• Research dataclose
• 2019-2023close
• Restricted close
• Aurora Universities Network close

The best-possible-self (BPS) intervention is one of the most widely used positive psychological interventions. It has been shown to promote well-being, optimism and positive affect and to decrease negative affect. However, most research has been conducted in western countries and its effectiveness in people from Eastern countries has been questioned. In this study, we examined the effect of the BPS in young adults from mainland China. Moreover, we investigated the moderating effect of cultural orientation, self-efficacy, and trait optimism and the mediating effect of state optimism and goal-related cognitions. Seventy participants were randomly assigned to the BPS or the control condition. In contrast to previous studies, the BPS did not lead to higher positive affect or well-being in Chinese, but rather to decreased negative affect and negative future expectancies. No significant moderating or mediating effect was found. This study indicates that the effects of the BPS might differ across cultures.

Dendrochronological research project

There is an established relationship between acceptance of cosmetic surgery and psychological factors, including body image. However, qualitative research among diverse cultural groups is needed to provide a more fine-grained understanding of the influences on women’s attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. In this study, 20 Chinese and 20 Dutch women aged 18-50 years (MChinese = 34.20; MDutch = 34.70) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. We identified three themes that captured the factors that women perceived to foster favorable attitudes towards cosmetic surgery: (a) sociocultural pressures (e.g., normalization of cosmetic surgery, appearance-focused peers); (b) intrapersonal characteristics (e.g., beauty-ideal internalization, social comparison); and (c) benefits of beauty (e.g., attracting men, socioeconomic benefits). Conversely, two themes captured the factors perceived to reduce favorable attitudes towards cosmetic surgery: (a) intrapersonal characteristics (e.g., unconditional body acceptance, self-confidence); and (b) external considerations (e.g., health risks, financial costs). Overall, Chinese and Dutch participants shared many similarities in their opinions about what might affect cosmetic surgery consideration. The most striking cross-cultural differences concerned perceived socioeconomic benefits of beauty (mainly Chinese women) and women’s conceptualization of body appreciation. This study may enable a more comprehensive understanding about the factors influencing Chinese and Dutch women’s attitudes towards cosmetic surgery, and the nuances in these relationships across these cultures.

This replication package contains all code, documentation and metadata for the study "ESG did not immunize stocks during the COVID-19 crisis, but investments in intangible assets did", as published in the Journal of Business Finance & Accounting. Due to contractual limitations, the data are stored in a secure location at Tilburg University and cannot be shared. Additional documentation and metadata can be found in the 'metadata' folder.

Dendrochronological research project

Dendrochronological research project

Dendrochronological research project

Dendrochronological research project

Dendrochronological research project