Meaningful Activities Research Articles

Synthetic cannabinoid use in an adult male prison in the UK

IntroductionSynthetic cannabinoids (i.e. Spice) are a major public health problem in UK prisons, however, research in this area is limited. Here we aimed to draw comparisons between people with and without experience of using synthetic cannabinoids in prison, to characterise the features of, and motivations for use within this setting and evaluate support for different treatment interventions. MethodQuestionnaires were administered to 122 people in a category-B prison for adult males in England between July 2022 and March 2023. Participants were asked questions related to their sociodemographic and custodial characteristics, use of synthetic cannabinoids (and other drugs) inside and outside of prison and psychological distress was measured via the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18). Those that had ever used synthetic cannabinoids in prison completed additional questions related to features of use, motivations for use and support for various interventions. ResultsIn total 46.7 % (n = 57) of participants reported use of synthetic cannabinoids in prison and this group experienced significantly greater levels of psychological distress compared to those reporting no use (mean (± standard deviation) BSI-18 scores = 23.7 (±16.7) vs 12.8 (±13.6), p < 0.001). Participants mostly reported using paper-based preparations (77.4 %) and use via e-cigarettes (75.9 %). The most strongly endorsed motivations for use included to alleviate boredom (91.1 % strongly agree/agree), to make the sentence pass faster (89.3 % strongly agree/agree) and to cope with stress (80.4 % strongly agree/agree). The interventions that received most support were strategies to better manage time and medication to manage withdrawal. ConclusionsThe use of synthetic cannabinoids in UK prisons typically involves the use of paper-based preparations via e-cigarettes, and use is associated with greater levels of psychological distress. Motivations for use were mostly pragmatic (e.g. to alleviate boredom or cope with stress) and interventions should prioritise increasing the time individuals spend out of cells and in meaningful activity.

“It’s not often that people want to hear me talk about my life”: Storytelling experiences of people with aphasia in an interdisciplinary songwriting project

Purpose Storytelling is an integral part of human life, providing opportunities for social closeness, relationship development, and identity exploration. Having aphasia can disrupt the ability to convey stories across a variety of settings. Structured songwriting frameworks may provide people with aphasia an opportunity to successfully engage in this medium for storytelling. Method Three individuals with aphasia participated in a structured songwriting intervention modified to support individuals with aphasia. Each participant-songwriter co-constructed three songs about their life in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. Data about the songwriting process were collected via individual semi-structured qualitative interview and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify superordinate themes and subthemes. Result The overarching superordinate theme related to the process itself as a catalyst that occurred as a result of participating in a songwriting intervention modified for individuals with aphasia. Three subthemes were identified: (a) relationship-centred experience, (b) engagement in meaningful activities, and (c) identity exploration. Conclusion Songwriting may provide meaningful opportunities for people with aphasia to experience the power of sharing stories about themselves. Key components of this experience aligned with the core elements of the positive psychology PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments) framework. Findings support incorporating storytelling through songwriting into the rehabilitation journey for individuals with aphasia.

“Please don't let me become a statistic in this grocery store”: Civic engagement among older Americans since the COVID-19 pandemic onset

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted civic life and upended daily routines. Coffee shops, restaurants, recreation centers, parks, and other ‘third places’ that facilitate communal gathering, interpersonal connection, and meaningful activity closed or operated under tight restrictions. Little is known about longer-term impacts on older adults' civic life since the pandemic's onset. The COVID-19 Coping Study conducted semi-structured interviews in April–July 2021 with 57 adults aged ≥55 across the United States (mean age 71). Reflexive thematic analysis identified heightened sociopolitical tensions and complex community experiences since the pandemic's onset. Participants shared nuanced perceptions of greater physical and emotional distancing, siloed communities, politicized public health adherence, fears of gun violence, and experiences of racial discrimination in shared spaces. Hopeful efforts to re-engage in civic life involved cautious social activities post-vaccination, altered daily routines, and finding a “new normal.” The novel results explore how a large sample of racially and socioeconomically diverse older adults perceive and experience American sociopolitical tensions anchored in shared everyday spaces. Results may inform practical opportunities for policymakers and community service providers to strengthen social infrastructure, support wellbeing, and bolster civic life.

‘They’ve just never been involved in it’: what senior athletes think about older people who do not participate in sport

ABSTRACT To date, despite the many recognised benefits of participation in sport, many older people do not participate in it. This study explored the opinions about barriers to participating in sport among non-active older people from the perspective of 463 senior athletes (M = 61.4, SD = 5.5 years) engaged in competitive sports. Participants completed a questionnaire including an incomplete sentence regarding the reason why many older people do not play sports. We analysed their answers using content analysis and performed bivariate analyses to determine possible associations with the sociodemographic and participatory characteristics of the sample. The results highlighted a range of perceived barriers which mostly related to past and present opportunities, and contained significant variations according to age, country of residence, and years participating in sports. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the way in which senior athletes perceive the barriers for the initiation of non-active older people in sports participation which could inform potential measures to promote greater participation in sport as a meaningful leisure activity among this age group.

Addressing Students’ Different Learning Style in Teaching Vocabulary through Spelling Bee

In Indonesia, drills, question and answer technique, translation technique and minimal use of media are still in existence to teach vocabulary. These might lead to students’ boredom and learning disengagement. This qualitative study aims to report on teacher's experience when integrating Spelling Bee as a monitoring assessment of vocabulary mastery and as a consideration to specify possible teaching instruction. The action research method was employed to prescribe a set of sequential steps: reflect, get data, plan, act, and analyze. The steps are fluid, flexible and iterative at any point when necessary. Data triangulation was used to validate multiple data sources collected. There were two main findings after the second cycle was complete i.e., students’ level of engagement and students score increased by integrating Spelling Bee in the activity. Spelling Bee to equip students with meaningful activities has been achieved especially to serve the purposes of a warm up and an occasional touch to reflect DI implementation. Yet, the time allocation for the integration was inefficiency. Therefore, the integration successfully addresses young students’ style of learning and it can be less effective for more higher level of junior high school students.

Superior Performance Competencies Achieved Through Destination Imagination Experiences

Today’s workforce not only requires specific content-area knowledge and skills achieved through formal education but also, and most critically, superior performance competencies including distinguishable behaviors. While formal education prioritizes easily detectable and measurable content-specific knowledge and skills, superior performance competencies such as cognitive, affective, and motivational skills remain secondary unless students engage in extracurricular activities in real-world settings. This qualitative study investigated the phenomenon of achieving an array of superior performance competencies through learning by doing, at one of the 2023 Destination Imagination events. This study marked the first fieldwork in which the principal researcher directly observed the event in its natural setting. Data were collected, analyzed, and interpreted concurrently during the event by means of observations, ordinary conversations, and an informal interview. The inductive data analysis included analytic memos, and midway hypothesis coding which confirmed the significance of immersing in such activities and resulted in two major findings: 1) participating in such meaningful real-world activities cultivates distinctive behaviors that drive exceptional performance, positioning participants to stand out among their peers; and 2) this involvement also equips students with the capabilities to excel upon entering the workforce, ensuring superior employee performance in their roles.

Musicogram Use by Preschool Teachers in Listening Activities

Limited and mostly superficial exposure to music experiences during childhood negatively affects various musical competencies that develop early on, such as auditory and perceptual skills, a sense of rhythm, and the ability to sing in harmony. High-quality music education in early childhood can only be achieved by incorporating meaningful and active music listening activities into teaching practices by teachers, creating learning environments aimed at enhancing musical skills in children. The learning needs, motivations, and preferences of teachers shape the musical practices in music education. The selection of techniques for implementation, preparation, or equipment deficiencies leads to a series of interrelated outcomes affecting teachers and children. With this aim, the research was conducted to gather the opinions of preschool teachers regarding the use of musicograms in their music activities and to identify the shortcomings in the appropriate use of musicograms for their intended purpose. The research employed a qualitative research method with a case study design. The study group consisted of 33 teachers working in preschools. Data was collected using the focus group technique, and the data collected were analyzed using content analysis. As a result of the research, it was determined that teachers mainly included song activities (singing and listening), rhythm activities, and, to a lesser extent, musical games (ront), and creative movement and dance activities within the framework of music activities. It has been found that most teachers do not know what “musicogram” means. Musicogram was defined as “musicomoviegram,” essentially a musical animation. Additionally, it was determined that teachers need in-service and post-service support, prefer music activities to be conducted by specialized music teachers, emphasize the use of music more as a conceptual tool than for its artistic content, face material and equipment shortages, and particularly lack theoretical and practical background in using musicograms in listening activities. Teachers were found not to include different types of music that reveal changes in musical features such as dynamics, meter, and tempo in their classrooms, and they did not express a need to include such music types.

P390 PGN-EDODM1 nonclinical data demonstrate mechanistic and meaningful activity for potential treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1)

P390 PGN-EDODM1 nonclinical data demonstrate mechanistic and meaningful activity for potential treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1)

MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES AND MEANING IN LIFE IN SOUTH KOREA: BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS SATISFACTION AS AN EXPLANATORY MECHANISM

Introduction – The self-determination theory implies that autonomy, relatedness, and competence might influence the extent to which one perceives his/her life is meaningful. In addition, we examined whether the level of engagement in meaningful activities is subject to the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, which in turn is likely to form perceptions on a meaning in life. Methods – To address these questions, we analyzed survey data that is collected from South Korean adults at the individual level in March of 2023 (N=36). I conducted t-tests and a zero-order correlation before working on the serial mediation analysis. PROCESS macro model 80 is used to analyze serial meditation mechanisms including exposures to meaningful activities, basic psychological needs satisfaction, engagements in meaningful activities, and meaning in life. Results – The serial mediation model discovers two significant paths involving that higher levels of sense of autonomy have increased perceptions on a meaningful life. Also, once individuals regularly participate in meaningful activities, a sense of relatedness is shown to be enhanced. Discussion – This research can contribute to the study of public health by suggesting that beneficial psychological effects of engagement in meaningful activities have subsequent social implications through an increased sense of belongingness. More one senses autonomy, the more likely hold meaningful life perceptions. Participation in meaningful activities has to do with an increase in a sense of relatedness. Conclusion – Autonomy has a significant direct effect on meaningful life perception, which corroborates satisfaction with autonomy plays an important role in the South Korean population’s well-being. By designing initiatives is likely to enjoy greater levels of satisfaction in a sense of relatedness, implying an improved sense of belongingness to one’s network, including their neighborhood and society. Keywords: meaningful activities, autonomy, relatedness, competence, meaning in life.

Worry Intervention in an Older Adult With a Persecutory Delusion: A Single Case Experimental Design.

This report presents the single case of Jack, a 67-year-old referred to our Older Adult Community Mental Health Team (OA CMHT) for his distressing persecutory delusion and high levels of worry. Jack also reported learning difficulties and autistic traits, although neither were formally diagnosed. Ten sessions of worry intervention taken from The Feeling Safe Programme worry module were used to reduce Jack's time spent worrying and increase his engagement in meaningful activity. Weekly face-to-face sessions were held, with Jack's brother acting as a co-therapist. Adaptations to the intervention were made based on Jack's learning preferences. An AB single case experimental design was adopted to compare Jack's scores on measures of worry, paranoia and delusional conviction, and wellbeing and daily functioning before and after intervention. Results demonstrate the worry intervention improved Jack's scores on all measures to a clinically significant degree. This is the first known report of applying the worry intervention to an older adult. The results show the intervention can be of considerable benefit in terms of reducing worry and paranoia, in the context of both older age and suspected neurodiversity.

Experiences of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment from Cognitive Self-Training Using Touchscreen Tablets.

Background: "Tablet Enhancement of Cognition and Health" (TECH) is a cognitive intervention that includes two components: 5 weeks of daily self-training using puzzle-game apps on a touch screen tablet and weekly group sessions. This study aimed to (i) explore experiences of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) following their participation in TECH, (ii) identify hindering and enabling factors to self-training, and (iii) describe participants' perceived and objective cognitive changes and examine factors associated with their satisfaction from TECH. Materials and Methods: We used quantitative and qualitative measures; a phenomenological qualitative design using focus groups and interviews of 14 older adults with MCI and a focus group of the TECH facilitators. Satisfaction with TECH, self-training time, and perceived and objective cognitive changes (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) were evaluated. Results: Qualitative data were classified into three categories: Memory problems, Hindering and enabling factors to self-training, and Meaningful group sessions. The TECH facilitators reported positive changes, less cognitive complaints, and commitment and satisfaction of the participants. Participants reported overall satisfaction from TECH and performed a median interquartile range of 22.6 (19.9-42.8) self-training hours. Higher satisfaction was correlated with a higher objective cognitive change (r = 0.95, P < 0.01) and less training time (r = -0.91, P < 0.01). Discussion and Conclusions: Participants in the current study actively engaged in daily self-training using touch screen-tablet-puzzle-game and functional apps, driven by both internal and external motivators. Despite the lack of cognitive improvement, they expressed satisfaction with their participation in TECH. Therefore, encouraging older adults to engage in meaningful cognitive stimulating activities is recommended.

Systemic Treatment for Advanced and Metastatic Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Examining Modern Therapeutic Strategies for a Notoriously Challenging Malignancy.

Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies that represents 25% of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases. Treatment for non-clear cell histologies is mostly based on evidence from small phase II clinical trials or extrapolated from successful therapies in clear cell RCC because of the low incidence of non-clear cell pathology. Advances in genomic profiling have improved clinicians' understanding of molecular targets for nccRCC, such as altered mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) gene status and fumarate hydratase (FH) gene inactivation, but patient outcomes remain poor and optimal management of this disease remains unclear. This review assesses outcomes by histologic subtype from 27 prospective and 13 ongoing clinical trials to identify therapeutic strategies for advanced or metastatic nccRCC. Vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), such as sunitinib, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, such as everolimus, have demonstrated efficacy and remain viable treatment options, with a preference for sunitinib. However, everolimus is preferred in patients with chromophobe RCC because folliculin (FLCN) gene mutations upregulate the mTOR pathway. Novel TKIs, such as cabozantinib, show improved outcomes in patients with papillary RCC because of targeted MET inhibition. Platinum-based chemotherapy continues to be the recommended treatment strategy for collecting duct and medullary RCC. Clinically meaningful antitumor activity has been observed across all non-clear cell histologies for immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab. Ongoing trials are evaluating novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor and immunotherapy combination regimens, with an emphasis on the promising MET-inhibitor cabozantinib and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib.

Improving Problem Solving Ability through A Scientific Approach on Grade VII MTs Students

Problem-solving skills are highly important in various aspects of life and professions, particularly in mathematics education. However, many students struggle to develop these skills due to a lack of understanding, critical thinking abilities, practice, and motivation. To address this, educators need to adopt teaching strategies that strengthen students' problem-solving skills. One effective approach is the scientific learning model, which emphasizes the scientific process, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world applications. This study aims to assess the improvement of seventh-grade students' mathematical problem-solving skills using the scientific learning model. The research utilizes a descriptive quantitative approach with a two-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consists of seventh-grade students from an Islamic Junior High School, and data collection includes pretest and posttest questions. The N-gain formula is used to measure improvement. The findings indicate a significant improvement in problem-solving abilities among students who receive instruction using the scientific learning model compared to those who do not. The improvement is categorized as moderate in the experimental class, while the control class shows a lower level of improvement. Factors such as students' enthusiasm, implementation of real-life problems, and increased independence contribute to the improvement in students' problem-solving abilities. The implementation of the scientific learning model significantly enhances students' mathematical problem-solving skills. Based on the field findings, there is a need for improvement in soft skills to support meaningful learning activities.

Values Expressed by Women Veterans Receiving Treatment for Chronic Insomnia Disorder

ABSTRACT Objectives Insomnia may contribute to fewer value-consistent choices and less engagement in meaningful life activities. We sought to identify values commonly expressed by women veterans engaged in a trial testing psychological treatment of insomnia disorder. Methods Seventy-four women veterans (mean age = 48.3 [±13] years), meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder received an acceptance-based behavioral treatment for insomnia. In the first session, participants responded to questions regarding personal values and the impact of insomnia on those values. Responses were categorized into values domains informed by the Bull’s Eye Values survey (level 1 categories) and the Valued Living Questionnaire (level 2 categories). Results Raters reached 100% agreement after independent coding and adjudication. Level 1 value categories in frequency order were: relationships (n = 68), personal care/health (n = 51), work/education (n = 46), pets (n = 12), and leisure (n = 5). The most frequently reported level 2 value categories were: family (other than marriage/parenting; n = 50), parenting (n = 31), work (n = 31), physical health (n = 30), and spirituality (n = 19). The level 1 value categories impacted by insomnia in frequency order were: personal care/health (n = 65), relationships (n = 58), work/education (n = 46), pets (n = 12), and leisure (n = 5). Conclusions Women veterans undergoing insomnia treatment highly value relationships and personal care/health, which should be considered patient-centered outcomes of insomnia treatments. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02076165.

Peran Mahasiswa KKN-T Dalam Pengembangan Embung Sari Agung Sebagai Destinasi Wisata Edukasi di Desa Ringinagung, Kec. Magetan, Kab. Magetan

Tourism has become an important milestone in economic development and provides positive impacts, including job creation, increased income and tax contributions. Educational tourism is a program where tourists visit tourist locations to gain direct learning experience. This program combines tourism elements with educational content, creating quality and meaningful activities. Educational tourism is concerned with new learning, cultural knowledge, and application of skills. The popularity of educational tourism continues to grow, for example in foreign language learning. Desa Ringinagung is an example of a tourist destination that has potential in the form of reservoirs and cultural richness. However, the potential of the reservoir has not been optimized as a tourist destination due to the lack of land planning and facilities. The planning process for educational tourism destinations in Embung Sari Agung aims to increase attractiveness, economic value and tourism focus. In this way, the Embung Sari Agung can develop as a tourist attraction that focuses on learning and meaningful experiences.

Evaluation of the SPAN intervention for people living with young-onset dementia in the community and their family caregivers: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of the SPAN-intervention, a psychosocial intervention aiming at improving a sense of usefulness and engaging in meaningful activities, for community-dwelling people living with young-onset dementia (YOD) and their family caregivers. Methods A cluster-randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups (SPAN-intervention vs. care as usual) with assessments at baseline and five-month follow-up was performed. Sixty-one persons living with YOD and their family caregivers were included (SPAN-intervention group: n = 35; care as usual group: n = 26). Outcomes included, for the person living with YOD, empowerment (operationalized by self-management abilities using the SMAS-30; primary outcome), quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, disability, apathy; and, for the family caregiver, quality of life, emotional distress, sense of competence. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Results We found no statistically significant effects of the SPAN-intervention on empowerment, nor on the secondary outcome measures for persons living with YOD or their family caregivers. Conclusion Although the SPAN-intervention may provide concrete opportunities to engage in activities and stimulate reciprocity, such as meaningful social activities, this study did not demonstrate intervention effects. Additional qualitative evaluations may provide more insight into the implementation process and experiences of people living with YOD and their family caregivers. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02937883).

The susceptible–infected–recovered model as a tool to motivate and teach differential equations: an analytic approach

Since the introduction by Kermack and McKendrick in 1927, the Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) epidemic model has been a foundational model to comprehend and predict the dynamics of infectious diseases. Almost for a century, the SIR model has been modified and extended to meet the needs of different characteristics of various infectious diseases including recent COVID-19 breakouts, which stimulates the advance in mathematical epidemiology theory significantly. Some of the mathematical ideas and techniques developed are also relevant to motivate teaching various topics in differential equations by connecting students' life experiences with current pandemics to meaningful classroom learning activities. Here, various pedagogically relevant topics from the SIR model are provided for undergraduate differential equation class, which includes (1) compartmental modelling and mass action kinetic modelling, (2) conservation rule and model reduction, (3) introduction to phase plane by removing time variable to derive trajectory equations, (4) transformation of equations to equivalent forms, (5) transformation of second-order system to second-order ODE, (6) deriving an analytic solution to the SIR equation by solving Bernoulli's equation, (7) deriving an analytic solution to the SIR equation from trajectory equations and (8) deriving an analytic solution to the SIR equation from exponential substitutions.

Enriching Prison Environments via Peer-Led Activities.

Criminologists have long claimed that states of deprivation engendered by restrictive prison environments account for much of the problematic behavior that occurs there. It is logical to assume that any efforts to provide greater access to meaningful and appropriate activities may therefore serve to reduce such behavior by altering motivating operations for misconduct and occasioning reinforcement for other types of behaviors. Given the higher rates of trauma exposure and other mental health issues in prison populations, considering trauma-informed practices in intervention design is prudent. The current study evaluated the effects of environmental enrichment via prisoner-selected, peer-led activities conducted during association times. We used direct observation to assess engagement, existing facility data collection to detect changes in problematic behavior, and prisoner and staff surveys to assess perceptions of the overall acceptability and effects of the intervention. Prisoners engaged with and led a range of activities, with the majority reporting positive effects on behavior, social relationships, and general well-being; staff responses were generally positive but more tempered. Institutional behavior records did not appear sensitive enough to detect treatment effects. We discuss the results in terms of integrating trauma-informed care into prison interventions and the need to develop more robust measures of behavior change.

Exploration of undergraduate students lived experiences of using a chatbot for English language learning

The present study aimed at comprehensively understanding how English language learners benefit from using chatbots. The researchers utilized purposive sampling to undergraduate students who were enrolled in the General English language course during the final semester of 2021 at a public university in Malaysia. With a phenomenological perspective at its core, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 students. The interview data analysis followed Braun and Clarke (2006) thematic analysis approach. The data was analyzed using an inductive approach based on the Interactive, Constructive, Active, and Passive (ICAP) framework categorizing and passive learning modes. Results revealed that three of these- passive, active and constructive modes gave exposure to students about language materials via meaningful activities contributing towards their overall proficiency in the subject matter; while in the interactive mode of learning through chats - responsiveness was an issue. The study recommends that instructors should act as facilitators to help learners by guiding interactions or providing necessary support/scaffolding so that they receive a more productive experience of instruction from chatbots integrated under the ICAP framework. The proposed pedagogical model serves as quintessential counsel for policymakers and educationists who aim to augment language learning results across diverse educational settings.

The lived experiences of young adults grieving an intimate partner or spouse: A phenomenological pilot study

This pilot study explored the lived experiences of six young adults between the ages of 18–32 years grieving an intimate partner or spouse. Through Moustakas’s (1994) steps of transcendental phenomenological analysis, four key themes revealed a traumatic initial period after the death, the importance of helpful vs dismissive community support, a continuation of meaningful activities and ritual to honor the deceased, and significant shifts in participants’ life plans and worldviews. These themes suggest that clinicians may consider facilitating identity-restructuring exercises (e.g., journaling) and inclusive community spaces to support this unique population of grievers. Implications for future research are discussed, including the suggestion to create more targeted inclusion criteria to improve the clinical relevance of results in future studies.