MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) Use Among African Americans: Patterns of Initiation

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy/molly) use among African Americans has increased over the last two decades, yet there has been little examination into how African Americans initiate their use of the drug. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the initiation experiences of African Americans and their narrative accounts of the circumstances surrounding their MDMA onset. Audiotapes of in-depth interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Analyses revealed the presence of initiation patterns that contrast somewhat with those found in other groups of MDMA users. This study adds to the limited research on African American MDMA use and sheds light on why some African Americans decide to start using the drug. The findings provide insights to prevention specialists, harm reduction workers, and treatment providers who work with African American drug users

The role of Qing (positive emotions) and Li1 (rationality) in Chinese entrepreneurial decision making: a Confucian Ren-Yi wisdom perspective

The intellectual debates on wise entrepreneurship behavior such as decision making tend to focus on the relationship between economic rationality and morality, while overlooking the important role affect plays. To fill in this gap, this paper proposes a theoretical framework based on the Confucian concepts of ren (love and compassion) and yi (righteousness or rightness) and studies their practical manifestation in qing (positive emotions) and li (rationality) for decision making. Drawing from 32 in-depth interviews and 52 vignettes with Chinese SME entrepreneurs, this study has found that qing (emotions) plays an essential role in decision making. Chinese entrepreneurs had to deal with the dilemma relating to qing (positive emotions) and li (rationality) holistically to reach a balanced outcome in their everyday business practices. As a major contribution, this study extends the study of Confucian ethics by highlighting ren-yi as an important perspective for understanding Chinese entrepreneurial decision making and also for promoting the affective dimensions for entrepreneurial ethical decision making in general