Positive Image Research Articles

The impact of co-branding on consumer purchase intentions in the automotive industry

This study aims to delve into the influence of co-branding on consumer purchase intentions in the automotive industry and the impact of brand image. It seeks to analyze how co-branding is carried out, its characteristics, and how it affects consumers' brand perceptions and purchase decisions, especially exploring consumers' acceptance and willingness to buy co-branded products. A quantitative research methodology is adopted, involving questionnaire design and data collection through an online survey. Multiple analyses, such as frequency, reliability, validity, factor, correlation, and regression analyses, are conducted to examine the data. Co-branding has a positive effect on consumer purchase intention. Brand fit, innovativeness, and product complementarity are crucial factors contributing to the success of co-branding. Brand image has a positive moderating impact, and complementary brand images enhance consumers' purchase intention. The study also reveals that these factors can explain a significant portion of the variance in purchase intention. Automobile brands can enhance their attractiveness and market competitiveness by engaging in co-branding with suitable brands, focusing on brand fit, innovation, and product complementarity. Maintaining and enhancing a positive brand image is of great importance. Additionally, demographic information can help brands target consumers more effectively and design co-branding campaigns that better meet consumers' needs and preferences. These findings offer practical guidance for marketers to utilize co-branding strategies more efficiently and boost brand value.

Community Narratives in Producing Negative Images: Their Implications to Violent Extremism Recruitment

This study explores how narratives within communities affected by the All-Out war of 2000 contribute to the creation and transmission of enemy images against the government. It examines the role of these stories in fostering a social identity that otherizes the government and discusses the mechanisms of vertical transmission of these images from parents to children. The paper also considers the implications of these narratives for recruitment into violent extremist groups and suggests strategies for reframing stories to mitigate their impact on borrowed trauma.

Rehumanizing Khwajasaras through children’s comics

ABSTRACT Khwajasaras’ recognition crisis and unacceptability in Pakistani society seem to be worsening even though The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2018 was passed to confer fundamental human rights on the khwajasara community of Pakistan. Transphobic discourses – memes and jokes, being some of the modern forms of epistemic violence and denialism – have further condemned the khwajasara community to a state of subalternity. This paper examines how children’s comics – specifically, Basila and the Street Crew by Shaikh and Ansari (2018)– can effectively transform society’s transphobic attitudes, rehumanise khwajasaras, and compel the readers to reflect on their apathy. Basila and the Street Crew (2017) is Pakistan’s first comic book that addresses transgender discrimination, tackles epistemic violence, and projects a more positive image of the khwajasara community. It is argued that children’s comics can play a vital role in combating epistemic violence and developing the recognition of khwajasaras as proper subjects. We conclude that it is imperative to produce more gender-oriented comics to dismantle society’s concept of gender liminality, which suppresses the interstitial space – the ‘third’ gender/sex.

Mediatized Eurocentric Beauty Ideals and their Effects on African Women: Demystifying the Moroccan Context

This research investigates the profound influence of Eurocentric beauty ideals, propagated predominantly through mainstream media, on the self-perception and body image of Moroccan women. Focusing on a sample of 134 females, the study examines how exposure to these ideals through media outlets, such as television, and social media impacts beauty and self-perception. The findings highlight several critical dynamics. Firstly, there is a significant negative correlation between high exposure and both self-esteem and body image, indicating that greater consumption of Western media is associated with lower self-esteem and more negative body image perceptions. Secondly, our research reveals that Moroccan women experience substantial pressure from social media as well as their inner circle to conform to certain beauty standards, which adversely affects their psychological health and perception of beauty. Finally, the study identifies age and education as significant moderators in how media exposure affects women, suggesting that these factors may offer some resilience against the negative impact of media. These insights underscore the need for a broader representation in media to foster healthier self-perceptions and challenge the dominance of Eurocentric beauty standards.

Scar Perception in School-aged Children After Major Surgery in Infancy

BackgroundThe long-term effects of childhood surgery scars on health status, quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, and body image remain uncertain. This study explores these effects in school-aged children. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 454 children (58% boys; 8–17 years) who had undergone surgical correction of anatomical anomalies or neonatal ECMO. Data included patient-reported scar perception and scar-related embarrassment, along with psychological assessment via questionnaires. ResultsAbout 34% of children rated their scars as 'nice-looking', 49% as 'indifferent', and 12% as 'rather ugly'. Most children (91%) never experienced scar-related embarrassment, while frequent embarrassment was reported by 3%. Surgical scar correction was desired by 6% of the 8-year-olds and 19% of the 17-year-olds. Scar perception did not significantly affect health status or QoL. However, negative scar perception was associated with lower self-esteem in girls and a more negative body image in boys. Girls were more likely to report negative scar perception (OR: 1.54, 95%-CI: 1.06–2.24) and scar-related embarrassment (OR: 4.29, 95%-CI: 1.77–10.44). ConclusionChildren who underwent surgery in the neonatal period and subsequently grew up with scars resulting thereof, mostly perceive them either indifferently or positively, with minimal effect on health status and QoL. Nonetheless, some children, particularly girls, experienced negative perceptions of their scars, although scar-related embarrassment was rare. We recommend integrating scar assessment into routine follow-up at ages 12 and 17, and offering appropriate and timely guidance and support to children at risk for negative effects of scars. Level of EvidenceIII.

Visual imagery vividness correlates with afterimage conscious perception.

Afterimages are illusory, visual conscious perceptions. A widely accepted theory is that afterimages are caused by retinal signaling that continues after the physical disappearance of a light stimulus. However, afterimages have been reported without preceding visual, sensory stimulation (e.g. conditioned afterimages and afterimages induced by illusory vision). These observations suggest the role of top-down brain mechanisms in afterimage conscious perception. Therefore, some afterimages may share perceptual features with sensory-independent conscious perceptions (e.g. imagery, hallucinations, and dreams) that occur without bottom-up sensory input. In the current investigation, we tested for a link between the vividness of visual imagery and afterimage conscious perception. Participants reported their vividness of visual imagery and perceived sharpness, contrast, and duration of negative afterimages. The afterimage perceptual features were acquired using perception matching paradigms that were validated on image stimuli. Relating these perceptual reports revealed that the vividness of visual imagery positively correlated with afterimage contrast and sharpness. These behavioral results support shared neural mechanisms between visual imagery and afterimages. However, we cannot exclude alternative explanations, including demand characteristics and afterimage perception reporting inaccuracy. This study encourages future research combining neurophysiology recording methods and afterimage paradigms to directly examine the neural mechanisms of afterimage conscious perception.

Enquête sur la mise en place d’un lieu de santé sans tabac à l’hôpital

In a prevalence and opinion survey on smoking, this work focused on a strategy favoring tobacco-free areas at hospital entrances. Outreach to the public occupying outdoor spaces led to immediate collection of responses over the course of 13 actions carried out in November 2022, a tobacco-free month. Thirty-two percent of the persons interrogated were smokers, 38% among patients, 26% among professionals and 18% among nursing students. A majority expressed support for smoke-free building entrances, which were viewed by half of the smokers as an encouragement to quit or cut down on their consumption. However, a quarter of participants anticipated difficulties, particularly the "heaviest" smokers. In the psychiatry sector, 54% were smokers, and they were relatively unfavorable to the initiative. As for non-smokers, most voiced discomfort regarding the smell of tobacco, the infiltration of smoke in indoor spaces, passive smoking, a negative image of the hospital, and the detrimental ecological impact. The tobacco-free hospital entrance initiative is relevant and of benefit to hospitals. In order to succeed, it must involve all stakeholders, whether they are users or professionals, in a concerted attempt to optimize assistance to smokers wishing to quit, by applying an educational and synergistic approach at all levels.

A challenging decision for emergency physicians: Routine repeat computed brain tomography of the brain in head trauma in infants and neonates.

Head trauma is a leading cause of death and disability. While standard treatment protocols exist for severe head trauma, no clear follow-up standards are available for mild head trauma with positive imaging findings in infants and newborns. Although routine follow-up brain computed tomography (CT) imaging is not recommended for children with moderate and mild head trauma, the necessity for follow-up imaging in infants and newborns remains uncertain. Our study is a retrospective, observational, and descriptive study. Infants under 1 year old presenting to the emergency department with isolated head trauma were reviewed with the approval of the Ethics Committee of Ankara Etlik City Hospital. Inclusion criteria included presentation to the emergency department, undergoing more than one brain CT scan, and sustaining mild head trauma (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] >13). Patients with incomplete follow-up data or multiple traumas were excluded. Age, gender, mechanism of trauma, initial and follow-up brain CT findings, hospital admission, and surgical procedures were recorded and analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. Out of 238 screened patients, 154 were included in the study. Of these, 66.9% were male and the average age was 5.99 months. The most common presenting symptom was swelling at the trauma site, observed in 79.2% of cases. The most common mechanism of injury was falling from a height of less than 90 cm, accounting for 85.1% of cases. Pathological progression on follow-up CT was observed in 5.2% of the patients, and only 1.9% required surgical treatment. A total of 34.4% of the patients required hospitalization. Patients with parenchymal brain pathology had a higher rate of pathological progression on follow-up CT and a longer hospital stay. Follow-up CT scans in infants with mild head trauma do not alter patient outcomes except in cases with brain parenchymal pathology. Study data indicated that repeat imaging is not beneficial for isolated skull fractures. Imaging artifacts often necessitated repeated scans, contributing to increased radiation exposure. Unnecessary repeat imaging escalates radiation exposure and healthcare costs. Only a small percentage of patients exhibited progression of intracranial pathology, justifying follow-up imaging solely in the presence of brain parenchymal injury. Larger prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

THE EFFECT OF BREAST CANCER TREATMENT ON WOMENS BODY IMAGE

This paper seeks to explore the impacts of breast cancer on the mental well-being of women due to issues in their body image through critically reviewing 5 research articles exploring the role of breast cancer and its treatment on psychological distress and body image disturbances. The study aimed to look at the importance of understanding the experiences undergone by breast cancer survivors to ensure a better recovery process and ultimately impact the healthcare system in providing a well-structured intervention plan targeting the issues in body image caused by the treatment. To explore this, literature covering women from across different cultural backgrounds, who had all undergone cancer treatment were studied. An in-depth case analysis was conducted exploring the studies objectives, research methodology, database details, and inclusion and exclusion criteria incorporated in the articles. Furthermore, this study aimed to provide implementations that could help make the healthcare system more inclusive through a detailed analysis of the limitations in the studies. The sample consisted of 5 research articles, looking at women dealing with body image issues post-cancer treatment. The importance of studying factors such as sexuality, self-esteem, physical discomfort and the role of relationships when looking at body image issues was brought to attention in the form of research findings in the articles. The findings of the research suggested that physical and emotional well-being are the most affected areas that influence the body image of women who have undergone breast cancer treatment, especially focusing on distress and disturbances. Furthermore, it suggests that the healthcare system is lacking in implementing the need for discussing body image issues while dealing with follow-up management plans for breast cancer survivors. Inter-personal and intra-personal relationships with partners and others were considered important factors in building a better body image post-treatment. Self-compassions role in reducing the risk towards a negative body image was given primary focus.

Beyond a lasting impression: Exploring the impact of brand image on revisit intention, unveiling place attachment as a mediating mechanism

A robust and positive brand image, intertwined with a strong sense of place attachment, creates a symbiotic cycle that fuels customer loyalty and ignites the desire for a return visit. By leveraging a quantitative research approach and employing rigorous statistical methods, three distinct studies were conducted. The first study, primarily exploratory, was aimed at scrutinizing the psychometric attributes of the data collection instrument (n = 304). The ensuing confirmatory study sought to validate the results extracted from the exploratory factor analysis (n = 305). The third study was designed to examine the mediating influence of place attachment in the relation between the city of Lisbon's brand image and the revisit intention (n = 355). The data analysis revealed that brand image directly propels the revisit intention; however, when place attachment is introduced into the model as a mediator, the impact of brand image on revisit intention diminishes. These findings imply that when revisit intentions are evaluated, the significance ascribed to place attachment supersedes that ascribed to brand image.

Sustainable Body Positivity Movement: Analysis of the Discourse on Body Image in Korean Society

In contemporary society, the discourse on body image is increasingly emerging as a notable social issue. In particular, the body positivity movement is promoting healthy body image and self-esteem through various means. This study was conducted to analyze the discourse on sustainable body image in Korean society. User-generated content from 1 January 2014 to 31 July 2023 underwent data refinement and term frequency (TF), TF–inverse document frequency (TF–IDF), and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) analyses. The number of blog posts in 2020 was nearly triple the number in 2019. Thus, the analysis period was divided into first (from 2014 to 2019) and second (from 2020 to 31 July 2023) periods. The TF–IDF analysis showed that shooting, photo, diet, exercise, goal, and challenge were among the top words in the first period, while Instagram-related words were mosr frequent in the second period. This finding suggested that social distancing policies significantly affected social media usage. The LDA analysis revealed five topics that were common in the first and second periods and three topics that emerged in the second period. Overall, while Western societies tend to idealize specific body types, body image discourse in Korea is centered around exercise as a means to achieve “photography” or “photo shoot”-related goals. Exercise is perceived as an activity performed for pleasure rather than attaining a particular body shape. Furthermore, there is a desire to document one’s body beautifully and maintain exercise habits in the long run. The results of this study could serve as foundational material for establishing and sustaining a positive body image culture.

A review of cultural and social representations of islands: Implications for island destination marketing

Abstract Islands have always inspired human imagination, being associated with heroic journeys, myths, mysteries, and sacred quests, and often romanticised as ideal places to escape from ordinary life towards pleasant tourism destinations. Some studies have assessed island destination image, but only little attention has been paid to the social and cultural representations of islands and their role in island destination image formation. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to conduct in-depth research on the social and cultural meanings of islands and discuss practical implications for destination marketing. This work was based on an extensive literature review of scientific articles, books and chapters on island destinations to identify categories of such meanings assigned to islands over the centuries. The results reveal that islands are generally perceived as sacred and unique remote places, marked by a pristine environment and often associated with a romantic idyll. However, islands also face challenges, as there are several negative image elements, namely related to isolation, inaccessibility, and extreme weather events. Both attractive dimensions and those revealing islands’ vulnerability, visible in social representations, should be considered in destination image assessment, revealing potentialities and challenges for the marketing of island destinations.

ESR Essentials: diagnostic work-up in patients with symptomatic breast disease-practice recommendations by the European Society of Breast Imaging.

Breast complaints are frequent reasons for consultations in primary care or breast clinics. Breast pain, breast lumps, and nipple discharge are the most common complaints. Less common symptoms such as skin changes and axillary abnormalities also require specific diagnostic approaches. Imaging the symptomatic breast should be performed by appropriately trained breast radiologists following the best practice guidelines and quality standards. Full-field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), and breast ultrasound (US) are the main modalities used in this primary setting. The choice depends on the patient's age and symptoms. Women younger than 30-years-old are first imaged byUS, whereas women over 40-years-old usually require both FFDM or DBT and US. For women between 30-years-old and 40-years-old, the US is the modality of choice, whereas FFDM or DBT might also be performed if needed. Pregnant or lactating women with palpable lesions or nipple discharge are imaged with US as the first method; FFDM or DBT can also be performed depending on the degree of suspicion as the dose to the fetus is minimal, and shielding may even further reduce the dose. More advanced techniques such as breast magnetic resonance imaging or contrast-enhanced mammography are not indicated in this first diagnostic setting and are reserved for cases of established malignancy (local staging) or rare cases of equivocal findings not otherwise resolved or inflammatory breast cancer. Last, but not least, male breast symptoms should also be addressed with US and/or FFDM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: It is equally important to correctly diagnose an underlying malignancy and to avoid false positives that would lead to unnecessary biopsies, increased costs, and anxiety for the patient. Proper use of imaging modalities ensures optimal diagnostic approach and minimizes false negatives. KEY POINTS: Ultrasound, full-field digital mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis are the main imaging modalities in the diagnostic setting, while MRI or contrast-enhanced mammography should be reserved to selected cases. Initial imaging modality includes ultrasound combined with mammography or digital breast tomosynthesis depending on women's age and the presence (or not) of inconclusive findings. A negative imaging evaluation should not deter biopsy when a highly suspicious finding is found on physical examination.

Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Online Amsakar Achmad sebagai Calon Walikota Batam Potensial pada Media Online Batampos.co.id dan Batamnews.co.id

This study aims to identify and analyze the framing used by BatamPos.co.id and BatamNews.co.id in their coverage of Amsakar Achmad as a candidate for Mayor of Batam, compare the framing employed by these two media outlets, and assess the impact of such framing on public perception. This qualitative research utilizes framing analysis based on framing theory. Primary data consists of news articles from BatamPos.co.id and BatamNews.co.id published during the period of May-June 2024. Secondary data is derived from literature related to framing theory and previous studies. Data collection was conducted through purposive sampling, and analysis was performed by identifying main themes, categorizing the news coverage, and evaluating the impact of framing on public perception. The analysis reveals that the framing of news about Amsakar Achmad on BatamPos.co.id tends to emphasize strong political support, popularity, and Amsakar’s concrete visions and programs. In contrast, BatamNews.co.id focuses more on Amsakar’s direct interactions with the public, local community support, and political communication. Both media construct a positive image of Amsakar, albeit with different approaches. BatamPos.co.id creates the perception that Amsakar is a strong candidate with solid political backing and a clear plan for Batam’s progress, while BatamNews.co.id portrays Amsakar as a leader who is close to the people, adaptive, and collaborative. This research provides insights into how media framing can influence public perception of political candidates.

Naming and Branding of Madurese Traditional Culinary

Madura has diverse culinary specialties. This aspect of culinary naming and branding is interesting to study in relation to culinary tourism. This study aims to explain aspects of food naming and their patterns in traditional Sumenep culinary delights. In addition, it also explains the branding aspects of the food. Data on food names were obtained from the official tourism guidebook issued by the Office of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Tourism of Sumenep Regency. The results of this research show that aspects of food naming are derived from the food ingredients used, the uniqueness of the food, and the culinary origin, emphasizing its origin from Madura. The food naming uses patterns of words and phrases. If it is used a single word then the name of the food is unique, and if it is used a phrase pattern then the second word explains the first word, either for material or origin. Meanwhile, the culinary branding aspect in the tourist guidebook is to use explanations of authentic, distinctive, easy to find, delicious, affordable prices and cultural heritage. The terms used provide a positive image for traditional Madurese culinary delights.

The Role of Public Relations and the Positive Image of Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMD)

Public relations is a party that can connect a company with the community to create reciprocal communication and establish good relationships. This research aims to determine how BUMDs carry out their public relations role and create a positive image for the company. This research uses a qualitative descriptive analysis method. Interviews, observation, and documentation were carried out using data collection methods. The theory used in this research is the Role Theory of Public Relations. The research results show that the role of Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) Tirtajati Public Relations is to provide comfort, understanding, information, and solutions to customers. Public Relations of PDAM Tirtajati collects aspirations and complaints and then connects them to related fields. Several inhibiting factors, such as insufficient services, impacted the community's negative response. Public Relations of PDAM Tirtajati strives to provide excellent service, establishes good communication with customers, provides complaint services via WhatsApp Center and Social Media to make it easier for the public, and establishes external communication with other agencies or organizations, public relations also provide explanation of the problems that occur, then offers solutions and treatments to resolve issues.

Revolutionary Art and the Creation of the Future: The Afrofuturist Texts of José Antonio Aponte and Martin R. Delany

Afrofuturism (an artistic perspective in which Black voices tell alternative narratives of culture, technology, and the future) and the Dark Fantastic (interrupting negative depictions of Black people through emancipatory interpretations of art) are two interrelated concepts used by Black artists in the Atlantic World to counter negative images and emphasize a story from a Black perspective. Likewise, these concepts have been used to recreate and re-narrate history with an eye towards subverting white supremacist historical narratives. By using Afrofuturism and the Dark Fantastic as lenses through which texts by authors from the African Diaspora in the Atlantic World are examined, an alternative narrative of Black histories and futures concerned with revolution, liberation, and justice can be seen. The two texts that are the subject of this research include José Antonio Aponte’s descriptions of his book of paintings under interrogation in 1812–1813, and Martin Delany’s novel Blake; or the Huts of America (1859–1862), providing images of enslavement that run counter to a white supremacist telling of history. They both imagine alternative pasts and futures for Africa and the Afro-Diaspora involving revolution and magic. These works, though produced at different times and locations in the nineteenth century, offer new ways in which to discuss liberation and freedom in the context of the artistic production of the Atlantic World.

Political Communication Strategy in Building Party Image Ahead of the 2024 Legislative Election (Case study of DPD Golkar Party DKI Jakarta)

This research aims to analyze the political communication strategy of the DKI Jakarta Golkar DPD in rebuilding the party's positive image ahead of the 2024 legislative elections. The research method used is qualitative with a descriptive approach. Secretary of the DKI Jakarta Golkar DPD, Chair of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Golkar Faction, Deputy Chair for Organizational Affairs and Membership of DPD Golkar, Academics and Community Figures. The data collection techniques used in this research come from primary and secondary data using observation, interviews, and documentation. Meanwhile, the data analysis techniques used were data reduction, data presentation, and the withdrawal of political communication strategies using a political marketing approach carried out by DPD Golkar DKI Jakarta, which was successful in rebuilding the political image that had fallen since the corruption case involving the chairman of the DPD. The implication of the success of this political image is an increase in votes and seats in the results of the 2024 Legislative Election.

Impact of Employer Branding on Job Satisfaction: A Conceptual Framework

Purpose: Over the years, organisations have gained an immense realisation that employees are their biggest source of competitive advantage. Apart from attracting, recruiting, and selecting the best employees, organisations need to find ways to motivate and retain them as well. To do so, they need to cater to the needs of both current and prospective employees. The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive review of the concept of employer branding and its relationship with job satisfaction. Research Method: The study reviewed empirical papers, review studies, and conference papers published in peer reviewed journals that are indexed in various databases related to employer branding and job satisfaction. Findings: The findings of the study reveal that employer branding involves all the strategies that an organisation undertakes in order to elevate its reputation in the eyes of its current employees by virtue of its unique employee value proposition and also create a positive image in the minds of their prospective employees by highlighting various monetary and non-monetary benefits for getting associated with the brand. Also, organisation in their quest to attract and retain talented workforce have realised the importance of employer branding. The study also reveals that when employers prioritize meeting employee expectations, such as offering career advancement prospects and equitable remuneration, while still satisfying their own commitments, it fosters a sense of fairness and trust that eventually results in job satisfaction. Implications: The study offers practical implications for organisations and human resource professionals. The organisations should reflect on the expectations of the workforce in order to foster a sense of belonging among the employees and increase job satisfaction. These expectations may be related to work-life balance, career development opportunities, an inclusive work culture, fair compensations, recognition and appreciation for their efforts. Originality: The study emphasises the crucial role of employer branding and its various dimensions on employee job satisfaction in organisations as well as in higher educational institutions. Further, different empirical studies can use the developed conceptual framework to examine the relationship between employer branding and job satisfaction.

The Role of Protocol and Communication in Building President Joko Widodo's Leadership Image on Instagram

This research investigates how President Joko Widodo utilizes the social media platform Instagram to build a positive image at the end of his term of office. The research method used is discourse analysis, chosen because of its ability to reveal important linguistic aspects for understanding and interpreting content uploaded by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on the Instagram platform. The research results show that Jokowi consistently uses personalization and humanization strategies to strengthen his emotional relationship with society. The use of social media also emphasizes responsiveness to community aspirations and a focus on infrastructure development and social welfare. Attractive visual aesthetics have also proven to be a key factor in increasing the attraction and engagement of followers on President Joko Widodo's Instagram platform. Keywords: Social Media, President Joko Widodo, Public Image, Discourse Analysis