Welcome to DBS eSource

DBS eSource is an online service hosting full content materials produced by Dublin Business School staff and students. It contains the full text of articles, theses, conference papers, book chapters and more. DBS eSource is an open access repository, with the aim of making all content as widely accessible as possible. Use the Browse functions on the right for an overview of relevant materials. For an advanced search click here

Recent Submissions

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    The relationship between the Dark Tetrad traits and multicultural attitudes in Ireland
    (Dublin Business School, 2021) Carlyle, Jeri; Caska, Barbara
    A study was conducted to examine the relationship between the Dark Tetrad personality traits and attitudes towards multiculturalism in Ireland, to examine gender differences in the prevalence of the Dark Tetrad traits, and gender differences in attitudes towards multiculturalism. Data was collected via a quantitative survey comprised of demographic questions and two psychological scales: The Short Dark Tetrad (SD4: Paulhus, Buckells, Trapnell & Jones, 2014) and the Multicultural Attitude Scale (MAS; Breugelmans & Van de Vijver, 2004). The results showed that Machiavellianism and Psychopathy had a moderate negative relationship with attitudes towards multiculturalism. Results also showed significant gender differences in Narcissism, Psychopathy and Sadism, as well as significant gender differences in attitudes towards multiculturalism. The findings of this study suggest that more research on dark personality traits and multicultural attitudes is needed to further develop understanding of the motivations of individuals that express prejudicial attitudes and engage in prejudicial behaviours.
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    Effects of epilepsy and anti-epileptic drugs on mental health as measured by the DAS Scale
    (Dublin Business School, 2021) Keely, Hannah; Page, Deaglan
    The present experiment examines if epilepsy and anti-epileptic drugs influence a patient’s mental health as measured by the DAS Scale. The following experiment is a quantitative experiment using both the DAS Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1994) and an altered version of the QOLIE-10 (Cramer, et al., 1996). 305 participants took part with 172 participants with epilepsy and 133 participants without epilepsy. This study found that there was a significant difference in DASS scores between these two groups with no significant differences being found between the different medication groups. There was a significant positive correlation between QOLIE-10 scores and DASS scores among those with epilepsy as well as a significant negative correlation between length of diagnosis and DASS scores, showing higher DASS scores among those diagnosed for less time. This study has shown differences in mental health among those with epilepsy and those without, with further research needed in relation to different medication groups.
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    Connected yet somehow disconnected: The effect social media has on individuals self-esteem and body image
    (Dublin Business School, 2021) Foley, Georgina; Hyland, Pauline
    The current study was aimed to explore the relationship between social media usage, age, gender, levels of self-esteem, levels of life satisfaction and attitude towards body image in relation to social media. Participants (N=120) were required to be above 18 years of age and to currently use social media. Participants were recruited online via social networking sites where a link to the survey was posted. The survey consistent of demographic questions, bergen social media addiction scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, The satisfaction with life scale and The body appreciation scale-2. The analysis found that there was significant relationships between social media usage in relation to self-esteem, life satisfaction, age and attitudes towards body image. It also found significant relationships between body image in relation to, life satisfaction and self-esteem. Furthermore it found that there was no significant difference between gender and attitudes towards body image. These findings are discussed.
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    The effect of personality and mind wandering on student attitudes to online learning
    (Dublin Business School, 2023-03) Crombie, Lisa; Hyland, Pauline
    The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on education. Lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the virus led to an immediate shift to online learning. Following the lifting of restrictions, some higher education institutes chose to remain online. Research has shown online learning is not suitable for all learners, with some finding it difficult to maintain engagement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of personality and mind wandering on students' attitude to online learning. 101 participants completed an online survey. Of the Big Five, emotional stability was the only trait to have a significant relationship with student engagement in online learning. Openness to experience had a positive relationship with positive constructive daydreaming. In contrast, extraversion, and conscientiousness both had a negative impact on poor attentional control. Openness to experience was shown to have a significant positive relationship with both deliberate and spontaneous acts of mind wandering, with emotional stability having a negative relationship with spontaneous mind wandering.
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    Painting covid away: Artistic creativity and mental health amongst female visual artists during the pandemic
    (2023-03) O’Leary, Marta; Gaffney, Aoife
    The pandemic has resulted in increased levels of depression and anxiety worldwide. There is conflicting research on the relationship between creativity and mental health. Research exploring the experiences of female visual artists is limited. This study explores the experiences of artistic creativity and mental health amongst female visual artists specialising in the discipline of painting during the pandemic. Six female visual artists participated in semi – structured interviews. Thematic Analysis of data revealed 6 key themes: power of art, gift of time, blossoming of creativity, positive life changes, environmental factors and loss of opportunities. Findings indicate that creativity had a therapeutical effect by facilitating escape from negativity, maintaining positive mindset, triggering positive feelings and shifting existential meaning. Time gained during the pandemic was a catalyst for creative flourishing. Further research is required to explore experiences of creativity and mental health amongst artists with diagnosed mental illness during the pandemic.