Major Life Changes Research Articles

Work From Home: Experiences and Future Challenges - Indian Perspectives from Pandemic Coronavirus and Consequent Lockdown

Purpose- The Pandemic Coronavirus and consequent lockdown outbreak has called for "the largest Work - From - Home (WFH) experiment worldwide". Receiving huge numbers of personnel to Work-From-Home has not ever been crucial. WFH is recommended and implemented by approximately half (46%) of organizations because of the COVID-19 . Design - This research paper did an in-depth study of WFH policies and explored experiences and challenges faced by employees. 260 executives working in 37 industries/sectors were approached through an online structured questionnaire. Findings -Service Industries such as IT, Analytics, KPO, and Market Research are ready to implement Work from home. Research limitations - The research study is limited to selected cities of Gujarat and Maharashtra states of India. The survey can be extended to other cities / states / countries. Practical implications - COVID - 19 has changed the experiences of being an employee or an HR. The results generated from the research, can be useful to provide inputs to the organizations, HR managers and strategic thinkers to take decisions about implementation, continuation and challenges of WFH arrangements as a long-term HR strategy in the coming future (in selected sectors/industries). Social implications - Coronavirus, prompted major changes in life as Work from home (WFH) became the new normal. Employees embraced new routines and rules. The world saw its influence on all facets of life and has changed the way people work. Originality- The distinctiveness of this article is that it provides evidences on how Indian workforce shifted to remote work in the months after the pandemic outbreak.

Lived experiences in daily life with myalgic encephalomyelitis

Introduction Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a complex systemic condition, causing severe symptoms that limit the quality of life of the people living with it. This study examined changes in life, coping strategies, and the ability to obtain a successful occupational adaptation in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis in Denmark, viewed from the perspective of the model of human occupation. Method In-depth qualitative interviews with seven persons with myalgic encephalomyelitis aged 31–61 years were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results The participants experienced severe changes in their lives leading to impaired occupational competences which affected their occupational identity and made them lonely. Pacing and environmental changes were the preferred coping strategies in their attempt to adapt to the new circumstances. Conclusion The participants experienced major changes in everyday life with the onset of myalgic encephalomyelitis. Pacing and environmental changes were not sufficient strategies to secure a successful occupational adaptation. Thus, people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis need assistance to enable a successful occupational adaptation and preserve hope. Access to occupational therapy within the Danish programme for people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis may support more effective occupational adaptation in the population.

Growth in crisis: A mixed methods study of lessons from our patients with chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic

The current COVID-19 global pandemic has disrupted life in many ways. Adapting to a “new normal” continues to be an unsettling experience for many of us. For individuals with chronic pain, adaptation is familiar. In this study we turn to their experience to better understand what resilience can look like in the setting of major life changes. Participants were recruited from an outpatient pain management clinic from mid-March through June 2020 and completed measures assessing resilience, chronic pain acceptance, and an open-ended question examining the impact of chronic pain on their experience during COVID-19. Qualitative and quantitative analyses identified themes of acceptance and resilience. Furthermore, baseline depression was found to be associated with less cognitive/affective positivity (an aspect of resilience) and less pain willingness (an aspect of acceptance). In this brief snapshot of the chronic pain experience, we are reminded of the invaluable lessons learned from our patients. They offer us a model of resilience from which we can foster our own overall wellbeing in the context of continued stress and disruption.

Теоретические основы развития высших психических функций у младших школьников в условиях инклюзивного образования.

The article analyzes the definition of the concept of higher mental functions. It has been determined that primary school age is a very important stage in the development of a child's personality, and in particular, higher mental functions. Going to school brings major changes in a child's life. The whole way of his life, his social position, position in the collective, family is completely changed. Attention is paid to the concept and essence of inclusive education. It is concluded that inclusive education involves the solution of both educational tasks and correctional, developmental, educational. One of the directions in the work in the conditions of this training is the development of the cogni-tive sphere, higher mental functions. In the context of inclusive education, systematic and purposeful work is carried out to develop the higher mental functions of both chil-dren with normal development and children with disabilities.

Behavior change due to COVID-19 among dental academics-The theory of planned behavior: Stresses, worries, training, and pandemic severity.

COVID-19 pandemic led to major life changes. We assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on dental academics globally and on changes in their behaviors. We invited dental academics to complete a cross-sectional, online survey from March to May 2020. The survey was based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The survey collected data on participants' stress levels (using the Impact of Event Scale), attitude (fears, and worries because of COVID-19 extracted by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), perceived control (resulting from training on public health emergencies), norms (country-level COVID-19 fatality rate), and personal and professional backgrounds. We used multilevel regression models to assess the association between the study outcome variables (frequent handwashing and avoidance of crowded places) and explanatory variables (stress, attitude, perceived control and norms). 1862 academics from 28 countries participated in the survey (response rate = 11.3%). Of those, 53.4% were female, 32.9% were <46 years old and 9.9% had severe stress. PCA extracted three main factors: fear of infection, worries because of professional responsibilities, and worries because of restricted mobility. These factors had significant dose-dependent association with stress and were significantly associated with more frequent handwashing by dental academics (B = 0.56, 0.33, and 0.34) and avoiding crowded places (B = 0.55, 0.30, and 0.28). Low country fatality rates were significantly associated with more handwashing (B = -2.82) and avoiding crowded places (B = -6.61). Training on public health emergencies was not significantly associated with behavior change (B = -0.01 and -0.11). COVID-19 had a considerable psychological impact on dental academics. There was a direct, dose-dependent association between change in behaviors and worries but no association between these changes and training on public health emergencies. More change in behaviors was associated with lower country COVID-19 fatality rates. Fears and stresses were associated with greater adoption of preventive measures against the pandemic.

The Contribution of Self-Control towards Student Smartphone Addiction

&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;The presence of smartphones has caused major changes in human life, including among students. This causes the problem of smartphone addiction in students which causes their daily life to be disrupted. This study aims to reveal the contribution of self-control towards student smartphone addiction. This study was descriptive quantitative, and the data were analyzed by using a simple linear regression. The population in this study was 33480 students of undergraduate program at Universitas Negeri Padang in 2015-2019 academic year. The sample of this study was 400 students taken by using the Proportional Random Sampling technique. The research instrument used was the self-control and smartphone addiction scale with a Likert scale model. The research findings revealed that self-control gives an effective contribution towards the student smartphone addiction at Univeristas Negeri Padang as many as 30.1%.&lt;/span&gt;

The interplay of domain-and life satisfaction in predicting life events.

To better understand the occurrence of major changes in people´s lives like job changes or relocations, we test a model of motivational consequences of life and domain satisfaction using data of the German socio-economic panel study (SOEP) (waves 2005–2015; Ns between 2,201 and 28,720). We examined job and location changes as outcomes that people may actively initiate as a result of dissatisfaction with these domains. One of our results indicates that for similar levels of job satisfaction, individuals with higher levels of life satisfaction were more likely to report a subsequent job change, presumably because they possess necessary resources to actively initiate such a major life change. The patterns were similar for relocation satisfaction and subsequent relocation, but not all effects were significant. Generally, the effects of life satisfaction and domain satisfaction on life events were independent of affective well-being. Contrary to what we expected based on life-span theories, perceived control did not significantly moderate the tested mechanisms. These findings furthermore show that examining life satisfaction and domain satisfaction in isolation can lead to theoretically and empirically false conclusions. Contrary to previous research, high life satisfaction appears to not be a general driver for stability but rather should be seen as an indicator of resourcefulness that allows people to strive for changes in specific life domains.

Peran Pendidikan Agama Kristen Di Era Digital Sebagai Upaya Mengatasi Penggunaan Gadget Yang Berlebihan Pada Anak Dalam Keluarga Di Era Disrupsi 4.0

This article reviews the teaching of Christian religious education in the digital age as an effort to overcome the excessive use of gadgets in children in families in the era of disruption 4.0. Technological advances are so fast and increasingly sophisticated bring major changes in human life in various fields. In this case, such a gadged can have a big impact and everyone in the world must have been connected with the gadget. The use of gadgets is not for people who work, but almost all people, including children and toddlers, are already using gadgets in their daily activities. Gadgets have good values and benefits for certain people, but many negative impacts arise in the excessive use of gadgets for teenagers, children, and even toddlers. Therefore, parents have a very important role to overcome the excessive use of gadgets in children through the teaching of Christian religious education in the family. In carrying out Christian religious education in the family, parents play a role as teachers, educators and assistants to children in the use of gadgets. The method used in this paper is literature review and library research.

Natural course of smoking cessation and predictors of quitting in young adulthood

Abstract Background Young adulthood is characterized by major life changes that can promote or inhibit cigarette smoking. Gaps in knowledge on the natural course of, and factors associated with quitting impede progress in designing effective cessation interventions targeting this age group. We describe the natural course of cessation among students who smoked cigarettes in their last year of high school and we identify predictors of quit status at age 30. Methods Data were drawn from an ongoing investigation of 1294 grade 7 students age 12-13 recruited in 1999-2000 in 10 high schools in Montreal, Canada. Using data collected at ages 17, 20, 24 and 30, grade 11 cigarette smokers were categorized as quitters or current smokers at age 30. Results Among 245 grade 11 smokers, 48% (55% of females; 33% of males) had quit by age 30. Among 106 quitters with complete data, 27% were consistently abstinent during young adulthood, 33% were intermittently abstinent and 40% were abstinent at age 30 only. Smokers at age 30 had higher impulsivity scores in grade 11 than quitters and were more likely to report nicotine dependence symptoms and have family members who smoked. Quitters rated self-control and social influences as more important reasons to quit than smokers. Although 85% of smokers wanted to quit, only 45% had used a cessation strategy in the past year. Conclusions Adolescents likely to be smokers at age 30 are identifiable in high school. Cessation assistance must be offered early in high school to provide adolescents with opportunities to quit before smoking becomes intractable. Key messages Among grade 11 smokers, 27% were consistently abstinent in young adulthood, 33% were intermittently abstinent, and 40% were abstinent at age 30 only. Cessation programs are needed early in high school to prevent intractable smoking.

Physical activity among parents during pregnancy and 8 months postpartum compared to pre-pregnancy

Abstract Background As there is incontrovertible evidence of the essential prerequisite of regular physical activity it is also important to understand how different life change events may impact individual's participation in physical activity. Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood have been found to be life change events associated with decreased physical activity among women however, the examination of changes of physical activity in the male parent during this major life change event has been largely neglected in scientific literature and a significant research gap can be found. In the light of this, this longitudinal study aimed to follow changing physical activity patterns among women and med during pregnancy and eight months postpartum compared to pre-pregnancy. Methods The study involved 123 women and 112 men (partners of the women) from the municipality of Karlskrona, Sweden. We measured the self-reported amount of physical activity performed outdoors and indoors before pregnancy (calculated from one month before pregnancy), throughout the entire pregnancy, and eight months postpartum. Results We found similar trends among both women and men in decreasing frequency of physical activity during pregnancy and eight months postpartum as compared to pre-pregnancy, however, overall physical activity levels did not change. Conclusions Our findings contribute new knowledge about changes in men's physical activity patterns from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy and postpartum and is an important contribution in research, as the area is very limited. As couples seem to change activity patterns similarly, it is important to promote family-based physical activity initiatives and encourage couples to be active together during pregnancy and postpartum. Key messages Couples seem to change physical activity patterns similarly during pregnancy and postpartum. as compared to pre-pregnancy. It is important to promote family-based physical activity initiatives and encourage couples to be active together during pregnancy and postpartum.

'I was treated like dirt': evaluating links between betrayal and mental contamination in clinical samples.

Little is known about the impact of interpersonal betrayal experiences on mental health. Research suggests a link between betrayal and mental contamination (MC) within some forms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This study represents an initial exploration of that link in clinical samples. A measure for assessing perceptions of betrayal was developed and evaluated (Study 1) in order to assess the extent of specificity of any association between the impact of betrayal and MC, and to estimate the extent of the impact of betrayal across common psychological disorders (Study 2). In Study 1, the Perception of Betrayal Scale (POBS) was completed by 217 community participants; an exploratory principal components analysis identified the dimensional structure of the POBS. Study 2 was based on a cross-sectional, between-groups design, with three clinical groups [OCD (n = 23), other anxiety disorders (n = 21) and depression (n = 18)] and a non-clinical control group (n = 21). Three clinical groups (OCD, other anxiety disorders, and depression) and a community group completed a selection of measures via questionnaire. In Study 1, the POBS was found to have an internal consistency of α = .95, and four factors were identified: preoccupation with betrayal events, belief that betrayal had caused major life change, lack of trust due to betrayal and betrayal leading to traumatic responses. In Study 2, the OCD group scored more highly in terms of maladaptive perceptions of betrayal than the other groups. Regression analysis showed betrayal scores to be a moderate predictor of the experience of MC; the POBS subscales lack of trust due to betrayal and betrayal leading to traumatic responses were found to be significantly associated with MC. Although there was some overlap with bitterness, betrayal better predicted MC. Findings support the hypothesis of a specific relationship between the construct of betrayal and MC.

Relocation experiences of the elderly to a long-term care facility in Taiwan: a qualitative study

BackgroundRelocation to a long-term care (LTC) facility is a major life change for most elderly people. Following relocation, many elderly experience difficulties in adapting to changes in the living environment. Taiwan is increasingly becoming an “aging society” and the numbers of those who relocate from family residences to long-term residential care facilities have increased over years. However, in-depth evidence on the experiences of the elderly of their stay in LTC facilities in Taiwan is relatively sparse. This study aimed to explore the relocation experiences of the elderly to a LTC facility to inform policy and practice to address their needs effectively.MethodsA qualitative study, using semi-structured in-depth interviews, was conducted to explore the experiences of 16 elderly people who have relocated to and lived in a LTC facility in Taiwan for up to a period of 12 months. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory approach.ResultsParticipants’ accounts reflected four interrelated key themes: wish to minimize the burden, but stay connected with the family; perceived barriers to adaptation; valuing tailored care; and acceptance and engagement. Each theme included interrelated subthemes that influenced one another and represented the different stages in the relocation journey. Most participants viewed relocation as a way of minimizing the burden of their care from family members, but desired to keep a close connection with family and friends. Participants recounted experiences of psychological resistance while making the decision to relocate. Fear of losing autonomy and the ability to perform self-care was a major reason for resistance to adapt. Provision of tailored care was accorded much value by the participants. The decision to accept the relocation and to adapt themselves to the new environment due to their needs for constant care was explicit in some accounts.ConclusionsRelocation to LTC facility is a dynamic process in the first year of moving into the facility, and involves a range of emotions, feelings and experiences. Adaptation of the elderly into the LTC facility can be maximized if the relocation is well planned with provisions for individually tailored care and family involvement.

Preoperative Anxiety and Fears among Adult Surgical Patients in Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq

Background: Surgery was suggested as a major life change that negatively affects the patient’s recovery and post-operative pain.Objectives: The study aims to assess the preoperative anxiety levels among surgical patients, to determine the fears related to surgery and to find out the relationships between some variables; age, sex, marital status, educational level and experience of previous surgery and level of anxiety.Methodology: a cross-sectional study was conducted on patients undergoing surgery under a general anesthesia in general surgery unit of Baghdad Teaching Hospital from 1st August 2018 to 30th May 2019.Results: the current study indicated that all patients 80 (100%) were experience a preoperative anxiety in different levels; 36.2% of them had a high level of anxiety, 32.5% had a moderate level of anxiety and (31.2%) had a low level of anxiety. The main source of patients’ fears was; fear of death (51.2%), post-operative wound pain (48.8%), and fear of post-operative nausea and vomiting (47.5%) There was a significant relationship between age and level of anxiety. No difference in level of anxiety in respect to gender and previous surgery.

“A journey towards acceptance”: The process of adapting to life with HIV in Greece. A Qualitative study

AimTo identify the experiences related to adaptation for people living with HIV in Greece and to explore different adaptation stages as well as their individual reactions. BackgroundReceiving an HIV positive diagnosis leads to major changes in an individual's life and it can trigger an array of emotions including fear, despair and loss of control. As the profile of the disease has changed due to its transition into a chronic disease and extended life expectancy, adaptation to life and coping with uncertain events is of paramount importance. MethodInterpretative phenomenological research design was used to guide data collection and analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used. Ethical procedures were taken into account and nine individuals who were diagnosed with HIV took part in the study using semi-structured interviews. ResultsData analysis revealed the different stages of adaptation that the participants experienced after an HIV positive diagnosis. A superordinate theme identified as ‘a journey towards acceptance’ while five subthemes were formed, namely, ‘Communicating the bad news, Conscious loneliness, Getting information, Receiving Support, and Moving on with hope’. ConclusionAn HIV positive diagnosis can affect the very core of the individual as the essence of -self- is targeted and in need of reform. Education, empathy, family and social support can help the individual make small steps towards a greater journey, that of acceptance.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Practice of Supportive Psychotherapy.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Practice of Supportive Psychotherapy.

Physical Activity Patterns Among Women and Men During Pregnancy and 8 Months Postpartum Compared to Pre-pregnancy: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: Realizing the essential prerequisite of regular physical activity (PA) it is essential to have knowledge about how different life change events may influence individual's participation. Many studies have documented that pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are life change events associated with decreased PA among women however, the examination of changes of PA in the male parent during this major life change event has been largely neglected in scientific literature and a significant research gap can be found. In the light of this, this longitudinal study aimed to follow changing PA patterns among women and men during pregnancy and 8 months postpartum compared to pre-pregnancy.Methods: In this study, 123 women and 112 men (partners of the women) that lived in the municipality of Karlskrona, Sweden, were included. Data were collected between 2008 and 2010. The self-reported amount of PA performed outdoors and indoors before pregnancy throughout the entire pregnancy, and 8 months postpartum, were measured.Results: We found similar changes in PA patterns among both women and men during pregnancy and 8 months postpartum when compared to pre-pregnancy. In almost all the activities studied except for walking/strolling, a significant decline was found.Conclusions: Our findings contribute new knowledge about changes in men's PA patterns from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy and postpartum. As couples seem to change activity patterns similarly, it is important to promote family-based PA initiatives and encourage couples to be active together during pregnancy and postpartum.

The Language of Advertising in English Sport Magazines

Advertising plays a crucial role in our reality. It invades our lives through TV screens, radio frequencies, the pages of newspapers and journals. Being a unique phenomenon in our reality, which is designed for thousands of readers, listeners, viewers, it has given birth to different approaches and opinions. Advertising is a rapidly developing phenomenon, quick in responding to major and minor changes in the social life. Today it has penetrated into sports as well. Sport is a big business and many companies use sport as a means of publicizing their product. Thus, the present paper intends to study sport ads with the aim of presenting them as a register standing out for uniqueness, containing a small scale plot which aims to draw the attention of the reader to the phenomenon. Usually such small texts use the names of world famous sportsmen which immediately attract attention. In sport ads the plot usually includes certain qualities which demonstrate the skills of a given sportsman, and the object is advertised through creating a text which is combined with illustrations of the very object.

Relational Work in the Struggle Against Poverty: Balancing Scholarly Critiques and Emancipatory Practices in the Nonprofit Sector

Among antipoverty nonprofit organizations (NPOs), a significant shift back to “relational work” has been occurring. This form of human services connotes strong bonds and durable engagement with clients on major life changes. Critics have associated such efforts with paternalistic and disciplinary regimes reinforcing broader neoliberal trends. Perhaps now, with mounting pressures toward (narrow) professionalization among nonprofits, these illuminating critiques can usefully be paired with investigations doing justice to relational work’s beneficial inner workings and effects. Informed by years of immersion in NPOs and insights from “late” Foucault—ironically the central theoretical influence among critics of relational work—we show how and why researchers might approach even problematic aspects of this form of social action as unavoidable elements capable of contributing to the alleviation of poverty. The conclusion argues for pragmatic and multifaceted approaches to the study and management of antipoverty nonprofits balancing both the precariousness and promise of relational work.

Who to Talk to About my Pain? A Brief Qualitative Study on Perception of Pain and its Management in Swiss Nursing Home Residents

BackgroundThe prevalence of pain in nursing home (NH) residents is high. Insufficiently treated pain reduces quality of life and often leads to negative health consequences. Pain experience in older people can be influenced by physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual factors. AimsTo inform development of NH pain management interventions, we studied residents’ pain related perceptions and needs. DesignThis was a qualitative descriptive substudy (embedded in ProQuaS, a larger pain project). SettingsThree Swiss NHs. Participants/SubjectsA purposeful sample of eight NH residents with severe pain and no severe cognitive impairment, based on information from the Minimum Data Set. MethodsEight semistructured interviews were conducted between October and December 2016. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. ResultsThree central themes were identified from the interview data: dealing with major life changes, managing pain, and using formal care. The interviews highlighted the multidimensionality of pain experience in NH residents. In complex pain situations, participants perceived that care workers did not respond adequately to their needs. They had learned to cope with their pain using self-developed strategies and direct consultations with their physicians. ConclusionsThe perceived lack of responsiveness may prompt NH residents to bypass care workers with their pain management concerns. This study's findings will inform the development of an educational intervention for NH care workers.

Деятельность миссионерских обществ в сфере образования в XIX – начале XX в.

The considered period is characterized by the major changes in economic, political, religious and cultural life of the Russian Empire. Missionary service extended and deepened. At the same time, parishes were of great importance, new dioceses in which various forms of charity and church education were allocated. The authors analyzed activity of missionary societies in the educational sphere in the Oryol Province in 19th – the beginning of the 20th century. As an example, the authors highlight the activities of the Oryol Orthodox Peter and Paul Brotherhood, established in 1887 by the Oryol diocese, which resolved issues of Orthodox charity. The authors conclude that missionary activity in 19th – the beginning of the 20th century played the major role in raising the level of education, both in separate parts of the Russian state, and in the Russian Empire as a whole.