Billy Sung, Stephen La Macchia and Michelle Stankovic
This study aims to examine how the appraisal of both incidental and direct positive other-agency emotions (vs self-agency emotions) enhances brand trust and, subsequently, brand…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine how the appraisal of both incidental and direct positive other-agency emotions (vs self-agency emotions) enhances brand trust and, subsequently, brand attitudes.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents three experiments that examine the effect of other-agency emotions (vs self-agency emotions) on brand trust and brand attitudes by both Australian and USA consumers. Studies 1 and 2 compared the effect of self- and other-agency emotions evoked through an irrelevant reflective task. Study 3 used real-world marketing communication to evoke self- or other-pride.
Findings
Gratitude (Study 1) and other-pride (Study 2) evoked through an irrelevant, reflective task enhanced brand trust and attitudes for both familiar and unfamiliar brands. The authors replicated these effects using marketing communications that evoked other-pride (Study 3) and showed how these findings can be applied in a marketing context.
Research limitations/implications
There are contradictory findings in the literature on how positive emotions influence brand trust and attitudes. The findings show that other-agency appraisal is a crucial appraisal within a marketing context and reveals why not all positively valenced emotions increase brand trust and brand attitudes. The findings highlight the importance of examining the effects of emotions on brand trust and attitudes beyond the consideration of their valence.
Practical implications
The research provides significant implications for marketers to improve brand trust and brand attitudes through the elicitation of other-agency emotions. The findings also demonstrate that different components of emotions, such as appraisal structure, may influence consumer trust and attitudes towards marketing and branding communications.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to empirically demonstrate how other-agency appraisals of emotions can influence consumer brand trust and attitudes in a marketing context.
Ian Hamilton, Rose Pringle and Stephen Hemingway
The purpose of this paper is: first, to consider the reported problems in sexual function caused by psychotropic medication. Second, the complex undertaking of completing an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is: first, to consider the reported problems in sexual function caused by psychotropic medication. Second, the complex undertaking of completing an assessment of sexual functioning. Third, the role of the pharmaceutical industry is explored. Finally, implications for future research and practice are suggested.
Design/methodology/approach
As a commentary this paper draws on the available literature to synthesise what is already known about the relationship between psychoactive substances and sexual functioning.
Findings
The limited literature and lack of research attention given to psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction limits our collective understanding of how many people are affected and in what way.
Research limitations/implications
A greater focus on psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction is needed for people with a dual diagnosis. There has been an over reliance on single case studies and self-reporting. Large scale epidemiological investigation would help understand the extent and nature of the problem more fully. The demographic shift particularly in relation to an ageing population should be considered as psychotropic substances effect individuals in different ways as they grow older.
Practical implications
There is scope for workers to engage more fully in a conversation with clients about their experience of using psychotropic substances and how this has impacted their sexual functioning. The literature suggests that clients want to talk about this issue but staff are unwilling or unable to discuss the topic.
Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge this is the first paper that draws on the available literature to explore the known and likely implications of psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction for this client group.
Details
Keywords
Alexis Yim, Stephen X. He, Annie Peng Cui and Lin Zhao
Cuteness has grown to be a global phenomenon fueled by the explosive usage of social media. Cute stimuli are ubiquitous, but few have explored their effects on consumer…
Abstract
Purpose
Cuteness has grown to be a global phenomenon fueled by the explosive usage of social media. Cute stimuli are ubiquitous, but few have explored their effects on consumer decision-making; direct evidence is particularly lacking in the area of risky choices. In this research, the authors theorize and demonstrate the unintended effects of cuteness exposure on people’s risk preference.
Design/methodology/approach
Across five experimental studies situated in various risk contexts, including health, financial and safety, the authors demonstrate that exposure to cuteness makes consumers more risk-seeking due to the reduction of situational conscientiousness. Study 1 used an experimental lab study with a real circumstance to test the effect on the risk associated with food consumption. Study 2 used a classical gambling experiment to test the effect on financial risk. Studies 3a and 3b used a mass shooting news article to test the effect on safety risk. Lastly, study 4 tested the mediating role of low conscientiousness with the classical gambling experiment.
Findings
The findings show that exposure to cuteness makes people more likely to take risks in various domains (e.g. food consumption, safety and financial decisions).
Research limitations/implications
This study tested the effect of cuteness on risk-seeking with a limited number of domains of risk. In addition, the authors tested the effect with visual cuteness stimuli, while individuals may perceive cuteness through other senses, such as sound.
Practical implications
The findings have implications for business owners and marketers when deciding whether and how to use cuteness to promote their products and brands, as well as to avoid potential repercussions. For example, a marketer for a new extreme sports company could use videos or images of cute animals participating in sports on the company’s social media channels to expand its market share. In addition, findings from this research would make consumers more attentive when facing cute appeals as they gain a better understanding of how exposure to cuteness could impact their own decision-making.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to demonstrate that exposure to subtle, cute environmental cues has a robust effect on consumers’ risk preferences across various domains, regardless of age and gender.
Details
Keywords
This contribution aims to introduce an effective low cost polymer-nanocomposite for possible application to achieve a super protection for highly damaged ancient Egyptian wall…
Abstract
Purpose
This contribution aims to introduce an effective low cost polymer-nanocomposite for possible application to achieve a super protection for highly damaged ancient Egyptian wall paintings.
Design/methodology/approach
SiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method. Then, the polymer-nanocomposite was prepared by simple mixing and dispersing the nanoparticles into the tetraethoxysilane polymer solution, with the aid of an ultrasonic dismembrator. The application of the polymer-nanocomposite and other polymeric nanodispersions, on laboratory models, was performed by the brushing technique. Next, the materials stability was evaluated by means of digital optical microscope, colorimetry, FE-scanning electron microscope, measuring the static contact angle and water absorption rates.
Findings
The results were promising in creating a superhydrophobicity and the static contact angle (?S) measured for the polymer-nanocomposite reached 135o. An average of three measurements of the water absorption rate after polymer-nanocomposite treatment was 0.66 g/m2 s, compared to 2.60 g/m2 s for the control model (untreated). Further, an average of color difference (?E*) for the treated surface was 2.78, and after the accelerated thermal aging was 3.6. Observing the surface morphology, the polymer-nanocomposite enhanced the roughness of the treated surface and showed a high resistance to laboratory salt weathering.
Practical implications
Preparation of a polymer-nanocomposite by adding SiO2 and Al2O3 NPs to tetraethoxysilane polymer has been proposed. As a promising conservation material, the produced polymer-nanocomposite helped to form an efficient protective film.
Originality/value
This paper attains to develop an economic polymer-nanocomposite to maintain a high protection to damaged ancient Egyptian wall paintings and similar objects.