Individual Perspective Research Articles

Perspectives of Black Patients on Racism Within Emergency Care

Numerous Black individuals experience racism persistently throughout their lives, with repercussions extending into health care settings. The perspectives of Black individuals regarding emergency department (ED) care, racism, and patient-centered approaches for dismantling structural racism remain less explored. To qualitatively explore the perspectives and experiences of Black patients related to race, racism, and health care following a recent ED visit. In this qualitative study, the audio from semistructured interviews of Black patients discharged from an academic urban ED between August 2021 to April 2022 were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The main outcomes encompassed the main themes from the analysis of the interviews with Black patients regarding their perspectives on race, racism, and clinical care. A total of 25 Black patients (20 [80%] female; mean [SD] age, 44.6 [12.9] years) discharged from the ED were interviewed. Three broad domains were identified: (1) racism in health care; (2) ED clinical care; and (3) recommendations for improvement. Within these domains, the first 2 were grouped into specific themes. Within the first domain, racism in health care, 7 themes were identified using thematic analysis: (1) a history of medical racism; (2) dismissiveness; (3) patient expectations on encountering racism; (4) medical mistrust; (5) health literacy; (6) postencounter outcomes, and (7) discrimination beyond but associated with race. Within the second theme, ED clinical care, 5 themes were identified using the same thematic analysis method: (1) discharge plan; (2) patient experience; (3) waiting room perceptions; (4) medication treatment; and (5) pain management. The third domain, recommendations for improvement, incorporated patient-generated suggestions for enhancing the Black patient experience. In this qualitative study, the fabric of clinical care delivery in the ED was intricately woven with Black patients' experiences of racism. Patients expressed a pervasive sense of mistrust, skepticism, and dismissiveness at the system level. Instances of racism were consistently highlighted by patients from their entry to the ED to discharge. These perspectives illuminate the pervasive nature of racism in clinical care, providing valuable insights for exploring patient-centered approaches to foster antiracist cultures in the ED and throughout the broader medical landscape.

Virtual Reality in Social Work Teaching - Two Approaches to 360° Videos and Collaborative Working

The use of virtual reality and 360° videos has been little researched so far, especially in social work studies and teaching. The reasons for this are the low prevalence of VR headsets in social work courses and the fundamental technological deficit in social work, which means the lack of clear causal chains within it. Professionals must adapt their practical knowledge to the individual framework conditions and problem situations depending on the case situation and field of work. In contrast, in simulation-based approaches, as used in the teaching of many rather object-oriented courses of study, fixed sequences of action usually lead to success. At the same time, 360° videos, with suitable didactic framing, can be used to convey case studies in an immersive manner that can then be continued individually, methodically developed and reflected upon. In the” Teilprojekt XR”, two approaches to the use of VR headsets were designed, the first enables remote collaboration, the second offers a chance for analysis and reflection using 360° videos. The first approach is Collaborative work using VR headsets, which is intended to be an addition to communication with existing video conferencing systems. It has the potential to counteract the previous challenges associated with zoom technology and create more proximity. The first few evaluation results (n=11) on the methodological implementation of collaborative work with VR headsets suggest that this approach can bring added value to students. However, getting started with VR headsets is challenging for students and only a few have taken up the offer so far. The integration of 360° videos in education has potential for social work, as the high degree of realism and immersion can improve the link between theory and practice. Students can thus obtain realistic insights into practical examples already during their studies and professionally reflect on their own perspective in the situations. The use of 360° videos using VR headsets has been tested and established in teaching in four seminars so far. The students experience the simulated case situations from the subjective perspective of the different protagonists and can thus more easily put themselves in their individual perspective. Didactically, these observations are professionally framed by teaching content taught in advance, group work in small numbers as well as a collaborative analysis and reflection within the seminar group. The results of the evaluation (n=60) of the integration of 360° videos into teaching are promising and show a clear potential for university didactics. A flow experience and an experience of presence were confirmed by the students when working with the 360° videos. Furthermore, the students reported that the methodological extension supported their comprehension of the course materials and validate the usefulness and advantages of using 360° videos during the seminars.

The Current Situation of and Solutions to Appearance Discrimination: An Example from the Financial Industry

The beauty premium is increasingly mentioned in today's society, as relevant social surveys and academic studies have shown that better-looking people are generally more likely to have higher salaries and better promotion opportunities in the workplace. Appearance discrimination has evolved into an "unwritten rule" in the workplace, which has never made any real improvements. Therefore, this paper takes the financial industry as an example through collating the literature and case studies and taking into account the characteristics of the financial industry, we have come up with the characteristics and the current situation of appearance discrimination in this industry. Meanwhile, this paper focuses on exploring feasible ways to solve the problem of appearance discrimination from the three perspectives of law, company and individuals, which is of practical significance in finding and providing solutions to improve appearance discrimination in the workplace. We hope that through this paper, readers will gain a better understanding of the current situation of appearance discrimination and be able to be sensible and courageous in defending their rights in the face of such discrimination.

Conflictual meetings between social identities in analytic group therapy

Social identities play a significant role in the development of personality and various disorders and challenges. In addition, they play an important role in the encounter between representatives of different social groups and can add to personality and interpersonal perspectives to group dynamics. Despite their significance, exploration of social identities occurs mainly in the realms of social psychology and post-colonialist theories and not so much in psychoanalysis, which favours the individual perspective over the social. Foulkes, the founder of group analysis, started a revolution in the field of psychoanalysis when he focussed on the social world and its significant influence on development. However, some of his successors argued that due to political and other reasons, Foulkes did not ‘follow through’ with his own theory and in his therapy groups he did not put sufficient emphasis on exploration of social identities and power relations. This article reviews the concept of social identities through four theoretical disciplines: social psychology, psychoanalysis, postcolonial theories and group analysis. A vignette from an analytic group that has been meeting for two years and coped with the meeting of different social identities in the complex Israeli reality will be discussed.

Choice Behavior and Diffusion Impact Analysis of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Travelers with Managed Lanes

Choice Behavior and Diffusion Impact Analysis of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Travelers with Managed Lanes

"From All, To All": Implementing a collaborative online conference to reflect on the daily living of individuals with cerebral palsy.

Translating knowledge to improve paediatric rehabilitation has become a research area of interest. This study describes the development and evaluation of an online conference that brought together perspectives of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), families, health care professionals, and researchers to discuss the daily living of individuals with CP. We anchored the development and implementation of the online conference in the action cycle of the Knowledge to Action Framework. To develop the meeting, we included representatives from each stakeholder group in the programme committee. The conference programme was designed having the lifespan perspective of individuals with CP, from birth to adulthood, as its central core, with themes related to daily living (e.g., self-care, mobility, and continuing education). Participants' satisfaction with the conference was assessed using an anonymized online survey sent to all participants. The conference had 1656 attendees, of whom 675 answered the online satisfaction survey. Most participants rated the structure of the conference (i.e., quality of the technical support, audio and video, and online platform) and discussed topics (i.e., relevance, content, discussion, speakers, and available time) positively. Collaborative conferences that include stakeholders throughout the planning and implementation are a viable, effective knowledge translation strategy that allows for sharing experiences and disseminating knowledge among families and individuals with CP, health care professionals, and researchers.

Towards effective collaborations: Reflections and recommendations for adult education and STEM

AbstractThis article presents a general and overarching view on partnerships between adult education and STEM disciplines. Drawing from their individual STEM backgrounds, personal perspectives and experiences with such partnerships, and the science of team science, the authors consider the benefits of adult eeducation for STEM, the benefits of STEM for adult education, and some best practices and pitfalls of collaborations. In this way, they address some of the “why?” and “how?” that adult educators may wish to consider as they seek new collaborations, or navigate existing partnerships.

Patient perspectives on current and potential therapies and clinical trial approaches for cocaine use disorder.

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is characterized by the continued use of cocaine despite serious impacts on life. This study focused on understanding the perspective of individuals with current CUD, individuals in CUD remission, and their supporters regarding current therapies, future therapies, and views on clinical trials for CUD. The online bulletin board (OBB) is a qualitative tool where participants engage in an interactive discussion on a virtual forum. Following completion of a screening questionnaire to determine eligibility, individuals in CUD remission and their supporters logged in to the OBB and responded to questions posed by the moderator. Individuals with current CUD participated in a one-time virtual focus group. All individuals with current CUD and 94% of those in CUD remission reported a diagnosis consistent with CUD or substance use disorder during screening. Individuals with current CUD and their supporters were recruited from the United States (US). Individuals in CUD remission were recruited from five countries, including the US. Individuals with current CUD reported hesitation about seeking treatment due to stigma, a lack of privacy, and being labeled as a drug seeker; barriers to therapy included time, cost, and a lack of privacy. Participants wanted a safe therapy to stop cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Seven clinical trial outcomes, including long-term abstinence and craving control, were suggested based on collected insights. This study can help inform the design of clinical trials and emphasize the need for effective, safe, and accessible therapies. Recruiting participants will require significant trust building.

Exploration of Mental Disorders in Greek Mythology: An Analysis of Ancient Archetypes

Mental disorders remain a stigmatized and seldom-discussed subject in contemporary society, where widespread misunderstanding and lack of awareness persist. The purpose of this research is to form archetypes of mental illnesses and symptoms to allow society to learn about and emphasize more easily with those who are diagnosed with them. It analyzes the behaviors and experiences of characters from Greek mythology and connects them to specific mental disorders in the present day. Texts such as the Odyssey and Metamorphoses were used to understand the actions of characters such as Narcissus, Odysseus, Orpheus, Medea, and others. These behaviors were compared to the psychological symptoms of disorders such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and others. While the ambiguity of Greek mythology and lack of professional diagnosis cannot fully confirm these characters’ disorders, it can still create a unique perspective for individuals to understand mental illnesses. As a result, mental disorders can be recognized and explored by those who are less informed about the topic.

“Covid made me think about…” What really matters in RE: a European research project

Living and working through the challenges of a pandemic offered a unique research opportunity to engage with some core questions about what really matters in Religious Education (RE) in countries across Europe. The What Covid Reveals to Religious Education Specialists research project sought to provide a reflective space for RE specialists, drawn from the board members of the European Forum for Teachers of Religious Education (EFTRE), to consider their experiences of RE during the Covid-19 pandemic and to begin to articulate what they might want in the future for RE in light of their experiences. Areas explored in the online qualitative survey included: challenging questions and issues, social unrest, student–teacher relationships, learning scenarios, valued dimensions in RE, opportunities for the future, and ‘ideal’ RE. Respondents were from sixteen of the twenty-two countries present on the EFTRE Board, offering their individual perspectives from Western, Northern, Central and Southern Europe. Using the tool ATLAS.ti, an inductive analytical approach was employed; a number of key group ‘themes’ emerged from the responses, which provided a basis for further analysis. This paper will present some of the main findings in dialogue with the focusing research stimulus question: What does Covid-19 reveal to RE specialists about their subject? The project is a European collaboration involving researchers from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Ireland and Wales.

Metaphorical language in couple's therapy: A conceptual exploration of its impact on conflict resolution

Metaphorical language, though often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in couple's therapy, shaping the dynamics of communication and influencing conflict resolution processes. This conceptual exploration delves into the multifaceted impact of metaphorical language on the therapeutic discourse within couples. Through a synthesis of existing literature and theoretical frameworks, this paper elucidates the intricate interplay between metaphorical expressions and the resolution of relational conflicts. The use of metaphorical language in couple's therapy serves as a symbolic bridge, facilitating the articulation of deeply rooted emotions and experiences that may otherwise remain inaccessible. Metaphors act as linguistic vehicles, enabling individuals to convey complex thoughts and feelings in a manner that transcends literal expression. Within the therapeutic context, metaphors offer a creative space for couples to explore their relationship dynamics, perceptions, and narratives. Furthermore, metaphorical language not only elucidates individual experiences but also shapes the shared reality constructed by couples. Metaphors can reveal underlying relational patterns, power dynamics, and unspoken assumptions, thereby fostering insight and empathy between partners. By reframing conflicts through metaphorical lenses, couples can gain a fresh perspective on their challenges, promoting collaborative problem-solving and mutual understanding. However, the impact of metaphorical language in couple's therapy is not unidimensional. Misinterpretations or divergent interpretations of metaphors may inadvertently exacerbate misunderstandings or conflicts within the therapeutic process. Therapists must navigate the nuances of metaphorical communication sensitively, balancing interpretation with validation of individual experiences and perspectives. This conceptual exploration highlights the significance of metaphorical language in shaping the therapeutic discourse and its potential implications for conflict resolution in couple's therapy. By embracing and exploring metaphorical expressions, therapists can harness the transformative power of language to facilitate insight, empathy, and ultimately, relational healing within couples. Further empirical research is warranted to elucidate the nuanced mechanisms through which metaphorical language influences therapeutic outcomes in couple's therapy.

The roles Second Chance Education can play as a learning environment: A qualitative study of ‘drop-in’ students

ABSTRACT In current Western societies, the number of students dropping out of school is high. At the same time, the importance of education leads to an increase in Second Chance Education (SCE) initiatives as an alternative way to obtain a degree. Little is known about the roles SCE can play as a learning environment for students ‘dropping in’ beyond mere degree attainment. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on these roles by exploring the dropout experiences of drop-in students and the underlying reasons for enrolling in SCE. This study involves in-depth interviews with 28 drop-in students (Mage = 30.0). The findings reveal that not obtaining a degree could be a traumatic event, resulting in challenges such as stigmatisation, discrimination, and social pressure. Based on these experiences, SCE students articulated reasons for enrolling in SCE, including self-actualisation, improved occupational and educational opportunities, and social confirmation by significant others. Overall, this study identified three roles SCE can play for drop-in students, including serving as a new start, a tool/in-between phase and a way to finish unfinished business. These findings call for a more nuanced perspective on education and highlight the importance of reconsidering the individualistic perspective on success and failure in education.

The lived experience of people affected by cancer: A global cross-sectional survey protocol.

A diagnosis of cancer impacts the person's physical and mental health and the psychosocial and financial health of their caregivers. While data on the experience of living with cancer is available, there is a dearth of data from persons in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The perspectives of other impacted individuals also remain understudied (e.g., bereaved family members), as well as the impact on survivors and their families over time. The objective of this study is to describe the psychosocial and financial impact of cancer on people diagnosed with cancer as a child, adolescent or adult, their families/caregivers, and the family members of those who have died from cancer, in high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs. This study is an observational, descriptive, quantitative study. Data will be collected anonymously via a digital online cross-sectional survey distributed globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) via the LimeSurvey software. Participants will include (a) adults aged 18+ who have been diagnosed with cancer at any age, who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or who have completed cancer treatment; (b) adult family members of individuals of any age with a cancer diagnosis, who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or who have completed cancer treatment; and (c) bereaved family members. Participants will be anonymously recruited via convenience and snowball sampling through networks of organisations related to cancer. Survey results will be analysed quantitatively per respondent group, per time from diagnosis, per disease and country. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences; a summary of results will be available on the WHO website. This study will suggest public health interventions and policy responses to support people affected by cancer and may also lead to subsequent research focusing on the needs of people affected by cancer.

Pendekatan Fenomenologi dalam Resolusi Konflik: Memahami Akar Konflik dengan Mendalam dan Komprehensif

This paper discusses the phenomenological approach in the context of conflict resolution. Phenomenology transforms the traditional view of conflict by delving into a profound understanding of its roots, values, emotions, and the perspectives of individuals involved. In this approach, conflict is seen as a social phenomenon involving individual or group awareness, empathy, sympathy, and collective consciousness. The importance of understanding subjective meanings and individual experiences in conflict is emphasized as the key to effective conflict resolution. The conflict resolution process from a phenomenological perspective involves steps of identification, diagnosis, and treatment designed to uncover and comprehend the conflict's roots comprehensively. The role of the subjects in this process is crucial, as they must possess the ability to empathize, see from various perspectives, and facilitate effective communication. In conflict resolution methods based on the phenomenological approach, reduction also becomes a key element, involving efforts to cleanse understanding from biases and assumptions before taking action. Introspection is also vital, helping subjects become more aware of their roles and contributions in the conflict. The phenomenological approach enables us to resolve conflicts in a more profound, holistic, and sustainable manner. With a deeper understanding of conflict's roots and the emotions involved, we can develop more effective solutions and integrate various perspectives contributing to the conflict.

Nutrition and eating beliefs and behaviors among individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders: Healthy or misconceived?

Nutrition knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors have important implications for managing and preventing chronic and injury-related secondary conditions in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Yet, the unique dietary and nutritional needs and recommendations specific to individuals with SCI/D and their eating beliefs and behaviors have been understudied. Aim is to describe nutrition and eating beliefs and behaviors from the perspectives of individuals with SCI/D. Descriptive qualitative design using in-depth semistructured interviews with a national sample of veterans with SCI/D (n = 33). Audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants were male (61%), aged 29-84 years, and 55% had tetraplegia. Five key themes were identified: extreme fasting/caloric restriction, perceived healthy eating behaviors, perceived unhealthy eating behaviors, modified eating behaviors due to SCI/D-related symptoms, and food/preparation choices based on abilities/independence and access. Nutrition among veterans with SCI/D may be impacted by many factors, such as nutrition knowledge and beliefs/behaviors about "healthy" and "unhealthy" nutrition, fasting, caloric restriction, imbalanced intake of macro- and micronutrients, overconsumption relative to energy needs, injury-related secondary complications, postinjury body composition and function changes, impairments related to satiety and hunger signals, and difficulty in obtaining and preparing food. Study findings provide many areas that would benefit from intervention. Findings can be used to inform ideal nutrition and healthy eating beliefs and behaviors which are important because nutritional inadequacies can lead to diet-related diseases, may exacerbate SCI secondary conditions, and lead to poor overall health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mentorship in rehabilitation psychology: Attitudes and perspectives.

To characterize how mentorship has been perceived, received, and practiced by individuals in the field of rehabilitation psychology across the career lifespan. Current members of the American Psychological Association Division 22 (Rehabilitation Psychology) were invited to complete an electronic survey via REDCap assessing individual experiences and perspectives on mentorship. Thematic analysis was used to identify key constructs and themes. 39 participants (n = 25 mentors) completed the survey with valid responses. Participants spanned the career lifespan, ranging from predoctoral trainees to late-senior psychologists. Mentorship was generally perceived as helpful for both mentors and mentees. Several important qualities of mentors (e.g., availability, communication skills, self-disclosure, and emotional support) and mentees (e.g., flexibility, motivation, and openness to feedback) were identified. Among both groups, mentorship was viewed as especially beneficial for obtaining American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) board certification, which may reflect an aspect of mentoring unique to Division 22. Existing gaps in mentorship and key areas for improvement were also identified; access to mid- to late-career mentorship emerged as a notable gap in mentorship. Increased program structure, networking opportunities, and research mentorship were also identified as possible areas of growth. This study provides meaningful insights into mentorship within the field of rehabilitation psychology. Our findings demonstrate the value of mentorship across the career lifespan, and the beneficial role of mentorship in obtaining ABPP board certification. In addition, we identify key areas of growth that can inform and improve mentorship within the field. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Expanding professionalism in popular music voice teaching: A framework synthesis

This framework synthesis investigates how notions related to expanding professionalism have manifested in recently published literature on popular music voice teaching. The reviewed literature was selected from a systematic mapping review conducted previously by the first two authors. The scope for the publication years was 2014 to 2020, and the included literature incorporated 64 titles of peer-reviewed articles, academic book and handbook chapters, and doctoral dissertations. The initial framework considered scholarship on expanding professionalism, and the directive themes for coding included forms of expertise and knowledge building, social and societal responsibility, and agency related to change. The data were examined from individual, societal, and institutional perspectives. The findings showed that notions related to expanding professionalism are used as means of legitimizing the academically emerging field. However, the professional development work results mostly from the agency of individual practitioners. Thus, support from higher music education institutes and professional organizations is needed to enable the professional sustainability of such practices and further the societal relevance of these institutional actors. This study contributes to the recent scholarship on expanding professionalism in music and music education. The emergent framework resulting from this synthesis can inform further empirical studies.

Macro and micro ethics in fetal and embryological collections: Exploring the paradigms of informed consent among Australian education-focused stakeholders.

The management of human fetal and embryological collections presents an ethical challenge that can be explored from different perspectives, particularly when considering informed consent. The "micro ethics" level focuses on parties engaged in giving and receiving human tissue while the "macro ethics" level focusses on the collective responsibility of the discipline and society. Additionally, adopting a framework, where ways of working are designed with relevant communities, requires understanding the perspectives of individuals, communities, and organizations. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the perceptions of education-focused Australian stakeholders. A survey collected the perspectives of 198 participants. The majority of participants (61.6%; n = 122/198) indicated that human fetal and embryological remains obtained prior to era of informed consent should be retained for use in education/research. It is likely that their perspective is based on the notion that if human fetal and embryological collections are used for good, then disposing of them would deny this benefit. Women (p < 0.001) indicated a preference for obtaining fetuses and embryos with informed consent for education and research (38.4%; n = 76/198). Majority were in favor of recording both maternal (MI) (59.6%; n = 118/198) and paternal information (PI) (58.1%; n = 115/198) with each donation. Majority (56.1%; n = 111/198) expressed that donations should be accepted from both parental sources. Consideration of stakeholder perspectives is important in developing guidelines regarding these collections. The results from this study demonstrate a level of discomfort with respect to collections without informed consent, which should be considered at the macro ethical and micro ethical level.

Exploration on the Influential Factors of College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Intention Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process

This article identifies the factors that affect college students' social entrepreneurship willingness from the perspective of individuals and colleges, and introduces the social environment as a moderating variable to analyze its role in the generation of various factors and college students' social entrepreneurship willingness. The analysis method constructs the judgment matrix of each layer, calculates the weight of each influencing factor and its overall ranking, and provides theoretical guidance and model support for local governments, colleges and universities, and college students to enhance their entrepreneurial intentions. On the basis of expert consultation, questionnaire method and practical research, a “four-in-one” innovation and entrepreneurship education evaluation index system is constructed, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to study the innovation and entrepreneurship education evaluation system.

Older individuals' perspectives on the prerequisites for living at home: A mixed‐methods systematic review

AbstractIntroductionLiving at home for as long as possible is a central ageing policy goal. Older individuals usually expect to stay at home, if possible, and their goals regarding living at home generally include holistic wellness, prevention and treatment of ageing effects and the retention of satisfaction. Previous research on older individuals living at home has mostly focused on their physical performance, usually evaluated by healthcare professionals. However, there is limited research on older individuals' identification of the prerequisites for living at home.MethodsThe aim was to identify older individuals' views on the prerequisites for living at home. We conducted a mixed‐methods systematic review with a data‐based convergent design. We carried out a computerized search in MEDLINE (1966 to the end of August 2021) and CINAHL (1982 to the end of August 2021). All types of study designs were included. We evaluated the methodological quality of the included articles.ResultsOf the 1052 articles identified, 28 were eligible. The prerequisites for older individuals to be able to live at home include lifestyle and self‐care capability and physical, psychosocial, environmental and socio‐economic components.ConclusionThe review provided knowledge that can be used to inform measures for supporting independent at‐home living. Older individuals' perspectives on prerequisites for at‐home living are unique and individually specific. A checklist can be developed to detect individuals' singularity and the strengths and limitations impacting independent living. Therefore, assessments of each older individual's own perspective are needed to better identify the prerequisites for at‐home living.