Meaning In Daily Life Research Articles

The Art Experience of the Indonesian People in the Industry 4.0 Era (A Philosophical View)

For Indonesian people, the world of art is an integral part of life. Art has become their identity since the ancient time. It is because art and its products are born from the appreciation of everyday life. Art philosophy is inseparable from the meaning of daily life. The more a society produces art with high values and tastes, the more reflective capacity they have to explore life. This reflective ability has actually helped enliven the development era which has increasingly undergone fundamental changes (disruption) in all fields. Entering the era of industrial revolution 4.0, now the world of art and its meaning are slowly distorted. Revolution 4.0 dragged art into capitalism and ended in obscurity of identity. Gadamer's study of how to view art as a game, symbol and festival becomes an interruption to restore the meaning of art in its place. Gadamer's art criticism is also very relevant for Indonesian people. This criticism is an opportunity for Indonesians to reinterpret the spirit of art in them. Understanding art means immersing in one’s self-identity as a true Indonesian to become more authentic.

Occupation-focused intervention for in-patient mental health settings: Pilot study of effectiveness

PurposeParticipation in meaningful occupation is associated with recovery in serious mental illnesses, however, few evidence-based, occupation-focused interventions for hospital settings exist. This study investigated the effectiveness of “Occupational Connections” (OC), a manualized, short-term, group intervention, addressing issues in daily-life occupations’ participation and functioning of people with serious mental illness as early as during hospitalization. MethodsThirty-three inpatients with schizophrenia completed single-blind, pre-post study procedures (up to 10 weeks) in two groups: OC group intervention and open leisure activity group (control condition), in addition to treatment as usual. They were assessed for occupation and participation dimensions, perceptions of services as recovery-oriented, comprehensive cognitive functioning and schizophrenia symptoms. The sampling was convenience with sequential group allocation. ResultsImprovements were found in the study group in the following measurements: intention to participate in daily activities (t(15) = -2.62, p < .05), participation diversity (t(15) = -2.11, p < .05), experience the recovery orientation of the service (t(15) = -3.15, p < .01), functional capacity (t(15) = -3.44, p < .01), cognitive abilities of language understanding, memory and shifting (−4.5<t(15)<3.3, p < .05), and schizophrenia symptoms (positive, negative and general: 8.47<t(15)<9.12, p < .01). The control group has improved on attention (t(16) = -2.89, p < .05), visual-motor organization (t(16) = 2.14, p < .05) and schizophrenia symptoms (4.4<t(16)<6.6, p < .01) only. ConclusionsThe study provides initial evidence for the effectiveness of OC. The results suggest that interventions with a focus on personal, meaningful daily life occupations such as the OC, may be a useful tool contributing to a positive experience of the in-patient staying and successful community reintegration after acute psychiatric hospitalization.

Artikulasi Ilmu Nahwu Dalam Kehidupan (Studi Analisis Makna I’rob Kitab Al-Jurumiyah Menggunakan Semantika Dalalah Lafzhiyah dalam Ushul Fikih)

In the environment of the Islamic Boarding School Nahwu the basis for the scientific foundation of Islam. The Nahwu book that is often used by almost the majority of Islamic boarding schools is al-Ajurumiyah (read; Jurumiyah). In the discussion of this jurumiyah book there is a discussion about I'rob, namely a discussion of changes in a sentence caused by changes in ‘amil (factors) that affect it. This study uses the semantics of language research methods using lafzhiyyah dalalah contained in ushul fiqh. The purpose of this study is to uncover the scope of the articulation of a language that can be interpreted in a broader meaning, not only in the grammatical meaning of language, but also in the meaning of life. The analysis technique of this research uses interpretive techniques, namely researchers interpreting the object of discussion and research using theoretical studies used according to the researcher perspective. The results of this study reveal that I'rob can be articulated in the meaning of daily life, along with its I'rob signs. I’rob jazm means constant and silent which has the sign of I’rob breadfruit (silence); meaning someone who is just silent, stand by (breadfruit/silent) then the position will be stagnant. I’rob khofazh (low, Jar; attractive) means low has the sign of I’rob kasroh (breaking, damaging), meaning that someone whose job is identical to damaging and breaking then his position will be in a low position (bottom). I’rob nashob means the same, standard, flat which has the sign of fathah (opening); it means someone who has the behavior of fathah (opening) then the position will be the same, equal to the average person. I’rob rofa ’means height, fly, lost has the sign I’rob dlommah (proclaim); meaning someone who wishes to be in the position of rofa '(high and fly) then he must have the behavior of dlommah; namely the behavior of gathering, gathering knowledge, gathering friends, relationships, cooperation, followers, including collecting assets and positions. Thus, a person can have a high degree.

Fear, fight, familiarize: the experiences of people living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and taking oral medication

ABSTRACT Purpose: In addition to becoming familiar with the life changing event of having a chronic illness and exploring its meaning in daily life, people with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) are faced with important decisions about immunomodulating treatment. Biomedical research on the use of Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) mostly focuses on adherence, conceptualized and understood as a behavioral act leading to a desired outcome. Less attention has been paid to the meaning for a person with RRMS of starting and continuing the use of DMTs. Studies on the experiences of people with RRMS taking orally administered DMTs are lacking. The aim of this phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of people with RRMS taking oral medication. Methods: The study was guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Phenomenology of Practice. 25 persons with RRMS participated in in-depth interviews. Results: In general, participants of this study find themselves in alternating phases that vary by degree of experienced unfamiliarity or familiarity with concern to one’s illness, one’s changing body, and one’s new life. The meaning of taking medication is closely related to these phases. Conclusions: Adherence serves a purpose in the lifeworlds of participants. Medication is the embodiment of this purpose. The pill has inherent meaning.

Prioritizing Meaning as a Pathway to Meaning in Life and Well-Being

Experiencing both positive emotions and meaning is fundamental to human flourishing. The present study aimed to build and expand upon recent attempts to assess prioritizing positivity, which involves habitual ways of incorporating positive emotions in daily life (Catalino et al. in Emotion 14(6): 1155–1161, 2014), by assessing the prioritization of meaning in daily life and its associations with well-being. Results from two studies, employing adult community samples (N = 107 and N = 251) demonstrated coherent, replicable factor structure and good internal reliability for the 12-item scale of prioritizing meaning. Prioritizing meaning was positively associated with life satisfaction, happiness, positive emotions, sense of coherence, gratitude and presence of meaning, beyond the effect of prioritizing positivity, thus demonstrating the possibility that prioritizing meaning makes a distinctive contribution to well-being. Process mediation models showed that prioritizing meaning is associated with the experience of meaning which in turn mediates the beneficial effects of prioritizing meaning on a variety of well-being indicators. Prioritizing meaning was also directly associated with well-being indicators underscoring its potential role in affecting well-being. Furthermore, prioritizing meaning was found to significantly mediate the effect of search for meaning on all indicators of well-being other than sense of coherence. The findings suggest the importance of prioritizing meaning and hold significant conceptual and practical implications for understanding processes of meaning making and their potential effects on individuals’ well-being.

„Allt sem ég þrái“: Menntun og skólaganga barna sem leita alþjóðlegrar verndar á Íslandi

Börn sem leita alþjóðlegrar verndar á Íslandi eiga rétt á skólagöngu og viðeigandi menntun eins og önnur börn. Engu að síður hefur hvorki verið samræmd né skýr stefna um það hvernig menntun barna í þessari stöðu skuli háttað hér á landi. Markmið rannsóknarinnar er að lýsa og greina upplifun og reynslu barna og foreldra sem leita alþjóðlegrar verndar á Íslandi af menntun og skólagöngu hérlendis. Tekin voru hálfstöðluð viðtöl við 12 börn og foreldra þeirra síðla árs 2015. Niðurstöðurnar sýna að skólaganga, menntun og félagsleg samskipti hafa jákvæð áhrif á sálfélagslega vellíðan barnanna, til dæmis töldu foreldrarnir sem rætt var við að skólaganga, menntun og félagsleg samskipti hefðu dregið úr leiða, áhyggjum og aðgerðaleysi barnanna. Mikilvægt er að kennarar séu vakandi fyrir sérstökum þörfum barna með flóttabakgrunn og að þeir fái viðeigandi fræðslu og stuðning til þess að koma til móts við þær.

A Meaningful Daily Life In Nursing Homes- A Social Constructionist Study Of Residents And Health Professionals' Perspectives And Wishes

Background: "Improved Elderly Life" is a rehabilitation concept at nursing homes in Aalborg municipality in Denmark, which aims to enhance the perception of a meaningful everyday life for the residents, and hereby maintain daily-life activities. In “Improved Elderly Life” a basic team which consists of a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and an activity employee, collaborate with the care staff at nursing homes. In this study our aim was to investigate the consistency of the meaningful everyday life and activities, from the perspectives of the residents as well as how the staff esteem and contribute to this at nursing homes. Methods: Semi structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with residents and staff at two nursing homes. Results: Residents` perception of a meaningful life in nursing home generated five significant themes; To use oneself and to be of use; Social communities; Meaningful activities; Self-determination and influence on daily life; Self-reliance. Findings showed that residents and staff at the included nursing homes, in some areas have different perceptions of what contributes to a meaningful everyday life. Conclusion: The residents wish for autonomy and individual activities that harmonize with their past lives. The employees and training staff concur with this, however in the daily routines at the nursing homes there is a discrepancy between what is spoken by the employees and what the residents experience.

A new combined motor and cognitive strategy training intervention for stroke: Stakeholder perceptions

IntroductionHemiparesis affects about half of persons with chronic stroke and frequently leads to decreased participation in meaningful daily life activities. The purpose of this investigation was ...

Private self-consciousness in daily life: Relationships between rumination and reflection and well-being, and meaning in daily life

The present study moved beyond trait reports of rumination, reflection, and meaning in life (presence and search) by examining within-person relationships between daily states of these constructs and well-being. Participants (N=130) completed reports at the end of the day for 14days. When analyzed together, daily rumination was negatively related to daily well-being whereas daily reflection was not (with one exception). In contrast, daily reflection was positively related to daily search for meaning in life, whereas rumination was not related to daily search for meaning in life. Reflection moderated the within-person relationships between rumination and well-being such that negative relationships between rumination and well-being were stronger at higher levels of reflection. In contrast, rumination had virtually no effect on search for meaning in life at higher levels of reflection. Lagged analyses found that daily reflection led to increases in daily positive deactivated affect (e.g., relaxation) and searching for meaning in life, and daily rumination led to increased presence of meaning in life the following day. These results highlight the importance of considering both reflection and rumination in studies of within-person variation and the value of considering within-person variability in understanding presence of and search for meaning in life.

Exploring potential in participation mediated by digital technology among older adults

ABSTRACTFacets of participation have changed with the growing pervasiveness of digital technology in daily life. To enable older adults as active participants in an evolving digital society, it is relevant to examine how they engage in and situate digital technology-mediated occupations in daily life. Narrative inquiry was used to elucidate features in older adults’ engagement in occupations involving digital technology situated in everyday life. Analysis was based on data gathered through concurrent think aloud protocol and observations from 10 older adults in Northern Sweden. In line with narrative analysis, findings were presented as three stories about negotiating needs and values while interacting with the technological and social environments, entitled playing by the rules, being on the same wavelength, and calling the shots. Looking at these stories with an occupational lens resulted in an understanding that older adults’ participation involving digital technology likewise deals with negotiating and refining identities, as well as finding and experiencing meaning in daily life. There is potential for older adults to become active participants through digital technology, and new challenges in research and practice emerge.

The dynamics of searching for meaning and presence of meaning in daily life.

Research on searching for meaning in life has focused on trait-level relationships rather than within-person relationships. Our goal was to examine within-person relationships between daily states of searching for meaning in life, daily states of presence of meaning in life, and daily states of well-being. To advance our understanding of searching for meaning in life, we conducted a daily diary study with two samples in which 254 undergraduate students (Mage = 18.54, SD = 1.55; 66.9% female) completed daily reports of presence and search for meaning in life and well-being for 2 weeks (n = 3,288). Between persons, search was negatively related to presence and well-being. In contrast, within persons, daily search was positively related to presence and well-being. Relationships between daily search and daily well-being were mediated by daily presence of meaning in life. Lagged analyses indicated that greater search on one day led to greater presence the next day. The implications of these within-person findings suggest that researchers should reconsider the potential consequences that occur from searching for meaning in life, including the possibility that greater searching is associated with increased well-being.

Cognitive Diffusion Model: Facilitating EFL Learning in an Authentic Environment

For this study, we designed learning activities in which students applied newly acquired knowledge to solve meaningful daily life problems in their local community – a real, familiar, and relevant environment for students. For example, students learned about signs and rules in class and then applied this new knowledge to create their own rules for a location in their community (e.g., playground rules that tell visitors what is or is not allowed to do in a local playground) to make it more environmentally friendly. To facilitate this, we developed a mobile learning system equipped with a dictionary as well as textual annotation, recording, and sharing functions. This mobile learning system enables students to take pictures of objects, describe them verbally or in writing, and share their work with peers. Our goal was to study the effectiveness of learning activities supported by a mobile learning system on the cognitive learning process by examining the changes in students’ cognitive processes and the distribution of students who reach a certain level of cognition before and after learning. Fifty-seven junior high school students participated in the research, and their views of the mobile learning system and interest in continuing use were also explored. Students were divided into one control $({{\mathrm{n}} = 26})$ group and one experimental $({{\mathrm{n}} = 31})$ group. The control group completed learning activities using a traditional approach while the experimental group used a learning system installed in tablet PCs. The effectiveness of the mobile PC system on students’ cognitive processes was tested by comparing the control and experimental groups’ pre-test and post-test outcomes. Changes in students’ cognitive processes were measured by calculating the differences in student scores among three tasks. The distribution of students who reached a certain level of cognition was derived based on their learning performance. Students’ perceptions were evaluated using a questionnaire survey. The mobile learning system kept records of how students used it. Our results show that the experimental students significantly outperformed the control students on test items related to high cognitive levels. Students made clear cognitive progress from the second topic to the third one. Most students rated the learning system highly and want to use it in the future. Finally, the results show that creating text annotations is the best indicator of learning. Based on these results, we recommend applying appropriate learning activities supported by a mobile learning system to facilitate students’ cognitive processes when they are studying English as a foreign language in an authentic environment.

An Investigation of 21st Century Primary Schools’ Functions According to Primary School Teachers’ Views

The aim of this research is to determine the functions that future primary schools will adopt based on the opinions of primary school teachers. Accordingly, the functions of instruction, socialization, and qualification that schools fulfill were assessed in accordance with the literature and teachers’ opinions. Designed in a descriptive survey model, this study employed a parallel mixed design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments. Two questionnaire forms—one for demographic information and one for teachers’ opinions—were used for the quantitative data and semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted for the qualitative data set. As for research findings, teachers think that schools pay more attention to the function of socialization than instruction and qualification and that this function should not be only under their responsibility, rather be completed through cooperation with families. Furthermore, findings also point out that children should be equipped with meaningful daily life information, they should be encouraged to make career plans that will make them happy based on a “self-get to know” process, and they should be prepared for the next educational level.

Negotiating meaning – the experience of community aged care

PurposeA framework for achieving what Heidegger referred to as a “fusion of horizons” of understanding, was developed during a study into the experience of a group of older adults receiving care. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological methodology provided strategies for enabling a researcher to shift his or her understanding to be closer to that of the older adult receiving care, to better understand the experience of receiving care from the perspective of a recipient. Older adults participated in research exploring their everyday lived experiences, and contributed to the researcher’s understanding of the personal impact of care.FindingsThe older adults in this study perceived care in essentially relational terms, and raised the importance of maintaining personal autonomy and relationships as central to maintain meaning in daily life. This framework for successfully achieving a “fusion of horizons” during research is discussed and proposed as a potential strategy for also supporting active participation by adults in their own care provision.Originality/valueThis strategy might be used as a way of enhancing the engagement, safety and satisfaction of older adults, thereby also assisting to protect them from potentially negative influences of power differentials impacting on their care experience.

Telemedicine to support coping resources in home-living patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Patients’ experiences

Introduction The way in which telemedicine contributes to promote coping and independence might be undervalued in the development of telemedicine solutions and the implementation of telemedicine interventions. This study explored how home-living patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experienced follow-up using telemedicine, and the extent to which the implemented technology was able to support and improve the patients’ coping resources and independence. Methods A qualitative approach with individual semi-structured interviews was used. Ten patients diagnosed with COPD participated. The data were transcribed verbatim and a qualitative content analysis method was used, including analyses of the manifest and latent content of the texts. Results The participants’ positive attitude to handling and understanding the technology and the positive and negative feelings related to use the technology derived the theme: “The telemedicine solution is experienced as comprehensible and manageable and provides meaning in daily life”. The importance of telemedicine services that provided trust and confidence, the intervention’s impact on independence and self-management and the intervention’s ability to support integrity and meaning in life, derived the theme: “The telemedicine intervention contributes to stress reduction caused by illness burden and facilitates living as normally as possible”. Discussion The impact of a telemedicine intervention might be influenced by the experience of a technological solution that requires little effort to deal with, while it must also provide meaning in life. Furthermore, the telenurses’ expertise and the intervention’s flexibility, i.e. possibilities for individual adaption, might promote coping to facilitate living as normally as possible despite illness.

“Can’t Put my Finger on It”: A Research Report on the Non-Existence and Meaninglessness of Sin

This paper presents findings from an exploratory study of sin. Based on nine in-depth interviews with self-identified religious people, we demonstrate that respondents define sin as (1) nonconformity, (2) relative to other social realities, and (3) taught by moral authorities. In so doing, respondents’ definitions reveal that sin, despite its use to justify all types of social policies, is a social construction that has no established concrete meaning in daily life. In conclusion, we argue that social scientists would benefit greatly from systematic analyses of the meaning (lessness) and significance of sin in people’s lives as well as within existing social scientific literature, and propose avenues for research concerning this term.

Health perceptions of young adults living with recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

The aim of this study was to describe health perceptions related to sense of coherence among young adults living with recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy refers to a group of progressive muscular disorders that may manifest in physical disability. The focus in health care is to optimize health, which requires knowledge about the content of health as described by the individual. A descriptive study design with qualitative and quantitative data were used. Interviews were conducted between June 2012-November 2013 with 14 participants aged 20-30years. The participants also answered the 13-item sense of coherence questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed with content analysis and related to self-rated sense of coherence. Health was viewed as intertwined physical and mental well-being. As the disease progressed, well-being was perceived to be influenced not only by physical impairment and mental strain caused by the disease but also by external factors, such as accessibility to support and attitudes in society. Factors perceived to promote health were having a balanced lifestyle, social relations and meaningful daily activities. Self-rated sense of coherence varied. The median score was 56 (range 37-77). Those who scored ≥56 described to a greater extent satisfaction regarding support received, daily pursuits and social life compared with those who scored <56. Care should be person-centred. Caregivers, with their knowledge, should strive to assess how the person comprehends, manages and finds meaning in daily life. Through dialogue, not only physical, psychological and social needs but also health-promoting solutions can be highlighted.

Working together for a meaningful daily life for older persons: A participatory and appreciative action and reflection project—The lessons we learned

This interdisciplinary action research project has its background in the Swedish government’s introduction of national guidelines to address deficiencies in elderly care, wherein it gave each municipality the responsibility to formulate its own guidelines. The main purpose is how we successfully involved stakeholders to create and agree on core values and local guarantees of dignity with regard to elderly care. This paper focuses on the choices we made that led to the politicians adopting the guidelines, and we discuss the lessons learned. This project is based on a participatory and appreciative action and reflection approach. We worked with stakeholders, including managers, politicians, older persons, relatives, nurse assistants, nurses, occupational therapists, and organizations for retired persons (n ∼ 386) in elderly care in three phases from 2010 to 2013. Firstly, we cocreated practical knowledge via interviews, focus group discussions, and participated in nurse assistants’ work. Secondly, we trained managers who formulated preliminary core values and guarantees of dignity. Thirdly, we returned to the stakeholders for a critical review. We learned it is possible to manage a project and involve stakeholders in an action research project by having access to scheduled meetings, providing training to managers, and using appreciative intelligence and technical aids.

A Meaningful Life for Older Persons Receiving Municipal Care—Unit Leaders’ Perspectives

Introduction: In Sweden, new national guidelines for elderly care have been introduced containing core values and local guarantees of dignity that highlight the need for dignity, well-being and the organisation of the older person’s daily life, so it is perceived as meaningful. Unit leaders play a crucial role in health care organisations when guidelines are to be implemented. Aim: The aim was therefore to describe unit leaders’ experiences about what constituted a meaningful daily life for older persons receiving municipal care and the opportunities and obstacles that might exist. Method: Repeated interviews using reflective conversations with nine leaders were performed and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: Unit leaders felt a shared vision regarding a meaningful life was needed. Daily routines and habits that promoted independence, a feeling of community together with familiarity with the job, and got the little extra from knowledgeable staff were important. The historical collective paradigm in elderly care needed to be abandoned in favour of one promoting more individualism. Fundamental was the courage to ask the older person what was important and dared to follow through to “Give power to the older person to decide what care to be given”. Conclusion: Organisational conditions affect unit leaders’ ability to succeed in the implementation of the work. Further studies are required regarding the nature of the support that the unit leaders need to succeed in their work.

A reciprocal relationship - an opportunity and a solution for a meaningful daily life in home care - the older person’s perspective

Background: Shortcomings in elderly care have been reported in many parts of world, including Sweden. National guidelinesfor elderly care have been introduced in Sweden, which contain core values and local guarantees of dignity. These highlightthe need for dignity and well-being and organizing older person’s daily life so that she/he perceives it as meaningful. Therefore,the aim of present study was to explore opportunities, obstacles and search for solutions as described by olderperson in order to create a meaningful daily life. Methods: The design is based on underpinning view of seeing older persons as narrators of their own stories andinterpreters of their own lives. Participatory Appreciative Action Reflection (PAAR) was used when collecting data. Fifteenolder persons participated, and repeated interviews were carried out as reflective conversations, in total 30 interviews. The olderpersons provided their analyses and reflections on what had been said regarding a meaningful daily life. Finally, an analysis ofthe data was done, based on interpretative description, and an inductive approach built on key axioms of naturalistic inquiry. Results: The older persons’ experiences and knowledge of opportunities, obstacles and solutions to a meaningful daily life canbe summarized into four themes: (1) to live as usual, (2) collaboration with staff, (3) relationship carries everyday life,and (4) belonging to something. In discussion, we choose to further develop these four themes by using Buber’s philosophyof dialogue. Conclusions: An opportunity and a solution for meaningful daily life for older person were seen in relationship tooneself, to staff, to others, and family. The reciprocal relationship, which occurred in interaction between staff andthe older person, was opportunity and solution for a meaningful daily life. It was ongoing conversation between olderperson and staff who became the glue and formed relationship. If staff could support older persons to maintaintheir habits and routines, these were solutions for creating a meaningful daily life. A meaningful daily life could be obtained inan I-Thou relation in a shared everyday life, where relationship and continuing dialogue becomes power of balance.The relationship is also relevant for staff and in line with Buber’s thoughts on how we are shaped by humans in encounterwith others.