Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Personality: Assessing Knowledge Profiling and the Work Preference Inventory in a Thai Population

Abstract

Personality trait theories are often used to identify particular personality or behavioural characteristics of potential employees by human resource management departments. However, this can be enhanced by understanding how motivation plays a role in personality, and particularly within the context of knowledge-based personality processes. The paper draws on knowledge management theory called Knowledge Profiling (KP) in which a theoretical construct has been developed representing personality through a set of three traits and their polar values. This model has previously been linked to the trait theory of personality called Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This research adopts KP, develops its linkage with MBTI, and elaborates on its connection with motivation. The resulting model, referred to as Knowledge Profiling Motivational (KPM) model, is developed by connecting it with the Work Preference Inventory (WPI), which assesses individual differences in Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivational orientations. Analysis indicates that KPM is an improvement on the KP model in representing personality. Moreover, the research suggests that personality traits are not limited to a bipolar relationship but that there are relationships between traits as well.     

Modelling school participation based on the theory of planned behaviour / Modelamiento de la participación escolar basado en la teoría del comportamiento planificado

This study evaluated a predictive model of school participation based on Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour. Attitudes towards social justice, perceived control and subjective norm on school participation were tested, mediated by the behavioural intention in favour of social justice in a sample of 443 secondary school students. The proposed model showed good fit (χ² = 597.740, df = 342; RMSEA = .041). The behavioural intentions towards social justice and perceived behavioural control were directly related to school participation. An indirect effect of perceived control on participation was detected, mediated by behavioural intention, but no evidence was found of the indirect effect of either attitude or norm on school participation.     

Working with phobic anxiety

Abstract

This paper describes work at a newly-established Mental Health Centre with a young man suffering from chronic anxiety, manifested in many agarophobic and social phobic symptoms. Initially a model of behaviour therapy was used, a method which I had not hitherto practised, my basic orientation being psychodynamic. The paper highlights my difficulty in adhering to a strick behavioural approach, and traces the development of a counselling relationship which attempted to combine useful behavioural techniques with some basic psychotherapeutic principles. It illustrates the difficulty of maintaining a balance and a structure which respond to the complex and changing needs of the client.     

Modelling Chinese manufacturers' technology adoption behaviour

Abstract

This paper uses firm-level survey data from Hong Kong to identify determinants of technology adoption. The data analysis was guided by proposing a new model that was built upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Technology Acceptance Model. Three types of determinants are considered. They are determinants controllable by the technology suppliers and technology buyers, respectively; an external determinant that is not controllable by both the technology suppliers and buyers. This paper reviews research in related areas and the proposed model suggests ways in which behavioural, environmental and organisational issues may be important to technology adoption. The result reveals that behavioural and organisational issues are relevant to technology adoption decision, whereas the relevance of environmental issues is questionable.     

The behavioural relevance of ethnic attitude studies∗

The assumption implicit in many ethnic attitude studies that attitudes influence behaviour and that knowledge of ethnic attitudes permits socially and politically important behavioural predictions is critically evaluated. Four main arguments are elaborated on to question the validity of the claim of a simple causal link from attitudes to behaviour: (a) situational variance of attitude effects (b) the problematic of an isomorphism between cognitive and behavioural phenomena, (c) empirical evidence indicating an influence from behaviour to attitudes, and (d) the question of valid self‐perception in attitude measurement. It is argued that the question of an attitude behaviour link cannot be meaningfully answered when the social context within which attitudes are learned and behaviour is shaped is neglected in the analysis. The social context and a corresponding reinforcement pattern are seen to provide social meaning to both attitudes and behaviour and secondly to determine the particular relationship between these variables, i.e. consistency, inconsistency, or irrelevance.     

Causal Modeling Predicting Psychological Adjustment of Korean-Born Adolescent Adoptees

Summary

Self-concept theory and ethnic identity theory imply causal relations among positive parent-child relationship, ethnic pride, and psychological adjustment of children who were intercountry adopted. This study used linear measurement and structural equation models to test the plausibility of the causal model dealing with the relations among indexes of parent's support of ethnic background, positive parent-child relationship, collective self-esteem, and psychological adjustment in a sample of 241 Korean-born adolescent adoptees. Consistent with the expectations of the self-concept theory and the ethnic identity development theory, the findings show that a more positive parent-child relationship, in which the parents support their children's ethnic identity development and share ethnic socialization experiences, predicts better psychological adjustment of the adopted children. Policy and practice implications of the findings are discussed.     

The Science of Decision-making: Behaviours Related to Gambling

Abstract

The behaviour analysis of decision-making has studied three realms of behaviour that play a role in gambling: risk taking, behavioural persistence and self-control. Research from our laboratory and others suggests that in all three areas, the manner in which choices are presented to subjects is of central importance. The paper argues that a behavioural perspective may be useful in understanding the factors controlling gambling and compares this perspective with one based on a cognitive orientation.     

Evolve Therapeutic Services: A 5-year outcome study of children and young people in out-of-home care with complex and extreme behavioural and mental health problems

BackgroundLittle evaluation research has been conducted on the effectiveness of services and intervention provided to children in out-of-home care. This study evaluated an innovative Queensland, Australia program employing a collaborative wrap-round model of care in combination with a flexible intervention approach, individually tailored to children and young people in out-of-home care presenting with complex and extreme behavioural and mental health problems.MethodThe sample consisted of 664 children and young people. Two clinician-rated measures, the CGAS and HoNOSCA, were used to assess young people's functioning via a pre-post-treatment design.ResultsResults revealed significant improvements across a range of problems areas: general functioning and adjustment; disruptive, antisocial and aggressive behaviour; overactivity, poor attention and concentration; non-accidental self-injury; problems with scholastic and language skills; non-organic somatic symptoms; emotional symptoms; peer and family relationships; self-care and independence; and school attendance.ConclusionFindings provide good evidence for the effectiveness of the therapeutic intervention program. Implications for future research are explored.     

Lorenz non-consistent welfare and inequality measurement

Typical welfare and inequality measures are required to be Lorenz consistent which guarantees that inequality decreases and welfare increases as a result of a progressive transfer. We explore the implications for welfare and inequality measurement of substituting the weaker absolute differentials and deprivation quasi-orderings for the Lorenz quasi-ordering. Restricting attention to distributions of equal means, we show that the utilitarian model - the so-called expected utility model in the theory of risk - does not permit one to make a distinction between the views embedded in the differentials, deprivation and Lorenz quasi-orderings. In contrast it is possible within the dual model of M. Yaari (Econometrica 55 (1987), 99–115) to derive the restrictions to be placed on the weighting function which guarantee that the corresponding welfare orderings are consistent with the differentials and deprivation quasi-orderings respectively. Finally we drop the equal mean condition and indicate the implications of our approach for the absolute ethical inequality indices.     

Stand Up for Health: Programme theory for an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in contact centres

BackgroundContact centre staff spend up to 95 % of their day seated, which can lead to a range of negative health outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a programme theory for a complex intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in contact centres.MethodsThe 6SQuID model was used. A literature review, and focus groups at one contact centre were used to: understand the problem (step 1); identify modifiable factors (step 2); and develop a theory of change (step 3). A workshop shaped a theory of action (step 4), and the programme theory was refined after testing activities over 6 months (step 5). The intervention is currently undergoing further evaluation and feasibility testing in a larger scale stepped wedge randomised controlled study in 11 contact centres (Step 6).ResultsStep 1: Limited opportunity to sit less, and move more at work was identified as the main problem. Step 2: Modifiable factors were identified at four levels of the centre. Step 3: A theory of change was developed around cultural norms and individual behaviour change. Step 4: Actions were developed to ‘activate’ the theory of change. Step 5: Activities were implemented, and adapted over 6 months and the programme theory was refined.ConclusionThe programme theory behind this intervention is robust, evidence based, adaptive and transferable.     

Freshmen Women and the “Freshman 15”: Perspectives on Prevalence and Causes of College Weight Gain

Abstract

Objective: Freshman weight gain has been assessed using quantitative inquiry, but this qualitative study allowed for an in-depth exploration of freshmen women's experiences surrounding body image, nutrition, and exercise. The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact and explanations for the “Freshman 15.” Participants: Freshmen college women, aged 18 to 19 years. Methods: Participants (N = 235) were initially surveyed about body dissatisfaction. Thirty participants were selected for semistructured interviews (conducted in March 2008) using a criterion-based, multilevel stratified random sampling. Results: Freshmen women reported intense fears about gaining weight. Women most commonly attributed freshman weight gain to newly found food independence, social comparison with peers, and the influence of friends and family. Women frequently cited eating habit changes to explain college weight gain. Conclusions: Comparison among females was framed using Festinger's social comparison theory. Despite being cautious about food, females described freshman weight gain as inevitable.     

A case for psychodynamic social work

Abstract

Psychodynamic casework is not as popular in social work theory and practice as it once was. It is considered by some to be impractical, unscientific, and not suitable for those customarily receiving a social work service. Task-centred casework, behavioural approaches, the newer psychotherapies, and family therapy have all taken over as major paradigms of social work method. This is especially so, I think, for the social worker working in a psychiatric setting, where many clients stay only for a short time and where emphasis is placed on assessment and short-term intervention.

In this paper I shall argue that a psychodynamic approach in social work is still relevant; that it is important for its humanizing qualities, for understanding and working with people with severe problems and for, perhaps, helping us to locate the position of social work vis-a-vis other mental health professions. I shall do this by focusing on a particular case I had as a social work student on placement in a psychiatric day hospital.     

Results from a psychometric assessment of a new tool for measuring evidence-based decision making in public health organizations

BackgroundIn order to better understand how to improve evidence-based decision making (EBDM) in state health departments, measurement tools are needed to evaluate changes in EBDM. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a new measurement tool to assess EBDM in public health practice settings.MethodsA questionnaire was developed, pilot-tested and refined in an iterative process with the input of public health practitioners with the aim of identifying a set of specific measures representing different components of EBDM. Data were collected in a national survey of state health department chronic disease practitioners. The final dataset (n = 879) for psychometric testing was comprised of 19 EBDM items that were first examined using exploratory factor analysis, and then confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsThe final model from confirmatory factor analysis includes five latent factors representing components of EBDM: capacity for evaluation, expectations and incentives for EBDM, access to evidence and resources for EBDM, participatory decision making, and leadership support and commitment.ConclusionsThis study addresses the need for empirically tested and theory-aligned measures that may be used to assess the extent to which EBDM is currently implemented, and further, to gauge the success of strategies to improve EBDM, in public health settings. This EBDM measurement tool may help identify needed supports for enhanced capacity and implementation of effective strategies.     

Environmental Social Work: Accounting for Gender in Climate Disasters

Abstract

The person-in-the-environment concept has largely been interpreted by social workers to indicate social networks and relationships, ignoring the physical environment and its complex impact on human health and wellbeing. This article examines the environmental domain, noting the critical role social workers can have in this field as a consequence of climate events and global warming. The article notes the significance of gender as a key factor in vulnerability to disasters and outlines the need for social workers to consider gender as a critical indicator in their work in this emerging area. Embodiment, connection to place, poverty, and cultural awareness are also significant, but often overlooked, factors in a social work response to environmental disasters. Ecological and ecofeminist theories give a direction for social work theory and practice in the postdisaster space. The article challenges social workers to reconsider the person-in-the-environment as a complex and critical emerging domain of social work theories and practice, a domain where gender awareness is fundamental.     

State of the science on prevention of elder abuse and lessons learned from child abuse and domestic violence prevention: Toward a conceptual framework for research

ABSTRACT

The goal of this review is to discuss the state of the science in elder abuse prevention. Findings from evidence-based programs to reduce elder abuse are discussed, drawing from findings and insights from evidence-based programs for child maltreatment and domestic/intimate partner violence. A conceptual measurement model for the study of elder abuse is presented and linked to possible measures of risk factors and outcomes. Advances in neuroscience in child maltreatment and novel measurement strategies for outcome assessment are presented.     

Student Drinking-Related Problems in an Urban Campus: Implications for Research and Prevention

Abstract

Objective: Researchers who study the etiology of college drinking typically employ measures of alcohol-use behaviors as outcomes; however, relatively little is known about the properties of alcohol-related problems (AP). This study aims to develop a single continuous measure of AP. Participants: The sample included 531 undergraduate college students who were surveyed in March 2007. Methods: The Rasch model was employed for dichotomous variables to analyze the measurement properties of 17 AP items. Results: Although issues with respect to differentiation at low levels of problem severity were identified, based on most strategies, the Rasch-based scale was shown to be a valid and reliable measure of AP among college students. Conclusions: Although there may be some need for slight modification and adjustment in the future, the AP scale developed here can potentially serve as a useful measure for etiological and prevention research.     

An exploratory factor model of social area analysis

Social ecology theory promotes the idea that the social structure of any given area influences the behavior of the social group in that area. One model of ecological theory is Shevky and Bell's social area analysis, which presents three constructs to describe and measure urban differences. Shevky and Bell label these constructs social rank, urbanization, and segregation. However, the measures (and labels) originally proposed by Shevky and Bell have been altered across repeated applications. This study is a test of the validity of the three‐construct model using variables popular in current research. The results of this study reveal that a four‐factor model provides a better fit, suggesting that a revision of social area analysis theory is in order.     

Between love and behaviour management: the psychodynamic reflective milieu at the Mulberry Bush School

ABSTRACT

This article presents findings from a qualitative research study of the Mulberry Bush School (MBS), a therapeutic residential primary school caring for children with severe social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The article notes the challenges of working with children who have experienced traumatic relationship breakdown, and reviews ideas and practices developed at MBS to support the children’s development. There is a discussion of the research study’s methodology and main findings. The researchers argue that the therapeutic milieu at MBS maintains a creative tension between a secure, playful context and one where emotional disorder and disturbance are not suppressed. The study describes how a particular psychodynamic model of reflective practice has been successfully instituted at MBS to create a ‘staff therapeutic milieu’ supporting the group living and group learning through which therapy principally occurs. The article closes with comments on the applicability of this model to residential child care practice generally.     

Research of stroke combined hyperlipidemia-induced erectile dysfunction in rat model

Abstract

Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate the influences of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model of stroke combined with hyperlipidemia (HLP).

Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control and hyperlipidemia (HLP) groups. HLP model was constructed by feeding with high-fat and cholesterol diets. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and non-HDL were identified to check the model was success. Stroke model was established by FeCl₃. ICP/MAP value was detected to evaluate the erectile function of rats. Serum level of lipoproteins and the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by ELISA. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining of corpus cavernosum and measurement of penis length were utilized to assessment erectile function. Western blot was used.

Results: TC, TG, LDL, and non-HDL-C in serum were up-regulated, while HDL level was attenuated. After treatment, the serum lipid level recovered. From the ICP/MAP values, the erectile function of both two treatment groups recovered. The expression of PDE5A was up-regulated, while the levels of eNOS and cGMP were suppressed after surgery. The length of penis was decreased, and corpus cavernosum was damaged following HLP and stroke. However, the erectile function was recovered after treatment.

Conclusion: Stroke combined HLP caused ED through NO-cGMP-PDE5 pathway.     

Research Knowledge Assessment: A Study of MSW Students’ Acquisition and Retention of Research Knowledge

ABSTRACT

In response to the need for meaningful data about student learning in research courses, we developed and implemented the Research Knowledge Assessment instrument to measure MSW student acquisition, application, and retention of research knowledge over a 3-year period across the research curriculum. Initial findings indicated that students entered the foundation research methods course with little research knowledge, gained some knowledge during the course but not at an acceptable level, and lost 22% of the gain by the beginning of the concentration research course. The greatest knowledge acquisition was in sampling and the least in theory and question development. Knowledge acquisition was associated with not having a BSW and not having adjunct faculty as a research instructor.