Literacy Program Research Articles

Mental Health Literacy and School Behavioral Health: Introduction to the Special Issue

ABSTRACT Background Mental health literacy is a promising approach to meeting the growing behavioral health needs of youth, and schools offer an ideal setting for this work. Purpose In the introduction to this special issue, we provide an overview of mental health literacy and discuss the connection between mental health literacy and school behavioral health. Methods Literature on mental health literacy and research on school mental health literacy programs are synthesized, followed by an overview of the six papers included in this issue. Results The key components of mental health literacy are defined and contextualized alongside the importance of mental health literacy for promoting well-being. A brief history of research on mental health literacy programs is provided, noting the growth in application to school settings. Discussion Connections between mental health literacy and school behavioral health are discussed, highlighting opportunities for integration with schools’ multi-tiered systems of support. Translation to Health Education Practice This introduction concludes with a discussion of implications for aligning mental health literacy with Health Education.

Unveiling Practical Insights: An Assessment of Media Influence on Tertiary Students' Perceptions of Crime and Criminals in Jigawa State

This study examines the influence of media on tertiary students' perceptions of crime and criminals in Jigawa State, Nigeria. With the rise in media consumption, particularly of crime-related content, there is growing concern about its potential to distort reality and elevate fear of crime among young adults. Utilizing Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory as a framework, this research explores how different media types impact students' understanding of crime, including television, social media, and news outlets. A mixed-method approach was used, combining surveys and focus group discussions with students across various institutions. The results indicate a significant correlation between high media consumption and exaggerated crime perception. Findings further reveal that students frequently exposed to sensational crime stories report heightened fear and misconceptions about criminal activity. These insights underscore the need for media literacy programs and balanced crime reporting to mitigate the influence of media on students' perceptions of crime.

The Impact of Comment Slant and Comment Tone on Digital Health Communication Among Polarized Publics: A Web-Based Survey Experiment.

Public attitudes toward health issues are becoming increasingly polarized, as seen in social media comments, which vary from supportive to oppositional and frequently include uncivil language. The combined effects of comment slant and comment tone on health behavior among a polarized public need further examination. This study aims to examine how social media users' prior attitudes toward mask wearing and their exposure to a mask-wearing-promoting post, synchronized with polarized and hostile discussions, affect their compliance with mask wearing. The study was a web-based survey experiment with participants recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk. A total of 522 participants provided consent and completed the study. Participants were assigned to read a fictitious mask-wearing-promoting social media post with either civil anti-mask-wearing comments (130/522, 24.9%), civil pro-mask-wearing comments (129/522, 24.7%), uncivil anti-mask-wearing comments (131/522, 25.1%), or uncivil pro-mask-wearing comments (132/522, 25.3%). Following this, the participants were asked to complete self-assessed questionnaires. The PROCESS macro in SPSS (model 12; IBM Corp) was used to test the 3-way interaction effects between comment slant, comment tone, and prior attitudes on participants' presumed influence from the post and their behavioral intention to comply with mask-wearing. Anti-mask-wearing comments led social media users to presume less influence about others' acceptance of masks (B=1.49; P<.001; 95% CI 0.98-2.00) and resulted in decreased mask-wearing intention (B=0.07; P=.03; 95% CI 0.01-0.13). Comment tone with incivility also reduced compliance with mask-wearing (B=-0.44; P=.02; 95% CI -0.81 to -0.07). Furthermore, polarized attitudes had a direct impact (B=0.86; P<.001; 95% CI 0.45-1.26) and also interacted with both the slant and tone of comments, influencing mask-wearing intention. Pro-mask-wearing comments enhanced presumed influence and compliance of mask-wearing, but incivility in the comments hindered this positive impact. Antimaskers showed increased compliance when they were unable to find civil support for their opinion in the social media environment. The findings suggest the need to correct and moderate uncivil language and misleading information in online comment sections while encouraging the posting of supportive and civil comments. In addition, information literacy programs are needed to prevent the public from being misled by polarized comments.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Approach in Improving Students' Literacy Skills through the 15-Minute Literacy Program at Primary School

This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach in improving students' literacy skills through a 15-minute literacy program. This approach is based on grouping students according to their ability levels, allowing teaching strategies to be tailored to students' needs. The method used in this study is descriptive with a qualitative approach, where data is collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Students are grouped based on their reading abilities: beginner, letters, words, paragraphs, and stories. The instruments used in this study are initial diagnostic and developmental tests conducted orally at the beginning and during the research process. These tests measure the overall development of students' reading skills over time. Data analysis is conducted to evaluate students' engagement and their responses to short but intensive literacy activities. The results indicate a significant improvement in students' literacy skills at all reading ability levels, both in comprehension and reading fluency. This improvement suggests that the TaRL approach can effectively enhance elementary school literacy skills. This research is expected to significantly contribute to developing more effective literacy strategies in elementary schools to optimize short yet effective learning time.

Transforming Summer Literacy: How Innovative Programs Cultivate a Passion for Reading and Stronger Student Connections

This study examines the perspectives of children enrolled in a six-week summer literacy program and its impact on their attitudes toward books and reading. Specifically, the research aimed to explore how culturally relevant pedagogy and engaging literacy activities influenced children’s motivation to read by addressing the following two research questions: What are participants’ perspectives on the benefits of a summer literacy program? and What are participants’ perspectives on reading and books after immersion in a summer literacy program? The sample consisted of 21 children in grades 1–6. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and open-ended questions, the study investigated participants’ perceptions of the program’s content, structure, and the quality of relationships with instructors and peers. The research focused on how the use of culturally relevant literature and enrichment activities shaped children's reading experiences and the role of child-staff relationships in fostering engagement. Outcomes revealed that the program's diverse literature, coupled with interactive activities, significantly contributed to cultivating a passion for reading. A supportive, nontraditional learning environment and positive relationships between children and staff further enhanced participants’ perceptions of reading and learning. This study highlights the effectiveness of innovative summer literacy programs in fostering a love for reading and strengthening student engagement.

The Influence of Financial Inclusion and Financial Technology on the Intention to Use Online Loans: Financial Behavior as an Intervening Variable

This study investigates the influence of financial inclusion and financial technology (fintech) on the intention to use online loans, with financial behavior acting as an intervening variable. In light of the increasing popularity of online loans and the concerns around consumer financial behavior, the research explores how enhanced access to financial services and fintech platforms impacts users' financial decisions. Using a quantitative design, the study collected data from 150 teachers in Malang Regency through questionnaires and applied path analysis using SPSS 23 to examine the relationships between variables. The results indicate that financial inclusion and fintech significantly improve financial behavior, which, in turn, positively affects the intention to use online loans. The study’s novelty lies in its identification of financial behavior as a key mediator, offering a new model to explain how financial inclusion and fintech shape online loan usage. The findings are particularly valuable for policymakers aiming to improve fintech regulation, platform providers looking to enhance consumer engagement, and educators focusing on financial literacy programs.

Enablers and barriers of implementing a whole school approach to ovulatory menstrual health literacy: a case study of a single-sex school in Western Australia

AbstractMy Vital Cycles® is a holistic ovulatory menstrual health literacy program for adolescent females. A whole school approach was used when trialled in one single-sex secondary school in Perth Australia. This study investigated the enablers and barriers for its future implementation from the perspective of the school’s teachers, nurses and psychologists. The design was a pre-trial survey of ovulatory menstrual health knowledge and attitudes, followed by post-trial interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). In the pre-trial survey, 12 school staff demonstrated positive attitudes to ovulatory menstrual health; sound anatomical knowledge; but limited knowledge of cycle patterns. There were two FGDs with five participants and eight post-trial semi-structured interviews, giving 13 school staff in total. Deductive thematic analysis identified 14 themes within a whole school approach framework, specifically: policies and resources; community partnerships; curriculum; social-emotional environment; and school health services. Enablers included school staff’s positive attitudes; the program’s validated materials; its curricular alignment; and address of stigma. Barriers included school staff’s need for professional development; extending the program over years; Health and Science silos; dependence on school leadership; and challenges of building community partnerships. Co-design with school leadership and staff to enhance opportunities for a whole school approach is recommended for future implementation.

Economic Strain and Recovery Trajectories in Mental Health: The Role of Financial Stability in Mental Health Outcomes

This study explores the intricate relationship between financial stability and recovery from mental health, and clarifies how economic security constitutes an essential feature that enhances mental health results. The study has used SPSS in quantitative analysis for regression analysis, ANOVA, cluster analysis, and structural equation modeling to explore the determinants of influential predictors and patterns in linking financial stability with mental health recovery. The regression outcome showed that financial stability substantially predicts recovery (? = 0.52, p &lt; 0.01), and ANOVA indicated large differences in the scores of recoveries among the financial groups (F = 8.15, p &lt; 0.05). Cluster analysis also indicated a difference such that the average score of recovery for high-stability participants was 8.5, while for low-stability participants it was 4.1. Thus, SEM shows both direct and indirect effects as it manifests that financial stability indeed reduces stress and encourages treatment adherence. The study concludes that economic security indeed plays a multifaceted role ranging from the access of mental healthcare through income support programs to resilience and overall well-being through the promotion of living a financial stability life. Recommendations should include income support programs, financial literacy programs, and integrated financial and mental health support services to form sustainable recovery. Further longitudinal researches, with larger and more diverse samples, should be conducted to study the long-run impact of financial stability on mental health trajectories and tailor policy interventions accordingly.

Relationship between Exposure to Violent Content on the Media and Aggressive Behaviour among Adolescent Learners in Western Region, Kenya

This study explores the relationship between exposure to violent media content and aggressive behavior among adolescent secondary school students in Kakamega, Kisii, and Siaya Counties, Kenya. These counties have relatively high media technology access, particularly mobile phones and radio, which exceed national averages. They also report notable incidences of student aggression, with Siaya and Kisii counties showing high rates of student unrest. Grounded in Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, the study utilized a mixed-method approach, adopting descriptive survey and correlational research designs. A sample of 417 students was drawn from a population of 190,555, selected using stratified random sampling method. Data collection involved questionnaires, content analysis, and the Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument (APRI). A pilot study conducted in Vihiga County confirmed the reliability of the instruments, with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.87. The study revealed a significant correlation between aggression and exposure to violent content on television (r = 0.211, p = 0.000), with television identified as the most substantial contributor to aggression (B = 0.218, p = 0.001). Notably, 46% of adolescents in Kakamega, Kisii, and Siaya reported constant exposure to violent media, while 11% frequently imitated the violence observed, primarily on mobile phones. Additionally, 9% of respondents justified the violence they encountered, and 56.5% exhibited mild violent tendencies. The study recommends stricter enforcement of media violence regulations, including enhanced penalties and parental guidance ratings, alongside the introduction of media literacy programs in schools. Additionally, it calls for limiting unsupervised internet access for minors, particularly in public cybercafes, to mitigate the negative influence of violent media content.

Assessing the impact of a video literacy program on emotional intelligence and resilience to extremism in primary school children

This research aimed to enhance emotional awareness and engender empathy among primary school students in Pakistan through education, ultimately fostering emotional regulation and preventing disruptive behaviors. While emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as a vital component in counter-terrorism efforts, it is seldom emphasized by young primary school students. Research suggests that educational programs based on videos and cartoons can help children retain information effectively over time. Therefore, an educational program was designed around a video/animated cartoon series focusing on EI themes of developing empathy and emotional awareness. This program included teaching aids, worksheets, and activity-based learning. It was conducted using a mixed methods approach within a quasi-experimental design in two primary schools in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi/Islamabad region. Pre- and post-test assessments revealed that students initially lacked awareness of core EI concepts and had limited prior knowledge of empathy. However, significant improvements were observed in their post-test scores across all EI-related areas. The findings suggest that incorporating EI training into school curricula could help nurture emotional resilience and mitigate extremist tendencies among children in the future.

Disaster Management Strategy Through Social Capital Development

Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest level of natural disaster vulnerability in the world due to extreme geographical and climate conditions. In facing this risk, the government has implemented a disaster management policy based on community involvement. One important aspect in this approach is social capital, which includes social participation, interpersonal trust, and community networks, as a crucial component to strengthen community resilience. This study explores the role of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Lampung Province in developing weather literacy and disaster mitigation programs through digital media to build social capital in the community. The results of the study show that although BMKG has succeeded in increasing community participation through digital channels, community involvement is currently still passive and limited. To achieve comprehensive disaster preparedness, it is necessary to increase active community participation, strengthen trust through two-way communication, and expand community networks. With a social capital-based approach, BMKG is expected to be able to create a more responsive and adaptive mitigation program, making the community an active partner in facing the threat of disasters in the future.

The Impact of Violent Media on Aggressive Behavior

In contemporary society, advancements in technology and the proliferation of online social media have provided numerous channels for accessing video and gaming content. Despite these developments, the depiction of violence in videos and games remains a contentious issue due to its potential aggressive impact on users. The relationship between exposure to violent media and subsequent aggressive behavior is multifaceted, involving both internal factors (such as perceived aggression, trait anger, violent emotions, and implicit aggression) and external factors (including cultural differences, age of exposure, proximity to real-life violence, domestic violence, and life setbacks). Internal factors significantly influence how individuals process and react to violent media, potentially reinforcing aggressive tendencies. External factors further moderate these effects, with cultural context and early exposure playing crucial roles in shaping long-term behavior. To address the aggression stemming from violent media, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes monitoring and regulating young individuals' media consumption, implementing media literacy programs, providing robust support systems for those facing domestic violence or significant life setbacks, and therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Moreover, promoting cooperative gaming environments and culturally tailored interventions can enhance the effectiveness of these strategies. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between internal predispositions and external influences is crucial for mitigating the negative societal impacts of violent media.

Beyond Borders : Addressing the Legal Quagmire of Jurisdiction in Cyberspace

This article delves into the complex scenario of governing cyberspace, addressing key issues such as accessibility, digital disparities, and the regulatory challenges posed by cross-border activities, and applicable test by judiciary across the globe while resolving such emerging issues. Despite technological progress, cyberspace largely remains an unregulated realm, creating opportunities for cybercrimes such as stalking, data breaches, exploitation of minors, and hacking. The lack of a cohesive global governance structure makes tackling these issues a formidable task. The article offers a critical assessment of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, the sole international treaty on cybercrimes, pointing to its limited acceptance, especially among ASEAN nations. This hesitation underscores an ideological rift: some countries prioritize cyber sovereignty, while others support a multi-stakeholder model that incorporates contributions from governments, private enterprises, and civil society. These divergent views present barriers to legal harmonization and obstruct cross-border collaboration in prosecuting cyber offenders and ensuring data protection. To address these multifaceted challenges, the article suggests a layered governance approach, integrating global frameworks with regional alliances and national strategies. This model encourages international cooperation while respecting national sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships to bolster cybersecurity. Furthermore, it advocates for investments in digital infrastructure and cyber literacy programs to reduce the digital divide, facilitating broader, fairer access to online spaces. Ultimately, the proposed governance model seeks a balanced approach, safeguarding individual rights alongside the imperatives of security and accountability, and aiming to cultivate a cyberspace that is safer, more inclusive, and subject to responsible oversight.

Information seeking behaviour of informal caregivers at the premier tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria

This study was conducted to examine the information behaviour of informal caregivers in a university college hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. Informal caregivers in the teaching hospitals constitute critical pubic health care players whose information behaviours have not been studied. Data was collected from 208 caregivers using a questionnaire that consisted of structured and open-ended questions. The study found that healthcare providers were the primary source of health for caregivers, with 34.1% actively seeking information from them. The caregivers seldom utilised sources like the internet, community organizations, books, family, and friends. The preference for healthcare providers as sources is due to their accessibility and ability to provide prompt and accurate answers. Caregivers have diverse information needs, including medication-related information, first aid techniques, nutrition, exercise, mental health, and lifestyle choices. They seek this knowledge to make informed decisions that improve their loved ones’ well-being. The study also revealed that caregivers heavily rely on information technology for health information due to its accessibility and reliability. The study highlights the need for ongoing training and proactive information sharing by healthcare providers to better support informal caregivers in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of integrated support systems within healthcare facilities. To meet diverse information needs, healthcare institutions should diversify dissemination strategies, including culturally sensitive materials and digital literacy programs, while developing tailored mobile applications and online support communities for caregivers. Policymakers must focus on creating supportive healthcare policies, funding caregiver programs, and expanding insurance coverage to alleviate financial burdens, ensuring that caregivers have access to necessary resources and information.

Financial Literacy Program in Introducing Online Loan Applications to University Students

The Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 impacted the increasing diversity of basic needs in society and accelerated digitalization, which has now become a lifestyle. Easy access to digital platforms for shopping, education, investment, payments, and loans has made wise financial management essential. According to data from the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the total distribution of online loans from Fintech Lending in Indonesia reached IDR 225.55 trillion in 2022, an increase of 44.6% from the previous year. Fintech simplifies loan access through peer-to-peer (P2P) lending products that are fast and without complicated requirements, attracting the interest of young generations. Therefore, financial literacy is crucial for Sampoerna University students to address the low level of financial understanding amid the proliferation of online loan applications. Knowledge of risk management is needed so that students can make wise and responsible financial decisions and manage their finances effectively.

Multi-Level Adaptations to Promote Implementation of School Mental Health Literacy Programs: A Synthesis and Case Study

Multi-Level Adaptations to Promote Implementation of School Mental Health Literacy Programs: A Synthesis and Case Study

Utilization of Digital Financial Transactions and Perspectives of Digital Payment among School Employees

This descriptive-correlational research determined the utilization of digital financial transactions and perspectives of digital payment of the employees in one private higher education institution in the Philippines and correlated these to their demographic and household profiles. A total of 115 employees participated in this study. Contingency coefficient, Chi-square test, and Spearman rho correlation test were used to determine the association of the variables. Findings reveal that the majority of the participants prefer cash for their financial transactions. In general, they are confident in making financial transactions using digital devices. They often utilize digital payment to pay for mobile recharge/loads and cable/internet, and many of the participants have been using digital payment methods for more than three years and above. Findings further show that, generally, the participants have positive perceptions toward digital payment. Single individuals, graduates of education courses, and families with two to three household members below 18 years old prefer cash transactions more than the other groups. There are demographic and household factors that are significantly correlated with confidence in and frequency of making digital financial transactions and the time period of using digital payment methods. Findings may imply the inclusion of digital and financial literacy in the development program for employees to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits, safety measures, and convenience of digital finance.

Lifelong learning in Australian community contexts: Adult learning ‘capabilities’ for study, work, and life

In this paper we explore the Australian adult community education (ACE) landscape and discuss the important roles it plays in developing individual capabilities for study, work, and life. Despite the lack of cohesion of the ACE sector across the various states and territories of Australia, it is well documented that ACE is recognised as important for its capacity to cater for adult learners’ different needs and well-being in community-based contexts. In the last 2 years with a change in the federal government of Australia, ACE has gained more prominence for its capacity to connect hard-to-reach learners into literacy and numeracy programs and preparatory and pre-accredited programs to pathway these learners into further training or employment. The paper reports on research findings from a mixed methods research project examining the effectiveness of ACE outcomes for these first-step learners in Victoria and Tasmania, Australia. Nussbaum’s Capabilities Framework, provides a social justice lens to reconceptualise the outcomes for learners in ACE, moving beyond narrow neoliberal economistic measures of adult learners’ success. We claim including both vocational and non-vocational capabilities for learners provides a more nuanced account of learner transformation in ACE.

Resettlement needs of refugee women in the United States: An American Academy of Nursing consensus paper

When people must flee their homes due to persecution or conflict, they embark on a journey from loss toward safety that is a global concern and the resettlement country’s responsibility. Refugees experience stressors as they secure basic needs such as adequate nutrition, healthcare, transportation, housing, education, and income-generating activities. For refugee women, these stressors are further exacerbated by gender related roles and experiences. Addressing the unique healthcare needs of refugee women is vital to their wellbeing as they resettle into life in the United States. Access to care that is provided with cultural humility and fosters trust is critical. Policies are needed that expand health literacy programs and interpreting services, grow, diversify, and train the physical healthcare workforce, grow and diversify the mental healthcare workforce, expand Medicaid coverage in all 50 states, develop and fund peer to peer education programs for refugee women, finance access to care and programmatic services and expand federal funding toward refugee health research.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING INVESTMENT DECISIONS WITH FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY AS AN INTERVENING VARIABLE AMONG STUDENTS OF THE INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY PELITA INDONESIA

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of financial literacy, self-efficacy and income on investment decisions, as well as whether Financial Technology is able to mediate the influence. The research contributes to the fields of financial behavior and investment decision-making by examining how Financial Literacy, Self-Efficacy, and Income impact students' investment decisions in an academic setting, with a particular focus on the mediating role of Financial Technology (Fintech). The data analysis technique used in this study was SEMPLS with the help of the SmartPLS application. The results of the test were as follows: (1) Financial literacy has a significant positive effect on the investment decisions of Pelita Indonesia students; (2) Self-efficiency had a positive and insignificant effect; and (3) Income had an insignificant positive effect; (4) Financial Technology mediates the effect of Financial literacy on the Investment Decisions of students; and (5) Financial Technology does not mediated the impact of Income on the decision of students. The findings could inform educational institutions and policymakers on how to improve financial literacy programs and support fintech adoption to foster better financial outcomes among students, potentially leading to more financially empowered and responsible young investors.