Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The American Academy Of Health Behavior 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting: "Health Communication, (Mis-)Information, And Behavior: Leveraging Technology For Behavioral Interventions And Health Behavior Research"

Health Behavior Research

The American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) hosted its 24th Annual Scientific Meeting at The DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, Georgia on April 14-17, 2024. The meeting's theme was “Health Communication, (Mis-)Information, and Behavior: Leveraging Technology for Behavioral Interventions and Health Behavior Research". This publication describes the meeting theme and includes the refereed abstracts presented at the 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting.

If Nobody Hears Us, Do We Really Make A Sound? Investigating Agriculture Faculty Members’ Engagement In Science Communication, Shelli D. Rampold, Taylor Ruth, Jamie Greig

Journal of Applied Communications

Science communication is a crucial factor for ensuring scientific work in food and agriculture reaches intended end-users. Unfortunately, research faculty may not be willing or able to engage in science communication activities. This study was organized using the Faculty Engagement Framework to evaluate the personal, professional, and institutional factors that influence University of Tennessee faculty members’ engagement in public-facing science communication. Results indicated faculty members in this study were overall not highly engaged in science communication activities. Factors that significantly predicted their degree of engagement included knowledge of and attitudes toward communicating their science to public audiences. While the results …

Print Grades Prime: A Quantitative Analysis Of Producer Communication Preferences Of U.S. Beef Breed Association Magazines Through The Lenses Of Uses, Gratifications, And Gatekeeping, Megan Underwood, Katherine J. Starzec, Nellie Hill-Sullins, R. L. Weaber

Journal of Applied Communications

The United States beef industry is a major stakeholder in national and international agriculture and is driven by technological innovations and beef producers in all 50 states. Beef cattle breed associations are essential to the success of the industry as they not only maintain breed pedigrees but also disseminate vital information to their members. The magazines of beef cattle breed associations are a primary source of communication for U.S. beef producers. Goals for this study were to determine what information beef producers use from their beef breed association magazines, what information they want to see more of in beef breed …

Exploring Identities Of Extension Faculty And Educators As Science Communicators, Klae O'Brien, Carrie N. Baker, Sarah A. Bush, Maggie Elliot, Kattlyn J. Wolf

Journal of Applied Communications

This research explored the relationship between University of Idaho (UI) Extension educators and faculty’s social identity as science communicators and their most-used communication type. This non-experimental, sequential, mixed-method study with a qualitative priority utilized surveys and interviews to gather data. This paper will focus on the qualitative and mixing components of the study. We used stratified purposive sampling based on location and most used communication type to select participants for interviews and conducted interviews to understand their social identities as science communicators. We identified five main themes: continual development, technology, research dissemination, evaluation for motivation, and community relationships. We employed …

Perceptions Of Science Communication’S Domain, Practices, And Identity: What Concerns Members On The Peripheral Edge Of A Community Of Practice, Rebecca Swenson, Corissa Marson

Journal of Applied Communications

This research shares insights from qualitative interviews with scientists in agricultural and environmental science programs (n=26) to better understand how occasional, peripheral, or emerging members of the science communication community of practice perceive its domain, practices, and identity. Findings suggest concern about personal risks of communicating, especially control over messaging, interactions with disagreeable audiences, being incorrect, and reputation damage. However, many believe that communication is broadly important for their field and resources. Scientists did not have clear agreement on boundaries of science communication, and advocacy and uncertainty were points of contention. Suggestions for strengthening science communication training are proposed.

Evaluating The Organizational Advancement Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Extension Education, John M. Diaz, Lendel K. Narine, Cody Gusto

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

In response to global trends and calls for greater inclusivity, the field of extension education has made significant strides towards embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. This study explores the progress of DEI initiatives in the Cooperative Extension System (CES), which has aligned with industry groups, non-profit organizations, academia, and scientific societies worldwide. Through a multifaceted approach, CES has pursued strategies such as intercultural competence (ICC) training for professionals, diversity action plans, and culturally responsive teaching techniques. This study assessed the advancement of DEI in extension education using a survey of DEI specialists across extension organizations in the U.S. …

Assessing Connectedness To Water As A Catalyst For Change: A Multidimensional Approach To Extension Education On Water Conservation, John M. Diaz, Laura Warner

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

As issues of water security remain pervasive, extension educators continue to search for strategies to promote water conservation. Social marketing represents such a strategy that can be leveraged as a tool to better understand target audiences and develop strategic communication campaigns to promote practice adoption and behavior change. Research demonstrates that social marketing efforts that focus on understanding and developing personal norms and values hold promise for increasing the implementation of residential conservation behaviors. The construct of Connectedness to Nature is one strategy for developing environmentally aligned personal norms. This study leverages a similar concept, connectedness to water, to understand …

Rurality, Resilience, & Identity: A Soft Systems Methodology Approach To Understanding Self-Reported Issues In Rural America, Kayla M. Gabehart, Allegra H. Fullerton, Kristin Olofsson

Online Journal of Rural Research & Policy

This study investigates how rural communities In Oklahoma conceive of their socioeconomic position in larger systems, as well as their resiliency and ability to withstand challenges. Utilizing systems thinking and polycentricity literature, we analyze interviews to construct an understanding of how rural communities perceive themselves, and how this impacts interactions with other communities and governments. Rural communities and their associated challenges are complex and impacted by a range of factors. We find that rural residents also feel this complexity, and understand their issues as products of overlapping systems and structures, and both internal and external factors. Additionally, we observe little …

Electronic Nicotine Product (Enp) Graphic Warnings: Association Between Exposure And Changes In Perceived Susceptibility And Severity Of Explosion And Lung Injuries, Erica Harp, Matthew E. Rossheim, Xiaoquan Zhao, Christian Seiter, Ogechikamma C. Emechebe, Eric Soule

Health Behavior Research

Electronic nicotine products (ENPs) are the most prevalent form of tobacco use among U.S. young adults. Research is needed to investigate how to communicate new risks from ENPs to the public. In this study, we tested the comparative persuasiveness of ENP explosion and lung injury graphic warnings. We recruited a sample of 343 young adults (18 to 28 years; 146 male, 197 female), including both ENP users and nonusers, via Amazon Mechanical Turk in October 2020. We randomly assigned participants to one of six exposure conditions: two images of lung injuries with prevalence statistics, two images of battery explosion injuries …

Just Pin It: Understanding The Dynamics Of Pinterest Use, Motivation, Self-Efficacy, And Health Behaviors, Kathryn E. Dolphin, Rachel Char, Summer Rogers

Health Behavior Research

Image-based social media platforms, such as Pinterest, have revolutionized how individuals seek, share, and interpret health information. Previous research suggests a link between consuming social media content and intentions to engage in health behaviors; however, it is unclear if individuals who actively seek health-related information on social media engage in healthier behaviors. This mixed-methods study explored the relationships among Pinterest use, motivations, self-efficacy, and health behaviors. Women participants (n = 227) completed surveys that included sociodemographic characteristics, motivation, self-efficacy, Pinterest use, and diet and exercise behaviors. Independent samples t-tests assessed differences in exercise behaviors, and multivariate analyses of variance …

Work Readiness And Job Satisfaction Of Youth With Intellectual Disabilities Participating In A Supported Employment Program, Hannah Branch

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

A summer supported employment program was provided by a vocational rehabilitation agency to prepare transition-aged youth with intellectual disabilities for the workforce. This study examined the views of youth with intellectual disabilities on their pre-post-program work readiness and job satisfaction using survey methodology. Although youth seemed satisfied with their jobs, they reported no significant change in their perceived job readiness, and their job coaches also reported similar perceptions.

As a summer program, the duration may not have been adequate to increase youth’s views of their work readiness. For summer supported employment programs, obtaining youth participant insight and feedback, although sometimes …

Health Belief Model, Demographic, And Sexual Behavioral Factors Associated With Mpox Vaccination Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, Christopher Owens, Randolph Duane Hubach

Health Behavior Research

The mpox virus outbreak (formerly known as monkeypox) in the United States created an urgent need to inform vaccination acceptance and uptake interventions. We quantitatively examined the association of the Health Belief Model, demographic, and sexual behavioral factors with men who have sex with men (MSM) getting the mpox vaccine. We qualitatively explored MSM’s perceived barriers to obtaining the mpox vaccine. A convenience sample of MSM in the United States (n = 554) completed a mixed-method online cross-sectional survey. A series of chi-square tests of independence, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze associations between participants who were …

Assessing The Dimensional Validity And Reliability Of The Critical Thinking Inventory (Cti) In The Kenyan Higher Education System: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Millicent A. Oyugi, Kristin Gibson, Alexa J. Lamm

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

The global importance of critical thinking in enhancing academic success, employability, civic engagement, and mental health is universally acknowledged. Yet, its cultivation in educational systems, particularly in Kenya, requires further attention. This gap is pronounced in Kenya's higher education, where more research is needed to develop and validate effective critical thinking assessment tools given the paradigm shift in its educational curricular. This study contributes to this need by evaluating the applicability of the Critical Thinking Inventory (CTI) model in Kenyan higher education. Using a convenience sample of 387 undergraduates from Egerton University, the study assessed the alignment between the CTI …

Disparities In Suicide And Mental Health Among Student Athletes Of Ethnic And Racial Minorities Compared To Their White Non-Latinx Counterparts, Elizabeth Russo Miss

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

The present paper reviews literature examining trends among suicide, suicidal ideation, and mental illness rates in ethnic and racial marginalized communities’ student-athletes. While the rates of suicide amongst student athlete populations are lower than rates of suicide seen in the general student populations, there remains a discrepancy amongst rates of suicide in student athletes with those identifying with racial and ethnic minority backgrounds endorsing higher rates of suicidal ideation. Data from the existing literature consisted of White, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian/ Pacific Islander, Multiracial, and Native American student-athletes. Studies suggest that ethnic and racially marginalized students are more susceptible to suicide, …

Editorial: Vol. 15, Issue 1, Sarah D. Asebedo

Journal of Financial Therapy

Editorial: Vol. 15, Issue 1

Unmasking The Phantoms Of Generations: A Comparative Study Of Financial Responsibility And Stress Across Generational Divides (Fta Best Paper Award), Wookjae Heo, Keewon Moon, Sun Young Ahn

Journal of Financial Therapy

This study investigated whether financial stress is associated with experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic across different generations. In addition, this research examined whether financial payment behaviors are associated with experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, different generations, and having higher financial stress. Two cross-sectional samples were collected from the United States at two time points, before COVID-19 (n = 823) and during COVID-19 (n = 803). Ordinary least squared (OLS) regression and ordered logistic models were utilized to answer the research questions. The results revealed that COVID-19 increased financial stress, but the younger generations have demonstrated resilience in dealing with the pandemic, contrary …

Am I Entitled To Help? Building Confidence Through Financial Inclusion, Marilla Kortesalmi, Minna Autio, Mette Ranta

Journal of Financial Therapy

Financial inclusion has focused primarily on the accessibility of financial social services. However, it is important to note that individual financial practices not only require the opportunity to access financial structures, but also confidence in their accessibility to engage in and utilize such services. Individuals facing difficult life situations often encounter challenges in financial activities due to limited resources and a need for more skills. Consequently, their financial capability is often restricted, and they more frequently experience financial exclusion. Despite this problem, the literature on financial inclusion needs to give more attention to subjective financial inclusion. To understand the process …

Blending And Spending: Financial Influences Impacting Childfree Stepmothers’ Relationship Satisfaction, Diane W. Darling, Lauren Mizock, Allen E. Cornelius, Ashley B. Lebaron-Black, Amy Taylor

Journal of Financial Therapy

There exists a need to better understand how monetary factors impact the partnerships of childfree stepmothers in blended families. The present study examines the correlation of couples’ shared financial values and congruence in financial management behaviors with relationship satisfaction among these stepmothers. Participants included 104 childfree stepmothers in blended families. Findings indicated that perceived shared financial values positively predicted relationship satisfaction. In addition, while financial behavior congruence between stepmothers and their partners did predict relationship satisfaction, it did so through a weaker inverse association. Contrary to expectations, financial behavior congruence did not mediate the association between shared financial values and …

Divorced From Knowledge: Perceptions Of Alimony Fairness In Relation To Educational Discrepancies, Michael Kothakota, Jessica Wery

Journal of Financial Therapy

Spousal support or alimony is a cash transfer from one spouse to another after divorce. The amount awarded might seem arbitrary and unfair to either one or both individuals. The public often does not see the fact patterns associated with alimony awards or agreements, and their input may provide information to policymakers and decision-makers about what a fair amount of alimony might be. This study examines data collected from 1,285 U.S. participants randomly assigned to a vignette condition that details a hypothetical alimony scenario where one spouse supported the other spouse to gain education, resulting in significantly increased income prior …

Time Orientation And Mental Accounting: Examining Serial Mediation Effects Af Financial Literacy And Impulsivity, Maneesha Singh, Tanuj Nandan

Journal of Financial Therapy

With a wide variety of complex financial assets and securities available in the market, individuals often struggle with their financial planning due to a lack of financial literacy, high impulsivity, and short-term time orientation, hampering their financial satisfaction. The current study examines the yet unexplored indirect effect of investors' time orientations on mental accounting through financial literacy and impulsivity. We conducted a cross-sectional survey and collected 162 active investors’ responses via structured questionnaires distributed in both online and offline portals across India to gauge their financial literacy, time orientation, impulsivity, and mental accounting. We used Smart PLS-4 software along with …

Book Review: The Why Of Wealth, Kamille Green

Journal of Financial Therapy

Book Review: The Why of Wealth

Researcher Profile: Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, Jeffrey Anvari-Clark

Journal of Financial Therapy

Researcher Profile: Jeffrey Anvari-Clark

Practitioner Profile: Cait Howerton, Cait Howerton

Journal of Financial Therapy

Practitioner Profile: Cait Howerton