Perception Of Positive Changes Research Articles

Toward climate-resilient and biodiverse agriculture in the Mediterranean region: experiences and perceptions of farmers engaged in sustainable food production

The abandonment of smallholder agriculture and the expansion of conventional intensive agriculture pose a potential threat to the multifunctionality of agriculture. The adoption of intensive conventional practices generates negative outcomes, such as increased greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and degradation of land, water, and ecosystems. An ecological transition in agriculture is urgently needed. This paper collects and systematizes the opinion of farmers in Spain, engaged in different food production systems (e.g., organic agriculture, biodynamic agriculture, regenerative agriculture, and conservation agriculture), as alternatives to intensive conventional agriculture. In collaboration with agricultural associations and networks in Spain, we co-created an exploratory online survey including qualitative and quantitative questions. Based on 60 in-depth questionnaires, we assess (1) the practices used by the consulted farmers, (2) the perceived effects following the introduction of sustainable practices, and (3) the challenges and opportunities for farm profitability. Our preliminary results show that farmers apply nine out of 14 sustainable practices, on average, and 65% of our sample consciously adapt their practices to climate change. Farmers perceived positive changes in soil properties, biodiversity, and pests after using these practices. They mentioned the low income as the most significant challenge. Finally, we conducted an online discussion with representatives of the associations. Farmers’ perceptions of positive changes presented in this paper are not intended to be representative of farmer communities across Spain, but provide a first overview of those engaged in the ecological transition.

Resilience and positive changes for undergraduate students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Little is known about positive changes resulting from COVID-19. To understand the pandemic’s impact and how to support resilience during a global health crisis, this study examines resilience and perceptions of positive changes. In this preliminary exploratory study, a convenience sample of college students (N = 365, mean age = 19.5, 64.1% female) completed the Brief Resilience Scale and responded to questions about their experiences in the pandemic, including a free response prompt about positive changes (n = 143 responses) during spring 2021. An ordinal logistic regression examined if resilience scores predicted positive changes, and a qualitative analysis was conducted on the subsequent free responses. The regression, including control variables, revealed that for every one-point increase in resilience score, the odds of endorsing positive changes increased by .36 (p = .037). The qualitative analysis revealed themes of improved relationships/development of new relationships and improved quality of life. Interventions that strengthen resiliency may help translate these research findings into practice.

Intervención grupal online para la elaboración del duelo y recuperación del bienestar psicológico tras una ruptura amorosa

Este estudio buscó verificar si aumentaban los niveles de bienestar psicológico en personas que han vivido una ruptura amorosa, luego de participar de una intervención grupal de modalidad online basada en el modelo de tareas del duelo de Worden, y el uso de técnicas recomendadas por este autor para el trabajo de duelo. La muestra final del estudio estuvo compuesta por 12 participantes adultos, residentes en la República Dominicana. La recolección de datos cuantitativos se hizo con el uso de las Escalas de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff en su adaptación española realizada por Rodríguez-Carvajal et al. (2010). Además, se recolectaron datos cualitativos a través de un cuestionario de preguntas abiertas. Los resultados muestran un aumento significativo en los niveles de bienestar psicológico tras la intervención (m=28.58; t=5.86, p<0.001). Los hallazgos cualitativos, clasificados en cinco categorías principales, evidencian la percepción de cambios positivos en los participantes luego de haber participado de la intervención, como el desarrollo de la empatía con los miembros del grupo, el cambio de ideas erróneas que pudieran interferir en el proceso de duelo y la motivación para continuar procesos terapéuticos. Se recomienda realizar otras investigaciones con una muestra mayor y con grupo control, de modo que puedan hacerse generalizaciones y conclusiones definitivas sobre la efectividad del programa diseñado y aplicado.

Contributions of the Acquired Literacy and Numeracy Education Support (Lanes) Professional Development Skills on Enhancing Literacy Skills to STD I and II Pulils in Tanzania

The study investigated the contribution of learned literacy and numeracy Education Support Programme (LANES) Teacher Professional Skills on Enhancing STD I and II Pupils' Literacy Skills in Tanzania. Andragogy Learning Theory guided the study in order to understand the impact of learned LANES teacher professional skills on enhancing STD I and II pupils' literacy skills specifically the extent to which the learned LANES professional skills enhanced children’s reading and writing competence. The study consisted of 100 pupils from 10 primary schools, 20 Standard I and II teachers, 10 head teachers and 1 District Education Officer. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to generate and analyse the data. The study revealed that LANES training has made a great contribution to improving teaching and learning of literacy skills. Teaching methodology such as interacting with the learner as using instructional aid during lessons as well as perceptions of positive changes in general teaching practices was improved. Moreover, the pupil's performance in reading and writing tasks were good. Averagely, 76% of STD I & II pupils were able to confidently read and write the tasks was given in a specified time. From these findings, the training proved to have a positive contribution and improved pupils’ competence in reading and writing country wise. The study recommends that the government and other agencies should provide regular training to teachers as appropriate measures in updating their skills and knowledge for the improvement of pupils’ literacy skills.

Changes in quality of life: the experience of elderly persons at a university of the third age

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the present qualitative and quantitative study was to investigate whether the participation of elderly persons in the University of the Third Age (U3A) of the Federal University of São Paulo, Baixada Santista (Unifesp/BS) led to a perceived improvement in quality of life; the meaning of the term quality of life for the participants; and whether education and social interaction are considered relevant in any such perceived improvement. Method: Data were collected through the SF-36 questionnaire and semi-structured interviews at the beginning and end of the academic year. Results: The quantitative data did not differ significantly between the beginning and end of the research period, except for the variable Vitality (V). The qualitative results, however, signaled a perception of change in terms of education, social interaction and quality of life. Conclusion: The data indicated that participation in the University of the Third Age at the Federal University of São Paulo, Baixada Santista (Unifesp/BS) was associated with a perception of positive changes in the quality of life of the elderly persons, who considered social interaction and education to be an important part of these improvements.

Predicting Posttraumatic Growth in Mothers and Fathers of Critically Ill Children: A Longitudinal Study.

Research on parental psychological effects related to a child's critical illness has focused on studying negative outcomes, while the possibility of posttraumatic growth (PTG), defined as the perception of positive changes after a traumatic event, has been overlooked. This study explores the degree of parental PTG after a child's hospitalization in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the role of resilience, emotions, perceived severity of the child's condition and stress in predicting PTG. In the first 48h after their child's discharge from a PICU, N = 196 parents were assessed for resilience, emotions, perceived stress, and the degree to which they perceived their child's condition as severe. 6 months later N = 143 parents were assessed PTG. 6 months post discharge, 37.1% of parents reported PTG at least to a medium degree. Path analyses with latent variables showed that the psychological variables assessed at discharge predicted between 20 and 21% of the total variance in PTG. Resilience affected PTG indirectly, through the bias of positive emotions. PTG is a frequent phenomenon. Psychological interventions aimed at encouraging parental PTG after a child's critical admission should focus on boosting resilience and positive emotions.

Cognitive and metacognitive factors among alcohol-dependent patients during a residential rehabilitation program: a pilot study.

PurposeThe aims of this pilot study were to examine cognitive factors (brooding and craving) together with positive/negative metacognitive beliefs about alcohol during a residential program for alcohol addiction and to explore relationships with psychological variables at discharge, with the scope of identifying predictive factors of psychological outcome and patients at greatest risk of relapse.MethodsThirty patients underwent a brief semistructured interview on admission to a 28-day rehabilitation program for alcohol addiction, and completed at admission and discharge the following five self-report questionnaires: 1) brooding (Brooding subscale of Ruminative Response Scale [B-RRS]), 2) craving (Penn Alcohol Craving Scale [PACS]), 3) positive beliefs about alcohol use (Positive Alcohol Metacognitions Scale [PAMS]), 4) negative beliefs about alcohol use (Negative Alcohol Metacognitions Scale [NAMS]), and 5) the psychophysical state of health (Cognitive Behavioral Assessment – Outcome Evaluation [CBA-OE]).ResultsSignificant changes were found between admission and discharge in CBA-OE, B-RRS, and PACS. Brooding at admission was a significant predictor of post-treatment psychological variables of “anxiety”, “depression”, and “psychological distress”, whereas craving at admission was a good predictor of “perception of positive change” at discharge.ConclusionOur results confirm the importance of brooding in mood regulation and its role in the development and maintenance of problem drinking. In addition, craving was negatively associated with the perception of positive change in the post-treatment outcomes and was a predictor of this psychological variable, which includes features related to the individual’s resilience and strength. The changes in metacognitive beliefs regarding alcohol use were not statistically significant, but we found a reduction in positive metacognitions and an increase in negative alcohol-related beliefs; future studies are needed to further explore this issue.

Is Perceived Growth Associated with Momentary Indicators of Health and Well-Being in People with Asthma or Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Perceived growth (PG) refers to perceptions of positive changes that unfold over time after experiencing trauma. Higher PG is often associated with positive long-term health, but the processes through which PG may influence health are unclear. The present study examines two potential pathways among individuals living with asthma or RA: (1) by promoting momentary indicators of health and well-being in everyday life, and (2) by buffering against stress. In a micro-longitudinal design, 128 participants with asthma (n = 97) or rheumatoid arthritis (n = 31) reported perceived growth using the Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) Inventory and subsequently completed ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) for one week. Participants were signaled five times a day to report on health-related indicators, including affect, disease interference, social interactions, and stress. Multilevel modeling revealed that higher PTG was associated with significantly less negative affect and greater positive affect in everyday life. There were no significant associations between PTG and momentary disease interference, pleasantness of social interactions, or stress, nor evidence that PTG buffered against effects of stress on health-related outcomes. This research highlights the utility of examining PG in everyday life. Results suggest that closer examination of momentary affect as a process by which PG may facilitate positive health outcomes is warranted.

The Effect of Cognitive-Emotional Training on Post-traumatic Growth in Women with Breast Cancer in Middle East.

Overcoming distresses and negative consequences of serious crises such as cancers can lead to perception of positive changes in the patients. It is necessary to design and test the psychological interventions that can improve post-traumatic growth. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cognitive-emotional training on post-traumatic growth in women with breast cancer referred to the department of chemotherapy. This is a quasi-experimental study and it was performed on 85 patients with breast cancer who referred to an educational hospital in southeastern of Iran in 2017. The eligible patients were selected through convenience method sampling among the patients and they randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received five sessions of emotional-cognitive training in two sessions per week. Each session lasted 60-90min. The posttest data were collected by post-traumatic growth inventory (PTGI) 20weeks after the end of the last intervention session. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21.00 using independent t test, paired t test, and Chi-square tests for demographic analysis. The results indicated that there is no significant difference in both groups in terms of individual variables such as age, marriage, duration of disease, and degree progression of cancer. Although the mean of PTG scores in posttest and the mean of variations in the PTG scores in the intervention group were 77.48 ± 11.18 and 25.81 ± 12.24, respectively, and it was significantly higher than the control group, 53.95 ± 14.86 and 7.69 ± 9, respectively (mean scores of PTG: p < .0001; mean changes of PTG: p < .001). According to the results of this study, cognitive-behavioral intervention had a positive and significant effect on post-traumatic growth in women with breast cancer. If intervention is found to be effective, cognitive and emotional strategies of such interventions could be integrated into daily clinical practice as a way to promote PTG in women who are being treated for breast cancer.

Toward a Better Understanding of Adherence to Micronutrient Powders: Generating Theories to Guide Program Design and Evaluation Based on a Review of Published Results

BackgroundThe Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is conducting theory-driven process evaluations of micronutrient powder (MNP) programs. ObjectiveThe aim was to generate preliminary theories about factors affecting adherence to recommendations with regard to point-of-use fortification of foods with MNPs. MethodsA literature search was conducted to identify documents with content related to adherence to MNPs as an intervention provided at home to children 6–59 mo of age. Thirty-five studies and 6 program descriptions were identified. We used thematic analyses to generate a comprehensive list of factors that could influence adherence, followed by content analysis to quantify the results. We developed a Program Impact Pathway to concretize the points at which the factors identified affect the process of adherence. ResultsIn the set of documents reviewed (n = 41), the most influential factors, measured by number of documents reporting the factor having effect, were 1) caregivers’ perception of positive changes as a result of MNP use (n = 14), 2) caregivers’ perceived child acceptance of food with MNPs (n = 12), and 3) caregivers’ forgetfulness (n = 11). Behavior change communication channels (n = 13) and messages (n = 12) were the most frequently reported program design features influencing caregiver knowledge and subsequent adherence. Administration regimen (n = 10), which may be related to caregivers’ capacity to remember to give MNPs, was also a frequently cited program design feature affecting adherence. ConclusionsThe preponderance of knowledge and perception factors may reflect an underlying theoretical bias among researchers as to what they measure. To achieve programs that support greater adherence, we need to adopt a cultural-ecological perspective to inform program design in order to address a broader set of determinants. Studies that assess progress across the impact pathway, particularly from adherence to biological outcomes, would also provide guidance for evaluation studies, particularly when time or other constraints limit the potential to measure biological outcomes.

A Supervisor-Targeted Implementation Approach to Promote System Change: The R3 Model.

Opportunities to evaluate strategies to create system-wide change in the child welfare system (CWS) and the resulting public health impact are rare. Leveraging a real-world, system-initiated effort to infuse the use of evidence-based principles throughout a CWS workforce, a pilot of the R3 model and supervisor-targeted implementation approach is described. The development of R3 and its associated fidelity monitoring was a collaboration between the CWS and model developers. Outcomes demonstrate implementation feasibility, strong fidelity scale measurement properties, improved supervisor fidelity over time, and the acceptability and perception of positive change by agency leadership. The value of system-initiated collaborations is discussed.

Benefit Finding in Cardiac Patients: Relationships with Emotional Well-Being and Resources after Controlling for Physical Functional Impairment.

Benefit finding (BF) is defined as the individual's perception of positive change as a result of coping with an adverse life event. The beneficial effects of BF on well-being could be because BF favors the improvement of resources like self-efficacy, social support and effective coping. The main objective of this longitudinal 8 week study was to explore, in a sample of cardiac patients (n = 51), the combined contribution of BF and these resources to the positive affect. Moreover, we wanted to check whether these resources were derived from BF or, on the contrary, these resources were antecedents of BF. Results showed that after controlling for functional capacity, only effective coping could predict the positive affect at Time 1 (β = .32, p < .05), while the BF predicted it at Time 2 (β = .23, p < .001). Only social support predicted BF (β = .26, p < .05), but not the opposite. We discussed the desirability of promoting these processes to improve the emotional state of cardiac patients.

Measuring change in rehabilitative cardiology: reliability of a short questionnaire to assess an outcome

The present Italian health planning demands the use of tools, care and treatments useful for the National Health Service, but with empirical effectiveness scientifically sustained. Aim of the present paper is to verify the validity, the reliability and the responsiveness of the factor "Perception of positive change" (named Schedule C) in cardiovascular rehabilitation. The reliability of the Schedule C of the CBA VE has been examined comparing the mean scores obtained from each item at the entry and just before the discharge through the t-Student for paired sample. To assess the concurrent validity we used the AD Short Scale to measure anxiety and depression. 100 patients who underwent cardiac surgery were enrolled during hospitalization for a Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency of each item. Each item of the Schedule C demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach Alpha > .88) and elevated correlations item-total for each item. The strong correlation of anxiety and depression scores with the Schedule C points out appropriate concurrent validation. We believe that the Schedule C of the CBA VE is endowed with suitable metric validity and then useful as outcome evaluation in cardiovascular rehabilitation settings.

Measurement of change in health status with Rasch models.

BackgroundThe traditional approach to the measurement of change presents important drawbacks (no information at individual level, ordinal scores, variance of the measurement instrument across time points), which Rasch models overcome. The article aims to illustrate the features of the measurement of change with Rasch models.MethodsTo illustrate the measurement of change using Rasch models, the quantitative data of a longitudinal study of heart-surgery patients (N = 98) were used. The scale “Perception of Positive Change” was used as an example of measurement instrument. All patients underwent cardiac rehabilitation, individual psychological intervention, and educational intervention. Nineteen patients also attended progressive muscle relaxation group trainings. The scale was administered before and after the interventions. Three Rasch approaches were used. Two separate analyses were run on the data from the two time points to test the invariance of the instrument. An analysis was run on the stacked data from both time points to measure change in a common frame of reference. Results of the latter analysis were compared with those of an analysis that removed the influence of local dependency on patient measures. Statistics t, χ2 and F were used for comparing the patient and item measures estimated in the Rasch analyses (a-priori α = .05). Infit, Outfit, R and item Strata were used for investigating Rasch model fit, reliability, and validity of the instrument.ResultsData of all 98 patients were included in the analyses. The instrument was reliable, valid, and substantively unidimensional (Infit, Outfit < 2 for all items, R = .84, item Strata range = 3.93-6.07). Changes in the functioning of the instrument occurred across the two time, which prevented the use of the two separate analyses to unambiguously measure change. Local dependency had a negligible effect on patient measures (p ≥ .8674). Thirteen patients improved, whereas 3 worsened. The patients who attended the relaxation group trainings did not report greater improvement than those who did not (p = .1007).ConclusionsRasch models represent a valid framework for the measurement of change and a useful complement to traditional approaches.

A one health framework for the evaluation of rabies control programmes: a case study from Colombo City, Sri Lanka.

BackgroundOne Health addresses complex challenges to promote the health of all species and the environment by integrating relevant sciences at systems level. Its application to zoonotic diseases is recommended, but few coherent frameworks exist that combine approaches from multiple disciplines. Rabies requires an interdisciplinary approach for effective and efficient management.Methodology/Principal FindingsA framework is proposed to assess the value of rabies interventions holistically. The economic assessment compares additional monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits of an intervention taking into account epidemiological, animal welfare, societal impact and cost data. It is complemented by an ethical assessment. The framework is applied to Colombo City, Sri Lanka, where modified dog rabies intervention measures were implemented in 2007. The two options included for analysis were the control measures in place until 2006 (“baseline scenario”) and the new comprehensive intervention measures (“intervention”) for a four-year duration. Differences in control cost; monetary human health costs after exposure; Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost due to human rabies deaths and the psychological burden following a bite; negative impact on animal welfare; epidemiological indicators; social acceptance of dogs; and ethical considerations were estimated using a mixed method approach including primary and secondary data. Over the four years analysed, the intervention cost US $1.03 million more than the baseline scenario in 2011 prices (adjusted for inflation) and caused a reduction in dog rabies cases; 738 DALYs averted; an increase in acceptability among non-dog owners; a perception of positive changes in society including a decrease in the number of roaming dogs; and a net reduction in the impact on animal welfare from intermediate-high to low-intermediate.ConclusionsThe findings illustrate the multiple outcomes relevant to stakeholders and allow greater understanding of the value of the implemented rabies control measures, thereby providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable control.

Perceived Control Predicts Perceptions of Positive Changes in Life as a Result of Caring for a Patient with Heart Failure

Perceived Control Predicts Perceptions of Positive Changes in Life as a Result of Caring for a Patient with Heart Failure

Studio per documentare l’esperienza dell’inserimento degli infermieri case manager in reparti per acuti e post acuti: il punto di vista degli operatori, dei pazienti ed i risultati clinico-organizzativi

Nurses case managers were implemented since 2000 in several wards of S. Orsola hospital in Bologna. The aim of this study is to assess the association of ICM to clinical outcomes and patients and nurses satisfaction. The mean hospital length of stay, the number of planned discharges and of falls were assessed the year before and after the implementation of case managers in 14 wards. Nurses satisfaction was assessed exploring in 13 wards the nurses, doctors and nurses aids' perception of positive changes and benefits after the implementation of case-managers and patients satisfaction (8 wards) with the Newcastle satisfaction with nursing scale. No differences were observed in mean length of stay, only a small increase of planned discharges (+8.2%) and a decrease (-24%) of patients falls. The questionnaire on perception of positive changes showed an higher satisfaction of nurse managers but an overall appreciation (agreement > 2.8 on a 4 points likert scale) for improvement on organization and patients management. The unaffected elements were perception of workload and stress. The patients' satisfaction with nursing care supported the nurses perception. The choice of indicators to document organizative changes is not simple. Positive effects were observed only on health care workers perception and on the decreased number of falls. Future studies are needed to confirm the positive trends observed.

Family Members' Perceptions of Quality of Life Change in Dementia SCU Residents

Global ratings of change in residents'physical, emotional, social and cognitive functioning were obtained in interviews with family members of 67 special care unit (SCU) residents and 16 non- SCU control group residents of an intermediate carefacility (ICF). In cumulative logistic regres sion models, with adjustment for covariates (including length of residence in the facility), the odds of being rated by family members as better in emotional and social functioning since enter ing the facility were significantly greater for SCU than for non-SCU dementia residents. The odds of being rated as better in emotional functioning were also significantly greater for resi dents of the higher staffed SCU floor compared to residents of the lower staffed SCU floor. Rat ings by institutional caregivers and data collected by direct observation were consistent with these findings. Family members' perception of positive change among residents is a logically desirable SCU outcome.