Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a national priority for several reasons including its endemic/pandemic status and economic demand. Adolescents 15 to 24 years old who are sexually active acquire nearly half of all new Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Recent findings from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) have documented increased teen birth rates, escalating births to unwed mothers, and STIs ascribed to one in four adolescent females, are reasons to enhance effective prevention efforts. The specific aim of the study, based on Bandura's social cognitive theory, was to test associations among communication system methods and HIV/AIDS self-efficacy, perceived risk, knowledge, and sexual decision-making among older adolescent females. Communication systems consist of interpersonal relationships, mass and print media. Research questions are: (1) What are the associations among demographic variables (age, race/ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status) in young women and the types of communication systems preferred (media and interpersonal)? (2) What are the associations among the types of communication systems preferred by young women and person factors (HIV/AIDS self-efficacy, perceived risk, and knowledge)? (3) What are the associations among the types of communication systems preferred by young women (media, print, interpersonal) and behavior (sexual-decision making)? (4) What are the associations among young women's person factors (HIV/AIDS self-efficacy, perceived risk, knowledge) and behaviors (sexual decision-making)? The study used a non-experimental cross sectional design. The sample included 866 females, 18 to 21 years old, attending the the second largest public university or a historically black university in Florida. Data was collected using validated instruments transcribed into an electronic survey program. Data analysis consisted of frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, and Multiple Regression Analysis. Results indicated that there were associations beween all proposed constructs that constitute the theoretically derived conceptional model. Interpersonal relationships explained the most variance (parents--22%; partners-12%) when associated with other communication systems. Overall, students reported that parents had more influence on their decisions with regards to basic beliefs, value systems, sexuality, dating, and alcohol use. The communication systems associated with older adolescents' sexual decision-making may assist public health advocates in developing related preventive interventions for young adult females.

This thesis develops the Effects of Power Model to explain why some power users come to behave in anti-social ways and what can be done about it. The model shares an analytical focus on the effect of the exercise of power on the power user with the Metamorphic Model of Power (Kipnis, 1976), but overcomes limitations in the Metamorphic Model by using the integrating framework of Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986). This theory guided the identification of the Effects of Power Model's main variables and their relationships, and provides a powerful framework for designing normative applications based on those variables and relationships. The Effects of Power Model describes a self-regulatory process which begins with a consideration by the power user of whether and what type of power or influence tactic he or she should use. To make the decision, the power user considers both internal standards and experiences (either vicariously gained or directly). Having acted, the power user then evaluates his or her action against both feedback and internal standards. If evaluation indicates that the action was contrary to either internal standards and/or to expected outcomes, there are two possible reactions. One is to feel bad and to plan to choose another course of action in future. The other is to rationalise the action through the use of disengagement mechanisms. The latter enables the power user to excuse his or her action and maintain a commitment to the action in the future. Over time, repeated use of disengagement mechanisms to excuse behaviour leads to a change in internal standards and to a rising commitment to the behaviour. The model's descriptive power is tested using a two-stage laboratory experiment with between subject manipulations and random allocation of subjects. A range of analytical frameworks are used to test the data including correlation, regression and Chi square analyses. Results strongly support the model. The model's prescriptive power is also considered by developing a program to enhance pro-social behaviour among power users, particularly professionals. Examples are identified that support key propositions of the model, relating to how the circumstances of professionals may influence their anti-social behaviour and how changes in circumstances could promote pro-social behaviour.

Introduction: Several national trials have demonstrated the efficacy of lifestyle interventions on decreasing the incidence of type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. Behavior change pertaining to physical activity (PA) and diet were central to these lifestyle interventions; however it is likely a majority of adults with prediabetes are not currently meeting public health guidelines for PA and dietary intake. Little information is available on different influences of behavior central to prediabetes treatment. Given these findings, further investigation into potential influences on the efficacy of prediabetes service provision is warranted. Purpose: This dissertation aimed to explore prediabetes service provision to identify potential influences on PA and dietary intake in adults with prediabetes. Methods: The first study used Grounded Theory methodology to obtain opinions on necessary components of an optimal diabetes prevention program from health professionals (n=20) and adults with, or at high risk of, prediabetes (n=12). The second, third, and fourth studies involved individuals with prediabetes (N=232) in Northern Alberta, Canada. Participants completed a mailed survey assessing various demographic, health and behavior influences in August-September, 2008. Results: Data from Study 1 identified four influences on behavior change in adults with prediabetes: service provision, knowledge or confusion, motivational influences, and goal-setting. Potential strategies to increase effectiveness of prediabetes programs were also identified. In Study 2, individuals with prediabetes achieving PA guidelines (38%) reported higher physical and mental health-related quality of life compared to those not meeting PA guidelines. In Study 3, a number of preferences for PA and PA programming were identified. Activity status, health, and demographic variables all demonstrated significant influence on different PA preference variables. In Study 4, behavior-specific social cognitive theory constructs including self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and goal formation demonstrated significant associations with each other and PA, fat, and fibre intake. Conclusions: Evidence suggests it is possible to prevent or delay the progression of prediabetes to diabetes with small changes in body weight, physical activity and dietary intake. The results reported in this dissertation identified a number of factors that may influence potential success of a prediabetes program to promote behavior change and increase the public health impact of prediabetes prevention programs.

Research regarding use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among all populations in America is needed to understand what seems to be an increasing trend. Education has been shown to be a significant determinant of CAM use, therefore, college students are likely to be CAM users. Little research has addressed the prevalence and predictors of CAM use among this population, so the purpose of this study was to: (1) measure the prevalence and type of CAM use among a sample of college undergraduates; and (2) test the significance of select social-cognitive constructs and demographics as predictors of CAM use. A random sample of undergraduate students within the Texas A&M University System was solicited via email to complete a web-based survey. Findings show high rates of CAM use. Gender, attitude toward CAM, outcome expectancies regarding the health care encounter, and social network use of CAM were shown to be significant predictors of CAM use. Results can inform health care and health education professionals interested in improving health care processes and addressing positive and negative issues related to CAM use.

Light skin color sits within a space of privilege. While this has global significance and relevance, it is particularly true in Jamaica, a former British colony. The majority of the population is of African descent, yet there is an elevation of Eurocentric values and a denigration of Afrocentric values in many facets of life, specifically in the promotion of light skin as an indicator of beauty and social status. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological and socio-cultural factors that influence the practice of skin bleaching in the postcolonial society of Jamaica. Additionally, the study outlined the nation's efforts to combat the skin-bleaching phenomenon. The naturalistic paradigm of inquiry was used to frame the study and to collect and analyze data. The sample consisted of fifteen participants—twelve participants (six males and six females) with a history of skin bleaching; a retailer of skin lightening products; a local dermatologist who has written and published in local newspapers on the practice; and a representative from the Ministry of Health who was integrally involved in the national educational efforts to ban the practice. Data came from three sources: in-depth interviews with respondents; observation of participant's skin-bleaching practices; and a review of local cultural artifacts from popular culture and the media. Data from the audio recorded and transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Some of the findings reveal that there are multiple and inconsistent definitions of bleaching; skin bleaching enjoys mixed reviews—much attributed to economic and social class distinctions; bleachers demonstrate and boast of their expertise in managing the bleaching process suggesting, that because of this expertise, they are immune to any negative side-effects of the practice; the bleaching practice was found to be intermittent, time consuming and laborious, costly and addictive; there are several motivations for the skin-bleaching practice, and these are primarily connected to issues of fashion, beauty, popularity, self-image and acceptability; there is a certain level of defiance towards the government‘s efforts to ban bleaching yet an expressed sense of responsibility among bleachers. The overall findings show that there is a bias in Jamaica for light skin over dark skin and these values are taught in non-formal and informal ways from very early in life. The practice of skin bleaching is of social and public health concern, and this study has implications for national policy, practice and theory.

Syfte: Syftet med studien var att undersöka det förväntade resultatet (outcome expectations) vad gäller fysiska, själv-värderande och sociala förväntningar av regelbunden träning hos äldre fysiskt aktiva respektive fysiskt inaktiva och även jämföra de båda grupperna och se om skillnad förelåg. Metod: 32 stycken deltagare inkluderades i studien genom bekvämlighetsurval för att representera populationen äldre (>65 år) friska individer. Deltagarna fick fylla i en enkät gällande motionsvanor senaste 12 månaderna och delades sedan in i grupperna regelbundet fysiskt aktiva respektive inaktiva beroende på vad de svarat i enkäten. Deltagarnas förväntningar på resultatet av regelbunden fysisk aktivitet mättes sedan med en enkät kallad Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale (MOEES) som undersöker fysiska, själv-värderande och sociala förväntningar. Resultat: De regelbundet fysiskt aktiva hade högre resultatförväntningar på regelbunden fysisk aktivitet gällande fysiska förväntningar. Ingen signifikant skillnad mellan grupperna kunde ses gällande själv-värderande och sociala förväntningar. Konklusion: Äldre som regelbundet är fysiskt aktiva har högre fysiska förväntningar på fysisk aktivitet än äldre inaktiva. Fler studier som undersöker och jämför det förväntade resultatet gällande fysiska, själv-värderande och sociala förväntningar av fysiskt aktivitet mellan äldre aktiva och inaktiva behövs för att styrka sambanden mellan att vara fysiskt aktiv och vad äldre förväntar sig att få ut av det. / Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine outcome expectations in terms of physical, self-evaluative and social expectations of regular physical activity/exercise in physically active or physically inactive older adults, and compare the two groups and see if any difference existed.Method: The participants were 32 conveniently selected individuals, representing the population elderly (> 65 years) and healthy individuals who are regularly physically active or inactive. The participants answered a questionnarie regarding their level of physical activity during the last 12 months which divided them into two groups, physically active or physically inactive. The Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale (MOEES) questionnaire was then used to measure the participant´s level of outcome expectations of regular physical activity/exercise. Results: The regularly physically active participants had higher scores on MOEES, in terms of physical expectations than participants who were physically inactive. No significant difference where seen between the two when comparing the total score of MOEES and the subgroups self-evaluative, and social expectations for regular physical activity/exercise. Conclusion: This study showed that there in older adults, is a relation between being physically active and having higher physical outcome expectations of physical activity/exercise. Further studies which examines outcome expectations in terms of physical, self-evaluative and social expectations of regular physical activity/exercise, in physically active or physically inactive older adults is warranted.

This article is a quantitative research analysis that aims to compare the career orientations of Swedish and Chinese undergraduates involved in an International Social Work Program as an effort to provide insight for social work educators.  Use of the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) was applied to analyze the data.  A mail questionnaire was issued to 51 students studying at the University of Gävle (Sweden). The results show that fifty percent of Swedish students and fifty percent Chinese students would prefer to work in the government and/or public sector.  Also,  the study participants  agree that they will be influenced by career development opportunities in future work, and that the most substantial difference between the nationalities is that Chinese students tend to be more influenced by the social expectations of immediate parents, relatives, and friends, than their Swedish counterparts.  Finally, this article lists a few recommendations geared towards helping social work educators provide more relevant links between the school’s curriculum and anticipated job requirements, and bridging more opportunities for student internship positions.

The current study examined the influence of social cognitive variables on physical activity and proposed an intervention for an 8-week physical activity promotion program. Four specific components were examined: implementation intentions, goal commitment, barrier self-efficacy, and value. Participants included faculty and staff enrolled in a university Employee Wellness Program. Participants in the treatment group received goal-setting prompts focused on developing implementation intentions, identifying the value of outcome expectancies, and overcoming self-efficacy barriers. Participants in the control group did not receive goal-setting prompts. The use of goal-setting prompts did not result in significantly more minutes spent exercising. Overall, participants who received goal-setting prompts maintained their engagement in physical activity throughout the program, while participants in the control group steadily declined after week 5. For the treatment group, physical activity was dropping after the first week, but after receiving implementation-intentions prompts, physical activity increased. The use of implementation intentions should be further investigated. Additionally, the use of administering prompts throughout the complete program should be examined.

Internet enables construction of flexible online learning environments without time and distance barriers. However, learners typically experience isolation and alienation in online learning environments. These negative experiences can be reduced by enhancing perceived social presence of learners. With the development of learning technologies, learners can communicate asynchronously and synchronously with other participants. If social cues could be delivered adequately in online classrooms, it may become a real possibility for learners to experience the benefits that are typically only available in the social environment of a traditional classroom. However, the perceived social presence among learners is not the same for everyone. In order to better facilitate the social presence in an online classroom, this study attempted to build a model for measuring social presence and its relationships with other factors in online learning based on the social cognitive theory. An instrument with sufficient reliability and validity was developed to measure these factors. A formal study was carried out with a paper-based questionnaire for those learners who had previous learning experiences in online learning. A total of 535 valid samples were collected and analyzed from three schools in Taiwan. The method of structural equation modeling was applied to examine the proposed model and test the hypotheses. The results of measurement model testing show that five second-order constructs, user interface, mediated communication, social presence, interaction performance, and learning performance, can be synthesized from eleven first-order constructs. The results of structural model testing show that user interface and mediated communication have significant influences on social presence. User interface also has positive impact on mediated communication. Moreover, this study provided evidence that social presence has significant effects on interaction performance, and then interaction performance has significant effects on learning performance. Finally, the implications of research findings were discussed for further research directions and practical applications.

Abstract In recent years, the Ministry of Education's policy on higher education is no longer the way to indulge control operation, the opposite order to improve the quality of higher education. The Ministry of Education used the double-dealing, first of all, the university evaluation system begin and regulate the so-called "university exit mechanism." In addition the education and implementation of large grants of accreditation providing subsidies to the better universities, and thus evaluation of poor schools can¡¦t get grants, so the formation of most of the subsidies to the school an excellent university, and therefore caused the situation to strong become more stronger, the weak become more weaker. Therefore, if colleges and universities can¡¦t achieve the minimum number of students remain in operation, and it will eventually be forced out of the education market, and then it will be accompanied by referred students, teachers, severance and other social issues. This study used the purposive sampling with snowball sampling, and questionnaires the domestic 14 private university teachers, a total of 224 valid questionnaires recovered, and then to use the SPSS 18.0 in statistical analysis and examination the collected date. The results showed: 1. Teachers with high degree of Internal Marketing consciousness will increase their organizational commitment in the university. 2. Teachers with high degree of environmental uncertainty Perceptions will reduce their organizational commitment in the university and it will affect the teaching quality. 3. Teachers with high degree of organizational commitment and the internal marketing consciousness will increase the teaching quality. 4. Teachers with organization commitment have positive mediation effect between the internal marketing consciousness and teaching quality 5. In the situation of internal marketing consciousness, the environmental uncertainty perception does not have any effect the organizational commitment and the teaching quality.