People's Perceptions Research Articles

The effect of self-regulatory program based on Leventhal’s model on the illness perception and resilience of people with multiple sclerosis

The effect of self-regulatory program based on Leventhal’s model on the illness perception and resilience of people with multiple sclerosis

Comparative Perceptions Influence Actions on Climate Change Between Eastern and Western Europeans

Climate change is an important issue that countries worldwide are aware of and campaign to reduce. All parties must cooperate, whether the government, the private sector, individuals, etc. Many perception surveys have met the public's understanding and knowledge about climate change. Despite the odds, previous research supported environmental protection and sustainability in surveys, polls, and past research. However, the existing literary gap between intentions and actions and awareness and implementation has recently widened. The objectives of this research include comparing perceptions and climate change mitigation actions between Eastern and Western European countries because both regions are different, as well as searching for and comparing perceptions influencing climate change mitigation actions between them. The research adopts a quantitative methodology, emphasizing exploring secondary data from the European Investment Bank (EIB) climate change survey 2022–2023. It analyzed the data to compare the perceptions and actions of the two regions in mitigating climate change. The statistical tests included a t-test and stepwise multiple regression analysis to predict the influence of perceptions and actions on reducing climate change. The results showed that respondents' perceptions of climate change in Eastern and Western Europe were not significantly different. However, there was a significant difference in the number of reduction actions taken by Western Europeans compared to Eastern Europeans. Perceptions of climate change catastrophes and serious government mitigation actions positively influenced actions in Eastern Europe. This study found that businesses' attention to mitigation and their perception of the catastrophic effects of climate change positively influence mitigation actions in Western Europe. The recommendations guided governments, policymakers, and businesses to take action to reduce climate change, motivating people's adequate perceptions and actions. Stakeholders communicating climate change's impacts on catastrophe should present true information with honesty and transparency. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-03-03 Full Text: PDF

Does usage scenario matter? Investigating user perceptions, attitude and support for policies towards ChatGPT

ChatGPT's impressive performance enables users to increasingly apply it to a variety of scenarios. However, previous studies investigating people's perceptions or attitudes towards ChatGPT have not considered the effects of the usage scenario. This paper aims to extract the representative scenarios of ChatGPT, explore differences in user perceptions for each scenario, and provide a policy support model. We extracted five scenarios by collecting 50 open-ended responses from Mturk, including “Scenario 1: Daily life tasks,” “Scenario 2: Enhance efficiency (work and education purposes),” “Scenario 3: Replace manpower (work and education purposes),” “Scenario 4: Browsing and general information seeking,” “Scenario 5: Enjoyment.” Subsequently, we identified four key variables to be tested (i.e., information quality, perceived risk, attitude, and policy support), and classified usage scenarios into different categories according to the perception variables measured via an online survey (n = 514). Finally, we built a model including the four variables and tested it for each scenario. The results of this study provide deep insights into user perceptions towards ChatGPT in distinct scenarios.

INSULARITY, ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITIES AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN THE BLISS KASSA ISLANDS IN CASAMANCE (SENEGAL)

The relationship between the environment and societies is a complex one in terms of the way in which human communities interact with the environment. This relationship is characteristic of the different uses made of the areas in which they live. A segmented approach is therefore needed to understand how these areas are changing, hence the choice in this research to focus on small island areas in the Ziguinchor region of southern Senegal. The article looks at three main challenges identified in this area, including waste production and management, sea encroachment and salinisation. A qualitative approach was adopted in order to gather peoples perceptions and experiences of spatial change over time in relation to natural and anthropogenic dynamics, the consequences of these changes and related adaptation strategies. The results of the semi-structured interviews and focus groups show: firstly, a change in lifestyles and an excessive accumulation of plastic waste that popular recycling practices are unable to contain secondly, a loss of freshwater resources with the accelerated salinisation of groundwater and surface water thirdly, a decline in socio-economic living spaces with the advance of the sea, which also contributes to salinisation. The findings show that the people of Bliss Kassa are increasingly vulnerable, while the public systems in place to deal with these issues remain embryonic and largely outstripped by the pace of change.

Perceptual effect of color use in patient rooms

Messages are conveyed to users through every element within the space. People receive these messages through sense organs. People and space interact constantly because of the way that they perceive and transmit space. People also establish their action boundaries, identify their motivational criteria, and feel a sense of belonging to the place they experience as a result of this interaction. In this way, the location, with all of its characteristics, influences the mental health of those who inhabit it. The colors chosen for patient rooms have a significant impact on the emotional and mental health of the patients, given the medical procedures and rehabilitation programs that they undergo. Patients' healing processes may vary based on the physical characteristics of the environment in which they are situated. Hospitals are intricate functional structures, so specific design requirements should be established by assessing every department independently. The purpose of this study is to determine how people's perception of spatial quality in general patient rooms where two adults stay during treatment is affected by the use of color. In the research method, adjective pairs were determined in line with spatial quality in order to reveal the perceptual effect of color variables in patient rooms. The survey technique was applied according to this experimental design. By simulating the patient room- which was proposed as the study area- in a digital environment with a one-to-one scale, the colors identified as the dependent variable in the study's methodology were visualized independently. The survey technique was employed to ask questions about the perceptual effect of colors on people who have experienced patient rooms by using adjective pairs based on the spatial quality level. The orange color used in patient room interior design was found to be eye-catching, communication facilitator, inviting, pleasing, encouraging, and sincere, while the blue color was found to be comforting and refreshing, based on data acquired from the survey, which was administered to 168 people in total. Many spaces in hospital buildings serve a variety of purposes, and the patients who use these spaces have a range of needs. For this very reason, it is advised that these hospital units be included in the interior design process utilizing information supported by empirical research, with each space being specially designed to meet its unique requirements and functions.

Researching algorithm awareness: methodological approaches to investigate how people perceive, know, and interact with algorithms

ABSTRACT The ubiquity and pervasiveness of algorithms across various societal sectors entail risks and opportunities for individuals and social groups prompting critical reflection on how people perceive, understand, and interact with algorithms. This article conceptually addresses algorithm awareness, and methodologically provides a critical appraisal of research approaches for its study.

Vaccination Status, Vaccine Awareness and Attitudes, and Infection Control Behaviors of Japanese College Students: A Comparison of 2021 and 2023.

Background: Now that the spread of COVID-19 has been controlled, it is important to investigate changes in young people's perceptions of the vaccine and their behavior toward infection. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to investigate the association between Omicron strain vaccination rates among college students, their perceptions of the vaccine, and past adverse reactions to the vaccine; (2) to compare 2021 (when COVID-19 was spreading) and 2023 (when COVID-19 was strained) to identify changes in attitudes toward vaccination and motivations for vaccination and changes in infection prevention behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted via e-mail from 5 January to 30 January 2023. All students at Hiroshima University were sent an e-mail, which provided them access to the survey form and requested their cooperation. The questionnaire consisted of 33 items related to attributes, vaccination status, adverse reactions after vaccination, motivation for vaccination, perception of the vaccine, presence of coronavirus infection, sequelae, and infection prevention measures. Results: A total of 1083 students responded to the survey. Over 50% of the students were vaccinated with the Omicron booster. Regarding trust in vaccines, the majority of both male and female respondents said they had some trust in vaccines, although this was less than that observed in the 2021 survey. As for infection control measures, only 2% of males and 0.3% of females answered that they did not take any infection control measures. The most common response was "wear a mask", as in the 2021 survey, with 476 men (96.6%) and 575 women (99.5%). Conclusions: The survey showed a high Omicron-responsive vaccination rate of more than 50%. In addition, more than 99% of the students were found to be taking measures to prevent infection, such as wearing masks.

The Indonesian youth tourist motivation intention to visit Phuket: a post Covid-19 study with the moderating role of health risk using SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 1)

Purpose There are two goals for this study. Firstly, this study aims to understand the impact of various youth tourist motivations, such as Muslim amenities, Islamic product travel, attraction, perceived value and service quality, on the intention to visit Phuket. Secondly, this study aims to determine whether or not young people's perceptions of health risks influence their motivations and decisions to travel to Phuket in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative methodology, using nonprobability convenience sampling to collect responses from 249 Indonesian youths who intended to visit Phuket after the COVID-19 pandemic. Hayes' (2018) SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 1) was used to test the research model. Findings The findings showed that the intention to travel was significantly affected by factors such as Muslim amenities, Islamic product travel, attraction, perceived value and service quality. Furthermore, the perceived health risk moderated three dimensions of Islamic product travel, perceived value and service quality on intention to visit. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to a sample of Indonesian youth tourists and the impacts of motivation (Muslim amenities, Islamic product travel, attractiveness, perceived value and service quality) and the moderating influence of health risk on the desire to visit Phuket. Originality/value This study sheds insight into the influence of several young tourists' motives on the intention to visit Phuket and the moderating role of perceived health risks. The findings provide essential insights for marketing strategies and the development of the international destination. Specifically, the study suggests developing products with Islamic attributes, emphasising the attraction factor and improving perceived values. The study also provides a model that demonstrates how religious values can affect an individual's decision-making process.

Effects of diagnostic labels on perceptions of marginal cases of mental ill-health

Two experimental studies (Ns = 261, 684) investigated how diagnostic labels affect perceptions of people experiencing marginal levels of mental ill-health. These effects offer insight into the consequences of diagnostic “concept creep”, in which concepts of mental illness broaden to include less severe phenomena. The studies found consistent evidence that diagnostic labeling increases the perception that people experiencing marginal problems require professional treatment, and some evidence that it increases empathy towards them and support for affording them special allowances at work, school, and home. The studies also indicated that labels may reduce the control people are perceived to have over their problems and their likelihood of recovering from them. These findings point to the potential mixed blessings of broad diagnostic concepts and the cultural trends responsible for them. Expansive concepts may promote help-seeking, empathy, and support, but also undermine perceived agency and expectations that problems can be overcome.

A Mixed Methods Study of Barriers to Help-Seeking for Intimate Partner Aggression in the LGBTQIA+ Community.

People in the LGBTQIA+ community (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other gender/sexual minorities) experience greater rates of intimate partner aggression (IPA) than the general population and have fewer help-seeking pathways available. The current research examined the extent to which LGBTQIA+ people's perceptions of barriers to help-seeking were associated with perceptions of societal heteronormativity-the belief that being cisgender and heterosexual is the norm-and whether the source of support was formal (e.g., police, counselors) versus informal (e.g., friends, family). The current research was conducted in two parts. In the first part of the study (Study 1a), structural equation modeling indicated a significant positive association between perceived societal heteronormativity and self-focused barriers (e.g., feeling too ashamed or guilty to seek help) but not with other-focused barriers (e.g., expecting unfair treatment). Instead, LGBTQIA+ people perceived greater other-focused barriers when considering formal compared to informal sources of support. In the second part of the study (Study 1b), we interviewed 10 LGBTQIA+ people about barriers to help-seeking for IPA. A reflexive thematic analysis identified four themes: (1) Who can hold the status of being a "victim"?; (2) The heightened importance of autonomy; (3) Formal supports need LGBTQIA+ competency; and (4) Judged by the outside in. The themes illustrated unique barriers experienced by LGBTQIA+ people when judging possible harm, choosing whether to seek help, and actual help-seeking. Altogether, current help-seeking pathways for IPA are generally inaccessible to people in the LGBTQIA+ community. IPA interventions for the LGBTQIA+ community require awareness of stigma, improved education for informal and formal support pathways, and the development of community-led interventions.

Enhancing the Quality of Life for Santri: Management of Pesantren through the Strengthening of Clean and Healthy Living Culture

This research aims to analyze Islamic boarding school management based on strengthening a clean and healthy living culture to improve student's quality of life. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection was carried out through observations, interviews and document analysis. Data analysis includes data collection activities, reduction, presentation, and conclusion. Credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability tests are used to check the data's validity. The results of this research conclude that Islamic boarding school management based on strengthening a culture of clean and healthy living is carried out through systemic stages and processes so that it can improve the quality of life of students and the image of the institution while breaking negative assumptions that are often associated with Islamic boarding school life as a shabby and dirty institution and able to change people's views and perceptions about Islamic boarding schools in a more positive direction. This research implies that Islamic boarding school management based on a culture of clean and healthy living not only improves students' quality of life but also the institution's image as a whole.

Cautionary remarks on the planetary boundary visualisation

Abstract. The planetary boundary (PB) concept has captured attention across academia and the public alike. Its unique visual representation has been key to the development of the concept and its dissemination. In this commentary, we outline three areas of concern to facilitate further enhancement in the PB concept’s visualisation. First, the radial bar plot leads to a quadratic scaling of the effect sizes. Second, the colour gradations denoting the risk of each boundary transgression use complex non-linear patterns, which complicates interpretation. Third, non-linearly distorted colour scales and their fading make the visual perception for people suffering from colour-vision deficiency even more challenging or impossible. The conjunction of quadratic effect scaling and specific colour coding may unintentionally amplify the perception of high-risk areas. We recommend a careful revision of the visual language employed in PB communication. Addressing these concerns will make the PB visualisation a more accurate base for decision-makers.

Simulated fire video collection for advancing understanding of human behavior in building fires.

The goal of the present research was to develop a video collection of simulated fires to investigate how people perceive growing building fires. In fire safety science, a critical factor to occupant responses to building fires is the pre-movement period, determined by how long it takes an individual to initiate taking protective action with an incipient fire. Key to studying the psychological processes that contribute to the duration of the pre-movement period is presenting human subjects with building fires. One approach used in previous research is to present videos of building fires to individuals via scenarios. The numerical simulations used to model fire dynamics can be used to render videos for these scenarios. However, such simulations have predominantly been used in fire protection engineering to design buildings and are relatively inaccessible to social scientists. The present study documents a collection of videos, based on numerical simulations, which can be used by researchers to study human behavior in fire. These videos display developing fires in different types of rooms, growing at different rates, different smoke thickness, among other characteristics. As part of a validation study, participants were presented with subsets of the video clips and were asked to rate the perceived risk posed by the simulated fire. We observed that ratings varied by the intensity and growth rate of the fires, smoke opacity, type of room, and where the viewpoint was located from the fire. These effects aligned with those observed in previous fire science research, providing evidence that the videos could elicit perceived risk using fire simulations. The present research indicates that future studies can utilize the video library of fire simulations to study human perceptions of developing building fires as situational factors are systematically manipulated.

Social Understanding of Disability: Determinants and Levers for Action.

The prejudices often associated with the perception of people with disability can limit their access to the opportunities and resources available in society, leading them to live in a climate of great socio-economic uncertainty exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic. This research focuses on the perceptions of young people in France, defined as those aged between 18 and 30, towards people with disability. The study draws on the principles of social psychology to understand these perceptions, the factors that influence them and the most effective ways of promoting greater inclusion. A survey of 660 young people confirms that, despite recent progress, people with disabilities are still perceived as socially excluded. The results show that familiarity with disability, open-mindedness, the visibility of disability and the quality of interactions with people with disabilities have a strong influence on perceptions. To improve these perceptions, disability training and awareness raising are considered more effective than communication or positive discrimination measures. This research is the first to explore perceptions of disability among young people in France, with the potential to influence future behavior. It suggests ways to promote effective inclusive practices and support policies that encourage positive interactions with people with disabilities.

Examining the bi-directional temporal associations between perceived age-based discrimination and perceived neighborhood characteristics

Perceived age-based discrimination has negative effects on health and wellbeing. Although its consequences are well acknowledged, less is known about the environmental context in which perceived age-based discrimination occurs and whether it affects people's perceptions of their nearby environment. This study aimed to disentangle the bi-directional temporal associations between perceived age-based discrimination and perceived neighborhood characteristics. The Health and Retirement Study is a representative panel study of US residents over the age of 50. The present study relied on three waves of the leave behind psychosocial questionnaire administered in 2010 (N = 8332), 2014 (N = 7.541), and 2018 (N = 5738). A cross-lagged analysis was conducted using Mplus. The study found a temporal bi-directional association between perceived neighborhood positive characteristics and perceived age discrimination, so that those who hold more positive perceptions of their own environment also are less likely to report perceived age-based discrimination four years later. The opposite direction of effects also was supported. There were no differences between the younger age group (50–65 years old) and the older age group (65+years) in these cross-lagged associations. The findings highlight the subjective nature of both perceived age-based discrimination and perceived neighborhood characteristics by possibly pointing to a shared worldview, which contributes to both.

Untangling the web between digital citizen empowerment, accountability and quality of participation experience for e-government: Lessons from India

In the digital era, governance is undergoing a transformation, moving state–citizen engagement into online realms, where citizens serve as users and collaborators in shaping services and policies. Empowering citizens to act as social innovators on issues affecting their lives and local communities is the key to facilitate this transition. As interactions between the state and citizens become more convenient, governments are increasingly focusing on digital citizen empowerment (DCE) to improve the life of their populace. Our study aims to understand the different dimensions of DCE and how it leads to better participation. It also aims to study the role of people's perception towards accountability mechanisms in place and how they can pave the way to enhanced participation behaviour. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study utilises structural equation modelling to examine the relation among e-participation, DCE, and public and social accountability. The results conceptualise DCE, identifying its four dimensions: emotional, cognitive, relational, and behavioural. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of citizens' perceptions of governmental and social accountability in fostering e-participation. These findings are subsequently validated through a focus group discussion involving specialists from relevant fields. The results indicate that behavioural empowerment stands out as the most crucial aspect of DCE and that DCE enhances the quality of participation, with accountability mechanisms playing a pivotal role in achieving this outcome. Additionally, the findings reveal public disenchantment with e-government initiatives due to perceived administrative unresponsiveness. By pinpointing specific dimensions of individual empowerment, this study provides insights for policymakers to deliver accountable e-government services that promote enhanced e-participation.

Assessing Radon Awareness and Risk Perception among Residents in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess the knowledge of the public about radon risk and possible impediment they might face for radon testing in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. One hundred people from different category of discipline were the population for this research. A descriptive research design of survey type was used and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the people. The questions raised addresses perception of people about radon and their readiness to engage in testing. The result of the survey shows that majority of the respondents are educated and this increase the reliability of the study. Majority of the respondents are not aware of radon and the risk attached. Majority, (84%) of the respondents have not tested their homes for radon. 58% of them do not know how to carry out the radon test, 54% of them do not know where to buy radon test kits. 68% of them are unaware about the radon test, 74% of them could not afford the radon test kit because it is expensive. There was financial constraint for the testing as majority earn below the minimum wage for workers in Nigeria and majority of respondents are not unemployed. From the Chi-square test, the willingness to test of the respondents is dependent on their level of awareness. More awareness through media and lectures is therefore recommended for members of the public.

The Impact of On-line Advertising on Tourist Motivation to Travel and Ethical Tourist Behavior

Tourism is a significant cultural, social, and economic activity where individuals travel to different locations or countries outside of their usual environment. This involves spending money for various purposes such as business, leisure, and other activities, resulting in tourism expenditures (UNWTO 2021). The Internet, particularly the World Wide Web, has revolutionized social interactions and cultural experiences, shaping a new era of connectivity (Moradkhani, 2014). The travel industry has evolved with the rise of online advertising as a potent tool for attracting potential travelers. This research aims to explore the impact of online advertising on tourists' motivation to visit Egypt and their ethical conduct within the Egyptian tourism context, focusing on beach tourism in Red Sea resorts. An empirical study involving a substantial sample of 417 participants is presented, detailing the research methodology and its connections to ensure the study's credibility. Quantitative methods were used in this study to test the hypotheses. Data was collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)-26.0 software, utilizing various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings of this study indicate several distinctions. While Facebook advertising has shown some influence on tourists' ethical behavior, it is not the sole determining factor. Perceived sociocultural factors do not significantly impact ethical behavior, suggesting that these aspects may not heavily shape tourists' ethical conduct. However, perceived sociocultural factors do play a partial role in influencing travel motivation. This indicates that sociocultural aspects may influence people's travel motivations, but other factors may also be involved. Online Facebook advertising has a lasting impact on travel motivation. This shows that Facebook ads can have a positive impact on people's desire to travel. Online advertising on Facebook has a lasting impact on sociocultural aspects. This means that Facebook ads can influence people's perceptions of socio-cultural factors related to travel. Sociocultural factors play an important role in the impact of Facebook advertising on ethical behavior. This means that while sociocultural aspects may play a role in the relationship between Facebook advertising and ethical behavior, there are other factors as well. Sociocultural factors play an important role in the impact of Facebook advertising on travel motivation. This suggests that sociocultural aspects may influence the relationship between Facebook advertising and people's travel motivations, but other factors may also play a role. These results indicate that Facebook advertising has a significant impact on travel motivation and sociocultural aspects. However, other factors also influence ethical behavior, and the role of sociocultural aspects in mediating this relationship is not clearly defined. Additional research is needed to understand these relationships more fully. This study provides a valuable theoretical contribution by enhancing the current body of literature on tourist visit intentions. It offers a deeper insight into the motivational factors that impact the travel decision- making process, thereby enriching our knowledge in the field of tourism behavior research and tourism decision- making literature. Furthermore, it addresses gaps in empirical research on tourist behavior patterns in economically and culturally diverse countries.

Othering and Marginalizing the “Queer” in Rwanda: Findings from Public Perceptions and Lived Experiences of LGBT People

Abstract Introduction The multidimensionality of stigma that LGBT people experience globally necessitates research to explore the processes at work. The study aimed to quantify the level of othering and explore the process of LGBT othering in Rwanda. Methods We conducted a sequential cross-sectional mixed-methods study of LGBT lived experiences in Rwanda. We recruited 499 participants to complete the LGBT-specific survey and 1254 for the non-LGBT survey. We conducted 16 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with non-LGBT participants. For LGBT participants, we completed six focus groups with 59 participants, six in-depth interviews, and three digital storytelling interviews. For the quantitative surveys, we conducted multivariable linear regressions and reported beta coefficients and 95% confidence interval estimates examining LGBT discrimination (LGBT survey) and attitudes toward LGBT (non-LGBT survey). We used deductive and inductive thematic and narrative analysis to analyze the qualitative data. Results In adjusted analyses of the non-LGBT survey, as compared to those who knew zero LGBT persons, persons who knew more than five had lower negative attitude scores (β = − 1.3, 95% CI − 2.2, − 0.5), while the score was lower for those that knew one to five (− 0.2), it was not significant (95% CI − 0.8, 0.5). In the LGBT survey, adjusted analyses indicated that there was no significant difference found in discrimination between bisexual, gay, or lesbian participants. However, as compared to cisgender participants, transgender participants had discrimination scores that were 2.1 points higher (95% CI 1.1, 3.0), and gender non-confirming individuals had scores that were one point higher (95% CI 0.2, 1.9). The qualitative findings showcased how societal “othering” occurs in the everyday life of LGBT Rwandans, with large ramifications in creating feelings of isolation and hampering one’s capacity to live authentically and with dignity. Conclusion The findings from our study indicate a high level of othering of the LGBT community across multiple domains, including housing, employment, healthcare, education, religion, and family within Rwanda. Policy Implications The findings highlight the importance of social education campaigns about LGBT people, particularly among vital societal role-holders, including healthcare providers and educators. Integrating the rich historical and indigenous culture related to LGBT could be successful in combating anti-West rhetoric.

Malay Music Transmission: Social Practices and Community Perception

Malaysia is part of the Malay cultural family of the archipelago (Nusantara). Musical elements and structures are similar to those found in Indonesian traditions. However, the local people's social practices and natural perceptions differ. This study looks into the social practices and musical perceptions of Malaysian societies. Interviews, focused group discussions, observations, a literature review, and internet data retrieval were all used in this qualitative study. The findings indicate that social practices of Malay Music differ among sub-ethnic groups in Malaysia. The sub-ethnic perceptions regarding “local” Malay Music differs as well. Several factors influence the natural perception of Malaysian music. The country's cultural diversity, natural setting, and historical legacy are all closely related to how Malaysian music is perceived. Malaysian music frequently reflects a strong sense of place and is influenced by the country's natural surroundings, ethnic traditions, and landscapes.