Ongoing Relationship Research Articles

Emerging Insights on the Role of Social Networks in Intergroup Friendship

Research on intergroup friendships has historically focused on individuals and dyads. Only recently has research begun to examine intergroup friendship in the context of the broader web of social relationships in which individuals and dyads are embedded. This review highlights emerging research on the role of social networks in intergroup friendship, with a focus on interracial friendship. In particular, we examine how social networks shape opportunities to form intergroup friendships, influence intergroup attitudes, and affect ongoing intergroup interactions and relationships. This emerging work reveals how friendships across group lines are shaped not only by the individuals involved but also by their other friends, the attitudes of those around them, and the structure and context of their broader social network. Though nascent, social network research has already begun to offer novel insights into foundational intergroup theories and inform future interventions to foster intergroup friendships.

Artistic expression as a property of resonant musical experience: an interview study with upper secondary school music teachers

Background The curriculum for the courses given at the music specialization of the upper secondary school’s aesthetic program in Sweden includes the concept of artistic expression (AE). Being a criterion for assessment, no definition is provided by the National Agency of Education and there exists no consensus of how to interpret artistic expression among music teachers and music teacher students. Methods In order to explore how teachers understand, teach, and assess the concept and phenomenon of artistic expression, twelve qualitative interviews with music teachers were conducted and analyzed through an open coding process. Results The findings show that the concept of artistic expression is multifaceted and evasive. The results focus on two analytic threads: (i) situatedness and (ii) entanglement. (i) AE is situated due to context-specific parameters which underpins the meaning of the concept in this particular educational setting. (ii) Furthermore, the phenomenon of artistic expression is entangled (a) with the ongoing relationship between teacher and student, and (b) in a temporally unfolding and interactive musical event. The phenomenon of artistic expression as entangled is discussed, primarily through Hartmut Rosa’s concept of resonance, which brings into focus the intersubjective character of aesthetic experience. Doing so questions understandings of – and assessment procedures surrounding – artistic expression that relies on skill-based interpretations or reductions of entanglement. One example of such reduction is assessment of recordings of student performances which limits (a) the relational perspective (if assessed by a third person) or (b) the entanglement with the musical event. The perspective of resonance brings forth the teacher’s role during a student performance as characterized by self-efficacy and active listening, thus co-constitutive of artistic expression. Conclusions The article concludes with reflections on how the findings may contribute to the continuous discussion on how scientific grounding and proven experience may inform both the music education at upper secondary school and music teacher education. The concept of resonance provides a possibility to reframe conceptions of artistic competence in art education as being grounded in intersubjective and relational terms, rather than being reified as a set of measurable skills, an understanding which in turn risks replacing learning with criteria compliance.

Cultural keystone species and their role in biocultural conservation

AbstractBiocultural diversity is declining globally. Cultural keystone species (CKS) are one promising pathway by which biocultural approaches to conservation, which seek to protect both biological and cultural diversity, might be implemented in practice. We traced the evolution of the CKS concept in relation to Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian context through a scoping review of the literature from 2000 to 2021 and nine in‐depth interviews with Indigenous Guardians and knowledge holders. Emergent themes in this scoping review indicate that CKS, rather than being viewed as objects for conservation, can be understood as ongoing relationship(s) between the cultural and ecological, which are intimately tied to language, knowledge, practices, and places in ways that are deeply interconnected. One cannot protect CKS, therefore, without also protecting the relationships that people (or groups of people) have to that species. We conclude by recommending further investment in policies and programs that support enabling mechanisms for Indigenous Peoples to maintain, manage, and restore relationships with CKS.

Making A PACT—Ethical Principles for Critical Community Informatics

ABSTRACTThis research proposes an ethical framework for engagement with the data collected by information institutions on and about their community members, part of a field better known as community informatics. As data collection becomes a key element of library and information patron services, it is crucial that workers have experience and training in dealing with the collection and handling of data related to their patrons. The PACT framework, which stands for Power, Access, Consent, and Trust, was developed and workshopped in LIS classrooms across three ALA‐accredited programs and aims to prepare LIS students for the types of ongoing relationships and issues they will encounter working in an institutional setting. The framework is grounded in critical theory, and takes a participatory approach towards community informatics, as well as drawing on the Codes of Ethics of three major professional organizations for cultural heritage and information professionals.

Process evaluation of two large randomized controlled trials to understand factors influencing family physicians’ use of antibiotic audit and feedback reports

BackgroundUnnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in primary care are common and contribute to antimicrobial resistance in the population. Audit and feedback (A&F) on antibiotic prescribing to primary care can improve the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing, but the optimal approach is uncertain. We performed two pragmatic randomized controlled trials of different approaches to audit and feedback. The trial results showed that A&F was associated with significantly reducing antibiotic prescribing. Still, the effect size was small, and the modifications to the A&F interventions tested in the trials were not associated with any change. Herein, we report a theory-informed qualitative process evaluation to explore potential mechanisms underlying the observed effects.MethodsOntario family physicians in the intervention arms of both trials who were sent A&F letters were invited for one-on-one interviews. Purposive sampling was used to seek variation across interested participants in personal and practice characteristics. Qualitative analysis utilized inductive and deductive techniques informed by the Clinical Performance Feedback Intervention Theory.ResultsModifications to the intervention design tested in the trial did not alter prescribing patterns beyond the changes made in response to the A&F overall for various reasons. Change in antibiotic prescribing in response to A&F depended on whether it led to the formation of specific intentions and whether those intentions translated to particular behaviours. Those without intentions to change tended to feel that their unique clinical context was not represented in the A&F. Those with intentions but without specific actions taken tended to express a lack of self-efficacy for avoiding a prescription in contexts with time constraints and/or without an ongoing patient relationship. Many participants noted that compared to overall prescribing, A&F on antibiotic prescription duration was perceived as new information and easily actionable.ConclusionOur findings indicate that contextual factors, including the types of patients and the setting where they are seen, affect how clinicians react to audit and feedback. These results suggest a need to test tailored feedback reports that reflect the context of how, where, and why physicians prescribe antibiotics so that they might be perceived as more personal and more actionable.Trial registrationClinical Trial registration IDs: NCT04594200, NCT05044052.

Shared-Care in Complex Malignant Hematology: An Integrative Review Using the RE-AIM Evaluation Framework.

Complex malignant hematology (CMH) shared-care programs have been established to support patients with access to care closer to home. This integrative review examined what is known about CMH shared-care using the RE-AIM evaluation framework. We searched five electronic databases for articles published until 16 January 2024. Articles were included if they were qualitative or quantitative studies, reviews or discussion papers, and reported on an experience with shared-care (defined as a reciprocal, ongoing patient-sharing relationship between a specialist centre and community hospital) for patients with hematological malignancies, and examined one or more aspects of the RE-AIM framework. The search yielded 6523 articles; 10 articles describing eight shared-care experiences. Indicators of reach were reported for 65% of the programs, and emphasized some patient eligibility criteria. Effectiveness indicators were reported for 28% of programs, and suggested favourable survival outcomes within a shared-care model; however, health system impact and quality of life studies were lacking. Indicators of adoption and implementation were reported for 56% and 42% of programs, respectively, and emphasized multidisciplinary teams, infrastructure support, and communication strategies. Maintenance was not reported. Common elements contribute to the implementation of existing CMH shared-care programs; however, a formal evaluation remains an area of need.

Supplier Communication and Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County,Kenya

The study investigates the relationship between supplier communication and the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Supplier communication was found to play a pivotal role in the operational efficiency and overall performance of MSMEs, especially in dynamic markets. Despite adopting Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices, many MSMEs continued to experience challenges such as poor record management, unclear expectations, and a lack of timely feedback. These communication issues contributed to delays, misunderstandings, and increased costs, which negatively impacted business growth. The study applied the Communication Accommodation Theory to explain how MSMEs adapted their communication styles in both high-context and low-context cultures. Using a cross-sectional research design, the study collected data from 373 MSMEs under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between supplier communication and performance, with regression analysis showing that supplier communication explained 58.7% of the variance in MSME performance. The findings aligned with previous studies, emphasizing the importance of communication for successful supplier collaboration and supply chain management. The study concluded that frequent, transparent communication with suppliers improved product and service delivery and operational efficiency. Recommendations included investing in technologies that enhance communication and developing policies to support ongoing supplier relationship management. Further research could explore the impact of digital technologies on supplier communication and how communication with international suppliers influences MSME performance.

Dynamisms of romantic family imaginaries and asexual identity-making

ABSTRACT This paper explores the interplay between romantic family imaginaries and asexual identity-making through the agentic negotiation of pragmatic trade-offs. Romantic family imaginaries refer to ideational and aspirational aspects of idealized romantic relationships that mark them as chosen family and engender associated feelings of security and normalcy. I analysed idiographic case studies (chosen from a larger sample of 44 interviewees) of two interviewees with asexual tendencies, romantic family aspirations, and ambivalence towards asexual identification. Romantic family imaginaries accentuated ambiguities in how my interviewees experienced and labelled their asexual feelings. Extending ideas about pragmatism explored within family studies and queer Singapore studies, this research conceptually proposes two ways through which pragmatic negotiation may take place: the deployment of provisional and prospective identities. Provisional identities affirm ambiguity by tethering themselves to ongoing relationships that live out family imaginaries. Prospective identities affirm ambiguity by qualifying themselves in relation to future unknowns. Examining these trade-offs reveals how romantic and sexual normativity, usually thought to be allied, may sometimes be situationally opposed.

Patient experiences of remote consulting with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia: a qualitative study.

Remote and digital consulting in primary care has rapidly expanded since March 2020. It is important to understand patient experiences, particularly for those living with complex long-term conditions, to identify how care can best be delivered, including within the remote space. To explore the experiences of people living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis [CFS/ME] and Fibromyalgia when consulting remotely in primary care. Semi-structured interviews with patients living with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia in general practice in England METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 participants. The interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically according to a Foucauldian theoretical framework. All participants highlighted needing to feel believed by clinicians. Many reported difficulties with telephone and online consulting due to the lack of physical communication. Positive outcomes were reported when there was a good relationship with a clinician. Continuity in care and recognising the complexity of these conditions were also considered important. This study allowed people living with CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia to describe their experiences when consulting remotely. Participants highlighted needing to feel listened to and felt they benefited from an ongoing relationship with a clinician although this was difficult to achieve when consulting remotely. Some advantages of remoted consulting were reported, particularly when symptoms were troublesome. Flexible access systems with a range of consultation modalities or preferred clinician(s) availability could improve healthcare encounters, particularly given the increased use of remote consulting, in primary care.

Africana Political Theory as Decolonial Critique

ABSTRACT This article illuminates a fundamental problem at the core of canonical political theory: the racialization of knowledge. It contends that the history of canonical thought as being necessarily Western and, therefore, European American, means the emergence of epistemic racism produces enormous consequences for the practice of philosophical thought—namely, Africana political theory (APT). Thus, this article raises important questions such as the colonization of reason, as well as the ongoing relationship between political theory and race, such that the specter of anti-black racism manifests and becomes intertwined with the foundations of the canon. Ultimately, the article proffers APT as decolonial critique to complicate and expand the parameters of philosophical practice. The overall consequences for the discipline, its students, and its practitioners actualize an ongoing movement for black liberation.

Examining the perception, frequency, and intensity of domestic violence inflicted by Palestinian wives against their husbands

This study examines domestic violence perpetrated by wives against husbands in Palestine, utilizing structured interviews with 53 married participants. Findings reveal prevalent female-perpetrated domestic violence, often involving mutual conflict initiation. External stressors and power dynamics significantly influence behaviors, reflecting situational pressures and control issues. Verbal abuse and emotional manipulation are widespread, indicating covert and challenging violence dynamics. Responses to violence vary, suggesting barriers to accessing support systems. Effective conflict resolution is crucial to address ongoing relationship challenges. The study underscores the multifaceted nature of domestic violence, emphasizing the need to address underlying psychological factors and promote healthier relationship dynamics. Based on the study's findings, actionable recommendations include educational outreach, customized support services, legal advocacy initiatives, community engagement projects, professional development activities, and sustained research efforts to promote positive societal change.

The Idea of a “Flawed Treaty” and its Influence on Students’ Perceptions of the New Zealand Wars

AbstractThis article reports on students’ accounts of te Tiriti o Waitangi as a flawed agreement that was a cause of subsequent conflict. We examine how the notion of a “flawed treaty” is developed in history and educational texts. We argue that when the cause of conflict is attributed to the failures of those engaged in the historical production of the treaty documents, Māori perspectives on the sacred significance of the treaty are obscured, as is the contemporary relevance of the agreement. As much as possible, throughout this article, the capitalised phrase te Tiriti o Waitangi (or te Tiriti) is used to refer especially to the te reo Māori text and the Treaty of Waitangi (or the Treaty) to the English language text of the treaty. ‘The treaty’ (in lower case) refers to an agreement to an ongoing relationship, and where a specific text is not defined.

Participatory Climate Action: Reflections on Community Diversity and the Role of External Experts

Academics have often contributed to designing, running, and evaluating participatory events with publics on climate action. Whilst climate assemblies are perhaps the most well-known of such events, there is also a proliferation of smaller and more local projects suggesting scope for reflection on the role of academic researchers in this evolving space. We deploy an experimental methodology that blends personal reflections with group discussion amongst the authors to help unpack the lessons learned from a project led by the local council, where we facilitated the involvement of local people in decision-making around climate action. Reflecting on our individual and academic positionalities, we question the extent to which we are well placed to build, maintain, and sustain trust, which requires spending time in place, continuity, and ceding power. As “outsiders” with “elite connotations,” our role as actors in this space is open for discussion. Indeed, our involvement could be perceived as a missed opportunity to retain more money and knowledge locally by ceding more responsibility to grassroots organisations. Our experience also suggests that framing public participation in terms of design and facilitation deficit is somewhat misleading. It is not just a process that needs to be attuned to diverse communities, but an ongoing relationship that needs certain enabling conditions to flourish, including conducive funding frameworks and a willingness to address incumbent power differentials between state and non-state actors.

Emotional Landscape of Translingualism: Multilingual International Students Navigating Shame Through Translingual Digital Stories

AbstractExtending the current scholarly discussion on anti‐racist translingualism, this article explores how two multilingual international students navigate and resist the feelings of shame through translingual digital storytelling. Based on a narrative analysis, the study delves into the multilingual international students' racialized experience as they grapple with linguistic racism and internalized Whiteness. The findings from the narrative analysis suggest the students' evolving and ongoing relationships with shame. The researcher argues that translingual digital stories allow the students to draw upon a myriad of linguistic repertoires and semiotic resources, which are essential for navigating shameful feelings and addressing linguistic racism. The researcher concludes this article by offering suggestions and recommendations for cultivating an anti‐racist pedagogy within multilingual education.

Sexual Misconduct by Board Certified Family Physicians.

Sexual misconduct by physicians is a consequential violation of patient trust. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and patterns of sexual misconduct by physicians certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). We described a cohort of current or formerly ABFM certified physicians ("Diplomates") disciplined for sexual misconduct in 2016 to 2022. Ninety-four physicians, representing only 0.1% of ABFM Diplomates, were identified as having received disciplinary action(s) for reported sexual misconduct. These constituted 8.9% of the 1122 cases that resulted in a physician losing board certification or eligibility for any cause in 2016 to 2022. Ninety-three of the 94 physicians identified as male, with an average age of 56 (range 22 to 88 years). Eighty-nine percent of victims were female, and 90% were patients of the physician. Unwanted sexual behavior/assault occurred in more than half of the cases, whereas one third described an ongoing sexual relationship between patient and physician. Nearly 1 in 5 cases also included controlled substance prescribing. Seven cases involved minors. Noncontact ("grooming") behaviors were described in 34 cases, 28 of which included subsequent physical sexual behavior. A clinical setting was the site of misconduct in 84% of cases. Reports of sexual misconduct among board-certified family physicians are infrequent. However, any sexual misconduct by physicians is harmful to patients and the profession. The specialty should work to enhance education and change professional culture to mitigate this important problem.

Before You Tie the Knot: Impacts, Outcomes, and Lessons Learned from a Federally-Funded Premarital Education Case Study

Human services educators continually seek ways to make outreach programming more engaging and effective. This study evaluated an ongoing relationship education program funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (Administration of Children and Families) to determine the effectiveness of the Before You Tie the Knot (BYTK) premarital education program. A self-reported, quantitative, retrospective-pretest-then-post-test evaluation was utilized to assess key objectives in the sample (n = 1285). Clearly- evident effect sizes were found for perceived behavior changes in the participants’ implementation of skills related to relationship quality (i.e., positive interaction, negative interaction, positive bonds, happiness/satisfaction, commitment, and not feeling trapped) covered in the training over a five-week period. Implications for how the BYTK program can facilitate change and learning in educational settings, as well as inform relationship education outreach programming, are discussed.

‘Hyper-active incrementalism’ and the Westminster system of governance: Why spatial policy has failed over time

This article seeks to explain why spatial policy in England has been so ineffective in recent decades. It offers a novel framework – ‘Hyper-Active Incrementalism’ – to conceptualise the way that public policy in this area is prone to being short-term, under-evaluated, reactive, fragmented, incremental and top-down. It applies this framework to a historical survey of spatial policy, offering a nuanced understanding of the causes of these pathologies. We argue that Hyper-Active Incrementalism helps explain the persistence of a range of Westminster pathologies, as it drives the ongoing dialectic relationship between over-centralisation and policy failure. The data drawn from our historical survey suggest that Hyper-Active Incrementalism has accelerated overtime, a dynamic of increasing governance fragmentation that contributes to the incoherence of the UK state. In conclusion, we argue that governments must learn from past failure not just in this policy area but also elsewhere, by adopting a system-wide approach to reform.

DETERMINANTS OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN RETAIL BANKING: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM JAPANESE BANK CUSTOMERS

As a consumer-oriented service industry, the quality of customer service provided by banks and their customers' overall satisfaction with their services are becoming increasingly important. This study examines the factors influencing customer satisfaction with banking services provided by Japanese regional banks. Using data from the Japan Financial Institution Customer Ratings METER® of about 200,000 cases, we estimated the factors affecting customer satisfaction using an ordered probit model. The results indicate a positive correlation between direct financial services from regional banks and customer satisfaction. This relationship is solid when customers hold investment-related products. Additionally, we observed that individual customer satisfaction tends to decline with increasing financial asset holdings and increase as customers become more financially literate. Furthermore, we noticed that customer satisfaction tends to be higher for females than males, younger people than the elderly, and occupied customers than for unoccupied customers. The findings of this study suggest that customers may be more attracted to regional banks that provide investment information and advice tailored to their circumstances. It may be beneficial for regional banks to understand better factors that influence customer satisfaction, such as the age and gender of their customers, their level of financial Literacy, and the amount of financial assets they have. It would be beneficial for regional banks to consider these factors and enhance the quality of their direct interactions with customers and the customer service provided by their staff and call centers. This could help regional banks build long-term, ongoing relationships with their customers.

Editorial and tribute to Janette Poulton

This special issue of the Journal of Philosophy in Schools is based on papers presented at the Federation of Asia-Pacific Philosophy in Schools Associations (FAPSA) conference on Communities of Inquiry: Significance, Cultural Change and the Ongoing Relationship to P4C, and held at the University of Melbourne from 1 to 3 October 2022.

Seeding the Future (This Is Not a Metaphor): Creative Acts of Public Gardening with Yarrow Collective

In a world beset by climate crisis, how can artists create participatory performance work that moves audiences from distant spectators to become active agents with an awareness of the role they play in a larger ecosystem? On lək̓ʷəŋən territory, colonially known as Victoria, BC, Yarrow Collective creates multidisciplinary installations that invite communities into creative acts of public gardening. In this case study, co-creators Sammie Gough and Laurel Green trace the development of their new work for Pacific Opera Victoria’s Voices in Nature that toured city parks in the summer of 2022. Drawing from a wide variety of influences, they envision the transformative potential of weaving together their artistic practices in an ongoing collaborative relationship with the life cycles of Indigenous plants and pollinators. They confront their own settler-inherited, extractive notions of what a garden should be and explore what becomes possible when gardening is shifted from expert labour to a shared creative act. Yarrow Collective’s installations become meeting places for intergenerational temporary communities that offer ecological resources, hold space for uncomfortable truths, and yield opportunities for ongoing stewardship as both collective journeys and site-responsive living artworks.