Changes In Intentions Research Articles

“Make sure that everybody feels there is a space for them”: Understanding and promoting appearance inclusivity at university.

Appearance concerns are a pervasive issue affecting many university students and contributing to poor psychosocial and academic outcomes. To combat these, action is needed by universities to promote appearance inclusivity. The current study used inductive qualitative methods to explore students’ lived and/or living experiences and concerns relating to their physical appearance and views on how to achieve an appearance inclusive university. Seventeen students aged 19 to 55 from a UK university participated in online semi-structured interviews (n=12) and focus groups (n=5). Thirteen participants were women, three were men, and one was non-binary. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Students identified several ways appearance concerns had negatively impacted them and supported an increased focus on appearance inclusivity at university. Three themes were developed: 1) appearance has a big impact on my university life; 2) it’s not the same for everyone (i.e., individual differences and intersectionality impact students’ experiences); and 3) intentional change is needed (i.e., change is necessary to improve appearance inclusivity, but it should be consciously thought out). Strategies to improve appearance inclusivity should be prioritised and carefully considered to avoid tokenism and ensure they centre the needs of those from underrepresented groups.

E-cycling intention versus behavioral change: Investigating longitudinal changes in e-cycling intention and actual behavior change in daily commuting

By offering the opportunity to make longer trips at a lower level of physical activity, the e-bike provides a promising alternative to car use. Despite all advantages (e-)cycling brings to urban accessibility, the environment, physical and mental health, not all car commuters regard the e-bike as a suitable alternative yet in their daily activity patterns. This study reports on changes in behavioral intention and actual e-cycling brought about by an e-cycling incentive program in the province of Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands. The impact of the program on behavioral intention and the actual change to e-cycling were analyzed based on a longitudinal three-wave survey design on past, intended, and actual commuting behavior. To explore the changes in behavioral intentional, the differences between intention and actual behavior and the factors influencing them, descriptive and ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted. To explore the dynamics between e-cycling intentions and behavior a longitudinal structural equation model was developed. In general, this study shows that the incentive program has a positive impact on participants’ behavioral change to e-cycling during the incentive program. Results show that two-third of the participants actually use the e-bike as much as they intended at the start of the program. People who were used to taking the conventional bicycle to work before the stimulation program, are more consistent between their intention and behavior. Results also show that personal beliefs, habits, and goal-related variables do not influence the intention–behavior consistency.

From imagination to activism: Cognitive alternatives motivate commitment to activism through identification with social movements and collective efficacy.

Having a vision and being able to imagine socially and ecologically just alternatives can motivate people for societal transformation. However, which psychological processes drive this link between the mental accessibility of societal alternatives and collective action? We hypothesized that collective efficacy beliefs and politicized identification form two pathways mediating the effects of cognitive alternatives on high-cost activist behaviour. Two studies and a pooled analysis tested these hypotheses longitudinally. Data were collected in two field settings: a climate camp and an online conference on socio-ecological visions. In line with our assumptions, and across three of the four analysed timeframes, latent change score modelling showed that changes in cognitive alternatives predicted changes in collective efficacy beliefs and social movement identification, which in turn, predicted changes in collective action intentions. We found clear evidence for our hypotheses in the short term and mixed evidence in the long term. Additional analyses including participative efficacy showed no relevant effects. We concluded that the ability to envision social change may foster a sense of agency as members of social movements. These processes linking imagination to activism are less about individual efficacy than about realizing the collective possibilities for change and identifying with the groups enacting it.

PL-SKT Loanwords in NE Thai Dialect Dictionary: A Case Study of Sound Changes in Vowels and Consonants

The Northeastern (NE) Thai dialect dictionary compiled by the National Cultural Council is one of the best NE dialect dictionaries. Pali and Sanskrit (PL-SKT) loanwords used in the spoken and written language and in NE literature were collected from the dictionary. Some words were very different from the original Pali and Sanskrit words because of sound changes in vowels and consonants. The objectives of this study were to explore the sound changes in vowels and consonants of PL-SKT loanwords in the Northeastern (NE) dialect dictionary compiled by the National Cultural Council. The conceptual framework of this study consists of usage of PL-SKT words through sound change theories. A qualitative method was employed and the data collection was done from the Northeastern (NE) dialect dictionary compiled by the National Cultural Council. It was found that there were 3,022 PL-SKT loanwords. Two kinds of sound change in vowels and consonants were found: intentional sound change and unintentional sound change. Seven types of vowel sound change and fourteen types of consonant sound change were found. Surprisingly sound changes in vowels and consonants with analogy in PL-SKT declension were found. The types of sound change in PL-SKT words seem to have occurred because they were more convenient to pronounce and beautiful in the spoken and written language including NE dialect literature.

Effectiveness of Three Front-of-Pack Food Labels in Guiding Consumer Identification of Nutrients of Concern and Purchase Intentions in Kenya: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Front-of-pack-labels (FOPLs) on packaged foods provide essential information to help consumers make informed dietary choices. However, evidence on their effectiveness, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya, is limited. Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of three FOPLs in helping consumers identify nutrients of concern in packaged food products and influencing their purchase intention in Kenya. Methods: A total of 2198 shoppers from supermarkets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Garissa were randomized into three groups: Red and Green Octagon label (RG), Red and Green Octagon with icons (RGI), and Black Octagon Warning label (WL). In the control phase, participants were shown unlabeled images of packaged foods, followed by questions. In the experimental phase, the same images were presented with one assigned FOPL, and participants responded again to the same set of questions. Differences in correct identification of nutrients of concern and changes in purchase intention were analyzed using frequency tables and Chi-Square tests, while modified Poisson regression assessed FOPL effectiveness. Results: FOPLs significantly improved correct nutrient identification and reduced the intention to purchase unhealthy foods, with the WL proving most effective. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of FOPLs, particularly the WL, as an effective regulatory tool for promoting healthier food choices in Kenya.

Examination of a hope- and fear-based message targeting older adults who smoke: A randomized trial

Older adults who smoke are half as likely to make a quit attempt, but more likely to maintain abstinence using evidence-based treatments. Awareness of the increased risk of dementia among people who currently smoke may motivate cessation in this population, but messages have not been tested. 820 adults who smoke, ages 50–80, with no history of dementia completed an online survey examining one of three randomly assigned messages (Control N = 266, Fear N = 274, Hope N = 280) on motivation and intentions to quit. Fear and Hope messages were based on the link between smoking and dementia. Fear increased motivation to quit [t(813) = 2.818, p = 0.005] more than Control. Hope did not differ from Control [t(813) = 1.908, p = 0.057] or Fear [t(813) = 0.937, p = 0.349] in change in motivation to quit. There were no differences between messages in change in intention to quit, F(2, 817) = 0.825, p = 0.439. Future work should examine feasibility and acceptability of fear-based motivational messages on quitting success.

Model-based real-time optimization in continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing

In this work, real-time optimization (RTO) schemes are proposed and applied on a continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing process which consists of three units: synthesis unit, hot melt extrusion unit and direct compaction line. The developed RTO strategies calculate the operating conditions by optimizing the considered objective functions while satisfying the specific constraints. Moreover, the RTO schemes can cope with intentional changes in the process and unintentional changes such as disturbances. Results from simulations and experiments are presented in this work. An advantageous performance is achieved when using the developed schemes.

Cooperation or Collaboration: Which Really Drives the Employee Experience?

Abstract: This article explores the key differences between cooperation and collaboration and their relative impacts on employee experience in today's workplace. Through a review of relevant academic literature and examples from management consulting experiences, cooperation is defined as the coordination of individual efforts without shared ownership, most effective for routine tasks. Collaboration is characterized as a collective process requiring interdependent work, shared goals and outcomes, and trust—critical for complex problem-solving. The article argues that true collaboration cultivates more meaningful work, autonomy, social support, continuous learning and organizational commitment among employees. It maintains fostering collaborative ways of working through intentional cultural changes can unlock higher engagement, performance, innovation and retention compared to relying solely on cooperation. Practical recommendations are provided for organizations seeking to embed collaboration as a core value and operating practice.

Archetypes and change in wildfire risk perceptions, behaviours and intentions among adults in Tasmania, Australia

Background Anthropogenic climate change globally increases wildfire risk. Understanding how wildfire threats impact community-wide risk perceptions and response options will critically inform resilience education strategies. Aim To gain an increased understanding of wildfire risk perceptions and self-evacuation intentions among residents in the wildfire-prone state of Tasmania, Australia. Methods We co-designed survey questions with stakeholders from emergency management, health and community recovery, using a computer-aided telephone interview to survey residents over 18 years of age. Numerical classification analysis, linear regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyse survey data. Results We identified four archetypes – the ‘immediate leaver’, ‘prepared stayer’, ‘unprepared leaver’ and ‘informed leaver’, each with distinct sociodemographic characteristics. Key variables were gender, age, location and income, with women most likely to leave and lower-income householders from rural areas most likely to stay. Previous wildfire experience and owning a home were significantly associated with increased preparedness actions. Compared to 2016, we found a significant increase in the proportion of residents intending to leave their property, with rural men least likely and urban women most likely to leave. Implications Recent education campaigns have likely driven increases in wildfire threat-related self-evacuation, yet the existence of distinct archetypes argues for more tailored messaging and education programs.

Two “Fires” of Leadership: Is it Possible to Listen and Lead Parish Cultural Change?

Pope Francis has claimed that “we are living through a change of epoch, the deepest level of which is cultural.” “A change of epoch” entails much change in Catholic parishes especially across the Western world. Change can be chosen or unchosen. Actively chosen change is explored in this paper. Examples include parishes self-consciously adapting to become more mission-focused or purposefully adopting more traditional liturgical styles. Drawing on empirical case studies of British parishes undertaken in the course of my doctoral research in 2017 and 2018, this paper explores two different styles of leadership using Pope Francis’s metaphor of two “fires.” While “powerful flame” stands for bold, visionary leadership, “charcoal fire” represents more mild and tender listening. I consider questions such as: What is the cultural impact on a community when listening is engaged in, and when it is not? How might listening impact a parish’s direction of travel if intentional change is pursued? And what limitations to change might a listening approach entail?

Cardiac risk confrontation in primary care as a teachable moment towards improved health outcomes

Abstract Background Urgent life events, such as acute coronary events, can evoke a teachable moment (TM) for lifestyle change. This study aims to investigate whether less urgent events, such as being confronted with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, can evoke a TM, what psychosocial factors are associated with it, and whether experiencing such a TM predicts improved health outcomes. Methods The study included 114 patients who were informed about their elevated cardiovascular risk during a primary care visit. Participants completed a survey assessing whether they experienced a TM and several psychosocial factors linked to experiencing it: perceived risk, affective impact, changed self-concept. Participants monitored their weight and blood pressure for six months using an at-home self-monitoring device. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between the psychosocial factors and the lifestyle change intentions with changes in blood pressure and weight. Results Of the participants, 55.3% experienced increased lifestyle change intentions. Lower risk perception ((B = -0.27; CI = -0.39-(-0.15)) and higher change in self-concept (B = 0.34; CI = 0.23-0.44) were associated with higher intention to change lifestyle. Higher risk perception (B = 0.23; CI = 0.06-0.42) and higher change in self-concept (B = 0.54; CI = 0.37-0.72) predicted a lower weight reduction at six months. A higher change in self-concept predicted a higher blood pressure reduction (B = -3.32; CI = -6.55-(0.09)). Lastly, a higher lifestyle change intention predicted bigger reductions blood pressure (B = -5.04; CI = -9.08-(-0.29)). Conclusions Results suggest that less urgent cardiac events, such as a confrontation with an increased cardiac risk, can be experienced as a TM that urges lifestyle change intentions and affects health outcomes. Risk confrontations in primary care therefore offer a unique opportunity to provide lifestyle counseling at the right moment. Key messages • A confrontation with an increased cardiac risk in primary care can be experienced as a teachable moment. • Experiencing a teachable moment after a cardiac risk confrontation in primary care affects health outcomes.

Shifting Mindsets: Changes in Entrepreneurial Intention Among University Students

Despite the growing interest in entrepreneurship education and its impact on entrepreneurial intention, there is limited research on why students’ entrepreneurial intentions change over time. It has been observed that university students’ intentions to pursue entrepreneurship are higher when they enroll in entrepreneurship courses; however, these intentions usually shift both before and after the completion of the entrepreneurship course. This study investigates the shift in entrepreneurial intention among university students. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, this study combines the qualitative research tools of interviews and diaries to explore the evolution of students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The research sample consisted of undergraduate university students of a Greek university who had attended an entrepreneurship and innovation course as part of their first-year curriculum in the academic year 2020–2021. The study utilized 163 structured interviews and complementary diary research on 96 students from the same cohort in the academic year 2023–2024. NVivo12 software (32 bits version) was used to analyze the primary data. The findings highlight notable changes in students’ entrepreneurial intentions as a result of a variety of factors, including the allure of the entrepreneurial idea, cohesiveness of the teams, teaching strategies employed, support provided by the university and their families, and certain personality traits. These findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to better support and sustain entrepreneurial intentions among students, while also further expanding the understanding of the strategy development needs of entrepreneurship counseling and education, as very limited research has been conducted on this issue.

A Lane Change Model Considering the Stability of Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Platoon Fleet

In this article, lane change models for mixed traffic flow under cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) platoon formation are established. The analysis begins by examining the impact of lane changes on traffic flow stability. The influences of various factors such as lane change locations, timing, and the current traffic state on stability are discussed. In this analysis, it is assumed that the lane change location and the entry position in the adjacent lane have already been selected, without considering the specific intention behind the lane change. The speeds of the involved vehicles are adjusted based on an existing lane change model, and various conditions are analyzed for traffic flow disturbances, including duration, shock amplitude, and driving delays. Numerical calculations are provided to illustrate these effects. Additionally, traffic flow stability is factored into the lane change decision-making process. By incorporating disturbances to the fleet into the lane change income model, both a lane change intention model and a lane change execution model are constructed. These models are then compared with a model that does not account for stability, leading to the corresponding conclusions.

Investigating the effects of political correctness in social marketing messaging

Purpose Obesity imposes myriad negative consequences upon society, the economy and personal well-being. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using political correctness (PC) in social marketing messages to persuade consumers to change their unhealthy behavior. It also explores various underlying mechanisms that drive this effect. Specifically, this research studies that messaging approach – politically correct vs politically incorrect and gain vs loss message framing – generates higher consumer intentions to change their behavior. Design/methodology/approach Four experiments were conducted with nationally representative samples to examine the effect of PC and gain vs loss message framing on consumers’ behavior changing intentions. Findings Politically correct prosocial marketing messages displayed higher persuasiveness than politically incorrect messages. Each relationship was mediated by the perceived manipulative capacity of the message and consumers’ attitudes toward the message. Message framing performed as a boundary condition for these effects. Research limitations/implications This paper sought to contribute to the literature that investigates the effectiveness of social marketing efforts. Three specific contributions related to the effects of message frames on politically correct and incorrect social marketing messages were developed. Practical implications The strategies presented in this paper benefit firms wishing to create a more prosocial approach to their business. A firm can present a prosocial message to their target market in a frame focusing on what will be gained instead of lost. Likewise, firms should welcome this type of messaging that embraces politically correct terminology instead of shying away from it. Originality/value This paper generates actionable insights for marketers and policymakers regarding how best to communicate with targeted segments about culturally- and personally sensitive topics related to obesity and weight loss. This paper also contributes to the literature that explores the effectiveness of social marketing initiatives. The findings suggest policymakers and social marketers should be cautious and, regardless of today’s sociopolitical environment, avoid falling into the temptation of developing politically incorrect and loss-framed messages.

Role of servicescape in patients' clinic care waiting experience: Evidence from developing countries.

The aim of this research is to investigate the role of servicescape on re-patronage and recommended intention through pleasure feeling and satisfaction in healthcare settings that put substantial contribution in the process of healthcare service delivery. Data were collected through cross-sectional convenience sampling via a self-administered survey questionnaire from 431 clinical outpatients who revisit the same hospital of metropolitan areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was carried out for path analysis through AMOS (24.0 V), while statistical measures were analyzed using SPSS (25.0 V). The present study results revealed that patients' intention optimistically triggered through partial mediation and affirm the direct and indirect association with servicescape. It also revealed that patient-recommended and re-patronage intentions to visit the clinic were statistically substantial and positively influenced by intervening constructs of pleasure feeling and satisfaction. Additionally, it is found that servicescape and pleasure feeling contributed to 30% change in satisfaction. Moreover, pleasure feeling, and satisfaction contributed to 50% change in re-patronage and 31% change in recommendation intention of the patients. The current study findings contribute significantly to servicescape literature from a theatrical perspective and reevaluate the patterns and operations in healthcare. It also helps managers and administrators of private hospitals to make strategies to increase patient satisfaction.

Assessing changes in COVID-19 vaccine uptake and intentions among the Brigada Digital Latino social media audience: a repeated cross-sectional study

BackgroundU.S. Latinos experienced disproportionate COVID-19 impacts in terms of morbidity and mortality. Vaccination against COVID-19 is an important strategy for mitigating health impacts, and yet, vaccine uptake was slower among U.S. Latino adults compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Vaccine hesitancy has been a significant barrier within Latino communities, and exposure to misinformation has been associated with negative attitudes toward vaccination. While some COVID-19 mitigation efforts have included community-based outreach, few studies have explored the impact of community-based digital messaging in Spanish to counter COVID-19 misinformation, build trust, and promote vaccination. To address this gap, we conducted a one-year repeated cross-sectional study to assess changes in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, intentions, and perceived norms, as well as barriers to accessing reliable information and levels of trust in COVID-19 information sources among Latino adults exposed to Brigada Digital de Salud social media content. This culturally-tailored content disseminated on Facebook, Instagram, and X platforms was amplified by community health workers and partners, and focused on COVID-19 risk and prevention, vaccine safety and efficacy, and correcting related misinformation.ResultsStatistically significant increases in COVID-19 vaccination and intentions to vaccinate children were observed from May 2022 (wave 1) to April 2023 (wave 2). Among perceived difficulties accessing information, respondents indicated the most difficulty in judging the reliability of COVID-19 information in the media; however, a statistically significant decrease in perceived difficulty was observed between waves. With regard to trust in COVID-19 information sources, levels of trust were highest for healthcare providers in both waves, and there were statistically significant increases in trust in the FDA to ensure COVID-19 vaccine safety and trust in the federal government to ensure child COVID-19 vaccine safety at wave 2.ConclusionsSocial media messaging by trusted community-based sources shows promise as a strategy for combating health misinformation and ameliorating information access gaps for language minority populations. This digital approach represents an important tool for deploying critical information to underserved populations in public health emergency and crisis contexts, and for supporting changes in attitudes, trust, and behaviors to improve health outcomes.

Short-Term Responsive Mating Intentions Increase with Estradiol and Testosterone across the Menstrual Cycle: Scale Development and an Observational Study

The extent to which estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone influence mating behavior across the menstrual cycle is unclear. The Proactive and Responsive Mating Strategies Scales (PARMSS) were developed to separately examine two specific components of sexuality and were used here to test divergent hormonal associations. Preliminary psychometric data (N = 364 females) suggest that both scales consist of one factor and demonstrate strong psychometric properties (internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct and convergent validity). The PARMSS were used in a repeated-measures observational study to examine the relationships between changes in endogenous hormone levels and both proactive and responsive mating intentions with potential new short-term or long-term partners in healthy pre-menopausal participants (N = 38). At two points in their cycle, participants provided salivary hormone samples in the laboratory and reported the likelihood of engaging in proactive and responsive behaviors with men in photos and vignettes. Participants reported greater responsive than proactive intentions. Increases in estradiol and testosterone across the cycle were associated with increases in short-term mating intentions, particularly responsivity to potential short-term relationship partners. No associations were found for intentions that were proactive or that involved potential long-term partners or for progesterone. Changes in the three hormones explained changes in short-term responsive mating intentions (22% of the variance). The results suggest (a) cyclical changes in estradiol and testosterone are differentially associated with changes in responsive vs. proactive mating intentions and (b) context-dependent changes (i.e., short-term vs. long-term mating intentions and possibly relationship status). The findings require replication with larger and diverse samples.

Evaluation of the 'A walk can work wonders' mass media campaign in South Australia.

Few population-wide efforts have targeted physical activity in Australia. Mass media campaigns are used to promote physical activity and walking, and World Health Organisation recommends their linkage to broader cross-government initiatives. This project evaluates a South Australian (SA) walking mass media campaign linked to the overall SA Walking Strategy. Between January and June 2022, Wellbeing SA (a SA government agency) conducted two waves of a mass media campaign, 'A walk can work wonders', to promote walking. The campaign was part of the SA Walking Strategy, targeting the goal to change the 'community culture towards recognising walking' as convenient, affordable and health-promoting. Evaluation was formative (pre-campaign), process (campaign implementation and delivery) and impact. Formative evaluation comprised concept and tagline testing with adult SAs to develop the campaign messages and theme. Process evaluation was comprised of media monitoring of social media, mainstream media and other media monitoring metrics. The process evaluation was dominated by social media marketing in Wave 1, with substantially more paid TV media and radio in Wave 2. The impact evaluation comprised two independent sample surveys of adult SAs (n = 800 each) following each wave of the campaign. Measures included generic and prompted campaign recall and attitudes to physical activity. An independent South Australian Population Health Survey (SAPHS) tracked walking and physical activity behaviours from 2021 to the end of 2022. Process evaluation showed intensive social media usage in Wave 1, and through increased paid television and radio in Wave 2. Generic recall of any walking message (23.9%) and prompted recall of the specific campaign message (27.8%) reached most socio-demographic groups, especially those with chronic health problems. Increases in intention to increase activity and increased self-reported activity were seen between the campaign Wave 1 and Wave 2 notable as the Wave 2 increase followed substantial television advertising. The SAPHS data showed increased population walking following the campaign waves, compared to the same period in 2021. Detailed and structured evaluation of a comprehensive mass media campaign showed good reach, and population changes in intentions and walking behaviour amongst SAs. SO WHAT?: It is likely that comprehensive approaches are needed to support mass media campaigns and amplify their effects. Serial, sustained campaigns are needed to monitor ongoing effects.

Changes in suicide literacy and intentions to ask about suicide: “Community Linker” training for those supporting Aboriginal people

ObjectiveGatekeeper training programs are widely used with promising results for suicide prevention. However, studies have found that when delivered to Indigenous communities, outcomes can be variable or ineffective. This study is a feasibility trial of a gatekeeper program based on the standardised ‘Question, Persuade and Refer’ (QPR) approach, which was adapted to the cultural needs of local Aboriginal communities in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, Australia. The study aims to identify whether 1) knowledge of suicide and intentions to help increase over the course of completing the gatekeeper program; 2) participants of different educational backgrounds have similar outcomes in suicide literacy and intentions to help; and 3) Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people have similar outcomes. MethodsOne hundred individuals participated in the research, of which 50% identified as an Aboriginal person. Pre- and post-training questionnaires assessed whether participants experienced an increase in suicide literacy and intentions to support others at risk of suicide. ResultsAlthough pre-test scores for suicide literacy and intentions to help were high, these increased significantly from pre- to post-test. Those with no prior gatekeeper training showed larger changes in both suicide literacy and intentions to ask about suicide compared to those with prior training. ConclusionOverall, this study highlights that delivery of culturally adapted gatekeeper training is associated with improved suicide literacy and intentions to ask about suicide amongst trainees.

Investigating the Role of Virtual Reality to Support Community Engagement

Virtual Reality (VR) interfaces are known to provide users with immersive experiences to support tasks such as training or developing an understanding of topics in various domains. However, research relating to using VR to learn about unfamiliar settings and supporting attitudes towards these settings, particularly through lower-cost VR technology is limited in nature. In this article, we describe an exploratory study to investigate low-cost VR technology use on attitudes toward community engagement activities. We selected the issue of homelessness, due to the prevalence of this issue in the city where the study took place. We focused on the experiences of conducting community engagement activities as part of the study. Ten participants experienced becoming homeless through an immersive VR application. In order to investigate the impact on attitudes, a community engagement instrument along with perspective-taking subscale were presented to participants prior to and after the VR experience. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in both the attitude and behavior subscales, suggesting a positive change in intention to participate in their community and to make a difference based upon the VR experience. Implications from the work relate to the design of a procedure which can be used by educators and researchers alike, to determine the attitudinal impacts of VR environments, along with providing awareness of the benefits and practicalities of utilizing low-cost VR technologies within a classroom environment.