Major Constructs Research Articles

An experiment with the minor geographies of major cities: Infrastructural relations among the fragments

Research on urban water infrastructures has seldom reached across the Global North-South divide owing to their apparent developmental incommensurability. Yet, the universalising tendencies of urban theory has meant that cities of the Global South are often deemed to have ‘fragmented’ infrastructures or incomplete circulations in implicit comparison to the northern infrastructural ideal. So, in order to truly ‘world’ the study of infrastructures and cities, it is important to go beyond these dominant paradigms and attend to how infrastructures actually work and what socio-technical implications they have in cities of the Global South and North. Building on these provocations, this paper places the water infrastructures of two ‘most different cities’– Chennai, India and London, UK – alongside each other in ‘experimental comparison’, where the aim is not to arrive at paradigmatic urban theory but to highlight heterogeneity and excavate themes for further critical thinking on each case. This paper will delineate the dialogic and reflexive method of research and analysis adopted, tracing how it led to the practice of ‘minor theory’, which focuses on processes that do not find expression in dominant universalising analyses. Here, minor theory is mobilised towards challenging dominant or major constructs about each city and across cities, while amplifying urban multiplicities and enabling a deeper engagement with infrastructure making in the Global South and North, thus expanding urban studies’ toolbox of critical thinking.

What motivates consumers to be in line with online shopping?: a systematic literature review and discussion of future research perspectives

PurposeThis study conducts a systematic literature review to synthesize the extant literature primarily on “online shopping consumer behavior” and to gain insight into “What drives consumers toward online shopping”.Design/methodology/approachThe authors followed guidelines for systematic literature reviews with stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review is based on 79 research papers published from 2000 to 2020 in 21 reputed peer-reviewed international journals. The papers were analyzed and synthesized based on their defining characteristics, methodologies, major constructs and themes addressed.FindingsThe literature synthesis indicated that consumers have to make a trade-off between 11 perceived benefits and six perceived sacrifices to improve their net perceived value before making the final decision to adopt online shopping. It is important to decode these factors as they could improve both the functional and recreational value of the shopping experience for online consumers, resulting in an improvement in conversion rates from a prospect to the final purchase at e-stores. This could improve turnover as well as profits for the e-tailers.Originality/value This study pioneers to consolidate these factors through the lens of the value adoption model. This study also suggests insightful directions for further research perspectives in the online context from both consumers' and retailers' perspectives.

Access, Efficiency, Inconvenience, and Scarcity as Issues of Online and Distance Learning in Higher Education

<p style="text-align: justify;">This study aimed to explore online and distance learning (ODL) issues related to higher education during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nepal. We applied an online survey design with a five-point Likert scale. We surveyed 71 (57 male and 14 female) postgraduate students in science education at a public higher education institution in Kathmandu, Nepal. A Principal Component Analysis identified four major constructs as the components of ODL issues. They are scarcity, efficiency, access, and inconvenience. The results of the Independent Samples Test (t-test and ANOVA) showed that participants' views about scarcity were significantly different across their gender (male and female) and device use (mobile, laptop, and desktop). They were not significantly different in their views about efficiency, access, and inconvenience across gender, device use, hometown, age group, ethnicity, and school type at .05 level of significance.</p>

Explaining variance in breastfeeding intentions and behaviors among a cohort of Midwest mothers using a theory of planned behavior-based structural model

BackgroundThe Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has guided the investigation of breastfeeding since the 1980’s, incorporating the major constructs of attitudes, subjective norms/normative beliefs, perceived behavioral control, and intentions. The purpose of this research study was to define a TPB-based structural latent variable model so as to explain variance in breastfeeding intentions and behaviors among a cohort of Midwest breastfeeding mothers.MethodsThe longitudinal descriptive study utilized questionnaire data collected from a convenience sample of 100 women with low-risk pregnancies with the intention to breastfeed at three separate time points (> 30 weeks antepartum, 10 and 60 days postpartum). Data were coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS, SAS and the lavaan package in R.ResultsParticipants were predominantly White (94%, n = 94), married (95%, n = 95), college-educated (96%, n = 96), and had previous breastfeeding experience (75%, n = 75). The majority gave birth vaginally (79%, n = 75). Varimax analysis revealed a plurality of factors within each domain. Attempts to fit a structural model, including both hierarchical and bi-factor latent variables, failed, revealing a lack of statistical significance and poor fit statistics.Conclusion(s)These findings illustrate the importance of using methods that fit the phenomena explained. Contributors to poor model fit may include outdated tools lacking cultural relevance, a change in social norms, or a failure to capture the possible influence of social media and formula marketing on breastfeeding behaviors. The null finding is a significant finding, indicating the need to revisit and refine the operationalization and conceptual underpinnings of the TPB through qualitative methods such as exploring the lived experiences of breastfeeding women in the Midwest region.

Practicum student perceptions of major constructs of ECE classroom-based field experiences: relationships, fit, learning, efficacy, and satisfaction

ABSTRACT Teacher Preparation Programs (TPPs) support the development of a high-quality, effective workforce. Although increasing attention from education researchers has centered on the quality of ECE programming for children, fewer studies have been conducted on TPPs that support the development of the workforce who staff many of these programs. The current paper describes a data collection process focused on classroom-based Fin one TPP and presents examples of descriptive data from practicum students on major constructs related to classroom-based field experiences, including: relationships and fit with mentor teacher; perspectives on how classroom-based field experiences contribute to learning and align with coursework; perceived teaching efficacy; and satisfaction with classroom-based field experiences. These constructs are aligned with competencies from related ECE professional organizations to underscore their relevance to the development of effective, high-quality teachers. The guiding framework; research design and procedures; key findings; and data utilization and implications for classroom-based field experiences within ECE TPPs are presented and discussed. Areas for future research are also highlighted.

Spatial relationships between NDVI and topographic factors at multiple scales in a watershed of the Minjiang River, China

Improvement in vegetation cover in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River protects major freshwater sources and constructs ecological barriers in the upstream of Yangtze River located in southwest China. However, the spatially varying relationships between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and topographic factors at multiple scales remain unclear. In this study, the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (2D-DWT) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were combined to build a framework for examining the complex spatial relationships between NDVI and topographic factors at multiple scales. Based on the gridded datasets of NDVI and digital elevation model (DEM) of a small watershed located in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River situated in southwest China, the influence of topographic factors on NDVI variation in each grid and which topographic variables correlated most with the NDVI at each location were analyzed in this study. The grid data were decomposed into smooth and detail components using 2D-DWT. The results revealed that elevation, slope, and aspect exhibited different scale effects on NDVI in different wavelet components. In the smooth components, the spatial correlation of NDVI with elevation, slope, and south-facing index (SFI) of aspect increased with the decomposition scale, whereas topographic factors had different degrees of influence on NDVI. Elevation was found to be the most important topographic factor that determined the spatial distribution of NDVI on both sides of the valley, and SFI exhibited the highest effect on NDVI when elevation was higher than 2500 m. In the detail components, the spatial distribution of the most important topographic factor affecting the NDVI was not evident at a smaller scale, whereas it became obvious at 480 m scale. SFI was found to be more important than elevation and slope at a larger scale. These results will help in understanding the complex relationship between NDVI and topographic factors and determining the appropriate topographic location for ecological restoration.

Impact of trust and knowledge in the food chain on motivation-behavior gap in green consumption

The motivations and barriers of the actual green purchase behavior are as real as the product itself, which makes it a systematic process to examine the inconsistency between consumers' motivations and their actual behavior (motivation-behavior gap). The study aimed to clarify the direct and indirect effects of motivations on the purchase behavior of green food. The proposed conceptual model was adopted from the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) framework and was extended by adding the serial mediation of consumer perceived knowledge and trust as major constructs. Data were collected from 1788 consumers in China. Results provided support for the model and showed that perceived knowledge about the food supply chain could be both barrier and a positive factor of consumers’ purchase behavior, which mainly depends on the trade-off between certification and planting knowledge. Differences in trust exist and consumers hold authorities and certification bodies more accountable than farmers and retailers. For the direct effects, food safety concern is positively associated with behavior, whereas environmental concern is not. Policymakers shall use the results to narrow the motivation-behavior gap, especially for emerging economies.

Over half a century of strategic planning performance research – what have we been missing?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of literatures and previous studies on the relationship between strategic planning and performance and propose conceptual designs and hypotheses using multidimensional constructs to advance the understanding of this relationship, contribute to existing debates in the extant literature and make recommendations.Design/methodology/approachA semi-systematic literature and previous studies (studied by various groups of researchers within diverse disciplines) review approach has been used in this paper to contribute to the debate on whether strategic planning affects performance and how. Using more recent knowledge about the strategic planning concept, the semi-systematic review looked at how research within strategic planning has progressed over the past five decades and its relationship with performance.FindingsIn the past, the strategic planning performance relationship has been treated as a black box and this paper proposes that the conceptualisation of a number of constructs and the inclusion of strategy implementation will help converting the black box into a white box. To strengthen support for the debate regarding the relationship between strategic planning and performance this paper proposes a further conceptual/operational design, mathematical expressions and hypotheses to be tested empirically in further studies. The proposal provides a conceptualisation of the major constructs (strategy development; strategy implementation; and performance), and the use of strategy implementation as a mediator and/or as a moderator in the planning performance relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited due to fact that the findings have not been tested empirically, it is not a cross-sectional and/or a longitudinal research and only a limited number of dimensions of strategy development and strategy implementation have been used. In addition, the approach used is a semi-systematic review followed by quantitative thinking, which, in turn, typically assumes the relevance of and a warrant mainly from a positivist epistemology.Originality/valueThe proposed design developed in this paper ensures that core issues in planning performance relationships research are addressed. Furthermore, the inclusion of strategy implementation in planning performance relationship studies means that the whole chain of activities in the strategy process is being considered, drawing a complete and comprehensive conclusion on how strategic planning affects an organisation’s performance. In addition, by separating strategy implementation and by not combining it with formulation/formation activities will theoretically and analytically help to evaluate the importance or role of each stage of the strategy process. Moreover, the conceptualisation and operationalisation of the key concepts as multidimensional constructs contribute to past research gaps. Finally, this paper provides some clarity to many contradictory findings concerning the strategic planning and performance relationship.

Technology Acceptance Model: A Case Study of Palm Vein Authentication Technology

Biometric authentication is a new technology that verifies an individual’ s identity via their unique physical or behavioural characteristics including Palm Vein or hand geometry. Despite its potential benefits and growing popularity in the public and private sectors, end-user adoption of the technology has been relatively slow. This study aims to investigate the major factors that influence Palm Vein biometric authentication devices through Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). In addition to the major TAM constructs, we postulate that the trust in the device, the users’perception of risks involved, their perceived enjoyment during device utilization and their innovative nature to have a significant influence on their final adoption behaviour. Data was collected from 100 voluntary participants by offering them a chance to interact with a palm vein scanner connected to a coffee machine which was used for access authentication. The goodness-of-fit of the data to the model is validated and the proposed model and the hypotheses are evaluated using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results confirm the influence of users’ risk perception, trust, and enjoyment factors on biometric technology adoption. Furthermore, this study shows that while risk perceptions and privacy concerns were found to be the primary hindrance to users’ intention to accept Palm Vein technology, building a sense of trust among its users and designing an endearing system has a substantial role in increasing their level of technology acceptance.

Motivators for learners of languages other than English in college elective courses in a monolingual social setting

Guided by the Second Language Motivational Self System (L2MSS) framework, this study examined to what extent the three L2MSS components of ideal self, ought-to self, and learning experience described the motivation of learners who chose to enroll in college elective courses of modern languages other than English (LOTEs) in the monolingual social setting of Taiwan. Questionnaire surveys were conducted at the end of two consecutive semesters and learners were interviewed. Triangulation of survey and interview data suggested that a positive learning experience was the strongest factor in motivating effort. Although some classroom factors were known, others worth further exploration in instructional settings were pointed out. The ought-to L2 self was found to be an insignificant predictor with questionable validity. Instead, academic responsibility and instrumentality proved more relevant factors in LOTE. Results on ideal self were less straightforward, suggesting that the ideal self for LOTEs may be qualitatively different from the English ideal self. Comparisons of data sets across time and learner groups indicated motivation did not change over time. By considering major L2MSS components and related constructs together, this study uncovered their relative adequacy in explaining LOTE motivation and suggested possible new perspectives for studying motivation in instructed LOTE acquisition.

Strategic positioning of tourist destinations- analyzing the role of perceived meaningfulness

This study analyzed the cognitive and affective components of destination image in the perception of foreign tourists visiting Indian destinations by exploring conceptual constructs, namely ‘Post-visit Destination Image’ and ‘Perceived Meaningfulness.’ The exploratory factor analysis of the responses of foreign tourists (n = 242) on items related to the major constructs significant in tourist behavior such as destination quality, perceived meaningfulness, and post-visit destination image confirmed the existence of multi-dimensional structure. Additionally, the empirical validation of the theoretical framework developed on the tenents of stimulus-organism-response paradigm with the constructs using structural equation modeling established significant relationships helpful to understand many new travel motivations. The study established that perceived meaningfulness has a significant mediating role in predicting tourist referral/revisit intentions from positive perceptions about destination quality and post-visit destination image. The observations from the study helped to identify six types of travel motivations useful in developing niche markets for positioning Indian destinations. The identified travel motivations, namely ‘physical meaningfulness seeking,’ ‘eternal meaningfulness seeking,’ social meaningfulness seeking,’ ‘nature-loving,’ ‘hospitality appreciating,’ and ‘uniqueness exploring,’ offer directions to destination marketers to revamp destination attributes for destination marketing.

The role of perceived social support in the theory of planned behavior in predicting entrepreneurial intention: Evidence from a Nigerian university

Despite the usefulness of the theory of planned behavior in predicting intention and behavior in different domains, the sufficiency of its use in predicting and determining intention has been debated by many scholars. This paper extended the theory of planned behavior by including social support as a possible determinant of intention in the entrepreneurship domain while looking at one of the largest universities in Nigeria. Data were collected from 432 final year students of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria using a simple random sampling technique. Structural equation modeling was adopted using partial least square technique for data analysis. Perceived social support, attitude towards entrepreneurship, and perceived behavioral control all were found to have a significant effect on entrepreneurial intention, while subjective norms had an insignificant effect. The study found perceived social support to be an important social influence factor in the theory of planned behavior because of its influence on entrepreneurial intention. Hence, perceived social support is recommended to be included as a major construct in the theory of planned behavior.

Sustainability, Efficiency, and Competitiveness in Rail Mobility: The ADIF-Spain Case Study

This work aims to propose alternatives to the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Model from the perspectives of sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness, with an application to the railway sector in Spain. Concerning improvement factors, a retroactive analysis is based on a second-degree confirmatory factorial analysis, suggesting a new grouping of factors. With respect to the transformation process, a systemic proposal of seven cross-cutting elements (Integral Framework for Transformation into Outstanding Organizations) is presented, providing a sequence of reflection and action initiatives to successfully address the current environmental sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness challenges in the railway sector through a case study, ADIF (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias). The proposal for this Integrated Framework for The Transformation of Organizations is carried out to consolidate the EFQM Model, not only as a management evaluation tool, but also as a quality of management and sustainability instrument, increasing its role as a driving mechanism for actions that generate an effective improvement and transformation in an organization dedicated to mobility. The confirmation of all the hypotheses related to the relationship between Leadership and Strategy, on the one hand explanations., and People, Alliances and Resources, and Processes on the other, along with the four Criteria of Results (People, Clients, Society, and Key Results), allows for the proposal of an EFQM Model that evolves around three major constructs: Guidance, Action, and Feedback. The implications of this work focus on three areas: (1) theoretical, as it is the first analysis of this magnitude to be performed in literature; (2) research, as it opens new hypotheses for contrasting with other organizations in the sector; and (3) management, as it proposes a sustainable organizational and business model.

Conceptualizing breakthrough pain

The concept of breakthrough pain (BTP) is examined through the development of a conceptual model with a long-term goal of positively impacting the management of chronic pain patients who experience BTP when hospitalized. The model is based on a 2008 Health Economic Model of Breakthrough Pain developed by Abernethy, Wheeler, and Fortner, which will be referred to as the parent model. The conceptual model of BTP, titled, Novel Conceptual Model of Breakthrough Pain (NCMBP) shares a similar structure in regards to the relationships of major constructs. Like the parent model, the NCMBP is based on three major constructs which are analyzed and explained further with associated concepts. The NCMBP is primarily concerned with the importance of a pain management plan and the endpoint result of patient-perceived analgesia. The NCMBP is viewed as a necessary foundation for continuing safe and effective pain management in the setting of a current opioid overdose epidemic in the United States. The structure and conceptual relationships of the NCMBP are preliminary and will continue to undergo revision as conduction of research is attempted to test the model.

How Does the Facilitation Effort of Clinical Educators Interact With Aspects of Organizational Context to Affect Research Use in Long-term Care? Evidence From CHAID Analysis.

Organizational context influences the effect of facilitation efforts on research use in care settings. The interactions of these factors are complex. Therefore, the use of traditional statistical methods to examine their interrelationships is often impractical. Big Data analytics can automatically detect patterns within the data. We applied the chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithm and classification tree technique to explore the dynamic and interdependent relationships between the implementation science concepts-context, facilitation, and research use. Observational, cross-sectional study based on survey data collected from a representative sample of nursing homes in western Canada. We assessed three major constructs: (a) Conceptual research utilization (CRU) using the CRU scale; (b) facilitation of research use measured by the frequency of contacts between the frontline staff and a clinical educator, or person who brings new ideas to the care unit; and (c) organizational context at the unit level using the Alberta Context Tool (ACT). CHAID analysis was performed to detect the interactions between facilitation and context variables. Results were illustrated in a classification tree to provide a straightforward visualization. Data from 312 care units in three provinces were included in the final analysis. Results indicate significant multiway interactions between facilitation and various aspects of the organizational context, including leadership, culture, evaluation, structural resources, and organizational slack (staffing). Findings suggested the preconditions of the care settings where research use can be maximized. CHAID analysis helped transform data into usable knowledge. Our findings provide insight into the dynamic relationships of facilitators' efforts and organizational context, and how these factors' interplay and their interdependence together may influence research use. Knowledge of the combined effects of facilitators' efforts and various aspects of organizational context on research use can contribute to effective strategies to narrow the evidence-practice gap in care settings.

A Community at Work for Good: The Role OCBs and Interconnectedness Play in Mitigating Workplace Deviance

The current research examines the role interconnectedness, a major construct of workplace spirituality, plays in the functioning of workplace deviance behaviors and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) in organizations. The dichotomy between workplace deviance and OCBs can be viewed as a continuum that varies in every organization, but the desire to improve the continuum’s balance remains a constant. Thus, how can the balance of these behaviors be guided towards OCBs and away from workplace deviance simultaneously? Rarely have suggestions been offered by management scholars on how to increase OCBs and reduce workplace deviance simultaneously. Previous recommendations on reducing workplace deviance have focused mostly on costly and inefficient activities, resulting in an increase in more diverse negative deviant behaviors. Thus, what can an organization do to positively change these behaviors in a low realized cost fashion that otherwise does not promote other negative deviant behaviors?
 An extensive literature search was performed, and no previous scholarly literature could be found that directly addressed interconnectedness and its relationship with the continuum of OCBs and negative workplace deviant behaviors. As a result, previous scholarly and practitioner literature was used to develop theory delineating the relationships of concern. Formal propositions are developed to describe the relationships of interest. A conceptual partially mediated model illustrating how interconnectedness can impact the OCB and workplace deviance continuum is also proposed. Organizational implications are also discussed.

A Sociotechnical Systems Analysis of Knowledge Management for Cybersecurity

Knowledge management (KM) is a tool to tackle cybersecurity issues, provided it emphasizes on the interrelated social, organizational, and technological factors involved in cybersecurity. This paper proposes a sociotechnical systems analysis framework of KM systems for cybersecurity. Specifically, it applies a sociotechnical systems approach to investigation of constructs of KM systems for cybersecurity and identifies five major constructs of KM systems for cybersecurity: roles of KM in cybersecurity, organizational framework of KM for cybersecurity, cybersecurity analytics process, tools of KM for cybersecurity, and system architecture of KM for cybersecurity. The five constructs in the proposed sociotechnical systems analysis framework are analyzed. The paper makes contribution to the growing information systems literature by presenting a special case of sociotechnical systems analysis. The sociotechnical systems analysis framework provides guidelines for the development of KM systems for cybersecurity in organizations.

A multivariate regression approach toward prioritizing BIM adoption barriers in the Ethiopian construction industry

PurposeBuilding information modeling (BIM) is a process of creating an intelligent virtual model integrating project data from design to construction and operation. BIM models enhance the process of communicating the progress of construction to stakeholders and facilitate integrated project delivery, coordination and clash detection. However, barriers within the construction industry in Ethiopia has led to slow BIM adoption in the country. The aim of this paper is to identify perceived BIM barriers, provide a platform to quantify their importance and develop a regression model to link individual's personal/professional attributes to their perception of BIM barrier.Design/methodology/approachTo address the objectives of this research, an online survey was developed to collect feedback from construction professionals in Ethiopia on 20 major adoption barriers extracted from a thorough review of literature. Relative importance index and strength of consensus metric were employed to identify the significance of barriers. This was then succeeded by performing exploratory factor analysis to determine the major constructs of BIM barriers which was then used to develop a multivariate regression model linking respondents' personal attributes to their perception of BIM barrier.FindingsResults revealed the importance of project complexity and BIM maturity level in prioritizing barriers that are more relevant under various contexts. More specifically, results indicated the following study highlights: Project complexity led to higher perceived weights for lack of appropriate physical/cloud infrastructures, and a BIM standard. Higher levels of BIM maturity signified the importance of BIM internal issues such as liability, licensing and maintenance issues among other adoption barriers. Female participants tended not to consider intangibility of BIM benefits as a major barrier towards BIM adoption compared to male participants. Age of the participants turned out to be the least important factor in their prioritization of BIM perceived adoption barriers.Originality/valueWhile many research studies have explored BIM adoption barriers in various countries around the world, none to the best of the authors' knowledge have attempted to develop a model to highlight the impact of individuals' personal/professional attributes on their perception of adoption barriers within their community which can help with prioritizing the barriers that are deemed to be more important given the characteristics of the community under study. Our result indicated the importance of BIM maturity level and project complexity in prioritizing barriers associated with BIM adoption within Ethiopia's construction industry.

Measuring epistemologies in science learning and teaching: A systematic review of the literature

AbstractPromoting understanding of the epistemologies of science has long been the primary objective in science education, and can be viewed as a form of science learning outcome. Many studies have attempted to understand learners' conceptions of epistemology in science from various perspectives and methods; however, no recent reviews have focused on the measurement of various constructs and variables of epistemologies of science. The main purpose of this review study is to understand how these epistemologies in science teaching and learning were measured, and to provide an overview of recent developments with respect to the measurement issue in the epistemology of science. We searched for articles that were published between 2010 and 2019 and retained 225 eligible studies passing all review criteria for inclusion in this review. Major constructs of epistemologies of science emerging from the studies include epistemic beliefs and views, nature of science, epistemic emotions, epistemic metacognition, epistemic practices, and epistemic resources. These constructs were further categorized into personal, productive, and practical epistemologies. Among these studies, most of the quantitative studies used questionnaires for measuring personal epistemologies, while only a few utilized close‐ended items. The majority of the studies adopting qualitative methods investigated personal epistemologies as well. Nevertheless, among studies of practical epistemologies, more studies adopted qualitative methods than quantitative methods. We summarize the characteristics and psychometric properties of the most frequently used quantitative research instruments. Examples of qualitative data collection and data analyses are provided. Relationships between epistemologies and science learning outcomes are discussed, and suggestions are made for future directions.

Differential Psychological Factors Associated With Unnecessary Dental Avoidance and Attendance Behavior During the Early COVID-19 Epidemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is challenging the dental community to an unprecedented degree. Knowledge of the increased risk of infection in dental settings has been disseminated to the public and guidelines have been formulated to assist dental attendance decision-making. However, dental attendance behaviors incompatible with treatment need is not uncommon in clinical settings. Important gaps remain in the knowledge about how psychological factors are affecting dental attendance behaviors during the COVID-19 epidemic. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was performed during February and March 2020. A total of 342 and 294 dental patients who attended and avoided dental visits, respectively, were included. The participants were classified into four groups based on dental attendance behavior and emergent/urgent dental treatment need. Bivariate analysis was performed to investigate factors associated with dental attendance. Multivariable logistic regression based on principal component scores was performed to identify major psychological constructs associated with unnecessary dental avoidance and attendance. Among all the factors explored, inability to wear masks during dental treatment (P < 0.001; effect size: 0.32) was most closely associated with the overall pattern of dental attendance among participants. Multivariable regression suggested that unnecessary dental avoidance was associated with perceived risk of infection in general and in dental settings (odds ratio [95% CI]: 0.62 [0.53, 0.72]; p < 0.001), perceived impact of COVID-19 and dental problems on general health (0.79 [0.65, 0.97]; 0.021), and personal traits such as trust and anxiety (0.77 [0.61, 0.98]; 0.038). Unnecessary dental attendance was associated with optimism toward the epidemic (1.68 [1.42, 2.01]; <0.001) and trust (1.39 [1.13, 1.74]; 0.002). Multidisciplinary efforts involving dental and medical professionals as well as psychologists are warranted to promote more widespread adoption, among the general public, of dental attendance behaviors compatible with dental treatment need during the COVID-19 epidemic.