Portuguese Respondents Research Articles

Anxiety meets nature: the role of nature in the relationship between socioeconomic status, anxiety and well-being / Ansiedad y naturaleza: el papel de la naturaleza en la relación entre estatus socioeconómico, ansiedad y bienestar

People with lower subjective socioeconomic status are more prone to experiencing anxiety and poorer subjective well-being. Nature’s restorative ability can play an important role among this group, given that spending time outdoors is often associated with better overall mental health and well-being. In this study, we aim to explore the moderating effect of recent visits to green and blue natural spaces on the mediated relationship between subjective socioeconomic status, anxiety and subjective well-being. A nationally representative sample of 946 Portuguese respondents was recruited. Results showed that anxiety mediated the relationship between subjective socioeconomic status and subjective well-being. In addition, the mediation effect was weaker for those who visited natural spaces more frequently, suggesting that spending time in nature buffers against the anxiety associated with lower subjective socioeconomic status from translating into poorer subjective well-being. These findings highlight the importance of using nature as a cost-effective strategy to assist in mitigating the negative effects of low subjective socioeconomic status.

Brand Love, Attitude, and Environmental Cause Knowledge: Sustainable Blue Jeans Consumer Behavior

A blue jeans brand committed to the environmental cause could position itself as unique and socially responsible and attract environmentally driven consumers. This research study examines the relationship between brand love and consumers’ environmental cause knowledge and their willingness to recommend and pay a premium for sustainable blue jeans. To this end, this cross-sectional study comprises a snowball convenience sample of 978 Portuguese respondents, whose data were collected from December 2022 to January 2023. Positive associations between self-expression, brand love, loyalty, environmental cause knowledge, positive word-of-mouth, and willingness to pay a premium for sustainable blue jeans stand out. There are differences in the willingness to pay a premium among generations, education levels, and consumers who are aware of sustainable line extensions and those who are not. The results may be helpful for brands, suggesting their communication should focus on creating increased proximity to consumers by enhancing their values and seeking to link their brands to intrinsic benefits and environmental stakes. This is the first study to incorporate knowledge of the environmental cause into a model linking brand love, brand loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and willingness to pay a premium for sustainable blue jeans.

Personal values and impulse buying: The mediating role of hedonic shopping motivations

This research is the first to examine how personal values (resultant conservation and resultant self-enhancement) relate to impulse buying, and how hedonic shopping motivations mediate this relationship. We draw on information from a preliminary sample of 510 Portuguese respondents and a MTURK sample of 249 Americans, and use structural equations modeling to test the research model. The results from both samples denote some consistency, showing that both resultant self-enhancement and resultant conservation are indirectly related to impulse buying, highlighting a mediating role for hedonic shopping motivations.

Psychological, Social, and Economic Burden of COVID-19: A Comparison of Polish and Portuguese Young Adults

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all societies, and its effects relate not only to physical health but also to mental health, social relations, and the economic situation of the population all over the world. This research aims at studying the perceptions of changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in mental health, economic situation, and social relations among Polish and Portuguese young. The present study also sought to assess the perception of change during the pandemic in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Polish and Portuguese young adults. Methods: A sample of young adults (aged 18–29) from Poland (n = 330) and Portugal (n = 189) filled in an online questionnaire composed of the EQ-5D-5L, some questions from the SHARE COVID-19 questionnaire regarding mental health, social relations, and economic situation, and sociodemographic details. Descriptive analyses, χ2 tests, Student’s t test, and Fisher’s exact test were used to study the existence of differences between Poles and Portuguese. Results: Almost 2 years after the beginning of the pandemic, Polish and Portuguese respondents reported a perceived lower level of HRQoL in comparison to the times before the outbreak of COVID-19. Both Polish and Portuguese respondents perceived an increase in sleeping problems since the outbreak and in loneliness. Respondents from both countries reported a perception of a decrease in the frequency of meeting other people and a perceived economic deterioration. Conclusion: The results indicate what factors are contributing to the worsening of the general living situation of the respondents and show that governments and health authorities should, in addition to the medical consequences of the virus, take the necessary measures to mitigate the long-term consequences of the virus. Authorities should, as well, pay special attention to the group of young adults who, in this uncertain time, are trying to make the most important decisions for their development.

Mapeamento das representações sociais da Psicologia: um estudo em contexto português

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to analyse the social representations of Psychology in a sample of Portuguese respondents, thus contributing to a better understanding of the social meaning of this scientific area. Method: A free association task was performed by a sample of 205 Portuguese individuals who were given the word “Psychology” as a stimulus. Data were analysed using content analysis, supported by the Max-Qda software. Results: The main results show a greater diversity of representations compared to previous studies. However, the dominant representation in terms of intervention is still the curative clinic and the medical paradigm. Conclusion: This research made it possible to highlight the need for Psychology professionals, and the entities that represent them, to reinforce the visibility and awareness of the community in general, of the application areas both in the scientific and professional context.

Seafood consumers engagement in reducing environmental impacts from packaging

Packaging is essential to protect food, inform consumers, and avoid food waste, yet it can also contribute to the environmental footprint of products. Recycling waste treatment potentially provides more environmental benefits than other options (e.g., landfill), but only 66 % of packaging waste goes to recycling in the European Union. However, the prevention of packaging production with greater reuse, while extending the lifetime or improving packaging design should be firstly encouraged. This highlights the need to assess the willingness of consumers in reducing the environmental impact of seafood products from packaging. An online questionnaire was conducted in three countries (Portugal, Spain, and Ireland), composed of four sections: (i) seafood consumption, (ii) waste separation to be sent recycling, (iii) willingness to purchase seafood products with packaging designed to reduce environmental impact, and (iv) sociodemographic characteristics. Findings revealed that respondents from Spain and Portugal reported a slightly higher frequency of waste sent to recycle compared to Ireland. Irish respondents appear to have more difficulties about the type of plastic materials that can be sent to recycling due to Irish waste management capabilities; whereas Spanish and Portuguese respondents were not fully aware that packaging does not need to be washed prior to recycling. The most popular alternatives to improve the sustainability of seafood packaging were the use of reusable packaging, compostable packaging material, glass jars for canned seafood instead of cans, and intelligent packaging. Most respondents were willing to pay more for seafood products that use more sustainable packaging (62 % for Spain, 68 % for Ireland, 70 % for Portugal) and half of the respondents intimated that they avoid seafood products due to excessive packaging. With more detailed information on the waste management of packaging, seafood consumers could actively contribute with their attitudes where commensurate changes can improve environmental assessment of seafood.

Motivation of Portuguese-Speaking Pet Owners Seeking Online Pet Health and Husbandry Information

Internet use for pet health information is increasing in popularity among pet owners. So far, evidence on motivations and topics of interest is limited to surveys on English speaking countries. The objective was to evaluate the motivations of Portuguese-speaking pet owners when visiting a pet information website, written by a certified veterinarian. In situ needs and motivations of visitors were evaluated by classifying online questions (n = 202) and conducting a short questionnaire in the website sidebar (n = 453). Most pet owners were looking for general advice (73.9%), especially on systems with visible disease signs, being motivated by the lack of access to veterinary services due to costs (17.7%), support from other pet owners (11.3%), and complementing the insufficient information provided by the veterinarian (7.7%). Brazilians reported more lack of veterinary access due to costs compared to Portuguese respondents. Thus, Portuguese-speaking pet owners engaged in online searches to seek affordable veterinary care, better information, and emotional support.

Adapting the Short Grit Scale with Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling for Portuguese College Students.

The Short Grit Scale (Grit–S) is a self- and informant-report version of the longer Grit Scale, and it retains the 2-factor structure of the original scale. Our purpose in this research was to measure trait-level perseverance and passion for long-term goals by translating and validating the Grit-S for Portuguese respondents. Our participants were 572 college students (135 female, 437 male; age range 18–30 years, M age = 21.47, SD = 2.29 years) from twelve Portuguese universities. Our data confirmed the scale’s two-factor structure (“consistency of interests” and “perseverance of effort”) and demonstrated appropriate adjustment values (CFI = 0.999, TLI = 0.981, SRMR = 0.017, RMSEA = 0.001, CI90%= 0.000–0.041). We found the adapted scale to be invariant for sex. Use of the scale confirmed an association between grit and well-being. These results imply that other investigators and practitioners interested in this scale may now apply it with Portuguese young adults.

Knowledge about COVID-19 Best Practices in the North of Portugal and the Importance of Health Education in the Prevention of Pandemic Events

Introduction: The rapid global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made COVID-19 one of the biggest pandemics of all time, with several devastating public health challenges. In this study, we investigated the knowledge towards COVID-19 best practices in the north of Portugal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with a convenience sample of the population of northern Portugal to assess their knowledge about COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and measures to prevent and mitigate pandemics. An online validated questionnaire was completed by 411 participants, from September to October 2020. Results: The overall correct knowledge was 81.3%, which indicates a good knowledge by the northern Portuguese respondents about COVID-19. The correct answer score differed considerably between men and women, being significantly higher among the latter (12.28 ± 1.22; p = 0.011). Moreover, the highest knowledge was observed in participants who attended high school or above (12.27 ± 1.21; p < 0.000). Conclusion: This study contributes to the analysis of COVID-19 knowledge by the northern Portuguese population, emphasizes the crucial role of health education in the control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides field-based evidence to prevent the next pandemic event.

Motivation for health behaviour: A predictor of adherence to balanced and healthy food across different coastal Mediterranean countries

• Motivation for health behaviour (MHB) may play a crucial role in adopting a healthy lifestyle. • Lifestyle habits, such as physical exercise, were weakly associated with MHB and adherence to healthy food. • Most chronic diseases were negatively associated with MHB. • MHB was associated with the perception of healthy food and contributes to an increase in adherence to a balanced and healthy diet. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess perceptions of healthy food and motivation for health behaviour (MHB) in different Mediterranean countries. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the association between perception of healthy food and MHB in different countries. The highest MHB was observed in Portugal (median 38.0; IQR 7.0) and the lowest in Greece (median 34.0; IQR 8.0). Compared to Portuguese respondents, respondents from Croatia (ß=0.35; p < 0.001), Egypt (ß=0.24; p < 0.001), and Greece (ß=0.10; p < 0.001) had a higher probability of a better perception of healthy food. Slovenia respondents had reduced perception of healthy food (ß=-0.10; p < 0.001) and MHB (ß=-0.22; p < 0.001), despite higher adherence to a healthy diet (ß=0.22; p < 0.001). Lifestyle habits, such as physical exercise, showed a weak association with MHB (ß=0.14; p < 0.001) and adherence to healthy food (ß=0.18; p < 0.001). The presence of most chronic diseases was negatively associated with MHB. The association between the perception of healthy food, MHB, and adherence to a balanced and healthy diet across different countries could be useful for implementing strategies to promote healthy eating and prevent chronic diseases.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICE VALUE AND CORPORATE IMAGE ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN PORTUGUESE MOBILE BANKING SERVICES

This paper intends to empirically examine the creation of customer satisfaction, along with the influence of service value, corporate image and trust in Portuguese mobile banking services. The negative relationship between customer satisfaction and brand switching intention was also tested. The data was analysed by employing exploratory as well as confirmatory analysis and a Structural Equation Model was extracted from 120 Portuguese respondents. The results suggest a strong impact of corporate image in service value and both are positively related with customer satisfaction.

Healthy eating as a trend: consumers’ perceptions towards products with nutrition and health claims

Abstract Purpose: The number of food products containing nutritional or health claims, such as added calcium for stronger bones, has been increasing. Accordingly, we aimed to understand consumers’ perceptions towards products that are considered to be healthier and to know how these perceptions affect their purchase intentions. Theoretical framework: Based on consumer perception theory and how consumers process and interpret information, we sought to better understand consumer behavior in relation to the use of nutrition claims in marketing communication. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was conducted via an online questionnaire and responses were obtained from 477 Portuguese consumers. Findings: The results show that the most relevant characteristics when purchasing food are price and taste. However, the addition of a claim can increase purchase intentions. Practical & social implications of research: The reasons behind the new offerings by the food industry are related to the growing demand from individuals for products aimed at improving their health status, which has been deteriorating due to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, longer life expectancy, and a poor diet in terms of nutrition. It is important to know if these claims translate into effective changes in purchasing behavior. Originality/value: The results lead to the conclusion that claims are important in the food choices of the Portuguese respondents, who are less keen on “light” and “lean.” When it comes to using claims in communication, in Portugal, it is always better to use a direct, transparent, and rigorous approach; otherwise the consumer will not be induced to buy.

Re-Applying the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale to Various Portuguese Exercise Groups: An Analysis of Bifactor Models and Contextual Invariance.

This research explored the nature of basic psychological needs in physical activity settings by applying relatively advanced methodological procedures for psychometric assessment. We first re-examined the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) by reviewing its applicability for physical activity domains among Portuguese respondents. We demonstrated the use of Bifactor Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) and discussed the practical implications of these models. Next, we tested contextual measurement invariance in order to examine needs universality. Our participants were gym exercisers (n = 1935), physical education students (n = 1449), and athletes (n = 1631), all of whom completed the adapted and validated version of the scale in their respective practice physical activity domains. All models under analysis displayed acceptable to excellent fit; the bifactor ESEM model displayed the best fit. We conducted ancillary bifactor measures to assess scale dimensionality and found that the BPNES is best interpreted as a multidimensional instrument. Through testing for multigroup analysis, the bifactor ESEM did not show contextual invariance. In conclusion, the BPNES should be predominantly used as a multidimensional instrument when assessing basic needs in separate physical activity domains. Basic psychological needs are perceived differently between seemingly similar physical activity contexts. Researchers should measure basic needs as a global factor and use context validated sub-scales.

Internationalization of culture and soft power

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the moderating effect of soft power on the relationships between affinity toward country, country image, cosmopolitanism and preference on the internationalization of Brazilian cultural products.Design/methodology/approachThis survey used data collected from a non-probabilistic sample of 478 Portuguese respondents, which was further analyzed using the partial least squares technique.FindingsAffinity related to Brazil, the image of Brazil and cosmopolitanism influenced preference, and this, in turn, influenced the internationalization of Brazilian cultural products. Soft power moderated the relationships between cosmopolitanism and preference, country image and preference and preference and internationalization of cultural products.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on the internationalization of a cultural product from one particular emerging economy (Brazil) to a specific developed economy (Portugal). Thus, the findings are bound to this specific context. However, it contributes to the field of international marketing research by concentrating on the moderating effects of soft power in the relationship between the investigated constructs.Practical implicationsIn the case of Brazilian cultural products, i.e. music, emphases on Brazilian unique resources, i.e. the beauty, excitement, fantasy, mystique, prestige, etc. of natural resources, may be important features to be taken into consideration in national cultural policies.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the international marketing and consumer behavior literature by showing that consumer preference, affinity toward country and cosmopolitanism are important antecedents of the internationalization of cultural products.

Modelling Attitude towards Consumption of Vegan Products

This study proposes to understand the impact of personal (health awareness and social influence) and moral (environmental concerns and animal welfare) antecedents on attitudes towards veganism and their effects on engagement with vegan products, along with their impact on purchase intention and word of mouth. Idealism is presented as a moderator of these proposed relationships. The study uses a structured questionnaire to gather data from two cross-sectional samples of 224 Portuguese and 356 Brazilian vegans collected from Facebook groups of vegans. Structural equation modelling is used to test the seven proposed hypotheses and the moderation effects. This research compares the influence of personal and moral determinants on veganism using idealism as a specific context to investigate their relationships, comparing Brazilian and Portuguese respondents and the effects of national cultures. Results show that attitudes towards veganism do not depend on personal causes, but rather on moral concerns. Motivations to reduce animal consumption, protect nature, and respect animal life seem to be guided by ethical principles.

Research priorities in the field of multilingualism and language education: a cross-national examination

ABSTRACT Due to globalisation and migration, multilingualism has become both a reality and an aim of education systems across Europe, affecting how language education is shaped. To improve the ways in which schools cater for language education in diverse settings, research is required on the potentials of multilingualism in order to design curricula that foster skills in different languages. This paper aims at identifying and explaining research priorities in the field of multilingualism and language education in a cross-national perspective. It draws on data from a survey with 298 expert participants in five European countries (Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain) who ranked pre-identified research topics in relation to their perceived urgency. Results show that experts identified ‘effectiveness of multilingual support in regular lessons’, ‘features of multilingual didactics’ and ‘effectiveness of literacy support in home languages on the development of academic language skills in the majority language’ as having the highest research priority overall. However, these results vary across national settings investigated. While the German, Dutch and Portuguese respondents attributed urgency to research on academic language skills, other issues were rated higher in the Spanish and Italian research contexts. The advantages and limitations of conducting cross-national research are also addressed.

Inteligência Artificial? Não, obrigado.

Este artigo analisa as respostas dos profissionais de comunicação e relações públicas sobre questões do European Communication Monitor 2019 relacionadas com a inteligência artificial. Estas questões visavam evidenciar o conhecimento dos profissionais sobre a Inteligência Artificial e a sua perceção sobre o impacto, os obstáculos e os riscos para a profissão. Os resultados portugueses seguem o padrão europeu, apesar de existirem diferenças muito significativas nos resultados recolhidos. Estes mostram que os respondentes portugueses estão entre os menos informados sobre a IA da Europa, percebendo maior impacto com a adoção da IA na forma como as profissões de comunicação e relações públicas se terão de ajustar (nível macro). Entre requisitos difíceis de assegurar e que podem ser obstáculos à adoção de IA por departamentos e agências de comunicação e relações públicas, destacam-se as competências destes profissionais (nível micro). Finalmente, os maiores riscos relacionam-se com a necessidade de as organizações se debaterem com a disparidade de competências dos seus colaboradores e com responsabilidades pouco claras (nível micro).

Revealing EIA process-related barriers in transport projects: The cases of Italy, Portugal, and Spain

The effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the transport field is increasingly being contested. Apart from technical issues (e.g., impacts measurements), the literature highlights process-related barriers as key obstacles to effective EIA implementation in transport projects (e.g., lack of collaborative work, transparency, etc.). Nevertheless, most academic efforts to date have focused on technical improvements, paying limited attention to the relevance of process-related barriers. To address this shortcoming, the paper aims to explore and compare how EIA is experienced and perceived by professionals in three South-European countries (Italy, Portugal, and Spain), providing additional insights into EIA process-related barriers in transport projects. The findings were obtained through an online survey of 294 professionals, representing two main stakeholder groups: environmental consultants and transport planners. The results reveal four main types of process problems shared in all three countries: (i) EIA timing, (ii) assessment of alternatives, (iii) monitoring system, and (iv) public participation. The highest divergences are seen in Spain, where 42% of identified process-related barriers are shared with the rest of countries, while Italian and Portuguese respondents agree in the perception of 68% of process-related barriers. The main differences between the barriers identified by transport planners and environmental consultants are related to their assessment of the need for more collaborative work between key actors. It is finally discussed the added value of this research to progress towards the homogenization of EIA processes across countries.

The influence of Image and Service Value on Mobile Banking Loyalty

This paper intends to empirically examine the impact of Image and Service Value on Mobile Banking Services Loyalty. The data was analysed by employing exploratory as well as confirmatory analysis and a Structural Equation Model was extracted from 120 Portuguese respondents. The results suggest that Image and Service Value are positively related with Mobile Banking Loyalty. We also found a strong impact of Image on the Perceived Service Value.

Equity, Health, and Sustainability with PROVE: The Evaluation of a Portuguese Program for a Short Distance Supply Chain of Fruits and Vegetables.

PROVE is a Portuguese program that empowers small-scale farmers organized into local networks to directly commercialize baskets of locally produced fruits and vegetables to consumers. This study applied a post-test-only non-equivalent group design to evaluate the resulting influence on the social empowerment of farmers and on consumer diets. The method included conducting a survey of PROVE farmers (n = 36) and a survey of PROVE consumers (n = 294) that were compared against matched samples of Portuguese respondents of international surveys (European Social Survey, n = 36 and the INHERIT Five-Country Survey, n = 571, respectively). PROVE farmers reported higher scores for perceived influence on the work environment than the national sample. PROVE consumers were more likely to eat five or more portions of fruits and vegetables a day in comparison to the matched sample of Portuguese citizens (average odds ratio: 3.05, p < 0.05). Being a PROVE consumer also generated an impact on the likelihood of consuming no more than two portions of red meat a week (average odds ratio: 1.56, p < 0.05). The evaluation study suggests that the promotion of short supply chains of fruits and vegetables can make a positive contribution to a healthier, more sustainable, and fairer future in food consumption.