Emotional Dimensions Research Articles

‘I do feel proud that almost everyone I know voted’: The emotional foundations of dutiful citizenship

Democratic politics in many parts of the world seems increasingly characterised by intense emotions, bitter divisions and growing polarisation. Amidst this charged political atmosphere it is a common refrain that an emotional politics forfeits rational dialogue and threatens our democracy. In contrast to such claims this article argues that emotions are central to citizenship and political participation. Drawing upon qualitative archival material from the British Mass Observation Project (1983–2017) the article explores the enduring emotional dimensions of dutiful citizenship. Civically engaged respondents experienced electoral politics emotionally and with a striking intensity. In contrast to accounts which associate dutiful citizenship with dry notions of duty, responsibility and obligation, this article begins an exploration of the emotional underpinnings of dutiful citizenship; the deep and abiding feelings citizens can have towards democratic politics and their political engagement. Findings indicate that a wide range of emotions are central to the evaluative and sense-making processes of dutiful citizens and the ways in which they are mobilised for sustained political engagement. The article concludes by suggesting that a focus on the emotional and expressive aspects of dutiful citizenship may help to cultivate committed young democrats for the future.

Self-transformation: The Importance of Education for Adults in the Modern Era

This study explores the transformative role of education for adults in the modern era, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning for personal growth and adaptability. Utilizing a qualitative approach through library research and a comprehensive literature review, this study analyzes the impact of education on self-transformation, focusing on how educational experiences foster changes in identity, critical reflection, and emotional intelligence among adult learners. The findings highlight that education is not only a means of acquiring new skills but also a key factor in reshaping personal identity and fostering adaptability in a rapidly changing world. By engaging in education, adults experience shifts in self-perception, develop enhanced critical thinking skills, and improve their ability to navigate complex social and professional environments. Additionally, the study underscores the role of collaborative learning environments, where interactive and participatory educational settings amplify the transformative potential of education. The process of self-transformation is found to be ongoing, with each educational experience contributing to continuous personal development. This study concludes that educational programs aimed at adults should adopt a holistic approach, addressing both the practical and emotional dimensions of adult learners’ needs. Such programs will enable adults to thrive in the modern era, not only by equipping them with essential skills but also by fostering deeper self-awareness and lifelong growth.

Navigating the Digital Divide for Sustainability: Emotional and Cognitive Pathways to Food Waste Reduction Through Social Media Advertising

Applying behavioral reasoning theory, this study examines the effect of social media food waste advertising on consumers’ intention not to waste food, with customer–brand communal engagement and awareness of food waste consequences acting as mediators, and fast-food customers’ altruism as a moderator. Structural equation modeling was applied to data from 422 customers of Malaysian retail fast-food chains. The findings reveal that social media food waste advertising positively affects customers’ intentions not to waste food directly and indirectly through two mediators: awareness of food waste consequences and customer–brand communal engagement. The stronger mediator was awareness, and it indicated that cognitive factors play a greater role in pro-environmental behaviors than emotional ones. Additionally, this study demonstrates that customer altruism moderates the cognitive pathway but not the emotional pathway. The results of these findings suggest that social media campaigns should focus on both cognitive and emotional dimensions as well as personal value to maximize effectiveness. The findings have implications for fast-food chains to design more effective social media campaigns that promote food waste reduction as part of broader sustainability goals in the food industry.

The impact of the educational environment on student engagement and academic performance in health professions education

BackgroundThis research explores the relationships between the educational environment, student engagement, and academic achievement in Health Professions Education (HPE) , specifically examining the mediating role of engagement.MethodsThe study used cross-sectional design, and data were collected from 554 HPE students via self-report questionnaires. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) assessed the educational environment while the University Student Engagement Inventory measured learning engagement across the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. Academic achievement was measured using cumulative GPA. Relationships between study variables were analyzed using path analysis.ResultsPath analysis demonstrated that four educational environment subscales directly affected emotional engagement (48% variance explained). Students’ perception of learning and academic self-perceptions influenced behavioral engagement (28% variance explained), while cognitive engagement was influenced by academic self-perceptions (39% variance explained). GPA was positively influenced by behavioral and cognitive engagement but negatively by emotional engagement. Cognitive and behavioral engagement mediated the relationship between students’ academic self-perceptions and academic achievement.ConclusionsStudents’ perceptions of the educational environment significantly influenced emotional engagement, followed by cognitive and behavioral engagement. Cognitive and behavioral engagement directly affected academic achievement and mediated the relationship between the educational environment and academic achievement.

The Application of TCM Sentiment Treatment and Narrative Medicine in Infertility

Abstract: This study delves into the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emotional therapy with modern medical interventions in treating infertility, aiming to enhance the therapeutic outcomes for patients. It posits that infertility encompasses not only physical factors but also significant psychological and emotional dimensions. The synthesis of TCM emotional therapy and contemporary reproductive medicine signifies a paradigm shift in comprehending the interactions among health, emotions, psychology, and physiology. By analyzing the diagnostic and treatment methods of TCM, this study elucidates how emotional therapy can enhance modern treatments, thereby promoting a more holistic, patient-centered approach to infertility care. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of fostering a comprehensive understanding of health and disease within medical education.

Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of GPX4 in Pain Modulation.

Pain, a complex symptom encompassing both sensory and emotional dimensions, constitutes a significant global public health issue. Oxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the complex pathophysiology of pain, with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) recognized as a crucial antioxidant enzyme involved in both antioxidant defense mechanisms and ferroptosis pathways. This review systematically explores GPX4's functions across various pain models, including neuropathic, inflammatory, low back, and cancer-related pain. Specifically, the focus includes GPX4's physiological roles, antioxidant defense mechanisms, regulation of ferroptosis, involvement in signal transduction pathways, and metabolic regulation. By summarizing current research, we highlight the potential of GPX4-targeted therapies in pain management.

Strengthening Tourism Products Through Storytelling Exploration in Kemiriombo, Gerbosari Village, Samigaluh District, Kulonprogo Regency

Kemiriombo, a hamlet in Gerbosari Village, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, is known for its diversity of spices (empon-empon) cultivated and processed by the local community. This area has significant potential for developing tourism based on local culture and traditions, but the tourism narrative has not been optimally managed. This study aims to explore the potential of storytelling as a strategy for developing tourist destinations in Kemiriombo. The methods used include observation, interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), surveys, and community participation to understand the needs and expectations of the local community. The study found that Kemiriombo has tourism potential such as the processing of empon-empon at Rumah Jamu Menoreh, local cultural arts such as Jathilan, Gejog Lesung, and Karawitan, as well as culinary traditions like Sega Brongsong and Legondo. The 5W1H technique (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) was applied in the storytelling analysis to produce engaging narratives that can promote local cultural identity. Storytelling plays a crucial role in introducing local products and traditions, enhancing tourist attraction, and preserving community culture. Through the development of strong narratives, Kemiriombo is expected to become a tourist destination that offers not only visual experiences but also emotional and social dimensions for visitors. The integration of local traditions and storytelling innovation is expected to positively impact the welfare of the local community.

Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games

Gender inequalities continue to pose a significant issue across various aspects of life, adversely impacting the well-being of both females and males. These disparities often stem from the ingrained gender stereotypes passed down to young individuals through parental guidance, educational systems, and media portrayal. For this reason, within the psycho-pedagogical field, various intervention models have been developed in recent years, leveraging digital tools to combat stereotypes and enhance well-being among adolescents. The aim of this systematic review is, therefore, to identify studies employing digital tools, particularly serious games, to promote well-being from a gender perspective. The review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and collected articles from four databases: Scopus, the Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycInfo. The screening process culminated in the selection of 15 articles. The findings reveal a proliferation of platforms, applications, and programs aimed at promoting well-being by addressing emotional, cognitive (or mental), physical, and sexual health dimensions. Some contributions emphasize nurturing positive attributes within individuals or fostering empowerment as a precursor to well-being. Additionally, certain articles delve into the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of young men and women; in particular, the authors investigated the effect of using an app to improve well-being before and after the pandemic. This systematic review aims to expand the knowledge base on technology-based interventions for social change. It endeavors to empower educators and advance the creation of innovative, evidence-based digital tools that can enhance positive mental health, promote gender equality education, and foster the well-being of young people.

Task-specific emotions in L2 writing: A control-value theory approach from a positive psychology perspective

This study investigates task-specific emotions, examining how they arise and impact performance in a second language writing task through the lens of control-value theory and a positive psychology (PP) perspective. Participants were 206 secondary English-as-a-foreign-language learners from rural China. They completed an English argumentative writing task and filled out scales measuring task-specific appraisals (control, intrinsic value, and extrinsic value) as well as task-specific emotions (enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom). Correlation analyses showed consistently significant intercorrelations between control-value appraisals, task emotions, and task performance. Structural equation modeling revealed that: (1) task performance was directly predicted by extrinsic value appraisal and indirectly predicted by control appraisal, with anxiety being a mediator; (2) enjoyment was positively predicted by both control appraisal and intrinsic value appraisal; and (3) boredom was not predicted by any of the appraisals. The findings highlight the emotional dimension of the task and provide implications for task design, implementation, and assessment. The article concludes by advocating for a control-value theory approach to task-specific emotions from a PP perspective.

Application of the online teaching model based on BOPPPS virtual simulation platform in preventive medicine undergraduate experiment.

As online teaching gains prevalence in higher education, traditional face-to-face methods are encountering limitations in meeting the demands of medical ethics, the availability of experimental resources, and essential experimental conditions. Consequently, under the guidance of the BOPPPS (bridge-in, objective, preassessment, participatory learning, postassessment, summary) teaching model, the application of virtual simulation platform has become a new trend. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of BOPPPS combined with virtual simulation experimental teaching on students' scores and the evaluation of students' participation, performance and teachers' self-efficacy in preventive medicine experiment. Students from Class 1 and Class 2 of 2019 preventive medicine major in Binzhou Medical University were selected as the research objects. The experimental group (class 2) (n = 51) received the teaching mode combined with BOPPPS and virtual simulation platform, while the control group (class 1) (n = 49) received the traditional experimental teaching method. After class, the experimental report scores, virtual simulation scores, students' engagement scale (SES), Biggs questionnaires, and teachers' sense of self-efficacy (TSES) questionnaires were analyzed. The experimental report results demonstrated a significant increase in the total score of the experimental group and the scores of each of the four individual experiments compared to the control group (P < 0.05). To investigate the impact of the new teaching model on students' learning attitudes and patterns, as well as to evaluate teachers' self-efficacy, a questionnaire survey was administered following the course. The SES results showed that students in the experimental group had high performance scores on the two dimensions of learning methods and learning emotions (t = 2.476, t = 2.177; P = 0.015, P = 0.032). Furthermore, in the Biggs questionnaire, the total deep learning score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (t = 2.553, P = 0.012), and the deep learning motivation score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (t = 2.598, P = 0.011). The TSES questionnaire shows that most teachers think it is easier to manage students and the classroom and easier to implement teaching strategies under this mode. The combination of BOPPPS and the virtual simulation platform effectively enhances the experimental environment for students, thereby improving their academic performance, engagement and learning approach in preventive medicine laboratory courses.

THE USE OF METAPHORICAL ASSOCIATIVE CARDS FOR WORK WITH BUSINESS DURING TRANSFORMATION

The article aims to analyze the possibilities of using metaphoric associative cards for working with businesses and organizations. Metaphoric associative cards could be used as an additional tool in counseling to provide the ability to work simultaneously within the emotional, mental, and physical dimensions of the client, creating a secure space for reflections during the team sessions and enhancing creativity during brainstorming. Enterprise organizations and small and medium businesses overcoming market challenges, and financial changes should adapt to any scenarios and transform rapidly by representing innovative solutions (new products, services, processes, opening new markets, going through M&amp;A, etc.). Such transformations bring anxiety for an organization and all employees as the level of uncertainty is high and bringing clear communications to the company culture, developing space for reflection is critical (Giernalczyk, Lohmer, 2012). To discover potential scenarios of strategic development, working with a portrait of the customers for improvement for customer journeys, discovering blockers or potential root causes of new project initiations working with metaphors through the session with MAC could be helpful. Practical techniques that could be used during the work on requests of organizations described.

Key Factors Influencing Leadership Effectiveness in Diverse Workplaces in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China

he cultural and economic landscape of Fuzhou City in Fujian Province, China, is rich and diverse. Management effectiveness and emotional intelligence in diverse workplaces in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China, have been the subject of related research. The significance of emotional intelligence in fostering a productive workplace is a hot topic, as it allows individuals to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions and those of others (Kargeti, 2023). Additionally, leadership effectiveness is influenced by emotional intelligence dimensions such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills (Tian, 2022). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing Leadership Effectiveness based on 5 aspects: Demographic Factors, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Diversity in Organization, Communication Strategies, and Leadership Styles. The quantitative method is applied. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percent frequency, the arithmetic mean, and the standard deviation are used to analyze the data collected from questionnaires. Suitable Inferential Statistical Methods are used to test the hypothesis, particularly the Independent Samples t-test, the One-way ANOVA, and the Multiple linear Regression Analysis. The results obtained from the study indicate that differences in Marital Status, Age, Educational Level, Monthly Income, and Working Experiences generate differences in Leadership Effectiveness. Based on the Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, all aspects of Emotional Intelligence (Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, and Social Skills), Cultural Diversity in Organization (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), Communication Strategies (Awareness and Understanding, Communication Quality, Accessibility, and Employee Engagement), and Leadership Styles (Decision-making Leadership Styles, Everyday Leadership Styles, Beyond Everyday-work Leadership Styles, Values-based Leadership Styles) are found out to have a positive impact on Leadership Effectiveness.

ARMNet: A Network for Image Dimensional Emotion Prediction Based on Affective Region Extraction and Multi-Channel Fusion

Compared with discrete emotion space, image emotion analysis based on dimensional emotion space can more accurately represent fine-grained emotion. Meanwhile, this high-precision representation of emotion requires dimensional emotion prediction methods to sense and capture emotional information in images as accurately and richly as possible. However, the existing methods mainly focus on emotion recognition by extracting the emotional regions where salient objects are located while ignoring the joint influence of objects and background on emotion. Furthermore, in the existing literature, when fusing multi-level features, no consideration has been given to the varying contributions of features from different levels to emotional analysis, which makes it difficult to distinguish valuable and useless features and cannot improve the utilization of effective features. This paper proposes an image emotion prediction network named ARMNet. In ARMNet, a unified affective region extraction method that integrates eye fixation detection and attention detection is proposed to enhance the combined influence of objects and backgrounds. Additionally, the multi-level features are fused with the consideration of their different contributions through an improved channel attention mechanism. In comparison to the existing methods, experiments conducted on the CGnA10766 dataset demonstrate that the performance of valence and arousal, as measured by Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Coefficient of Determination (R²), has improved by 4.74%, 3.53%, 3.62%, 1.93%, 6.29%, and 7.23%, respectively. Furthermore, the interpretability of the network is enhanced through the visualization of attention weights corresponding to emotional regions within the images.

O DIAGNÓSTICO DE CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES AUTISTAS E SUA RECEPÇÃO PELOS SEUS RESPONSÁVEIS

This study aims to address the significant theme of the experience of those responsible for atypical children in the process of diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The growing number of ASD cases highlights the importance of understanding family experiences during this procedure, given the complexity of this condition and its impact on the environment or family context. ASD is a complex condition that affects child development and presents significant challenges for families. Understanding how caregivers perceive the diagnosis, face challenges, and experience emotions can provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals, educators, and psychologists. The general objective of the study is to reduce a gap in the literature by exploring the ASD diagnostic process from the perspective of those responsible, with potential implications for clinical practice and the well-being of affected families and children. The method used was a systematic bibliographic review, the research seeks not only to understand the technical aspects of ASD diagnosis, but also to highlight the importance of the emotional and social dimensions involved, highlighting the need for an interdisciplinary approach.

Modernization of Religious Courts: An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Mediation Through E-Court in Resolving Divorce Cases in Padang

This study is important to understand the effectiveness of e-Court in handling divorce cases involving mediation, especially in the Class 1A Religious Court of Padang. Although e-Court has improved administrative efficiency and access, there are gaps in the effectiveness of online mediation, especially in cases involving emotional conflict or domestic violence. These limitations indicate the need for a more in-depth approach to addressing the emotional dimension in the e-Court process as well as improving technical support and staff competence. The object of this study is e-Court as a means of divorce proceedings, with a focus on analyzing the effectiveness of the legal process in cases requiring mediation. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method through in-depth interviews and observations. Primary data were obtained from key informants such as judges, e-Court employees, advocates, and the community, while secondary data were taken from related literature. The findings show that e-Court is effective in terms of ease of access, process efficiency, decision quality, and user satisfaction. Although technological infrastructure supports accessibility, improvements in internet access are still needed. E-Court reduces case handling time, but physical interaction is still needed. User satisfaction is high, although there are complaints about the system sometimes experiencing errors, as well as the need for further training for employees to improve competence.

An Analysis of Psychological Capital and Influencing Factors Among Disaster Care Reservists

IntroductionIn recent years, with the frequent occurrence of public health emergencies, various infectious diseases and natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires have placed a burden on global public health and health care systems, especially on health care workers. This study aimed to investigate the current state of psychological capital among disaster care reservists and the factors influencing it. MethodsBetween January and February 2024, a total of 330 members of the disaster nursing reserve team from 4 tertiary general hospitals in Mianyang, China, were surveyed using an online platform named Wenjuanxing to obtain information on general demographics, psychological capital, and job burnout. ResultsThe total score of psychological capital was 91.10 ± 16.15. Psychological capital was negatively correlated with emotional depletion dimension and depersonalization dimension scores (P < .01) and positively correlated with personal achievement dimension scores (P < .01). The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that the psychological capital of members in disaster nursing reserve teams was influenced by various factors such as their marital status, having children, work experience in the department, level of public recognition and respect, number of disaster relief trainings, participation in disaster relief activities, types of disaster relief activities, and level of job burnout (P < .05). This accounted for 48.9% of the total variation. DiscussionThe psychological capital of disaster nursing reserve team members is affected by several aspects, which warrant great attention. Relevant management departments should adopt appropriate strategies to effectively mobilize their self-efficacy, improve their professional identity and sense of achievement, and enhance their psychological capital level.

Constructing a self-management competence model for EFL teachers: A perception-strategy evaluation

Achieving goals and aspirations as well as managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in various situations are the key components of self-management competence as specified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Utilizing this definition as a foundation for this qualitative investigation, the study initiated to explore the perceptions and strategies of EFL teachers regarding their self-management competence in the classroom. The maximal goal was to construct a model tailored for EFL teachers. For this purpose, 19 Iranian EFL teachers, selected through convenience sampling, were interviewed via a semi-structured written interview and four focus group sessions. The interviews served to elicit participants' perspectives on the relevant topics. The data analysis method involved three rounds of grounded theory coding - open, axial, and selective coding - to uncover the key elements of the model for EFL teachers' self-management competence. This process revealed three crucial self-management perceptions: emotional, behavioral, and classroom performance management and three primary categories of strategy: self-directed emotion-regulation, student-directed emotion-regulation, and self-awareness strategies. Notably, the centrality of emotional perception and regulation within the findings underscored the significance of the emotional dimension in self-management competence for EFL teachers. These outcomes hold promising implications for improving the psychological well-being of prospective EFL teachers.

From an emotional experience of mobile food shopping to continued purchase intention: moderating role of e-user expertise

PurposeThis study examines the role of the emotional experience of mobile food shopping in stimulating perceived values and continued intentions under the moderating role of consumer expertise.Design/methodology/approachWe gathered data from 632 Saudi mobile food shoppers through a web survey and analysed it using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results showed that emotions (i.e. pleasure, arousal and dominance) significantly affect immersion in the experience of shopping via mobile food applications, which generates significant functional and emotional values and ultimately influences continued intentions. However, they do not have a significant effect on social value. Consumer expertise significantly moderates only the relationships between functional and emotional values with immersion and between immersion and continued intention.Practical implicationsFormulating a marketing strategy based on the emotional dimension is a potentially powerful way to enhance the attractiveness of mobile food applications. Nevertheless, segmenting the market based on consumer expertise is crucial for customising offers.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by integrating pleasure-arousal-dominance theory with the theory of customer value to examine the role of the emotional dimension in the development of perceived values and continued intention to use mobile food ordering applications. Additionally, this study adds to the literature by examining the moderating role of user expertise in these relationships.

Teachers’ Emotional Labor: A Systematic Review

Emotional labor refers to the process by which employees are required to regulate their emotions in accordance with professionally specified requirements, rules, and guidelines. In the context of teaching, a significant portion of work is dedicated to the emotional labor of the teachers. Teaching, as a multifaceted profession, encompasses cognitive as well as emotional dimensions. Teachers consistently engage in emotional labor as an essential component of achieving pedagogical objectives and fostering positive learning outcomes. This review aimed to examine the emotional labor of elementary and high school teachers. The study was guided by four key questions: (1) What are the emotional labor levels of the teachers? (2) How do teachers engage in emotional labor in terms of surface acting and deep acting? (3) What is the relationship between naturally felt emotions and surface acting and deep acting? (4) What are the remaining gaps in the literature regarding the study of emotional labor, surface acting, and deep acting among teachers in elementary and high schools? We systematically selected ten articles relevant to our objective to confirm the components related to teachers&amp;rsquo; emotional labor, with a specific focus on surface acting, deep acting, and naturally felt emotions in elementary and high school teachers. A comprehensive database search was conducted, in adherence to the PRISMA statement, to locate relevant studies investigating &amp;ldquo;teachers&amp;rsquo; emotional labor&amp;rdquo; and synthesizing surface acting and deep acting. The PICOS approach was used to refine research inquiries and formulate search terms. Overall, the literature review highlights notable associations between surface acting and deep acting. However, there is no conclusive evidence that shows the correlation between deep acting and naturally felt emotions. There is considerable room for improving our understanding of emotional labor, including study methodologies, explored variables, and the recognition of historical and cultural influences that moderate and mediate the dynamics of emotional labor. This systematic review sought to delineate and consolidate existing research insights on teachers&amp;rsquo; emotional labor.

Beatific and Horrific Futures–Substance Use According to Young Swedish Adults

Sweden has a long tradition of restrictive policies regarding both legal (such as alcohol and cigarettes) and illegal substances (such as cannabis and amphetamine). However, research is needed on how regulatory frameworks and cultural understandings of substance use play out in the lives of young adults. Utilizing the logics of critical explanation framework, I explore the different logics that young Swedes draw upon when they conceptualize legal and illegal substance use. The data included 30 interviews with 21/22-year-olds who had previously participated in a prospective cohort study. The analysis shows that substance use played a minor role in the participants’ lives. Overall, it represented an obstacle to becoming an adult with a good life. They drew on social logics related to responsibility, ambition, and health to make sense of substance use, regardless of its legal status. These social logics have been used to explain previous years’ decreased use of cigarettes and alcohol among young people, and this study shows that they may also elucidate why illegal substance use is still rare in this group in Sweden. The analysis further suggests that these social logics were naturalized through the political logics of risk and choice, which emphasize the ideal of always being vigilant and safe. To dig deeper into this discourse, I uncover the emotional and ideological dimensions of the participants’ conceptualizations by discussing how they articulate beatific or horrific futures. The beatific future holds a promise of a bright, independent, and productive life, which includes abstaining from substances or using them moderately and responsibly. The horrific, in turn, holds that careless substance use will lead to social exclusion, addiction, and death. The participants’ hopes and fears strengthened the neoliberal idea that a good life is achieved through choice, vigilance, and by avoiding risk.