Family Forum

Generative artificial intelligence in Christian parenting education: the Polish context

Anna Zellma — 2025-12-12

Given the dynamic development of information and communication technologies, including systems based on artificial intelligence, the research objective was to analyse the possibilities and limitations of using generative artificial intelligence in the process of supporting parents in their Christian educational mission. The analysis was based on a review of the literature on the subject. The Polish context was taken into account, especially the rapid secularisation, which significantly determines the quality of parents' involvement in the integral upbringing of their children and creates a need to seek new ways of reaching parents. The method of critical analysis of the literature on the subject allowed us to prove that GenAI can enrich the methodological tools of those conducting meetings with parents, help in the creation of applications, presentations, and educational materials, facilitate parents' access to pedagogical and religious knowledge, and contribute to the promotion of good practices. The research concludes that it is necessary to value the personalistic dimension and ethical principles in the education of parents. GenAI will never replace humans and direct interpersonal relationships. Its proper and responsible use in the Christian education of parents requires respect for the dignity of every human being and concern for the integral development of the person.

Supporting the educational potential of the family

Katarzyna Wojtanowicz — 2025-12-12

Background: The article focuses on analysing the educational potential of the family in the context of contemporary social, cultural, and technological challenges. It emphasizes the role of the family as a fundamental educational environment which, despite the difficulties arising from globalization, individualism, and demographic changes, remains a key element in socialization processes, the transmission of traditions, and the formation of individual identity. The paper discusses the importance of supporting families through legal and social systems such as family assistance programs that are designed to strengthen their educational and upbringing functions. It highlights the need to develop family resources, including rituals, relationships, and communication skills, enabling families to better adapt to the challenges of the modern world. The family’s role in shaping moral and social attitudes, transmitting values, and providing emotional and material support is also underlined. Additionally, attention is drawn to the influence of technology and globalization, which, while offering new opportunities, also pose challenges to traditional family bonds.
Objectives: The aim of the article is to analyse and demonstrate the educational potential of the family as a primary educational and upbringing environment within the context of contemporary social, cultural, and technological transformations. The article seeks to identify factors that strengthen the educational and pedagogical functions of the family, as well as to highlight the importance of systemic and institutional support (including family assistance programs) in developing its educational, emotional, and cultural resources. The author aims to present the family as a dynamic system capable of adaptation and creative response to the challenges of modernity through the conscious development of its educational potential.
The main research problem addressed in the article is the question: How do contemporary families develop their educational potential amid dynamic socio-cultural changes? It is assumed that institutional support, particularly family assistance, may constitute a key factor in reinforcing these processes. The study is based on the hypothesis that the family, understood as an open system, possesses the capacity for self-regulation and learning through interaction with its environment.
Methodology: The article employs an analytical and theoretical approach based on a review of scientific literature, as well as legal and systemic analysis. An interdisciplinary perspective was adopted, integrating pedagogical, sociological, psychological, and legal viewpoints to illustrate the multifaceted nature of the family’s educational potential. A descriptive model of analysis was also applied, the article relies on descriptions, interpretations, and comparisons concerning family potential, contemporary challenges, and strategies for supporting families in fulfilling their educational and upbringing functions. The analysis included a review of academic sources, with particular emphasis on pedagogical and sociological literature. The main criteria for source selection were thematic relevance to the concept of educational potential and the contemporaneity of the works in relation to ongoing social transformations. The study employed content analysis and comparative interpretation of legal acts, which enabled the identification of common conceptual categories.
Results: The findings of the article emphasize the crucial role of the family as the primary educational and upbringing environment, which is fundamental to the formation of individual identity, as well as moral and social attitudes. As the first setting of socialization, the family transmits values, norms, and behavioural patterns that shape the future functioning of its members within society.
Conclusions: The family remains a fundamental educational and upbringing environment that shapes the identity, values, and attitudes of the individual. Effective management of both its material and non-material resources supports the emotional, social, and educational development of family members. Contemporary challenges such as globalization and technologization may weaken family bonds; however, they also create opportunities to strengthen educational functions through new forms of support, such as family assistance programs. Despite ongoing social changes, the family continues to be a key element in building a stable society. The conclusions drawn from the analysis also indicate the necessity of developing programs that enhance parental competencies in home education and cooperation with educational institutions. Further research is recommended on the effectiveness of family assistance as a form of long-term educational support. The conclusions have an applicative character and may serve as a foundation for the development of new strategies in family policy.

Bonding instead of control: the importance of parent-child relationships as a safeguard against involvement in destructive activities in the virtual world

Agnieszka Kubacka-Pawlak — 2025-12-12

This article examines the case of the teenage protagonist of the miniseries “Adolescence” in the context of attachment theory, mentalization, and emotion regulation, demonstrating the impact of a parent's unresolved trauma on a child's emotional development and functioning in offline and online relationships. Using a case study approach and analysis of literature, the authors discuss the chain of consequences: from impaired affect regulation in the caregiver, through the development of an insecure attachment style in the child, to deficits in understanding the internal states of others. The article demonstrates that in the absence of a secure attachment, the digital environment becomes a space leading to involvement in potentially destructive relationships. Online activity is intended to compensate for emotional needs. However, the network can be a place of increased risk of exposure to violence and manipulation. The article emphasizes that technical control of access to online content has limited effectiveness unless accompanied by a high-quality parent-child relationship. The article's conclusions emphasize the crucial importance of attachment as the foundation for a child's real safety in the online and offline world, pointing to the need for prevention based on relationality rather than solely on control. The publication also draws attention to the special role of the father, whose involvement in the upbringing process may be an important element in preventing the occurrence of antisocial behavior in a young person.

Educational Implications of the Anxiety of Artificial Intelligence

Bożena Majerek — 2025-12-12

Background: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing many areas of life, including education, by offering new opportunities for personalized learning and increasing the efficiency of the educational process. However, numerous factors influence the extent and quality of the use of AI-based tools. Undoubtedly, one such indicator is the fear of AI.
Objectives: The main aim of the research, the results of which are presented and discussed in this article, was to determine the relationship between the level of fear of artificial intelligence and sociodemographic variables as well as individual experiences related to the use of AI.
Methodology: Using the diagnostic survey method based on a questionnaire technique, a survey was constructed that, in addition to original questions, included the AI Anxiety Scale (Wang & Wang, 2022, pp. 619–634). The study involved a randomly selected sample of 310 participants. Statistical analyses were conducted using JASP 0.18.3 and IBM SPSS Statistics software.
Results: The research found that female participants experienced a significantly higher level of fear toward AI compared to male participants. It was also shown that the level of AI-related anxiety increases with the age of respondents. In contrast, frequent use of AI, higher self-assessed knowledge and skills in this area, as well as contact with humanoid technologies, contribute to lowering the level of fear of AI.
Conclusions: The results obtained are particularly important due to the need to regulate the role of new technologies in the process of teaching and learning. In order to achieve this, it is essential to identify the variables that limit or hinder the use of new technologies. One such factor is undoubtedly the fear of AI, which should be recognized as a key moderator of acceptance or resistance to the use of technological innovations in education.

Catholic education and modern social communication technologies

Jan Przybyłowski — 2025-12-12

With the advancement of modern media technologies, the context of Catholic education is changing and new challenges are emerging for parents, teachers and educators. An important task in the educational process is to help young people effectively counteract the threats associated with the use of modern social communication technologies. At the same time, educators should support young people in using modern digital technologies for their own development (self-education) and future activity in social life.
The aim of this article is to clarify the essence, goals and methods of Catholic education, which is influenced by the use of modern communication technologies by pupils. This article uses qualitative analysis and practical reasoning, which are used in applied theology, to focus on the traditional principles of Catholic education, i.e. the integral formation of the human person towards their ultimate goal, but interpreted in the context of changes related to the development of modern social communication technologies.
The research conducted showed that some of the traditional concepts used in theology can be replaced by terminology used in media culture (e.g. from dialogue to communication). Modern technologies will also change the cultural context of Catholic education and self-education, which may lead to addiction, isolation and a progressive loss of contact with reality, hindering the development of authentic interpersonal relationships.
The result of the research is therefore a practical conclusion that Catholic education should emphasise the role of community, which provides the conditions for real, authentic personal communication. In Catholic education, greater emphasis should be placed on the role of freedom in the responsible use of modern communication technologies. The research also showed that the main goal of Catholic education should always be to focus all activities on shaping maturity in the pupils' faith in Jesus Christ, who is most fully embodied in the Church.

Media Education in the Family in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: challenges and risks

Józef Kloch — 2025-12-12

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) since 2022 poses a challenge for families, including parents, children and young people. The Holy See has been analysing the ethical and social implications of AI starting in 2019, with the culmination of this work being the 2025 document Antiqua et Nova. This article responds to the Vatican's call for urgent education of families on AI by presenting the theoretical foundations of artificial intelligence to prevent misunderstandings and outlining media education strategies to promote the responsible use of AI in the family context.
The aim of this article is to demonstrate the need for family education on AI, to present basic knowledge about AI, and to outline issues related to the responsible use of AI. The article uses an analysis of research data on media education, AI, communication, and the family. Documents and reports on AI education, as well as case studies, were also analysed. The research points to gaps in knowledge about AI among parents and children and to the risks associated with the anthropomorphisation of AI, misinformation and the influence of algorithms on the content consumed by young people. The article therefore proposes specific educational activities to support critical thinking and the responsible use of AI. Media education on AI is crucial for building communication skills within the family. Parents play a fundamental role in this process by supporting their children in understanding and using AI technology responsibly, minimising the risk of misinformation and manipulation.

Ethics of Artificial Intelligence – facts and perspectives

Piotr Jan Morciniec — 2025-12-12

Research context: The dynamic development of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised the modern era, bringing with it both enormous benefits and increasing ethical and social risks. A moral reflection on its applications, implications, and consequences is therefore justified.
Research objective: The main aim of the article is to establish moral frameworks for the functioning of AI by distinguishing human intelligence from machine intelligence and by analysing who actually bears ethical responsibility for AI’s actions, thereby identifying the subject of moral responsibility.
Research method: The study employs desk research, i.e., an analysis of existing data, including selected documents and studies addressing ethical aspects of AI use, with particular attention given to the activity in this field of the pope of the “digital revolution,” Leo XIV. Comparative analysis was also used: ethical principles of AI identified by a selected chatbot were juxtaposed with definitions of morality and ethics, and approaches to the issue were compared in the Vatican’s Nota Antiqua et nova and the EU’s AI Act.
Results: It was established that AI cannot act morally because it is not a human subject (a person), which means that programmers and users, not machines, ultimately bear responsibility for its use and any potential harm.
Conclusions: It is necessary for the development of AI to place human dignity at its center and to be grounded in strong ethical frameworks and legal regulations, so that the benefits of this technology outweigh the risks, such as deepening loneliness, undermining the right to work, autonomous AI decisions in military actions, or the educational danger of questioning the rationality of the human subject.

The immortal quasi-person

Bartłomiej Kempe — 2025-12-12

The growth of the digital afterlife industry raises questions about the limits of the “reproducibility” of human personhood, the truthfulness of relationships in bereavement, and compatibility with Catholic anthropology. The article aims to determine the ethical permissibility and conditions for the use of post-mortem avatars and to formulate design norms and pastoral guidelines. The methodology combines analysis of Church documents, a personalist theological-moral argument, a review of scholarship in grief psychology and AI ethics, and case studies of commercial solutions.

The analysis yields four main findings: (1) a post-mortem avatar is not a person nor a “continuity” of personal subjectivity, but an artefact; (2) the only admissible function is that of instrumentum memoriae, not a simulation of presence; (3) ethical minima for such systems include the deceased’s prior informed consent, strict transparency and unambiguous labelling, a ban on first-person narration and personification, protective mechanisms for the bereaved and for minors, and a ban on commercialising the “personality”; (4) pastorally, simulated presence may complicate grief and obscure eschatological hope.

AI can support the truth of memory but does not “revive” the dead; appropriate uses are archival and strictly conditioned. The article advocates a “digital testament,” impact assessments, pastoral guidance, and design standards, and indicates avenues for further research on the effects of griefbots on the grieving process. The study’s contribution lies in the first Polish-context synthesis of the digital afterlife industry from a theological-anthropological perspective, translated into concrete design and pastoral recommendations. The proposed framework helps distinguish admissible forms of digital commemoration from practices that are theologically and ethically problematic, and sets directions for further research and standards of practice.

Digital Technologies in Preventing Domestic and Post-Separation Violence: A Concept for Implementing a Telecare System in Poland

Małgorzata Słowik — 2025-12-12

Telecare in Poland is primarily associated with medical assistance, whereas globally, it has also been used for years to address domestic and post-separation violence. In Poland, there are two applications for individuals experiencing violence (ODP), one intervention website, and a chatbot. However, these cannot be considered telecare in the full sense of the term—that is, as a comprehensive service encompassing monitoring, intervention, psychological support, and psychoeducation. Currently, Poland lacks a telecare center that provides 24/7 monitoring, inter-institutional cooperation, and comprehensive support and care for ODPs.
The aim of this research is to explore and present the possibilities for implementing a telecare system for individuals experiencing violence in Poland, taking into account available digital technologies. Additionally, it seeks to develop and propose an outline for the organization and operation of a Telecare Centre (CT) for ODPs in Poland.
The research method employed involved critical text analysis and a review of existing telecare solutions in other countries.
Conclusions: Telecare can serve as an effective form of support for ODPs in Poland, particularly in terms of safety monitoring, intervention, psychoeducation, and specialized counseling. Its implementation requires integration with the existing support system, adaptation of legal regulations, and ensuring a high level of technological security.
Results: This study presents the key functionalities of online tools and mobile applications for ODPs, along with a proposed outline of the organization and operation of a Telecare Centre (CT) in Poland. This proposal should be viewed as a source of inspiration rather than a fully developed, detailed project.
Implications: Telecare for ODPs can complement the existing support system, particularly in situations where access to traditional forms of assistance is limited.
This paper offers a new perspective on the Polish anti-violence system by highlighting the potential of modern technologies to enhance the effectiveness of support for individuals experiencing violence.

Family in crisis - aid institutions in Poland

Anna Majchrowska-Kielak — 2025-12-12

The article presents the content of the speech at the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Psychology of the city and citizens: perspective and retrospective”, which was organized by the Department of Psychology, Pedagogy and Language Education of the Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy named after A.N. Beketov. The purpose was to present the variety of forms of assistance to a child and family in crisis in Poland and to emphasize the legitimacy of these entities. This seems especially important in the era of the war in Ukraine and the influx of immigrants, which is a particular crisis affecting the family. Crises in the family can cause its dysfunctionality and even the emergence of pathological phenomena such as alcoholism and violence. It is very important in this aspect to take care of the welfare of the child and provide opportunities for optimal development.

The Selflessness of Parental Love. Plutarch in the Intergenerational Discourse with Representatives of Modern Science

Alicja Żywczok — 2025-12-12

The article presents a scientific discourse that revolves around the following question: Can parental love be considered selfless or rather the opposite – self-serving (i.e. resulting from the parents’ current or future material or psychological gratifications, as envisaged by the parents)? To this end, the legacy of Plutarch of Chaeronea, a philosopher of antiquity, was drawn upon since it falls well within the scope of the discussed subject matter. Apart from presenting the biographical threads and oeuvre of this proponent of Platonic thought, the article analyses the accusation against people who deny those parents who take exemplary care of their children the right to be considered selfless, as formulated in Plutarch’s work titled On affection for offspring. A polemic is undertaken here not only with Epicurean views, but also with assumptions held by representatives of selected psychological theories, such as for instance psychoanalysis, in which the unconditional nature of parental love for children is undermined. The cognitive aim of the present research is expressed in the consideration of Plutarch’s views on the selflessness of parental love in the context of contemporary scientific developments. The presentation of his evidence supporting selflessness of parental love is complemented by the arguments delivered by the authoress of the article, which may prove valuable especially in the field of social sciences and family sciences. Through the use of hermeneutic methods, the authoress was able to conduct a pertinent analysis and interpretation of the sources. The conclusion was drawn that parental love goes beyond the framework of the maternal instinct, thus testifying to the moral greatness of man, who – as the authoress of the article is convinced herself – emulates God’s selfless and unconditional love towards people.

Droga do macierzyństwa przez wiarę w mowach św. Jana Chryzostoma De Anna

Leon Nieścior — 2025-12-12

Five St John Chrysostom’s homilies on Hannah, the mother of Samuel, in the biblical account of 1 Sm 1-2, have survived. The first three homilies were delivered by the preacher in 387 in Antioch, in his second year of priesthood; the others, perhaps later. An important idea of theirs is that of motherhood, which has already been taken up by modern scholars in some aspects. It’s worth asking about the place of the idea of motherhood in the whole theology contained in the homilies De Anna, which he systematizes and presents in a comprehensive synthesis. It shows that motherhood by faith is the most crucial idea in the homilies. The author tries to capture the characteristic elements of this spiritual way in the homilies: prayer for offspring – offering everything to God – patience in adversity – successful procreation – education as spiritual parenthood. The budding preacher seems to go to the very essence of the vocation of Christian woman in the world.

Marriage and the Family in God’s Plan of Salvation: in the Pre- and Post-Conciliar Teaching of the Magisterium Ecclesiae in Light of the Relatio Synodi (2015)

Zygfryd Paweł Glaeser — 2025-12-12

Matrimony and family are the center of God's salvific plan, inscribed in the nature of Man from the very moment of his creation. As an analysis of biblical texts shows, God established matrimony as a “deep communion of life and love” (cf. Gen. 2:24), which is a reflection of Christ's relationship with the Church (cf. Eph. 5:25-33). The purpose of this study is to present the magisterial teaching of the Church on matrimony and family understood in the perspective of God's plan of salvation. The immediate context of the conducted research is the message included in the 2015 Relatio synodi, which is a kind of synthesis of the post-conciliar magisterial teaching on the main problematic issue addressed in this article. In the course of the research conducted, first of all, the method of in-depth, multifaceted and critical analysis of the final document of the 2015 Synod of Bishops was applied, presenting the elements of the Church's magisterial teaching on matrimony and family in the perspective of God's plan of salvation included therein. The next step was to compare this message with the teaching included in the documents and statements of particular popes from Paul VI to Francis. This made it possible to develop fundamental research conclusions. Synthetically, they can be presented as follows:

1. The Church's teaching, from Second Vatican Council to 2015 Relatio Synodi, balances between faithfulness to inviolable principles and pastoral discernment regarding irregular situations.

2. Matrimony and family occupy a key place in God's plan of salvation, a fact that has been constantly emphasized in the post-conciliar teaching of the Magisterium Ecclesiae.

3. Traditional teaching has emphasized primarily the sacramental nature of matrimony as an institution that aims not only to unite two people, but also to open to life and raise children in the spirit of faith.

4. The Second Vatican Council, in the Gaudium et spes Constitution, highlighted the importance of family as the basic cell of society and the place where love and responsibility are fulfilled.

5. The post-conciliar teaching of the Magisterium Ecclesiae emphasizes that family, as a community of persons, has the task of evangelizing and being witness to Christ in everyday life. Contemporary challenges, such as the crisis of matrimonial identity and the diversity of forms of family life, require the Church to be more open and understanding, as reflected in the 2014 and 2015 synodal documents.

6. In the context of the 2015 Relatio synodi, it was underlined that family is the place where a person experiences God's love and becomes a witness to that love in the world.

7. In the context of God's plan of salvation, marriage and the family are not only the path to holiness, but also the environment in which the Church's mission of preaching of the Good News is realized.

8. Supporting families in their hardships and joys and promoting Christian values becomes a fundamental task for the Church.

Large families in Poland - specificity of their functioning and the received support

Lidia Pietruszka — 2025-12-12

Undoubtedly, a traditional Polish family is a large, multigenerational family, with members living relatively close to each other. Although Poles declare that they want to have children, these claims do not translate into the family size: presently, Polish families are characterised by low birth rate, high mobility of their members and residing far away from their family of origin. Key changes take place in the model of family which is being transformed from that of a multi-children family into a small family.
The current article presents research that was conducted using the method of diagnostic survey in 150 large families. Its purpose was to find answers to a number of fundamental questions: how do parents who have a large number of children characterise the specificity of their families? How do they assess society's attitudes to large families? What problems do they experience and how do they assess the support they receive in this respect? Their opinions were analysed in the context of the above-mentioned research problems. The analysis of the survey data indicated that although children from large families are more independent and open to other people and their problems, and family members feel more responsible for one another, the multi-children family model is not the most sought-after in the modern world.
Results of the conducted analyses suggest that large families, due to a number of various dangers, require particular social interest. Therefore, it cannot boil down just to social policy focused on financial aspects. This assistance should be centred on comprehensive activities in multiple areas, including an emphasis on the value and social significance of multi-children families.

Free sharing with family members in times of crisis is linked with fewer internalizing symptoms: A network analysis

Marcin Moroń — 2025-12-12

Mental health of individuals depends on the quality of their communication with family members. Despite the general positive links between satisfaction with communication within the family and internalizing symptomatology, less is known about the particular communication behaviors and internalizing symptoms. In a study conducted during the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, we collected reports of family communication (e.g., the possibility to freely share opinions, making decisions together, valuing the role of communication), depression, and anxiety symptoms from 267 adult participants (65.17% women). We analyzed the network of associations between particular communication behaviors and symptoms. We showed that feeling free to share one’s opinions with family members had the highest expected influence on all the symptoms included in the analysis. Additionally, we showed that individuals enjoying time with family members had fewer suicidal ideations, whereas people satisfied with communication with family members reported less pathological worrying.

The functioning of NGOs supporting foster care as shown by online (auto)presentation

Patrycja Kaszubska-Dziergas — 2025-12-12

Unfortunately, as evidenced by the data of the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS), the number of foster families in Poland has been growing at a significant rate. In all Polish counties are witness, there is a constant search for foster families combined with promotional campaigns that encourage people to create such families. Being a foster parent is a difficult duty that is, nevertheless, extremely beneficial for the society. In this context, both institutional and non-institutional support networks play a significant role. Important examples of the latter include organisations that try to use the Internet to discuss this difficult social topic, communicating it to the broader public. The article discusses the topic of the media activities of selected organisations that support familial foster care. Its aim is to analyse the content of websites and the (auto)presentation of the indicated organisations of the 3rd sector associated with foster parenthood. Examples of ongoing grassroots initiatives include, for instance, Dolnośląska Fundacja na rzecz Pieczy Zastępczej “Przystanek Rodzina” [Lower Silesian Foundation for Foster Care “Przystanek Rodzina”], Koalicja na rzecz Rodzinnej Opieki Zastępczej [Polish Foster Care Coalition] and Stowarzyszenie Nowy Dom [New Home Association]. The research methods used to study the (online) content enables the identification and analysis of the (auto)presentation of the declared objectives and forms of operations of the organisations. The research uses the analysis of the (media) content that supports the following conclusions: the operations of the above-mentioned NGOs are multidimensional because they focus not only on the search for and training of candidates for foster families but also on support for existing foster families. The work of the indicated NGOs concerns the promotion of foster parenthood, the (self-)improvement of volunteers, organisational activities and various types of support for foster parents and their charges.

The importance of the subject “family life education” in shaping pro-family attitudes in the opinion of students and PhD students of higher education institutions in Małopolska

Magdalena Gadamska-Kyrcz — 2025-12-12

In connection with socio-cultural changes and growing concerns and even reluctance towards parenthood and motherhood among people of reproductive age, it is worth asking whether there are state tools that could reverse this trend. The aim of this article is to check whether education for family life can shape pro-family and pro-natal attitudes among students and PhD students. The article presents a fragment of the results of our own research (quantitative in nature) on the impact of education for family life on pro-family and pro-natal attitudes. Based on this part of the research, it can be concluded that the discussed topic has not been an element of a broad pro-family policy so far, the quality of the classes is low or average, and the topics discussed did not meet the needs of students and PhD students. At the same time, students' expectations regarding the content of the teaching are far from pro-natal attitudes.

Right-libertarian views on divorce causes in the light of evolutionary psychology

Łukasz Mirocha — 2025-12-12

The article aims to present and discuss the profound right-libertarian approach to marriage and the reasons for its dissolution. It also compares contemporary libertarian contributions to the subject with the achievements of evolutionary psychology, a recent development of the Darwinian approach, considering that early libertarianism has been associated with social Darwinism. The article underscores that most libertarians perceive marriage as a contract; however, more conservative right-libertarians emphasize the social value of this institution instead of the form of its arrangement, a perspective that holds significant implications for the issue under study. Evolutionary psychology investigates and explains human behaviors and attitudes as evolutionary adaptations, which concerns, e.g., differences in involvement in child-rearing between the two sexes. Both the libertarian and evolutionary approaches reach similar conclusions regarding the topic at hand. They view marriage as a means for spouses to support each other mutually and argue that this purpose is undermined if another entity can take on the role of one of the spouses. Libertarians believe that the state, particularly the welfare state, replaces spouses in their functions, leading to higher divorce rates. Advocates of evolutionary psychology can subscribe to this claim.

Forgiveness of an ex-spouse: Do self-compassion and context matter?

Kinga Kaleta — 2025-12-12

The aim of this paper was to analyze the relationship between self-compassion and forgiveness, as well as the moderating role of contextual factors in this relationship among divorced adults. The sample consisted of 169 divorcees (114 females, 54 males) aged 26–64 (M=39.16, SD=7.88). The Self-Compassion Scale, the Decision to Forgive Scale, the Emotional Forgiveness Scale were used in the study. The study revealed significant associations between multidimensional self-compassion and emotional, but not decisional, forgiveness. Self-compassion positively predicted reduction of negative emotions, but not presence of positive regard toward an ex-spouse. None of the contextual factors moderated the self-compassion-forgiveness link, though they were related to forgiveness. Being a man, the non-initiator status, having a new partner, longer time since divorce, receiving more apology and having a better relationship with an ex-spouse positively predicted all types of forgiveness. For less severe transgressions, self-compassion was significantly and negatively related to decisional forgiveness.

The Impact of Personality Traits and Family Support on Foreign Language Teacher Burnout

Brygida Lika — 2025-12-12

Teacher burnout is a serious problem in education, particularly for foreign language teachers who often encounter various challenges. Personality traits can significantly exacerbate or mitigate susceptibility to burnout, while family can act as a buffer, providing emotional support to alleviate the pressures of teaching.
The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between burnout, related personality traits, and family factors. One hundred and nine teachers aged 25 to 56+ participated in the study. The instruments used included the International Personality Item Pool NEO-Five Factor Inventory-50 (IPIP-NEO-FFI-50; Goldberg, 1992) to measure personality traits and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI; Demerouti, 1999) to assess burnout. Participants with the highest levels of burnout were selected for detailed interviews to explore the impact of family factors on their stress levels and functioning.
The results indicate that teachers with strong family support experience lower levels of burnout, while those with high neuroticism and limited family resources are more vulnerable to its effects. This study highlights the importance of raising teachers’ awareness of the impact of burnout on their personal and professional lives. The balance between work, family relationships, and interests is essential to prevent burnout and maintain personal well-being and effectiveness.

The Role of Personality in Parenting a Child with Autism Spectrum

Anna Lenart — 2025-12-12

The study investigates the influence of personality factors on parenting adaptation for parents raising children with autism spectrum disorders, which are increasingly prevalent developmental disorders. The research aimed to explore the relationship between key personality traits associated with competent caregiving and the approach to caring for a child with autism. A sample of 89 parents of children with autism completed questionnaires assessing personality traits, parenting competencies, and parental role fulfillment. The findings revealed significant correlations between specific personality traits and various aspects of parental functioning. Notably, Self-evaluation, Ability to Create Emotional Ties and Assertiveness emerged as crucial traits for accepting and positively fulfilling the parental role. Higher levels of these traits were associated with acceptance of the child and one's own parental role. These insights may prove valuable in developing targeted psychological support programs for parents of children with autism, potentially enhancing their ability to adapt to this role.

ysfunctional Family Communication in the Context of a Family Member’s Incarceration: Styles, Patterns, and Interaction Strategies

Renata Pomarańska — 2025-12-12

Communication disruptions in a family with experience of prison isolation are a broad issue due to the aspect of communication and the stay of one of the family members in a social rehabilitation facility.
The article discusses communication disruptions in the prisoner's family in some detail, emphasizing three important issues: communication barriers affecting negative family communication, taking into account twelve obstacles; attention was paid to the communication style, which often becomes a serious deficiency in family communication; and patterns of dysfunctional communication in the inmate's family were given, which not only make communication difficult, but are also often the reason for its breakdown.
Sensitivity to communication disruptions in the family, as an ongoing issue, should become the subject of further in-depth research useful in work on the social rehabilitation of prisoners.

Ostracism and Social Exclusion as a Tool of Control over Individuals Influenced by Controversial Cultic Groups: The Case of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Mariusz Gajewski — 2025-12-12

Research Background: The article addresses the analysis of ostracism, stigmatization, and exclusion encountered in various social groups, particularly within controversial new religious movements and cults. Referring to existing literature, it is indicated that in cults, ostracism as a tool of control becomes an effective form of manipulating human relationships.
Research Aim: The aim of the study was to understand the phenomenon of ostracism and its associated stigmatization and exclusion experienced by participants of a forum focusing on former and current Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Methodology: The study employed a quantitative method incorporating phenomenological content analysis and contemporary netnographic techniques. This methodology allowed for a detailed exploration and categorization of posts on an online forum. A total of 650 posts from forum members across 92 threads were analyzed.
Research Findings: The results indicate a strong similarity in the experiences and perceptions of ostracism among the participants. The analysis of forum posts revealed that participants associate the experience of ostracism with the process of destroying intra-group relationships and often severing familial ties.
Conclusions: Thought control, emotional and behavioral moderation through ostracism lead to psychological, emotional, and existential suffering among members of controversial cultic groups. The analysis presented confirms that group leaders deliberately and effectively control both intra-group relationships and the scope of contacts with individuals outside the group. The particular controversy centers around the disruption of familial bonds.
Recommendations: Following the discussion of specific research categories, concrete pedagogical and therapeutic solutions are proposed to support planned preventive measures against ostracism from controversial new religious movements and cults.