Emotional Impact Research Articles

Suffering and prejudice: do negative emotions predict immigration concerns?

This paper examines the role of individuals’ emotions in determining their concerns about international migration. For the empirical analysis, we exploit little-explored information in the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) data on individuals’ negative emotions, e.g., anger, fear, and sadness. We find that the frequency of experiencing negative emotions is positively associated with immigration concerns. Moreover, we show that the relationship varies across employment status, birth cohort, and social media usage. Our analysis also underscores the real-life consequence of emotions by demonstrating their positive association with support for far-right political parties among males, but not among females. Finally, we exploit the exogenous variation in negative emotions induced by the death of a parent to infer causality. Fixed effects regressions with instrumental variables exhibit a positive impact of negative emotions on immigration concerns among females, but no significant effects are found among males. Further investigation into channels driving these gender differences in results underscores gender differences in roles played by other concerns that often carry over to determine individuals’ immigration concerns, e.g., concerns about international terrorism.

Beyond the Diagnosis: A Deep Dive Into the End Stage Liver Disease Experience From the Patient Perspective.

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) presents a multifaceted challenge that encompasses not only physical but also emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. This study aims to explore the experiences of ESLD patients within the United States healthcare system. Utilizing a convenience sampling methodology, 15 ESLD patients from a tertiary care hospital in the USA participated in semi-structured interviews between April 2023 and January 2024. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 2023, employing a phenomenological approach to identify common themes. The study identified six primary themes: the significance of communication style in diagnosis delivery, the crucial role of family and social support, varied understanding and preferences for palliative care, diverse attitudes towards advanced care planning, preferences for coordinated healthcare experiences, and the emotional and psychological impact of ESLD. Our study underscores the complexity of ESLD patient care beyond medical treatment, highlighting the importance of clear communication, empathetic care, and the integration of family and palliative care services.

Dizziness-related disability in persons with post-COVID condition: A cross sectional study.

Dizziness is a common symptom in post-COVID condition (PCC) which may have a large impact on several life domains. However, knowledge on dizziness-severity and disability in PCC is sparse. The aim was to describe the severity of dizziness-related disability in individuals with PCC, and how it is manifested in daily life. A questionnaire regarding symptoms of PCC, health, and dizziness-related handicap was administered online, and 524 persons with PCC and dizziness were included. Mean score of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory was 35.2 (24.0) and 51.8%, were classified as having moderate/severe dizziness-related disability. The percentage of maximum value for the subscales were: Physical manifestation, 48%, Emotional Impact, 36% and Catastrophic Impact, 17%. The greatest influence on physical movements was when bending forward, head shaking or doing strenuous physical activities or household chores. Half had moderate or severe dizziness-related disability and the physical manifestations occurred mostly during specific or strenuous body movements. This indicate a vestibular impairment that may be effectively managed with vestibular rehabilitation. Assessment and treatment of dizziness might be an essential part in PCC rehabilitation and future research should continue to explore the potential causal pathways of dizziness in PCC.

Marvell as Miltonist

Marvell’s commendations of Milton prove him a perceptive critic of the Latin prose and the epic verse. Not merely summarizing the content or intoning conventional praise, he invents a structural or architectonic mode of reading, articulates a subjective and emotional reader-response, connects Milton and the sublime for the first time, and evokes ancient models particularly significant for Milton. The 1654 letter comparing Milton’s Defensio Secunda to Trajan’s Column, turning and simultaneously rising to a higher “Scale,” endorses Milton’s own claim that it is a canonical work of epic stature. Marvell’s architectural imagery, expanded from Milton’s own Areopagitica, applies also to Cromwell’s use of dissidents as cross-bracing, “Fastening the Contignation which they thwart.” The commendatory poem to the 1674 edition of Paradise Lost again incorporates what seems at first to “thwart” the whole project. Here the significant intertext is De Rerum Natura by the notorious “atheist” Lucretius – the “strong” but dangerous poet who had already done what Marvell fears Milton might do: “ruin the sacred Truths.” Lucretian allusion expands to define the emotional and aesthetic impact of Paradise Lost, anticipating the “terror without danger” at the core of Burke’s Sublime. (The key-word “sublime” becomes the end-rhyme of Marvell’s penultimate line.) Lucretius, awestruck by his philosophical mentor Epicurus ,is “seized by divina voluptas and horror”; Marvell, yielding to the contradictory “gravity and ease” of Milton’s poetry but also asserting his own aesthetic, exclaims that “at once delight and horror on us seize.”

Unveiling The Shadows: Examining Depictions of Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation and its Causes in Zura Maids

An ongoing problem in society and more specifically in Uganda, human trafficking for sexual exploitation takes advantage of helpless people and ruins countless lives. Eunice Atuko's moving book "Zura Maids," explores the sinister and unpleasant world of human trafficking. This abstract examines the novel's depictions of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in detail and looks into the root reasons of this horrible crime. This study's main goal is to shed light on the complex aspects of human trafficking as they are represented in "Zura Maids." The analysis focuses on the complex web of traffickers and their allies participating in this criminal operation while also examining the psychological, emotional, and physical traumas suffered by the victims. I sought to obtain a greater understanding of the emotional impact these depictions have on readers and their potential to foster empathy and awareness by looking at the storytelling strategies used by Eunice Atuko. This study also pinpoints and analyzes the underlying factors that contribute to the persistence of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in the novel's setting such as the role of socioeconomic circumstances, gender disparities, a lack of legal protection, and institutional shortcomings in sustaining this abhorrent trade as well as the cultural and historical factors that have shaped the characters' vulnerability, agency, and choices throughout the story are critically addressed. A close reading and textual analysis of "Zura Maids" is used in this study's qualitative methodology to identify pertinent themes and insights. Secondary sources such as academic research, reports, and pertinent literature are also used to support and strengthen the results. By offering "Zura Maids" the author intended to add to the corpus of information on the ugly vice, raise awareness and promote productive conversations aimed at ending human trafficking and defending the dignity and everyone’s rights by comprehending the depictions and underlying reasons of this worldwide horror as depicted in the novel.

Adoption in the Era of Secrecy: Practical and Ethical Challenges Facing Adult Adoptees in the Search for Birth Families

This article explores findings from research into the impact of adoption throughout the life course of adults who were adopted in the era of secrecy, the 1940s–1970s. A narrative approach was used to explore their reflections, and semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 11 adults. The findings were then analysed through the lens of the Life Course Perspective. Previous studies on adoption have largely explored the outcomes of searching for birth family members, but few have focused on how adoptees went about this, the challenges they encountered, the decisions made and what happened as they began to dismantle layers of secrecy surrounding their adoption. For most of the participants, resources such as genealogical websites and particular guidance were not available at the time they were searching for birth information or attempting to make contact with birth families. Their accounts highlighted how social workers with potential birth information did not appear to be able to consider the broader emotional impact this might entail for adoptees. Initial meetings were described by some adoptees as hurdles to be overcome, and little birth information was given. Some continued to search for birth relatives without support, using random methods to gain contact. The ways in which adults went about their search sometimes appeared to suggest a lack of consideration or awareness on their part of the possible impact on others involved. In reality, they were faced with obstacles and barriers as they attempted to learn about their origins. Their stories provide a valuable insight into how adult adoptees sought to dismantle layers of secrecy, highlighting the complex, challenging and isolated situation they found themselves in as they searched for birth information and birth families, as well as the ethical challenges and dilemmas they had to negotiate in order to do so.

Faith in frames: unveiling therapeutic narratives in religion-related cinema through computational analysis.

This study explores the emotional impact of religion-related films through a "cinematherapy" lens. It aims to analyze the emotional patterns in a curated selection of religion-related films compared to a broader sample of acclaimed movies using facial recognition with YOLOv5 object detection. The study aims to uncover the potential therapeutic application of religion-related films. Facial recognition with YOLOv5 object detection was utilized in this study to analyze the emotional patterns in religion-related films. A curated selection of these films was compared to a broader sample of acclaimed movies to identify any distinct emotional trajectories. The analysis of the emotional patterns revealed that religion-related films exhibited a subtler range of emotions compared to the broader film spectrum. This finding suggests that these films potentially create a safe space for contemplation, aligning with the profound themes often explored in religion-related films. Interestingly, the emotional arc observed in the films mirrored the spiritual journeys depicted in them. The films started with a low point of separation, transitioned through challenges, and culminated in a peak representing spiritual transformation. These findings suggest promise for the therapeutic application of religion-related films. The muted emotional expression in these films creates a safe space for self-reflection, enabling viewers to connect with the struggles of the characters and explore their own values when faced with complex religious ideas. This emotional engagement may contribute to therapeutic goals such as introspection and personal growth. The study unveils the unique emotional power of religion-related films and paves the way for further research on their potential as therapeutic tools. It emphasizes the need for continued exploration of the emotional impact of these films and their capacity to aid in therapeutic goals.

‘Lines, shapes, and colours can alter the feel of a story’- A Reading of “The Heart and the Bottle” and “The Why-Why Girl”

Picturebooks are a powerful genre within children's literature, as they combine text and visuals, which deeply impact young readers. These books not only provide pleasure and aesthetic experiences but also help to expand children's imaginations. Molly Bang in her seminal text ‘Picture This: How Pictures Work’ (1991) delves into the intricacies of how we interpret visual elements like shape, colour, size, and composition, and the emotional impact they carry. This paper is a brief attempt to explore the application of Bang’s insights along with Moebius’s ideas in picturebooks like “The Why-Why Girl” (2003) by Mahasweta Devi (and illustrated by Kanyaka Kini) and “The Heart and the Bottle” (2010) by Oliver Jeffers.

Understanding the emergence and significance of behavioral cybersecurity: A bibliometric analysis

This thorough bibliometric analysis, using R-Studio and Biblioshiny, presents a comprehensive view of the evolving field of behavioral cybersecurity. It explores how human behaviors in online cyber activities have become a crucial area of research. Despite being relatively new, behavioral cybersecurity has gained considerable attention in academia and practical applications. The analysis reveals essential details such as key sources, influential authors, participating countries, affiliated institutions, and prevalent research themes in this field. It's an essential guide for new researchers, helping them identify gaps in knowledge and understand the importance of this growing research area. Examining 468 literature sources from Scopus up to January 11, 2024, shows a gradual start followed by significant growth, especially after 2012. This dynamic field offers numerous research opportunities by incorporating human aspects into cybersecurity discussions. The focus is on understanding behavioral patterns to shape strategies, guidelines, and user-centered software solutions. Spotlighting behavior in cybersecurity highlights user cognitive biases and the impact of emotions and social factors on decision-making in the cybersecurity landscape. This holistic approach underscores the crucial role of human behavior in shaping cybersecurity practices and strengthening digital defenses.

Educators’ perspectives on harmful sexual behaviour

ABSTRACT Child sexual abuse is an epidemic, yet many are unaware that a significant proportion of sexual abuse is perpetrated by children and adolescents. Research indicates that professionals can hold unhelpful views of those engaging in Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) and lack confidence when handling cases. Given educators' proximity to young people, their experiences could shed light on the current picture within schools. The study aimed to contribute to the growing evidence-base, by exploring educators’ perspectives on HSB. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 educators working in English schools. Thematic analysis elicited three key themes: Awareness of HSB in education; Responses to fictitious and real-life cases; and perceptions of HSB. Educators demonstrated some knowledge of HSB and understood the processes for responding to cases. Real and fictional cases of HSB elicited strong, negative emotion in the sample. Recommendations included specialist training and support for educators and systemic change to minimise harm. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT The findings of the study provide valuable insight regarding the first-hand experiences of teaching staff in relation to Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB); and the emotional impact of working with young people affected by sexual harm. It also takes into account systemic issues which perpetuate HSB. Recommendations seek to improve educators' confidence and competency, promote best practice, and tackle the prevalence of sexual harm in schools through “whole school” approaches.

Digital Resurrection: Challenging the Boundary between Life and Death with Artificial Intelligence

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses challenges in the field of bioethics, especially concerning issues related to life and death. AI has permeated areas such as health and research, generating ethical dilemmas and questions about privacy, decision-making, and access to technology. Life and death have been recurring human concerns, particularly in connection with depression. AI has created systems like Thanabots or Deadbots, which digitally recreate deceased individuals and allow interactions with them. These systems rely on information generated by AI users during their lifetime, raising ethical and emotional questions about the authenticity and purpose of these recreations. AI acts as a mediator between life, death, and the human being, enabling a new form of communication with the deceased. However, this raises ethical issues such as informed consent from users and the limits of digital recreation. Companies offer services like the Digital Resurrection of deceased individuals and the generation of hyper-realistic avatars. Still, concerns arise about the authenticity of these representations and their long-term emotional impact. Interaction with Thanabots may alter perceptions of death and finitude, leading to a potential “postmortal society” where death is no longer viewed as a definitive end. Nevertheless, this raises questions about the value of life and the authenticity of human experiences. AI becomes a bridge between the living and the dead, partially replacing rituals and mystical beliefs. As technology advances, there will be a need for greater transparency in interacting with AI systems and ethical reflections on the role of these technologies in shaping perceptions of life and death. Ultimately, the question arises of whether we should allow the dead to rest in peace and how to balance the pursuit of emotional relief with authenticity and respect for the memory of the deceased. A deeper ethical consideration is needed on how AI alters traditional notions of life, death, and communication in contemporary society. In this research, an interdisciplinary approach was utilized to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the recent academic literature, followed by a detailed analysis of two key texts. Central ideas were extracted, and recurring themes were identified. Finally, a reflective analysis of the findings was conducted, yielding significant conclusions and recommendations for future research.

Social Support and the Social Media Engagement about the Young Users

In this paper, we are going to explore the research question which is: Is social media engagement related to social support among young people? To assess the importance, this article investigates that the relationship between social support and social media engagement through several literature reviews. It has searched some themes about emotional impact, empathy, prosocial behaviour in the community, psychological health of adolescents, purchase intention and so on. In this work, the significance is to help teenagers better understand the influence of social media engagement and social support on their mental and psychological health. Also, the hypothesis in this paper is that engagement in social media is positively related to social support among young users. Social support can have positive emotional effects that promote social media engagement. This is also the focus of the article. Moreover, the innovation of the whole article is to focus on the young group.

The Factors of Religious Architecture Influencing Students' Perception of Beauty and Art: Evidence from Hanoi, Vietnam

This study explores the impact of religious architecture on the aesthetic perceptions of elementary school students in Hanoi, Vietnam, focusing on students majoring in fine arts. Employing regression analysis, the research assesses the influence of six key dimensions: architectural design and details, cultural and historical context, spiritual symbolism, emotional impact, context and setting, and students' perceptions of beauty and art. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire developed from a thorough literature review and expert consultations and administered to a randomly selected sample during Vietnam's Lunar New Year in January 2024. The results revealed that each dimension significantly contributes to students' perceptions of beauty, with context and setting having the most pronounced effect. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed via Cronbach's alpha, indicating high internal consistency across all scales. The regression analysis validated the theoretical framework, establishing that religious buildings' architectural and contextual elements significantly shape students' aesthetic judgments. These findings underscore the importance of integrating architectural aesthetics into educational curricula, highlighting how environmental and cultural contexts influence educational outcomes in art and aesthetics. This research contributes to filling a significant gap in understanding the academic impact of cultural heritage, offering significant implications for educational practices and policies in culturally diverse settings.

Gender Roles in Transition: A Study of Women Issues and the Changing Role of Gender in the Feminist Literature from the Progressive Era

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of women in the Progressive Era through different stories written during similar times, as well as to develop deeper insight into the social and emotional impact on the personal freedom of women. During the 1900s, women were considered inferior in a patriarchal society. They were subdued and discriminated against in all walks of life, and they were obliged to perform family duties and society. Before the Progressive Era, women were oppressed and treated as second-class citizens. They were considered only wives and mothers, created only to obey and serve their husbands, to look after their children and to take care of the household. As women's attitudes changed, reform movements gained momentum in the late 19th century. American women were no longer seen as mothers or wives confined to their homes; rather, societal change demanded that they be educated, work and contribute to the social order. As a result, the Women’s rights movements in the 19th century and the Feminist Movements in the early 20th century were involved in a series of efforts to fight for the restoration of gender equality. Thus, female roles in American society in the Progressive Era changed drastically in terms of education, job opportunities and improved living conditions. The objective of this study is to examine and analyze the women characters, their issues, as well as the changing gender roles in the works of Charlotte Gilman, Kate Chopin and Susan Glaspell based on the structural elements, using qualitative research with documentation technique.

From Aliens to Apartheid

This review analyzes how Neill Blomkamp’s 2009 film District 9 uses an alien species forced into a refugee camp as an allegory for the institutionalized racial discrimination experienced in South Africa under apartheid. Three key aspects are explored in the following paragraphs: 1) District 9’s resonance beyond typical sci-fi entertainment by engaging with pressing sociopolitical issues; 2) Its representation of dehumanization and oppression of marginalized groups through the alienation of the aliens; and 3) The film’s innovative mockumentary style blending fiction with documentary realism to enhance emotional impact.

NeuralPMG: A Neural Polyphonic Music Generation System Based on Machine Learning Algorithms

The realm of music composition, augmented by technological advancements such as computers and related equipment, has undergone significant evolution since the 1970s. In the field algorithmic composition, however, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in sound generation and combination has been limited. Existing approaches predominantly emphasize sound synthesis techniques, with no music composition systems currently employing Nicolas Slonimsky’s theoretical framework. This article introduce NeuralPMG, a computer-assisted polyphonic music generation framework based on a Leap Motion (LM) device, machine learning (ML) algorithms, and brain-computer interface (BCI). ML algorithms are employed to classify user’s mental states into two categories: focused and relaxed. Interaction with the LM device allows users to define a melodic pattern, which is elaborated in conjunction with the user’s mental state as detected by the BCI to generate polyphonic music. NeuralPMG was evaluated through a user study that involved 19 students of Electronic Music Laboratory at a music conservatory, all of whom are active in the music composition field. The study encompassed a comprehensive analysis of participant interaction with NeuralPMG. The compositions they created during the study were also evaluated by two domain experts who addressed their aesthetics, innovativeness, elaboration level, practical applicability, and emotional impact. The findings indicate that NeuralPMG represents a promising tool, offering a simplified and expedited approach to music composition, and thus represents a valuable contribution to the field of algorithmic music composition.

Enjoyable, anxious, or bored? Investigating Chinese EFL learners’ classroom emotions and their engagement in technology-based EMI classrooms

To explore the intricate connections between Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' classroom emotions (anxiety, boredom and enjoyment) and their engagement within the context of English as a medium of instruction (EMI) in technology-based learning environments, four modified and validated questionnaires focusing on assessing emotions, engagement levels, and comfort with technology integration were administered to university EFL learners on the Chinese mainland. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was employed to discern the direct and indirect influences of EFL emotions on engagement, considering the mediating effects of EMI and technology comfort. The results indicate that the indirect impact of emotions on learners' academic engagement through technology and EMI as mediators was significant at 95% confidence level. It means that 69% of changes in learners' academic engagement can be explained by interaction among learners’ emotions and their technology and EMI perceptions. These results imply that both technology-enhanced learning and EMI serve as significant mediators in the relationship between emotions and academic engagement. The positive estimates suggest that higher levels of positive emotions may lead to increased academic engagement through these mediated pathways. Our findings may have implications for pedagogical practices, curriculum development, and the design of technology-enhanced language instruction.

Impact of Narrative Structure on Reader Interpretation in South Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of narrative structure on reader interpretation in South Africa. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Narrative structure profoundly influences how readers interpret a story. Linear narratives, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, tend to guide readers through a predictable trajectory, offering a sense of closure and coherence. In contrast, nonlinear structures challenge readers by presenting events out of chronological order or through multiple perspectives, inviting them to actively piece together the story's meaning. The study suggest that while linear narratives may be more accessible and easier to follow, nonlinear structures often provoke deeper engagement and critical thinking, as readers grapple with the complexities of fragmented timelines and shifting perspectives. Additionally, the emotional impact of a narrative can vary depending on its structure, with nonlinear narratives often evoking heightened suspense and intrigue. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Reader-response theory, cognitive literary theory and narratology may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of narrative structure on reader interpretation in South Africa. Practical recommendations involve applying research findings to inform the creation, analysis, and teaching of literature. Policy recommendations entail advocating for initiatives that promote diverse and inclusive narratives and support research in literature and reader engagement.

Enhancing patient well-being in oncology waiting rooms: a pilot field experiment on the emotional impact of virtual forest therapy.

This study explores the emotional impact of virtual forest therapy delivered through audio-visual recordings shown to patients in the oncology waiting rooms, focusing on whether simulated forest walks can positively influence patients' emotional states compared to traditional waiting room stimuli. The study involved 117 participants from a diverse group of oncology patients in the outpatient clinic waiting room at the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute. Using a partially randomized controlled trial design, the study assessed basic emotional dimensions-valence and arousal-as well as specific psychological states such as thought control, sadness, anxiety, and pain. This assessment used the Self-Assessment Manikin and the modified Emotional Thermometer before and after participants watched three video types (forest, sea, news). Baseline stress levels were measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Participants exposed to forest and sea videos reported significant improvements in emotional valence and reduced arousal, suggesting a calming and uplifting effect. No significant changes were observed in the control and news groups. Secondary outcomes related to anxiety, sadness, and pain showed no significant interaction effects, though small but significant main effects of time on these variables were noted. The findings suggest that videos of forest and sea can be a beneficial intervention in the oncology waiting rooms by enhancing patients' emotional well-being. This pilot study underscores the potential for integrating virtual mental health support elements into healthcare settings to improve patient care experience.

A systematic review of workplace triggers of emotions in the healthcare environment, the emotions experienced, and the impact on patient safety

BackgroundHealthcare staff deliver patient care in emotionally charged settings and experience a wide range of emotions as part of their work. These emotions and emotional contexts can impact the quality and safety of care. Despite the growing acknowledgement of the important role of emotion, we know very little about what triggers emotion within healthcare environments or the impact this has on patient safety.ObjectiveTo systematically review studies to explore the workplace triggers of emotions within the healthcare environment, the emotions experienced in response to these triggers, and the impact of triggers and emotions on patient safety.MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, four electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Scopus, and CINAHL) to identify relevant literature. Studies were then selected and data synthesized in two stages. A quality assessment of the included studies at stage 2 was undertaken.ResultsIn stage 1, 90 studies were included from which seven categories of triggers of emotions in the healthcare work environment were identified, namely: patient and family factors, patient safety events and their repercussions, workplace toxicity, traumatic events, work overload, team working and lack of supervisory support. Specific emotions experienced in response to these triggers (e.g., frustration, guilt, anxiety) were then categorised into four types: immediate, feeling states, reflective, and longer-term emotional sequelae. In stage 2, 13 studies that explored the impact of triggers or emotions on patient safety processes/outcomes were included.ConclusionThe various triggers of emotion and the types of emotion experienced that have been identified in this review can be used as a framework for further work examining the role of emotion in patient safety. The findings from this review suggest that certain types of emotions (including fear, anger, and guilt) were more frequently experienced in response to particular categories of triggers and that healthcare staff's experiences of negative emotions can have negative effects on patient care, and ultimately, patient safety. This provides a basis for developing and tailoring strategies, interventions, and support mechanisms for dealing with and regulating emotions in the healthcare work environment.