Emotional Load Research Articles

THE THEME OF OLD AGE IN THE STORIES BY VAGIF SULTANLI (CASE STUDY THE STORIES “KUFI XETTI”, “XIFFET” AND “SEHER DUMANI”)

Old age is one of the most discussed topics in literature, like death, love and separation. In the literature of almost all peoples, to say old, orator means an experienced person. In fiction, respect for old people, white hair, and white beard is preached, trust in their experience, and criticism of disrespect for them is inculcated. The best example of this in Azerbaijani literature is the monument “Kitabi-Dede Gorgud”. In the literature of the peoples of the world, in the works of Ernest Hemingway, Victor Hugo, Leo Tolstoy, Necip Fazil Kisakurek and others, we are faced with descriptions of the sometimes bitter and sometimes proud aspects of this topic. However, in the era of modernization, decelerating family ties, the spread of the desire for individualization among both young and old people weakened social policy, limited the possibilities of the weaker sections of the population. ` In the stories of Vagif Sultanlı, we will explore the theme of illness and loneliness, which tests not only themselves, but also their children, of this “powerless” class. The object of our research is the stories “Xiffet”, “Seher dumani” and “Kufi Xetti” from Vagif Sultanli's collection “Ters akin”. The subject of the research is the theme of death, loneliness and old age in the writer's stories, and the presentation of these themes. The feelings and pains caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, which makes loneliness felt not only by the elderly, but by all people from children to adults, are presented in the writer's story “Kufi Xetti” through the experience of an elderly person. The story, which shows the resistance of a person who lived to the marrow of loneliness to nature, does not just describe an epidemic, which once again proves that development and science will not work if time comes. Here the struggle of an elderly and especially lonely person with life, with people, with a way of thinking is reflected. When describing elderly people, the writer who chooses an elderly orphan or a parent on a sick bed as an image has increased the emotional load, and has created key points by emphasizing tradition and mentalism in almost every episode.

Exploring the effectiveness of virtual reality in combating misinformation on climate change

AbstractOur research examines the potential of immersive virtual reality (VR) in countering climate change misinformation. By creating VR simulations of future climate scenarios, we visually depict the potential impacts of rising temperatures and sea level rise on communities and ecosystems. Our objective is to determine whether immersive VR can achieve more effective correction outcomes compared to social media. We employ a mixed experimental design, manipulating the provision of correction through either VR or social media. We measure the impact of these interventions on belief in and skepticism toward climate change, and on inferential reasoning at three different points over a month. Furthermore, we explore the effectiveness of human actors and the level of presence in the VR experience as strategies to combat climate change misinformation. We find that VR conditions might lead to increased certainty in the belief that climate change is really happening and lowered skepticism toward the clarity of the effects of climate change. Moreover, we find significant differences in the heart rate (HR) of the participants in the VR conditions. The use of avatars in VR environments may contribute to heightened HR variability during misinformation correction, potentially due to increased emotional engagement and cognitive load.

Reducing Counterproductive Work Behavior

Abstract: This study explores the effects of mental load and emotional load on counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Building on the conservation of resources theory and the challenge–hindrance stressor framework, we hypothesize that mental load enhances the effort and engagement of employees to accomplish goals and subsequently reduces organizational deviance (e. g., working time fraud), while emotional load, through resource depletion, weakens this relationship. We also suggest that by depleting emotional resources, emotional load could increase interpersonal deviance, with mental load exacerbating this effect due to synergistic effects. The results of a two-wave survey among 303 UK employees show that mental load reduces organizational deviance only when emotional load is low to moderate; when emotional load is high, mental load may even increase organizational deviance. The results also show that emotional load increases interpersonal deviance, irrespective of the level of mental load. The findings underscore the distinct nature of interpersonal and organizational deviance, challenges previous interpretations of the relationship between workplace stressors and CWB, and highlights the importance of considering the complex interplay between different types of stressors in predicting workplace outcomes.

Primary healthcare practitioners’ perspectives on trauma-informed primary care: a systematic review

BackgroundExposure to domestic and family violence is a pervasive form of complex trauma and a major global public health problem. At the frontline of the health system, primary healthcare practitioners are uniquely placed to support individuals with experiences of trauma, yet their views on trauma-informed primary care are not well understood. This systematic review of qualitative literature sought to explore primary healthcare practitioners’ perspectives on trauma-informed primary care.MethodsEight databases were searched up to July 2023. Studies were included if they consisted of empirical qualitative data, were conducted in general practice or equivalent generalist primary healthcare settings, and included the perspectives of primary healthcare practitioners where they could be distinguished from other participants in the analysis. Thematic synthesis was used for analysis.Results13 papers met inclusion criteria, representing primary care settings from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Norway. Three key themes were developed: Changing the paradigm, Building trust, and Navigating the emotional load. Findings shed light on how primary healthcare practitioners perceive and strive to practise trauma-informed primary healthcare and the challenges of navigating complex, trauma-related work in the primary care environment.ConclusionsThis review supports the need for recognition of the value of primary care in supporting patients with histories of trauma and violence, the development of interventions to mitigate the emotional load worn by primary healthcare practitioners, and further work to develop a deep and consistent understanding of what trauma-informed primary care encompasses.

The effectiveness of brief workplace compassion-focussed training in improving wellbeing of stressed school employees

Australian teachers and school employees report high levels of stress-related mental health problems. Previous theory and research show that workplace training in strategies to manage stress can improve organisational productivity as well as employee wellbeing. Theory suggests that self-compassion strategies may produce better outcomes, than standard cognitive behavioural training interventions, due to activation of self-soothing. This pilot randomised controlled trial evaluated whether inclusion of a brief compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) training workshop was more effective in reducing stress-related mental health problems of school employees, than the standard professional development (PD) workshop that incorporated cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness strategies. School employees (103) were recruited and randomly allocated to either the standard PD alone or to also participate in a brief CFT workshop. There were very large reductions in burnout and clinically significant improvements in mental health problems under both conditions. The results provide preliminary evidence that CFT-enhanced training improves secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction; further research needs to be conducted with a larger sample. These results may also be relevant to other occupations with a high emotional load. JEL Classification: I310

153 ”We’re unburdened” - Audio diaries as a novel and inclusive approach to movement behaviours in mental health

Abstract Physical activity, sedentary time and sleep are traditionally measured with quantitative approaches, limiting the possibility to capture information on type and context of these behaviours. Here, we adopted a flexible approach with audio diaries to explore movement behaviours in people living with severe mental illness (SMI). Audio diaries are an affordable approach, potentially able to overcome health inequalities and literacy levels. However, the use of this method in exploring movement behaviours in mental health is limited. Qualitative data were generated using audio diaries for 7 days with 9 participants experiencing SMI. Semi-structured interviews on the method were performed at the end of data generation. These were conducted online or in-person and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. This study was grounded ontologically in relativism and epistemologically in constructionism, with an experiential orientation to data interpretation to capture participants’ perspectives of movement behaviours. The protocol for the use of audio diaries has been co-produced with a lived experience advisory panel. Four themes were developed: finding themselves in a “vicious circle” with physical, mental issues impacting movement behaviours and vice versa; daily internal dialogue – repetitive thoughts that attempt to override daily functioning, movement and sleep; “Do not let fatigue win” by pushing through the day – motivation vs commitment; positive AND negative awareness of the importance of movement behaviours. The fluidity in speech enabling an immediate response and the control over how participants recorded their account, led to high acceptability and completion rates. The use of audio diaries was experienced as cathartic in that it helped to reflect upon the challenges in movement behaviours when the emotional load had a severe impact on daily life. Participants showed awareness of the need to be physically active. However, when people faced increased mental or physical burden, this contributed to feelings of frustration, with completion of activities driven by guilt rather than enjoyment. Attention should be given to public health messaging for movement behaviours in mental health with involvement of people with lived experience of SMI. The value of verbalisation with audio diaries could offer an in-depth understanding of processes underpinning health-related behaviours.

Validity of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score for lower extremity in patients with bone sarcoma or giant cell tumour of bone undergoing bone resection and reconstruction surgery in hip and knee

BackgroundThe Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) is widely used to evaluate functioning following surgery for bone and soft-tissue sarcoma. However, concerns have been raised about its content validity due to the lack of patient involvement during item development. Additionally, literature reports inconsistent results regarding data quality and structural validity. This study aimed to evaluate content, structural and construct validity of the Danish version of the MSTS for lower extremity (MSTS-LE).MethodsThe study included patients from three complete cohorts (n = 87) with bone sarcoma or giant cell tumour of bone who underwent bone resection and reconstruction surgery in hip and knee. Content validity was evaluated by linking MSTS items to frameworks of functioning, core outcome sets and semi-structured interviews. Data quality, internal consistency and factor analysis were used to assess the underlying structure of the MSTS. Construct validity was based on predefined hypotheses of correlation between the MSTS and concurrent measurements.ResultsContent validity analysis revealed concerns regarding the MSTS. The MSTS did not sufficiently cover patient-important functions, the item Emotional acceptance could not be linked to the framework of functioning, the items Pain and Emotional acceptance pertained to domains beyond functioning and items’ response options did not match items. A two-factor solution emerged, with the items Pain and Emotional acceptance loading highly on a second factor distinct from functioning. Internal consistency and construct validity showed values below accepted levels.ConclusionThe Danish MSTS-LE demonstrated inadequate content validity, internal consistency, and construct validity. In addition, our analyses did not support unidimensionality of the MSTS. Consequently, the MSTS-LE is not a simple reflection of the construct of functioning and the interpretation of a sum score is problematic. Clinicians and researcher should exercise caution when relying solely on MSTS scores for assessing lower extremity function. Alternative outcome measurements of functioning should be considered for the evaluation of postoperative function in this patient group.

Impact of 3D learning resources on learning resilience: mediating roles of positive emotion and cognitive load

Three-dimensional (3D) learning resources are increasingly being integrated into classrooms and becoming important teaching tools. Learning resilience is a crucial factor affecting learning outcomes. However, the impact of 3D learning resources on learning resilience has not been received sufficient academic attention. This study constructs a structural equation model based on the broaden-and-build theory and cognitive load theory to examine the impact of 3D learning resources on learning resilience. To examine the mechanism of this impact, including the mediating roles of positive emotion and cognitive load, we collected 963 valid questionnaires from college students in Shandong Province, China. The results indicate that 3D learning resources are significantly positively correlated with positive emotion and learning resilience and negatively correlated with cognitive load. Moreover, cognitive load is negatively correlated with learning resilience. Positive emotion and cognitive load serve as mediators in the relationship between 3D learning resources and learning resilience. Therefore, developing high-quality 3D learning resources, cultivating positive emotions among students and reducing cognitive load can enhance college students’ learning resilience and mitigate academic risks.

The Experience of Phenylketonuria in Pregnancy and the Developing Maternal-Infant Relationship: A Qualitative Study.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare metabolic condition characterised by an inability to metabolise phenylalanine (Phe), found in many foods. When pregnant with PKU, women must adhere to a strict low-Phe diet. If they do not, foetal abnormalities or pregnancy loss can occur. Pregnancies are therefore closely clinically monitored and dominated by dietary management, leaving little "space" for women's emotional experience. This article explores the emotional impact of PKU during pregnancy and how this effects pre-natal bonding. Based on interviews with six women with PKU, conducted whilst they were pregnant, this article explores their unusual and previously undocumented experience. Image-making during interviews allowed women to uncover aspects of their experience that might otherwise have remained hidden. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of the transcripts and images generated five themes summarising the women's experiences. Some themes reiterated findings from previous studies, for example, the huge cognitive burden associated with PKU pregnancies and the importance of both expert and informal support to successful pregnancy management. However, new understanding also emerged, including rich description of the emotional load of these pregnancies and strategies that women use to manage this. Anxiety about baby safety was central to their experiences, and the effect of this on pre-natal bonding was explored. This article calls for increased formal and informal support for women with the emotional aspects of their PKU pregnancies, for example, the creation of "attachment-aware" services that support women with their anxiety, promoting strong pre-natal attachment and subsequently protecting maternal and infant mental health throughout pregnancy and beyond.

A Qualitative Landscape of Trauma: Mental Health Professionals’ Therapeutic Work Processes with Adult Clients who Have Experienced Trauma

Most people experience potentially traumatic events at least once throughout their lifetimes. Even if this event does not lead toward posttraumatic stress disorders, mental health can be affected significantly. The difficulties caused by traumatic experiences are often addressed in psychotherapy, therefore understanding the specifics of trauma work and the challenges faced both by clients with traumatic experiences and by therapists providing support is important. This study explores and describes the views and experiences of psychotherapy practitioners working in the field of trauma with adult clients. Thirty mental health professionals participated in the study. Thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses revealed three main themes: 1) the vulnerability of the therapeutic process, 2) experiencing trauma work, and ٣) helping yourself to help others. Trauma work is described as a slow process that calls for patience, high-level care, and attentiveness in addressing clients’ pain. Clients often mistrust others and therapists put a great effort into establishing trusted relationships with them. Therapists experience a high emotional load, often feel hopeless, but also find their work rewarding and meaningful when clients make progress. Most therapists emphasize the importance of helping yourself: studying and preparing for trauma work, understanding personal traumatic experiences, and taking excellent care of one’s psychological well-being. The study revealed the subjective complexity of therapeutic trauma work. The insights can be valuable for the development and/or review of therapy training programs, supervisors, and therapists looking for information about their professional challenges in working with trauma.

Examining the Role of Mindfulness in Alleviating Death Anxiety

Death anxiety, defined as strong worry and concern about death and dying, can have a substantial impact on a person's mental health and quality of life. This study investigates the effectiveness of mindfulness activities in reducing death anxiety by encouraging a present-focused and welcoming mindset. Mindfulness, which includes essential features such as observing, describing, responding with awareness, being nonjudgmental, and remaining nonreactive, is thought to lower the intensity of death dread through improved emotional control and cognitive processing. The study investigates how mindfulness promotes a more balanced and less reactive approach to existential problems. Mindfulness activities teach people to examine their thoughts and feelings without judgment, narrate their experiences in a non-evaluative manner, act with heightened awareness, and create an attitude of acceptance and non-reactivity. This strategy can reduce the avoidance and denial that are commonly linked with death dread, allowing for a more healthy processing of mortality-related ideas. The study's findings indicate that people who practice mindfulness on a daily basis have lower levels of fear about death. These strategies serve to shift the focus away from future- oriented anxieties and towards present-moment sensations, lessening the cognitive and emotional load of death-related thoughts. The study emphasizes the therapeutic potential of mindfulness-based therapies in clinical settings and advocates for their incorporation into mental health treatment regimens to address death anxiety and other existential issues. Individuals who cultivate a conscious approach to death may increase their psychological resilience, enjoy more emotional stability, and acquire a deeper sense of inner peace. The findings of this study highlight the value of mindfulness as a potent strategy for reducing death anxiety and promoting general mental well-being.

Children and families with chronic pediatric acquired brain injury in need of rehabilitation: characteristics and main challenges in daily life

Purpose To increase our understanding of child and parent characteristics, family functioning and main challenges in daily life in children and families in need of rehabilitation in the chronic phase of pediatric acquired brain injury (pABI). Methods Fifty-eight children (aged 6–16, 48% girls) were included at least one year post ABI. Demographics and questionnaire data regarding children’s symptom burden, parents’ emotional symptoms and family functioning were collected. Children and parents named their main pABI-related challenges in daily life, and these were categorized in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Results Parents’ emotional symptom loads were high; 22.3% had moderate, moderate-severe or severe depression symptoms while the equivalent number for anxiety symptoms was 17.9%. Problematic family functioning was reported by 32.1% of parents. When asked about their main pABI-related challenges in daily life, 69% of children named school. The most frequent ICF chapters for children and parents were school education, energy and drive functions (mainly fatigue), and emotional functions. Codes spanned across all ICF-domains. Conclusions Rehabilitation for pABI should have a broad, interdisciplinary, and family-centered approach, with school, fatigue, and emotional functioning of parents and children as potential core elements.

Factors associated with anxiety disorders among healthcare workers (HCWS) involved in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a context of reorganization of the activity, of increase of the psychological, emotional and physical constraints of the nursing staff induced by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase of the anxiety disorders could occur. This study aims to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders in healthcare workers (HCWs) by wards and to investigate medical, personal, and occupational factors associated with anxiety disorder. In France, in May 2020, a monocentric observational cross-sectional study was proposed to 285 HCWs of the University Hospital of Saint Etienne, working in 3 types of randomly selected care wards. Information was collected using an anonymous self-questionnaire offered to eligible HCWs. Validated questionnaires were used to assess anxiety (Hospital anxiety and Depression Scale) and burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory). Of the 164 HCWs who participated in the study (57% participation rate), 69 (42%) caregivers had anxious symptomatology. The prevalence of anxiety disorders did not differ significantly by type of wards. Anxiety disorders are significantly associated with occupational factors (increased COVID-19 stress level, increased emotional load, increased mental load, high work/life stress during confinement, emotional exhaustion and loss of empathy), with medical factors (medical history of anxiety disorders, psychotropic treatment and impaired sleep quality) and personal factors (concern about working conditions and/or media reports). Preventive actions focusing on organizational factors could be carried out to reduce the emotional and mental load, the level of stress and the burnout of HCWs.

The Translator’s Visible Touch in the First-person Narrative: On the Example of the Japanese Translation of Hyperion by Dan Simmons

The translators have an ambiguous role in the process of a literary translation – they have to be as transparent as possible, though they must often interpret the text before translating it. In fact, they present their own dialogue with the author to the reader and thus, it is difficult for them to not influence a narrative with their presence (Venuti 1986: 182). Translators can, however, choose how and where they are visible. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the way a literary translator becomes visible to the reader through the translation. Three short stories – in first-person narrative – from the novel Hyperion by Dan Simmons and translated by Sakai Akinobu are discussed. The article focuses on the analysis of translator’s choices regarding vulgarisms and emotional load in a text generally, that influences the way the reader understands the text.

Risk factors and integrated assessment of health disorders in teachers of rural comprehensive schools

Teaching is an occupation with high stress levels and extremely poor health indicators, which tend to decline as working records become longer. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors able to cause health issues in teachers of rural comprehensive schools and to determine the significance of clinical and laboratory indices as early indicators. The work uses the results of hygienic, clinical and laboratory studies aimed at assessing health and working conditions of teachers employed at comprehensive schools in rural areas of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Sanitary and hygienic conditions in classrooms of rural comprehensive schools were assessed in conformity with the Guide R 2.2.2006-05. Medical check-ups resulted in 255 various somatic diseases diagnosed in 70 teachers, overall, 3.64 diseases per one examined teacher. Laboratory tests revealed elevated hemoglobin levels in 20.00 % of the examined female teachers and low ones in 8.57 %. Erythrocytosis was established in 64.29 % of the examined teachers. We also established some slight changes in hematocrit levels, which were elevated in 4.29 % and low in 8.57 % of the examined teachers. Accordingly, in case hemoglobin levels were low, erythrocyte indices MCV and МСН went down as well in 30.00–32.86 % of the female teachers. The number of workers with elevated glucose and cholesterol levels went up as their work records grew longer (the correlation coefficients were 0.94÷0.98). Examination of microflora found in the upper airway mucosa revealed clinically significant contamination, which was mostly represented by cocci bacteria, the most significant microorganisms being Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus spp and β-hаemolytic streptococci. Our integrated study has shown that working conditions at workplaces of teachers in rural comprehensive schools do not conform to safety standards as per work hardness and work intensity (intellectual, emotional and sensory loads). The study results confirm high importance of diagnostic methods as indicators of health issues in teachers employed at comprehensive schools. Preventive measures aimed at protecting teachers’ health in rural areas should consider peculiarities of pathomorphosis that determines their health status.

Факторы риска и комплексная оценка нарушений здоровья педагогов общеобразовательных школ в сельской местности

Teaching is an occupation with high stress levels and extremely poor health indicators, which tend to decline as working records become longer. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors able to cause health issues in teachers of rural comprehensive schools and to determine the significance of clinical and laboratory indices as early indicators. The work uses the results of hygienic, clinical and laboratory studies aimed at assessing health and working conditions of teachers employed at comprehensive schools in rural areas of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Sanitary and hygienic conditions in classrooms of rural comprehensive schools were assessed in conformity with the Guide R 2.2.2006-05. Medical check-ups resulted in 255 various somatic diseases diagnosed in 70 teachers, overall, 3.64 diseases per one examined teacher. Laboratory tests revealed elevated hemoglobin levels in 20.00 % of the examined female teachers and low ones in 8.57 %. Erythrocytosis was established in 64.29 % of the examined teachers. We also established some slight changes in hematocrit levels, which were elevated in 4.29 % and low in 8.57 % of the examined teachers. Accordingly, in case hemoglobin levels were low, erythrocyte indices MCV and МСН went down as well in 30.00–32.86 % of the female teachers. The number of workers with elevated glucose and cholesterol levels went up as their work records grew longer (the correlation coefficients were 0.94÷0.98). Examination of microflora found in the upper airway mucosa revealed clinically significant contamination, which was mostly represented by cocci bacteria, the most significant microorganisms being Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus spp and β-hаemolytic streptococci. Our integrated study has shown that working conditions at workplaces of teachers in rural comprehensive schools do not conform to safety standards as per work hardness and work intensity (intellectual, emotional and sensory loads). The study results confirm high importance of diagnostic methods as indicators of health issues in teachers employed at comprehensive schools. Preventive measures aimed at protecting teachers’ health in rural areas should consider peculiarities of pathomorphosis that determines their health status.

The experiences of pregnancy and NHS maternity care for women who have been trafficked: A qualitative study

ProblemLittle is known about the maternity experiences of women who have been trafficked and further investigation is needed to better inform midwifery practice and to ensure that the voices of women are heard when developing guidance. BackgroundPeople who have been trafficked experience a range of health problems that could impact on pregnancy. AimThe aim of this study was to explore the experiences of pregnancy and NHS maternity care for women who have been trafficked, as well as increasing understanding of social and health factors that may impact on pregnancy outcomes. MethodsA qualitative interview study was conducted. Participants (professionals and service users) were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings: Seventeen interviews were conducted (5 service users and 12 professionals). Five themes were identified: ‘One Size Fits All’, ‘Loss of Control’, ‘Social Complexity’, ‘Bridging Gaps’, and ‘Emotional Load’. DiscussionOur findings identify that women are expected to fit into a standardised model of maternity care that does not always recognise their complex individual physical, emotional or social needs, or provide them with control. Support workers play a vital role in helping women navigate and make sense of their maternity care. ConclusionDespite the issues identified, our research highlighted the positive impact of individualised care, particularly when women received continuity of care. A joined-up, trauma-informed approach between midwives and support workers could help improve care for women who have been trafficked.

Nursing students' self-esteem levels and attitudes toward the nursing profession.

This study aimed to examine nursing students' self-esteem levels and attitudes toward the nursing profession. Although it is important to choose a profession that will make the person happy in many aspects such as one's abilities, interests, values, attitudes, personal goals, and social expectations, it has an important place, especially in a profession such as nursing, which involves intense emotional and physical load. The study population was 390 nursing students at a foundation university in Istanbul, while the sample included 202 students. Data were collected between January 16, 2023, and February 15, 2023, with the Demographic Data Collection Tool, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, and the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 27.0 program. The STROBE checklist was used to report the study. The mean age of the participants was 20.79±1.72 (years), among which 65.3% were in the 20-22 age range, 76.7% were female, and 29.7% were in the first grade. A positive but very weak relationship was found between the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession scores (p<0.05). The results show that professionalization and socialization processes greatly affect nursing students' self-esteem. Considering the extended period that students spend in academic institutions under the guidance of faculty members, this matter deserves greater attention. While developing the curriculum and education process, factors that support the development of self-esteem in nursing students should be taken into account and initiatives should be planned to increase positive attitudes toward the profession. Nursing students can gain different perspectives by spending more time with nurses in hospitals.

Preschool children's high‐frequency heart rate variability during low and high emotional challenge in relation to their self‐regulation

AbstractHigh‐frequency heart rate variability (hf‐HRV) theoretically provides a biomarker for self‐regulation, although studies with young children offer mixed findings regarding the relevance of emotional demands in this link. We aimed to describe variation in children's hf‐HRV during tasks with relatively high and low emotional load and to determine the relation of hf‐HRV during these tasks to different behavioural measures of children's self‐regulation. Electrocardiograms were recorded in 80 3–5‐year‐olds (M = 57 months; 54% male, 47% female; 87% White, 8% mixed/other race, 2% African American/Black, 1% were Asian and 1% Hispanic/Latinx) whilst they completed a Go/No‐go task with low emotional load and an emotionally challenging Delay Frustration task. Mean hf‐HRV was similar across these tasks, although it increased during a between‐task rest interval. Accounting for age, gender and caregiver education, hf‐HRV during the Go/No‐go task correlated with task performance, whereas hf‐HRV during the emotional task correlated with caregiver‐reported regulation (Psuedo R2 = 03–0.05). Greater hf‐HRV withdrawal during the tasks correlated with weaker Go/No performance and increased behavioural frustration (Psuedo R2 = 0.08–0.13). Children's maintenance of hf‐HRV during emotional and cognitive challenges may support their effective self‐regulation.

“Being a Child Life Student Has Definitely Been Difficult”: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Experiences of Emerging Professionals

Although the significant effects of child life interventions have now been well-documented, few studies have examined the personal and professional characteristics of the individuals who aim to enter the child life profession. The purpose of this convergent, parallel mixed-methods study was to describe the engagement, motivation, and burnout of aspiring child life professionals. Participants completed validated assessments on academic engagement, motivation, and burnout as well as a survey and semi-structured interview about their experiences pursuing child life internship. Analyses indicated emerging child life professionals are highly engaged, mastery-approach oriented individuals who display some signs of burnout, like exhaustion. Academic engagement scores appeared to relate to personal characteristics and experiences, interactive learning experiences, and opportunities to interact with stakeholders, while motivation was related to alignment between personal characteristics and child life work, the desire to prevent distress in pediatric patients, and a hope to contribute to the profession. The cognitive and emotional loads of seeking internship placement were found to contribute to burnout, as well as difficulty accessing information, high financial costs, and limited emotional supports. Findings of the study suggest that emerging professionals need access to information, financial support, mentorship from academic and clinical professionals, and a community of support to succeed in entering the child life profession.