Showing papers in "Current opinion in psychology in 2021"

The psychology of luxury consumption.

Abstract: This review synthesizes the latest advances in the psychology behind consumption of luxury objects and experiences to which people typically feel strongly attached. We discuss novel drivers, forms, and consequences of luxury consumption from recent research. We propose that the psychology of luxury consumption is governed by a set of tensions between what luxury means to the self and the external forces that define luxury consumption. These tensions shape consumer behavior, from the level of desire for luxury products and services, to the types of signals viewed as luxury and acquired and displayed as such, and to post-consumption consequences of consuming luxury. We discuss how this tension-based framework offers future opportunities for the study of the drivers, forms, and consequences of luxury consumption.

Behaviour change to address climate change

Abstract: Addressing climate change requires profound behaviour change, not only in consumer action, but also in action as members of communities and organisations, and as citizens who can influence policies. However, while many behavioural models exist to explain and predict mitigation and adaptation behaviours, we argue that their utility in establishing meaningful change is limited due to their being too reductive, individualistic, linear, deliberative and blind to environmental impact. This has led to a focus on suboptimal intervention strategies, particularly informational approaches. Addressing the climate crisis requires a focus on: high-impact behaviours and high-emitting groups; interdisciplinary interventions that address the multiple drivers, barriers and contexts of behaviour; and timing to ensure interventions are targeted to moments of change when habits are weaker.

Advances in immersive virtual reality interventions for mental disorders: A new reality?

Abstract: Immersive virtual reality (VR) has been identified as a potentially revolutionary tool for psychological interventions. This study reviews current advances in immersive VR-based therapies for mental disorders. VR has the potential to make psychiatric treatments better and more cost-effective and to make them available to a larger group of patients. However, this may require a new generation of VR therapeutic techniques that use the full potential of VR, such as embodiment, and self-led interventions. VR-based interventions are promising, but further well-designed studies are needed that use novel techniques and investigate efficacy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of VR interventions compared with current treatments. This will be crucial for implementation and dissemination of VR in regular clinical practice.

Gamification to prevent climate change: a review of games and apps for sustainability.

Abstract: Gamification, the application of game design principles to a nongaming context, has been used to promote pro-environmental behaviors. Such principles have been implemented in board games, team competitions, electronic games, smartphone apps, and in apps that researchers developed primarily to collect data. We review the games and apps that have been evaluated in empirical research in the last 5 years and provide a list of apps and games that have yet to be tested. Gamification has been used for sustainability education, energy reduction, transportation, air quality, waste management, and water conservation. Although we do not know yet why certain games and apps are more effective than others, gamification appears to be a promising avenue for preventing climate change.

Trends over time in adult cannabis use: A review of recent findings.

Abstract: In the United States, policies regarding the medical and nonmedical use of cannabis are changing rapidly. In 2021, a total of 34 US states have legalized cannabis for adult medical use, and 15 of these states have legalized adult non-medical use. These changing policies have raised questions about increasing prevalences of cannabis use, changing perceptions regarding frequent use, and potentially related outcomes such as comorbid psychiatric illness or driving under the influence of cannabis. Research regarding the correlates of any and frequent cannabis use is also developing quickly. This article reviews recent empirical studies concerning (1) adult trends in cannabis use, (2) state cannabis laws and related outcomes, and (3) emerging evidence regarding how the global coronavirus 19 pandemic may impact cannabis use patterns. We summarize recent findings and conclude with suggestions to address unanticipated effects of rapidly changing cannabis laws and policies.

Can positive and self-transcendent emotions promote pro-environmental behavior?

Abstract: Many scholars have suggested that people could improve their well-being by developing closer connections with nature and that this would also promote the sustainable behaviors needed to address climate change. Research generally corroborates this idea, but few studies have examined the more specific hypothesis that positive emotions (caused by nature or otherwise) can directly influence pro-environmental behaviors. In particular, self-transcendent emotions such as awe, compassion, and gratitude can be prompted by nature, and they seem to foster prosocial behaviors. Most pro-environmental behaviors are also prosocial; they require cooperation and they benefit others. Some recent studies suggest that self-transcendent emotions can cause pro-environmental behavior, although results are mixed overall. We identify strategies for future research to resolve these inconclusive suggestions.

Prosocial vaccination.

Abstract: Most vaccines not only directly protect vaccinated individuals but also provide a social benefit through community protection. Therefore, vaccination can be considered a prosocial act to protect others. We review the recent empirical evidence on (i) how prosocial concerns relate to vaccination intentions and (ii) promoting prosocial vaccination through explaining community protection or inducing concern for vulnerable others. The available evidence suggests that promoting the prosocial aspect of vaccinations could be a vaccination communication strategy to improve vaccine uptake. We point to several areas in which future research can test the boundary conditions of this approach and increase its effectiveness.

Employee green behaviour: How organizations can help the environment.

Abstract: Organizations are intrinsically involved in climate change – both in its causes and its solutions – and there has been a growing interest in the micro and macro factors that affect employee green behavior. On an employee-level, the literature stresses the importance of values and self-concordance. On an organizational level, in contrast, recent developments emphasize environmental dynamic capabilities, leadership and human resource management practices such as training. However, an interplay between such micro and macro factors suggests that organizational initiatives do not work uniformly but depend on employees’ environmentalism. We thus highlight the need for a dynamic systems perspective in researching all types of employee green behavior in organizations.

Self-harm in the context of borderline personality disorder.

Abstract: The present article gives a selective overview of recent studies on the role of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior in the context of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Previous research found self-harming behavior, particularly NSSI, to constitute an easily accessible marker in the early detection of individuals at risk of development of BPD. The review further summarizes studies that investigated inter-relations between BPD features and self-harming behavior over time. Mainly, affective instability has been shown to play a role in the maintenance of NSSI and the increased risk of suicidal behavior among individuals with BPD. Finally, results about the effectiveness of treatment programs on the reduction of self-harming behavior among individuals with BPD are presented.

The short-term and long-term effects of cannabis on cognition: recent advances in the field.

Abstract: The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent evidence for the short-term and long-term effects of cannabis on cognition. The evidence that cannabis intoxication is associated with short-term impairment across several basal cognitive domains, including learning and (episodic) memory, attentional control, and motor inhibition is increasing. However, evidence regarding the effects of long-term heavy cannabis use on cognition remains equivocal. Cannabis research suffers from difficulties in measuring cannabis exposure history, poor control over potential subacute effects, and heterogeneity in cognitive measures and sample composition. Multidisciplinary collaborations and investment in studies that help overcome these difficulties should be prioritized.

Youth marijuana use: a review of causes and consequences

Abstract: The legalization of medical and recreational marijuana has raised concerns about a potential increase in the availability and illegal use of marijuana by adolescent minors. To better understand the etiology, patterns, and consequences of adolescent marijuana use, this article reviews high quality, methodologically rigorous, longitudinal studies that focus on the role of personality factors such as sensation-seeking in the etiology of use, developmental trajectories of use and the effects of chronic use, potential gateway effects of marijuana on other illicit drugs, and its role in the onset of psychiatric disorders in adolescents and young adults. Implications are discussed in terms of mechanisms that account for initial and continued use of marijuana by adolescents, how use is associated with key developmental milestones and adult role socialization, and the potential of marijuana use during adolescence in furthering later drug involvement.

Objects and self-identity.

Abstract: This article reviews how objects can serve as indicators of one's identity and signals of important life events. Objects carry both personal and social meaning, and ownership or usage increases the linkage between the object and the self. Owned objects are valued more due to their linkage with the (positively viewed) self. Similarly, self-views can assimilate to the associations of the owned or used object. We rely on the insights of consistency theories (e.g. Balance Theory) to provide a unifying umbrella for the literature, and we review how the acquisition and abandonment of objects can shape self-views, affect task performance, and serve as inward and outward signals of group membership.

Person-specific networks in psychopathology: Past, present, and future.

Abstract: In the psychological network approach, mental disorders such as major depressive disorder are conceptualized as networks. The network approach focuses on the symptom structure or the connections between symptoms instead of the severity (i.e., mean level) of a symptom. To infer a person-specific network for a patient, time-series data are needed. By far the most common model to statistically model the person-specific interactions between symptoms or momentary states has been the vector autoregressive (VAR) model. Although the VAR model helps to bring psychological network theory into clinical research and closer to clinical practice, several discrepancies arise when we map the psychological network theory onto the VAR-based network models. These challenges and possible solutions are discussed in this review.

The Gateway Belief Model (GBM): A review and research agenda for communicating the scientific consensus on climate change.

Abstract: Empirical research on the Gateway Belief Model (GBM) has flourished in recent years. The model offers a dual-process account of how attitude change happens in response to normative cues about scientific agreement. A plethora of correlational and experimental evidence has emerged documenting the positive direct and indirect effects of communicating the scientific consensus on global warming. I review recent scholarship and argue that the next generation of research on the GBM should focus on better justifying the inclusion of moderators on both a theoretical and empirical level, explicitly manipulate motivations to process the consensus message, model how consensus cues operate in competitive information networks and test the model in field settings using causal chain experiments.

Psychological distance: How to make climate change less abstract and closer to the self.

Abstract: Scientists have been warning the world of the threatening consequences of climate change for decades Yet, only a few countries have made climate change mitigation a priority One of the chief issues regarding climate change is its abstractness: consequences for the collective in the long-term are much more abstract than consequences for the self in the here-and-now To combat climate change, individuals, communities, and governments must work together to reduce the psychological distance of climate change and designate the future of the planet as the prime concern

Anthropomorphism and object attachment.

Abstract: Anthropomorphism refers to seeing non-human objects as humans. Recent research suggests that anthropomorphizing objects could influence people's psychological and emotional bond with the objects. Anthropomorphism imbues non-human objects with human-like characteristics, alters people's relationship with the objects, and shift people's emotional and cognitive responses towards the objects. Based on the role played by the primary caregivers in shaping children's attachment to them, this article offers a resource-based analysis on how anthropomorphism provides resources to address people's needs in three domains: a sense of comfort and pleasantness, self-identity (i.e. individual self, relational self, collective self), and self-efficacy. We conclude with a discussion of anthropomorphism and object attachment as well as future research opportunities.

Recent developments in the social identity approach to the psychology of climate change.

Abstract: We review recent literature on the social psychology of climate change, focusing on the application of social identity theory and self-categorization theory. These two theories, together forming the social identity approach, point to ways in which collective identities influence responses to climate change. Recent research demonstrates that collective identities influence attitudes, beliefs and behavior relevant to climate change, and they do this through processes such as group norms and social influence, collective efficacy, and collective emotions. The SIA suggests that, in general, people are motivated to protect the identity and status of their ingroups. Indeed, recent studies find that groups who are of higher status, and thus have more to gain from protecting the status quo, tend to be less concerned about addressing climate change than lower status groups, who are more likely to be harmed by climate change. However, individuals from both high and low status groups will be more likely to work towards pro-environmental social change when they perceive current social systems that perpetuate climate change as illegitimate and when they can imagine cognitive alternatives to the status quo, where humans have a more sustainable relationship with nature.

The p factor and dimensional structural models of youth personality pathology and psychopathology

Abstract: The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a developing dimensional nosology which provides a joint framework for study of psychopathology and personality pathology. Dimensional structural models of psychopathology often include an overarching dimension of psychopathology (p factor) representing covariation among all forms of psychopathology. The p factor can be recovered in youth and adult samples, and has been found to relate to personality traits in similar ways in youth and adults. However, placement of personality pathology in an overarching psychopathology structure has almost exclusively been investigated in adults. We review evidence for the relationships between normal-range and pathological personality traits and psychopathology in adults and youth, ultimately making the case for study of a joint personality - psychopathology framework in youth.

Psychological ownership: implicit and explicit

Abstract: Object ownership changes how people perceive objects and self through psychological ownership-the feeling that a thing is MINE. Psychological ownership usually tracks legal ownership, but the two can and do diverge. In this integrative review, I propose a dual-process model of psychological ownership. Antecedents of psychological ownership form self-object associations prompting an implicit inference of psychological ownership, which can then be accepted, corrected, or rejected by explicit judgments. The model explains cases where psychological ownership and legal ownership conflict and predicts psychological ownership felt in a variety of relationships between people and objects, including objects they legally own and use, objects they use but do not legally own, and objects they legally own but do not use.

Minority influence in climate change mitigation

Abstract: Whilst the majority of people cares about environmental quality, they keep engaging in carbon-intensive practices that exacerbate climate change. Can we expect humans to collectively change by themselves, from the bottom up? Social change is often initiated by minorities – individuals who challenge the status quo. The dominant literature paints a rather pessimistic picture about the ability of minorities to instigate change in the environmental domain: environmental activists, vegans, and other minority members often elicit social sanctions thereby ironically reinforcing the majority’s commitment to current, environmentally harmful norms. Recent findings, however, point towards more optimism: pro-environmental minorities can pave the way towards ‘tipping points’ and spontaneous social change. Policymakers can speed up this process by offering top-down support for minorities – by giving them ‘voice’.

Object attachment in hoarding disorder and its role in a compensatory process

Abstract: Hoarding disorder (HD) is characterised by compulsive acquisition and extreme difficulty discarding possessions, resulting in clutter that substantially impacts upon functioning. Heightened object attachment is a central feature of HD according to prominent theoretical models. We review current research on the nature and function of object attachment in HD. In particular, we describe growing evidence that object attachment in HD is a compensatory response to unmet relatedness needs, and recent research underscoring the insecure nature of object attachment in hoarding. Critical gaps include the lack of longitudinal studies and research examining the effects of interpersonal interventions on object attachment in HD. Further elucidation of the compensatory process in HD will have important implications for the treatment of this disabling disorder.

Motivation and climate change: A review.

Abstract: This paper reviews motivations people experience about climate change and integrates recent findings into the BUCkET model of core social goals. We argue that environmentalism is not the main cause of thoughts or behaviors about climate change. Rather, the evolved social needs for Belongingness, Understanding, Control, self-Enhancement, and Trust are more practical intervention targets than the attempt to create environmentalist beliefs or identities. We used database searches to identify the key research areas on motivation and climate change and synthesized articles into the BUCkET model. This reveals some limiting assumptions of previous approaches and suggests the effectiveness of targeting existing motives rather than fostering new values or worldviews.

Attachment theory and religion.

Abstract: Attachment theory deals with the development and dynamics of interpersonal affectional bonds. It also provides a framework for understanding individuals' relationship with God, which is central to religion. We review basic concepts of attachment theory and survey research that has examined religion both in terms of normative attachment processes and individual differences in attachment. We cite evidence from cross-sectional, experimental, and longitudinal studies showing that many religious individuals experience God as a source of resilience (e.g. a safe haven and secure base). We also summarize proposed attachment-related developmental pathways to religion. Finally, we review research on religion and mental health undertaken from an attachment viewpoint and discuss future directions.

Too good to go? Consumers’ replacement behaviour and potential strategies for stimulating product retention

Abstract: Many products are disposed of before they have reached the end of their functional life. New technological developments and trends in fashion seem to accelerate consumers’ replacement of products. From an environmental perspective, such early replacement is undesirable. In this paper, we emphasize that product replacement is not only based on rational decision making. Emotional, functional, social, epistemic and conditional values can influence the value trade-offs that consumers make during the decision to either retain an owned product or replace it with a new one. Several strategies are discussed that can increase the owned product's values and stimulate retention via product attachment, sustaining aesthetic value, stimulating product care and maintenance, and enabling upgradeability.

Dimensions of religiousness and their connection to racial, ethnic, and atheist prejudices.

Abstract: In this article, we review the most recent empirical research about the psychology of religion and intergroup prejudices based on race/ethnicity or religious identification. We highlight how social identity fusion, intergroup emotions, perceived value-conflict and threat, and system-justification contribute to degrees of prejudice. We also review connections between religiosity and attitudes toward-specific cultural groups (e.g. immigrants, atheists, and religious minority groups). Finally, we conclude with a few recommendations for ongoing research in this area, such as interdisciplinary and person-centered approaches.

A review investigating the relationship between cannabis use and adolescent cognitive functioning.

Abstract: Given varying state-level laws regarding cannabis use, the objective of the review was to summarize contemporary literature on the relationship between adolescent cognitive function and academic performance with cannabis use. Frequency and quantity of cannabis use were associated with decreased functional connectivity of the brain. Earlier age at cannabis initiation and more frequent use was associated with poorer executive control and academic performance. Social determinants such as minimal parental monitoring, peer use and low social cohesion were associated with more frequent adolescent use. Race/ethnicity and residence were other factors influencing cannabis use. To prevent cannabis use disorders among adolescents, interventions should aim to prevent early initiation that can lead to chronic use in youth who may be more at risk.

Emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder: A fronto-limbic imbalance?

Abstract: Borderline personality disorder is most consistently characterized as a disorder of the experience and regulation of emotions. Neuropathological models have predominantly explained these clinical traits with an imbalance between prefrontal regulatory and limbic emotion generating structures. Here, we review the current evidential state of the fronto-limbic imbalance hypothesis of borderline personality disorder, based on task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging research. In turn, we discuss challenges to the notion that (1) amygdala hyperreactivity underlies emotional hyperreactivity and deficits in (2) prefrontal activity or (3) fronto-limbic connectivity underly emotion regulation deficits. We offer several suggestions to improve consolidation and interpretation of research in this area.

Collective climate action: When do people turn into collective environmental agents?

Abstract: Effectively protecting the climate requires the action of groups. In the present review article, we aim to understand when individuals turn into collective climate actors. We first discuss pertinent models of group-based action and their relevance for explaining climate action. Then, we review recent research on how collective climate action is driven by ingroup identification, social norms, group-based emotions, and collective efficacy. Finally, we focus on when and why people feel a sense of collective agency aiming at inspiring a novel research agenda on collective climate action.

Ambulatory assessment in psychopathology research: Current achievements and future ambitions.

Abstract: Ambulatory assessment (AA) – a collection of methods that aim to track individuals in the realm of everyday life via repeated self-reports or passive mobile sensing – is well established in contemporary psychopathology research. Unravelling the dynamic signature of patients' symptoms and emotions over time and in their own personal ecology, AA methodology has improved our understanding of the real-time pathogenic processes that underlie mental ill-being. In this article, we evaluate the current strengths and shortcomings of AA in psychopathology research and spell out important ambitions for next-generation AA studies to consider. Regarding AA's current achievements, a selective review of recent AA studies underscores the ecological qualities of this method, its ability to bypass retrospective biases in self-report and the introduction of a within-person perspective. Regarding AA's future ambitions, we advocate for a stronger idiosyncratic focus, the incorporation of contextual information and more psychometric scrutiny.

The developmental roots of environmental stewardship: Childhood and the climate change crisis.

Abstract: Childhood presents heightened vulnerabilities and unique opportunities in the context of climate change. Even very young children view the environment as a moral concern. Furthermore, early life experiences can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of environmental stewardship. Exposure to nature and parental eco-friendly behaviors are each predictive of children's commitment to environmental engagement later in life. However, these early inclinations give way to decreasing environmental concern in adolescence. Research is beginning to shift from a framework that emphasizes children's status as victims of the climate change crisis to one that instead underscores their role as agents of change.