Provision Of Emotional Support Research Articles

An online survey of perspectives towards the impact of the covid-19 pandemic amongst caregivers of adolescents with ASD

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a negative impact on the health and mental health of adolescents and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their caregivers, have been disproportionally affected. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on Thai caregivers and adolescents with ASD.MethodsThis study used an online survey with closed and free text questions to investigate how the pandemic had impacted on social skills development and psychological variables, and perceived needs for support. The survey link was shared to parents via the Yuwaprasart Withayopathum Child and Adolescent Hospital and the social media platforms of known ASD stakeholder networks in Thailand. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, service use, and social skills problems experienced by adolescents during the pandemic. Content analysis was applied to analyse free-text data.ResultsA total of 376 caregivers of adolescents with ASD aged 10–19 years completed the survey, of which 364 were included in the analysis. In total, 38.7% of caregivers reported that during the pandemic the social skills of their adolescent family member had worsened. Most families reported that they were able to continue to access support from healthcare and educational services, albeit in different ways than pre-pandemic, during the acute stages of the pandemic which benefited the maintenance of ASD symptoms and social skills. Factors identified as reducing the odds of a worsening in social skills during the pandemic included; regular access to treatment for adolescents (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, confidence interval 95% (CI) 0.32–0.98, p = 0.044), caregivers feeling that they had sufficient support from hospitals (OR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.81, p = 0.007) and older age of adolescents (OR = 0.53, CI 0.29–0.99, p = 0.047). The qualitative free text comments showed that the caregivers felt that greater information on managing adolescent behaviours, opportunities for adolescents to practice social skills, and the provision of greater emotional support and material assistance from healthcare professionals during the pandemic would have helped them to care for the adolescents with ASD.ConclusionRegular access to services, support from hospitals during the pandemic and older age in adolescence may have helped prevent the worsening of the social skills problems of adolescents with ASD.

The Role of Informal Social Networks in Supporting Parents With Learning Disabilities: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACTBackgroundParents with learning disabilities are often assessed as lacking the capacity to parent effectively; however, ecological models of parenting indicate that support from informal social networks (ISNs) can help them successfully maintain family life. This systematic review examined evidence regarding (1) parent and child outcomes associated with support from ISNs and (2) perceptions of the roles of ISNs for parents with learning disabilities.MethodsPeer‐reviewed quantitative and qualitative literature was identified through a search of six databases, and a narrative synthesis was subsequently conducted.ResultsTwenty‐six articles were included in the review. Findings of the quantitative synthesis provided preliminary evidence for a positive relationship between support from ISNs and parental mental health, positive parenting practices and child wellbeing. The qualitative synthesis indicated that parents benefited from ISNs through their provision of practical and emotional support and learning skills. Network characteristics that divided supportive from unsupportive members were also identified.ConclusionParents with learning disabilities receive the same positive outcomes from ISNs as other parents, although unique contextual and social challenges may affect their experiences. Future research should explore interventions to build ISNs of parents with learning disabilities that acknowledge their existing strengths as parents and community members.

The impact and value of the Parkinson’s nurse specialist to people with Parkinson’s and their care partners: a grounded theory qualitative study

BackgroundWhere available, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists (PNS) provide a range of care, support, guidance, and advocacy for people with Parkinson’s (PwP), and, where appropriate, their care partners (CP). Parkinson’s is a complex and progressive condition. Consequently, evaluating health outcomes is not a reliable method to understand the value and impact of PNS. Previous research has identified PNS can improve the subjective well-being of PwP in the community, also that barriers to care include heavy caseloads and a lack of time. Yet little is known about the value of the role of the PNS, particularly about the impact of pharmacological management and review. This research aims to close this research gap by providing explanatory theories of the impact and value of PNS to PwP, their CP, and other professionals.MethodsA social constructivist grounded theory approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups, PNS, PwP, and CP. Interviews were analysed using NVivo for coding and categorising and Word for memo-writing. Data was analysed inductively and iteratively to identify contexts, social processes, actions, and behaviours, before final emergent theories were identified.Results46 semi-structured interviews (PNS 18, PwP 19, CP 9) led to four data categories and 13 sub-categories that delineated PNS value. (1) Expert Counsel; provision of emotional support, education, and lifestyle guidance; CP inclusion; provision from diagnosis; and across all stages of Parkinson’s. (2) Conduit of Care; signposting, referral, and connection to PwP, CP, others; PNS barriers and facilitators; (3) Team/Partnership; continuity and partnership, ‘working together’; (4) Pharmacological Support, PNS prescribing; concordance; speed of treatment. Where PNS were accessible they could offer personalised support and partnership, so providing person-centred care that improves health and well-being.ConclusionWhere a PNS is accessible due to service availability and manageable caseloads, to provide person-centred care, they deliver several benefits to PwP and CP which improve health and perceived well-being. Where PNS are not available, PwP and CP often struggle to manage their Parkinson’s with negative impacts on health and well-being.

Maintaining Skill Development of Newly Qualified Physical Education Teachers

High percentages of newly qualified teachers drop out during their first 5 years of teaching in the classroom. Often, formal support systems are put in place to overcome ‘practice shock’. Yet this practice shock is generally associated with traditional academic subjects such as mathematics, humanities and science. The often-marginalised subject of physical education can be largely neglected when newly qualified teachers are considered. One strategy to reduce practice shock is that of an established mentoring program. The large volume of literature on mentoring across an array of education subjects suggests that mentoring is a valued skill. However, while mentoring is acknowledged as an essential prerequisite for successful teacher induction, its effectiveness in physical education may vary depending on the mentor’s quality of support and the mentee’s initial professional beliefs. This article draws on a structured analysis of research-based articles on mentoring for newly graduated physical education teachers and explores the discipline between mentee and mentor to make more valid inferences about the roles, responsibilities and outcomes of mentoring. The need for clarity around a physical education teacher’s role as a mentor and associated responsibilities relative to the provision of emotional support and guidance are examined along with suggestions for explicit transmission-oriented mentoring approaches to support beginning teachers’ professional development.

Involving Patients and/or Their Next of Kin in Serious Adverse Event Investigations: A Qualitative Study on Hospital Perspectives.

The involvement of patients or next of kin (P/N) after a serious adverse event (SAE) is evolving. Beyond providing mandatory information, there is growing recognition of the need to incorporate their interests. This study explores practical manifestations of P/N involvement and identifies significant considerations for hospitals. The data collection involved various qualitative research methods: 7 focus groups with 56 professionals from 37 hospitals, an interview with 2 representatives from the Dutch Association of Hospitals, and an interactive reflection seminar with over 60 participants from 34 hospitals. Before the focus groups, a brief questionnaire was sent out to survey participants' practices regarding into SAE investigations. After the study, another questionnaire was distributed to gather suggestions for future improvements and to identify their lessons learned. Thematic analysis was applied to the gathered data to identify key themes. Hospitals are increasingly acknowledging the interests and perspectives of P/N, recognizing their potential contributions to organizational learning and improvement. P/N involvement following SAEs includes active participation in different stages of the investigation process, not just passive information dissemination. Important factors influencing involvement are the provision of (emotional) support, identification of needs, and transparency of the SAE investigation. This study enhances understanding of evolving practices surrounding P/N involvement in the context of SAEs in Dutch hospitals. The findings highlight the importance of promoting meaningful involvement, recognizing the significance of P/N experiences, and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. By examining the dynamics of involvement, this research aims to inform policy development and facilitate the implementation of patient-centered approaches to post-SAE care.

Investigating the Status of Mothers and Newborns' Access to Safe and Quality Care from the Perspective of Midwifery Personnel Working in Government Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim The present study was conducted to determine the status of mothers’ and newborns' access to safe and quality care from the perspective of midwifery personnel. Background Safe and quality care is recognized as a principle in providing healthcare to mothers and newborns. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted through random sampling on 270 midwifery personnel working in government hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The data were collected using a questionnaire created by a researcher and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests in SPSS-22 statistical software at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results The average age of the participants was 34.41 ± 7.93 years. The results showed the status of mothers' and newborns' access to safe and quality care to be in the average range of 38.30 ± 6.67. The midwifery personnel have demonstrated adherence to scientific and specialized protocols regarding the way for childbirth and how to care for mothers and newborns to be the most frequent (51.5%), while the provision of emotional and psychological support to women who have given birth with newborn problems to be the least frequent (8.5%). Conclusion Midwifery personnel believe that the safe and quality care provided to mothers and newborns is adequate. Midwifery personnel are committed to following evidence-based practices, but need additional training and resources to support women in need emotionally and psychologically. This is particularly concerning given the potential impact of maternal mental health on both the mother and the newborn.

Improving the provision of emotional support for patients following major lower limb amputation

Major lower limb amputation (MLLA) is a lifesaving but life-altering surgical procedure. Psychological distress is common and typically heightened in the acute postoperative period. Despite the negative impact that poor...

Supporting older adults’ mental health: a Delphi survey identifying audiology best practices

Objective This study aimed to gather opinions and establish consensus among audiologists and patients on supporting individuals with mental health concerns in audiology settings. Design Utilising a modified electronic Delphi survey, a panel of 25 experts engaged in three rounds of data collection over 12 weeks. Participants provided open-text responses in Round 1 describing “clinical practices that can be employed to support to patients presenting with mental health concerns”, and the research team combined these with relevant clinical practices from literature searches. In subsequent rounds, panellists then rated their level of agreement with the combined list of statements; individually (Round 2) and again after seeing the panel’s collated responses (Round 3). Study Sample Panel experts included 11 patients (adults with hearing loss; Mage 73.8 years) and 14 audiologists (with M 11.8 years of experience working in audiology). Results Consensus was met for 123 items categorised into: Detection, Education, Effective Communication, Provision of Emotional Support, Personal Qualities and Attitudes of the Audiologist, Interventions, Connecting the Patient to Additional Support Services, Normal Processes that are Especially Important in these Cases, and Organisational Considerations. Conclusions The study highlights the diversity of approaches audiologists can employ to support patients with mental health concerns.

Supportive communication as a collective phenomenon: a dynamic systems account of emotional support provision and outcomes in online health communities

Supportive communication as a collective phenomenon: a dynamic systems account of emotional support provision and outcomes in online health communities

Emotional support across adulthood: A 60-year study of men's social networks.

Past research shows that social networks get smaller with age. But not all types of relationships may shrink at the same rate or for similar reasons. In the present study, we used a unique data set from a sample of 235 men who were followed longitudinally for 71 years to examine how the general pattern of network shrinkage documented in previous research generalizes to the number of emotional support providers in people's networks. We additionally examined early-life predictors of the size of later-life support network. Growth curve analyses revealed that, mirroring the more general pattern of network shrinkage, emotional support networks shrink by as much as 50% between the ages of 30 and 90, reflecting an average reduction from two to one support providers. Examining the associations between prospectively collected measures of childhood family environment and later-life emotional support, we also found that men who grew up in warmer family environments had larger support networks in adulthood. In contrast, childhood family socioeconomic status was not connected to the size of emotional support networks later in life. The generalizability of this work is limited by the use of an archival all-male sample from the United States. Despite this limitation, these findings make important contributions to our understanding of adult socioemotional development and underscore the importance of prospectively collected longitudinal data in developmental research. Additional research is needed to examine the consequences of changing emotional support across the lifespan for health and well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Emotional Support in Online Teaching and Learning Environment: A Systematic Literature Review (2014–2023)

The provision of appropriate emotional support is influential in establishing a positive and stimulating online learning environment that can elevate students’ emotional well-being, improve their learning experience and enjoyment, and increase their academic achievements. In the present study we examine 16 papers on emotional support in online teaching and learning environments. We aim to understand (a) the emotional support given to online learners and (b) the effectiveness of emotional support in online teaching and learning environments. The review shows that the emotional support given to online learners includes empathy, understanding, motivation, and encouragement. These verbal and nonverbal emotional supports are mainly from teachers, family members, and peers as well as some online agents or applications. Most of the emotional supports influence online learners’ performance and have a favorable impact on their emotional states. The systematic review shows that there has been little research on technology-based emotional support and synchronous teaching and learning environments. We propose that more research should be carried out in these areas.

Teaching Sensitive Subjects Online: Lessons Learnt From the Pandemic and the Implications for Contemporary Nurse Education

BackgroundCovid 19 and the associated restrictions necessitated for an abrupt change to the way education was provided to nursing students . AimsThis study aims to explore the views/opinions of third year children's nursing students and nurse educators of an online learning approach regarding children's palliative care during a global pandemic. MethodsData were collected via an online questionnaire with nursing students and a reflective diary with nurse educators. FindingsCovid-19 and the associated restrictions had a significant impact on students and academics learning and teaching experiences. This small scale study gave insights into practices when teaching sensitive subjects to students on line. Whilst more blended teaching is likely to be used in the future, we highlight the range of support that can be offered to students which has implications for contemporary nursing practice. ConclusionWhilst students and academics prefer face-to-face delivery for sensitive topics such as children's palliative care, achieving a true ‘blend’ through asynchronous and synchronous learning can enable a quality learning experience. Consideration needs to be given to provision of emotional and practical support for students and academics.

P-473 Assessing patient perceptions: emotional support and clinic culture in fertility care. Examining changes in emotional support and clinic culture over 4 years

Abstract Study question How do patients perceive emotional support and clinic culture in the context of fertility care, what factors contribute to their overall experiences within fertility clinics? Summary answer Patients find clinic support lacking, rated 4.8/10, with <45% perceiving a supportive clinic culture. Despite increased awareness, emotional support perception declined from 2019 to 2023. What is known already Despite abundant research emphasising the necessity of psychosocial care in fertility treatment, notably by ESHRE, patients’ experiences indicate clinics are not consistently following these guidelines or offering sufficient emotional support. UK studies by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and Fertility Network emphasise the genuine emotional toll of fertility treatment, revealing that 40% of women undergoing treatment have experienced suicidal thoughts. These findings underscore the critical need for robust emotional support throughout the treatment journey. Study design, size, duration This study involved surveying 210 respondents undergoing fertility treatment. Employing an online survey format, disseminated within my online support communities (approx. 7,000 individuals), the study incorporated both qualitative and quantitative questions. Responses were collected across two distinct periods, 2019 and 2023, providing a comprehensive understanding of patients’ emotional experiences over the 4-year interval. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study gathered insights from 210 global respondents (97% receiving treatment in the UK, 3% in Europe and the USA), all participants were fertility patients undergoing treatment. Cohorts were surveyed in 2019 and 2023, responding to a 10-question online survey. This design enabled a comprehensive exploration of diverse perspectives on emotional support within fertility care over the specified 4-year period. Main results and the role of chance The study reveals a significant disparity between perceived and actual emotional support in fertility clinics. Despite clinics asserting excellence in support, patients rated the emotional support they received at 4.8 out of 10. An alarming 58% expressed scepticism about their clinic fostering a culture of support embraced by all staff, showcasing a disconnect between clinic claims and patient experiences. The study determined a decline in perceived support levels from 2019 to 2023, from 5.3/10 in 2019 to 4.6/10 in 2023. This downward trend raises concerns about the efficacy of efforts to enhance emotional support over the years despite an escalating focus and awareness surrounding the emotional challenges of fertility treatment. The participants’ qualitative responses unveiled a recurring theme across 2019 and 2023, indicating a persistent lack of improvement in emotional support. Patients felt like part of a production line, reduced to mere numbers in the clinic during their treatment journey. A resounding 66% of respondents expressed a desire for more accessible support services within their clinics. This study’s comprehensive findings shed light on the critical need for clinics to re-evaluate and fortify their emotional support infrastructure, ensuring it aligns with patient expectations and contributes positively to their overall experience. Limitations, reasons for caution Differences in participant demographics over study years may influence individual perspectives. Feedback could be influenced by participants’ mood on the survey day, and the global online distribution encompassing diverse clinics adds variability to responses. Wider implications of the findings The study reveals a gap in emotional support provision despite extensive research on IVF’s emotional impact. Patients hesitate to voice concerns, contributing to treatment dropout rates. Addressing this, the study suggests guidelines to help clinics establish a supportive culture from initial contact, potentially reducing dropout rates and improving patient experiences. Trial registration number not applicable

Bridging distance: Transnational and local family ties in refugees’ social support networks

Abstract This study examines the familial ties in the social support network of refugees in Germany. It investigates whether distance to family plays a role in the provision of emotional and informational support and how this relationship is moderated by social network services (SNS). Using data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees (N = 5237), the paper provides evidence for a family-centred network. Increasing distance to family is generally negatively associated with receiving support. However, the strength of support from the partner and sibling is less affected by distance than support from parents. Findings indicate that emotional support can generally be conveyed across greater distances, while informational support, often entailing location-bound aid, is not as easily transmittable. This study contributes to the understanding of refugee networks as transnational families with intergenerational differences in support. It also refines the depiction of support dynamics as being multifaceted and potentially limited due to fragmented contacts.

Emotional experiences and gender roles of men with fibromyalgia syndrome: a cross-cultural qualitative study.

Gender roles may impact men with fibromyalgia, causing a high number of negative emotional states and affective disorders. There are few studies that detect men's high emotional suffering. This study examined the emotional experience of men with fibromyalgia. A qualitative cross-cultural study utilized inductive thematic analysis was performed at the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Unit Santa Maria University Hospital in Spain, the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Mayo Clinic in the US, and volunteers from the Winneshiek County in the US A total of 17 participants, 10 men from Spain and 7 men from the US were included. Three themes related to feelings/emotions emerged: (1) psychological level; (2) social level; and (3) physical level. Men with fibromyalgia from Spain and the US experienced many negative emotions. Men often experience negative emotions that are worsened by common misunderstandings and social biases/stigma about their condition. A proper assessment of emotions when evaluating the global health of men with fibromyalgia as well as the provision of emotional support would improve their mental health and therefore their overall physical health. Emotional management should be incorporated into all treatment protocols for fibromyalgia, especially for men given the gender stigma. Health policies designed by legislators, policymakers, and support agencies must be accompanied by education in gender role concepts to improve the emotions of men with FMS. The mass media will be essential for the disclosure of the emotional suffering of male patients so that society might better understand them.

Relationship between learners' L2 Motivational Self System and parental investment behavior in learners' English learning.

Students' motivation and learning behavior are significantly impacted by parents' participation and investment. It has been demonstrated that parental investment behavior could exert a direct effect on students' L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) mediated by parental investment belief. Nevertheless, the relationship between components of parental investment behavior and students' language learning motivation remains a topic necessitating further scholarly investigation. In response to this gap, we conducted a quantitative study involving a survey of 900 high school students to explore the relationship between students' English learning motivation, as conceptualized by the L2 Motivational Self System and parental investment behavior based on a four-component model. The findings in this study indicated that high school students exhibited moderate levels of L2MSS and relatively low levels of parental investment behavior. Moreover, students' L2MSS was found to have a significant positive correlation with the global parental investment behavior, with parental emotional investment behavior emerging as a positive predictor of high school students' L2MSS. These results underscore the importance of parental provision of sufficient economic, relationship, knowledge, and emotional support in cultivating a nurturing and supportive familial context conducive to the development of students' positive future selves.

Older Humans and Their Dogs

Loneliness and a lack of socialization can have a deteriorating effect on life experience and health. Unfortunately, loneliness is an experience often felt by older people, and interspecies companionship can provide valuable and daily interaction that is positive for well-being. In the place of another human, a dog may inhabit a role as a provider of emotional support. In Judith Butler’s sense of performative identity, there is a becoming of that which we do. Using an approach of working with (rather than on) people, this informs sensitive and sympathetic methodologies for an analysis of the significance and benefit of interspecies companionship for older people in the initial stages of my artistic research project, Dogs and the Elderly. Made with participants of the Alzheimer’s Society’s “Memory Cafés” in Nottingham and Lincolnshire (UK), the project demonstrates how interspecies companionship can be valuable for supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of older people. This illustrated photo and text article discusses how the project’s older humans and their dogs inhabit a togetherness within supportive interspecies relationships in various ways, and how this contributes to their lived experience. It explores the stories of a group of people, living with or supporting others with early-stage Alzheimer’s, who speak to companionship with their dogs to articulate the significance of the relationship from their perspective.

Aftercare for Survivors of Human Trafficking: A Case Study on Optimal Approach to Recovery and Integration

Human trafficking is a modern-day slavery that mostly disproportionate women in the society. This study aimed to fill the knowledge gaps regarding the aftercare experiences of human trafficking survivors as they navigated their recovery and reintegration into society, with a specific focus on the Philippines. The research investigated the effectiveness of aftercare interventions provided by agency, highlighting the importance of comprehensive and customized support systems. It drew on Empowerment Theory and Ecological Systems Theory to inform its analysis. The study utilized a qualitative intrinsic case study design, employing purposeful sampling to gather insights from social worker, psychologist, house parents, survivors and other professional involved in aftercare. Collecting data using typically involved conducting in-depth interviews, engaging with key informants, and facilitating focus group discussions. Emerging themes were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s method of thematic analysis. The study uncovered two main themes: "Grappling with Adversities" and "Socio-emotional Transformation." It provided insight into the challenges and situations experienced by survivors, as well as the influence of support systems, healing processes, and personal development initiatives on their recovery. The research highlighted the significance of education, development of independent living skills, and provision of emotional support in empowering survivors. Suggested measures involved the establishment of thorough post-treatment support initiatives, public initiatives to raise awareness within the community, and ongoing professional training for workers. This study added to our knowledge of survivor empowerment within the realm of human trafficking and emphasized the importance of continued research and evaluation of aftercare programs.

The infant health effects of doulas: Leveraging big data and machine learning to inform cost-effective targeting.

Doula services represent an underutilized maternal and child health intervention with the potential to improve outcomes through the provision of physical, emotional, and informational support. However, there is limited evidence of the infant health effects of doulas despite well-established connections between maternal and infant health. Moreover, because the availability of doulas is limited and often not covered by insurers, existing evidence leaves unclear if or how doula services should be allocated to achieve the greatest improvements in outcomes. We use unique data and machine learning to develop accurate predictive models of infant health and doula service participation. We then combine these predictive models within the double machine learning method to estimate the effects of doula services. We show that while doula services reduce risk on average, the benefits of doula services increase as the risk of negative infant health outcomes increases. We compare these benefits to the costs of doula services under alternative allocation schemes and show that leveraging the risk predictions dramatically increases the cost effectiveness of doula services. Our results show the potential of big data and novel analytic methods to provide cost-effective support to those at greatest risk of poor outcomes.

Development and Initial Assessment of an Emotional Support Provision Training Intervention for Interpersonal Support Providers in the Context of Chronic Illness

ABSTRACT This study reports on the development and pilot testing of an emotional support provision training intervention for interpersonal support providers to those with chronic illnesses. Using findings from a needs assessment in combination with existing theory and research, we created a training framework consisting of verbal person-centered message design, empathic listening, and communicated perspective-taking. Then, we recruited 282 individuals to participate in a pre-training questionnaire, the online training module, a post-training questionnaire, and a two-week post-training questionnaire. Outcome variables included emotional support knowledge, efficacy, and intentions, as well as general support efficacy, response efficacy, and quality. Repeated measures MANCOVA revealed significant increases from T1 to T2 for all variables of interest. These increases were sustained at T3 for emotional support knowledge and efficacy, and support provision response efficacy. Participants rated the training favorably and provided helpful suggestions for improvement. This study answers the call for more theoretically-grounded support interventions that not only assess theory in real-world settings, but also help people better their supportive communication skills.