Lack Of Social Integration Research Articles

Trends in the Assessment of Social Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

Assessment of social frailty is crucial; however, definitions and assessment methods lack standardization. This review examined social frailty in community-dwelling older adults, highlighted trends in the definitions and assessment items used to date, and identified issues in assessing social frailty. The PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched for articles related to social frailty published up to 2022, and 95 articles were included in this review. The Bunt classification was used to assess the trends in items considered indicative of social frailty. Existing rating scales for social frailty were used in 82% of studies, and cut-off values were defined in 62% of studies. Factors such as the level of education; social interaction (weekly outings); and feelings of abandonment, emptiness, and lack of social integration (absence of a partner and non-participation in social organizations or activities) were evaluated less frequently. This study revealed that subjective feelings, including the fulfillment of social needs and participation in social activities, are less commonly considered in the assessment of social frailty.

Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression and Associated Factors Among Internally Displaced Persons in Al-Galgala, Sudan.

Conflict and war can have profound psychological and physical consequences, including the displacement of civilians. Sudan currently has the greatest child displacement crisis and the highest number of displaced individuals worldwide. Stressors, such as unemployment, poor socioeconomic conditions, and lack of social integration can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions and worsen pre-existing ones. This study aims to determine the prevalence of PTSD and depression and to investigate the association of sociodemographic and displacement characteristics with both PTSD and depression. An observational descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 143 IDPs, in Al-Galgala village, Sudan. The data was collected by seven, well-trained individuals over 2 weeks. The PTSD Checklist - Civilian version (PCL-C) scale was used for PTSD symptoms, and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) scale was used for depression symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD and depression symptoms were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV). Descriptive statistics and Binary Logistic Regression analysis were adopted to determine the predictors for PTSD and depression symptoms. A P-value of 0.05 or lower was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was found to be 25% based on DSM-IV symptoms' criteria and that of depression was 62%. Moreover, 23.1% of the participants had comorbid depression and PTSD symptoms. Being female (AOR = 8.434, 95% CI [1.026-69.325]), and having depression increased the risk of developing PTSD (AOR = 45.631, 95% CI [7.125-292.232]). Whereas, being older (40-59 years) (AOR = 6.473, 95% CI [1.054-39.766]) and having PTSD (AOR = 24.736, 95% CI [4.928 -124.169]) increased the risk of developing depression. The estimated prevalence of PTSD and depression among IDPs in Al-Galgala, Sudan was found to be relatively high. This study revealed that depression, gender, occupation, education, and with whom you are currently staying were significantly associated with PTSD. In contrast, factors associated with depression were PTSD, age, and the duration of exposure to the armed conflict. The mental health among IDPs needs to be prioritized by implementing effective programs and providing psychosocial support to civilians residing in post-conflict regions.

A Lost Frontier or a New Gateway to Global Climate Action? The Afghan Leadership and the Revival of Afghanistan’s Mineral Sector

Is Afghanistan a lost frontier? A superficial look might conform to this notion, given the continued state of unrest and instability, rampant hunger, malnutrition, illiteracy and unemployment. In this reflective discourse, however, we highlight a brighter (largely overlooked) aspect: her mineral reserves, estimated at nearly USD 1 trillion, including some of the world’s richest lithium and rare earth elements (REEs), with high market value and critical for global climate combat policymaking ( decarbonisation of infrastructure and attaining the net-zero target). By the same token, here, we offer a bird’s-eye view of the Afghan mineral wealth, with special emphasis on lithium and REE, which, if rightly harnessed, could be an engine of economic growth and national development. In its present state of operations, however, that future seems a distant myth as the Afghan mining/mineral sector is undermined by a web of interlocking systemic barriers, including (a) a totalitarian regime, (b) institutional bottlenecks, (c) a lack of social integration (human rights violation and neoliberal outlook) and (d) a lack of foreign investments. To that end, we reflect on the world experience of nations where mineral resources have become engines of economic growth and national development, which may inspire the present Afghan leadership. Rejuvenating the mining/mineral sector may help the leadership simultaneously advance towards multiple targets: (a) stabilising the economy, (b) meeting multiple UN Sustainable Goals, (c) helping mobilising nation- and peace-building efforts and (d) contributing to global climate action. Collectively, these may help redeem the lost reputation in the eyes of the international community and get rid of the economic sanctions. Here, we offer a vision to the present Afghan leadership to rejuvenate the mineral sector: (a) an enabling business environment ( increased ease of business and security), (b) a unified water-power supply framework ( hydropower development), (c) a participatory ecosystem ( an integrated social-ecological-technological framework) and (d) restricting illicit mineral trade ( enforcing rule of law and equity). To that end, we call for a data revolution to kickstart the systems’ thinking exercise (facilitating research, exploration and mineral processing).

The prevalence and experience of loneliness in persons with cognitive impairment on an Inpatient Geriatric Unit

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults who experience loneliness are at a heightened risk for mortality. There are two distinct types of loneliness: social, in which social interactions and networks are reduced, as can result from social isolation and lack of social integration; and emotional, in which a meaningful attachment bond with another is absent. We examined the prevalence and experience of loneliness in cognitively impaired older adults receiving treatment in a mental healthcare facility.MethodFourteen participants with mild cognitive impairment or mild/moderate dementia (mean MoCA 17, range 12‐22; mean age 76, range 65‐92) completed a demographic survey, DeJong Gierveld 6‐Item Loneliness Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and a semi‐structured interview. Basic thematic analysis was used to extract major themes from the interview data. Differences in the prevalence of loneliness between low (MOCA 18 or greater) and high (MOCA 17 or less) cognitive impairment groups and correlations between cognitive impairment and loneliness were examined.ResultParticipants experienced moderate or severe loneliness (86%), emotional (79%) and social (57%) loneliness. Themes emerging from interviews included limited social networks, lack of connection or social engagement, loss of role, need for meaningful activities, missing families, dependency, and stigma. No significant differences were found in loneliness between low vs. high cognitive impairment groups. Correlational analysis suggested a negative association between social loneliness and cognitive impairment, with individuals with lower cognitive impairment scoring higher on social loneliness (r = , p = ).ConclusionLoneliness is prevalent and multifactorial in individuals with cognitive impairment receiving care in a mental health care facility.

Segregación socioespacial en Machala-Ecuador. Un análisis sobre las desigualdades y los posibles desafíos

This study evaluates socio-spatial segregation in Machala, Ecuador, analyzing socioeconomic and demographic factors that impact the quality of life of residents. It focuses on inequalities in access to basic services, urban dynamics, education, health and employment in different neighborhoods. The findings reveal a majority of young people, aged 10 to 39, with a low level of education, with only 10% having completed university studies. School dropout is mainly attributed to the need for employment. There are significant disparities in access to basic services, housing quality and urban infrastructure. These factors are evidence of segregation in social exclusion and lack of social integration. Machala faces challenges in terms of accessibility to quality services, which impacts the living conditions of residents in vulnerable neighborhoods. The study highlights the need to address these inequalities to ensure a more equitable and inclusive urban development, recommending the implementation of public policies to improve the quality of life and encourage social integration.

College higher education commuter students’ experiences of belonging, mattering and persisting with their studies

ABSTRACT When attending predominately residential universities, commuter students are the minority and typically have poorer outcomes than residential peers. Research demonstrates commuter students identify factors impacting on their persistence and success, include time taken to commute, lack of social integration and a poor sense of belonging. In contrast, most students studying in UK college higher education are commuter students. They are already embedded in local communities, with their family and friends outside of university, and have a different sense of university belonging. Data collected during 13 online focus groups over six months explored college higher education commuter students’ sense of belonging and persistence. Reflexive thematic analysis identified that in contrast to the much-researched notion of belonging being important to students’ persistence, in this group of non-traditional commuter students, the notion of mattering was more important. Students spoke about how college higher education staff, particularly their personal tutors, demonstrated students mattered, and this feeling was reciprocated. Feeling like they mattered helped them to engage with learning and persist with their studies. This paper offers insight for higher education providers with high proportions of commuter students, and recommendations about how providers can foster mattering in their students to develop their persistence and success.

Traumatic brain injury and suicidality among military veterans: The mediating role of social integration

Suicide is a widespread public health concern, including among military Veterans. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and lack of social integration have both been shown to increase risk for suicidality, an outcome that includes, among other suicide-related variables, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide death. Interestingly, TBIs have also been identified as a risk factor for social integration problems. In this cross-sectional study we investigated associations between TBI, social integration, and suicidality. Additionally, mediation analysis was used to test whether social integration mediated the association between TBI and suicidality. A sample of 1469 military Veterans (male, n = 1004, 67.2 %; female, n = 457, 32.3 %; transgender/non-binary/prefer not to say, n = 8, 0.5 %) completed an online survey as part of the Military Health and Well-Being Project. TBI was negatively associated with social integration (r = −0.084, p < .001) and positively with suicidality (r = 0.205, p < .001). Social integration was negatively associated with suicidality (r = −0.161, p < .001). Finally, social integration partially mediated the relationship between TBI and social integration (B = 0.121, 95 % CI [0.031–0.23]). This work shows that in the context of TBI, lack of social integration may promote suicidality. It provides support for many theories of suicide which propose social problems as a risk factor of suicide-related outcomes. It further highlights social integration as potential fodder for novel interventions for suicidality, an approach that would have transtheoretical support.

Suicide in the geriatric population of South East Asia - contexts and attributes

Suicide in the geriatric population is a significant problem. Increasing age, living alone, having a psychiatric illness and medical comorbidities have been identified as risk factors for suicide among the elderly population. The elderly population in South East Asia is rapidly growing and the number of elderly people with mental illness and/or medical comorbidities is also increasing. The factors and attributes of suicide may vary from region to region due to socio-cultural and geographic diversities. Understanding these factors may help in planning suicide prevention strategies for the elderly population. There is a dearth of studies assessing the demography, risk factors for, and prevention of suicide among the elderly population in South East Asia. We tried to observe and explain the challenging paradigms to excerpt attributes and the context of geriatric suicide. It is observed in this review that lack of social integration or interaction along with some psychiatric disorders leads to suicidal ideation and completed suicide in the elderly. South East Asia has unique characteristics in several aspects like religious and cultural diversity, poverty, unemployment, demographic structure of the region, migration, natural disasters and calamities, political environment, poor policy implementation, and easy access to suicide means (e.g. pesticides). Primary care physicians, specialized mental health support, gate-keeper training, means restriction, raising awareness, supportive family environment, and dedicated call centers could be potential areas for suicide prevention among the elderly people of the region. Further studies are warranted to formulate effective suicide prevention strategies.

Social integration: Implications for the association between childhood trauma and stress responsivity.

Childhood trauma is linked to the dysregulation of physiological responses to stress, particularly lower cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to acute stress. The mechanisms that explain this association, however, are not yet fully understood. Using secondary data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Biomarker Project (N = 1,148; n = 652 females), we examine whether social integration can help explain the association between childhood trauma and lower CVR. Participants completed a standardized laboratory stress paradigm which involved completing executive functioning (Stroop) and mental arithmetic (MATH) tasks. Cardiovascular measurements were continuously assessed using electrocardiogram (ECG) and Finometer equipment. The Social Well-Being Scale (Keyes, 1998) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ; Bernstein et al., 2003) measured social integration and trauma, respectively. Regression analyses demonstrated that childhood trauma was associated with lower systolic (SBP; β = -.14, p < .001) and diastolic (DBP; β = -.11, p < .001) blood pressure reactivity but not heart rate (HR) reactivity. Mediation analyses, using Hayes PROCESS Model 4, showed that higher levels of trauma were associated with less social integration and in turn linked to lower reactivity across all biological indices. Moreover, sensitivity analyses showed that this indirect effect via social integration was evident for emotional and physical abuse, emotional and physical neglect, but not sexual abuse. Overall, the results indicated that dysregulated cardiovascular stress responses owing to childhood trauma may be shaped by a lack of social integration. The implications of this, as well as the findings for the individual types of trauma, are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Social Support Networks of Individuals with Depressive Disorders: A Cross-sectional Survey in Former Psychiatric Inpatients in Germany

Depressive disorders are related to social withdrawal and a loss of social contacts. Moreover, a lack of social integration and social support are risk factors for relapse and rehospitalization. Despite the crucial role of social networks for mental health and social support, knowledge about the structure of social networks or how they promote social support in terms of coping with depressive disorders is scarce. The present study aims to analyze social support in people with depressive disorders using ego-centered social network analysis for formal description. Ninety-seven former psychiatric inpatients participated in the study. Network size and density, a small number of conflicts in the relationships of ego to alters, and the multiplexity of social support dimensions were associated with perceived social support—measured via Social Support Questionnaire (F-Soz-U-K-14). Considering relational ratios which correlated with perceived social support, five types of social support networks were differentiated by means of cluster analysis: (1) no social support, (2) professionally supported birth family, (3) the more the merrier, (4) concentrated support, (5) overchallenged nuclear family. More than each relational characteristic on its own, their co-occurring patterns as network types provide the very structures of social support. This underpins the crucial role of structural approaches and networking skills in social work practice. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00011561. Trial registration date: 10. March 2017.

Examining Erasmus student social integration at two Croatian universities

Numerous students participate in and reap the documented benefits of the Erasmus+ European exchange programme. However, one of the main issues regarding the mobility is the incoming Erasmus students’ lack of social integration with host university students. This research explores the reasons behind Erasmus students’ low social integration at two small-sized universities of applied sciences in Croatia. Twenty-five Erasmus students described their relationship development with domestic Croatian students, online communication patterns, and experience with two pre-defined integration strategies. Semi-structured interview findings and thematic analysis suggest that most incoming Erasmus students were highly satisfied with their Erasmus mobility experience; however, the majority demonstrated low social integration with Croatian students. Further, the strong and vastly spread Erasmus student community shapes student expectations regarding their social life prior to mobility. Through the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) students form online connections and quickly develop relationships with other international students, an activity that potentially hinders social integration with Croatian students. This study incorporates Kim’s (2001) cross-cultural adaptation theory and extends her host social communication concept by discussing the integral role that pre-departure online communication plays in the social integration process.

Rethinking political PR: A theoretical framework towards supporting social integration in the UK

Political, social and demographic change has resulted in a search for new techniques for building public trust and reconciling relationships between the Muslim community and others in society. In this study, extremism and social cohesion have been chosen as potential new aims for the PR industry. This study assesses whether political PR can be diverted from its role in spin doctoring towards new cultural and social functions. My argument is that political PR can be used as a tool for social integration with particular reference to the Muslim community in the UK. This research distinguishes between two issues. The first connects with political PR within a political communication background, which relates to politicians, election campaigns, news management and their relationship with the media. The second issue is that political PR can be reconsidered from a corporate perspective, one that endorses the use of PR in challenging political environments. My study places emphasis on the second issue. A sample of seven UK PR academics, therefore, evaluated the current communication policies for their effectiveness, explained how political PR could help and gave their recommendations. Seven NGOs in Britain also described their work, the problems they encountered and their concerns. A lack of social integration and the rise of extremism were explained in terms of stereotyping, marginalisation and counterproductive techniques. The results suggest that a change in political PR is possible and should be encouraged to intervene in countering radicalization and enhancing social cohesion. They also show a lack of PR support for NGOs. The findings broadly move the field of inclusivity forward by working on a bottom-up approach instead of a top-down model of communication. The best answer for sustaining long-term community relationships was improved communication and engagement, inclusive messages and campaigns, and the Muslim community remaining open to others in society.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Physical Education: Mobility-Restrictive Measures on the Remote Learning Setup

The remote learning setup engendered numerous disadvantages to both learner and educator. Mental health, accessibility affected by one’s socioeconomic classification, availability of technological apparatuses, and lack of social integration are some of the reported disadvantages caused by remote learning. The effects are far more notable in subjects that demand physical activities given that several prerequisites must be accessible to the learner for him/her to successfully participate. To specifically assess the impact of this new normal in physical education, a specific course offering in University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Human Kinetics 12: Walking for Fitness, is examined through a quantitative study involving students who were enrolled. Surveys and other statistical tools are utilized to yield accurate data about the impact of mobility-restrictive measures to the perception and performance of the students. The findings of this study revealed what they feel about the quarantines and lockdowns have a negative effect to their perception and performance in HK12: Walking for Fitness. Besides the fact that the policies are meant to restrict mobility and that HK12: Walking for Fitness requires mobility, it must also be considered that the First Semester, A.Y. 2020-2021 is the first semester of the university to observe remote learning. Even though the study did not capture such behavior, it must be noted that the drastic shift to online classes made it difficult to students to cope with the new normal in education.

The State against the Rohingya: Root Causes of the Expulsion of Rohingya from Myanmar

ABSTRACT The Rohingya crisis of Myanmar is a longstanding geopolitical predicament that has remained unresolved for 42 years, since 1978. Many of the stateless, and now stranded, Rohingya have been driven out of Myanmar to take refuge in other countries or forced to live in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps within the state of Rakhine. ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) attacks became an automatic excuse for genocidal activities against Rohingyas at the hands of the Myanmar government. ARSA attacks and communal violence in Rakhine both served the Myanmar government’s objective, providing justification for acts of violent retaliation. This paper examines root causes of Rohingya exile and displacement. The researcher collected data from 20 expert participants in Bangladesh and 71 displaced Rohingya victims living in the Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camp within Bangladesh. These data indicate the interaction of various factors, including historical legacy of conflict, religious dissension, racism, lack of social integration of Rohingyas into the mainstream Burmese community, geo-economic factors, discriminatory state policy and conflict politics of ARSA, all of which contribute to what has become the Rohingya crisis. The paper discusses theoretical and practical implications of these interacting influences.

Risk and Protective Factors regarding Child Neglect: Differences among Immigrant and Italian Parents

ABSTRACT Risk and protective factors regarding child neglect and maltreatment among immigrant families as well as families who live in their native country are widely studied. However, differences in risk and protective factors for child neglect among immigrant parents and Italian ones living in Italy have been less studied. The aim of this study is to investigate eventual differences, in cases of child neglect, between risk and protective factors in Italian and immigrant parents. This study uses retrospective data and included 141 mothers (70 immigrants and 71 Italians) and 130 fathers (61 immigrants and 69 Italians). The data for this study was attained through the submission of the Risk and Protective Factors Protocol. Italian and immigrant fathers and mothers had different combinations of these factors for child neglect. In particular immigrant mothers are more represented by risk factors such as chronic poverty, lack of social integration, distrust of social rules and institutions, approval of corporal punishments as educational practice and social deviance were the most common risk factors, whereas among Italian mothers, risk factors such as separation anxiety, and child physical disease, and disorder at birth were more common. Furthermore, immigrant fathers were more likely to approve of corporal punishment as educational practice, whereas Italian fathers were more likely to exhibit the proximal risk factor compensation syndrome.

Building Community in an Online Doctoral Program

Despite an increasing number of individuals completing doctoral degrees from earlier years, approximately 50% of students who begin a program never complete their degree. Attrition rates for students enrolled in online doctoral programs are higher than students who attend courses in a face-to-face setting. Research has identified that the lack of social integration is one of the key components associated with high student attrition rates in doctoral programs. Creating and maintaining positive student-faculty and student-student relationships are essential factors in doctoral persistence. As the popularity and demand for online doctoral programs increases, student retention and completion rates decrease. The literature suggests that the physical disconnect experienced by students, as well as the challenges of building relationships with faculty and peers, are contributing factors to the high rates of attrition in online doctoral programs. To that end, this study sought to determine how an institution can build relationship and community in a fully online doctoral program.

A Critical Look at the Concept of Addiction in DSM-5 and ICD-11

The article begins by providing an overview of the conceptual roots of addiction as a disorder as described in DSM-5 and ICD-11. The underlying organ-pathological perspective is then criticized and an alternative social-science perspective is presented: The “dependence syndrome” defines addiction independently of the cultural, socio-demographic and situational context. States of inebriation are reduced to the effects of substances described in pharmacological terms. Diagnoses are based on only a few abstract criteria. The biography of the person affected is not taken into account; neither are the severity of the disorder (e.g. quantity and frequency of consumption or activity), sociodemographic characteristics or defense structure. The core concept of “impaired control” is a metaphor: The individual’s hierarchically structured ability to control her addictive behavior is not clarified. Neurobiological models contain overgeneralizations and speculative connections between brain processes and addictive behavior. One aspect which remains unconsidered is that addiction is primarily social. Addiction is rooted in a continuing lack of social integration and requires a wide range of inebriation-specific incentives. Addictive behavior can be seen as a purposeful coping mechanism for excessive burdens. In order to overcome an addiction, the sufferer’s autonomy needs to be strengthened in order to ensure the regeneration of physical health, individual competences and interpersonal relationships. This requires the cooperation of the relevant professional groups.

On beauty and human encounter as an alternative to tolerance in the quest for societal change in South Africa

Division, rather than unity, still appears to characterise contemporary South African society despite the many attempts and strategies aimed at “transformation”. A call for tolerance is often presented as the panacea for our divided nation. However, the concept of tolerance falls short in addressing lack of social integration and facilitating true change. Not only do the proponents of “tolerance” openly admit to its unsuitability in addressing issues of racism, but the concept itself is problematic in terms of its implementation. This article suggests that deep and lasting change can more effectively be achieved through the facilitation of spaces which allow for an encounter with the humanity of the “other”. I reflect on student responses to such an encounter, which appear to have much in common with the human responses to beauty as described by Elaine Scarry in her piece entitled “On Beauty and Being Just”. The analogy is reflected in a number of similarities noted – including the desire to replicate or recreate the encounter, the feeling of having been awakened to a fresh experience of the world, a sense of conviction regarding future action and an awareness of previous error in judgement. Similarly, such encounters appear to engender a “radical decentring” which encompasses a change in one’s state of consciousness, moving one from a limiting subjectivity to a spontaneous focus on the interests of the other. In light of these correlations, I argue that such encounters hold much potential to effect change in our society.

The role of vulnerable environments in support for homegrown terrorism: Fieldwork using the 3N model.

The 3N model of radicalization proposes that violent radicalization is the result of the contribution of needs, networks, and narratives. Although research has mainly been supportive of this perspective, a substantial amount of ground remains uncovered regarding the network component of the model. Within this framework, we examine why individuals living in certain social environments tend to harbor more positive attitudes toward homegrown terrorism than others. Building on prior research, we hypothesized that individuals living in social environments known to be vulnerable (vs. less vulnerable) are more likely to experience a sense of significance loss (i.e., lack of social integration, perceived conflicts between religious groups), find solace in religious social networks (i.e., mosques), and thus adhere to radical narratives (i.e., legitimization of terrorism). A study with 365 young Muslims from different cities in Spain (Almería, Barcelona, Ceuta, and Melilla)supported these predictions. Theoretical and practical implications for the study of violent extremism are discussed.

Association of social relationships with incident cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality

ObjectiveTo examine how different aspects of social relationships are associated with incident cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.MethodsIn 4139 participants from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study without previous cardiovascular disease...