Predictors Of Behavior Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence and Consumer’s Perception: A Research on Environmentally Conscious Consumer

The purpose of this study is to explore the limited exploration of the simultaneous influence of beneficial artificial intelligence, destructive artificial intelligence, and risky artificial intelligence on green purchase intention and green purchase behaviour using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT). Further, it also checks the impact of green purchase intention on green purchase behaviour. Data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire from 124 consumers through online mode and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for reliability and validity concerns and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for interaction among the variables. The study's results exhibit the positive impact of beneficial artificial intelligence on green purchase intention and green purchase behaviour. Also, it reveals that destructive artificial intelligence has a positive impact on green purchase intention but a negative impact on green purchase behaviour. In addition, green purchase intention is found to be the predictor of green purchase behaviour. The extant literature is found on the impact of artificial intelligence on purchase behaviour. However, no research has been done on consumer perception of artificial intelligence and its impact on green purchase intention and green purchase behaviour as per the author’s knowledge. This study contributes to the literature of artificial intelligence as well as green consumer behaviour.

Enclosure design and welfare of plains zebras: Impact of enclosure design on behavior and space use of plains zebras under human care

ABSTRACT Plains zebras are commonly hosted in zoos, but few welfare-related studies are available in the literature. This research aimed to assess the effect of enclosure design on two groups of captive zebras housed at the Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia – GZP (Italy) and Parco Faunistico Valcorba – PFV (Italy) through the analysis of behavior and enclosure use. The groups consisted of an adult pair and a male juvenile at GZP and six adult females at PFV. We collected data in 2019 over 19 sampling days using the continuous focal animal sampling technique. We performed 12 observation sessions per day, with each session lasting 30 min. We analyzed the subjects’ behavioral time budget and enclosure use using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and the Electivity Index. The results showed that the time allocated to feeding behavior varied from 8–16% in the enclosure with gravel substrate (GZP) to 72–85% in the exhibit enriched with a pasture (PFV), with this last percentage resembling data reported for wild zebras. Results showed that institution was a significant predictor of feeding behavior, suggesting that the presence of a pasture can stimulate food-related behavioral patterns. Regarding enclosure use, the presence of hay and water troughs influenced the animals’ space use. Our findings also suggest that evaluating both behavior and enclosure use can provide a more comprehensive overview of the welfare state of the animals. However, future studies are needed to better investigate the influence of social factors on the behavior and enclosure usage of captive Plains zebras.

Psychological capital of employee and innovativeness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Purpose: This study explores the association between employees (PsyCap) and the innovation ability of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Research methodology: A descriptive correlational research design was employed, involving 150 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Two adapted questionnaires were used to measure PsyCap and innovation outcomes. Results: The results revealed A The strong positive relationship between employees' PsyCap and innovation outcomes (p<0.000, R=0.650), particularly creativity, risk-taking, and problem-solving. These findings underscore the importance of PsyCap as a significant predictor of innovative behavior within SMEs. Limitations: The study's limitations include its focus on SMEs, which may limit the generalizability of the results to larger organizations or different geographical regions. Despite this, the study contributes valuable insights into Human Resource Management (HRM) practices, emphasizing the need for targeted employee training and strategic organizational growth initiatives. Contributions: The findings highlight the critical role of Psychological Capital in fostering innovation and offer practical implications for enhancing competitiveness and sustainability in SMEs through the development of employees' psychological resources.

Young customers’ intention to purchase organic food in South Africa: extending the theory of planned behaviour

Ethical consumption has become an increasing trend as young customers get increasingly aware of their environmental and ethical responsibilities. The study aimed to examine the determinants of organic food purchase intention and behaviour of young customers in South Africa by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The main objective of the study was to determine the effects of TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control) on young consumers’ intention to purchase organic food. Also, the study investigated whether the extended TPB model would improve the predictive validity of the model. The TPB was modified by the addition of three value constructs (health, environmental and appearance consciousness) as antecedents of attitude and intention and two personal factors (moral norms and ethical self-identity) as predictors of purchase intention. In addition, the study examined the mediating effects of attitude towards organic food in the relationship between value and purchase intention. Furthermore, the study determined the effect of intention on actual organic food purchase behaviour of young consumers. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and data was collected through the cross-sectional survey method using self-administered questionnaires from four hundred and three respondents. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents through mall intercept and the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings confirmed that two constructs of the TPB (attitude towards organic food and perceived behavioural control) are predictors of purchase intention. In addition, health and environmental consciousness are antecedents of attitude and intention. Attitude mediates the relationship between health, environmental consciousness and intention. Furthermore, intention is a predictor of behaviour. Recommendations to improve the purchase of organic food focus on communication by marketers to consumers about the benefits of organic food. The study concludes that the extended TPB is an applicable theoretical framework to explain the purchase of organic food by young consumers.

The effect of materialism on unethical behaviour: The mediating role of self‐control

AbstractSelf‐enhancement values (power, achievement, and hedonism) have been found to be important predictors of ethical behaviour; however, the link between materialism (also a kind of self‐enhancement value) and unethical behaviour and its underlying mechanisms have received limited attention from researchers. The present research examines the effect of materialism on unethical behaviour and the mediating role of self‐control across five multi‐method studies with Chinese samples. Using Chinese data from the Sixth World Values Survey, we confirmed that materialism was positively related to a variety of unethical behaviours such as fare evasion, theft, tax evasion, bribery, domestic violence, and violence against others (Study 1). In follow‐up experiments, priming materialism increased unethical behaviour (Studies 2 and 3). Moreover, through a questionnaire survey, we found that self‐control played a mediating role between materialism and unethical behaviour in specific social contexts (Study 4). Finally, the manipulation of high materialists' self‐control reduced their unethical behaviour, further verifying the mediating role of self‐control (Study 5). Our findings indicate that materialists tend to have lower levels of self‐control, thus they are more likely to engage in unethical behaviours. This research supports the hot/cool system model of self‐control and deepens our understanding of how materialism might lead to unethical behaviour.

The impact of the indoor home environment on children's prosocial behaviour

Although the role of the home environment in the development of prosocial behaviour in childhood is well-established, the existing research has focused on the emotional microclimate of the home. We do not know whether the physical home environment has a role to play too. The present study aims to fill this gap. It uses data from a large, nationally representative birth cohort survey in the UK, tracking the trajectories of prosocial behaviour in children across ages 3, 5, 7 and 11 years as a function of three constructs derived from the Home Observation Measurement of the Environment Short Form (HOME-SF), assessed at age 3 years: physical organisation of the home, mother's emotional and verbal responsivity, and mother's use of harsh discipline. Prosocial behaviour was assessed via a parent-reported subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The findings, which were robust to adjustment for sex, ethnicity, cognitive ability, special educational needs, neighbourhood environment, family income, family structure, maternal mental health, maternal education and religiosity, showed that all three aspects of the home environment were associated with prosocial behaviour. However, when controlling for all three simultaneously, physical organisation ceased to be a significant predictor of prosocial behaviour although the two measures of the home's emotional environment retained their significance. This indicates that, compared to the physical, the emotional climate of the home has a more substantial impact on children's prosocial behaviour. It also suggests that the physical and the emotional context of the home are strongly interrelated, with aspects of emotional harshness possibly mediating the effects of the home's physical disorganisation.

Behavioral and environmental predictors of a saliva-based epigenetic inflammation index and its association with allostatic load

Behavioral and environmental predictors of a saliva-based epigenetic inflammation index and its association with allostatic load

A comprehensive evaluation of the neurocognitive predictors of problematic alcoholuse, eating, pornography, and internet use: A 6-month longitudinal study.

Cognitive control and reward-related abnormalities are centrally implicated in addiction. However, findings from longitudinal studies addressing neurocognitive predictors of addictive behaviors are mixed. Further, little work has been conducted predicting non-substance-related addictive behaviors. Our study aimed to assess predictors of substance and non-substance addictive behaviors in a community sample, systematically evaluating each neurocognitive function's independent influence on addictive behavior. Australians (N = 294; 51.7% female; M[SD] age = 24.8[4.7] years) completed online neurocognitive tasks and surveys at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Self-report scales assessed problematic alcohol use, addictive eating (AE), problematic pornography use (PPU), and problematic internet use (PUI) at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Linear regressions with bootstrapping assessed neurocognitive predictors for each addictive behavior across a 6-month period. Neurocognition at baseline did not predict AE or PUI severity at 6-month follow-up. Less delay discounting at baseline predicted higher PPU at 6-month follow-up (β = -0.16, p = 0.005). Poorer performance monitoring at baseline predicted higher AE at 3-month follow-up (β = -0.16, p = 0.004), and more reward-related attentional capture at 3-months predicted higher AE at 6-month follow-up (β= 0.14, p = 0.033). Less reward-related attentional capture (β = -0.14, p = 0.003) and less risk-taking under ambiguity (β = -0.11, p = 0.029) at baseline predicted higher PUI at 3-month follow-up. All findings were of small effect size. None of the neurocognitive variables predicted problematic alcohol use. We were unable to identify a core set of specific neurocognitive functions that reliably predict multiple addictive behavior types. However, our findings indicate both cognitive control and reward-related functions predict non-substance addictive behaviors in different ways. Findings suggest that there may be partially distinct neurocognitive mechanisms contributing to addiction depending on the specific addictive behavior.

Racial and Ethnic Variations in Resilience Factors Among Sexual and Gender Minority Midlife and Older Adults.

This study explores resilience factors among sexual and gender minority (SGM) midlife and older adults, identifying historical/environmental, psychological, social, and behavioral predictors, and examining variations across racial/ethnic subgroups. By adopting a resilience-focused perspective, this research contributes to understanding strengths in the SGM community in the context of aging. Using weighted survey data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study, this research investigates distinct risk and protective factors associated with resilience among SGM midlife and older adults. Subgroup variations were assessed using regression models. Factors moderated by race/ethnicity were integrated into final interaction models. Hispanic and Black individuals showed significantly higher resilience than non-Hispanic Whites. Lifetime victimization and day-to-day discrimination were negatively associated with resilience. Positive associations were found for higher income, identity affirmation, larger network size, greater social participation, increased physical activity, and sufficient food intake. Interaction models revealed nuanced patterns by subgroups; education negatively impacted resilience among Black individuals, while income positively influenced Hispanic individuals' resilience. The Other racial/ethnic group demonstrated unique associations between optimal sleep and resilience. This study shifts from a deficit-based to a resilience-focused approach among SGM midlife and older adults, revealing key strengths within diverse subgroups. Results underscore the significance of recognizing racial/ethnic differences in factors promoting resilience and posing risks for SGM midlife and older adults. Tailoring interventions to address the intersectional needs of SGM aging populations is essential for enhancing their abilities to bounce back from adverse events.

Understanding resilience: Lifestyle-based behavioral predictors of mental health and well-being in community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundChanges in sleep, physical activity and mental health were observed in older adults during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we describe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adult mental health, wellbeing, and lifestyle behaviors and explore predictors of better mid-pandemic mental health and wellbeing.MethodsParticipants in the Adult Changes in Thought study completed measures of lifestyle behaviors (e.g., sleep, physical activity) and mental health and wellbeing both pre-pandemic during regular study visits and mid-pandemic via a one-time survey. We used paired t-tests to compare differences in these measures pre- vs. mid-pandemic. Using multivariate linear regression, we further explored demographic, health, and lifestyle predictors of pandemic depressive symptoms, social support, and fatigue. We additionally qualitatively coded free text data from the mid-pandemic survey for related comments.ResultsParticipants (N = 896) reported significant changes in mental health and lifestyle behaviors at pre-pandemic vs. mid-pandemic measurements (p < 0.0001). Qualitative findings supported these behavioral and wellbeing changes. Being male, never smoking, and lower pre-pandemic computer time and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with lower pandemic depressive symptoms. Being partnered, female, never smoking, and lower pre-pandemic sleep disturbance were associated with higher pandemic social support. Pre-pandemic employment, more walking, less computer time, and less sleep disturbance were associated with less pandemic fatigue. Participant comments supported these quantitative findings, highlighting gender differences in pandemic mental health, changes in computer usage and physical activity during the pandemic, the value of spousal social support, and links between sleep disturbance and mental health and wellbeing. Qualitative findings also revealed additional factors, such as stresses from personal and family health situations and the country’s concurrent political environment, that impacted mental health and wellbeing.ConclusionsSeveral demographic, health, and lifestyle behaviors appeared to buffer the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and may be key sources of resilience. Interventions and public health measures targeting men and unpartnered individuals could promote social support resilience, and intervening on modifiable behaviors like sleep quality, physical activity and sedentary activities like computer time may promote resilience to fatigue and depressive symptoms during future community stressor events. Further research into these relationships is warranted.

Exploring the correlates of head-banging behaviour in a female forensic mental health unit: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT Despite the documented high prevalence of head-banging being used as a form of self-harm in forensic settings, little research has investigated its correlation with demographic and clinical factors. This mixed-methods study explores head-banging episodes (n = 145) within a female forensic mental health unit in England between 2019 and 2021. Using between-groups analyses, the study identifies clinical and demographic risk factors associated with head-banging behaviour in the sample. Results showed that White ethnicity, younger age, and a diagnosis of personality disorder were associated with an increased likelihood of head-banging. A subsequent regression analysis underscored the statistical significance of White ethnicity and younger age as predictors of head-banging behaviour in the sample. A thematic analysis of descriptive incident reports provided insights into the underlying psychological factors driving head-banging behaviour, which often emerged as a response to interpersonal factors or psychotic symptomatology. It is hypothesised that head-banging may vary in function across diagnoses. Further research should focus on using in-depth qualitative methods to better understand the functions of head-banging, developing effective management strategies for head-banging, as well as assessing its impact on healthcare staff.

Dark and bright personality dimensions as predictors of criminal behavior and recidivism

A growing body of research highlights the continuum between dark and bright personality traits impacting individual prosocial or antisocial tendencies. However, the interplay between personality dimensions and actual criminal behavior and its reoccurrence is not fully elucidated. We aimed to explore the cumulative predictive value of the bright and dark core of personality for criminal history in differentiating a general community sample (N = 282) from a large sample of inmates (N = 296), with (n = 129) or without (n = 167) criminal history while controlling for age, sex and impression management. Predictors of first-time offending were higher levels of Neuroticism, Openness, Dark Factor, Sadism, and Deceitfulness. Criminal recidivism was predicted by high Neuroticism and Deceitfulness. Finally, higher levels of Extraversion were negatively related to criminal behavior and history, highlighting a potential protective effect of displaying assertive and sociable tendencies. The findings highlight the relevance of considering the dark personality core complementary to the typical personality dimensions in the risk assessment, prediction, and reduction of criminal behavior.

Effective Classroom Strategies and Self-Regulated Learning Behavior among Learners in Davao Del Norte

Fundamentally, effective classroom strategies are a measure expected to improve self-regulated learning behavior among learners in Braulio E. Dujali District, Davao del Norte. In this study, the researcher selected 185 elementary school teachers as the respondents of the study. Stratified random sampling technique was utilized in the selection of the respondents. Non-experimental quantitative research design using descriptive-correlational method was employed. The data collected were subjected to the following statistical tools: Mean, Pearson Moment Product Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings revealed that effective classroom strategies and self-regulated learning behavior among learners in Braulio E. Dujali District, Davao del Norte were described as extensive. Further, correlation analysis demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between effective classroom strategies and self-regulated learning behavior among learners in Braulio E. Dujali District, Davao del Norte. Evidently, regression analysis proved that effective classroom strategies in terms of behavioral strategies were a significant predictor of self-regulated learning behavior among learners in Braulio E. Dujali District, Davao del Norte. In other words, effective classroom strategies have an influence on the process in self-regulated learning behavior among learners in Braulio E. Dujali District, Davao del Norte. The study, therefore, was conducted for further utilization of findings through publication in reputable research journal.

Examining child schooling/care location and child temperament as predictors of restaurant-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a nationally representative survey.

Emerging research highlights impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. families, including changes in eating behavior and increased child body mass index. Aims of the present study were to examine whether child temperament and at-home vs. out-of-home childcare/school predicted families' restaurant-related behaviors during the pandemic. Examining energy balance-related behaviors, like restaurant patronage, during the pandemic can help better understand lasting impacts on child health behaviors and health outcomes. An online survey was administered to U.S. parents with a 4-to-8-year-old child in October 2020 (n = 1,000). Linear and logistic regression examined whether child temperament and at home vs. out-of-home childcare/school predicted: (1) the frequency the child consumed restaurant meals (take-out, delivery, dine-in), (2) who chose the child's restaurant meal, and (3) parent-reported reasons for the child's meal choice. Income, education, employment, race/ethnicity, and regional COVID-19 restrictions were tested as covariates. Parents with children higher on negative affectivity reported more frequent restaurant use in-person (p < 0.05) and via delivery (p < 0.05) compared to parents of children lower on negativity. Child negativity was also linked with parent-reported reasons for children's restaurant meal choices. Parents of children receiving at-home childcare/schooling used delivery services less frequently than those receiving out-of-home care or schooling (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that individual and family factors may impact restaurant use and the meal selection process for children using restaurants during and beyond the COVID-19 era. Continued examination of individual differences in the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic can facilitate intervention and policy approaches that fit with different families' needs.

Reclaiming behaviour settings: reviewing empirical applications of Barker's behaviour settings theory.

Behaviour settings theory is the product of Roger Barker and Herbert F. Wright's decades-long Midwest Field Station research programme. The theory followed from the demonstration that the best predictor of a person's behaviour was the setting (i.e. location, timing and activity) in which their behaviour took place, rather than any individual trait (e.g. personality). Now little known in psychology, behaviour settings theory is often further obscured by being presented as a theory only, neglecting the clear methodology Barker provided for investigating the question: 'What do people do in everyday life?' This literature review takes a comprehensive look at Barker's contributions both within and outside of psychology. The corpus comprises both theoretical and empirical articles; however, our primary interest is in the empirical articles. We describe the who, when and where of behaviour settings research over the past half-century, and we identify branches and neighbours of behaviour settings research (e.g. manning theory, behaviour mapping and activity settings theory). Primarily, however, we attempt to answer the following questions: (i) Are any of Barker's tools for studying people in everyday settings being used currently? (ii) How accurately has Barker's theory been explained, or his methods applied? (iii) Does such work contribute to behaviour settings theory in a meaningful way? This article is part of the theme issue 'People, places, things and communities: expanding behaviour settings theory in the twenty-first century'.

Effect of offline bullying on online unethical behavior among college students: the mediating roles of relative deprivation and anger rumination.

This research delves into the correlation between offline bullying and online unethical behavior among college students; and examines the potential mediating influences of anger rumination and perceived relative deprivation. The findings suggest that anger rumination, perceived relative deprivation, offline bullying, and online unethical behavior exhibit significant positive correlations with each other. Offline bullying is a strong predictor of online unethical behavior among college students, with the dual mediating effects of perceived relative deprivation and anger rumination on the relationship between offline bullying and online unethical behavior. This suggests that offline bullying directly influences college students' online unethical behavior and also influences it indirectly through anger rumination and perceived relative deprivation.

Anthropogenic and meteorological effects on the counts and sizes of moderate and extreme wildfires

AbstractThe growing frequency and size of wildfires across the US necessitates accurate quantitative assessment of evolving wildfire behavior to predict risk from future extreme wildfires. We build a joint model of wildfire counts and burned areas, regressing key model parameters on climate and demographic covariates. We use extended generalized Pareto distributions to model the full distribution of burned areas, capturing both moderate and extreme sizes, while leveraging extreme value theory to focus particularly on the right tail. We model wildfire counts with a zero‐inflated negative binomial model, and join the wildfire counts and burned areas sub‐models using a temporally‐varying shared random effect. Our model successfully captures the trends of wildfire counts and burned areas. By investigating the predictive power of different sets of covariates, we find that fire indices are better predictors of wildfire burned area behavior than individual climate covariates, whereas climate covariates are influential drivers of wildfire occurrence behavior.

Do behavioral drivers matter for healthcare decision-making during crises? A study of low-income women in El Salvador during the COVID-19 pandemic

Understanding health-seeking behaviors and their drivers is key for governments to manage health policies. A growing body of research explores the role of cognitive biases and heuristics in health and care-seeking behaviors, but little is known about how a context of heightened anxiety and uncertainty might influence these behavioral drivers. This study analyzes the association between four behavioral predictors—internal locus of control, impatience, optimism bias, and aspirations—and healthcare decisions among low-income women in El Salvador, controlling for other factors. We find positive associations between internal locus of control and preventive health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, a one standard deviation increase in locus of control is associated with a 10% increase in an index measuring the use of masks, distancing, hand washing, and vaccination. Locus of control was also associated with women’s use of preventive health services (one standard deviation improves the likelihood of having a hypertension test in the last six months by 5.8 percentage points). In a sub-sample of mothers, we find significant relationships between the four behavioral drivers and the decisions the mothers make for their children. However, we find these associations are less robust compared to the decisions they make for themselves. Some associations were stronger during the pandemic, suggesting that feelings of uncertainty and stress could amplify behavioral drivers’ influence on health-related behaviors. This novel finding is relevant for designing policy responses for future shocks.JEL CodesI12, D10, D91, I30.

The Relationship between Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Perceptions, and Brand Loyalty at Nestle Indonesia Official Store in Shopee

Customer loyalty is a crucial factor for achieving long-term profitability by fostering strong relationships with customers. Loyal customer exhibit behaviors such as repeat purchases, willingness to recommend the company’s products, and resistance to competitor offerings. The level of satisfaction with the services provided by a company is initial predictor of customer loyalty behavior. Nestle Indonesia’s new strategy of opening online stores through major e-commerce platforms in Indonesia has increased opportunities for customers to access the company’s products. However, Nestle’s customers have faced issues in their online shopping experience due to a significant gap between their expectations and the actual performance of Nestle’s service quality. This study aims to examine the relationship between service quality, customer satisfaction, customer perception, and brand loyalty using a path analysis approach based on Partial Least Square (PLS). Data was collected by distributing questionnaires to 400 customers, determined using the Slovin formula. The sampling technique used for these 400 customers was purposive sampling. The results of this study indicate that Nestle’s service quality is perceived as suboptimal, particularly in terms of reliability and responsiveness. This has led to low customer satisfaction, poor customer perception of Nestle, and consequently low customer loyalty. The influence of service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer perception on customer loyalty is 90.9%, and customer perception shows as a mediating variable between service quality and brand loyalty.

Simultaneous evaluation of dairy farmers’ behaviour and intention to adopt technological devices

Society's awareness of livestock production conditions has increased interest in animal welfare (AW), prompting farmers to consider it in their strategies. However, the adoption of digital devices and sensors to ensure AW is still relatively low. The aim of this study was to assess simultaneously the stated behaviour and intention of dairy farmers towards adopting technological tools for AW. The extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (e-TPB) was selected as theoretical base. It is “extended” since new predictors are integrated in the standard framework of the TPB. The research questions were addressed using a partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings suggest the existence of a gap between farmers' intentions and behaviour. Perceived Behavioural Control plays a significant role in behaviour, indicating the predominant influence of self-confidence in farmers' choices. Operating margin and technological specialization of the farms are significant predictors of farmers' behavior.