Beyond logic

Critical thinking as a resource for peace and psychological wellbeing

Dados Bibliográficos

ID12936722
AutoresRosa Angela Fabio (0000-0001-7065-1528, University of Messina, autor correspondente), Caterina Chiara Ascone (University of Messina)
Ano2025
Volume18
Fascículo1
Páginas50-60
Data de publicação2025-10-10
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1759-6599 • E-ISSN: 2042-8715
EditoraEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/jacpr-08-2025-1063
OpenAlexW4415042313
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas18

Purpose This study aims to examine whether critical thinking (CT), assessed using the critical reasoning assessment (CRA) as a performance-based measure and the critical thinking attitude (CTA) as a dispositional measure, relates to dysfunctional beliefs, peace attitudes and psychological well-being in 354 Italian university students. The study also explored mediating mechanisms linking CT, peace orientations and well-being. Design/methodology/approach Participants completed CRA, CTA and measures of dysfunctional beliefs, peace attitudes and well-being. Confirmatory factor analyses verified construct distinctiveness. Structural equation modeling tested associations among CT, peace attitudes, dysfunctional beliefs and well-being, and mediation analyses evaluated whether beliefs and peace orientations explained the CT–well-being link. Findings Both performance-based and dispositional CT positively predicted peace attitudes and well-being, and negatively predicted dysfunctional beliefs. Mediation analyses indicated that lower dysfunctional beliefs and stronger peace orientations partially explained CT’s link to well-being. Alternative models fit comparably well, precluding causal interpretations. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the sample restricts generalizability. Future research should use longitudinal or experimental designs and more diverse populations to clarify mechanisms. Findings highlight that CT, particularly as a reflective disposition, interacts with beliefs and social context to promote prosocial attitudes and psychological wellbeing. Practical implications Fostering CT dispositions can enhance peace attitudes and well-being. Educational programs promoting reflective judgment, open-minded reasoning and cooperation may reduce dysfunctional beliefs and support prosocial behavior. Integrating CT training with social-emotional development can advance individual well-being and promote harmonious social interactions. Originality/value This study uniquely integrates performance-based and dispositional measures of critical thinking to examine their associations with peace attitudes and psychological well-being, extending CT research beyond cognitive performance to prosocial and flourishing outcomes. By exploring dysfunctional beliefs as a potential mediator, the study highlights mechanisms linking reflective reasoning to peace-oriented behavior. Unlike prior work, it considers CT as a value-neutral capacity that can foster prosocial attitudes while remaining strategically applicable in competitive contexts. The findings provide novel insights for education and intervention design, suggesting that cultivating critical thinking dispositions can contribute to individual flourishing and the promotion of peace

Confirmatory factor analysis · Construct (python library · Context (archaeology · Dysfunctional family · Mediation · Prosocial behavior · Resource (disambiguation · Structural equation modeling · Education and Critical Thinking Development · Ego Development and Educational Practices · Families in Therapy and Culture