Rational Behavior Research Articles

Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy on Level of Stress and Anxiety among Sober Alcohol Dependents Attending Self Help Groups in Selected Areas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Stress and anxiety are common, especially in challenging situations. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) helps manage these by addressing irrational thoughts. It is also effective in reducing emotional distress linked to alcohol addiction. Methodology: This study evaluates the levels of stress and anxiety among sober alcohol dependents attending self-help groups and assesses the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in reducing these levels. A quantitative, quasi-experimental non-randomized control group design was used, with 60 participants (30 in the control group and 30 in the experimental group) selected through convenience sampling. Conducted over 28 days, the research setting included selected self-help groups. Reliability scores for the stress and anxiety assessment tools were high (0.99) based on the test-retest method, ensuring the study's credibility. A pilot study confirmed feasibility for larger-scale research. The findings provide key insights into REBT's role in improving mental health among sober alcohol dependents. Result: The study demonstrated that Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is significantly effective in reducing both stress and anxiety among sober alcohol dependents attending self-help groups. For stress, pretest results in the experimental group showed 43.3% of participants had moderate stress and 56.7% had high stress. Posttest results revealed substantial improvement, with 33.3% reporting low stress and 66.7% reporting moderate stress. The paired t-test showed a significant reduction in stress scores, with an average decrease from 26.8 to 16.6 (p-value < 0.05). Similarly, anxiety levels improved significantly. In the experimental group, pretest anxiety results showed 56.7% with moderate anxiety, which dropped to 13.3% posttest. The paired t-test revealed a significant decrease in anxiety scores from 26 to 15.3 (p-value < 0.05). Comparison between experimental and control groups also confirmed the significant impact of REBT on reducing both stress and anxiety levels. Conclusion: The findings suggest that REBT is a highly effective intervention for managing stress and anxiety in sober alcohol dependents.

A Bilevel Approach to the Facility Location Problem with Customer Preferences Under a Mill Pricing Policy

This paper addresses the facility location problem under a mill pricing policy, integrating customers’ behavior through the concept of preferences. The problem is modeled as a bilevel optimization problem, where the existence of ties in customers’ preferences can lead to an ill-posed bilevel problem due to the possible existence of multiple optima to the lower-level problem. As the commonly employed optimistic and pessimistic strategies are inadequate for this problem, a specific approach is proposed bearing in mind the customers’ rational behavior. In this work, we propose a novel formulation of the problem as a bilevel model in which each customer faces a lexicographic biobjective problem in which the preference is maximized and the total cost of accessing the selected facility is minimized. This allows for a more accurate representation of customer preferences and the resulting decisions regarding facility location and pricing. To address the complexities of this model, we apply duality theory to the lower-level problems and, ultimately, reformulate the bilevel problem as a single-level mixed-integer optimization problem. This reformulation incorporates big-M constants, for which we provide valid bounds to ensure computational tractability and solution quality. The computational study conducted allows us to assess, on the one hand, the effectiveness of the proposed reformulation to address the bilevel model and, on the other hand, the impact of the length of the customer preference lists and fixed opening cost for facilities on the computational time and the optimal solution.

Evaluating the impact of rational emotive behavior therapy on post-traumatic stress in farmers with experiences of natural disaster.

This study was necessary due to the increasing number of cases of natural disasters such as flood, air pollution, erosion, etc in Nigeria, particularly in the Abia state, as well as the accompanying psychological and health issues affecting individuals within families and society as a whole. The study aimed to examine the impact of rational emotive behavior therapy on farmers' post-traumatic stress (PTS) in Abia State, Nigeria. A randomized control trial was conducted in Abia state, with a sample size of 118 farmers with experiences of natural disasters. Two assessments were conducted before the treatment, immediately after the treatment, and 2 months later to evaluate PTS and irrational beliefs among the farmers. The treatment involved a self-developed PTS-focused rational emotive behavior therapy manual, consisting of 12 sessions lasting 60 minutes each, delivered by counseling psychologists trained in rational emotive behavior and family therapies. Data from the pretest, posttest, and follow-up test were analyzed using chi-square, percentage, partial eta squared, and analysis of covariance statistical tools. The results showed no significant gender differences in the socioeconomic status, employment, and debt status of the participants. The rational emotive behavior therapy was effective in reducing PTS caused by the flood among farmers. Gender did not have a significant moderating effect on farmers' experiences with PTS. The study suggested that family health specialists and rational-emotive therapists collaborate with local authorities to provide career counseling services to farmers and establish community-based rational emotive institutes in each state of Nigeria.

Development of Morality and Ethics in Educational Institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission Pathum Thani Province

Background and Aims: Developing a nation to compete with advanced countries requires prioritizing human resource development, with education serving as the foundation of this progress. Quality education establishes a sustainable knowledge base, essential for achieving economic, social, and political growth. This study aims to: (1) evaluate the level of moral and ethical development among staff in vocational institutions governed by the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province; (2) compare staff perspectives on moral and ethical growth based on variables such as gender, position, and age; and (3) identify effective strategies to enhance moral and ethical standards within these educational institutions in Pathum Thani Province. Methodology: The sample group for this research included 348 personnel from institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province during the 2023 academic year, selected via stratified random sampling. Research tools comprised a questionnaire using a 5-point rating scale, which had an Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) value ranging from 0.80 to 1.00, a reliability coefficient of 0.83, and a structured interview. Data analysis utilized statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, along with t-tests, F-tests, and pairwise comparisons using Scheffe’s method. Results: The research results indicated that: (1) The overall level of morality and ethics development in educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province was rated high across all dimensions, with consistently high ratings for each specific aspect. (2) Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in morality and ethics development based on gender and position at the 0.05 significance level, but no significant differences were found based on age. (3) Guidelines for enhancing morality and ethics emphasized systematic professional oversight, recognition of outstanding personnel, and structured curricula for moral and ethical growth. The Office of the Vocational Education Commission highlighted merit-based assessments grounded in moral principles, clear standards, and well-defined workloads. Additionally, educational administrators demonstrated effective leadership by modeling rational behavior, prioritizing reason over emotion.

Determinants of Crypto Investment Decisions: Ra-tional Behavior or Irrational Behavior?

The current phenomenon is that crypto asset investment is considered high risk, yet the number of crypto asset investors is increasing. This research investigates the determinants of crypto investment decisions: driven by rational or irrational behavior, specifically testing the moderating role of social influence on the determinants of investment decisions. The research combines technological factors (crypto platforms) and psychological factors (herding behavior FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)) with external factors of social influence a moderating variable. This study uses quantitative research methods and primary data from respondents who are crypto asset investors domiciled in Indonesia. The sample consisted of 124 respondents consisting of 95 male respondents and 29 female respondents. Statistical analysis including analysis of the Outer Model, Inner Model and direct effect and Moderated Regression Analysis was carried out using SmartPLS 0.3 software. The results showed that crypto platforms, financial literacy, herding behavior, FoMO had an effect on investment decisions, and social influence was able to moderate the influence of crypto platforms, financial literacy, herding behavior, FoMO on investment decisions. Suggestions given for further research are: develop further research models that can represent the determinants of investment decisions in crypto by using other research variables in predicting their influence on investment decisions such as regret experience, attitude, risk tolerance, etc.

Evaluating the Impact of a Rebt-Based Suicide Prevention Program for Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a suicide prevention program based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) framework, which aims to reduce irrational beliefs, one of the root causes of emotional disturbances, including depression and suicidal ideation. Methods: A nonequivalent quasi-experimental design was employed, involving participants from two Addiction Management Integrated Support Centers in K Province, South Korea. Forty-eight individuals were divided into two groups: 24 in the experimental group and 24 in the control group, each assigned to a different center. The experimental group underwent 10 REBT sessions over 5 weeks, in addition to standard interventions. The control group received only the usual interventions. Outcome variables measured included irrational beliefs, depression, suicidal ideation, and problem-solving ability. Data were collected at baseline and again five weeks after the program ended. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and independent t-tests. Results: Prior to the intervention, no significant differences in demographic characteristics or baseline outcome variables were observed between the two groups. After the intervention, the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in irrational beliefs (t=2.36, p=.023), depression (t=3.80, p<.001), and suicidal ideation (t=4.59, p<.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in problem-solving ability (t=4.59, p<.001). Discussion/Implications: The study demonstrates that the REBT-based suicide prevention program was effective in reducing irrational beliefs, depression, and suicidal ideation, while also enhancing problem-solving ability in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder. These results underscore the potential benefits of integrating cognitive-behavioral approaches like REBT into suicide prevention programs for this population. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the limited literature on suicide prevention programs tailored for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder and offers valuable insights into the applicability of REBT in community-based mental health interventions. The findings suggest the importance of developing structured therapeutic programs that address both cognitive distortions and emotional well-being to prevent suicide in vulnerable populations.

A complete classification of evolutionary games with environmental feedback

Abstract A tragedy of the commons, in which rational behavior of individuals to maximize their own payoffs depletes common resources, is one of the most important research topics in game theory. To better understand the social dilemma problem, recent studies have developed a theoretical framework of feedback-evolving game where individual behavior affects an environmental (renewable) resource and the environmental resource changes individual payoffs. While previous studies assumed that the frequency of defectors increases (prisoner's dilemma [PD] game) when the environmental resource is abundant to investigate an oscillating tragedy of the commons, it is also possible for other types of game to produce the social dilemma. In this paper, we extend the feedback-evolving game by considering not only PD game, but also the other three game structures when the environmental resource is replete for a reasonably complete classification. The three games are Chicken game where defectors and cooperators coexist through minority advantage, Stag-Hunt (SH) game with minority disadvantage, and Trivial game where the frequency of cooperators increases. In addition, we utilize a dilemma phase plane to visually track (transient) dynamics of game structure changes. We found that an emergent initial condition dependence (i.e. bistability) is pervasive in the feedback-evolving game when the three games are involved. We also showed that persistent oscillation dynamics arise even with Chicken or SH games in replete environments. Our generalized analysis will be an important step to further extend the theoretical framework of feedback-evolving game to various game situations with environmental feedback.

Rational voting behaviour accounting for heterogeneous ballots in British elections

Rational voting behaviour accounting for heterogeneous ballots in British elections

Rational Individual and Managerial Decision Model: A Critical Review of the Standard Rationality Hypothesis

Classical economic analysis is based on the hypothesis of perfect rationality attributed to economic agents. Their behavior is considered, according to this analysis, in a narrow sense represented by Homo-oeconomicus. The latter is a calculating agent in the true meaning of the term, who calculates to optimize his choice and maximize a utility function. However, in a decision-making process, the economic agent finds himself interacting with a complex and uncertain environment. To decide, he adapts his choice behavior to an end, considering the constraints of this environment. He does not always seek the optimal solution, but he can be satisfied with the solution that he considers satisfactory. This solution highlights the role of deliberation, which considers the norms and customs of society, as well as environmental constraints. This work revisits rationality by examining the assumptions underlying decision-making behaviors. This analysis considers the real motivations of the decision-maker and their implications in his decision-making process, both in the individual context and in that of the organization. It studies the sources of the limitation of rationality and seeks to know why the decision-maker abandons optimization and is interested in satisfactory solutions in his choice. The results of this analysis recommend that bounded rational behavior can still be considered when motivations are considered. They advocate that their understanding is fundamental to refound the economic behavior of choice on hypotheses, which correspond well to the social and economic context of the decision.

The effectiveness of rational emotive behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy on oxidative stress in patients with hypertension

The effectiveness of rational emotive behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy on oxidative stress in patients with hypertension

Rethinking the low profile: The evolving stance of China’s strategic culture

In recent decades, the concept of strategic culture has emerged as the core focus of cultural approach theories to explain a state’s strategic behavior, given that existing theories have failed to convey deviations from the universal principles of rational state behavior. Relying on the conceptual framework of strategic culture, complemented by Barry Buzan’s “revisionist” approach, this article strives to fill the existing gap in the literature by presenting motives and evidence of revisionism in China’s culture-based conduct. By investigating China’s revisionist behavior vis-à-vis its strategic culture, we conclude that both are correlated. China’s territorial claims, its rapid military modernization, the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, and its ambiguous alignment with Russia, emphasize the evolution of China’s strategic culture from a defensive to a more resolute stance.

Optimization of the power–transportation coupled power distribution network based on stochastic user equilibrium

With the increasing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) in road traffic, the spatial and temporal stochasticity of the travel pattern and charging demand of EVs as a mode of transportation and an electrical load have generated different degrees of congestion impacts on both the power grid and the transportation network. Based on this, this paper proposes a power–transportation-coupled distribution network optimization strategy based on stochastic user traffic equilibrium theory. First, a stochastic user equilibrium-mixed traffic flow allocation model that expresses user non-completely rational path selection behavior is established, and the traffic flow equilibrium solution is obtained using an improved method of successive algorithm and mapped to charging loads. Second, a distribution network power flow optimization model under the coupled power–transportation architecture is established to optimize the operation state of the distribution network by combining distributed resources such as energy storage, demand response loads, wind power, photovoltaic, and gas turbines.

Cross-Efficiency Evaluation Method with Performance Level as a Management Objective in Consideration of Bounded Rationality

According to management by objectives (MBO) theory, the significance of management objectives must be considered as a reference point in a performance evaluation. Cross efficiency evaluation has always been considered to be one of the important performance evaluation methods. However, few studies to date have considered the impact of management objectives on cross efficiency. According to prospect theory, the choice of reference point will cause irrational psychology in decision makers. A management objective is a natural reference point, which will cause a ‘gain and loss’ psychology in enterprises and may create irrational psychology. Performance level is an important index by which to evaluate resource allocation, which in turn can be regarded as an important enterprise management objective. This paper proposes a cross efficiency evaluation method based on performance level. Cross efficiency evaluation models are constructed, based on the irrational psychology that occurs under organization objectives, personal objectives and composite objectives. This method not only considers the bounded rational behavior of enterprises, but is also more flexible. A numerical example is given to illustrate the application of the bounded rational cross efficiency evaluation method in data envelopment analysis (DEA) ranking.

Lottery stocks in Brazil: investigating risk premium and investor behavior

PurposeThis study investigates the paradox of lotteries in financial markets, challenging traditional utility models predicated on rational behavior amid uncertainty. It explores why investors are drawn to lotteries despite the potential trade-off between risk-adjusted returns and sporadically substantial gains.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a multifaceted approach, the study first scrutinizes diverse theories elucidating the perplexing behavior of lottery investors. Subsequently, it assesses the premium attached to lottery stock shares in the Brazilian financial market using distinct methodologies, thereby offering a comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon. Finally, the study estimates the risk premium associated with the lottery stocks applying an extended Fama–French multifactor model and searching for evidence of overlap with other risk-based anomalies.FindingsThis research unveils theories underpinning seemingly irrational investor behavior vis-à-vis lotteries, revealing the motivations propelling investors to willingly exchange risk-adjusted returns for the allure of substantial but infrequent gains. Empirical evidence delineates the extent of the premium paid for lottery stocks in the Brazilian market.Originality/valueThe study’s novelty lies in its amalgamation of theoretical exploration, empirical analysis and the application of the Fama–French factor model to gauge the risk premium associated with lottery-related behavior. Furthermore, its investigation of lottery stocks within the Brazilian market introduces a distinctive dimension, elucidating market dynamics and investor behaviors unique to the region.

What drives problematic Bitcoin investment behavior?: The role of financial literacy

PurposeAlongside its remarkable growth, problematic Bitcoin investment (BI) behavior and its associated negative consequences have become prevalent, and only a few studies have examined it. Therefore, this study aims to examine problematic BI behavior by investigating its specific antecedents and consequences and identifying which antecedents were more influential in it. In addition, we also examine the role of financial literacy on the relationship between the antecedents and problematic BI behavior.Design/methodology/approachWe collected survey data from 413 investors with Bitcoin investment experience in 2018, when a Bitcoin frenzy occurred. The partial least squares method was used to test the proposed research model.FindingsThe results show that prudent, negative urgency, overexpectation and sensation seeking are positively associated with problematic BI behavior, while restraint is negatively associated. Problematic BI behavior is negatively related to investor well-being. Our findings also indicate that both objective and subjective financial literacy moderate the relationship between the antecedents and problematic BI behavior. Four types of investors in terms of their objective and subjective Bitcoin knowledge show different patterns in the relationship between the antecedents and problematic BI behavior.Originality/valueThis study offers insights for researchers by providing a deeper understanding of the contextual antecedents of problematic BI behavior and the role of financial literacy in it. This study provides detailed implications for financial institutions, policymakers, and regulators to guide rational Bitcoin investment behaviors.

The Effect of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Intervention on Reducing Anxiety and Improving the Quality of Self-Coping of Pregnant Women in the Working Area of the Nilam Sari Community Health Center, Bukittinggi City 2015

One indicator of the success of health services is reflected in the decline in maternal mortality. but in reality in Indonesia it is still relatively high. One of the factors that affect the health of pregnant women is excessive anxiety. The result of various studies in the world show, excessive anxiety in pregnancy adversely affect the quality of pregnancy and can lead to complications, mental health development of children. This study aims, know the effect of interventions Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to decrease anxiety and quality of coping pregnant women in the region Puskesmas Nilam Sari Bukittinggi 2015. The method used in this study is Quasy Experiment design non randomized pretest – post test without control with a sample of 16 pregnant women categories moderate to very hight anxiety. Measuring Instruments used quesionnaires Pregnancy Anxiety Scale (PSA), Pregnancy Related Anxiety Scale (PRAS), Revised Ways Of Coping Scale (WCQR), and an Intervention Module designed practicing with psychologist regarding principle of step Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Analysis of data using Friedman test, Wilcoxon and Marginal Homogeneity test.

Psychological Dynamics among Adolescents with Self-Harm Behavior Based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

The objective of this study was to ascertain the psychological underpinnings of self-harm behaviors among adolescents, with a particular emphasis on the tenets of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Additionally, this study aimed to elucidate the various forms of self-harm behaviors and the underlying factors that contribute to these behaviors in adolescents. This research employed a qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design. The research subjects were students at State Senior High School 1 Batu, Indonesia, selected based on certain criteria in accordance with the research needs (purposive sampling). The results demonstrate three key aspects of the psychological dynamics of adolescents with self-harm behavior, namely cognitive, affective, and conative. These were mapped into the ABC model, which comprises three elements, namely activating events, irrational beliefs, and impacts. Forms of self-harm in adolescents include physical (slashing the hand) and non-physical (ignoring health, smoking, taking drugs, and staying up late). The background of adolescents committing self-harm behavior is influenced by both internal factors (dissatisfaction and loneliness) and external factors (family problems and modeling).

Monetary and fiscal policies in Brazil and the behavioral approach

PurposeThis study aims to elucidate the dynamics of monetary and fiscal policy interactions in Brazil, focusing on the impacts of positive shocks in government consumption and interest rates. By comparing rational and behavioral agent responses, it clarifies how these frameworks influence gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, private and government consumption and nominal interest rates.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a new Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with Bayesian estimation from 2000Q1 to 2022Q4, capturing rational and behavioral behaviors with adjustments for Brazilian economic idiosyncrasies. Impulse response functions (IRF) assess the dynamic effects of policy shocks, providing a comparative analysis of the two frameworks.FindingsBehavioral agents show greater initial sensitivity to policy shocks, causing more pronounced fluctuations in GDP, inflation and private consumption compared to rational agents. Over time, the behavioral approach leads to a more robust recovery, while the rational approach results in a quicker return to equilibrium but less pronounced long-term recovery. The study also finds fiscal policy can partially offset the negative impacts of monetary tightening, with a more delayed effect in the behavioral model.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights into the interplay between monetary and fiscal policies under different agent expectations, emphasizing the importance of incorporating behavioral elements into macroeconomic models to better capture policy dynamics in emerging markets.

고정효과 로짓모형을 통한 국내 경마 적중 요인에 대한 탐색적 연구 - 과천경마장 사례를 중심으로

This paper analyzes main factors to exert effects on horse-race winning which has not been identified in Korea, discussing people’s predictor variables and winning system. Fixed effects logit model is used to estimate impacts of institutional variables such as rating and weighting decided by horse racing authority, subjective variables constructed by betting people, and other information variables about horses and betting environments, using panel data from 2015 to 2018. Estimation results show that people make quite sophisticated estimation of their betting, contrary to popular knowledge in Korea, and that rating and weighting decrease differences of horses’ running abilities which is the well-known policy of horse racing authority in Korea to attract people’s interest in a tighter competition at the same time. However, the information asymmetry problem caused from long shot anomaly needs to be resolved by more information offering by winning function and smart data discussed in this paper. And to conclude, empirical results of winning function estimation offer people in track with detailed implications for more rational behavior and present possibility to raise the efficiency of horse race betting market smartly.

Genetic Correlates of Behavioral Self-Control: COMT and DRD2 Associations with Self-Regulation, Reflection and Meaningfulness of life in Women

The objective of our study was to investigate the genetic predictors of self-regulation and related characteristics indicative of a higher level of rational behavior control. The study 107 female participants aged between 22 and 52 years, with an average age of 33.5 years (Russian Federation). In order to measure level of self-regulation and other characteristics corresponding to a higher level of rational behavioral control the following psychological tests were employed: the “Differential Type of Reflection” questionnaire (Leontyev D.A.), the “Style of Self-Regulation of Behavior” questionnaire (Morosanova, Kholopova, 1995), and the Test of Life-Meaning Orientations (D.A. Leontyeva, 1988). Genotyping was use to examine polymorphisms of the COMT, DRD2 genes. Our findings demonstrate significant differences in the level of systemic reflection among carriers of different genotypes of the DRD2 and COMT genes. The highest level of systemic reflection in carriers of the CC genotype for the DRD2 gene and a heterozygous variant of the COMT gene suggests a balance between the elevated dopaminergic activity characteristic of the CC DRD2 genotype and moderate COMT activity, fostering optimal dopamine metabolism.