Articles published on External Support
Authors
Select Authors
Journals
Select Journals
Duration
Select Duration
5823 Search results
Sort by Recency
- New
- Research Article
- 10.70838/pemj.510406
- Dec 31, 2025
- Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal
- Arvin Andacao + 1 more
The lack of Filipino sports psychology research and experts underscores the need for this study. This study aims to explore the champion mindsets of elite Filipino athletes by examining the psychological attributes and motivational factors that drive their success. It explores the mental strategies, resilience, and determination shaping athletic excellence, offering insights into their success. Using an exploratory qualitative design, the study analyzed motivational statements drawn from 30 documented sources featuring world-class Filipino athletes. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns across the dataset. The analysis revealed five essential themes: inner strength and resilience, external support and motivation, skill and strategy, dedication and effort, and continuous growth and success. Within inner strength and resilience, four major sub-themes surfaced: resilience and perseverance, mental toughness and preparation, self-belief and confidence, and faith and spirituality. External support and motivation encompassed two core ideas: motivation and support, and national pride and patriotism. Skill and strategy provided two significant concepts: tactical thinking technique and athletic discipline. Dedication and effort stood alone as a single theme. Continuous growth and success were clustered into two themes: growth and improvement, and success and achievement. This study highlights the pivotal roles of psychological qualities and external stimuli, equipping coaches, trainers, sports psychologists, and athletes with a comprehensive framework for enhancing athletic performance and well-being.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.63931/ijchr.v7i2.599
- Dec 31, 2025
- International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion
- Chester Tabasa + 3 more
This paper explores the policy legacies through the perspective of the administrative framework of Minglanilla Science High School. This qualitative investigation employed a Case Study method by Yin and participated by eight (8) stakeholders of Minglanilla National High School composed of the past and present administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders. Minglanilla Science High School (MSHS) is a regional school that stands out at this time of major change. The school's sustainability as a specialized institution of learning relies on its capacity to facilitate, evolve, and maintain its distinctive leadership model amidst continuous modifications to its internal and external policies. National educational programs and the standards of science high schools at a macro level have shown to be effective; however, there is insufficient research on how a particular, regionally supported public high school has executed, sustained, and modified different national and community administrative procedures over several decades. From the data analysis, the findings revealed the following themes: Theme 1) Institutional Identity & Governance, theme, Theme 2) Leadership, Power, Capacity and Deficits, 3) Policy Adaptation and Strategic Agility, and theme 4) External Support and Holistic Outcomes. The study can be beneficial to the administrators and stakeholder of Minglanilla Science High School and the Department of Education in making its program and services relevant and responsive to the needs of the 21st century learners.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.54097/1qxywg62
- Dec 31, 2025
- International Journal of Education and Social Development
- Yanfen Li + 1 more
Young university lecturers constitute the vanguard of higher education development, with their teaching competence directly influencing the quality of talent cultivation. Against the backdrop of increasingly robust external training support systems, exploring the endogenous drivers and pathways for enhancing their capabilities has become particularly crucial. This paper, grounded in reflective practice theory and considering the career development characteristics of young university lecturers, systematically explores intrinsic pathways for enhancing their teaching competencies. The research posits that the essence of teaching competency enhancement lies in a continuous, self-directed process of professional growth, with the core intrinsic pathway being the deepening of reflective practice. Specifically, this can be achieved through: - Fostering metacognition about teaching practices via systematic teaching journaling; - Realising the creative integration of teaching theory and personal practice through sustained action research; - Expanding professional horizons through dialogue and observation within reflective learning communities; - Ultimately attaining autonomous and sustainable teaching competence by developing personal practice theories. This research provides theoretical reference and practical guidance for young university lecturers to overcome professional development bottlenecks and achieve endogenous growth.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.30892/gtg.634spl27-1642
- Dec 31, 2025
- Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
- Vongani E Ntimane
Organisations wanting to stay competitive through digital transformation must demonstrate high digital maturity levels according to current market conditions. South African small and micro enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to make a significant contribution to the local economy; however, they face specific digital transformation challenges and opportunities that distinguish them from other businesses. The small accommodation sector faces challenges such as limited financial resources, which impact digital access, inadequate infrastructure, insufficiently skilled workers, and must navigate complicated regulatory frameworks. Digitalisation can transform SMEs by enabling market expansion, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business stability, thereby becoming more sustainable and contributing to a competitive advantage, while also supporting local employment and economic growth. The research combines existing studies to determine which factors influence digital maturity levels in South African small and micro accommodation businesses. The researcher conducted a systematic database search across Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and Sabinet for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2013 and May 2024. The PRISMA guidelines were used to evaluate studies after screening and extraction. The research included fourteen studies that met the established criteria. The findings revealed that SMEs achieve digital maturity through multiple interconnected elements, which include personal skills, organisational characteristics, and environmental and systemic factors. Digital maturity depends on the owner/manager's digital literacy, access to ICT infrastructure, organisational culture, financial capacity, external support networks, and regulatory environment. The development of digital maturity in South African accommodation SMEs requires programs that enhance digital competencies, build infrastructure, and create supportive regulatory frameworks. Financial backing, skill development, and information dissemination will enable stakeholders to harness digital transformation for enhanced sector competitiveness and inclusive economic expansion in South African tourism.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.36615/2pw1mb81
- Dec 31, 2025
- Clinical Sociology Review
- Rhodrick Nyasha Musakuro
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global adoption of electronic health (e-health) tools for digital mental health services (DMHS) in South African higher education institutions (SA HEIs). However, the long-term sustainability of these innovations remains uncertain. This study employs an integrated Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework to investigate determinants of the sustainable adoption of e-health tools. A cross-sectional survey of 348 staff at a selected SA HEI was analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. Three critical factors emerged: (1) University capacity to deliver DMHS, emphasising the significance of top management support, financial resources, and information and communications technology expertise; (2) Perceived benefits and importance of e-health tools, highlighting user perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and behavioural intention; and (3) External support to enhance university capacity, including government policies, competitive pressures, and institutional partnerships. The study advances theory by synthesising TOE and TAM in a resource-constrained context, revealing how institutional readiness and user perceptions jointly influence the sustainable adoption of e-health tools for DMHS. Practical implications highlight the need for targeted investments in digital infrastructure, capacity-building, and policy alignment to strengthen DMHS sustainability. The study results are consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), offering a roadmap for SA HEIs to leverage e-health tools for mental health resilience post-pandemic.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.54254/2753-7048/2026.ht31001
- Dec 31, 2025
- Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
- Ruixuan Wang
This study examines the role of psychological education in promoting academic development among first-year students at vocational colleges from the perspective of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). A questionnaire survey was administered to collect data from two cohorts of vocational students (n = 127) enrolled in E-commerce and Financial Services and Management programs. The study investigated their learning motivation, challenges, and coping strategies through qualitative analysis. The instrument assessed students' learning states, motivational fluctuations, perceived challenges, coping strategies, sources of external support, and career identity. Data analysis employed both quantitative coding and qualitative thematic analysis. Findings indicate that students exhibiting higher levels of autonomy, competence, and relatedness demonstrated greater engagement in academic development and adapted more effectively to the university environment. Conversely, a significant number of students expressed confusion, lack of motivation, or disengagement from learning, underscoring the necessity for targeted psychosocial interventions. Grounded in pragmatism, this study contributes to the understanding of how psychosocial education can addresses motivational deficits and promotes students' sustainable academic development.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.32776/eyc.v14i64.852
- Dec 30, 2025
- Educación y ciencia
- Rosalinda Georgina Balam Lizama + 1 more
This qualitative study aims to describe the essential experiences of university psychology students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when assuming the role of peer tutors in statistics courses. A phenomenological approach was used with a multiple case study design strategy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with tutors and their tutees, using data triangulation to ensure the internal credibility of the findings. The essential experience was identified as a “Bidirectional process of regulation and bonding.” The results confirm that the tutoring role acts as an external support mechanism that enhances the tutors' intrinsic self-regulation, evidenced by improved concentration, planning, and responsibility. At the same time, a socio-emotional bond of trust and empathy was fostered with their peers. The study contributes to validating tutoring as an active inclusion strategy with therapeutic-pedagogical value for neurodiversity in higher education.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.61326/bes.v4i2.388
- Dec 29, 2025
- Bulletin of Educational Studies
- Nida Kılınç + 2 more
This study aims to examine the experiences of a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy regarding inclusive education in the preschool period. Designed with a qualitative research approach, the study was conducted with the participation of a five-year-old girl with cerebral palsy attending a public school, her classroom teacher, and her mother. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, family information forms, and observation forms completed by the teacher at two different time points, and analyzed using content and descriptive analysis techniques. The findings revealed that the child became more engaged in classroom activities following her participation in inclusive education. Interviews with the mother indicated that the child was raised in an emotionally supportive but socioeconomically limited environment, and that the parent actively participated in the educational process while seeking various external support resources. Teacher observations highlighted notable improvements in the child’s social skills, adherence to rules, and classroom behavior. Inclusive education is internationally recognized as a crucial practice enabling children with disabilities to participate in learning alongside their peers. In the context of cerebral palsy, inclusive education is particularly significant since children face not only motor difficulties but also social and emotional challenges, making supportive school environments essential for their development. The findings were discussed in line with the related literature, and practical implications were provided. Specifically, the study suggests that inclusive education practices should be supported with individualized strategies for children with cerebral palsy, that collaboration between teachers and families should be strengthened, and that teacher training on inclusive methods should be provided to enhance classroom participation.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1177/02692163251400117
- Dec 27, 2025
- Palliative medicine
- Yijing Li + 6 more
Transitioning from hospital to community represents a vulnerable stage in the palliative care journey for patients with advanced illness. The decision regarding care setting is often shaped by multiple factors and involves a range of challenges and burdens. To synthesise the decision-making experiences of patients with advanced illness and their caregivers during transitions from hospital to community palliative care. A systematic review of qualitative studies. Thomas and Harden's thematic analysis approach was used for data synthesis. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023494617). PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, WanFang and Vip were searched up to 22 November 2023. Ten papers were included in this review. Three themes emerged: (a) perceived insecurity of transfer, highlighting perceived risks associated with transitions and the resulting decision-making difficulties; (b) balancing priorities in care, reflecting how patients and caregivers weigh multiple considerations, including medical support, caregiving capacity and personal commitment; and (c) love and belonging-regaining meaning of lives, illustrating the spiritual meaning of care settings for patients and caregivers. Patients with complex psychosocial needs and their caregivers were particularly vulnerable during the decision-making process, especially when external support was insufficient. Therefore, healthcare providers are recommended to actively engage by enhancing communication skills and utilising decision aid tools to provide comprehensive and sufficient information to patients and caregivers.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.61990/ijamesc.v3i6.677
- Dec 27, 2025
- International Journal of Accounting, Management, Economics and Social Sciences (IJAMESC)
- Hani Fitria Rahmani + 4 more
Digital transformation presents both challenges and opportunities for Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving sustainability performance. This study aims to examine the influence of digital readiness, technology adoption, and institutional support on MSMEs’ sustainability performance. A quantitative approach was employed by distributing questionnaires to MSME actors and analyzing the data using structural equation modeling based on partial least square (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that most independent variables have a positive and significant effect on sustainability performance, although certain variables show a negative relationship, which differs from some previous studies. This finding highlights that digital readiness and technology adoption do not always generate uniform effects but are strongly shaped by institutional contexts and internal conditions of MSMEs. Theoretically, this research contributes to the advancement of Institutional Theory and the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) by emphasizing digital capabilities as strategic resources for sustaining competitive advantage. Practically, the study suggests that policymakers and stakeholders should enhance digital literacy, infrastructure, and support programs for MSMEs to strengthen their ability to adapt to the digital era. The study concludes that synergy between internal MSME factors and external support is crucial for achieving sustainable business outcomes. Future research is recommended to include moderating variables such as strategic leadership or market orientation to provide deeper insights into the dynamics of MSME digital transformation.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12877-025-06900-x
- Dec 26, 2025
- BMC geriatrics
- Xinjie Zhang + 6 more
With the deepening of population aging, the disease burden associated with brain health in older adults is increasingly severe. To develop targeted strategies for promoting brain health among older adults, it is essential to first understand their awareness of brain health as well as their motivations and barriers to health promotion. This study aims to explore older adults' cognition and attitudes toward brain health, along with their needs and preferences regarding brain health promotion. Individual, face-to-face and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 older adults from Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Questions, used in our study, focused perception of brain health, attitudes and beliefs toward brain health promotion, and needs and preferences regarding brain health promotion. Responses were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. The following themes and sub-themes were identified: (1) Multidimensional yet compartmentalized brain health perceptions, including physiological function, disease association, psychological well-being, behavioral coordination; (2) Diverse attitudes toward brain health promotion, including proactive prevention, cognitive-behavioral dissonance, fatalistic neglect; (3) Intrinsic motivators for brain health promotion, including health awareness, quality of life, family responsibility, disease-related anxiety; (4) External support as a moderating factor in brain health promotion, including family support, peer support, community support; (5) Barriers to brain health promotion activities, including physical limitations, role conflict, cognitive misconceptions, information quality; (6)Needs and preferences for brain health promotion, including authoritative yet practical content, and diversified age-friendly formats. Older adults have a compartmentalized understanding of brain health, often accompanied by misconceptions and tend to hold negative attitudes toward brain health promotion, highlighting an urgent need for professional guidance to provide correct education and direction. Our study reveals that effective brain health promotion requires enhancing internal motivation, building external support networks, and overcoming implementation barriers through integrated strategies, while crucially tailoring approaches to individual needs and preferences for maximum effectiveness.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1515/gj-2025-0026
- Dec 26, 2025
- Global Jurist
- Katarzyna Krzyżanowska + 1 more
Abstract The Constitutional Tribunal takeover by the Law and Justice party is a spectacular example of constitutional crisis. In a short period, without formally amending the Constitution, the Tribunal was transformed from a respected yet benevolent institution into a rubber-stamp body subordinated to the ruling majority. This article examines the exogenous and endogenous factors contributing to CT paralysis and its ultimate decline. It analyses the interplay between the CT resilience stemming from the said factors and the resistance of individual constitutional judges and other agents that attempted to counter the CT takeover. The exogenous factors include the unconstitutional actions of the PiS party, the consolidation of power, the lack of inter-institutional trust, the dominant constitutional culture, and the post-communist legacy that contributed to the weak societal entrenchment of the CT. Endogenous factors include the poor design of the judicial appointment process, the CT President’s abuse of competencies, and the weak societal responsiveness of former constitutional judges. The resistance actions tried to remedy weak resilience. We examine the internal agency of judges, both on-bench and off-bench and external support from the legal community and civil society. The article concludes with a reflection on the current political impasse, the future of the CT, and the consequences of its collapse for the Polish legal system in general and the ordinary courts in particular.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1080/15299732.2025.2599755
- Dec 26, 2025
- Journal of Trauma & Dissociation
- Faisal M Lalani + 2 more
ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship between maladaptive daydreaming (MD) and identity shame among individuals with MD. Participants described how MD originated or intensified during periods of distress related to aspects of their identity they felt shame toward, such as sexuality, culture, or disability. They constructed idealized versions of themselves in fantasies and imaginary communities, which provided them with belonging and acceptance. These fantasies seemed to allow participants to process shame without external support. The obsessive nature of MD narratives suggests participants were trapped in an incomplete emotional processing loop. Identity shame may be a core driver in some cases of MD, with fantasies serving as maladaptive coping when authentic identity expression is impeded. We utilized psychoanalytic concepts of projection and dissociation to provide a framework for understanding MD rooted in identity issues.
- New
- Abstract
- 10.1002/alz70858_104385
- Dec 26, 2025
- Alzheimer's & Dementia
- Krystal R Kittle + 3 more
BackgroundCaregivers of people with dementia endure unique emotional, physical, social, and financial challenges related to the care they provide and are often regarded as ‘invisible second patients.’ Akin to the invisible dementia caregiver, sexual and gender minority (SGM) dementia caregivers, or those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, intersex, or who express identities, behaviors and/or attractions that do not align with heterosexual or conventional gender norms, are underrepresented in dementia caregiving research, policy, and practice, deeming them especially invisible.MethodWe conducted in‐depth interviews (n = 15) to explore the lived experiences of racially and ethnically diverse SGM dementia caregivers. Using content analysis, we identified overarching themes that represented socioenvironmental, risk and protective factors thought to influence the health and well‐being of racially and ethnically diverse SGM dementia caregivers.ResultMost participants identified as Black/African American (n = 8). Additional identities included Chinese, Native Hawaiian, Hispanic, Native American, or mixed race. In terms of gender identity, 9 identified as women, 3 men, 1 non‐binary, 1 transgender man, and 1 as two‐spirit. We identified four initial themes: (1) Socioenvironmental factors (Caregiver status, SGM identity, Racial/ethnic identity); (2) Risk factors (Gender identity/sexual orientation‐based discrimination, Lack of external support, SGM spaces, Racial discrimination); (3) Protective factors (Education, Self‐protective behaviors, Social support); and (4) Health and wellbeing (Dementia symptoms, Physical health, Mental health). Preliminary findings of note come from underrepresented caregivers (bisexual, pansexual, queer, transgender and non‐binary caregivers), who described the added stress (in addition to caregiving) caused by their care recipient's refusal to accept their sexual and/or gender identities, discomfort in discussing their caregiving experiences with their peers in the SGM community, and discriminatory behaviors from health care providers directed at them and their care recipients.ConclusionWhile this research is ongoing, preliminary findings highlight factors worth considering when establishing targeted, effective interventions to improve the health and well‐being of racially and ethnically diverse SGM dementia caregivers. Moreover, these findings elucidate new areas that should be considered in future research related to the caregiving experiences and health of diverse SGM dementia caregivers.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.57096/return.v4i12.423
- Dec 25, 2025
- Return : Study of Management, Economic and Bussines
- Dwisty Betary Refistia Lubis + 2 more
This study aims to determine the influence of innovation practices on business resilience with external support as a moderation variable in SMEs in the Kasongan Pottery Industry Center, Bantul Regency. The population in this study is all SMEs in the Kasongan Pottery Industry Center, Bangunjiwo Village, Bantul Regency. The sampling technique uses a census technique where the entire population is used as a research sample with a total of 80 SMEs. The analysis methods used in this study are descriptive analysis and quantitative analysis. This research was conducted using the Moderating Regression Analysis method through the analysis tool used, namely SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solution) 25. The results of this study are (1) Innovation practices have a significant and positive effect on business resilience; (2) External support does not moderate the influence of innovation practices on business resilience.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.62343/cjss.2025.257
- Dec 25, 2025
- Caucasus Journal of Social Sciences
- Avtandil Nikoleishvili
Georgia’s relationship with the outside world has always been of particular importance for Georgian writers. This reality was shaped not only by the country’s geographical position but also by the fact that, throughout much of its history, Georgia found itself surrounded by dominant imperial powers and became the target of their persistent aggression. Under these circumstances, Georgian rulers were repeatedly compelled to seek external support to preserve their statehood. Over the centuries, however, the accompanying hope of preserving national identity and political independence was interpreted differently by the leaders of various Georgian kingdoms and principalities on the one hand, and by Georgian patriots on the other. Specifically, most of these figures, including writers, directed their hopes primarily toward Europe. This orientation of Georgian writers was essentially determined by the fact that the historical development of Georgian literature was virtually inseparable from the significant events unfolding among European writers. Thus, the European creative world had become a powerful source of inner impulse for the leading Georgian writers, enriching Georgian literature with numerous innovations. In particular, the significant events in Georgia during the 1910s and 1920s further strengthened the pro-European outlook of most Georgian writers.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.35460/2546-1621.2025-0126
- Dec 24, 2025
- Journal of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas
- Sean Sander Y Embay + 7 more
Background: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to major life disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted key aspects of adolescent development, yet few studies have focused on the experiences of Filipino youth who underwent isolation due to infection. Objective: To explore the lasting lived experiences of Filipino adults who were isolated due to COVID-19 as late adolescents and examine how these experiences shaped their health consciousness. Methods: This qualitative study employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis using Colaizzi’s method. Six participants aged 18 and above, who were aged 17–19 during their COVID-19 diagnosis and isolation, were recruited. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed. Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) Sources of Stress including academic disruptions, isolation, symptoms and healthcare inefficiencies; (2) Attitudes Toward the Experience ranging from fear to calm acceptance and social responsibility; (3) Coping Strategies such as external support and personal mechanisms like spirituality and hobbies; and (4) Impact of COVID-19 which encompassed interpersonal growth, normalization of illness and varying degrees of health behavior change. Conclusion: While the experience of isolation during adolescence posed significant stress, it also offered opportunities for personal and interpersonal growth. Most participants exhibited increased health consciousness, though behavior change was limited. These insights highlight the value of integrating health behavior interventions for young adults shaped by pandemic experiences. Keywords: COVID-19, Isolation, Lived Experience, Filipino, Adolescents
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3390/su18010208
- Dec 24, 2025
- Sustainability
- Ying Chen + 3 more
In the rapid development of rural tourism, multiple disturbances, such as capital reorganization, uneven resource distribution, and the marginalization of farmers as the main body, have emerged. This has led to the dual challenges of increased vulnerability and insufficient resilience of farmers’ livelihood systems in the face of risk shocks. Based on survey data of the “Agri-Tourism–Commerce–Culture Integration” demonstration zone in China, this study integrates the Pressure–State–Response model into the analysis of livelihood resilience and constructs a “vulnerability–adaptability–recuperability” tri-dimensional framework. Through methods such as the entropy weight method, the synthetical index method, grey relational degree analysis, and the obstacle degree model, this study measures the levels of different livelihood types of farmers in each dimension of livelihood resilience and their influencing factors. The research findings indicate that the overall livelihood resilience of farmers in the study area was at a medium level, with vulnerability making the most significant contribution, reflecting that the current livelihood system is dominated by risk resistance. Different types of farmers exhibit heterogeneity in resilience, with tourism-oriented farmers showing the highest resilience and agriculture-oriented farmers the lowest. However, tourism-oriented farmers also display the most prominent vulnerability, revealing the tension between short-term efficiency enhancement and long-term risk diversification in single livelihood strategies. Key factor analysis reveals that vulnerability correlates most strongly with livelihood resilience. The most correlated indicators are the price increase rate, proportion of migrant workers, and neighborhood trust in the vulnerability, adaptability, and recuperability dimensions. Diagnosis of obstacle factors reveal that loan accessibility, land resource dependency, and agricultural risk perception rank as the top three common obstacles, with tourism-driven farmers exhibiting higher obstacle degrees than other farmer categories. These findings not only validate the empowering effect of rural tourism on farmers’ livelihoods but also reveal the different livelihood strategies chosen by various farmers. Based on the results, this study proposes policy recommendations of “common optimization + individual adaptation” to enhance farmers’ livelihood resilience. This is conducive to transforming external support into farmers’ endogenous resilience capabilities and provides a useful reference for achieving the deep integration of rural tourism and farmers’ livelihood systems.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3390/jzbg7010003
- Dec 24, 2025
- Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens
- Anastasia Chrysomalidou + 3 more
It is widely recognized that outdoor and nature-based educational activities can significantly enhance pupils’ learning, increase environmental awareness and improve pupils’ well-being. At the same time, a growing body of literature supports that the extent to which outdoor learning is implemented depends largely on factors, such as the general institutional context of schools, social and geomorphological aspects and the teacher’s own motivation. The current study employs data collected from 507 primary, middle and high schools in Greece, using a structured questionnaire, and investigates the factors that prevent teachers from engaging in outdoor teaching activities in a green space, as well as those that encourage them to be involved in such educational learning approaches. The results identify institutional barriers, such as the demanding school curriculum, lack of financial resources, limited available time, and insufficient external support, as the main constraints preventing teachers from implementing outdoor activities in nature. On the other hand, it appears that altruistic and intrinsically driven factors, such as personal environmental interest, knowledge of the positive outcomes of environmental education, and a sense of social contribution, are the main factors promoting the adoption of outdoor green education approaches. Availability of green spaces and support by leadership also appear to promote teachers’ engagement in outdoor activities. The findings of the current study highlight the need for educational reforms, to include outdoor, nature-based learning in the school curriculum, provide training and financial support and enhance the confidence of teachers in outdoor, nature-based education. Addressing these barriers could enhance education’s role in fostering sustainable development and reconnecting pupils with nature.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1694462
- Dec 23, 2025
- Frontiers in Public Health
- Yulu Chen + 6 more
ObjectiveTo explore the caregiving challenges encountered by family caregivers of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to proffer recommendations for optimizing older adults’ care services in China and enhancing the quality of long-term care for older adults with MCI.MethodsA phenomenological approach was employed to conduct semi-structured interviews with 20 family caregivers of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study employed the Colaizzi analytical method and systematically organized and analyzed the data using NVivo 12.0 software.ResultsThree core themes and nine sub-themes were identified: (1) Inadequate adaptability of external support systems (structural gaps in community-based home care policies and evaluation frameworks, shortages in caregiving knowledge and skills provision, sustainability challenges in financial support); (2) Dual social and emotional burdens faced by caregivers (disruption of social networks and isolation, accumulation of negative emotional experiences and burnout, moral conflicts over family perceptions and responsibility allocation); (3) Obstacles in smart older adults’ care technology use (Privacy concerns from smart monitoring systems, the digital divide, lack of emotional connectivity in human-computer interaction).ConclusionRelevant departments should focus on the burdens and challenges family caregivers face in caring for older adult individuals with mild cognitive impairment. This will enable them to develop further diverse community-based home and smart older adults’ care services, ultimately promoting the high-quality development of China’s older adults’ care sector.