Search Results (525)

This study explores the role of egoistic and altruistic values on green real estate purchase intention among young consumers in Canada aged between 20 and 40 years. In addition, this study examines the mediating effects of pro-environmental self-identity between social consumption motivation and green real estate purchase intention. A quantitative cross-sectional research design with an explanatory nature is employed. A total of 432 participating consumers in Canada, comprising 44% men and 48% women, with a graduate educational background accounting for 46.7%, and the ages between 24 and 35 contributing 75.2%, were part of the study, and the data collection used a survey method with a purposive sampling, followed by a respondent-driven method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed on the scales used for the study variables. A structural equational model and path analysis were conducted to derive the results, and the relationships were positive and significant. The study results infer the factors contributing to green real estate purchase intention, including altruistic value, egoistic value, social consumption motivation, and pro-environmental self-identity, with pro-environmental self-identity mediating the relationship. This study emphasizes the relevance of consumer values in real estate purchasing decisions, urging developers and marketers to prioritize ethical ideas, sustainable practices, and building a feeling of belonging and social connectedness. Offering eco-friendly amenities and green construction methods might attract clients, but creating a secure area for social interaction is critical. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to explore the role of egoistic and altruistic values on purchase intention, mainly in the housing and real estate sector, with the target consumers being young consumers in Canada. Full article

This study developed and validated an integrated theoretical framework combining the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to investigate how driving assistance technologies (DATs) influence risky driving behaviors among young urban Chinese drivers. Based on this framework, we proposed and tested several hypotheses regarding the effects of psychological and technological factors on risky driving intentions and behaviors. A survey was conducted with 495 young drivers in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, examining psychological factors, technology acceptance, and their influence on risky driving behaviors. Structural equation modeling revealed that the integrated TPB-TAM explained 58.3% of the variance in behavioral intentions and 42.6% of the variance in actual risky driving behaviors, significantly outperforming single-theory models. Attitudes toward risky driving (β = 0.287) emerged as the strongest TPB predictor of behavioral intentions, while perceived usefulness (β = −0.172) and perceived ease of use (β = −0.113) of driving assistance technologies negatively influenced risky driving intentions. Multi-group analysis identified significant gender and driving experience differences. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that model constructs significantly predicted actual traffic violations and accidents. These findings provide theoretical insights into risky driving determinants and practical guidance for developing targeted interventions and effective traffic safety policies for young drivers in urban China. Full article

This study examines the effectiveness of energy-based models for fatigue life prediction of additively manufactured acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) composites. The effects of varying GNP weight percentages and filament raster orientations on the fatigue life of the samples were investigated theoretically. The required stress and strain values for use in energy-based models were obtained by solving two sets of Neuber and Ramberg–Osgood equations, utilizing the available values of notch strength reduction factors at each load level and the average Young modulus for each composite material. Results revealed that none of the studied energy-based models could accurately predict the fatigue life of the samples across the entire high- and low-cycle fatigue regimes, with strong dependence on the stress ratio (R). Instead, a novel fatigue life prediction model was developed by combining two existing energy-based models, incorporating stress ratio dependence for cases with negative mean stress. This model was tested for R values roughly between −0.22 and 0. Results showed that, for all samples at each raster orientation, most of the predicted fatigue lives fell within the upper and lower bounds, with a factor of ±2 across the entire range of load levels. These findings highlight the reliability of the proposed model for a wide range of R values when mean stress is negative. Full article

As digital marketing becomes more targeted and interactive, it is more critical to understand how young audiences perceive and react to compelling content. This research examines the extent to which consumer responses are affected by neuromarketing knowledge, interest, and screen-based advert exposure for middle school kids. Based on responses from 244 Greek adolescents aged 12–15 years, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to investigate direct and mediated influences on purchase intentions with advertisement skepticism and persuasion knowledge as mediating factors. Results indicate that exposure and recognition have a significant influence on intentions both by means of cognitive as well as attitudinal processes, while interest only increases skepticism but not interaction. Multi-group analysis yielded significant differences according to age and experience, referring to the development path of advertising literacy. The results provide strong cues to educators, policymakers, and marketers who want to develop media-critical competencies among adolescents in an ever-shaping digital age. Full article

(1) The formation pathways and underlying mechanisms of health behaviors among young and middle-aged adults with chronic diseases under a temporal perspective remain underexplored. Based on Temporal Self-Regulation Theory and its subsequent extensions, this study aimed to investigate the time perspective among Chinese young and middle-aged adults with chronic diseases and analyzed the relationships between time perspective, illness perception, health behavior motivation, and health behaviors, thereby providing valuable empirical evidence for health behavior modification in this population. (2) This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted from March to April 2025. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to investigate the relationships among the variables. (3) This study enrolled a total of 391 participants with high levels of future and past-positive perspectives. Time perspective, directly related to health behaviors, namely past-negative, present-impulsive, and present-fatalistic perspectives, exerted negative associations with health behaviors, respectively, whereas future and past-positive perspectives showed positive associations with health behavior. Analysis of the mediating effect found that illness perception served as a mediator between the time perspective of past-negative, present-impulsive, and present-fatalistic perspectives, and health behaviors. And health behavior motivation acted as a mediator in the relationship between past-negative, present-impulsive, and past-positive perspectives, and health behaviors. Furthermore, illness perception and health behavior motivation formed a chain mediation pathway between time perspective and health behaviors. (4) Time perspective was associated with health behaviors, not only exerting directed effects but also manifesting a double-edged sword effect through illness perception and health behavior motivation. Subsequent interventions targeting health behaviors among young and middle-aged populations in China should incorporate considerations of the temporal perspective’s uniqueness and its intricate mechanisms of action on health behaviors. Full article

The study examines how individual skills influence adolescents’ and young adults’ commitment to climate protection and global health. Based on 21st-century skills and transformative education, it focuses on competences in science, geography, mathematics, religion, ethics, and media. A representative online survey of 783 participants in Germany assessed topic relevance, information-seeking behavior, and active engagement. The results show that subject-specific skills significantly affect engagement, especially when closely related to the topics. Scientific, mathematical, and geographical competences enhance all three engagement dimensions. Media competence primarily increases perceived importance, while religious and ethical competences positively influence all areas. Structural equation modeling reveals a process: perceived relevance leads to information search, which then drives engagement. Thus, competences have both direct and indirect effects on active involvement. The findings highlight that long-term engagement is not only driven by campaigns but also by education that equips young people with the skills to recognize important issues, seek information, and take action independently. Full article

The focus of this study was on young populations of Kandelia obovata within a constructed coastal wetland in Haicang Bay, Xiamen, Southeast China. The objective was to systematically examine their allometric growth characteristics and carbon sequestration potential over an 8-year monitoring period (2016–2024). Allometric equations were developed to estimate biomass, and the spatiotemporal variation in both plant and soil carbon stocks was estimated. There was a significant increase in total biomass per tree, from 120 ± 17 g at initial planting to 4.37 ± 0.59 kg after 8 years (p < 0.001), with aboveground biomass accounting for the largest part (72.2% ± 7.3%). The power law equation with D²H as an independent variable yielded the highest predictive accuracy for total biomass (R² = 0.957). Vegetation carbon storage exhibited an annual growth rate of 4.2 ± 0.8 Mg C·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹. In contrast, sediment carbon stocks did not show a significant increase throughout the experimental period, although long-term accumulation was observed. The restoration of mangroves in urban coastal constructed wetlands is an effective measure to sequester carbon, achieving a carbon accumulation rate of 21.8 Mg CO₂eq·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹. This rate surpasses that of traditional restoration methods, underscoring the pivotal role of interventions in augmenting blue carbon sinks. This study provides essential parameters for allometric modeling and carbon accounting in urban mangrove afforestation strategies, facilitating optimized restoration management and low-carbon strategies. Full article

The transition towards adulthood represents a complex period in which the development of personal identity culminates in young adults, whilst, at the same time, many undertake university studies in order to access the job market. The aim of the present study was to analyse the associations between self-concept, motivation, and learning strategies in the Spanish university context using structural equations to examine sex as a modifying factor. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and ex post facto study was conducted with a representative sample of 2736 students. The results revealed a positive association between academic self-concept and the three basic psychological needs, with the needs of autonomy and competence being of particular importance amongst the males. It was determined that the satisfaction of all of the needs favoured the development of learning strategies in both genders, with the exception of the need for relatedness, which was not relevant. Finally, it was demonstrated that the females employed better elaboration strategies, whilst the males were better able to regulate effort. It can, therefore, be concluded that the promotion of self-determined motivation favours the development of a positive self-image and learning strategies, with it being crucial for students to be intrinsically motivated. This may help university students avoid dropping out from degree courses. Full article

Mental health is an increasing concern, particularly among the younger population. Given that university life is a critical stage in the personal and academic development of some young individuals, identifying the factors that contribute to their well-being is essential. This study focused on exploring the role of emotional intelligence and resilience in the perceived stress of a sample of 338 university students from the University of Alicante. To this end, a structural equation analysis was used to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the variables included in the model. The instruments used were the Trait Meta-Mood Scale, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Based on the dimensions of the cascading model of emotional intelligence, the results indicate that emotional attention had a direct and positive effect on stress, while both emotional clarity and emotional repair influenced resilience directly and positively. In turn, resilience had a direct and negative effect on stress, acting as a mediator between the dimensions of emotional intelligence and stress. The final proposed model explained 49.3% of the variance in stress. This study provides empirical evidence regarding how these variables interact and underscores the importance of emotional abilities in stress regulation in the university setting. Full article

The current study investigates the effect of Public Relations Campaigns in environmental education and attitudes toward environmental sustainability, and behavioral intentions among university students in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The questionnaire was applied to a sample of 712 male and female students from Al Ain University in the UAE and Minia University in Egypt. Theoretically supported by the theory of planned behavior (TPB), structured questionnaires were used for data gathering. Data was analyzed using partial least square–structural equation modeling (SEM), which revealed the positive effect of Public Relations Campaigns on providing environmental education and awareness among UAE Emirati and Egyptian students. Results showed a positive effect of Public Relations Campaigns on the students’ attitudes towards environmental sustainability. Finally, the effects of Public Relations Campaigns on the behavioral intention of the UAE Emirati and Egyptian students also remained positive. Overall, the results imply that Public Relations Campaigns significantly improve environmental education, shape positive attitudes toward environmental sustainability, and affect behavioral intentions among UAE and Egypt university students. These results emphasize the significance of PR initiatives in encouraging environmental awareness and promoting pro-environmental behaviors within educational settings. Also, the results highlight the effectiveness of Public Relations Campaigns in creating trust between organizations and the public while encouraging social responsibility. The study makes a dual contribution: theoretically, it expands knowledge on the relationship between public relations strategies and environmental awareness among young academics, a group influential in societal change. Practically speaking, it provides practical recommendations for educational institutions and environmental stakeholders on how to design more effective public relations campaigns to target university students and increase their level of environmental engagement. Full article

Background The COVID-19 epidemic had a deleterious impact on mental health and substance abuse and led to an increase in several forms of violence, including self-harm and interpersonal violence among youth from low- and middle-income countries. Nevertheless, the relationship between the variables and their directionality has not been recognized. This study describes the relationship directionality between these variables among 18- to 20-year-old Mexican youths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The longitudinal cohort study comprises an evolving group of young Mexican adults: 1390 participants aged 18 in 2021, 654 aged 19 in 2022, and 442 aged 20 in 2023. Proportions by sex—50% were matched in every cohort, and the evolution–age sample accomplishment accounted for 47% in 2022 and 32% in 2023. Results According to a structural equation model, which fit the data from 195 iterations with 246 parameters (X²[2722] = 8327.33, p < 0.001), yielding a CFI of 0.946, a TLI of 0.943, and an RMSEA of 0.029 [0.028–0.029]), perpetrating intimate violence, preceded by suffering intimate violence, combined with suffering anxiety symptoms, was associated with self-harm–suicide thoughts and behaviors (ShSTB), marked distress, dysfunction, and somatization symptoms. The relationship was stronger in women and 20-year-old Mexicans. In men, this pathway was exclusively associated with ShSTB. Suffering from intimate violence has been associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, as well as harmful alcohol use. Conclusions During an epidemic, prevention programs should be designed to warn about self-harm–suicide thoughts and behaviors, not only to ensure the safety of the victims of intimate personal-violence but also to prevent the suicidal behavior of perpetrators. Full article

Social media platforms have transformed communication, engagement, and consumer interaction, significantly influencing sustainable consumption behaviour. With the vast array of social networking and media options available, marketing professionals actively leverage these platforms to shape consumer preferences and purchasing decisions. This study investigates the impact of social media platforms on the sustainable consumption decisions of young people. Adopting a quantitative research methodology, the study employed judgemental sampling to select participants. Data were gathered from 450 respondents via an online questionnaire, and the proposed relationships were assessed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with SmartPLS version 4 to provide a thorough statistical evaluation. Research findings indicate that social media marketing has a substantial impact on sustainable purchase intentions, content quality, and behavioural engagement. Furthermore, the quality of content and levels of behavioural engagement significantly affect sustainable purchase intentions. However, the findings suggest that the social media platforms used for information retrieval do not significantly influence intentions to make sustainable purchases. This study contributes to marketing research by developing a model that examines how social media platforms influence young people’s intentions to purchase sustainably, as well as the impact of social media marketing, engagement, and content quality on these intentions. Full article

Background: Frequency indicators are used by epidemiologists to facilitate public health professionals in estimating the impact of diseases. As of April 2022, Romania had reported 2.8 million confirmed COVID-19 cases to the World Health Organization, equating to a prevalence rate of 13.94%. A more accurate method for assessing the cumulative number of cases is the use of seroprevalence studies. This study retrospectively evaluates infection trends in Romania to enhance understanding of the virus’s spread and may support future comparative analyses of public health responses and community-level immunity. Methods: We analyzed 51,533 qualitative test results for high-affinity IgG antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Results: The largest proportion of tested individuals (59.4%) was aged 18–49 years. Among all serological tests, 18,980 were positive, corresponding to an adjusted seroprevalence rate of 40%. Conclusions: During the second year of the pandemic, seropositivity rates were highest among young adults, particularly in the western regions, and lowest among children and adolescents. These findings point out variations in exposure across age groups and geographic areas. Full article

Currently, young populations (individuals under 26 years old) face unprecedented challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, and the management of public health crises such as vaccine hesitancy. In this complex environment, social media plays a crucial role in shaping youth attitudes and behaviors, presenting both significant opportunities and risks. Social media platforms have become essential in shaping public opinion on general topics and health-related issues, particularly vaccination. Understanding how digital platforms influence youth behavior regarding vaccination can offer valuable insights into psychosocial mechanisms capable of stimulating sustainable behaviors among the same demographic. This study explores a novel intersection between public health and environmental communication, proposing that the same psychosocial and communicative mechanisms influencing pro-vaccination behaviors—such as trust, social influence, and emotional resonance—also underpin pro-environmental engagement among youth. Understanding this overlap allows for cross-domain strategies in digital communication campaigns. This paper examines how digital communication strategies effective in promoting vaccination can be adapted to foster pro-environmental behavior among youth. By identifying shared psychosocial mechanisms—such as fear, trust, and social influence—the study proposes a conceptual framework for leveraging social media to support sustainable behaviors. This study explores how social media influences youth attitudes towards vaccination and pro-environmental behavior. Using a structured questionnaire distributed among 450 young participants (aged 18–26) and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via WarpPLS, the research identifies key psychosocial mechanisms such as fear, trust, and social influence. Results show that social media exposure and peer environment are strong predictors of both vaccination and environmental behaviors (R² = 0.70 for vaccination attitude; R² = 0.50 for environmental attitude). The proposed conceptual model highlights the importance of emotionally resonant, science-based communication strategies in promoting sustainable behaviors among youth. Practical implications for strategic digital campaigns are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Background: Cancer survivors were at higher risk of poor job performance. Objectives: We aimed to identify differences in the relationship between patient activation, cancer-related symptoms, and job performance among young adult cancer survivors with low and high workplace support. Methods: Study Design: Our cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online survey across Japan in January 2022. Measurement and Statistical Analysis: The survey was designed to assess demographic and clinical characteristics, patient activation, physical fatigue, depression, cognitive impairments, and job performance. Multiple-group structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using data from 202 survivors. Results: Of participants, 53% were aged 35–39 years and 78% were female. Patient activation was positively associated with job performance (β = 0.28, p < 0.01) and negatively related to cancer-related symptoms (β = −0.30, p = 0.01), and cancer-related symptoms were negatively associated with job performance (β = −0.29, p = 0.01), only among young adult cancer survivors with low workplace support. On the other hand, in the high support group, the path coefficients from patient activation to cancer-related symptoms (β = −0.06, p = 0.76), cancer-related symptoms to job performance (β = −0.12, p = 0.37), and patient activation to job performance (β = 0.20, p = 0.21) were not significant. Conclusions: Patient activation plays an important role in improving job performance, especially among young adult cancer survivors who lack workplace support. Even if obtaining workplace support is difficult for young adult cancer survivors, activation of self-management can improve their job performance. Full article