Online Shopping: The Influence of Body Image, Personality, and Social Anxiety

The usage of the Internet has experienced significant growth over the past several decades, providing a vehicle for the online shopping market to experience exponential gains as well. In a 2011 U.S. Census survey, 71.7% of households reported access to the Internet, an increase from the reported 54.7% in 2003 and furthermore a large increase from the 18.0% from the 1997, the first year the Census Bureau reported Internet usage (File, 2013). Research has shown various reasons for expansion of online shopping, such as convenience, ease, and the excitement of experiencing something new, but gives little insight into characteristics that lead consumers to choose to shop online (Huang & Yang, 2010; To, Lio, & Lin, 2007; Yen, Yen, Chen, Wang, Chang, & Ko, 2012). The consumer characteristics that lead to online shopping could be implications of body image dissatisfaction and social anxiety. Personality factors could also influence consumer’s decision to shop online rather than in store. Using a demographic group likely to shop online and a survey measuring body image satisfaction, personality and social anxiety, this study hypothesized these variables would predict online shopping behavior. Online shopping was measured by a questionnaire adapted from previous research and measures frequency and preference of online shopping. The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) was used to measure body image dissatisfaction; participants answered statements such as, “I like the way my clothes fit me” and “I am physically unattractive.” Social anxiety was assessed using the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). This measurement of fears of social interactions uses statements like, “I find it easy to make friends of my own age” and “I feel I’ll say something embarrassing when talking.” Finally, personality was evaluated by using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory- 3 (NEO-FFI-3), which measures the well-known Big Five personality constructs. Participants rated responses to statements such as, “I rarely feel lonely or blue” and “I like to be where the action is.” Sex differences in online shopping preference were also assessed. To analyze the data, a multiple regression was used to test the predictability of online shopping. Although the overall regression model was not significant, some correlations between variables were found. Social anxiety was significantly correlated with online shopping. Neuroticism was significantly correlated with online shopping. Body image satisfaction was significantly correlated with social anxiety, conscientiousness, extraversion, and neuroticism. Significant correlations were found between social anxiety, and consciousness, extraversion, and neuroticism. Agreeableness was significantly correlated with conscientiousness and neuroticism. Conscientiousness was significantly correlated with extraversion and neuroticism. A significant correlation was found between extraversion and neuroticism. To assess sex differences, an independent t test was used. It was found women shop online more frequently than men. The possible implications of this study can be far reaching and provide valuable information to many different fields. Clinicians will be better able to understand how body image issues and social anxiety affect client’s everyday life. The findings of the relationship between online shopping and consumer characteristics will help in understanding the underlying issues of those suffering from online shopping addiction or problems. This study assists in providing a complete picture of clients struggling with any of these issues, which, in turn, benefits the therapeutic process and allows for a holistic approach. Online retailers will be able to use the information yielded from this research to better target their intended population. Limitations include only using a population in a rural area, and restrictions of the shopping experience scale used. Future directions include using a diverse population, possibly in an urban area. This study aimed to understand online shopping behaviors by examining personality traits of online shoppers. This study adds to the literature on consumer characteristics of those who shop online

A Comparison of Two Spelling Strategies With Respect to Acquisition, Generalization, Maintenance, and Student Preference

Correct spelling is a learned performance, but effective and preferred procedures to develop accurate spelling in young children have not been adequately described. We evaluated the effectiveness of two strategies for teaching spelling to 10 elementary students of typical development. In the traditional rehearse and test method commonly used in elementary classrooms, we gave students a list of ten words on Monday, they practiced spelling the words throughout the week, and then were tested on Friday. We also taught students to use the cover-copy-compare (CCC) method to practice their spelling words within a similar time frame. During CCC, we also taught students to say each phoneme of a word ("sound out") as they practiced each word. Interobserver agreement was collected for 33% of sessions; agreement was 100% for all measures. A reversal design showed that CCC was clearly more effective for promoting acquisition of spelling words for six students, and for promoting generalization and maintenance for two students. No difference between conditions was observed with the remaining students. Nine of the ten students preferred CCC to rehearse and test. Implications for the design of an effective spelling curriculum are discussed

Ensuring Quality in High School Mental Health Services

As a particularly venerable group to undiagnosed and untreated mental disorders, high school students require special attention. Ensuring adequate mental health resources are made available to students requires full participation of school faculty, parents, and peers. Feedback from all of these parties is necessary to address and properly refer students that may be displaying signs of impairment due to unaddressed mental health issues. Detecting early signs of mental health disorders and subsequently referring a student to receive professional help can offset the danger of worsening mental and physical health in the student. High School programs are often a student’s first encounter with any form of a mental health service and it is important that schools ensure quality and proper regulation of their programs. High school services that implement community services and develop a trusted network of adults and peers inside of the school have shown to be the most successful. It is crucial that teachers and parents implement and actively participate in bettering a students’ mental health by working with them according to the direction given by the provided mental health professional. Improperly regulated or unsupported mental health service providers in the high school can also lead to a poor treatment for students. To ensure the academic success and overall well-being of its students, it is vital that high schools implement and properly maintain a well-supported mental health service program within itself

But We Were Drunk When It Happened, It Doesn\u27t Count : A Discussion on Sexual Violence and Victim Blaming

Sexual violence is an issue that significantly effects the public, especially college campuses. Sexual violence can take on different definitions, but typically refers to a non-consensual, sexual act that is committed against a person. The term “sexual violence” encompasses a variety of acts, including (but are not limited to) assault, abuse, intimate partner violence and incest. Victim blaming is oftentimes a reaction towards a victim of a sexual violence act. Victim blaming refers to the act of minimizing the experience that the victim or survivor had and placing the fault on them rather than placing the responsibility on the perpetrator. This concept is part of what makes up “rape culture”. Rape culture also consists of the acceptance of rape myths. Rape myths are false beliefs that excuse a perpetrator while also blaming the victim. Studies show that high sexual violence rates and acceptance of rape myths often disempower and separate victims from others (Hackman, Pember, Wilkerson & Usdan, 2017). However, there are a few things that can be done by the public in order to reduce the rates of victim blaming in sexual violence cases. Additionally, there are resources that may be contacted should someone find themselves, or a loved one, as a victim of a sexual violence act

Twitter Politics: The Effect of Language and Source Credibility on Public Perception

Social media sites are instrumental in influencing public perception (Lawson & Strange, 2015). Social media sites, such as Twitter, have provided millions with constant news coverage. Modern social media usage has allowed for public figures, such as President, Donald Trump, to influence public perception through his Twitter account. Because of the influx of information, coming from various sources on social media, it is imperative to consider the implications different types of information sources will have on individual perceptions. Individuals may be more influenced by high-credibility sources when searching for news. The current study attempts to investigate the relationship between language and authority and its effect on media viewer’s perception. Participants were shown one of four Tweets, varying by language used and account type. Participants were then asked questions to assess their views on the message. Results suggest a difference in perception based on language used, level of perceived intelligence, source authentication, and source’s level of knowledge on the topic

The Stigma of Metal Illness

The American Democracy Project hosted a Times Talk event on October 9th at 12:30-1:30pm in the South Study Area of Forsyth Library. Faculty member Brooke Mann and graduate assistant Ashley Lockwood from the Psychology Department presented about the Stigma of Mental Illness. Free pizza and salad provided to the first 20 attendees

Evaluating the Effect of Mental Illness Stigma on Voting Behaviors

Mental health stigma is defined as stereotypes and prejudice resulting from misconceptions about mental illness (Corrigan Watson, 2002 Boor 1978 found simulated college voters cast fewer votes for a candidate when it was known the candidate had consulted a psychotherapist, indicating negative attitudes indeed exist towards perceived psychological treatment even in the absence of a diagnosed mental illness This poses a significant problem, as research suggests that voters may sense a desire to “get even” with political candidates in electoral context for perceived wrongdoings and may make suboptimal choices when casting a ballot Bechwati Morrin 2007 Coupled with the above, this is indicative of a link between voting behavior and negative treatment of those with a mental illness Despite this, little research has been done on how mental health issues attributed to the candidate affects voting behaviors Six candidate vignettes for a hypothetical Kansas Governor election were created with gender neutral names and indicative of policies aligning with participant views Two vignettes of each had symptoms related to a mental illness, a diagnosis, or neutral Participants were also asked questions regarding their personal attitudes and general stigma toward mental illness Results indicated participants were more likely to endorse statements suggesting general stereotypes than statements indicating negative attitudes towards individuals with a mental illness Our study did show that voters had an aversion toward candidates with a mental health diagnosis which partially supports our initial hypothesi

The War On Stigma: Examining Mental Illness Stigma in the U.S. Military

Current research suggests up to 43% of United States and 37% of United Kingdom troops returning home from war have experienced some type of mental health issue(s) (Iversen, Staden, Hughes et al., 2009; Sareen, Cox, Afifi et al., 2007). Literature also suggests 60% of military personnel who experience these mental health problems do not seek help, yet many of them could benefit from professional treatment (Sharp et al., 2014). Those wishing to seek mental health treatment likely face several barriers, such as lack of qualified professionals or service availability, but the stigma of mental illness may be the most pervasive (Acosta et al., 2014). Previous research has failed to examine the specific mental health needs and well-being of active-duty personnel, while only a breadth of previous literature exists examining stigma toward mental health in the military (Acosta et al., 2014; Britt et al., 2007; Sharp et al., 2014). The purpose of the study was to examine first-hand, active, and inactive military personnel experiences with mental illness and the quality of mental health services provided to these individuals. Results indicated that men reported greater stigmatic attitudes towards those with a mental illness more frequently than women and men also endorsed more stereotypes toward those with a mental illness when compared to women

Tolerance among college students: Attitudes towards juveniles with mental illness

In the United States alone, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental illness during any given year (NAMI, 2015). Despite this, research shows that mental health stigma continues to be widely endorsed (Corrigan & Watson, 2002). Unfortunately, mental health stigma has the potential to negatively impact individual’s experiencing it. For example, research indicates that stigma may result in low self-esteem (Link, Struening, Neese-Todd, Asmussen, & Phelan, 2001), reluctance to seek help (Corrigan, Druss, & Perlick, 2014), and failure to adhere to treatment and medications (Sirey et al, 2001). However, much of the previous literature examining stigma and its impact focuses on adults, leaving knowledge of stigma towards youth with mental illnesses under-conceptualized (Heflinger & Hinshaw, 2010; Heflinger, Wallston, Maukolo, & Brannan, 2015). Researchers of the current study hope to close this literature gap by assessing attitudes and stigmas about juvenile mental health among a sample of college students

Psychology of Mass Shootings: Myths vs. Realities

Join the American Democracy Project for another Times Talk! Dr. Trey Hill, Mrs. Brooke Mann, and Dr. Whitney Whitaker discuss the Psychology of Mass Shootings: Myths vs. Realities