Desirability Research Articles

Uroda kobiety w paremiologii polskiej i bułgarskiej

Beauty is a multispectral and polyvalent emotional-aesthetic category. Beauty is reflected in the thinking and behavioral manifestations of gendered subjects, who constantly subject it to evaluation. The aesthetic side of beauty alone is not enough for successful intersex communication. It also carries risks, so it must be balanced and elevated with an ethical „platform”. Thus it becomes a synonym of goodness with nobility of soul, of an enlightened mind, of the dignity of character. Women’s beauty has a universal nature that reveals a wide range of values, among which one usually stands out in a given context. Among the most sought after in modern times, besides physical attractiveness, is a woman’s ability to be a good wife, mother and keeper of the home hearth.Beauty is also a perceptual model for understanding the delicate nature of women, as well as a specific kind of „instruction” for undertaking certain communicative tactics in inter-gender communication. Since female beauty is an integral part of the enigmatic mystery that men have grappled with since time immemorial, their communicative efforts are directed in two directions: 1) negative, even harsh comments, crystallizing into merciless evaluations of female shortcomings and seemingly erasing the advantages of the female gender (or at best balancing them with irritating weaknesses and deficiencies observed in women); 2) sincere admiration of their charm, but always tempered with fear of the impenetrable enigma.The goal of the study is, through the use of proverbs, to discern the mechanisms by which stereotypes and anti-stereotypical tendencies in conceptualizing beauty, embodied by women, function in the psyche of the subject as a representative of one of the two cultures (Polish and Bulgarian). One of the positively marked stereotypical „directives” is female beauty, associated with her creative essence, namely with the fertility of the Earth. She is beautiful in herself. These identified tendencies demonstrate the high axiological rank of beauty in the subject’s categorization strategies and its ability to sublimate into higher moral and spiritual value. This sublimation contributes to strengthening the bonds between man and woman.The methods used in the study include: semantic-analytical, psychological, cognitive-pragmatic, and comparative methods.

Change in self-image pressure level before and after autologous fat breast augmentation and its effect on social adaptability

BACKGROUND There is an increasingly strong demand for appearance and physical beauty in social life, marriage, and other aspects with the development of society and the improvement of material living standards. An increasing number of people have improved their appearance and physical shape through aesthetic plastic surgery. The female breast plays a significant role in physical beauty, and droopy or atrophied breasts can frequently lead to psychological inferiority and lack of confidence in women. This, in turn, can affect their mental health and quality of life. AIM To analyze preoperative and postoperative self-image pressure-level changes of autologous fat breast augmentation patients and their impact on social adaptability. METHODS We selected 160 patients who underwent autologous fat breast augmentation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 using random sampling method. The general information, self-image pressure level, and social adaptability of the patients were investigated using a basic information survey, body image self-assessment scale, and social adaptability scale. The self-image pressure-level changes and their effects on the social adaptability of patients before and after autologous fat breast augmentation were analyzed. RESULTS We collected 142 valid questionnaires. The single-factor analysis results showed no statistically significant difference in the self-image pressure level and social adaptability score of patients with different ages, marital status, and monthly income. However, there were significant differences in social adaptability among patients with different education levels and employment statuses. The correlation analysis results revealed a significant correlation between the self-image pressure level and social adaptability score before and after surgery. Multiple factors analysis results showed that the degree of concern caused by appearance in self-image pressure, the degree of possible behavioral intervention, the related distress caused by body image, and the influence of body image on social life influenced the social adaptability of autologous fat breast augmentation patients. CONCLUSION The self-image pressure on autologous fat breast augmentation patients is inversely proportional to their social adaptability.

The Concept of Aspectism in the Traditional Arts of the Bamileke People of Western Cameroon: Myth or Reality?

Aspectism is an aesthetic approach that underscores the significance of visual appearance in artistic works, highlighting elements such as shape, color, texture, and other visual components as crucial for appreciating and interpreting art. This artistic style prioritizes the visual and formal aspects of artworks as channels for communication and creative expression. The Bamileke art object, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions, aligns with the principles of aspectism. Notably, many objects from this cultural milieu are featured in Western museums due to their striking physical beauty. This observation prompts questions regarding the applicability of aspectism to Bamileke art and whether it represents a myth or a reality. This inquiry delves into the intrinsic nature of Bamileke arts and the broader grassfields region. To address these concerns, the study unfolds in three key stages: introducing the concept of aspectism, delineating its artistic characteristics, and examining its manifestation across various artistic mediums within the Bamileke community. Additionally, the study explores the philosophical underpinnings of beauty within this population. The study concludes that the Bamileke art object embodies two distinct entities: the physical, or apparent aspect, and the symbolic or functional aspect. While aspectism emphasizes the apparent aspect, the argument can be made that the notion of aspectism within Bamileke arts leans more towards being a myth than a reality.

Size-inclusive advertising in the Asian fashion market: Female consumers' responses to a plus-size vs. Thin-size model in South Korea.

Global fashion brands have embraced size-inclusive advertising featuring plus-size models, yet the responses of Asian consumers to such advertising-where the average body size of women is smaller than in Western markets-have garnered little attention. This study, utilizing the S-O-R model, aimed to investigate whether the relationships among perceived actual and ideal self-congruence, perceived attractiveness and familiarity of a fashion model, and purchase intention vary based on the body size of the fashion model. We tested the hypothesized relationships using ANCOVA, confirmatory factor analysis, and multi-group structural equation modeling, analyzing 623 online survey responses from South Korean female consumers. Actual self-congruence had a greater influence on perceived familiarity in consumers exposed to a thin-sized model compared to those exposed to a plus-sized model. In contrast, ideal self-congruence had a more significant positive impact on the perceived physical attractiveness of the plus-size model than the thin-size model. Furthermore, the plus-size model's perceived physical attractiveness had a more significant positive effect on purchase intention than that of the thin-size model. This study highlights the importance of crafting advertising images that portray plus-size models as physically attractive to elicit favorable responses from Asian consumers.

Women’s Ethnobeauty: Exploring Socio-Cultural Practices in Women’s Body Care

Objective: This research explores the ethnobeauty of Banjar women, particularly delving into their perceptions of beauty within the context of Banjar culture, and how these perceptions influence their practices of body care. Theoretical Framework: Study of ethnobeauty among Banjar women as part of ethnoscience is an exploration of Banjar women's knowledge about beauty concepts and beauty care, which includes various categories in beauty care, Banjar women’s classification systems in beauty care, and various factors that shape their knowledge about beauty such as beliefs, myths, beauty care behaviors, and the dynamics accompanying their knowledge about beauty. Method: The study adopts qualitative research methods with a feminist ethnographic approach. Informants for this study were selected purposively, focusing on individuals knowledgeable about beauty, history, and culture within the Banjar community. Results and Discussion: The findings of the research reveal that Banjar women's perspectives on beauty can be categorized into two main themes: physical or external beauty, and inner beauty. Physical beauty pertains to the outward appearance of women, emphasizing attributes such as cleanliness, fragrance, and radiance of the skin. In the Banjar language, beauty (bungas) is synonymous with a woman possessing immaculate, fragrant, and luminous skin. Hence, maintaining cleanliness and fragrance to achieve a radiant and fresh appearance is the primary objective of their body care practices. To attain physical beauty, Banjar women engage in various beauty treatments aligned with their beauty ideals. These treatments aim to achieve clean, smooth, and radiant skin. Research Implications: From the presentation of the research results above, several conclusions can be drawn as follows: First, Banjar women's views on beauty are generally divided into two meanings: physical or outer beauty and inner beauty. The first meaning, physical or outer beauty, refers to a woman’s beauty directed towards her physical form. Beauty (known as “bungas” in Banjar language) for Banjar women is interpreted as having clean, fragrant, and radiant skin. Cleanliness and fragrance of the body, making the body appear radiant and glowing, are their main goals in performing body beauty care to look beautiful and fresh. Second, to achieve physical (outer) beauty, Banjar women engage in beauty care with various forms of beauty treatments according to their conception of beauty, which is to obtain clean, smooth, and radiant skin. The practices performed by Banjar women are related to their beliefs or faith. Originality/Value: As part of ethnoscience, the study of ethnobeauty, which combines the words “ethno” and “beauty,” literally means the beauty of a particular society or ethnic group. Thus, ethnobeauty research can be defined as an effort to describe a society’s knowledge system regarding beauty and beauty care practices, including myths, beliefs, culture, and beauty care practices along with their dynamics. As an ethnobeauty study of the Banjar community, this research provides a comprehensive depiction of the Banjar society's knowledge of beauty and body beauty care practices. Generally, this ethnobeauty study delves deeply into the phenomenon of Banjar women's beauty, covering several aspects including beauty concepts, values embedded in beauty care, myths and beliefs associated with beauty care practices, various forms of beauty care along with their benefits for the body such as balulur, batimung, bapupur, and other beauty treatments commonly practiced by Banjar women.

The Gender-Specific Dynamics of Charismaphobia in Relation to Body-Esteem and Self-Esteem: Implications for Cosmetic and Psycho-dermatology

Background: Humans have engaged in various beliefs, attitudes, actions, and medical procedures to enhance their physical attractiveness. This pursuit has led to several psychodermatological disorders, including charismaphobia, which is the fear of becoming unattractive. Objectives: Offering fresh perspectives to mental health practitioners and cosmetic dermatologists, the current study addresses a significant gap in knowledge by exploring the gender-specific dynamics of charismaphobia in relation to body esteem and self-esteem. Methods: The survey involved 879 conveniently selected participants, including both men (n = 261) and women (n = 618). The Charismaphobia Scale, Body-Esteem Scale, and Self-Esteem Scale were used, along with a demographic information questionnaire. Results: Women exhibited significantly higher levels of charismaphobia compared to men (Men = 52.53%; Women = 68.04%; P = 0.000; Cohen’s d = 0.710). Conversely, men demonstrated significantly greater body-esteem (Men = 80.03%; Women = 70.37%; P = 0.000; Cohen’s d = 1.040) and self-esteem (Men = 68.85%; Women = 53.69%; P = 0.000; Cohen’s d = 0.985) compared to women. A significant inverse correlation was identified between charismaphobia and both body-esteem (r = -.329; P < 0.01) and self-esteem (r = -.608; P < 0.01). In both men and women, self-esteem had a stronger impact on charismaphobia than vice versa (P < 0.01). The findings affirmed the greater relevance of self-esteem in influencing charismaphobia compared to body-esteem (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The current study highlights the unfair pressure placed on women to meet societal standards of beauty, explaining why charismaphobia is gender-specific. The study recommends embracing one's multifaceted identity, beyond physical appearance, to cultivate robust self-esteem and avoid the detrimental effects of charismaphobia. It emphasizes the fundamental roles of self-esteem and body-esteem in this process.

E-Commerce and Live Stream Slip-Ups: Sic Transit Gloria Italian Top Influencer Chiara Ferragni. Uncovering New Attitudes in both Consumer Behavior and Brand Strategies

For those unacquainted with Latin brocards, the title alludes to the downfall of the Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni, currently embroiled in a significant scandal. In contemporary times, numerous international brands resort to influencers to endorse and bolster the sales of their products. Among the various prominent figures, such as footballers, singers, and actors, the 36-year-old Chiara Ferragni distinctly stands out as one of the most renowned fashion bloggers, a designated celebrity, and an influential opinion leader on the global stage. In a span of just a few years, Ferragni successfully established an extensive economic and commercial empire, facilitating the launch and sale of products bearing her name. Moreover, she became a pivotal figure for numerous luxury companies, leveraging her media influence to enhance their profitability, constituting the foundational underpinning of social influencer marketing. Over time, Ferragni endorsed a myriad of products from renowned brands, spanning clothing, female beauty accessories, and food products, amassing a current fortune of 45 million euros. However, on December 15, 2023, the Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM) imposed a fine of over 1 million euros on Ferragni for deceptive advertising practices and consumer deception. According to the AGCM, the influencer omitted pertinent information in her online advertisements, disseminated false information, and employed forms of undue influence. Subsequently, Ferragni also faced suspicions of alleged criminal fraud. This qualitative research paper aims to explore the ongoing investigations, Ferragni’s defense strategies, and the reactions of her followers and clients. The findings reveal a trend where numerous significant brands are severing ties with Ferragni as sponsors, leading to an erosion of consumer trust in the influencer category, and prompting a shift towards a more discerning consumer attitude.

A Multi-Method Study Examining the Role of Swiping on Dating Apps: Mate Value Preferences, Sexual Satisfaction, and Need Satisfaction with Matches in Emerging Adults.

Intrinsic (i.e., personality traits) and extrinsic mate value (i.e., resources, physical attractiveness) preferences play a crucial role in (online) relationship formation. The role of mate values in dating applications was unclear and was addressed in a multi-method study. A first content analytical study examined the prevalence of mate values (MVs) on Tinder profiles (Study 1) and two subsequent cross-sectional studies explored the relationships between dating app use, various swiping behaviors, sexual satisfaction (Studies 2-3), need satisfaction with matches (Study 3), having a committed relationship versus casual sex motivation for using dating apps and users' gender. The content analysis of 307 Tinder profiles indicated that resources and physical attractiveness were most salient in biographies and pictures, respectively. The first cross-sectional study (nfullsample = 325, ndating app users = 133) revealed no significant relationships between dating app frequency/swiping frequency, intrinsic and extrinsic MV preferences, and sexual satisfaction. The second cross-sectional study (n = 323) showed no significant relationships between picture-based or biography-based swiping, intrinsic and extrinsic MV preferences, and need satisfaction with matches. Gender differences emerged in the presentation of MVs on Tinder (Study 1) and general MV preferences (Study 2-3), but not in the relationships between different types of dating app use/swiping and MV preferences (Study 2-3). A committed relationship and a casual sex motivation played a role in the relationships between different types of swiping behaviors and MV preferences, and between MV preferences, and sexual satisfaction/need satisfaction with matches.

An Attractiveness Bias? How Women Entrepreneurs’ Physical Appearance Affects Men Investors

Women founders frequently appear to encounter varied and often negatively biased decisions from investors. Our study builds on the theoretical and practical interest in understanding whether and how biases against women entrepreneurs are attributed to men investors’ cognitive and physiological (i.e., hormonal) responses to the women’s physical appearance. Using a cross-sectional research design, we recruited 106 experienced investors and randomly assigned them to one of two versions of a prerecorded pitch to test the effect of a woman entrepreneur’s physical attractiveness. The versions were identical in content and form but were delivered by different actresses, one of whom was considered highly attractive. We asked participants to observe the pitch and answer questions on related topics, including how likely they believed the business described would successfully progress through the screening stage of the investment process. In contrast to our hypothesis, we find that a woman entrepreneur’s attractiveness positively influences men investors’ assessments of her competence. These competence assessments lead to evaluations that the entrepreneur’s proposal would progress through the investment screening stage. We also theorize and find that men investors have a marked increase in cortisol levels when presented with an attractive woman entrepreneur. This increased cortisol leads to evaluations that the entrepreneur’s proposal would progress through the screening stage. Identifying the role physiological mechanisms play in investment evaluations underscores the importance of adopting proactive measures to ensure equitable and fair investment practices alongside fostering introspection within the investment community.

Influencer marketing: explaining the effects of influencer self-presentation strategies on brand responses through source credibility

PurposeSelf-presentation is an important aspect of influencer marketing. Drawing upon self-presentation theory and source credibility theory, this study aimed to unravel how the self-presentation strategies of a layperson, opinion leadership and micro-celebrity influence source credibility (i.e. trustworthiness, expertise, physical attractiveness and social attractiveness) and how source credibility, in turn, affects brand responses.Design/methodology/approachAn online experiment among female participants (N = 229) was conducted. Participants were shown a sponsored blog in which the influencer presented herself as either a layperson, an opinion leader or a micro-celebrity.FindingsThe study demonstrated that the presentation strategy of a layperson was more persuasive than a micro-celebrity presentation because of higher levels of (1) trust and (2) social attractiveness. In addition, opinion leaders were perceived as having more expertise than laypeople and, therefore, positively enhanced brand responses.Research limitations/implicationsThe current findings provide relevant insights into the theoretical mechanisms (i.e. expertise, trustworthiness and social attractiveness) that explain the effects of self-presentation strategies on brand responses.Practical implicationsOur findings imply that credibility perceptions determine the persuasiveness of the SMI. This study showed that layperson and opinion leadership self-presentation strategies are relatively more persuasive.Originality/valueThis study is the first to show that influencers’ self-presentation strategies determine how people respond to the brands that influencers promote. In addition, we show that these effects are explained by the influencers’ trust, social attractiveness and expertise.

THE GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE OF WALLACE TANK PUEBLO (AZ Q:1:199 (ASM)), PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA: REHABILITATING THE DAMAGED CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF A PUEBLO IV VILLAGE

Petrified Forest National Park (PEFO) is a unique landscape of physical beauty and paleontological treasures. Known for its ancient fossils, petrified wood, and awe-inspiring vistas, it is also well-known in the archaeological community as having some of the earliest villages on the southern Colorado Plateau. Additionally, it is home to a few large late precontact pueblos (Pueblo IV period: ~1275-1400 CE) that were once part of an extensive regional network of communities where people and goods moved across the landscape. Wallace Tank Pueblo is the largest Pueblo IV period village within the Park. This once thriving 600-room pueblo was home to the ancestors of the Zuni, Hopi, and other descendant communities. Over time the physical features of the village were damaged by historic ranching activities and natural erosion. It is now a scoured and degraded landscape where the once sustaining natural spring is not even identifiable. Because of the uniqueness of this village within the Petrified Forest environment consultations between the Park and descendant communities should consider management plans that will re-establish a spring-fed wetlands. Such a plan would not only focus on preservation of the cultural features, but also on the health of the environment and that of the descendants who maintain an emotional and spiritual connection to this ancestral village.

The Impact of Aerobics on Body Image Perception of College Students

This study examines the correlation between individuals' judgments of their body image and their evaluation of the advantages of aerobic exercise. A descriptive comparative- correlational approach was employed to gather data from a heterogeneous sample of participants, encompassing their demographic characteristics, evaluation of the advantages of aerobics, and judgments of body image across many dimensions. The results indicate notable disparities in the evaluation of aerobics advantages according to age and gender, as older persons and males exhibit higher ratings across several areas. Furthermore, there is a notable association between participants' evaluation of the advantages of aerobics and their opinions of their body image, emphasizing the significance of overall well-being rather than physical attractiveness. The findings of this study highlight the need to implement customized treatments and inclusive initiatives aimed at fostering a positive body image and promoting engagement in physical exercise to enhance overall health and well-being.

Song 7:2–6 [Eng: 1–5] as a Symphony of Poetry, Metaphor, and Passion

Song 7:2–6 is (in)famous for how the man describes his beloved, from feet to head, with one seemingly ridiculous metaphor after another. While the aesthetic sense of these metaphors may seem odd to westerners, it was highly unlikely to be such for its original audiences. Thus, the fundamental question for biblical scholars, especially those concerned with metaphor is: How does the poet employ the visual similarities in the metaphorical imagery to allow readers/hearers access to how the man both perceives and conceptualises the physical beauty of his beloved? In other words, how can we as readers take the metaphors seriously without obliterating the metaphorical imagery? This article seeks to answer this question by employing a complexity approach which integrates poetic rhythm (additionally borrowing the concept of deceptive cadence from music), linguistic approaches to poetic parallelism, the use of emotion in lyric poetry, and metaphor analyses. This symphony of analyses hopes to explain how the metaphors function as a unity within the poetry’s rhythm, building toward a peak to express the man’s desire and excitement for his beloved. It concludes by offering an interpretation of the final verse’s interpretively difficult description of the woman’s hair as crimson, explaining how the woman’s head as Mount Carmel during a fiery sunset serves as a fitting conclusion to the poem that provides a befitting climactic closure for conveying the man’s desire for his beloved.

SEXUAL DECEPTION USED BY INDIVIDUALS TO INITIATE SEXUAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THEIR CURRENT OR POTENTIAL PARTNER

Sexual deception, the deliberate manipulation of information regarding one’s sexual identity, preferences, and intentions, is a complex phenomenon prevalent in intimate relationships. This research aims to delve into the intricate dynamics of sexual deceit, exploring the connection between male and female perspectives in sexual relationships. The study delves into the reasons behind sexual deception, examining why males are perceived as more manipulative compared to females and how gender influences deceptive practices in sexual contexts. The paper posits that individuals utilize deceptive tactics, including sexual deception, to enhance intimacy in relationships, driven by desires for gratification, fear of rejection, and the pursuit of personal goals. Utilizing the Sexual Deception Scale developed by Marelich et al. (2008), the research uncovers insights into the different dimensions of sexual deception, including blatant lying, self-serving tactics, and avoiding confrontation. Physical beauty plays a major role in sexual deception. Lack of sex in life can cause problems like isolation, self- doubt and trust. Through a comprehensive analysis of the scale’s subscales and total scores, the study sheds light on the prevalence of deceptive practices in intimate relationships and the gender disparities in manipulative behaviors.

Testing Sexual Strategy Theory in Norway.

Choosing a romantic partner for a long-term relationship is one of the most significant decisions one makes during our lifetime. We have inherited an evolved framework from our ancestors that contains traits, as well as preferences for these traits, to solve this task. We use this framework consciously or unconsciously to choose prospective romantic partners. Following this reasoning, sexual strategy theory (SST) has been proposed for predicting which traits women and men prefer in a romantic partner for a long-term relationship. These predictions were empirically tested in the current work based on a sample of 1193 Norwegian adolescents who responded to an online questionnaire. We implemented the study hypotheses, derived from SST, in three statistical models, which were tested using structural equation modeling. In brief, our results revealed that women only valued resources more than men when we controlled for materialistic traits. This finding contrasts with SST's prediction that women would value resources more than men, independently of other variables. As for the second prediction that men value physical attractiveness more than women, this pattern existed universally and was independent of, for instance, how egalitarian they were. We thus conclude that SST was only partially supported and that variables that may reflect societal circumstances (e.g., wealth, gender, equality) should be considered when examining the mate choice behavior of women and men. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are also discussed.

An Attractive Target: Do Perceptions of Physical Attractiveness Shape Victimization Risks in Women’s Prisons?

ABSTRACT Emerging research suggests that physical attractiveness may yield outcomes beyond preferential treatment, such as increasing the vulnerability to victimization during adolescence. Despite growing awareness of individual and institutional victimization risk factors during incarceration, research has yet to consider the role of physical attractiveness. Drawing on survey data collected from 223 women across two Pennsylvania prisons, this article investigates whether perceptions of physical attractiveness operate as protective or risk factors for victimization experienced while incarcerated. Logistic regression results show a significant positive association between interviewer-assessed perceptions of physical attractiveness and incarcerated women’s self-reported resident-on-resident victimization. Dominance analysis results indicate that perceptions of physical attractiveness ranked nearly as high as histories of abuse in predicting incarcerated women’s risk of victimization. This study uncovers an unintended consequence of physical attractiveness for imprisoned women, demonstrating their heightened susceptibility to in-prison victimization.

Analysis of Trends in Contemporary Female Body Aesthetics

In today's society, perceptions of women's body aesthetics are changing positively. Traditional perceptions of the standard image of beauty are being replaced by increasingly diverse and inclusive definitions. A diverse body image not only encourages women to embrace their unique physical characteristics, but also promotes physical fitness and self-confidence. With the evolution of social media and the entertainment industry, women have more choices in how they present themselves and are able to project a more authentic and positive body image. However, despite the progress made, there is still a spread of stereotypes and inaccurate standards of women's bodies that challenge the quest for diversity and inclusion. Therefore, through education, advocacy and positive media guidance, we can work together to create a more diverse, healthy and confident female body beauty. This paper looks into how women's body aesthetics are seen and how to promote a diversified, healthy, and self-assured body image. Using a combination of research from the fields of psychology, sociology, and media studies, it looks at the cultural reflections, psychological ramifications, and societal impacts related to beauty standards. Prioritizing physical health, emotional well-being, and self-acceptance, the study promotes a holistic approach that highlights the significance of questioning impractical goals and embracing variety. It highlights the need for a paradigm change toward more inclusive and empowering depictions of women's bodies in modern culture through an examination of real research findings.

Exploring consumer responses to official endorsement: roles of credibility and attractiveness attributes in live streaming.

Official endorsement, distinct from celebrity, expertise, and peer endorsement, introduces a new paradigm where local government officials use online platforms, particularly live streaming, to promote local products and brands. This study examines the influence of official endorsement on consumer responses using the source credibility and source attractiveness models. We developed a framework that considers official credibility and attractiveness attributes as antecedents, and consumer perceived security and enjoyment as mediators, affecting purchase intention and local brand awareness. The study also incorporates variables such as consumer region and power distance belief. Data from 594 responses obtained through an online survey were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that official credibility attributes (expertise, trustworthiness, government credibility) enhances consumer perceived security, while official attractiveness attributes (physical attractiveness, interaction friendliness, and similarity with consumers) increases consumer enjoyment. Both perceived security and enjoyment positively influence purchase intention and local brand awareness. These relationships are partially moderated by consumer region and power distance belief. This research pioneers the study of official endorsements, expanding the endorsement literature. It also provides practical insights for marketing professionals and government officials on leveraging official endorsements to enhance the value of local products and brands..

Influential and Worthy: A Video-centric Exploration of Travel Influencers’ Value Chain Logic

Influencer marketing has ushered in a new mode of electronic commerce, necessitating research to explore this emerging business logic. This study, grounded in communication and persuasion theory, develops a theoretical framework of travel influencers’ value chain logic. It elucidates how these influencers’ communication strategies drive their audience members’ online engagement and influencers’ business value on short video platforms. A multi-method design and video-centric approach revealed three dimensions of influencers’ communication strategies—physical attractiveness, content richness, and social activity—that significantly shaped audience members’ online engagement with the content. Such engagement in turn had a positive impact on influencers’ business value. These findings help to clarify value chain logic in influencer marketing and carry managerial implications for influencers and travel brands.

How Dietary Choices and Nutritional Knowledge Relate to Eating Disorders and Body Esteem of Medical Students? A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Eating disorders and body image concerns are increasingly prevalent issues among young individuals, with medical students being particularly vulnerable due to heightened stress levels. This study enrolled 879 medical students to investigate these concerns. The KomPAN questionnaire was utilized to assess dietary habits and knowledge, the Body Esteem Scale (BES) to evaluate body satisfaction, and The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) to identify eating disorders. A higher level of nutritional knowledge was found to be statistically significantly associated with attempts at excessive calorie restriction among women (β = 0.0864) and negatively among men (β = -0.2039). Moreover, it was negatively associated with self-control of food intake only among men (β = -0.2060). Furthermore, a higher BMI was associated with attempts of excessive calorie restriction in both women and men (β = 0.1052 and β = 0.1656, respectively) and negatively with self-control of food intake (β = -0.0813 and β = -0.1453, respectively). A higher BMI was associated with poorer body esteem across all variables in both genders, except for upper body strength among men. Nutritional knowledge did not correspond with any of these variables, while dietary quality was positively associated with physical condition in women and with physical condition, physical attractiveness, and upper body strength in men. Our study findings suggest that dietary interventions could be improved by considering gender-based behavioral differences and focusing on portion control for individuals with a higher BMI. Caution is warranted in extrapolating the results to the general population due to the specific nature of the study population.