Socio-psychological Variables Research Articles

Poultry consumers' behaviour, risk perception and knowledge related to campylobacteriosis and domestic food safety

Campylobacteriosis is an emerging foodborne illness of high relevance and implication for public health and is frequently linked to the consumption of inadequately prepared poultry. Despite extensive scientific efforts to find possibilities to eradicate the bacteria at the production stage and particular measures currently implemented, it has not been possible to provide Campylobacter-free poultry to the consumer. Therefore, it is important to inform consumers about the risk and appropriate mitigation measures. The primary goal of this study was to investigate Swiss consumers' knowledge of pathogenic bacteria and mitigation measures and domestic food safety behaviour. Thus, the relevant information that should be included in risk communications could be identified. The secondary goal was to identify target groups for risk communication who exhibit particularly unsafe behaviour when preparing poultry. These research questions were investigated in a mixed-method study, combining findings from a qualitative pre-study with the quantitative findings from a survey administered to a large sample of people who occasionally cook poultry (N = 465). The core of the questionnaire was behaviour and knowledge scales, as well as variables assessing risk perception and cooking experiences. Despite a high overall level of knowledge about pathogenic bacteria in poultry and mitigation measures, prevalent misconceptions and knowledge gaps were uncovered. Major violations of food safety behaviour were reported related to avoiding cross-contamination. Lack of specific knowledge and personal risk perception were estimated to be central reasons for violations of food safety behaviour during poultry preparation. Three different consumer groups were identified and analysed according to socio-demographics and socio-psychological variables: unsafe cooks, who reported overall unsafe behaviour, intermediate cooks, who reported some unsafe behaviour, and safe cooks, who reported only little food safety violations. As a last step, the study's findings were discussed in terms of implications for further research and risk communication practice by isolating the most important knowledge and behaviour aspects. Furthermore, targeted risk communication strategies are considered for the three different target groups.

Effects of Vibration Therapy on Hormone Response and Stress in Severely Disabled Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

To assess the effects of vibration therapy (VT) on quality of life and hormone response in severely disabled patients compared with placebo. A longitudinal prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, with pre and postintervention assessments. A total of 20 severely disabled individuals were recruited from a National Reference Centre in Spain: 13 (65%) men and 7 (35%) women, 45.5 ± 9.32 years of age (range 41: 22-63). We evaluated their physical stress and state anxiety. No statistically significant changes were found in the socio-psychological variables studied, while in the experimental group state anxiety decreased significantly with p < 0.01 (Z = 2.38; one-tailed p = .009) and, among the biological variables, the level of cortisol fell (p = 0.03). Short periods of exposure to low-frequency and low-amplitude local vibration are a safe and effective mechanical stimulus that can have a positive effect in terms of hormone response. VT can be considered to have an anti-stress effect.

Using Fuzzy Logic to Analyze Marketing Data: The Impact of Socio-psychological Variables on the National Identity of Jordanians

The fuzzy logic mathematics has started to change the perspectives in a number of management and marketing areas. This study applies fuzzy logic methodology to examine the influence of socio-psychological variables namely dogmatism, conservatism and world-mindedness on Jordanian consumers' national identity (NATID) levels. The concept of the NATID is valuable for international marketers as consumers all over the world are exposed to a wider range of foreign products in their home countries. In the current study, the MATLAB® ANFIS has been used to model the relationship between three inputs (dogmatism, conservatism, and world-mindedness) and one output (NATID). To examine the ability of fuzzy logic model to predict Jordanians' NATID based on socio-psychological variables, the data was collected from a total number of 183 Jordanians who live in Amman City during the winter and spring of 2010. The results indicate that the fuzzy logic model can predict correctly consumers' NATID based on their dogmatism, conservatism and world-mindedness feelings. Finally, the study provides insights for local and international marketing managers to conduct their marketing activities more effectively.

Antecedents to Consumer Ethnocentrism: A Fuzzy Logic-Based Analysis Study

This study empirically examines a segment of consumers within the Jordanian society who express high ethnocentric tendencies towards domestic products using fuzzy logic technique. MATLAB® ANFIS has been employed to model the relationships between three inputs (conservatism, dogmatism and world-mindedness) and one output (consumer ethnocentrism). The results of this research conclude that Sugeno type fuzzy model has the ability to predict precisely consumers ethnocentric tendencies levels based on their socio-psychological variables. Overall, fuzzy logic can improve the research of consumer ethnocentrism and can illuminate uncovered sides in the area of consumer ethnocentrism.

Multi-level Analysis of the Effects of Secondary Teachers' Background and Socio-psychological Variables on Teachers' Teacher-efficacy

본 연구의 목적은 중등교사의 배경변인과 사회심리적 변인이 교사효능감에 미치는 영향을 개별 변인 및 상호작용의 효과로 확인하는 것이다. 이를 위하여 한국교육개발원에서 수집한 한국교육종단자료 중 3차년도의 교사, 학생 및 학교 자료를 활용하였다. 연구결과, 교사 배경변인 중 교사효능감에 유의한 영향을 미치는 변인은 교사의 경력과 직위로 나타난 반면, 성별과 최종학력은 교사효능감과 유의한 관계를 나타내지 않았다. 사회심리적 변인에서는 동료교사와의 소통이 많을수록, 의사결정참여 빈도가 높을수록 교사효능감이 높아지는 것으로 나타난 반면, 행정업무부담과 교사갈등, 그리고 학생들의 학업성취도와 자기효능감 수준은 통계적으로 유의한 관련성이 없는 것으로 확인되었다. 교사의 배경변인과 사회심리적 변인 간의 상호작용 탐색 결과, 교사의 성별과 학생의 학업성취도, 교사의 성별과 학생의 자기효능감, 교사의 경력과 행정업무부담, 교사의 경력과 학생의 자기효능감, 교사의 직위와 교사갈등, 교사의 학력과 행정업무부담 간에 상호작용 효과가 확인되었다. 이 중 학업성취도, 자기효능감, 행정업무부담은 교사효능감과 직접적인 관계를 나타내지는 않았지만 교사 배경변인과 상호작용하여 교사효능감에 영향을 미치는 것으로 확인되었다. 본 연구결과는 교사의 배경 변인과 사회심리적 변인이 독립적으로 그리고 상호작용을 통하여 교사효능감에 영향을 미치는 것을 경험적으로 확인하였다는 측면에서 의의가 있다. 확인된 연구결과를 바탕으로 교사효능감의 증진을 위한 교육현장에 대한 시사점이 논의되었다.

Personality and Turnout: Results from the Finnish Longitudinal Studies

Scholars in the field of electoral participation have for long been aware that turnout is strongly connected to sociopsychological variables such as religiosity, party identification, political interest and sense of political efficacy. The impact of personality characteristics has remained largely unexplored until recently. Based on the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS, original N = 369), this article analyses the links between individuals' personality traits and their propensity to vote at ages 36, 42 and 50. The personality traits are measured by using the five‐factor model of personality consisting of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience. The results show both extraversion and agreeableness to be positively associated with electoral participation, but the findings are not consistent at all ages. Finally, the analysis suggests that the effect of extraversion varies depending on the level of education. Whereas well‐educated people are more prone to be habitual voters regardless of their level of extraversion, among less‐educated respondents it has a more sizeable effect.

Understanding The Formation of Networks by Small Agricultural Firms

It is recognised that participation in networks in the agro-food chain provides farmers important opportunities to innovate. This is particularly important for small agricultural firms because these organisations face barriers that prevent them from innovate by means of some specific sources that are available in other industries. Surprisingly, no research has been developed to understand what motivates farmers to be involved in these networks. The paper fills this gap by proposing a decision making multivariate model. A probit analysis based on the proposed model revealed that farmers’ decision on participating in networks depends on goals and socio-psychological variables. Keywords : Network innovation, Smal agricultural firms, Multivariate model

Teacher beliefs, teacher characteristics, and school contextual factors: What are the relationships?

There is a plethora of research around student beliefs and their contribution to student outcomes. However, there is less research in relation to teacher beliefs. Teacher factors are important to consider since beliefs mould thoughts and resultant instructional behaviours that, in turn, can contribute to student outcomes. The purpose of this research was to explore relationships between the teacher characteristics of gender and teaching experience, school contextual variables (socio-economic level of school and class level), and three teacher socio-psychological variables: class level teacher expectations, teacher efficacy, and teacher goal orientation. The participants were 68 male and female teachers with varying experience, from schools in a variety of socio-economic areas and from rural and urban locations within New Zealand. Teachers completed a questionnaire containing items related to teacher efficacy and goal orientation in reading. They also completed a teacher expectation survey. Reading achievement data were collected on students. Interrelationships were explored between teacher socio-psychological beliefs and the teacher and school factors included in the study. Mastery-oriented beliefs predicted teacher efficacy for student engagement and classroom management. The socio-economic level of the school and teacher gender predicted teacher efficacy for engagement, classroom management, instructional strategies, and a mastery goal orientation. Being male predicted a performance goal orientation. Teacher beliefs, teacher characteristics, and school contextual variables can result in differences in teacher instructional practices and differing classroom climates. Further investigation of these variables is important since differences in teachers contribute to differences in student outcomes.

Overcoming attitudes and perceptions towards the management of infections and waste in the hospital setting: a case study from the UK

The effective management of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) is a priority within the healthcare setting due to their impact on health outcomes and costs. This study explored the socio-psychological and situational variables that influenced the prevention and control of infections within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, with a particular focus on the management of clinical waste. Interviews with senior managers and questionnaire surveys of staff were employed at three case study sites within the NHS in England. Three key factors, namely staff awareness; training in infection prevention and control and waste management; and length of time working at the site were found to be important determinants for perceptions. Suggestions on how to overcome the barriers identified are also suggested in the paper.

Analysis of Path Model between Socio-Psychological Variables in Multi-Cultural Families and Adjustment to Family Life

Analysis of Path Model between Socio-Psychological Variables in Multi-Cultural Families and Adjustment to Family Life

Structural and socio-psychological influences on adolescents' educational aspirations and subsequent academic achievement.

Previous literature indicates that educational aspirations are an important predictor of achievement at school and beyond. This paper examines the factors that are associated with high educational aspirations. It also looks at the relationship between aspirations and achievement at the General Certificate of Secondary Education in a deprived area of London. The results show that educational aspirations are associated with individual characteristics. Girls were more likely than boys to express a wish to remain in education beyond the age of 16. For the most academic route post-16, there were substantial ethnic differences, with minority ethnic groups generally being more likely to state a desire to follow this path. Students who were eligible for free school meals tended to have lower aspirations. Socio-psychological variables were also shown to be of importance, particularly self-esteem and psychological distress. Importantly, educational aspirations had a strong association with actual achievement at age 16, remaining associated even after controlling for a number of other variables, including prior achievement. These findings are discussed in light of previous research and potential intervention strategies.

Adoption behaviour of dairy farmers in relation to green fodder cultivation in a cooperative farming system

This study was carried out at purposively selected Gaighata and Bagdah blocks of the North-24-Parganas District, West Bengal, India. From each of the purposively selected two blocks, 25 per cent of the villagelevel- milk cooperative societies were selected randomly. Thus, 10 village-level milk cooperative societies (25%) from Gaighata Block and 20 (25.64%) from Bagdah Block were randomly selected. From each of the selected milk cooperative societies, four dairy farmers were randomly selected, out of which both Member Cooperative Society (MCS) and Non-member Cooperative Society (NMCS) were two. Thus, 60 MCS and 60 NMCS (total of 120 respondents) were selected, which constituted the sample of this study. The direct face-to-face interview method with structured schedulewas followed for data collection. The study showed that adoption of green fodder cultivation was highly correlated with all the socio-psychological variables in MCS and NMCS. It also showed that all the communication variables had significant correlation with adoption of green fodder cultivation in MCS and NMCS, excepting personal cosmopolite and personal localite in MCS. Among socio-economic variables, age had significant negative correlation with adoption of green fodder cultivation in MCS. On Path analysis, knowledge about green fodder feeding in MCS, concentrate feeding, and deworming in NMCS came out to be the key variables that directly and indirectly influenced the adoption of green fodder cultivation.

The role of country-of-origin, ethnocentrism and animosity in promoting consumer trust. The moderating role of familiarity

The objective of this study is to present empirical evidence on the extent to which socio-psychological variables ( ethnocentrism and animosity) and the reputation of firms associated to a country-of-origin ( COO) are related to an important relational exchange factor (trust). Furthermore, the study tests the moderating effects of familiarity. Data were collected from 202 automobile owners in a large Spanish region. Path and multi-group analyses were performed using a structural equation modelling approach. This paper investigates the effects of reputation of firms associated to a COO and animosity on trust, which have not been commonly used as a dependent variable of these concepts before. Moreover, this study explores the moderating role of familiarity. This study supports the view that reputation of firms associated to a COO can safeguard international transactions and create trust in foreign firms, and thus may decrease due to interrelated emotional consumer reactions such as animosity and ethnocentrism.

Outcome Prediction of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Panic Disorder: Initial Symptom Severity is Predictive for Treatment Outcome, Comorbid Anxiety or Depressive Disorder, Cluster C Personality Disorders and Initial Motivation Are Not

AbstractFive variables were investigated with regard to their possible predictive value for cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) outcome in a large sample of panic disorder (PD) patients. The variables were initial symptom severity, comorbid anxiety or depressive disorders, comorbid cluster C personality disorders, and initial motivation for treatment. A total number of 161 PD patients received a standardized CBT of 15 sessions. Assessments of predictive variables took place prior to treatment. Outcome measures were assessed at pre- and posttreatment. The patients had significantly improved after the treatment. None of the variables, separately or together, affected CBT outcome, save initial severity of panic disorder symptoms, which was positively associated with posttreatment symptom severity. Since research efforts failed to produce consistent predictors for CBT treatment outcome in panic disorder thus far, the usefulness of future outcome prediction research in panic disorder by pre-treatment demographic, disorder-related, psychological, or socio-psychological variables is put into question.

Learning Modern Greek: A Comparison of Development and Identification Patterns Among Heritage and Foreign Language Learners

Although second language (L2) research has explored connections between sociopsychological variables and L2 socialization processes, relatively few investigations have compared heritage language (HL) learners to traditional foreign language (FL) learners in the North American context. This descriptive study compares the learning and acculturation patterns of 26 first- and second-generation Greek American learners of Modern Greek and 16 non-Greek American learners. Oral performance measures and ethnographic interviews involving 10 participants reveal that FL participants attributed their L2 proficiency to sophisticated metalinguistic knowledge and social strategies. In contrast, Greek American participants cited prior language instruction, the use of Greek as a home language, and—significantly—their ethnicity, as the most meaningful contributors to their linguistic success. Analyses highlight striking distinctions between the cognitive strategies, affiliation patterns, and identity construction patterns of FL and HL learners, suggesting implications for providing instruction that is appropriate for both FL instruction and HL maintenance.

인터넷 쇼핑의 패션제품 중독구매성향

This study attempted to understand the addictive internet buying tendencies and how self-esteem, materialism, and self-control influenced the addictive internet tendencies and how those variables affected those when people receive marketing promotions on internet shopping mall. A total 883 cases were collected as data through internet survey on the consumers who had purchased fashion products. Internet fashion buyers were classified into high-purchasing, low-purchasing, and non-purchasing groups. These groups were showing differences among self·esteem, materialism, and self-control. High purchasing group was showing low self-esteem and self·control and high materialism than others. Variables that affect addictive buying tendencies of internet fashion product were shown accordingly brand promotion, materialism, web display promotion, and self-esteem. Marketing promotions were contributed more on the internet addictive buying tendencies than consumers' socio-psychological variables. So as to induce rational buying behavior, excessive product promotion and discount price promotion should be reduced.

Geschlechtsrolle und Schmerzerleben

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between gender role orientation and the prevalence of chronic pain. The individual gender role orientation in a sample of 45 chronic pain patients (ICD 10 diagnosis, F 45.4) was compared to gender role orientation in a matched, pain-free control group. Gender role orientation was assessed by questionnaires on the self-attribution of stereotypic gender traits (GEPAQ) and on the extent of agreement with traditional feminine and masculine role norms (MRNS, FRNS). Group differences were compared by multivariate analysis. In accordance with the hypothesis, results confirmed that pain patients showed stronger feminine and weaker masculine role orientations than healthy controls. Pain patients additionally ascribed to themselves more 'feminine' (e.g. worried, nervous) and less 'masculine' (e.g. aggressive, cynical) traits. Sociopsychological variables of gender role orientation were related to chronic pain in the groups observed. An integrated model consisting of psychodynamic, sociological, and sociopsychological factors is proposed.

Measurement Of Farm Households' Socio-Economic And Socio Psychological Variables: A Paradigm For Evolving A More Appropriate Method

Since improper and inadequate data collection in researches could result in invalid and unreliable research results, researches from which policies and developmental programmes could emerge, demand tact and sampling adequacy. Therefore, method of collecting data on researches targeted on households, and for which only the household-heads are being sampled, excluding other members, appear inadequate and less reliable. The study was carried out in Kogi State. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select three zones from four Agricultural Development Program (ADP) delineated zones. Nine local Government Areas (LGAs) zone. Also, three communities were sampled from each selected LGA giving a total of 27 communities. In each community also, 10 households were chosen, therefore 270 households were interviewed but 253 were finally considered for the study. The paper, therefore, compared the result of the use of collective data collection strategy with that which was based only on the household heads and concluded that, the method of collective data collection, reflecting every member of the household is more valid and more reliable. It is therefore recommended that data collection should be more focused on the entire household rather than the individual household head as result obtained from it would be more reliable for researchers and policy makers. Key words: Measurement, farm households, socio-economic and socio psychological variables Journal Of Agriculture And Social Research Vol. 5 (1) 2005: 90-95

Psychological and Social Predictors of Suicidal Ideation among Young Adolescents

Although there is an enormous amount of literature demonstrating socio-psychological determinants of suicide and self-injurious behaviour among adults or clinical samples of children and adolescents, there is a scarcity of studies focussing on non-clinical adolescent samples. The current study examined associations between self-reported data on self-image, physical and psychological health and suicidal cognitions, self-injurious behaviour and suicidal intent in a large representative sample of German high-school students. Almost 1000 German adolescents (aged 14-18 years) were administered a comprehensive series of questionnaires aimed at assessing anxiety-depression, trait addiction, smoking and drinking behaviour, physical ill-health reports and self-perception of self-image, parental acceptance and educational attainment. Several statements were incorporated to assess self-injury and suicidal ideation. An attempt was made to identify risk and offer preventative factors of adolescent suicide. Suicidal ideation is significantly more endorsed among female than male adolescents: twice as many female adolescents tend to have wishes about being dead or have contemplated suicide than males. Girls also tended to have implemented significantly more self-destructive behaviour than boys. Over one-third of the variance observed in subjective reported suicidal ideation was explained by the socio-psychological variables. The common general significant predictor was anxiety-depression, and for males the specific somatic factor was general colds. In contrast, females displayed several specific significant determinants of suicidal ideation, including educational threat and the somatic variable, circulatory ailments. Conversely, tiredness, social problems and maternal rejection were statistically significant predictors of suicidal ideation but again the direction of impact was opposite to what was anticipated.

Support for Right-Wing Extremist Ideology: Socio-Economic Indicators and Socio-Psychological Mechanisms of Social Identification

AbstractThe study examined the associations between support for right-wing extremism, on the one hand, and social-psychological measures of in-group favoritism (e. g. authoritarianism) and both objective (e. g., income) and subjective (economic insecurity) socio-economic measures, on the other, among 706 Israeli-Jewish respondents. Contrary to the initial tendency to reduce right-wing extremism and define it on the basis of a single characteristic (i.e. anti-foreigner sentiments), it is defined as a broad concept that reflects a multi-layered ideology. We theorized that hostile attitudes towards out-groups are the result of in-group favoritism, and that this may be particularly apt when a sense of socio-economic competition arises. Findings obtained through the analyses of three models via structural equation modeling show that the socio-economic variables have significant direct negative effects on the socio-psychological mediating variables, and also have negative indirect effects on right-wing extremism, via their influence on the mediating socio-psychological variables. While persons with strong social identification tendencies are likely to espouse right-wing extremist ideologies whether they are high or low on the socio-economic status, persons who score low on socio-economic indicators are not likely to support right-wing extremist ideologies unless they also have strong mechanisms of social identification.