Foster Empathy Research Articles

"I Found it Cathartic": Exploring Empathy and Mental Health Awareness in Psychological Horror Video Games

Horror video games have often been criticized for their negative and unrealistic depiction of mental health, primarily through their portrayal of characters with mental illnesses. Such representations can perpetuate stigma and misconceptions about mental health issues. However, there has recently been a growing interest in accurate portrayals of these characters and how playing these video games could also elicit empathy and mental health awareness. In our study, we explored how a psychological horror game such as Silent Hill 2 could foster empathy and mental health awareness through individual interviews with 11 participants. Our findings revealed that participants gained a deeper understanding of mental health issues and empathy towards characters struggling with mental illnesses by interacting and controlling them. Participants had a greater attachment to the characters' inner struggles and their gameplay was experienced as cathartic. Moreover, our findings highlighted the potential of psychological horror to serve as a platform for character-driven narratives, showcasing how engagement with such games elicited empathy among participants. We contribute to an exploratory understanding that can assist game designers and writers in crafting narratives within the Psychological Horror genre that foster empathy and mental health awareness.

“Mutual Sustenance”: Co‐constructing the Foundation for Vulnerability in the Participant/Researcher Relationship through an Ethnographic Study of Vehicle Residents' Information Practices

ABSTRACTInformation Science (IS) researchers and practitioners aim to understand information seeking and needs across vulnerable communities. These relationships possess insider and outsider dynamics between researchers and participants. To foster vulnerability, trust, and empathy in the research process and to meet participants where they are in the research process, it may be beneficial for IS researchers to incorporate and consider concepts like reflexivity and positionality. The concept of the “vulnerable observer” (Behar, 1997) was implemented to frame the humanization of the researcher through an ethnographic study of vehicle residents as a vulnerable population. The relationships developed with participants serve as the grounds for which vulnerability can flourish through the utilization of safe environments. A safe, familiar environment for the participant is an important ingredient to produce trust and reciprocity. Reciprocity has the potential to lay the groundwork for a vulnerable foundation built on trust and rapport.

Playful enactive interventions can enhance agency, empathy and social integration in children

Theoretical frameworkPlay is vital for children's healthy development and growth. According to the enactive framework, play can foster socialization, self-regulation and cognitive processing. When children become active participants in pleasurable activities, they engage with their environment in diverse ways, engendering new meanings and transforming existing ones. Previous studies have shown that social integration and agency can be cultivated from an early age. Purpose or motivationIn the current study we review prior research, taking into consideration the enactive approach. From this perspective, we revalue play as a particularly fruitful activity, which enables embodied interactions between peers, contributing to participatory sense-making processes. This study examines the impact of playful enactive interventions on transformative agency and social integration. MethodsThe study involved 161 children aged 6–8 years, who attended four schools in Bariloche, Argentina. We conducted enactive interventions which propitiated playful affective instances through non-competitive play and self-awareness practices. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to evaluate changes in social integration and agency in children. ResultsThe children showed changes both in the social domain - including peer relationships, empathy and classroom climate - and in their capacity for agency and emotional regulation. In addition, most children reported that they continued to use the self-awareness practices in stressful situations outside of school. ConclusionThe present study reveals that playful enactive interventions can foster agency and empathy during childhood. Embodied experiences within playful contexts may have enabled participatory sense-making processes that contributed to the recreation of peer relationships.

Empowering voices, shaping futures: digital storytelling for sustainable transformation

Digital storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool for advocating sustainability and driving social change, particularly in the diverse and rapidly developing context of Asia. This paper explores the transformative potential of digital storytelling in promoting sustainable practices across the region. By analyzing successful campaigns and case studies, the research examines how various storytelling formats and platforms effectively engage audiences, raise awareness of critical sustainability issues—such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—and inspire action towards positive change. The study delves into the capacity of digital storytelling to amplify marginalized voices, foster empathy, and mobilize collective action. It investigates the crafting of narratives that resonate with diverse Asian cultures, effectively communicate complex issues, and motivate behavior change. The role of local communities and indigenous knowledge in shaping authentic and relevant narratives is also explored, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Additionally, the paper addresses ethical considerations and challenges associated with digital storytelling for advocacy. It emphasizes responsible and inclusive storytelling practices that empower communities while safeguarding participants' rights and well-being. By providing insights into effective strategies and ethical guidelines, this research equips communicators and changemakers with the tools to harness the power of digital storytelling for a more sustainable future in Asia.

A Qualitative Exploration of Undergraduate Students’ Experiences of Using Virtual Reality for Dementia Inclusive Education

Abstract Background Dementia prevalence is expected to exponentially increase over the coming decades. Across society, an increased awareness of dementia inclusive environments is important, to promote inclusivity and foster empathy. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of undergraduate students using virtual reality (VR) for dementia inclusive education. Methods Purposive sampling was employed in one University in Ireland to recruit first year undergraduate students who had completed a VR workshop on dementia inclusive environments. Five semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted during February 2024. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Results Three themes were identified. The first theme ‘Food for thought’ represented participants’ greater understanding, as a result of using VR, of the potential for design to impact the dementia experience. Participants felt as though they were able to virtually place themselves in someone else’s shoes, which was described as “eye-opening”. The second theme ‘Impact variation’ revealed that although participants’ showed enhanced levels of awareness, empathy and understanding of this global health issue, the depth of learning depended on the participants’ prior exposure to dementia. The final theme related to ‘The VR experience’ as a whole. Students described the VR experience as positive, engaging, easy to use, and revealed that they were excited to take part in the workshops. Conclusion The student experience of using VR for dementia inclusive education was positive and enlightening. Using VR to introduce universal design concepts could be integrated into a range of undergraduate programmes to foster understanding and has the potential to empower future designers and policymakers to create environments that are accessible and inclusive for everyone. While this is a small-scale study, the difference in impact of this VR initiative on students with prior personal exposure to people with dementia and those without was an interesting finding and requires further research.

Community Empowerment Through PPK Ormawa To Strengthen Interest In Reading Rural Communities

Community service is a key activity of student organizations (Ormawa) to foster social awareness, empathy, and solidarity through science, technology, arts, and culture. The Student Organization Capacity Strengthening Program (PPK Ormawa), funded by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, aims to enhance Ormawa's quality and develop students' soft skills and competencies. In 2023, HIMA PGSD/HIMMI of Alma Ata University received a grant to implement PPK Ormawa in Kalurahan Muntuk-Dlingo, Bantul Regency, focusing on boosting reading interest in rural communities. The activities included learning guidance to strengthen literacy and numeracy, utilizing the Service-Learning (S-L) method. Over four months, the program created a reading-friendly environment, formed regular reading groups, and developed STEAM-based learning modules. Post-test results showed significant improvement, with mastery levels increasing from 35% to 96% and the class average score rising from 64.28 to 89.96. PPK Ormawa successfully enhanced participants' literacy and numeracy understanding and built a lifelong learning environment. Future recommendations include updating literacy content, providing continuous training, conducting literacy campaigns, collaborating with educational institutions and local communities, and regular evaluations.

Teaching and learning for sustainable futures: Reclaiming, collaboration and empathy

Introducing community engagement to my annual class of Visual Art honours students has become increasingly challenging. There is a healthy resistance to the perception of ‘cultural tourism’, and students are sensitive to the idea of entering a community as voyeurs with the perception of privileged “saviours”. I offer a particular example of an emerging annual exchange with the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO), who have partnered with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in a range of projects that can add value to upcycling of collected and sorted waste products. The pervasive news of corruption, violence, and rolling blackouts undermines well-being and increasingly perpetuates despair, apathy, or distraction. In this climate, a question of response in an educational environment is pertinent. How does one teach and learn about sustainable futures? How can educators foster empathy, agency, and activism among students? This article draws on ecology activist and scholar Dylan McGarry’s expanded concept of transgressive social learning using skills transfer through an apprenticeship, which is helpful in framing a model of teaching and learning based on social exchange. Including selected student reflections, the paper considers methods and practices that model ways to develop various forms of personal and social agency through exploring empathetic encounters.

Declining empathy trends throughout medical curriculum and association factors of low empathy among medical students and residents: a single center study

BackgroundA physician’s empathy level substantially impacts clinical competence, patient relationships, and treatment outcomes. Yet, understanding empathy trends from medical students to resident doctors within a single institution is limited. This study delves into empathy trends within a single-center academic setting and identifies factors associated with low empathy.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled the second—to sixth-year medical students of Phramongkutklao College of Medicine and the first—to second-year residents at Phramongkutklao Hospital. It utilized a standardized questionnaire covering demographics, family relationships, the Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI), and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE). The relationship between variables and JSE scores was analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses examined associated factors and trends across educational levels. A quadratic term was incorporated to evaluate the presence of a nonlinear trend.ResultsA total of 520 participants, comprising 189 (36.4%) preclinical students, 153 (29.4%) clinical students, and 178 (34.2%) residents, completed the survey. The JSE showed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. The average empathy score was 103.8 ± 15.0, with 27.1% of low empathy levels. Specialty preference and sex-adjusted average empathy scores decreased from 114.5 (95%CI: 112.0–117.0) among second-year medical students to 95.2 (95%CI: 92.2–98.2) among second-year residents (Pnon−linear<0.001). The adjusted proportion of low empathy is highest among sixth-year medical students (54.4%, 95%CI: 34.4–73.2%). Factors associated with low empathy included those preferring procedure-oriented specialties (AOR: 4.16, 95%CI: 1.54–11.18) and a higher parental income (AOR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.09 to 8.10). Subgroup analysis revealed that residents with a GPAX above 3.5 and those in technology-oriented specialties were also associated with lower empathy (AOR: 3.46, 95%CI: 1.40–8.59 and AOR: 2.93, 95%CI: 1.05–8.12, respectively).ConclusionA declining empathy trend was observed among medical students, which then plateaued among residents. Additionally, residents in technology-oriented specialties may require empathy enhancements due to their ongoing patient consultations. Addressing these issues requires collaborative planning between students and teachers to foster empathy throughout the medical curriculum.

Breaking barriers: uniting Turkish and Greek students through eTwinning collaboration for empathy, understanding, and language anxiety relief

ABSTRACT This study explores the results of an eTwinning project involving four countries, with a focus on collaboration between students from historically distant backgrounds: Turkey and Greece. It primarily aims to foster empathy and understanding, alleviate language anxiety, and enhance foreign language competence among the participants. Using a mixed-method case study approach, data were collected primarily from 7th grade Turkish and 9th grade Greek students. The findings demonstrate notable outcomes, such as significant improvements in English language skills, effective use of ICT tools, enhanced intercultural communicative competence, and a discernible reduction in language anxiety.

Health professions students' perspectives of a stigma-reducing simulation including simulated patients with lived experience of addiction and recovery

BackgroundStigma surrounding substance use disorders (SUDs) hinders treatment. This study explores perceptions of health professions students following simulation-based training involving individuals with lived experience of addiction and recovery. MethodsThematic analysis of self-reflection narratives was conducted to identify themes. ResultsThirty-three graduate students from various health disciplines participated. Four themes were identified: humanizing addiction, cultivation of hope, attitude of gratitude, and transformation and growth. Findings highlight contact-based simulations' potential to challenge stereotypes and foster empathy. ConclusionIntegrating stigma reduction interventions into health curricula is crucial. Contact-based simulation training shapes positive attitudes towards individuals with SUDs.

Enhancing Language Learning and Intergroup Empathy through Multi-User Interactions and Simulations in a Virtual World

In an increasingly globalized world, the development of language skills and intercultural empathy has become crucial for effective communication and collaboration across diverse societies. Virtual worlds offer a unique and immersive environment to address these needs through innovative educational approaches. This study explores the impact of multi-user interactions, group work, and simulations within virtual worlds on language learning and the development of intergroup empathy. Two distinct research projects were conducted, involving 241 participants aged 19–45. The language learning study engaged 116 participants in diverse interactive experiences, while the intercultural study had 125 participants collaborating in multicultural groups and participating in perspective-taking simulations. Both studies employed qualitative data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, and observations. The findings suggest that the combination of networking strategies, collaborative learning, and simulations within virtual worlds contributes to improvements in learners’ language proficiency, confidence, and empathy towards diverse social groups. Participants reported increased motivation and engagement, which was attributed to the immersive and interactive nature of the virtual environments. These studies highlight the importance of collaboration and reflection in facilitating language acquisition and intercultural understanding. Technical challenges were identified as potential barriers to implementation. The results demonstrate the potential of virtual worlds to enhance language education and foster empathy in diverse societies, offering valuable insights for educators and researchers. However, the findings may be limited by the specific contexts and sample sizes of these studies, warranting further research to explore the generalizability and long-term impact of virtual world interventions and not exaggerate the main conclusions.

The Mediating Role of Communication in Fostering Religious Tolerance within a Diverse Society

This study aims to examine the influence of social prejudice, local wisdom, social piety, religious identity, and communication behaviour on religious tolerance in Sidoarjo Regency. It focuses on the mediating role of communication behaviour in strengthening or weakening the impact of these variables on religious tolerance. A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from respondents in the Sidoarjo Regency. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the relationships between the variables and the mediating role of communication behaviour. The results show that communication behaviour plays a crucial role in mediating the influence of social prejudice, local wisdom, social piety, and religious identity on religious tolerance. While social prejudice, local wisdom, and religious identity do not have direct significant effects on tolerance, their impact is enhanced through effective communication. Communication behaviour, characterised by openness, empathy, and support, positively influences religious tolerance, whereas ineffective communication diminishes the positive effects of other variables. The findings suggest that strategies to improve religious tolerance should prioritise communication behaviour. Policymakers, educators, and community leaders are encouraged to implement programmes that foster open dialogue, empathy, and respect among diverse religious groups to strengthen social harmony. This study provides new insights into the role of communication behaviour as a mediating variable in the relationship between social factors and religious tolerance, offering practical implications for enhancing tolerance in multicultural societies.

EMPATHY Life in Psoriasis: Embracing Patients' Well-Being in Their Journey of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting their physical and emotional well-being. The management of psoriasis requires effective communication and a strong physician-patient relationship. Objective: We aim to develop a novel algorithm to enhance patient well-being and care in moderate-to-severe psoriasis, considering the time constraints that dermatologists have in public hospitals. Methods: This project employed a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between 14 experienced dermatologists (referred to as Key Opinion Leaders: KOLs) and a psychologist. During three separate meetings (an initial virtual session, a face-to-face meeting, and a final virtual meeting), an algorithm (Embracing Patients' Well-being in their Journey of Moderate-to-Severe psoriasis: EMPATHY), describing the patient's reception through the entire first visit and follow-up visits, was developed and refined. Results: The EMPATHY algorithm provides a step-by-step approach from the moment the patient arrives at reception, through the first visit and on to subsequent visits. This algorithm fills a critical gap in the existing guidelines by specifically addressing how to foster empathy during psoriasis patient visits within time-limited consultations. The algorithm outlines patient-centered strategies at each visit. Key aspects include creating a welcoming environment, active listening, respecting privacy, tailoring communication styles, and managing patient expectations. Conclusions: The EMPATHY algorithm represents a novel and promising approach to improving patient care and well-being in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Developed together by dermatologists and a psychologist, this algorithm offers healthcare providers practical guidance for managing both initial and follow-up patient visits. While further validation is necessary, the potential for adapting the EMPATHY algorithm to diverse healthcare settings and patient populations holds promise for improving patient outcomes across various chronic conditions.

MENUMBUHKAN RASA EMPATI MAHASISWA KE SESAMA MELALUI PROGRAM KUNJUNGAN KE PANTI ASUHAN AL MUZAKKI

Empathy contributes to the formation of a strong, positive and healthy character. It helps individuals to live in a more harmonious way with others, as well as encouraging them to be part of the solution to various social challenges. One of the efforts made to foster empathy is carried out by students taking character development courses by visiting orphanages. This study proves the effect of visits to orphanages on empathy. The method used is a survey method by taking a sample of 40 people based on the number of indicators used as many as 8 indicators multiplied by five. Through an online questionnaire, the data was analyzed using quantitative methods. The results of the study prove that visits to orphanages have a positive and significant effect on students' empathy.

Impact Assessment of the Isang Tasáng Lapis: An Extension Program of the Teacher Education Department of Batanes State College

The Batanes State College as one of the State Colleges in the country has been fulfilling its duty and mandate in delivering extension services to its community. The college through its Teacher Education Department has implemented an extension program on December 2022 to June 2023 dubbed as “Isang Tasàng Lapis: An Extension Project of the Teacher Education Department to the Academically Challenged Pupils of Basco Central School” which aimed to improve the literacy skills of pupils. This research evaluated the impact of the extension program and the challenges encountered in the implementation. The descriptive -comparative design was employed with 52 parents, 17 BCS teachers, and 8 TED faculty members as respondents to the study. The findings of this research indicated that the extension project is positively perceived by both parents and teachers. Specifically, the project has notably increased the motivation of the learners to attend classes which was validated by the teachers and acknowledged by the parents. This study also provided evidence that the academic performance of learners was improved after attending the project. The data revealed that the project significantly contributed to improving the learners’ academic performance. Thus, this study affirms the effectiveness of the project and suggests its potential value in enhancing the learners’ academic success. The study also identified challenges related to planning, implementation, and monitoring wherein both groups indicated minimal challenges in all phases indicating an excellent planning and execution of the project. However, minor challenges such as clarity on partner agency’s focal person, insufficient resources, and project sustainability were pointed out improvement. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made to improve the project. The recommendations include designing activities to foster creativity, curiosity, and empathy among pupils, prioritizing immediate needs in reading comprehension and numeracy, and enhancing planning and coordination between partners schools. It was also recommended to address resource constraints such as materials, equipment, manpower, and time to ensure smooth implementation of the project. Other recommendations include implementing strong monitoring frameworks and planning for project sustainability and improving learning environment to optimize interventions and enhance academic success.

Mapping for connection, a life beyond mapping for control: lessons from ‘mapping-as-performance’ with Empatheatre in South Africa

This paper critically examines the intersections of Science, colonialism, and cartography in shaping perceptions of the ocean and its human-nature relationships. Drawing on Postcolonial Science and Technology Studies (PCSTS) and Decolonial Theory, it scrutinizes historical mapping practices, revealing how they perpetuated ontological hierarchies and controlled narratives of the ocean. Through archival research spanning from the Revolution to colonial exploration, the paper exposes how maps framed the ocean as a controllable entity, obscuring socio-cultural dimensions of biodiversity. Focusing on a case study in Northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, the authors explore an Empatheatre mapping process, that challenges Western ontologies and promotes counter-hegemonic cartographic practices. Situating this within critical cartography and PCSTS literature, the paper reveals how colonial projects molded perceptions of oceanic space and influenced environmental governance. In the South African context, the ocean is haunted by a violent history of racial exclusion and ecological exploitation. Initiatives like Operation Phakisa’s Blue Economy plan underscore the tension between economic growth and ecological sustainability, leading to rapid coastal developments. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges as a tool to reconcile these interests, yet its implementation raises questions about inclusivity and community participation. Introducing the Empatheatre method, characterized by a ‘Call and Response’ approach, the paper invites local communities to co-create maps reflecting their concerns and relationships with the ocean. Through attentive listening and collaborative storytelling, Empatheatre challenges traditional consultation methods, prioritizing meaningful engagement and collective meaning-making. Mapping in this context is not merely a static representation but a dynamic process of collective thinking and relationality. By foregrounding the social, cultural, and ecological context, Empatheatre’s approach redefines the mapmaker-map relationship and empowers communities as active agents in shaping their narratives. The transformative potential of Empatheatre lies in its ability to shift power dynamics and foster empathy between diverse stakeholders. Through performative storytelling and visual representations, Empatheatre creates space for marginalized voices and alternative modes of knowledge transmission. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a decolonial approach to oceanic cartographies that acknowledges diverse ontologies and fosters inclusive governance structures.

Positive Play

This book results from an initiative by the European university consortium EUGLOH - European University Alliance for Global Health - between the University of Porto, Portugal (U.P.), and the University of the Arctic, Norway (UiT). To support the activity consisting of a three-day masterclass and workshop at UiT, designated as “Tromsø Idea Camp 2024 - Developing ideas through co-creation using human-centred design,” which had as its motto: . “Identify the needs and expectations of Vardesenteret’s patients before, during, and after treatment, considering their and volunteers’ points of view and creating projectual answers that foster empathy and communication”, a handbook was created, which later formed the basis of this book. It has three sections dedicated to Person-Centred Design in the Context of Health and Well-being. The first section— ”Reported Experience”, — Relates to the doctoral project “Ludic Activities in Health Context: An Anorexia Nervosa Case in the Hospital Environment,” which systematizes Ludic methods and tools created in and for a clinical context to support the treatment and monitoring of Anorexia Nervosa. Part of the project stems from collaborative work with São João Central Hospital, Portugal, in a group dedicated to treating eating disorders. The second section - “Documented Experience” — Explores the concept of Positive Play, coined by Giesteira, B., Cardoso, P., and Peçaibes, V. in various papers and book chapters from 2021 onwards. It presents a group of methods and tools created by the authors in recent years, such as the SEED Toolkit - “SomaEsthetics for Enabling Designers” (Giesteira, B. 2023) and the ANgame Collab (Cardoso, P., Peçaibes, V., Giesteira, B. 2022). The first tool aims to work on the concept of Somaesthetics, promoting empathy and contributing to identifying feelings and sensations interdependent on body activities and movements. The second tool aims to mediate playful sessions of Participatory Design, especially in the ‘user research’ phase. Other tools and methods were selected because, based on the aforementioned authors’ experience, they are most suitable for applied research in Health Technology Design. The third section - “Lived Experience” — Records the three days of the workshop dedicated to the themes: “Emotional Design and Somaesthetics”; “Human-Centered and Participatory Design”; “Ideation, Lateral Thinking, and Prototype.” In addition to the aforementioned themes, the different phases of development of the participants' projects from the various universities of the EUGLOH university consortium are recorded, which, in a Participatory Design approach, involved the collaboration of volunteers and oncology patients from Vardesenteret. This section shares the tools used to support each phase of product or service design and the final results of the low-fidelity prototypes.

Human Rights: Experiences and Educational Practices

Human rights, therefore, are indispensable freedoms that accrue to every human being, irrespective of citizenship, ethnic background, or other characteristics. It is true that all these rights are known globally, but the chances of people realizing and enjoying them can differ significantly depending on the region and specific society. These gaps in knowledge are considered in this research article by discussing the various, differentiated experiences in regard to human rights, more specifically by pointing to incidents of human rights’ abuse and improvement across different regions. Moreover, the given article explores the centrality of education in raising awareness and cherishing human rights.HRE, as a part of educational practices, can raise awareness, foster empathy, and, thereby, actively contribute to individuals’ ability to stand up for themselves and others. Therefore, through teaching and learning human rights, the incorporation of human rights topics in education curriculum, teaching critical thinking, and establishing values for empathy, HRE seeks to transform society into one that respects and protects the human rights of every individual. This paper explores the historical past, various problems in present society, as well as the experience of HRE implementation that occurred in different countries at different times, its outcomes, and perspectives for further transformations in society.In the last place, the author presents the recommendations that can help improve HRE, discussing the role of international support, advocacy, and efficient teacher training. This way, HRE helps build a desirable future for humanity’s generations to come by preparing them for the combating of human rights issues.

Creating inclusive communities: the role of practical theology in addressing stigma and discrimination against people with epilepsy in Yoruba Pentecostal communities

ABSTRACT This research investigates the interplay of witchcraft beliefs, epilepsy, poverty, stigma, and discrimination in Nigerian Yoruba Pentecostal communities. Through semi-structured interviews with 15 Yoruba Pentecostal leaders in southwestern Nigeria and engaging with scholarly works on religion, health, and disability in Africa, this study provides nuanced insights into the complex intersections of these topics. Highlighting the significant role of practical theology, the paper argues for its potential in fostering more inclusive communities. A key element of this article is that it illustrates how theological practices can cultivate respect and understanding for individuals with epilepsy and challenge prevailing cultural beliefs and medical misconceptions. Taking this approach is crucial to dismantling the stigmas and discrimination prevalent in these communities. A major outcome of the study is the recommendation of effective strategies to increase epilepsy awareness and foster empathy within Yoruba Pentecostal circles, promoting social inclusion and transforming attitudes towards health and disability in African religious contexts. Overall, this research contributes to the broader dialogue on religion, health, and social inclusion in Africa, emphasising the transformative power of practical theology in addressing critical social issues.

Relevancia de la gestión administrativa empresarial

Business administration management encompasses a series of processes that guarantee the achievement of institutional goals. The objective of this research was to analyze the relevance of business administration management. A systematic review was conducted that included papers related to business administration management and study analyses relevant to the categories of business administration management, business administration management strategies, and digital administration management. The study was conducted using 22 papers published in databases such as Scopus, 5 papers; Web of Science, 2 papers; Scielo, 1 paper, and Latindex, 14 papers. The study concluded that administration management has practical relevance, allowing the establishment of organizational goals and objectives. This should be carried out efficiently, since employee dedication experiences a gradual increase and the company achieves productivity according to expectations, proposed objectives and significantly promotes a quality economy. Likewise, administration management must consider strategies such as the application of the various phases of administration processes (planning, organizing, directing, controlling), in addition to strengthening supervisory and regulatory functions; adapting administration management strategies to the local context; developing democratic participation, a culture of peace, and encouraging all civil society actors to implement changes that promote the construction of cultures that foster communication, equity, solidarity, empathy, and respect. Digital administration management attracts customers or users, so organizations must adapt to new technologies, as it not only creates competitive advantages, but also promotes sustainability and market competitiveness.