Baseline Beliefs Research Articles

S160 - Sex Differences Are Associated With Perceived Changes in Baseline and Post-Acute Religious Beliefs Among Ayahuasca Users

S160 - Sex Differences Are Associated With Perceived Changes in Baseline and Post-Acute Religious Beliefs Among Ayahuasca Users

Same News Frames, Different Issues: Issue Familiarity and Dynamic Framing Effects

This study addresses how issue familiarity conditions longitudinal news framing effect dynamics. Comparing how the economic consequences frame impacts interpretation of two global problems—antimicrobial resistance and climate change—we study longitudinal effects across two similar issues varying significantly in salience and politicization, focusing on how various effect dynamics (single, repetitive, and counter-framing exposure) influence citizens’ beliefs over time. A longitudinal experiment conducted with a probability-recruited sample in Sweden ( N = 1,956) reveals (1) clear framing effects for both issues, (2) dynamics driven primarily by recency mechanisms, and (3) that individual differences in baseline belief certainty condition news framing effects. In sum, while the same news frame can have very similar effects on different issues, the findings suggest a “dual role” of issue familiarity, potentially conditioning the specific longitudinal effect dynamics, on the one hand, and effect susceptibility, on the other hand.

The pre-operative window of endocrine therapy to inform radiation therapy decisions (POWER) trial: Baseline patient beliefs about breast cancer and endocrine therapy.

11115 Background: The POWER Trial (NCT04272801) aims to determine whether pre-operative endocrine therapy (pre-ET) impacts physician recommendations and patient preferences for adjuvant radiation (RT) and endocrine therapy (AET) among women who qualify for RT omission. While physicians characterize this population as low-risk, they often still recommend RT. The POWER trial captures baseline patient perspectives regarding recurrence and medication tolerance using patient-reported outcome surveys and examines how these influence treatment choices. Methods: POWER Trial participants received 90 days of pre-ET before surgery and treatment decisions regarding RT. Women ≥ 65 years old with ER+ tumors ≤ 2 cm, node negative were eligible. Patient beliefs about their cancer and medications were assessed at baseline using the Beliefs About Illness Questionnaire (BIP-Q), Beliefs About Medicine Questionnaire-ET (BMQ-ET), and Perceived Sensitivity to Medicines (PSM) scale. An additional novel, non-validated questionnaire was created to further evaluate patients’ beliefs. Results: The study cohort included 48 women with mean age of 73.7. Few patients (14.6%) viewed their breast cancer as having a high threat to their health. While half (50.0%) of the participants worried a lot about the return of their breast cancer, only 35.4% thought that a cancer recurrence would be devastating. Participants who worried more about their breast cancer returning were more likely to feel a recurrence would be devastating (Pearson Correlation Coefficient = .67). There was no association between baseline beliefs and RT omission. Most patients (81.3%) did not consider themselves sensitive to medications. Although 81.3% reported side effects as important when deciding to continue or stop medications, almost all participants (95.8%) stated they would continue medications, despite side effects, if it would help lower their risk of recurrence. When specifically asked about AET, 70.8% reported a low level of concern about taking the therapy and 72.9% felt it was necessary. Of study participants, 27 (56.3%) omitted RT and initiated AET, 10 (20.8%) had RT and declined AET, 10 (20.8%) completed RT and initiated AET, and 1 (2.1%) declined RT and AET. Conclusions: This analysis shows that many early-stage ER+ breast cancer patients have a low level of worry about breast cancer recurrence, which may support treatment de-escalation such as RT omission. Most participants are open to taking AET despite the potential for side effects, yet historical data demonstrate low rates of adherence to AET. This discrepancy highlights that patients’ baseline beliefs about themselves and their medications may not align with their actual adherence. Future analysis from the POWER trial will examine how long-term AET adherence relates to baseline patient beliefs. Clinical trial information: NCT04272801 .

Fundamental beliefs, as well as levels of depression, anxiety, and stress experienced by Russian students during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionA pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus is an immensely traumatic event. Researches indicate that such events significantly impact various aspects of individuals, including their physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and social functions, affecting different components of their personality structure. However, the experience of trauma itself is influenced by implicit internal structures known as underlying beliefs. Consequently, emotional responses to traumatic events may be interconnected with these core beliefs.Objectives This study aimed to explore fundamental beliefs among Russian university students and analyze their associations with emotional reactions such as depression, anxiety, and stress.MethodsData collection took place from January to April 2021 using a custom-designed Google form. The study involved 35 Russian university students. We employed the WAS-37 methodology to investigate fundamental beliefs and the DASS-21 methodology to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Both questionnaires were adapted for use in Russia.Results We found that the mean values of the “Benevolence of the surrounding world” (M = 35.5±7.3) and “Luck” (M = 31.7±5.1) scales are higher than the normative mean values for the Russian population. In contrast, the mean values of the “Fairness” (M = 21.0±3.7), “Self-image” (M = 26.6±7.0) and “Beliefs about control” (M = 26.6±4.8) scales are generally not different from the normative values. Depression has negative correlations with Self-image (rs = -0.590, p < 0.01) and Beliefs about control (rs = -0.509, p < 0.01). No statistically significant correlations of anxiety and stress with baseline beliefs were obtained.ConclusionsDuring the second wave of the pandemic, Russian university students tend to view the world around them as less perilous than the broader population does, and they perceive themselves as more fortunate. Depressive feelings among students are linked to their lower beliefs in the value and importance of their self, as well as their perception that the world around them is not sufficiently controllable.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Patient Perception of Preoperative Nutrition and Recovery After Orthopaedic Surgery

BackgroundMounting evidence supports the use of nutritional supplementation to improve patient outcomes. The intent of this study was to utilize an anonymous questionnaire to determine patients’ baseline knowledge, attitude, and belief regarding nutrition before total hip (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MethodsAfter receiving Institutional Review Board approval, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to 300 patients, comprising 184 women (61.3%) and 116 men (38.6%), averaging 67 years (range, 39 to 89). There were 238 TKAs (79.3%), 12 revision TKAs (4%), 44 THAs (14.6%), and 6 revision THAs (2%). ResultsAlmost all (99.6%) subjects recognized the importance of preoperative nutrition. Most (83.0%) claimed that they knew what to eat preoperatively to optimize their surgical outcomes and expressed high levels of self-reported confidence (98.6%). Women were more likely to report having knowledge of preoperative nutrition (P = .05), and advanced education levels were linked to higher confidence (P = .002). Only 169 (56.3%) subjects reported knowing what supplements to take. When asked, 84% of subjects stated that they would purchase a nutrition program if recommended by their surgeon. Most studies show that an improved diet and appropriate supplementation can optimize nutritional status and potentially improve surgical outcomes. ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm that most patients do not know how to achieve optimal nutrition. Therefore, we believe there is a need for patient education on preoperative nutrition and its benefits.

Breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of refugee, migrant and asylum seeker women in Portugal

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after childbirth. However, breastfeeding is influenced by organizational, social, geopolitical, and cultural factors, which are understudied in the migrant population. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeking mothers living in Lisbon.MethodsA sociodemographic questionnaire and a Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs, and Practices questionnaire were used to gather information regarding baseline breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and practices towards breastfeeding.ResultsOnly 40% of the mothers received antenatal counselling regarding the benefits and management of breastfeeding. Of the 20 responses, 10 (50%) mothers were found to have fair breastfeeding knowledge, 14 (70%) had fair attitudes and beliefs, and 12 (60%) had fair breastfeeding practices. Correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes (r = 0.531, p < 0.05) and their breastfeeding knowledge. There was no statistically significant correlation between the mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes, beliefs, and practices.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that healthy breastfeeding behaviours can be stimulated by receiving proper counselling from health professionals. Countries must focus on improving breastfeeding practices, as they still fail to do all they can to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding globally. Universal interventions are necessary to improve breastfeeding, regardless of migrant or refugee status.

Introduction to Tobacco Cessation and Motivational Interviewing: Evaluation of a Lecture and Case-Based Learning Activity for Medical Students.

Introduction Despite the fact that tobacco use continues to have significant public health impacts, most healthcare providers are notadequately trained to counsel patients on their tobacco use or to provide cessation resources. Although all healthcare providers have a role in providing tobacco cessation assistance, physicians and advanced practice providers are generally the only practitioners able to furnish tobacco cessation medications and bill insurance for their cessation services. Therefore, ensuring these practitioners are properly trained to offer tobacco cessation to their patients is critical to addressing this public health threat. In line with this goal, this study outlines the curriculum evaluation for an innovative student-facilitated tobacco cessation activity for medical students. Methods A lecture and case-based learning activity was created and piloted with a class of first-year medical students. The activity was facilitated by fourth-year medical students. Students took a pre-session survey to establish baseline experience and beliefs and a post-session survey to ascertain their confidence in applying what was covered in the session. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the data. Results One hundred and twenty-eight students completed both surveys. Prior to the activity, students reported low levels of confidence in their ability to counsel patients and knowledge of cessation resources. Following the activity, more than 90% reported improvement in their ability to assess a patient's willingness to quit and counsel those ready to quit. Greater than 80% reported an improvement in their ability to counsel patients not ready to quit and to establish a quit plan. More than 90% of students reported that the session increased their self-efficacy in helping patients quit and that it was worth their time, with 96% committing to increasing their tobacco cessation efforts with their patients. Discussion Students valued the training and almost all reported that it increased their ability to help patients quit smoking. The use of student-facilitated case-based learning provided both an opportunity for students to practice cessation techniques and a low-stakes introduction to the OSCE format without the need for extensive faculty resources. Although this session was run with first-year medical students, the curriculum presented can be used for residents, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Does Election Fraud Erode Support for Autocrats?

Does election fraud erode support for dictators? An original survey experiment from Russia following the 2020 vote on constitutional amendments reveals three key findings. First, regime supporters and opponents differ significantly in their baseline beliefs about election fairness. While regime opponents are already aware of fraud, supporters expect relatively fair elections. Consequently, only regime supporters revise their election beliefs when exposed to fraud information. Second, fraud revelations reduce regime legitimacy beliefs, but only among the regime’s political base. In contrast, regime opponents already perceive the regime as illegitimate at the baseline. Third, the experiment shows minimal, if any, effects on attitudes toward Putin. While fraud revelations cause regime supporters to adjust their views on the regime, their opinions about Putin remain largely unaffected. The findings imply that dictators can maintain popular support among their political base while manipulating elections, posing questions about the potential of fraud to undermine regime stability.

Culturally Tailored Anti-Smoking Messages: A Randomized Trial With U.S. Sexual Minority Young Women

IntroductionThis study evaluated effects of exposure to culturally tailored anti-smoking ads versus control ads on quitting intentions, cigarette purchase intentions, and tobacco industry perceptions among young adult, cisgender and transgender, sexual minority women (SMW). Study designAn online randomized controlled experiment with 1-month longitudinal follow-up was conducted. Setting and participants2,214 U.S. SMW ages 18-30 were recruited via online survey panels (The PRIDE Study and Prolific), social media ads and posts, and HER dating app ads. Data were collected in 2021-2022. InterventionParticipants were randomly assigned to receive up to 20 tailored ads containing LGBTQ+ branding versus 20 control ads without LGBTQ+ branding over 4 weeks. Both conditions used identical anti-smoking statements and photographs (including several photographs of individuals who self-identified as SMW). Main outcome measures1-month follow-up intention to purchase cigarettes, intention to quit, marketing receptivity, pro-industry attitudes, and pro-industry beliefs were measured. Analyses were conducted in 2022-2023. Linear regression models predicted outcomes at 1-month follow-up with the randomized arm, adjusted for baseline measures of each outcome and stratified by smoking status (those who currently smoked and those who did not smoke). ResultsAmong those who smoked, follow-up intention to quit increased and intention to purchase cigarettes, marketing receptivity, pro-industry attitudes, and pro-industry beliefs decreased versus baseline in both arms. Follow-up pro-industry beliefs were significantly lower (B=-0.331, 95% CI -0.652, -0.010, p=0.043) in the tailored versus control arm, adjusted for baseline beliefs. Among those who did not smoke, marketing receptivity, pro-industry attitudes, and pro-industry beliefs decreased versus baseline in both arms. Follow-up outcomes did not differ significantly between arms. ConclusionsThese findings can inform future anti-smoking campaign development to reduce cigarette smoking-related disparities among young adult, cisgender and transgender, sexual minority women and serve as the basis for developing similar ads for other LGBTQ+ audiences. Trial RegistrationThis study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04812795) .

Effect of nicotine corrective messaging on nicotine-related beliefs in US adults: a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionWidespread misperceptions of the health risks of nicotine could undermine the public health benefits of the Food and Drug Administration’s actions, including modified risk tobacco product authorisations and a reduced...

How Do Survivor and Mandatory Reporter Status Correlate with Program Outcomes for an Adult-Focused Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program?

ABSTRACT This exploratory study investigated group differences and pre-post changes in knowledge, beliefs, and behavior by mandatory reporters and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) survivor status for a CSA prevention training designed for the general public. Of the 8,114 study participants, 32% identified as having experienced CSA, and 77% indicated they were mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect. Mandatory reporters had higher baseline knowledge about CSA than those who were not mandatory reporters and reported more CSA preventative behaviors. Mandatory reporters continued to have higher levels of knowledge following the training. Survivors of CSA also had higher baseline knowledge about CSA and preventative behavior scores than individuals who are not survivors of CSA. Unlike mandatory reporters, they experienced fewer increases in knowledge. At posttest, there was no evidence of a difference in knowledge between CSA survivors and non-CSA survivors. For items related to beliefs, mandatory reporters had higher baseline scores than other participants. However, they had smaller gains, so mandatory reporters and non-mandatory reporters had more similar beliefs related to CSA after the training. There were few differences between CSA survivors and non-survivors on baseline beliefs related to CSA, though CSA survivors reported greater increases in beliefs that CSA prevention is their responsibility and in the idea that they know what to do to prevent CSA. These results have significant results for the development and evaluation of trauma-informed prevention programming.

Quality-oriented human resource practices (QHRP), ambidextrous culture and organizational ambidexterity: a study of green agro-food companies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of quality-oriented human resource practices (QHRP) on organizational ambidexterity. Furthermore, the mediating role of ambidextrous culture in the relationship between QHRP and organizational ambidexterity was assessed.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on data from 350 green agro-food companies with two respondents in each company, structural equation models were used.FindingsThis paper has been drawn up to provide some responses to the needs of the companies to be ambidextrous while applying QHRP. The findings show that there is a positive effect of QHRP on organizational ambidexterity. In addition, ambidextrous culture mediated the relationship between QHRP and organizational ambidexterity.Practical implicationsThis research reveals key managerial aspects for QHRP implementation that facilitate firms to be more ambidextrous, and thus more efficient and innovative.Originality/valueThe authors illustrate the connection between quality-oriented human resource practices (QHRPs) and organizational ambidexterity under the dynamic capabilities theory. The findings contribute to the empirical evidence on the antecedents of organizational ambidexterity, and suggest that these specific QHRPs influence an organization's baseline beliefs and values and support the development of ambidextrous capabilities by means of an ambidextrous culture.

The causal impact of local weather anomalies on beliefs about the occurrence of climate change

Research has demonstrated that members of the public recognize anomalous weather patterns, and that subjective perceptions of the weather are related to beliefs about the occurrence of climate change. Yet despite two decades of scholarship and dozens of studies, inconsistent and insufficient data have made it difficult to credibly identify the causal impact of objective experiences on perceptions, and the impact of perceptions on beliefs regarding climate change occurrence. Here, we overcome these limitations by collecting and analyzing data from a 5-y panel survey of 2,500 individuals in Oklahoma, a US state that is highly divided on questions about climate change. Our findings indicate that the relationship between local weather anomalies and climate change beliefs is heavily dependent on baseline beliefs about whether climate change was occurring. For people who did not believe in climate change in the initial survey in our series, perceptions of anomalously hot and dry seasons shifted their beliefs towards the occurrence of anthropogenic climate change, whereas their perceptions of anomalously cool and wet seasons shifted their beliefs away from anthropogenic climate change. This relationship was not present among people who believed that climate change was occurring at the beginning of the study; their perceptions of seasonal temperature and precipitation anomalies had no effect on their beliefs about climate change. These patterns have substantial implications for the evolution of public beliefs about climate change.

Factors That Predict Magnitude, Timing, and Persistence of Placebo-Like Response in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Placebo response impedes the development of novel irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) therapies and the interpretability of randomized clinical trials. This study sought to characterize the magnitude, timing, and durability of IBS symptom relief in patients undergoing a non-drug placebo-like control. One hundred forty-five Rome III-diagnosed patients (80% F, M age = 42 years) were assigned to education/nondirective support delivered over a 10-week acute phase. Treatment response was based on the IBS version of the Clinical Global Improvement Scale completed 2 weeks after treatment ended. Candidate predictors were assessed at baseline (eg, emotion regulation, pain catastrophizing, distress, neuroticism, stress, somatization, gastrointestinal-specific anxiety) or clinically relevant points during treatment (patient-provider relationship, treatment expectancy/credibility). Midtreatment response was associated with lower levels of stress and somatization at baseline and greater patient-provider agreement on treatment tasks (P < .001). Treatment response was associated with baseline gastroenterologist-rated IBS severity, anxiety, ability to reappraise emotions to reduce their impact [cognitive reappraisal], and agreement that provider and patient shared goals from provider perspective (P < .001). The day-to-day ability to reappraise emotions at baseline distinguished rapid from delayed placebo responders (P = .011). Patient beliefs (eg, perceived stress, cognitive reappraisal) impacted the magnitude, timing, and persistence of placebo response measured at midway point of acute phase and 2 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Baseline beliefs that patients could alter the impact of stressful events by rethinking their unpleasantness distinguished rapid vs delayed placebo responders. Collaborative agreement between doctor and patient around shared tasks/goals from the clinician perspective predicted placebo response.

Indian surgery Trainee's perspective on surgical ergonomics principles and education: A long road ahead

IntroductionThis study aimed to determine the baseline knowledge and beliefs, along with the impact of incorporating surgical ergonomics lectures during a residency. MethodsA cohort of 123 Indian surgical residents participated in this educational intervention, which consisted of two educational webinars on ergonomics. Both pre- and post-intervention surveys were electronically sent to the participants. These included questions related to their demographics, prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms, and factors affecting participant awareness of ergonomic recommendations. ResultsSeventy-one residents responded to the pre-webinar survey. Eighty-five percent of respondents reported MSK symptoms, with the most common being pain (70%) and stiffness (40%), which the residents attributed to their surgical training. Forty-six residents completed the post-webinar survey. The majority of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that surgical ergonomic educational sessions improved their understanding of the fundamental causes of MSK symptoms and increased their awareness of options available for prevention MSK injuries. ConclusionThe rate of MSK symptoms and/or injury was high among this cohort of surgical residents. These surveys and educational session demonstrated there is limited awareness of the comprehension of ergonomics related to surgical procedures. Our study shows that a simple surgical ergonomic educational intervention can lead to improved understanding of prevention and ergonomic changes.

Leadership knowledge and beliefs regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion at SWOG Cancer Research Network.

e13599 Background: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is recognized as fundamental in the development of generalizable clinical trials. Both ASCO and the FDA have released statements regarding the importance of representativeness in clinical trials. A paucity of research exists regarding the knowledge and beliefs of the people who lead the development of trials within the NCTN. Methods: An electronic survey on knowledge and beliefs regarding DEI was administered to SWOG leadership from 12.14.2021 to 01.13.2022. Questions were divided into 4 categories including: general beliefs regarding DEI, SWOG’s current status regarding DEI efforts, perception of SWOG’s values and readiness in executing DEI. Twenty questions were asked and answers were recorded using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: A total of 53% (N=47/88) respondents completed the survey (Table 1). The majority of SWOG leadership strongly agree that diversity is an asset (68%) and that they have a role to champion DEI (72%). Less than a quarter of SWOG leadership strongly agree that there are sufficient opportunities for committee members to provide DEI input across the clinical trial life cycle (21%). When evaluating SWOGs current role in DEI efforts, 64% of respondents had a neutral or negative response for each of the 4 questions. When evaluating respondents’ perception of SWOG values regarding DEI, 64% of respondents had a positive or very positive response on average for each of the 6 questions. When evaluating SWOG’s readiness to promote DEI, 57% of respondents had a positive or very positive response for each question. Some of the barriers experienced include technological issues with construction and delivery of the survey to protected email addresses as well as lack of dedicated staff at SWOG to assist. Conclusions: This survey provides insight into SWOG leader’s beliefs and knowledge regarding DEI as well as their perception of SWOG’s current efforts and ability to promote DEI in clinical trials. While respondents tended to value DEI positively personally and through SWOG, their perception of SWOG’s role in promoting DEI was neutral or negative. Perception of SWOGs readiness to promote DEI was positive to a lesser degree. These findings emphasize the importance of capturing baseline beliefs to promote DEI efforts with clinical trial leadership. [Table: see text]

Credit Claiming by Labeling

We examine a phenomenon we call “credit claiming by labeling” in which a sitting politician places her name on a project, program, or policy with the goal of claiming credit for it. While the prevalence of this practice suggests that many politicians believe that credit claiming by labeling will aid their careers, there is little existing evidence on this question. We examine the effects of credit claiming by labeling with a survey experiment in Argentina. We find that it has a negative, though small, effect on respondents’ attitudes. Descriptive data suggests that these results stem from the perceived pervasiveness of the practice. We then use evidence from an additional treatment on the (un)biased selection of program beneficiaries to show that respondents actually reward politicians who neither label nor manipulate programs. These results suggest substantial obstacles to overturning citizens’ negative baseline beliefs about the politicized implementation of government programs.

Perspective of Teachers on the Mental Health of Students: A Mental Health Literacy Survey

Improving mental health literacy in teachers can help in early identification of mental health problems in children and adolescents and facilitate help-seeking behaviour. Objective: A mental health literacy survey was undertaken in a school located in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh to assess baseline knowledge and beliefs about mental health issues in teachers. Method: A questionnaire based on Mental Health Literacy and Capacity Survey For Educators was administered in 39 teachers in an English medium school in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. Results: Impulse control difficulties, family and stress related issues, anger issues and bullying were the most common problems that teachers faced with the students in three months preceding the survey. The four commonest measures teachers used to deal with the problems included meeting with the parents (82%), talking with the students to understand the problem and offering support (75%), changing their style of interaction with the student (75%) and reaching out to the administration of the school for support (33%). Increased training opportunities and promotion of collaborative problem solving techniques were some of the measures suggested by teachers to improve mental health literacy. Additional measures such as encouraging students’ to participate in extracurricular activities were suggested to support the mental health needs of the students better. Conclusion: Mental health literacy evaluation in teachers and structured programmes to improve mental health literacy can help teachers in supporting the mental health needs of students.

Targeting Pain Science Education in Youth With Chronic Pain: What Are the Sticking Points for Youth and Their Parents?

An important part of providing pain science education is to first assess baseline knowledge and beliefs about pain, thereby identifying misconceptions and establishing individually-tailored learning objectives. The Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) was developed to support this need. This study aimed to characterize the concept of pain in care-seeking youth and their parents, to examine its clinical and demographic correlates, and to identify conceptual gaps. Following an initial interdisciplinary evaluation, a cohort of 127 youth aged 8 to 18 years, and their parents, completed a series of questionnaires. Parents had slightly higher COPI scores than youth did, reflecting parents' greater alignment with contemporary pain science. The moderate positive association with older age among youth ( r =.32) suggests that COPI is sensitive to cognitive development and life experiences. Youth and parent COPI responses were weakly associated ( r =0.24), highlighting the importance of targeting the concept of pain in both groups. For both parents and youth, 'Learning about pain can help you feel less pain' was the least endorsed concept. This conceptual 'gap' is a key point of intervention that could potentially lead to greater engagement with multidisciplinary pain treatment. The COPI appears useful for identifying conceptual gaps or 'sticking points'; this may be an important step to pre-emptively address misconceptions about pain through pain science education. Future research should determine the utility of COPI in assessing and treating youth seeking care for pain. The COPI may be a useful tool for tailoring pain science education to youth and their parents.

Providing normative information increases intentions to accept a COVID-19 vaccine

Despite the availability of multiple safe vaccines, vaccine hesitancy may present a challenge to successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with many human behaviors, people’s vaccine acceptance may be affected by their beliefs about whether others will accept a vaccine (i.e., descriptive norms). However, information about these descriptive norms may have different effects depending on the actual descriptive norm, people’s baseline beliefs, and the relative importance of conformity, social learning, and free-riding. Here, using a pre-registered, randomized experiment (N = 484,239) embedded in an international survey (23 countries), we show that accurate information about descriptive norms can increase intentions to accept a vaccine for COVID-19. We find mixed evidence that information on descriptive norms impacts mask wearing intentions and no statistically significant evidence that it impacts intentions to physically distance. The effects on vaccination intentions are largely consistent across the 23 included countries, but are concentrated among people who were otherwise uncertain about accepting a vaccine. Providing normative information in vaccine communications partially corrects individuals’ underestimation of how many other people will accept a vaccine. These results suggest that presenting people with information about the widespread and growing acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines helps to increase vaccination intentions.