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The primary objective of this research is to explore the potential of utilizing Global Consciousness Project (GCP) data as a tool for understanding and predicting market sentiment. Specifically, the study aims to assess whether incorporating GCP data into econometric models can enhance the comprehension of daily market movements, providing valuable insights for traders.

This study employs econometric models to investigate the correlation between the Standard & Poor's 500 Volatility Index (VIX), a common measure of market sentiment and data from the GCP. The focus is particularly on the largest daily composite GCP data value (Max[Z]) and its significant covariation with changes in VIX. The research employs interaction terms with VIX and daily returns from global markets, including Europe and Asia, to explore the relationship further.

The results reveal a significant relationship with the GCP data, particularly Max[Z] and VIX. Interaction terms with both VIX and daily returns from global markets are highly significant, explaining about one percent of the variance in the econometric model. This finding suggests that variations in GCP data can contribute to a better understanding of market dynamics and improve forecasting accuracy.

One limitation of this study is the potential for overfitting and P-hacking. To address this concern, the models undergo rigorous testing in an out-of-sample simulation study lasting for a predefined one-year period. This limitation underscores the need for cautious interpretation and application of the findings, recognizing the complexities and uncertainties inherent in market dynamics.

The study explores the practical implications of incorporating GCP data into trading strategies. Econometric models, both with and without GCP data, are subjected to an out-of-sample simulation where an artificial trader employs S&P 500 tracking instruments based on the model's one-day-ahead forecasts. The results suggest that GCP data can enhance daily forecasts, offering practical value for traders seeking improved decision-making tools.

Utilizing data from the GCP is found to be advantageous for traders as noteworthy correlations with market sentiment are found. This unanticipated finding challenges established paradigms in both economics and consciousness research, seamlessly integrating these domains of research. Traders can leverage this innovative tool, as it can be used to refine forecasting precision.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between police investigators' decision‐making styles, degree of judgmental self‐doubt and work conditions, on the one hand, and their wellbeing, stress, burnout tendency and sleep quality, on the other.

The study concerns investigative police officers (n=203). Decision‐making styles were measured by Scott and Bruce's General Decision Making Style scale (GDMS), and judgmental self‐doubt by Mirels et al.'s Judgmental Self‐Doubt Scale (JSDS). Wellbeing was measured by the Satisfaction With Life scale (SWL), and stress and burnout tendency by the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and a scale for Performance Based Self‐Esteem (PBS). Questions on sleep quality and work conditions were also used.

High values on the decision‐making styles Avoidant (tries to avoid making decisions) and Dependent (dependent on advice from others before important decisions) were associated with higher PBS, higher PSQ and poorer sleep quality. In addition, the Avoidant style was associated with lower SWL. Both the Dependent and the Avoidant styles were associated with higher influence experienced by others in the investigative work. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that JSDS explained the outcome measures better than the Dependent and the Avoidant decision‐making styles. Gender analyses showed that male investigators showed higher values on Rational decision‐making style (“exhaustive information search” and “logical evaluation of alternatives”) and female investigators higher values on the Dependent decision‐making style. Female investigators also evidenced a higher degree of stress and performance‐based self‐esteem.

The data were collected in a Swedish context and may not be fully generalizable to other countries.

These results suggest the need to individualize training programs that seek to ameliorate stress and burnout.

This paper furthers understanding of the relation between decision‐making styles and wellbeing and stress in police investigators.

During the 1940s and 50s, distribution research in Sweden focused mainly on distribution costs and prevailing market relationships (e.g., market structure and competition, price/performance and resale price maintenance). Later on, distribution research shifted emphasis and now focuses on the provision of consumer goods and services, as well as other consumer issues.

This chapter departs from a specific Swedish perspective on structural changes which took place during the 1990s in Sweden. Before this period Sweden had a long period of improving democracy at work. From the start of the 1990s a number of structural changes were – according to national surveys – associated with increasing psychological demands at work. According to the same sources this was followed during the three last years of the 1990s by a reduced decision latitude. The prevalence of work-related psychological problems started to rise when decision latitude started to decrease. A discussion of concepts related to work democracy is followed by a review of the literature on work democracy and health. Finally, strategies for improving democracy and possible health promoting effects of such improvement are discussed.