Personal Connections Research Articles

“No Story, No Response”: Narratives from Girls Subjected to Youth Intimate Partner Violence and Placed at Special Residential Homes in Sweden

ABSTRACT Several studies have suggested a high prevalence of violence in young people’s romantic relationships. A significant gap in knowledge persists, however, regarding how young people in special residential homes for youth (SRHY) in Sweden characterize and communicate about the violence they experience in their relationships, as well as how they describe societal responses to such violence within their networks, including from professionals. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with girls from three different SRHYs using Hydén’s “teller-focused” approach. Responses varied based on the girls’ personal networks and professional connections. A common denominator, however, is that the girls had disclosed the violence, described as exceptionally severe, to any external person to only a limited extent. Many of them shared their experiences of victimization for the first time during the interview, prompting a reconsideration and clarification of the relational aspects of the interview procedure and resulting in the conceptualization of a new interview procedure: the relational interview approach. This approach has implications for the practicalities of engaging in a conversation with a young person who has experienced violence.

Ruminations on the NSF Broader Impacts Criterion: A Dialogue with Academic Researchers and Broader Impacts Professionals

The National Science Foundation, a United States federal agency supporting STEM research, puts special emphasis on research impacts in society, and requires each funded research project to have “broader impacts” outside of conventional academic scholarship. As “broader impacts” have become an important part of the STEM research landscape in the U.S., most academic researchers need guidance and support in their broader impact plans. Focusing on a mid-size STEM-focused university, our research identified three major areas that matter to academic researchers: (1) autonomy of the researcher and non-prescriptive nature of broader impacts, (2) impact identity and personal connection to broader impacts, and (3) a critical engagement with diversity and inclusion in research and education. Combining these findings with a broader impacts professional’s reflections, we examine the ways in which broader impacts resources such as the ARIS Toolkit can assist academic researchers. We argue that by constructing dialogues between faculty researchers and broader impacts professionals, the research culture in the U.S. can turn into an ecosystem that supports meaningful, inclusive, and transformative STEM practices.

From the player to the sponsor: exploring the interplay of attitudes in MMA sports sponsorship

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the complex dynamics of sports sponsorship within the context of mixed martial arts (MMA). Specifically, it explores how audience attitudes toward MMA influence their perceptions of players and sponsors, and subsequently, how these attitudes affect brand perceptions and purchase intentions. Furthermore, this research examines the moderating effect of fans' attitudes toward MMA on the relationship between their attitudes toward sponsors and their purchase intentions. MMA was selected as the focus of this study due to its propensity to evoke more intense emotional responses than other sports, as evidenced by previous research.Design/methodology/approachStudy 1 was conducted to systematically assess the emotional responses elicited by MMA. This preliminary study involved 277 participants. Building on the findings from Study 1, Study 2 employed an online survey to investigate the relationships among various constructs related to MMA. This survey was facilitated through an external portal and included a sample of 459 participants residing in the United States. The constructs measured in this survey were attitudes toward the player (ATP), attitudes toward the sponsor (ATS), perception of brand quality (PBQ), purchase intention (ITP) and attitudes toward mixed martial arts (ATM).FindingsThe study reveals that respondents rated MMA the most negatively among the analyzed sports, with the highest standard deviation, indicating that MMA evokes extreme emotional responses. The findings confirm that attitudes toward the player positively influence attitudes toward the sponsor, aligning with sponsorship-linked marketing theory. Moreover, positive attitudes toward the player were found to enhance perceptions of the sponsor’s brand quality. The research further demonstrated that attitudes toward the sponsor and perceptions of brand quality mediate the relationship between attitudes toward the player and purchase intentions, underscoring the complex nature of consumer decision-making in MMA sponsorship.Originality/valueThis research provides novel insights into the critical role of audience engagement and personal connection with sports in formulating effective sponsorship strategies. It emphasizes the need for marketers to tailor their approaches to align with the sport’s personal significance to the audience, employing narratives that resonate with their identities and values. Enhancing player-sponsor associations through co-branded campaigns and endorsements is essential. Furthermore, consistently maintaining high product quality and fostering emotional connections with the sport are key strategies to drive increased purchase intentions.

What can a journal editorial team do to strive for equity in health professions education publishing? Leading by example

What was the Educational Challenge? Representation gaps in medical education publishing are widely recognized and may be attributed to epistemic injustice, defined as ‘wrong done to someone in their capacity as a knower.’ Although peer review is meant to ensure ‘rigor,’ some quality assurance practices can inadvertently silence entire populations and impede understanding of a field’s foundational concepts. What was the Proposed Solution? To honor our journal’s commitment to equitable knowledge production, a diversity, equity, and inclusion working group at Teaching and Learning in Medicine (TLM) reimagined rigor to include striving for a ‘more equitable, diverse, and inclusive research system.’ How was the Proposed Solution Implemented? We implemented structural peer review reform at TLM by adapting Hogan et al.’s Dimensionality and R4P framework for health equity, prioritizing change in our communication with contributors. What Lessons Learned are Relevant to a Wider Audience? Since implementation, our journal has received feedback expressing appreciation for humanity and personal connection in our peer review, and we have observed increased publications from geographically marginalized authors. We believe our outcomes result from respecting marginalized authors’ authority to pursue their own interests, concerns, and successes with respect to knowledge production. What are the Next Steps? We believe our approach can be adopted by other peer-reviewed journals. We invite application and critique of our framework to advance community development in creating relevant, accessible, and equitable knowledge production for all people.

Analysing the resilience of rights-based civil society organisations (CSOs) in the era of (de) securitisation: Insights from Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This article investigates the resilience of rights-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ethiopia amidst restrictive legal frameworks, particularly the Proclamation No. 621/2009 Charities and Societies Proclamation (CSP), government securitisation, ongoing conflicts, and subsequent regulations. Using a qualitative research method, the study employed purposive sampling and key informant interviews, supplemented by secondary data. The findings indicate that despite significant challenges, including a restrictive legal environment and operational hurdles, CSOs play a crucial role in peacebuilding, democracy, human rights promotion, and conflict resolution. While some CSOs adopted themselves to unrestricted thematic areas and rescaled their geographic scope to fit government expectations, others were resilient continuing to work on peacebuilding and other rights based themes. Some of the methods used to navigate the restrictive legal and political environment include leveraging personal connections with high level political figures, trade-off with government by serving it as a bridge to engage with critical constituencies, informal channels of fundraising as well as voluntarism.

Perceived Factors That Enable Resident Entry to the Specialty of Radiation Oncology.

The field of radiation oncology (RO) has experienced large fluctuations in the number of applicants to residency programs. It is essential to understand the modifiable factors which influence entry. The objective of this project is to identify factors (i.e., "enablers") that motivate prospective medical students to apply to RO. A survey was developed to characterize RO enablers and barriers as perceived by current RO residents. An existing conceptual framework of why medical students choose primary care was used as the foundation of the survey and was modified for relevance towards RO. The final mixed-methods survey was administered to Canadian RO residents (2015-2019 match years) via Program Directors and the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists resident member database. Medical students are most likely to select a career in RO during or after a clerkship experience. Extrinsic factors strongly motivating interest in RO were (% rating as very important or extremely important on a 5-point scale) as follows: positive feedback from radiation oncologists (86%) and RO residents (66%), clinical rotations in RO (84%) and mentorship (77%). Intrinsic factors include perceived fulfillment (95.2%), commitment to patient care (85.3%), and intellectual challenge (67.7%). Qualitative data highlighted the importance of mentorship, the "hand-heart" connection, career variability/flexibility, career satisfaction/lifestyle, and personal connections with cancer/cancer care in motivating students to pursue RO. Increased preclinical exposure such as mentorship may encourage students to seek clerkship opportunities in RO. These findings inform strategies to recruit medical students to a career in RO.

Privacy for Groups Online: Context Matters

The pervasive influence of online activities in our lives, encompassing personal connections, professional engagements, and e-commerce, has amplified concerns about privacy. However, existing privacy research has predominantly concentrated on the individual level, paying less attention to the privacy practices and strategies adopted by online social groups. This research gap calls for a renewed focus on understanding and addressing privacy challenges specific to online group settings. In this paper we explore the privacy needs of online groups through the lens of Contextual Integrity. We perform two complementary studies: semi-structured qualitative interviews of Facebook Groups users (n=17), and a large-scale survey of individuals organizing in groups on Facebook, Discord, and Reddit (n=4486). We investigate the privacy needs of different contextual groups, and locate the presence of contextual norms, contextual member roles, explicit and implicit rules, and privacy concerns. We trace how this complex interplay informs privacy expectations, needs, and negotiations across groups. We find that technical systems provide limited tools to effectively enforce group privacy, allowing individuals to compromise privacy norms. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations to support the design of privacy controls for online groups.

Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder experiences of suicidal thoughts and behaviours: a mixed methods study

BackgroundWomen with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) experience debilitating psychological symptoms during each luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. Although women’s increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts to end their lives has been highlighted, little is as yet known about women’s own narratives. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the prevalence and the experiences of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and attempts in women with PMDD.MethodIn this mixed methods study, women’s experiences of living with PMDD were captured via an online survey exploring risk and via semi-structured interviews with questions informed by survey results. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsOver 3,600 women completed the survey between January and March 2020 and 14 women were subsequently interviewed in 2022. The survey revealed that just under half of women had deliberately harmed themselves during a PMDD crisis, 82% had suicidal thoughts on one or more occasions during their luteal phase, and 26% of women had attempted to end their own life. Three main themes, which related to suicidal ideation in the context of PMDD, were generated from the interview data: 1) personal relationships and social connections affected by PMDD, 2) the increase in suicidal experiences caused by diagnosis delays and 3) self-worth damaged by PMDD.ConclusionWomen living with PMDD are at high risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and attempts to end their lives each month, narratives highlighted the damaging impacts PMDD had on relationships. Risk was increased by delays in appropriate medical support and women reported internalising their experiences as their problem.

An Analysis of Classroom Management Conducted by the English Teacher at a Private Islamic Junior High School

This study investigates the classroom management strategies of an English teacher at a private Islamic Junior High School in Sidoarjo, focusing on time and space management, student behavior, and instructional strategies. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in creating a conducive learning environment. Observations were conducted during two meetings on May 28 and 29, 2024, using an observation checklist based on McLeod, Fisher, and Hoover's classroom management theory. Additionally, an interview with the teacher provided further insights. The results revealed that the teacher effectively managed classroom time and space, scoring 50% in both sessions. However, student behavior management could have been more effective, with scores of 45% and 50% in the respective meetings. Instructional strategies were also limited, with scores of 40% in both meetings. The study highlights a well-organized classroom environment but points to areas for improvement, including enhancing behavior management techniques and incorporating diverse instructional strategies. The implications suggest a need for more dynamic and responsive approaches to classroom management, including integrating technology and fostering personal connections with students to improve engagement and learning outcomes.

The Development and (Mis)appropriation of a Digital Kit for Jewellers

Jewellers’ participation in interaction design is scarce, yet the creativity of jewellers could add value as they interpret materials and mediate personal connections in poetic ways. We investigate how to empower jewellers to experiment with the possibilities that physical computing offers to their practice. This paper presents the making of a Digital Jewellery Kit, a composite of pre-assembled circuitry, used by second-year BA jewellery students during a 10-week project which brought together theory and practice. Drawing on students’ reflective accounts, we discuss what made the jewellers’ path into physical computing more meaningful to their practice, what type of artefacts they created with electronics as well as what values drove their creative process. We offer design recommendations on how to support the praxes of jewellers whilst allowing their creativity to grow through their new understanding of physical computing and contribute to the discussions around hybrid craft within HCI and educational contexts.

User-Centred Design to Inform Requirements for a Remotely Administered Hybrid Functional Test (RAHFT) Protocol.

Functional testing is important to inform return-to-work (RTW), but new paradigms are needed to increase access and availability of testing. Our purpose was to deploy a user centred design approach to collect, describe, and interpret end-user feedback (clinicians and patients) to inform functional requirements for a remotely administered hybrid functional test (RAHFT) protocol. Twenty participants (10 clinicians and 10 patients) were interviewed about existing in-person functional testing and about perceptions of prospective remotely administered functional testing protocols. Interview data were synthesized, where findings informed a focus group with functional testing clinician experts to identify functional design requirements for a RAHFT protocol. Patients agreed that access to equipment and technology, safety, and personal connections were important requirements for a functional testing protocol. Expert clinicians emphasized that a RAHFT should provide valid information to inform treatment planning and RTW outcome decisions, inclusive of opportunities to capture subjective and performance-based information. RAHFT protocols can play an important role towards early and safe RTW. RAHFT protocols will increase availability and improve access for workers that cannot easily attend a clinic for in-person testing. Findings from this study provide functional requirements that should be considered when designing RAHFT protocols.

How Artificial Intelligence Will Shape the Future of Education

The study investigates the impact that Artificial Intelligence can have on education. This paper examines the current education landscape, the prospects of AI, and the potential struggles that can arise. Apart from that, this paper proposes potential solutions to some struggles that are discussed. This was done by using research design and analysis techniques. Through these methods, we were able to conclude that AI can improve education to a certain extent. It cannot surpass the human connection between individuals in a classroom setting. The mentorship, bond, and experiences shared cannot be replaced with AI. In the study, we further explore the irreplaceable role of teachers in education. Due to the idea of hope from example, personal connection, and mentorship, AI won’t be able to duplicate this. The article goes more in-depth on the crucial role that all these play in students. Not only that, but we discuss the major role that life lessons shared by teachers to students can play them both the short and long-term.

Consumer Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Sustainability: The Role of Influencers in Shaping Eco-conscious Behavior

This study investigates the impact of social media influencers on consumer perceptions and attitudes toward sustainability. As environmental awareness increases, brands are increasingly leveraging influencer marketing to promote sustainable practices. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research utilizes descriptive statistics, reliability testing (Cronbach’s Alpha), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), regression analysis, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis to evaluate how different dimensions of influencer marketing influence consumer behavior regarding sustainability. The exploratory factor analysis identified five key dimensions: Influencer Credibility, Engagement Level, Message Clarity, Perceived Authenticity, and Personal Connection, each significantly contributing to shaping consumer attitudes toward sustainable behaviors. The findings reveal that influencer credibility and engagement are critical drivers, while clarity of messaging and perceived authenticity enhance the effectiveness of sustainability communications. Additionally, fostering personal connections between influencers and their audiences is crucial for motivating sustainable behaviors. This research provides valuable insights for brands aiming to utilize influencer marketing strategies effectively to promote sustainability. As consumer expectations evolve, the findings highlight the necessity for authentic and relatable communications in influencer marketing. Future research should explore the dynamic role of influencers in shaping sustainability perceptions and behaviors in an increasingly eco-conscious consumer landscape.

Understanding the barriers and enablers to participation in vaccine trials in a pregnant population from diverse ethnic background in an inner-city UK hospital.

Vaccination during pregnancy is an important healthcare intervention for safeguarding the health of the mother and their infants. Ethnic disparities in recruitment to vaccine research studies during pregnancy potentially contribute to health inequalities. The aim of the current study was to explore the barriers and enablers influencing the willingness of pregnant women from ethnic minority backgrounds to participate in vaccine research studies. Semi-structured qualitative online interviews were conducted with 23 pregnant women from diverse ethnic backgrounds in the UK. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Our findings suggest that participants perceived vaccines and vaccine research, in principle, to be beneficial to the individual and to society, and understood the value of vaccination in mitigating severity of disease and protecting the health of mothers and their infants. Apprehension over the safety of vaccination in pregnancy was common and reduced willingness to participate. For those that decided to participate in vaccine trials in pregnancy, this was seen as an act of solidarity, a way to contribute to a collective responsibility for the public health of the community. Personal and community connections and representation-seeing people from their own communities represented in in the recruitment process shapped decisions about vaccine trial participating. Trust and mistrust in health systems, shaped by past experiences of interacting with healthcare professionals were likely to inform whether they would consider participating. Practical considerations such as excessive time commitments related to study procedures, travel and organising childcare were barrier to participation. The level of invasiveness of trial procedures were also a concern, although increased monitoring during the trial was seen as a potential benefit, mitigating some safety concerns. Our study reinforcing previously identified barriers to vaccine participation among pregnant women from diverse ethnic communities. This study underlines the need to develop tailored interventions that focus on fostering trust with the aid of community engagement to understand cultural contexts, establishing authentic representation, and address practical considerations, to contribute to enhancing vaccine trial participation in pregnancy in those from diverse ethnic communities.

School staff perceptions of the impact of school counselling on young people, the school and integration into the school system

AbstractIntroductionThis research explored the views of staff in secondary schools on school counselling for young people. Data were drawn from the Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness Trial of Humanistic Counselling in Schools (ETHOS) study, an RCT of school counselling across 18 state‐funded secondary schools in London.MethodsQualitative semi‐structured interviews were held with school staff (n = 16) from a sub‐sample of 10 participating schools from the RCT. The interviews explored the perceived impact of school counselling on the school and students. Thematic analysis was conducted using the NVivo qualitative data analysis software.ResultsThree key themes were identified: (1) school context: rising mental health need and varying provision for mental health; (2) school staff perspectives on the impact of counselling: increased openness and improvements in mood, dedicated space to open up, putting skills into practice, one size does not fit all, and role of personal connection; and (3) long‐term impact of counselling in schools: integration as central to success and counselling as a stepping stone for further support.ConclusionThis research provides insights into school staff views of secondary school counselling in the context of delivery through a research trial. Effective ways of integrating counselling services into schools are identified.

Capturing Calabria? ‘ndrangheta, corruption, and maladministration in local public institutions in Southern Italy

ABSTRACT The ‘ndrangheta is the collective name of mafia-type groups from Calabria, Italy. Some ‘ndrangheta clans’ ability to influence local public institutions has been based on personal connections, systemic corruption, electoral influence, hidden exchanges, blackmailing power, and ‘elitarian handshakes’. Mafias have long-term interests in ‘capturing’ state’s institutions to gain profits, impunity, and generally a dominant position in the resulting balance of power with the ‘legitimate’ state. In this paper, we will highlight the process of state capture at municipal level enabled by ‘ndrangheta clans in Calabria, showing how the clans’ influence-oriented policy formulation, implementation, and enforcement of rules over time.

A Metamorphosis: From HGW XX/7 to a Good Man

This paper explores the transformative power of music on psychological and political ideologies through the lens of the film The Lives of Others. It examines the character of Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler, a Stasi agent whose life undergoes profound changes after encountering the piece Sonata for a Good Man. Integrating insights from musicology, psychology, Sufism, and political science, the paper delves into how music transcends ideological boundaries, enabling deep personal introspection and connection. Unlike prior studies that focus broadly on art, this paper focuses specifically on music as a transformative force, offering a deeper exploration of how music incites psychological and ideological change. The analysis argues that music creates a liminal space where conventional boundaries dissolve, fostering a critical re-evaluation of one’s beliefs and perceptions. This transformation is evident in Wiesler’s shift from a loyal ideologue to a compassionate individual, impacting his emotional and cognitive states as well as his actions and ideologies. The paper highlights the capacity of music to challenge and alter both political and personal landscapes, emphasizing its role in facilitating ideological and emotional liberation. The paper contributes to a broader understanding of art’s impact on human behaviour and societal structures by examining the intersection of music and transformation within the context of East Germany. Through Wiesler’s story, the paper illustrates how art, particularly music, can be a potent force in challenging and reshaping ideological confines and nurturing human connection and empathy.

Positive impact of an inpatient early childhood literacy programme on literacy practices and family experience in a paediatric heart centre.

CHD predisposes children to neurodevelopmental delays. Frequent, prolonged hospitalisations during infancy prevent children with heart disease from participating in recommended language and cognitive development programmes, such as outpatient early childhood literacy programmes, and contribute to caregiver stress, a risk factor for adverse developmental outcomes. This study aims to describe the implementation of a single-centre inpatient early childhood literacy programme for hospitalised infants with heart disease and assess its impact on reading practices and patient-family hospital experience. Admitted infants ≤1 year old receive books, a calendar to track reading frequency, and reading guidance at regular intervals. Voluntary feedback is solicited from caregivers using an anonymous, QR-code survey on books. A prospective survey also assessed programme impact on hospital experience. From February 2021 to November 2023, the Books@Heart programme provided 1,293 books to families of 840 infants, of whom 110 voluntarily submitted feedback. Caregivers reported a significant improvement in access to books (p < 0.001) and increased reading frequency after learning about Books@Heart (p = 0.003), with the proportion reading to their child daily increasing from 27% to 62%. Among 40 prospective survey responses, caregivers reported feeling a sense of personal fulfillment (60%), self-confidence (30%), connection (98%), and personal well-being (40%) while reading to their child. An inpatient early childhood literacy programme is a well-received intervention for infants with heart disease that promotes development, improves book access, increases reading exposure, and engages families. Further studies are needed to assess its impact on sustained reading practices and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

NICU Caregiver Communication Preferences and Disparities by Primary Language: A Qualitative Study.

Effective communication between clinical providers and infant caregivers is vital to family-centered care and engagement in the NICU. Infants in the level IV NICU often have complex medical needs and prolonged lengths of stay, leading to challenges maintaining effective and consistent communication, particularly for families with a primary language other than English. The objective of this qualitative study is to determine the facilitators and barriers to effective communication among English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers in a level IV NICU. This phenomenology qualitative study consisted of interviews with English- or Spanish-speaking caregivers of infants admitted to a single-site level IV NICU for at least 7 days. Interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide that sought to understand the lived experience of parents communicating with providers. Themes from coded interview transcripts were identified using inductive thematic analysis. Nineteen interviews were completed in participants' primary language (English or Spanish), and 5 themes emerged from the analysis. For English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers, we discovered the importance of personal connection, the desire for receiving communication about changes directly from providers, and a strong desire for daily updates. For Spanish-speaking families, we found disparities in the use of communication-related technology and consistent communication from providers in their primary language. In this qualitative study, we identified caregiver preferences for communication from providers in a level IV NICU and demonstrated disparate experiences for Spanish-speaking caregivers. Future work should focus on developing interventions that address these identified barriers to communication.

Identity Construction in Fan Community: An Analysis of Online Discourse among (G)I-DLE Fans in Mainland China on Sina Weibo

Fandom has become a social and cultural phenomenon reflecting practical activities in the fan community. The prevalence of social media and online fan communities has facilitated the transnational industries of Korean popular culture (K-pop) in mainland China. Fans are enthusiastic about creating posts dedicated to their idol(s) or music bands to broaden the influence of the celebrities and establish personal connections with them. The unique interaction patterns in the K-pop fan community reflect the process of fans’ identity identification and construction. This article explores how mainland fans employ discursive strategies to construct their identity and legitimize their behaviors on social media. A total of 80 posts in (G)I-DLE Super Topic made by mainland China netizens have been collected from Sina Weibo. The findings illustrate the construction of both individual and collective identities among fans, which are shaped by various contexts and different communicative purposes. Further analysis explores the potential impact of fans' identities within online communities on the K-pop market in mainland China.