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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the presence of psychological barriers both in the main stock market indices of the Baltic states and the most actively traded individual stocks. A psychological barrier refers to a specific price point, often at round numbers (i.e. powers of 10), that investors believe is challenging to breach, influencing their behavior and trading decisions. Design/methodology/approach: We conduct uniformity tests and barrier tests, such as barrier proximity tests and barrier hump tests, to evaluate the presence of psychological barriers. Additionally, we explore variations in means and variances near these potential barriers using regression and GARCH analysis. Findings: The findings reveal that psychological barriers do exist in the Baltic stock markets, particularly within market indices. The Estonian market index stands out with the most pronounced indications of psychological barriers. Individual stocks also display significant changes in means and variances related to potential barriers, albeit with less uniformity. Practical implications: Collectively, our findings challenge the traditional assumption of random returns within the Baltic stock markets. For practitioners, the finding that psychological barriers exist opens up opportunities for investment strategies that can capitalize on them. Originality/value: This study is the first to comprehensively investigate psychological barriers in the Baltic stock markets. Our results provide a valuable contribution to understanding the impact of that phenomenon on pricing dynamics, which is particularly pertinent in less-researched frontier markets like the Baltic states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to culturally adapt the "Dragons of Inaction Psychological Barriers" scale developed by Lacroix and her colleagues (Lacroix et al., 2019) in the Canadian context, and measure the construct validity good-fit-indexes of the standard model consisting of five psychological barriers and their stability in the Arab environment. The study also sought to identify differences in the validity and stability indicators of the standard model for both male and female samples and differences in psychological barriers to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts due to education level, age, and social status. The sample consisted of (497) adults in Saudi Arabia, aged between (27– 55) years (37.96 ± 7.88 years), with (279) males and (218) females. The "Dragons of Inaction Psychological Barriers (DIPB)" scale was applied to the study sample, developed by Lacroix et al. (2019) and adapted by the researcher for the Arab context in this study. The results indicated that the scale has good validity and stability indicators for both dimensions and the overall scale. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the standard five-factor model of psychological barriers had good of-fit construct validity indexes, with no differences between male and female standard models in terms of validity and stability indexes, as both showed good validity and stability. Additionally, the Bayesian independent samples t-test showed differences in psychological barriers to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts due to education level, age group, and social status. Based on these findings, the study recommended the urgent need to measure the psychological barriers to interpret the gap between individuals' attitudes towards climate change and the actions they take to mitigate it, to develop plans and policies based on scientific evidence. It also recommended the importance of designing programs to reduce these psychological barriers among individuals.

The rising phenomenon of obesity, a major risk factor for the development and progression of type 2 diabetes, is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to be prevented and managed. Although novel pharmacological measures to combat obesity have achieved unprecedented efficacy, a healthy lifestyle remains essential for the long‐term success of any therapeutic intervention. However, this requires a high level of intrinsic motivation and continued behavioural changes in the face of multiple metabolic, psychological and environmental factors promoting weight gain, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes. This review is intended to provide practical recommendations in the context of a holistic, person‐centred approach to weight management, including evidence‐based and expert recommendations addressing supportive communication, shared decision‐making, as well as nutritional and pharmacological therapeutic approaches to achieve sustained weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue is an arboviral infection found in tropical and subtropical regions transmitted by hematophagous mosquitoes from the genus Aedes spp. and responsible for millions of cases every year. Public campaigns and educational curriculum are designed to educate people, including children. However, what has been reported is that many decide not to follow these guidelines, even though they allegedly know what has to be done. To understand this phenomenon, this study aims to identify psychological barriers behind the adoption of pro-environmental behaviors that seek to reduce Aedes aegypti’s population. For that, middle school students participated on two studies responsible for (1) adapting the Dragons of Inaction Psychological Barrier (DIPB) scale to the target group (n = 150) and then (2) testing it on a larger group (n = 449). In the exploratory factor analysis, Bartlett correlation (p

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and potential disability. While pharmacological treatments are central to managing RA, physical activity plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes. This article explores the influence of physical activity on RA, detailing its benefits, challenges, and best practices. Physical activity offers numerous benefits for RA patients, including reduced pain, improved joint function, enhanced physical mobility, and better mental health. Regular exercise also mitigates the risk of cardiovascular disease, improves bone density, and contributes to overall quality of life. Suitable forms of physical activity for RA patients include low-impact aerobic exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, balance training, and mind-body practices like yoga and Tai Chi. Despite these benefits, RA patients face challenges in engaging in physical activity, such as pain, fatigue, and psychological barriers. Properly tailored exercise programs, guided by healthcare professionals, can help overcome these challenges, ensuring that patients can safely incorporate physical activity into their management plans. This article highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, integrating physical activity with conventional RA treatments, to optimize patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life.

The expanding field of cyberpreneurship presents both possibilities and challenges to potential entrepreneurs. This study investigates the interaction of variables affecting cyberpreneurship adoption, with a particular emphasis on functional, psychological, and organizational barriers. The study uses the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to analyze a dataset of 384 survey responses, investigating the barriers to cyberpreneurship adoption. The findings demonstrate the significant and direct impact of functional barriers on the adoption of the psychological barrier and cyberpreneurship. However, its effect on organizational barriers is negative. Psychological barriers have a significant influence on cyberpreneurship adoption, while organizational barriers do not have a statistically significant. The significant nature of the mediating effect of psychological barriers is evident in the relationship between functional barriers and cyberpreneurship adoption. While the moderating effect of education on the association between functional and psychological barriers was shown to be statistically negligible, it has a substantial impact on the relationship between functional barriers, organizational barriers, and cyberpreneurship adoption. This study highlights the importance of addressing psychological and organizational barriers to promote cyberpreneurship, offering valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and aspiring cyberpreneurs.

Introduction: Participating in physical activity is crucial for the holistic development and well-being of children and adolescents. Research has shown that physical activity enhances metabolic, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, psychosocial, and cognitive health. Among children and adolescents, it also improves cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and consistent engagement leads to reduced adiposity in overweight individuals. Aim: To explore the motivators and barriers to physical activity among adolescents. Materials and Methods: The study employs a qualitative phenomenological approach, utilising the Colaizzi method for data analysis. A total of 15 participants were selected via purposive sampling, and in-depth interviews were conducted from March to July 2023 in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, India. Ethical considerations were observed, with participants providing informed consent. Results: The main themes were identified and categorised into motivators and barriers. Barriers include lack of time, access to fitness classes, interest or motivation, social support, psychological barriers and cost. Motivators encompass improved physical health, mental well-being, physical appearance, self-confidence, athletic and academic performance and a strong immune system. Conclusion: The study identified financial concerns, limited access to fitness classes, lack of interest or motivation, and inadequate social support as major barriers to physical activity. Motivators include a healthy immune system, improved physical health, mental well-being, self-confidence, and enhanced academic and athletic performance. To increase adolescent physical activity, it is essential to address academic demands and incorporate physical activity courses into the curriculum. Parental involvement in education and the use of effective motivational strategies are crucial.

Consolidating strategies in the banking sector to reduce the impact of resistance barriers to technological innovation can bring brands closer to older people, thus reinforcing the brand value of banking institutions; therefore, the objective of this research was to identify the incidence of resistance barriers to technological innovation on the dimensions of brand equity in the banking sector by elderly people. For this purpose, a descriptive correlational study was developed with 502 elderly people living in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, aged between 60 and 80 years old. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire applied in person, which was adjusted and validated based on the information obtained. The questionnaire assessed brand equity components of brand image and awareness, brand associations, perceived quality and performance, and brand loyalty, and included items to assess psychological and functional barriers. A confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were developed for the different barriers of resistance to technology and for the dimensions of brand equity, identifying that the different types of resistance to innovation affect only the dimensions of brand awareness and brand importance. The results lead to the conclusion that elderly people experience different barriers to using the technological applications of their banking products and that the design of these applications must consider them in order to achieve or maintain brand recognition in this segment, as well as to achieve true financial inclusion for elderly people.

Introduction: Participating in physical activity is crucial for the holistic development and well-being of children and adolescents. Research has shown that physical activity enhances metabolic, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, psychosocial, and cognitive health. Among children and adolescents, it also improves cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and consistent engagement leads to reduced adiposity in overweight individuals. Aim: To explore the motivators and barriers to physical activity among adolescents. Materials and Methods: The study employs a qualitative phenomenological approach, utilising the Colaizzi method for data analysis. A total of 15 participants were selected via purposive sampling, and in-depth interviews were conducted from March to July 2023 in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, India. Ethical considerations were observed, with participants providing informed consent. Results: The main themes were identified and categorised into motivators and barriers. Barriers include lack of time, access to fitness classes, interest or motivation, social support, psychological barriers and cost. Motivators encompass improved physical health, mental well-being, physical appearance, self-confidence, athletic and academic performance and a strong immune system. Conclusion: The study identified financial concerns, limited access to fitness classes, lack of interest or motivation, and inadequate social support as major barriers to physical activity. Motivators include a healthy immune system, improved physical health, mental well-being, self-confidence, and enhanced academic and athletic performance. To increase adolescent physical activity, it is essential to address academic demands and incorporate physical activity courses into the curriculum. Parental involvement in education and the use of effective motivational strategies are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurial orientation significantly influences business financial performance, particularly in global markets, making it pivotal across economies. Developed nations provide a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, supported by educational systems and skill development programs. Conversely, in developing countries, cultural and social disparities create unique challenges, shaping entrepreneurial intentions. Psychological barriers such as risk aversion, fear of failure, and resistance to change hinder potential entrepreneurs, particularly in health science faculties. A study conducted in Turkey aimed to explore these barriers among health science students. Data collected from 788 students revealed that psychological factors explained 72% of entrepreneurial intentions. Regression analysis confirmed the significance of risk avoidance, fear of failure, attitude towards change, and stress avoidance in shaping intentions. Despite these barriers, heightened entrepreneurial intentions among health students were associated with greater success in overcoming obstacles. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing psychological barriers in fostering innovative and entrepreneurial healthcare professionals. By understanding these dynamics, educational institutions, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners can better support the development of an entrepreneurial healthcare workforce. The intersection of healthcare and entrepreneurship presents opportunities for transformative solutions, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the healthcare sector. Despite challenges, emerging trends suggest a growing interest in leveraging innovation for positive change in healthcare, highlighting the potential for impactful contributions to the industry's evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Career choice research has attracted the attention of recruiters and young graduates. The study aims to investigate the psychological factors that influence college students’ employment choices. As a result, data for the study were gathered from 250 final-year college students in China via an online questionnaire survey. The study identified the psychological barriers faced by college students during job interviews through interviews with 120 h recruiters. The SPPS tool is used for data analysis. The study identified personal interest, self-efficacy, and self- esteem; social responsibilities; confidence; professional development opportunities; and future orientation as the important psychological factors that influence the career choice of college students. The study also found that the barriers faced by the college students during the interview were anxiety, inferiority complex, cowardice, and pride. Therefore, the study suggests that the college provides job-oriented training for college students’ employment choices. The college should take the initiative to provide students with career opportunities and proper training to avoid psychological barriers during interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to verify the proposed model of the effect of self-efficacy as a mediating variable in the relationship between psychological barriers and the quality of social relationships.by identifying the effect of psychological barriers on selfefficacy and the quality of social relationships, the effect of self-efficacy on the quality of social relationships, and the effect of psychological barriers on the quality of social relationships through Self-efficacy as a mediating variable, as well as effect of psychological barriers (the independent variable) on self- revealing the efficacy (the mediating variable) and the quality of social relationships (the dependent variable) by gender (males - females), The research sample consisted of (300) university students aged from (19 to 22) with an arithmetic mean of (20.95) and a standard deviation of (0.93). The researcher used a measure of psychological barriers prepared by the "researcher," a measure of self-efficacy prepared by the "researcher," and a measure of the quality of social relationships prepared by the "researcher." Using the program (Amos, 26), the research variables were formed to include a structural model that explains the causal relationships (effects) between psychological and The barriers as an independent variable, and self-efficacy as a mediating variable quality of social relationships as a dependent variable in the research sample. The results showed the effect of psychological barriers on self-efficacy and also on the quality of social relationships, There is a statistically significant effect of psychological obstacles on the quality of social relationships through selfefficacy. And there aren't statistically significant differences between males and females in the relationships between the research variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consolidating strategies in the banking sector to reduce the impact of resistance barriers to technological innovation can bring brands closer to older people, thus reinforcing the brand value of banking institutions; therefore, the objective of this research was to identify the incidence of resistance barriers to technological innovation on the dimensions of brand equity in the banking sector by elderly people. For this purpose, a descriptive correlational study was developed with 502 elderly people living in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, aged between 60 and 80 years old. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire applied in person, which was adjusted and validated based on the information obtained. The questionnaire assessed brand equity components of brand image and awareness, brand associations, perceived quality and performance, and brand loyalty, and included items to assess psychological and functional barriers. A confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were developed for the different barriers of resistance to technology and for the dimensions of brand equity, identifying that the different types of resistance to innovation affect only the dimensions of brand awareness and brand importance. The results lead to the conclusion that elderly people experience different barriers to using the technological applications of their banking products and that the design of these applications must consider them in order to achieve or maintain brand recognition in this segment, as well as to achieve true financial inclusion for elderly people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the extensive interest in cryptocurrencies over the past years, their application as a means of payment in e‐commerce and retail purchases continues to be much slower than anticipated. This paper investigates the underlying mechanisms and elements that drive consumer resistance in this space. Drawing upon the stimulus‐organism‐response paradigm and the innovation resistance theory, the paper explores how the characteristics of the current cryptocurrency landscape contribute to different factors associated with crypto‐payment rejection. Our findings from empirical and experimental studies reveal how ecosystem volatility and the lack of structural assurances for cryptocurrencies foster negative consumer perceptions, leading to resistance against crypto‐payment use. The paper develops new insights into the main predictors of consumer resistance to crypto‐payment, which is a precursor to the mainstream use of cryptocurrencies. Moreover, it sheds light on the interactions among context‐specific, psychological, and functional determinants of behavioral consumer response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to gain insight into psychological barriers toward initiation of strong opioid analgesic use in patients with advanced recurrent cancer. Methods: This study included 46 patients who were prescribed with opioid analgesics for advanced recurrent cancer. The primary outcome was psychological barriers assessed using the Japanese version of the Barriers Questionnaire-II (JBQ-II). The secondary outcomes were psychological changes and pain relief one week after the induction of strong opioid analgesics. Results: The mean age of participants was 63.6 years. Furthermore, 26.1% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of ?3. The mean JBQ-II total score was 1.97 (95% confidence interval: 1.75?2.19). At the initiation of opioid therapy, there was no difference in the total scores between the baseline and one week later. Nevertheless, there was a significant difference in the subscale ?disease progression? score (mean 2.97 vs. 2.59, difference in means 0.38, standard error 0.16, p?=?0.026). Personalized Pain Goal (PPG) was achieved in about half of the participants, and a trend toward a higher score in the subscale ?harmful effects? (concern about adverse events) was observed in those who did not achieve PPG. Conclusion: This study showed that patients with advanced recurrent cancer have psychological barriers to opioid induction. The relationship between the presence of psychological barriers before and after induction of opioid analgesics and the speed of pain improvement was determined. The results may provide fundamental information for prospective intervention studies to develop individualized education programs for patients with psychological barriers to opioids. Clinical Trial Registration Number UMIN000042443.

This research investigates the extent to which sponsorships can be utilised to foster trust and reduce barriers to adopting new technologies. Using Crypto.com's sponsorship of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the context, this mixed‐methods study utilises innovation resistance theory (IRT) and trust transfer theory (TTT) to investigate the extent to which such a sponsorship can increase trust and reduce barriers in innovative technologies such as cryptoassets, while also filling a research gap concerning consumer resistance to innovations in digital financial products and services. The findings of study 1, using a survey (n = 1081), and study 2 using interviews (n = 24) reveal that a positive image of sponsorship significantly influences favourability and interest, and trust of the product of the sponsor which subsequently reduces psychological barriers to adoption. Integrating the theoretical viewpoints of IRT and TTT, this study enhances our conceptual understanding regarding the psychological dimension of sponsorship and the extent to which a sponsorship generates interest, giving assurance and trust in the sponsor's product, and removing uncertainty; thus, reducing barriers to adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Orientation: The study delves into technological acceptance within South African organisations, identifying psychological factors influencing employees’ willingness to adopt technology. Barriers to technology adoption are explored, emphasising the universal relevance of identified psychological constructs. Research purpose: To understand the psychological barriers influencing successful technological adoption in South African organisations. Motivations for the study: High failure rates in tech-implementation projects are linked to employee resistance, revealing a crucial gap in understanding psychological dynamics. Recognising human factors as pivotal to technological success, there is a need to transcend technical aspects, exploring individual experiences during organisational transitions. Research approach/design and method: Using a qualitative approach with non-random snowball sampling, 17 South African employees were interviewed in a semi-structured manner. Thematic analysis revealed specific categories of psychological barriers. Main findings: Identified barriers proved to be the antithesis of positive psychological constructs, including lack of psychological safety, lack of organisational trust, lack of psychological availability, negative emotions, low self-efficacy and low frustration tolerance. The presence of these barriers, hindering participants’ willingness to adopt new technologies. Practical/managerial implications: Organisations are advised to prioritise fostering a culture of psychological safety and trust, transparent communication and positive emotional experiences during technology adoption at the individual level. Training programmes enhancing self-efficacy and promoting mindfulness practices can mitigate barriers. Contribution/value-add: This research stresses the significance of the role of psychological factors in inhibiting an employee’s technological acceptance, providing practical guidance for industrial psychologists, HR professionals and change managers. The need to consider individual experiences during technological transitions, has universal implications across diverse workplaces.

In Japan, the “family pharmacist” system was established as a policy measure for the rapid aging of society. However, pharmacists have not always been positive about utilizing the system, partly owing to the problem of patient co-payments. We developed an educational program for young pharmacists to deepen their understanding of the care they can provide as a “family pharmacist” and the patients who need such care and verified its effectiveness. In response to the spread of COVID-19, the educational program was fully web-based, and the assignment was repeated three times after viewing the video. Educational effectiveness was verified by measuring changes in pharmacists’ awareness of the program. After attending the program, scores on psychological barriers that exist before providing care, such as “I don’t know how to ask for consent” and “I don’t know how to explain the cost of care,” were reduced. The results suggest that the program is effective in educating pharmacists to be able to provide care as a family pharmacist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even if there is an increasing public awareness of biodiversity loss, there still is the need to improve individuals’ behaviours in favour of biodiversity conservation, such as composting or buying pollinator-friendly plants. Why do individuals who know about the risks of biodiversity loss, not change their lifestyles to promote biodiversity? The main aim of this paper is to empirically identify the psychological barriers to biodiversity conservation behaviours, with a specific attention to individuals’ perception of the psychological distance of biodiversity loss. To this purpose, 270 individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire. Data demonstrated that six main psychological barriers prevent behavioural change, depending on individuals’ perceived psychological distance as well as on the specific features of the behaviour considered. Our findings constitute a significant theoretical complement to previous research on behavioural change to respond to environmental threats, as it specifically investigates the psychological barriers resulting in citizens’ inaction with regard to biodiversity loss. Furthermore, our paper offers advice for policy-makers, deciding bodies, and associations involved in biodiversity conservation on the cognitive barriers that they might be confronted to when addressing citizens and promoting their engagement in individual and collective actions in favour of the environment.

Introduction. The article discusses the psychological barriers that arise in the study of a foreign language among secondary school students, modern teaching methods to overcome psychological barriers. The article also analyzes the study results of the possibility of overcoming psychological barriers that arise when learning a foreign language with the help of communicative training. Recommendations are offered for the prevention and overcoming of psychological barriers that arise when learning a foreign language among schoolchildren. Literature review. The article provides a theoretical analysis of approaches to the study of psychological barriers that arise in the study of foreign languages. Particular attention is paid to Stephen Krashen's affective filters: confidence, motivation and anxiety. The factors of occurrence of psychological barriers in learning a foreign language among students are also considered. Research methods. At the ascertaining and control stages of the study, we used the "Language Barriers" methodology of the Center for Language Psychology. The purpose of the methodology: to determine the nature of the difficulties that students face in the process of learning foreign languages. At the formative stage, a communicative training was developed and introduced into the educational process to overcome the psychological barriers of schoolchildren. Research results. Analysis of the results of the ascertaining stage of the study allowed us to conclude that students have an increased level of barriers, difficulties in understanding foreign speech, do not always understand the meaning of sentences, find it difficult to use a foreign language, etc. The use of communicative training, gaming technologies in foreign lessons improved performance on all affective filters (anxiety, motivation, confidence), reduced psychological barriers, reduced fear of difficulties and improved students' attitude to the school discipline "English", create a positive attitude to its study, stimulating the independent speech-thinking activity of students. Conclusions. The results of the study led to the conclusion that communicative training, gaming technologies are effective methods for overcoming psychological difficulties and barriers that arise when learning foreign languages.

Background: Promptly identifying individuals with addictive disorders reduces mortality and morbidity and improves quality of life. Although screening in primary care with the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral Treatment strategy has been recommended since 2008, it remains underutilized. This may be due to barriers including lack of time, patient reluctance or perhaps the timing and approach for discussing addiction with their patients. Objective: This study aims to explore and cross-analyze patient and addiction specialist experiences and opinions about early addictive disorder screening in primary care to identify interaction-related screening obstacles. Design and participants: Qualitative study with purposive maximum variation sampling among nine addiction specialists and eight individuals with addiction disorders conducted between April 2017 and November 2019 in Val-de-Loire, France. Main Measures: Using a grounded theory approach, verbatim data was collected from face-to-face interviews with addiction specialists and individuals with addiction disorders. These interviews explored their opinions and experiences with addiction screening in primary care. Initially, two independent investigators analyzed the coded verbatim according to the data triangulation principle. Secondly, convergences and divergences between addiction specialist and addict verbatim categories were identified, analyzed, and conceptualized. Key Results: Four main interaction-related obstacles to early addictive disorder screening in primary care were identified and conceptualized: the new concepts of shared self-censorship and the patient's personal red line, issues not addressed during consultations, and opposition between how physicians and patients would like to approach addictive disorder screening. Conclusions: To continue analysis of addictive disorder screening dynamics, further studies to examine the perspectives of all those involved in primary care are required. The information revealed from these studies will provide ideas to help patients and caregivers start discussing addiction and to help implement a collaborative team-based care approach. Trial registration: This study is registered with the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) under No. 2017–093. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The article represents the results of research into the success of the students who are preparing themselves for teaching activity in the nearest future while obtaining their professional education. The aim of this research is to examine the notion of professional success, with the focus on the cognitive component of this process through the prism of purpose in life. Methods. In accordance with a developed theoretical model of the professional success achieved by a person, empirical research was carried out on a sample of the future primary school teachers with the focus on the cognitive component. To realise the purpose and objectives of the paper, a set of tests (the Test of the Life-Sense Orientations; the Purpose-in-Life Test (PIL); and a questionnaire of early childhood decisions, etc. were used as diagnostic tools to find out the correlation between components of professional success. Statistical correlation was analysed with the use of Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results. The results of the correlation analysis between the indicators of personal readiness for change and the scenarios show a reversed two-way correlation between the indicators of the Confidence scale and the attributes "Don't be, don't be alive", "Don't be yourself", "Be excellent"; between the metrics of the "Passion" scale and the "Don't grow up", "Don't be yourself". Conclusion. It was found that meaningful orientations of the future primary school teachers and scenario settings like "Do Not Get Close, Don't Love, Don't Feel, Be Perfect, Try, function as psychological barriers to achieving professional success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even if there is an increasing public awareness of biodiversity loss, there still is the need to improve individuals' behaviours in favour of biodiversity conservation, such as composting or buying pollinator-friendly plants. Why do individuals who know about the risks of biodiversity loss, not change their lifestyles to promote biodiversity? The main aim of this paper is to empirically identify the psychological barriers to biodiversity conservation behaviours, with a specific attention to individuals' perception of the psychological distance of biodiversity loss. To this purpose, 270 individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire. Data demonstrated that six main psychological barriers prevent behavioural change, depending on individuals' perceived psychological distance as well as on the specific features of the behaviour considered. Our findings constitute a significant theoretical complement to previous research on behavioural change to respond to environmental threats, as it specifically investigates the psychological barriers resulting in citizens' inaction with regard to biodiversity loss. Furthermore, our paper offers advice for policy-makers, deciding bodies, and associations involved in biodiversity conservation on the cognitive barriers that they might be confronted to when addressing citizens and promoting their engagement in individual and collective actions in favour of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate paradox is evident in the huge amount of inaction or disagreement to change despite an increasing awareness of climate change and the setting of ambitious collective action goals. This study examines the unique perceptions of the communities of the relatively underexplored coastal Maharashtra state of India. Cognitive, sociocultural, and affective factors leading to the climate risk perception were analyzed, and potential adaptation strategies in the local capacity of the communities were also identified. Region-specific psychological and structural barriers to adaptive efforts of the communities were identified, and their relations were thoroughly studied. Focused group discussions were conducted to explore the issues, and thematic content analysis was used to analyze the dominant themes and patterns from the discourse. Data is analyzed using a unique blend of critical sociopsychological, structural, and politico-ecological perspectives. Uncertainty, lack of knowledge, implicatory denial, and perceived inequity were identified as the psychological impediments arising from the structural inequalities faced. Removal of these barriers requires increased adaptive capacity, which can be achieved through the development and linking of local knowledge-based systems to global objectives, network building, and socio-behavioral interventions. Every theme studied is articulated in a region-specific sociocultural context and supported with relevant literature. The results of the study point toward the bottom-up approach to adaptation strategies, suggesting the consideration of the perspectives of the most vulnerable communities involved--insights into the power structures in ascertaining the adaptation strategies and ethical dimensions of the same further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural innovation is pivotal for enabling cleaner production within the sector. Nonetheless, smallholder farmers in the Global South encounter functional and psychological challenges impeding innovation adoption efforts. Existing literature tends to narrowly focus on common barriers associated with individual innovations, often limiting the broader significance of psychological hindrances. This study takes a unique approach by delving primarily into the realm of psychological barriers, encompassing internal challenges that impede adoption, and explores external support strategies to overcome such hindrances. A multi-stakeholder approach was employed to gather validated insights based on data from eighteen semi-structured interviews involving rice farmers and agricultural technology companies. Research findings revealed that trust, effort, attitudinal, and normative barriers are prominent psychological hindrances to innovation adoption. To this effect, pertinent enabling factors and overcoming strategies should demonstrate clear benefits, infuse trust, reduce effort requirements, and develop human capital. This research is among the first to demystify and categorise psychological barriers and corresponding overcoming strategies into an integrated framework. The resulting framework allows for a novel and comprehensive analysis of the potential strategies to overcome the psychological barriers collectively, a complex issue involving interrelations and hidden dynamics that are challenging to explore otherwise. This study contributes to the Innovation Resistance Theory through its application within the context of smallholder farmers and leads to implications to expedite the transformation towards a more sustainable and innovative agriculture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanding field of cyberpreneurship presents both possibilities and challenges to potential entrepreneurs. This study investigates the interaction of variables affecting cyberpreneurship adoption, with a particular emphasis on functional, psychological, and organizational barriers. The study uses the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to analyze a dataset of 384 survey responses, investigating the barriers to cyberpreneurship adoption. The findings demonstrate the significant and direct impact of functional barriers on the adoption of the psychological barrier and cyberpreneurship. However, its effect on organizational barriers is negative. Psychological barriers have a significant influence on cyberpreneurship adoption, while organizational barriers do not have a statistically significant. The significant nature of the mediating effect of psychological barriers is evident in the relationship between functional barriers and cyberpreneurship adoption. While the moderating effect of education on the association between functional and psychological barriers was shown to be statistically negligible, it has a substantial impact on the relationship between functional barriers, organizational barriers, and cyberpreneurship adoption. This study highlights the importance of addressing psychological and organizational barriers to promote cyberpreneurship, offering valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and aspiring cyberpreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Communication barriers in medical education can impede learning. Understanding these barriers from students' perspectives is crucial for developing effective solutions. The objectives of this study were to identify the barriers to communication in undergraduate medical education and their solutions from students' perspectives as well as to determine the demographic factors associated with these barriers. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2018 to July 2019 among undergraduate students at a medical college in Karnataka. Using a stratified sampling method, data was collected from 400 students via a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between demographic factors and barriers to communication. Results Students identified several communication barriers, primarily in the domains of language, environment, psychology, and teacher-related issues. Key barriers in theory classes included the use of medical jargon, overcrowding, faulty microphones, absent-mindedness, peer pressure, fast-paced teaching, monotonous sessions, and information overload. In practical classes, barriers were overcrowding, absent-mindedness, and fast-paced teaching, and for clinical case discussions, barriers included difficulty understanding the local language, overcrowding, and leg pain. Proposed solutions by students for theory classes included simpler explanations, smaller batches, microphone maintenance, interactive lectures, and breaks between classes. For practical classes, solutions were smaller practical batches, interactive sessions, and simpler explanations of topics, while for case discussion, solutions included optional local language classes, smaller groups, and better seating arrangements. Conclusion This study highlights key communication barriers in medical education and underscores the influence of demographic factors such as gender and academic year. The solutions proposed by the students are practical and could enhance communication and the overall educational experience if implemented in medical colleges across India., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Yenepoya Ethics Committee 1 issued approval 2018/102. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: This study was supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Short-Term Studentship (STS) program, grant number 2018-02334. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Bommeri et al.)

How do individuals rationalize the cognitive dissonance between their environmental awareness and the maintenance of environmentally unfriendly behaviors? The main goal is to explore the rationalization strategies used by individuals in order to maintain their current behaviors. The secondary goal is to understand if it is possible to induce cognitive consonance, and how this influences intention to change. We present a study (N = 222) with three experimental conditions: inconsistency, control, and consistency. The method to induce inconsistency and consistency was inspired by the paradigm of induced hypocrisy. Results demonstrated that induced inconsistency elicits two main barriers in participants: considering the change as unnecessary, and perceiving to lack knowledge about how to change. Induced consistency elicits tokenism, resulting in a licensing effect. However, behavioral intentions did not differ among experimental groups. Results are discussed considering methodological limitations and possible intervening variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to identify the psychological barriers and their influence on the English language learning of College Students at PAN India level. The author had suggested that to study the Demographic profile of the college students and the factors related to the psychological barriers faced by them. For this study, it had been seen that the author had applied the frequency analysis and for the factoring it had been applied the descriptive study by applying the mean score and after that suggesting the best parameters out of all it. The total sample size that had been collected by the author for this study is 100 and the sampling technique that had been applied into it is non probabilistic convenient sampling. Out of this study it had been seen that the maximum number of college students covered under this study are belongs to the male category having their parent's family business and falling into the high income group of more than Rs. 1,00,000 per month and the psychological barriers for learning the English for the college students are stress, fear of failure, family pressure, inferiority complex and ego problems among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsunami risk was investigated as a platform for helping to understand the impact of community and psychological factors in natural disaster preparedness. Residents who lived within four meters of sea level in high and moderate tsunami risk areas of Vancouver Island were queried about possible influences on their preparation. Both community-level and psychological factors played significant roles. More community participation and fewer justifications for not preparing (the dragons of inaction) directly predicted reported preparation. The relation between sense of community and preparation was mediated by the level of community participation, and the relation between positive outcome expectancy and preparation was mediated by the dragons of inaction. Together, the resulting model accounted for 21% of the variance in reported tsunami preparation. Policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The present paper aims to understand the influence of consumer's functional, psychological and emotional barriers to the use of digital banking services. Design/methodology/approach – The authors carried out a quantitative study in which data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire. A final sample of 202 Brazilian adults, with and without experience in using digital banking services, enabled the test of research hypotheses by means of a structural equation modeling approach. Findings – The authors found statistical evidence that supports the hypothesis that psychological barriers, emotional barriers and user experience positively influence the resistance to the use of digital banking services. However, there is no empirical evidence supporting that the influence of functional barriers affects the resistance to the use of digital banking services. Practical implications – Efforts to understand the mechanisms that lead consumers to adopt or reject innovative products or services are important to prevent investments in these innovations, avoiding revenue failures. The results provide managerial implications by favoring the creation of communication programs capable of reducing the possibilities of innovation failure. Originality/value – The main theoretical contribution of this work is the identification of the predominant influence of emotional barriers, in comparison to functional barriers, on the resistance to innovation in digital banking services. Currently, the models that illustrate resistance to innovation tend to focus solely on functional aspects; however, these models can be improved by incorporating emotional aspects.

How do individuals rationalize the cognitive dissonance between their environmental awareness and the maintenance of environmentally unfriendly behaviors? The main goal is to explore the rationalization strategies used by individuals in order to maintain their current behaviors. The secondary goal is to understand if it is possible to induce cognitive consonance, and how this influences intention to change. We present a study (N = 222) with three experimental conditions: inconsistency, control, and consistency. The method to induce inconsistency and consistency was inspired by the paradigm of induced hypocrisy. Results demonstrated that induced inconsistency elicits two main barriers in participants: considering the change as unnecessary, and perceiving to lack knowledge about how to change. Induced consistency elicits tokenism, resulting in a licensing effect. However, behavioral intentions did not differ among experimental groups. Results are discussed considering methodological limitations and possible intervening variable.

Eric Arthur Blaire, who wrote under the pseudonym George Orwell, was an essayist, novelist, and the most celebrated critic who addressed the hottest issues of his time including imperialism, fascism, and communism. In the story Shooting an Elephant, though he himself represents the British Empire, he shows the true mentality of the imperial forces, practicing the same sort of tyranny that existed in world history over the last few decades. The researcher, in light of Edward Said's theory of imperialism and Peter M. Lewinsohn's theory of mental and clinical disorders, attempted to disclose the role of psychological barriers and the ever-changing circumstances in leading the protagonist to react in a way that finally made him hate his job. Under the mounting pressure of the crowd, and due to the pressing urge of the natives, Orwell, to safeguard the honour and prestige of the Empire and, in addition to it, to avoid looking a fool, pulls the trigger and does away with the elephant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recruiting participants for clinical trials poses challenges. Major barriers to participation include psychological factors (eg, fear and mistrust) and logistical constraints (eg, transportation, cost, and scheduling). The strategic design of clinical trial messaging can help overcome these barriers. While strategic communication can be done through various channels (eg, recruitment advertisements), health care providers on the internet have been found to be key sources for communicating clinical trial information to US adults in the social media era., Objective: This study aims to examine how communication source (ie, medical doctors and peers) and message framing of TikTok videos (ie, psychological and logistical framing) influence clinical trial-related attitudes, perceptions, and sign-up behaviors under the guidance of the integrated behavioral model., Methods: This study used a 2 (source: doctor vs peer) × 2 (framing: psychological vs logistical) between-participant factorial design web-based experiment targeting adults in the United States who had never participated in clinical trials (ie, newcomers). A Qualtrics panel was used to recruit and compensate the study respondents (n=561). Participants viewed short-form videos with doctors or peers, using psychological or logistical framing. The main outcome measures included perceived source credibility, self-efficacy, attitude toward clinical trial participation, behavioral intention, and sign-up behavior. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the direct and indirect effects of message factors on the outcome variables. Source (doctor=1; peer=0) and framing (psychological=1; logistical=0) were dummy-coded., Results: Doctor-featured messages led to greater perceived source credibility (β=.31, P<.001), leading to greater self-efficacy (95% CI 0.13-0.30), which in turn enhanced behavioral intention (95% CI 0.12-0.29) and clinical trial sign-up behavior (95% CI 0.02-0.04). Logistical barrier-framed messages led to greater self-efficacy (β=-.09, P=.02), resulting in higher intention to participate in clinical trials (95% CI -0.38 to -0.03) and improved sign-up behavior (95% CI -0.06 to -0.004). Logistical barrier-framed messages were also directly associated with an increased likelihood of signing up for a clinical trial (β=-.08, P=.03). The model accounted for 21% of the variance in clinical trial sign-up behavior. Attitude did not significantly affect behavioral intention in this study (β=.08, P=.14), and psychological and logistical barrier-framed messages did not significantly differ in attitudes toward clinical trial participation (β=-.04, P=.09)., Conclusions: These findings advance our understanding of how people process popular message characteristics in short-form videos and lend practical guidance for communicators. We encourage medical professionals to consider short-form video sites (eg, TikTok and Instagram Reels) as effective tools for discussing clinical trials and participation opportunities. Specifically, featuring doctors discussing efforts to reduce logistical barriers is recommended. Our measuring of actual behavior as an outcome is a rare and noteworthy contribution to this research., (©Sisi Hu, Ciera E Kirkpatrick, Namyeon Lee, Yoorim Hong, Sungkyoung Lee, Amanda Hinnant. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 15.08.2024.)

The present study aimed to identify psychological barriers which potentially prevent individuals from implementing collaborative car use in their every-day mobility behaviour. We suggested a model consisting of four psychological barriers: Autonomy Loss, Privacy Invasion, Interpersonal Distrust, and Data Misuse. Perceived Financial Benefit was included as a main incentive for collaborative car use. Using two samples, a community (N = 176) and a student sample (N = 265), three forms of peer-to-peer collaborative car use were examined: lending your own car to another private person (Lending To), renting a car from another private person (Renting From) and sharing rides with others (Ridesharing). For all three forms, a standardised questionnaire was developed which included the psychological barriers, self-reported collaborative car use intention and behaviour, and evaluations of scenarios. The results showed that different barriers predicted specific forms of collaborative car use: Autonomy Loss was connected negatively with Ridesharing and Privacy Invasion predicted Lending To negatively. Data Misuse was related negatively with Renting From, when the renting was arranged via internet. Interpersonal Distrust showed no predictive value for collaborative car use. Perceived Financial Benefit was a consistent incentive for all forms of collaborative car use. Overall, the results confirm the relevance of psychological barriers for collaborative car use. Practical implications to overcome the psychological barriers are discussed.

In the last year, the market of Bitcoin experienced one of the most turbulent times of its existence. In the last year, there were bull markets, bear markets, and sideways markets. This paper deals with the most apparent virtual currency, Bitcoin and the evidence of price clustering and the presence of psychological barriers of investors. The primary objective of this paper is to find out if the last digit and last two digits of the maximum (or minimum) price of Bitcoin tend to cluster around digit nine (or zero). Paper uses price clustering to determine if the theory of behavioural finance also implies conditions of the Bitcoin market, namely if investors in Bitcoin tend to see the resistance line when the maximum price ends with digit nine and if the minimum price with last digit 0 signals the support line. Results of the 2191 observations showed robust results in terms of support line, however not so unambiguously in the case of resistance line. The paper suggests that Bitcoin is changing its reputation as a solely speculative asset and transforming into a long-term investment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The post-1989 transition from a centrally planned economy to a free-market economy generated new investment opportunities in Poland, heavily impacted by computerization. The article analyses the genesis, course and effects of implementation of computerization in a cartographic publishing house which spent several decades operating on a typical Central and Eastern European market. It also highlights the multi-dimensional nature of this process, presenting it in the context of political and socio-economic changes. The author indicates that the factors hindering efficient implementation of computerization were the very qualities which in the past determined the enterprise’s market potential: a great reserve of source and technical materials for publishing maps, efficient technological facilities, experienced employees and the management who sought modernization, but underestimated the potential of computerization and had to deal with its own psychological barriers related to the issue.