Personal Autonomy Research Articles

The study of newly-qualified teachers’ psychological well-being and personal reflection

Introduction. The article examines the peculiarities of psychological well-being and satisfaction with the profession of novice teachers in connection with personal reflection. The purpose of the study is to reveal the specifics of psychological well-being and personal reflection of teachers at the initial stage of professional development. Materials and Methods. The study follows a systematic approach and the concept of psychological well-being (K Riff). In order to achieve the purpose of the research, the authors used theoretical (analysis, comparison, generalization, systematization) and empirical (tests) methods, as well as methods of statistical information processing. To collect relevant data, the methods were presented by means of a Google form via an online resource. The research sample consisted of 162 newly-qualified teachers from Omsk and the Omsk region whose work experience ranged between 6 months and 5 years. Results. The authors of the article obtained the following results: - analyzed and summarized Russian and international research investigations on issues of psychological well-being, the level of development of reflection and novice teachers satisfaction with their profession; - the empirical results of the study are presented, which reflect the priority indicators of psychological well-being, the level and types of personal reflection, the level of satisfaction with the professional development of newly-qualified teachers; the specifics of psychological well-being and personal reflection of teachers are revealed, the types of teachers at the initial stage of professional development are described. Conclusions. The specifics of psychological well-being and personal reflection of novice teachers are determined by difficulties in managing the environment, building interaction with colleagues and self-acceptance, readiness for personal growth and autonomy, and there is also insufficient development of reflection skills, in particular, reflection on communication and real activity, which affects satisfaction with professional activities. The types of novice teachers have been identified depending on the specifics of psychological well-being, the level of development and type of personal reflection, and satisfaction with profession.

Adolescent Autonomy and Family Authority: A Bedtime Negotiation Based Perspective

For adolescents, consultation with their parents about bedtime is an awareness of personal autonomy and an understanding of legal norms and the relationship between authority and the governed. The article analyzes the difference between the ideal bedtime and real-life flexibility, emphasizing parents’ adaptability in rule-setting and respect for children’s autonomy. At the same time, the protection of children’s rights under international law and the different definitions of children in various cultural and legal contexts were emphasized. The article’s conclusion shows that, given the specific circumstances of each adolescent and the uniqueness of the family environment, it is impossible to prescribe a fixed bedtime suitable for all adolescents simply. This conclusion underscores the need to consider individual differences and practical life needs when setting family rules, as well as the importance of maintaining family order while respecting children’s autonomy.

The health of older caregivers in Spain: a matter of age or a matter of care?

Abstract Introduction Informal care is crucial in Spain’s care system, with a rising number of caregivers aged 75 or older, yet studies on its health effects are lacking. This study aims to determine the differential impact of age and care-related variables on the health of older caregivers. Materials and methods This is a cross-sectional, national study with a sample of 3,870 informal caregivers from the Spanish 2020 Disability, Personal Autonomy and Dependency Survey. We performed a logistic regression where self-reported deterioration in caregiver health due to caregiving was the dependent variable and age (<75 vs. ≥ 75) was the independent variable. Caregivers’ sex, educational level (primary and lower or secondary and higher), income (<1,150 euros per month vs. ≥ 1,150), severe functional limitation of caregivers and care-receptors (yes or no), duration of care (< 8 years vs. ≥ 8 years), and daily hours of care were used as covariates. Results One in 6 caregivers was 75 or older (16,1%). Caregivers’ mean age was 58.4, and care-receptors’ 66.6 years. Women represented 63.0% of caregivers, and 42.8% of care-receptors. Up to 4.6% of caregivers had a severe limitation, and 43.7% of caregivers reported deterioration of their health due to caregiving. A greater perception of deterioration in caregiver health due to caregiving was associated with being 75 years or older (β = 0.34, p = 0.009). Covariates associated with caregivers’ health deterioration were being a woman (β = 0.77, p < 0.001), presence of severe limitation of care receptors (β = 0.58, p < 0.001), and increased daily hours of care (β = 0.01, p = 0.013). Caregivers’ severe limitation, level of education, income and years of care did not show a significant association with perception of health deterioration. Discussion Caregivers older than 75 years in Spain experience a key deterioration in their health associated with caregiving. This vulnerable population must be prioritized in health and social policies. Key messages • One out of 6 caregivers in Spain is aged 75 years or older. Caregiving impacts greatly in their health status. • Older caregivers is a vulnerable population that must be a priority for health and social services.

A netnographic study of anabolic-androgenic steroid initiation videos on YouTube.

YouTube personalities (YP) have amassed significant followings by distributing health information. There is concern that YP involved in anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) communities are sharing information on how people should approach initiating AAS use. This research sought to explore how YP are using their platform to distribute information on AAS initiation, what information is being presented and how people are responding. This mixed methods research utilised a netnographic approach, a method adapted from traditional ethnographic techniques for the study of online sociocultural phenomena. The research included a selection of YouTube videos (n = 37) and user comments replying to the videos (n = 584). YP addressed the positives and negatives of AAS initiation (76%; n = 28 and 76%; n = 28 respectively), provided harm reduction strategies (76%; n = 28), and advice on which AAS people should use (97%; n = 36). A qualitative thematic analysis of the comments found two overarching themes: 'Authenticity, capital and the influence of the YP on their audiences' and 'The evolving landscape of enhancement and health'. Viewers engaged with the videos due to the YPs lived experience using AAS, and YP influenced the health behaviours of viewers. Many believed that the videos were useful for health and lifestyle enhancement purposes. YP are disseminating diverse information on AAS initiation which is derived from their lived experience using AAS. Harm reduction is a key component of the YPs' message and viewers responded positively to a balanced and honest assessment of AAS initiation which is perceived to respect their personal autonomy.

Death acceptance among Lodha older adults: their perceptions of ‘good death’ during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT A ‘good death’, one that is natural and involves lesser suffering and distress, is elusive in the present time. Indiscriminate uses of life-sustaining medical technologies in present times only lead older people and their families to frantically search for ‘good death’. On the other hand, there is little information on ageing and dying in folk and indigenous societies. In response to the huge information deficit, this article attempts to explore perceptions about death in old-age among Lodhas, a Mundari-speaking tribal community of eastern India. Interacting with only living 15 elderly members in a hamlet let us know their beliefs like, 1. Death being inevitable, they do not seek medical interventions to postpone it; 2. Close connection with nature till death brings peace; 3. No compromise with personal autonomy; and 4. Filial piety in moments of dying. The study theorises their indigenous beliefs are keys to ageing and dying well in the Lodha community. Hopefully, the insights from the ethnic group will be a lesson for modern societies to overcome death anxiety in old-age.

Coercive Measures in Psychiatry Can Hardly Be Justified in Principle Any Longer-Ethico-Legal Requirements Versus Empirical Research Data and Conceptual Issues.

To review the scientific and empirical evidence that is usually accepted for the ethical and legal justification of coercion in psychiatry. Five key criteria are examined as follows: (1) the demonstrable existence of a mental disorder; (2) the effectiveness of psychiatric measures; (3) the use of coercion as last resort and as least possible restriction; (4) the benefit of the person affected by the coercive measure and (5) the restoration of the affected person's autonomy. (1) The existence of a demarcation between a mentally ill and a mentally healthy state cannot be confirmed; (2) Pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions in psychiatry are not even moderately effective; (3) Coercive measures are usually not used as last resort and as least restrictive measure; (4) Most people affected by psychiatric coercion do not benefit from the measures; (5) It is at least unclear whether autonomy is affected by a mental illness and whether it can be restored through a coercive psychiatric measure. None of the central ethical and legal criteria for the use of coercion in psychiatry are clearly and unambiguously fulfilled according to current research. Psychiatric coercion can hardly be justified any longer.

The Impact of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia on Individual's Autonomy: a Scoping Review.

The purpose of this study was to identify, map, summarize, and clarify the existing literature on the effects of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) an individual's autonomy across all types of dementia diagnoses. The study aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between BPSD and a decrease in a person's autonomy, as this relationship is important for improving dementia care through effective interventions. To achieve this goal, a scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews checklist. The inclusion criteria were: (i) population: participants with a clinical diagnosis of any type of dementia; (ii) concept: examining the relationship between one or more neuropsychiatric symptoms or BPSD and the individual's autonomy; (iii) context: the progress of any type and any stage of dementia. The database search yielded 74 records, of which 41 fully met the pre-established eligibility criteria. Most studies in this review focused on participants with Alzheimer's disease and analysed their functional abilities. Most studies in this review showed significant outcomes regarding the impact of BPSD on a person's autonomy. The main BPSD investigated in the studies were depression, apathy, irritability, agitation, aggression, disinhibition, and lability. Apathy had a recurrent association with reduced autonomy in persons with dementia, while depression and psychosis were also found to have an impact on individuals' autonomy.

The Religious Conversion of Iranian Asylum-Seeking Women in the Process of Searching for Identity

This article explores the experiences of Iranian women who converted from Islam to Christianity, particularly focusing on the challenges they faced in their home country and as immigrants. Following the 1979 Iranian revolution, women, especially those from minority groups, endured significant oppression. Many women fled Iran in pursuit of freedom, but their difficulties persisted as immigrants, now compounded by their minority status in a new context. Based on qualitative research, including in-depth interviews with twenty-seven women in Eskisehir, Turkey, the study uncovers how patriarchal norms, domestic abuse, early marriage, and a lack of educational opportunities in Iran pushed these women toward Christianity, which offered them not only a new faith but also a sense of personal and spiritual autonomy. The research highlights the complex interplay of identity, religion, and agency, demonstrating how these women's conversions were both an act of defiance against oppressive systems and a path toward personal liberation.

XÂY DỰNG THANG ĐO XÁC ĐỊNH CÁC YẾU TỐ ẢNH HƯỞNG ĐẾN HÀNH VI CỦA GIÁO VIÊN TRUNG HỌC CƠ SỞ TRONG VIỆC TRIỂN KHAI CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GIÁO DỤC PHỔ THÔNG 2018

Drawing on the TPB theory and the CBAM model to analyze teachers' attitudes toward innovation in curriculum development, this study has developed a scale to identify factors influencing the behavior of middle school teachers in implementing the 2018 general education program. Our survey was conducted online, involving 250 middle school teachers representing diverse regional characteristics. Structural equation analysis of the results demonstrated the scale's reliability and validity, effectively identifying factors affecting teachers' behavioral intention to implement the 2018 program. The primary factors influencing the behavioral intentions of Vietnamese secondary school teachers towards the 2018 program were found to be subjective norms, personal autonomy, and teachers' attitudes, aligning with research from other countries. Additionally, by delving into broader literature and discussion, we propose that our findings can contribute to studies on behavioral intention to implement the 2018 curriculum and innovation in education more broadly, particularly for school teachers.

Relationship Between Frequency of Physical Activity, Functional Mobility, and Self-Perceived Health in People with Different Levels of Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Habits including regular physical activity are necessary for maintaining good health. Functional mobility, including walking and going up and down stairs, is essential for personal autonomy and well-being. Pain is a condition related to biological and psychosocial aspects that influence people's lives. Objective: The main objectives of this study were (1) to analyse the associations between physical activity frequency (PAF) and self-perceived health (SPH) and functional mobility (walking and going up and down stairs) in middle-aged and older people living in Spain with different pain levels; and (2) to analyse the risk factors for having a negative SPH and functional mobility difficulties by calculating the probabilistic risks adjusted by different variables (sex, body mass index, social class, civil status, smoking status, pain level, and PAF). Methods: A cross-sectional study based on the European Health Survey data in Spain (EHSS 2014-2020) and The Spanish National Health Survey (SNHS 2017) was carried out, with a final sample of 21,152 participants with ages between 40 and 79 years. Results: Associations between high pain levels and worse SPH and difficulties in walking and climbing stairs were found. Lower PAF levels were associated with higher-probability risks of having a negative SPH and difficulties in walking and climbing stairs. Conclusions: Physical inactivity emerged as an important risk factor for worse SPH and functional mobility. These associations underline the importance that PA programmes can play in the improvement of health and functional mobility, as well as in other aspects, in people with pain.

Shaping Futures: The Impact of Childhood Gender Socialization on Self-Empowerment among Single Mothers

This article critically investigates the nuanced interplay between childhood gender socialization and its long-term implications for self-empowerment in single mothers. It dissects the pervasive influence of societal gender norms, entrenched through early education, media portrayals, and formative family interactions, and how these norms shape the empowerment narrative of single mothers navigating the complexities of solo parenthood. Central to this examination is the role of gender-specific expectations established in childhood that potentially delineate and limit the scope of personal agency and autonomy later in life. By integrating qualitative anecdotes with quantitative data, this study elucidates the challenges and resilience inherent to single motherhood, underpinned by the gendered experiences ingrained from childhood. This article aims to highlight the transformative potential of redefining traditional gender roles, advocating for systemic support, and fostering inclusive communities that enhance the self-sufficiency and empowerment of single mothers across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Through this lens, we offer insights into the potential for policy interventions, educational reforms, and supportive social structures to mitigate the restrictive impacts of gendered upbringing, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on gender equality and empowerment.

Women Friendship in the novel Sula

This article examines the historical and cultural experiences of African-American women through the lens of Black feminist thought, with a focus on Toni Morrison's novel Sula (1973). The research question guiding this study is: How does Sula reflect the complexities of friendship, autonomy, and the quest for empowerment among Black women within a racist and patriarchal society? The study employs a literary analysis method, drawing on the historical context of Black American women’s oppression and the emergence of Black feminist ideology as theorized by scholars like Patricia Hill Collins. Findings reveal that Sula intricately portrays the deep bond between the two protagonists, Sula Peace and Nel Wright, against the backdrop of systemic oppression. Their friendship symbolizes the broader struggle of African-American women to navigate personal autonomy within a community shaped by the legacy of slavery. Sula’s defiance of societal norms, particularly in her relationships with men, highlights the challenges Black women face in seeking empowerment and identity in a society that marginalizes them. This study concludes that Sula not only captures the historical context of Black women's experiences but also serves as a significant contribution to the discourse on Black feminist thought, emphasizing the importance of friendship, autonomy, and resistance in the fight for liberation.

Acceptability and use of HIV self-testing among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a mixed methods systematic review

BackgroundYoung people (YP) are disproportionately affected by the HIV pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but testing rates remain low despite global targets of testing 95% of people with HIV infection by 2030. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been recently introduced to reach high-risk population groups such as these. Thus, synthesis of emerging evidence on the acceptability and use of HIVST among YP in SSA is needed so that comprehensive information can be generated to inform policy and practice.MethodsWe employed a mixed methods systematic review of quantitative and qualitative literature reporting on HIVST among YP involving any design and published in English by 31st of October 2023. The review synthesized quantitative evidence on acceptability and use of HIVST, and qualitative evidence on perspectives of YP about HIVST. We searched databases of published articles (e.g. MEDLINE, CINAHL) and Gray literature sources (e.g. Google, Google Scholar). The concepts for the search included self-testing, HIV/AIDS, and countries in SSA. Two authors independently screened, retrieved full-text, and assessed quality of the studies.ResultsA total of 4150 studies were retrieved and 32 studies were finally included in the review. Acceptability of HIVST computed from a single item asking YP on their preference or willingness or demand for HIVST was moderate (34–67%) to high (≥ 67%) among YP in SSA. Nine of the fourteen studies that reported on acceptability found high acceptability of HIVST. Use of HIVST ranged from 0.8 to 100% while in most studies the use rate was below 50%. Key barriers to HIVST use were coping with a positive test in the absence of counselling and support, physical discomfort, and cost of kits. Perceived enablers included perceptions of HIVST as promoting personal empowerment and autonomy; privacy and confidentiality; and convenience in location, time, and skill.ConclusionsHIVST was highly accepted but not well utilized among YP in SSA. YP showed diversified needs with mixed preferences for location, and modalities of service provision. Overall, the review identified heterogeneous evidence in terms of methods, population, outcome measures, and results. The review was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: ID = CRD42021278919).

Rethinking the life of court dwarfs in early modern Florence: the case of Pietro Barbino at the Medici court☆

AbstractCourt dwarfs were a feature of aristocratic entourages across Europe from the Medieval period until the eighteenth century and their presence is recorded in both contemporary artworks and written sources. Traditionally, it has been assumed that these courtly attendants functioned solely as jester‐buffoons who were exploited and humiliated by their patrons, but is this assumption accurate? By recovering the forgotten histories of this significant group of court staff, new perspectives emerge on the lives of court dwarfs and the various roles they undertook, beyond their conventional role as jesters. This article examines the case of Pietro Barbino, a dwarf attendant at the Medici court in sixteenth‐century Florence, who was the subject of a portrait by the court sculptor Valerio Cioli. Information from archival sources about Barbino's life, both inside and outside the court, corresponds with Giorgio Vasari's description of him as ‘a gifted dwarf, well‐lettered, a very gentle spirit and a favourite of our Duke’ (Lives of the Artists, 1568). Barbino's story suggests that, at least in some instances, dwarf attendants were involved with more erudite aspects of courtly entertainment and were able to achieve a measure of personal autonomy within the complex hierarchy of the court system.

What is wrong with gentrification-related displacement?

Recently a number of theorists argue that physical displacement as a result of gentrification ought to be morally rejected on the basis of the principle of personal autonomy: displacement violates the option to exercise “place-based” or “located life-plans.” What is adversely violated is the neighborhood as a spatial background condition for the ability to realize embedded pursuits. I argue that this attempt to morally value social attachments to a particular place as means (or resources) to realize plans, is unconvincing and subject to moral risk because it instrumentalizes social attachments instead of recognizing their intrinsic significance for those concerned. The paper provides an alternative account of urban justice that is able to accommodate respect for social attachments as a separate moral category, distinct from respect for personal autonomy.

Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Positive Mental Health Program for Adults: Study Protocol.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a positive mental health program for adults (PMHP) in the community. Positive mental health (PMH) can be seen as a construct represented by six factors (personal satisfaction, prosocial attitude, self-control, autonomy, problem resolution, and self-actualization, and interpersonal relationship skills) according to the Multifactorial Model for PMH. Although there are several interventions in promoting mental health, research on effective promotion of PMH for adults in the community with structured and validated programs of PMH is scarce. This study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) following a wait-list control design, aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a PMHP in the community. This study was approved in June 2019 by the Ethics Committee. Participants will be recruited from the school community of teachers. Participants aged ≥ 18 years. The participants will be randomized 1:1 to either (a) an intervention group, which will integrate the PMHP, or (b) the standby control group. Three assessment moments for both groups will take place initial, after the intervention, and a follow-up of 3-6 months. The evaluation instruments will include a sociodemographic questionnaire, a PMH questionnaire, and a psychological vulnerability scale. The current study provides an innovative approach to PMH. Further, the study may demonstrate new interventions in PMH in the community, based on a program with systematized guidelines and sessions structured according to individual needs. It is expected that at the end of the program, the experimental group will increase the level of PMH. To allow future official implementation of the PMH program and the replication of the study in other professional groups as a promotion tool. There was no funding to remunerate a participant for this study. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04600401. Registered on May 15, 2020.

Self-diagnosis of psychiatric conditions as a threat to personal autonomy

ABSTRACT I argue that the recurring practice of self-diagnosis of psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on social media platforms poses a threat to personal autonomy understood as self-governance. My main argument is that self-diagnosis conducted without professional expertise is prone to lead to misdiagnosis, which can take the form of a distortion of self-image. This may result in pathologizing normal experiences and behaviors and the adoption of behavioral adjustments that harm those who engage in self-diagnosis. Acknowledging that the surge of self-diagnosis content is a response to inadequacies of mental health care systems in many parts of the world, I argue against prohibiting such content and end with a more modest suggestion of implementing warnings alongside it on social media platforms, as is already common practice for misinformation content on diseases like Covid-19.

LINGUISTIC AND LINGUOPRAGMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CATEGORY "RESPECT" IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK

This article investigates the linguistic and linguopragmatic characteristics of the concept of "respect" in English and Uzbek, focusing on how cultural norms shape the expression of respect in these languages. Through a comparative analysis, the study examines the lexical, syntactic, and pragmalinguistic strategies used to convey respect, revealing key differences and similarities. In English, respect is often associated with individualism and conveyed through politeness strategies that protect personal autonomy and face. In contrast, Uzbek reflects a collectivist society where respect is more hierarchical, embedded in formal language structures such as honorifics and polite pronouns. This research underscores the importance of understanding cultural differences in linguistic expressions of respect, particularly in cross-cultural communication.

A escena contra el ejercicio de poder a través del cuerpo: el pelo en la búsqueda de la libertad.

This article explores the complex relationship between the body, identity, and territory, focusing on how social and cultural pressures exert control over the body, specifically through the lens of hair and its symbolic power. Using a dialogue format, the authors reflect on their personal experiences with societal expectations regarding appearance and discuss how these seemingly minor decisions are deeply influenced by broader structures of power and control. The body is presented not only as a physical entity but also as a symbolic and cultural space where norms, gender, and power dynamics intersect. The text further analyzes how capitalism and contemporary digital spaces reinforce these mechanisms, while also highlighting the importance of resistance and personal autonomy in constructing identity.

The perspectives of Māori on community treatment orders: A thematic analysis.

To understand the themes for Māori subjected to compulsory community treatment orders. The Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 has been utilised in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than three decades. Despite Māori having higher rates of being subject to community treatment orders, there is little research examining their perspectives of its benefits and harms. Thematic analysis of a purposive sample of Māori in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Five themes were developed. Māori described community treatment orders as restrictive and stigmatising. Some Māori described being poorly informed of the structures surrounding the use of community treatment orders and saw it as a mechanism to circumvent information-giving regarding treatment. Counterbalancing these, Māori described community treatment orders as mandating support and saw them as a mechanism to access care. Finally, some described their compulsory treatment status as unimportant and irrelevant. Thematic analysis identified five clear themes from interview participants. Conceptualisation of community treatment orders was largely negative, although Māori acknowledged that being subject to community treatment orders demanded more support from services. Themes of stigma and restriction are common in the literature, however, conception of the use of community treatment orders to bypass consent is novel. The literature describes community treatment orders as providing support, however, in this study, the interpretation suggests a need to lose personal autonomy to receive care, a potentially 'slippery slope' towards a two-tier type service. These findings remind services of the importance of attending to cultural elements of care, being clear around the process of consent. In terms of policy, weaving in cultural understanding appears to be important from an Indigenous perspective.