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Background and Purpose We examined three theoretical models (self-enhancement theory, consistency theory, and combined model) for understanding how expectations and test result favorability influence smokers' desire for a retest following hypothetical genetic test results. Method College smokers (N = 128) read a brochure describing a biomarker for lung cancer (the GSTM1 gene) then reported whether they thought they had the gene (indicating lower lung cancer risk) or were missing the gene (indicating higher lung cancer risk). Participants then reported whether they would get retested if they received favorable GSTM1 results versus unfavorable GSTM1 results. Results Participants were most likely to want a retest, suggesting rejection of the results, if they expected favorable news yet received unfavorable news. Conclusion The findings supported the combined model such that smokers expressed greatest interest in a retest when they imagined genetic risk feedback that challenges both enhancement and consistency motives.

This research investigates the impact of peoples’ chronic personality mindsets on charitable giving behaviors (donation intentions) and the process by which it occurs. We expand upon the literature by examining the relationship between mindsets and charitable giving for a social cause (homelessness), the controllability of which may be ambiguous to potential donors. In addition, we show how mindsets influence donation intentions via multiple mediation pathways, which consist of a combination of cognitive and affective mediators. Across two studies that surveyed 791 individuals age 24 + living in the U.S.A. via online questionnaires, we find that a more fixed (vs. growth) personality mindset is significantly associated with lower donation intentions to homelessness charities. A parallel serial mediation model reveals this relationship is mediated by perceived controllability and perceived donation efficacy on one pathway, and attribution and both positive (sympathy) and negative (blame) affect on the other pathways. The results have practical implications for nonprofits and raise awareness of the need to understand the mindsets of potential donors as they devise marketing strategies, programs, and messages. The findings also suggest that nonprofits should consider donors’ perceived controllability of the cause, perceived donation efficacy, and emotions felt towards those in need.

Marksmanship is a core competency every U.S. Army Soldier must attain in order to achieve combat readiness (James & Dyer, 2011). To enhance overall marksmanship proficiency, the current research aims to develop a model to predict Soldier marksmanship qualification scores based on individual differences. The results of the current study found several psychomotor, cognitive, and affective variables predicted marksmanship qualification scores. These findings bring research a step closer to identifying skill deficiencies and individual needs prior to training. More research is needed to maximize understanding and improvement of marksmanship performance and to improve overall combat readiness.