Motivational Support Research Articles

Gauging student readiness for university education: a transitional journey

Access to higher education in South Africa remains one of the principal components of the transformation agenda, driven by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). During apartheid, access to education was racialised. Despite the massive participation rates by previously marginalised groups in the post-apartheid dispensation, epistemological access remains worrisome. Transformation of the higher education system is a key dimension the democratic government has undertook to use to measure the progress of social transformation, as an enabler for student readiness and smooth transition to university education. In this study, we use distributive analysis in a random sample of 1,940 first time-entering students (FTENs) from diverse population groups and backgrounds to establish readiness and the existence of a coordinated transition from basic to higher education. To establish readiness the study assesses first-year students’ academic attitudes and needs, background, and motivational factors, as well as general well-being. To establish the existence of a planned and coordinated transition, a specific attention is paid to career guidance, qualification choice, as well as background and motivational factors. The findings show that despite the clear theoretical framework for a transformed higher education system, there is still no pronounced and planned coordination between basic and higher education. Secondly, the preuniversity socioeconomic conditions signal a long journey still needing to be travelled to achieve a transformed higher education. This is demonstrated by skills gap, lack of basic academic and motivational support, needed to build a global competitive and ready student.

Lived Experiences and Daily Life Fatigue among Non-Medical Prescribed Opioid Users in Pakistan: A Thematic Analysis

The misuse of opioids for non-medical purposes is a persistent public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, where a considerable number of individuals experiences the deleterious physiological and psychological consequences stemming from this behavior. The primary aim of the study was to assess the personal experiences and fatigue levels of individuals engaging in non-medical opioid use. The data were collected from addiction, and rehabilitation centers and the sample consisted of 12 individuals both males and females, who aged from 18 to 60 years (M=27.64, SD=9.10). Additionally, individuals who were actively involved in non-medical opioid usage were included in the study. These individuals were assessed through the utilization of a semi-structured interview approach, providing a balanced framework that allowed for both predetermined questions and open-ended inquiries to gather comprehensive information. The finding reveals that various factors, including physical and mental health issues, family dynamics, and peer influence, contribute to opioid consumption. The study identifies a wide range of symptoms, from psychological and physical effects to dependency and isolation. Moreover, rehabilitation efforts may be affected by factors such as individual motivation and familial support, while the lack of awareness about addiction treatability serves as an inhibitory factor. Although the use of opioids can initially cause feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and heightened energy akin to manic symptoms, it frequently leads to detrimental psychological outcomes. These adverse effects include impulsive actions, guilt, and disruption in daily routines.

How Location-Based Games Incentivize Moving About: A Study in the Context of Nature-Going

Location-based multiplayer games such as Pokémon GO are tied to real-world locations. Past research has demonstrated that, consequently, these games influence where players move. In order to explore what dynamics in these games incentivize travel to specific places or areas, we engaged in interviews with active players. We discovered 11 unique game dynamics, which could be positioned under three overarching themes: (1) the playing field, as determined by the placement of points of interest, the players' habitat and their surroundings; (2) the player communities and real life relationships, which motivated and directed the playing; and (3) coincidental motivational support, which highlighted how location-based games offer multi-layered motivation for players to travel to, and engage with, specific real-world locations. Our study contributes to the fields of gamified human mobility and human-nature interaction by elucidating how playful technologies can influence where and when people move.

The Interplay Between Table Tennis Skill Development and Sports Performance: A Comprehensive Review

This study presents a comprehensive literature review on skill development in table tennis, focusing on various factors that influence expertise in the sport. The research synthesizes findings from multiple studies to understand the effectiveness of mental training programs, the relationship between cognitive functions and table tennis skills, differences between elite and sub-elite players, the impact of visual attention on performance, the effects of plyometric training on serve performance, and the comparison of practice schedules for skill learning and retention. Additionally, the paper explores the stages of tennis forehand attacking technique development, encompassing generalization, differentiation, consolidation, and automation stages, while discussing individual and environmental factors influencing skill development, highlighting the importance of early learning experiences, motivation, intelligence, and family support. Furthermore, the research delves into the history of table tennis performance evaluation methods, including video observation, expert interviews, and the four-stage index evaluation, establishing the reciprocal relationship between skill development and sports performance, emphasizing how enhanced athletic performance fosters skill mastery and vice versa. The findings underscore the significance of mental preparation, cognitive functions, technical proficiency, visual attention, and practice structuring in the pursuit of expertise in table tennis, indicating that incorporating mental training, cognitive training, specialized practice, and plyometric exercises can be beneficial for skill development and performance improvement in the sport.

Autonomy Support and Motivation in Physical Education: A Comparison of Teacher and Student Perspectives

The aim in this study was to identify predictors of teachers’ and students’ motivation and autonomy support in physical education. Ninety-four physical education teachers (26 female, 68 male) and 2127 students (1093 boys, 1026 girls, and 8 no gender specified) from 56 (42 public, 14 private) high schools all voluntarily participated in the study. The students' perceived autonomy support, the intrinsic motivation for physical education and teachers' perceptions of their own autonomy support in lessons and their motivations to teach were assessed. Pearson correlation analysis showed no relationship between teachers’ perceptions of autonomy support and the students’ perceptions of autonomy support. Regression analysis showed that a) the students' perceptions of autonomy support were positive predictors of the students’ intrinsic motivations, b) the assessment support sub-dimension of autonomy support was positive predictor of teachers’ intrinsic motivations to teach in physical education. Given these findings, it becomes critical that PE teachers learn about the value of autonomy support and how to provide it during pre-service and in-service teacher education.

Empowerment of Scheduled Castes in India: An Impact Assessment Study of Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015

Caste-based social stratification is strong in India. Scheduled Castes (SCs) are weaker section of the society facing multiple inequities and discrimination in India. The state of Haryana has enacted Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015, by which educational qualifications have been made mandatory to fight Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) elections since 2016. Based on secondary data collected from the Haryana Panchayati Raj Institutions Election Reports for the year 2010 and 2016, the study reveals that the share of elected SC PRIs increased from 22.94% in 2010 to 25.39% in 2016, after the introduction of educational qualifications for the PRIs election. Empowerment has been gauged on account of extra seats SCs have won than the seats reserved. SC PRIs empowerment composite score increased from 71.07 in 2010 to 116.55 in 2016. Mewat district had low educational level among rural SCs recorded highest PRIs empowerment index. The study highlights that the SCs, particularly of Panchkula, Kaithal, Sonipat and Jind districts require some motivational support to encourage their participation in PRIs elections.

PENDIDIKAN INKLUSIF PELAJAR KURANG UPAYA (PKU) DI INSTITUT PENGAJIAN TINGGI: TINJAUAN PUSTAKA

People with disabilities are often a minority group in public society and their special needs are often not heard, as well as in the field of education. This study aims to identify the support received as well as the challenges faced by PKU in an IPTA institution in Malaysia in undergoing inclusive education. Issues that will be focused on are related to facility and infrastructure support, teaching and learning program support as well as emotional and motivational element support in undergoing inclusive education at IPTA. The data source is primary data with a data collection method that is by interviewing 10 PKU people registered with UPO. Based on the interview results, it will be found the challenges faced by PKU in IPTA, the potential and future direction of PKU as well as the support they need in order to achieve success in IPTA. It is recommended that a similar study be carried out in all IPTAs and also private IPTs involving all PKU groups from various categories. This is to ensure that the rights and needs of all PKU can be implemented. The results of this study are expected to channel information about the support received by PKU at UiTM to be an example to other IPTAs in addition to identifying the challenges faced so that efforts towards solving the problem can be implemented immediately.

Effectiveness of motivational agents on reducing foreign language anxiety

Utilizing resources focused on artificial intelligence (A.I.) and its influence on education, this paper analyzes the impact of “animated agents” to aid students in learning and understanding a new language. We used these articles to understand the effect that A.I. has on the anxiety levels of students and how these learners respond to differing motivational agents. Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) is a term used to describe the stress exhibited by learners of a new language, specifically when being negatively evaluated by others or when perceiving an inability in themselves. FLA is a major barrier when it comes to the overall growth of a student and his/her proficiency in the new language, as it increases stress and decreases motivation to learn by making students think that they are not good enough. Because this has led to a notable decline in learners’ performance in that subject, pedagogical methods have been developed and examined to provide emotional support. With a group of 56 students and an e-learning system, researchers utilized either motivational or explanatory feedback through the use of text, voice, or animated agents (characters that can engage students and present information), and measured anxiety levels across the different combinations. While the motivational support of an agent was most sufficient, gender played a big role in the efficacy of different pedagogical methods; therefore, incorporating the gender of the learner into artificial intelligence systems and animated agents in the future would personalize feedback in forms that males and females can better take in and implement. To provide more equity in education, these results can be applied to other anxiety barriers that actively prevent students from developing the skills essential for their learning. With the proper assistance from A.I., FLA can become a thing of the past, and language learners can no longer suffer from the stress of learning something entirely new.

Factors Influencing Adherence to Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment among Adult Patients at St Francis’ Hospital-Katete, Zambia

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a contagious bacterial infection of the lungs caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, also known as tubercle bacilli. The symptoms of PTB can appear gradually and vary in severity. Malnutrition, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDs), age (young and old), diabetes mellitus, substance abuse, low socioeconomic status, malignancies, and or overcrowding are some of the common risk factors for PTB. According to the Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS, 2021), Zambia’s prevalence rate of PTB stood at 455 cases per 100,000 population. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended Direct Observation of Treatment (DOT) by a trained supervisor (WHO, 2019). However, implementing DOT in Zambia is challenging for both the patient and healthcare provider as it has been observed that a daily visit to a health facility for the first two months by PTB patients was very difficult for a range of reasons which included severe illness at the initiation of treatment, distance too far for walking, and high transportation costs. Objective: The study aimed at determining Factors Influencing Adherence to Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment among Adult PTB Patients at St Francis’ Hospital-Katete, Zambia. Methods and materials: Data was collected using a questionnaire and the study sample was one hundred (100) Adult PTB patients, who were selected by simple random sampling method. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant association between ‘level of information and knowledge, individual motivational support, behavioural skill’ and ‘Adult PTB patients’ adherence to PTB treatment’. Level of Information and knowledge (p-value 0.001), Individual .........

Knowledge, attitude, motivation and husband support in women of childbearing age with the interest of checking for visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) at TPMB Bidan R Cisalak Pasar Cimanggis Depok Year 2022

Cervical cancer is a serious problem in Indonesia. Many cases and deaths occur because early detection is less than optimal. To overcome this, WHO recommends Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid (VIA) as an effective screening method for detecting pre-cancerous lesions early. However, unfortunately, the coverage of VIA inspections is still low in several areas, including in West Java, such as Depok City, Karawang Regency, and Bekasi Regency. Therefore, this problem is interesting to study. This study aims to determine the Knowledge, Attitude, Motivation, and Husband Support in Women of childbearing age with an Interest in Checking for Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) at TPMB Bidan R Cisalak Pasar Cimanggis Depok Year 2022. The method in this study used quantitative research using descriptive analytic methods with a cross-sectional approach. The sample used amounted to 32 people. Data analysis used the chi–square test statistic. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and support from husbands of women of childbearing age by conducting VIA checking. However, there is no relationship between the level of attitude and motivation of women of childbearing age by carrying out a VIA check.

Career Development of Early Career Researchers via Distributed Peer Mentoring Networks

This paper explores the challenges early career researchers (ECRs) face in academia and the benefits of being part of a distributed peer mentoring network. The study highlights the importance of social capital and emotional and motivational support in promoting wellbeing and career development, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the paper examines the impact of a collaborative environment on individual productivity and the development of clear goals. The study reveals that the supportive network of like-minded, ambitious people across borders and hierarchies offers the opportunity to identify with others and create a sense of belonging. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for qualitative methods of social network analysis to investigate the meaning of social structures in the career development of ECRs.

The Supervisor of Undergraduate Dissertations in a Web-Based Context: How Much Support and How to Give it?

The provision of support has always been central to the role of the undergraduate dissertation (UD) supervisor, but little research has been done on its contextual determinants in web-facilitated contexts. Beyond the general recognition of the importance of institutional support for the development of supervisors’ technological and pedagogical knowledge and the importance of technology and pedagogy in maximizing the impact of supervisors’ support for students, the effect of technology tools and students’ prior skills on the type and level of supervisors’ support is not well understood. Drawing partially on the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, the present work uses Partial-Least Square Structural Equation Modelling to examine the effect of supervisors’ Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK), their perception of students’ soft skills, and the technology tools they use (face-to-face, social media or a learning management system) on the level of educational and motivational support they provide. The results indicate that institutional support to UD supervisors positively affects their TPK, which in turn positively affects their educational and motivational support to students. However, supervisors’ educational and motivational support is inversely related to their perception of students’ soft skills and is also affected by the technological tools used. In short, supervision styles are not static since different contextual factors affect the management of the process of supervision. The implications for UD supervision are discussed, and some recommendations are proposed in the article.

Foot Care among Diabetes Patients: A Concept Analysis

Background: The concept analysis of “foot care” is essential for expanding the nursing knowledge base, synthesizing a broader theoretical concept, and guiding more effective care for diabetes patients with and without diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Foot care in nursing has not yet been comprehensively defined for nurses and other healthcare professionals.Purpose: This concept analysis aimed to elucidate the nursing practice concept of foot care. The study identified surrogate terms associated with the concepts, attributes, antecedents, and consequences by employing Rodger’s evolutionary method in a critical analysis of the relevant literature.Methods: This research used Rodger’s evolutionary analysis. The databases were PubMed (n=188), ProQuest (n=4,790), ScienceDirect (n=292), and Google Scholar (n=7,810) with a total of 13,080 articles identified in this study. The screening process involved evaluating titles and abstracts, followed by a thorough analysis of inclusion criteria, which included full-text articles and the presence of keywords: foot care, diabetes, diabetic foot ulcer. Articles that did not provide a clear definition of foot care were excluded. A total of 45 articles were included. Rodger’s evolutionary analysis stressed inductive investigation and careful analysis of the concept.Results: The results of the foot care concept analysis were: (1) among people with diabetes without DFU, the attributes were foot screening and foot examination, while the antecedents were high glycemic levels, inability of the pancreas to produce insulin, abnormal foot skin condition, and foot-related behaviors; (2) among patients with DFU, the attributes were foot intervention and education, while the antecedents included foot self-care knowledge, motivation, and family and social support. The consequences associated with the concept of foot care included improvement in self-efficacy, quality of life, and self-care behavior.Conclusion: Nurses can use the findings of this foot care analysis in their clinical work by promoting and practicing foot care as a preventative measure that shields patients from ulcers. Additionally, nurses can intervene when patients already have ulcers and provide appropriate wound care. Foot examinations become more manageable when specific practice guidelines are available for diabetes patients.

A new theory to promote self-management of symptom clusters and healthcare quality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis, a symptomatic phase of cirrhosis, commonly experience multiple symptoms concurrently, referred to as symptom clusters. Effective self-management of symptoms is known to improve outcomes in various chronic diseases. However, a theory for self-management of symptom clusters in decompensated cirrhosis is lacking. In this study, we applied grounded theory research methodology to construct a new theory of self-management of symptom clusters in these patients. This qualitative study prospectively enrolled 20 patients with decompensated cirrhosis within 1 week after hospital admission. Data related to patients' experiences, needs, perspectives, and abilities related to their symptoms were collected via a semi-structured, in-depth interview and analyzed with Nvivo version 20 software. Grounded theory methodology with 3 coding steps (open, axial, and selective coding) was applied to generate a theory of self-management of symptom clusters. From the step-by-step coding process, 2 core categories or major themes were identified: patients' experiences with symptoms and coping with symptoms. The first major theme included symptom clustering, multidimensionality, recurrence, and specificity, while the second consisted of endogenous motivation, endogenous resistance, and external support needs. A new theory of self-management of symptom clusters was then constructed and delineated to enhance self-management among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Using patient experience data, we developed a new theory of self-management of symptom clusters in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Use of this theory has the potential to promote patient self-management and guide healthcare providers in planning optimal treatments and implementing timely interventions, ultimately improving in patient outcomes.

Challenges in Remote ESL Learning in Under-resourced Language Classrooms: An Indian Perspective During and After the Pandemic

ABSTRACT This study investigated the challenges encountered by English language educators, during the COVID-19 pandemic, who taught the learners of state-government schools in Tamil Nadu, India. The language teachers encountered several difficulties as the learners had no exposure to the second language (L2) other than the traditional classroom environment. The potential government responses to the learning loss as a result of the pandemic were examined in the study. A qualitative research was carried out based on semi-structured interviews conducted with teachers from two districts in the state of Tamil Nadu. It examined the role of Television and WhatsApp as readily available pedagogical tools chosen by teachers to keep the learning process active in distance mode of education during the pandemic. It’s effectiveness and limitations in educating the children were analysed in the study. The discussions revealed that the socioeconomic situations, the digital divide, lack of learner motivation and minimal parental support were the major concerns that needed to be addressed. The findings illustrated the importance of Mid-day-meals during the pandemic and its interdependence on the children’s education. It also highlights the digital resources that were created by the government, after the pandemic to continue the teaching-learning process in hybrid mode. Through the findings of the study, the causes for limited success for the initiatives undertaken by the authorities were examined. The government’s current efforts for the benefit of learners in the form of digital initiatives, to address the students’ learning losses were studied. Furthermore, the results have implications towards the necessary measures needed to improve the hybrid mode of learning by bridging the existing digital divide.

Factors associated with dietary and fluid restriction adherence of chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

Non-adherence of hemodialysis patients to diet and restriction of fluid restriction has a negative impact on health status. Various factors are associated with non-adherence to dietary and fluid restriction in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis including patient characteristics such as age, gender, education, occupation, length of time undergoing hemodialysis, self-efficacy, motivation and social support. This study aims to analyze the most dominant factors associated with dietary compliance and fluid restriction in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study used a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample in this study were patients with chronic kidney disease who underwent hemodialysis as many as 80 respondents. Collecting data using the respondent characteristic questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Treatment of Motivation Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support dan Dialysis Diet and Fluid Nonadherence Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The result of the correlation analysis showed that there was no relationship between gender, education and occupation with dietary compliance and fluid restriction (p > .005). Factors related to dietary compliance and fluid restriction were age, length of hemodialysis, self-efficacy, motivation and social support (p < .005). multivariate analysis using multiple linear regression tests showed that the most dominant factor associated with dietary compliance and fluid restriction was self-efficacy (R2 = .504, p = .000). Thus, it is important to periodically assess the patient's self-efficacy and plan actions to increase self-efficacy so that adherence to diet and fluid restriction can also be improved.

How and when is boundary-spanning behaviour related to innovative behaviour: role of intrinsic motivation and organisational support

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the underlying boundary conditions under which boundary-spanning behaviour has a positive or negative effect on innovative behaviour.Design/methodology/approachA multi-wave and multi-source research design was adopted to collect data. Data were analysed using the multilevel structural equation modelling and latent moderated structural equation approach.FindingsThe results showed that boundary-spanning behaviour was significantly and negatively associated with employees' innovative behaviour via ego depletion when employees' intrinsic motivation or organisational support was low. Additionally, boundary-spanning behaviour was significantly and positively associated with employees' innovative behaviour via ego depletion when employees' intrinsic motivation or organisational support was high.Originality/valueThis research suggests that the consequences of boundary-spanning behaviour are conditional, explaining the contrasting conclusions in this regard.

Exploring teachers’ intention to integrate technology: a comparison between online- and AR/VR-based instruction

ABSTRACT The present study compared teachers’ acceptance of online and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) technology in instruction, employing an extended technology acceptance model (eTAM). The authors included four influencing factors for teachers’ technology integration (teachers’ technological pedagogical and content knowledge [TPACK], self-efficacy, constructivist beliefs and motivational support) and investigated their impact on teachers’ acceptance of online- and AR/VR-based instruction. The results confirmed that self-efficacy and motivational support impacted perceived ease of use for both technologies. The most salient difference when comparing influencing factors was that constructivist beliefs influenced perceived usefulness in online-based instruction, whereas TPACK did in AR/VR-based instruction.

Cultural differences in explicit and implicit support provision and underlying motivations for self-esteem, closeness, and relational concerns.

This research explores how culture influences the motivations underlying explicit (emotional and instrumental) and implicit (companionship and attentiveness) support provision. Two studies (N = 1,106) compared the responses of European Americans and Japanese individuals to a close other's stressful event. The results showed that European Americans were more likely than Japanese to provide explicit support and more motivated to increase the close other's self-esteem and feeling of closeness. Conversely, Japanese individuals were more likely to provide attentiveness support, motivated by concern for an entire group and a friend. These findings support the motivation as a mediator hypothesis. On the other hand, the culture as a moderator hypothesis applied to the association between concern for an entire group motivation and implicit support provision. Specifically, concern for an entire group motivation predicted companionship support provision only in Japanese, while it predicted attentiveness support provision mainly in European Americans.

Parent Engagement and the Child Welfare System: Through a Self-Determination Theory Lens

Engagement is foundational for parents involved in the child welfare system. In this motivation theoretical analysis, we use self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework to organize the extant literature and explain why key casework practices promote parent engagement; offer guidance for caseworkers to recognize indicators of disaffection in their interactions with parents; and illustrate ways to adjust casework practice to better support parent engagement. The analysis points to the importance of caseworker skills in promoting parent engagement, the reciprocal nature of engagement work, and the need for child welfare agencies to similarly provide motivational supports for caseworkers. Promoting parent engagement, and supporting caseworkers in doing this challenging work, is an important pathway toward improving outcomes for parents, children, and families.