Low Engagement Research Articles

Children with Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation In-Session Engagement: Lessons Learnt from a Story Tool Training Program

ABSTRACT Rehabilitation aims to increase individuals’ ability to interact with their environment. Focusing on the paediatric context, rehabilitation is likely to optimise children’s development while improving and maintaining their functioning. However, children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, often show low engagement in rehabilitation sessions. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a narrative-based training program in increasing in-session engagement for children with cerebral palsy undergoing rehabilitation (i.e. targeting affective, behavioural, and cognitive dimensions). The study was conducted in three cerebral palsy rehabilitation centres and followed a one-group double-pre-test, one-post-test design. Fifteen children with cerebral palsy participated in the training program twice a week over nine weeks. The program aimed to promote children’s in-session engagement in rehabilitation through a story tool grounded in a self-regulation theory. Current data revealed the key effects of implementation time in the three dimensions of in-session engagement. Post-hoc tests of within-subjects indicated significant differences between pre-test 1 versus post-test and pre-test 2 versus post-test in the three dimensions of in-session engagement. This narrative-based intervention was a helpful tool promoting in-session affective, behavioural, and cognitive engagement in rehabilitation for this sample of children with cerebral palsy.

Boosting Career Success: Innovative Behavioral Measures for Guiding Saudi Secondary School Graduates

This study developed and validated a comprehensive behavioral measure for career guidance among secondary school graduates in Saudi Arabia, aiming to integrate soft skills, personality traits, attitudes, and cognitive factors to fill gaps in existing career guidance frameworks. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 814 secondary school students (M_age = 16.47) from diverse urban (n = 407) and rural (n = 407) settings in Saudi Arabia. Multigroup latent profile analyses (LPA) were employed to identify distinct career decision-making profiles among students. The study explored whether urban and rural students exhibited different patterns of engagement in career guidance behaviors. Three distinct engagement profiles were identified: high, moderate, and low engagement, consistent across both settings. High engagement profiles were characterized by high self-efficacy, proactive career exploration, and low anxiety, linked to better career decision outcomes and greater satisfaction with career guidance. Variance analysis using the Games-Howell post hoc test was conducted to compare the profiles based on key behavioral measures such as self-efficacy, career exploration behavior, and anxiety. To further understand the contextual factors influencing these profiles, a multinomial regression analysis examined the impact of teacher support and resilience on career guidance engagement levels. Results indicated that higher levels of teacher support and resilience significantly predicted membership in high engagement profiles. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating behavioral components into career guidance programs, particularly those tailored to address the specific needs of urban and rural students in Saudi Arabia, ultimately supporting the broader educational and workforce development goals of Vision 2030.

Are journalists truly safe? Communicating the Risks Faced by Investigative Journalists in Nigeria

This study examined the risks faced by investigative journalists in Nigeria. The Hazard Barrier Target Model was used as the theoretical foundation for this investigation. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, in which 353 journalists in Nigeria were surveyed through a Google questionnaire. Results showed that some of the risks journalists face are physical threats and violence, loss of job and other traumatic situations, risk of legal battles, intimidation, and harassment, among others. Results also showed that some of the impacts of the risks faced by investigative journalists in Nigeria include self-censorship, low engagement in the act of investigative journalism, poor quality of reports on issues worthy of in-depth investigation, and social and professional isolation. It was concluded that journalists agreed that the identified risks in the study are some of the risks investigative journalists in Nigeria face in the course of their job and that these risks they encounter to a large extent on a frequent basis, as such it has led to negative impacts on investigative journalism practice in Nigeria. The practical, policy, and scholarly implications of the study were highlighted.

Developing an Adaptive Learning Recommendation Algorithm and System for MOOCs

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) based learning platform had totally changed the educational environment by providing easy and accessible learning opportunities for global learners. But even such environment display high dropout and low learner engagement which remain a significant challenge to be addressed. To handle the challenge of this study, propose an Adaptive Learning Recommendation System (ALRS) that is designed to personalize learning paths based on individual preferences and performance metrics. The study employed Open University Learning Analytics Dataset (OULAD) and build recommendation model that combine k-means Clustering, Content-based Filtering, Collaborative Filtering, and Random Forest (RF) classifiers to make course recommendations. The proposed model have shown better recommendation when compared to other models with Precision of 0.92, Recall of 0.89, F1 Score of 0.90, and AUC of 0.95. Also the proposed model had shown the lowest Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) at 0.042 and 0.205, respectively.

Burnout and Work Engagement Concerning Dental Malpractice among Saudi Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Plain Language SummaryDental malpractice is becoming a growing concern in health care. Dentistry is a high-stress job, and ignoring stress and burnout can negatively affect patients, dentists, and the quality of their work. This study examined the prevalence of dental malpractice, burnout, and work engagement among dentists, explored the association between dental malpractice and burnout, and identified other possible risk factors. From May 2023 to May 2024, a study was conducted of 259 Saudi dentists working in public clinics in Jeddah. The dentists completed an anonymous online survey that included questions about their backgrounds, job characteristics, burnout levels, work engagement levels, and dental malpractice experiences. Stata 18 software was used to analyze the data. Of the 259 dentists, 27% were concerned about malpractice, and 20.8% had faced malpractice claims. The analysis showed that dentists who felt detached from their work and who had low community engagement were more likely to worry about malpractice. Dentists working in primary health care centers, those feeling emotionally exhausted, and those with low job satisfaction were more likely to have malpractice claims. This study provided detailed information about the work conditions and burnout levels of Saudi dentists and how these relate to malpractice. It also found that Saudi dentists often experience high levels of emotional exhaustion and lack of personal achievement. Various workplace factors have been linked to dental malpractice.

Factors affecting student engagement in online courses in bachelor of education programmes

This study explores factors contributing to the low engagement of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) students in online courses at the Faculty of Education, Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). Despite integrating a Learning Management System (LMS) into a blended learning model, learner participation in online activities remains suboptimal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine students across three B. Ed programmes in Natural Sciences, Drama and Theatre, and Special Needs Education using an exploratory qualitative design. The findings reveal organisational factors such as technical issues, delayed course availability, insufficient tutor feedback, and course-related issues, significantly affecting engagement. Student-related factors include reliance on mobile devices and the need for more motivation due to a lack of incentives. This study highlights the need for more responsive support systems, better course design, and enhanced interactive features to foster greater student engagement in online learning.

Loneliness among first-year university students: Evaluating a peer support intervention

Loneliness is a subjective feeling of isolation or lack of companionship that is distinct from anxiety and depression. Loneliness is a significant problem for students that not only affects their wellbeing but also their ability to learn at university. Using a pre-registered protocol, this study investigated the effectiveness of a peer support intervention to ease the transition of first-year students to university life and reduce loneliness. First-year Psychology students were randomly allocated to the peer support intervention (n=20) or a no-intervention control group (n=32). Self-ratings of loneliness and wellbeing were obtained at baseline and 6 months later using the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 and the General Population – Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (GP-CORE) questionnaires respectively. Despite high initial levels of loneliness, both the intervention and control groups exhibited a significant reduction over time, possibly reflecting the students’ adaptability to new social settings. However, wellbeing concerns remained persistent, highlighting that loneliness and wellbeing may require distinct approaches. The peer support intervention did not produce significant improvements, calling for more structured and effective strategies. The study also faced limitations due to low participant engagement, suggesting the need for additional motivational factors to enhance uptake of the peer support intervention.

Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia comorbid with chronic benign pain – A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundComorbid sleep disturbances are common among individuals with chronic pain, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) has proven effective for such individuals. Nonetheless, research on web-based CBT-i tailored for patients with both chronic pain and insomnia is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of internet-based CBT-i and to explore potential mechanisms underlying treatment outcomes. MethodsIn this study, 85 participants suffering from comorbid insomnia and chronic pain were randomized into two groups: Internet-based CBT for Insomnia (ICBT-i) and Internet-based Applied Relaxation (IAR). Both interventions spanned eight weeks, supported by therapeutic guidance throughout. ResultsParticipation was modest, with an average module completion of 2.0 out of 8 for ICBT-i and 2.4 for IAR. Both interventions significantly alleviated insomnia symptoms post-treatment without notable differences between them. Directly after treatment, IAR outperformed ICBT-i in reducing pain interference, anxiety, and in enhancing self-rated health, though these differences lessened at the 6-month follow-up. Potential therapeutic mechanisms may involve attenuating maladaptive sleep beliefs and augmenting sleep-related willingness. ConclusionsThe study encountered low engagement rates, with approximately one-third of participants not completing any module. The limited efficacy of ICBT-i may be due to low treatment involvement, with few patients completing key techniques like sleep compression and stimulus control. Despite the low adherence, both interventions yielded post-treatment improvements in insomnia symptoms, but to establish internet-based treatments for insomnia as a viable option in chronic pain management, patient engagement must be improved.

Fostering Work Engagement: The Effects of Reverse Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing

ABSTRACTWork engagement is crucial for organisational success, yet many organisations struggle with low engagement rates. Previous research hints at a potential link between reverse mentoring and work engagement, prompting a deeper investigation into this relationship. Drawing from the Job Demands‐Resources (JD‐R) framework and Social Exchange Theory (SET), this study examines the impact of reverse mentoring on work engagement, with knowledge sharing as a mediating factor and self‐efficacy and perceived organisational support as moderators. Through a survey of 340 middle managers across 10 multinational corporations in Sri Lanka, the study reveals significant effects between reverse mentoring and work engagement, with knowledge sharing playing a crucial mediating role. Additionally, the study demonstrates the moderating influences of self‐efficacy and perceived organisational support on work engagement and knowledge sharing, thus contributing novel insights to the existing literature in the shade of JD‐R and SET perspectives.

Socioeconomic and demographic patterning of family uptake of a paediatric electronic patient portal innovation.

Patient portals allowing access to electronic health care records and services can inform and empower but may widen existing sociodemographic inequities. We aimed to describe associations between activation of a paediatric patient portal and patient race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and markers of previous engagement with health care. A retrospective single site cross-sectional study was undertaken to examine patient portal adoption amongst families of children receiving care for chronic or complex disorders within the United Kingdom. Descriptive and multivariable regression analysis was undertaken to describe associations between predictors (Race/Ethnicity, age, socio-economic deprivation status based on family residence, and previous non-attendance to outpatient consultations) and outcome. A sample of 3687 children, representative of the diverse 'real world' patient population, was identified. Of these 37% (1364) were from a White British background, 71% (2631) had English as the primary family spoken language (PSL), 14% (532) lived in areas of high deprivation, and 17% (643) had high (>33%) rates of non-attendance. The families of 73% (2682) had activated the portal. In adjusted analyses, English as a PSL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.29-1.95) and multi-morbidity (aOR 1.26, 1.22-1.30) was positively associated with portal activation, whilst families from British Black African backgrounds (aOR 0.68, 0.50-0.93), and those with high rates of non-attendance (aOR 0.48, 0.40-0.58) were less likely to use the portal. Family race/ethnicity and previous low engagement with health care services are potentially key drivers of widening inequity in access to health care following the implementation of patient portals, a digital health innovation intended to inform and empower. Health care providers should be aware that innovative human-driven engagement approaches, targeted towards previously underserved communities, are needed to ensure equitable access to high quality patient-centred care.

Human Resource Management Practices in Agricultural Development; the Role of Leadership, Motivation and Work Engagement

Development is the government's performance goal. Experts agree that agricultural development is the key to a nation's progress. At the same time, development must be supported by human resource capabilities. This research investigates human resource management practices in certain agricultural development activities. Two main objectives will be presented in this research. The first is an analysis to present new facts regarding HRM practices in the agricultural sector, including topics that are the focus of expert discussion on HRM variables such as leadership, motivation, and work engagement in reflecting performance. Second, presenting facts regarding management aspects of several variables discussed in management practice, namely the role of leadership, motivation, and work engagement on performance. This research uses a systematic review of 29 journals on HRM in agricultural development and 36 journals on the performance of non-agricultural organizations. There are several techniques used to get these numbers; (1) Journals are limited to topics that match the research topic with the search keyword "human resource management practices in the agricultural sector"; (2) To meet data quality, the journal prioritizes indexed and reputable publications (Scopus); and (3) Limiting the publication year to 2014-2024. Specifically search for journals related to HRM practices with the keywords "work engagement, leadership, and work motivation on performance". The results of the analysis then produce major themes which are then reconstructed into a road map for further research, as well as representing the scientific contribution (novelty) of the research. The results of the analysis show that human resource management practices in the agricultural sector are focused on ten topics that are widely discussed, namely: HR Management in General; Sustainable Agriculture; Empowerment and Welfare; Agro-industry; Department/Personnel; Digital Agriculture; Agribusiness; food security; Entrepreneurship; and Farm. The resulting theoretical implication is that HRM practices are starting to shift to practical development fields such as agriculture. HRM can answer several management problems in companies and the agricultural industry, such as leadership behavior and work engagement. To contribute to knowledge, the work involvement variable is a control variable in reflecting the relationship between leadership and performance; and performance motivation. For originality, the object of study can be a case in the agricultural sector. The practical implication is that the government and agricultural business actors must jointly look at problems at the worker level to increase productivity. Several behaviors hinder progress in the agricultural sector, such as low motivation and low levels of cooperation (which causes low work engagement). These things then need to be improved in the future so that organizations and companies become more productive.

Characterizing syndemic HIV risk profiles and mHealth intervention acceptability among patients in the emergency department

ABSTRACT Syndemic theory proposes that co-occurring, mutually reinforcing psychosocial challenges (mental health, substance use, minority stress [discrimination/stigma], abuse, unmet basic needs) drive HIV risk behavior and create barriers to care for marginalized populations. It is thus necessary to address this holistic, complex picture in HIV prevention. Emergency department (ED) visits are a prime opportunity to engage key risk groups, given their low engagement in regular clinic-based care and high utilization of drop-in care via EDs. Yet, EDs are overburdened and under-resourced; mHealth may be a vehicle for intervention delivery in this context. This study aimed to 1) characterize demographics, syndemic profiles, and HIV risk behavior among ED patients and 2) assess the acceptability of addressing syndemic issues, particularly via an mHealth approach, in the ED. A sample of N = 198 ED patients with an indication of HIV risk completed a cross-sectional psychosocial assessment. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations between syndemic issues were examined. Patients presenting to the ED reported marginalized identities and complex syndemic profiles including mental health issues (77%), at risk substance use (30%), childhood abuse (35%), adult abuse (31%), minority stress (63%), and unmet basic needs (37%). Over half the sample reported at least three syndemic issues (54%). All syndemic issues were significantly correlated with each other, supporting a synergistic nature. The sample reported indicators of HIV risk including lack of PrEP awareness (33%)/uptake (94%), condomless sex (37%), and not testing for HIV (41%). Majority reported syndemic profiles have never been addressed in the ED (71%), think it would be helpful (88%), and willing to utilize mHealth during an ED visit (76%). The current study provides information to guide next steps for ED-based point-of-care HIV prevention, and more broadly, working towards equitable HIV prevention services reaching those missed by existing interventions.

When language becomes an obstacle: the challenges of teaching immunology in french for moroccan students

The teaching of sciences, and more specifically immunology, in a foreign language presents numerous challenges, particularly in terms of understanding and assimilating knowledge. In this context, teaching sciences in the native language would be more conducive to learning, as students have been familiarized with these linguistic structures from a young age. Nevertheless, since 2014, Morocco has decided to teach scientific subjects (mathematics, physics, and life and earth sciences) in French starting from middle school to help students in scientific fields, initially educated in Arabic, to better pursue their higher education in French. This approach creates a double barrier for students whose mother tongue is Amazigh or Arabic, they must both master complex scientific concepts and express them in a foreign language. This article aims to examine these challenges through two studies targeting a sample of 185 (n1+n2+n3) teachers, one quantitative based on a questionnaire, and the other qualitative using the focus group technique. Both studies focus on the opinions of life and earth sciences teachers regarding the teaching of immunology in French the high school, a discipline with particularly complex concepts, and whether teaching scientific subjects in French is hindered by difficulties, and finally to propose possible alternatives to improve the effectiveness of this teaching. The results obtained show a negative appreciation from the teachers in our sample regarding the teaching of immunology in French, as it poses problems for students' understanding of this discipline. In fact, the results suggest that the majority of students lack interest and motivation in immunology courses taught in French, with low engagement in classroom discussions.

Challenges in Community Participation for Village Governance Planning

General Background: Community involvement is vital in Indonesia's local governance, particularly through village deliberations. Specific Background: Kemiri Village in Sidoarjo faces challenges in effectively utilizing Musyawarah Desa due to limited participation and knowledge among decision-makers. Knowledge Gap: While previous studies indicate low engagement, few address specific barriers in Kemiri's context. Aims: This research explores the role of Village Deliberation in formulating the Kemiri Village Government Work Plan, focusing on community needs. Results: Findings reveal that while Musyawarah Desa facilitates discussions, issues like low attendance and inadequate decision-maker knowledge impede effective planning. Novelty: The study applies Mintzberg’s theoretical framework to analyze village deliberation dynamics, offering new insights into rural governance. Implications: Enhancing community participation and decision-maker competency is crucial for effective local governance and sustainable development in Kemiri Village. Highlights: Importance of Community Engagement: Active participation in Musyawarah Desa is crucial for effective local governance and addressing community needs. Barriers to Participation: Limited knowledge among decision-makers and low community attendance hinder optimal planning outcomes in Kemiri Village. Theoretical Framework Application: The study employs Mintzberg’s framework to analyze the dynamics of village deliberation, providing new insights into rural governance. Keywords: Village Deliberation, Community Participation, Local Governance, Work Plan

Role of the Surgeon in De-Escalating Emotion During a Breast Cancer Surgery Consultation: A Qualitative Study of Patients' Experiences in Alliance A231701CD.

Patient engagement in decision making can improve satisfaction with care. Studies demonstrate that patients' emotional states can be significant barriers to engaging in shared decision making. We sought to examine how emotion associated with a breast cancer diagnosis impacts patient experiences during the surgical consultation, and explore opportunities for surgeons to mitigate the impact of emotion. We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with patients who participated in the decision aid arm of Alliance A231701CD, had low engagement, and experienced barriers to engagement. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze the interview data and organize it into overarching themes. Participants recalled strong emotions with their diagnosis, describing it as devastating and shocking. Although several participants said that their emotional reaction to the diagnosis lessened over time, others expressed still feeling very anxious. Participants described ways in which their surgeon helped to de-escalate their emotional state, beginning with the establishment of rapport and continuing through treatment planning. Participants valued surgeons who they perceived to be personable and compassionate, treated them as an individual, provided reassuring and matter-of-fact information about their cancer, and efficiently communicated plans for next steps. Patients with breast cancer are often emotionally overwhelmed during their surgical consults, which impedes their ability to listen and participate in decision making. However, surgeon behaviors can help de-escalate emotions. Addressing emotion is critical to support patients in reaching a decision for breast cancer surgery and is likely to improve patient satisfaction with the decision process. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03766009.

Nudging towards sustainability: Exploring the role of behavioral interventions in circular bio‐economy development for the fashion industry

AbstractThe fashion and food industries are major contributors to waste generation, making sustainability management a priority for both practitioners and scholars. This study examines how nudging can promote the development of a circular bioeconomy within the fashion industry, specifically investigating whether nudging techniques can facilitate the market adoption of fashion products made from sustainable textiles derived from food waste. Using a dataset of 2112 participants from four European countries, we employ regression and clustering analyses to identify consumer profiles based on psychological and behavioral characteristics. Our econometric analysis reveals that gender, education, and psychological factors such as environmental responsibility and awareness significantly impact sustainable behaviors. Additionally, a left‐leaning political orientation is positively associated with engagement in sustainable practices and willingness to pay for eco‐friendly products. Clustering analysis identifies distinct consumer profiles: “enthusiastic” individuals demonstrate high commitment to sustainability, while “skeptics” shows low engagement and responsiveness to environmental issues. The study offers key policy implications on the effectiveness of nudging interventions in enhancing the sustainability of the fashion industry.

Cognitive Schema to Interests for English Learning of Net-Generation College Students: A Basis for English Teaching Design in Sichuan Province, China

This study explores the impact of cognitive schemas on English learning interests among college students in Sichuan Province, China. Despite the critical role of English in providing academic and professional opportunities in a globalized economy, many students face challenges such as basic comprehension issues and lack of engagement, often exacerbated by an exam-centric education system. By applying schema theory, the research investigates how language, content, and formal schemas influence students' English learning interests. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data was gathered from 380 students through questionnaires and analyzed using statistical methods. The findings reveal gaps in language schema proficiency and low engagement in English learning, suggesting a need for personalized, interactive teaching strategies. The study provides insights into effective pedagogical practices tailored to the needs of Net-Generation students.

THE EFFECTS OF WORK ENGAGEMENT ON KALEIDOSCOPE CAREER MODELS

The Kaleidoscope Career Model has emerged as a novel framework within the realm of contemporary career approaches. Within the evolving landscape of the workforce, it offers significant analytical opportunities for individuals to manage their careers more effectively. Comprising parameters of authenticity, balance, and challenge, the Kaleidoscope Career Model reflects a dynamic interplay influenced by career stage, gender, and life circumstances, akin to the ever-changing patterns of a kaleidoscope. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of employees' levels of work engagement on the Kaleidoscope Career Model and its parameters. Additionally, the study seeks to contribute to the literature on the Kaleidoscope Career Model. The sample for this research consists of employees working in call centers in Trabzon (n=393). Correlation analysis was employed to assess relationships, while simple regression methods were used to evaluate effects. These analyses were conducted using the SPSS package program. The findings reveal that work engagement positively and significantly influences the Kaleidoscope Career Model, balance, and challenge parameters, while negatively impacting authenticity. Another key finding indicates that in periods of high work engagement, the challenge parameter predominates, whereas during periods of low work engagement, the authenticity parameter takes precedence.

Enhancing student engagement in online education: the role of self-regulation and teacher support in Zambia

This study examined the opportunities and difficulties of online learning in Zambia’s higher education system, emphasizing the effects of self-regulation as a mediator between teacher-scaffolded online interactions and student learning engagement. Students and teachers frequently encounter significant challenges, such as low motivation, engagement, and self-regulation, despite the growing popularity of online learning. Hence, there was a need to explore how these can be mitigated through enhanced self-regulation and contribute to better educational outcomes and the broader context of pedagogical innovation. Data was gathered from an online survey of 1323 undergraduate students who took online courses in blended learning environments at four higher education institutions in Zambia. The results show a substantial mediating effect of self-regulation on student learning engagement and teacher-scaffolded online interactions. Findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance online learning experiences, including constructive feedback, conducive learning environments, and continuous professional development programs for teachers. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of interactive online learning activities to improve students’ learning management skills and promote self-discipline in online learning. It highlights the vital role of self-regulation, active learning engagement, and teacher-scaffolded online interactions and calls on educators and administrators to develop innovative ways to make participating in online learning smoother.

Research fatigue’s impact on small-scale fishers’ engagement: A case-study from Azores fisheries

There has been a marked increase in fishers’ participation in fisheries science and management processes. If inappropriate or uncareful, science that over relies on low level participation can backfire and lead to fishers’ research fatigue: a state of emotional and psychological exhaustion that causes fishers to refuse further participation. This study aims to examine how research fatigue has emerged in Azorean small-scale fisheries, and to provide suggestions that address the determinants of research fatigue in the Azores and comparable small-scale fisheries contexts. Group discussions between researchers and fisher representatives provided extracts on fishers’ frustrations with participating in science, which underwent two rounds of thematic analysis. Drivers of fatigue found in the Azores related to lack of dialogue, fishers’ distrust of stakeholders, the opacity of science, tiredness from being consulted, and fisher associations’ inability to handle participation requests. Data also connected to the main drivers of research fatigue in transdisciplinary literature, namely concentration, burdensomeness and usefulness of research. Researchers should avoid over-researching small-scale fishers, envision less burdensome participation, and ensure that fishers perceive participation as useful and aligned with their interests. The Azores highlights how low engagement levels, large geographical distances, poor science outreach, and administrative overload can contribute to research fatigue. Ultimately, fisheries researchers should understand how participation impacts the distinct determinants of research fatigue and take precautions to minimise those impacts, or risk nonparticipation from their fisher communities.