Personal Background Characteristics Research Articles

Development of the Psychotherapist Character Virtues (PCV) Interview.

To develop an interview-based rating method for assessing therapists' beneficial character traits and evaluate its reliability and validity. The semi-structured Psychotherapist Character Virtues (PCV) interview and evaluation method, based on Erik Erikson's and Heinz Kohut's writings on 16 virtues or abilities and achievements of an adult self, was administered to 68 psychodynamic and solution-focused therapists. Inter-rater reliability was assessed based on 20 videorecorded interviews, rated by two evaluators. In a mixed-methods design, validity was investigated against (i) therapist's questionnaire-based self-reported professional and personal background characteristics and (ii) a qualitative content analysis of emotional atmosphere in the interview. Interrater reliability for individual 16 virtues was acceptable (median correlation .72). From individual virtues, three principal components (Creative Will, Empathy, and Love/Care) emerged with good/excellent internal consistency (component determinacies .95, .85, and .90, respectively) and criterion validity with self-reported professional and personal characteristics. Cluster analysis of therapists' component scores yielded six different therapist character profiles. In qualitative analysis, character profiles meaningfully differed in their impact on the interview's emotional atmosphere. PCV appears promising for evaluating therapists' character virtues, posited to undergird therapists' sensitive attunement and responsiveness. Further research is needed on PCV's predictive validity for therapeutic relationships and outcomes.

Primary Care Patient Interest in Multi-Cancer Early Detection for Cancer Screening.

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are being developed, but little is known about patient receptivity to their use for cancer screening. The current study assessed patient interest in such testing. Our team conducted a prospective, observational study among primary care patients in a large, urban health system. They were asked to complete a telephone survey that briefly described a new blood test in development to identify multiple types of cancer, but was not currently recommended or covered by insurance. The survey included items to assess respondent background characteristics, perceptions about MCED testing, and interest in having such an MCED test. We also used multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with patient interest in test use. In 2023, we surveyed 159 (32%) of 500 identified patients. Among respondents, 125 (79%) reported a high level of interest in having an MCED test. Interest was not associated with personal background characteristics, but was positively associated with the following expectations: testing would be recommended for cancer screening, be convenient, and be effective in finding early-stage disease (OR = 11.70, 95% CI: 4.02, 34.04, p < 0.001). Research is needed to assess patient interest and actual uptake when detailed information on testing is presented in routine care.

Who believes the country belongs to their ethnic ingroup? The background characteristics of ‘owners’ and their support for stricter immigration policies across three Western societies

We examined if ethnic majority members with different background characteristics (national identification, political orientation, gender, education, and age) differ in the perception that their ethnic group owns the country they live in, and whether this can explain their opinions about stricter immigration policies. Using nationally diverse samples of Anglo-Australian (N = 475), Dutch (N = 599), and British participants (N = 1005), we found that ownership beliefs were consistently positively associated with support for stricter immigration policies. Further, we showed that ownership beliefs were stronger among higher national identifiers, men, right-wing, lower educated (United Kingdom only), and older people (Australia only), and ownership partially accounted for these groups’ stronger endorsement of stricter immigration policies. Our study underscores the relevance of ownership beliefs as a novel construct that can explain the relation between personal background characteristics and anti-immigration stance among ethnic majority populations in Western countries.

Attitudes toward the integration of nutritional assessment and counseling in the framework of physical therapy: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundAs the field of physical therapy increasingly acknowledges the integral role of nutritional assessment and counseling, revisiting this subject is essential due to limited updated information regarding this topic. Furthermore, it is crucial to investigate the factors that may influence physical therapists’ attitudes toward integrating nutritional assessment and counseling into their physical therapy practice. The study’s primary aim was to explore the attitudes of registered physical therapists in Israel toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into their clinical practice. We also explored the relation between personal and professional characteristics of physical therapists and their attitudes.MethodsAn anonymous nationwide online self-report survey was conducted. It included three sections: personal and professional background characteristics, self-reported level of nutritional knowledge and sources of nutritional knowledge, and attitudes toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into practice. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all outcome measures. The total score of the attitude statements was compared between different groups of participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict positive attitudes.ResultsThe study included 409 physical therapists. The attitude score was 19.78 (2.53) of 25, indicating a positive attitude. A majority (67%) reported that they did not acquire knowledge regarding nutrition during their entry-level studies or in other formal settings (63%). The three primary sources of nutritional information for the participants reported were the Internet (87.0%), registered dietitian (70.0%), and professional, scientific journals (36.0%). Prior knowledge acquired during entry-level physical therapist studies and clinical experience of ≥ 13 years significantly predicted positive attitudes (β = 0.17, β = −0.13, respectively).ConclusionRegistered physical therapists held a positive attitude toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into their clinical practice. Two background professional characteristics were predictors of positive attitudes. Accordingly, there is need to appropriate formal education regarding nutritional issues. Further studies are required to explore the actual integration of nutrition into the physical therapy framework.

Childhood Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence in Young Adulthood, and Welfare Receipt by Midlife.

To investigate prospective associations between type of child abuse (physical, sexual, both), timing (childhood, young adulthood, both), and welfare receipt into middle-age. Database linkage study using the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Kindergarten Children cohort born in 1980 and government administrative databases (N = 3020). We assessed parental tax returns, family and personal background characteristics (1982-1987). At age 22 years, participants answered retrospective questionnaires on experienced childhood abuse (physical, sexual abuse < age 18 years) and intimate partner violence (IPV) (ages 18-22). Main outcome was years on social assistance, on the basis of participant tax returns (ages 23-37 years). Analysis included weights for population representativeness. Of 1690 participants (54.4% females) with available data, 22.4% reported childhood abuse only, 14.5% IPV only, and 18.5% both. Prevalence of childhood physical, sexual, and both was 20.4%, 12.2%, and 8.3%, respectively. Adjusting for socioeconomic background and individual characteristics, we found that childhood physical abuse alone and physical or sexual abuse combined were associated with a two-fold risk of welfare receipt, as compared to never-abused (adjusted incidence risk ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-3.58; and adjusted incidence risk ratio 2.04, 95% CI, 1.29-3.23, respectively). Repeated abuse (childhood abuse combined with adult IPV) had a three-fold risk (adjusted incidence ratio 3.59, 95% CI, 2.39-5.37). Abuse across several developmental periods (childhood and young adulthood) is associated with increased risks of long-term welfare receipt, independently of socioeconomic background. Results indicate a dose-response association. Early prevention and targeted identification are crucial to preventing economic adversity that may potentially lead to intergenerational poverty.

With pulling ties, electoral participation flies: factors mobilising turnout among non-resident Finnish voters

Increasingly many citizens residing abroad maintain connections to their country of origin and follow its national elections. Considering that this group constitutes a growing share of the national electorate, it is essential to better understand factors that motivate electoral participation. In this study, we explore the role of economic, social and cultural ties in a unified analysis of turnout among Finnish citizens residing abroad. We rely on individual-level register data that cover the entire Finnish expatriate electorate (n = 96,290) and match their personal background characteristics (e.g. property ownership, length of stay abroad, language) with official turnout from the 2019 Finnish parliamentary elections on the bases of personal identification codes. In line with the theoretical expectations, the results provide strong empirical evidence that non-resident citizens who maintain connections to the country of origin are more likely to vote in homeland elections.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Female Secondary School students in Ar Rass City, Qassim Region.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal condition associated with many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. To determine the prevalence of IBS and the associated risk factors among female secondary school students in Ar Rass city, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2021 among female students attending government secondary schools at Ar Rass city, Qassim region. Two schools were selected by simple random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire using Google Form, submitted to the WhatsApp groups of the students, gathered personal data, and behavioral, lifestyle and health background characteristics of the participants. The questionnaire included Rome IV criteria for IBS diagnosis. Out of 612 invited students, 429 responded (response rate: 70.1%). Twenty-eight incomplete questionnaires were excluded leading to 401 participants in the final analysis. The mean (± SD) age of study participants was 17.3 (±2.05) years. The overall prevalence of IBS was 21.4% (n=86); 11.7% (n=47) were already diagnosed; however, 9.7% (n=39) were newly detected in our survey. The factors associated with IBS included frequent consumption of soft drinks (p=0.016), low vegetable consumption (p=0.003), poor mental health (p<0.0001), family history of IBS (p<0.0001) and history of chronic disease (p<0.0001). IBS is prevalent among female secondary school students in Ar Rass city. Unhealthy diet and poor mental health are associated with IBS. Creating awareness regarding IBS and about importance of healthy lifestyle is recommended. School staff need to be trained to promote the physical and mental health of the students.

한국과 미국 기술교사의 인적배경, 교직환경, 행동 및 심리적 특성 비교 : TALIS 2018 자료를 활용하여

The purpose of this study was to compare the human background and environment and behavioral and psychological characteristics of Korean and American technical teachers. Subject to analysis are 214 South Korean and 675 U.S. technology teachers who participated in TALIS 2018 survey. Major research results show that Korean and American technology teachers tend to be similar to middle school teachers. Second, the annual working hours of Korean technical teachers are less than those of the United States, but there is a lot of administrative time, and there is a relatively little time to allocate to classes and professional development. Third, Korean technical teachers are relatively lacking in professional efforts such as obtaining degrees to develop expertise, and activities to develop curriculum contents and teaching methods are active, but efforts related to innovation such as multiculturalism and ICT utilization are lacking. Fourth, Korean technical teachers lack high-dimensional teaching&#x0D; activities and are having difficulty guiding students. Fifth, Korean technical teachers have less class cooperation activities among fellow teachers. Sixth, Korean technical teachers choose teaching as motivation for personal usefulness, such as job stability and time-lapse. Seventh, Korean technical teachers have a relatively lower sense of effectiveness than the United States, especially having difficulty in class management, and low job satisfaction, which makes them less satisfied with their working environment.

Comparing the Digital Literacy of Early Childhood Teachers by Personal Background Characteristics

Comparing the Digital Literacy of Early Childhood Teachers by Personal Background Characteristics

Самоидентичность человека как проблема образовательного пространства и времени

The article implements a philosophical approach to the problems of education. The author sees the main problem in the fact that stereotyping and monologiza­tion of human behavior, thinking and communication in many ways are a conse­quence of the education system being monologue: most importantly, the content of education is viewed as a pedagogically adapted social experience transmitted to a student without taking into account his personal, cultural and historical background and other characteristics. The article debates that such a knowledge-transfer, subject-object nature of education leads to the expansion of the exter­nally specified content of education as the capacity of educational space. Most arguably, it does not take into account the student himself in education, his mis­sion, purpose, peculiarities, it creates preconditions for the loss of a person’s identity as an internal space which the author regards as the interaction of inter­nal forms, words and actions. Overloading the content of education at all its lev­els leads pedagogical science to the problems of pedagogical space and time. In his research, the author shows that the time for the student to create his own metasubject learning results differs from the time it takes for the student to ac­quire integrated, interdisciplinary “knowledge”. Based on the concept of “inter­nal forms” of a word (A.A. Potebnya, G.G. Shpet, P.A. Florensky, N.S. Avtono­mova), the author of the article considers dialogical communication as the nature of the student’s inner space which determines his self-identity. The author’s re­search shows that a heuristic dialogue, in which the questioning dominant in learning new things belongs to the student, and not the teacher, is the most im­portant tool for the formation and development of his inner space – the space of self-change, a condition for the conjugation of the “external” objective (histori­cal) time with the “internal” time – ahistorical, meta-time.

Voter reactions to candidate background characteristics depend on candidate policy positions

Do personal background characteristics of a political candidate affect voter evaluations when voters also know the candidate's policy position? Several studies have shown that voters infer personal traits and policy positions from candidate characteristics such as gender, family background and occupation. However, in most elections, voters do not evaluate candidates absent of any policy information. We investigate whether the influence of personal background characteristics vanishes when policy information regarding a candidate is available to the voters. Using a survey experiment, we confirm that voters infer both personal traits and policy positions from the background characteristics of a candidate, and we furthermore show that explicit information on policy positions moderates the relationship between background characteristics and candidate evaluations. However, policy information does not simply crowd out the effects of candidate background characteristics. Instead, policy information can change the valence of background characteristics, turning otherwise disadvantageous characteristics into an electoral advantage.

A latent profile analysis of adult students’ online self-regulation in blended learning environments

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is crucial for academic success; therefore support, to enhance and maintain SRL skills is important. In blended adult education, the heterogeneity of adults creates diversity in SRL abilities, which makes it necessary to provide tailored support. Conducting latent profile analyses for a sample of 213 blended adult students, we identified three profiles, namely high, low, and moderate SRL profiles which prove differences in SRL strategy use and imply tailored SRL support. Through multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multinomial logistic regression, we further explore the differences in SRL between the profiles and the extent to which the students’ personal background characteristics and achievement motivations predict their profile membership. The three profiles differ significantly in terms of the scores of all SRL subscales. Furthermore, only achievement motivation – more specifically, attainment and utility value – predicts profile membership. These results inform educational practice about opportunities for supporting and enhancing SRL skills. Anticipating attainment and utility value, time management, and collaboration with peers are all recommended. More specifically, teachers can, for example, use authentic tasks and examples during the learning process or be a role model regarding online interaction and information sharing.

Influence of Personal Characteristics and Background Characteristics on Entrepreneurship and Perceived Business Performance in Entrepreneurs as Independent Business Owners of Network Marketing

Influence of Personal Characteristics and Background Characteristics on Entrepreneurship and Perceived Business Performance in Entrepreneurs as Independent Business Owners of Network Marketing

Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Teaching Integrated STEM: the Impact of Personal Background Characteristics and School Context

A promising approach to increase students’ motivation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is integrated STEM education (iSTEM). This is an instructional approach that emphasizes the deeper connections between the STEM disciplines by involving students in design challenges centered around real-world problems. However, the successful implementation of a new instructional approach, such as iSTEM, strongly depends on teachers’ attitudes toward the innovation. Therefore, a deeper understanding of teachers’ attitudes toward teaching iSTEM is necessary. This study uses a survey method to investigate the influence of teachers’ background characteristics and school context variables on teachers’ attitudes toward teaching iSTEM. To do so, a differential approach is used. Attitudes toward five key principles for iSTEM (integration, problem-centered, inquiry-based, design-based, and cooperative learning) are examined separately to get a more in-depth and nuanced insight into the factors influencing these attitudes. Results of the multiple regression analyses show that participation in professional development is positively linked to teachers’ attitudes toward all key principles, whereas several other teacher and school context variables are positively correlated with attitudes toward one or two principles. Moreover, experience in mathematics and total years of teaching show a negative correlation with several aspects of teachers’ attitudes toward teaching iSTEM. Findings of this study are valuable, since they not only provide insight into possible barriers to the implementation of iSTEM but also suggest opportunities for overcoming these barriers.

Physicians\u2019 lack of knowledge - a possible reason for red blood cell transfusion overuse?

BackgroundA significant percentage of red blood cell transfusions are inappropriately overused. This study investigated physicians from the western Galilee in terms of their knowledge of transfusion medicine as a potential reason for red blood cell overuse, and assessed the influence of personal background characteristics on their knowledge.MethodsData were collected via anonymous questionnaires. The questionnaires included a personal background section and a professional section. Study participants were grouped according to field of specialty, seniority, and location of medical school graduation, in order to correlate participant characteristics with knowledge.ResultsScores were calculated on a 0–100 scale. The overall knowledge of the study population was low (mean score 47.8 ± 18.6). Knowledge regarding basic physiology of red blood cell transfusion was also low. Internal medicine physicians and senior physicians had significantly greater overall knowledge scores and were more familiar with a restrictive blood management policy than were surgeons and residents, respectively. Comparing knowledge scores, no difference was found regarding indications for transfusion.ConclusionGeneral and fundamental knowledge in transfusion medicine is lacking among physicians in the non-operating room setting, which may play a role in red blood cell transfusion overuse. Field of specialty and professional status influenced knowledge of transfusion medicine. Educational programs and increased physicians’ awareness might help decrease unnecessary transfusions.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Quality of perinatal care services from the user\u2019s perspective: a Dutch study applies the World Health Organization\u2019s responsiveness concept

BackgroundThe concept of responsiveness was introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address non-clinical aspects of service quality in an internationally comparable way. Responsiveness is defined as aspects of the way individuals are treated and the environment in which they are treated during health system interactions.The aim of this study is to assess responsiveness outcomes, their importance and factors influencing responsiveness outcomes during the antenatal and delivery phases of perinatal care.MethodThe Responsiveness in Perinatal and Obstetric Health Care Questionnaire was developed in 2009/10 based on the eight-domain WHO concept and the World Health Survey questionnaire. After ethical approval, a total of 171 women, who were 2 weeks postpartum, were recruited from three primary care midwifery practices in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, using face-to-face interviews. We dichotomized the original five ordinal response categories for responsiveness attainment as ‘poor’ and good responsiveness and analyzed the ranking of the domain performance and importance according to frequency scores. We used a series of independent variables related to health services and users’ personal background characteristics in multiple logistic regression analyses to explain responsiveness.ResultsPoor responsiveness outcomes ranged from 5.9% to 31.7% for the antenatal phase and from 9.7% to 27.1% for the delivery phase. Overall for both phases, ‘respect for persons’ (Autonomy, Dignity, Communication and Confidentiality) domains performed better and were judged to be more important than ‘client orientation’ domains (Choice and Continuity, Prompt Attention, Quality of Basic Amenities, Social Consideration). On the whole, responsiveness was explained more by health-care and health related issues than personal characteristics.ConclusionTo improve responsiveness outcomes caregivers should focus on domains in the category ‘client orientation’.

The mismatch between student educational expectations and realities: prevalence, causes, and consequences

ABSTRACTThis article aims to answer three questions concerning (1) the prevalence of the mismatch between student expectations and real university life, (2) factors influencing this mismatch, and (3) the effect of the expectation-reality mismatch on academic performance during the first year of study at university. The results of this study suggest that a large share of first-year students overestimate their future academic experience. However, this mismatch cannot be predicted by personal background characteristics and motivation at the beginning of study. According to the findings, three mismatch characteristics affect students’ academic outcomes: (1) a mismatch between expected and real grades, (2) a mismatch between expected and real levels of interest in studying, and (3) a mismatch between expected and real time for extracurricular activities at university.

African American Women Superintendents in Texas

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; School superintendents who are African American women are understudied. In this study, researchers explored the lived experiences of African American women superintendents in the state of Texas. The purpose of the study was to identify the challenges, supports, and personal background characteristics that participants believed influenced their ascension to superintendent positions. A phenomenological research approach was used, and data were collected through individual interviews with superintendent participants. Data were analyzed and interpret- ed using Moustakas’ (1994) phenomenological reduction approach. Three major themes emerged in the results: (a) desire to impact others at various levels, (b) sources of personal strength, and (c) external support systems. Subthemes were identified and described for each larger theme. Findings suggest a need to expose aspiring African American women administrators to the challenges and rewards of superintendent positions and increase mentorship opportunities and quality preparation programs.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Background Characteristics of Board Secretary and IPO Underpricing

The information asymmetry between the internal environment and external environment of enterprises composes one of essential factors leading to IPO underpricing. According to upper echelon theory, background characteristics of senior executives will exert an impact on their behaviors selections as well as the performance of company. The board secretary in China, as the information publisher, can also influence IPO underpricing with his/her personal background. Testing the samples of GEM (The Growth Enterprise Market) in China from the year of 2009 to 2012, the paper concluded that the board secretary with financial background and related working experience can reduce the IPO underpricing, based on which the conclusion has been drawn that the personal background characteristics can influence IPO underpricing and further affect the IPO pricing efficiency, hoping to provide reference for enterprises to recruit the right person for board secretary.

Habits and Generational Media Use

This article analyses how different generations’ everyday media habits—focusing on news media and social media—interrelate with media use during societal crises. It acknowledges that increasing digitalization and mobility are closely linked to fragmentation of media and individualization of media use, involving pronounced differences in generational media use. Ultimately, the future of journalism and media accessing carry much significance for the future of crisis communication. Different generations have formed distinct media habits, and their uses vary in different situations. Research has shown that in the specific event of a societal crisis, generations will turn to the media for information in different ways. This article builds on empirical analysis, focusing on how generations envision themselves turning to news media and social media during societal crises, depending on their everyday media habits. Theoretically it builds on the GC/MC model, a 2 × 2 matrix encompassing generation-centric (GC) and medium-centric (MC) approaches. This article gives special emphasis to habits and situational conditions. It presents a statistical analysis of nationally representative Swedish survey data from 2012. The findings show that habitual media use in everyday life strongly affects envisioned media use in crisis situations, more so than the distinct capabilities of the media and personal background characteristics.