Fear Of Rejection Research Articles

Dermatology life quality index in vitiligo patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background & Aim: Vitiligo is a chronic and unpredictable condition. The absence of effective treatments, coupled with fears of rejection and stigma, can adversely affect patients' coping abilities and their social and psychological adjustment. This study aimed to assess the overall quality of life score of vitiligo patients using DLQI to evaluate the disease's impact on their quality of life. Methods & Materials: This meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and thoroughly searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science/ISI, and Scopus databases from their inception to January 2023. All observational studies reporting the quality of life score based on the DLQI were included in the analysis. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I2 index and Cochrane’s Q-statistic. Data were analyzed using the random effects model using STATA software version 12. Results: Our analysis included a total of 58 studies involving 9277 individuals. The pooled DLQI score was 8.07 (95% CI: 7.22-8.91). The lowest and highest scores were observed in Europe (5.52, 95% CI: 4.18-6.87) and Africa (10.95, 95% CI: 7.77-14.15), respectively. The DLQI score was 7.17 (95% CI: 6.04-8.31) in men and 8.63 (95% CI: 7.44-9.82) in women. No significant correlation was found between the DLQI score and the publication year of the articles (p=0.219), patients’ age (p=0.119), and disease duration (p=0.203). Conclusion: Vitiligo moderately impacts patients' quality of life. Therefore, it seems necessary to provide psychological and social training for these patients

Physical and psychological impact of HIV/AIDS toward youths in Southwest Ethiopia: a phenomenological study

BackgroundYouths with HIV/AIDS encounter a variety of unique challenges that impact their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. These challenges and experiences differ across settings, populations, cultures, and the broader socio-economic and political contexts. This study focuses on exploring the life challenges, experiences, and coping mechanisms of youths living with HIV/AIDS in public hospital facilities in southwest Ethiopia.Methods and study approachThe study was conducted in two regional states of Ethiopia. Using a phenomenological study approach, researchers focused on purposefully selected youths living with HIV/AIDS in public hospital facilities. Data were gathered through life history and in-depth interview techniques, delving deeply into the participants’ lived experiences and feelings about the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. The study population consisted of youths with HIV/AIDS who were currently using antiretroviral medication in two selected public hospitals. A total of 12 participants were employed and completed the study.ResultsThe findings indicated that youths with HIV/AIDS face complex life challenges, influenced by psychological, emotional, and social factors. These intertwined challenges impact their self-management, treatment adherence, and ability to create and maintain healthy social relationships and roles. Many youths avoid social interactions and do not seek the necessary social support, believing they are unworthy of respect and care. Consequently, they may live in despair and constant fear of rejection, lacking the social support they desperately need. Substance abuse is prevalent among these youths due to the psychosocial, biological, emotional, and material aspects of their experiences.

Burn injury and fear of rejection: A qualitative study

IntroductionOne of the most important duties of the members of the treatment team is to pay attention to the mental, psychological, and social aspects of burn patients. One of the concerns of these patients during their stay in the hospital is the fear of rejection. The objective of this research is to examine the concept of 'fear of rejection' among patients hospitalized with burn injuries. MethodThis study was conducted between January 2023 and March 2024 in Hamadan, Iran, employing a qualitative content-analysis approach. The study enrolled sixteen patients, and data were collected through deep and semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed using the conventional content-analysis approach developed by Graneheim and Lundman. ResultsA group of 16 patients, comprising an equal number of men and women, were interviewed for this study. Based on the data obtained from these interviews, negative brainstorming, frustration, fear of permanent physical disabilities, occupational and financial challenges were identified as categories; visualization of a foggy future and inability in performance of roles emerged as the two themes. ConclusionBased on the results of this study, it can be said that the fear of social rejection, characterized by an inability to perform roles and the visualization of a foggy future, significantly affects the psychological and physical health of burn patients, potentially delaying their recovery. Assisting these patients in reaching their fullest potential to contribute to society post-discharge, and fostering optimism for a promising future, constitute a paramount aspect of daily care and ongoing support.

The Impact of Attachment Styles on the Depth of Self-Disclosure and Topic Selection in Initial Psychotherapy Sessions

This paper explores the significant influence of attachment styles on self-disclosure and topic selection in initial psychotherapy sessions, examining how secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment patterns impact the therapeutic process and outcomes. Attachment theory, as developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, provides a framework for understanding the internal working models that individuals carry into therapy, affecting their openness and engagement. Securely attached clients tend to disclose more freely, facilitating stronger therapeutic alliances, while those with anxious attachment may require reassurance to mitigate fears of rejection. Avoidant clients often struggle with emotional intimacy, necessitating gradual trust-building strategies, and disorganized clients benefit from structured, trauma-informed approaches. Through case studies and research findings, the paper underscores the importance of tailoring therapeutic strategies to accommodate attachment-related dynamics, enhancing client engagement and therapeutic success. The implications for practice include the need for therapist training focused on recognizing and adapting to diverse attachment styles, fostering personalized and effective therapeutic interventions. Future research directions are suggested to further explore the intersection of attachment styles with cultural and socio-economic factors, and to develop specialized techniques for optimizing therapy based on attachment patterns.

Understanding Trauma in IPV: Distinguishing Complex PTSD, PTSD, and BPD in Victims and Offenders.

This work aims to shed light on the differential diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), which represents a highly innovative field of clinical research. To this end, a critical review of the literature was conducted to identify and compare the clinical patterns and symptomatic overlaps among cPTSD, PTSD, and BPD, with an emphasis on their manifestation in both IPV victims and offenders. The results show that despite some symptomatic similarities, cPTSD, PTSD, and BPD have distinct clinical patterns of interpersonal violence. Specifically, disturbances in self-organization (DSO) are more commonly found in offenders, while the diagnosis of cPTSD seems more aligned with the psychological functioning of victims. In addition, cPTSD and specific characteristics of BPD, such as fear of rejection and instability of identity, constitute risk factors for IPV victimization. cPTSD is shown as a predisposing factor not only for IPV victims but also for offenders, while PTSD emerges as a consequential factor. The specific pathways linking PTSD, cPTSD, and BPD with IPV have significant implications for clinical practice. Further research is needed to understand these profiles and the mechanisms linking trauma-related features to IPV, which is crucial for implementing effective violence prevention programs.

Sufferers from olfactory reference disorder: lonely, depressed and socially pained?

Although the few studies available on Olfactory Reference Disorder (ORD) indicate that the disorder is associated with fear of rejection, avoidance and impairment of social relationships, there are no investigations that have examined loneliness and social pain in individuals with ORD. Additionally, despite studies showing elevated comorbidity of ORD and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the relationship between ORD according to the ICD-11 and depressiveness has not been investigated. This exploratory pilot study examined the association of symptoms of ORD according to the ICD-11 with emotional/social loneliness, social pain and depressiveness. A total of 225 German university/college students participated in an anonymous internet-based survey. Severity of ORD symptoms were significantly associated with more severe depressiveness, greater emotional and social loneliness as well as greater social pain. In our sample, participants with self-reported ORD reported on average elevated levels of social pain and loneliness. A total of 93.3% of the participants with self-reported ORD had elevated scores of depressiveness. Emotional and social loneliness remained significantly correlated with ORD symptoms in partial correlations that adjusted for depressive symptoms. In a multiple regression analysis, olfactory concerns were associated with the total loneliness score independent of the effects of depressiveness and social pain. These preliminary results highlight the importance of considering depressive symptoms and social pain in the assessment and treatment of ORD. In addition, results suggest that individuals suffering from ORD might be at increased risk for loneliness.

Want to try a registered report? Here are our lessons learned.

A Registered Report is a type of research journal article in which the introduction, methods, and analysis plan are proposed and peer-reviewed prior to the execution of the study. The goal is to limit publication bias based on study findings by conducting peer review on the merits of the study before the results are known. First introduced in 2012 (Chambers, 2013; Chambers & Tzavella, 2022), this format of journal article publication has become more commonplace. Here we provide an overview of the format as well as eight core lessons we learned while preparing Registered Reports. We integrate guidelines from the literature with our experience to provide insight into the process of preparing and publishing a Registered Report for those who have not yet tried it. Though Registered Reports require researchers to invest more effort at the earlier stages of idea generation, design, and analysis planning, they will benefit from the feedback of reviewers when it is most beneficial and leave behind the fear of rejection due to unanticipated study limitations or null results. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring the Relationship Between Peer Pressure and Frustration in Adults

Peer pressure can be defined as the social influence that peers exert on an individual, compelling them to adopt certain behaviours, attitudes, or values to fit in or gain acceptance within a group. The influence can take many different forms, like pushing conformity, influencing the adoption of beliefs or ways of behaving, or persuading someone to do things they might not have otherwise chosen to do. This paper examines the complex interactions that individuals encounter in a range of social circumstances between peer pressure and frustration. A substantial positive association between frustration and perceived peer pressure was found through quantitative research. The findings suggest that there is a strong moderate correlation between peer pressure and frustration (r=0.348, p<0.001), indicating a significant relationship between the two variables. Additionally, research findings revealed the many ways in which peer pressure fuels frustration, such as perceived expectations, fear of rejection, and social comparison. To address the detrimental effects of peer pressure on individual well-being, specific interventions are required, as the study highlights the widespread influence of peers on adult behaviour and emotional experiences.

Sexual health and fertility in Duchenne muscular dystrophy-An exploratory study.

Recent clinical guidelines recommend that adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who are on daily glucocorticoid treatment should be offered pubertal induction in order to ensure adult levels of sex hormones as they reach adulthood. However, it remains unclear how gonadal status, including androgen concentrations, impacts physical function and future fertility. The aim of this study was to give a voice to adults with DMD, exploring their perspectives around sexual health, hormone treatment, and fertility. Qualitative data was collected from six adults with DMD through two online focus groups. Participants were recruited through Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance and Duchenne UK and invited to take part if they had DMD and were 18 years of age or older. Conversations were transcribed verbatim and an interpretivist paradigm was used with thematic analysis. The main themes identified were (1) the need for communication and information about sexual health, (2) dealing with the potential fear of rejection, (3) physical barriers to relationships including sex, (4) testosterone supplementation in DMD, and (5) parenthood and fertility. We recommend that clinicians work with young people with DMD individually, to explore the benefits of testosterone treatment for them and their personal sexual health needs. If they are offered treatment, this should always be accompanied by the opportunity for psychological support. This work highlights the need for further research to establish the role of testosterone supplementation in adults with DMD and its effects on fertility and the value of specific emotional and practical support for sexual health.

LEARN TO TALK: AFFECTIVE ORAL COMMUNICATION OF GRADE SIX LEARNERS IN SELECTED PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This qualitative study aimed to examine the teacher views on the affective oral communication skills among grade six learners in a school time program in order to build a sense of connection between them. By incorporating these methods into speaking instruction, you’ll provide an interactive and memorable learning experience for your students. Phenomenological research is a qualitative research approach that seeks to understand and describe the universal essence of a phenomenon. The approach investigates the everyday experiences of human beings while suspending the researchers’ preconceived assumptions about the phenomenon. In other words, phenomenological research studies lived experiences to gain deeper insights into how people understand those experiences. Participants of this study are all public-school grade 6 teachers who are teaching with more than two (2) years of teaching experience. There are only ten (10) of them to be considered (Creswell, 2013). These participants are working in public schools and are teaching grade 6 students. The first theme “shy to express ideas” has four sub-themes namely; low self-esteem. Fear of rejection, conduct proper training and unpleasant past experiences. Meanwhile, the second theme immersed based on the interview was “apply flexibility in teaching” with the sub-themes; gain confidence while speaking, cultivate a love for reading, motivate students to read and improve knowledge and understanding. Finally, the third theme immersed was “implement speak English policy” with the sub-themes; teaching basic grammar, conduct speaking activity, avoid language switching and conduct peer tutoring. KEYWORDS: Learn, talk, oral communication, affective, grade six learners, public schools

Methods of Cognitive and Contextual Behavioral Areas of Psychotherapy in the Discourse of Conscious Living and Working with Emotional Dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation is a pathological condition characterized by insufficient or inadequate regulation of emotions. It can manifest itself as excessive intensity and duration of emotional reactions, as well as difficulties in managing and maintaining emotional stability. People with emotional dysregulation often feel an internal conflict between opposing desires and needs. For example, they may simultaneously strive for intimacy with other people and fear rejection, or strive for independence, autonomy in relationships, and, at the same time, fear the loss of attention to themselves and support. The article reviews modern scientifically evidence-based areas of cognitive and contextual behavioral psychotherapy based on the processes of awareness to work with emotional regulation; specific exercises are provided to work with cognitive distortions that lead to dysfunctional thoughts; visualization practice for working with cognitive division is demonstrated; introduces the concept of radical acceptance.

Overcoming the Tropical Andes publication divide: Insights from local researchers on challenges and solutions.

The Tropical Andes, one of the world's most biodiverse regions, is vital for ecological research and conservation. However, while researchers in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru contribute significantly to scientific knowledge, their publication rates in academic journals have historically lagged behind neighboring nations. A multifaceted strategy was employed to understand and address the publication divide in the Tropical Andes region. This approach focused on regional researchers and consisted of a three-day workshop to improve scientific writing skills, offer publication insights, and equip researchers with tools to overcome obstacles. A series of surveys were also conducted to explore the challenges faced by local researchers and their proposed solutions, covering topics such as participant demographics, factors contributing to lower publication rates, personal barriers, proposed strategies for improving publications, specific topics of interest, participant satisfaction, most valuable workshop topics, and future recommendations. The workshop had an overwhelming response, with over 500 interested participants registering in just a few days, mostly experienced professionals, highlighting the need for such initiatives in the region. About two-thirds had ready-to-publish materials, highlighting the potential impact of targeted interventions on unlocking untapped knowledge. The surveys revealed the challenges contributing to the publication divide, including insufficient training, cultural emphasis on economic development, language barriers, limited resource access, lack of institutional support, high publishing costs, and time and financial constraints. The most common personal barriers were insufficient knowledge and experience in the publication process, lack of self-confidence, and fears of rejection. Proposed solutions include conducting training workshops, fostering collaborative networks, improving resource accessibility, and an institutional and cultural shift that encourages publishing. Addressing challenges faced by experienced professionals in the Tropical Andes by understanding individual needs, fostering support, and demystifying the publication process offers a promising path to closing the publication divide and unlocking the region's valuable scientific contributions.

Nothing for us, except by us – Support for queer ethnic young people in Aotearoa New Zealand

PurposeThis paper looks at mainstream lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) support services in Aotearoa New Zealand, which predominantly center white queer voices and services and fail to account for the intersectional identities of young ethnic queers.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory, qualitative study investigated the social and professional support experienced and responded to by 43 young ethnic queers living in Aotearoa New Zealand, who were between 18 and 35 years of age. Participants identified as queer, non-binary, gay, pansexual, demisexual, gender fluid, non-binary and trans among others and held ethnic heritage from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Persadie and Narain's Mash Up methodological approach (2022) was used to analyze the data. Mash Up allowed us to understand the intersectional spaces of queer ethnic lives in white-dominated spaces, the ways in which young ethnic queers resisted the marginalization of their racialized being and took agency to counter actions and decisions that negated their presence and intersectional identities.FindingsThe findings from the study showed that young ethnic queers responded to the lack of adequate support services by establishing their own voluntary organizations and support networks. The study revealed that ethnic queer young people were critical of the white-dominated LGBTQIA+ support organizations; they created their own transformative spaces where they found “family” and community where they could be open about their queerness without the fear of rejection and stigma, while still advocating for equitable resources and an intersectional approach in queer mainstream services.Originality/valueThis paper provides valuable information on the lack of support for queer ethnic young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. The absence of information on the needs of this group poses a challenge to government departments, which rely on data to inform policy and allocate resources. The limited research and knowledge of this community make them less visible and, consequently, less likely to be given resources. It also means that harmful practices and behaviors toward queer ethnic young people by families and communities are more likely to go unnoticed and unaddressed. The paper also shows that the agency of young ethnic queers to create their own transformative spaces and to challenge the white-centric spaces, which have failed to consider their intersectional identities, has been instrumental to their well-being.

Dark triad traits, study and power motives among medical students–A cross-sectional study at a German medical faculty

BackgroundA good physician should be empathic and altruistic, among other qualities. Therefore, the levels of socially undesirable personality traits (Dark Triad) as well as implicit motives of achievement, affiliation and power (Multi-Motive Grid) among medical students as future physicians were analyzed at two different points in their medical training. MethodsThis study includes 380 medical students in their first year and 217 in their third year in Germany. All participants completed the Dirty Dozen (DD) and Multi-Motive Grid (MMG) questionnaires at the end of two different classes as paper-and-pencil tests. Relevant differences of the Dark Triad traits between the medical students and reference sample and the two different cohorts, as well as their implicit motives, the associations of Dark Triad traits and MMG components and gender differences of the Dark Triad traits were calculated. ResultsThere were no significant group differences between year one and year three medical students in narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism (Dark Triad). There were no significant differences between the medical students and reference sample except in psychopathy. Male students scored significantly higher in the Dark Triad traits than female students. In the MMG, first-year students scored significantly higher levels in Fear of Rejection, and lower levels in Hope of Success and Hope of Power than the third-year students. Some associations were found between narcissism and Machiavelliansim with Hope of Success, Hope of Power and Fear of power. ConclusionsDark Triad traits already appear to exist before the commencement of medical studies. These traits do not differ significantly between the medical students and reference sample; only a few MMG components seem to differ at different stages of their studies. This lack of differences between the medical students and validation cohort indicates that tests based on (undesirable) personality traits are not suitable criteria for the admission selection of medical students.

Patients with a rheumatological diagnosis in a psychiatrist's office - neuropsychiatric lupus

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease affecting up to 210 per 100,000 people in Europe, more often among women. The inflammatory process in lupus causes changes in various organs. However, somatic changes are not the only effects of lupus. The neuropsychiatric manifestations of this disease have been given a separate name – neuropsychiatric lupus. Material and methods: A review of the literature available on the PubMed platform in the period of 1987-2023 was performed using the key words: neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, mental disorders, mood disorders, sleep disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus. Original studies, review works, meta-analyses and Internet sources were analyzed. Results: Psychotic disorders in lupus occur with a frequency of up to 3%. Risk factors include young age, male gender and glucocorticoids treatment. Mood disorders occur in several to several dozen percent of lupus patients, including depression affecting up to ⅓ of patients. Belimumab, psychotherapy and improving the quality of sleep, the disturbance of which is observed in most patients with lupus, have potential in treatment. Anxiety disorders are seen primarily in the teenage age group, where social phobia predominates – the fear of rejection due to the disease – and they worsen and are exacerbated by rheumatic disease. Cognitive dysfunctions occur in up to 80% of lupus patients. They are probably related to enzymes of metabolic pathways, dyslipidemia and thyroid dysfunction. Conclusions: Mental disorders develop more often in patients with lupus than in the general population and they predispose to autoimmune diseases. Comprehensive diagnosis and psychiatric care of patients with lupus are necessary. Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus, sleep disorders, mood disorders, neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, mental disorders

SEXUAL DECEPTION USED BY INDIVIDUALS TO INITIATE SEXUAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THEIR CURRENT OR POTENTIAL PARTNER

Sexual deception, the deliberate manipulation of information regarding one’s sexual identity, preferences, and intentions, is a complex phenomenon prevalent in intimate relationships. This research aims to delve into the intricate dynamics of sexual deceit, exploring the connection between male and female perspectives in sexual relationships. The study delves into the reasons behind sexual deception, examining why males are perceived as more manipulative compared to females and how gender influences deceptive practices in sexual contexts. The paper posits that individuals utilize deceptive tactics, including sexual deception, to enhance intimacy in relationships, driven by desires for gratification, fear of rejection, and the pursuit of personal goals. Utilizing the Sexual Deception Scale developed by Marelich et al. (2008), the research uncovers insights into the different dimensions of sexual deception, including blatant lying, self-serving tactics, and avoiding confrontation. Physical beauty plays a major role in sexual deception. Lack of sex in life can cause problems like isolation, self- doubt and trust. Through a comprehensive analysis of the scale’s subscales and total scores, the study sheds light on the prevalence of deceptive practices in intimate relationships and the gender disparities in manipulative behaviors.

Why Do We Fear The Robopocalypse? Human Insecurity in The Age of Technophobia

The paper aims to determine where exactly fear of intelligent machines is located in the narrative layers embedded in science fiction film stories based on the intelligence explosion hypothesis. The analysis departs from the assumption that the Robopocaliptic narrative, a science fiction narrative depicting the dystopian future of human–robot relationship, is constitutive of the irrational technophobic stance widespread in the public opinion of today’s postindustrial societies. As narration plays an essential part in our daily reflective and social practices, we are naturally inclined to look for narrative structure in popular culture, particularly in film, the most popular form of visual art, and the easiest one to consume. Nine science fiction films have been selected as relevant empirical evidence: The Invisible Boy (1957), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Westworld(1973), Futureworld (1976), Demon Seed (1977), Blade Runner (1982), The Terminator (1984), The Matrix (1999), Ex Machina (2015). The Robopocaliptic narrative interwoven with the themes of the analysed films uncovers four recurrent ideas or messages that create robotophobia: redundancy of the human race, moral indifference of robots, robots as emotional abusers, and the loss of control over one’s own mind and body. The author proposes that these four ideas or messages mirror four layers of fear, all pointing to a meta-fear: the fear of rejection to be recognised and treated as a morally worth human being. In conclusion, the author suggests that Axel Honneth’s concept of recognition opens a plausible avenue to clarify the roots of the fear of the Robopocalypse.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LONELINESS IN INDONESIAN AND MALAYSIAN STUDENTS

7.8% of teenagers in ASEAN including Indonesia and Malaysia reported mostly or always feeling lonely and 31.3% reported feeling lonely sometimes in the last 12 months. This is closely related to the similarities in demographic background and social and cultural background of these countries. This research aims to determine the comparative level of loneliness among students in Indonesia and Malaysia. Loneliness Statistics data states that 43% of young adults aged 17-25 years feel lonely. Initial research interviews showed that students experienced loneliness and felt several things such as not feeling close to people around them, often being abandoned and ostracized, fear of rejection, and so on. A total of 235 Indonesian and Malaysian students living in dormitories were involved in this research. The measurement instrument uses the loneliness scale. The collection technique uses purposive sampling. The research results show that there is no difference in loneliness between Indonesian and Malaysian students. Variable analysis found that the biggest factor causing loneliness in Indonesian students came from within themselves and in Malaysian students the biggest factor causing loneliness came from outside themselves.

Consumer responses to CEO activism: an impression management approach

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how and why consumers respond to chief executive officer (CEO) activism on social media. The authors developed a conceptual model that proposes impression management as a mechanism for consumer response to CEO activism.Design/methodology/approachIn Study 1a, the authors examined 83,259 tweets from 90 CEOs and compared consumer responses between controversial and noncontroversial tweets. In Study 1b, the authors replicated the analysis, using a machine-learning topic modeling approach. In Studies 2 and 3, the authors used experimental designs to test the theoretical mechanism.FindingsOn average, consumers tend to respond more to CEO posts dealing with noncontroversial issues. Consumers’ relative reluctance to like and share controversial posts is motivated by fear of rejection. However, CEO fame reverses this effect. Consumers are more likely to engage in controversial activist threads by popular CEOs. This effect holds for consumers high (vs low) in public self-consciousness. CEO fame serves as a “shield” behind which consumers protect their online image.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on Twitter (aka “X”) in the USA. Future research may replicate the study in other social media platforms and countries. The authors introduce “shielding” – liking and sharing content authored by a recognizable source – as a tactic for impression management on social media.Practical implicationsFamous CEOs should speak up about controversial issues on social media because their voice helps consumers engage more in such conversations.Originality/valueThis paper offers a theoretical framework to understand consumer reactions to CEO activism.

Perception and Representation of LGBTQ+ Individuals in U.S. Neurosurgical Training

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to gauge the current social climate in neurosurgical residency training and attitudes regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study through a 35-question questionnaire distributed to roughly 1,700 residents at all U.S. neurosurgical residency programs. ResultsA total of 107 responses were obtained. 17 residents (16%) identified as being an LGBTQ+ individual. 76% of LGBTQ+ residents were concerned about how their sexual orientation would be perceived while applying to programs and 47% endorsed purposefully concealing sexual orientation at work for fear of rejection or reprisal. 56% of those surveyed have witnessed homophobic/transphobic remarks by patients. While at work, 29% of LGBTQ+ individuals stated they are uncomfortable being open with their sexual orientation, and three LGBTQ+ individuals endorsed being the target of direct homophobic/transphobic comments. ConclusionsThis is the first study to our knowledge that has been conducted assessing the presence, perception, and treatment of LGBTQ+ trainees in neurosurgical residency. Our study outlines the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face when applying to neurosurgical programs, which involves the perception of their sexual orientation, their witnessed instances of homophobic and transphobic comments by coworkers and patients, and their hesitation with discussing their social lives compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers at work for fear of judgement or reprisal. Ongoing research is needed to address these issues to obtain workplace respect and fairness in this population, and thus create an accepting atmosphere and achieve social justice in neurosurgery training.