Attitudinal Change Research Articles

Communicating About Renewable Energy With Satire: The Influence of Gentle and Harsh Humor Tones on Perceived Message Credibility and Information Reliance

Satire is often used in science communication, but it is unclear how it influences perceptions of message credibility and reliance on the information. We examine how two satire types (gentle, harsh) influence perceived message credibility and information reliance, which we define as using the information in discussions or for attitudinal and behavioral changes. Using a partial mediation model, we found no effects of gentle satire, but harsh satire negatively influenced message credibility, which was positively linked to information reliance. Contrary to previous research, we found that the satire type matters. Practical implications include being cautious when using harsh satire.

Impact Assessment of an Educational Intervention Programme Using a Serious Game on Cyberviolence against Women and Girls

AbstractCyberviolence among teenagers is a persistent problem addressed by several prevention programmes. In this article, we evaluate an educational intervention programme based on a serious game (CyberSafe Tool) that addresses cyberviolence against women and girls. The goal of the intervention and the serious game was to raise young people’s awareness of online violence against women and girls and to promote safe and responsible online behaviour. The intervention, conducted between 2020 and 2021, included 959 teenagers between 13 and 16 years old from Italy, Greece, Estonia and the United Kingdom. We used a survey questionnaire to conduct an impact assessment. It was administered three times – before the intervention, immediately after the intervention and three weeks after the intervention – to identify participants’ attitudinal changes. The results indicate significant positive attitude changes after the intervention that remained unchanged after the third questionnaire, which was administered three weeks after the intervention.

Attitudes Toward Prostitution in Norway, Spain, and Germany: Association With the Legal Context and Susceptibility to Persuasion.

The social and legal treatment of prostitution varies between countries. We examined attitudes toward prostitution (ATP) and their susceptibility to persuasion in three countries: Norway, where prostitution is illegal; Spain, where prostitution is not explicitly regulated in the law; and Germany, where prostitution is legal. Participants (total N = 579) read arguments in favor of either legalization or abolition of prostitution or no arguments. Then they reported their ATP, judged the consequences of abolishing prostitution and completed measures of feminism, political orientation and sociosexuality. Results showed that, as hypothesized, ATP scores (1) reflected the countries' legislation, being most positive in Germany and least positive in Norway; (2) were affected by arguments only in Spain, where the legal situation is ambiguous; and (3) were meaningfully correlated with other attitudes across countries. These findings highlight the association of legal frameworks with attitudes, suggesting that national legislation can shape social norms and perceptions of prostitution. Additionally, the varying susceptibility to persuasive messages across different legal contexts underscores the role of legal ambiguity in shaping openness to attitudinal change.

Language change across the lifespan: The changing status of a local variant

Abstract Three major studies on pronunciation were conducted in Iceland over a period of 70 years, including collection of real-time data. One subgroup of participants was interviewed as children in the 1940s, again as adults in the 1980s, and once again in the 2010s. Another subgroup was interviewed twice. By reanalysing raw data on participants in the first study the author was able to compare them with subsequent studies and trace individual developments, and thus examine lifespan changes over a long period. This article focuses on 62 participants from the two subgroups (47 people born in 1927–1932, and 15 born in 1963–1970), all from north-eastern Iceland, and a regional variant called ‘hard speech’ (harðmæli), i.e., the use of aspirated rather than unaspirated intervocalic plosives, comparing it with another north-eastern variant, so-called ‘voiced pronunciation’ (raddaður framburður), i.e., the use of voiced rather than voiceless sonorants before /p,t,k/. This reanalysis of the data of these seminal studies not only corroborates earlier findings that pronunciation can and does change among adult individuals, it also suggests (a) that such lifespan changes are more likely to happen in the first 2–3 decades of adulthood; and (b) that while ‘hard speech’ is fading as a local variant it shows signs of strengthening among individual speakers over their lifetime. This development takes place concurrently with attitudinal changes towards ‘hard speech’, which has come to be perceived as ‘clear pronunciation’.

An Autoethnographic Account of a Native English-Speaking Teacher’s Change in Attitude to Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers

This study investigates and reflects upon how over a decade of teaching English as a foreign language my attitude towards non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) changed from a negative perception to one of admiration. Focusing on language ideology and NNEST discrimination as conceptual lenses, I detail the evolution of my attitudes across time and space as a language educator using autoethnographic inquiry. I detail how my attitudinal changes towards NNESTs evolved, from beginnings where I questioned their authenticity, due to my sociocultural background, to a status where I espoused their competence and began researching how equity can be achieved in English language teaching (ELT) for NNESTs globally. I also summarize how my lived experiences can be replicated in official policy within ELT with a focus on critical reflexivity and exposure. As a ‘native English-speaking teacher,’ my experiences and perceptions seek to add countenance to those documented by NNESTs, therefore offering fluidity and depth to the discussion within the NNEST movement on how equity can be achieved.

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AS PREDICTOR OF MENTAL WELL-BEING AMONG MARRIED INDIVIDUALS

Several studies have shown that Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has a negative influence on the mental well-being of married individuals in the contexts where they were conducted. However, the influence of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the mental well-being of married individuals in many developing countries, especially those in Africa, have been under-reported. The study reported here should thus add much value to the pool of literature aimed at exploring the predictive influence of IPV on mental well-being among married individuals in developing contexts. This cross-sectional survey adopted a purposive sampling technique to select 686 married individuals. The results showed that demographic variables (age, educational level, and marriage duration) and IPV dimensions (humiliation and afraid) jointly and independently predicted mental well-being with a variation of 11%. Regarding the contributions of each variable to mental well-being, age, educational level, marriage duration, humiliation, and afraid predicted mental well-being. Based on these findings it is recommended that more relevant training on attitudinal change programs and mechanisms to prevent and respond to violence among married individuals should be strengthened by relevant stakeholders.

DOMESTIC ENERGY DEMAND AND CONSUMPTION BETWEEN TWO CONTRASTING COMMUNITIES IN GEREI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The problem of domestic energy demand and consumption between two contrasting communities, Sangere Village and Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola (MAUTECH) Campus, in Gerei Local Government has been examined. The study aims to investigate whether the rate and choice of energy utilization of the two different communities will impact sound environmental management. Thus, they highlighted some of the socio-demographic factors that informed the choice of domestic energy types and the volume used as well as some environmental repercussions between these contrasting communities. Data was gathered using a questionnaire survey of 120 adult residents and was complemented by personal observation. The result indicates fuelwood was the highest energy utilized (30%) in the Sangere community, while the highest energy choice in MAUTECH community was cooking gas (27%). The implication of this perpetual fuelwood utilization, especially among Sengere residents will exacerbate deforestation, soil erosion, and air pollution, thereby undermining sustainable environmental management. Thus, a serious awareness campaign is urgently needed among Sangere residents where the literacy rate is low and population growth is visible. The study finally recommends government policies/legislation and public enlightenment/education as a panacea to attitudinal change for sound environmental management in the area.

Does Peer Socialization Within Cohorts Foster Political Attitudes? A Longitudinal Study of Elite Business Students

AbstractThe association between higher education and political attitudes is well-recognized, and research suggests that socialization amongst peers is one of the most probable mechanisms explaining a possible attitudinal change. However, identifying a socialization effect is difficult due to self-selection mechanisms and limitations in data availability. This article empirically investigates the underlying peer socialization by employing a longitudinal network study of undergraduate students in Swedish and Finnish top-ranked business schools (N = 2651). The study tests the hypotheses that (1) attitudes within a cohort converge over time, and (2) socially embedded students experience more attitudinal change during their studies than students who do not engage with their peers. The paper leverages the Covid-19 pandemic as an exogenous shock that severely affected the networking dynamics of specific cohorts since it moved their education off campus. It is thereby among the first studies to directly test the relationship between socializing behaviors within higher education and political attitudes using both subjective and objective measurements. Contrary to previous conjectures, the findings challenge a general socialization mechanism to foster political attitudes. Instead, they point toward the importance of self-selection mechanisms in studies of higher education and for the specific student composition.

Uncovering Holistic Contemporary Paradigms and Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana to Realise Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This research aims to: (1) understand the historical development of Holistic Contemporary Worldview (CHW) and Kejawen Philosophy (Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana/HHB); (2) explore the correlation between CHW and HHB; (3) compare the axiology of HHB and CHW to better understand the path to achieving sustainable development goals; and (4) identify opportunities for maintaining sustainability through the perspectives of CHW and HHB. Theoretical Framework: The Earth is currently facing unsustainable changes, which are evident in climate change and the increasing frequency of disasters. These problems are believed to stem from reductionist-mechanist thinking, which fosters an anthropocentric attitude. In contrast, holistic thinking offers a new perspective on nature, seeing it as an interconnected whole where each component supports the others to maintain prosperity and balance. This idea is in line with the Javanese philosophy of life, HHB, which emphasizes harmony between humans and nature to enhance the beauty of life. Both concepts highlight the need for fundamental changes in the way humans interact with each other and nature to support the achievement of Sustainability especially the implementation of the Sustainable Development Golas (SDGs). Method: This descriptive qualitative research uses a literature study technique that is conducted in three stages. First, a literature study on the historical development of human views on nature, both from the Western view (CHW) and the Eastern view, especially Java (Kejawen-HHB). These historical developments are presented in the form of narratives to provide a clear picture of events and context, thus helping in understanding each philosophy. The second stage reviews these narratives to identify the core similarities and differences between the two approaches. Finally, the third stage analyses these comparisons to find clues about new approaches to sustainability, especially attitudinal changes to support the achievement of sustainable development goals Results and Discussion: This research shows that the concepts of CHW and HHB are two concepts that emerged from two different regions and times but have the same philosophical line. Both understand that all components of nature need to coexist and respect each other psychologically and even spiritually. This change in attitude is necessary to avoid the evil nature of humans (greed and arrogance) in fulfilling their needs in the form of development. The goal of sustainable development should be utilized for the benefit of the many and the broad (inclusive), which is the core concept of deep ecological understanding (Ecosophy of CHW) and needs to be supported by the concept of roso (spiritual culture of HHB). Both approaches have significant similarities and differences in some aspects but share the common goal of maintaining a dynamic balance to sustain living systems. Research Implications: The findings of this research are expected to contribute to a new perspective on how to achieve sustainability. The old approach based on classical mechanics is still relevant and useful to support the achievement of the SGDs, but the complexity of the world demands a change in behaviour in treating the universe and development. CHW and HHB provide new clues on how to achieve this. Originality/Value: This study compares and correlates two approaches from distinct origins: one rooted in the logic-driven Western culture and the other in the spiritual-based Eastern tradition. These approaches also emerged in different eras: one in the modern, complex age, and the other in the mythology-based ancient kingdom. By examining this correlation, the study underscores the importance of regulating thoughts and behaviors to ensure the continuity of life, particularly within the complexities of modern civilization.

Factors associated with dementia-related stigma in British adolescents

BackgroundDementia-related stigma is a prominent barrier for people living with dementia, leading to poor well-being and social isolation. Adolescents are an under-researched group in society that may already have experience of dementia and are more susceptible to attitudinal change which makes them ideal targets for anti-stigma initiatives outlined by public health policy. For the development of evidence-based anti-stigma initiatives in adolescents, it is important to understand which socio-demographic groups are most likely to develop stigmatising attitudes and why. This study aims to identify factors of dementia-related stigma in adolescents.MethodsA total of 1,044 adolescents (aged 11–18 years) from across six regions of England were included in the analysis of this cross-sectional, survey-based study. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were employed to explore the association between demographic variables, modifiable factors of dementia-related stigma and the outcome of dementia-related stigma. A path analysis via a structural equation model was employed to test for direct and mediatory effects.ResultsMultiple regression models revealed that younger adolescents, those with higher levels of contact with dementia, higher levels of empathy, higher levels of dementia knowledge, and higher affinity to older adults, are associated with more positive dementia attitudes in adolescents (p < 0.05). Within the accepted structural equation model, empathy, level of contact and dementia knowledge were key mediators of dementia-related stigma (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study highlights that modifiable factors such as level of contact, ageism, and empathy have a potentially important role in how dementia-related stigma may start to form in the adolescent years. Developing contact-based strategies that stimulate empathetic responses may be useful targets for stigma reduction initiatives for adolescents.

Cultural Conflict and Disappointment: Hongkongers’ Sentiments Toward Taiwanese Authorities Amid Cross-Strait Tensions

The failure of the democratic movement during 2014–2020 prompted tens of thousands of Hongkongers (~40,000) to reluctantly leave their hometown and migrate to Taiwan to seek a freer future. Taiwan’s cultural similarity to Hong Kong, together with Taiwan’s democracy and geographic proximity, are commonly recognized as pull factors of migration. However, the intensifying cross-strait tensions since late 2021 have witnessed Taipei tighten its approval of Hongkongers’ applications for permanent residency mainly in fear of the infiltration of Chinese agents. Based on mixed-methods in-depth interviews (N = 15) and an online survey (N = 147) with Hong Kong migrants, this paper reveals their complex experience in adapting to the Taiwan way of life, becoming frustrated by Taipei’s attitudinal change, and contemplating onward migration. The findings reveal underlying cultural differences between Hong Kong and Taiwanese societies—manifesting as a cultural conflict—amid fears of an encroaching communist China.

Clinical Simulation Program for the Training of Health Profession Residents in Confidentiality and the Use of Social Networks.

In the transition to a professional learning environment, healthcare professionals in their first year of specialized postgraduate clinical training (known as residents in Spain) are suddenly required to handle confidential information with little or no prior training in the safe and appropriate use of digital media with respect to confidentiality issues. The aims of this study were: (1) to explore the usefulness of an advanced clinical simulation program for educating residents from different healthcare disciplines about confidentiality and the dissemination of clinical data or patient images; (2) to explore the use of social networks in healthcare settings; and (3) to explore participants' knowledge and attitudes on current regulations regarding confidentiality, image dissemination, and the use of social networks; Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from all 49 first-year residents of different health professions at a Spanish hospital between June and August 2022. High-fidelity clinical simulation sessions designed to address confidentiality and health information dissemination issues in hospital settings, including the use of social networks, were developed and implemented. Data were assessed using a 12-item ad hoc questionnaire on confidentiality and the use of social media in the healthcare setting. Descriptive of general data and chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were performed using the SPSS 25.0 software; Results: All the participants reported using the messaging application WhatsApp regularly during their working day. A total of 20.4% of the participants stated that they had taken photos of clinical data (radiographs, analyses, etc.) without permission, with 40.8% claiming that they were unaware of the legal consequences of improper access to clinical records. After the course, the participants reported intending to modify their behavior when sharing patient data without their consent and with respect to how patients are informed; Conclusions: The use of advanced simulation in the training of interprofessional teams of residents is as an effective tool for initiating attitudinal change and increasing knowledge related to patient privacy and confidentiality. Further follow-up studies are needed to see how these attitudes are incorporated into clinical practice.

Institutional trust, conspiracy beliefs and Covid-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among adults in Ghana.

Vaccine hesitancy is considered one of the ten threats to global health. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy may undermine efforts toward controlling or preventing the disease. Nevertheless, limited research has examined vaccine hesitance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is thus imperative to examine how institutional trust and conspiracy belief in tandem influence the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Using data (n = 2059) from a cross-sectional study in Ghana, this study examines the association between institutional trust, conspiracy beliefs, and vaccine uptake among adults in Ghana using logistics regression. The regression model (model 3) adjusted for variables such as marital status, age, gender, employment, income, and political affiliations. The results show that individuals were significantly less likely to be vaccinated if they did not trust institutions (OR = .421, CI = .232-.531). Similarly, we found that individuals who believed in conspiracy theories surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine were less likely to be vaccinated (OR = .734, CI = .436-.867). We also found that not having a COVID-19-related symptom is associated with vaccine refusal (OR = .069, CI = .008-.618). Similarly, compared to those with a vaccine history, those without a vaccine history are less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine (OR = .286, CI = .108-.756). In conclusion, our results demonstrate the need for enhanced education to tackle conspiracy beliefs about the disease and enhance vaccine uptake. Given the role of trust in effecting attitudinal change, building trust and credibility among the institutions responsible for vaccinations ought to be prioritized.

Digital Technology Reshapes the Tax Collection and Administration System: Impacts, Challenges and Future Prospects

With the rapid development of digital technologies, their profound impact on the global economy and social structure has become increasingly evident, and the tax collection and administration system is no exception. This paper aims to comprehensively examine how digital technologies reshape the tax collection and administration system, deeply analyze their far-reaching effects on collection efficiency, tax compliance, and tax services, and reveal the challenges encountered in the process as well as potential solutions. Firstly, the paper outlines the basic principles and characteristics of digital technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, and showcases their widespread applications and achievements in the field of tax collection and administration through domestic and international practical cases. Subsequently, the paper delves into the multidimensional impacts of digital technologies on the tax collection and administration system. On the one hand, they drive innovation in collection models, facilitating the transition from traditional to modern and manual to intelligent approaches. On the other hand, by optimizing data collection, processing, and analysis processes, digital technologies significantly enhance collection efficiency. Additionally, they strengthen the transparency of tax policies and regulatory efforts, thereby promoting taxpayer compliance. Furthermore, the application of digital technologies enriches tax service channels, elevates service quality, and better satisfies taxpayers' diverse and personalized needs. However, the advancement of digital tax collection and administration also confronts numerous challenges, including technical issues such as data security, technical compatibility, and privacy protection; legal and institutional challenges related to adaptability and systemic barriers; as well as societal acceptance challenges concerning cognitive and attitudinal changes among taxpayers and tax officials. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes specific strategies such as strengthening technological innovation, improving laws and regulations, and enhancing social awareness and training, aiming to provide robust support for the sustainable development of digital tax collection and administration. Looking ahead, as big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other technologies continue to mature and expand their applications, the tax collection and administration system will undergo even more profound transformations. The paper predicts the future development trends of these technologies and envisions their enormous potential in enhancing tax collection efficiency, promoting tax fairness and transparency, and strengthening international cooperation and exchanges. Finally, the paper summarizes the research findings, emphasizes the theoretical and practical value of the study, and proposes issues and areas worthy of further exploration in the field of digital tax collection and administration.

A Study of Training Programs, in Selected Banks of the Public and Private Sector, on Employee Performance

Training is an important part of an organization and no one can think of development withoutit. By training, there is an attitudinal change in the employee that leads to positive thinking, a sense ofdevotion to organizational and also by the help of technical and behavioral training the person in theorganization can be aware of the latest developments and know how to come up with the best outputwith minimum investment and minimum labour waste. And the study which discussed about HumanResource Management, Concept of Training, Benefits of Training, Employee Performance, Details of theRespondents, Cross-Tabulation of Types of banks and Age of the respondents, Experience ofrespondents in banking sectors.

A Statistical Analysis of Attitudinal Changes Towards Female Breadwinners in Wukari Local Government Area

A Statistical Analysis of Attitudinal Changes Towards Female Breadwinners in Wukari Local Government Area

Changing Attitudes? Investigating the Link between Couples’ Pandemic Behavior, Cognitive Dissonance, and Gender Role Attitudes in Germany

Abstract Research found that not only macro-level processes like cohort replacements foster gender role attitude (GRA) change, but also life events and changes in lived realities. Framing the COVID-19 pandemic as a ‘natural experiment’ allows to reduce endogeneity when examining the association between emerging cognitive dissonance and GRA change. Estimating asymmetrical fixed effects regressions, I investigate the influence of changes in the division of family labor on GRAs for respondents with no pre-pandemic attitude-behavior discrepancy, using pairfam waves 11 and 13. Indeed, changes in behavior for respondents who had aligned behaviors and attitudes before the pandemic can be associated with GRA adaptation: A change toward an egalitarian division of family labor during the pandemic can be associated with more egalitarian GRAs. Likewise, a change toward an inegalitarian division can be associated with less egalitarian GRAs. These findings support the usefulness of cognitive dissonance as one explanatory mechanism for intra-individual attitudinal change.

Unpacking the nuances: an exploratory multilevel analysis on the operationalization of integrated STEM education and student attitudinal change

Integrated STEM education (iSTEM) is recognized for its potential to improve students’ scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as to nurture positive attitudes toward STEM, which are essential for motivating students to consider STEM-related careers. While prior studies have examined the relationship between specific iSTEM activities or curricula and changes in student attitudes, research is lacking on how the aspects of iSTEM are operationalized and their influence on shifts in student attitudes towards STEM, especially when considering the role of demographic factors. Addressing this gap, our study applied multilevel modeling to analyze how different iSTEM aspects and demographic variables predict changes in student attitudes. Drawing on data from two five-year NSF-funded projects, we evaluated pre- and post-attitude survey responses from 948 students. Our analysis identified two key iSTEM aspects—relating content to students’ lives and engagement in engineering design—that significantly influence positive attitude change. The results highlight the importance of curriculum relevance and hands-on, problem-solving activities in shaping student attitudes. However, the impact of these instructional strategies varies across demographic groups. The study’s insights into the differential impact of iSTEM aspects on diverse student groups provide actionable guidance for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers aiming to enhance STEM learning experiences and outcomes.

SCHOOL INCLUSION OF DEAR

This article addresses the school inclusion of deaf people from a biosocial perspective, a topic of great relevance in the context of inclusive education. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue in depth, the study proposes a detailed analysis of deaf education, encompassing historical, cultural and pedagogical aspects. The justification for developing this research lies in the growing need to guarantee an educational environment that promotes the learning and integral development of deaf students, respecting their specificities and rights. The objectives of the study include understanding the biological and social factors that influence the school inclusion of deaf people, analyzing effective pedagogical strategies for this audience and promoting critical reflection on the inclusive process in schools. The methodology adopted involves a comprehensive literature review, complemented by case studies that illustrate successful educational practices. The main results indicate that the school inclusion of deaf people still faces significant challenges, such as the lack of preparation of education professionals and the lack of adequate resources. However, there is also progress in public policies and awareness about the importance of teaching adapted to the needs of the deaf. The discussion reveals that inclusion goes beyond the simple physical insertion of the student in the classroom, requiring structural and attitudinal changes in the school and in society.

A Pilot Interprofessional Education Curriculum for Optimizing Mental Health in Chronic Pain Treatment and Understanding Interprofessional Practice.

With the urgent need for clinicians capable of responding to the opioid crisis, an interprofessional education (IPE) pilot curriculum was launched to assess trainee self-efficacy in managing chronic pain and mental health conditions, and attitudes toward interprofessional practice among resident physicians, family nurse practitioners (FNP), and physician assistant (PA) students. This study involved the implementation of a pilot curriculum consisting of five interactive IPE sessions. All invited trainees across two academic institutions were asked to complete the assessments. Self-efficacy in managing chronic pain and mental health was measured at baseline and following IPE training using a researcher-developed tool, while attitudes toward interprofessional practice were measured with the Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams scale. Resident physicians were compared to FNP/PA students to examine differences between groups and within groups over time. The final analysis involved 25 trainees who attended at least one IPE training session and completed pre-session and post-session surveys. The total pre-session survey and post-session survey response rate was 37.5% (n=36). Self-efficacy in chronic pain management improved among the resident physician (mean=3.85 ±0.40) and FNP/PA groups (mean=3.84±0.46) (p=0.05 and p=0.001), respectively. Self-efficacy in mental health management was not significantly improved among resident physicians (mean=3.41±0.49, p=0.48), but improved among FNP/PA students (mean=3.46±0.31, p<0.001). There was no difference in attitudes toward interprofessional practice. While IPE training did not result in attitudinal changes toward interprofessional practice, it shows potential for improving self-efficacy in managing chronic pain and mental health, particularly among FNP/PA trainees. This study was limited by a small sample size of trainees included in the finalanalysis.