Emotional Factors Research Articles

Behavioral Finance: Investor Psychology in Volatile Markets

Behavioral finance offers critical insights into how psychological biases shape investor decision-making, particularly during periods of market volatility. Traditional finance theories assume rational behavior, but behavioral finance highlights how emotions and cognitive biases like overconfidence, herding, loss aversion, and anchoring significantly impact market dynamics. In volatile markets, these biases become more pronounced, often resulting in irrational actions that deviate from rational expectations. This paper explores the role of investor psychology in influencing market outcomes, examining biases and emotional factors that drive investor actions. Practical implications of this understanding suggest strategies to mitigate risk and stabilize markets, such as behavioral nudges and AI-driven advisory tools. The paper also identifies research gaps, especially in understanding the influence of digital platforms and social media on investor behavior, indicating areas for further study to deepen our grasp of investor psychology in an increasingly digital world.

Profiles in intelligence: an interview with the 17th Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Moshe (Bogie) Ya’alon

ABSTRACT During the summer of 2023, I conducted an interview with Moshe (Bogie) Ya’alon, a veteran of over 30 years in key roles within the Israeli Defense Forces. As a leading authority on national security and intelligence, Ya’alon provided critical insights, particularly regarding the intelligence failures of the 1973 Yom Kippur War and how these failures inform present-day security dilemmas. Although this interview was conducted three months before the surprise Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, Ya’alon stressed the significance of lessons from previous conflicts and significant geopolitical developments. He also underscored the importance of cultural and emotional factors in intelligence failures and the dynamics of Israel’s relations with the Five Eyes alliance, offering insights that illuminate some of the challenges Israel would encounter three months later. This interview is part of an ongoing oral history project designed to gather diverse perspectives on intelligence and national security leadership in Israel, enhancing our understanding of the security dilemmas of the Middle East and the world of espionage.

How do apathetic and depressive symptoms relate to functional capacity? A cross-sectional survey among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults in Japan.

Apathetic and depressive symptoms are frequently observed among older adults, and are risk factors for functional decline and dementia progression. However, how these symptoms influence functional capacity remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between apathetic and depressive symptoms and functional capacity, considering the interaction between apathetic and depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey targeting community dwelling middle-aged or older adults was conducted. We sent a questionnaire to 984 individuals and received 320 responses. Data with missing values and participants aged under 50 were excluded, resulting in 212 participants (88 men and 124 women, mean age = 73.4 ± 9.3 years). Apathetic symptoms were evaluated using the Dimensional Apathy Scale (J-DAS), which comprises executive, emotional, and cognitive and behavioral initiation aspects of apathy. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Functional capacity was assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence, which comprises technology usage, information practice, life management, and social engagement. Mean score of each J-DAS factor and GDS was 5.3 ± 3.4 (executive), 12.0 ± 3.0 (emotional), 11.8 ± 5.1 (initiation), and 4.5 ± 3.3, respectively. The emotional and initiation aspects of J-DAS were significantly associated with information practice (β = -0.15, p < .05 for emotional; β = -0.27, p < .001 for initiation) and life management (β = -0.20, p < .01 for emotional; β = -0.22, p < .01 for initiation) in functional capacity. GDS was associated only with social engagement (β = -0.31, p < .001). Although the interaction between the initiation factor of J-DAS and GDS was significantly associated with life management (β = -0.16, p < .05), the R2 change was insignificant. The emotional factor of J-DAS was associated with technology usage (β = -0.13, p < .05), although less strongly than age. The executive factor of J-DAS had insignificant associations with all aspects of functional capacity. Apathetic and depressive symptoms are independently, rather than interactively, associated with different aspects of functional capacity. As older adults with apathetic or depressive symptoms might struggle to seek help from public health services, they should be targeted with active interventions from healthcare professionals.

Mindful eating and diet quality among U.S. adults with lower incomes.

Mindful eating, a practice that encourages attention to sensations and awareness during the eating experience, has shown effectiveness in inducing positive behavioral changes. Mindful eating practices have been examined in relation to energy intake (i.e., quantity of food) but to a lesser extent to the quality of that food, hence, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the association between mindful eating and diet quality. The objective of this study is to examine the association between mindful eating and diet quality among United States (U.S.) adults with lower incomes and to examine heterogeneity in the associations by gender identity. This study employs a cross-sectional study design. In December 2022, a national convenience sample of 1,798 U.S. adults with lower incomes, recruited through Prime Panels, completed a web-based survey. Diet quality was measured using the 30-day Prime Diet Quality Score screener (ranges from 0-126). A higher score reflects higher diet quality. Associations between the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) (ranges from 1-4) and its four factors (Awareness, External Cues, Emotional Response, and Distraction) in relation to diet quality were examined using multivariable regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. The mean MEQ score was 2.30; the mean PDQS-30D score was 50.2. The associations between MEQ scores and PDQS-30D scores were significantly modified by gender identity. Among men, a higher MEQ score reflecting more mindful eating (β=3.81, 95% CI: 2.19, 5.43) was associated with higher PDQS-30D scores. In addition, a higher Awareness factor score (β=3.21, 95% CI: 2.48, 3.93), a higher External Cues factor score indicating less response to external cues (β=0.76, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.52), and a higher Distraction factor score indicating less distraction (β=1.09, 95% CI: 0.28, 1.90) were all associated with higher PDQS-30D scores. Among women, a higher Awareness factor score was associated with higher PDQS-30D scores (β=2.50, 95% CI: 1.78, 3.22); and a higher Emotional response factor score (i.e., eating less in response to emotional eating) was associated with lower PDQS-30D scores (β=-0.85, 95% CI: -1.58, -0.12). Mindful eating and its factors are associated with a higher diet quality among U.S. adults with lower incomes, particularly among men. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are warranted to better understand these associations among adults with lower incomes, as an understudied population in the mindful eating literature.

Predictors of parental stress in families with gifted children: The role of cognitive and emotional challenges

This study examines the unique challenges of raising gifted children, focusing on two child-related risk factors for parental stress: cognitive asynchrony and stress management abilities. Path analysis revealed that poor stress management in children is associated with greater parental stress, as measured by the Difficult Child (DC) and Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction (PCDI) scales of the Parenting Stress Index. Cognitive discrepancies, particularly between Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI), were found to increase maternal stress but not paternal stress, highlighting a differential impact on parents. Additionally, the study identified a spillover effect, in which stress in one parent influences the other, amplifying family stress. These findings suggest that cognitive and emotional factors act as independent sources of stress, underscoring the need for interventions tailored to families of gifted children, with a focus on enhancing emotional competence to promote resilience and family well-being.

Measuring Indigenous homelessness: Findings from Our Health Counts Toronto.

Our Health Counts (OHC) Toronto, an Indigenous population database which addresses gaps in urban health information, was used to measure Thistle's (2017) 12 dimensions of Indigenous homelessness. Using this framework, we examine the sociodemographic characteristics of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis (FNIM) adults living in Toronto, the 12 dimensions as experienced by this population, and the distinctions between FNIM adults who were and those whowere not experiencing physical homelessness. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS)-II proportions and 95% confidence intervals were produced from the database (n = 915 FNIM adults) to describe key sociodemographic characteristics of the population and to estimate the proportion and number of dimensions of Indigenous homelessness experienced by FNIM adults. Results were compared between those who were and those who were not living physically homeless. This study shows that 27.3% of FNIM adults in Toronto were living physically homeless. The proportion of homelessness was significantly higher among males, adults aged 26 to 54, and unemployed individuals. Using the OHC database, 7 of the 12 dimensions were measurable. Almost all FNIM adults had experienced one or more of the 7 measurable dimensions. The most common were cultural disintegration and loss, mental disruption and balance, contemporary geographic separation, and relocation and mobility. These dimensions were significantly more common among FNIM adults experiencing physical homelessness. Results show that FNIM adults living physically homeless are more likely to experience other dimensions of homelessness. Using existing data, 5 of the 12 dimensions were not measurable. This points to a critical need to develop new survey tools to fully understand the historical, environmental, social, political, spiritual, and emotional factors that influence pathways into homelessness among FNIM populations.

Virtual communities of practice: nurturing teacher-coordinators’ well-being amidst stress and crisis

PurposeThis longitudinal study investigated the ways in which virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) can support the well-being of teachers in managerial roles during stressful changes and crises. Specifically, it examined the experiences of these educators to better understand how VCoPs contribute to sustaining well-being in the face of challenges.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study methodology was utilized, consisting of three rounds of interviews with seven teacher-coordinators, coupled with content analysis to discern patterns and insights. A multidimensional model was then applied to pinpoint the associations between the community’s characteristics and the different approaches implemented by these teacher-coordinators to address stress and crises.FindingsThe analysis revealed a range of coping strategies within the VCoPs for handling stress and crises. Participation in virtual spaces was shown to foster in-depth, rich discussions. The multidimensional model captures how social, emotional and cognitive factors can help teacher coordinators navigate challenges.Originality/valueThis study contributes to a broader understanding of the well-being of educational staff, especially in managerial roles, by exploring the subtle dynamics of a VCoP. The findings highlight the impact of the community on teacher-coordinators' well-being in routine, stressful and crisis situations. These insights can provide valuable guidance for educational practitioners and policymakers to enhance the resilience of the education system to diverse challenges.

Abstract 4114705: Clinical Predictors of Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy is increasingly becoming more prevalent with increasing awareness about disease condition with annual incidence of 30 cases/100000 per year and an incidence of 1-2% in the patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.[1] Physical and emotional triggers have been linked with occurrence of Stress induced Cardiomyopathy. Methods: We have obtained the National Readmission database for the year of 2020. We have used the ICD 10 code I51.81 for stress induced cardiomyopathy and found 10450 patients in the data base. Total 494 patients had cardiac arrest and 191 patients out of this 494 had died. We have used Binary logistic regression methods to find the odd ratio for physical and emotional risk factors for stress induced cardiomyopathy. Results: Grief disorder with an odd ratio of 7.2, followed by female gender with an odd ratio of 4.1, septic shock with an odd ratio of 3.3, Hemorrhagic stroke with an odd ratio of 1.73, ischemic stroke with an odd ratio of 1.72, depression with an odd ratio of 1.5, followed by asthma exacerbation with an odd ratio of 1.35 and seizure disorder with an odd ratio of 1.34 were among the few predictors for stress induced cardiomyopathy. Incidence of Cardiac Arrest was 4.7% and mortality rate of 1.8% was observed in the patients with stress induced Cardiomyopathy. Discussion: Extreme emotional and physical triggers like stroke, septic shock are among few significant risk factors for the stress induced cardiomyopathy.

A Novel and Comprehensive Wellness Assessment for Lifestyle-Based Interventions.

While weight status and clinical laboratory measures are important in assessing obesity-related disease severity and chronic disease risk, including a broader range of emotional, psychosocial, and behavioral factors would provide greater context of an individual's overall state of wellness and could be used to better guide treatment decisions. The purpose of this research was to develop a comprehensive Lifestyle Wellness assessment for use in lifestyle-based wellness interventions and programs. A cross-sectional exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted using baseline data from N=138 adults participating in behavioral weight loss trials. An unweighted least squares extraction method with oblique rotation was used. Twenty-one putative measures spanning constructs related to metabolic health, emotional health/wellbeing, body weight and composition, diet quality, and fitness were analyzed for retention. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 38.0±6.6kg/m2, mean age was 57.3±11.1years, and 77.5% of participants were female. The EFA produced a five-factor model with 13 items that explained 80.3% of the variance. The retained factors included: (1) Psychosocial State: mindfulness, resilience, quality of life, and happiness; (2) Blood Pressure State: systolic and diastolic blood pressure; (3) Lipid State: total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol; (4) Fitness State: grip strength, jump height, and percent body fat; and (5) Body State: BMI and waist circumference. Lifestyle Wellness is a comprehensive assessment that enables innovative wellness-related research such as metabolically healthy obese phenotypes and weight-neutral interventions. Future research should include investigations in additional populations with greater age, sex/gender, and body size diversity.

Genetic variations as predictors of dispositional and dyadic empathy—a couple study

Biological drivers of empathy have been explored in an interdisciplinary manner for decades. Research that merges the psychological and genetic perspectives of empathy has recently gained interest, and more complex designs and analyses are needed. Empathy is a multidimensional construct that might be regarded both dispositionally (as a personality trait) and contextually (experienced and/or expressed in a particular relationship/situation). This study analyzed genetic variations associated with genes encoding oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, and receptors that regulate their secretion as predictors of the empathic dimensions of emotional (empathic concern and personal distress) and cognitive (perspective taking) dyadic factors of partners in heterosexual intimate relationships. Machine learning methods to capture both linear and nonlinear relationships between SNPs, RS1 and RS2 repeat polymorphisms and dimensions of empathy in couples were employed. A total of 442 individuals (221 couples) participated in this study. Empathy was measured by the Polish version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples. The MassARRAY® 4 instrument, which combines mass spectrometry with endpoint PCR, was used for genotyping all 14 genetic variations. Microsatellite fragment analysis was performed by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results confirmed the significance of certain genetic alterations linked to oxytocin, vasopressin, serotonin and estrogen for dispositional and dyadic empathy (mainly rs1884051, rs6311, RS1, rs4686302, and rs1042778) in couples. The effects were stronger for the prediction of emotional and dyadic empathy than for perspective taking. Separate analyses for women and men indicated different predictive effects of genes for empathy (for example, effects of rs53576 were indicated only in women), which are also experienced and expressed in couples. Different dimensions of empathy should be included when the genetic predictors of empathy are examined.

The Concept of Healing Waterscapes in Public Open Spaces to Construct the Positive Psychology of Visitors

Public open spaces contain various features that have psychological effects on human mental health. Water, as one of the key elements in landscape design, not only enhances aesthetics but also provides sensory stimulation, social interaction, and psychological benefits. It possesses therapeutic qualities that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Given the rising prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents in Bali, public open spaces incorporating waterscapes play a crucial role. The concept of a "healing waterscape" can be applied in such spaces, where environmental elements are strategically designed to improve mental well-being through psychological approaches. However, no clear criteria for healing waterscape design have been formulated, and it remains unclear whether such criteria are being applied in the waterscapes of public open spaces in Denpasar City and Klungkung Regency. This study aims to establish criteria for healing waterscape design in public open spaces and assess the extent to which these criteria are implemented in Denpasar City and Klungkung Regency. Using a mixed-methods data analysis with JMP software, the study identifies four key variables in healing waterscape design: social, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors. The design criteria that should be considered for public space waterscapes in Denpasar and Klungkung include activity diversity, site characteristics, spatial variety, acoustics, water shape, movement, flow, lighting and signage, and both biotic and abiotic components.

The Role of Cognitive and Emotional Factors in the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among College Students: A Network Analysis

The Role of Cognitive and Emotional Factors in the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among College Students: A Network Analysis

Spirituality, forgiveness and self-esteem throughout adulthood in France

PurposeIt appears that spirituality, forgiveness, and self-esteem are important values which transcend human actions. This transversal study aims to observe spirituality, forgiveness, and self-esteem during aging. MethodsA quantitative protocol was conducted with 206 participants divided into two groups: younger adults (M = 23.05 years old) and older people (M = 73.09 years old). Three tests measured spirituality, forgiveness and self-esteem. Principal resultsResults showed that older people have higher scores than younger adults in spirituality (peace dimension), forgiveness (transcendence and emotional factors) and self-esteem. Moreover, all dimensions of spirituality (peace, mean, faith) were correlated with the transcendence and emotional factors of forgiveness and with self-esteem during aging. Major conclusionIt seems that with age, individuals have a better self-esteem linked to more pronounced spiritual needs (sense of peace, meaning of life, faith) and manage to forgive more unconditionally with less resentment than younger people.

Are air travelers willing to pay for mandatory carbon emission policies? Evidence from China

The aviation industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in terms of CO2 emissions and also one of the most challenging to decarbonize. China has become the world's second-largest aviation market. While a nationwide mandatory carbon reduction policy has yet to be introduced in China's aviation sector, it may be implemented in the coming years. The implementation of mandatory carbon reduction policies will inevitably raise questions about the distribution of additional costs. Therefore, air travelers' willingness to pay (WTP) and the factors influencing it are critical considerations for policymakers and airlines. However, there is a lack of research on the WTP of Chinese air travelers under mandatory carbon reduction policies. No studies have specifically focused on the regional differences in WTP among air travelers in China. Moreover, existing research on air travelers' WTP for carbon offsets rarely captures the impact of rational, emotional, and social interaction factors. Therefore, this study investigates the WTP of 3424 air travelers across 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China within the context of a carbon tax policy. Using the Heckman two-step model, the study analyzes the impact of rational, emotional, and social interactions on air travelers' WTP. The results indicate that, after removing biased samples, the average WTP among Chinese air travelers is 311.04 CNY ($44.14) per ton of CO2. The highest WTP is observed in the East China region at 341.20 CNY ($48.42) per ton of CO2, while the lowest is in the Northeast region at 263.19 CNY ($37.35) per ton of CO2. Epistemic performance expectancy, social performance expectancy, function performance expectancy, and anticipated pride positively influence WTP. In contrast, effort expectancy negatively impacts WTP. Additionally, social interaction can moderate the effects of certain rational and emotional factors on WTP. It is noteworthy that although anticipated guilt does not directly influence WTP, its positive impact on WTP can be moderated through social interactions. The results of this study can assist governments in formulating effective carbon emission reduction policies for the aviation industry. Moreover, these findings can provide valuable insights for airlines to adjust pricing strategies under mandatory carbon reduction policies, thus holding practical significance.

Intervensi Pemerintah pada Kasus Balita Stunting di Desa Gunung Putri Kabupaten Pandeglang

This research was motivated by the low food utilization index (52.59) compared to the high food availability index (91.55). The high prevalence of stunting (29.4%) in Pandeglang Regency also plays a role in the low utilization of food. This research uses the concept of food security from Pieters (2013) and the theory of *Decision Making: Non-Rational Theories* (2015) to understand how parents of stunted toddlers make decisions regarding daily eating patterns. Qualitative methods with a narrative approach were used in this research. The research results show that the decisions of parents of stunted toddlers are influenced by emotional and experiential factors, although economic factors remain the most dominant. To address the problem of food utilization, the Pandeglang Regency Government carried out specific and sensitive interventions through public education. However, efforts to combat stunting are hampered by budget constraints, which limit the number of field personnel and the reach of interventions. This research recommends an evaluation regarding the effectiveness of nutrition education programs as well as further research on socio-cultural factors that influence knowledge and application of nutrition in families with stunting toddlers.

Comment on Rodríguez-Cortés et al. Individual Circadian Preference, Eating Disorders and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: A Dangerous Liaison? A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. Children 2022, 9, 167

This commentary critically examines the article by Rodríguez-Cortés et al. on the links between circadian preferences, eating disorders, and obesity in pediatric populations, emphasizing the association between evening chronotypes and disordered eating behaviors. Key findings highlight the increased prevalence of food addiction (FA) and night eating syndrome (NES) among evening-oriented children and adolescents, though the article’s reliance on studies with adult samples limits the generalizability of its conclusions. Additionally, the ambiguous classification of FA and NES within broader eating disorder frameworks necessitates further investigation to delineate these behaviors from traditional disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa. This commentary advocates for future research focusing on pediatric populations to explore the intersection of circadian misalignment with emotional regulation and environmental factors, aiming to develop tailored preventative strategies that incorporate chronobiological and lifestyle modifications.

A Case Study on the Integration of SNS Webtoon IP and Characters: Focusing on the Emotional Empathy Factors of Storytelling

A Case Study on the Integration of SNS Webtoon IP and Characters: Focusing on the Emotional Empathy Factors of Storytelling

Literature Review: Analysis of the Relationship between Employer Branding, Employee Engagement, and Employee Retention

Employer branding is an essential concept that significantly influences employees' perceptions and experiences within an organization, ultimately affecting employee retention and engagement. This research aims to explore the importance of employer branding by employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, analyzing a diverse range of academic sources from reputable databases, including Scopus, Emerald, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria focused on open-access journals published in both English and Indonesian, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The findings indicate a strong correlation between effective employer branding and increased employee retention rates. Employees are more likely to remain with organizations that present a positive brand image, showcasing a strong cultural identity and aligning with their values. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of emotional factors, particularly employee engagement, in influencing retention. Engaged employees tend to be more productive and committed to their work, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty to the organization. These insights underscore the necessity for companies to invest in employer branding strategies, as a well-defined employer brand not only attracts top talent but also retains valuable employees. By prioritizing employer branding, organizations can enhance workforce stability and overall performance, ultimately leading to a more motivated and dedicated workforce that drives success.

Investigating the Main Factors Affecting Doing More Business with Existing Customers in Light of Customer Experience: An Empirical Study in the Malls

The study analyzed the relationship between four independent latent factors (emotion, communication, attitude and satisfaction) in the dependent factor (rebuying) in the presence of a moderating variable (consumers’ experience) by using a structural equation model based on the partial least squares (PLS) method. The study has applied to retail trade customers in malls. The study collected the needed data through a survey designed for this purpose. The study collected data from 300 mall shoppers. The study employs SmartPLS to analyze the data collected. The study has found that each of the independent factors significantly and positively affects the rebuying decision (a positive relationship), with the exception of the emotions factor, which had a negative impact on the rebuying decision. Also, the modified variable had a positive role in the relationship between the independent factors and the dependent factor, with the exception of the emotions factor. The effect of the modified variable caused a decline in the intensity of the relationship between these two factors.

Impact of behavioral finance on financial decision making

This paper highlights the disproportionate effect of behavioral finance on investor’s investing decisions. While making any financial decisions, one easily gets influenced by psychological and emotional factors. Past individual experiences, tendency or opportunity for herd behavior, personal judgment, overconfidence in one's abilities, aversion to feelings of regret, reliance on advice from experts, and last but not least, something known as the disposition effect—by which investors tend to hold on to losing investments and professionally sell profitable ones too early. The impact of these factors on the investment decision-making process varies; on the one hand, they may enhance the quality of the decision-making process by aligning investments with risk tolerance and financial goals. However, on the other hand, behavioral factors can be a cause of inefficiency if investment decisions are based more on emotions than objective analysis. In our recent research, we questioned 187 investors, using a questionnaire from whom we acquired crucial information regarding the impact of behavioral finance on financial decisions. The primary objective of the questioning was to determine the effect of behavioral finance on financial decision-making. The secondary objective was to suggest some methods for making one aware of the repercussions of impulsive or emotional decision-making and making prudent investments.