supported crane loads without disrupting operations [2]. Vertical stress distribution beneath foundations also demands attention, with circular footings on sand showing stress variations based on size and depth. Experimental and computational methods refine design approaches, enhancing infrastructure safety and performance [3].
Soil Reinforcement and Ground Improvement
Soil reinforcement using geogrids enhances ground performance by improving bearing capacity, reducing settlement, and protecting buried structures like pipelines. Optimal geogrid configurations—such as specific depths and layer spacing—can significantly increase soil strength, cutting settlement nearly in half [4]. For structures exposed to uplift forces, like offshore platforms, geogrids nearly double the uplift capacity of anchors in sand [5].
Advances in soil-structure interaction and soil reinforcement enable the precise and efficient address of complex challenges. From seismic resilience to ground improvement, these methods combine traditional principles with advanced tools, ensuring safe and sustainable development. As global demands on infrastructure grow, such innovations will continue to improve geotechnical engineering.
*Notes: This article provides research teasers for each reference to showcase the novelties
[1] Bildik, S., & Tanrıöver, H. (2023). Numerical investigation of the pile–soil interaction problem under dynamic loads. Applied Sciences, 13(21), 11653. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111653
[2] Bildik, S. (2023). Numerical modeling of the geotechnical and structural strengthening of quay structures with a case study. Applied Sciences, 13(21), 11868. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111868
[3] Keskin, M. S., Bildik, S., & Laman, M. (2023). Experimental and numerical studies of vertical stresses beneath the circular footings on sand. Applied Sciences, 13(3), 1635. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031635
[4] Bildik, S., & Laman, M. (2020). Effect of geogrid reinforcement on soil—Structure – pipe interaction in terms of bearing capacity, settlement and stress distribution. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 48(6), 844–853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2020.07.004
[5] Bildik, S., Dickin, E. A., Keskin, M. S., Ilamparuthi, K., & Laman, M. (2023). Centrifuge model tests and numerical analysis of uplift capacity of strip anchors in geogrid-reinforced sand. Applied Sciences, 13(7), 4182. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074182
