Behavioral Approach Research Articles

A replication and development of the Short Cognitive Mediation Beliefs Questionnaire (CMBQ-S).

The Cognitive Mediation Beliefs Questionnaire is a 15-item tool that assesses individuals' emotion beliefs about the cognitive mediation of emotions. It measures two emotion beliefs: stimulus-response generation beliefs and cognitive mediation change beliefs. This study aimed to reduce the number of items and test the validity of a briefer version of the Cognitive Mediation Beliefs Questionnaire. We combined data from 13 unpublished data sets collected between 2019 and 2023 and reached a final sample of 2,872 participants. While this data set is relatively large and diverse (e.g., participants from 53 nationalities), most were from developed countries, and the data were not fully representative across demographic characteristics, such as age and ethnicity. The data were randomly split by 50%/25%/25% (60%/40% female/male) to conduct one exploratory factor analysis and two confirmatory factor analyses. Using an iterative process in the exploratory factor analysis, seven items were deleted for failing to meet item retention criteria, resulting in an eight-item solution across two factors. Across two confirmatory factor analyses with independent samples, the eight-item and the 15-item solutions were tested. The eight-item model was superior in terms of model fit in both samples. These results were in line with our hypothesis in that an eight-item Short Cognitive Mediation Beliefs Questionnaire confirmed the validity of the two-factor structure. The present study offers a valid and efficient measure of emotion beliefs that can be used to make a rapid assessment of beliefs about emotions and to support clinical interventions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy approaches, where cognitive change is fundamental. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Unraveling the Relationship between Oral Habits and Anxiety: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT This narrative review aims to elucidate the bidirectional relationship between oral habits and anxiety, examining potential underlying mechanisms, psychological factors, and clinical implications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, to identify relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies investigating the relationship between oral habits (e.g., bruxism, nail biting) and anxiety disorders, as well as associated psychological factors, were included. Oral habits and anxiety exhibit a bidirectional relationship, with individuals engaging in oral habits as coping mechanisms to alleviate anxiety and stress, while anxiety can act as a precipitating factor for the development or exacerbation of oral habits. Common underlying mechanisms include dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, alterations in neurotransmitter systems, and psychosocial factors. Psychological factors, such as cognitive-behavioral factors, emotional regulation, and attentional biases, further influence the manifestation and maintenance of both oral habits and anxiety. Understanding the complex interplay between oral habits and anxiety is crucial for holistic approaches to healthcare. Integrated assessment and management strategies are needed to address both conditions effectively, with emphasis on behavioral interventions, pharmacological approaches, and multidisciplinary collaboration between dental and mental health professionals. By recognizing and addressing the bidirectional nature of this relationship, healthcare providers can optimize patient care and improve overall well-being.

Mind-Body Medicine in the Treatment of Depression: A Narrative Review of Efficacy, Safety and Mechanisms.

This narrative review examines the efficacy, mechanisms and safety of mind-body medicine (MBM) in the treatment of depression. We reviewed the potential effects of various MBM interventions such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, mindfulness-based interventions and nutrition on clinical and subthreshold depressive symptoms. Current studies indicate a growing interest in the use of MBM for psychiatric disorders, including depression. MBM interventions demonstrate efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms with fewer adverse effects and costs compared to pharmacological treatments. MBM has significant potential to improve mental health outcomes for depression. These interventions encourage self-care and stress management through behavioural, exercise, relaxation and nutritional approaches. While existing data are promising, further, more rigorous studies are required to confirm long-term effectiveness and to determine the role of MBM in comprehensive depression treatment strategies.

Obstáculos para o diagnóstico e tratamento do transtorno do espectro autista

Objective: To understand the obstacles that reduce accessibility to the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Literature review: ASD is a disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, impairments in communication and restricted patterns of behavior. Its diagnosis is clinical, based on behavioral observations and the patient's history and on criteria defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM – 5). Treatment includes pharmacological and behavioral approaches. However, the difficulties and challenges found in the literature include the symptomatological heterogeneity of ASD, the need for training health professionals and a more accurate assessment through a multidisciplinary team. Late diagnosis or its absence can lead to unfavorable outcomes in adult life, such as: anxiety, depression, and difficulty in interpersonal relationships. Recent studies include the use of specific biomarkers and innovative therapies that are not yet accessible. Final considerations: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are ideal for improving the quality of life of individuals with ASD. The importance of the doctor and new studies to improve therapeutic choice in ASD is also highlighted.

E-Cigarettes in Smoking Cessation and Harm Reduction: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Evidence and Potential Risks

The global prevalence of tobacco use has significantly decreased over the years, with projections indicating further decline. However, the rise of new nicotine products suggests that nicotine addiction will remain a major public health issue. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are increasingly recognized as potential tools for smoking cessation and harm reduction. This review evaluates the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes both as standalone treatments and in combination with other therapies, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, cytisine, and behavioral approaches. A comprehensive analysis of studies published over the past decade, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials, shows that e-cigarettes can enhance smoking cessation rates and reduce tobacco-related harm. They exhibit comparable short-term efficacy to traditional treatments, with promising results in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and lowering smoking rates. However, the long-term safety and effectiveness of combining e-cigarettes with other therapies remain uncertain and require further investigation. Despite their potential benefits, e-cigarettes pose significant safety concerns, underscoring the need for ongoing research to refine cessation strategies and ensure their safe, long-term use. Rigorous evaluation and regulatory oversight are essential to optimize e-cigarettes' role in reducing tobacco harm.

Analysis of Tax Compliance: Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior and Cognitive Dissonance Theory Approaches

This research aims to investigate the social psychological influence of taxpayers on tax compliance behavior, focusing on individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and actions. This study investigates how attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control affect individuals’ tax compliance intention, and how this compliance intention influences tax compliance behavior. The research also examines the role of emotionality and spirituality as moderators between compliance intention and tax compliance behavior. The research employed convenience sampling on Madura Island and gathered 177 respondents. The research employed the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. This study discovered a notable correlation between attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in relation to compliance intention. The compliance intention does not influence tax compliance behavior. The moderating effect of spirituality also does not enhance the relationship between compliance intention and tax compliance behavior. However, emotionality effectively moderated the relationship between compliance intention and tax compliance behavior. Emotionality can undermine tax compliance behavior due to the taxpayer experiencing hurt feelings or intolerable emotions. This study has significant implications for tax authorities in preserving taxpayers’ emotional well-being through a professional manner.

An Exploration of The Effect of Teacher’s Positive Reinforcement and Punishment towards Young Learner’s Motivation in 21st Century Learning

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of teachers' positive reinforcement and punishment on young learners' motivation in 21st-century learning environments. A quantitative research method was employed, utilizing a survey distributed to primary school students across various regions. The data were analyzed using statistical techniques to identify the relationship between the variables. The findings revealed that positive reinforcement significantly enhances student motivation, whereas punishment negatively affects it. The discussion highlights the implications of these results in the context of modern educational practices, where fostering motivation is crucial for young learners' engagement and success. The study concludes that teachers should emphasize positive reinforcement strategies over punishment to create a conducive learning atmosphere. The implications suggest that educational policymakers and practitioners should consider integrating positive behavioral approaches in the curriculum to promote student motivation effectively.

Boosting: Empowering Citizens with Behavioral Science.

Behavioral public policy came to the fore with the introduction of nudging, which aims to steer behavior while maintaining freedom of choice. Responding to critiques of nudging (e.g., that it does not promote agency and relies on benevolent choice architects), other behavioral policy approaches focus on empowering citizens. Here we review boosting, a behavioral policy approach that aims to foster people's agency, self-control, and ability to make informed decisions. It is grounded in evidence from behavioral science showing that human decision making is not as notoriously flawed as the nudging approach assumes. We argue that addressing the challenges of our time-such as climate change, pandemics, and the threats to liberal democracies and human autonomy posed by digital technologies and choice architectures-calls for fostering capable and engaged citizens as a first line of response to complement slower, systemic approaches.

Unlocking pathways to public welfare: Bridging Sen’s capability and theory of planned behavior approaches through entrepreneurial behavior in Timor-Leste

This study aims to investigate the mediating effects of behavioral and entrepreneurial intentions on the relationship between the capabilities approach encompassing education, economic, and socio-cultural factors and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which includes attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm, in relation to public welfare in Timor-Leste. Utilizing a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach with AMOS 24.0, the research examines the interconnections among constructs relevant to entrepreneurship, focusing on educational, economic, and socio-cultural capabilities alongside TPB dimensions. The findings reveal that socio-cultural capabilities significantly influence entrepreneurial growth and public welfare, with behavioral mediation and entrepreneurial intention playing key roles in clarifying these relationships. These insights suggest that entrepreneurship is vital for enhancing public welfare in Timor-Leste, guided by the capability model and TPB approach. The results can inform the development of more effective policies to support entrepreneurship as a means of improving public welfare. Ultimately, this study enriches the literature on the interplay between entrepreneurship, capability factors, and public welfare in Timor-Leste, providing a foundation for development strategies in similar contexts.

The concentration of dissolved organic matter impacts the neurobehavior in zebrafish larvae exposed to cyclophosphamide.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) occurs ubiquitously in various water matrices and affects the chemical speciation and toxicity of emerging contaminants, such as cyclophosphamide (CP). However, the effects of CP in aquatic organisms with the presence of DOM have been relatively less addressed. In this study, zebrafish eggs < 4h post fertilization (hpf) were exposed to CP (0 and 50μg/L) and humic acid (HA, a main component of DOM, 0, 3, 10, and 30mg-C/L) until 7days post fertilization, and its toxicity was evaluated by behavioral approaches and transcription of nervous-related genes. An increase in swimming velocity and anxiety was noticed in zebrafish larvae exposed to CP. The related genes of neurotransmitter (drd1, mao, thp1b, and gad2), neurodevelopment (gli2b, nrd, and gfap), and neuroinflammation (thfα, casp3, and il-6) were upregulated by CP. In the presence of HA (3mg-C/L), the behaviors and gene transcripts of zebrafish larvae were enhanced, while at 10mg-C/L, they were mitigated. This study has demonstrated that DOM at low concentration increases the toxicity of CP and at high concentration alleviates its toxicity. This study highlights the importance of emerging contaminant exposure with the presence of DOM on their toxicities in aquatic organisms.

Prior probability biases perceptual choices by modulating the accumulation rate, rather than the baseline, of decision evidence

Abstract The prior probability of an upcoming stimulus has been shown to influence the formation of perceptual decisions. Computationally these effects have typically been attributed to changes in the starting point (i.e. baseline) of evidence accumulation in sequential sampling models. More recently, it has also been proposed that prior probability might additionally lead to changes in the rate of evidence accumulation. Here, we introduce a neurally-informed behavioural modelling approach to understand whether prior probability influences the starting point, the rate of evidence accumulation or both. To this end, we employ a well-established visual object categorization task for which two neural components underpinning participants’ choices have been characterised using single-trial analysis of the electroencephalogram. These components are reliable measures of trial-by-trial variability in the quality of the relevant decision evidence, which we use to constrain the estimation of a hierarchical drift diffusion model of perceptual choice. We find that, unlike previous computational accounts, constraining the model with the endogenous variability in the relevant decision evidence, results in prior probability effects being explained primarily by changes in the rate of evidence accumulation rather than changes in the starting point or a combination of both. Ultimately, our neurally-informed modelling approach helps disambiguate the mechanistic effect of prior probability on perceptual decision formation, suggesting that prior probability biases primarily the interpretation of sensory evidence towards the most likely stimulus.

Exploring the lived experience and coping strategies of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) among emerging adults

AbstractThe Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent in the 21st century, fueled by the rise of social media. FoMO, characterized by the apprehension that others may be having more rewarding experiences and a desire to stay continually connected, has significant implications for mental health, particularly among emerging adults. This qualitative study aims to explore the subjective lived experiences of FoMO and the coping strategies employed by emerging adults. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The findings revealed that participants experienced FoMO as involving feelings of exclusion, disconnection, and inadequacy upon becoming aware of experiences peers were having. However, FoMO was also perceived as an important signal of unmet needs, prompting reflection on the misalignment between one’s actual life and desired life. FoMO was amplified in contexts involving identity formation and pivotal life choices, such as social, professional (education/work/career), and dating situations. Participants described various spontaneous coping strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal and perspective-taking to reframe it constructively, emotional coping through self-soothing, and behavioral approaches like temporarily disconnecting from social media. These self-initiated coping methods suggest a potential for developing new interventions aimed at empowering emerging adults to manage the effects of FoMO on their well-being. While most research emphasizes the connection between FoMO and technology, this study advances the understanding of FoMO by highlighting its characteristics as an everyday experience in various life domains along with ways of coping during the developmental period of emerging adulthood.

Accompanying Talent in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Psychoeducational and Therapeutic PerspectivesGifted students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present multifaceted needs that span a wide range of areas, from academic to social

Gifted students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present multifaceted needs that span a wide range of areas, from academic to social and emotional domains. These students often exhibit disparate profiles, combining high cognitive abilities with significant challenges in areas such as social interaction and communication. This poses a unique challenge for educational and health professionals, who must develop diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that adequately address these differences. This article aims to review the most recent evidence-based approaches for the identification, intervention, and education of gifted students with ASD. The most promising interventions include behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approaches. However, research on the effectiveness of these interventions in gifted students remains limited. In the psychoeducational field, the most effective interventions focus on leveraging the students' cognitive strengths while addressing their social, communicative, and behavioral difficulties. This dual approach is critical for fostering the overall development and well-being of these students.

P2P host brand management: conceptualization and utilization with a consumer behavioral economic approach

ABSTRACT P2P platforms offer accessibility to individuals aspiring to become micro-entrepreneurs by sharing their resources through online platforms. Among users of P2P platforms, there exists a common misconception that hosts merely list their properties as products under the platform’s brand. However, individual hosts on platforms actively establish and promote their own personal or host brand. Presently, recommending effective P2P brand management strategies for hosts to boost their performance and gain a competitive edge poses a challenge. This study achieves this through two main objectives: 1) conceptualizing the P2P brand and 2) examining the impact of host branding on consumer behavior.

L'enuresi notturna: in quadramento e gestione

Enuresis is the involuntary discharge of urine during sleep. It is a fairly common problem in paediatric age: approximately 1 child out of 5 is affected at 5 years of age, with a potential significant impact on their quality of life and family. Pathogenesis is multifactorial, resulting in a combination of genetic factors, delayed maturation of the central nervous system, night-time anti-diuretic hormone deficiency and, in case, coexisting conditions such as sleep and behavioural disorders. Adequate diagnosis and management can speed up resolution, which usually occurs spontaneously, and identify those cases underlying an organic cause. Diagnosis is clinical. Instrumental investigation (such as ultrasound or urodynamic tests) is reserved to selected cases. Treatment mainly involves behavioural approach alongside, in those in which this approach fails, nocturnal alarm and/or pharmacological therapy. Assessment of associated comorbidities is crucial (ex. constipation, sleep and behavioural disorders).

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN A MODERN ORGANIZATION: A REVIEW OF CURRENT APPROACHES

The article presents the author's vision of the problem of loss of effectiveness of traditional leadership approaches in managing a modern organization and the need to search for and implement new approaches. It is proposed to shift the focus of attention from classical approaches: from the position of personal qualities (personalistic), behavioral approach and situational approach, justifying the decrease in the results of their use in the activities of managers, to current approaches to organizational leadership, which are offered by modern scientists of the twenty-first century. Based on the analysis of publications in the scientific electronic library Elibrary.ru, such types of leadership as transformational, transactional, charismatic, team, divided, visionary were established. The features of each approach are identified and described. The concept of the terms “leadership”, “leader” (“manager”), “management” is given. The question is raised about the importance of a manager’s understanding of the changing needs and expectations of modern subordinates: the reality of our time is that there is a great need for a flexible work schedule and the ability to work remotely. A vision of what qualities and skills a modern leader should have is proposed, the need to develop emotional intelligence and the importance of changing the way of building communication with modern subordinates is highlighted. Attention is focused on the fact that the forms and methods of training leaders-managers in modern organizations require constant attention and regular improvement. Using the research results in the practical sphere of activity of managers will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of management in the context of the development of the digital economy within the country, improvement of technologies, artificial intelligence, as well as the influence of foreign policy events and increasing sanctions.

An extended theory of planned behavior approach for assessing factors affecting street food consumption in the Philippines

Changes in behavioral aspect in food consumption prevailed in recent times, especially the rise of street food popularity in different countries. With scarce literature available, research on consumption and behavioral intentions in street foods was evident. This study considered an extended theory of planned behavior framework for the holistic assessment of consumption intention of street foods. With 1601 valid responses collected in the Philippines, structural equation modelling was applied for the causal relationship analysis of factors influencing consumption intention of street foods in the Philippines. Results indicated that perceived food quality and utilitarian eating values presented as contributing factor affecting attitude, while utilitarian eating values affected consumption intention with higher beta value over hedonic eating values and consumer behavioral domains. Following which was perceived monetary aspects, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control, and consumer attitude. Meanwhile, hedonic eating value negatively associated with consumption intention, but positive on consumers’ attitude. Managerial implications, practical suggestions, and thorough discussion were presented for other researchers to build on the findings which can be extended into other aspects related to local to foreign food and beverage advertisement, selling, and advancement. Furthermore, the results and framework utilized in this study can be further extended and applied to other aspects of consumer behavior in relation to other food industries.

Revisiting the role of behavioral control and entrepreneurial identity in empirical entrepreneurial intention research: A theory of planned behavior approach

ABSTRACT The presented article aims at providing novel evidence on entrepreneurial intention as an evaluation instrument for university entrepreneurship programs. The study is based on a sample of 300 respondents obtained at a German university of applied sciences and consisting of students and scientific and nonscientific staff and alumni. The data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Smart PLS to test four hypotheses related to entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents. Based on the study results, it is hypothesized that entrepreneurial intention is best explained through a combination of entrepreneurial attitudes, social norms, and entrepreneurial identity, while excluding behavioral control. This has implications for university administrators and entrepreneurship policy makers in terms of focusing more on culture and identity and less on increasing self-efficacy.

Comparative effectiveness trial: Modular behavior approach for young autistic children compared to comprehensive behavioral intervention.

This 24-week single-blind trial tested a modular approach for young autistic children (MAYAC) that was delivered for fewer hours per week and modified based on child progress and parental input compared to comprehensive behavioral intervention treatment as usual (CBI, TAU). Participants were autistic children, ages 18-60 months of age. MAYAC was initially 5 h of intervention per week, one of which was parent training and the other four direct therapy focusing on social communication and engagement, but additional modules could be added for up to 10 h per week. Comprehensive behavior intervention was delivered for ≥15 h per week. Outcome measures included the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales; VABS, the Ohio Autism Clinical Improvement Scale - Autism Severity; OACIS - AS and the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory - Parent; PDDBI-P. Implementation and parent satisfaction measures were also collected. Fifty-six children, mean age of 34 months, were randomized. Within-group analysis revealed significant improvements from baseline to week 24 for both MAYAC (p < 0.0001) and CBI, TAU (p < 0.0001) on the VABS. The noninferiority test was performed to test between group differences and MAYAC was not inferior to CBI, TAU on the VABS (p = 0.0144). On the OACIS - AS, 48.0% of MAYAC and 45.5% of CBI were treatment responders there were no significant changes on the PDDBI-P, for either group. Treatment fidelity was high for both groups (>95%) as was parent satisfaction. Findings from this small trial are promising and suggest MAYAC may be an alternative for some young autistic children and their families to CBI, TAU.

7503 Light Composition Alters Feline Stress in a Shelter Environment

Abstract Disclosure: A.M. Yaw: None. M.E. Gardella: None. J. Jacobs: None. H.M. Hoffmann: None. Millions of cats enter animal shelters each year. Unfortunately, due to high numbers of cats entering shelters and limited physical housing space, over 50% of healthy and adoptable cats with extended shelter stays are euthanized yearly. While animal shelters are essential for keeping cats safe from unfit living conditions, they are a stressful environment. High stress in cats increases health risks and undesirable behaviors and is associated with reduced adoptions. Given the role of light in regulating hormonal stress responses and behavior, we partnered with a Midwestern animal control and shelter to evaluate how light intensity and light composition impact feline behavior and urinary cortisol levels in 123 domestic cats (Felis catus; 65 male and 58 female). The impact of three lighting conditions, white, dim, and orange (blue-depleted) light, were evaluated for the first 5-6 days following admittance into the shelter. Individually housed adults (8 months-10 years) were outfitted with PetPace Smart Collars to evaluate locomotor activity, and cat stress was evaluated daily through urine samples and a behavioral approach test. All data were analyzed by experimenters who were blind to the groups and tested via one or two-way ANOVA or repeated measures mixed-effects model with Geisser-Greenhouse correction. Urinary cortisol levels were dependent on both light quality and day in shelter, where cats under orange light had reduced cortisol on days 4-5 in the shelter compared to cats in standard lighting. Light quality also altered cat hiding behavior, such that the percentage of cats hiding was increased on dim light compared to both standard and orange light. A novel behavioral approach task found reduced cat stress on days 4-5 in standard and orange light; however, dim light increased cat stress on day 5 in shelter. All cats exhibited circadian rhythms in locomotor activity with periods ranging from 21.33-35.67h independent of light condition and day in shelter, and locomotor activity increased on days 3-4 compared to day 2 in the shelter, with no effect of light condition. There were no sex differences in in hiding, PetPace activity, or cat stress scores under any light condition; however, females displayed increased urinary cortisol levels compared to males in standard, but not dim or orange, light. This shows for the first time that room light manipulation can help shelters enact easy and inexpensive changes that make the adjustment period shorter and less stressful for incoming cats which will improve animal wellbeing. Presentation: 6/1/2024