The current study experimentally investigated young adults’ help-seeking for financial stress, specifically by testing differences in willingness to seek help between two sources of help ...Show moreThe current study experimentally investigated young adults’ help-seeking for financial stress, specifically by testing differences in willingness to seek help between two sources of help (professionals vs. social network) and between two help types (financial advice vs. emotional support). Young adult participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, each presented with a flyer showing a combination of one source of help and one help type. Subsequently, participants’ willingness to seek help was measured. A 2 by 2 factorial ANOVA showed, contrary to the hypothesis, no effect of source of help. Neither an effect of help type nor an interaction effect was found. A correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between personality trait conscientiousness and willingness to seek help. Altogether, these results offer new insights into the nuances of help-seeking among financially stressed young adults and call for more research on a broader range of variables that may be influential.Show less
This study explored the relationships between job insecurity, job satisfaction, transformational leadership style, transactional leadership style, and locus of control (LOC) in working environments...Show moreThis study explored the relationships between job insecurity, job satisfaction, transformational leadership style, transactional leadership style, and locus of control (LOC) in working environments. We aimed to examine the mediating effects of transformational and transactional leadership in the insecurity-job satisfaction relationship, with LOC moderating the a-path. Using PROCESS, we analyzed a sample of 147 participants. We expected internals (higher LOC) to align with transformational leadership and externals (lower LOC) to align with transactional leadership, positing that both leadership styles influence job satisfaction positively. Findings revealed job insecurity’s negative influence on job satisfaction, mediated by transformational leadership. Transactional leadership did not mediate this effect and LOC did not moderate the relationship between job insecurity and transformational leadership, nor between job insecurity and transactional leadership.Show less
This paper investigated if there is a moderating role of self-control in the relationship between financial scarcity and risk aversion. It was hypothesized that high financial scarcity and high...Show moreThis paper investigated if there is a moderating role of self-control in the relationship between financial scarcity and risk aversion. It was hypothesized that high financial scarcity and high self-control both increase risk aversion and that self-control moderates the effect of financial scarcity on risk aversion. Additionally, we hypothesized that there is an association between self-control and financial scarcity. Financial scarcity, self-control and risk aversion were measured through an online questionnaire and regression analysis was performed through SPSS to test the hypotheses. Results showed a relationship between financial scarcity and risk aversion but no relationship between self-control and risk aversion. Subscale Control however, did correlate with risk aversion. Self-control was not a significant moderator between financial scarcity and risk aversion. Self-control did predict financial scarcity. To conclude, impulse control seems to be important in lottery task-related economic decisions and future research should look into if other subscales of conscientiousness are related to economic preferences.Show less
In this study, we study the effect of productivity uncertainty on the contribution to public goods. We hypothesize that uncertainty about the productivity of the public god leads to a decrease in...Show moreIn this study, we study the effect of productivity uncertainty on the contribution to public goods. We hypothesize that uncertainty about the productivity of the public god leads to a decrease in the perceived impact of the contribution resulting in a lower contribution to the public good. We also hypothesize that this effect on the perceived impact is moderated by a general sense of powerlessness. We have performed an online experiment in which participants faced both a public good game with and without productivity uncertainty. Results showed that uncertainty decreased the contribution to the public good, but this effect was not explained by perceived impact nor a general sense of powerlessness. Interpretations and limitations of this research and suggestions for future research are discussed.Show less
Previous research has demonstrated that social preferences drive social decision-making however, social preferences are often crowded out by incentives. The current study examines how probabilistic...Show morePrevious research has demonstrated that social preferences drive social decision-making however, social preferences are often crowded out by incentives. The current study examines how probabilistic incentives affect the willingness to help to counter the crowding out effect. Willingness was measured through a vignette. The results show that regardless of condition, participants scored similarly on willingness to help. Anxiety was positively associated with willingness to help, suggesting that a more anxious person would be more likely to help a stranger. In addition, compared to male participants female participants showed less willingness to help another person. In conclusion, these findings show that probabilistic incentives do not affect willingness to help. Willingness to help can be influenced by anxiety and gender.Show less
Social dilemmas occur when there is a conflict between self-interests and collective interests within a group (van Lange et al., 2013). The volunteer’s dilemma (VoD) is a unique type of social...Show moreSocial dilemmas occur when there is a conflict between self-interests and collective interests within a group (van Lange et al., 2013). The volunteer’s dilemma (VoD) is a unique type of social dilemma which requires at least one person to cooperate to realize a public good (Weesie & Franzen, 1998). This study examines the influence of using gain frames versus loss frames on participant behavior in volunteer’s dilemmas. Additionally, this study looks into how the personality variable social value orientation (SVO), which determines if a person is prosocial or proself, impacts volunteering decisions. We expected that gain frames would result in more volunteering than loss frames, and that prosocials would volunteer more than proselfs. The VoD game was conducted online via the platform oTree. 102 participants took part in this study. The results showed no statistically significant effects for neither the framing conditions nor the SVO scores. For future research, it is advised that the VoD game offers a higher payoff to cause a more distinctive response between different frames. Also, researchers should acknowledge that framing effects differ for gender as well as the possibility that the risk assessment in many social dilemmas, including VoD, may be ambiguous. This results in not being able to see framing effects. Since the experiment mostly appeals to participants’ economic motives, more research is needed to determine how relational motives can also be triggered.Show less
Negotiations are important processes that can happen anywhere from an office to a private setting. Previous research has already stated that information exchange can help to come to a so called...Show moreNegotiations are important processes that can happen anywhere from an office to a private setting. Previous research has already stated that information exchange can help to come to a so called integrative agreement (win-win situation), which usually leads to better outcomes for both parties. However, there is still little known about the strategies to seek information. One way of seeking information is through asking either open or closed questions. Therefore, the current research investigates whether there is a difference between open and closed questions on negotiation outcomes. The prediction was that open questions generate a higher integrative agreement, higher subjective value and higher trust in the other party than closed questions. The experiment consisted of 48 duos who negotiated about organising a teamday. Both participants took on a role which was connected to a certain point distribution system. It has been found that, contradicting the predictions, there were no significant differences found between closed and open questions on integrative agreement, higher subjective value and higher level of trust. Certain experimental factors like the roleplay, time pressure and a participation lottery, could have influenced the results. Therefore, more research is needed on this topic to check if the results can be confirmed or rejected.Show less
Financial scarcity is known to negatively affect well-being of young adults, leading to heightened stress and uncertainty about their financial future. Despite the availability of numerous debt...Show moreFinancial scarcity is known to negatively affect well-being of young adults, leading to heightened stress and uncertainty about their financial future. Despite the availability of numerous debt relief and financial counselling programs, too little use is being made of this offered assistance. The reluctance to accept help may be influenced by a strong desire for autonomy. This study aimed to assess the association between the implicit need for autonomy and the willingness to accept help in young adults experiencing financial scarcity. Participants completed a survey that included a modernized Picture Story Exercise and a self-report questionnaire on help acceptance. Results from a multivariate regression analysis gave a marginally significant result showing that a higher implicit need for autonomy was associated with a slightly higher likelihood of help acceptance behavior, and with a more negative emotional attitude towards accepting help. Exploratory analyses highlighted that negative feelings about financial debt were a stronger predictor of help acceptance. These results underscore the importance of considering autonomy and debt-related feelings in improving interventions for young adults facing financial scarcity.Show less
Financial hardship and debts can have a substantial negative effect on people’s overall well-being. However, when a creditor is reaching out, most people with problematic debts are reluctant to...Show moreFinancial hardship and debts can have a substantial negative effect on people’s overall well-being. However, when a creditor is reaching out, most people with problematic debts are reluctant to seek or accept help. To lower the threshold for debt assistance, research is needed to make contacting a creditor more accessible. This study examined whether induced situational control would positively influence people’s willingness to contact their creditor. Furthermore, the extent to which people’s financial self-efficacy beliefs affect this relationship was explored. An online survey was conducted in which a creditor letter was manipulated with induced situational control. Inducing situational control was found to significantly increase people’s willingness to contact their creditor compared to no situational control. This suggested that offering suitable solutions will increase mutual contact with people in debt. However, financial self-efficacy beliefs did not significantly strengthen the effect of situational control or the willingness to contact directly. The limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.Show less
Previous research finds that having a higher need for cognitive closure (NFC) leads to more stockpiling behaviors during uncertain periods such as COVID-19, consequently also creating more food...Show morePrevious research finds that having a higher need for cognitive closure (NFC) leads to more stockpiling behaviors during uncertain periods such as COVID-19, consequently also creating more food waste. This result aligns with the characteristics of individuals with a higher NFC who look for certainty and dislike ambiguity, preferring stable and clear information. This research builds on these findings, assessing how the NFC can moderate the relationship between informative campaigns, that provide clear information about food waste prevention and success, and food waste intentions. A survey was administered to 152 respondents and featured campaigns with low and high informational value that served as an intervention. Before and after the intervention, respondents’ food waste intentions were measured. It was hypothesized that food waste intention will decrease at Time 2 compared to Time 1 and that food waste campaigns regarded as more informative will significantly lower food waste intentions in people with high NFC. While the intervention itself was found to be significant (F (1, 150) = 16.19, p <.001), this could not be attributed to the effects of the campaign intervention. Furthermore, a negative significant effect was found for the NFC on food waste intentions, suggesting that the interventions had the opposite effect than hypothesized. Nonetheless, the present research provides insight into important factors for designing food waste campaigns or interventions with the goal of providing information to the public.Show less
Confusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively...Show moreConfusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively related in the process of gathering new knowledge. Confusion may reduce interest in the process of exploring new information. In an experimental setting, this research investigated whether it is possible to increase interest via a mindset-based reappraisal of the apparent confusion. Participants either did or did not receive a message reappraising that confusion during complexity is normal or even helpful. Participants then read three complex texts and assessed their levels of confusion, perceived complexity, interest, and desire to know more. Results reported support the hypothesis that reappraising confusion as helpful increases interest in complex informationShow less
Confusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively...Show moreConfusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively related in the process of gathering new knowledge. Confusion may reduce interest in the process of exploring new information. In an experimental setting, this research investigated whether it is possible to increase interest via a mindset-based reappraisal of the apparent confusion. Participants either did or did not receive a message reappraising that confusion during complexity is normal or even helpful. Participants then read three complex texts and assessed their levels of confusion, perceived complexity, interest, and desire to know more. Results reported support the hypothesis that reappraising confusion as helpful increases interest in complex informationShow less
Previous research on the connection between the Dark Triad traits and aggression is largely based on self-report measures. This paper examines how the traits of Machiavellianism, psychopathy and...Show morePrevious research on the connection between the Dark Triad traits and aggression is largely based on self-report measures. This paper examines how the traits of Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism affect aggression in an experimental setting. Based on the previous literature, we hypothesized that Machiavellianism and psychopathy were positively correlated with aggression, while narcissism would be unrelated. We used the Attacker-Defender Conflict (AD-C), an economic contest well suited to study aggression. The incentivized AD-C was implemented in an online environment where attackers and defenders, who were matched afterwards, competed for resources. Attackers decided how much they would invest in order to beat the defender and gain money at their expense. If the defender successfully defended by investing more or an equal amount as the attacker, both parties kept their non-invested resources. Out of 301 participants, the attacker conflict investment of 132 attackers was used to measure aggression. Participants also completed the Short Dark Triad, a self-report questionnaire that evaluates Dark Triad traits. Our analysis showed a positive correlation between Machiavellianism and aggression, but only when the other two traits were held constant. Contrary to our assumption, psychopathy was negatively related to aggression. Finally, narcissism was not significantly correlated with aggression. These findings imply that, while the understanding of Machiavellianism and narcissism based on self-report measures of aggression are supported in our study, psychopathy’s connection to aggression may have either been misunderstood before or unknown factors played a significant role by confounding the results. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.Show less
Confusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively...Show moreConfusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively related in the process of gathering new knowledge. Confusion may reduce interest in the process of exploring new information. In an experimental setting, this research investigated whether it is possible to increase interest via a mindset-based reappraisal of the apparent confusion. Participants either did or did not receive a message reappraising that confusion during complexity is normal or even helpful. Participants then read three complex texts and assessed their levels of confusion, perceived complexity, interest, and desire to know more. Results reported support the hypothesis that reappraising confusion as helpful increases interest in complex informationShow less
Confusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively...Show moreConfusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively related in the process of gathering new knowledge. Confusion may reduce interest in the process of exploring new information. In an experimental setting, this research investigated whether it is possible to increase interest via a mindset-based reappraisal of the apparent confusion. Participants either did or did not receive a message reappraising that confusion during complexity is normal or even helpful. Participants then read three complex texts and assessed their levels of confusion, perceived complexity, interest, and desire to know more. Results reported support the hypothesis that reappraising confusion as helpful increases interest in complex informationShow less
Confusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively...Show moreConfusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively related in the process of gathering new knowledge. Confusion may reduce interest in the process of exploring new information. In an experimental setting, this research investigated whether it is possible to increase interest via a mindset-based reappraisal of the apparent confusion. Participants either did or did not receive a message reappraising that confusion during complexity is normal or even helpful. Participants then read three complex texts and assessed their levels of confusion, perceived complexity, interest, and desire to know more. Results reported support the hypothesis that reappraising confusion as helpful increases interest in complex informationShow less
Over 600,000 households in the Netherlands are facing financial difficulties due to debt, which often causes feelings of shame and leads to avoiding creditors. This study looked at ways to help a...Show moreOver 600,000 households in the Netherlands are facing financial difficulties due to debt, which often causes feelings of shame and leads to avoiding creditors. This study looked at ways to help a debtor contact their respective creditor. The researchers wanted to see if increasing debtors’ resilience to shame would make them more willing to contact their creditors. Therefore, first of all, was hypothesized that increasing individuals’ sense of power and decreasing feelings of being trapped will result in a higher willingness to contact a creditor compared to the baseline condition. Additionally, there was hypothesized that the combined intervention condition, incorporating both enhanced power and reduced feelings of being trapped, would be more effective than either intervention alone. Finally, age was explored as a potential factor within the relationship between shame resilience and willingness. The researchers tested this by assigning participants (n = 267) randomly to one of four groups: baseline, power, feeling trapped, or a combined intervention. In each condition, participants received a tailored creditor email designed to elicit feelings of increased power, reduced feelings of being trapped, or a combination of both. In contrast, the baseline condition involved a standard creditor email. Subsequently, participants were asked to indicate their willingness to initiate contact with the creditor agency. The results showed that increasing people's sense of power and reducing feelings of being trapped led to a greater willingness to contact creditors compared to the baseline group. However, the combined intervention did not have a greater effect than the separate interventions. Overall, the findings suggest that increasing people's sense of power and reducing feelings of being trapped can enhance their resilience to shame and increase their willingness to contact creditors to address financial issues.Show less
Financial inertia is key in people not making perfect decisions. It makes people postpone decisions they know they have to take and therefore staying with the status quo or missing opportunities....Show moreFinancial inertia is key in people not making perfect decisions. It makes people postpone decisions they know they have to take and therefore staying with the status quo or missing opportunities. With the 32 items derived from a previous prototype analysis, an EFA was performed to form a possible scale for financial inertia, the model produced by the EFA was then tested via CFA. Using three waves, and 750 participants, a reliable, valid, and temporally stable scale with simple structure consisting of three subscales to measure individual differences in financial inertia was produced. The final model states that financial inertia consists of three separate factors: financial apathy, financial satisficing, and financial anxiety. Explorative research has shown that women, non-white people and younger people score higher on financial inertia via financial apathy and financial anxiety.Show less
