In this study, we examine students’ reasons for course non-completion at a large, diverse, public research university in the university system of Georgia. We found these reasons in multiple datasets and used a mixed-methods approach to interpret them. While many studies have framed course withdrawals as rational decisions based on academic or personal factors, this study explores a variety of factors, including both practical and emotional considerations, that shape students’ withdrawal decisions. We analyzed emotional sentiment and reasons for course non-completion cited at the moment of withdrawal (i.e., disclosed on the registrar withdrawal form) as well as at retrospective timepoints (i.e., in a survey and semi-structured interview). At the time of withdrawal, students most frequently cited academic, personal, or mental health struggles as reasons for withdrawal, often expressing negative emotions. In some cases, students indicated the need for immediate crisis intervention. However, retrospective reflections revealed more positive emotions about their decisions and cited poor academic performance and an overall imbalance in their lives as key reasons. These findings highlight the complex interplay between academic challenges and emotional responses in the withdrawal process, suggesting that educators should consider both factors when addressing course non-completion. We also discuss the implications for future research and administrative policy.
Introduction This study examined the moderating role of positive emotion in the relationship between trait-like stress reactivity and negative emotion, and whether this moderating effect varies by cognitive performance and cognitive decline across nine years. Methods Using data from 2,041 participants in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (mean age = 65.52 years), hierarchical regression models were conducted to predict negative emotion from trait-like stress reactivity, positive emotion, and their interaction, controlling for age, gender, years of education, depressed mood, and neuroticism. Simple slope analyses were conducted to test the direction of significant interactions. Analyses were repeated within subgroups of cognitive performance and cognitive decline across 9 years. Results The interaction between positive emotion and trait-like stress reactivity was significant, with higher positive emotion associated with a weaker relationship between stress reactivity and negative emotion. This moderating effect was observed across low, moderate, and high cognitive performance groups; a three-way interaction further indicated that the moderating effect becomes stronger as cognitive performance increases. For cognitive decline, the moderating effect was significant only among individuals with relatively greater cognitive decline, although the three-way interaction was not significant. Conclusion Positive emotion may buffer the relationship between trait-level stress reactivity and negative emotion across the cognitive performance range, although this moderating effect appears weaker at lower cognitive performance. Findings for cognitive decline were less conclusive, as a subgroup-specific association among participants with greater decline was not confirmed when cognitive decline was analyzed as a continuous moderator.
Abstract According to expectancy theory, people eat food that they expect will bring positive emotions. The present research aimed to identify food and non-alcoholic beverages UK adults most expected to bring positive emotions; test influences of high fat, salt and/or sugar (HFSS) and branding on expectancies; and investigate associations of expectancies with diet quality and comfort eating (i.e. eating induced by negative emotions). A representative sample of UK adults (n 1203; M age = 47 years; 52 % women; 87 % white) viewed food and non-alcoholic beverage images and completed the Anticipated Effects of Food Scale-Brief, a food frequency questionnaire, and questions about comfort eating and sociodemographic background. We ranked means of positive expectancies, conducted multilevel modelling to test influences of HFSS and branding on expectancies and examined correlations among expectancies, diet quality and comfort eating. Participants more strongly expected eating branded HFSS (e.g. Cadbury Twirl chocolate) v. generic non-HFSS (e.g. prawn curry) would result in positive emotions [b = 0·10, se = 0·04, p = ·02, 95 % CI (0·02, 0·18)]. Greater positive expectancies for HFSS – branded and generic – were associated with worse diet quality, especially positive expectancies for ice cream sundaes, fizzy drinks and chocolate (rs = –0·14 to −0·19, ps < ·001). Greater positive expectancies for HFSS and negative expectancies for HFSS and non-HFSS were associated with more frequent comfort eating (rs = 0·08 to 0·30, ps < ·05). Targeting positive HFSS expectancies through food environment policy and behavioural programmes may be a promising strategy for improving diet quality and reducing comfort eating in the UK adult population. Adults who comfort eat may also benefit from challenging negative expectancies for all foods.
This study investigated the extent to which the social and environmental features of tourism destinations could support senior tourists' walking, and the emotions and responses evoked. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 29 senior tourists who visited Macao (China). The results revealed that enhancing the usefulness, safety, and comfort of the physical environment; improving the aesthetics of architecture and decoration; and providing interesting visual stimulation and a friendly atmosphere would encourage senior tourists to walk more. Perceived walkability evoked positive emotions and led to more movement, longer times spent on the streets, increased spending, and recommendations to others. This study highlights the importance of person–environment fit to promote walking. Practical implications are offered.
این مطالعه به بررسی میزان حمایت ویژگیهای اجتماعی و محیطی مقاصد گردشگری از پیادهروی گردشگران سالمند و هیجانات و واکنشهای برانگیختهشده پرداخت. مصاحبههای نیمهساختاریافته حضوری با ۲۹ گردشگر سالمندی که از ماکائو (چین) بازدید کرده بودند، انجام شد. نتایج نشان داد که افزایش کارآمدی، ایمنی و راحتی محیط فیزیکی؛ بهبود زیباییشناسی معماری و تزئینات؛ و فراهمسازی تحریک بصری جالب و فضای دوستانه میتواند گردشگران سالمند را به پیادهروی بیشتر تشویق کند. قابلیت پیادهروی ادراکشده، هیجانات مثبت را برانگیخت و منجر به تحرک بیشتر، صرف زمان طولانیتر در خیابانها، افزایش هزینهکرد و توصیه مقصد به دیگران شد. این مطالعه بر اهمیت تناسب فرد–محیط برای ارتقای پیادهروی تأکید میکند. پیامدهای عملی نیز ارائه شده است.
