Personal Implications Research Articles

Ang tagapagtaguyod na anak for Filipino adults: an exploratory research

PurposeIn Filipino culture, children often take on the role of family “breadwinner,” providing financial support and sharing family responsibilities. However, this role is typically viewed narrowly as that of a financial provider. To address this, this study explores the “Tagapagtaguyod na Anak,” aiming to offer a more nuanced and culturally relevant understanding of the broader responsibilities and dynamics involved in this role within Filipino families.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study focused on single adult children aged 18–29 years and middle-aged parents aged 40–60 years old. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically to explore the phenomenon of “Tagapagtaguyod na anak.”FindingsThe findings reveal that “tagapagtaguyod na anak” provide financial, emotional and social support to their families. This role is shaped by parental expectations and the child’s volition. This role develops out of necessity and is influenced by the child’s understanding of family needs, a sense of responsibility, family values and gratitude (Utang na Loob). Implications for tagasalo personality and societal norms and intergenerational family dynamics are also discussed.Originality/valueThis study delved into the concept of “tagapagtaguyod na anak” in Filipino families, distinguishing it from the “tagasalo personality” identified by Carandang (1987) and Udarbe (2001). It highlights the distinct responsibilities of this role, emphasizing the influence of cultural norms, gender expectations and socioeconomic factors. Hence, it offers valuable insights into the Filipino family dynamics.

The Evolving Role of Genetic Counseling in Genomic Medicine

Genetic counseling involves educating at-risk patients or their close relatives about the occurrence of genetic diseases, their likelihood, and treatment, including ways to prevent or cure them. Counsellors will discuss the genetics and treatment of the disease, as well as the personal, familial, social and insurance implications. Additional diagnostic procedures, such as genetic testing, may be recommended to better understand risks or confirm the diagnosis

Unmasking the Dark Triad: A Data Fusion Machine Learning Approach to Characterize the Neural Bases of Narcissistic, Machiavellian and Psychopathic Traits.

The Dark Triad (DT), encompassing narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy traits, poses significant societal challenges. Understanding the neural underpinnings of these traits is crucial for developing effective interventions and preventive strategies. Our study aimed to unveil the neural substrates of the DT by examining brain scans from 201 individuals (mean age: 32.43, 105 females) using the unsupervised learning algorithm transposed independent vector analysis (tIVA). tIVA, known for identifying complex patterns in neuroimaging data, detected 15 joint grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) networks. Of these networks, four were associated with the DT. The first component comprises areas within the reward network, including the thalamus, caudate, anterior cingulate and prefrontal regions. The second component encompasses regions within the executive network, predominantly involving prefrontal and posterior areas. The third component includes regions within the default mode network (DMN), such as the angular gyrus, the precuneus and the posterior cingulate cortex. Lastly, the fourth component overlaps with areas of the visual network, primarily located in the occipital and temporal lobes. Within these networks, the reward-related component correlated with narcissism, suggesting an association with the need for constant interpersonal rewards to enhance self-esteem and grandiosity in narcissistic individuals. Conversely, the DM-related component correlated with Machiavellianism, potentially reflecting the heightened strategic thinking employed by Machiavellian individuals for manipulation purposes. In line with established trends, sex differences emerged, with males displaying notably higher DT scores. Our findings offer insights into the intricate neurobiological bases of the DT personality and hold implications for future research and interventions.

Adapting lateral stepping control to walk on winding paths.

Most often, gait biomechanics is studied during straight-ahead walking. However, real-life walking imposes various lateral maneuvers people must navigate. Such maneuvers challenge people's lateral balance and can induce falls. Determining how people regulate their stepping movements during such complex walking tasks is therefore essential. Here, 24 adults (12F/12M; Age 25.8±3.5yrs) walked on wide or narrow virtual paths that were either straight, slowly-winding, or quickly-winding. From each trial, we computed time series of participants' step widths and their lateral body positions relative to their path. We applied our Goal Equivalent Manifold framework - an analysis of how task-level redundancy impacts motor regulation - to quantify how participants adjusted their step width and lateral position from step to step as they walked on these paths. On the narrower paths, participants walked with narrower steps and less lateral position and step width variability. They did so by correcting step-to-step deviations in lateral position more, while correcting step-to-step deviations in step width less. On the winding paths, participants took both narrower and more variable steps. Interestingly, on slowly-winding paths, participants corrected step-to-step deviations in step width more by correcting step-to-step deviations in lateral position less: i.e., they prioritized maintaining step width over position. Conversely, on quickly-winding paths, participants strongly corrected step-to-step deviations in both step width and lateral position: i.e., they prioritized maintaining both approximately equally, consistent with trying to maximize their maneuverability. These findings have important implications for persons who have elevated fall risk.

Spontaneity as a Catalyst for Inner Change.The Impact of Psychodrama and Drama Therapy

Dramatic play and storytelling form the foundation of drama therapy and psychodrama, with roots in the ritualistic and theatrical practices of ancient cultures. Over the past century, experimental theater laboratories have emerged, transforming the tools of mise-en-scène into therapeutic instruments, and psychodrama employs theatrical techniques such as role reversal, the alter ego, role-playing, and simulation. Both forms of therapy focus on the impact of catharsis, the dynamics of the present, and the importance of the “here and now” moment, with all its personal, social, and cultural implications, facilitating spontaneous creative encounters. These creative therapies provide a unique framework for emotional healing, allowing participants to explore and discover themselves in a safe environment, cultivating profound psychological transformations. J. L. Moreno raises the question: “What if the universe is driven solely by change and spontaneity?” views the concepts of change and spontaneity as key in understanding the universe. What does a transformative journey beginning at the intersection of drama and therapy look like?

기혼 중년기 여성의 말기암 노모와의 사별 경험에 관한 자전적 내러티브탐구: 생(生)과 사(死), 3개월간 사별 전 경험을 중심으로

Objectives This study was conducted to explore the experiences and meaning of bereavement of a terminally ill mother in middle-aged married women. Methods To this end, by applying the autobiographical narrative inquiry method, ‘I’, who appears as both a researcher and a narrator, transfers my experiences before my mother’s death from the day she was diagnosed with terminal ureteral cancer, a rare cancer, to the day of her death into a three-dimensional narrative inquiry space, narrating my life, reliving the life I told, and narrating that life again, creating the meaning of a cyclical process. Results In this study, the meaning of the experience of bereavement before the death of a terminally ill mother in the home, nursing home, or hospice hospital of married middle-aged women was revealed to be ‘confusion,’ ‘acceptance and preparation,’ ‘separation,’ and ‘view.’ Conclusions This study has practical legitimacy in that it provides personal legitimacy and implications for the need for psychological intervention before death between terminally ill cancer patients and their families, as it provides an opportunity to reconsider the meaning of remaining life as an extension of a good life. Furthermore, it has social legitimacy in that it raises awareness of death preparation education, hospice palliative care, and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, and recognizes the need for institutional expansion of the support system.

The Impact of Using the "Dr." Title: Personal, Philosophical, and Societal Considerations

The "Dr." title holds significant personal, philosophical, and societal implications, serving as a symbol of academic accomplishment, professional credibility, and intellectual authority. Originating in medieval European academia, the title has evolved into a global marker of expertise, encompassing diverse disciplines and cultural contexts. This paper examines the historical development, personal impact, and philosophical underpinnings of the "Dr." title while addressing societal challenges such as elitism, gender bias, and cultural misinterpretations. Through an analysis of existing literature, it explores how the title fosters individual identity, mitigates emotional exhaustion, and enhances inclusivity by empowering underrepresented groups. It also engages with critiques of hierarchical structures and considers the title's role in a democratizing and technologically advancing world. As society shifts towards valuing interdisciplinary contributions and equitable recognition, the "Dr." title continues to adapt, reflecting its enduring relevance in shaping professional and societal landscapes.

Identification and validation of respiratory subphenotypes in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome undergoing prone position

BackgroundThe heterogeneity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients is a challenge for the development of effective treatments. This study aimed to identify and characterize novel respiratory subphenotypes of COVID-19 ARDS, with potential implications for targeted patient management.MethodsConsecutive ventilated patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection, in which prone positioning was clinically indicated for moderate or severe ARDS, were included in a prospective cohort. The patients were assigned to development or validation cohorts based on a temporal split. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio, respiratory compliance, and ventilatory ratio were assessed longitudinally throughout the first prone session. The subphenotypes were derived and validated using machine learning techniques. A K-means clustering implementation designed for joint trajectory analysis was utilized for the unsupervised classification of the development cohort. A random forest model was trained on the labeled development cohort and used to validate the subphenotypes in the validation cohort.Results718 patients were included in a prospective cohort analysis. Of those, 504 were assigned to the development cohort and 214 to the validation cohort. Two distinct subphenotypes, labeled A and B, were identified. Subphenotype B had a lower PaO2/FiO2 response during the prone session, higher ventilatory ratio, and lower compliance than subphenotype A. Subphenotype B had a higher proportion of females (p < 0.001) and lung disease (p = 0.005), higher baseline SAPS III (p = 0.002) and SOFA (p < 0.001) scores, and lower body mass index (p = 0.05). Subphenotype B had also higher levels of the pro-inflammatory biomarker IL-6 (p = 0.017). Subphenotype B was independently associated with an increased risk of 60-day mortality (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.51–2.36). Additionally, Subphenotype B was associated with a lower number of ventilator-free days on day 28 (p < 0.001) and a lower hospital length of stay (p < 0.001). The subphenotypes were reproducible in the validation cohort.ConclusionOur study successfully identified and validated two distinct subphenotypes of COVID-19 ARDS based on key respiratory parameters. The findings suggest potential implications for better patient stratification, risk assessment, and treatment personalization. Future research is warranted to explore the utility of these novel subphenotypes for guiding targeted therapeutic strategies in COVID-19 ARDS.

Kinship support and coping with infertility: A qualitative study of women struggling with infertility from Delhi-NCR, India

In cultures across the world, attaining motherhood is considered to be an essential part of a woman's life. Inability to have children can have personal and social implications. At the personal level, it can cause distress among women. At the societal level, women have to face discrimination and isolation, all of which take a toll on their mental health. The present study aims to understand how support from kinship networks, particularly spousal and familial support might facilitate or act as barriers to better coping with the stress, anxiety and depression caused by infertility among women living with infertility. The study was part of a larger research project funded by the National Commission for Women, India, it included qualitative interviews with 30 infertile women, comprising 15 high scorers in at least two mental health variables (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) and 15 low scorers with minimal scores in at least two of these variables. Grounded theory was employed for data analysis and interpretation. Upon interviewing the women, it was found that important factors supporting coping in women were spousal and family support. Further it was found that these factors promoting good mental well-being did not function separately but were in conjunction with each other. We argue that kinship support is fundamental to coping with infertility in India, and that emotional support and understanding provided by partners and loved ones can be critical in enhancing and maintaining the mental well-being of women dealing with infertility.

Pengenalan Peserta Didik dan Suasana Sekolah di SMA Negeri 1 Kuok

This article aims to review information about Student Introduction and School Atmosphere at SMA Negeri 1 Kuok. The method used is an exploratory method. This research was conducted at SMA Negeri 1 Kuok. The subject of the research was one of the educators of the Mathematics study program at SMA Negeri 1 Kuok who teaches in class XII along with students of class XII at SMA Negeri 1 Kuok. The results of the study showed that the researcher gained new experiences and provided the researcher with extensive knowledge for the future in the teaching and learning process as a prospective student. The researcher can also find out the situation and conditions related to the school concerned. The implications of personality at SMAN 1 Kuok are very good, both for educators and students. Educators have mature, wise, authoritative and noble personalities who are role models for students. The implications of professional competence of educators and pedagogy in improving student learning outcomes at SMAN 1 Kuok have been implemented, but during the Covid19 pandemic, the implementation process was considered less than optimal. The less than optimal professional competence of educators has an impact on improving student learning outcomes. Pedagogical competence at SMAN 1 Kuok has been implemented and educators are able to manage student learning. The implications of social competence at SMAN 1 Kuok have been implemented, educators interact effectively and efficiently with students, fellow educators, education personnel, guardians of students and the community.

A Reconsideration of Imaginative Points of Resistance

In this short piece, I want to explore the idea that limits of imagination, that I refer to here as to ‘points of resistance’, can play an essential role in certain imaginative tasks. To show how points of resistance can be carriers of crucial information, I focus here on the analysis of 9/11. Leaving aside personal and political implications, I investigate the possible plausibility of some statements of the US Secretary of the Defense at the time of the attacks, attributing the cause of 9/11 to imagination. I propose that, despite being dismissed as an outrageous analysis of responsibilities involved in the success of the terroristic attacks, there could be a role that a failure of imagination might have played.

The Effect of Safety Training and Supervision on The Use of Personal Protective Equipment Which Has Implications on Work Safety in Loading and Unloading at Maccini Baji Port, Maros, South Sulawesi

This study aims to analyze the influence of training and safety supervision on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and its implications for loading and unloading safety at Maccini Baji Port, Maros, South Sulawesi. The issues addressed include the low awareness and compliance of workers in using PPE and the lack of adequate safety supervision. The research population consists of 155 employees and dockworkers at the port, with a saturated sampling technique used. The research method employed is quantitative, with data collected through questionnaires and observations. Data analysis was conducted using the SMART PLS method. The results show that training and safety supervision have a positive and significant effect on the use of PPE, which also has a positive implication for loading and unloading safety. Training proved to be effective through the instructor dimension, while safety supervision was greatly influenced by the accuracy of measurement. In conclusion, improving the quality of training and supervision can enhance compliance with PPE usage and work safety at the port. Managerial recommendations include increasing the frequency of training, maintaining equipment, and regularly supervising PPE usage by introducing more accurate and modern monitoring technologies.

Dilemma of Individualism and Freedom in Neoliberal Understanding

There is a clear tension in the neoliberal approach to individualism and freedom. Focusing on the process of individualization and individual self-determination in markets, neoclassical approaches recognize that individuals are committed to social mobility and responsibility to act within market rules on, individual autonomy and the ability to set self-determined goals appear to be limited to market participation. The market is seen as an inherently dynamic system developed over time. According to Hayek, individualism refers to social progress and conformity to society. The aim of this paper is to respectfully examine the apparent inconsistencies and limitations of how individual freedom and choice have been conceptualized by neoliberal thinkers, through an analysis of the works of Hayek and Friedman. Neoliberal policies articulate the notion of free will and question the definition of freedom from a purely economic perspective. By further examining these nuances, the study hopes to reflect on the personal and societal political implications associated with neoliberalism’s more limited understanding of self-government and voluntarism. Finally, an examination of balanced perspectives can add to the ongoing discussion on how best to organize social policies that maximize individual dignity and collective well-being in the long run at in a constructive manner.

Personal noise exposure patterns and health implications in urban work environments

Noise-induced hearing loss remains a preventable occupational health concern, contingent on timely detection and mitigation of excessive workplace noise. However, the lack of effective identification of at-risk workers often results in the neglect of safety measures that could prevent hearing loss. To address this, personal noise exposure measurements, using noise dosimeters, were conducted on 50 individuals across diverse urban work environments, including work from home, offices, outdoor settings, and mixed-use spaces. The results demonstrated significant variations in noise exposure levels among different environments. Outdoor and mixed-use environments exhibited the highest average dose percentages, while home-based workers had the lowest exposure. A strong correlation between noise levels above 80 dB and increased dose percentages emphasized the need to reduce high-noise exposure times. Additionally, the study integrated quantitative dosimeter measurements with qualitative data from a questionnaire survey to provide a holistic understanding of the participants' perception on noise pollution. Traffic emerged as the primary source of noise pollution, with a substantial number of respondents experiencing stress and ear infections attributed to noise exposure. The research underscores the importance of personalized noise dosimetry in assessing health implications, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventative measures to mitigate health risks in urban work environments.

Civic reasoning depends on transcendent thinking: Implications of adolescent brain development for SEL

Accumulating evidence from developmental social-affective neuroscience and educational research reveals striking affordances for adolescents’ academic, psychosocial and neural development of transcendent thinking—the disposition to integrate concrete, context-specific thinking and emotions into deliberations on the abstract, systems-level, ethical and personal implications of information, ideas, and skills. Here, we highlight the coordinated psychological and neural processes by which adolescents leverage transcendent thinking for civic reasoning. From qualitative field data, we argue that civic reasoning in the context of academic learning supports the coordination of conceptual understanding with intellectual agency, identity and communal orientation, leading youth toward process-oriented, rather than outcome-oriented, approaches to learning. From longitudinal interview and neuroimaging data, we argue that civic reasoning drives developmental coordination among brain networks involved in agency, self-awareness, and consciousness; internal reflection, abstraction and narrative; emotional feelings; memory; executive functioning and attention. These brain changes longitudinally predict resilience, identity development, and wellbeing (Gotlieb et al., 2024b). This transdisciplinary research underscores the power of civic reasoning for adolescents’ healthy development into young adulthood, and the benefits of schooling designed to center civic reasoning and personal reflection. In today’s globalized society, civic reasoning may be among the most important core social-emotional dispositions for youth and community thriving. Impact statementCivic reasoning is among the most important capacities youth must develop to sustain a functioning and equitable democratic society, and hence should be among the central aims of education. New research is demonstrating that adolescents’ dispositions toward civic reasoning, and the emotionally motivated transcendent thinking that undergirds it, are associated with a cascade of beneficial brain and psychosocial developmental effects that extend into young adulthood. Organizing adolescent education around civic reasoning and reflection could provide a powerful opportunity to support youths’ deep scholarly learning and psychosocial development in a coordinated way.

Understanding the Relationships Between Divorce and Work: A Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda

Despite the personal, financial, and social implications of divorce for employees, research on the intersection of divorce and work has been mainly conducted across disparate literatures, with limited attention paid within the organizational sciences. In this review, we bring together research on employee divorce across multiple disciplines, including sociology, public health, legal studies, economics, family studies, and psychology. We identify three major areas of prior research that can be applied to our understanding of divorce within organizational contexts: interrole interdependencies, economic dependency, and social dynamics. We also highlight overarching themes that emerge from prior research on divorce and work. Building on our review, we then provide recommendations about how to theoretically and empirically advance research on divorce and work. Finally, we discuss the practical implications of our review.

An exploration of psychotherapists' readiness to join the psychedelic renaissance

AbstractBackgroundResearch on psychedelics centres on two key areas: the action of psychedelics on the brain and the protocol for delivering therapy. There is little research that considers the implications of this novel therapy on the therapist delivering the treatment. This research study sought to explore this.Aim and ObjectivesThe aim of this research was to explore the considerations for psychotherapists interested in delivering psychedelic therapy. Objectives were to examine the therapeutic conditions needed for effective outcomes, to explore the perceived differences between the practice of standard psychotherapy and psychedelic therapy and to determine the challenges for therapists working in the field.MethodSix semi‐structured interviews were conducted with therapists who work in clinical or retreat settings. Interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis.FindingsThree themes emerged that highlight the importance of preparation for effective clinical outcomes, the differences in standard and psychedelic practice and the personal and professional implications for therapists.ConclusionsThe results highlighted challenges and revealed the need for clear protocols for integrating psychedelics into psychotherapy practice.

Morals over money: The relationship between moral motivations and consumers' food waste

Around 11% of the total global food production is wasted by households. People may avoid wasting food for various reasons, such as environmental, moral, financial and social motivations. To set up concrete interventions, it would be helpful to have better insight into which motivations more readily translate in actual food waste avoidance behaviors and less food waste. There may be a discrepancy between motivation and behavior, such that certain motivations have a stronger predictive power for food waste amount than others. This study aims to explore the predictive power of different motivations using observed household food waste data from a waste audit. Whereas we predicted, based on prior research, that financial motivations influence food waste most prominently due to its direct personal implications, moral motivations are shown to be the primary driver of reduced household food waste. This finding challenges prior assumptions and highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the underlying factors contributing to food waste and waste-reducing behaviors. The implications of these findings extend to practitioners, policy makers, and theoretical perspectives in the field and suggest a prioritization of moral motivations when designing interventions, formulating policies, and developing theoretical frameworks to effectively address the pervasive issue of household food waste.

International students' perspectives on medical school and internship: 'Oh international? Are you international?'

International students account for a significant proportion of medical graduates Australia-wide, and most opting to remain in Australia for their first year of practice (Internship). Hence, understanding this particular demographic's perspectives is crucial for curriculum and workforce planning. Despite this, very few studies have addressed this demographic, and none have explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international medical students specifically. A qualitative design was used to explore the perspectives of final-year international medical students at an Australian medical school as they prepared for transition to internship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants engaged in a semi-structured interview about the pandemic's personal and professional implications. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Seven out of 34 final-year international medical students at the University of Adelaide participated. The main themes identified were that isolation was magnified, institutional support was lacking and that uncertainty was challenging. The pandemic did not deter participants from pursuing an Australian internship, as Australia was considered a desirable place for internship compared to their home countries. While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, many of the challenges identified by international students already existed. Issues such as social isolation, racial discrimination, financial hardship and lack of institutional support have been prevalent for decades. Insights from this study reveal a need to improve the medical school experience. Australian Universities have a responsibility to ensure fair treatment of international students by training faculty, implementing support programmes and ensuring an inclusive and culturally safe learning environment.

The hidden boycott: experiences of Israeli academics during the Israel-Hamas war

ABSTRACT This article explores the boycott and discrimination faced by Israeli academics from the international academic community during the 2023–24 Israel-Hamas war. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 participants from diverse disciplines and institutions, five key themes emerged: 1) Overt and covert discrimination; 2) challenges in international collaborations; 3) ethical and professional dilemmas; 4) long-term personal and career implications; and 5) implications for academic discourse and collaborations. The findings underscore this hidden boycott’s significant personal and professional impact on Israeli researchers, highlighting an urgent need to support academic freedom and promote inclusivity amid conflicts. By shedding light on Israeli academics’ personal narratives and the subtle forms of discrimination encountered, this study provides insight into the unique challenges faced by Israeli researchers during this conflict. It serves as a call for collective action to safeguard academic freedom and foster an inclusive, collaborative environment upholding the core values of academia and the pursuit of knowledge in the face of targeted boycotts.