scholarly journals Adherence to Recommended Preventive Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Empathy and Perceived Health Threat

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talia Morstead ◽  
Jason Zheng ◽  
Nancy L Sin ◽  
David B King ◽  
Anita DeLongis
Keyword(s):  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Preventive Behavior ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Trait Empathy ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Demographic Covariates

Abstract Background Coping via empathic responding may play a role in preventive behavior engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and unlike trait empathy, is a potentially alterable target for changing health behavior. Purpose Our goal was to examine the role of empathic responding in preventive behavior engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic, independent of trait empathy and perceived threat of COVID-19. Methods Participants (N = 2,841) completed a baseline survey early in the pandemic, and a follow-up survey approximately 2 weeks later (M = 13.50 days, SD = 5.61). Preventive health behaviors, including physical distancing and hygiene practices, were assessed at both timepoints. Hierarchical linear regression examined the contributions of trait empathy, perceived threat of COVID-19, and empathic responding at baseline to preventive behaviors at follow-up. Results Controlling for baseline levels of preventive behaviors and demographic covariates, trait empathy and threat of COVID-19 at baseline were each independently associated with preventive behaviors at follow-up. An interaction between perceived threat and empathic responding indicated that those perceiving high threat of COVID-19 at baseline tended to report engaging in preventive behaviors at follow-up regardless of their levels of empathic responding, whereas for those reporting low levels of perceived threat, higher levels of empathic responding were associated with higher engagement in preventive behavior. Conclusions When perceived threat of COVID-19 was low, higher empathic responding was associated with increased engagement in preventive behaviors regardless of trait empathy, suggesting that empathic responding can serve as an actionable target for intervention to promote preventive behavior during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Lipidomic Signatures of Changes in Adiposity: A Large Prospective Study of 5849 Adults from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 646
Author(s):  
Habtamu Beyene ◽  
Gavriel Olshansky ◽  
Corey Giles ◽  
Kevin Huynh ◽  
Michelle Cinel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Lipid Level ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Lipid Species ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Lipid metabolism is tightly linked to adiposity. Comprehensive lipidomic profiling offers new insights into the dysregulation of lipid metabolism in relation to weight gain. Here, we investigated the relationship of the human plasma lipidome and changes in waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). Adults (2653 men and 3196 women), 25–95 years old who attended the baseline survey of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) and the 5-year follow-up were enrolled. A targeted lipidomic approach was used to quantify 706 distinct molecular lipid species in the plasma samples. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between the baseline lipidomic profile and changes in WC and BMI. Metabolic scores for change in WC were generated using a ridge regression model. Alkyl-diacylglycerol such as TG(O-50:2) [NL-18:1] displayed the strongest association with change in WC (β-coefficient = 0.125 cm increment per SD increment in baseline lipid level, p = 2.78 × 10-11. Many lipid species containing linoleate (18:2) fatty acids were negatively associated with both WC and BMI gain. Compared to traditional models, multivariate models containing lipid species identify individuals at a greater risk of gaining WC: top quintile relative to bottom quintile (odds ratio, 95% CI = 5.4, 3.8–6.6 for women and 2.3, 1.7–3.0 for men). Our findings define metabolic profiles that characterize individuals at risk of weight gain or WC increase and provide important insight into the biological role of lipids in obesity.

scholarly journals Itch evoked by the rubber hand illusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoinette van Laarhoven ◽  
Dieuwke S. Veldhuijzen ◽  
H. Chris Dijkerman
Keyword(s):  
Tactile Stimulation ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Rubber Hand Illusion ◽  
Left Forearm ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Rubber Hand ◽  
Healthy Female ◽  
Low Levels

It has been well-established that expectancies can influence itch intensity. It remains to be established whether psychological processes can lead to non-itchy input being perceived as itchy. The current study aimed to investigate whether healthy individuals perceive non-itchy tactile stimulation (rubbing) as itchy when having the illusion that an itch stimulus is applied (using the rubber hand illusion; RHI). Moreover, it was investigated whether this effect depended on psychological characteristics, including expectancies. In 36 healthy female volunteers, ownership over the rubber arm was induced in a standard RHI setup. After assessing the itch-inducing properties of merely rubbing, baseline itch was evoked by rubbing cowhage spicules (pruritogenic tropical bean particles) onto the left forearm. Cowhage was kept on the arm for some minutes (follow-up phase). Similarly, cowhage was subsequently applied onto the rubber arm, while the participant’s concealed right arm was simultaneously rubbed without cowhage. Mean (mean=0.8, SD=1.1) and peak itch (mean=1.3, SD=1.4) significantly differed from zero (t=5.74, p<0.001 and t=6.89, p<0.001, respectively). Expectations did not mediate the effect, but self-reported attention to itch (PVAQ-itch) was positively associated with itch during follow-up. Low levels of itch were induced using the RHI paradigm, demonstrating the role of psychological factors in itch perception.

Attending to the role of identity exploration in self-esteem

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 420-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart Soenens ◽  
Michael D. Berzonsky ◽  
Dennis R. Papini
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
The Self ◽  
Identity Exploration ◽  
Identity Styles ◽  
Identity Commitment ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Distinct Features

Although research suggests an interplay between identity development and self-esteem, most studies focused on the role of identity commitment and measured only level of self-esteem. This study examined longitudinal associations between Berzonsky’s (2011) styles of identity exploration and two distinct features of self-esteem: level of self-esteem and contingent self-esteem. Participants were 167 college students (mean age = 19 years; 66% female) who completed questionnaires tapping into identity styles and features of self-esteem at two measurement waves separated by a 4-month interval. Both information-oriented and normative styles were found to be predicted by contingent self-esteem. Follow-up analyses demonstrated that the content of contingent self-esteem predicting both identity styles was different. A diffuse-avoidant identity style was predicted mainly by low levels of self-esteem. Although we also observed some effects of identity styles on the self-esteem variables, the self-esteem variables had overall a more consistent influence on the identity styles than the other way around.

Prospective analysis of the early modulation of plasma amphiregulin (AR) during treatment with cetuximab and irinotecan in irinotecan-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts).

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3602-3602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Cremolini ◽  
Fotios Loupakis ◽  
Carlotta Antoniotti ◽  
Anna Fioravanti ◽  
Paola Orlandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Egfr Ligands ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Clinical Trial Information

3602 Background: The potential role of AR tissue levels in the prediction of benefit from anti-EGFRs in mCRC pts was suggested by retrospective series. Preclinical and preliminary clinical experiences showed a modulation of plasma EGFR ligands during the treatment with cetuximab. Previous data by our group evidenced that a significant increase of plasma AR occurred one hour after the administration of cetuximab and higher increases were associated with worse clinical outcome in KRAS and BRAFwt irinotecan-refractory mCRC pts receiving cetuximab and irinotecan. Methods: We designed a prospective confirmatory study in the same setting of mCRC pts. To detect a HR for PFS of 2.3 for pts with high AR levels one hour after the administration of cetuximab (1hr-AR) compared to those with low levels, with two-sided a=0.05 and b=0.2, 45 events were required. The median value was adopted as cut-off. Plasma AR levels were assessed by means of validated ELISA kits. Results: Forty-nine KRAS and BRAFwt pts were included. A significant early increase of AR levels was observed (median increase +24.7%; median levels of baseline AR and 1hr-AR: 18.06 and 24.06 pg/mL, respectively; Wilcoxon signed rank test, p<0.0001). At a median follow-up of 20.4 mos, median PFS and OS were 4.6 and 12.1 mos, respectively. No differences in PFS or OS were observed according to 1hr-AR levels (median PFS 5.5 vs 4.6 mos, HR: 0.76 [95%CI:0.40-1.32], p=0.322; median OS: 15.6 vs 13.4 mos, HR:0.77 [95%CI:0.36-1.62], p=0.485). Conclusions: This prospective experience confirms that AR early increases one hour after the administration of cetuximab. Underlying biological mechanisms should be investigated. Nevertheless, this modulation of AR does not predict clinical outcome. Our work underlines the need to prospectively validate retrospective findings in independent series, to assess their reliability. Clinical trial information: 2008-003160-19.

scholarly journals Direct contact and authoritarianism as moderators between extended contact and reduced prejudice

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristof Dhont ◽  
Alain Van Hiel
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Practical Relevance ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Moderation Effect ◽  
The Third ◽  
Extended Contact ◽  
Low Levels

Using a representative sample of Dutch adults ( N = 1238), we investigated the moderating influence of direct contact and authoritarianism on the potential of extended contact to reduce prejudice. As expected, direct contact and authoritarianism moderated the effect of extended contact on prejudice. Moreover, the third-order moderation effect was also significant, revealing that extended contact has the strongest effect among high authoritarians with low levels of direct contact. We identified trust and perceived threat as the mediating processes underlying these moderation effects. The present study thus attests to the theoretical and practical relevance of reducing prejudice via extended contact. The discussion focuses on the role of extended contact in relation to direct contact and authoritarianism as well as on the importance of trust in intergroup contexts.

scholarly journals Understanding Public’s Adoption of Preventive Behavior during COVID-19 Pandemic using Health Belief Model: Role of Appraisals and Psychological Capital

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhan Sarwar ◽  
Siti Aisyah Panatik ◽  
Hafiz Tahir Jameel
Keyword(s):  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Preventive Behavior ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Belief Model

The relationship between health psychological capital, determinants of health belief model (HBM), and individual’s adoption of preventive behaviors were studied. Participants from Pakistan (N= 323) and Malaysia (N= 343) completed an online survey. Samples from both countries were analyzed separately and compared for measurement model invariance and difference in path coefficients. Data screening, frequency analysis, and common method bias were analyzed using IBM-SPSS-25®. Partial least squares approach to SEM using SMART-PLS 3 software was adopted to analyze the measurement model, structural model, importance-performance analysis, and mediation testing. Our finding showed that model explained higher variance in preventive behavior for Pakistani samples compared to Malaysian samples. Perceived benefits followed by perceived threats were the two most important predictors of preventive behaviors in both countries. The perceived barrier was an important predictor for the Pakistani sample but had no contribution to the Malaysian sample. Health PsyCap had a direct as well as an indirect effect through perceived benefit and perceived threat (Malaysian sample only) on the outcome. Perceived seriousness and perceived susceptibility (Malaysian sample only) were related to preventive behavior through perceived threat.

scholarly journals Understanding Public’s Adoption of Preventive Behavior during COVID-19 Pandemic using Health Belief Model: Role of Appraisals and Psychological Capital

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhan Sarwar ◽  
Siti Aisyah Panatik ◽  
Hafiz Tahir Jameel
Keyword(s):  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Preventive Behavior ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Belief Model

The relationship between health psychological capital, determinants of health belief model (HBM), and individual’s adoption of preventive behaviors were studied. Participants from Pakistan (N= 323) and Malaysia (N= 343) completed an online survey. Samples from both countries were analyzed separately and compared for measurement model invariance and difference in path coefficients. Data screening, frequency analysis, and common method bias were analyzed using IBM-SPSS-25®. Partial least squares approach to SEM using SMART-PLS 3 software was adopted to analyze the measurement model, structural model, importance-performance analysis, and mediation testing. Our finding showed that model explained higher variance in preventive behavior for Pakistani samples compared to Malaysian samples. Perceived benefits followed by perceived threats were the two most important predictors of preventive behaviors in both countries. The perceived barrier was an important predictor for the Pakistani sample but had no contribution to the Malaysian sample. Health PsyCap had a direct as well as an indirect effect through perceived benefit and perceived threat (Malaysian sample only) on the outcome. Perceived seriousness and perceived susceptibility (Malaysian sample only) were related to preventive behavior through perceived threat.

Social Motives Predict Loneliness During a Developmental Transition

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 145-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Nikitin ◽  
Alexandra M. Freund
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Avoidance ◽  
Social Approach ◽  
Social Motives ◽  
Developmental Transitions ◽  
Avoidance Motivation ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract. Establishing new social relationships is important for mastering developmental transitions in young adulthood. In a 2-year longitudinal study with four measurement occasions (T1: n = 245, T2: n = 96, T3: n = 103, T4: n = 85), we investigated the role of social motives in college students’ mastery of the transition of moving out of the parental home, using loneliness as an indicator of poor adjustment to the transition. Students with strong social approach motivation reported stable and low levels of loneliness. In contrast, students with strong social avoidance motivation reported high levels of loneliness. However, this effect dissipated relatively quickly as most of the young adults adapted to the transition over a period of several weeks. The present study also provides evidence for an interaction between social approach and social avoidance motives: Social approach motives buffered the negative effect on social well-being of social avoidance motives. These results illustrate the importance of social approach and social avoidance motives and their interplay during developmental transitions.

Quota Women Are Threatening to Men

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 107-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klea Faniko ◽  
Till Burckhardt ◽  
Oriane Sarrasin ◽  
Fabio Lorenzi-Cioldi ◽  
Siri Øyslebø Sørensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Gender Stereotypes ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Preferential Treatment ◽  
Public Sector Employees ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Women In Decision Making ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Two studies carried out among Albanian public-sector employees examined the impact of different types of affirmative action policies (AAPs) on (counter)stereotypical perceptions of women in decision-making positions. Study 1 (N = 178) revealed that participants – especially women – perceived women in decision-making positions as more masculine (i.e., agentic) than feminine (i.e., communal). Study 2 (N = 239) showed that different types of AA had different effects on the attribution of gender stereotypes to AAP beneficiaries: Women benefiting from a quota policy were perceived as being more communal than agentic, while those benefiting from weak preferential treatment were perceived as being more agentic than communal. Furthermore, we examined how the belief that AAPs threaten men’s access to decision-making positions influenced the attribution of these traits to AAP beneficiaries. The results showed that men who reported high levels of perceived threat, as compared to men who reported low levels of perceived threat, attributed more communal than agentic traits to the beneficiaries of quotas. These findings suggest that AAPs may have created a backlash against its beneficiaries by emphasizing gender-stereotypical or counterstereotypical traits. Thus, the framing of AAPs, for instance, as a matter of enhancing organizational performance, in the process of policy making and implementation, may be a crucial tool to countering potential backlash.

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