Identity Change Research Articles

Digital Light Processing Resins with Programmable Shape Memory for Biomedical Applications.

The creation of biodegradable and biocompatible shape memory polymers amenable to biofabrication techniques remains a challenge. The ability to create shape-changing biodegradable objects that are triggered at body temperature opens up possibilities in tissue engineering, minimally invasive surgery, and actuating bioimplants. Merging Digital Light Processing (DLP) printing with shape memory polymers brings us closer to new smart biomedical outcomes. Previously, we developed a poly(caprolactone-co-trimethylenecarbonate) urethane acrylate resin for the DLP fabrication of biodegradable 3D objects. In further studies, we observed that some of these resins possessed shape memory properties, triggered by body temperature (37 °C). In this subsequent study, we explored the shape memory properties and tunability of this resin family via changes in copolymer composition, molecular weight, and identity of the acrylate end-capping unit. We found that we could create a library of shape memory resins, amenable to DLP printing, which allowed the creation of shape-actuating structures with some tunability over the speed of shape memory and mechanical properties. We observed that increased mole fraction of caprolactone in the copolymer and increased molecular weight of the polymer led to a decrease in speed of the shape memory switch. Furthermore, we observed a trade-off between the composition and the end-capping moiety on the mechanical properties of the polymers. These polymeric resins were able to be processed into shapes that were able to perform work, including the release of cargo and grabbing/lifting of an object. This platform now provides a way to tune the speed and mechanical properties of a shape memory DLP object created from common and scalable polymerization techniques. This work ultimately provides a new platform to develop customizable and biodegradable devices capable of actuating and delivery devices for numerous biomedical applications.

Crafting the modern Prometheus: navigating morality and identity in the age of cyborg enhancements

ABSTRACT Across three vignette-based experiments (N = 697) primarily involving young adults from China, our research systematically examines the moral judgments and perceived identity changes associated with technological implants, unveiling “naturalness bias” as a pivotal psychological mechanism influencing these judgments. Study 1 scrutinized the effects of physical enhancements via body implants, revealing a significant link between perceived low naturalness, negative moral judgment, and a reduced intention to adopt such technologies. Moreover, individuals who receive technological implants were perceived as more inclined toward immoral behavior, resulting in a considerable shift in identity perception. Study 2 confirmed these findings and introduced a control group of plastic surgery vignette to refine comparisons and enhance methodological rigor. Study 3 broadened the scope to include both emotional and cognitive enhancements via implants. It found that emotional enhancements were judged more critically regarding morality and naturalness, leading to greater perceived identity changes and higher expectations of immoral behavior compared to cognitive enhancements. Collectively, the current research provides essential insights into the ethical dimensions of transhumanist technologies, highlighting the profound moral considerations and identity implications of adopting such enhancements.

Anticipated organizational identity change, job anxiety and affective commitment during macro-level turbulence: a cross-lagged study in the shifting sands of Brexit

ABSTRACT The current study examines how events external to organizations raise a challenge to perceptions of organizational identity continuity leading to a negative affective and attitudinal workforce response. This 5-wave study surveys full-time employees (N = 1309) from around the UK during a period of socio-political turmoil during negotiations of terms of withdrawal from the EU (Brexit). Drawing on Conservation of Resources Theory and Affective Events Theory we hypothesize that employees’ anticipation of change in organizational identity will lead to negative individual-level affective responses of job anxiety and a subsequent reduction in affective commitment. Utilizing a Random Intercept Cross Lagged Panel Model, the results show that within-person increases in perceptions of anticipated organizational identity change are followed by increases in job anxiety, which is followed by reductions in affective organizational commitment. Thus, the turbulent external context challenges employees’ enduring sense of organizational identity which can have profound effects on employees and their relationship with their employer.

Ethnic identity centrality across the adult lifespan: Aging, cohort, and period effects among majority and minority group members.

Ethnic identity is a major area of study across many disciplines including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and political science. Yet, little is known about changes in ethnic identity across the adult lifespan, and whether such changes are driven by normal aging processes (aging effects), unique societal influences linked with one's formative years (cohort effects), or social changes during a specific time frame (period effects). We address these key oversights by utilizing 13 annual waves of longitudinal panel data from a nationwide random sample of both ethnic majority (N = 49,660) and Indigenous ethnic minority (N = 8,325) group members in New Zealand to examine changes in ethnic identity centrality using cohort-sequential latent growth modeling. This approach helps to identify changes in mean levels of ethnic identity centrality over time and whether such changes are driven by aging, cohort, and/or period effects. Our data reveal that, among both ethnic majority and ethnic minority individuals, changes in ethnic identity centrality were informed by a combination of normative aging processes, societal circumstances that reflected the unique historical context in which people grew to maturity, and societal changes during the 13 annual assessments of our study. Collectively, these results demonstrate for the first time that ethnic identity centrality in adulthood is subject to lifelong changes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Ментальна топографія травми (за романом володимира рафєєнка петрикор – запах землі після дощу)

The article is research into the traumatic experience of war, based on the Volodymyr Rafieienko’s novel Petrichor – Smell of the Earth after the Rain. It’s logical to examine this text from the position of trauma studies, which have become very actual in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war and its consequences. The writer represented the prospect of overcoming collective and individual trauma in a very original way. He describes in details the painful experiences caused by the forced resettlement of people, and most of all – the feeling of guilt due to the death of close ones. Rafieienko’s novel reflects the world of imagination of a person with a disturbed psyche. In such a way, he suggests a new kind of narration where imaginarium (the world of fantasy, visions and the dreams of the characters) and the pictures of an unbearable reality, which must be recalled to understand the depth of the pain in order to continue living, are crossed in a natural way. Petrichor… represents the author’s individual vision of the cultural trauma, which causes a radical change in human identity. This new identity is the creative force and at the same time, it impresses on one the state of total danger, nationwide mobilization and solidarity. The writer raises the issue of sacred sacrifice. We mean the price that must be paid for the renunciation of the difficult past. All this leads to a persistent psychological disorder within the novel’s characters. Thus, Rafieienko carries out a mental topography of trauma, indicating its important markers and motives within a specific geocultural space.

The new pluralism: interests, identity and social change

PurposeThe paper reviews Fox’s frames of reference against subsequent changes in the composition of the labour force, shifts in social values and the arrival of the politics of identity.Design/methodology/approachA close reading of the frames of reference is placed in the context of Fox’s writing on the search for managerial legitimacy. That search is then considered in relation to the subsequent revolution in equal opportunities and contemporary efforts to promote equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).FindingsAt the core of Fox’s frames lies the fundamental question of whether employers accept trade unions as a legitimate expression of employee interests. Changes in the composition of the labour force and the related arrival of identity politics has led to the emergence of a new set of interests based on social identity. These interests exist because of state legislation, social pressure from campaign groups and the awareness of the right to equal treatment regardless of gender, race, sexuality etc. It follows that the emergence of these identity-based interests means that employers are all pluralists now. This new pluralism has the ideological challenge of gaining approval not only from employees but also from the public in a world where errant employers are vulnerable to hashtag activism.Originality/valueBy revisiting Fox’s frames of reference, and emphasizing the role of employee interests, the paper shows that Fox's original insights on managerial authority and the need for “legitimising sentiments” are still relevant even if his frames are now outdated.

Medium is the Message: Examining McLuhan s Theory in East Asia

This paper explores the importance of McLuhan s media is the message theory to the dissemination of popular culture and regional influence in East Asia in the 20th century. By analyzing the historical process of the development of popular culture in China and Japan, the paper illustrates the key role of print media and television media in shaping national identity and social change. At the same time, the paper also points out the limitations of McLuhan s theory in fails to fully consider the socioeconomic factors in East Asia. Reviewing the historical process of the popular culture movement and spatial revolution in East Asia in the 20th century through McLuhan s theory helps us understand the media influence and its deep-seated significance in the current era of information explosion. McLuhan s media is the message theory still has important analytical value, and its limitations need to be further explored in order to better understand the media dynamics of contemporary East Asian society.

“I Gain a Resilient Self”: Exploring Disaster Identity Communication and Posttraumatic Growth of Young Adults in Chinese Culture

ABSTRACT Natural disasters can have both negative and positive impacts on survivors’ mental health, including posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study applies the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI), which posits that identity is a multi-layered construct shaped through and reflected in communication, to explore PTG through identity lenses among young adults (aged 21–30 years, 9 females and 6 males) in the aftermath of a devastating urban flood within Chinese culture. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand the relationship between their identities and PTG. A deductive qualitative content analysis was employed to analyze data. Participants described their specific self change within four identity frames: personal, relational, enacted, and communal. Within each frame, several sub-categories of disaster-related identity changes are identified. Furthermore, two identity gaps were identified during the disaster: personal-enacted and personal-relational, which reflect the discrepancies among identity frames. The findings indicate that young adults can experience PTG while communicating their specific identities, but identity gaps hinder this process. The study suggests that Confucianism in Chinese culture may play a supportive role in facilitating PTG during the disaster.

PUFFFIN: an ultra-bright, customisable, single-plasmid system for labelling cell neighbourhoods

Cell communication coordinates developmental processes, maintains homeostasis, and contributes to disease. Therefore, understanding the relationship between cells in a shared environment is crucial. Here we introduce Positive Ultra-bright Fluorescent Fusion For Identifying Neighbours (PUFFFIN), a cell neighbour-labelling system based upon secretion and uptake of positively supercharged fluorescent protein s36GFP. We fused s36GFP to mNeonGreen or to a HaloTag, facilitating ultra-bright, sensitive, colour-of-choice labelling. Secretor cells transfer PUFFFIN to neighbours while retaining nuclear mCherry, making identification, isolation, and investigation of live neighbours straightforward. PUFFFIN can be delivered to cells, tissues, or embryos on a customisable single-plasmid construct composed of interchangeable components with the option to incorporate any transgene. This versatility enables the manipulation of cell properties, while simultaneously labelling surrounding cells, in cell culture or in vivo. We use PUFFFIN to ask whether pluripotent cells adjust the pace of differentiation to synchronise with their neighbours during exit from naïve pluripotency. PUFFFIN offers a simple, sensitive, customisable approach to profile non-cell-autonomous responses to natural or induced changes in cell identity or behaviour.

From teacher to teacher researcher: Identity change in the power dynamics of an EAP reform community

Educational reforms often entail and afford teachers’ identity change. Adopting a community of practice (CoP) framework to examine reform-inflicted teacher identity change and drawing on data from eight rounds of semi-structured interviews over three and a half years, our longitudinal case study traced how three English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teachers negotiate their teacher researcher identity during an educational reform in China. We find that a multi-layered, multi-centered, and multi-functional reform CoP of complex power dynamics can facilitate EAP teachers’ negotiation of teacher-to-teacher researcher identity change during a curriculum reform, which can further enrich the long-term sustainable development of a community. Highlighting the significant role of CoPs in educational reforms and teacher development, we advocate a CoP of dynamic power relations and multiple power positions and call for frontline teachers’ engagement with teaching-based research to potentially strengthen the research-practice nexus. This study bears implications for educational reform participants and teacher educators.

Losing, regaining, and continuing to build self-confidence – a qualitative, phenomenological study of being physically active with a type B aortic dissection

Purpose To gain a comprehensive understanding of experiences related to being physically active in participants with an uncomplicated type B aortic dissection. Materials and methods We performed a qualitative, phenomenological study. First-person accounts of adults, who at least one year ago had an uncomplicated type B aortic dissection, were collected using semi-structured interviews. The audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results We collected, in total, 644 min interview data from 14 participants. Three patterns were interpreted: losing self-confidence, regaining self-confidence, and continuing to build self-confidence. Experiencing symptoms when pushing limits, challenges with energy management, and side effects of medication caused loss of self-confidence. Changes in identity, reaching milestones that reflect improvement, and support from others and tools helped participants regain self-confidence. To continuing to build self-confidence, participants indicated they needed success experiences and activities make life worth living. Conclusions Self-confidence in adults with an uncomplicated type B aortic dissection changes immediately after the diagnosis of the aortic dissection. Rehabilitation professionals can support adults regaining and continuing to build self-confidence, aiming for the perfect balance between blood pressure regulation, quality of life, and being physically active. Implications for rehabilitation Rehabilitation professionals should support regaining and continuing to build self-confidence related to being physically active in adults with type B aortic dissection in the early stages of recovery and beyond. Adults with an uncomplicated type B aortic dissection want rehabilitation professionals to tell them primarily what is possible (recommendations) rather than what is not allowed (rules). Rehabilitation professionals should help adults with an uncomplicated type B aortic dissection to explore, push and, ultimately, accept limits related to exercise tolerance.

A national longitudinal study of sexual orientation discordance, sexual identity fluidity, and alcohol and other drug use disorder symptoms

ABSTRACT Background: Many national studies fail to account for discordance between sexual orientation dimensions (e.g. a mismatch between sexual identity and sexual attraction) or sexual identity fluidity (e.g. changes in sexual identity over time). Objective: To examine the longitudinal relationships among sexual identity fluidity/stability, sexual orientation discordance/concordance, and alcohol and other drug use disorder symptoms. Methods: The study used nationally representative longitudinal data from Waves 1–5 (2013–2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study of US adolescents and adults (N = 24,591). Results: Substance use disorder symptoms were most prevalent (45.8%) among bisexual-stable females relative to all other sexual identity subgroups. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of substance use disorder symptoms were significantly higher among bisexual-stable females vs. heterosexual-stable females in all models (AOR range: 1.94–2.32), while no such associations were found for males. Sexual identity-attraction discordant females had significantly greater AORs (17/20 instances) of substance use disorder symptoms compared to concordant females; this finding was not as consistent for males (6/20 instances). Conclusion: Sexual orientation discordance was significantly associated with substance use disorder symptoms, especially among females discordant in their sexual identity and attraction. Bisexual-stable and discordant females are at highest risk of developing symptomatic substance use; it is vital that they receive screening, no matter where they are in their coming out process. This study highlights pitfalls of relying solely on cross-sectional data using a single sexual orientation dimension to understand the relationship between sexual orientation and substance use disorder.

Moral Identity Development Among Emerging Adults in Media: A Longitudinal Analysis

ABSTRACT This longitudinal study examines changes in the moral identity of 48 emerging-adult U.S. college graduates in media-related fields from their first year after college to three years later as they progressed into early work life. Results from four moral psychology survey instruments reflect significant shifts in moral reasoning, relativistic thinking and idealism, coupled with stability in personality traits and character strengths. A fifth instrument found largely positive assessments of workplace ethical climate. The findings suggest that emerging adulthood is an important time for the development of a robust professional moral self that is characterized by growing maturity in moral judgment that intersects with a foundation of character developed through a variety of influences before, during and after college. Findings have significant implications for young practitioners entering the workplace, media managers working with them, and media pedagogy.

More than sport: A social-identity intervention to support transitions out of elite sport

Elite athletes often make large personal sacrifices to pursue excellence, but there is insufficient support for them when they leave elite sport. Identity loss is central to athletes’ transition trajectories and hence the management of identity change is a crucial area for support. The More Than Sport (MTS) program is a novel digital intervention that aims to provide this support—helping athletes manage identity change in the process of leaving elite sport. The present research aims to study elite athletes’ experiences with the MTS program and their perceptions of its usefulness in managing the transition away from elite sport. We undertook a qualitative study with athletes (N = 25) from three countries (the United Kingdom, Australia and Belgium) using reflexive thematic analysis to explore their experiences of the program and their feedback on program content. We identified three key themes and eight subthemes. The first key theme was Value of the Program, and this was underpinned by four sub-themes that centred on Program importance and novelty, how Positive and confronting experiences afford insight, the Value of developing shared understanding, and Realising the value of social groups. The second key theme was Engagement with Program Elements and here participants commented on Program content and Delivery format. The final key theme was Time and Place for Identity Management Programs which included the sub-themes of Optimal timing and Additional program beneficiaries. Overall, the results highlight the value of MTS specifically, and identity management efforts more broadly, to help elite athletes adjust successfully to life beyond sport.

Learning Strategies Of Sunday School Teachers In Installing The Character Of Discipline

Sunday School means traditional church To train children in Biblical truth. However, Sunday Schools, and more broadly, children's ministry programs, are undergoing a change in identity. The aim of this research is to describe Sunday school teachers' strategies in instilling disciplined character in GBI Bassura Sunday School children. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method with a literature review approach, which means through a study of various references. The research results show that Sunday School teachers should develop learning strategies that contain a disciplinary character. Possible strategies include: 1) Developing a learning curriculum based on discipline education, 2) Conducting regular meetings between parents and Sunday School children, 3) Determining punishments and rewards, 4) Carrying out group coaching, 5) Implementing habituation methods. In conclusion, by consistently implementing effective strategies, the Sunday Teachers' School will give birth to a generation of Christians who have disciplined character in accordance with Christian values.

Collective Identity During Societal Regression: Transformation from Self-Identification to Sub-Human Trait Associations

In this study, collective identity is explored in relation to socio-political discourses within a historical context through the 13th regression element, which is an association of others with subhuman traits. Arguments are supported through longitudinal documentary analysis and secondary data from unstructured interviews. Discourse analysis was used to analyse data. This article presents several symbolisms relevant to emerging collective identity discourses and provides evidence of how socio-political changes throughout history can cause a change or confusion in collective identity. It also argues that societies with prolonged ethnic conflict, which are under the profound influence of a mainland, are very likely to have dual identities and dissimilar identifications among their group members. Through its analysis, this article develops Volkan’s Tree Model and suggests a phase IV in light of the existing dynamics in Cyprus. This study suggests the inclusion of all possible stages in co-existence, from dissociation to unification, in proposed phase IV.

Beyond Stereotypes: The Polysemous and Polymorphous Representation of Women in Moroccan Cinema through Adam (2019)

This paper critically examines the portrayal of women in Moroccan cinema, with a specific focus on Meriem Touzani's film Adam (2019). The film is a substantial case study, challenging traditional gender roles, particularly in cinematically representing the two female protagonists' bodies and voices. By critically re-evaluating the poetics and politics of representing women in Moroccan cinema, this paper features the importance of adopting an intersectional perspective and engaging with feminist film theory. The study employs qualitative methods, including close textual and thematic analysis, to investigate how bodily expressions and vocalizations contribute to constructing gender identity. Within the film, the findings are situated in the broader scholarly discourse on gender representation, drawing on theoretical frameworks from scholars such as Laura Mulvey and Kimberlé Crenshaw. This research is interested in tapping into the present debate on transcending hegemonic patriarchal structures in the Moroccan cinematic apparatus, advocating for more unbiased and empowering narratives that reflect the diverse experiences of women. As active media consumers, the audience plays a crucial role in this advocacy. Eventually, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions about gender representation, cultural identity, and social change in Moroccan cinema, offering new insights into the dynamics of advancing a new image of women on screen.

Knowledge gaps in existing research exploring sexual fluidity and mental health among young adults

While there is a large body of evidence indicating that sexual minority youth experience inequitably high rates of mental health problems (eg, depression, suicidality), we know little about how temporal...

In Light of Political Developments, The Impact of Population and Migration Movements on Architectural Structures: The Case of Sinasos/Mustafapaşa

Individuals living in societies and societies have been forced to leave their territory and live in new areas of life, sometimes, preferably for some time, unwillingly. Societies and individuals change over time. There are changes in the conditions and needs of the day, as well as in the equipment and lifestyles used as a result of evolving technology. This is a direct reflection of where things are happening, and change is inevitable. This revealed the fact that people adapted to the area and culture concerned, but also to newcomers in the area concerned. The Anatolian geography has been home to ancient civilizations for thousands of years, and this has happened many times in history. In this context, the study was aimed at highlighting the architectural change in the region of Sinasos/Mustafapaşa, one of the important historical and tourist sites of Anatolia, as a result of migration and population movements, and the effects of this situation on the architecture. As a result of this work, forced migration and population movements often bring about changes in the traditional identities of the regions, and this is what decision-makers are asking for. Although this change is occurring, because of the combinations and similarities of cultures over time, structural and architectural change is not a radical change, and continues to create natural similarities and continuities.

ADAPTING THE CONSTITUTIONAL IDENTITY OF THE STATE TO MODERN CHALLENGES: ANALYSIS AND PERSPECTIVES

This article examines the process of adapting the constitutional identity of states to modern challenges. It considers the evolution of the concept of identity and its significance within the constitutional fabric of the state. The paper focuses on the mechanisms and causes of changes in constitutional identity, which can be either deliberate or unforeseen, and the role of political dynamics and external pressures in this process. The authors analyze a number of constitutional reforms in different countries over the past five years, highlighting the diversity of both the goals and the content of these reforms. The article also explores the dual nature of identity transformation in the context of international relations and the importance of preserving the authenticity of constitutional identity while adapting to new challenges.