Ambivalent Views Research Articles

‘Where are we in this process’? Teachers' attitudes regarding the amendment to the special education law in Israel

AbstractThe study's primary research question is how teachers whose inclusive classes include children with disabilities experienced the most recent amendment (2018) to Israel's Special Education Law. Interviews with 20 teachers revealed four key findings: a sense of professional isolation when having to cope with the challenges of having students with disabilities in general classrooms; concealing emotions (e.g., shame) linked to their ambivalent views of the amendment; dealing with the new dynamics of teacher‐parent relationships; sensing internal conflict regarding the implementation of inclusion. The article discusses the relationship between top‐down educational policy and bottom‐up implementation through teachers' accounts.

What Shapes Ambivalence towards ‘Feminism’ amongst the Clergy?

Abstract In 1994 the Church of England ordained its first women priests and since 2014 women clergy have been appointed as bishops, a senior role in the Church’s ordained hierarchy. However, their acceptance into these roles has been highly ambivalent. How ambivalence manifests and the role of deeper beliefs about gender in the Church is under-researched, especially in understanding the positions of male clergy who oppose women’s ordination. This article draws on data sets from two separate projects conducting semi-structured interviews with both men and women in ordained ministry and compares the ambivalence towards feminism held by female clergy and theologically conservative male clergy. The argument unpacks how institutional and cultural factors intersect with tradition-specific beliefs to generate highly ambivalent views about feminism as a movement. The conclusion suggests ways feminism is mythologised and used to reframe conservative male clergy as vulnerable and as potential victims of misandry.

Awareness of digital commercial profiling among adolescents in Finland and their perspectives on online targeted advertisements

ABSTRACT This study explores adolescents’ awareness of the sources that inform online profiling and their perspectives on online targeted advertisements. It employs thematic analysis to analyse eight focus group discussions (N = 38) with adolescents (13–16 years) in Finland’s capital region. The study advances research on adolescents’ knowledge of the data gathered for online profiling by highlighting that adolescents infer that apart from previous online activities, data on their verbal conversations also inform targeted advertisements. The study also advances research on adolescents’ perspectives on online targeted advertisements by identifying that adolescents’ privacy expectations in the context of targeted advertisements are that data should not be collected without their awareness and commercial entities should not use data on previous conversations for profiling. This study also pinpoints that online profiling gives some adolescents a privacy-invasive feeling of being observed, and others have a boundary until which they consider online data collection for profiling permissible. Moreover, some adolescents express ambivalent views on online targeted advertisements. The findings reflect some adolescents’ acceptance of online profiling and knowledge gaps that can inform media literacy educators. The findings raise concerns about the opacity of online commercial data-gathering practices. Therefore, we urge corporations to demystify their data collection processes.

인공지능 교육 도입에 대한 초등 예비교사의 양면적 견해: 포토보이스 분석

This study aimed to investigate the ambivalent views held by pre-service elementary school
 teachers regarding the introduction of artificial intelligence education using photovoice. The analysis
 was conducted on a total of 116 photographs and accompanying descriptions, which were carefully
 selected and contextualized by four of the 29 research participants. The findings can be summarized
 as follows.
 First, supportive views regarding the introduction of AI education were derived from seven
 themes: 1) The familiarity of students with the digital environment, 2) The responsibility of the
 school education system to prepare students for future society, 3) Opportunities to overcome the
 limitations of existing teaching methods, 4) The potential of AI as an effective learning tool, 5)
 The potential for customization of classes and feedback, 6) The potential of AI to spark interest in
 learning by integrating with the digital learning environment, and 7) The role of AI in providing
 teaching support and assistance to teachers.
 Second, opposing views on the introduction of AI education were derived from the following
 eight themes: 1) Concerns about AI's appropriateness for the development stage of elementary
 school students, 2) Unpredictable risks and potential side effects, 3) AI’s limitations in fostering a
 complete learning process, 4) Limitations of the value of direct experience, 5) Emphasis on the
 importance of teaching value judgment and critical thinking skills prior to AI integration, 6) Fears
 of losing human relationships, communication skills, empathy, and community spirit, 7) Belief that
 AI cannot replace professional expertise and assistance provided by teachers, and 8) Reduced
 thinking skills due to dependency on AI.
 Third, the study delved into the ambivalent views surrounding the introduction of AI education
 by interpreting the pros and cons perceived by pre-service elementary school teachers. These
 ambivalent perspectives were analyzed from the standpoint of their implications for students,
 teachers, the teaching and learning process, and society at large.

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”– A Quintessential Search for Truth and Nature-Elements

Much of Robert Frost’s poems begin in delight and end in wisdom with a sharp clarity of life’s problems and approaches. Unlike Wordsworth, who worshipped nature, Robert Frost presented man as the focal point in most of his poems; his treatment of nature was a mixed feeling – both a sense of awe and mysticism. Man, nature, and environment are the three issues that come under repeated scrutiny in most of his poems, where he explores the effect of man on his environment and vice-versa. His portrayal of the situation where human beings grapple their way out patiently in their disagreeable mood – makes it more relevant in today’s context. Robert Frost reveals man – the nature dichotomy, the interrelationship between them to strike tragic depths though not communicative but always at loggerheads. This poem under study stretches afar and meanders into a quintessential search for truth and problems confronting man pitted against nature. The main aim of this article is to unravel his ambivalent views of nature, human character, and the mutual interrelationship between them with a specific focus on the poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” which, expresses profound clarification on human experience against the backdrop of nature. What is Robert Frost’s understanding of nature? Why is man endlessly confronting with nature/surroundings? Does man’s inner strength have any role to play are some of the questions that seek to find out in this study. A detailed analysis of this poem reveals man’s quest for truth in the contemporary consumeristic culture, offering little space for man to be in harmony with nature. Robert Frost universalized this encounter with nature

A survey of international addiction researchers' views on implications of brain-based explanations of addiction and the responsibility of affected persons.

Aim: To complement existing stakeholder surveys by exploring addiction researchers' views on the implications of brain-based explanations of addiction and the responsibilities of addicted persons. Methods: A total of 190 researchers from 29 countries (13.2%) participated in a LimeSurvey. Their perspectives on implications of brain-based explanations of addiction were explored qualitatively using open-ended questions. In addition, respondents could indicate their views on the responsibility of addicted individuals for their condition and actions using a Likert scale and a free-text field ("mixed methods light"). Qualitative analyses inductively identified the most frequent themes and deductively assessed the overall impact (positive, negative or both/ambivalent). Quantitative analyses included frequencies and proportions. Results: The major themes mentioned were medicalisation and the neglect of other factors, better treatment options and access, (reduced) stigma and (impaired) agency of affected persons. The overall evaluation yielded 46% positive, 33% negative and 16% ambivalent views. Approximately 60% of the participants considered addicted persons to be responsible for their condition and 80% for their actions. Conclusions: According to researchers, a brain-based approach to addictions has positive and negative implications. In particular, the neglect of factors other than biomedical seems to be of concern. Thus, a re-consideration of research priorities as well as affected individuals' agency and role in treatment and care seems warranted.

Between desire and fear: a qualitative interview study exploring the perspectives of carriers of a genetic condition on human genome editing

Human genome editing technologies are advancing at a rapid pace, and their potential disruptive implications lead to ethical and societal questions that cannot be addressed by scientists alone. Further consideration of different stakeholders’ views on human genome editing is crucial to translate society’s needs and values into thoughtful regulations and policies. We therefore explored the views of carriers of autosomal dominant disorders on somatic and heritable genome editing (SGE and HGE) and the role of their (secular or religious) worldviews. This group of stakeholders would be most impacted by the eventual clinical application of genome editing technologies and therefore their views must be taken into account. Ten in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. We found an overarching theme: ‘Balancing between the desire to prevent serious diseases in individuals through HGE, and the fear of the harmful impact on society and nature’ and three main themes: ‘The benefits of SGE and HGE for individuals’, ‘the societal consequences of using HGE’, and ‘the consequences of interfering with nature through HGE’. Although the lived experiences of the participants varied, they were positive towards the safe use of SGE regardless of the severity of conditions, and most participants were positive towards the use of HGE but only to prevent severe genetic conditions. A few participants were against using HGE in any case, regardless of the severity of a condition, based on their religious beliefs. However, most participants with either religious or secular worldviews reported similar views on HGE, both regarding their desire to prevent serious genetic disorders and their fear of the impact on society and nature if HGE were implemented more widely. Reflecting on HGE involved complex and often ambivalent views. When engaging different stakeholders, space is needed for ambivalence and the weighing of values.

셰익스피어의 사극 『리처드 2세』에 나타난 왕권과 신권의 대립 양상

This paper focuses on the conflict between Richard II and one of his subjects, Bullingbrook, while also considering the official power structure during Richard II’s reign. Richard II, who had status as a divine and powerful monarch, faced opposition and massive resistance from his subjects, including Bullingbrook and was eventually dethroned due to his own misdeeds and mistakes. Furthermore, this research examines the complex aspects of the conflict between the kingship and the priesthood during the reign of Richard II with its multilayered and complex structure. Through this process, the conflict between the medieval worldview and modern values as well as the conflict between the religious authority symbolizing the power and providence of God and secular kingship are overlapped and can be seen the complex nature of the reign of Richard II. Shakespeare’s ambivalent views on this complex phase of the times and the aspect of conflict between the kingship and the priesthood including the mutual relationship among the characters shown in Richard II are examined.

Unpacking the disinterested tourist

This paper examines the reasons why some people have limited interest in tourism,. Departing from the traditionally accepted travel constraints approach, an alternative conceptualisation of this phenomenon is offered based on travel disinterest. One-quarter of residents of Queensland, Australia has either no interest in, or has ambivalent attitudes towards travel. A total of 11 themes were identified that could be grouped into four broad thematic domains. They can be ordered along a continuum, ranging from those who lacked interest, to those who were intimidated by the prospects of travel, through to those who saw it as an enjoyable activity but still were reluctant to travel, and finally to a group who saw it as an opportunity for personal growth, but again expressed ambivalent views.

John Dryden’s Sister Arts: Face-Painting and Translation

Abstract This essay explores an alternative figuration in Dryden’s thought and writing on the sister arts: face-painting and translation. In this parallel, Dryden conceives of the face as the original text, the face-paint as the translated word, the cosmetician as the translator, and vice versa. To explore the interrelationship of these arts is to reveal the contradictory impulses that shape Dryden’s 1697 Aeneis, reconciling opposing critical views of his translation strategies. In this essay, I survey the prevalent satiric and aesthetic functions of face-painting in Dryden’s writings. I show that in his essays of the 1690s, Dryden’s ambivalent views on cosmetics inform his views on translation: both the original text and the unpainted face are sacred designs that, paradoxically, may still be beautified by the translator’s expression or the cosmetician’s paint. In translation, Dryden is thus caught between the desire to foreground his own paint and the obligation to preserve Virgil’s design. By way of conclusion, I offer a reading of Dryden’s three renderings of the Aeneas and Lausus episode (Aeneid X), in which he liberally daubs and delicately paints upon Virgil’s original. These diverse strategies are poetic manifestations of the conflicting energies that define Dryden’s sister arts, face-painting and translation.

Teachers' needs for instructional support at early number sense: analysis in terms of (lens) the concerned based model for teacher development

Early number sense requires teachers to have explicit knowledge and understanding to develop learners' skills and knowledge of early number sense. Early grade teachers play a critical role in ensuring learners develop appropriate number sense. The South African National Curriculum Statement allocated 65% of time towards teaching Numbers Operations and Relationship which forms the basis of number sense. Most South African teachers in the early grades are not mathematics specialists and are dependent on support from their school's head of department and the subject curriculum specialist from the district offices. This paper explored teachers experience of the support they received from their head of department in the early grades and the curriculum specialist for the Foundation Phase. This study used the qualitative approach and Fuller's Concerned Based Model for Teacher Development as a theoretical lens to investigate the phenomena. This was a single case study research conducted at one school in the Gauteng Province with three Foundation Phase teachers, one head of department and one subject advisor. Findings revealed teachers understanding and knowledge of number sense and their ambivalent views regarding the support they received. All teachers concluded that the support they received from their department head and subject advisor were partially beneficial to them. They were very concerned with level and depth of the training provided to them. They were unhappy with the once-off short training. Teachers recommended they needed more intensive training on pedagogical content knowledge and content knowledge. Professional development training should be ongoing and that the network learning communities should be established in each district.

Political coherence and certainty as drivers of interpersonal liking over and above similarity.

Affective polarization and political segregation have become a serious threat to democratic societies. One standard explanation for these phenomena is that people like and prefer interacting with similar others. However, similarity may not be the only driver of interpersonal liking in the political domain, and other factors, yet to be uncovered, could play an important role. Here, we hypothesized that beyond the effect of similarity, people show greater preference for individuals with politically coherent and confident opinions. To test this idea, we performed two behavioral studies consisting of one-shot face-to-face pairwise interactions. We found that people with ambiguous or ambivalent views were nonreciprocally attracted to confident and coherent ingroups. A third experimental study confirmed that politically coherent and confident profiles are rated as more attractive than targets with ambiguous or ambivalent opinions. Overall, these findings unfold the key drivers of the affability between people who discuss politics.

Does wearing arthritis gloves help with hand pain and function? A qualitative study into patients' views and experiences.

ObjectiveArthritis gloves are frequently prescribed to people with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (UIA) or RA to help reduce hand pain and improve function. Nested within a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of arthritis gloves (Isotoner gloves vs loose-fitting placebo gloves) in people with RA and UIA, this qualitative study aimed to explore participants’ views on the impact of wearing arthritis gloves on their hand pain and function.MethodsSemi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with purposively selected participants following 12 weeks of glove wearing. Participants and the interviewer were blinded to the treatment allocation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants (intervention: n = 10; control: n = 9) recruited from 13 National Health Service hospital sites in the UK participated in the interviews. Two main themes, with sub-themes, were elicited from the data: mechanisms determining glove use: ‘As soon as your joints get a bit warmer, the pain actually eases’ (thermal qualities; glove use in daily activities; glove use during sleep); and ambivalence about benefits of arthritis gloves: ‘I suppose a normal pair of gloves would do the same sort of thing?’ (are they a help or hindrance?; aesthetic appeal; future use of gloves).ConclusionParticipants had ambivalent views on the impact of both the intervention and the loose-fitting placebo gloves on their hand pain and function, identifying warmth as the main benefit. Ordinary mid-finger-length gloves widely accessible from high street suppliers could deliver warmth and provide the perceived benefits to hand pain and function. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN25892131; registered 5 September 2016 : retrospectively registered.

Эссенциализм в структуре интенсивного материнства у российских женщин

Intensive motherhood is one of the popular styles of parenthood in Russia, emphasizing the key role of the mother as the “main” parent able to take good care of the child. At the same time, fathers are viewed through the lens of their inability to provide the required care for the child. This article presents the results of a qualitative study obtained through interpretive-phenomenological analysis (IPA) based on a semi-structured interview method using the Russian-language version of the Parenting Attitudes Questionnaire (IPAQ) (Liss, Schiffrin Mackintosh et al. 2013). The sample comprised 18 women (N = 18), reflecting maximum demographic diversity, aged 30–46 (M = 36.3) with children under 18. The study identified the phenomena of essentialist attitudes in the structure of intensive motherhood among Russian women: (1) the belief in the “innate” superiority of the mother in comparison with the father in child rearing (biological determinism), and (2) the presence of cultural traditions of essentialism, the detailed content of which is reflected in the subthemes. The study also revealed the influence of life context, macrodeterminants of society and socio-demographic characteristics of women on the stability of expression of essentialism attitudes in the context of intensive motherhood. To a certain extent, low involvement of fathers in parenthood is a marker of essentialist attitudes in the family. At the same time, the study reveals that women have clearly ambivalent views on the participation of male partners in child rearing— the ambivalence is manifested in the ideas of gender equality in the development and formation of the child. The study employed the perspective and method which resulted in an in-depth analysis of the attitudes of intensive parenthood, highlighting the features of its cultural context.

“Yesterday You Slaughtered Animals, Today You Pity Them”: Ambivalence and Resolution Among Jewish Israeli Slaughterers

ABSTRACT This study explored the ambivalence influenced by emotional and moral concerns experienced by Israeli Jewish slaughterers regarding their everyday practices. The findings were based on 35 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with Jewish workers in the kosher slaughter industry in Israel. The manifestations of ambivalence found in the interviews were divided into three categories: between action and meaning, between emotions and religious rationality, and between human–animal similarities and differences. I concluded that, while Jewish slaughterers in Israel displayed ambivalent views about nonhuman animals, they had clear resolutions for these inner conflicts based on available moral and religious justifications for animal slaughter.

Outlook Regarding Mental Illness In Patients And Caregivers In Eastern Nepal

Introduction: Mental health is an integral component of overall health. Various factors along with stigma affect knowledge, perspectives and behavior of the people ultimately affecting help seeking and treatment. The patient and their caregivers are directly involved in overall management and outcome. Hence ascertaining those aspects among them is important and so are aims of this study. Material And Method: A cross sectional comparative study was carried out among 160 participants (80 patients and 80 caregivers) visiting neuropsychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected through semi-structured proforma and Attitude towards mental illness questionnaire (modified). Data were analysed by using SPSS version 25 and Microsoft excel. Results: The socio-demographic profiles between both groups were similar. About 75% from both the groups had good knowledge about mental illness. Almost 60% from both groups had positive perception/attitude regarding mentally ill and mental illness with an only significant difference in relation to rights to mentally ill. More than 70% from both groups had positive attitude regarding help-seeking with only significant difference in view about people with mental illness seeking help from psychiatrist. About 50% from both groups had positive attitude regarding care and treatment. Conclusion: With good knowledge and positive attitude/perception regarding mental illness, self-stigma persisted regarding some domains. Despite positive attitudes for help-seeking, ambivalent views regarding care and treatment into both groups necessitate easy accessibility and upgrading of mental health services.

О семантико-мотивационных связях некоторых средств выражения понятия здоровье в русских диалектах

The article focuses on two motivational patterns involved in the axiological concept of health in Russian dialects. These are “health← firmness, strength, power>> and “health ← movement, location in a place>>. It is claimed that recurrent motivation patterns consolidate a large variety of expressions that convey the axiological concept health to a limited number of patterns. This becomes evident when not only word-formational motivation (the so-called “near>> motivation) but also the inner form of a word (the so-called “distant>> motivation) is considered. At the same time, popular consciousness within the boundaries of one pattern can reveal ambivalent views of reality.

Support and attitudes of Qatar mental health professionals to a proposed mental health inpatient smoking ban: Results of a cross-sectional survey.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Smoking is more common among people with serious mental illness, and it contributes to a reduced life expectancy. Several Western countries have successfully introduced smoke-free policies in inpatient mental health units. There is virtually no information about attitudes to smoking bans in mental health units from countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: We surveyed mental health professionals working in Qatar's main mental health service to determine support for and attitudes towards a proposed total smoking ban in psychiatric wards. Most staff who completed the survey supported an inpatient smoking ban. However, further analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, showed markedly ambivalent attitudes, that is staff simultaneously held attitudes that supported and opposed a smoking ban. Professionals who did not support a ban were more likely to have not received smoking cessation training in the last 5years, to be a psychiatrist rather than a nurse or allied mental health professional, to be current smokers and to be a Middle Eastern and North African national. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Further staff training is necessary to achieve more consistent attitudes that support a total smoking ban and increase the likelihood of successful implementation. The attitudes in this study showed similarities and differences to those reported for mental health professionals in Western countries. This highlights that local research is necessary to help shape training and successfully implement smoke-free policies. ABSTRACT: Introduction Despite the fact that patients with serious mental illness (SMI) have high rates of smoking and an increased standardized mortality, there is virtually no information about attitudes to smoking bans in mental health units from countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. Aim To assess support for, and attitudes towards, a proposed total smoking ban in psychiatric wards among mental health clinicians in Qatar. Method Cross-sectional survey of mental health professionals working in Qatar's primary mental health service. Results The response rate was 68% (353/520). Support for a ban was assessed with a single-item question; 73% of respondents supported a ban with opposition significantly (p<.05) associated with being a current smoker, a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) national, a psychiatrist versus a mental health nurse or allied health professional and not receiving smoking cessation training in the last 5years. A 21-item questionnaire assessed attitudes to a total smoking ban. It showed marked ambivalence with multiple linear regression identifying MENA nationality, male gender and current smoking status as independent variables influencing attitudes. The most strongly held attitude supporting a ban was concern about passive smoking and against a ban was concern it may increase patient agitation. Qualitative data confirmed ambivalent views. Discussion The results show similarities and differences to research from other countries suggesting that cultural factors influence some attitudes to smoke-free policies. Implications for Practice Staff support and smoking cessation education are necessary to achieve more consistent staff attitudes to support smoke-free policies.

The China Model and Its Detractors in Iran

AbstractIn the last decade, China's rapid economic growth has become a hot topic for politicians and intellectuals in Iran. Iranian views on China and its development model are ambiguous and contradictory, despite exponential growth in trade between the two countries. Three broad views have emerged in Iran about the Chinese way of progress. The pragmatic moderates advocate rapid economic development while keeping tight political control, which is broadly known as the China model. Two other political factions have ambivalent views on China. Hardliners focus on the Islamic‐Iranian Model of Progress but also admire some aspects of China's policies, especially its opposition to unilateralism in international affairs. Political reforms and social freedom are central to reformists’ views. On this ground, reformists are uncomfortable with the China model. During the Covid‐19 pandemic, China's aid diplomacy in Iran and critical remarks by an Iranian health authority about China provided a pretext for a more open debate about Sino–Iranian relations, in general, and the China model, in particular. The range of views expressed on the matter confirms our assessment that there is a wide gap between political camps in relation to the applicability of the China model to Iran.

Mini-gut feelings: perspectives of people with cystic fibrosis on the ethics and governance of organoid biobanking.

Aim: Organoid technology has enormous potential for precision medicine, such as has recently been demonstrated in the field of cystic fibrosis. However, storage and use of organoids has been associated with ethical challengesand there is currently a lack of harmony in regulation and guidelines to govern the rapid emergence of 'organoid medicine'. Developing sound governance demands incorporation of the perspectives of patients as key stakeholders. Materials & methods: We conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with people with cystic fibrosis to explore their perspectives on the ethics and governance of organoid biobanking. Results: We identified three themes: prioritization of research and trust, ambivalent views on commercial involvementand transparency and control. Conclusion: Our study offers important insights for ethically robust governance of 'organoid medicine'.