Influence Of Psychological Factors Research Articles

The Relationship between Anxiety, Visual Function, and Symptomatology in University Students.

Mental health concerns have emerged at the university level, with the psychological well-being of students being increasingly affected. This cross-sectional study investigated the proportion of university students having anxiety, and its effects on their visual function and symptomatology. We included 41 students (26.1 ± 4.8 years), and their visual function was assessed through several tests to produce a general visual performance index (VPI). The visual symptomatology was studied using the Conlon Visual Discomfort Survey and the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire. The students were classified into two groups according to the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) test ("no anxiety" and "anxiety" groups). The visual function evaluation indicated significantly worse VPI in the anxiety group (p = 0.047). These students also showed significantly higher scores in the Conlon survey (p = 0.004) and two subscales of the QoV questionnaire: symptom severity (p = 0.041) and symptom bothersomeness (p = 0.013). Moreover, the multiple linear regression model showed a significant association between visual discomfort according to the Conlon questionnaire and the level of anxiety (r = 0.405; R2 = 0.164; B = 0.405; p = 0.012). It is important to study the influence of psychological factors on vision, not only for refractive error, but also for binocular and accommodative disorders.

Decoding Investor Decision-Making: Unraveling Psychological Factors and Educational Moderation in Financial Markets

This study delves into the influence of psychological factors on investors' decision-making, with a focus on the moderating role of education. The target population comprises 883 domestic individual investors registered in the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Employing a structured questionnaire, opinions were gathered from a sample of 275 financial domestic individual investors. The findings reveal a positive and significant association between risk propensity, risk perception, and investment decisions. Conversely, herding behaviour exhibits a negative and significant impact, indicating that heightened herding behaviour reduces investors' decision to invest. Further analysis underscores the combined effect (moderating effect) of risk propensity financial literacy, revealing a significant yet negative impact on investors' decisions, while risk perception financial literacy demonstrates a positive and significant effect. The concluding table highlights the positively significant presence of loss aversion bias.

Exploring the relationship between personality and chronic pain in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta: A cross-sectional study.

Despite the growing body of research on chronic pain in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the influence of psychological factors on pain experienced by individuals with this condition. This study aims to delve into the correlation between personality traits and various aspects of pain, such as frequency, intensity, appraisal, and coping mechanisms, in a significant sample of adults with OI. Additionally, the investigation seeks to identify whether certain personality profiles may be more susceptible to chronic pain within this specific population. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 418 adults diagnosed with OI. Participants completed an online survey that assessed sociodemographic and clinical variables, pain parameters, personality traits, pain appraisal, and coping strategies. Subsequently, descriptive, correlational, cluster and comparative analyses were performed. Up to 83% of the participants reported experiencing pain on a regular basis. Regarding personality dimensions, moderate scores were obtained, with no significant differences compared to the general population. Neuroticism emerged as the trait showing the most robust relationships with the evaluated variables. It positively correlated with pain intensity, frequency, and the perception of pain as threatening (P < .001). Conversely, higher levels of extraversion were associated with a reduction in pain and its threatening perception (P < .001). Finally, the cluster analysis revealed a personality profile that showed greater vulnerability in pain adaptation, characterized by high levels of neuroticism and low levels of extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Chronic pain is prevalent in adults with OI. Personality dimensions maintain a significant relationship with this pain, acting as vulnerability or protective factors. Consequently, specific personality profiles are associated with poorer adaptation. Understanding these profiles would allow for a deeper comprehension of the pain experience in adults with OI.

Analysis of the Influence of Psychological Factors on Consumer behavior and the Decision-making Process

"The theory of consumer behavior and the decision-making process has evolved, in part, due to numerous empirical studies by practitioners trying to explain the rational and irrational determinants of human choice. The article aims to analyze the influence of psychological factors on consumer behavior and decision-making. The study employs methods of analysis and synthesis to summarize information and research results on the influence of psychological factors on consumer behavior and their decision-making processes. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were used to summarize the theoretical and practical (empirical) scientific research findings from 1954-2019, which explain the psychological factors of consumer decision-making. The article proves the evolution of research on the vital role of psychological factors in consumer decision-making and their intuitive actions that shape behavior. Experimental studies confirm the irrationality and intuitiveness of persons’ decisions when choosing due to the peculiarities of human perception and thinking. As a result, there is a shift from the theory of rational behavior to the theory of bounded rationality to explain consumer behavior. The authors have identified the evolution of theories to explain decision-making: utility maximization, consumer expectations to intuitive thinking, satisfaction, and the consumer’s sense of value in decision-making. Decision-making’s emotional and intuitive components are increasingly becoming the research subject for psychologists and behavioral economists. They have formed the theory of prospects, where the value function reflects the losses and gains of the decision-maker (DM)."

Comparative Study of The Phenomenon of Trance and Possession Based on Western Perspective and Islamic Psychology

The phenomena of trance and possession are events that occur in various cultures and traditions. In general, both phenomena are characterized by the loss of control of one's body or consciousness. However, views on the causes and treatment of both phenomena may vary between Western and Islamic Psychology perspectives. This study aims to compare Western and Islamic Psychology perspectives on the phenomena of trance and possession. From the Western perspective, the phenomenon is often explained as a medical or psychological condition that can be treated with scientific methods such as drugs and psychological therapies. Whereas in Islamic Psychology, the phenomenon is explained as a manifestation of supernatural powers that affect a person's mental state. This research combines a comparative qualitative and descriptive approach by analyzing literature related to the phenomena of trance and trance from both perspectives. The results show that although there are differences in views between the two perspectives, both recognize the influence of psychological factors in the occurrence of these phenomena. In addition, Islamic Psychology recognizes the existence of supernatural powers that influence the phenomenon of trance and trance-inducing, while the Western perspective tends to reject this view. In conclusion, this study provides an understanding of the differences in views between the Western perspective and Islamic Psychology regarding the phenomena of trance and possession. It also shows that although the views between the two perspectives may differ, they can complement each other and provide a more holistic understanding of the phenomenon.

Causal association between major depressive disorder and coronary heart disease: a two-sample bidirectional mendelian randomization study

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly heterogeneous mental illness and a major public health problem worldwide. A large number of observational studies have demonstrated a clear association between MDD and coronary heart disease (CHD), and some studies have even suggested that the relationship is bidirectional. However, it was unknown whether any causal relationship existed between them and whether causality was bidirectional in such an instance. Thus, we aimed to determine whether there is a bidirectional causal relationship between major depressive disorders and coronary heart disease.MethodsOur two-sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study consisted of two parts: forward MR analysis regarded MDD as exposure and CHD as the outcome, and reverse MR analysis considered CHD as exposure and MDD as the outcome. Summary data on MDD and CHD were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS database. After screening criteria(P < 5times {10}^{-8}), 47 MDD-associated SNPs and 39 CHD-associated SNPs were identified. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, ME-Egger regression, and weighted median method were used to estimate causality. In addition, sensitivity methods, including the heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out method, were applied to ensure the robustness of causal estimation.ResultsBased on the MR-Egger regression intercept test results, there did not appear to be any horizontal pleiotropy in this study (MDD: intercept = -0.0000376, P = 0.9996; CHD: intercept = -0.0002698, P = 0.920). Accordingly, IVW results suggested consistent estimates of causal effect values. The results showed that people with MDD increased the risk of CHD by 14.7% compared with those without MDD (OR = 1.147, 95%CI: 1.045–1.249, P = 0.009). But there was no direct evidence that CHD would increase the risk of MDD(OR = 1.008, 95%CI: 0.985–1.031, P = 0.490). The heterogeneity test and funnel plot showed no heterogeneity in 47 SNPs of MDD (Q = 42.28, {I}^{2}=0, P = 0.629), but there was heterogeneity in 39 SNPs of CHD (Q = 62.48, {I}^{2}=39.18%, P = 0.007). The leave-one-out method failed to identify instances where a single SNP was either biased toward or dependent on the causation.ConclusionOur study supports a one-way causal relationship between MDD and CHD, but there is no bidirectional causal relationship. MDD increases the risk of CHD, but there is no evidence that CHD increases the risk of MDD. Therefore, the influence of psychological factors should also be considered in the prevention and treatment of CHD. For MDD patients, it is necessary to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Pengaruh Perilaku Konsumen Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Kue Khas Ternate (Bagea, Makron dan Roti Kenari)

The purpose of this study is to know and analyze: (1)The influence of cultural factors on buying decisions typical ofTernate; (2) The influence of social factors on the purchase decisionof the typical cake of Ternate; (3) The influence of personal factorson buying decisions typical of Ternate; (4) Influence ofpsychological factor to decision of purchasing cake typical ofTernate; and (5) The influence of cultural, social, personal andpsychological factors on the buying decision of Ternate cakessimultaneously.Methodology: The test equipment used is multiple regressionanalysis using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) as astatistical test tool. The number of samples of the study were 100consumers.Finding: H1, H2, H3, H5, and H5 are accepted at the 5%confidence level.Conclusion: The results showed that: (1) Cultural factors (X1) havea positive and significant effect partially on the purchase decision oftypical cakes ternate. These results are based on t arithmetic valuesgreater than t table values and smaller significance values thanalpha; (2) Social factors (X2) have a positive and partially significanteffect on buying decision of typical cakes of ternate. This result isbased on a larger F count value and a smaller significance valuethan the alpha value; (3) Personal factors (X3) have a positive andpartially significant effect on buying decision of Ternate typical cake.This result is based on a larger F count value and a smallersignificance value than the alpha value; (4) psychological c factors(X4) have a positive and partially significant effect on buyingdecision of Ternate typical cake. This result is based on a larger Fcount value and a smaller significance value than the alpha value;and (5) Cultural factors, social factors, personality factors, andpsychological factors have a positive and significant influencesimultaneously on the decision to purchase a typical cake Ternate.

Bibliometric Analysis: Psychology in Sport

Psychology in sport is a rapidly growing field that examines the influence of psychological factors on athletic performance and overall well-being. Research in this field has identified a range of psychological factors that can impact an athlete's performance, including motivation, self-confidence, anxiety, attention, and goal-setting. This paper aims to do a systematic review using a bibliometric meta-analysis, regarding the role of emotion in sport and identify avenues for future studies. Scopus database was used in the data-gathering phase. PRISMA approach and keyword search were extracted and analyzed. The research resulted in 1906 articles combinations of the following keywords: ‘psychology’, ‘in’, and ‘sports. This bibliographic data of articles published in the journals over the three years (2020-2023) were extracted. VOS viewer was used to analyzing the data contained in all artciles which published in English language. Thus, in this article four items was analysed such as year of publication, subject area, countries, afilition and more related with article publication. While the findings show that the utilization and acknowledgment psychology in sport effects the performance of the athletes. Furthermore, data showed psychology is an essential skill for athletes to deliver the best achievement. Moreover, researchers should examine the relationship between types of sports and effects of psychology in sport.

Bifurcation analysis of an SIS epidemic model with a generalized non-monotonic and saturated incidence rate

In this paper, a new generalized non-monotonic and saturated incidence rate was introduced into a susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) epidemic model to account for inhibitory effect and crowding effect. The dynamic properties of the model were studied by qualitative theory and bifurcation theory. It is shown that when the influence of psychological factors is large, the model has only disease-free equilibrium point, and this disease-free equilibrium point is globally asymptotically stable; when the influence of psychological factors is small, for some parameter conditions, the model has a unique endemic equilibrium point, which is a cusp point of co-dimension two, and for other parameter conditions the model has two endemic equilibrium points, one of which could be weak focus or center. In addition, the results of the model undergoing saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation as the parameters vary were also proved. These results shed light on the impact of psychological behavior of susceptible people on the disease transmission.

ANALISIS FAKTOR – FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PERILAKU KONSUMEN TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN LAPTOP

The goal to be achieved in this study is to determine the factors that influence consumer behavior on laptop purchasing decisions for Bina Darma University Palembang students. The variables examined in this study are cultural factors, social factors, personal factors, and psychological factors. This type of research uses quantitative methods. Data processing uses SPSS (software package f for t the social science). This study uses hypotheses tests, namely the objective test and the f test as a tool to find out whether cultural factors, social factors, personality factors, and psychological factors influence or do not influence purchasing decisions either partially or simultaneously. Based on the results of the study, t shows that partially cultural factors t counts (2.131) &gt; | t table (1,985)| This shows that there is a significant influence of cultural factors on purchasing decisions and the P value is 0.036 &lt; 0.05. social factors partially t count (2,677) &gt; | t table (1,985)| so this shows that there is a significant influence of social factors on purchasing decisions and the P value is 0.009 &lt; 0.05. personality factor partially t count (2,526) &gt; | t table (1,985)| This shows that the significant influence of personality factors on purchasing decisions and p-value 0.013 &lt; 0.05. Psychological factors partially t count (6.711) &gt; | t table (1,985)| se so that this shows that there is a significant influence of psychological factors on purchasing decisions and the value of the p value is 0.000 &lt; 0.05. Simultaneously, the results of the analysis show that the value of F counts (117,659) &gt; | F table (5,666)| is so that the hypothesis is accepted and the value of the P value is 0.000 &lt; 0.05 is so that cultural, social, personality, and psychological simultaneously have a significant effect on purchasing decisions.

Factors associated with post-stroke social participation: A quantitative study based on the ICF framework.

Post-stroke social participation is a major determinant of quality of life and life satisfaction. However, few data relating to participation determinants are available, especially the influence of psychological factors and factors related to the living environment. This study investigated determinants of post-stroke social participation within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. We contacted people with stroke who had been hospitalized in the Rhône County, included in a previous cohort study, were aged ≥18 years and were not institutionalized. The primary outcome was social participation measured with the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 2.0. We performed multiple hierarchical linear regressions to test the following predictors: clinical factors (stroke-related variables, limitations in Activities of Daily Living [ADL]/Instrumental ADL), personal factors (sociodemographic factors, coping strategies) and environmental factors (satisfaction with social relationships and living environment). Among the 352 participants, 63% were men, and mean age was 68.7(SD 14.5) years. In the last multivariate model, variables associated with higher levels of social participation were the use of the positive thinking coping strategy (B (SD)=1.17(0.52), p=0.03), higher perceived satisfaction with the living environment (B (SD)=0.17(0.07), p=0.03) and fewer perceived activity limitations (B (SD)=0.55 (0.06), p<0.001). Conversely, the seeking social support coping style (B (SD)= -1.98 (0.60), p=0.001), and a higher number of stroke-related sequelae (B (SD)= -1.93(0.53), p=0.001) were associated with lower social participation. The identification of potentially modifiable personal and environmental factors that influence social participation provides elements to strengthen existing rehabilitation programs and opens the way for possible psychosocial interventions.

ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ФАКТОРЫ, ОБУСЛАВЛИВАЮЩИЕ УСПЕШНОСТЬ РЕАБИЛИТАЦИИ СПОРТСМЕНОВ С ТРАВМАМИ КОНЕЧНОСТЕЙ

The article discusses the specifics of the mental health of athletes in a situation of injury, their rehabilitation and the possible influence of psychological factors on the success of the recovery process. The analysis of studies shows that psychological factors are taken into account less likely when assessing the success of rehabilitation of athletes, although it is due to these factors that a faster and optimal return to sports activity can be ensured, and accordingly the adaptation of an athlete in changed conditions. Most of the reseachers devoted to the analysis of factors of successful rehabilitation and the state of mental health of athletes after a limb injury discuss these factors from the perspective of a model of returning to competitive activity. One of the most complete models is the model for predicting repeated sports injuries by A. Christakou, N.A. Stavrou et al.. Among the psychological factors, there is a fear of repeated injury, self-doubt during the competition, increased concentration on their feelings in the injured limb, the specifics of the injury itself. In addition, the authors note such factors as increased personal anxiety, low self-esteem, high sports identity, kinesiophobia, which determine the specifics of athletes' mental health. Conducted meta-analytical studies on the success of rehabilitation of athletes show that among the negative factors, there are such as: disappointment, increased anxiety, fear, reduced motivation. Maladaptive coping strategies also lead to the fact that an athlete has difficulties during the recovery process and when returning to training and sports activities. The lack of a sense of control, negative expectations from interaction with the medical staff, assessment of support from relatives and friends as insufficient also less likely contributes to the positive dynamics of the athlete's rehabilitation.

Pengaruh Psychological Factors, Financial Literacy, dan Paylater Misuse terhadap Compulsive Buying pada Pengguna Aplikasi Paylater di Jabodetabek

The increasing trend of online shopping through e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic is also supported by the development of digital payment method, one of which is paylater. Paylater allows consumers to buy now and pay later in monthly installments. Paylater growth in Indonesia can encourage the development of the digital economy and is in line with sustainable development goals (SDGs) number 8, namely increasing inclusive and sustainable economic growth. However, if not controlled, the use of paylaters actually risks triggering compulsive buying behavior and increasing the amount of debt owned by consumers. This research aims to analyze the characteristics of paylater users in Jabodetabek, analyze the influence of psychological factors and financial literacy toward paylater misuse, and analyze the influence of psychological factors, financial literacy, and paylater misuse toward compulsive buying behavior. The sample of this research was 275 respondents of paylater users in Jabodetabek. The research sample was determined using the non-probability sampling method, types convenience sampling and quota sampling. Furthermore, the research results were analyzed using descriptive analysis and Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results of this research show that psychological factors, financial literacy, and Paylater misuse hAVE a positive and significant effect on compulsive buying.

Mental Health of the Individual in the Conditions of Martial Law

The article presents the results of a study of the peculiarities of the mental health of an individual in the conditions of martial law. The article describes the main factors of the military state that cause mental injuries and their psychological consequences for military personnel. Some aspects of human behavior in emergency situations and military operations are distinguished. The positive, neutral and negative vectors of the influence of psychological factors of war on the participants of the war were identified and their content was revealed. The relevance of the study is determined by the course of recent events in Ukraine, in particular, Russia's wars against the Ukrainian people. The adaptive and maladaptive factors of the nature of adaptive psychological qualities that are formed in combatants in the conditions of military affairs as aspects of the neuropsychological manifestation of personality are characterized. The situation of the psychological return of combatants to peaceful living conditions was separately considered and the need to organize appropriate measures for social and psychological rehabilitation was substantiated. Data on foreign approaches and experience of such rehabilitation of war veterans are presented. Current problems of psychological diagnosis of combat post-traumatic stress disorder are considered. The importance of the formation of mental health during the war is emphasized. The purpose of the article is to study the mental health of an individual in the conditions of martial law as an aspect of neuropsychological perception of reality. In the research process, the method of analysis, synthesis, research and scientific method was used. The result of the study is the determination of the characteristics of the neuropsychological state of the individual in the conditions of martial law.

How Behavioral and Psychological Factors Influence STEM Performance in K-12 Schools: A Mediation Model

How Behavioral and Psychological Factors Influence STEM Performance in K-12 Schools: A Mediation Model

Substance use: comparison between the pandemic period and post-pandemic

IntroductionSubstance abuse is a pattern of compulsive substance use that is accompanied by repeated substantial interpersonal, social, professional, or legal negative effects, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, or marital issues.ObjectivesThe study aims to show the influence of psychological factors among the consumption of alcohol in the general population.Methods A retrospective study that was conducted at the “Elisabeta Doamna” Psychiatry hospital of Galati, Romania. The study shows the fluctuations in hospital admissions of patients with alcohol related disorders in the period November 2020 till September 2022.ResultsThe study was conducted to show the difference in the number of admissions before and after the date of 1st March 2022, which is the date when the authorities in Romania have lifted the restrictions that were implemented to reduce the spread of Covid_19 virus. The number of total cases in the period between the 1st of November 2020 and 28th of February 2022 were 672 patients, from which 518 patients were males from Urban areas. In the period between the 1st March 2022 and the 1st of September 2022, the number of patients that were admitted due to substance use were 232 cases. This shows a significant decrease in the number of admissions that can be related to the decrease of psychological stressing factors that were accompanied with the restriction measure of the pandemic.ConclusionsOverall, the results of this retrospective study suggest that the prevalence of adult substance use has declined with the decrease of the restriction measures that were imposed by the authorities. Monitoring and ongoing surveillance of substance use will be necessary over the years following the pandemic.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Associations between psychological factors, pressure pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation and disability in (sub)-acute low back pain: a three-month follow-up study

ABSTRACT Background The clinical presentation and pain experience of patients with (sub)-acute low back pain ((S)ALBP) can strongly vary in clinical practice. However, despite growing evidence that psychological factors are associated with disability in chronic pain conditions including low back pain, studies examining the influence of psychological factors, quantitative sensory testing (QST) (i.e. pressure pain thresholds (PPTs)) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) on future disability are still lacking in (S)ALBP. Objective This prospective cohort study aims to determine associations between baseline psychological factors, PPTs and CPM in (S)ALBP and disability after 3 months. Methods Fifty-two patients with (S)ALBP underwent a baseline PPT evaluation in rest and during a CPM protocol. Patients were asked to fill in self-report questionnaires: the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and the Illness Perception Questionnaire – Brief version (IPQ-B). At 3-month follow-up, participants were asked to fill in the QBPDS again. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine associations between baseline factors and disability at follow-up. Results Thirty-eight patients participated at follow-up. Because of the multicollinearity issue, the TSK score was selected for analyses and the PCS and IPQ-B score were excluded from the model. No significant associations between baseline factors and disability at follow-up were found. Conclusion Neither baseline psychological factors nor PPTs or CPM in (S)ALBP were significantly associated with disability after 3 months. Our multiple linear regression analysis was likely underpowered to detect significant associations.

The Influence of Emotional and Cognitive Factors on Limb Laterality Discrimination in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study Secondary Analysis

Previous scientific evidence has shown that patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have alterations in the body schema. There have also been findings regarding the influence of psychological factors on pain, as well as evidence that patients with FMS have difficulty performing laterality discrimination tasks. The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether emotional and cognitive factors influence the limb laterality discrimination task in women with FMS. Seventeen of the participants were healthy female controls, and the other seventeen were women diagnosed with FMS. The main outcome measures were laterality discrimination, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, pain catastrophizing, and fear-related movement. The main analysis showed that patients with FMS had longer reaction times for laterality discrimination in hands (hand 20 images, p &lt; 0.031; hands 50 images p &lt; 0.013). In the secondary analysis, FMS patients showed emotional (anxiety (p &lt; 0.0001); depression (p &lt; 0.0001)) and cognitive (pain catastrophizing (p &lt; 0.0001); fear-related movement (p &lt; 0.0001)) disorders compared with healthy subjects. There was no correlation between limb laterality discrimination and psychological variables. In conclusion, patients with FMS showed impaired laterality discrimination, but psychological variables were not influenced. This could be due to the implicit nature of the task.

Determinants of Financial Risk Tolerance: An Analysis of Psychological Factors

Financial risk tolerance is a complex process that goes beyond the exclusive use of demographic characteristics. Despite the necessity of developing a comprehensive financial risk tolerance measurement model, the psychological factors that might be important have been long overlooked. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of psychological factors on financial risk tolerance level. The sample (n = 1204) comprises university students from different parts of Malaysia. Significant financial risk tolerance differences are found as a function of gender and race. Students with high financial risk tolerance (FRT) are found to be positively correlated with the propensity for regret, the propensity for trust, the propensity to attribute success to luck, the propensity for overconfidence, and the propensity for social interaction, but not with happiness in life. These findings highlight the importance of individual propensities in assessing the financial risk tolerance level of a person. This study will act as an aid to financial advisors in understanding the behavior and attitudes of their clients.

Paying for sustainable food choices: The role of environmental considerations in consumer valuation of insect-based foods

Substituting conventional animal protein sources with insects is increasingly seen as a strategy for reducing the environmental footprint of modern diets. Nonetheless, insects remain highly contentious and tend to provoke disgust in Western populations. Few studies have explored consumer attitudes towards insect-based foods (IBFs) in the UK. This paper profiles UK consumers in terms of beliefs and attitudes towards IBFs, and explores the impact environmental information has on the valuation of IBFs. Besides demographic characteristics, the influence of psychological factors (food neophobia, eco-consciousness, and perceptions of personal agency over environmental problems) on willingness to pay for IBFs were examined. Participants (N = 248), half of whom received an informational briefing on the environmental advantages of IBFs, completed an online survey and choice experiment featuring cricket powder and pork-based sausages. Exposure to the information treatment resulted in consistently higher valuations of cricket-containing sausages, although the price penalties assigned to IBFs remained substantial in most cases. Being high in eco-consciousness and perceived agency and low in food neophobia correlated with higher valuations of IBFs. The results of this study highlight the challenges associated with expanding the edible insect market in Western countries, as well as the opportunity for education to help promote the uptake of IBFs.