Distinct Constructs Research Articles

Interviewer Ratings of Physical Appearance in a Large-Scale Survey in China

Abstract Interviewer ratings of respondents’ physical appearance have been collected in several major social surveys. While researchers have made good use of such ratings data in substantive studies, empirical evidence on their measurement properties is rather limited. This study evaluates two potential threats to the quality of interviewer ratings of physical appearance: interviewer effects and halo effects. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, we show large interviewer effects on interviewer ratings of respondents’ physical appearance based on cross-classified models. We also provide possible evidence for halo effects based on high correlations between physical appearance ratings and other theoretically distinct constructs, after controlling for interviewer effects. However, we find support for convergent and discriminant validity of physical appearance ratings when both interviewer effects and halo effects are controlled for. Empirical studies using interviewer observation data should take into account interviewer effects and halo effects when possible or at least discuss their potential impact on the substantive findings.

The Perceived Economic Scarcity Scale: A valid tool with greater predictive utility than income.

This article introduces the Perceived Economic Scarcity Scale (PESS), a novel instrument measuring the subjective evaluation and experience of economic scarcity (the feeling of having insufficient financial resources to meet one's needs). We conducted three high-powered preregistered studies (total N = 1900) to rigorously evaluate the PESS's psychometric properties. In Study 1, we generated a pool of items and used both Principal Component Analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis to select the most appropriate items. In Study 2, we examined the PESS's construct validity, demonstrating that it measures a distinct construct from related constructs such as subjective social class. In Study 3, we examined the PESS's predictive validity, demonstrating that it is a robust predictor of both affective outcomes (e.g. anxiety-depressive symptoms) and cognitive outcomes (e.g. economic risk-taking). Critically, we found that the PESS not only has incremental validity over and above income but also has greater predictive utility than income. We also found that the PESS score varies depending on the distance-to-pay and has excellent test-retest reliability. Overall, the PESS appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing perceived economic scarcity, and we encourage researchers to use it to better understand the psychological consequences of 'not having enough'.

Ready for the next step: Novel commitment amplification in romantic relationships

Ample research examines the importance of one’s commitment level to their romantic relationship; however, individuals’ desire for progressive levels of commitment has received less attention in the literature. In the current studies, we introduce the novel concept of commitment amplification (i.e., the desire to become more committed in one’s romantic relationship) by developing and validating a new scale (the Commitment Amplification Scale). Additionally, we investigate the conceptual uniqueness of commitment amplification and examine associations with relationship-oriented thoughts (Study 1 and 2) and behaviors (Study 3). Results support the establishment of commitment amplification as a distinct and predictive construct. Furthermore, commitment amplification predicts relationship constructs above and beyond existing measures of commitment and commitment readiness.

Rethinking Transnational Activism through Regional Perspectives: Reflections, Literatures and Cases

Abstract This collectively authored article argues for a regional turn in the historical study of transnational activism. By considering not only pan-regional movements but also examples of borderland contexts, transregional connections and diasporic understandings of ‘region’, our discussion identifies fresh possibilities for investigating the evolution and functioning of transnational activism. Based on a Royal Historical Society-funded workshop held at and supported by Northumbria University, the article brings together insights from diverse locations and arenas of contestation. The first part considers literatures on three macro-regional settings – South Asia, Western Europe and Latin America – to illustrate the importance of distinctive regional contexts and constructs in shaping transnational activism and its goals. The second part turns to case studies of transnational activism in and beyond Eastern Europe, West Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia. In doing so, it explores very different notions of the regional to identify how transnational activism has both shaped and been shaped by these ideas. Taken together, the two parts highlight the role of regional identities and projects in challenging inequalities and external domination. Our analysis and examples indicate the possibilities of a regionally rooted approach for writing histories of transnational activism.

Complex vs. convex Morse functions and geodesic open books

Suppose that [Formula: see text] is a closed and oriented surface equipped with a Riemannian metric. In the literature, there are three seemingly distinct constructions of open books on the unit (co)tangent bundle of [Formula: see text], having complex, contact and dynamical flavors, respectively. Each one of these constructions is based on either an admissible divide or an ordered Morse function on [Formula: see text]. We show that the resulting open books are pairwise isotopic provided that the ordered Morse function is adapted to the admissible divide on [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we observe that if [Formula: see text] has positive genus, then none of these open books are planar and furthermore, we determine the only cases when they have genus one pages.

Tailoring gamification to individual learners: A study on personalization variables for skill enhancement

This study conducts a quantitative inquiry into how components of gamification and customization are being used in Saudi Arabia's educational system. In our investigation, we zero in on how these factors could contribute to skill development. This investigation uses a thorough and rigorous quantitative research approach to probe students' preferences for gamification components and their thoughts on customization. The findings highlight the amazing congruence between people's preference for gamification components like points and badges and the need for adaptation and feedback in optimizing the effectiveness of the educational process. Through careful component analysis, the current investigation successfully separates two distinct constructs: one highlights the importance of flexibility and responsiveness, while the other emphasizes the significance of pace and cultural appropriateness. The results of this research have important policy and practice implications for Saudi Arabia, where educational reforms are now underway. The goal of these changes is to boost academic performance by introducing student-specific, interactive gaming into the classroom.

Urgency as a predictor of change in emotion dysregulation in adolescents.

Adolescence is a key developmental period characterized by increased maladaptive risky behaviors. Two related but distinct constructs, urgency (the tendency to act rashly in response to strong negative or positive emotions) and emotion dysregulation, are important risk factors for engaging in maladaptive risky behaviors. Thus far, research has largely agreed that these two risk factors are highly correlated. However, the causal direction between these constructs is less understood. The goal of the current study is to determine whether urgency predicts emotion dysregulation change among adolescents. This project is an analysis of 544 youth (49.8% female, Mage=14.22, SD=0.52). We tested whether urgency at baseline predicts change in emotion dysregulation over a nine-week period, and whether that relationship differs across boys and girls. Two multigroup latent change score path analyses found that negative, but not positive, urgency significantly predicted emotion dysregulation change (negative urgency: b= -0.57, p=0.001; positive urgency: b=0.22, p=0.06). There was no evidence of moderation by gender. This work provides initial evidence of a temporal relationship between higher negative urgency and increased emotion dysregulation. The next step is to determine whether negative urgency imparts risk for maladaptive behaviors through its effect on emotion dysregulation. The long-term goal of this program of research is to design and test interventions to reduce the impact of negative urgency for adolescent risk-taking.

Impact on seafarers of extreme events: A case study arising out of the situation in Ukraine.

Maritime transportation is the lifeblood of the world's economy. However, seafarers are exposed to isolated, confined and particularly extreme environments. Maritime operations in the face of geopolitical conflicts profoundly impact seafarers' mental health, well-being and safety. The study comprises 27 seafarer interviews and 21 stakeholder interviews covering 4 maritime education and training institutions, 11 crewing agencies, 4 medical facilities and 2 maritime authorities. An online questionnaire survey of seafarers who were affected by the conflict in Ukraine and had sailed in the conflict zone in the period 24 February 2022 to 30 September 2023 yielded 319 valid responses. The study suggests that seafarers in the conflict zone are exposed to constant imminent threats to personal safety, constant stress and anxiety, prolonged lack of sleep, limited opportunities of contact with families, and high risk to mental health among other things further exacerbated by a lack of mental health support from company, and anxiety resulting from loss of access to shore-based training facilities and uncertainty in updating competency certificates. The study presents rare insights on the psychological and emotional toll on seafarers who continue to serve the critical needs of the maritime transportation industry in a newly ordained role as keyworkers. This study underscores the need for improved mental health support and counselling services within the maritime industry, in particular, maritime stakeholders likely affected by geopolitical conflicts. From the practical perspective, this is among the first studies to focus on the mental health and well-being of seafarers arising out of the situation in Ukraine since 24 February 2022. From the theoretical perspective, this is a maiden study attempting an exploration of social conditions in three different dimensions by integrating three distinct theoretical constructs namely, UN Human Security Framework, Holmes & Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale and ILO Maritime Labour Convention framework.

A Research on Distinctive Culture Construction of Local Universities under the Background of Integration of Industry and Education

A Research on Distinctive Culture Construction of Local Universities under the Background of Integration of Industry and Education

Theory of mind and metacognition in migraine patients

Objective: Theory of Mind (ToM) and metacognition are distinct psychological constructs, involving the understanding of emotions and mental states in oneself and others. Despite their relevance, these concepts have been poorly investigated in adult migraine groups and the findings in the existing literature are inconsistent. Our objective was to assess the hypothesis that theory of mind skills and metacognitive abilities are impaired in individuals with migraine. Material-Method: We included 23 individuals with Episodic Migraine (EM), 19 with Chronic Migraine (CM) and 30 Healthy Controls (HCs). To assess Theory of Mind (ToM) skills and metacognitive abilities, participants, including both EM and CM patients in an attack-free period, as well as HCs, underwent the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Reading Mind in the Eyes test (RMET) and Metacognition Scale (MCQ). Results: Patients with CM exhibited higher BDI scores compared to both EM patients and HCs (p=.018, p=.032, respectively). Furthermore, the RMET scores of CM patients were significantly lower than those of the HCs (p=.011). MCQ scores did not show significant differences between the groups (p=.288). Notably, MCQ scores were positively correlated with BDI scores (r=0.42, p<0.0001), and RMET scores were negatively correlated with the duration of migraine (r=-0.46, p=0.003). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the presence of ToM skills impairments in adult migraine patients, particularly associated with the chronicity of the disease. Managing migraine in patients should consider addressing the observed low ToM skills as part of the overall approach.

Psychometric properties of two implementation measures: Normalization MeAsure Development questionnaire (NoMAD) and organizational readiness for implementing change (ORIC).

Effective interventions need to be implemented successfully to achieve impact. Two theory-based measures exist for measuring the effectiveness of implementation strategies and monitor implementation progress. The Normalization MeAsure Development questionnaire (NoMAD) explores the four core concepts (Coherence, Cognitive Participation, Collective Action, Reflexive Monitoring) of the Normalization Process Theory. The Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) is based on the theory of Organizational Readiness for Change, measuring organization members' psychological and behavioral preparedness for implementing a change. We examined the measurement properties of the NoMAD and ORIC in a multi-national implementation effectiveness study. Twelve mental health organizations in nine countries implemented Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for common mental disorders. Staff involved in iCBT service delivery (n = 318) participated in the study. Both measures were translated into eight languages using a standardized forward-backward translation procedure. Correlations between measures and subscales were estimated to examine convergent validity. The theoretical factor structures of the scales were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Test-retest reliability was based on the correlation between scores at two time points 3 months apart. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Floor and ceiling effects were quantified using the proportion of zero and maximum scores. NoMAD and ORIC measure related but distinct latent constructs. The CFA showed that the use of a total score for each measure is appropriate. The theoretical subscales of the NoMAD had adequate internal consistency. The total scale had high internal consistency. The total ORIC scale and subscales demonstrated high internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was suboptimal for both measures and floor and ceiling effects were absent. This study confirmed the psychometric properties of the NoMAD and ORIC in multi-national mental health care settings. While measuring on different but related aspects of implementation processes, the NoMAD and ORIC prove to be valid and reliable across different language settings.

A tool for measuring integrated reporting quality: The case of listed companies in the emerging market

This study aims to develop an innovative weighted alternative polychotomous accountability index (PAI) tailored to assess both the extent and quality of information disclosure within integrated annual reports (IARs) of South African listed companies. The study utilised a qualitative approach based on the Delphi technique. The study culminates in a weighted PAI comprising eight comprehensive categories housing 44 distinct constructs. The resulting PAI achieves a cumulative weight capacity of 100% and a total scoring potential of 152 points. The developed PAI addresses limitations in current measurement tools, providing an advanced means to evaluate IAR disclosure quality and extent. The study contributes to the literature by constructing a valid, contextually relevant PAI that aligns with integrated reporting (<IR>) requisites and the socio-political context of a specific country. This study’s findings hold the potential to significantly impact integrated reporting practices and enhance corporate transparency within the context of emerging markets and beyond.

Breaking down (and moving beyond) novelty as a trigger of curiosity.

The Novelty Seeking Model (NSM) places "novelty" at center stage in characterizing the mechanisms behind curiosity. We argue that the NSM's conception of novelty is too broad, obscuring distinct constructs. More critically, the NSM underemphasizes triggers of curiosity that better unify these constructs and that have received stronger empirical support: those that signal the potential for useful learning.

Delineating between scientism and science enthusiasm: Challenges in measuring scientism and the development of novel scale.

Scientism proposes science to be an all-powerful human enterprise, able to answer not only all practical but also philosophical or moral questions. We are taking a psychological approach to scientism, studying uncritical trust in science and uncritical trust in scientists as a part of a unique attitudinal tendency. Our novel measure assesses both kinds of trust through short Thurstone scales allowing us to establish a clear threshold for endorsing scientism, thus effectively delineating it from science enthusiasm, which previous instruments were unable to do. We built and refined a novel scale through five stages in which we consulted relevant literature, experts, and laypeople. We demonstrated that uncritical trust in science and scientists are interrelated, yet distinct constructs. As expected, these two subscales positively correlated with dogmatism, scientific knowledge, and overclaiming, but not with knowledge overestimation. The results suggest the new instrument is reliable, valid, and suitable for the lay public.

DOES BECOMING FRAIL MEAN THE END? SOCIAL, LIFESTYLE, AND HEALTH SURROGATES OF RESILIENCE IN THE MOST VULNERABLE

Abstract Frailty is a prevalent geriatric syndrome characterized by reduced reserve to stressors and increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes. Despite many efforts, reversing the frail status remains difficult, primarily due to a lack of understanding of its etiology. Intervention efforts have primarily focused on improving functions and alleviating symptoms instead of targeting frailty-causing biology and treating the syndrome. Although no magic pill exists for treating frailty, becoming frail doesn’t mean the end of life. Frail individuals are a socioeconomically, behaviorally, and clinically diverse group. Identifying socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health features that could mitigate the frailty-induced health risks and promote resilience is critical for guiding patient-centered management of frailty. This symposium has a collection of four studies focusing on different ways to promote health and reduce risks among the most vulnerable. The first study suggested that adherence to a healthy lifestyle may provide an excellent opportunity to decrease the risk of adverse outcomes among the frail, especially those living in an unfavorable social environment. The second study found frailty to be associated with higher healthcare expenditure only among persons with poor self-rated health, suggesting individuals reporting good health are resilient to frailty-induced health risks. The third study found that physical frailty and self-rated health were overlapping but distinct constructs. Good self-rated health was predictive of low mortality among frail individuals, and the association was stronger among the frail than the non-frail. In the fourth study, intrinsic capacity, assessed by a validated, multidimensional tool, provided prognostic value for healthcare utilization beyond multi-morbidity.

NOT ALL CREATED EQUAL: THE IMPACTS OF POSITIVE, NEGATIVE, AND PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS ON COGNITION IN LATELIFE

Abstract Background Social engagement has been linked to higher cognitive function in later life and it is a well evidenced protective factor against dementia and cognitive decline. However, far less is understood about how the type, quality and quantity of social engagement differentially affects cognitive health outcomes in older adults. Methods The sample consisted of 1972 participants aged 68-74 (M = 70.60, SD = 1.49) from a large population-based study in Australia, Personality and Total Health Through Life (PATH). The constructs underlying nine observed measures of social engagement were first identified through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A Latent Variable Path Model (LVPA) was then employed to examine the relationships between positive, negative and partner social engagement on memory and executive function, as measured by six validated cognitive tests. Results The CFA identified partner relationship as a distinct social engagement construct, separate to positive and negative relationships. The main analysis demonstrated that negative relationships and partner relationship were positively associated with better memory and executive function, with the former twice the strength of the latter. Discussion These findings provide support that more frequent social interactions and larger support structures contribute to better cognitive function in later life, with partner relationship making a significant and distinct contribution. Positive or high-quality social engagement, however, appears to be a less critical factor in bolstering cognitive health. Close and cognitively demanding relationships may promote cognitive health via frequent cognitive stimulation, but more research is required to confirm the mechanisms underpinning observed effects.

Differentiating paranoia and conspiracy mentality using a network approach

Although mostly considered distinct, conspiracy mentality and paranoia share conceptual similarities (e.g., persecutory content, resistance to disconfirming evidence). Using self-report data from a large and multinational online sample (N = 2510; from the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Germany, and Australia), we examined whether paranoia and conspiracy mentality represent distinct latent constructs in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Utilising network analysis, we then explored common and unique correlates of paranoia and conspiracy mentality while accounting for their shared variance. Across sites, paranoia and conspiracy mentality presented distinct, yet weakly correlated (r = 0.26), constructs. Both were associated with past traumatic experiences, holding negative beliefs about the self and other people, sleep problems, and a tendency to worry. However, paranoia was related to increased negative affect (i.e., anxiety) and decreased social support, whereas the opposite pattern was observed for conspiracy mentality (i.e., decreased anxiety and depression, increased social support). Paranoia and conspiracy mentality are related but not the same constructs. Their similar and distinct correlates point to common and unique risk factors and underlying mechanisms.

S-Embedding of Lie Superalgebras and Its Implications for Fuzzy Lie Algebras

This paper performed an investigation into the s-embedding of the Lie superalgebra (→S1∣1), a representation of smooth vector fields on a (1,1)-dimensional super-circle. Our primary objective was to establish a precise definition of the s-embedding, effectively dissecting the Lie superalgebra into the superalgebra of super-pseudodifferential operators ( SψD⊙) residing on the super-circle S1|1. We also introduce and rigorously define the central charge within the framework of (→S1∣1), leveraging the canonical central extension of SψD⊙. Moreover, we expanded the scope of our inquiry to encompass the domain of fuzzy Lie algebras, seeking to elucidate potential connections and parallels between these ostensibly distinct mathematical constructs. Our exploration spanned various facets, including non-commutative structures, representation theory, central extensions, and central charges, as we aimed to bridge the gap between Lie superalgebras and fuzzy Lie algebras. To summarize, this paper is a pioneering work with two pivotal contributions. Initially, a meticulous definition of the s-embedding of the Lie superalgebra (→S1|1) is provided, emphasizing the representationof smooth vector fields on the (1,1)-dimensional super-circle, thereby enriching a fundamental comprehension of the topic. Moreover, an investigation of the realm of fuzzy Lie algebras was undertaken, probing associations with conventional Lie superalgebras. Capitalizing on these discoveries, we expound upon the nexus between central extensions and provide a novel deformed representation of the central charge.

Educational inequality or educational segregation? The determinants of criminal activities in 288 Chinese cities

The relationships between inequality and crime and segregation and crime are classic topics in crime geography. However, the effects of city-level inequality and segregation based on an individual's socioeconomic status on crime in a racially homogeneous country such as China remain largely unexplored. Using novel location-based service population big data, criminal judgment records, and a nationally representative survey, we measure the degree of educational inequality and educational segregation in 288 Chinese cities and then simultaneously examine their effects on theft and violent crime rates. The results suggest that inequality and segregation are two distinct constructs that reflect social polarization, as evidenced by their different spatial distribution patterns and low correlations. Both educational inequality and educational segregation have significant and positive effects on the incidence of theft and violence at the city level. These relationships remain robust to introducing instrumental variables to address the endogeneity issue. Considering these findings, it is imperative to take a multi-sectoral and coordinated approach to reducing inequality and segregation and, ultimately, deterring crime. By understanding and acting upon these factors, policymakers can work toward promoting a safer and more equitable society across China.

Validity and reliability of the agentive steadfastness index.

Agentive steadfastness is a hitherto unarticulated and unmeasured construct, although clinicians may have drawn intuitively on it in anticipating clients' prognosis and anticipated responsiveness to adverse events. Following the conceptualisation and articulation of the agentive steadfastness construct and a measure thereof, the current study examined the validity and reliability of the agentive steadfastness index (ASI) among responding adult social media users (n = 511). Results confirmed convergent validity between agentive steadfastness and closest related psychological constructs, which were resilience (r = .715) and character strength (r = .704). Its discriminant validity was observed with other related but notably distinct psychological constructs, which were anxiety (r = -.599) and ego-strength (r = -.244). Temporal stability was confirmed over a period of 6 months (r = .763). The ASI showed good internal (Cronbach alpha = .937) and split-half reliability (r = .838) and a low standard error of measurement of 7.57 points within a theoretical range of 190 points. These results suggest that the ASI is a valid and a reliable measure of agentive steadfastness. Equipped with the ASI, further research is enabled on agentive steadfastness as a psychotherapeutic target and its relations with various aspects of personality, prognosis and adversity.