Complex Psychological Mechanisms Research Articles

Effects of acute stress on cue reactivity and implicit cognitions in online compulsive buying-shopping disorder.

There is a lack of research on the impact of acute stress on the interaction of affective and cognitive processes in online compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD). Therefore, this project addressed stress response, cue reactivity, attentional bias, and implicit associations in individuals with online CBSD. Women with CBSD (n = 63) and women with non-problematic online buying-shopping (n = 64) were randomly assigned to the Trier Social Stress Test or a non-stress condition. After the stress/non-stress induction, participants performed a cue-reactivity paradigm, a dot-probe paradigm, and an implicit association task, each with addiction-related (online buying-shopping) and control (social networks) cues. Individuals with CBSD showed stronger affective responses towards the addiction-related and control cues than the control group and rated the addiction-related pictures with higher 'arousal' and 'urge' than the control images. No group differences emerged in the dot-probe paradigm and implicit association task. Acute stress showed no effect on performance in the behavioural tasks. Regression models investigating the impact of craving on the relationship between stress response and implicit cognitions within the group with CBSD were not significant. The findings demonstrate the involvement and generalization of cue reactivity in online CBSD, but do not provide support for effects of acute stress on cue reactivity, attentional bias and implicit associations. Future studies should not be restricted to women and combine laboratory and naturalistic study designs to investigate the complex psychological mechanisms in online CBSD.

Social Support and Depression Mediate the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which involves the deliberate destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent, is strongly associated with an increased risk of later suicidal behaviour. Disclosing the risk factors for NSSI is therefore vital to prevent the progression to suicide. While documented evidence links NSSI to childhood trauma, depression, social support, a comprehensive perspective that integrates these factors together is lacking. To bridge this gap, we leveraged a chain-mediating model in this study, to examine the mediating effect of social support and depression on the relationship between childhood trauma and NSSI. As expected, NSSI behaviours were positively correlated with depression scores (r = 0.492, padj < 0.001), childhood trauma scores (r = 0.306, padj < 0.001), and negatively correlated with the social support scores (r = -0.168, padj = 0.020). Importantly, in the chain-mediating model, increased childhood trauma was associated with decreased social support (β = -0.532, t = -9.086, p < 0.001), which in turn was linked with increased depressive symptoms (β = -0.193, t = -2.957, p < 0.01), ultimately contributing to greater odds of NSSI behaviours. Our findings elucidated the complex psychological mechanisms underlying the interplay between childhood trauma, social support and depression severity, suggesting that improving social support and intervening early in depression may be potential ways to reduce the risk of NSSI.

Low-carbon consumption in extreme heat in eastern China: Climate change anxiety as a facilitator or inhibitor?

With the planet warming, extreme heat events are becoming increasingly frequent and hazardous. At the same time, reducing carbon emissions from consumer activities is crucial for addressing global warming. This study aims to explore how extreme heat affects low-carbon consumption behaviors (LCB), leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between climate change and human behavior. Guided by resource scarcity theory and the general strain theory. The laboratory experiment used the recall paradigm to induce extreme heat experiences (Study 1, n = 198), and we found that extreme heat impacts LCB through climate change anxiety: cognitive climate change anxiety tends to increase low-carbon behaviors, while affective climate change anxiety inhibits low-carbon behaviors. The field experiments conducted on actual extreme heat days with simulated purchasing decision-making methods (Study 2, n = 203) further confirmed the laboratory findings. An inverted U-shaped relationship between climate change anxiety and LCB was also revealed. In summary, the current study reveals the differential impact of cognitive and affective climate anxiety on LCB. This finding provides new insights for understanding the complex psychological mechanisms of extreme climate events on consumer behavior, which could also serve as an operational basis for intervention design and policy making.

Threats on SNS Use in Crisis With Conditional Analysis With Risk Mitigation and Fear of Missing Out

In response to the evolving e-commerce landscape, the study investigates changing patterns of social networking site (SNS) usage during a pandemic. Grounded in the interaction of the person-affect-cognition-execution model for addictive behaviors and the appraisal and coping theory, it explores the depth and extent of SNS usage. Specifically, the study examines the moderated mediating effect of perceived stress (PS) and fear of missing out, with risk mitigation behavior as a moderator. With data from a nationwide survey in Korea with 760 responses, results show that risk mitigation behavior moderates the relationship between infection threat and PS, while PS and fear of missing out mediate the effect of infection threat on SNS usage. The moderated mediation of PS was significant, shedding light on the complex psychological mechanisms that drive SNS behavior during global crises. The findings deepen understanding of how stress and coping strategies shape SNS engagement in response to crisis.

Time perception and suicidal ideation during COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study

BackgroundThere are several reports of disruptions in time perception during lockdown periods throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to study the role of subjective flow of time (SFT) in the triggering of suicidal ideation in patients with a history of suicide attempt (SA), as compared with affective controls without such history (AC). MethodsThis study involved 296 psychiatric patients that were assessed five times between 2020 and 2021. We analyzed the SFT using a mixed logistic model and characterized SFT during significant periods of governmental restrictions. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify independent SFT characteristics. We evaluated the association between SFT and suicidal ideation, considering interactions with depression, insomnia, loneliness, and social support. ResultsThe findings revealed a significant alteration in SFT, closely linked to the implementation and easing of governmental restrictions. During the initial lockdown, SA exhibited lower SFT levels compared to AC. Furthermore, the relationship between SFT and suicidal ideation was influenced by depression. In the interim period between lockdowns, SFT's impact on suicidal ideation was mediated by insomnia. DiscussionDisturbances in SFT could be related to adaptability to lockdown conditions or may be a coping mechanism with depression, insomnia, suicidal ideation and overall psychological distress. Understanding the interplay of SFT with these factors provides crucial insights into the complex psychological mechanisms involved.

The mediating role of perceived emotional intelligence: examining the impact of affective job satisfaction on organizational identification among Chinese technological workers.

Breaking new ground in the exploration of workplace dynamics, this study pioneers an investigation into the mediating role of perceived emotional intelligence (PEI) in the relationship between affective job satisfaction and organizational identification among Chinese technological workers. This novel focus addresses a critical gap in existing research, particularly in understanding the psychological underpinnings within this specific cultural and professional context. Involving 392 workers aged 23 to 60, our research offers a comprehensive examination of how the three subdimensions of PEI - attention, clarity, and emotional repair - interact with job satisfaction to influence organizational identification. Through extensive questionnaires, we assessed these subdimensions alongside affective job satisfaction and the workers' identification with their organization. Our findings reveal a significant, positive correlation between job satisfaction and all PEI subdimensions. Notably, while emotional clarity and emotional repair showed a positive relationship with organizational identity, attention did not. Further analysis highlighted the substantial direct impact of Affective Job Satisfaction on Organizational Identification, with emotional clarity and emotional repair playing critical mediating roles. These insights illuminate the unique function of Perceived Emotional Intelligence as a mediator and enhancer in the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The results underscore the necessity of integrating strategies to cultivate emotional intelligence in the workplace, potentially leading to stronger organizational ties and improved overall worker well-being. By shedding light on these complex psychological mechanisms, our study not only enriches the theoretical landscape but also offers practical guidance for fostering healthier, more productive work environments.

Adorable interactions: investigating the influence of AI voice assistant cuteness on consumer usage intentions

In an era where user experience reigns supreme, an unexpected element is subtly influencing our interactions with technology— “Cuteness.” However, when discussing the design of digital products such as AIVAs, is cuteness merely a matter of appearance? This paper aims to unveil the complex psychological mechanisms and their impact on usage intention hidden behind the seemingly harmless allure of cuteness. Through an experimental study involving 284 participants and utilizing a moderated serial mediation model via PLS-SEM, this research reveals how aesthetic design differences influence usage intentions. The findings disclose three key insights: (1) A positive relationship between cuteness and usage intention is confirmed; (2) Social presence, performance expectancy and customer value act as serial mediations between cuteness and usage intention; (3) Perceived risk moderates the impact of cuteness on usage intentions by influencing social presence, performance expectancy, hedonic value and functional value. This contributes theoretical insights and practical guidance for the sustainable development and success of AIVAs.

Green HRM and employer branding: the role of collective affective commitment to environmental management change and environmental reputation

Drawing upon the signaling and person-organization (P-O) fit theories, the present study develops a novel conceptual framework through which we examine the complex psychological mechanisms behind the influence of green human resource management (GHRM) on employer branding (EB). The model suggests a sequential mediation effect of Collective affective Commitment to Environmental Management Change (CACEMC) and environmental reputation (ER) on the link between GHRM and EB. We collect multi-wave, multi-source survey data from tour operation firms based in Nha Trang City in Vietnam. Our results demonstrate that there is a significant relationship between GHRM and EB. The results further indicate that CACEMC and ER singly and sequentially mediate the positive relationship between GHRM and EB. The study enumerates our findings' theoretical and practical implications and advances the case for the rolling out of GHRM to build eco-friendly employer brands. The study provides a compelling reason and basis for firms to use GHRM practices in crafting eco-friendly employer branding initiatives. This is possible because our research provides an understanding of the complex micro-level mechanisms by which GHRM shapes the employees’ perception of their employers.

Acceptance of Social Robots by Elder People: Does Psychosocial Functioning Matter?

This study aims at investigating the relevance of psychosocial functioning for the acceptance of social robots by elder people in the context of everyday functioning. It was assumed that the level of psychosocial functioning either hinders or promotes robot acceptance, depending on the fit between elder people’s level of everyday functioning and the demands imposed by the robot (user–technology fit). To investigate this assumption, two social robots imposing different demands on the user, i.e., the easy-to-handle therapeutic robot Paro (low demands) and the less intuitive telepresence robot Giraff (high demands), were introduced successively to $$N=29$$ cognitively and physically healthy elder people. To implement different levels of user–technology fit, participants rated their intention to use each robot for both a scenario of high and a scenario of low everyday functioning. Psychosocial functioning was assessed with emotional loneliness, depressive mood and life satisfaction as indicators of psychological well-being, and social support as indicator of social resources. Results show that lower social support was associated with higher acceptance of the less intuitive robot Giraff in the high everyday functioning scenario (adequate user–technology fit). In the low everyday functioning scenario (poor fit), however, lower psychological well-being was associated with lower acceptance of Giraff. For the rather intuitive robot Paro (adequate user–technology fit regardless of the level of everyday functioning), lower life satisfaction was associated with lower acceptance in both everyday functioning scenarios. The findings show the importance of psychosocial variables for the acceptance of social robots by elder people and underline the relevance of the fit between user and technology. Moreover, they suggest a more intense consideration of complex psychological mechanisms and individual user characteristics in research on robot acceptance by elder people.

Serial Killer: The Mechanism from Imagination to the Murder Phases

Over the years, scholars have studied the phenomenon of serial murder and tried to explain the causes that originate it. Despite the studies about the types of serial killers, the dynamics, the contexts, and the complex psychological mechanisms which lead a serial killer to murder, organic factors or social nature were identified, but none of these answered the question why some individuals become serial killers, in spite of the types have been studied, the dynamics, the contexts, the complex psychological mechanisms give rise to the death of activities by these individuals. This is the focal point and the problem we want to solve. This paper will try to outline two basic phases which represent the alpha and omega of the world of serial killers from fantasy to enacting the murder.

Applying Transactional Analysis to Facilitate Self-Regulation of Trainee Translators and Interpreters

This article rests on the assumption that self-regulation of trainee translators/interpreters can be significantly enhanced by moderating classroom communication practices. This concerns, in particular, the communication exchange relating to assessment. It is argued that assessment-related communication activates complex psychological mechanisms, which can either empower or disempower self-regulation. To illustrate such mechanisms, the author briefly discusses the theory of Transactional Analysis. It is a conceptual framework proposed originally by Eric Berne to explain the intricacies of how people communicate to attain their psychological goals. Berne’s observations are adapted to the micro-cosmos of the translation/interpreting classroom in order offer its participants tools of regulating their communicative interactions. The article ends with a handful of recommended activities intended to inspire the readers to research further and train the skills discussed in the article.

The co-evolution of power and friendship networks in an organization

AbstractDespite the pivotal role that both power and interpersonal trust play in a multitude of social exchange situations, relatively little is known about their interplay. Moreover, previous theorizing makes competing claims. Do we consider our relatively more powerful exchange partners to be less trustworthy, as rational choice reasoning would suggest? Or do more complex psychological mechanisms lead us to trust them more, as motivated cognition reasoning implies? Extending the latter approach, we develop and empirically test three hypotheses on the interrelation between perceptions of interpersonal trust and power. According to the status value hypothesis, individuals are more likely to befriend those whom they or others perceive as powerful. The status signaling hypothesis states that the friends of people one perceives as powerful will also be seen as powerful. According to the self-monitoring hypothesis, high self-monitors are more likely than low self-monitors to befriend those they or others perceive as powerful. We use multiplex stochastic actor-based models to analyze the co-evolution of trust and power relations amongn= 49 employees in a Dutch Youth Care organization. Data covers three waves of a longitudinal sociometric network survey collected over a period of 18 months in the years 2009–2010. In general, we find some support for all three hypotheses, though the effects are weak. Being one of the first organizational field studies on the co-evolution of power and trust, we conclude with discussing the implications of these findings for the study of social exchange processes.

Two mediators of power on subjective well-being in China

Power may enhance well-being via authenticity, but it can also lead to misery, which arises as a consequence of assertiveness. To address inconsistencies in the results of previous studies, we took the literature regarding well-being and personality of agency into account. Consequently, we formed a hypothesis in which the complex effects of power on subjective well-being could be explained via agency and unmitigated agency. Because power increases agency, which contributes to subjective well-being, it could enhance subjective well-being by encouraging people to become more agentic. However, when agency is not mitigated by communion that is referred to as unmitigated agency, it reduces subjective well-being due to dissatisfaction with relationships. Therefore, we hypothesized that power would enhance subjective well-being via greater agency and reduced unmitigated agency. Three surveys completed by 202 Chinese participants showed consistent evidence that power, both dispositional and role-specific, was positively related to subjective well-being and role satisfaction via agency and unmitigated agency. Both agency and unmitigated agency mediated the effects of power on subjective well-being. These results elucidate the complex psychological mechanisms underlying the influence of power on subjective well-being from the perspective of personality and provide a basis for future research.

Dehumanized Perception

Dehumanized perception, a failure to spontaneously consider the mind of another person, may be a psychological mechanism facilitating inhumane acts like torture. Social cognition - considering someone's mind - recognizes the other as a human being subject to moral treatment. Social neuroscience has reliably shown that participants normally activate a social-cognition neural network to pictures and thoughts of other people; our previous work shows that parts of this network uniquely fail to engage for traditionally dehumanized targets (homeless persons or drug addicts; see Harris & Fiske, 2009, for review). This suggests participants may not consider these dehumanized groups' minds. Study 1 demonstrates that participants do fail to spontaneously think about the contents of these targets' minds when imagining a day in their life, and rate them differently on a number of human-perception dimensions. Study 2 shows that these human-perception dimension ratings correlate with activation in brain regions beyond the social-cognition network, including areas implicated in disgust, attention, and cognitive control. These results suggest that disengaging social cognition affects a number of other brain processes and hints at some of the complex psychological mechanisms potentially involved in atrocities against humanity.

The Morphological Approach for Unconscious Consumer Motivation Research

<h3>ABSTRACT</h3> Morphological psychology leverages the theory of Gestalt to understand the underlying fundamental, and often unconscious, motivating forces behind brand and product decisions. The Morphological concept of motivation makes it possible to account for the unconscious generators of consumer behavior appropriately. It reveals the hidden symbolic meaning of products. Marketing strategies should limit themselves to one key message--the concept of single-minded proposition--conveying one ‘core feeling’ of ‘emotional value.’ However, successful strategies consider the complex psychological mechanisms, which create the ‘emotional values.’

Human nature and culture: an evolutionary psychological perspective.

Personality psychology is the broadest of all psychological subdisciplines in that it seeks a conceptually integrated understanding of both human nature and important individual differences. Cultural differences pose a unique set of problems for any comprehensive theory of personality-how can they be reconciled with universals of human nature on the one hand and within-cultural variation on the other? Evolutionary psychology provides one set of conceptual tools by which this conceptual integration can be made. It requires jettisoning the false but still-pervasive dichotomy of culture versus biology, acknowledging a universal human nature, and recognizing that the human mind contains many complex psychological mechanisms that are selectively activated, depending on cultural contexts. Culture rests on a foundation of evolved psychological mechanisms and cannot be understood without those mechanisms.

Psychodynamic aspects of school phobia

The phobic phenomenon of avoidance is characteristic of childhood. The syndrome school phobia involves more complex psychological mechanisms than are ordinarily encountered in phobias. Several of these mechanisms having clinical and psychodynamic significance are discussed. The impact of the primary objects upon the child creates a shared illusion of primordial omnipotence which flourishes at home and helps maintain the security and adequacy systems of child and family. The special kind of nurturance received at home is not available in school, where reward and punishment are based upon realistic performance; hence, the illusion is sooner or later dispelled by real or imagined social or academic failure. The ego is then flooded with waves of fear and rage and with previously repressed. unresolved oedipal and preoedipal conflicts. The phobic mechanism is invoked for the purpose of stemming the tide and containing these emotions and restoring homeostasis. Premature pressure to return to school may precipitate or release an underlying psychoses. This construct emphasizes the unequivocal importance of the child-family unit as basic to the understanding of school phobia. Although there are profound and critical intrapsychic phenomena present, to consider these primarily in isolation is to acknowledge only a segment of what appears to be a complex that is forged and transmitted over successive generations.