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Neef NE, Fußwinkel S, Roos C, Frank L, Shihepo K, Richter I. Optimistic narrative future visions: a communication tool for promoting sustainable (plastic) behavior. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1252895. [PMID: 37790233 PMCID: PMC10543889 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1252895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, necessitating a focus on consumer behavior to curb this problem at its source. To effectively promote sustainable practices, communication strategies that employ future visions have gained attention. This study examines the effects of a narrative video intervention depicting an optimistic future vision concerning single-use plastic bag consumption in South Africa, compared to a representation of the prevailing status quo. Using a preregistered within-subject design, we assess the psychological and emotional responses to two scenarios of which one is illustrating adaptive behaviors toward reduced plastic bag usage, and the other showcasing current consumption patterns. Parametric analyses revealed a shift in emotional states, characterized by a greater experience of positive emotions and a reduced experience of negative emotions following the exposure to the optimistic future scenario video, as compared to the status quo video. Moreover, engagement with the optimistic future scenario was associated with higher levels of perceived behavioral control and behavioral intentions. No significant changes were found regarding sense of responsibility. These findings point to the potential of optimistic future visions to influence individuals at psychological and emotional levels. This renders optimistic future vision communication as an effective tool for sustainable behavior change, particularly in relation to the sustainable use of plastic shopping bags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas E. Neef
- Department of Sustainable Development and Change, Institute of Education, Work, and Society, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Selina Fußwinkel
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Claudine Roos
- School for Geo- and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lilli Frank
- Department of Sustainable Development and Change, Institute of Education, Work, and Society, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kapandu Shihepo
- School for Geo- and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Isabell Richter
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Comparative Optimism, Self-Superiority, Egocentric Impact Perception and Health Information Seeking: A COVID-19 Study. Psychol Belg 2022; 62:152-165. [PMID: 35510131 PMCID: PMC9009362 DOI: 10.5334/pb.1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined perceived self-other differences (self-uniqueness) in appraisals of one’s risk of an infectious disease (COVID-19), one’s adherence to behavioural precautionary measures against the disease, and the impact of these measures on one’s life. We also examined the relationship of self-uniqueness with information seeking and trust in sources of information about the disease. We administered an online survey to a community sample (N = 8696) of Dutch-speaking individuals, mainly in Belgium and The Netherlands, during the first lockdown (late April-Mid June 2020). As a group, participants reported that they were less likely to get infected or infect others or to suffer severe outcomes than average (unrealistic optimism) and that they adhered better than average to behavioural precautionary measures (illusory superiority). Except for participants below 25, who reported that they were affected more than average by these measures (egocentric impact bias), participants also generally reported that they were less affected than average (allocentric impact bias). Individual differences in self-uniqueness were associated with differences in the number of information sources being used and trust on these sources. Higher comparative optimism for infection, self-superiority, and allocentric impact perception were associated with information being sought from fewer sources; higher self-superiority and egocentric impact perception were associated with lower trust. We discuss implications for health communication.
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Richter I, Sumeldan J, Avillanosa A, Gabe-Thomas E, Creencia L, Pahl S. Co-created Future Scenarios as a Tool to Communicate Sustainable Development in Coastal Communities in Palawan, Philippines. Front Psychol 2021; 12:627972. [PMID: 34880799 PMCID: PMC8645572 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scenarios can be used to communicate potential future changes and engage and connect different audiences in exploring sustainable solutions. Communicating scenarios using creative visualisation, co-creation and a focus on local contexts are especially promising. This research is conducted on the island of Palawan in the Philippines as part of the GCRF Blue Communities project. With a quasi-experimental design, we investigate the psychological and emotional effects of the engagement with future scenarios as a tool for communicating sustainability. Together with local stakeholders and community members, three distinct, locally relevant scenario narratives (Business as Usual, Best Case, and Worst Case) have been co-created. Subsequently, a sample of N = 109 local high school students was asked to creatively engage with these scenario narratives. Intentions to engage in sustainable behaviour, perceived behavioural control, ascription of responsibility, consideration of future consequences, six basic emotions and connectedness to place were assessed before and after the activity via paper-pencil administrated questionnaires. A mixed-model analysis showed significant increases in intentions to engage in sustainable behaviour, however, this increase disappeared when consideration of future consequences was added as a covariate, suggesting a mediating effect. The level of consideration of future consequences also increased significantly after engaging with any of the future scenarios, which questions the common interpretation of consideration of future consequences as a trait variable. Perceived behavioural control significantly increased following the engagement with each of the scenarios whereas ascription of responsibility and connectedness to place did not show any changes. Overall, the two most emotion-evoking scenarios, Best Case Scenario and Worst Case Scenario, turn out as superior over the Business as Usual Scenario, which points to the relevance of emotional framing for effective messaging in our sample. This is the first systematic, quantitative assessment of the effects of future scenarios as a communication tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Richter
- Department of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Institute of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Joel Sumeldan
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Western Philippines University, Puerto Princesa, Philippines
| | - Arlene Avillanosa
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Western Philippines University, Puerto Princesa, Philippines
| | | | - Lota Creencia
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Western Philippines University, Puerto Princesa, Philippines
| | - Sabine Pahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Institute for the Psychology of Cognition, Emotion and Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Löfström E, Richter I, Nesvold IH. Disruptive Communication as a Means to Engage Children in Solving Environmental Challenges: A Case Study on Plastic Pollution. Front Psychol 2021; 12:635448. [PMID: 34707527 PMCID: PMC8544425 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental degradation and how we care for our planet are some of the greatest challenges the world is up against at this moment. These challenges has received increased focus in both, research and the public sphere. So far, most of this attention revolved around adult’s attitudes and behavior. However, environmental engagement amongst the younger generation gains in popularity. Using plastic pollution as a case, this qualitative study aims to acquire insights into the mental models of children. We collected qualitative data during an innovative, structured workshop according to the “Nature In Your Face” (NIYF) framework. The approach challenges the assumption that the societal change can be achieved gradually, with non-invasive techniques. Instead, we explore the potential of disruption to push citizens out of their comfort zone, thereby making room for co-creation. The disruption was performed by confronting 36 fifth graders from a Norwegian primary school, with disturbing images of plastic contaminating their local shorelines. The data was obtained by using the workshop framework, combined with semi-structured group interviews. The interview data was analyzed by means of thematic analysis. We found that the disruptions triggered emotional reactions like anger and fear. With these emotions as a driving force, the first workshop step was introduced, the Framing of the problem. The next step, Twisting the problem, was reflected in the children developing their own, creative solutions and creatively engaged with them in groups. The last step, Using, was only touched upon in the workshop and is therefore beyond the scope of this paper. Our results indicate that there are three prominent themes reflecting how children discuss plastic pollution. The children talked about their (1) Emotions related to plastic pollution, (2) Attitudes related to plastic, and (3) Perceptions of plastic pollution. These themes were further subdivided into different types of emotions, characteristics of plastic as a material as well as perceptions on different locations of unnecessary plastic. Psychologically, the mechanisms underlying the identified themes were linked to eco-anxiety, denial, self-efficacy, and cognitive dissonance. We conclude that disruptive eco-visualization can create an emotional response amongst children, which can be transformed into co-creation of ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Löfström
- Citizens, Environment and Safety (CES), Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Isabel Richter
- Citizens, Environment and Safety (CES), Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.,Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Ine H Nesvold
- Citizens, Environment and Safety (CES), Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Alashoor T, Han S. The smoking paradox: exploring why attitudes toward cigarette smoking are a weak predictor of cigarette smoking. Psychol Health 2020; 36:847-861. [PMID: 32862721 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1798958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An attitude change perspective represents a central line of research in the smoking literature. This line of research focuses on influencing individuals' attitudes toward smoking in order to alleviate the negative outcomes of smoking and to achieve positive smoking behaviours. This line of research, however, does not explain why attitudes toward cigarette smoking are a weak predictor of cigarette smoking, an indication of a smoking paradox. The current study introduces two domain-general factors to explore this smoking paradox. DESIGN We used an online survey and collected data from American subjects (n = 328) via a crowdsourcing platform, Amazon Mechanical Turk, in 2018. RESULTS We found that the association between attitude toward smoking and the likelihood of smoking is significantly weaker when individuals perceive a low probability of risk and/or believe that this probable risk will only occur in the distant future, after many years. These results suggest that smoking may not be consistent with attitude because individuals perceive low probability of risk and/or they temporally discount the occurrence of this probable risk. CONCLUSION The results suggest that novel strategies that incorporate the concepts of perceived risk probability and temporal discounting of the probable risk are needed for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawfiq Alashoor
- Information Technology, Analytics, and Operations, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,Information Systems & Operations Management, KFUPM Business School, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sehee Han
- Institute of Social Sciences, Kookmin University, Seongbok-gu, South Korea
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Sweeting H, Semple S, Demou E, Brown A, Hunt K. Predictors of opinions on prison smoking bans: Analyses of survey data from Scottish staff and prisoners. Tob Induc Dis 2019; 17:47. [PMID: 31516490 PMCID: PMC6662777 DOI: 10.18332/tid/109559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Policy-makers and practitioners need to understand characteristics associated with support for smoking restrictions to identify both potential allies and groups requiring particular support/targeted communication in the face of restrictions. Using data from prison staff and prisoners, we explored the structure and correlates of opinions relating to prison smoking bans. METHODS Questionnaires were completed by staff (online, N=1271; 27% return) and prisoners (paper-based, N=2512; 34%) in all 15 Scottish prisons in 2016–17. At that time, prisoners could smoke in their own cells and during outdoor recreation; staff smoking was prohibited anywhere on prison grounds. Staff and prisoner questionnaires included identical/very similar questions about opinions on smoking in prisons and prison smoking bans, own smoking behaviour, health and sociodemographic details. We also measured in every prison fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a proxy for secondhand smoke (SHS) levels. RESULTS Principal components analysis identified two factors: ‘Positive about bans’ (higher scores among staff) and ‘Bans will be difficult’ (higher scores among prisoners). In multivariable analyses, ‘Positive about bans’ was associated with: not smoking (both staff and prisoners), better general health, more respiratory symptoms and working in an operational role among staff; and no asthma, more sensory symptoms, higher educational level and status/release date among prisoners. ‘Bans will be difficult’ was associated with: fewer sensory symptoms and lower prison SHS levels among staff and being a smoker among prisoners. In smoker-only analyses, heavier smokers were less positive about bans and more likely to believe bans will be difficult. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest it is possible to be positive about prison smoking bans whilst also recognising and/or concerned about potential operational difficulties, and that these opinions are associated with several characteristics additional to smoker status. Support for future prison bans may be stronger if staff have access to objective SHS exposure measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Sweeting
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia Demou
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Brown
- Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Hunt
- Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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Lee CG, Middlestadt SE, Seo DC, Lin HC, Macy JT, Park S. Incorporating environmental variables as precursor background variables of the theory of planned behavior to predict quitting-related intentions: a comparative study between adult and young adult smokers. Arch Public Health 2018; 76:66. [PMID: 30410755 PMCID: PMC6211396 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-018-0311-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As previous studies suggest that the theory of planned behavior (TPB) is open to the inclusion of further predictors, identifying a number of additional background variables within the context of the TPB may help improve the predictive power of the theory. The purpose of this study is to incorporate environmental variables as precursor background variables of the TPB to predict quitting-related intentions. METHODS This study consists of two sub-studies. Sub-study 1 and 2 analyzed different data sets and were conducted using the similar methodology for the comparison. A total of 395 Texas adult smokers (sub-study 1) and 379 university student smokers (sub-study 2) were analyzed using multiple structural equation modeling. RESULTS The extent of agreement with regulating smoking in public places had positive indirect effects on intention to quit through subjective norm among both Texas adult smokers (β = 0.03, p < .01) and university students (β = 0.01, p < .05), and through attitude among Texas adult smokers only (β = 0.02, p < .01). The number of smokers among 5 closest friends had negative indirect effect on intention to take measures to quit through subjective norm among Texas adult smokers (β = - 0.02, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that environmental variables need to be considered as precursor background variables of the TPB to predict quitting-related intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Gun Lee
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Susan E Middlestadt
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, 1025 E. Seventh Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7109 USA
| | - Dong-Chul Seo
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, 1025 E. Seventh Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7109 USA
| | - Hsien-Chang Lin
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, 1025 E. Seventh Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7109 USA
| | - Jonathan T Macy
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, 1025 E. Seventh Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7109 USA
| | - Seiyeong Park
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
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Clay L, Hay-Smith EJC, Treharne GJ, Milosavljevic S. Unrealistic Optimism, Fatalism, and Risk-Taking in New Zealand Farmers’ Descriptions of Quad-Bike Incidents: A Directed Qualitative Content Analysis. J Agromedicine 2015; 20:11-20. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2014.976727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Rashid A, Manan AA, Yahya N, Ibrahim L. The support for smoke free policy and how it is influenced by tolerance to smoking - experience of a developing country. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109429. [PMID: 25338116 PMCID: PMC4206272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross sectional survey was conducted to determine the support in making Penang UNESCO World Heritage Site (GTWHS) smoke free and to determine the influence of tolerance towards smoking on this support. This is the first phase in making Penang, Malaysia a smoke free state. A multistage sampling process was done to select a sample of respondents to represent the population of GTWHS. Attitude towards smoking was assessed using tolerance as a proxy. A total of 3,268 members of the community participated in the survey. A big majority (n = 2969; 90.9%) of the respondents supported the initiative. Support was lowest among the owners and residents/tenants, higher age groups, the Chinese, men, respondents who had poor knowledge of the places gazetted as smoke free, and respondents with poor knowledge of the health effects on smokers and on passive smokers. The odds (both adjusted and unadjusted) of not supporting the initiative was high among those tolerant to smoking in public areas. Tolerance towards smoking was associated with 80.3% risk of non-support in the respondents who were tolerant to smoking and a 57.2% risk in the population. Health promotion and education concerning the harm of tobacco smoke in Malaysia, which has mainly targeted smokers, must change. Health education concerning the risks of second hand smoke must also be given to non-smokers and efforts should be made to denormalize smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rashid
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Penang Medical College, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Azizah Ab Manan
- Penang State Health Department, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Noorlia Yahya
- Penang State Health Department, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
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Pinsker EA, Berg CJ, Nehl EJ, Prokhorov AV, Buchanan TS, Ahluwalia JS. Intent to quit among daily and non-daily college student smokers. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2013; 28:313-25. [PMID: 23197630 PMCID: PMC3594929 DOI: 10.1093/her/cys116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Given the high prevalence of young adult smoking, we examined (i) psychosocial factors and substance use among college students representing five smoking patterns and histories [non-smokers, quitters, native non-daily smokers (i.e. never daily smokers), converted non-daily smokers (i.e. former daily smokers) and daily smokers] and (ii) smoking category as it relates to readiness to quit among current smokers. Of the 4438 students at six Southeast colleges who completed an online survey, 69.7% (n = 3094) were non-smokers, 6.6% (n = 293) were quitters, 7.1% (n = 317) were native non-daily smokers, 6.4% (n = 283) were converted non-daily smokers and 10.2% (n = 451) were daily smokers. There were differences in sociodemographics, substance use (alcohol, marijuana, other tobacco products) in the past 30 days and psychosocial factors among these subgroups of students (P < 0.001). Among current smokers, there were differences in cigarettes smoked per day, recent quit attempts, self-identification as a smoker, self-efficacy and motivation to quit (P < 0.001). After controlling for important factors, converted non-daily smokers were more likely to be ready to quit in the next month versus native non-daily smokers (OR = 2.15, CI 1.32-3.49, P = 0.002). Understanding differences among young adults with different smoking patterns and histories is critical in developing interventions targeting psychosocial factors impacting cessation among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. A. Pinsker
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, USA and Department of Medicine and Center for Health Equity, University of Minnesota Medical School, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - C. J. Berg
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, USA and Department of Medicine and Center for Health Equity, University of Minnesota Medical School, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - E. J. Nehl
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, USA and Department of Medicine and Center for Health Equity, University of Minnesota Medical School, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - A. V. Prokhorov
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, USA and Department of Medicine and Center for Health Equity, University of Minnesota Medical School, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - T. S. Buchanan
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, USA and Department of Medicine and Center for Health Equity, University of Minnesota Medical School, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - J. S. Ahluwalia
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, USA and Department of Medicine and Center for Health Equity, University of Minnesota Medical School, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
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Hevey D, McGee HM, Horgan JH. Comparative optimism among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with fewer adverse clinical events 12 months later. J Behav Med 2013. [PMID: 23274764 DOI: 10.1007/s10865–012–9487–0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The current study evaluates the levels of comparative optimism among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and examines its relationship to health outcomes 12 months later. 164 patients completed self-report questionnaires at the end of cardiac rehabilitation and the number of adverse clinical events in the following 12 months were recorded. Comparative optimism was assessed in relation to a typical other who has not had cardiac event, a typical other who has had the same cardiac event as the respondent, and a typical member of the cardiac rehabilitation class. Clinical-demographic details and distress were assessed. Participants were comparatively optimistic in all three ratings. Logistic regression (controlling for age, gender, co-morbidities, and distress) revealed that higher levels of adverse events were associated with older age, being male, and lower levels of overall comparative optimism. Comparative optimism was associated with decreased risk of adverse clinical events in the year following cardiac rehabilitation attendance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hevey
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland,
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Hevey D, McGee HM, Horgan JH. Comparative optimism among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with fewer adverse clinical events 12 months later. J Behav Med 2012; 37:300-7. [PMID: 23274764 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-012-9487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The current study evaluates the levels of comparative optimism among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and examines its relationship to health outcomes 12 months later. 164 patients completed self-report questionnaires at the end of cardiac rehabilitation and the number of adverse clinical events in the following 12 months were recorded. Comparative optimism was assessed in relation to a typical other who has not had cardiac event, a typical other who has had the same cardiac event as the respondent, and a typical member of the cardiac rehabilitation class. Clinical-demographic details and distress were assessed. Participants were comparatively optimistic in all three ratings. Logistic regression (controlling for age, gender, co-morbidities, and distress) revealed that higher levels of adverse events were associated with older age, being male, and lower levels of overall comparative optimism. Comparative optimism was associated with decreased risk of adverse clinical events in the year following cardiac rehabilitation attendance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hevey
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland,
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Lazuras L, Rodafinos A, Eiser JR. Adolescents' support for smoke-free public settings: the roles of social norms and beliefs about exposure to secondhand smoke. J Adolesc Health 2011; 49:70-5. [PMID: 21700160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2010] [Revised: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 10/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess support for smoke-free policies in public settings among adolescent smokers and nonsmokers in a pro-smoking culture. METHODS A total of 1,924 Greek secondary school students (mean age = 14 years, standard deviation = 1.00, 50% female) from nine schools in the urban area of Thessaloniki, Greece, participated in the study. The main outcome measures were supportiveness of smoke-free policies in public settings. RESULTS Smoker adolescents were less supportive of smoke-free policies, compared with nonsmokers. Regression analysis showed that policy support was predicted by smoking status and motivation to smoke, social norms, and beliefs about the effects of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. A significant interaction between smoking status and social norms was also observed, as smoker adolescents who often encountered others smoking in public places reported less support for smoke-free public settings. CONCLUSIONS Three important processes underlying adolescents' support for smoke-free policies not mentioned in previous research were identified. First, social norms of the immediate social environment play a pivotal role in shaping policy support of young people. Second, the effects of smoking status on policy support are significantly moderated by exposure to public smoking. Finally, beliefs about the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke significantly predict young people's support for smoke-free public settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lambros Lazuras
- Risk, Cognition, and Well-Being Group, South-East European Research Centre, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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