Person-related Variables Research Articles

(Not) in my city: An explorative study on social acceptance of photovoltaic installations on buildings

Existing buildings provide high surface potential for photovoltaic (PV) installations. When deciding whether a building is suitable for solar energy harvesting, social acceptance needs to be considered. While PV is accepted in general, research regarding the acceptance of PV for specific types of buildings is sparse. In two explorative studies, we investigated the building-specific acceptance of PV installations, taking new PV module designs into account.The aim of the first study (N = 76, passersby in the Botanical Garden, Freiburg i. Br. Germany who volunteered to participate) was to investigate which PV module designs are accepted for different buildings. Six different PV crystalline silicon module prototypes varying in color and surface structure were presented on an exhibition table. Using a paper-pencil-survey, participants rated the modules and combined them with presented buildings. Results show that depending on the building, different modules were favored whereby PV modules were chosen mostly due to color integration.In a second study (N = 109, recruited from the participant pool of the institute of psychology, University of Freiburg, Germany, mostly students, and in social media), participants indicated their acceptance of a PV installation for 24 different buildings in an online survey. Results revealed that social acceptance for PV installations on buildings was generally high and was even higher if the PV module was aesthetically integrated or invisibly. PV modules on historical buildings (including a church) were less accepted than on modern buildings. Yet for invisible PV modules, there were no acceptance differences between buildings. Building variables were found to be more important to predict building-specific acceptance than person-related variables such as environmental concerns, values or political attitude.Taken together, the study gives a first insight into the subject of the social acceptance of urban PV installations. Results underline the importance of aesthetic integration and (in)visibility for PV installation on buildings.

한국인의 자기결정적 고독 동기의 연구동향

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze research trends on self-determined solitude motivation among Koreans. Through this analysis, the study aims to review existing research and broaden the understanding of self-determined solitude motivation, thereby suggesting directions for future research. Methods A total of 35 journal articles and master's and doctoral theses published in Korean and English from 2012 to 2023 were analyzed. We examined overall publication trends, such as publication year and academic field, as well as research method trends, including research types, subjects, and statistical methods. To investigate the content trends of variables studied in relation to self-determined solitude motivation, we categorized the variables by area and analyzed their frequency and co-occurrence. Results First, approximately 80% of the studies on self-determined solitude motivation among Koreans were published after 2019, with a slightly higher proportion of theses. Most of the research was conducted in the fields of psychology and education. Second, quantitative research was predominant, with young adults being the primary subjects. The measurement tool developed by Lim et al. (2012) was mainly used, and regression analysis and cluster analysis were commonly employed. Third, the majority of variables studied in relation to self-determined solitude motivation among Koreans were personal variables, with a focus on emotional and personality-related variables. Frequently studied variables in conjunction with self-determined solitude motivation included life satisfaction and well-being, loneliness, eating alone, depression, and adult attachment. Conclusions Research on self-determined solitude motivation among Koreans has been increasing since 2019, with a significant focus on master's theses and quantitative studies targeting young adults. Many studies have examined the relationship between self-determined solitude motivation and factors such as life satisfaction and well-being, loneliness, and eating alone. This suggests the need for future research employing diverse methods and perspectives.

From Extreme Ideas to Violent and Nonviolent Outcomes: An In-Depth Analysis of Probation Files on Terrorist Suspects in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT How do individuals who commit violent terrorist crimes differ from those who commit nonviolent terrorist crimes? In this study, we compare characteristics and pathways of violent (VTS) and nonviolent (NVTS) individuals prior to being suspected or convicted of crimes with terrorist intent (e.g. planning an attack, financing terrorism) in the Netherlands through an analysis of probation files. Departing from a social control and life-course perspective, we examine possible signs and triggers leading up to the terrorist suspicion, various life domains (socio-demographic characteristics, social network, and personality related variables), mental health, criminal histories, and online activities. Findings demonstrate primarily resemblances between both groups. Nonetheless, compared to NVTS, VTS showed more indications of signs of acting in accordance with extreme ideological beliefs and feelings of injustice, had a more disadvantaged socioeconomic background, were more often involved with other radicals (e.g. in groups and/or online), had more substance abuse problems, and were more active online in relation to their terrorist suspicion. NVTS, on the other hand, had more regularly a turbulent youth, more commonly ever showed indications of aggressive behavior, had more often mental health problems, and, consequently, received more social care compared to VTS. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.

The relationship between personality throughout adolescence and social anxiety disorder in young adulthood. A longitudinal twin study.

This study examined the longitudinal relationship between a range of personality related variables measured throughout adolescence, and social anxiety disorder (SAD) in young adulthood. In addition, we examined to what degree the phenotypic associations between personality and SAD could be attributed to shared genetic and environmental factors, respectively. A total of 3394 twins (56% females), consisting of seven national birth cohorts from Norway, participated in the study. Personality was measured with self-report questionnaires at three times throughout adolescence, and SAD was measured with a diagnostic interview in early adulthood (M = 19.1 years, SD = 1.2). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to examine phenotypic associations between personality and SAD. We then created four composite scores of personality, in which the personality variables from four different ages throughout adolescence were weighted relative to their importance for SAD. Finally, a series of Cholesky decomposition models were used to examine the underlying genetic and environmental influences on the phenotypic associations between composite scores of personality and SAD. The results showed that especially higher neuroticism, lower extraversion, higher levels of loneliness, and lower levels of resilience, self-efficacy and sense of coherence, were associated with SAD. The phenotypic correlations between composite scores of personality and SAD increased from 0.42 when personality was measured 6-7 years prior to the assessment of SAD, to 0.52 when personality was measured shortly before the assessment of SAD. These phenotypic associations were mainly due to genetic influences, indicating that personality in adolescence predicts SAD in early adulthood due to shared genetic influences rather than having direct 'causal' effects on SAD.

Identifying perspectives of adults who stutter on therapeutic alliance in stuttering intervention

BACKGROUND: Despite acknowledgement by various stakeholders that therapeutic alliance (TA) is an essential component of stuttering intervention, a comprehensive understanding of this concept is lacking in the field of speech and language therapy. There continues to be a significant gap in our knowledge regarding what adults who stutter (AWS) perceive to be the qualities and activities required by both themselves and the speech and language therapist (SLT) to facilitate an effective TA. Collection of such knowledge will support the establishment and maintenance of positive TA in clinical contexts and enhance treatment outcomes for those who stutter. OBJECTIVE: To explore the perspectives of AWS on the meaning of TA and the variables that influence its establishment and maintenance. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were completed with eight AWS. The interview questions centred on three key topics: the conceptualisation of TA through the perspective of AWS; the activities and personal qualities of the SLT that influence TA; and the activities and personal qualities of the AWS that influence TA. RESULTS: Reflexive thematic analysis identified two overarching themes: ‘Recognising stuttering in a biopsychosocial context in order to enhance therapeutic alliance’ and ‘Person-related variables influencing therapeutic alliance’. In addition, five subthemes were identified which further illuminated each overarching theme. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study highlight the benefit of collecting patient-based evidence to support our understanding of TA. Results demonstrate the complexity of TA in stuttering intervention, and the impact that person-related variables have on its quality.

Predictors of flow state in performing musicians: an analysis with the logistic regression method

IntroductionFlow state has been deemed a desirable state for performing musicians given its negative correlations with musical performance anxiety, its relationship to optimal performance, and its possible effect on creativity. In the field of music, there are a few studies that have assessed intervention programmes to promote flow state in performing musicians with varying results in terms of their success. The flow condition-experience model proposes three components that would be the conditions for flow state to occur and six components that describe the experience of being in a flow state. In addition, within the vast academic literature on this experience, other factors that could influence its occurrence have been proposed. The main objective of this research was to detect which are the most suitable predictors from a set of independent variables collected to distinguish performing musicians with a high flow level.MethodsA binary logistic regression analysis was carried out with data from 163 musicians aged between 18 and 65. Independent variables were introduced in the analysis: skill-challenge balance, clear goals and clear feedback (condition-experience model); and also, gender, age, dedication, (musical) style, musical instrument and (performing) situation.ResultsThe results showed that the three conditions of the condition-experience model and the situation variable had positive associations with flow state. The model explained 78% of the variance of the dependent variable and obtained a 90.8% correct classification rate.DiscussionThese variables seem to contribute most to a high flow level, and the importance of keeping in mind the intrinsic reasons why performers dedicate themselves to music is emphasised. The results and their implications for the training of performing musicians are discussed. Future lines of research are proposed, as well as collecting data on personality-related variables to introduce them into the regression model.

Understanding psychology students' perspective on video psychotherapy and their intention to offer it after graduation: a mixed-methods study.

Video psychotherapy (VPT) demonstrated strong clinical efficacy in the past, with patients and psychotherapists expressing satisfaction with its outcomes. Despite this, VPT only gained full recognition from the German healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. As society increasingly relies on new media, it seems likely that VPT will become even more relevant. Previous studies surveyed practicing psychotherapists and patients about advantages and disadvantages of VPT. In contrast, our approach targets a younger generation, specifically psychology students intending to become licensed practitioners after graduation. Our mixed-methods study was conducted in an online survey format and had two main objectives. Firstly, we investigated which person-related variables are associated with psychology students' behavioral intention to offer VPT after graduation, using a multiple regression analysis. Secondly, we explored psychology students' perception of advantages and disadvantages of VPT and identified their desired learning opportunities regarding VPT in their study program, using qualitative content analysis. A sample of 255 psychology students participated. The multiple regression model explains 73% of inter-individual variance in the intention to offer VPT, with attitudes toward VPT showing the strongest relationship with intention to offer VPT. Expected usefulness, satisfaction with video conferencing, and subjective norm also showed significant relations. The students provided 2,314 statements about advantages, disadvantages, and desired learning opportunities, which we coded by means of three category systems. In terms of advantages, the most frequently mentioned categories were low inhibition threshold, flexibility in terms of location, and no need to travel. For disadvantages, the predominant categories included lack of closeness between patient and psychotherapist, lack of nonverbal cues, and problems with technology or internet connection. Regarding desired learning opportunities, training for technical skills, practical application through role-playing and self-experience, and general information about VPT were the most mentioned categories. In addition, we identified numerous other aspects related to these topics, reflecting a differentiated and balanced assessment of VPT. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for training the next generation of psychotherapists and outline a specific five-step plan for integrating VPT into study programs.

Explaining improvement in diabetes distress: a longitudinal analysis of the predictive relevance of resilience and acceptance in people with type 1 diabetes

AimsTo analyze if midterm improvement in diabetes distress can be explained by resilience, diabetes acceptance, and patient characteristics.MethodsN = 179 adults with type 1 diabetes were enrolled during their stay at a tertiary diabetes center (monocentric enrolment) and followed up over three months in a prospective, observational study (‘DIA-LINK1’). Improvement in diabetes distress was assessed as reduction in the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale score from baseline to follow-up. Resilience (Resilience Scale-13), acceptance (Diabetes Acceptance Scale), and patient characteristics were analyzed as predictors of improvement in diabetes distress using hierarchical multiple regression.ResultsGreater reductions in diabetes distress were significantly explained by lower diabetes acceptance at baseline (β = −0.34, p < 0.01), while resilience, diabetes complications, and other person-related variables were not significantly related to changes in diabetes distress (all p > 0.05). When change in diabetes acceptance from baseline to follow-up was added to the model, improved diabetes distress was explained by increasing diabetes acceptance (β = 0.41, p < 0.01) and a shorter duration of diabetes (β = -0.18, p = 0.03), while baseline diabetes acceptance was no longer significantly associated (β = −0.14, p > 0.05).ConclusionsDiabetes acceptance is inversely related to diabetes distress, and increasing acceptance explained greater improvement in diabetes distress. These findings suggest that increasing diabetes acceptance may facilitate the reduction of diabetes distress. Treatment approaches targeting acceptance might be useful for the mental healthcare of people with type 1 diabetes and clinically elevated diabetes distress.

You don't know a person('s taste) when you only know which genre they like: taste differences within five popular music genres based on sub-genres and sub-styles.

A representative German sample (N = 2,086) was surveyed on their musical taste with a questionnaire that asked about their liking not only of a number of genres, but also of relevant sub-genres and -styles. Using Latent Profile Analysis to analyze sub-genre liking patterns, four to six distinct taste classes were found within groups of those n = 1,749 people who liked either European classical music, electronic dance music, metal, pop or rock based on their sub-genre ratings. Across genres, two types of taste classes emerged: one with three classes that differed in the degree of liking all sub-genres, another with one to three classes that were biased in their liking or disliking of easier and more mainstream variants of a genre as compared to harder and sophisticated ones. Logistic regression models revealed meaningful relationships of genre fan groups and within-genre taste classes with sociodemographic variables and BIG-5 personality traits. In sum, our results demonstrate meaningful taste differences within genres and show that these translate to differences in person-related variables as well. These findings challenge earlier genre-based conceptualizations of music tastes, since we find similar structures already on the sub-genres level. It also suggests that different reasons and factors underlie tastes for genres and sub-genres. Future studies should therefore ask about taste in a more nuanced way.

Syrian refugees arriving in Germany: choice of corridor and individual characteristics of forced migrants.

In 2015 and 2016, almost two and a half million forced migrants entered the European Union. Most of them arrived in the European Union from Syria, but there were also forced migrants from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. While many of these migrants used the so-called Balkan route after passing through Turkey, others arrived in Greece via Lebanon or Turkey, and some traveled via North African countries, mainly Egypt and Libya. Why did refugees use such different migration corridors? Was it a matter of economic resources, of education and knowledge, or of family ties and social networks? In this paper, we statistically analyze the migration corridors used by Syrian refugees who arrived in Germany between 2014 and 2016. Using a unique dataset of 3,125 refugees, we identify the main migration corridors used Syrian forced migrants and analyze the sociodemographic and journey-related contextual factors associated with the use of these routes. Use of different escape routes was found to correlate with person-related variables and with journey-related contextual factors. The study contributes the debate on the dynamics of forced migration and onward migration.

Personality Factors as Predictors in Burnout Level Changes for Surgical Area Nurses.

Surgical area nurses provide comprehensive care to patients throughout the surgical process. Increases in life expectancy lead to the appearance and development of diseases, translating into an increase in the number of necessary interventions. Increases in the workload can be another risk factor for the development of burnout in professionals in this area. Knowledge of psychological and personality-related variables provides relevant information of level changes in the dimensions of burnout syndrome. Three logistic regression models, based on a cross-sectional study with 214 nurses working in the surgical area in the Andalusian Health Service, Spain, were built for each dimension. These models included different variables related to depression and personality, with some being significant at the population level and consequently true risk or protection factors. Friendliness, responsibility and extraversion are protection factors for the personal accomplishment dimension, whilst neuroticism is a risk factor for this dimension. Friendliness is also a protection factor for depersonalization, whilst depression is a risk factor. Finally, neuroticism, responsibility and depression are risk factors for the emotional exhaustion dimension of burnout. These findings provide relevant information that makes anticipation of this syndrome in this group easier.

A Cross-cultural exploration of problematic Internet use, pathological personality traits, defense mechanisms, coping strategies, and self-esteem in 14 countries

ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to compare the estimates of Problematic Internet Use (PIU) from 14 countries around the world, considering gender. The second objective was to explore the relationships between PIU and personality-related variables (pathological personality traits, defense mechanisms, coping strategies, and self-esteem). Materials and methodsOur total sample consisted of 7726 participants (30.8% male, n=2378), aged between 18 and 86 years old (M=25.55; SD=9.8). Recruited online, they completed several scales about their Internet use, defense mechanisms and coping strategies, self-esteem, and pathological personality traits. ResultsThe PIU accounted for between 20.5% and 75% of participants using the PIUQ-9, while “self-perception” of PIU with a single item revealed estimates from 2% to 60.1%, with gender differences. Systematically, PIU significantly correlated with two variables: borderline personality traits (from .09 at P<.05 to .42 at P<.01) and immature defense mechanisms (from .13 to .42 at P<.01). Dependent, avoidant, narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial personality traits were positive predictors of PIU and self-esteem, paranoid and schizoid personalities were negative predictors. ConclusionsThis research highlights the many cross-cultural differences. Its design also allows for a better understanding of gender differences.

Explanatory Models of Burnout Diagnosis Based on Personality Factors in Primary Care Nurses.

Burnout in the primary care service takes place when there is a high level of interaction between nurses and patients. Explanatory models based on psychological and personality related variables provide an approximation to level changes in the three dimensions of the burnout syndrome. A categorical-response ordinal logistic regression model, based on a quantitative, crosscutting, multicentre, descriptive study with 242 primary care nurses in the Andalusian Health Service in Granada (Spain) is performed for each dimension. The three models included all the variables related to personality. The risk factor friendliness was significant at population level for the three dimensions, whilst openness was never significant. Neuroticism was significant in the models related to emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, whilst responsibility was significant for the models referred to depersonalization and personal accomplishment dimensions. Finally, extraversion was also significant in the emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment dimensions. The analysis performed provides useful information, making more readily the diagnosis and evolution of the burnout syndrome in this collective.

Explanatory Models of Burnout Diagnosis Based on Personality Factors and Depression in Managing Nurses

Nurse managers are affected by burnout due to the high degree of interaction between managers with their registered nurses. Explanatory models based on psychological, and personality related variables purvey an estimation to level changes in the three dimensions of the burnout syndrome. A categorical-response logistic ordinal regression model, supported on a quantitative, crosscutting, multicentre, descriptive study with 86 nursing managers in the Andalusian Health Service in Granada, Spain is performed for each dimension. The three models included different variables related to personality, as well as depression as the only explanatory variable included in all the models. The risk factor neuroticism was significant at population level and related to emotional exhaustion, whilst responsibility was significant in the model estimated to personal accomplishment dimension. Finally, depression was significant for the three dimensions of Burnout. This analysis provides useful information to help the diagnosis and evolution of this syndrome in this collective.

German University Students' Perspective on Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quantitative Survey Study With Implications for Future Educational Interventions.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced German universities to adjust their established operations quickly during the first nationwide lockdown in spring 2020. Lecturers and students were confronted with a sudden transition to remote teaching and learning. The present study examined students’ preparedness for and perspective on this new situation. In March and April 2020, we surveyed n = 584 students about the status quo of their perceived digital literacy and corresponding formal learning opportunities they had experienced in the past. Additionally, the students reported the direction of changes in key study characteristics they expected from this new situation. Moreover, they reported the extent to which they believe they will be able to master this new study situation successfully. Two categories of independent variables were considered: context-related variables and person-related variables. Our results show that students did not have many learning opportunities to promote their digital literacy, suggesting that they were not appropriately prepared for this new situation. Results for digital literacy vary by competence area. However, there is a positive correlation between past formal learning opportunities and corresponding digital competences. Master students reported more learning opportunities and higher digital literacy only in one competence area compared to bachelor students. Regarding the expected change of key study characteristics, some characteristics were expected to worsen and fewer to improve. A multiple regression analysis explained 54% of the estimated probability of successful remote learning. Students’ age, state anxiety, positive state affect, general self-efficacy, the availability of an own workplace, past learning opportunities in digital content creation, and the estimated preparedness of lecturers for remote teaching were significant explaining factors. Our results provide valuable insights into the perspective of students on studying during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We discuss important factors that should be addressed by educational measures in the future.

Treatment of Underlying Forms: A Bayesian Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Treatment and Person-Related Variables on Treatment Response.

Purpose This meta-analysis synthesizes published studies using "treatment of underlying forms" (TUF) for sentence-level deficits in people with aphasia (PWA). The study aims were to examine group-level evidence for TUF efficacy, to characterize the effects of treatment-related variables (sentence structural family and complexity; treatment dose) in relation to the Complexity Account of Treatment Efficacy (CATE) hypothesis, and to examine the effects of person-level variables (aphasia severity, sentence comprehension impairment, and time postonset of aphasia) on TUF response. Method Data from 13 single-subject, multiple-baseline TUF studies, including 46 PWA, were analyzed. Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects interrupted time series models were used to assess the effect of treatment-related variables on probe accuracy during baseline and treatment. The moderating influence of person-level variables on TUF response was also investigated. Results The results provide group-level evidence for TUF efficacy demonstrating increased probe accuracy during treatment compared with baseline phases. Greater amounts of TUF were associated with larger increases in accuracy, with greater gains for treated than untreated sentences. The findings revealed generalization effects for sentences that were of the same family but less complex than treated sentences. Aphasia severity may moderate TUF response, with people with milder aphasia demonstrating greater gains compared with people with more severe aphasia. Sentence comprehension performance did not moderate TUF response. Greater time postonset of aphasia was associated with smaller improvements for treated sentences but not for untreated sentences. Conclusions Our results provide generalizable group-level evidence of TUF efficacy. Treatment and generalization responses were consistent with the CATE hypothesis. Model results also identified person-level moderators of TUF (aphasia severity, time postonset of aphasia) and preliminary estimates of the effects of varying amounts of TUF for treated and untreated sentences. Taken together, these findings add to the TUF evidence and may guide future TUF treatment-candidate selection. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16828630.

Predictors and outcomes of cyberbullying among college students: A two wave study.

Existing research on cyberbullying has primarily focused on adolescents in cross-sectional survey studies, with less research focusing on college students or employed adults over longer periods of time. To extend this literature, the current study examined new predictors and outcomes of cyberbullying perpetration (CP) and victimization (CV) among college students from two different universities that were followed across two time points. Risk factors were measured in line with previous theoretical models, including biological or personality-related variables (e.g., low self-control, dark-side personality traits, empathy) and environmental variables (e.g., perceived social support, lack of rule clarity, and internet use). Additionally, we examined several possible outcomes of CV and CP. Results from path analyses revealed that involvement with traditional bullying (either as a perpetrator or a victim) as well as Machiavellianism significantly predicted CV and CP. With regard to the cross-lagged associations between CV and CP, we found that Time 1 CV predicted time 2 CP, but Time 1 CP did not predict Time 2 CV. That is, being a victim of cyberbullying during the Fall semester predicted involvement as a perpetrator in the Spring semester. However, being a perpetrator during the Fall semester did not predict being a victim during the Spring semester. Regarding outcomes, we found that CV significantly predicted anxiety, depression, and helping behavior, and CP significantly predicted deviant behavior, but not GPA nor alcohol consumption. These findings have practical implications for college students as well as university student support services.

Islamic banks’ brand personality and customer satisfaction: an empirical investigation through SEM

PurposeBrand personality plays an important role in affecting customer satisfaction. The Muslim population is estimated to reach 30% of the world’s population, and it is considered as the fastest-growing religion in the world. To tap into this market, it is important to explore various aspects of business, in general, and marketing, in particular, from the perspective of Muslim consumers. The present research also attempts to do the same by proposing a conceptual model related to the brand personality of Islamic Banks, named, Islamic Banks’ Brand Personality (IBBP) and its impact on customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses the causal relationship that exists between the variables related to Islamic brand personality and customer satisfaction. For this purpose, data was collected quantitatively from 337 customers of different Islamic banks, through a self-administered questionnaire. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. Factor analysis was performed to extract and decide on the number of factors underlying the measured variables of interest. Structural equation modelling was then used to examine the variables and the fitness of the proposed model.FindingsThe result revealed that five out of the total six hypotheses were supported. In this case, trustworthiness and Shariah compliance resulted in the strongest impact on customer satisfaction followed by sincerity and justice.Practical implicationsThe positive significant impact of trustworthiness and Shariah compliance on customer satisfaction attests to the importance of these variables in the development of a strong brand personality in the context of Islamic banks. Policymakers of the financial industry in general and the Islamic financial service industry, in particular, may benefit from the findings of this study.Originality/valueThere is a dearth of research conducted on investigating the impact of brand personality-related variables on the Islamic banking sector. The present research did not only develop variables of IBBP but also empirically tested their effect on customer satisfaction. This paper, therefore, offers invaluable insight into IBBP with its impact on customer satisfaction.

Inter-Relationships Among Several Person-Related Attributes in Reading and Metacomprehension: Complexity and Educational Implications

Reading is one of the most basic academic skills. An accurate monitor of one’s text comprehension (i.e., metacomprehension) is essential for effective reading as it guides learning and choices of appropriate strategy used to maximize overall understanding. The processes of reading comprehension and metacomprehension are affected by text-related, task-related, and reader- /person-related factors. One of the two purposes of this report is to provide a brief review of consistent research findings on the interrelationships among several person-related variables and the complexity of those associations in reading and metacomprehension. The person variables discussed include personality, motivation, goal orientations, self-regulation, reading strategy use, and academic effort expenditure. A second purpose is to highlight practical educational implications from the prominent research evidence for classroom teaching.

The relationship between stigma and help-seeking intentions in college students

IntroductionFew people seek mental health care despite the high prevalence of mental illnesses and their serious consequences. Barriers explaining this lack or absence of help-seeking have been the subject of several studies with stigma being the most prominent barrier.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the relationship between stigma and help-seeking intentions in a sample of Tunisian college students.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey. The “Mental Health Knowledge Schedule”, and the “Reported and Intended Behavior Scale” were administered to a total of 714 college students (62.2% female; mean age =20.9).ResultsMore than one-third of students (39.6%) felt that it would be “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to seek the help of a health professional for mental health problems. Pearson product moment correlations indicated that help-seeking intentions significantly and positively correlated with behavior (p&lt;0.001, r=0,103) and knowledge (p&lt;0.001, r=0,163). The multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis found that after controlling for demographic variables (gender, age) and other personal-related variables (marital status, family income, living environment, substance use, personal psychiatric history), help-seeking intentions were significant contributors to behaviors and knowledge.ConclusionsGiven that stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness is a real and perceived barrier to seeking help and treatment, psycho-educational campaigns should be put in place to address the negative perceptions and attitudes of the general population about mental health issues, and should be tailored to the needs of specific groups (including students in different disciplines), taking into account their attitudes, fear and concerns about mental illness.