Life Transitions Research Articles

Estuaries House Earth’s oldest known non-marine eukaryotes

Some of the oldest postulated non-marine eukaryotic microfossils occur in the 1.1–1.0 Ga Poll a’Mhuillt, Loch na Dal, and Diabaig formations in NW Scotland. These sedimentary strata have traditionally been interpreted as lacustrine. Here we report new trace element, sulfur isotope and metal abundance data and sedimentological observations for the latter two units. The geochemical data imply low salinity, oxic conditions whereas sedimentological features indicate marine tide and storm processes. Interpreting their depositional settings as estuaries, rather than lakes, with seawater-freshwater mixing fronts reconciles the contrasting datasets. Thus, whist these microbial habitats likely experienced frequent seawater input, they appear to have experienced the lowest salinity conditions of all known in situ fossil assemblages in the Precambrian. The Torridonian may in fact be representative of the low-salinity habitats predicted for ancestral eukaryotes based on phylogenetic reconstructions. Estuarine settings with gradients in water chemistry over space and time may have facilitated the transition of eukaryotic life from land to sea.

An analysis of Psychological Issues during Menopause and its integrative management

Menopause is indeed a normal physiological stage in a woman's life, typically occurring in the late 40s to early 50s, although the exact timing can vary from person to person. This transitional phase is frequently associated with a spectrum of physical, mental and cognitive symptoms. During the menopausal transition, many women commonly encounter physical symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular menstruation, sleep disturbances, depletion of bone health, weight gain and a decrease in sexual desire. Additionally, this phase can contribute to fluctuating hormone levels which can precipitate mental issues like mood swings, anger and irritability, heightened anxiety, loss of self-esteem, loss of confidence, low mood and feelings of sadness or depression. Memory and cognitive changes like forgetfulness and difficulty in concentration are often reported during menopause, sometimes referred to as "brain fog" or "menopausal cognitive impairment." For some, these symptoms serve as early indicators of the onset of this life transition. Integrative management of mental health problems during menopause involves a holistic approach that combines conventional medical treatments with complementary and alternative therapies to address both the physical and emotional aspects of menopausal symptoms. It includes stress reduction techniques, lifestyle modifications, counselling and psychotherapy, dietary supplements, internal- external medications and regular health care check-ups. Many women consider menopause as inherently a negative experience as it comes with various challenges and symptoms. Seeking medical advice and support can help women navigate this transition more smoothly and positively.

Building resilience of agricultural workers in the agrifood system in a post COVID-19 Era in Africa

In many economies in Africa, agriculture is the backbone for the economy. Additionally, it contributes significantly to the employment of many citizens in Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic affected various sectors across the world ranging from economically, socially, and physically. COVID-19 impacted agriculture and the work life of many agricultural workers in Africa. The effects of COVID-19 in African agriculture, calls for reengineering of the future and work life for agriculture workers in a post COVID-19 era. Agricultural workers are the drivers of agriculture, they are classified into various categories ranging from farmers, extension service providers, agribusiness development providers, among others. This paper through a theoretical review of thematic literature highlights how COVID-19 impacted on agricultural workers and agriculture in Africa. It also provides solutions towards the re-engineering of work life for agricultural workers in a post COVID-19 era. Reconstructing of work life in a post COVID- 19 era is key to job creation and a food secure continent. This results in an active workforce and other economic sectors working well and a thriving continent. The paper entails findings that farmers, agribusiness service providers and governments in Africa will find useful to ensure sustainable agriculture in Africa. Agricultural service providers, local and international organizations in the agriculture space will use the findings to design interventions that will enable smooth transition in the work life in a post COVID-19 era leading to a thriving agriculture landscape in Africa.

A longitudinal perspective of the change in personal growth in the transition to motherhood and predicting factors.

During the transition to motherhood, women may experience personal growth, especially when they are exposed to a traumatic stressor such as a global pandemic. However, few studies have employed a longitudinal design to examine the change in personal growth over time during this period. Based on the Personal Growth following Life Crisis and Transitions model, we explored the trajectory of personal growth and the factors that may predict it: COVID-19-related anxiety, maternal-fetal bonding, and dispositional gratitude. Perceived relationship quality with the partner was used as a predictor of growth in each study wave. The sample consisted of 388 women with diverse sociodemographic backgrounds, who were recruited through social media and completed self-report questionnaires in three phases: the second half of their pregnancy, 3 months after the birth of their first child, and 3 months later. A linear increase in personal growth was found from pregnancy until after childbirth. Higher COVID-19-related anxiety and maternal-fetal bonding predicted higher initial personal growth, but lower change over time. Higher gratitude predicted higher initial levels of personal growth, but not the change over time. Relationship quality with the partner predicted personal growth 3 and 6 months after childbirth, but not during pregnancy. Personal growth measured at a single point in time and the change in personal growth over time are distinct phenomena predicted by different variables. Variables related to higher initial levels of growth appear to predict less change over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Being adult children of late‐life divorced parents in Israel: A dyadic/familial perspective

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, the researchers examined adult children's experience during and after their parents' late‐life divorce. The study applies a familial/dyadic perspective. Family systems theory is used heuristically.BackgroundLate‐life divorce is rising due to increased social legitimacy of divorce and life‐expectancy. As parents age, their adult children become more involved in their parents' lives. Accordingly, adult children are expected to fulfill roles in their parents' life transitions such as late‐life divorce. However, adult children's experiences regarding their parents late‐life divorce is not as available in previous studies, especially from a dyadic/familial perspective.MethodSemistructured in‐depth qualitative‐interviews were conducted separately with 51 participants (28 adult children, 23 parents) composed of seven family units (n = 33) and nine parent–child‐dyads (n = 18). Thematic analysis and dyadic interview analysis were used.ResultsDuring the divorce, adult children experienced meaningful roles supporting their parents, mediating between them, or pushing them to finalize the divorce. Some avoided involvement. Parents described roles they assigned to their adult children and their consequences. After divorce, adult children continued supporting their parents, experiencing role reversal earlier than expected. Their new roles included relieving loneliness and worry and providing care.ConclusionThe roles adult children experience reveals unique challenges for adult‐child–parent relationships after parents' late‐life divorce, influencing the family system.ImplicationsConceptualizing adult children's roles and the implications for family systems contributes to theoretical knowledge. Family counselors should provide families with relevant tools to deal with these consequences. Policy makers and training programs for family therapy should address the consequences of late‐life divorce.

After Being Granted or Refused Asylum in Norway: Relational Migration Journeys among Afghan Unaccompanied Young Men

This article considers experiences of moving and dwelling in Europe among Afghan unaccompanied young men in the context of stringent migration, asylum, and settlement processes. The young men embarked as minors and arrived unaccompanied in Norway. There, their claims for asylum had radically different outcomes: some were granted international protection and others were refused asylum. The article sheds light on forms of relationality on migration journeys by focusing on relational selves and subjectivities regarding trajectories, processes of inclusion and exclusion, and family. Participants shared numerous challenges and struggles arising from their journeys, but also possibilities and transformations taking place alongside developmental changes and life transitions. While some attached meaning to experienced hardships and drew on a sense of direction, others spoke of exhaustion or inoculated themselves from an inability to pursue a direction they desired and saw as necessary for their lives. They made sense of their experiences relationally, relating to hopes and fears, idealised and longed for kinship ties and care, and the ongoing processes and positionings involved in shaping their present situations and imaginings of the future.

The Role of Age, University Attendance and Other Demographic Factors in Experiencing Emerging Adulthood

There is an ongoing debate about the importance of university attendance, age, life transitions and other demographic factors on experiencing the emerging adulthood. The present study aims to explore the effect of demographics (age, college attendance, subjective economic status, financial independence, living conditions, relationship status or having a child) on the emerging adulthood. Slovak adults ( N = 800), between 18 to 29 years old, reported their demographics and completed the Inventory of dimensions of emerging adulthood. The results showed slight differences between those who attended university and those who did not - mainly in experimentation, however, both groups experienced the features of emerging adulthood. Age makes a greater difference, which might be connected to parenthood, relationship status and living conditions.

Biographical continuation: recovery of stroke survivors and their family caregivers in Taiwan.

To explore the experiences pertaining to long-term care services from the perspectives of dyads of stroke survivors and their family caregivers in indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Stroke occurrence is a life-changing event associated with quality of life for stroke survivors and their families, especially those who provide primary support. Indigenous people are more likely to experience a stroke at a younger age and have a higher likelihood of hospitalisation and death due to health disparities. Few studies have investigated family dyads or indigenous populations to understand their experiences of coping with changed body-self and to contextualise their reintegration into communities post-stroke. Ethnographic fieldwork over nine months in 2018-2019 with indigenous, urban-based, and non-indigenous populations, resulting in 48 observations and 24 interviews with 12 dyads in three geo-administrative communities. The post-stroke recovery trajectory is illuminated, delineating the dyads' life transitions from biographical disruption to biographical continuation. The trajectory is shaped by seven states involving four mindsets and three status passages. The four mindsets are sense of loss and worry, sense of interdependence, sense of independence, and wellbeing state. The status passages identified in this study are acceptance, alteration, and identification. A community-based and family-centred long-term care system, aligning with medical healthcare and community resources, underpinned each dyad's biographical continuation by: (1) providing rehabilitation that afforded time and space for recovery adaptation; (2) acknowledging the individuality of family caregivers and helping to alleviate their multitasking; and (3) reintegrating stroke survivors into their communities. Key to determining the quality of recovery for the indigenous participants was their reintegration into their native community and regaining of identity. Therefore, integrating post-stroke care into various care contexts and incorporating indigenous-specific needs into policymaking can support dyads in adapting to their communities.

Changes in Young People’s Media Repertoires. Longitudinal Insights from a Communicative Figurational Approach

Young people use digital media for various purposes, such as communication, entertainment, and information. As they grow up, their media repertoires become more complex and diverse. This article examines these media repertoires in more detail, considering the dynamic changes in individual development, social circumstances, and deep mediatization. Using semi-structured interviews with young people and one parent each, as well as a media-actor mapping, the study reveals significant changes in the composition and function of media repertoires from late childhood to early and middle adolescence. Drawing on the theoretical background of communicative figurations, it highlights changes in media ensembles, actor constellations, frames of relevance, and communicative practices. Besides changes in media repertoires for coping with developmental tasks and individual transitions in life, social factors such as the role of family and peers are considered. The empirical findings also point to the added value of qualitative longitudinal data which allows for a comprehensive examination of the complexity of changing media repertoires within a deeply mediatized society and a rapidly evolving media environment.

Life course, life transition and psychological transmutation in changing times: Oral history and collective memory of the sociologists of the “Educated Youth” generation

Life course, life transition and psychological transmutation in changing times: Oral history and collective memory of the sociologists of the “Educated Youth” generation

Evaluation of a codesigned group cognitive–behavioural therapy intervention for trans young people (TAG TEAM): protocol for a feasibility trial and a subsequent pilot RCT

IntroductionTrans young people are at a higher risk of mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety and suicidality than their cisgender peers, due in part to their experiences of minority...

Identifying and synthesizing components of perinatal mental health peer support - a systematic review.

Becoming a parent, while often perceived as a joyous event, can also be a vulnerable life transition, with approximately one in five mothers experiencing perinatal mental illness. Peer support is recommended for its preventive and therapeutic benefits. However, relevant program components of perinatal mental health peer support remain to be identified. This review aims to (1) identify peer support programs in perinatal mental health through existing reviews and to (2) synthesize the components of these programs. A systematic literature review guided by PRISMA was conducted searching four databases, supplemented by hand searches. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist facilitated the systematic extraction and synthesis of program components. Eleven peer support programs were identified from three reviews, largely conducted in English-speaking countries. The identified reviews highlight the benefits of peer support in perinatal mental health. Key components of individual programs were contextual background, materials, provider training and support, delivery modes and locations, and evaluation. Sharing lived experience and providing flexible support were central to all programs. Aspects of flexibility, authenticity and the challenges of program evaluation in peer support must be considered. Findings can now inform future planning and implementation efforts of peer support programs in periantal mental health.

Does sleep link child maltreatment to depressive symptoms among incoming first-year college students?

We examined whether sleep (i.e. quality, regularity, and duration) mediated associations between child maltreatment (CM) and depressive symptoms among emerging adults undergoing the major life transition of starting college. Students (N = 1400; 44% male; 48% non-Hispanic white, 20% non-Hispanic Asian, 15% Hispanic all races, 7% non-Hispanic black, and 10% non-Hispanic other races) completed daily sleep diaries for 9 weeks, followed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). DSD data were used to compute participants' Sleep Regularity Index and average 24-hour total sleep time. We used a nonparametric structural equation modeling bootstrap approach and full information maximum likelihood to account for missing data. In model 1, we controlled for sex and race and ethnicity. In model 2, we further adjusted for baseline CES-D scores. The prevalence of self-reported moderate-to-severe CM was 22%. Small but significant indirect effects of CM on greater depressive symptoms through worse sleep quality (β = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.09) and lower sleep regularity (β = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.03) were observed in model 1. In model 2, only the indirect effect of sleep quality remained significant (β = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.06). Poorer sleep quality may partially account for associations between CM and depressive symptoms during the first semester of college. Including sleep as a target in student health interventions on college campuses may not only help buffer against poor mental health outcomes for students with CM, but also poor academic and socioeconomic outcomes long-term.

النزاع الليبي المسلح وتداعياته - مقاربة سوسيولوجية

The research dealt with the problem of the armed conflict, and its impact on the Libyan society, in terms of studying the concept of armed conflict and its social and human repercussions in civil life and in terms of demographic and life transition. This research will also focus on the national responsibility to reduce armed conflicts, and how it is possible to advance society in the post-armed conflict stage, re-development, and reconstruction, and address all repercussions at the general level, as most Libyan cities witnessed the consequences of armed conflicts, including devastation, destruction, killing, and forced demographic movement. Not to mention the many negative results, such as the increase in cases of violence and terror among the various human groups, which requires the adoption of social programs and policies. In order to achieve an end to conflicts and achieve stability, and to reach sustainable solutions that address the armed conflict and reduce its societal repercussions.

The energetics of cellular life transitions.

Major life transitions are always difficult because change costs energy. Recent findings have demonstrated how mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) defects increase the energetic cost of living, and that excessive integrated stress response (ISR) signaling may prevent cellular identity transitions during development. In this perspective, we discuss general bioenergetic principles of life transitions and the costly molecular processes involved in reprograming the cellular hardware/software as cells shift identity. The energetic cost of cellular differentiation has not been directly quantified, representing a gap in knowledge. We propose that the ISR is an energetic checkpoint evolved to i) prevent OxPhos-deficient cells from engaging in excessively costly transitions, and ii) allow ISR-positive cells to recruit systemic energetic resources by signaling via the brain.

Smartphone use during the perinatal period: Findings from a longitudinal study with first-time parents

Becoming a parent is a complex life transition involving many adaptations in psychological functioning. To date, we know little about how couples use smartphones during their transition to parenthood. This study examined changes in different aspects of parental smartphone use and associations with specific parental and infant characteristics in the perinatal period.Ninety-five first-time parents completed questionnaires at three time points: during the last trimester of pregnancy, at 1.5–2 months, and at 3–4 months after birth. We assessed parents’ daily smartphone usage time, feelings of immersion during smartphone use, smartphone addiction, and interruptions in social interactions caused by smartphone use. Linear mixed models served to test changes in smartphone use and associations with parental impulsivity, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and with infant temperament.Whereas parents’ daily smartphone usage time remained similar, feelings of immersion during smartphone use decreased over the perinatal period. After birth, higher levels of parental impulsivity and anxiety as well as a more difficult infant temperament predicted higher levels of smartphone addiction. A more difficult infant temperament was associated with higher levels of immersion during smartphone use.Our study provides, for the first time, systematic and longitudinal evidence on parental smartphone use during the perinatal period. Results suggest that more impulsive and anxious parents and parents with infants who are experienced as more difficult are at risk for more problematic smartphone use during this life transition.

COMBINATIONS AND SEQUENCES OF LIFE TRANSITIONS DURING A 10 YEAR PERIOD AROUND RETIREMENT AGE

Abstract Our lives can be characterized as periods of stability, alternating with events that bring about change of both practical and psychological nature which require some life adjustment. The scope and depth of such life transitions are related to the kind of event, but also to whether it is perceived as positive or negative, occurs together with other events, addresses an entirely new topic or something that is biographically familiar, comes after a long period of stability or if it is an event in a chain of events occurring shortly after one another. Applying a quantitative approach to qualitative interview data from the Swedish German HoT-age project (N=50; mean age=69; 50% men), life transitions were analysed by means of sequential and configural frequency analysis. During an approximate 10-year period around retirement age, the participants experienced in average 3.7 life transitions and 24% of them more than five. Fifteen different kinds of transitions (retirement, relocation, divorce/separation, new partner, chronic illness etc) were recorded. Besides retirement experienced by almost all (96%), relocation (66%), becoming a grandparent (40%) and chronic illness (40%) were most frequent. The transitions significantly more often (p=0.041) occurring in combination were retirement and relocation. Those who had experienced chronic illness often had a sequence of several events preceding the illness recorded as a transition. Those who found a new partner often had a sequence of events after that. Large variation in sequences and distances between events were found. This study contributes with new knowledge on life transitions around retirement age.

TRANSITION AND STABILITY OF PLACE AND AGING IN LATER LIFE: HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXTS

Abstract Transition and stability in housing and neighborhood contexts reflect both, a central field of research and policies on place and aging for health and well-being in later life. Studies have demonstrated effects of improving the physical environment, particularly with respect to specific needs, such as for people living with dementia. Moreover, relationships between perceived housing and health and well-being on the one hand and life transitions and health and well-being on the other hand have been addressed. However, research on complex interactions of place and transitions in later life is scarce. This symposium aims to address the dynamic relationship between transition and stability of place and aging in later life in relation to indicators of good ageing. The first contribution by Eriksson and colleagues presents quantitative results on the relationships between perceived housing and changes in health and well-being over time among community-dwelling Swedish older adults. Second, Kylén and colleagues present quantitative data describing which housing preferences are most important when considering relocation in older age. The third contribution by Slaug and colleagues uses a quantitative approach to qualitative interview data from Sweden and Germany, analyzing sequences of and relationships between life transitions over 10 years. Fourth, Chaudhury and colleagues show data that aims to identify spatial and temporal patterns in activities undertaken outside home by people living with dementia, and ways in which the neighborhood-built environment affects their outdoor mobility and social participation. Finally, Malcom P. Cutchin will serve as the session’s discussant.

“YOU BECOME LESS OF A PERSON”: BEING UNNEEDED AND THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF LONELINESS IN LATER LIFE

Abstract Loneliness is a significant public health concern among older persons and refers to the discrepancy between actual and desired forms of social connection. Loneliness is often characterized in terms of (i) lacking companionship, (ii) being left out and (iii) feeling isolated. In comparison, older persons’ experience of being unneeded is relatively underexamined as a construct of loneliness. Being unneeded connects to constrains in attaining social recognition and underpins the complex dynamics of social exchange practices. This study explores the relationship between being unneeded and loneliness in later life, focusing on the impact on one’s identity and ability to form connections with others. We conducted in-depth interviews with 44 older persons in Singapore with varying experiences of loneliness. Using a life-course perspective, participants narrated their experiences of loneliness across domains of family, friendships, work, and community. Loneliness, attributed to being unneeded, features more prominently in later life and pertains to perceived limited personal mastery, negative ageing perceptions, role-loss, life transitions and declines in health. Experiences of being unneeded is embedded in older persons’ beliefs that their self-worth and social recognition is tied to individual strive and diligence– an ideology of meritocracy that has been perpetuated by the Singapore state. Studies have shown how beliefs in meritocracy are associated with lowered likelihood of loneliness among older persons. The Singapore story indicates otherwise – loneliness prevails when older persons with declining resources struggle to find a place in a society which accords worth and recognition to one’s productivity and contribution to the nation.

SURROGATE HEALTH INFORMATION-SEEKING FOR OLDER ADULTS: INTERGENERATIONAL SUPPORT IN LIFE TRANSITION CONTEXTS

Abstract Due to a lack of experience with technology, many older Chinese rely on their younger family members to search for online health information. This study draws on life transition theory to explore the impact of family-bonded intergenerational support on surrogate health information-seeking (SHIS) during COVID-19. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 28 participants (Mean=32.45, SD=2.36) who had SHIS experiences with their older family members. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The results suggested that intergenerational support in SHIS during COVID-19 included: (1) provision of preventive and diagnostic health information, (2) provision of information on epidemic prevention policies and consultation, (3) guidance on the use of social media and Internet applications for older adults, and (4) communication of emotional support and hedonic information on daily life. Furthermore, intergenerational support in SHIS helps to promote reconstructed health information practices of older adults in life transitions and refine elders’ meaning-making.