Personal Beliefs Research Articles

Infection Prevention Elements Streptococcus suis using One Health System Health Zone 2, Thailand

This study assesses the effectiveness of the One Health System in preventing Streptococcus suis infections in Health Zone 2. Utilizing an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach, the research integrates in-depth interviews with affected individuals and specialists with a survey of 375 disease control practitioners. Analysis revealed a comprehensive set of factors critical to infection prevention, broadly categorized under human, swine, and environmental domains. Significant human-related factors include hygiene practices among swine workers and the influence of behaviors and personal beliefs on disease risk. In the swine domain, management practices before slaughter and during raising significantly impact safety measures against Streptococcus suis. Environmental factors such as sanitation and local regulations also play crucial roles in disease prevention. These findings suggest that targeted improvements across these domains can considerably enhance prevention strategies. The study underscores the need for a dynamic, adaptable prevention model and proposes longitudinal research to further investigate these strategies across more diverse geographic areas.

Exploring primary care physician biases in adolescent contraceptive counseling

Objective(s)While previous literature has shown clinician bias in adult contraceptive counseling, less is known on the biases clinicians may exhibit when counseling adolescents about contraception. Our study aimed to describe long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) counseling and prescribing practices of adolescent-serving clinicians. Study designThis study used a cross-sectional discrete choice experiment mixed methods design. We sent a survey containing vignettes and items pertaining to demographics and beliefs to a convenience sample of adolescent-serving clinicians across the United States. ResultsOf 296 clinicians, 80% were in pediatrics, and had geographic, practice setting, gender, and racial diversity. Most clinicians reported being up-to-date with current literature regarding contraception. Sixty-eight percent of respondent’s practices administer contraceptive injections, but only 17% place intrauterine devices (IUDs). Of those who do insert IUDs, nearly half inserted five or fewer within the last year. Patients’ younger age and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with lower odds, and history of pregnancy was associated with higher odds, of clinicians’ recommending LARC. Across all vignettes, the top five reasons clinicians chose their first-choice method for the patient were adherence or compliance, efficacy, side effects, patient age, and reversibility. Conclusion(s)Clinicians often recommend contraceptives based on adherence, efficacy, and age, and we found younger age, minoritized race or ethnicity, and history of pregnancy were all associated with LARC recommendations, indicating potential biases against teen parents and assumptions about adolescents’ priorities. This may impede the provision of patient-centered contraceptive counseling for adolescents, and highlights the need for improved education and practice changes post-Dobbs. ImplicationsWe found that clinicians demonstrated several biases in how they provide contraceptive recommendations to adolescent patients. These biases were often associated with their personal beliefs and experiences. Our findings can guide the development of future interventions aimed at improving adolescent reproductive health counseling and care delivery in primary care settings.

A Mixed-Method Study of Medication-Related Burden Among Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in West Java, Indonesia.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis presents a challenging obstacle in global TB control. It necessitates complex and long-term therapy, which can potentially lead to medication-related burdens that may ultimately reduce therapy adherence and quality of life. This study aimed to gain a deep understanding of the medication-related burdens experienced by multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. The study was conducted using a convergent mixed-method approach involving MDR-TB patients and their caregivers. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, while quantitative data were gathered using the validated Living with Medicine Questionnaire 3. In the quantitative part, associations between patients' characteristics and burden levels were analysed using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Seventy-four participants were involved in the study, with 71 of them completing the questionnaire and 36 participating in interviews. The qualitative results revealed the subjectivity of medication-related burden perception, which could not be fully captured by the quantitative method. Four themes of medication-related burdens emerged: personal beliefs, regimen burdens, socioeconomic burdens, and healthcare burdens. The quantitative results provided a generalized representation of the population. Age and side effects were found to be significantly associated with higher burden levels, with those aged 18-30having an odds ratio (OR) of 7.303 (95% CI: 1.045-51.034), and those aged 31-40having an OR of 6.53 (95% CI: 1.077-39.607). Additionally, experiencing side effects had a substantial impact, with an OR of 46.602 (95% CI: 2.825-768.894). Both sets of results are valuable for designing patient-centered care. MDR-TB therapy imposes a significant burden, particularly regarding the characteristics of regimen. By understanding this burden, healthcare professionals can help improve the quality of life for these patients.

The role of value, belief and norm in shaping intentions to use residential rooftop solar for environment sustainability

The ongoing climate crisis presents a formidable global challenge, driving the urgent need for both technological advancements and a deeper understanding of the psychological factors that influence sustainable energy practices. Among the various technologies available, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the adoption of residential rooftop solar systems, particularly from a psychological perspective, remains underexplored. Hence, this study aims to investigate the influence of personal values, beliefs, and norms on the intention to adopt residential rooftop solar systems. By integrating the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) framework with Norm Activation Theory (NAT) and the norm internalization process, the research seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of the environmental and sustainability context. This study employs a non-probability purposive sampling method, collecting 303 valid responses from individuals who do not currently use residential rooftop solar systems, live in landed houses, and are involved in primary household decision-making. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS software. The findings confirm all hypothesized relationships, except for the impact of egoistic values on both the new ecological paradigm and awareness of consequences, as well as the influence of descriptive norms on personal norms. This paper introduces a novel approach by adapting the VBN model to predict the intention to use residential rooftop solar systems through several key modifications: integrating ecological values and openness to change, establishing connections between different values and beliefs (such as altruistic, biospheric, egoistic, openness to change, and ecological values) and awareness of consequences, and incorporating the influence of response efficacy, injunctive social norms, and descriptive norms in positively shaping personal norms.

‘I was afraid of being incapable of explaining things to them’: Ecuadorian parents’ perceptions of sex and sexuality education for their children

ABSTRACT The role of parents as primary educators about sexuality has been emphasised in the literature. However, parents’ perceptions regarding the provision of sex and sexuality education to children aged between 6 and 12 years have been relatively ignored, especially in Latin American contexts and particularly in Ecuador. Nevertheless, providing contextually relevant sex and sexuality education has been recognised as fostering healthy sexuality in children at different developmental stages. Accordingly, this study aimed to understand parents’ perceptions of the importance of the sex and sexuality education provided to children in Cuenca, Ecuador aged 6–12 years using a qualitative approach. Five focus groups were held with 39 participants whose children attend five different public educational schools in the city. The findings indicate that although parents recognised the importance of sex and sexuality education, they had limited knowledge of sex and sexuality, both in general and in children, and had an inadequate grasp of sexuality education, which made approaching the topic difficult. Moreover, parents’ personal beliefs hindered the provision of sex and sexuality education to their children. These findings provide a baseline for the development of more comprehensive forms of sexuality education and training for parents.

Understanding and resolving student conflicts: Perspectives and strategies in senior high schools across the Volta Region of Ghana

AbstractThis study investigates the dynamics, sources, and resolution strategies of student conflicts in senior high schools across the Volta Region of Ghana. Despite the implementation of various conflict resolution and peer mediation programs, challenges in effectively managing student disputes remain prevalent. These conflicts often stem from interpersonal and academic tensions, exacerbated by a complex mix of socio‐cultural backgrounds, economic disparities, and personal beliefs. Our analysis reveals significant gender differences in conflict experiences and resolutions, highlighting the need for gender‐sensitive and culturally informed approaches. The study employed a quantitative research design, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data from a representative sample of 661 students. The findings indicate that interpersonal conflicts with peers and academic‐related issues are the most common, with conflicts involving violence and guns being comparatively rare. Gender‐specific differences were notable in responses to conflicts involving school administration and cultural or ethnic disparities. The research underscores the importance of adopting comprehensive, culturally sensitive conflict resolution programs that are tailored to the unique socio‐cultural and educational context of the Volta Region. By addressing these nuanced needs, the study aims to enhance the educational landscape and foster an atmosphere conducive to effective dispute resolution. The findings contribute to the discourse on implementing effective, culturally responsive conflict resolution mechanisms in Ghanaian senior high schools, advocating for strategies that support the holistic development of students.

Uprising of the young generation: exploring the association between social mobility belief and political engagement intention among Hong Kong youth

Civic engagement, particularly political engagement, is an important aspect of youth development. In response to rising youth activism, this study examined what was related to youth’s emerging intention to engage in both normative (legal) and non-normative (illegal) political actions through the lens of social mobility beliefs. Based on the reports of college students in Hong Kong (N = 1,033), the findings revealed that social mobility belief regarding average people (i.e., societal belief) rather than that regarding oneself (i.e., personal belief) was negatively related to youth’s intention to engage in normative political action. Furthermore, parallel mediation analyses showed two indirect effects of social mobility beliefs after controlling for sociodemographic factors, post-materialistic values and political interest. Specifically, youth who endorsed a stronger societal social mobility belief tended to perceive lower social injustice, and they were then less willing to engage in normative and non-normative political actions. Additionally, those who endorsed a stronger societal social mobility belief tended to report higher external political efficacy, and they were then more willing to engage in normative political actions. The findings highlight the importance of considering youth’s worldviews in the theorization of the development of political attitudes and behaviors.

Application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in Buruli Ulcer Education: A Literature Review

Introduction: The basic principles of the Health Belief Model as a theoretical foundation were employed to examine Buruli ulcer education. The study employed various strategies to obtain relevant studies about the constructs of the Health Belief Model which were relevant in the context of Buruli ulcer education. Method: The strategies used sought to uncover studies that have applied the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework or theoretical foundation in Buruli ulcer education especially within Ghana and found none. Review of studies was carried out through electronic databases searches, grey materials and electronic books. Search strategy with key terms related to Health Belief Model and Buruli ulcer were employed to retrieve relevant documents. The study considered only references that were relevant to the constructs of the theory and could be used to explain Buruli ulcer education. Results: The study considered the six constructs of the theory and these included (people perceived susceptibility to Buruli ulcer, perceived severity of Buruli ulcer, perceived benefit of not contracting Buruli ulcer, perceived barriers to Buruli ulcer healthcare, cues to action for Buruli ulcer and Buruli ulcer knowledge self-efficacy), and modifying factors. The theory has been used in health education for health related events and hence was considered the appropriate theory in the context of Buruli ulcer education. Conclusion: The fundamental idea of the theory is based on the individual personal belief about the disease and the methods that exist to be used to help in the reduction of risk factors. Hence public health workers could employ the theory to help in reduction of risk factors exposures among the population especially in endemic communities in Africa.

A comprehensive study on the livelihood implications of transitioning from cocoa to rubber plantation in Ghana

The study, conducted in Manso Amenfi, Western Region, Ghana, explored the livelihood implications of transitioning from cocoa to rubber plantations. Using a cross-sectional survey with 384 participants, data revealed a decline in cocoa production levels. The socioeconomic factors that influence farmers’ land use shift behaviour were age, household size, being a household head, farm size, educational level, access extension and labour availability. The knowledge factor that was ranked first as influencing farmers shift behaviour was high price of rubber while the behavioural factor was the farmers’ personal belief that rubber plantation will do well than cocoa. The farmers agreed that rubber plantation has effect on their livelihood. The study recommends interventions to make cocoa cultivation more profitable, addressing concerns like low prices, pests, diseases, and soil fertility, emphasizing the need for support from agricultural extension officers, the Ghana Cocoa Board, and the government.

Barriers and facilitators to early initiation of palliative care as perceived by nurses working on pneumology and nephrology, a descriptive qualitative study.

Initiation of palliative care early in the disease trajectory is beneficial for patients with a life-limiting disease. However, palliative care is still introduced rather late or not at all. Therefore, this study aims to explore barriers and facilitators to early initiation of palliative care as perceived by nurses working on pneumology and nephrology. A descriptive interview-based study was conducted from a critical realist perspective until data sufficiency was reached. Fifteen nurses presented and discussed a patient for whom palliative care was initiated too late. Template analysis was conducted to develop themes and subthemes. Five key themes were extracted: (1) communication, (2) fear, (3) personal beliefs about life and death, (4) ambiguity in terminology and (5) workload and time pressure. Barriers related to poor interdisciplinary communication were therapeutic obstinance, hierarchy, unawareness of the patient's wishes and fear of saying something inappropriate. Other barriers were patients' religious beliefs which often hindered the use of sedatives or morphine and led to discomfort and time restraints. A palliative support team in hospital and advance care planning (ACP) were enablers for early palliative care. This study started from a negative experience, leading to identification of a lot of barriers and only a few facilitators. The limited sample size and the restriction to two wards within one single hospital limit the diversity of perspectives and the generalisability of the findings. More attention is needed for ACP and interdisciplinary communication. Palliative care, including ACP, and interdisciplinary communication should be included in the basic curricula of all healthcare professional courses. Further research is needed to explore barriers and facilitators to early initiation of palliative care in other healthcare settings and patient populations. This is crucial in order to develop and implement sustainable interventions for specific groups of patients.

PECULIARITIES OF BODY IMAGE INFLUENCE ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HIGH AND LOW LEVELS OF PHYSICAL

The article discusses the peculiarities of the influence of body image on the quality of life in individuals with high and low levels of physical perfectionism. The analysis of scientific literature shows that today, satisfaction with one’s appearance and a healthy body image are among the key aspects of the psychological and physical health of a modern person. In our study, we define the concept of “body image” as a person’s perception of his or her body, not only in terms of appearance and the degree of its attractiveness. It is also a set of ideas about one’s physical abilities, health, body endurance, etc. By the term “physical perfectionism” we mean a system of personal beliefs and attitudes related to a person’s appearance: increased concern and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, the desire to meet high body standards, to achieve the best results in the struggle for an ideal figure, as well as a painful attitude to any critical remarks about one’s appearance. To test the theoretical construct of those psychological features that determine the specifics of the impact of body image on the quality of life in individuals with high and low levels of physical perfectionism, we used diagnostic tools, namely: Physical perfectionism scale (A. B. Kholmogorova, A. O. Dadeko, adaptation on the Ukrainian sample by M. I. Babchuk); The Situational Body Image Dissatisfaction Inventory (SIBID) (T. Cash); Body Image Influence on Quality of Life (BIQLI) (T. Cash). The next step was a differential psychological analysis of the results obtained, which consisted of: first, grouping the subjects by qualitative and quantitative combination of indicators of physical perfectionism, and second, studying the personality traits inherent in the representatives of the selected groups. Subsequently, on the basis of the constructed profiles, the psychological characteristics of individuals from the selected groups with high and low levels of physical perfectionism were compiled and described.

“The very process made me happier!” Is pleasure research an affective intervention?

ABSTRACT Participating in research on aversive topics can produce discomfort. However, the affective consequences of taking part in hedonic research are unknown. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) harness personal strengths, values, beliefs, and emotions to promote optimal functioning. A growing body of evidence suggests they can be effective in addressing a range of mental health conditions and promoting well-being. Savoring is one of the more potent classes of PPIs, and even brief interventions can shift positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) in directions conducive to greater well-being. In a study of 1,804 Australian adults, we found that responding to an online survey asking about pleasure produced a small but significant increase in PA and a substantial reduction in NA. The magnitude of the effects was comparable with other published PPIs. We briefly discuss this finding in the context of emotional sensibility and consider the nexus between intervention and research.

Personhood Begins at Birth: The Rational Foundation for Abortion Policyin a Secular State.

The struggle over legal abortion access in the United States is a religious controversy, not a scientific debate. Religious activists who believe that meaningful individual life (i.e., "personhood") begins at a specific "moment-of-conception" are attempting to pass laws that force this view upon all pregnant persons, irrespective of their medical circumstances, individual preferences, or personal religious beliefs. This paper argues that such actions promote a constitutionally prohibited "establishment of religion." Abortion policy in a secular state must be based upon scientifically accurate biology, not unprovable theological presuppositions. The scientific facts regarding human pregnancy do not support the position that personhood begins with fertilization-at which point a pregnancy does not yet even exist. Abortion policy should regard the embryo/fetus as part of the pregnant individual's body until delivery. We argue that individual "personhood" only begins when the latent potentialities of the fetal nervous system are actualized in the newborn after delivery. The paper argues that instantiating non-scientific beliefs concerning embryonic/fetal "personhood" into the law as the basis for abortion policy establishes a state-sponsored religion. The protection of religious liberty requires that abortion be decriminalized. Abortion should be treated like any other medical procedure and regulated similarly. To protect both religious freedom and sound medical practice, individual legal personhood should be recognized as beginning only at birth.

Awareness as a catalyst for sustainable behaviors: A theoretical exploration of planned behavior and value-belief-norms in the circular economy

This study explores the interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing sustainable behaviours within the Circular Economy (CE) through the lenses of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory. This objective was achieved by conducting a large scale survey in Brazil and using Composite-Based Structural Equation Modeling (cSEM) technique in conjunction with R software to analyze data and assess our research hypotheses. Our findings underscore the paramount importance of intrinsic factors—such as personal values, beliefs, and positive evaluations of sustainability outcomes—over external pressures like environmental laws and organizational policies in fostering sustainable actions. While increased awareness of the CE significantly enhances attitudes towards and the likelihood of engaging in sustainable behaviours, the study reveals that external pressures and perceived barriers, such as time, cost, and skill limitations, do not significantly deter those with a high level of awareness and positive sustainability evaluation from acting sustainably. Academically, the study enriches environmental psychology by extending TPB and VBN theories, advocating for a refinement of TPB to better account for contexts where personal values are stronger drivers than external pressures or immediate practical constraints.

Identifying Key Antecedents of Eco-Conscious Consumer Behavior: Mediating Role of Intentions to Purchase Green DC Inverter Air Conditioners

The study aims to explore the factors driving consumers' desire for environmentally friendly purchases and their impact on actual purchasing behavior. It uses a quantitative methodology, utilizing a structured questionnaire, to gather data from a diverse customer sample, reflecting the growing focus on green buying in both academic research and commercial operations. The study, involving 500 respondents from diverse demographic backgrounds and shopping habits, used structural equation modeling to analyze correlations among variables, revealing that numerous factors significantly influence green purchase intentions. The study reveals that environmental awareness and knowledge about sustainable practices are key predictors of green purchasing intention. Personal values and beliefs about environmental protection also positively influence green purchase intention. The study also examines the impact of green purchase intention on actual green purchase behavior, finding a strong positive relationship between consumers' intention to purchase green products and their environmentally responsible consumption practices. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding consumers' intentions in driving sustainable purchasing behaviors. It provides valuable insights for marketers and policymakers in developing effective strategies to promote green products and encourage environmentally conscious behaviors. By targeting the antecedents of green purchase intention, marketers can tailor their communication and promotional efforts to increase consumers' likelihood of making sustainable choices. The study also contributes to the existing body of knowledge by expanding our understanding of factors influencing green purchase intention and its impact on actual green purchase behavior. The findings highlight the importance of translating consumers' intentions to purchase eco-friendly products and emphasize the need to translate these intentions into actual behaviors.

A matter of choice: a cross-sectional study examining the impact of the overturning of Roe v Wade on U.S. medical students’ perceptions and career decisions

Background In June 2022, the Dobbs decision by the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections. In states with restrictive abortion laws such as Indiana, which also has the country’s largest medical school and the third worst maternal mortality rate, the impact of this ruling may be huge on the medical field. The purpose of this study was to analyze perceptions of medical students in Indiana in their third and fourth years of education after the Dobbs decision to assess if the state’s current abortion restrictions impact their career choice. Methods Between December 2022 and March 2023, an anonymous survey was carried out at Indiana University School of Medicine, which included questions about personal beliefs on abortion and the current abortion laws in Indiana, as well as priorities when choosing residency training and practice locations. Results Our survey found that four-fifths of medical students in Indiana disagreed with the Dobbs decision. While most students (71.4%) had not considered state abortion laws when selecting a medical school, since the Dobbs decision, 66.3% of third-year and 40.3% of fourth-year students indicated that they would take abortion laws into account when choosing a residency program. 47.5% of female students stated that they will be seeking residency in a state where abortion is legal and 55.3% of single students were more likely to leave Indiana to practice medicine. Conclusion Our research suggests that physicians who are more liberal in their views on abortion may now be much less likely to practice in conservative states which will compound the healthcare outcomes secondary to the Dobbs decision. We emphasize the role that abortion laws have in shaping the landscape of healthcare workforce and the need for a more nuanced understanding of how societal structures impact women's reproductive decisions and career paths in medicine.

Factors That Influence Clinician Prescribing of Corticosteroids for Acute Idiopathic and Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Optic Neuritis: A Qualitative Study.

Treatment with corticosteroids is common for patients with idiopathic and multiple sclerosis-associated optic neuritis (I/MS-ON). Yet, the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial and meta-analyses confirm that few patients benefit and that visual benefit is of questionable clinical significance, short-lived, and comes with potential harms. The purpose of this study was to uncover the breadth of factors that underlie clinicians' treatment decisions and determine how these factors may influence corticosteroid use for I/MS-ON. We performed semistructured, one-on-one, qualitative interviews with neurologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and emergency department clinicians at 15 academic and private practices across the United States. The interview guide used the Theoretical Domain Framework and a vignette to explore numerous factors that might influence decision making for definite I/MS-ON. We analyzed transcripts using inductive thematic analysis to generate themes. A total of 22 clinicians were interviewed before thematic saturation was reached: 8 neuro-ophthalmologists, 8 neurologists, and 6 emergency medicine (EM) clinicians (2 physician assistants, 4 physicians). All neuro-ophthalmologists and nearly all neurologists (7 of 8) were aware of risks/benefits of corticosteroid treatment for I/MS-ON. However, neuro-ophthalmologists varied in their corticosteroid treatment recommendation (n = 3 recommended treatment, n = 2 recommended observation, n = 3 recommended shared decision making), whereas all neurologists recommended corticosteroids, indicating that knowledge of corticosteroid risk/benefit alone does not drive decision making. EM clinicians were not aware of risk/benefits of corticosteroid treatment for I/MS-ON and relied on the treatment recommendations of neurologists. Clinicians recommending corticosteroids held personal beliefs that corticosteroids benefit those with worse vision loss, relieve pain, allow earlier return to work, or have easily mitigated side effects. They also perceived that prescribing steroid was the principal method of "doing something," which fit a key provider role. Clinicians who did not recommend corticosteroids or were neutral perceived the risks as nontrivial, considered discussing treatment trade-offs as "doing something" and incorporated patient preferences. Knowledge of risk/benefits of corticosteroids are necessary but not sufficient for evidence-based I/MS-ON practice. Variation in how clinicians treat patients with acute I/MS-ON is influenced largely by psychosocial factors, such as beliefs about corticosteroid risk/benefit trade-offs and the role of the clinician to provide treatment. Interventions to support evidence-based decision making for I/MS-ON treatment will need to provide risk/benefit information to support clinicians with varying levels of expertise, incorporate patient preference, and normalize the option to observe.

Deferred consent in emergency trauma research: A qualitative study assessing the healthcare professional's opinions

IntroductionSeverely injured patients are often incapacitated to provide informed consent for clinical studies. Deferred consent could facilitate unbiased enrollment in studies involving these patients. Little is known about how healthcare professionals (HCPs) perceive deferred consent and how this impacts patient enrollment. The aim of this study was to identify factors that could influence HCPs decision-making during recruitment of patients for interventional studies in (pre)hospital emergency trauma research. MethodsThis was a qualitative study in which physicians and nurses working in prehospital or in-hospital care were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke. ResultsTen semi-structured interviews were conducted with six physicians and four nurses. Eight themes were identified as being relevant consent related factors influencing HCPs’ decision-making during patient recruitment in studies using deferred consent: (1) HCPs’ lack of knowledge; (2) Patients’ and proxies’ inability to be informed; (3) Practical (im)possibilities for informed consent; (4) Nature of intervention; (5) HCPs’ personal beliefs; (6) Importance of emergency care research; (7) HCPs’ trust in legal base; and (8) Communication and collaboration. ConclusionsEight consent-related factors influencing HCPs’ decision making were identified. Insufficient knowledge about consent procedures among HCPs leads to significant negative attitudes towards deferred consent.

Beliefs about emotion usefulness are nuanced: degree of personal reference and emotional valence predict affective distress

ABSTRACT The beliefs people hold about emotions are implicated in a variety of outcomes including emotion regulation success and overall well-being. However, research on the dimensions of such beliefs is limited, typically addressing broad beliefs about all emotions and focusing only on their controllability. This study investigated emotion usefulness beliefs, specifically, and further parsed dimensions of personal reference (general vs. personal emotions) and valence (positive vs. negative). Study 1 (N = 343), applying a 2 × 2 factorial ANOVA, revealed that participants believed negative emotions in general to be more useful than their own negative emotions, with no such difference emerging for positive emotions. Multiple regression analyses indicated that personal beliefs about emotions better predicted affective distress than general beliefs. Study 2 (N = 531) replicated these findings and employed confirmatory factor analyses to psychometrically assess the distinctiveness of these emotion belief dimensions. Evaluating a two-factor model, four-factor model, and three-factor bifactor model, results showed that both the four-factor and bifactor models fit the data well, whereas the two-factor model did not. These findings suggest that beliefs about emotion in general and beliefs about one’s own emotions may not be fundamentally distinct, but rather different dimensions of the same underlying emotion usefulness belief.

Exploring the role of therapeutic alliance and biobehavioural synchrony in musculoskeletal care: Insights from a qualitative study

BackgroundPerson-centred care underscores the therapeutic alliance (TA) as fundamental, fostering positive treatment outcomes through collaborative patient-clinician interactions. Biobehavioural synchrony within the TA, essential for effective care, reflects an adaptive process where organisms align responses during interactions. Enactivism and active inference provide profound insights into human perception, reshaping musculoskeletal care understanding. Touch and verbal communication, integral to the TA, foster synchrony and alignment of personal beliefs. AimThis study aimed to identify the tools used by manual therapists in musculoskeletal care to establish a TA with patients. Furthermore, it endeavours to evaluate the alignment of these strategies with current literature and their correlation with biobehavioural synchrony, enactivism, and the role of touch in active inference. MethodsThe methodology followed rigorous qualitative research principles, particularly Grounded Theory and interpretative-constructivist principles, conducting eleven semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. ResultsThe core category identified in the study is elucidated as follows: "Interwoven Connection: The Fabric of Therapeutic Synchrony." The interviews unveiled three main categories, each comprising sub-categories: (1) Creating a meaningful dialogue; (2) Promoting active patient participation; (3) Synchronisation. ConclusionFostering meaningful dialogue, patient involvement, and therapeutic synchrony is crucial for a robust therapeutic alliance in musculoskeletal care. This underscores the importance of establishing a deep connection between clinicians and patients, central to effective person-centred care. Clinicians must prioritise two-way communication, empathy, and patient collaboration in defining personalised goals. Emphasizing touch and seeking patient feedback are also pivotal. Further research is needed to explore these elements and their impact.