Significant Partial Mediator Research Articles

Relationship marketing tactics, customer entitlement, and customer behavioural responses

This study aims at examining the effects of relationship marketing tactics on customer entitlement which then affects customer citizenship behaviour and customer complaint behaviour. The data were collected through surveys on customers of cosmetics companies in Vietnam. The results show that emailing and messaging do not have a significant effect on customer entitlement while firm's preferential treatment towards customers, provision of tangible rewards, and interpersonal communication are significantly associated to customer entitlement. The results also indicate that customer entitlement dramatically influences customer complaint behaviour while the impact of customer entitlement on customer citizenship behaviour is significant, but the magnitude of the effect is modest. Interestingly, customer entitlement serves as a significant partial mediator in the effects of relationship marketing tactics on customer citizenship behaviour and complaint behaviour. The study concludes with significant theoretical and practical implications for service management.

Online racism, psychological distress, and alcohol use among racial minority women and men: A multi-group mediation analysis.

We examined whether alcohol use may be linked to stress associated with online racism as a risky coping behavior among racial minority adults, and potential gender differences across women and men. We tested parallel stress pathways in which we hypothesized that exposure to online racism would be indirectly related to alcohol use severity via general psychological distress and social media-related stress. With data from 395 racial/ethnic minority adults (M age = 34.12; 57% women; 40% Black/African American, 23% Asian/Asian American, 20% Hispanic/Latinx American), we conducted a multi-group path analysis of online racism (Perceived Online Racism Scale) predicting alcohol use severity (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) mediated by social media-related stress and psychological distress (Kessler-6) across women and men. Psychological distress was a significant partial mediator for women and men, but social media-related stress was a significant partial mediator only for women. In line with cyberbullying literature noting a greater risk of online victimization for women, racial minority women may be experiencing social media-related stress in addition to general psychological distress associated with online racism that places them at greater risk of alcohol-related coping. Our findings suggest that online racism may be a contemporary digital burden that may drive detrimental health behaviors such as alcohol use and present initial evidence to advance future prevention research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Childhood trauma and suicidality in bipolar disorder: The mediatory role of impulsivity

Childhood trauma (CT) is correlated with suicidality among patients with bipolar disorder (BD). However, it has not been adequately investigated if a third factor, for instance impulsivity, mediates the effect of CT on suicidality in BD. This study aimed to explore potential mediatory effects of impulsivity in the pathway from CT to suicidality in BD. CT was assessed with the Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETI-SR-SF), impulsivity with the Barratt Impulsivity Scale-11 (BIS-11) while lifetime suicidality was investigated with the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). The effect of childhood trauma on suicidality and impulsivity as well as the effect of impulsivity on suicidality were examined with multiple linear regressions, including gender, age and diagnosis (BD-I, BD-II) as covariates. Structural equation models were built and path analyses were performed (with AMOS 25 software and using bootstrapping in 1000 samples) for the examination of the mediatory role of BIS-11 and its subtypes in the effect of childhood trauma and its subtypes on suicidality. We included 78 BD euthymic patients (60.3% female, 67.9% BD-I). ETI-SR-SF significantly predicted SBQ-R (p=0.004) and BIS-11 (p<0.001), while BIS-11 significantly predicted SBQ-R (p=0.001). In a model including ETI-SR-SF and BIS dimensions, only ETISR-SF physical abuse (p=0.012) and BIS attentional (p<0.001) subscales significantly predicted SBQ-R. In structural equation models, the indirect effect of childhood trauma on suicidality via impulsivity was significant (p=0.003) while the direct effect of childhood trauma on suicidality was non-significant (complete mediation of the effect of childhood trauma on suicidality via impulsivity). In specific, both the indirect effect of physical abuse on suicidality via attentional impulsivity (p=0.002) and the direct effect of physical abuse on suicidality (p=0.013) were statistically significant (partial mediation of the effect of physical abuse on suicidality via attentional impulsivity). Childhood trauma predicts suicidality and impulsivity, while impulsivity predicts suicidality. More specifically, physical abuse and attentional impulsivity predict suicidality. The mediatory role of impulsivity completely explained the effect of childhood trauma on suicidality. Moreover, attentional impulsivity partially mediated the effect of physical abuse on suicidality. Therefore, management of impulsivity and especially of attentional impulsivity is crucial for the prevention and management of suicidality among BD patients with a history of childhood trauma.

Product Innovations through Ambidextrous Organizational Culture with Mediating Effect of Contextual Ambidexterity: An Empirical Study of IT and Telecom Firms

Considering the universal competitive pressures, it is imperative for the organizations to be more dynamic and innovative. The viability of companies is dependent on innovation and organizational culture is regarded as an important component in realizing the objective of product innovation. The study examines the association between ambidextrous organizational culture and product innovation outcomes through mediation of contextual ambidexterity. By pursuing the snowball sampling technique, pre-established structural questionnaires were distributed among the top management of IT and Telecom sector, 125 valid questionnaires were considered for data analysis purpose. The collected data was analyzed using Smart PLS software and measurement model was assessed with respect to reliability and validity. Structural model was assessed for hypothesis testing using bootstrapping technique. Results indicated that organizational diversity significantly and positively affect new product innovation outcomes i.e., incremental, radical product innovation, and speed to market, whereas shared vision positively affect incremental product innovation. Indirect effects results indicated that significant positive partial mediation of contextual ambidexterity exists between organizational diversity and new product innovation outcomes, i.e., radical innovation and speed to market. Whereas full and significant positive mediation role of contextual ambidexterity exists between shared vision and new product innovation outcomes i.e., radical innovation outcomes and speed to market. At last, no significant mediation role of contextual ambidexterity exists between organizational diversity and incremental innovation outcomes.

Retiring early for being emotionally exhausted or staying committed at workplace: a mediation analysis

Purpose Based on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, this study aims to answer a key research question, i.e. can the job characteristics (i.e. job demands and resources) affect intention to retire early? Additionally, a mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and organizational commitment on the relationships of job demands and job resources, respectively, with early retirement intentions has been explored in the study. Design/methodology/approach The data has been collected from survey of 450 employees from the banking sector in the state of Punjab (India). A structured questionnaire adapted from past literature has been used as survey instrument for the study. Partial least squares structural equation modelling has been applied in the study using latest version of SmartPLS (version 3.2.8) software. Findings Both job resources and job demands have a direct significant impact on early retirement intentions. Moreover, a significant partial mediation effect of emotional exhaustion and affective organizational commitment has also been found out on the relationship of job demands and job resources with early retirement intentions, respectively. Originality/value The study makes incremental contribution by highlighting the role of both deterrent and motivational factors that either instigate or discourage early retirement intentions among employees. It offers valuable insights for the organizations to use efforts for curtailing the excessive job demands that lead to emotional exhaustion and further result in early retirement intentions. Besides this, adequate job resources should be provided to the employees that lead to the development of affective organizational commitment, which further helps in sustaining the workforce until their actual retirement age.

Eating disorders with over-exercise: A cross-sectional analysis of the mediational role of problematic usage of the internet in young people

Eating disorders are widespread illnesses with significant global impact. There is growing concern about how young people overuse online resources leading to mental health sequelae. We gathered data from 639 individuals from a population cohort. Participants were all young adults at the point of contact and were grouped as having probable eating disorder with excessive exercise (n = 37) or controls (n = 602). We measured obsessionality, compulsivity, impulsivity, and problematic internet use. Group differences in these domains were evaluated; and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess structural relationships between variables. Cases had higher scores of obsessional thoughts of threat (Cohen's d = 0.94, p < 0.001), intolerance towards uncertainty (Cohen's d = 0.72; p < 0.001), thoughts of importance and control (Cohen's d = 0.65, p < 0.01), compulsivity (Cohen's d = 0.72; p < 0.001), negative urgency (Cohen's d = 0.75, p < 0.001), and higher problematic usage of the internet (Cohen's d = 0.73; p-corrected <0.001). Our SEM showed significant partial mediation of problematic internet use on both the effect of obsessionality latent factor on cases (z-value = 2.52, p < 0.05), as well as of sensation seeking latent factor on cases (z-value = 2.09, p < 0.05). Youth with eating disorder and heightened exercise levels have increased obsessive thoughts of threat, compulsivity traits and sensation seeking impulsivity. The association between obsessive thoughts and eating disorders, as well as sensation seeking and eating disorders were partially mediated by problematic internet use. Problematic internet use may be playing a role in the development or maintenance of eating disorder symptoms in the background of obsessional thoughts and sensation seeking impulsive traits.

Contextualising video game engagement and addiction in mental health: the mediating roles of coping and social support

IntroductionA challenge in defining Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is discriminating pathological gameplay from an excessive, yet benign, involvement in video games. Although previous research has explored this theoretical distinction in the context of general computing activities, it merits consideration with regards to online gaming. Additionally, whilst comorbidities of addicted gaming and mental health outcomes have been robustly demonstrated, few studies have examined the role of mediating factors that may contextualise this relationship. As such, the present study aims to validate the distinction between addiction and engagement in online gaming, by considering the mediating roles of coping and social online and offline support in mental health. MethodOne hundred and thirty-five participants completed the Computer Engagement/Addiction Questionnaire (CEAS), Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21), Brief Approach-Avoidance Coping Questionnaire (BACQ) and two versions of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). ResultsCorrelational analyses showed a clear distinction between gaming addiction and engagement in the context of all of depression, stress and in particular anxiety (DAS) not found in previous studies. Multiple mediation analysis showed a significant mediating effect of coping, (specifically withdrawal/resignation coping) on the relationship between video game addiction and symptoms of DAS. Offline perceived social support was a significant partial mediator in the relationship between gaming addiction and depression, as compared to any kind of online social support. The results support the distinction of the addiction and engagement concepts in gaming. This study may inform future clinical classifications of IGD, with implications on how pathological gaming is treated.

The importance of self‐regulation: a mediator of early socio‐emotional difficulties on later socio‐emotional and relational outcomes

Research suggests that a childhood diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with poorer teacher–child relationship quality and higher rates of externalising behaviours. It is proposed that the socio‐emotional problems experienced by those children with ASD and/or ADHD lead to poor teacher–child relationship quality and an increase in externalising behaviours. It is also proposed that self‐regulation skills and language ability may mediate these relationships. Data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) from 5107 participants whose ages ranged from 2 to 3, 6 to 7 and 10 to 11 years were used for these analyses. Outcome variables were teacher–child relationship quality and externalising behaviours. There were direct effects between ADHD/ASD and externalising behaviours (SDQ). Externalising behaviours were also fully mediated by self‐regulation. All other models showed significant partial mediation. Findings suggest that language was not significantly related to either outcome variable. These results support the conclusion that self‐regulation is a protective factor for those diagnosed with ASD and other disorders with associated socio‐emotional problems such as ADHD. Results also suggest that a focus on self‐regulation skills in educational programs has the potential to improve socio‐relational outcomes for all children with socio‐emotional difficulties.

The mediation effect of contraceptive use and women\u2019s autonomy on the relationship between intimate partner violence and unintended pregnancy in Ethiopia

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) affects one in every three women globally. Previous studies have revealed that women’s experiences of different forms of IPV are significantly associated with a higher rate of unintended pregnancy, reduced uptake of contraception, and reduced ability to make decisions regarding their fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate whether previously observed relationships between IPV and unintended pregnancy in Ethiopia are mediated by contraceptive use and women’s autonomy.MethodsThis study was performed using nationally representative data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A subsample of married women of reproductive age reporting a pregnancy within the 5 years preceding 2016 and who participated in the domestic violence sub-study of the survey were included in analyses. Logistic regression models, together with the product of coefficients method, were used to estimate direct and mediated effects.ResultsTwenty six percent of participants reported an unintended pregnancy in the 5 years preceding the survey. Sixty-four percent reported having ever experienced IPV (a composite measure of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and partner controlling behaviour). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, unintended pregnancy was significantly positively associated with reporting sexual IPV, emotional IPV, IPV (a composite measure of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse), and multiple partner controlling behaviour. However, IPV (as a composite of all four forms), physical IPV, and partner control (single act) were not significantly associated with unintended pregnancy. Women’s autonomy, but not contraception use, had a significant partial mediation effect in the relationships between some forms of IPV and unintended pregnancy. Women’s autonomy mediated about 35, 35, and 43% of the total effect of emotional IPV, IPV (physical, sexual, and/or emotional), and multiple partner control on unintended pregnancy respectively.ConclusionWomen’s autonomy appears to play a significant role in mediating the effect of IPV on unintended pregnancy in Ethiopia. Maternal health service interventions in Ethiopia could incorporate measures to improve women’s decision-making power to reduce the negative reproductive health effects of IPV.

Engagement in Cognitively Stimulating Activities Mediates the Relationship between Openness and Attention/Executive Functions, but Not Memory in Older Adults.

Openness has a positive association with cognitive functioning and engagement in cognitively stimulating activities (CSA). Older adults who engage in more CSA tend to show greater preservation of their cognitive skills; thus, we examined whether: higher Openness would be associated with higher attention/executive functions (AEF) and verbal memory; and CSA would mediate the relationship between Openness and AEF, as well as verbal memory. 477 community-dwelling older adults (65+ years) were included in the current cross-sectional study. Composite variables of AEF (TMT-A&B, COWAT, and DSST) and verbal memory (RBANS immediate and delayed verbal memory subtasks) were included. Openness was assessed via the Big-5 Inventory and CSA with the Leisure Activity Questionnaire. 477 community-dwelling older adults (65+ years) were included in the current cross-sectional study. Composite variables of AEF (TMT-A&B, COWAT, and DSST) and verbal memory (RBANS verbal memory subtasks) were included. Openness was assessed via the Big-5 Inventory and CSA with the Leisure Activity Questionnaire. Linear regressions indicated a significant positive association between Openness and AEF (β = .09, p < .01), but not verbal memory (β = .06, p = .06). A significant partial mediation was demonstrated between Openness, CSA, and AEF (c: β = .08, p < .05, 95%CI = .02-.14; c': β = .02, 95%CI = .01-.03). The mediation of Openness, CSA, and verbal memory was not significant (c: β = .06, p > .05, 95%CI = .01-.11; c': β = .00, 95%CI = -.01-.01). The association between Openness and AEF, but not verbal memory, was partially mediated by CSA in healthy older adults. The findings suggest that those who are more open to and highly engaged in CSA may have a later in life advantage in preserving their AEF abilities.

Financial Strain and Attitude Toward Retirement Among Aging Chinese Adults: The Influence of Family

ObjectiveThis study examined the influences of intergenerational relations and marriage on the relationship between financial strain and attitude toward retirement among aging adults in Hong Kong.BackgroundFinancial strain is a source of worry among many older adults in Hong Kong. A considerable percentage of retirees and pre‐retirees have negative attitudes toward retirement.MethodRepresentative survey data were collected from 767 participants (335 men and 432 women) with 294 participants aged 50 to 64 years; 473, aged 65 years or older).ResultsFinancial strain was negatively associated with attitude toward retirement both directly and indirectly through intergenerational relationship quality. Cohort differences were identified as affectual closeness and intergenerational conflict (two subdomains of intergenerational relationship quality) partially mediated the relationship between financial strain and attitude toward retirement for the younger cohort aged 50 to 64 years, whereas for adults aged ≥65 years, only affectual closeness was a significant partial mediator. Marriage only acted as a moderator for the younger cohort.ConclusionThe mediating effect of intergenerational relationship quality and moderating effect of marriage were identified, as well as cohort differences.ImplicationsTailored programs and policies should be developed for different age groups to enhance intergenerational relations and retirement preparation.

Engaging and retaining customers with AI and employee service

Artificial intelligence (AI) permeates in service organisations as a tool to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience. Reports show that most consumers prefer human interactions with service employees. Drawing on this observation, the current study examines how customers' service experiences with employees and AI influence customer engagement and loyalty. Customers’ emotional intelligence is proposed as a moderator between service experience and customer engagement. The study was conducted with hotel customers in Australia. The results show that whilst both service experience with employees and AI are significantly related to customer engagement and loyalty, only certain dimensions make significant unique variances in the outcome variables. The findings indicate that customers prefer employee service. These service experiences also have significant partial mediation effects on customer loyalty. Emotional intelligence has a significant moderation effect on customer engagement. Discussion of these findings and implications derived from this study concludes this paper.

Fear of recurrence: A mediator of the relationship between physical symptoms and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients suffer from symptoms and fear of recurrence (FoR), which both affect their quality of life (QoL). Based on a self-regulation model, the purpose of the study was to examine patients' FoR as a mediator of the relation between symptoms and QoL, and to identify which symptoms may trigger FoR. A cross-sectional study was conducted, using convenience sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data at a medical centre in Northern Taiwan. The analytic methods included descriptive statistics, structural equation modelling and linear regression. A total of 103 participants were recruited. Patients experienced a medium level of symptom severity and QoL but a moderate to high level of FoR. Symptom severity, FoR and QoL were significantly correlated. FoR was a significant partial mediator between symptom severity and QoL. The significant factors of the overall FoR and the subscale of health worry were "pain in general" and "pain in the mouth, throat or neck." "Pain in general" was a significant factor for the subscale of cancer worry. This theory-driven study supports a mediation model of FoR among HNC patients and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the antecedents and consequences of FoR.

School Performance and Leadership Styles Nexus: Exploring the Mediation Effect of Teacher Job Satisfaction in the Public Senior High Schools in Ghana

The increasing complexities of school settings and global educational reforms, school leadership has been recognized to play a key role in school performance worldwide. Nonetheless, the mechanisms through school leaders contribute to school performance has not been fully established till date especially due to difference in context of study, regional and cultural convolutions. To address this research lacuna, the study investigated the extent to which leadership styles directly and indirectly contribute teacher job satisfaction and school performance among selected Public Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. A sample size of 500 respondents were randomly selected and the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach with Smart PLS software version 3.0 were employed for the analysis the data from the study. The study revealed that instructional, transactional, and the transformational leadership styles are the predominant leadership styles employed by the heads of the Public Senior High Schools in the study area. The instructional, transactional, and the transformational leadership styles have statistically significant and positive direct impacts on teachers’ job satisfaction and school performance. Furthermore, teachers’ job satisfaction only played statistically significant partial mediation effects in the relationship between transactional and transformation leadership styles and school performance. The study recommend that leadership in the senior high schools should put premium emphasis on the kind or leadership styles employed and teacher job satisfaction in their effort to improve school performance. Keywords: Leadership styles, school performance, job satisfaction, Ghana DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-15-12 Publication date: May 31 st 2020

Secondary attachment and mental health in Pakistani and Scottish adolescents: A moderated mediation model.

Research into adolescent mental health has tended to focus on primary attachment relationships. However, the effect of secondary attachment relationships and the role of culture remain under-explored. This study examined the associations between primary attachment, secondary attachment, and coping strategies (task-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping) with psychological well-being and psychological distress in adolescents across two cultural settings. A cross-sectional study. An identical test battery was used across two geographic sites in Pakistan (N=510; 12-18years; 51.5% male; mean age=14.50) and Scotland (N=610; 12-18years; 53.6% male; mean age=13.97). Associations were tested separately in each sample using moderated mediation modelling for the outcome variables: psychological well-being and psychological distress. For psychological well-being, all three coping strategies were significant partial mediators and secondary attachment was a significant moderator in both samples. Secondary attachment moderated the association between emotion-focused coping and psychological well-being in the Pakistani sample only. For psychological distress, task-focused coping was a significant full mediator in the Pakistani sample only. In contrast, for the Scottish sample, task-focused coping and emotion-focused coping were significant partial mediators. Secondary attachment's direct effect on psychological distress was significant in both samples. Secondary attachment also moderated the association between emotion-focused coping and psychological distress in the Pakistani sample only. The cross-cultural evidence suggests that alongside primary attachment, it is important to target secondary attachment through coping strategies, in order to enhance psychological well-being and lessen psychological distress in adolescents. Secondary attachment plays a different role from primary attachment in adolescents. Therefore, it is important to target both primary attachment and secondary attachment security to enhance psychological well-being and lessen psychological distress. Cross-cultural differences in coping suggest that differential strategies to target different coping dimensions may enhance adolescent well-being across cultures. These cross-cultural differences highlight the ethical importance of cultural sensitivity among clinicians working with adolescents globally.

From likes to love: trust catalysing the digital romantic journey

Purpose The behavioural changes embraced by the current generation has prompted researchers to revisit the paradigm of human relationships, especially romantic liaisons. The present study revisits the construct of romantic relationships steered by social media platforms, through the dimensions of self-disclosure, social intimacy and trust. The role of trust as a mediator to determine the success of online dating is also explored in this study. Design/methodology/approach The study uses the data collected from 225 respondents (86 females and 139 males) in the age group of 18 to 30 years. The respondents were asked to fill a questionnaire (provided they fulfilled the necessary conditions and expressed their consent to be a participant in this study). Findings The study validates that the extent of self-disclosure propels the degree of social intimacy. The results also confirm a significant partial mediation effect of trust on the relationship between social intimacy and the success of online dating. Thus, practitioners need to keep in mind that the probability of online dating success is higher when individuals disclose more and engage in an intimate relationship driven by trust. Research limitations/implications The study sample is restricted to young adults ranging from 18 to 30 years, based on the author’s convenience. The study was restricted to three most popular social media platforms in India where disclosure is limited to private timelines or messages. Another limitation of this study is that a multi-variate model of analysis could not be used due to the lack of parallel variables. Further studies can also compare online versus offline dating behaviour and determinants that influence the romantic relationship between two partners. Practical implications The new perspective could be to ascertain specific built-in mechanisms providers should develop to ensure that the new generation benefits from new technology rather than falling victim to its toxins. Social implications The study re-establishes the importance of the role of trust in any romantic relationship – may it be online or the more traditional, offline or face-to-face mode. Originality/value The study delves into the domain of existing romantic relationships established through the modernistic viewpoint of online social media platforms. The findings bring a fresh perspective on the dynamics of online romantic relationships through the mélange of self-disclosure, social intimacy and trust. Previous literature suggests that trust is dependent on self-disclosure, which is in contrast with the results of the current study. The present study corroborates that trust leads to the success of online dating.

Abstract MP29: Chronotype is Associated With Diet Quality and Energy Intake, and Dietary Energy Density Mediates a Relation of Chronotype With Cardiovascular Health in a Diverse Sample of US Women

Background: An individual’s chronotype, the innate preference for the timing of behaviors such as eating and sleeping, has been linked to various health outcomes. Indeed, we recently demonstrated that evening chronotype was related to poorer cardiovascular health (CVH) in US women. However, the associations of chronotype with specific health behaviors are not well characterized in this population. This is particularly true for diet, the CVH metric for which recommendations are least likely to be met. Therefore, the current study examined the association of chronotype with diet and the role of diet in the chronotype-CVH relation in a diverse sample of women. Hypotheses: Evening chronotype will be associated with higher energy intake and poorer diet quality, including higher dietary energy density (ED), the total kcal per weight of food consumed and an index of the types and amounts of food eaten; these diet factors will mediate an association of chronotype with CVH. Methods: Baseline data from 506 participants enrolled in the AHA Go Red for Women SFRN were examined. Women were 20-76 y of age (mean±SD: 37±16 y); 49% had overweight/obesity and 61% were racial/ethnic minority. Women were categorized as either morning/intermediate or evening chronotype based on their Morningness/Eveningness Questionnaire scores. Dietary ED and daily intakes of food [by weight (g) and energy (kcal)], nutrients (g/1000 kcal), and fruits and vegetables [FV (servings/1000 kcal)] were assessed using the validated Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to examine associations of chronotype with diet. Causal mediation analyses tested whether dietary ED or energy intake mediated a relation between chronotype and CVH (AHA Life’s Simple 7 score). Models were adjusted for age, BMI, race/ethnicity, education, and health insurance. Results: On average, women consumed 1433±862 kcal with a dietary ED of 1.44±0.40 kcal/g. Evening (n=64) vs. morning/intermediate (n=442) chronotype was associated with higher dietary ED (β=0.21, P=0.0001), energy intake (β=448, P=0.0001), and weight of food consumed (β=129.3, P=0.06). Evening chronotype was also related to greater consumption of animal protein (β=1.1, P=0.04) and lower intakes of plant protein (β=-0.66, P=0.006), fiber (β=-2.2, P=0.0005), and FV (β=-1.3, P&lt;0.0001). Dietary ED was a significant partial mediator of the association between chronotype and CVH (percent mediated: 28%, P=0.01). Results were similar when chronotype was analyzed on the continuous scale. Conclusions: In a diverse sample of women, evening chronotype was associated with a less heart-healthy diet, including greater energy intake and poorer diet quality. Moreover, that dietary ED partially mediated the relation between evening chronotype and poor CVH suggests that behavioral interventions to reduce dietary ED may improve CVH in women with evening chronotype.

THE EFFECT OF CUSTOMER EMPOWERMENT AND CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT ON MARKETING PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF BRAND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP

This study aimed at examining the mediating role of brand Community membership on the effect of customer empowerment and customer engagement on marketing performance. The population of the study contained students of universities in the North Region of Jordan. A total of 1320 questionnaires were administered to sample members, and 895 questionnaires were returned completed. Data analysis indicated a significant partial mediation of brand community in the effect of customer empowerment on customer satisfaction but not in the effect of customer engagement and customer loyalty.Interestingly, the results confirmed that employee engagement is more important for organisations to ensure customer loyalty. The effect of customer empowerment on customer satisfaction was mediated by the customer’s membership to the brand community. Thereupon, organisations should ensure put their customers’ engagement as a priority. Further research is required to investigate the predictability of both customer satisfaction and engagement using different samples from several settings.

Adult Social Environments and the Use of Combustible and Electronic Cigarettes: Opportunities for Reducing Smoking in the 30s.

Reducing cigarette use is a major public health goal in the United States. Questions remain, however, about the potential for the social environment in the adult years-particularly in the 30s and beyond-to influence cigarette use. This study tested pathways hypothesized by the social development model to understand the extent to which social environmental factors at age 33 (eg, involvement with smokers or with physically active people) contribute to changes in cigarette use from age 30 to age 39. Both combustible and electronic cigarette use were investigated. Data were from the Seattle Social Development Project, a longitudinal study of 808 diverse participants with high retention. Self-reports assessed social developmental constructs, combustible and electronic cigarette use, and demographic measures across survey waves. At age 30, 32% of the sample reported past-month cigarette use. Using structural equation modeling, results showed high stability in cigarette use from age 30 to 39. After accounting for this stability, cigarette-using social environments at age 33 predicted personal beliefs or norms about smoking (eg, acceptability and social costs), which in turn predicted combustible cigarette use at age 39. Cigarette-using environments, however, directly predicted electronic cigarette use at age 39, with no significant role for beliefs about smoking. Cigarette use was highly stable across the 30s, but social environmental factors provided significant partial mediation of this stability. Pathways were different for combustible and electronic cigarette use, however, with personal smoking norms playing an important role for the former but not the latter. This study addresses the need for longitudinal investigation of social mechanisms and cigarette use in the 30s. Findings reinforce efforts to prevent the uptake of cigarettes prior to the 30s because, once started, smoking is highly stable. But social environmental factors remain viable intervention targets in the 30s to disrupt this stability. Addressing personal norms about smoking's acceptability and social costs is likely a promising approach for combustible cigarette use. Electronic cigarettes, however, present a new challenge in that many perceived social costs of cigarette use do not readily translate to this relatively recent technology.

The Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Human Resource Operation: Empirical Evidence from the Perspective of Malaysian Retail Employees in Klang Valley

The aim of this research is to examine the Coivd-19 impacts on the Human Resource (HR)operation in the Malaysian retail sector, especially in the Klang Valley area. A selfadministered online survey was conducted with 330 participants answering. The partial leastsquare approach to structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to investigate thedirect effects of the proposed variables. Besides, the mediation test was used to examine theindirect effects. The outcomes of the study showed that the current pandemic has an essentialinfluence on job depression and anxiety at the retail level. Furthermore, the directrelationship between Covid-19, salary, and layoff is significant, suggesting that COVID-19is a severe problem for employees' salaries and layoffs. In contrast, the indirect effect ofCovid19, job depression, job anxiety, salary, and layoff confirm a significant relationshipwith partial mediation. Job depression, however, does not mediate the relationship betweenCOVID-19 and layoff. This research only considered Klang Valley area in addition to thedata collected through the convenient sampling method by using an online survey form. Thefindings of the study offer an insight into the factors influencing human capital managementand how the retail decision-makers, retailers, retail consultants, and staff should devise anew approach to adjust HR policies in a ‘new normal’ situation. The study adds to theexisting knowledge about the effect of Covid-19 on job depression, job anxiety, salaries, andlayoffs among retail employees. This study will also provide a source of further researchbecause the area under investigation is new in the current pandemic situation