Efficacy Beliefs Research Articles

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.

Perception of caregivers on ITNs utilisation and its effectiveness among children under 5years of age in Chikwawa district, Malawi.

In 2020, Malawi had 6.9 million malaria cases and 2551 deaths, mainly in children under five years of age. The 2017-2022 Malawi malaria control strategic plan promoted the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets through free distribution and mass campaigns. Despite widespread availability of the control strategy plan, Chikwawa District continues to suffer from high malaria burden especially among under five children, due to inconsistent insecticide-treated (ITN) net usage. For this reason, this study aimed at exploring caregivers' perceptions on insecticide-treated net utilisation and also find out about its effectiveness among those who consistently use them. This study used a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. The data used for quantitative analysis was drawn from the population of under-five children's caregivers within the catchment area of Chikwawa district hospital. The sample size was 96 participants, as determined by Cochran's formula. The data collection lasted from December 2023 to April 2024 and included four in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions to address the objectives qualitatively. The study revealed that 91.67% of households used ITNs, with 87.50% using them daily. The significant factors influencing ITN utilisation included the number of nets, user satisfaction, perceived impact, user habits, acquisition method, and usage frequency (all p values < 0.001). Under-five malaria cases were also significant (p = 0.025). The odds of the perceived net impact influencing utilisation were 4.956 times greater. Non-usage was due to heat, quality concerns, limited access, breathing difficulties, health conditions such as asthma, and misconceptions about net treatment. The study revealed a strong belief in insecticide-treated net efficacy. However, some challenges such as access, durability, and misinformation of insecticide-treated nets were discovered. These challenges affected utilisation of insecticide-treated nets in agreement with some literature reviewed. The insights found in this study will help policymakers in addressing health interventions for the reduction of malaria cases in Malawi.

CTNI-40. PSYCHOLOGICAL DOMAINS CORRELATE WITH ADHERENCE IN TTFIELDS TREATMENT OF GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Adherence is critical to the success of the treatment with Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Previously found factors influencing treatment adherence in general are social support, belief in the efficacy of treatment, communication with physicians, anxiety, and depression. We propose those five factors predict adherence to TTFields treatment since, to our knowledge, no systematic data exists for this treatment. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study and included 25 patients with newly diagnosed GBM who received treatment with TTFields. Participants were invited to take part in six structured interviews, each four weeks apart, during their treatment with TTFields, assessing the five factors expected to influence treatment adherence over time. RESULTS We found a significant impact of communication, anxiety, and depression on treatment adherence with TTFields. Furthermore, also the time point during treatment (days of treatment) was significantly related to adherence. Better physician communication and a higher level of anxiety were associated with higher adherence and higher depression with less adherence. A higher belief in efficacy showed a trend toward significantly improving treatment adherence. When results were separately compared for early, middle, and later 90-day treatment phases, factors seemed to be differentially influential, with belief in efficacy being significantly relevant in the first, efficacy, communication, and anxiety in the second, and depression in the third phase of treatment with TTFields. CONCLUSIONS Our findings not only confirm the predictive role of psychosocial factors in treatment adherence but also provide specific targets for psychological interventions. This suggests that by addressing these factors, healthcare providers can potentially increase treatment adherence among GBM patients. Moreover, our results indicate that these interventions may be most effective when tailored to the specific phase of treatment, offering a practical approach for healthcare providers.

Individual differences in acceptance of direct load control

Consumer acceptance of direct load control is becoming increasingly important as energy systems transition towards greater reliance on intermittent renewable energy sources. The objective of this paper is to better understand the attitudinal and socio-economic determinants of direct load control acceptance. To do so, we collect survey data from participants in 31 European countries (N = 5,970). Regression analyses testing a comprehensive model of attitudinal and socio-economic determinants of direct load control acceptance reveal that attitudes and beliefs specific to direct load control acceptance (social and personal norms, anticipated emotions, and outcome efficacy beliefs) predict acceptance, whereas more general attitudinal variables and socio-economic characteristics play no or only a secondary role. These findings substantially improve our understanding of direct load control acceptance. While European policy documents recognize the importance of individual attitudes for the success of demand response programs, reference to specific factors or processes is often missing due to lack of evidence. The present research helps fill this gap, and can inform the design of novel soft policy measures – highlighting the usefulness of facilitating positive peer influence, of reinforcing perceptions that engaging in demand response is effective, is the responsible thing to do, and also something to be proud of

Solutions Journalism Stories Boosts Pro-Environmental Behavioral Intentions Through Positive Affect and Collective Efficacy Beliefs

Climate change news narratives have been criticized for perpetuating fear and sensationalism without due attention to and critical emphasis on constructive dialogue and solutions. This study investigates the potential of solutions journalism, a novel journalistic approach that emphasizes credible narratives about the threats and societal responses to those threats, to facilitate collective social responses to climate change. Using a sample N = 482, the study manipulated news stories as solutions-oriented or conventional problem-oriented. Exposure to solutions stories only increased intentions for pro-environmental action when fully mediated by positive affect and higher collective efficacy. These results offer insights for journalism and climate communication.

Climate change psychological distress is associated with increased collective climate action in the U.S.

The mental health impacts of climate change are increasingly documented; however, less research has investigated the relationship between climate change-related psychological distress and engagement with the issue. The results from two national probability samples of U.S. adults show that 16% report at least one feature of climate change psychological distress and that certain groups have higher levels of distress than others (e.g., Hispanic/Latinos, lower income adults, younger adults). Importantly, people experiencing distress are more likely to engage in collective action on climate change or express a willingness to do so, even when controlling for several correlates of environmental behavior (e.g., political ideology, collective efficacy beliefs). These findings highlight that many Americans are experiencing psychological distress from climate change, and those who do are more involved in collective climate action. People experiencing such distress may benefit from resources to support mental health and engagement with climate change.

Reflective practice among pre-service teachers: the role of portfolios

ABSTRACT Background In Belgium, and elsewhere, the use of portfolios as a reflective practice for pre-service primary and secondary teachers has long been established in higher education. Reflective thinking is recognised as an effective process for examining daily practices, awakening students to the key elements of their profession, and fostering lifelong learning. With the emergence of the competency-based approach to employability, the link between portfolio-based reflective practice and the development of students’ employability competences remains to be explored. Purpose The aim of this study was to examine how portfolios, as a reflective practice, can promote pre-service physical education (PE) teachers’ reflective thinking and their employability competences, and to consider the support that might need to be offered to help pre-service teachers better reflect on their employability competences. Method Qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 16 pre-service PE teachers in one Belgian university. Thematic analysis, based on a dual deductive and inductive coding approach, was undertaken to discover patterns in the data. To investigate the role of portfolio-based reflective practice for reflection and employability, co-occurrences between the identified codes were examined. Findings Analysis of the interview data showed that students used the portfolio as a reflective practice. The portfolio experience appeared to foster employability competences, particularly expertise, lifelong learning, social competences and efficacy beliefs. In addition, the portfolio enabled students to explore their beliefs and knowledge and to validate their assumptions and beliefs. The support of peers and tutors was crucial during this experience. Conclusion Course designers may wish to improve portfolio use by thoughtfully incorporating all phases of reflective practice, encouraging students not only to reflect on their competence development but also to take meaningful action. Organising portfolios in a way that prompts students to draw on prior knowledge, beliefs, and experiences, while facilitating with key stakeholders, such as peers and teachers, could further support their professional development.

The influence of partisan news on climate mitigation support: An investigation into the mediating role of perceived risk and efficacy.

Perceptions of efficacy play a central role in motivating people to engage in climate actions. However, there has been little investigation into how different climate efficacy beliefs are formed and how they may be associated with support for climate mitigation policies. This study, based on the motivated control framework, examines how risk perceptions may differentially be associated with four types of efficacy constructs (self-efficacy, personal outcome expectancy, collective efficacy, and collective outcome efficacy). It also places the motivated control framework in the context of the partisan information sphere and examines how exposure to partisan news may influence mitigation policy support through the mediators of risk perceptions and the efficacy constructs. Results suggest that liberal- and conservative-leaning news exposure, respectively, associate with higher and lower supports for policies. Overall, risk perception was a significant mediator, and the mediating function of efficacy varied depending on the specific construct being examined. For liberal news use, increased risk perceptions had a positive association with policy support through self-efficacy and collective outcome expectancy but also had an unexpected negative association with policy support through personal outcome expectancy and collective efficacy. For conservative news use, decreased risk perceptions resulted in further decreased beliefs of self-efficacy and collective outcome expectancy, resulting in lower levels of support for climate policies. We also find that political ideology is a significant moderator for the mediation model. Implications for climate change communication are discussed.

Evidence brief on facilitators, barriers and hesitancy of COVID-19 booster doses in Canada.

Understanding the facilitators, barriers and hesitancy to accepting COVID-19 booster doses is important for encouraging recommended vaccination. This evidence brief summarizes literature on the intention to accept or reject COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and the factors associated with intention/uptake among individuals in Canada. A database of COVID-19 literature established at the Public Health Agency of Canada was searched for articles referencing vaccination and knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards COVID-19 boosters. A grey literature search of Canadian governmental and academic institutions was also conducted. Primary research conducted in Canada (n=21) and relevant systematic reviews of the global literature (n=8) were included in this evidence brief. Intentions to get a booster dose in the general population have decreased between 2021-2023, with intentions varying across subpopulations. In Canada and within the global systematic reviews, facilitators, barriers and hesitancy were similar. Older age was the most common factor positively associated with intention/uptake of a booster, and the most common motivators were government/healthcare provider recommendations and helping to protect others. The main reasons for hesitancy were concerns about vaccine side effects and a lack of belief in the vaccine's efficacy. Intentions to get a booster dose have decreased in Canada. Understanding the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and motivators for obtaining a booster can help guide future public health COVID-19 booster vaccination programs.

유아교사의 감성지능, 놀이교수효능감이 창의적 교수행동에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the general tendencies of early childhood teachers' emotional intelligence, play teaching efficacy, and creative teaching behaviors, and to investigate the relationships among these variables. Additionally, the study aims to analyze the effects of emotional intelligence and play teaching efficacy on creative teaching behaviors. Methods This survey research was conducted on early childhood teachers in Gyeongnam. Data was collected from September 6, 2022 to December 2, 2022, and 262 questionnaires were collected. The statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS 27.0 program, which included descriptive statistical analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results The emotional intelligence, play teaching efficacy, and creative teaching behavior of early childhood teachers were found to be generally higher, with statistically significant differences depending on education and career. A significant positive correlation was observed between all three variables: emotional intelligence, play teaching efficacy, and creative teaching behavior. The factor with the highest effect on creative teaching behavior was belief in play teaching efficacy, followed by emotional utilization as a sub-factor of emotional intelligence. Conclusions In order to facilitate of more effective creative teaching behavior among early childhood teachers, it is essential to implement structured educational programs that enhance their emotional intelligence and play teaching efficacy.

“That Student Experience Was Real.” “How College Graduates of Color Benefit From Experiential Learning Through on-Campus Employment.”

Background: For decades, researchers have explored how college students participate in experiential learning, yet sparse work has engaged with Undergraduates of Color 1 in these spaces or Graduates of Color after they leave campus. Purpose: This study engaged with 13 Graduates of Color (bachelor's degree holders) to understand their experiential learning outcomes through their appointment as on-campus undergraduate employees. Specifically, we explored whether Graduates of Color developed post-graduate employability through their on-campus experiential learning. Methodology/Approach: This study employed qualitative methods through in-depth, semi-structured hour-long interviews with Graduates of Color. Findings/Conclusions: Aligned with Knight and Yorke's USEM model, findings suggest Graduates of Color (while undergraduates) developed considerable understanding, skillful practices, efficacy beliefs, and metacognition as on-campus undergraduate employees in experiential employment positions, amplifying their employability and professional development competencies. Implications: Implications for research and practice include intentional recruitment of Undergraduates of Color to on-campus experiential employment, as well as an increased research emphasis on how Undergraduates of Color access and experience on-campus employment and experiential learning programs.

Variations in sources of job satisfaction and teacher efficacy between novice and experienced teachers

ABSTRACT Low levels of job satisfaction and teacher efficacy can cause teachers to leave the profession. Few studies, however, have addressed possible differences in sources of job satisfaction and teacher efficacy for teachers in different professional life phases. This study uses data about Norwegian schoolteachers derived from TIMSS 2015 to investigate the relationship between job satisfaction, teacher efficacy in science instruction, support from school leadership, and collegial collaboration among novice and experienced teachers, respectively. The results add new insights to the findings of previous research and show that teacher efficacy in science instruction is related to job satisfaction in both groups. Additionally, the results suggest that support of school leaders plays a critical role in shaping the job satisfaction of novice teachers, whereas experienced teachers’ job satisfaction is more strongly associated with collegial collaboration. Furthermore, the results indicate that support from school leadership and collegial collaboration is especially important for novice teachers’ efficacy beliefs. Practical implications are outlined, and limitations are discussed.

Longitudinal evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States: analysis of the US Census Household Pulse survey

Addressing the challenge of vaccine hesitancy is crucial in managing public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study leverages the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to examine COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, with a specific focus on the longitudinal tracking of vaccination beliefs and the influence of varying risk perceptions. It investigates how public attitudes towards vaccines evolve, influenced by changing perceptions of COVID-19 risk and vaccine safety. By applying Secondary Risk Theory (SRT), the research elucidates the relationship between different risk perceptions and vaccine hesitancy. We find that threat perception of COVID-19 and lack of trust in the vaccine demonstrate strong predictive value of increased vaccine hesitancy in comparison to other reasons for hesitancy such as access to vaccines, vaccine efficacy beliefs, or perceived secondary risks about vaccine side effects. Respondents with very low primary threat beliefs that COVID-19 is not a threat were 5.65 times more likely (β = 1.732) to intend not to be vaccinated in January 2021, decreasing to 2.70 times more likely to avoid vaccination (β = 0.995) in the December 2021.

Measuring dimensions of teacher resilience in Africa: Self-efficacy and teacher efficacy

With this article we aimed to contribute evidence on reliable and valid measurement of teacher resilience in an under researched African context and population. Scales from an existing instrument, ENTREEi, were used to measure the resilience of pre-service teachers at a South African university. The sample constituted 1,193 final-year pre-service teachers (20–32 years), who completed the FIRE teacher resilience measure (2015 to 2017). Teacher resilience data were purposively selected from the FIRE dataset and items analysed related to self-efficacy and teacher efficacy beliefs. A quantitative approach was used, which consisted of reliability (internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha) and validity (construct validity using Spearman correlations) analyses of the teacher resilience scale and the teacher efficacy scale. The statistical analyses indicate that the FIRE teacher resilience measure is a reliable and valid measure for intrapersonal resilience-enabling pathways in a challenged context. The underlying variable structure of the teacher resilience scale and teacher efficacy scale held in a Global South setting when used with pre-service teachers. The article contributes to teacher resilience measurement discourse by providing insights into the utility of teacher resilience scales in South Africa. The results act as a precursor for comparative teacher resilience results worldwide for future studies.

Effects of Fu’s subcutaneous needling on clinical efficacy and psychological cognitive characteristics in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background and purposeLow back pain (LBP) is a major global public health problem. Evidence shows that LBP is also related to cognitive, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Fu’s subcutaneous needling (FSN) has been used for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems for many years. This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and fear avoidance beliefs of FSN in the treatment of patients with chronic non-specific LBP. Material and methodsNinety participants with chronic non-specific LBP were randomly divided into the FSN and the traditional acupuncture (TA) groups (n = 45) and received either FSN or TA treatment for three consecutive days from December 2021 to March 2023. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were trunk extensor endurance (TEE), lumbar range of motion (ROM), and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). Outcome measurements were made before the first treatment and after each treatment. Follow-up assessments of VAS and FABQ scores were conducted one month after treatment. ResultsThe FSN group had significantly lower VAS and FABQ scores at each time point after intervention compared to the TA group (P < 0.01). The scores of TEE and lumbar ROM were higher in the FSN group than those in the TA group (P < 0.01). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant time effects, group effects, and interaction effects for VAS, TEE, lumbar ROM, and FABQ in both groups (P < 0.01). One month after treatment, the FSN group had significantly lower VAS and FABQ scores compared to the TA group (P < 0.05). ConclusionThis study suggested that FSN was superior to TA in terms of clinical efficacy and fear-avoidance beliefs in the treatment of chronic non-specific LBP. FSN could be used as an effective clinical treatment.

Psychosocial Determinants of Lyme Disease Preventive Behavior Among Outdoor Recreationists

The incidence of Lyme disease (LD) has grown over time despite extensive awareness campaigns of disease risk. While previous research has explored public knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward tick-borne diseases, there is minimal research in understanding preventive behavior among individuals frequently engaging in outdoor recreation. This study addresses this gap by investigating the perceptions of LD preventive behavior, focusing on psychosocial factors influencing behavior. Utilizing an integrative framework incorporating the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory, we examined outdoor recreationist performance of three key preventive behaviors: tick checks, tick repellent use, and protective clothing. Data were collected through intercept surveys at Bradbury Mountain State Park (Maine, US). Findings indicate that tick-related knowledge and experience have a limited impact on preventive behavior, while efficacy beliefs and perceived benefits significantly influence behavior. In this paper we discuss the implications of these factors to both theory and practice in LD prevention studies.

What predicts hurricane evacuation decisions? The importance of efficacy beliefs, risk perceptions, and other factors

Risk theories and empirical research indicate that a variety of factors can influence people’s protective decisions for natural hazards. Using data from an online survey that presented coastal U.S. residents with a hypothetical hurricane scenario, this study investigates the relative importance of cognitive risk perceptions, negative affect, efficacy beliefs, and other factors in explaining people’s anticipated evacuation decisions. The analysis finds that multiple factors, including individual and household characteristics, previous experiences, cognitive and affective risk perceptions, and efficacy beliefs, can help predict hurricane evacuation intentions. However, the largest amount of variance in survey participants’ evacuation intentions is explained by their evacuation-related response efficacy (coping appraisals) and their perceived likelihood of getting hurt if they stay home during the storm. Additional analysis explores how risk perceptions and efficacy beliefs interact to influence people’s responses to risk information. Although further investigation in additional situations is needed, these results suggest that persuading people at high risk that evacuating is likely to reduce harm can serve as an important risk communication lever for motivating hurricane evacuation.

Evaluation of a Multi-Site Cancer Health Disparities Research Training Program for Underrepresented Undergraduate and Medical Students.

Diversifying the biomedical research workforce is crucial for eliminating cancer health disparities. To address this need, Moffitt Cancer Center and Louisiana State University Health Sciences formed the Southeast Partnership for Improving Research and Training in Cancer Health Disparities (SPIRIT-CHD). A key component of SPIRIT-CHD is the Cancer Research Education Program (CREP), designed to train underrepresented undergraduate and medical students in biomedical science research. The CREP featured an 8-week summer internship with a web-based curriculum, community outreach, and mentored research experiences. Three cohorts (n = 39) completed the CREP. Students were evaluated before and after the internship using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI), and Research Appraisal Inventory (RAI), modified to assess CREP outcomes. These scales measured students' intentions to pursue cancer research careers, self-efficacy in communicating scientific information, and perceived research abilities. Paired test results showed significant increases (p < 0.001) in scores across the scales (GAS, STEBI, RAI) pre- and post-training. Trainees reported heightened intentions to pursue cancer research careers (GAS; mean increase of 5.3, p < 0.001) and greater self-efficacy in relaying scientific information (STEBI; mean increase of 9.2, p < 0.001). They also showed increased self-confidence in conducting research (RAI; mean increase of 58.2, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate the program's success in fostering interest in cancer research careers and enhancing research confidence. Results support the development of programs like CREP to positively impact the academic and professional trajectories of underrepresented students, ultimately creating a more diverse and inclusive biomedical research workforce equipped to address health disparities.

Sport-based interventions and health in prisons: The impact of Twinning Project on prisoner wellbeing and attitudes.

Social isolation and lack of support networks are key factors contributing to mental health problems among incarcerated people, which, in turn, are associated with an increased risk of reoffending. Enabling prisoners to form positive group relations and social identities is one approach to address the cycle of ill health and incarceration. We examine the impact of a football-based intervention, the Twinning Project, on prisoners' wellbeing and social relations. Longitudinal and correlational analyses of data from N = 164 UK prisoners show how social bonding is linked with significant boosts to psychological need satisfaction, life satisfaction, efficacy beliefs as well as higher levels of wellbeing.

Do neuroticism and efficacy beliefs moderate the relationship between climate change worry and mental wellbeing?

BackgroundResearch on the nature and prevalence of phenomena like climate anxiety (or eco-anxiety) is increasing rapidly but there is little understanding of the conditions under which climate change worry becomes more or less likely to significantly impact mental wellbeing. Here, we considered two plausible moderators of the relationship between climate change worry and mental wellbeing: neuroticism and efficacy beliefs. MethodsAnalysis was conducted with survey data gathered in six European countries in autumn 2019. Participants were recruited from universities in the participating countries using opportunity sampling. ResultsWe found that climate change worry is negatively related to mental wellbeing at any level of perceived efficacy. In contrast, climate change worry is only significantly related to mental wellbeing at low and average levels of neuroticism. High neuroticism appears to have a masking, rather than amplifying, role in the relationship between climate change worry and mental wellbeing. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design of the study precludes verification of causal relationships among variables. The brief measure of neuroticism employed also did not allow for nuanced analysis of how different facets of neuroticism contribute to the observed interaction with climate change worry. Findings cannot be indiscriminately generalised to less privileged groups facing the worst impacts of the climate crisis. ConclusionOur findings lend to a view that harmful impacts of climate change worry on mental wellbeing cannot simply be ascribed to dispositional traits like neuroticism. We advocate for interventions that tackle negative climate-related emotions as unique psychological stressors.