Social Cognitive Constructs Research Articles

Social robots as health promoting agents: An application of the health action process approach to human-robot interaction at the workplace

Technological innovations may have the potential to improve health behavior interventions at the workplace. Using a robot as a health communicator who interacts with target individuals may be sometimes superior to human change agents. Embedded in a health behavior theory that accounts for motivational and volitional processes, an innovative study has been designed to explore operating principles and intervention effects in the domains of dietary habits, tobacco consumption, physical inactivity, and stress and anxiety. A single-arm intervention with two assessment points in time, one month apart, has been conducted with 37 employees. They were confronted with a robot that delivered a supportive interaction with the study participants addressing one of the four behavioral domains. The intervention content was pre-tested and inspired by the health action process approach (HAPA). Self-report measures of all social-cognitive constructs such as self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, risk perception, behavioral intentions, and planning were applied. Pre-post comparisons confirmed the assumption of improved scores on motivational and volitional outcome variables. Moreover, mediation analyses underscored the pivotal role of behavioral intentions that translated motivational antecedents into volitional outcomes. The intervention study highlighted the innovative potential that robots may have when it comes to design theory-based health promotion strategies at the workplace. Moreover, results also confirmed basic assumptions of the health action process approach.

Predicting sugar intake using an extended theory of planned behavior in a sample of adolescents: The role of habit and self-control.

High levels of sugar intake are associated with multiple maladaptive health outcomes in adult and younger populations. Identifying the psychological determinants of sugar intake in adolescents, and the processes involved, may help identify potentially modifiable targets and inform intervention development. We tested the predictions of an extended theoretical model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), which specified social cognition constructs, habit, and self-control as correlates of sugar intake in an adolescent sample. Adolescents aged 12 to 14 years (N=88) recruited via a survey panel company and consenting to participate in the study completed online self-report measures of constructs from the TPB alongside measures of habit and self-control. One month later, participants completed a follow-up measure of free-sugar intake. Hypothesized effects of our proposed extended model were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. We found statistically significant effects of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on sugar intake intentions. We also found significant effects of habit and self-control on sugar intake measured at follow-up, but no effect for intention. Perceived behavioral control moderated the intention-behavior relationship such that intention effects on behavior were larger when perceived behavioral control was high. However, self-control did not moderate the intention-behavior relationship. Results indicate that sugar intake in this sample was a function of habits and self-control, and the effect of sugar intake intentions was conditional on perceived behavioral control. Results contribute to an evidence base of determinants and associated processes that relate to sugar intake in adolescents and may signal potentially modifiable targets for intervention.

Health action process approach: promoting physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake among Australian adults.

Based on the health action process approach (HAPA) this study examined whether changes in social cognition constructs could predict change in physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake for adult participants in My health for life, an Australian health promotion behaviour change program. Variance-based structural equation modelling was used to analyse data obtained from Australian adult program participants (n = 167) at baseline (T1), week 14 (T2), week 26 (T2), and 6-month post-program (T4). Change scores were calculated for the social cognition constructs and behaviour. Changes in action self-efficacy and outcome expectancies positively predicted changes in intentions. Action self-efficacy changes also predicted changes in maintenance self-efficacy which, in turn, mediated the effect of action self-efficacy on recovery self-efficacy and planning. Planning was predicted by changes in intentions and maintenance self-efficacy. Findings support the use of the HAPA model in designing complex health behaviour change interventions to achieve sustained behaviour change.

Are parents of high caries risk Dutch children motivated to brush their children's teeth? An assessment using the health action process approach questionnaire.

To assess the social cognitive constructs of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) of parents of high caries risk children to be treated under intravenous sedation (IVS) or with behavioural guidance techniques (BGT), and to assess the changes in these constructs for each treatment group after treatment. In this cohort study, 160 children aged 3-10years were allocated by their paediatric dentist to either IVS (77.4%) or BGT. Their parents filled out a HAPA questionnaire, before (T1, n = 160), immediately (T2, n = 108) and three months (T3, n = 71) after their children's dental rehabilitation. Before treatment, all parents had high scores on all social cognitive constructs. There were no differences in mean HAPA scores between the treatment groups (p > 0.05). After treatment, mean scores changed in both groups. In the BGT group, action self-efficacy changed from 3.64 (T1) to 3.36(T2) (p = 0.027) and to 3.13 (T3) (p = 0.021) and coping self-efficacy changed from 3.63 (T1) to 3.23 (T2) (p = 0.015). In the IVS group, action planning changed from 3.25 (T1) to 3.05(T3) (p = 0.036) and action control changed from 2.58 (T1) to 2.82 (T2) (p = 0.012) and to 2.87 (T3) (p = 0.006). High scores on social cognitive constructs of parents of children referred to a paediatric dentist showed that they seem to be motivated to brush their children's teeth, irrespective of the treatment group. Small changes were observed in the HAPA constructs, however, these are not considered clinically relevant.

Young children’s motivations and social cognitions toward swimming: Testing direct and moderation effects of sport competence in two large-scale studies

ABSTRACT Direct and moderation effects of swimming competence using an integrated model of self-determination theory (SDT) and theory of planned behaviour (TPB) were examined in two large-scale studies among young children. Specifically, we examined whether swimming competence had direct and moderation effects on social psychological variables of perceived need support, autonomous motivation, TPB social cognition constructs, and intention. In Study 1, using a cross-sectional survey of 4959 primary school children, swimming competence formed significant positive relationships with all model variables (β =.061 to.330, p < .05) except intention (β = -.009, p > .05), and its moderation effect on model parameters were small in size or not statistically significant. In Study 2, using a pre-post-test quasi-experiment among 1,609 primary school children, improvement of swimming competence was associated with change-scores in all model variables (β =.046 to.230, p < .05) except subjective norm (β =.049, p > .05). Swimming competence did not significantly moderate the parameter estimates of the integrated model (p > .05) at the change-score level. Findings indicate that swimming competence is associated with higher autonomous motivation; TPB social cognitions of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control; and intention. However, swimming competence did not moderate the parameter estimates of the integrated model.

Health literacy, social cognition constructs, and health behaviors and outcomes: A meta-analysis.

Observed disparities in health behaviors and outcomes may be associated with socio-structural variables and individuals' beliefs concerning health behaviors. We proposed and tested a model in which the effects of health literacy, an independent predictor, on two target outcomes, health behavior participation and health-related outcomes, were mediated by belief-based constructs from social cognition theories. Studies (k = 203, N = 210,622) reporting relations between health literacy, social cognition constructs (attitudes, self-efficacy, knowledge, risk perceptions), and health behaviors and outcomes were identified in a systematic database search. Relations among proposed model variables, including indirect effects of health literacy on health behavior and outcomes mediated by social cognition constructs, were tested using random effects multilevel meta-analysis and meta-analytic structural equation modeling. The analysis revealed nonzero averaged correlations between health literacy, social cognition constructs, and health behavior and outcomes with small-to-medium effect sizes. Structural equation modeling indicated that self-efficacy and attitudes partially mediated the relationship between health literacy and health behavior and outcomes. Sensitivity analyses revealed that model effects did not vary substantively when omitting studies targeting health-risk behavior, studies using comprehension measures of health literacy, and studies in countries with high education provision. Findings indicate that relations between health literacy and health behavior and outcomes are partly accounted for by health behavior beliefs suggesting a potential mechanism by which health literacy may relate to health behavior and outcomes. Given these findings are based on correlational data, further corroboration is needed in studies adopting longitudinal or experimental designs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Predicting Adolescents' Physical Activity Intentions: Testing an Integrated Social Cognition Model.

Few adolescents meet guideline levels of physical activity associated with good health, highlighting the need for intervention. Interventions promoting adolescents' physical activity should be guided by research applying behavioral theory to identify potentially modifiable correlates and associated processes. We applied an integrated social cognition model to identify theory-based constructs and processes that relate to physical activity intentions in a secondary analysis of two samples of Finnish adolescents using a correlational design. Participants in the first sample (n = 455) completed self-report measures of social cognition constructs from theory of planned behavior, habit, self-discipline, and past and current physical activities. Participants in the second sample (n = 3878) completed identical measures plus measures of socio-structural and socio-environmental factors. Participants from the first sample also wore accelerometers for 1week. Hypothesized model effects were tested using variance-based structural equation modeling in data from the first sample and subsequently confirmed in a pre-registered analysis of data from the second sample. Across both samples, habit, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and self-reported past behavior were associated with physical activity intention. Effects of self-reported past physical activity on intention were partially mediated by social cognition constructs. Effects of accelerometer-based physical activity were small by comparison. Effects of socio-structural and socio-environmental factors on intention in the second sample were partially mediated by the social cognition constructs. Results corroborate beliefs and habit as consistent correlates of adolescents' physical activity intentions and provide preliminary evidence that social cognition constructs account for effects of socio-structural and socio-environmental factors on intentions.

Beliefs and attitudes of Australian learner drivers toward driving and avoiding driving through floodwater

IntroductionDriving through floodwater is a significant cause of flood-related injury and mortality, and opportunities exist to embed safe driving messages regarding floodwaters to novice drivers in graduated driver licensing schemes. To inform future educational efforts, we investigated the beliefs and attitudes of Australian learner drivers about driving and avoiding driving through floodwaters. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional correlational design with measures drawn from the theory of planned behaviour and administered within an online survey. Phase 1 (N = 44 learner drivers) aimed to identify the core beliefs associated with driving through floodwater. Phase 2 (N = 250 learner drivers) tested these beliefs predicting willingness to drive through floodwater as well as the social psychological factors that predict learner drivers’ willingness to drive and avoid driving through floodwater using a pre-tested scenario. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, linear regression, and structural equation models. Results: Ten key beliefs were identified as predicting willingness to drive through floodwater. These included perceived advantages and disadvantages, perceived social approval from important others, and perceived facilitators and barriers regarding driving through floodwater in the presented scenario. Structural equation models of social cognition constructs of the theory of planned behaviour revealed attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control predicted both willingness to drive and avoid driving through floodwater. Past experience as a passenger also predicted these social cognition constructs, although this differed across models. Discussion: Results highlight the importance of modelling safe driving behaviour for young passengers. The strong association between subjective norm and willingness to drive through floodwater further highlights the importance of those supervising learner drivers to establish expectations around avoiding driving through the floodwater if it is encountered on a driving route. Conclusion: Social cognition factors from the theory of planned behaviour predict willingness to drive and avoid driving though floodwater. Theory-based targets should be considered for the development of intervention programs for novice drivers, such as those holding learner licenses.

Medical students' academic satisfaction: Social cognitive factors matter.

Academic satisfaction (AS)-the extent to which people enjoy their role or experiences as medical students-has important implications for well-being and career development. This study explores the relationships between social cognitive factors and AS in a Chinese medical education context. The social cognitive model of academic satisfaction (SCMAS) was adopted as the theoretical framework. Within this model, AS is assumed to be related to social cognitive factors-environmental supports, outcome expectations, perceived goal progress and self-efficacy. Demographic variables, financial pressure, college entrance examination scores and social cognitive constructs in SCMAS were collected. To explore the relationships between medical students' social cognitive factors and AS, hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. The final sampled data consisted of 127 042 medical students from 119 medical institutions. Demographic variables, financial pressure and college entrance examination scores were first entered in Model 1, explaining 4% of the variance in AS. Social cognitive factors were entered in Model 2, explaining an additional 39% of the variance. Medical students would report higher levels of AS when they (a) held strong confidence in their skills needed for success in studying medicine (β = 0.20, p < 0.05), (b) had optimistic beliefs about the outcome of studying medicine (β = 0.40, p < 0.05), (c) felt that they were making good progress in studying medicine (β = 0.06, p < 0.05) and (d) believed that they received adequate environmental support (β = 0.25, p < 0.05). The outcome expectations showed the strongest correlation with AS, and each 1-point increase was associated with 0.39 points on the AS score, controlling for all other factors in the model. Social cognitive factors play an important role in medical students' AS. Intervention programmes or courses aiming to improve medical students' AS are advised to consider social cognitive factors.

Information trust model

Information has been an essential element in the development of collaborative and cooperative frameworks. From decision making to the attainment of different goals, people have been relatively adept at making judgments about the trustworthiness of information, based on knowledge and understanding of a normative model of information. However, recent events, for example, in elections and referenda, have stretched the ability of people to be able to measure the integrity and trustworthiness of information online. The result has been an erosion of trust in information online, its source, its value, and the ability to help one determine the trustworthiness of a piece of information. The situation is made more complex by social networks since social media have made the spread of (potentially untrustworthy) information more accessible and faster. We believe that this has exacerbated the need to assist humans in their judgment of the trustworthiness of information. In this work, we present a social cognitive construct: a trust model for information. We present our trust model, which we incorporate into an application to highlight misleading information, with the experimental result on users’ perception of the working of the model. Finally, we highlight the challenges faced in this research and future work.

Supplemental Material for Health Literacy, Social Cognition Constructs, and Health Behaviors and Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Supplemental Material for Health Literacy, Social Cognition Constructs, and Health Behaviors and Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Exploring neuropsychological underpinnings of poor communication after traumatic brain injury: The role of apathy, disinhibition and social cognition.

Dysarthria, aphasia and executive processes have been examined for their role in producing impaired communicative competence post traumatic brain injury (TBI). Less understood is the role of emotional dysregulation, that is, apathy and disinhibition, and social cognition, that is, reading and interpreting social cues. In this study, we examined 49 adults with moderate to severe TBI and 18 neurologically healthy adults. We hypothesised that apathy and disinhibition would predict communication outcomes as would social cognition. We also predicted that apathy and disinhibition would influence social cognition. Communication outcomes were measured by the La Trobe Communication Questionnaire (LCQ) and the Social Skills Questionnaire-TBI (SSQ-TBI). Apathy and disinhibition were measured by the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe). We measured four aspects of social cognition: emotion perception and theory of mind using The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT) and the Complex Audio-Visual Evaluation of Affect Test (CAVEAT), empathy using the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) and the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES), and alexithymia using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire. Consistent with predictions, the LCQ and SSQ-TBI were associated with disinhibition and the LCQ was also associated with apathy. The LCQ was associated with the full range of social cognition constructs although the SSQ-TBI was not. Finally, apathy and disinhibition predicted a number of social cognition measures. These results are discussed in relation to understanding the nature of communication disorders following TBI and how they are measured, as well as the interrelation between emotion dysregulation and social cognition. What is already known on this subject The role of emotional dysregulation and social cognition in producing impaired communicative competence post traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not well understood. Although most adults with severe TBI have minimal or possibly no language impairment, they often struggle with functional communication in everyday situations. Many have been reported to be overtalkative, insensitive, childish and self-centred, displaying an inappropriate level of self-disclosure and making tangential and irrelevant comments. Conversely, some speakers with TBI have been noted to have impoverished communication, producing little language either spontaneously or in response to the speaker's questions and prompts. What this paper adds to existing knowledge We found that both apathy and disinhibition were strongly associated with the Latrobe Communication Questionnaire both empirically and conceptually, despite the LCQ being developed from a different, pragmatic orientation. Disinhibition was also associated with the Social Skills Questionnaire for TBI. We also found that poor social cognition scores predicted communication difficulties. Finally, we found that behavioural dysregulation itself, i.e., both apathy and disinhibition, predicted poor social cognition. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Our findings highlight the central role that apathy and disinhibition play in both communication and social cognition. These insights point to the importance of remediation to target behavioural and autonomic dysregulation as a means to improve everyday social function.

Optimizing intervention tools to improve nutrition and physical activity for colorectal cancer survivors (Tools To Be Fit): Study protocol of a randomized factorial experiment

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society (ACS) Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines are associated with longer survival among CRC survivors, but few report behaviors consistent with the guidelines. MethodsThe Tools To Be Fit study, based on the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework, is a full factorial experimental to optimize a remotely delivered 48-week diet and physical activity intervention for non-metastatic CRC survivors. The intervention includes a core component (booklet and personal report). CRC survivors (N = 400) are additionally randomly assigned to one of 16 combinations of four candidate components, each with 2 options: 1) text messaging (on/off); 2) self-monitoring modality (digital/paper); 3) health coaching (on/off); and 4) support person coaching (on/off). OutcomesOur primary outcome is adherence to the ACS guidelines after 48 weeks using a score that includes physical activity from accelerometers, dietary intake from a food frequency questionnaire, and body mass index (BMI) measured by a technician. Secondary outcomes include the ACS score after 24 weeks and score components at 24 and 48 weeks. Exploratory outcomes include adherence and change in Social Cognitive Theory constructs. We will explore moderation by sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological/behavioral factors; and change in the ACS score in relation to change in levels of insulin, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, gut microbiome structure, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbance. DiscussionThe proposed study aims to inform a randomized controlled trial to determine whether an optimized intervention reduces risk of recurrence among CRC survivors.

Sun protection behavior: health impact, prevalence, correlates and interventions

Sun protection behavior can reduce skin cancer risk. This paper provides an overview of skin cancer risk and the complex behavioral options for sun protection, along with a narrative review of research on determinants of, and interventions to promote, sun protection. Gaps and opportunities for future research are also outlined. Evidence supports the effectiveness of sunscreen use, ultraviolet (UV) protection clothing, and shade seeking. However, these behaviors are complex and are often performed in ways that are inadequate for sun protection. Most research examining and targeting determinants of sun protection behavior has focused on sunscreen use, to the exclusion of other strategies, and has largely ignored the complexity of even sunscreen use. Most research and interventions are theory- driven, drawing on social cognitive constructs, but also considering self and social identity and emotion. Multilevel perspectives considering context, environment, policies, and other structural contexts have also been applied to sun protection behavior, but there is a need to combine psychological constructs with factors at other levels to optimize predictive models and intervention effectiveness. Effective sun protection effectively involves complex behaviors and perceived and actual tradeoffs that should be considered, in combination with multilevel determinants, in research predicting and promoting sun safety.

A study on meta-parenting: Yemeni parental cognition

Over the past decade, a plethora of research stressed the importance of understanding parental cognition, including meta-parenting. The existing literature echoed a wide range of parental variations accredited more to a child's psychological attainment and parental social cognition of implicit elements, such as beliefs, emotions, values, and culture. However, increasing contemporary research is warranted to diagnose deliberate and mindful parenting constructs. This topic has not been widely examined in Yemen and Arab countries. Given this gap, the main aim of this study was to assess the relationship between meta-parenting and non-meta-parenting and an inter-correlation among all dimensions. The comparison between mothers' and fathers' parental awareness concerning (1) age, (2) marital status, and (3) education using the version of the new relatively social cognition construct, meta-parenting (anticipating, assessing, reflecting, problem-solving) and non-meta- parenting (ruminating) scale of Hawk and Holden (2006). For data collection, cross-sectional survey research composed of 21-item was administered to a sample of 317 (mothers and fathers) aged 27 to 55. Unexpectedly, results denote a high level of parental cognition among Yemenis parents; it indicated positive correlations between the overall meta-parenting and non-parenting among Yemenis parents. Findings also revealed significant differences in problem-solving dimension and ruminating favoured fathers. Results indicated significant differences in all dimensions except anticipating, problem-solving, and ruminating, which favoured parents 31 years old and above. In addition, a significant correlation was found in overall meta-parenting except problem-solving and ruminating, which favoured the married group of parents and those with a university level.

Midwives' survey of weight management practices before and after implementation of the GLOWING guideline: a pilot, cluster, randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMaternal weight management increases risks for women and babies and is a public health priority. Interventions can substantially improve maternal diet and physical activity behaviours and pregnancy outcomes. Low self-efficacy is a core barrier to midwives' implementation of guidelines. GLOWING used social cognitive theory to address evidence-based barriers to practice, aiming to support midwives' guidelines implementation. MethodsThis study was a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial in four UK National Health Service Trusts (clusters) in England. Clusters were randomised to intervention (midwives received intervention) or control (no intervention). Guideline recommendations for midwives' practice were: first, communication-related behaviours (weight-communication and risk-communication); and second, support and intervention-related behaviours (diet and nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and referrals and signposting). Questionnaires were designed using social cognitive theory constructs (eg, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, intentions, behaviours), higher scores being more positive. Following Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines for pilot trials, descriptive statistics were used to compare arms, before and after the intervention. Findings100 midwives were randomised to complete questionnaires before and after the intervention. 74% consented, and 68% returned questionnaires. Pre-intervention, self-efficacy for support, and intervention-related behaviours scored lowest. In controls, the difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention scores were negligible. Post-intervention scores were consistently higher in midwives in the intervention group than the control group, particularly for support and intervention self-efficacy (mean 71·4 [SD 17·1] vs 58·4 [20·1]). Self-efficacy was higher after the intervention than before the intervention for all outcomes among intervention midwives: weight-communication (mean 76·3 [SD 16·7] vs 67·2 [21·1]), risk-communication (79·4 [16·4] vs 68·6 [14·9]), diet, nutrition, and physical activity (76·4 [16·0] vs 49·3 [16·5]), weight management (72·1 [18·3] vs 48·3 [19·8]), referrals and signposting (63·3 [26·0] vs 47·9 [17·3]), and consistently higher than controls. InterpretationResults support the theoretical models used to develop GLOWING: low self-efficacy is a core implementation barrier. Results suggest GLOWING successfully targets self-efficacy, potentially with positive implications for guideline implementation. A strength of this work is the rigorous evidence-based theoretical approach to intervention development, largely absent in maternity-based research. A limitation is that this is a pilot trial. A definitive trial is required to determine effectiveness. FundingNational Institute for Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship (reference PDF-2011-04-034).

An Active School Transport Instrument to Measure Parental Intentions: The Case of Indonesia

An active school transport (AST) instrument to measure parental intentions in a developing country context with 11 latent constructs and 108 measuring items has been created as part of an integrated framework, including psychological and social cognitive constructs, perceived environmental constructs, and habit constructs. The purpose of the current study is to develop and carry out the initial validation of these construct items for measuring parental intentions to promote AST in the context of a developing country. Three experts assigned a content validity index (CVI) to the measurement items and evaluated them based on the item-CVI (I-CVI) and the scale-level-CVI (S-CVI). A pilot study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the construct items in Palembang, Indonesia, with 34 parents of school-aged children returning the instruments to be analyzed using SPSS Version 23. It was discovered that 93 items were legitimate, since their R values were greater than 0.3, and it was determined that 11 constructs were reliable because the measured items revealed a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient range of 0.8–0.9 (very good) to &gt;0.9. (excellent). This instrument met the requirements for good validity and reliability and thus, can contribute as a novel instrument to measure parental intentions towards AST, especially in developing countries in Asia, particularly Indonesia.

Identifying Determinants of Neuro-Enchancement Substance Use in Students

Abstract. Background: Use of Neuro-Enhancement Substances (NES) such as prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol to improve cognition, prosocial behavior, and performance is increasing among students. Aims: The study applied a multi-theory, integrated theoretical model to identify motivational and social cognition determinants of NES use among students. Methods: A prospective longitudinal design was adopted with 306 high school (66.8% female; Mage = 17.31 years, SD = 0.93) and 692 university (70.5% female; Mage = 24.97 years, SD = 6.64) students. They completed measures of motivation, social cognition constructs, and planning with respect to studying behavior and NES use. Results: Well-fitting structural equation models indicated the pervasive influence of autonomous motivation, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control for studying, as well as of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control for NES use. Inclusion of past NES use increased explained variance in NES use and attenuated model effects, but the pattern of effects remained. Multi-group analyses indicated consistency in the pattern model effects across high school and university students. Limitations: The study findings might not be generalizable, as student samples were not randomly recruited. Furthermore, NES use only relied on self-report, and its assessment did not consider different NES substances. Finally, there was no assessment of implicit attitudes and habits toward studying and NES use. Conclusions: Findings extend prior literature by demonstrating the integrated guiding view that students’ motivation and beliefs about studying influence their beliefs about and use of NES. Furthermore, the findings provide starting points for interventions targeting the reduction in NES use.

Social Cognitive Theory Constructs That Predict Betel Nut Chewing Among Secondary Students in the Solomon Islands

Background: After alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, areca or betel nut is the fourth most commonly abused substance in the world. The prevalence of betel nut use in the Solomon Islands is estimated at 68% in young people. Long-term use can result in detrimental health outcomes such as oral cancers and metabolic syndrome. Methods: The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to determine whether the constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT) can predict betel nut use in Year 12 secondary students in the Solomon Islands. Five SCT constructs of expectations (outcome expectations and outcome expectancies), self-efficacy, self-efficacy to overcome barriers, self-control, and environment were used to build a model for the study. Data were collected from a convenience quota sample of 138 Year 12 secondary students through a 37-item questionnaire. Results: Multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression analysis indicated self-efficacy to overcome barriers (&lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt; &lt; .01) was the only construct significantly related to intent to not chew betel nut. Conclusion: Social cognitive theory (SCT) was weakly predictive with low explained variance for not chewing betel nut in secondary students. Research findings contribute to knowledge useful for developers of school health programs and researchers working on strategies to improve intervention actions to reduce betel nut use. The SCT could be bolstered by newer theories like the integrative model or multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change for designing educational interventions aimed at limiting betel nut use in young people, especially school students.

Beliefs in free will and determinism: associations with social cognition and gambling behavior

Beliefs about free will and determinism have been shown to associate with and influence behavior. The present study examined the relationship between these beliefs, key social cognitive constructs, and gambling behavior. A cross-sectional design was used with assessments taken of participants’ (N = 316) past gambling behavior; beliefs in free will and determinism; and attitude, perceived behavioral control, and intention toward gambling. Four weeks after survey completion, participants (N = 218) reported their gambling behavior. A MANOVA examined differences between gambling frequency and constructs. Bivariate correlations and regressions were undertaken to understand the relationships between constructs and gambling behavior. Results showed frequent gamblers had significantly greater positive attitudes and intentions toward gambling compared to infrequent gamblers. Infrequent gamblers also had significantly stronger perceived behavioral control and beliefs in free will than frequent gamblers. Free will significantly predicted attitude and perceived behavioral control, and explained additional variance in intention above attitude and perceived behavioral control. There was no effect for determinism. Finally, gambling behavior was explained by intention and perceived behavioral control, but not beliefs in free will and determinism. The study provides evidence for the association between free will beliefs, key social cognitive constructs, and gambling behavior. Future research should confirm the causal role of these relations.