Negative Belief

We are in a position to assess the fortunes of the soft Parmenidean project. A number of putative negative existents were dismissed as no threat to the project, but there remained a number of outstanding metaphysical problems, such as whether there were really negative properties and how negative truths were made true. To solve these, we needed to consider how we are able to talk about nothing without existential commitment to it. This required an account of perception of absence, showing how we gain an idea of absence, and then an account of empty terms, showing how we can talk about what-is-not. Finally, we gave an account of denial as an alternative to asserting a negative. When we put these together, it explains how we can have negative beliefs concerning what is not the case without having to treat any absence or nothing as if it is something.

Depression Symptoms Mediate Mismatch Between Perceived Severity of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Preventive Motives

The present study monitored changes in beliefs about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, depressive symptoms, and preventive motives between the first and second waves in South Korea using an online survey administered to 1,144 individuals nationally representative for age, gender, and areas of residence. While participants correctly updated their beliefs about the worsening pandemic situations, the perceived importance of social distancing did not change, and their motives to follow prevention measures shifted toward compulsory rather than voluntary motives. This inconsistency appeared to be mediated by depressive symptoms, such that negative belief changes followed by increased depressive symptoms were associated with the decreased perceived importance of social distancing and decreased voluntary motives. Our data highlights the importance of psychological responses to the dynamically evolving pandemic situations in promoting preventive behaviors.

Depression symptoms mediate mismatch between perceived severity of the COVID-19 and diminished compliance with prevention measures

Without any known vaccine or cure, sustaining individuals’ cooperation in following prevention measures is crucial to prevent spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Here, we monitored national representative samples with changes in beliefs about the pandemic, depressive symptoms, and motivation to comply with prevention measures between the end of the first wave (Time1) and beginning of the second wave (Time2) of the COVID-19 in South Korea. Participants’ beliefs about the pandemic closely reflected the change of the COVID-19 situations. Strikingly, inconsistent with the accurate belief update, individuals regarded social distancing less important and externalized their motives to comply with preventive measures more at Time2 than Time1. This mismatch was mediated by depressive symptoms, such that increased depressive symptoms followed by negative belief change were associated with decreased perceived importance of social distancing and voluntary motivation. Our data highlights the importance of considering psychological reactions in promoting individuals’ compliance with prevention measures.

Nocebo Effects on Perceived Muscle Soreness and Exercise Performance Following Unaccustomed Resistance Exercise: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nocebo administration on perceived soreness and exercise performance following unaccustomed resistance exercise. Untrained males were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: (1) control or (2) negative-belief. For the negative-belief group, participants were given a capsule before exercise containing 400 mg of an inert substance (gluten-free cornstarch) and were told the supplement would increase muscle soreness. The control group received no treatment. An algometer and pain scale was used to obtain soreness, and a goniometer was used to measure elbow range of motion (ROM). Participants completed an eccentric bicep curl pyramid with their non-dominant arm. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and repetitions were recorded. Then, 48 h after the initial exercise bout, participants repeated all procedures. Perceived soreness, ROM, average RPE, and total repetitions performed were analyzed. Perceived soreness was significantly higher in both control and negative-belief groups 48 h after exercise (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.23). ROM was significantly lower 48 h post in the negative-belief group (p = 0.004; d = 1.83) while no differences existed for controls (p = 0.999; d = 0.16). Average RPE was unaffected between groups (p = 0.282; η2 = 0.07). Total repetitions were significantly lower 48 h post in the negative-belief group (p < 0.001; d = 2.51) while no differences existed for the controls (p = 0.999; d = 0.08). Findings suggest that 48 h after unaccustomed resistance exercise, negative expectation does not worsen soreness but hinders ROM and exercise performance.

Predictors of pharmacophobia

Recent studies estimate that between 30% to 50% of the population does not adhere to their prescribed therapies, and one of the reasons is pharmacophobia. Pharmacophobia is a fear of medication and a negative attitude toward drugs in general. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of pharmacophobia. 700 participants participated in the study, of which 80.9% were female. The age of the participants ranged from 19 to 62 years (M=26.5, SD=7.41). The instrument consisted of several questionnaires measuring attitudes toward drugs, beliefs about medicine, emotional disgust, medication form preference, tendency for alternative medical habits and the likelihood of believing in conspiracy theories. Also, the demographic data was collected. The research was conducted through an online survey. The results showed that out of the total number of participants, 20.3% evaluated themselves as pharmacophobic, and 79.7% as pharmacophilics. Given the goal of the study, the results obtained suggest that one of the predictors of pharmacophobia is the tendency to believe in conspiracy theories, where the higher inclination to believe in conspiracy theories leads to greater pharmacophobia. Furthermore, the preference for solid drug forms and drugs that are intended for usage through the body cavity also contribute to an explanation of pharmacophobia in a way that pharmacophobic persons do not have a preference toward said medication forms. The predictor that contributes the most in the explanation of pharmacophobia is a negative belief in drugs, suggesting that a person with an expressed negative attitude to medication will probably not adhere to prescribed therapies by doctors.

Investigating the Predictors of Intrusive Visual Imagery in Elite Athletes

The aims of this research were to determine if metacognitive beliefs predicted Intrusive Visual Imagery (IVI) in elite athletes, and if this was consistent across performance contexts. To address these aims, 110 elite cricket and AFL players completed the 30-item metacognitions questionnaire and intrusive visual imagery questionnaire before a training session and competitive match. Regression analyses indicated that the Negative Beliefs about the Uncontrollability of Thoughts and Their Danger metacognition and Need to Control Thoughts metacognition predicted IVI in both contexts. Findings were interpreted within the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model. It was suggested that extra attentional control is exerted to prevent the conscious experience of a negative belief, which prompts an image related to the belief being experienced, which is perceived as intrusive. Results also suggested that athletes are less likely to experience IVI before competing, possibly due to greater monitoring of thoughts. Implications for these findings are discussed.

SELF-CARE MANAGEMENT AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND POOR ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT, LIVING IN RURAL THAILAND: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background: Hypertension is a common health problem among the elderly. Approximately 50% have poor adherence to their prescribed medication, which leads to uncontrolled blood pressure. This study was aimed to understand causes of poor adherence and gain knowledge of patient's self-management in their home. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted. Elderly hypertension patients with poor adherence to antihypertension medication and uncontrol blood pressure, between the ages of 60-79 were purposively selected to participate in this study. Home visits, including observation of patient's behavior in their home, were conducted. Content analysis was performed. Results: A total of thirty respondents were interviewed of which 17 were female and 13 were male. All understood that hypertension is a chronic health problem but most of them were unaware that nonadherence to their hypertension medication treatment would lead to negative consequence to their health. Most respondents had negative beliefs toward hypertension treatment. The reasons for poor adherence are: 1) personal beliefs or habits, which include forgetfulness and negative belief that the medication will not control blood pressure; 2) side effects of medication and 3) negative perceptions influenced by the community. Research results showed that most participants were not taking their prescribed dosage. Additionally, expired medication was commonly found in their medication inventory. High sodium diets and no regular exercise was commonly reported. Conclusion: Patients understood that hypertension is a lifelong condition but unaware of consequence of poor adherence. Personal reason and negative belief as well as wrong belief influenced by community. Forgetfulness and manage dosage of medication should be addressed when designing a strategy to improve medical adherence. Education on controlling hypertension and treatments should be addressed and incorporated into a holistic strategy to improve adherence to the patient's drug regimen.