Psychological Theory Research Articles

The quest for the psychological Jesus through a Jungian lens

ABSTRACT This study employs psychological type theory to advance the quest for the psychological Jesus within the reader-response approach to biblical hermeneutics, drawing on data provided by 192 participants from a Pentecostal background who completed two versions of the Francis Psychological Type Scales: one explored the participants’ psychological type profile; the other explored the psychological type profile that they attributed to Jesus. In terms of the 16 complete types, 35% of the participants profiled Jesus as ESFJ, compared with 14% who profiled themselves as ESFJ. In terms of underlying scale scores, the data revealed a significant tendency for participants to construct their image of Jesus within the contours of their own psychological type profile. For example, thinking types were more likely to form an image of Jesus as a thinking type, while feeling types were more likely to form an image of Jesus as a feeling type.

Give and take: understanding innovative behaviour from a psychological contract perspective

ABSTRACT Despite numerous studies, little is known about public employees’ motivation to innovate. Based on psychological contract theory, this article examines why they have different levels of motivation for innovative behaviour. Using national-scale surveys of public employees in South Korea, this study demonstrates that employees become less innovative when financially compensated as expected, but more innovative when their expectations regarding career development and well-being are met. This indicates that individual motivation for innovation varies depending on the quality of the relationship with the organization, emphasizing that the organization should make a relational commitment to employees to foster innovative behaviour.

Digital data and personality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human perception and computer prediction.

In recent years, our increasing use of technology has resulted in the production of vast amounts of data. Consequently, many researchers have analyzed digital data in attempt to understand its relationship with individuals' personalities. Such endeavors have inspired efforts from divergent fields, resulting in widely dispersed findings that are seldom synthesized. In this two-part study, we draw from two distinct areas of personality prediction across psychology and computer science to explore the convergent validity of self-reports with human perception and machine learning algorithms, the identifiability of the Big Five traits, and the predictability of different types of data. In Study 1, five meta-analyses of human perception studies integrating findings from 24,124 individuals rated across 30 independent samples demonstrated moderate convergent validity across all traits (ranging from ρ = 0.38 for Neuroticism, to ρ = 0.57 for Openness). In Study 2, a multilevel meta-analysis of computer prediction studies reporting 534 effect sizes across 42 studies also demonstrated moderate convergent validity (ρ = 0.30). Multivariate analyses of the significant moderators highlighted that X, Facebook, Sina Weibo, videos, and smartphones had a negative impact on the variance identified. Finally, in synthesizing the extant literature, we discuss the measures used to assess personality and the analytical approaches adopted. We identify the strengths and limitations across each field and explain how interdisciplinary methodologies could advance the testing and development of psychological theory. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Moral foundations in autistic people and people with systemizing minds

BackgroundDo autistic people share the same moral foundations as typical people? Here we built on two prominent theories in psychology, moral foundations theory and the empathizing–systemizing (E–S) theory, to observe the nature of morality in autistic people and systemizers.MethodsIn dataset 1, we measured five foundations of moral judgements (Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity) measured by the Moral Foundations Questionnaire (MFQ) in autistic (n = 307) and typical people (n = 415) along with their scores on the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and Systemizing Quotient (SQ). In dataset 2, we measured these same five foundations along with E–S cognitive types (previously referred to as “brain types”) in a large sample of typical people (N = 7595).ResultsAutistic people scored the same on Care (i.e., concern for others) as typical people (h1). Their affective empathy (but not their cognitive empathy) scores were positively correlated with Care. Autistic people were more likely to endorse Fairness (i.e., giving people what they are owed, and treating them with justice) over Care (h2). Their systemizing scores were positively correlated with Fairness. Autistic people or those with a systemizing cognitive profile had lower scores on binding foundations: Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity (h3). Systemizing in typical people was positively correlated with Liberty (i.e., hypervigilance against oppression), which is a sixth moral foundation (h4). Although the majority of people in all five E–S cognitive types self-identified as liberal, with a skew towards empathizing (h5), the percentage of libertarians was highest in systemizing cognitive types (h6). E–S cognitive types accounted for 2 to 3 times more variance for Care than did sex.LimitationsOur study is limited by its reliance on self-report measures and a focus on moral judgements rather than behavior or decision-making. Further, only dataset 2 measured political identification, therefore we were unable to assess politics in autistic people.ConclusionsWe conclude that some moral foundations in autistic people are similar to those in typical people (despite the difficulties in social interaction that are part of autism), and some are subtly different. These subtle differences vary depending on empathizing and systemizing cognitive types.

Motivation of Financial Decision-Making in the Era of Mass Media: An Interpretation of the Influence of Media Discourse on Credit Suisse Group Customer Behavior

This paper aims to interpret the media's influence on customer behavior within the Credit Suisse Group from the vantage point of social psychology, elucidating the underlying drivers of financial decision-making in the age of mass media. Through an analysis encompassing the relationship between financial decision-making and social psychology theories, the distinctive features characterizing Credit Suisse Group's customer behavior, and the impact of media discourse on customer conduct, this study delves into the role of social cognition in shaping customer behavior as well as the affective ramifications of media discourse on customers. The findings underscore the pivotal roles of social cognition and media discourse in financial decision-making. This study holds significant theoretical implications and practical relevance for comprehending the impetuses behind financial decisions and the sway of mass media on customer behavior.

Reconstructing the Family Unit: A Study of Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

The family unit is the smallest but most important unit of the society. When the families are strong and united, the entire nation will definitely be strong and prosperous. If the families are weak or fragile, the entire society will obviously be fragilised. We set out in this study to probe into the American family unit as depicted in Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie and F. Scot Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. This paper is premised on the hypothetical contention that the American family unit as depicted in the novels under study, has significantly disintegrated, and is in dire need of reconstruction. Individual and Ego Psychological theories constitute the theoretical framework for this paper. Looking through the theoretical lens of Adler’s Individual Psychology and Erikson’s Ego Psychology, one can posit that, both novelists suggest in their novels under study a moral and spiritual rearmament as a condition sine qua non for the reconstruction of the American family unit.

Make Lectures Match How We Learn: The Nonlinear Teaching Approach to Economics

This paper proposes a nonlinear teaching approach, based on learning theories in cognitive psychology, with a special focus on large-cohort economics modules. The fundamental rationale is to match the features of teaching with the nature of learning. This approach was implemented in an undergraduate economics module, which received qualitative feedback and quantitative evaluation. Formal econometric models with both binary and continuous treatment effects were developed and estimated to quantify the effects of the proposed approach. Evidence shows that the nonlinear teaching approach significantly improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning-teaching process but does not promote student attendance.

Utilization of theories in talent development: mapping the field of HRD

Purpose The process of talent development (TD) is one of the current trends in HRM and human resource development (HRD). Although scientific literature addressing the topic emphasizes that through development of talents, organizations can increase their productivity, performance and competitiveness, little is known so far concerning the development of this research field as a whole and particularly concerning theories prevailing in the area. While research into the field has been ongoing for two decades, the area has not yet been systematized based on key theories used as starting points for the research. The purpose of this paper is to focus on which theories in HRD are used in TD. Design/methodology/approach Concerning the topicality of TD, the present article provides a systematic review of literature summarizing current theories in TD based on the currently used typology of theories in HRD, adding the fourth pillar to the existing three, i.e. theories concerning adult learning and education, to increase the stability of the typology. Findings The paper argues that the area of TD prevalently uses sociological, psychological and ethical theories, which may be attributed to trends in HRD. The insufficient representation of theories of learning in TD, particularly in view of the fact that adult learning and development is the essence of TD, is an important finding. This finding is particularly important for science concerning adult learning and education. Originality/value The benefit of the presented analysis lies in a systematization of the individual theories and a comprehensive overview of the current theoretical framework of TD, as well as suggestions for future research making use of adult learning and education theories.

Video kills the radio star: Copyright and the human versus artificial creativity war

AbstractThis article contributes to the dynamic debate surrounding the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright law, offering a fresh perspective that builds upon interdisciplinary analyses. Focusing on the cognitive processes underpinning creativity in both human and AI contexts, the study draws a detailed parallel between Vincent Van Gogh's iconic “Starry Night” and its AI‐generated counterpart generated through DeepDream technology. Central to the investigation is the application of psychological and neuroscientific theories to understand and compare the creative processes in humans and AI. Based on such exercise, the article first examines whether art generated with AI, devoid of human emotions and motivations yet capable of mimicking human creative cognitive processes, qualifies for copyright protection. The analysis suggests that the similarities between human and AI creativity, particularly in their cognitive structuring, could render the work “original” according to different jurisdictional standards and interpretation of copyright law. Second, the article investigates whether AI infringes copyright if protected material is used for its training and processing. This question becomes particularly relevant in light of recent legal actions against AI‐artwork generators in California, which raise issues of potential infringement by AI using latent diffusion techniques on existing artworks. The discussion provides an original perspective that can advance the ongoing debate on the use of copyrighted material for AI training. The paper aims to contribute to the ongoing debate about AI and copyright by challenging the traditional human‐centric view of authorship in copyright law. The article argues for a nuanced understanding that acknowledges the complex nature of creativity, transcending the binary division between human and artificial sources. This approach is critical in redefining legal frameworks, ensuring they are adaptive to the evolving landscape of AI capabilities. At the same time, the article addresses the implications of AI drawing inspiration from existing art, recognizing the need to balance different stakeholders' interests when drawing policy considerations. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a layered perspective that not only deepens the legal discourse but also respects and fosters the coexistence and mutual advancement of both human and artificial creativity in the digital age, in line with the purpose of copyright.

Reformative concept analysis for applied psychology qualitative research

ABSTRACT Concept analysis is a useful qualitative research method for psychologists aiming to define, clarify or critique concept meaning and use in theory, practice or research. This article explains Reformative Concept Analysis (RCA), a novel method derived from nursing and political science concept analysis approaches, and reformed for applied psychology research. First, the role of concepts as epistemological vessels in psychological theory and practice is described. Some problems with concept use in clinical practice and research are highlighted, to demonstrate why critical analytic methods to improve concept definition and utility are needed. Then, overviews of some existing concept analysis methods are provided, with summaries of their strengths and limitations from an applied psychology perspective. The importance of comparing and combining meaning frameworks constructed from qualitative narratives and literature review is highlighted. Finally, the eight stages of RCA method are set out, along with some ontological, epistemological, design, rigour and presentation considerations.

Developmental trajectories of second language learner classroom engagement: Do students’ task value beliefs and teacher emotional support matter?

Engaging students in the second language (L2) classroom is important, but sustaining and promoting L2 learner classroom engagement over time is even more crucial for the long-term acquisition of the target language. This study contributes to the L2 engagement literature by tracking L2 learner classroom engagement over the course of a semester and identifying personal and contextual factors that sustained their long-term engagement. Questionnaire data were collected over three time points during a semester from 389 EFL learners enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts in English language program at a university in Vietnam. Results of latent growth curve modeling showed that the participants displayed both intraindividual growth and interindividual differences in the rate of growth in their classroom engagement over the semester. These interindividual differences in engagement growth were attributable mainly to the interest value that they attached to learning English in the respective classroom and the extent to which they perceived their teachers to be responsive to their emotions and learning difficulties. The findings are discussed in light of engagement and motivation theories in both educational psychology and psychology of second language learning and teaching. Implications are also offered to inform relevant classroom-based practices to enhance students’ long-term engagement in the L2 classroom.

A Teacher Competence Model and Measurement Based on Smart Education

Objective: This study mainly explores the impact of professional identity and digital literacy on the teacher ability of normal school graduates in the context of smart education and its impact channels and mechanisms. Theoretical Framework: Based on the research objectives and research hypotheses, we constructed a comprehensive conceptual model to understand the impact, impact pathways and mechanisms of professional identity and digital literacy on teacher competency of normal college students Method: The research uses a method that combines theoretical analysis and empirical investigation and combines positive psychology and teachers' professional development stage theory. This study established a competency structure model suitable for measuring normal college students. It used scale tools such as the College Students' Professional Identity Scale and the College Students' Learning Engagement Scale and used statistical methods such as structural equation modeling (SEM) and multiple regression to analyze the questionnaires. Results and Discussion: Examine the impact of professional identity and learning investment on teacher competency of normal college students, analyze the size of the influencing factors, measure the current competency level of normal college graduate teachers, analyze existing problems, and propose improvement strategies, thereby exploring the transformation of teacher education under the background of smart education basic logic and realistic path. Research Implications: The sample size and representativeness of this study are limited to one local undergraduate normal university. Therefore, there are still many shortcomings in this study, which need to be further deepened and improved in future research. Originality/Value: This study explores the relationship between teacher competence and digital literacy, professional identity, learning engagement, and learning efficacy among teacher trainees, and examines the mediating role of learning engagement and learning efficacy in the relationship between professional identity and learning. This is beneficial for us to gain a deeper understanding of the formation of teacher competence among teacher trainees in the context of smart education

The Impact of Positivity in Multi Business Model Innovation in a World of VUCA – How Can Positive Emotions Stimulate the MBMI Process?

The importance of right speed, effectiveness, efficiency and learning in Multi Business Model Innovation (MBMI) is vital to meet today’s Volatile, Uncertainty, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) challenges to survive as a Business in Business Model EcosystemS (BMES). Coronavirus pandemic, war in Ukraine, volatile global material and resource prices and deliveries, cyberattacks make big external VUCA events to Businesses. VUCA can also come from the inside of the Business as management style change, interventions or a burn down of the Business. How can Businesses under these VUCA conditions still do high quality MBMI? How can MBMI participants and teams in these processes increase their MBMI output? This paper investigates the impact of positive emotions, relatedness and creativity on the outcome of three different MBMI processes in three different Business Model Ecosystems influenced by VUCA. Positivity, relatedness and creativity are hypothesized as components to strengthen the individuals’ search for meaning in VUCA and for their motivation to act in MBMI processes influenced by VUCA. The study is conducted as a mix method research project in the view of MBMI and psychological theory – particularly the concept of positive emotions and relatedness as mental states for learning and knowledge creation. Interviews and observations show that individuals in networks and teams with a mood of positivity strengthen MBMI and the MBMI learning and creation process. Thus, our intention for further research is twofold: Training in positivity in teams can stimulate the courage to make disruptive solutions sufficient for VUCA. Secondly, in searching for the MBMI mindset psychological traits will be studied by the Big Five profile test. This opens for recruitment of participants to optimizing MBMI teams. Main contributions are: • Positive emotions and relatedness strengthen the urge to learn and to create in VUCA – searching for meaning and motivation to act is related to this concept. • Learning and creative processes increase, since the basis of positivity and relatedness in individuals, teams and networks are strengthened. • Innovative outcome seems of a higher quality when based on positive emotions. Research in positive emotions in Business Model Innovation is rare. • Positive emotion is the core concept and by training of positivity, it may strengthen the MBMI processes and the VUCA competences. • The outcomes and solution of the MBMI processes in the case study show mainly incremental and radical MBMI – only one is disruptive.

Empowering frontline service employees: examining the link between psychological empowerment, prosocial motivation and proactive behavior through the lens of horizontal collectivism

PurposeElucidating self-determination and psychological empowerment theories, the current study aims to examine the link between psychological empowerment and proactive behavior. Additionally, it delves into the mediating role of prosocial motivation and assesses the moderating effects of horizontal collectivism between psychological empowerment and proactive behavior, examining the moderated-mediation effects of horizontal collectivism.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was distributed in three waves (T1, T2 and T3) among frontline service hotel workers, out of which only 507 were retained and found useful for analysis. The study employed PROCESS macro models 4 and 8 for the analyses.FindingsThe results indicated that psychological empowerment is connected to proactive behavior through the partial mediation of prosocial motivation. Further, when horizontal collectivism is high, the favorable association between psychological empowerment and proactive behavior via prosocial motivation is stronger.Originality/valueProactive service workers have an innate tendency to contribute optimally to their organization. Yet, research is insufficient about the factors that lead to proactive behavior among frontline service hotel workers. To date, there are hardly any empirical studies that have examined the buffering effects of horizontal collectivism between psychological empowerment and proactive behavior, which contributes to the originality and novelty of our research. In addition, this study offers practical implications related to ways to improve psychological empowerment among frontline service hotel workers in the ever-increasing era of automation.

Reactance to Persuasive Messages Depends on Felt Obligation

Psychological reactance theory suggests that the higher the threat-level of persuasive messages, the higher the reactance. Previous research has revealed ways to manipulate messages to either arouse or reduce psychological reactance. By contrast, the current work compares people’s reactance across different target actions while keeping the threat-level of the message consistent. We propose that reactance to a message depends on the target action’s pre-existing felt obligation. We demonstrate that low-obligation actions are more sensitive than high-obligation actions to the threat-level of a persuasive message. The current work provides one explanation for inconsistencies in the literature regarding message effects. This work also suggests that pre-existing obligation of a target action should be accounted for in order to successfully implement a message intervention.

The Psychological Effects of Environmental Degradation on Human Well-Being

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the psychological effects of environmental degradation on human well- being. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the psychological effects of environmental degradation on human well- being. Through a comprehensive review of empirical studies, it revealed the pervasive nature of environmental degradation's impact on human mental health, consistently finding associations between exposure to various environmental stressors and adverse psychological outcomes. The study emphasized the interconnectedness between environmental health and human well-being, highlighting the need for holistic approaches to sustainability that integrate mental health considerations. It underscored the importance of community engagement and participatory approaches in addressing the psychological effects of environmental degradation, advocating for community-based interventions to promote resilience and sustainable development. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Ecopsychology theory, Conservation Psychology theory and Stress and Coping theory may be used to anchor future studies on the psychological effects of environmental degradation on human well- being. The study offered valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy. It emphasized the need for an integrated theoretical framework that accounted for the multidimensional nature of environmental degradation and its psychological impacts. The recommendations highlighted the importance of integrating mental health considerations into environmental conservation efforts, promoting nature-based interventions, and prioritizing evidence-based policy reforms. Community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and longitudinal research were identified as key strategies for addressing the psychological effects of environmental degradation and fostering resilience. Overall, the study provided a comprehensive roadmap for advancing understanding and addressing the complex interplay between environmental change and mental health outcomes.

Psychologists return to the first question of Western philosophy.

When ancient humans gained the ability to investigate abstract questions, what first question did they pose? This article offers a novel, sweeping, historical analysis with important implications for psychological theory. The story begins with identifying the first question in Ancient Greek philosophy as "Where am I?" with particular interest in the world's overarching basic traits. For example, Pythagoras proposed the world was defined by beauty and Heraclitus suggested change. Though this discourse has traditionally puzzled historians, recent psychological research suggests it might have been largely a debate over primal world beliefs, an emerging research topic that this article introduces and situates historically. Recently, the latent structure of primal world beliefs was mapped statistically, revealing 26 dimensions. Most of these beliefs were new to psychologists, yet already posed by ancient philosophers-including Pythagoras' Beautiful world belief and Heraclitus' Changing world belief. Identifying first questions in early history may have value for psychological theorizing because it hints at something that social psychologists have long suspected: that humans are creatures fundamentally driven to understand their situation and what it calls for. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessing visitor evaluation of an immersive cathedral experience: applying the Jungian lenses of feeling and thinking

ABSTRACT Psychological type theory differentiates between two contrasting psychological functions relevant for evaluating experience, styled thinking and feeling. The present study encouraged visitors to the pre-Christmas son et lumiere at Liverpool Cathedral, The light before Christmas: The angels are coming, to evaluate their experience through these two lenses. Drawing on data from 978 participants, analysis of qualitative responses to the feeling prompt, ‘What most touched your heart?’ identified nine themes, including valuing being moved by visual images of the nativity, and valuing the opportunity to light a candle. Analysis of qualitative responses to the thinking prompt, ‘What big issues were raised in your mind?’ identified eight themes, including reflecting on the importance and meaning of Christmas, and reflecting on the world. These two prompts generated quite different responses, suggesting a complementary and richer evaluation of the total experience.

Short-time mentoring – enhancing female medical students’ intentions toward surgical careers

ABSTRACT Background Women pursuing a career in surgery or related disciplines are still in the minority, despite the fact that women compose at least half of the medical student population in most Western countries. Thus, recruiting and retaining female surgeons remains an important challenge to meet the need for surgeons and increase the quality of care. The participations were female medical students between their third and fifth academic year. In this study, we applied the well-established psychological theory of planned behavior (TPB) which suggests that the intention to perform a behavior (e.g. pursuing a career in surgery) is the most critical and immediate predictor of performing the behavior. We investigated whether a two-part short-mentoring seminar significantly increases students’ intention to pursue a career in a surgical or related specialty after graduation. Method The mentoring and role-model seminar was conducted at 2 days for 90 minutes by six inspiring female role models with a remarkable career in surgical or related disciplines. Participants (N = 57) filled in an online survey before (T0) and after the seminar (T1). A pre-post comparison of central TPB concept attitude towards the behavior, 2) occupational self-efficacy and 3) social norm) was conducted using a paired sampled t-test. A follow-up survey was administered 12 months later (T2). Results The mentoring seminar positively impacted female students’ attitude towards a career in a surgical specialty. Female students reported a significantly increased positive attitude (p < .001) and significantly higher self-efficacy expectations (p < .001) towards a surgical career after participating in the mentoring seminar. Regarding their career intention after the seminar, female students declared a significantly higher intention to pursue a career in a surgical specialty after graduating (p < .001) and this effect seems to be sustainable after 1 year. Conclusion For the first time we could show that short-mentoring and demonstrating role models in a seminar surrounding has a significant impact on female medical student decision´s to pursue a career in a surgery speciality. This concept may be a practical and efficient concept to refine the gender disparity in surgery and related disciplines.

Chinese Negative Reactions to Positive Gender Stereotypes: A Perspective of Psychological Reactance Theory

Individuals’ lives depend heavily on their freedom, which is why they may respond with reactance if freedom is threatened. Our research, which spans four studies with 1,486 Chinese students as participants, from the perspective of psychological reactance theory, provides evidence that positive gender stereotypes can provoke targets’ negative reactions. In Study 1, participants who heard a speaker state a positive gender stereotype (e.g., “women are beautiful” and “men are strong”) disliked the speaker more, believed that the speaker was more gender prejudiced, and experienced stronger negative emotions than those who heard no stereotype. In Studies 2−4, freedom threat was a crucial mediator in the relation between the positive gender stereotype and targets’ negative reactions. Furthermore, depersonalization also played a parallel mediating role. Although positive gender stereotypes seem superficially complimentary, they may have detrimental effects on interpersonal relations. Our research suggests that people should refrain from using stereotypes in their interpersonal interactions whenever possible. Even though people may sometimes inevitably convey positive stereotypes to others, they should be given the freedom to minimize the negative consequences of such stereotypes. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/DOI: 10.1177/03616843241242711