Social Psychological Variables Research Articles

Contributions of group identification and emotional synchrony in understanding collective gatherings: A meta-analysis of 13 studies

The present research aims to explore the relationship between group identification and emotional synchronization in a series of collective gatherings and evaluate their respective effects on key social-psychological variables. Thirteen studies were conducted in highly varied contexts, studying naturally happening phenomena, and focusing on a wide range of collective gatherings ( N = 2,260 participants). The results of factor analyses and a random-model meta-analysis strongly support the idea that group identification and emotional synchronization constitute two differentiated constructs that are systematically positively associated. At the aggregate level, results of multilevel models show that both group identification and emotional synchronization are significant predictors of key social-psychological variables. These findings suggest that an integrative approach is most needed to capture the experience of collective gatherings.

Measuring Implicit STEM and Math Attitudes in Adolescents Online with the Brief Implicit Association Test

Despite societal efforts toward enhancing gender equality, females are still underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Prominent explanations draw on gender differences in attitudes about STEM (with females holding more negative attitudes than males), which result from the gender stereotype that STEM is a male domain. While a lot of research has focused on explicit attitudes, little is known about implicit attitudes toward STEM. The present research sought to examine implicit attitudes among adolescents, and how they relate to other STEM cognitions. We measured implicit attitudes about the STEM concept as a whole, and about math in particular. For this purpose, we developed two Brief Implicit Associations Tests (BIATs) and administered them online in a sample of adolescents (N = 517). We additionally measured a variety of self-reported motivational and social-psychological variables (interest, aspiration, self-concept of ability, and sense of belonging to the math and STEM community, respectively), which previous research has identified as factors contributing to the gender gap in STEM participation. Our findings confirm the reliability and validity of both the STEM BIAT and the Math BIAT. Moreover, implicit STEM attitudes predicted interest in and aspiration for STEM, self-concept of STEM ability, and sense of belonging to the STEM community. Similarly, implicit math attitudes predicted interest in and aspiration for math, and sense of belonging to the math community (but not self-concept of math ability). Our findings confirm that our novel online BIATs are efficient measurement tools of implicit attitudes in adolescents. Moreover, our findings underscore the significance of implicit attitudes in the STEM domain.

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.

The gendering of tech selves: Aspirations for computing jobs among Jewish and Arab/Palestinian adolescents in Israel

This study uses original survey data to compare aspirations for computing jobs (“tech aspirations”) between students in Arabic- and Hebrew-language school sectors in Israel. Analogous to “paradoxical” patterns previously documented in cross-national studies, results show a smaller gender gap in tech aspirations in schools serving the more socioeconomically precarious Arab/Palestinian population. The strongest predictor of tech aspirations is students’ personal identification with computing workers, but this “tech identity” cannot account for sectoral differences in the aspirations gender gap because it is stronger for boys than girls in both school sectors. Although mathematics affinity and academic instrumentalism are both greater in the Arabic-language school sector, these social-psychological variables also have limited power to explain sectoral differences in tech aspirations. The belief that computer science is for boys, by contrast, positively affects tech aspirations of Jewish but not Palestinian boys, suggesting that variability in the tech gender gap may partly reflect group-specific effects of gender stereotyping. Results underscore the importance of an intersectional approach for understanding the social-psychological drivers of STEM aspirations and how they vary across social groups.

Analysis of social–Psychological factors and financial incentives in demand response and residential energy behavior

Introduction: Demand response programs are promising approaches to balance supply and demand and reduce or shift peak hour loads. However, the impacts of residents’ behavioral patterns and social–psychological factors on these programs are poorly understood.Method: We used an extended model of the theory of planned behavior to understand how social–psychological factors, demographics, and household characteristics influence the demand response behaviors (i.e., adjusting A/C and shifting the time of use) of 826 US residents who participated in our study.Results: We found that low-income households (43.7%) reported as more likely to respond to the behavior of raising A/C thermostat settings when no one is home compared to higher-income residents. Thermal comfort needs (β = 0.34) and participants’ age (β = 0.02) increased the financial incentives requested to accept higher A/C temperatures while someone is home. Thermal comfort needs (β = 0.36) and energy-saving habits (β = −0.11) are the significant predictors of increased incentives requested for higher A/C temperatures when no one is home. Older adults request higher financial incentives for shifting washer and dryer usage than younger residents. Finally, attitudes toward energy saving are the strongest predictor of electricity curtailment behavioral intention, followed by perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, cost and environmental concerns, and energy-saving habits.Discussion: This finding suggests the potential of social–psychological variables in shaping energy consumption behaviors. This study provides insights for designing effective demand response programs and broadly analyzing energy behavioral patterns.

Filial piety and public attitudes towards same-sex sexual behaviour in China—evidence from the Chinese general social survey

Using data from the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey, this study is one of the first to directly compare the effect of reciprocal versus authoritarian filial piety on the Chinese public attitudes towards same-sex sexual behaviour using a nationally representative sample. Consistent with previous research, the findings from this study reveal that endorsing reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety exert qualitatively different influences on public attitudes towards same-sex sexual behaviour. While reciprocal filial piety was not linked to disapproval of same-sex sexual behaviour in the current study, authoritarian filial piety was found to significantly predict a disproving attitude. This effect remained statistically significant even after controlling for other demographic and social-psychological variables commonly identified to predict homophobia. Findings from this study further our knowledge of the critical yet nuanced role of filial piety in shaping public attitudes towards same-sex sexual behaviour in China. In terms of implications for policy and practice, organised efforts should aim to steer public interpretations of filial piety away from its authoritarian dimension through education, advocacy and activism.

Online intergroup contact and intergroup attitudes: A cross sectional and a longitudinal study of Greeks and Germans interacting on Twitter and Facebook

The current study examined social networking sites, specifically Twitter and Facebook, as spaces for intergroup communication and contact between members of two national groups, Germans and Greeks, during the turbulent times of the Greek economic crisis. A cross-sectional study on Twitter and a longitudinal study on Facebook were conducted. We examined how social psychological variables (such as prior and extended contact, friendship, intergroup anxiety, national identification) and variables specific to the communication context (such as perceived quality of contact, vicarious contact quality, perceived anonymity, self-disclosure) relate to intergroup attitudes. Both social psychological and communication-relevant variables statistically significantly and independently predicted intergroup attitudes. Moreover, the longitudinal study showed that online contact improved intergroup attitudes and reduced intergroup anxiety. Findings suggest that intergroup contact via social networking sites can have positive effects on intergroup attitudes and that both social psychological and communication-related variables are important in understanding these effects.

공공임대주택 거주자의 정신건강 특성에 관한 연구 - 자아존중감과 우울감을 중심으로 -

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of self esteem and depression, and to identify the factors and their magnitudes influencing them in order to understand the current status of mental health of public rental housing residents in Seoul. For the research method, the 2019 Seoul Public Rental Housing Residents Panel Survey data conducted by SH was used. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis were used. The results are as follows. First, the resident’s self esteem was in the ‘normal group’ range, and the depression in the ‘risk group’ range. Second, there is a negative correlation between self esteem and depression. Third, factors affecting the mental health of residents are identified as comprehensive and broad, such as population and housing related variables, economic and social variables, and psychological and physical variables. Fourth, focusing on the size of factors affecting the mental health of residents, self esteem was found to be affected in the order of ‘health status’, ‘neighbor relationships’ and ‘stress level’. And depression was also affected the most by ‘health status’, followed by ‘stress level’ and ‘economic activity’. Fifth, when considering the factors affecting mental health, the mental health of permanent public rental housing residents will be particularly weak among rental housing types.

Factors associated with human tolerance of snakes in the southeastern United States

Conservation of snakes is influenced by humans’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward these often-maligned animals. We investigated public attitudes toward snakes through an online survey of undergraduate students (n = 743) at a large public university in a southeastern U.S. state. We used behavioral intent (i.e., how a person would react if they encountered a snake) to assess tolerance of different snake species. We also examined various predictors of tolerance including demographic attributes and a variety of cognitive (e.g., knowledge, value orientations) and affective (e.g., emotions) social-psychological variables. Tolerance of snakes varied based on whether the snake was venomous or non-venomous: about 36% of students said they were likely to kill venomous snakes they encountered, compared with 9% who said they would kill non-venomous snakes and 21% of students who said they would kill snakes whose identity was uncertain. However, most students (54%) could not distinguish between venomous and non-venomous species. Value orientations and emotions were strong predictors of tolerance for snakes, suggesting snake outreach and management strategies should account for both cognitive and affective antecedents of behavior.

Linguistic Acculturation Preferences of Autochthonous Students Toward Their Latin American Peers in Western Catalonia

ABSTRACT Located in the province of Lleida (Catalonia, Spain), this study aims to identify and analyze the predictors of linguistic acculturation preferences of autochthonous high-school students toward their peers of Latin American descent. Autochthonous high-school students (N = 349) filled a questionnaire measuring linguistic acculturation and a series of linguistic and social-psychological variables (i.e. multicultural ideology, ethnic tolerance, attitudes toward minority languages, identification with Catalan culture and identification with Spanish culture). A k-means cluster analysis identified that autochthonous students endorse two linguistic acculturation preferences toward their Latin American peers: assimilation and multilingual preferences. Meanwhile, a logistic regression model found that participants with higher scores on attitudes toward minority languages have more likelihood to endorse a multilingual preference. The results highlight the importance and need to further work for a genuine intercultural educational model that allows the integration of Latin American students as well as of other minority groups. Particularly, this study found the importance of boosting the use of minority languages through educational approaches such as translanguaging and language architecture.

Men’s Responses to Sexism: Justification, Self-Silencing, Confrontation, and Collective Action

Many researchers, in general, have approached the responses to sexism issues from women's perspectives and experiences. However, it is important to understand how men percieve sexism and their responses to sexism in the traditional gender system in order to achieve gender equality. Accordingly, the aim of the current paper is to review literature on men's reactions to sexism that women experience. In order to reach the aim, the following dimensions of Sakallı’s (2021) review article are used: (I) being unaware or having a low level of awareness of sexism and, accepting and justifying the existing gender system; (II) being aware of sexism and not taking action even if one has negative feelings about sexism; (III) being aware of sexism and responding sexist behavior and incidents individually; (IV) being aware of sexism and engaging in collective action. In addition, some social psychological variables that may be associated with men’s responses to sexism such as hostile and benevolent sexism, masculinity, manhood, masculine honor, stereotypes about feminist men, social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism, system justification orientation and belief in a just world are examined. Possible future studies are suggested. Keywords men’s responses to sexism, sexism, masculinity, feminism

Understanding individual and diffusion behaviors related to native plant gardening

While studies have examined factors influencing individual pro-environmental behavior, less research has examined the drivers of “diffusion behaviors” that disseminate new information via social networks. We conducted a survey of single-family households (n = 337) using an expanded Integrated Model of Behavioral Prediction to investigate the social-psychological drivers of individual and diffusion behavioral intentions for native plant gardening. We also examined how intentions related to actual behavior and potential moderators of the intention-behavior relationship. We found that while individual behavior-specific knowledge and attitude predict both individual and diffusion intentions, behavior-specific personal norms and self-efficacy predicted diffusion intention, and behavior-specific personal norm influenced individual intention. Contrary to theory, diffusion intentions were influenced by a combination of behavior-specific and non-specific predictors. These results suggest that to motivate diffusion intention, outreach interventions may need to enhance diffusion-specific personal norm and self-efficacy beliefs, rather than just individual behavioral perceptions. Intentions predicted indicators of actual diffusion behavior, as measured through native plant voucher use by individuals and their friends and family. However, these indicators of behavior were not predicted directly by social-psychological variables. Diffusion-specific self-efficacy and subjective knowledge appear to moderate the relationship between diffusion intentions and successful diffusion behavior.

The levels and related factors of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among family caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Family caregivers play an increasingly important role in providing care services, especially for the aging population. Currently, evidence on compassion fatigue among family caregivers remains limited. Our study aims to assess the levels and related factors of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in family caregivers. We searched nine electronic databases for published observational studies up to 7 October 2021. In our studies, the pooled mean scores of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction were 42.35 (95% CI: 28.45–56.24) and 36.41 (95% CI: 33.63–39.19), respectively. We considered background, role-related, and social psychological variables to influence the risk of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. Current data suggest that overall compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction levels were moderate, thus highlighting the potential risk of compassion fatigue for family caregivers. In the future, these findings can be used to develop programs that will mitigate compassion fatigue and improve compassion satisfaction in family caregivers.

'People like me don't do well at school': The roles of identity compatibility and school context in explaining the socioeconomic attainment gap.

BackgroundSchool students who are eligible for reduced or free school meals (FSM) – an indicator of economic disadvantage – have lower academic attainment than their peers.AimsWe investigated whether identity compatibility – the perceived compatibility between one’s social identities and the stereotype of a high‐achieving student – contributes to this socioeconomic attainment gap, and whether the association between socioeconomic status and identity compatibility is moderated by school context.SampleOur sample was 4,629 students aged 15–16 years old across 29 schools in England.MethodWe assessed students’ perceptions of identity compatibility via self‐report questionnaires 8 months prior to them taking national, standardized exams.ResultsMultilevel regression analyses revealed a negative indirect effect from eligibility for FSM to exam results via identity compatibility. These effects existed even while accounting for students’ gender and language status, other psychological variables known to predict academic attainment, and their previous exam results. Furthermore, school context moderated the relationship between FSM eligibility and identity compatibility. In line with the identities in context model of educational inequalities, there was a significant negative association between FSM and identity compatibility only for students attending schools in which there was previously a relatively large socioeconomic attainment gap.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the importance of social psychological variables in explaining educational inequalities, and of the local educational context in determining the educational experience of students from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds.

An Experience Sampling Study on the Association Between Social Media Use and Self-Esteem

Abstract. We know little about longitudinal associations between social media use and important psychological variables such as self-esteem. Using experience sampling methodology, this study examined the relationship between social media use and self-esteem in a new and ecologically valid way. Participants ( N = 200) responded to notifications sent to their smartphones several times a day for 2 weeks and reported social media use as well as current self-esteem. Multilevel analyses revealed distinct gendered patterns: Low initial self-esteem among women predicted more frequent social media use, whereas low initial self-esteem among men was related to less frequent social media use. Moreover, recent social media use predicted lower current self-esteem for women, but not for men. Low stability of self-esteem was related to more social media use, independent of gender. The findings support the notion of a reciprocal relationship between social media use and self-esteem for women, where self-esteem level may motivate women to use social media more frequently and social media may be a source of lower self-esteem. Social media use seems to have a less detrimental effect on men.

Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Keputusan Pembelian Konsumen Pada Makanan Cepat Saji Mc.Donald’s Kota Bengkulu

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of cultural factors, social factors, personal factors and psychological factors on consumer purchasing decisions at Mc.Donald's fast food in Bengkulu City. This research is a quantitative research using 90 respondents. The data collection tool uses a questionnaire, the analytical method used is multiple linear regression, with validity test, reliability test, coefficient of determination and hypothesis testing using t test and f test. Multiple regression results show the equation Y = 1.814 + 0.183X1 + 0.231 X2 + 0.293X3 + 0.177X4 The resulting regression direction is positive, meaning that the more cultural, social and personal and psychological variables increase, the purchasing decision will also increase. The value of the coefficient of determination is 0.730. This means that X1 (cultural), X2 (social), X3 (personal) and X4 (Psychological) have an influence on purchasing decisions (Y) by 53.2% while the remaining 46.8% is influenced by other variables that are not investigated in this study. Overall, the results of the t test have a significant value less than 0.05, so it can be interpreted that X1 (culture), X2 (social), X3 (personal) X4 (Psychological) have a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions (Y) either partially or simultaneously

A Social Psychological Review on Women’s Surname Change after Marriage and Divorce

Surname is an integral part of a person’s identity. However, surname which has many psychological and social meanings for the person is changed only for women after marriage. In this regard, the purpose of the article is to review the factors affecting women’s decisions regarding surname choice after marriage and divorce, as well as explaining the stereotypes and attitudes towards women who made traditional or untraditional name choices. In terms of the marital surname choice, women may adopt husband’s surname, hyphenate their birth surname and their husband’s surname, and retain only their birth surname. In this context, we presented not only related demographic variables such as age, socio-economic level, education level, and political orientation but also social psychological variables such as emphasis on family/motherhood, sexism, feminist identification, religiosity and perceived social norms. Then, studies focusing on the attitudes and stereotypes towards women who make different marital surname choices were presented. The traditional surname change was also considered in terms of patriarchy and gender-based discrimination. Additionally, possible effects of the post-divorce surname change on a woman's life were mentioned. In the conclusion part, the effects of surname change at the individual and societal level were discussed in parallel with the issues mentioned in the current article and further possible research ideas were suggested. Keywords: Surname change, surname choice, marriage, divorce, sexism, attitudes, stereotype

Analysis of Hate Speech and Hate Crimes From A Social Psychological Perspective: A Review

Hate crime and hate speech are extreme examples of negative intergroup relations. It is thought that it would be very useful to analyze the variables that lead up to for dealing with hate speech and crimes that have many physical and psychological destructive consequences for the exposed group members. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to address some of the social psychological variables associated with hate speech and hate crimes and to suggest solutions to reduce hate speech and hate crimes in this context. For this purpose, first of all, hate speech and hate crimes were defined and various examples were presented in this direction. Later, hate crimes and hate speech were examined in terms of social identity identification, social dominance orientation, system justification, realistic and symbolic threat perception, frustration and scapegoat concepts. The relationship between hate speech and crimes of this concept has been embodied with research findings and examples from various regions in Turkey and the world. Finally, some solution suggestions have been presented by making use of this theoretical knowledge in terms of combating hate crimes and hate speeches. Keywords: Hate crime, hate speech, intergroup relations, social psychology

Promoting farming sustainability: The effects of age, training, history of accidents and social-psychological variables on the adoption of on-farm safety behaviors

Introduction: Occupational safety and health (OSH) have a remarkable impact on the sustainability of firms and organizations. However, the sustainability perspective has often focused primarily on environmental and economic concerns, leaving key social and workplace aspects, such as OSH, underemphasized. The link between all these aspects is particularly relevant in agriculture. Method: In the present study we analyzed the paths by which the worker’s age, participation in safety training, and previous history of accidents and near misses can influence the adoption of safety behaviors in agriculture through the mediation of attitudes towards safety and perceived behavioral control. Three hundred and ten Italian agricultural operators were administered an ad-hoc questionnaire. Results: Having attended safety training courses, having been exposed to previous accidents and near misses, and age showed a positive association with the adoption of on-farm safety behaviors, through the mediation of perceived behavioral control. In more detail, participation in training courses and age showed a positive association with perceived behavioral control, while the previous history of accidents and near misses showed a negative association with behavioral control. In turn, perceived behavioral control was positively associated with the adoption of safety behaviors. Conclusions: The present study focused on the chain of events leading to the adoption of on-farm safety behaviors, which can prevent an accidents, pointing out the more critical variables and the level at which they intervene, identifying possible areas of targeted interventions. Practical applications: Implications for the development of targeted interventions may deal with: (a) training activities increasing farm operators’ sense of control over their safety, (b) older farmers involvement in mentoring initiatives, and (c) systematic recording and use of previous history of accidents and near misses as inputs for training activities to discuss their implications for on-farm safety.

The Social and Psychological Effects of Inclusive Education of Persons with Hearing Disability in Society: A Field Study at the Disability Resource Centre (Sharjah University)

The objective of inclusive education is to increase the quality of social and psychological integration in society of students with disabilities in the learning process. This study aimed to identify the social and psychological effects of inclusive education of students with hearing disabilities at Sharjah University’s Disability Resource Centre. The study adopted a descriptive analytical approach with a purposive sample comprising 24 students with hearing impairment. An electronic questionnaire comprising 25 psychological and social statements and nine open-ended questions was administered to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The results revealed positive correlation coefficients between inclusive education and both psychological adjustment and social interaction and negative relationships between gender and age and both social interaction and psychological adaptation variables (for age ρ = 0.091 and ρ = 0.262 and for gender ρ = 0.47 and ρ = 0.076, respectively). A statistically significant difference of less than 0.05 was found in favour of those who agreed that inclusion affects psychological adaptation. A statistically significant difference of less than 0.05 was found in favour of students who agreed that inclusion affects social interaction. The research results can be used in the practice of inclusive education to determine ways to improve the social and psychological adaptation of students with hearing impairments.