Mixed Feelings Research Articles

“It definitely was consensual, but…”: Normative tensions about gendered heterosexuality and young women’s mixed feelings about sex

Sexual ambivalence—sex that is simultaneously wanted and unwanted—is not unusual in young women’s experiences with heterosex. Elucidating how gender and sexuality contribute to ambivalence is important for understanding how social forces shape oft-hidden sexual behaviors that affect women’s well-being. We draw on 20 interviews with young women in the United States to argue that mixed feelings about sex (psychological ambivalence) could stem from conflicting norms about heterosex (sociological ambivalence). Participants recalled wanting sex with partners because the characteristics met one set of social norms that valorized the encounters, but also discussed simultaneously not wanting those same experiences because of coexisting norms that stigmatized their behaviors. Such mixed feelings contributed to some women’s unease about experiences that they understood as explicitly consensual. In the end, the study highlights the importance of attending to the sociological study of ambivalence and its role in theorizing access to pleasurable, not just consensual, sex.

Experiences and needs of older patients with stroke in China involved in rehabilitation decision-making: a qualitative study

BackgroundShared decision-making is recommended for stroke rehabilitation. However, the complexity of the rehabilitation modalities exposes patients to decision-making conflicts, exacerbates their disabilities, and diminishes their quality of life. This study aimed to explore the experiences and needs of older patients with stroke in China during rehabilitation decision-making, providing a reference for developing decision-support strategies.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore the experiences and needs of older patients with stroke in China. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 31 older Chinese patients with stroke. The participants participated in face-to-face, semi-structured, and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThe key themes identified include (1) mixed feelings in shared decision-making, (2) multiple barriers hinder the possibility of participating in shared decision-making, (3) Delegating rehabilitation decisions to surrogates, (4) gaps between reality and expectation, and (5) decision fatigue from lack of continuity in the rehabilitation health care system.ConclusionsOlder patients with stroke in China have complex rehabilitation decision-making experiences and needs and face multiple obstacles when participating in shared decision-making. They lack an effective shared decision-making support system to assist them. Providing patients with comprehensive support (such as emotional and informational), strengthening the construction of a continuous rehabilitation system, alleviating economic pressure, and promoting patient participation in rehabilitation decision-making are necessary.

UPI's Influence on India's Economic Transformation: Financial Inclusion

The UPI, since its inception in 2016, has revolutionized the financial industry of India. This paper discusses the all-encompassing and deep change brought by the UPI in the areas of economic growth, incorporation of finance, and cashless economy. Digital transactions have become fluent and real-time accessible under the UPI, thus empowering individuals and businesses to easily access previously untapped populations. The digital payments promoted through UPI reduce cash dependency, which controls tax evasion and circulation of black money along with possible operational inefficiencies. The paper focuses on the critical aspect on how the platform has supported economic growth through financing innovation in fintech, drives the expansion of SMEs, and increases overall transparency in transactions. Moreover, UPI has acted as a significant enabler to help the state achieve the government initiatives - Digital India, which helped boost the country's GDP through acceleration of digitalization with improvement in financial inclusion. Despite such a massive success story, the adoption of UPI continues to pose difficulties in rural areas primarily on account of lower degrees of digital literacy and infrastructure. With the prospects that the cross-border transaction will bring in the future, UPI can further establish economic growth. This research article is a reason for mixed feelings - with one hand, the revolutionary impact that UPI has on India's economy, and on the other hand, the challenges that must be overcome for it to reach its fullest potential.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Implementing a Home-Based HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Program in an Urban Clinic.

Personal and structural barriers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care result in its underutilization and premature discontinuation. A home-based PrEP program comprised of telemedicine visits and/or self-administered lab testing may address some of these barriers. Our objective was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a home-based PrEP program among stakeholders at an urban HIV and primary care clinic. We used the consolidated framework for implementation research to evaluate determinants of successful implementation of the program. We surveyed and interviewed PrEP patients and their health care team. In a baseline survey of PrEP users (n = 112) administered between May 2021 and August 2022, 65% expressed interest in switching to the home-based PrEP program. Seventeen patients over the course of follow-up through December 2023 started home-based PrEP, including 12 patients who completed both a telemedicine visit and a self-administered lab kit, and 5 patients who completed only a telemedicine visit. Of these, over 80% had positive feedback on the telemedicine visits. Survey results demonstrated excellent acceptability and feasibility of the lab kits. Patients indicated in interviews that the home-based PrEP program provided the strong advantage of convenience. Despite mixed feelings from PrEP providers on telemedicine visits (n = 5), most felt that the program made PrEP care delivery easier for patients and would encourage their patients to use the program if it were a good fit. Barriers to program success included shipping delays and staff turnover during program implementation. In conclusion, uptake of the home-based program was low but program participants expressed high acceptability.

Law enforcement officer perceptions of the Good Samaritan law and their role in the opioid epidemic in the United States

PurposeGood Samaritan laws were enacted to reduce overdose deaths by lowering the barriers to reporting for victims and witnesses and allowing law enforcement officers to carry and administer Narcan to those suspected of an opioid-related overdose The purpose of this study is to understand how officers perceive the impact of opioid overdose reduction initiatives in the United States and their role in the opioid epidemic.Design/methodology/approachMixed methods were used in two phases to examine perceptions among law enforcement officers in a Massachusetts police department. First, qualitative methods were used to interview nine patrol officers during participant observations in the form of ride-alongs. Second, patrol officers and officers who volunteer with the department opioid outreach program were surveyed.FindingsOfficers generally held mixed feelings about the state’s Good Samaritan law. They saw the importance of saving the lives of those experiencing an overdose and keeping other first responders safe, but also in enforcing laws against possession of illegal drugs that presents a public safety threat, including the accidental exposure to fentanyl. Despite mixed feelings, officers still believed it to be important that they are trained and able to administer Narcan since they are often the first to arrive on scene.Originality/valueThis study adds to the research on officers’ perceptions of their role in the opioid epidemic, their ability to administer Narcan and the impact of Good Samaritan laws on their community.

Transformation and development of simulation-based education and child first aid skills training

Background: Simulation-based medical education is a complex learning methodology in different fields. Exposing children to this teaching method is uncommon as it is designed for adult learning. This study aimed to develop and implement simulation-based education in first aid training of children and investigate the emotions of children in post-simulation scenarios that replicate emergency situations. Methods: This was a phenomenological qualitative research study. The participants attended the modified “Little Doctor” course that aims to train children in first aid and, subsequently, completed simulation scenarios. The children attended focus groups and were asked about their experiences of the course and how they felt during the simulation scenarios. Results: 12 children (Age 8–11 years old) attended the course, and 10 completed the simulation scenarios and focus groups. The major theme derived from was the simulation experience’s effect, which was divided into two subthemes: the emotion caused by—and the behavioral response to—the simulation. The analysis revealed shock and surprise toward the environment of the simulation event and the victim. The behaviors expressed during the simulation scenarios ranged from skill application and empathy to recall and teamwork. Conclusions: Simulation scenarios were successfully implemented during the first-aid training course. Although participants reported mixed feelings regarding the experience, they expressed confidence in their ability to perform real-life skills.

The lived experience of patients with bipolar disorder with adapting their lifestyle to their condition

BackgroundAn important element of self-management strategies for people with bipolar disorder is adapting their lifestyle to their condition, since this improves their quality of life. However, not all people with bipolar disorder succeed in lifestyle adaptation. Knowledge about their lived experience with adaptation would enhance understanding about how healthcare providers optimize support. Research questionWhat is the lived experience of people with bipolar disorder with adapting their lifestyle to their condition? MethodA qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design was used. Individual, open interviews were conducted with 16 people with bipolar disorder. The data were analyzed according to the seven-stage process by Colaizzi. FindingsThree main themes were identified: (1) struggling to adapt lifestyle; (2) mixed feelings about lifestyle adaptation; and (3) supporting lifestyle adaptation. ConclusionParticipants reported that adapting their lifestyle to bipolar disorder is a struggle. Adaptation is influenced by factors such as the fluctuating nature of the disorder and differing levels of experiential knowledge and can evoke both positive and negative feelings. Lifestyle adaptation is also interrelated with other strategies for staying well, such as accepting the diagnosis and being open with others. It can be enhanced by support from other people and by making use of practical tools. RecommendationsHealthcare providers should support people adapting their lifestyle to bipolar disorder by being attentive to the interrelatedness of lifestyle aspects and other strategies for staying well with bipolar disorder.

Ugly ambition: “Sportsgirls” and the German press in the 1920s

Abstract This article focuses on the discussions around female athletes and their emotions in the German and Austrian press of the 1920s. In the course of the sports boom of the interwar years, more and more women participated in public sports competitions and demanded their right to be taken seriously as sportswomen. Their public appearance aroused mixed feelings and heated social debates about how much and what kind of sport was appropriate for women, which were reflected in discussions and narratives around the figure of the “sportsgirl.” Sportsgirls were imbued with a novel emotional style to which ambition and audacity – ways of feeling that were cultivated during competitive sports and that contrasted with traditional bourgeois female feeling rules – were key. Sportsgirls and their emotional style were the subject of many stories, reports, pictures, and articles that were published in the growing sports press of the time – and they were judged and evaluated for the emotional style they embodied. The press was a potent platform and site of the formation of feeling rules; as such, discussions around sportsgirls point to the (embodied) experiences of the athletes and indicate how the emotional style that derived from them was turned into a tool to reshape social conventions and feeling rules for women beyond the sports arena.

“There is a life before and after cancer”: experiences of resuming life and unmet care needs in stage I and II melanoma survivors

Although the largest increase in melanoma incidence is observed for localised melanoma, little research has been done on its impact. Despite favourable prognoses and relatively short treatment trajectories, diagnosis and treatment may significantly impact life post-treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of stage I and II melanoma survivors’ experiences resuming life after treatment and their associated survivorship care (SSC) needs. A qualitative focus group study was conducted with 18 stage I or II melanoma survivors, divided over three focus groups with 6 survivors each. Transcripts were analysed through thorough thematic content analysis, using multiple phases of coding. In resuming life, survivors experienced profound initial impacts of disease and treatment, fed by a perceived lack of knowledge and underestimation of melanoma. They faced unexpected physical and emotional effects post-surgery, experiencing mixed feelings from relief to fear and uncertainty. Survivors felt misunderstood, had to adjust their lives, and managed personal and external expectations while experiencing a positive shift in life perspective, leading to a notable difference in life before and after cancer. In terms of SSC needs, survivors stressed the need for tailored information, accessible resources, patient-centered follow-up, and supportive care addressing the total impact of disease and treatment. These findings highlight the importance of improving melanoma awareness and providing holistic SSC not only to advanced, but also to localised melanoma survivors. A tailored survivorship care plan could facilitate access to information and supportive care, helping patients resume their lives.

Clients’ and providers’ perspectives in informing a digital health intervention to improve linkage to care after Index HIV self-testing in Hai and Moshi Districts, Tanzania

BackgroundDigital health interventions have the potential to improve linkage to care after HIV self-testing (HIVST). This study aimed to understand clients’ and providers’ perceptions of benefits, and barriers of a digital health intervention designed to improve linkage to care after HIV self-testing in Tanzania.MethodsThis exploratory qualitative research study was conducted in Hai and Moshi, districts in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Four health facilities were selected based on their involvement in an HIVST pilot program implemented by Elizabeth Glassier Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) Tanzania through the USAID funded program. The study included female index clients and their partners, and healthcare providers at the healthcare facilities. We used a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions for data collection. Data collection was conducted from 16th January 2023 to 3rd February 2023. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted, guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), and results were developed in collaboration with the community partners.ResultsA total of 42 participants were included in the study, comprising 9 male clients, 17 female index clients, and 16 health care workers (HCWs) (4 male and 12 female) who were involved in delivering HIVST services. The study’s findings revealed mixed feelings about the use of a digital health intervention. Majority of participants perceived digital health as a valuable intervention for enhancing linkage to care, improved health outcomes, improved communication with healthcare workers, and increased privacy. Therefore, they supported scale-up of a digital health intervention. Participants also expressed that the potential benefits of a digital health intervention include the convenience of accessing healthcare services from the comfort of their homes or any location. However, a few participants expressed concerns about potential risks associated with sending health-related text messages. They feared that recipients might not be in a safe space, leading to stigma and avoidance of engagement. A few female participants expressed concerns about confidentiality breaches, particularly regarding shared phones with family or friends. Fear of being judged or misunderstood by others could deter them from reading or acting upon these messages. Most participants recommended tailored strategies that prioritize confidentiality and trust. Recognizing these psychological aspects is vital for customizing digital health interventions to effectively address participants’ concerns.ConclusionsDigital health interventions may improve the linkage of HIV self-testers to care. Recommendations include personalized and culturally relevant communication and technical accessibility to make interventions effective and inclusive. This study provides valuable insights for designing patient-centered interventions for HIV care and treatment.

‘Is this a joke?’ Exploring how care experienced people feel their way through inheritance and what their emotions ‘do’

Inheritance provokes mixed emotions and feelings for people who engage in this ‘family practice’ (Monk, 2014; 2016). Inheritance can be a way of ‘doing’ and ‘displaying ‘family’ but can also be a way of un/making families (Edwards and Canning, 2023). The aim of this article is to explore how care experienced people ‘feel their way through’ (Ahmed, 2014) inheritance. We do this by triangulating findings from informal empirical research we undertook on social media with an analysis of the broader literature on inheritance contained within blogs, autobiographies and museum exhibitions about care experience. We make two key arguments. The first is that inheritance can be attributed as a source of feeling for care experienced people. We consider how our question on social media immediately sparked negative ‘emotional expressions’ (Bericat 2016), related to feelings of exclusion, loss and anger of inheritance not being of relevance to them. The quote in our article title – ‘Is this a joke?’ – was an expression from a person who responded to our research. Second, we argue that while marginalised and absent within orthodox inheritance practices, care experienced people are ‘feeling subjects’ (Bericat, 2016), who derive new forms and ways of creating and (re)imagining inheritance from the emotions associated with being ‘othered’ by inheritance practices. Drawing on Sara Ahmed’s (2014: 4) question: ‘What do emotions do?’, we show that care experienced people ‘feel their way through’ and ‘do’ different things with the emotions they attribute to inheritance to forge new inheritances.

Exercising Intercultural Performance in Adaptations: Regional Kerala Myths and Rituals used as tool in Shakespeare film adaptation in Kannaki and Karmayogi

Integral to the concept of "interculturalism" is an appreciation and knowledge of many cultural backgrounds. The major emphasis of intercultural performances is the equitable and meaningful interchange of performance standards and conventions. The timeless universal truths about mankind found in William Shakespeare's plays ensure that they remain relevant and influential even in our own day. Shakespearean plays are more amenable to adaptation into any genre because of their adaptability and flexibility as well as their inherent humanism. There is a lengthy history of retelling great stories in Malayalam film. The literary shifts, thematic echoes, and cultural subtleties that set apart the two film versions of Shakespeare's tragedies, "Hamlet" and "Antony and Cleopatra," from one another are the subject of this research. The exotic customs of Kelipathram and Poorakkali from Kerala have been included into the film to emphasize the cultural superiority of the Orient over the Occident. Shakespeare's Cleopatra continues to evoke mixed feelings in modern audiences; some see her as a manipulative force, while others find her aesthetically pleasing. Whatever your opinion, it's clear that Cleopatra defies categorization within patriarchal society's narrow definitions of women. The film's director gave Kannaki a mysterious air. Kannaki successfully achieves the characteristic of cinematic appropriation by meticulously blending mythological, cultural, geographical, and semiotic aspects within the narrative realm of Antony and Cleopatra. As a result, the director alludes to Antony and Cleopatra's politics inside Kannaki's oriental poetics.

A qualitative study examining medical students′ expectations of psychiatric inpatient and intensive care settings

Background There is limited literature to date regarding medical students’ expectations of the psychiatric inpatient environment. This study aims to explore what medical students expect from psychiatric wards and psychiatric intensive care units prior to their placement. Psychiatric intensive care, arguably the most intense experience students will have in psychiatry, was used to highlight the full extent of student preconceptions. Methodology: Students were invited to complete a semi-structured questionnaire over a six-month period, from July to December 2021. Questions explored emotions prior to placement, expectations of the ward atmosphere, layout, patient behaviour and care strategies. 37 responses were received. Analysis followed the well-recognised six stages of thematic analysis. Results: Five themes emerged from the data: (1) Mixed feelings about placement; (2) Varied views about patient behaviour and illness; (3) Restrictive and controlled practice; (4) Similarities to acute general hospital care; (5) Care with empathy and compassion. Some of the expectations of students were markedly different to the reality of psychiatric inpatient and intensive care settings, with ideas of patients being physically restrained, unconscious and attached to ventilators. Conclusion: This study offers a unique insight into what medical students expect from psychiatry inpatient and intensive care settings, an issue that all clinicians who have student contact should be aware of. Results can better inform student preparation and placement supervision, leading to more meaningful learning and improved wellbeing.

Doctoral students’ perceptions of the English language proficiency completion criteria in Iran: making a case for English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP)

PurposeThis study set out to investigate PhD students’ perceptions of the criteria for showcasing English proficiency as part of the requirements for completing PhD programs in Iranian universities. The criteria included The Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (MSRT) test, an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, achieving the minimum score on the English section of the doctoral entrance exam, and gaining approval from supervisors regarding students’ proficiency.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were collected by conducting interviews with 19 PhD students as well as a corpus of 325 students’ commentaries posted on an online forum. The data were then analyzed using the constant comparison method (Creswell, 2013).FindingsStudents held mixed feelings in relation to the new completion requirements and in particular, the MSRT test. However, they advocated egalitarian, objective, and need-responsive measures, which were better mirrored in the EAP program.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings were discussed with reference to the predictive validity, authenticity, and construct relevance of the MSRT test and the EAP program. Despite the absence of quantitative data on the comparability of high-stakes tests and the EAP program, the study offers implications for testing agencies, academic institutions, and tertiary students.Originality/valueA multitude of PhD students and candidates are affected by the results of the new policy. Accordingly, gaining a better understanding of students’ perceptions may assist policymakers in reconsidering their policies, if necessary.

Audience perceptions of AI-driven news presenters: A case of ‘Alice’ in Zimbabwe

Digital innovations are transforming newsroom practices across the globe. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is upending and altering newsmaking and news distribution practices. Whilst there is existing literature on the ever-changing journalism practices due to AI tools in the Global North, scholarship on how these digital innovations are shaping African newsrooms has remained scant. This study uses the case of Alice, an AI-powered newsreader in Zimbabwe, to explore the audience perceptions of this digital innovation. Drawing upon Afrokology, and cultural studies as theoretical frameworks, this qualitative study derived data through digital ethnography and in-depth interviews. Findings demonstrate that there are mixed feelings on the appropriation and use of AI-driven news anchors. On the one hand, some audiences applaud the use of AI news anchors as innovative storytelling techniques. On the other hand, audiences are concerned with Alice’s lack of human emotion, poor accent and perceive her as a threat to traditional journalists’ jobs. Some of the resistance towards Alice indicate a need for decolonising the AI tools in the newsrooms.

Emotional Fertility Intention and its correlates in Ethiopia among married contraceptive user women: using linked community and health facility data from performance monitoring for action; a generalized ordered logistics regression modeling

BackgroundEmotional fertility intention and couples communication are key during pregnancy and childbirth with simultaneous minimization of reproductive coercion. Intention to conceive is an integral part of the reproductive health (RH) right and can be considered as decision making on fertility, family wellbeing and the country’s population demographic dividend and composition. However, in low and middle income countries including Ethiopia where males dominance is culturally constructed and socially accepted, males took the lead in every decision making process. In the aforementioned context, women are less likely for their voices to be heard, hence, this study aimed at determining the level of womens´ emotional fertility readiness and its correlates. The finding provided actionable evidence for the ministry and developmental partners working on reproductive and womens´ health so as to be used as an action point to empower women in terms of their reproductive health right to have control over their fertility.MethodsLinked community and facility data with nationally representation from Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA Ethiopia) 2020 Survey Ethiopia except Tigray Region were used for this study. A total of 2,069 current and/or recent contraceptive user women of child bearing age who are currently married/living together as a partner were included in this analysis. Frequency was computed to describe the study participant’s characteristics. Generalized Ordered logistics regression modeling was employed to identify correlates of the hierarchical variation in women fertility intention if they became pregnant. Results were presented in the form of percentages and odds ratio with 95% Confidence Intervals. Candidate variables were selected using p-value of 0.25. Statistical significance was declared at p-value of 0.05.ResultsThe proportion of womens´ emotional fertility intention of feeling unhappiness was 48.73% (95%CI: 46.21%, 51.23%). On the contrary, 22.88%, 11.36% and 17.03% of them reported that they felt sort of happy, very happy and mixed feeling. An increase in age,10 and above years marriage duration, the type of decision maker for contraceptive use were found to increase the odds of women emotional fertility intention across the higher level categories by (AOR: 95% CI: 6.75 (3.11, 14.62) times higher among elder women aged 35 to 49 years, (AOR: 95% CI: 3.79 (1.72, 8.31) times higher for women with a 10 or more years of marriage duration; and 1.83 (1.03,3.24) times higher for women whose contraceptive use was decided by the health care provide alone. A higher birth order lowered the cumulative odds of womens´ emotional fertility intention symmetrically across the higher level categories by 86% (AOR: 95% CI: 0.14 (0.07, 0.29). Women who wanted to have additional child and whose nearest facility provided 5 or more methods had an increased odds of being in the higher level categories of women emotional fertility intention with disproportional association across the cumulative logit. Accordingly, women whose nearest health facility provided 5 or more methods had an 49% (AOR: 95%CI:1.49 (1.01, 2.19) increased likelihood of being in the mixed or happy category than being very/sort of unhappy category of the emotional fertility intention while the number of methods had no significant association with emotional fertility intention at higher cumulative logit: 1.34 (0.87,2.10). Those who wanted to have an additional child had a 3.16 (2.28, 4.36) higher odds to be in the mixed or happy category than being in unhappy category. Further, this tendency was even stronger at higher categories of emotional fertility intention: 4.83 (3.23, 7.23).ConclusionNearly one in two women reported being unhappy while 17.03% felt mixed emotion calling up on intended and spaced pregnancies by ensuring women reproductive and economic empowerment to empower women to have control over their fertility. Activities and efforts that promote intended and spaced pregnancies; and diversifying access to contraceptive methods in the nearest health facilities are likely to improve women emotional fertility intention; and activities that enable women to decide their contraceptive as well. The finding that health care provider decides on women current/recent contraceptive use calls for activities to improve quality of contraceptive use counseling to enable women to decide their contraceptive use by the themselves while the access of diversified methods in the nearby health facility create an opportunity for women to obtain the method they preferred to use and make them emotionally well. These activities are hoped to enable women to plan their fertility thereby increasing their emotional well-being. These activities and interventions need to be tailored across regions and need to be age sensitive.

Excuse me professor, you’re on mute – a qualitative exploration of experiences of video conferencing and zoom fatigue in university students

ABSTRACT Background Despite the great feasibility of video conferencing platforms, concerns regarding Zoom fatigue, the exhaustion experienced after prolonged virtual meetings, arise. Although often examined from a quantitative standpoint, there remains a significant lack of qualitative exploration of Zoom fatigue. Objective This study aimed to explore Indian university students’ qualitative experiences with synchronous classes and zoom fatigue. Method Thematic Analysis (TA) was used to analyze in-depth interviews of 24 university students (age = 20.38 ± 1.74, 15 females) enrolled in synchronous courses, i.e. online courses attended by students at the same time they are delivered. Results Nine primary themes and ten sub-themes were identified by study participants for zoom-delivered courses: (i) beyond screen time; (ii) physical issues; (iii) anxiety; (iv) cognitive difficulties (difficulty in sustaining attention and remembering, multi-tasking, and distraction); (v) experiencing awkwardness (turn-taking and interruption, eye-contact, self-consciousness, and home environment); (vi) technological barriers and discomforts; (vii) lack of sympathy from instructors and administration (regarding self and family’s health and regarding technical glitches); (viii) mixed feelings toward instructors (ineffective teaching pedagogy and gratitude and admiration for instructors); and (ix) feeling gratitude. Conclusion Participants in this study were generally fatigued and dissatisfied with the experience of zoom-delivered classes. Addressing factors contributing to zoom fatigue can ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of synchronous learning.

The Influence of the Pandemic on the Affective States of School Principals and Teachers: A Comparative Study between South Africa and Latvia

This study explores the extensive influence of COVID-19 on the affective states of school principals and teachers. A comparative, qualitative study was conducted on Latvian and South African participants’ experiences during the pandemic, with a focus on leadership, change, extra workload, ICT, and uncertainty. A total of 59 participants from rural, urban, and private schools in both countries took part in this study. Data were collected by conducting interviews with open-ended questions after which themes were identified and grouped. The results demonstrated that the states of mind of Latvian school principals and teachers were more affected than those of South Africans for whom vaccination was not compulsory. Furthermore, it was found that technological adaptation was easier for Latvian than for South African educators. The role of the Department of Education has evoked mixed feelings. Leadership, and the lack of it, also influenced the affective states of school principals and teachers. Emotional support from society, family, and colleagues was experienced differently in Latvia than in South Africa. The results of this study revealed that a pandemic can be experienced differently by principals and teachers but also that there are similarities in these experiences, as no one is ever completely prepared for the effects of a pandemic.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the Beginning of World War II as Perceived by Soviet Citizens: New Sources and Interpretations

Abstract After the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed, a new historical phase began for the whole of Europe, marked by a sharp escalation of international conflict and the imminent outbreak of World War II. For Soviet citizens, these events were particularly traumatic because they also meant a sudden turn toward peace with Germany. The news of the signing of the Soviet-German Non-Aggression pact was received by Soviet citizens with mixed feelings. Many of them did not understand why yesterday’s Enemy No. 1 was suddenly turned into Ally No. 1, and what to expect from this partnership. In searching for the rationale for this agreement, the Soviet people were inclined to take a positive view of the pact, and then a negative one. A detailed analysis of the transformation of the public mood makes it possible to identify the internal problems of Soviet society, which manifested themselves expressively in the first weeks of World War II. This study also draws attention to the problem of Soviet people’s trust in official sources of information; to the impact of war scares of the interwar period on Soviet society; and to the influence of the ideas of the world proletarian revolution on the perception of the events of late August and early September 1939. The study is based on the accounts of the predominantly Russian population of the Soviet Union and presents the perspective of this ethnic group.

P-483 Unraveling motivations and ambivalence among egg donors: an exploratory study in Portugal

Abstract Study question Which motivations drive women to consider egg donation in Portugal, and how does the level of ambivalence play a role? Summary answer Higher motivation to help others and valuable genetics were associated with a lower ambivalence, while financial motivation was associated with a higher ambivalence towards donation. What is known already Egg donation has become a common treatment option for patients struggling with infertility. Therefore, understanding the egg donors decision-making process is crucial. Previous studies have shown that the motivations for egg donation are multifaceted and vary as a function of individual characteristics, such as motherhood and sexual orientation. Egg donors consistently report altruism as their main motivation for donation, but little is known about their ambivalence. Our aim was twofold: (1) to investigate the motivations of egg donors in Portugal; (2) to investigate and compare the levels of ambivalence towards egg donation in relation to the motivations and socio-demographic characteristics. Study design, size, duration Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in two Portuguese Fertility Centers. Participants were 177 Portuguese women who demonstrated their intention to become egg donors through an online form (www.soudadora.pt). The candidates were invited by e-mail to participate in this study and informed consent was obtained prior to the data collection. The data were collected through an online questionnaire prior to the screening and donation process, between November 2023 and January 2024. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants were 177 Portuguese women (Mage = 27.30, SD = 4.26). Motivations were measured through a self-report scale focusing on five dimensions: “to help others”, “empathy”, “valuable genetics“, “to procreate”, “financial compensation”. Ambivalence was measured through a self-report scale focusing on mixed feeling about the donation. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential methods to establish differences in motivations, as well as associations between participant's ambivalence, motivations, and socio-demographic characteristics. Main results and the role of chance The motivations with higher scores were to help others (M = 11.03, SD = 1.54; min. = 0, max. = 12) and valuable genetics (M = 3.62, SD = 0.75; min. = 0, max. = 4; all paired-sample t-test p < .001), while the financial compensation revealed the lowest scores (M = 3.48, SD = 1.83; min. = 0, max. = 8; all paired-sample t-test p < .001). The ambivalence levels towards donation were generally low (M = 2.58, SD = 1.74, min. = 0, max. = 7). A higher motivation to help others and valuable genetics were significantly associated with a lower ambivalence (r(175) = -0.18, p = .014; r(175) = -0.18, p = .020, respectively). On the other hand, a higher financial motivation was significantly associated with a higher ambivalence towards donation (r(175) = 0.21, p = .01). Moreover, the higher the number of children, the higher the womeńs empathic motivations (r(175) = 0.50, p < .001). Women who identified as homosexual/bisexual reported higher motivations to procreate, as compared to heterosexual women (t(161) = -2.84, p = .01). The educational level did not significantly influence either the motivations or ambivalence of the candidates to egg donation. Limitations, reasons for caution Relying on self-report questionnaires might have introduced bias (social desirability). Investigating whether the motivations and ambivalence of these women correlate with their inclusion on the donation program and with their post-donation satisfaction could provide valuable insights. Donor anonymity is a key aspect in the decision-making process which was not addressed. Wider implications of the findings Understanding egg donors’ motivations is pivotal for several aspects, such as maintaining ethical standards and predicting donation outcomes. Identifying and addressing ambivalence could contribute to improved donor well-being and a successful donation. Overall, understanding the decision-making process enables a more effective and personalized approach, benefiting both donors and recipients. Trial registration number Not applicable