Importance Of Social Connections Research Articles

The Experiences Of Three Students With Learning Disabilities as they Transition from High School to Postsecondary Education

This qualitative study examines the transition to life after high school of three young men with learning disabilities (LD). The research focuses on their individual journeys from the end of grade 12 in June, to the end of May the following year and provides overarching themes as to their lived experiences during this year of transition. Using case study design, a series of four in-depth interviews were conducted with each of the three participants. The findings showed that although the students had unique experiences over the year, there were several commonalities in their stories including readiness, emotions, the importance of social connections, coping skills, changes over time, accessing supports, and learning online. We discuss the stories of the participants based on these overarching themes and make recommendations for support and services offered to students with LD to support them after completion of high school.

A qualitative analysis of housing and homemaking for people labelled/with intellectual disabilities in Ontario, Canada

In this article, we examine people labelled/with intellectual disabilities’ experiences of their current homes and what they imagine or desire for their home in the future. Definitions of home in Canadian and Ontario policy are based on neoliberal and ableist notions of the dwelling and leave out other important elements of home. In this article, we will use quotes and artwork from a broader study to argue for a broadening of the definition of housing for people so labelled, in line with position statements from Inclusion Canada and People First of Canada (PFC), as well as the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). These findings draw on the importance of social connections, community resources, and accessibility in shaping the home and also highlight the felt limitations of the current system. By understanding what these limitations are, it is possible to understand what needs to change for the future to fit with the needs of people labelled/with intellectual disabilities. In recent decades, access to housing in community settings has been a priority for people labelled/with intellectual disabilities in many developed countries. While community living is recognized as an important goal, it has often been harder to achieve in practice given a shortage of appropriate housing choices and difficulties accessing supports. More work is also needed to ensure that views and preferences of people labelled/with intellectual disabilities inform the development of new housing options. In this article, we employ a qualitative, arts-informed methodology to examine the housing experiences and aspirations of a small group of people labelled/with intellectual disabilities in Ontario, Canada. Our analysis focuses on three related elements of participants’ experience of housing and home: the immediate dwelling and living arrangements, the supportive relationships that sustain people in their housing, and the social and environmental amenities within the neighbourhood. We then discuss the broader significance of this research with respect to housing provision, highlighting issues of choice, support, and connection.

“It’s not about wanting to be thin or look small, it’s about the way it feels”: an IPA analysis of social and sensory differences in autistic and non-autistic individuals with anorexia and their parents

BackgroundDespite increasing evidence to support an overlap between autism and anorexia nervosa (AN), underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Social and sensory factors have emerged as promising targets in both autism and AN, however there remains scope to compare these differences across autistic and non-autistic experiences of AN. Drawing on dyadic multi-perspectives, this study explored experiences of social and sensory differences in autistic and non-autistic adults and their parents and/or carers.MethodsUsing interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), dyadic interviews were conducted with 14 dyads, with seven autistic dyads and seven non-autistic dyads. Data analysis was subjected to a triangulation of interpretations: (1) the participants themselves; (2) a neurotypical researcher; (3) and an Autistic researcher with lived/living experience of AN.ResultsIPA identified three themes in each group, with similarities and differences between autistic and non-autistic dyads. Similar themes were identified regarding the importance of social connectedness and socio-emotional difficulties, as well a common lack of trust in the social and sensory self and body. Autism-specific themes centred on feelings of social ‘defectiveness’, disparities between sensing and expressing certain cues, and lifelong, multi-sensory processing differences. Non-autistic themes reflected social comparisons and inadequacy, and sensitivities to the learning of ideals and behaviour through early experiences.ConclusionsWhile similarities were observed across both groups, there appeared to be notable differences in the perceived role and influence of social and sensory differences. These findings may have important implications on the delivery and modification of eating disorder interventions. Specifically, they suggest that while treatment targets may look similar, subtle differences in underlying mechanisms and approaches may be required for Autistic individuals with AN across sensory, emotion and communication-based interventions.

Co‐designing a virtual reality social connecting space for older adults living with dementia

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults living with dementia often experience reduced social connectedness and must be supported to enhance or maintain their social connections. Digital technology is increasingly being used to address this area. In particular, virtual reality (VR) has shown promising benefits for sociability despite not being designed for this purpose. Research has highlighted the need to design social VR spaces which can enable multi‐user experiences to foster social connectedness. Such a design process needs to meaningfully involve older adults living with dementia and their support persons from the outset.MethodsAction research was used to co‐design a VR social connecting space for older adults living with dementia. The research aimed to explore one’s experience and perception of social connectedness and how VR may be used to help older adults living with dementia stay socially connected. Using participatory methods of data collection, older adults living with dementia and their support person had the opportunity to use a VR technology probe and participate in a series of semi‐structured interviews, group meetings and design workshops. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts alongside observational field notes taken by the researcher. The findings from each phase of data collection were used to inform subsequent research activities.ResultsThe meaning and importance of social connectedness is dynamic and transient. Older adults living with dementia experience several barriers and facilitators to social connectedness and their support person often plays an important role in maintaining existing connections. VR was considered a novel and enticing technology to enhance and maintain one’s connections. Older adults living with dementia and their support person expressed preferences for shared experiences and these were translated into the virtual environment (VE). Design preferences to facilitate co‐location and co‐presence in the VE were also integrated into the social connecting space.ConclusionVR was considered an enticing technology to enhance or maintain the social connectedness of older adults living with dementia. Older adults living with dementia and their support person contributed to the design decisions which shaped the development of the social connecting space.

Adviser connectedness and placement outcomes in the economics job market

We study the role of social networks in the academic job market for graduate students of Economics. We find that the connectedness of a student’s advisor in the coauthor network significantly improves her job market outcome. We use two identification strategies and find that a) higher Eigenvector centrality of an adviser leads to her student getting placed at a better ranked institution, and b) larger distance between an adviser and an institution decreases the probability that her students are placed there. Our study sheds light on the importance of social connections in a labour market where information frictions regarding job openings are virtually absent.

Using social connection to drive engagement in emergency remote teaching and learning

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities worldwide to deliver emergency remote online teaching and learning. This study analyses teaching practices at a globally ranked Australian university. These practices were adopted to develop connection with students in the absence of face-to-face learning. Complex adaptive system theory is applied, and a mixed research method adopted to examine the evolution of the remote classroom and to understand behaviour as a process of self-organisation. We find that social connection is the underlying mechanism by which the classroom evolved to meet the learning outcomes within the remote online teaching and learning environment. In response to initial transition and institutional pressures, educators attempted to replicate online their work in a face-to-face environment, creating surrogate social connectedness. Our study findings not only extend the literature on the continuing impact of the pandemic on higher education but also highlight the need for pedagogy to drive change and the importance of social connectedness.

‘It should be more outspoken and not hushed away, not like put in a dark box’: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of experiences of menopause voiced by women with learning disabilities

AbstractBackgroundThere is little research into experiences of menopause voiced by women with learning disabilities, who can be neglected in academic research. There is a particular lack of knowledge around the psychological and social experiences of menopause in this population, and how changes are managed. This study sought to explore these experiences.MethodsExperiences of five women with lived experience of menopause, being seen by community National Health Services specialising in learning disabilities, were captured with semistructured interviews and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.FindingsFive superordinate themes were identified, involving the importance of having information about menopause, challenges of periods, observable changes in menopause, the importance of social connection, and managing menopause independently.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for clinicians and carers to understand the variety of impacts menopause can have on women with learning disabilities, including emotional and social aspects, and the need to initiate conversations regarding menopause and available treatments.

Creating the Conditions for Intergenerational Justice: Social Capital and Compliance

Creating the Conditions for Intergenerational Justice: Social Capital and Compliance

Food insecurity and loneliness amongst older urban subsidised housing residents: The importance of social connectedness.

Food insecurity and loneliness are shockingly large and growing problems in the older population in the U.S. and globally. Thus, the study's primary aim was to investigate the prevalence as well as the association between these two social determinants of health in the marginalised and often underserved population of older residents of urban subsidised housing (also referred to as social housing or affordable housing). Of particular interest was whether a greater sense of loneliness increases the risk of older residents being food insecure. The study uses survey data gathered through in-person interviews conducted onsite in English or Spanish with 216 of the 300 older adults (72% response rate) living in a subsidised housing community in a central neighbourhood of a U.S. northeastern city. Amongst the 216 participants, 50% identified as Black and 45% identified as Latino. In addition to food insecurity and loneliness, the survey assessed participants' health, food access challenges, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results revealed a 34% food insecurity prevalence rate amongst the participants which is higher than the estimate of slightly less than 10% of the U.S. older population being food insecure. The participants' 34% loneliness rate was also higher than the 19%-29% prevalence range in U.S. older population studies. Bivariate analyses highlighted the interrelatedness or intertwining of food insecurity, loneliness, poor health and food access challenges whilst a series of logistic regressions further explored the significant association of loneliness with food insecurity. Loneliness increased the odds ratio of food insecurity in the binary (unadjusted) regression (p < 0.001, OR=3.1) and the multivariate (adjusted) regression that included all covariates (p < 0.05, OR=2.4). Overall, the findings underscore the need for greater awareness of loneliness as a public health threat as well as future research exploring how loneliness may intensify the health consequences of food insecurity in later life.

The importance of social connections in combating compulsive exercise among group-exercise participants: a network analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to use social network analysis (SNA) to determine whether compulsive exercise (CE) was related to social connections and network position among participants of group-exercise programs.Design/methodology/approachMembers from two group-exercise programs (Gym 1: n = 103; Gym 2: n = 56) completed an online survey measuring their social connections within the program, CE, depressive symptoms and sense of belonging. Network position was calculated for each person based on network centrality scores (i.e. closeness, eigenvector centrality). Linear network autocorrelation models determined whether respondents reported similar CE as their network ties (i.e., network effects) and whether network position was related to CE in these networks.FindingsEigenvector centrality (i.e., being connected to popular/important people within the network; Gym 1: parameter estimate [PE] = 0.51, p < 0.01, Gym 2: PE = 0.39, p = 0.02) and network effects (i.e. having similar CE scores as direct network ties; Gym 1: PE = 0.07, p < 0.01, Gym 2: PE = 0.19, p < 0.01) were related to CE among participants in these programs.Originality/valueThis study builds on existing SNA research suggesting the importance of social connections and network position on CE, and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first to explore these effects among group-exercise participants. This study describes how the social environment can impact, both positively and negatively, someone’s susceptibility for CE and supports fostering social connections within group-exercise programs as a way to potentially combat harmful CE among its participants.

To stay or not to stay: the role of sense of belonging in the retention of physicians in rural areas

ABSTRACT Rural communities across the circumpolar region and worldwide perennially suffer from physician shortages despite decades of attempting targeted strategies for recruitment. Particularly in rural Canada, financial incentives have attracted but not retained a medical workforce. Although the importance of social connection or belonging is a long-established source of well-being, such information has not infiltrated the dialogue or action on physician retention in rural areas. A physician’s sense of belonging, arising from that emotional need for social connectedness, is built via bilateral active efforts at community engagement, reciprocity, social integration of family and workplace collegiality. Links between rural upbringing, rural training opportunities and subsequent rural practice likely rest upon fostering this sense of belonging. Policymakers and recruiters might consider how to help physicians adapt, “fit in”, and consider they have “come home” when they venture off to rural settings. Empowering the community to be involved in the recruitment and retention of rural physicians may also be effective. Perhaps this approach would better address the age-old battle to retain physicians in rural Canada and around the world.

Informal antidepressant strategies for nursing home residents: two group concept mapping studies

Objectives To identify and structure potential informal antidepressant strategies that can be used in daily practice for nursing home residents alongside formal treatments. Methods In a first Group Concept Mapping study, residents, relatives, and professional caregivers (N = 124) brainstormed on strategies residents could use to prevent or alleviate depression. In a second study, the same participants (N = 110) reported strategies for use by others. Furthermore, participants rated the expected effectiveness and feasibility of the suggested strategies. Simultaneously, all strategies were sorted by experts and clustered using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results Six clusters emerged for strategies by residents themselves and five clusters for strategies by others. For residents’ strategies, the clusters Being socially connected and Participating in activities were perceived as most effective, as was the cluster Offering personal attention for strategies by others. Participants perceived Creating a healthy living environment as the most feasible cluster executed by residents. Within strategies by others, the clusters Offering personal attention, Using positive treatment/approach, and Using or adapting the physical environment were perceived as the most feasible. Conclusion The results indicated the importance of social connectedness, a personalized and positive approach by significant others, and tailored activity programs. The results also suggest that adaptations to the physical environment within nursing homes may be an easy applicable strategy to prevent or alleviate depression in residents. Although more research is needed, these findings may guide daily practice and the development of interventions that include informal strategies. Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2022.2057427 .

Covid-19 Coping Survey: an In-depth Qualitative Analysis of Free-Text Responses from People With and Without Existing Health Conditions in the UK

BackgroundThere is currently a lack of qualitative research exploring how cognitive and emotional reactions to the threat of SARS-CoV-2 affected the health behaviours of people living with and without pre-existing mental and physical health conditions. We aimed to investigate how the threat of SARS-CoV-2 influenced the thoughts, feelings and health behaviours of people with and without pre-existing health conditions in the UK.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of UK adults (aged 18 and over). Free-text responses were analysed using a qualitative framework approach guided by the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation.ResultsOf the 9110 respondents, 2763 participants provided at least one free-text response. Three main themes were derived from the data. Theme one, locus of control, reports on the extent to which people felt in control during the first wave of the pandemic. Theme two, emotional impact, conveys how individuals felt and how people’s personal circumstances made them more vulnerable to experiencing negative emotions during the pandemic. Theme three, coping strategies, describes common health-protective and health-threatening behaviours performed by individuals, as well as the importance of social connectedness, the social context and the need for collective action during the first national lockdown.ConclusionComplex psychological interventions including behaviour change are required to mitigate the psychological burden of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and increase autonomy in people with and without pre-existing conditions during this highly uncertain time. Behavioural scientists can support governments and public health agencies to develop evidence-based communication and behaviour change strategies that support people to address unhelpful beliefs and emotions and strengthen coping abilities as the UK moves through and beyond the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Food Insecurity Among Older Urban Subsidized Housing Residents: The Importance of Social Connectedness

Poverty and food insecurity are associated with poor health in later life. Although housing is recognized as a social determinant of health; relatively little research has explored food insecurity in the marginalized population of older subsidized housing residents. In this study, we examined factors associated with food insecurity and particularly how social connectedness was associated with food insecurity. We hypothesized that social connection measures (i.e., loneliness, sense of belonging) independent of sociodemographic, health and food program variables would contribute to food insecurity. Our data are from interviews with 216 residents ages 55-plus (50% Black, 45% LatinX). The 6-item USDA Household Food Security Survey found high rates of food insecurity, 40% for ages 55-69 and 20% for ages 70-plus. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that loneliness was significantly related to food insecurity even after other factors were controlled. Discussion centers on strategies for addressing social risk factors to ameliorate food insecurity.

Social Connections: Transformative Experiences Amid Disruptive Times

Today many older adults are experiencing intensified social isolation and loneliness as they attempt to “stay safe at home.” The notion, is a stark contrast from our understanding of the importance of social connections on health and well-being. This session highlights: first hand experiences caring for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications of social isolation on the health of older adults. The speaker will offer perspectives for ESPO members on the role of community engagement in orienting research agendas, both now (amid the pandemic) and into the future.

Changes in Social, Romantic, and General Life Satisfaction Over the Course of a Substance Use Disorder.

Background: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of social connection for health and well-being. Satisfaction across domains of life is associated with substance use outcomes, such as risk of relapse and mortality. Previous work has delineated the relationship between substance use and social connections, yet there is a lack of research exploring the relationship between substance use and satisfaction with domains of life over time.Methods: We retrospectively assessed satisfaction with social life, romantic life, and general life across five phases of substance use among 339 adults, of whom 289 identify as formerly having a problem with substance use, and a comparison group of 50 who report no history of problematic drug use. We compared those whose primary drug of choice was alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, non-prescription opioids, and prescription opioids.Results: Those who used prescription opioids reported a larger drop in satisfaction in social life, romantic life, and general life during the course of substance use than those who used other drugs. However, we report no significant differences in current satisfaction, social well-being, or quality of life between people in recovery and people with no history of problematic substance use.Conclusions: These findings—alongside neuropsychological work on the opioid system and sociality—paint a picture that those who formerly used prescription opioids may experience lower satisfaction across life domains during the course of their substance use than those who used other substances. However, people in prolonged recovery—regardless of their drug of choice—all show similar levels of satisfaction compared to people with no history of problematic substance use.

The interrelationship between social connectedness and social engagement and its relation with cognition: a study using SHARE data

AbstractUnderstanding how psychosocial factors can promote better cognition in mid- and later life is important for making recommendations regarding policies and intervention programmes. This study focuses on two psychosocial aspects (social connectedness and social engagement) in order to assess their independent contribution to explaining cognition, but also how their interrelationship acts on cognition. We hypothesised that each of the factors is positively associated with cognition, but also that a combination of both factors contributes more to cognition than each of the factors independently. Our sample comprises 66,504 individuals who participated in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Multilevel linear regression analyses were performed. The results show that higher levels of social engagement and social connectedness are associated with improved cognition. When studying the interaction of social engagement and social connectedness and its association with cognitive function, the analysis shows that better cognitive scores are found in individuals having high levels of both social engagement and social connectedness. Moreover, when one of these aspects is lacking, the other plays a role in cognition protection. This study indicates the importance of social connectedness and social engagement for preserving/developing cognition, which greatly contributes to the quality of life of middle-aged and older adults.

Dementia-inclusive group-singing online during COVID-19: A qualitative exploration

ABSTRACT Introduction There is increasing evidence of the social, physical and cognitive benefits of group-singing for people living with dementia and their family carers. However, COVID-19 has necessitated the suspension of in-person group-singing globally. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on dementia-inclusive singing groups and choirs in Ireland, and their facilitators’ responses. It seeks to contribute to the limited literature on online group-singing and music telehealth for people living with dementia and family carers. It strives to provide facilitators with practical information to adapt their programmes for online delivery and continue to support the health and well-being of these populations. Method This study adopted a qualitative methodological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with facilitators of dementia-inclusive singing groups or choirs in Ireland (n = 12). Results Four main themes were generated inductively from the data using Thematic Analysis: accessibility of online delivery; online vs in-person delivery; importance of social connection; adaptability and resilience. Discussion This study provides a mixed picture of opportunities and challenges arising from online music programmes. Initial evidence indicates the ability of facilitators to successfully deliver online music programmes to a proportion of people living with dementia and family carers and the capacity of members of these populations to engage with them. The findings support the development of sustainable online groups and resources to increase the accessibility of dementia-inclusive singing groups and support community-dwelling people with dementia living in rural and remote areas or with health or mobility challenges. However, challenges of digital inclusion exist.

At the intersection of gender and discrimination: Experiences of Congolese refugee women with social and cultural integration in the United States

Refugee resettlement services in the United States usually prioritize education, employment, and language skills. However, a more holistic approach to supporting refugees beyond the initial resettlement period is needed. Specifically, more attention should be focused on the social and cultural discrimination, particularly racism experienced by refugees who are Black. This is even more urgent for women who experience additional intersectionality of race, gender, and refugee status. We conducted longitudinal photovoice research with Congolese women refugees in the United States in 2016 after they had been resettled for approximately two years and then again three years later in 2019. Photovoice data was supplemented with semi-structured interviews in 2016 and interviewer-administered questionnaires in 2019. The paper shares three major themes highlighting social and cultural challenges—including raising kids in America and the related fear of the police; increasing experiences of discrimination; and the importance of social connection. Our findings indicate the need for more comprehensive and culturally tailored support from social services beyond the initial resettlement period.

It's a Small World: The Importance of Social Connections with Auditors to Mutual Fund Managers’ Portfolio Decisions

ABSTRACTWe find that mutual funds whose managers are socially connected with firm auditors hold more shares of these firms and generate superior portfolio returns. Cross‐sectional results reveal that the relation between social connections and mutual fund stockholdings is more pronounced: when the social connections are stronger, when the auditor is in a better position or has stronger incentives to acquire private information, when the fund manager exercises more power, for small audit firms, for auditors in areas with poor investor protection, and for public firms with greater business opacity or private information. Other results are consistent with fund managers electing to schedule their corporate site visits to coincide with the fieldwork of their connected auditors, as would be expected if fund managers time their visits to meet with these auditors to facilitate information transfer. Additionally, we observe associations between fund trading prior to earnings surprises and audit opinions, and the presence of social connections between fund managers and firm auditors. Finally, we show that mutual funds and firms in which they invest tend to appoint connected auditors and pay them higher fees. Collectively, we document empirical patterns that would arise if socially connected auditors and mutual fund managers share information.