Perceptual Discrimination Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effect of Sports Activities on Syrian Students’ Social Cohesion Within the Scope of School Social Work

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Syrian students under temporary protection in Turkey on social cohesion and personal development through their participation in sporting activities. The study, which was conducted with a descriptive phenomenological qualitative research design, included 36 Syrian students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. As a result of the analysis, four main themes were identified: (a) support and participation in sport activities, (b) diversity of sport activities and motivation, (c) barriers to participation, and (d) the impact of sport activities on social cohesion and personal development. The findings suggest that sporting activities play an important role in migrant students’ social integration and self-confidence. However, misunderstandings and perceptions of discrimination caused by language barriers and cultural differences can negatively affect participation in sports activities. It is emphasized that culturally sensitive supports in school social work play a critical role in this process.

Perceptions of academic discrimination mediate the relationship between political minority status and self-censorship among US college students

According to recent polling, many individuals perceive that universities may limit the freedom of speech of students who hold certain political views. Whereas research has shown that university members who perceive political hostility are more likely to self-censor, few studies have examined how perceived political discrimination affects students’ self-censorship. Thus, this study explored whether perceived political discrimination felt by college students predicts self-censorship in university settings. In Study 1 (N = 163), we found that students who perceived more frequent discrimination reported more self-censorship, regardless of political orientation. In Study 2 (N = 169), we found that Republican students, but not Democrat or Independent students, who believed that they were political minorities at their university were more likely to self-censor if they perceived political discrimination. These findings provide insights into the ongoing discussions about academic freedom and freedom of speech.

The chain mediation effects of psychological resilience and active coping style between discrimination perceptions and subjective well being among college students with disability

Exploring the relationship between discrimination perceptions and subjective well-being among college students with disabilities and the chain-mediated effects of psychological resilience and positive coping styles. Questionnaires were administered to 528 college students with disabilities using the Discrimination Perceptions Scale, Index of Well-Being Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale, and Simple Coping Styles Scale. SPSS 24.0 and Amos 26.0 were used to analyze chained mediation effects and construct structural equation modeling tests. ①Discrimination perception was significantly negatively correlated with subjective well-being (r = -0.294, p < 0.01), psychological resilience(r = -0.427, p < 0.01) and all 3 of its dimensions, and positive coping styles (r = -0.328, p <0.01); subjective well-being was significantly positively correlated with psychological resilience (r = 0.334, p < 0.01) and all 3 of its dimensions, and positive coping styles (r = 0.363, p<0.01); and positive coping styles was significantly positively correlated with psychological resilience(r = 0.433, p < 0.01) and all 3 of its dimensions.② The direct effect of discrimination perceptions on college students with disabilities was significant, and the mediating effect value was-0.191.③Psychological resilience and positive coping styles not only play a significant separate mediating role between discrimination perceptions and subjective well-being of college students with disabilities, with mediation effect values of -0.138 (49.11%) and − 0.087 (30.96%), respectively but also play a significant chain mediating role between discrimination perceptions and subjective well-being, with an effect value of -0.056 (19.93%). Discrimination perceptions can directly affect the subjective well-being of college students with disabilities, and can also indirectly affect the subjective well-being of college students with disabilities through the separate and chain-mediated effects of psychological resilience and positive coping styles.

Suicidal risk among Chinese parents of autistic children and its association with perceived discrimination, affiliate stigma and social alienation

BackgroundCaring for autistic children becomes challenging and may lead to negative psychological outcomes, even increasing the suicide risk (SR). Researchers have studied the SR among parents of autistic children in Western nations, but little is known about it in China and how it relates to perceived discrimination (PD), affiliate stigma (AS), and social alienation (SA). The current study aimed to reveal the SR prevalence rate among Chinese parents of autistic children, and clarify whether AS and SA may play mediating roles in the association between SR and PD.MethodsA total of 645 Chinese parents of autistic children were recruited to complete a series of scales to evaluate SR, SA, AS, and PD using the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), Perceived Discrimination Scale for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDS-FP), Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS), and General Social Alienation Scale (GSAS), respectively. Then, the SR prevalence rate among Chinese parents of autistic children was evaluated; and the multiple mediation analysis and structural equation modeling with the bootstrap method were conducted to test the mediating effects of AS and SA in the association between SR and PD.Results34.6% Chinese parents of autistic children had high SR. In particular, the incidence rate of suicide ideation, suicide plans, suicide attempts, and suicide likelihood during the previous year were 49.8%, 11.9%, 2.5%, and 13.8%, respectively. Additionally, PD was positively associated with SR (r = .40, p < .01); and AS and SA showed significant mediating effects on the association between PD and SR (p < .01).ConclusionsThe current study evaluated the SR prevalence rate among Chinese parents of autistic children, and clarified the mediating effects of AS and SA in the association between SR and PD. Findings might bring new insights and guidance for intervention of suicidality among Chinese parents of autistic children.

From jobs to careers: drivers and barriers to career development in emerging labor markets.

This study aims to reveal the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of career development in emerging labor markets and to explore the impact of these drivers and barriers on career development. With the rapid transformation of global industrial structure, career development in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, big data, new energy and e-commerce is gradually attracting attention. This study utilizes a mixed research method of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The research team distributed a total of 700 questionnaires to practitioners in China, the United States, Japan, Germany and India, and collected interview data from 20 industry practitioners. These data were analyzed from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to analyze the drivers and barriers to career development, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship between career motivation, barriers, social networks, and career satisfaction. The results indicate that career development motivation significantly and positively influences career satisfaction, while individuals with high career satisfaction perceive fewer career barriers. In addition, career barriers significantly influenced individuals' perceptions of career discrimination. The study also found that social networks play an important supportive role in career development, and that extensive social networks increase career satisfaction. Individuals with high motivation were more resilient in the face of external barriers and were willing to retrain to improve their occupational skills. To promote career development in emerging industries, labor market policies should optimize and create fair and inclusive work environments for emerging industries. By eliminating gender, age, and racial discrimination and providing employee support programs, career development satisfaction and opportunities can be effectively enhanced. Rapid technological updates, high work pressure, and cross-cultural barriers in emerging industries are the main challenges to career development today. This study suggests that governments and enterprises should jointly provide flexible vocational training and support policies to help practitioners adapt to the rapidly changing occupational environment.

Addressing epistemic violence and methodological nationalism through a meta-analytical review on intergroup contact and conflict studies in Turkey

This paper provides an examination of intergroup contact research in the context of the Turkish-Kurdish ‘conflict’ through a meta-analytical scoping review. By doing so, we discuss how dominant biases in the literature such as methodological nationalism and epistemic violence influence research practices and knowledge-production systems in conflict and contact studies conducted under colonial rule. Through a thematic investigation, we found four variables that were commonly tested in intergroup contact studies: i) attitudes towards outgroup, ii) support for minority rights or multiculturalism, iii) perception of discrimination against the minority group, and iv) ethnic identity. We conducted four meta-analyses using a pool of 28 studies conducted in Turkey to unpack the associations of intergroup contact with: i) outgroup attitudes (r = .42; n = 5,624), ii) support for minority rights and multiculturalism (r = -.06ns; n = 1,567), iii) perception of discrimination against Kurds (r = .22; n = 2,431), and iv) ethnic identity (r = -.13; n = 4,636). The results demonstrated a moderate to strong relationship between intergroup contact and positive outgroup attitudes, while the findings were less robust for support for minority rights, perception of discrimination against Kurds, and ethnic identity. Furthermore, the group status and sample characteristics of the studies moderate the relationships between variables. Based on the findings and a critical analysis of the current literature, we discuss the limitations of the existing research and critical points for future studies.

Association between perceived discrimination and pulse wave velocity: a scoping review

Racial discrimination is a chronic stressor that may contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities in non-Hispanic Black (NHB) adults. NHB adults experience greater perceived discrimination (PD) and CVD risk compared with non-Hispanic White adults. Although the association between PD and some subclinical CVD markers has been examined, the relationship between PD and arterial stiffness has not been established, limiting our understanding of the impact of PD on CVD.ObjectiveThe objective of this review was to summarise the literature on the relationship between PD and arterial stiffness.DesignSystematic scoping review.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus with full text and CINALH+ with full text databases were searched from inception to 10 July 2023.Eligibility criteriaAdults (≥18 years), arterial stiffness measured as pulse wave velocity (PWV), PD assessment, and randomised control trial or observational study designs.Data extraction and synthesisOf 453 articles identified, four studies were included. Two studies were cross-sectional (United States, Brazil), one was longitudinal (United Kingdom), and another was a randomized control trial (United States).ResultsThe age of the study populations ranged from 18 years to 75 years and one study evaluated a clinical population. All studies used different PWV devices and PD assessments. Associations between PD and PWV varied by geographical region, sex, clinical status and study design.ConclusionResearch evaluating the association between PD and PWV is scarce and heterogeneous in PD and PWV assessments. There is an inconclusive association between PD and PWV.

Institutional Agents: A Significant Facilitator of the Advancement of Women Leaders

Research on women's employment in the Arab world has highlighted a scarcity of women in senior leadership positions, often suggesting cultural conservatism and embedded gender-segregation within organizational structures. While these perspectives are not unfounded, these views may not fully capture the varied lived experiences of women leaders in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in the UAE. This study examined the influence of institutional agents on the career advancement of women leaders. The authors employed a phenomenological approach to explore the professional experiences of highly educated, women Arab leaders. The focus was specifically on their perceptions of gender discrimination, networking opportunities, and access to institutional agents. A sample population was purposefully identified; as such these findings may not be generalizable to the broader population. Data were collected via open-ended interviews and analyzed through multiple stages of coding stages using Atlas.ti. The results of this study present certain contradictory evidence to the existing literature. Notably, the women in this sample reported that gender discrimination was not a significant barrier to their career advancement. Further, the institutional agents most frequently identified by this sample of women were men. These findings suggest emerging narratives of a more gender-inclusive work culture. Moreover, these results offer a unique perspective that UAE professional environments may be more inclusive than previously reported. The findings of this study suggest that a more educated and diverse workforce could be contributing to a more inclusive atmosphere, challenging traditional views of workplace dynamics in the region.

Effect of perceptual training without feedback on bilingual speech perception

This study examines the effect of perceptual training without feedback on the discrimination of the Spanish stop-approximant contrasts [b]–[B], [d]–[ð], and [g]–[y]. Of interest is if the aural repetition of target stimuli improves discrimination accuracy, how many repetitions are needed to observe a significant increase in perceptual discrimination accuracy, and if there is an effect of contrast type. Perception of the Spanish target phones was assessed in adult native (L1) Spanish speakers (n = 10) and L1 English bilingual learners of L2 Spanish (n = 23) via VCV nonwords over six blocks of 10 trials, featuring Spanish approximants and voiced stops in an AX discrimination task. Results indicate a significant effect of aural stimulus repetition on discrimination accuracy scores improvement. Significant improvements were observed for all three contrasts, with discrimination gradually improving across blocks. The data indicated that the [y]–[g] contrast was the most difficult contrast and exhibited the highest rate of discrimination accuracy improvement. Discrimination accuracy score improvements were also significantly larger for L1 English listeners in comparison with the L1 Spanish listeners for this contrast.

Turkish adolescents’ perceived discrimination and sense of belonging to school: a comparative analysis in Germany and France

ABSTRACT This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the relationship between perceived discrimination and the sense of belonging among 354 Turkish adolescents in Germany and France. The research employs a cross-country comparative methodology. Firstly, it seeks to identify both the commonalities and disparities in the perceptions of discrimination and the sense of belonging to school among Turkish adolescents across diverse societies while considering demographic variables. Subsequently, it explores whether the perceived discrimination experienced by Turkish youth is related to their sense of belonging. According to results, among Turkish adolescents in both countries, perceived discrimination diminishes the sense of belonging to the school.

Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure the Perception of Workplace Gender Discrimination for Women in Nursing.

Workplace gender discrimination as perceived by women in nursing, is currently under researched. The aim of this article is to outline the development and validation of a scale designed to measure the perception of workplace gender discrimination for women nurses. The instrument was developed following a three-stage process, consistent with recommendations for scale development. Twenty-nine items were derived from two comprehensive literature reviews and interviews with 10 women nurses. Exploratory factor analysis (principal axis factoring) with varimax rotation was conducted for identifying the dimensions underlying the data set. All 29 items loaded onto a factor. Each factor included at least four items and all item loadings were well above the acceptable minimum value (> 0.40). The four factors collectively account for 71.27% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha of the 29 items (0.964) showed good internal consistency. It is our hope that this research tool will not only be used within nursing, but also with some modification, in other women dominated professions.

Perceptual discrimination of action formidableness and friendliness and the impact of autistic traits

The ability to determine whether the actions of other individuals are friendly or formidable are key decisions we need to make to successfully navigate our complex social environment. In this study we measured perceptual performance when discriminating actions that vary in their friendliness or formidableness, and whether performance was related to the autistic traits of individuals. To do this, we developed an action morphing method to generate novel actions that lied along the action quality dimensions of formidableness and friendliness. In Experiment 1 we show that actions that vary along the formidableness or friendliness continua were rated as varying monotonically along the respective quality. In Experiment 2 we measured the ability of individuals with different levels of autistic traits to discriminate action formidableness and friendliness using adaptive 2-AFC procedures. We found considerable variation in perceptual thresholds when discriminating action formidableness (~ 540% interindividual variation) or friendliness (~ 1100% interindividual variation). Importantly, we found no evidence that autistic traits influenced perceptual discrimination of these action qualities. These results confirm that sensory enhancements with autistic traits are limited to lower level stimuli, and suggest that the perceptual processing of these complex social signals are not affected by autistic traits.

Mind the Gap! LGBTQ + Population’s Perceptions of Discrimination and of Legal Innovation

Abstract Introduction Homosexuality was decriminalized in Portugal in 1982, and several legislative changes have emerged since the beginning of the twenty-first century. However, 2010 marked the beginning of the approval of fundamental laws for the life of LGBTQ + people, such as same-sex marriage, access to parenthood and the right to self-determination of gender identity. Despite these advances, discrimination is still present in Portuguese society. Methods The aim of this investigation is to study the processes and experiences of discrimination of LGBTQ + people in their daily lives, analyzing the perception of the discrepancy between legislation and the experiences of participants. Its aim is also to analyze the strategies suggested by the participants to reduce this discrepancy. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 LGBTQ + participants, of various sexual orientations (six gay men, three lesbian women, six bisexual persons, five pansexual individuals, and one who identified as “other”) and gender identities (six transgender participants, including two trans men, two non-binary persons, one trans woman, and one genderqueer participant). Results Content analysis of these interviews resulted in 828 units of analysis coded in 30 categories. The participants reported that they have gone through multiple experiences of discrimination in different contexts and that they recognize forces of resistance to legal innovation. Conclusion There is a gap between legal advances and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in Portugal, who still report discrimination experiences in many domains of daily life. Policy Implications Implications for research and public policies are presented, particularly considering the need to inform and provide training to both strategic audiences and stakeholders and to inform the larger population to promote social change.

Factors Impacting Perceptions of Gender Inequality in the Spanish Society

This study uses Ordinary Least Squares Multiple Regression with data on perceptions regarding gender equality from the Spanish general population. Overall, the results indicate that perceptions of equal treatment under the law and equality in political life are significantly associated with perceptions of gender equality. However, perceptions of discrimination in education do not seem to affect perceptions of gender equality significantly. In addition, the results show a clear association between the belief that gender equality leads to a fairer society and the perception of gender equality itself. Results also suggest that while certain perceptions related to the law, society, and political life are instrumental in shaping views on gender inequality, there remains a foundational level of perceived inequality in Spanish society. As a concluding remark, when examining the impact of female representation in leadership positions, the results provide empirical support that the presence of women in leadership positions improves the perception of gender equity in the contexts in which it occurs; this fact reflects the importance of promoting the participation of women in management positions through public policies.

Sex differences in perceived discrimination among patients with obesity.

The negative impacts of perceived discrimination on health have been documented, but how perceptions of discrimination vary by sex among people with obesity (PWO) is not well understood. This study assessed sex differences in perceived discrimination among PWO. This cross-sectional study analysed self-reported data from racially/ethnically diverse PWO attending an academic obesity program. The primary outcome was perceived discrimination, assessed by the Major Experiences of Discrimination (MED) and Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS). Sex differences were evaluated by univariate and multivariable regression analysis adjusted for key descriptive variables. The final analytical sample included 60 PWO (62% female, 61% non-Hispanic white (NHW), 12% Hispanic, 39% non-Hispanic black (NHB), mean age 53 years, mean BMI 34 kg/m2). Women experienced everyday discrimination 59% less than men but this was not significant (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.08-2.16; p = .29). Participant highest BMI was correlated with acute discrimination (total MED score) (r = 0.39; p = .0024) and chronic discrimination (total EDS score) (r = 0.28; p = .03). Most participants reported more chronic discrimination compared to acute discrimination (85% vs. 48%). Mean MED (β -0.18; 95% CI -0.93 to +0.56; p = .62) and EDS scores (β -0.25; 95% CI -3.37 to +2.87; p = .87) were not significantly different between women and men. Perceived discrimination was common and experienced equally between men and women with obesity. Incorporating discrimination experiences into obesity care models may be an important step to improving quality of care and outcomes.

Maintained cognitive gains after 10 weeks of cognitively engaging exercise via reducing body fat in overweight children

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine whether the exercise-induced cognitive benefits persist after the interventions end and whether the persistence of cognitive gains following the intervention depends on the post-intervention exercise behaviour. Overweight children aged 10–12 years were enrolled in a 16-week afterschool program. During the first 10 weeks, children were randomised to receive the cognitively engaging movement games (CEMG) (N = 27) or the sedentary control (N = 27) interventions. During the subsequent 6-week post-intervention period, children self-selected either CEMG or sedentary activities daily. Perceptual discrimination performance, fitness, and body fat were measured before, immediately after, and 6-week after the intervention. Immediately after the intervention, the CEMG group improved aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, muscle power, body fat, and perceptual discrimination performance compared with the control group, and most of these benefits persisted after 6 weeks following the cessation of intervention. During the 6-week post-intervention period where CEMG and sedentary activities were both available, the CEMG group chose to engage in CEMG more frequently and with higher intensity on those days than the control group. The post-intervention exercise behaviours were positively related to the persistence of cognitive gains, and these associations were mediated through decreased body fat. Collectively, the 10-week CEMG intervention has positive effects not only on physical and cognitive outcomes, but also post-intervention self-selected exercise behaviours that may help maintain intervention-induced cognitive gains in overweight children. Future research controlling for factors impacting children’s behavioural choice and determining the differential effects of CEMG versus traditional exercise regimen is needed. Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry identifier: TCTR20220913006.

Attitudes and perceptions of undergraduate medical students about sexual harassment and gender discrimination: A survey-based study

Background: Sexual harassment (SH) and Gender discrimination (GD) faced by medical students have been neglected areas of study in India. Only a few recent studies could be found, despite frequent media reports on SH and GD. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of sexual harassment and gender discrimination and evaluate the forms of SH and GD experienced by them. Methods: A Google form based mixed method survey tool was distributed amongst students of 28 medical colleges in Maharashtra. Participants were assured of confidentiality and anonymity. Results: Of the 308 students who were eligible for the present study, 14.3% (44) and 26.6% (82) reported incidence of sexual harassment and gender discrimination, respectively, while 133 (43.2%) of them reported having experienced some or the other form of SH/GD. A wide range of instances of SH and GD were described by the students. Conclusions: The study highlights the need to create awareness about sexual harassment and gender discrimination amongst medical students, and to create an atmosphere where such abuses do not occur.

HPV Vaccination Stages and Associated Factors Among Children of Immigrant Women.

This study aimed to identify key determinants by stage of implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among children of immigrant women in South Korea. Cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample comprised 262 Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean-Chinese women with children living in South Korea. The survey was conducted using self-report questionnaires. The HPV vaccination levels in children were classified into four transition stages. Sequential logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors affecting the transition of HPV vaccination status. Social norms had the greatest influence on the intention to vaccinate. Perceived barriers were a significant factor associated with intention or initiation of vaccination, whereas perceived severity and susceptibility were associated with the intention and initiation stages, respectively. Upon the initiation of HPV vaccination, low perception of discrimination in healthcare was associated with continued vaccination. Given the importance of completing multiple doses of the HPV vaccine within a given timeframe, it is important to provide culturally appropriate interventions in stages to prevent dropouts.

‘I have normalised being treated differently’. Analysis of the experiences of foreign students in Physical Education

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of the study is to analyse the experiences of 7 students (4 girls and 3 boys) from different continents (Africa, Asia and South America) in Physical Education, in order to know to what extent, they have perceived racism. Their guardians also participated. All the students have experienced their compulsory schooling in Spain. Methods The research is framed under the theory of culturally relevant pedagogy. A qualitative approach is used in which three categories of analysis are established: (a) Perception of social discrimination; (b) Effect on self-esteem and emotional implications; (c) Learning limitations in Physical Education. Interviews with students and focus groups with guardians, where the data collection techniques are/were used. Findings & conclusions The results show how students have suffered covert racism in the classroom, specifically in Physical Education, observed in a diversity of behaviours and actions linked to the colour of their skin, their accent, their physical features and even their body odour. This, despite their subliminal acceptance of it, has generated frustration, powerlessness and diminished self-esteem, as well as a bad relationship with the subject. Guardians recognize the experience of these forms of discrimination and emphasize that racism still exists in society and in schools, and that there is a lack of mechanisms and procedures to eradicate it. It is essential to continue researching how to approach a teaching of Physical Education that moves away from any type of discrimination, but this article is already a first step in giving a voice to those who suffer from it.

Woman or surgeon – Not both: Perceptions of support, enablers and barriers in general surgery

IntroductionThe General Surgery (GS) educational community of practice faces crisis. Recruitment is challenged by cultural norms of postponing post-foundation training; and retention with perceptions of elitism, discrimination and inflexibility (UK Shape of Training Steering Group, 2017; Kennedy, 2021) [1,45]. Surgical pedagogy has been examined through skill acquisition but what of the hidden curriculum (Brown et al., 2019) [26]. Three research aims were posed: who is a General Surgeon, what are the enablers or barriers to pursuing this career and is our current UK training system fit for purpose. MethodsQualitative methodology within a constructivist research paradigm was utilised. Recruitment included representative sampling of junior doctors, including men, women and those from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Individual semi-structured interviews explored participant perspectives of training, recruitment and work-life balance. Data was transcribed, familiarised, de-constructed and generated. Latent data analysis, coding and development, maintained reflexivity. ‘Data sets’ were transformed to a thematic map and key themes identified. Results and discussionFoundation, specialty doctors, core and higher surgical trainees were included (60 % men, 40 % women). Fundamental themes of support, attitudes and sacrifice were identified, interacting to influence educational narrative. Support comprised personal, institutional, academic and cultural forms. Attitudes of elitism, implicit and explicit gender bias, microaggressions and overt discrimination concealed as surgical tradition. An overarching concept of sacrifice was noted: personal, professional, fiscal and emotional, the so-called surgical currency. ConclusionsThe study explored phenotype, motivation, intellect and philosophy within GS. Highlighting issues in the system surrounding negative attitudes, cultures and behaviours, education is a powerful tool which can be used to challenge perceptions and improve training.