Optimistic Research Articles

Developing Local MSMEs with Indonesian Socio-Culture Service Learning for Muria's Processed Parijoto Fruit

The concept of entrepreneurship empowerment was explored in depth to highlight its multifaceted nature and its role in fostering economic growth and cultivating a positive community mindset, which in turn spurred the development of essential infrastructure contributing to community empowerment. Service Learning, as a strategy for community entrepreneurship empowerment in the Indonesian culture, was enacted through the collaboration of faculty and university students who were acknowledged for their capacity to deliver authentic learning experiences. It, thereby, facilitated the acquisition of both soft and hard skills. This initiative exemplified the coordinated efforts among universities, such as the local MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Community of processed Parijoto fruit, and its various partners. The execution of this community service program, which was done in Muria, comprised six primary phases: surveying, conducting interviews, gathering data, preparing materials, engaging in focus group discussions, formulating action plans, and conducting evaluations and reflections. The outcomes encompassed the analysis of laboratory products, educational sessions, mentoring activities, and the creation of educational resources. While the assessment of processing parijoto fruit yielded positive impacts from the endeavor, it was found to have a need to optimize support from businesses to sustain a conducive environment for MSMEs. Such entrepreneurship training initiatives have demonstrated efficacy in empowering communities and generating further prospects for individuals residing in rural areas.

Understanding Radicalization: Terrorist Behavior at odds with Pancasila

The dynamics life of society is constantly changing, both positively and negatively. The loss of high moral standards and ideals in society, particularly the implementation of the Pancasila values, can result in negative changes. The growth of radicalism and the frequent occurrence of terrorist actions in Indonesia are two examples of how Pancasila values are eroding. These are some of the goals of this activity: First, spreading knowledge about terrorism, radicalism, and their relationship as they conflict with Pancasila ideals Second, raise people's knowledge and awareness of the risks posed by terrorism and radicalism. Third, promote understanding of radicalism and terrorist acts through socialization. Students in class XII IPS 3 SMA Negeri 1 Medan will be exposed to information on radicalism, terrorism, and other behaviors that are against Pancasila ideals through lectures and discussions. Results from socialization activities revealed that pupils had a positive mindset. The socialization participants thought that this exercise could raise knowledge and awareness of the risks associated with radicalization and terrorist acts that are at odds with Pancasila ideals. Evidently, socialization participants are dedicated to making an effort to incorporate Pancasila values into their daily life.

RESILIENCE IN JAPANESE OLDER IMMIGRANTS AND ROLES OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract The objective of this community-based study was to explore how Japanese older immigrants cultivated resilience in overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and how Tonari Gumi, a community service agency, supported the process. As Japanese people make up a small proportion of the population in Canada, there are limited resources to meet their distinct needs. Thus, Japanese older adults were particularly affected by disrupted support and service systems when COVID-19 public health orders were implemented. In this qualitative study, seven community-dwelling Japanese older immigrants and five staff from Tonari Gumi participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed thematically using a conceptual lens of resilience, which refers to the ability to survive and thrive in the face of adverse life experiences. Our analysis yielded three themes: Challenges and concerns; Staying active: physically, mentally, and socially; and Creating needs-based services and programs to survive, connect, and enjoy. The initial challenge experienced by Japanese older immigrants was “a feeling of emptiness,” followed by hardships associated with digital literacy, English literacy, fear of COVID, and concerns about the future. In response to the challenges, Japanese older immigrants stayed active by rebuilding and sustaining regular exercise habits, nurturing and sustaining positive mindsets, and sustaining and expanding social connections. Tonari Gumi developed and delivered a variety of new services and programs to meet the needs of survival, social connection, and fun. We will discuss key actions that older individuals and service providers took on to facilitate resilience and implications for research, policy, and practice.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND STRESS AND THEIR IMPACT ON URIC ACID LEVELS IN OLDER INDIVIDUALS

The elderly population, who are more susceptible to infection and chronic illnesses, are particularly susceptible to gout. The Pakong Health Center Working Area has a high prevalence of gout among the elderly population. The study examines the relationship between physical activity and stress, with uric acid levels as the dependent variable. The study involved 60 patients with gout, with a sample size of 53. The DASS physical activity questionnaire was used to gather data. The results showed that 77% of participants engaged in moderate physical activity, while almost 40% fell into the moderate stress group. The majority of uric acid levels were elevated, with 36 out of 68% being elevated. The Spearman Rank analysis yielded a p-value of 0.005, indicating a correlation between physical activity and uric acid levels in the elderly. Additionally, a p-value of 0.000, indicating a link between stress levels and gout occurrence, suggests that older individuals should enhance their physical activity and manage their nutrition to lower uric acid levels. Additionally, seniors should reduce stress by improving their religious practices, expressing their concerns, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Mental Health Analysis at the University of Dipa Makassar using Naïve Bayes Classifier

Maintaining the stability of our mental health as a student and keeping it healthy is one of the most important things to live a healthy mindset to become academically advanced. A good healthy mentality shall produce a positive mindset so that the body can function better emotionally, psychologically, or socially and it will affect the way of thinking. The purpose of this research is to classify mental disorders that are felt by the university students at Dipa Makassar. The results of the classification of mental disorders were carried out on 50 students at the university. 38 students were Identified as having mental disorders while the other 12 students were Unidentified as having mental disorders. Data testing performed on RapidMiner resulted in an accuracy rate of 100%. With this research, it is possible to classify mental disorders felt by the students of Dipa Makassar University

‘It’s about mindset’. How do young migrants in Poland build their resilience?

ABSTRACT The aim of this article is to investigate how young migrants’ resilience manifests in different spheres of their lives. Adapting the Keck and Sakdapolrak's framework, we define resilience as being comprised of coping, adaptive and transformative capacities. While coping capacities are a post-crisis short-term response, adaptive and transformation capacities encompass more proactive and long-term planning. Drawing on interviews with young Third Country Nationals living in Poland, conducted within the framework of H2020 project MIMY, we analyse how the different types of resilience capacities intersect with different areas of integration. We also highlight that resilience is not only the ability to bounce back, but also the power to bounce forward, which implies the capacity to transform individual lives and their environments. Interestingly, in young migrants’ narratives their personal resources, such as a positive mindset, persistence etc. play a crucial role. While community resources (family support and social capital) were mentioned, structural opportunities were largely absent in their narratives on resilience. Therefore, we can talk about a process of (self-)responsibilization of migrants for integration, which relates to the neoliberal discourse on newcomers’ self-reliance.

Memaknai Penderitaan sebagai Proses Menuju Transendesi Diri: Studi Kasus Anak Muda Fase Quarter Life Crisis di UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya

This article explores the significance of suffering as a pathway to self-transcendence, focusing on adolescents navigating the quarter-life crisis phase at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya. Employing qualitative research methods, data is gathered through purposive sampling and interviews conducted from January 13-23, 2023. Descriptive analysis is utilized to present field data and insights. The quarter-life crisis marks a challenging transition from adolescence to adulthood, characterized by feelings of insecurity, pessimism, and confusion about the future, impacting various aspects of life. The study employs self-transcendence as a lens to interpret individuals’ experiences of suffering during this phase of uncertainty. Suffering, in this context, emerges as a transformative process wherein individuals learn to transcend their struggles, fostering resilience and acceptance. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and sincerity in navigating trials, as such perspectives facilitate personal growth and gratitude amidst adversity. Ultimately, experiencing suffering prompts introspection and self-evaluation, leading to enhanced resilience and the acquisition of valuable life lessons.

P167: Informal activities may explain improved depressive symptoms and resilience in nursing home residents: A cross-sectional study in Dutch and Flemish nursing homes

Objective:Pleasant, meaningful, recreational or other activities are often used in depression treatment in nursing home (NH) residents. Residents may also undertake such activities alongside or without a treatment (informal activities). It is not clear if such informal activities can partially explain treatment effects. Our aim was to explore associations of depressive symptoms and resilience with informal activities in residents.Methods:We calculated product scores of frequency and pleasantness for activities from 18 activity clusters in NH residents (AIM, Activities to Improve Mood inventory, Knippenberg et al., in prep). The Geriatric Depression Scale, 8 items (GDS-8, Jongenelis et al., 2007) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRSnl, Dutch translation, Leontjevas et al., 2014) were administered when interviewing residents. Professional caregivers filled out the Nijmegen Observer Rated Depression scale (NORD, Leontjevas et al., 2011). Spearman’s rho’s of 0.20 to 0.39 and of 0.40 to 0.60 were regarded as weak and moderate, respectively.Results:277 Dutch speaking NH residents (male, N=104, 38%), from Flanders Belgium (male, N=137, 49.5%) and the Netherlands participated in the study. We found positive weak associations between the self-reported and observer-rated depression scales (GDS-8 and NORD), and between the AIM total score and resilience (BRSnl). Negative weak associations were found for both depression scales and resilience, and for the depression scales and AIM. Individual AIM clusters showed positive weak to moderate associations between resilience and activities stimulating cognition (e.g. reading, puzzling), activities related to nature (e.g. walking in a park, activities with animals), or doing something meaningful for others (e.g. helping with daily routines or volunteering). Regarding depression, next to the three mentioned clusters, negative weak to moderate associations were also found for craft activities, social activities, and showing a positive mindset (e.g. humour, giving compliments).Conclusion:The results underscore the value of activities that residents may undertake on their own alongside or without a treatment. More research is needed to understand whether informal activities alongside or without a treatment may explain intervention effects (e.g. placebo effects) on depression or resilience, and how these activities may be used to improve treatment protocols.

Living with a person with young onset dementia ‐ spousal experience

AbstractBackgroundBeing of working age, and simultaneously needing to help a person with young onset dementia has specific consequences for spouses. Research to date has been sparse concerning this specific group of spouses.MethodNine spouses were included and interviewed in the study. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis.ResultThe results showed that the spouses experienced an emotional impact that varied from feelings of loneliness, frustration, and worry, to peace of mind. They expressed that they used coping strategies, which included adopting a positive mindset, adapting to inabilities, adopting an avoidant approach, and finding ways to recharge. Spouses also experienced a call for support from informal as well as formal support.ConclusionThe spouse of a person with young onset dementia goes through a range of emotional experiences and has resourceful ways of handling everyday life. The degree of support is varied which leaves more to be desired from healthcare providers.

A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE ON EDUCATION ACROSS CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

This paper examines the topic of education across cultural differences and explores the concept of multicultural education (ME) to address the challenges and benefits of cultural diversity in educational institutions. The paper begins by acknowledging the increasing diversity in societies due to factors such as globalization, immigration, and intermarriage, emphasizing the need for cooperation and understanding among nations, peoples, and education; in addition, to highlighting the understandings and contributions of multicultural education, including instilling cultural sensitivity, embracing diversity, and nurturing appreciation of diverse ethnocultural heritage among students. It discusses how multicultural education helps develop a positive mindset, cultural navigation skills, and a global mindset, reducing discrimination, racial abuse, and culture shock while increasing opportunities for employment, education, and settlement in other countries. However, the paper also acknowledges critiques of multicultural education. These include concerns about it being a barrier to quality education for students from minority groups, the potential loss of students' cultural identities, and the argument that it overly emphasizes culture at the expense of intellectual development. The paper discusses the role of critical multiculturalism, intersectionality, critical literacy, and critical race theory in addressing education inequality. These theories advocate for equal resource distribution, recognition of intersecting identities, cultural inclusion, and challenging structural racism. The paper concludes that while multicultural education has its advantages and critiques, these theories offer valuable perspectives for creating a more inclusive and equitable educational system. By incorporating a multicultural perspective, education can better cater to diverse students and foster a more just society.Keywords: critical multiculturism, critical literacy, educational institutions, multicultural education, diversity, individualdifferences, multiculturalism, cultural pluralism, cultural diversity, cultural overlap, immigration, race, religion, gender.

Exploring the factors that influence the positive mindset of selected educators

This study attempted to ascertain a specific aspect of Philippine educators’ mental health which is positive mindset. 198 educators volunteered to be the respondents of this study through convenience sampling. The respondents were from both private and public educational institutions and handled various academic levels which included kindergarten, elementary, high school, senior high and college. The Positive Mindset Index (PMI), which measures motivation, optimism, emotional stability, happiness, confidence, and control, was administered on the respondents. The findings revealed that the respondents were happy, confident, in control, stable, motivated and optimistic. However, when grouped according to marital status, the married respondents had significantly higher PMI scores than the single respondents. Significant low positive relationships between the respondents’ PMI scores and their age and years of teaching were also established. When grouped according to educational attainment, the analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in the respondents’ PMI scores.

Psychosocial Adjustment Experiences Among Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Survivors: A Qualitative Study.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has serious effects on the daily lives and psychosocial adjustment of survivors. In particular, psychosocial problems are a prominent concern. The aim of this study was to understand the lived experiences of NPC survivors regarding psychosocial adjustment. A qualitative design using individual semistructured interviews was conducted with 20 NPC survivors. Each participant was asked open-ended questions about their lived experience with psychosocial adjustment. The data were then subjected to thematic analysis. The following 4 themes, which had subthemes, were identified from the data: (1) grappling with discomforts (symptoms distress of late toxicities, impaired body image, and returning-to-work restrictions), (2) struggling with uncertainty (disease attribution with self-blame, contradictory rehabilitation information, fear of cancer recurrence, and distance from medical staff), (3) changing social patterns (special favors, social isolation, and social discrimination), and (4) cultivating positive change (healthy lifestyle and positive mindset). Nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivors experience many obstacles, as well as positive changes, during psychosocial adjustment. This study highlights the pressing need to consider NPC survivors' concerns about their psychosocial adjustment. Medical staff should provide NPC survivors with sufficient rehabilitation information to help them deal with possible late toxicities and mitigate their uncertainty and misunderstanding. Effective public education measures are needed to address misunderstandings about cancer in Chinese cultural settings.

Menghadirkan Kebahagiaan Melalui Kesejahteraan

The article discusses the concept of true happiness and well-being, emphasizing the importance of bringing happiness through well-being in various aspects of life. It highlights three key elements: the heart, mind, and actions. Individuals are encouraged to keep their hearts clean from negative emotions, maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, and engage in actions that benefit others. The document also introduces the Program Pelatihan Intensif (Progsif) conducted by Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Studi Alkitab untuk Pengembangan Pedesaan Indonesia, which aims to provide holistic knowledge and skills to church activists, ministers, and theology students. The program includes spiritual mentoring sessions focusing on the sermon on the mount from Matthew 5-7. The participants' feedback indicates the effectiveness of the program in achieving its goals. Overall, the document emphasizes the integration of theology and technology in promoting well-being and happiness within individuals and communities. In conclusion, the document highlights the significance of bringing happiness through well-being and provides insights into the Progsif program's objectives, activities, and evaluation. The program aims to equip church activists, ministers, and theology students with holistic knowledge and skills, focusing on the sermon on the mount as a key teaching for bringing about happiness and well-being. The feedback from participants indicates the success of the program in achieving its goals. Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of integrating theology and technology in promoting well-being and happiness within individuals and communities.

Insights from China: understanding the impact of community resilience and government trust in psychological resilience and anxiety during COVID-19.

COVID-19 has the potential to greatly impact an individual mental well-being. However, an individual's psychological resilience, combined with support from their community and government disaster relief efforts can aid individuals in confronting crises with a positive mindset. The purpose of this study is to investigate how individuals, across three dimensions of individual resilience perception, community resilience perception, and government trust perception, mitigate individual anxiety during COVID-19. This study employed an online survey method that was not restricted by geographical location. Data collection took place from January 2022 to June 2022, and the valid questionnaires covered all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. The assessment of community resilience was conducted employing the Conjoint Community Resilience Assessment Measure-10 (CCRAM-10). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was also used to examine the relationship between community resilience, government trust, individual psychological resilience, and anxiety. The SEM results reveal that individual psychological resilience is significantly negatively correlated with anxiety (b = -0.099, p < 0.001), while there is a significant positive correlation between community resilience perception (b = 0.403, p < 0.001) and government trust (b = 0.364, p < 0.001) with individual psychological resilience. Furthermore, government trust perception enhances psychological resilience, consequently reducing anxiety (b = -0.036, p < 0.001). The results also revealed that women and increasing age had a mitigating effect on individual anxiety during COVID-19. Individual's mental state is influenced on multiple dimensions during COVID-19. Not only can individual psychological resilience better cope with anxiety, but support at the community and government dimensions has a significant impact on individual psychology. These resources can enhance the resilience of both individuals and communities, helping them better cope with stress and difficulties.

A taxonomy of threat and soothing influences in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and central sensitivity syndromes

BackgroundAn imbalance in affect regulation, reflected by a hyperactive threat system and hypoactive soothing system, may impact physical symptoms in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) and central sensitivity syndromes (CSS), including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. This study aimed to identify and structure comprehensive overviews of threat and soothing influences that may worsen or alleviate physical symptoms in people with RMD or CSS. MethodA concept mapping procedure was used. An online open-question survey (N = 686, 641 [93.4%] women) yielded comprehensive sets of 40 threats and 40 soothers that were individually sorted by people with RMD or CSS (N = 115, 112 [97.4%] women). ResultsHierarchical cluster analyses generated eight threat clusters: environmental stimuli, physical symptoms, food and drugs, inactivity, demands, effort, invalidation, and emotional stress. Ten soother clusters were identified: social emotional support, rest and balance, pleasant surroundings, illness understanding, positive mindset and autonomy, spirituality, leisure activity, wellness, treatment and care, and nutrition and treats. ConclusionsOur study provided a comprehensive taxonomy of threats and soothers in people with RMD or CSS. The results can be used in experimental research to label threat and soothing stimuli and in clinical practice to screen and monitor relevant treatment targets.

A stress-is-enhancing mindset is associated with lower traumatic stress symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background A stress-is-enhancing mindset is associated with lower perceived stress and better coping. However, work examining the prospective associations of stress mindset on perceived traumatic stress symptoms during a stressful real-world life event is limited. The present prospective study explored whether stress-is-enhancing mindset measured before the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic was associated with later traumatic stress symptoms in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Methods University students (N = 179; 68% female; Mage = 19.31, SD = 0.79 years) completed the Stress Mindset Measure (SMM) prior to COVID-19 pandemic onset as part of a larger study. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic was completed 1 year into the pandemic. Results SMM negatively predicted the IES-R subscales intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal such that a more stress-is-enhancing mindset was associated with lower intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal following the onset of COVID-19. Conclusions Results suggest a more positive stress mindset is associated with fewer traumatic stress symptoms following a traumatic life event. Altering stress mindset may be an avenue for future interventions to cope with stress.

Revolutionizing Mental Health Care: Analysis of an Online Mental Health Platform (EmpowerMindSpace)

In an era characterized by increased awareness of mental health issues, the development of innovative solutions to address these challenges has become paramount. This research paper presents an in-depth analysis of mental health platform designed to offer accessible mental health support to individuals facing a spectrum of psychological concerns. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the functionality and impact of the platform, encompassing its user experience, therapeutic offerings, and outcomes. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we examined user interactions, therapist-patient dynamics, and the utilization of various support features. The platform seamlessly integrates chatbot support for lower-severity cases and offers an extensive network of qualified therapists for higher-severity situations. Additionally, users benefit from support groups, journaling tools, and positive reinforcement prompts aimed at fostering a positive mindset. This research paper discusses the implications of our findings, highlighting the potential for digital mental health platforms to democratize access to quality mental health care. Furthermore, the paper underscores the importance of ethical considerations, data privacy, and therapist qualifications in ensuring the platform's credibility

Social media mindsets: a new approach to understanding social media use and psychological well-being

Abstract Social media mindsets are the core beliefs that orient individuals’ expectations, behaviors, attributions, and goals about social media’s role in their lives. In four survey studies (N = 2,179), we show people hold distinct mindsets about the amount of agency they have over their social media use (“in control” vs. “out of control”) and the valence of its effects (“enhancing” vs. “harmful”) that are meaningfully related to psychological well-being. We develop and apply the Social Media Mindsets scale, revealing that agentic, positive mindsets are associated with better well-being and low-agency, and negative mindsets are associated with worse well-being (Studies 1, 2a, and 2b). Notably, these mindsets explained more variance in relational well-being and psychological distress than other measures (Study 3) and were related to differences in how people used social media and interpreted the time they spent on it (Studies 3 and 4). Our findings introduce a novel potential explanation for heterogeneous social media effects on well-being.

Influence of Professional Mindset on Job Performance of College Teachers Based on the Background of Educational Psychology

Abstract This paper constructs a PLS structural equation model based on structural equation modeling and PLS computational methods. The focus is on the expression of the measurement model and the application steps while analyzing the general measurement model of structural equations. The PLS method is applied to solve the structural equation model to achieve the best summary of information in the system of independent variables. Combining the structural equation modeling of two simple variables, the structural equation modeling based on PLS was designed to analyze the path of influence of professional mindset on job performance. The results show that a positive teaching mindset can somewhat improve job performance. The z-value of the total effect of professional mindset on innovative performance was 7.798, and the upper and lower limits of the Boolstrap’s bias-corrected 95% confidence interval and percentile 95% confidence interval ranged from (0.751,1.229) and (0.745,1.237), respectively.

Holistic Nursing and Quran Recitation and its Impact on Floods Survivors in Indonesia.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was aimed to explore the trajectory of thoughts and feelings related to religiosity and spirituality using a holistic approach following attendance at group-Quran Recitation (QR) sessions among annual flood victims. Design: This is a qualitative study with an in-depth retrospective interview conducted data in 2019. Methods: The purposive sampling was applied to conduct face-to-face individual video-recorded semistructured interviews. Seventeen participants followed six QR chanting sessions in Bandung, Indonesia. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive analysis. Findings: After extracting evidence expressions of participants, the research team generated the central theme of "Holism of Religiosity and Spirituality," using three influential sub-themes, including obedience to God's will, growing a positive mindset through spirituality and life started to be delighting from nine categories. Conclusion: The relationship of body-mind concepts of holism through QR among flood sufferers was explored. The effect of QR chanting is beneficial to change awareness about the wisdom of spirituality. The holistic approach of religiosity and spirituality in nursing care is recommended to promote all service settings, especially community and disaster nursing in the Indonesian context. Future research is needed to develop QR chanting activities among multiethnic and socio-cultural groups as alternative therapy quantitatively.