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Public Understanding of Science... Aug 2023Individuals in high-income countries increasingly express less scientific optimism than in lower-income societies. In this article, we utilize risk society theory to...
Individuals in high-income countries increasingly express less scientific optimism than in lower-income societies. In this article, we utilize risk society theory to understand the complicated relationship between individual- and country-level factors, and optimism toward the role of science in society in "reflexively modern" societies. We use multilevel modeling with 16 high-income countries to determine the individual-level and country-level factors that shape scientific optimism. Next, we look at the individual characteristics that affect scientific optimism in each country individually. At the individual level, we find that older people, the more highly educated and higher earning, those farther to the Right on the political spectrum, and those with more materialist (rather than postmaterialist) attitudes have higher scientific optimism, while more religious people have lower optimism regarding science. At the country level, we make a corollary argument about materialism: societies that have higher measles immunization rates, generate more electricity from fossil fuels, and have a greater percentage of mobile phone subscriptions, have populaces that are more optimistic toward science.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Attitude; Reward
PubMed: 37190773
DOI: 10.1177/09636625231165150 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Nov 2023Dispositional optimism, the expectation of positive outcomes after personal challenges, is a resilience factor associated with widespread health benefits. However, the...
BACKGROUND
Dispositional optimism, the expectation of positive outcomes after personal challenges, is a resilience factor associated with widespread health benefits. However, the data on pregnancy-related outcomes are more limited.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the association of early pregnancy dispositional optimism with adverse perinatal outcomes.
STUDY DESIGN
This was a prospective cohort study completed between May 2019 and February 2022 at a single, large tertiary medical center. Nulliparous pregnant people were recruited from outpatient obstetrical care sites. Participants completed a validated assessment of dispositional optimism at <20 weeks of gestation and were followed up until delivery. The primary outcome was an adverse maternal outcome composite that included gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and/or cesarean delivery. The secondary outcomes included individual composite components and a neonatal morbidity composite. Bivariate analyses compared characteristics and primary and secondary outcomes by dispositional optimism score quartile. Multivariable logistic regression compared outcomes by dispositional optimism score quartile with the highest quartile serving as the referent, controlling for confounders determined a priori.
RESULTS
Overall, 491 pregnant people were approached for participation, and 135 pregnant people (27.5%) declined participation. Among the 284 individuals who enrolled and had complete outcome data, the median dispositional optimism score was 16.0 (interquartile range, 14-18), and 47.9% of individuals experienced at least 1 adverse maternal outcome 135 (47.9%). After adjusting for confounders, the odds of adverse maternal outcomes were significantly higher in the lowest 2 optimism quartiles: quartile 1 (adjusted odds ratio, 3.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-7.36) and quartile 2 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.79) than the highest quartile. This was driven by significantly higher rates of hypertension (quartile 1: adjusted odds ratio, 2.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-6.29) and cesarean delivery (quartile 1: adjusted odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-6.55). There was no difference noted when quartile 3 was compared with quartile 4.
CONCLUSION
Lower early pregnancy dispositional optimism was associated with significantly higher odds of adverse maternal outcomes. Interventions targeting improvements in optimism may be a novel mechanism for reducing perinatal morbidity.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Prospective Studies; Cesarean Section; Obstetrics; Parity; Hypertension
PubMed: 37734660
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101155 -
Computers in Human Behavior Oct 2023COVID-19 has changed many aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry, including technology-oriented and contactless solutions. Despite the increasing number of...
COVID-19 has changed many aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry, including technology-oriented and contactless solutions. Despite the increasing number of service companies using robots on their premises, most of the previous attempts and practices of adoption have remained unsuccessful. Prior research hints that socioeconomic factors could influence the successful adoption of these emerging technologies. Nevertheless, these studies ignore the role of profile factors and assume a homogenous response to using robots in service operations during the pandemic. Based on the theory of diffusion of innovation and a sample of 525 participants, this study investigates the differences in customers' attitudes, their level of involvement, and optimism for service robots as well as their intentions to use service robots in the five main areas of hotel operations (front desk, concierge, housekeeping, room service, and food and beverage) based on five profile factors (age, gender, income level, education, and purpose of trip). MANOVA tests show significant differences in all variables based on demographic factors; male, younger, more educated, higher income, and leisure travelers show more positive attitudes, higher involvement, optimism, and intention to use service robots across various hotel departments. In particular, mean scores were found to be smaller for the traditionally human-oriented functional areas of the hotel operations. We also clustered the participants based on their level of comfort and optimism about using service robots in hotels. Given the rapid changes in the service industry and the increasing adoption of service robots, this paper adds a much-needed contribution to the ongoing research on service robots in the service industry by investigating the impact of profile factors on guests' behavior towards service robots.
PubMed: 37389284
DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107854 -
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991) Jul 2023The COVID-19 pandemic has been increasingly documented to cause negative impacts on mental health outcomes, e.g. posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Dispositional...
The COVID-19 pandemic has been increasingly documented to cause negative impacts on mental health outcomes, e.g. posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Dispositional optimism ("optimism" hereinafter), a crucial psychological characteristic defined by positive expectancies for future outcomes, is considered to provide remarkable protection against PTSS. Accordingly, this study was designed to identify neuroanatomical signatures of optimism and further examine the mechanism through which optimism protects against COVID-19-specific PTSS. Here, 115 volunteers from a general population of university students completed MRI scans and optimism tests before (October 2019-January 2020) and after (February-April 2020) the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whole-brain voxel-based morphometry analysis showed that a region from the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) to the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) was associated with optimism. Further seed-based structural covariance network (SCN) analysis using partial least-squares correlation found an optimism-linked SCN covarying with the combined dACC and dmPFC (the dACC-dmPFC). Additionally, mediation analyses revealed that the dACC-dmPFC volume and its SCN impacted COVID-19-specific PTSS through optimism. Our findings deepen the understanding of optimism and have the potential to identify vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic or similar future events, as well as to guide optimism-related neural interventions to prevent and alleviate PTSS.
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Pandemics; COVID-19; Personality; Optimism
PubMed: 37288497
DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad211 -
Health Psychology : Official Journal of... Aug 2023To examine if personal and comparative optimism, perceived effectiveness, and moralization of vaccination predict people's decision to get vaccinated.
OBJECTIVE
To examine if personal and comparative optimism, perceived effectiveness, and moralization of vaccination predict people's decision to get vaccinated.
METHODS
We measured self-reported vaccination decisions in a five-wave longitudinal study ( ≍ 5,000/wave) in Belgium over a six months period (December 2020-May 2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the predictors were demographic factors, personal and comparative optimism for three aspects of COVID-19 (infection, severe disease, good outcome), perceived effectiveness of vaccination, and the extent to which vaccination is being viewed in prosocial terms (altruism, civic spirit) versus as instrumental in one's self-interest (common sense, concern about one's health).
RESULTS
The actual availability of vaccines changed people's outlook on vaccination. Marked differences emerged in vaccination decision between linguistic-cultural regions (Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Brussels Capital Region). Personal and comparative optimism predicted vaccination decisions to different extents depending on participants' age and on whether the optimism was for infection, severe disease, or a good outcome. In older participants, vaccination decision was mostly predicted by personal optimism; in younger participants, it was mostly predicted by comparative optimism. Moralizing vaccination predicted a likelihood of a positive vaccination decision, that is, higher vaccine hesitancy or refusal, particularly in older participants.
CONCLUSIONS
Assessments of risk perception serving to inform vaccination campaigns should differentiate between expectations concerning the risk of infection and expectations concerning the outcome of an infection. Public health messages should address comparative optimism, particularly when targeting younger populations. Contrary to popular belief, moralizing vaccination may reduce the willingness to get vaccinated. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Humans; Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Pandemics; COVID-19; Vaccination; Self Report
PubMed: 36951711
DOI: 10.1037/hea0001272 -
Neuroethics Oct 2023Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is utilized to treat pediatric refractory dystonia and its use in pediatric patients is expected to grow. One important question concerns...
INTRODUCTION
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is utilized to treat pediatric refractory dystonia and its use in pediatric patients is expected to grow. One important question concerns the impact of hope and unrealistic optimism on decision-making, especially in "last resort" intervention scenarios such as DBS for refractory conditions.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined stakeholder experiences and perspectives on hope and unrealistic optimism in the context of decision-making about DBS for childhood dystonia and provides insights for clinicians seeking to implement effective communication strategies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Semi-structured interviews with clinicians ( = 29) and caregivers ( = 44) were conducted, transcribed, and coded.
RESULTS
Using thematic content analysis, four major themes from clinician interviews and five major themes from caregiver interviews related to hopes and expectations were identified. Clinicians expressed concerns about caregiver false hopes (86%, 25/29) and desperation (68.9%, 20/29) in light of DBS being a last resort. As a result, 68.9% of clinicians (20/29) expressed that they intentionally tried to lower caregiver expectations about DBS outcomes. Clinicians also expressed concern that, on the flip side, unrealistic pessimism drives away some patients who might otherwise benefit from DBS (34.5%, 10/29). Caregivers viewed DBS as the last option that they had to try (61.3%, 27/44), and 73% of caregivers (32/44) viewed themselves as having high hopes but reasonable expectations. Fewer than half (43%, 19/44) expressed that they struggled setting outcome expectations due to the uncertainty of DBS, and 50% of post-DBS caregivers (14/28) expressed some negative feelings post treatment due to unmet expectations. 43% of caregivers (19/44) had experiences with clinicians who tried to set low expectations about the potential benefits of DBS.
CONCLUSION
Thoughtful clinician-stakeholder discussion is needed to ensure realistic outcome expectations.
PubMed: 37905206
DOI: 10.1007/s12152-023-09524-3 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Nov 2023Depressive disorders are common mental illnesses characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Self-esteem refers to...
BACKGROUND
Depressive disorders are common mental illnesses characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Self-esteem refers to the appraisal of one's worth and personality, whereas optimism reflects a positive attitude and the expectation of positive outcomes. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the average self-esteem and optimism of patients with depression in 2022.
METHODS
The present study is a single center and prospective descriptive-analytical study in which 121 patients out of 154 participants with major depression using convenience sampling were studied. Recruitment started on 10 June 2022 and ended on 12 July 2022. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT -R). Data analysis was performed using statistical tests and the Pearson correlation coefficient with SPSS software version 21.
RESULTS
The mean and SD of patients' self-esteem scores were 14.68±1.30, and the mean and SD for optimism scores were 9.90±1.68. Pearson correlation analysis showed that educational level had a significant inverse relationship with patients' self-esteem scores (=-0.009, =0.03), and sex had a significant relationship with patients' optimism scores (=0.175, =0.008).
CONCLUSION
Considering the importance of self-esteem and optimism in the recovery and return to society of patients with major depression, it is necessary to take measures to strengthen and increase self-esteem and optimism in these patients.
PubMed: 37915636
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001263 -
Archives of Microbiology Dec 2023Plant pathogenic fungi pose a significant and ongoing threat to agriculture and food security, causing economic losses and significantly reducing crop yields.... (Review)
Review
Plant pathogenic fungi pose a significant and ongoing threat to agriculture and food security, causing economic losses and significantly reducing crop yields. Effectively managing these fungal diseases is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity, and in this context, mycoviruses have emerged as a promising biocontrol option. These viruses alter the physiology of their fungal hosts and their interactions with the host plants. This review encompasses the extensive diversity of reported mycoviruses, including their taxonomic classification and range of fungal hosts. We highlight representative examples of mycoviruses that affect economically significant plant-pathogenic fungi and their distinctive characteristics, with a particular emphasis on mycoviruses impacting Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. These mycoviruses exhibit significant potential for biocontrol, supported by their specificity, efficacy, and environmental safety. This positions mycoviruses as valuable tools in crop protection against diseases caused by this pathogen, maintaining their study and application as promising research areas in agricultural biotechnology. The remarkable diversity of mycoviruses, coupled with their ability to infect a broad range of plant-pathogenic fungi, inspires optimism, and suggests that these viruses have the potential to serve as an effective management strategy against major fungi-causing plant diseases worldwide.
Topics: Fungi; Ascomycota; Viruses; Mycoses; Plants; Fungal Viruses; Plant Diseases
PubMed: 38142438
DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03774-8 -
Journal of Family Psychology : JFP :... Sep 2023The present study was conducted to identify latent profiles of adolescent-reported and parent-reported family functioning, as well as their links with adolescent and...
The present study was conducted to identify latent profiles of adolescent-reported and parent-reported family functioning, as well as their links with adolescent and parent well-being and mental health, among recent immigrants from the Former Soviet Union to Israel. A sample of 160 parent-adolescent dyads completed measures of parent-adolescent communication, parental involvement, positive parenting, family conflict, self-esteem, optimism, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Results indicated four latent profiles-Low Family Functioning, Moderate Family Functioning, High Family Functioning, and High Parent/Low Adolescent Family Functioning (i.e., discrepant reports of family functioning). Adolescent depressive symptoms and anxiety were highest in the discrepant profile and lowest in the High Family Function profile; adolescent self-esteem and optimism were highest in the High Family Function profile and lowest in the Low Family Function profile; and parent depressive symptoms and anxiety were highest in the Low Family Function profile and lowest in the High Family Function profile. Parent self-esteem and optimism did not differ significantly across profiles. These results are discussed in terms of cultural and developmental contexts of adolescence and parenting within immigrant families, in terms of family systems theory, and in terms of the need for clinical services among families with discrepant reports of family functioning between parents and adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Adolescent Health; Anxiety; Depression; Emigrants and Immigrants; Family Conflict; Family Health; Israel; Latent Class Analysis; Mental Health; Optimism; Parent-Child Relations; Parenting; Parents; Psychological Theory; Self Concept; Self Report; USSR
PubMed: 37104761
DOI: 10.1037/fam0001092