Personal Development Research Articles

Autoethnography in medical education: Ethical and legal considerations

AbstractFor medical educators, autoethnography as a research methodology provides a means of active engagement in reflective practice, ranging from teaching and educational innovation to interactions with patients and colleagues. In this way, they may benefit from the systematic reflexivity required, improve their interactions with the people around them, as well as demonstrate ongoing personal development and improve their skillset as an educator. On a wider level, autoethnography has the potential to study a culture or a phenomenon as it is directly and personally experienced by the author, thereby providing unique insight into medical education theories and/or the patient‐physician relationship. As autoethnography often examines sensitive issues, hidden aspects of our lives or untold stories, it is clear that autoethnography poses several ethical and moral challenges which must be considered when the relevant research is planned. In this essay, I will discuss some of the ethical considerations of autoethnography which are relevant in the medical education context, and highlight potential legal considerations of these published personal reflections. To do this, I will discuss issues of validity with autoethnography, ownership of the stories, the tension between authenticity and anonymity, ethics of representation of study participants and relevant legal issues which may impact the use of autoethnography in the healthcare setting. Context and implicationsRationale for this study: Autoethnography as a research methodology provides a means of active engagement in reflective practice, and should lend itself to research in medical education and healthcare research.Why the new findings matter: As this is a relatively new methodology in the context of medical education, there are several challenges to adoption and researchers should be aware of some of the ethical and legal considerations.Practical implications: This article aims to highlight some of the issues for researchers who are considering autoethnography as a research methodology in the healthcare setting.

External leadership knowledge integration and AI readiness in family firms: exploring the mediation effects of professionalization

PurposeAs the knowledge-based theory of the firm suggests, integrating leadership knowledge from non-family sources may be paramount in building competitive advantage, and leadership knowledge is an invaluable resource in building successful firms. In the volatile business environment, AI developments are among the key drivers of several thorough transformations, so the possible relationship between top management business talent and AI readiness has become essential. Our paper examines this link in the family business context, analyzing the possible mediation role of firm professionalization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopted a quantitative research approach. Data about Hungarian family firms were collected during March and April 2024. The authors used structural equation modeling, and results with and without controlling for a firm size and sector effect were compared. The final sample size contained 112 family firms.FindingsThe research findings suggest that the identified personal professionalization subdimensions have different mediation roles in the relationship between external knowledge integration in top management teams and AI readiness. Without including the control variables, the personal development and competence absorption subdimensions fully mediate this relationship, and the delegation subdimension does not have a significant mediation role. These two mediation effects become significantly weaker with the inclusion of firm size and sector control variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe results highlight the importance of competence absorption and development in family firms, especially when preparing for AI integration into business processes. In addition, the findings also emphasize that firm size may have a significant role in creating an AI-compatible business environment.Originality/valueThis paper aims to integrate the evolving field of firm professionalization with research on the effects of family involvement in corporate leadership. Professionalization dimensions are defined, and mediation roles of personal professionalization subdimensions are examined concerning the relationship between external knowledge integration in top management teams and AI readiness. The paper also highlights several new research directions that may enhance understanding the relationship between family leadership involvement and corporate outcomes.

Methodological support of the educational and training process of members of the national academy of the Security Service of Ukraine in hand-to-hand combat

The article considers the problem of theoretical and methodological support of the educational and training process of members of the hand-to-hand combat team of the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine. Mastering martial arts by cadets of higher military educational institutions of Ukraine is of particular relevance in modern conditions, which are characterized by an increased level of threats to the security of the state and citizens. Martial arts help develop strength, endurance, reaction speed, and coordination of movements, which are necessary for performing official duties in difficult conditions. Learning self-defense techniques, neutralizing an opponent without the use of weapons, is critically important for working in situations where the use of firearms is impossible or impractical. Research methods: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, generalization and concretization, classification and systematization, modeling, historical method, logical method, comparative (comparative) method, formalization, forecasting, abstraction, hypothetical-deductive method. The article focuses on the importance of systematic and comprehensive training of athletes to ensure their high level of physical and psychological readiness for competitions and the performance of assigned tasks. A modern approach to planning the educational and training process has been developed and substantiated, which takes into account the specifics of the activities of employees of the Security Service of Ukraine. The proposed methodological recommendations are aimed at improving the technical- tactical, physical and moral-volitional training of athletes. The results of the study confirmed the effectiveness of the developed methodological support, which contributes to improving the sports results of team members and their readiness to perform professional duties in stressful and extreme conditions. Mastering martial arts by cadets of the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine is not only a means of professional training, but also an important factor in their psychological, physical and moral readiness to perform tasks in the face of modern challenges. This not only contributes to their personal development, but also ensures a high level of security for the state and citizens. Prospects for further research in the chosen direction of scientific exploration involve the development of an experimental training program for representatives of the studied category (annual training cycle).

Collaborative learning in translation and interpreting: a meta-study

ABSTRACT Over the past two decades, there has been a surge in empirical research examining collaborative learning (CL) within translator and interpreter training contexts, with a particular emphasis on elucidating the perceptions and experiences of participants. In the present study, we explored qualitative studies on this topic through a meta-study approach. Specifically, we reviewed the research design, underlying theories, and methods for data collection and analysis employed across the included studies. Furthermore, the study delves into the perceived factors influencing the CL experience. The analysis reveals certain methodological and theoretical shortcomings prevalent among the examined studies, highlighting the need for more robust and rigorous investigations in this domain. Additionally, the study identifies 16 influencing factors, which are categorised into eight distinct themes. These themes encompass both individual factors, such as interpersonal dynamics, intrinsic motivation, personality development, and psychological factors, as well as external factors, including extrinsic motivation, support, productivity, and fairness. Subsequently, a model of CL in translation and interpreting is proposed, synthesising the key findings to elucidate the underlying processes at play. The present inquiry delineates lacunae in the prior research, elucidates practical implications, and illuminates prospective avenues for further exploration.

The reflective housing practitioner: the role of qualifications for building empathy and person-centered approaches in the housing sector

ABSTRACT Tragic events in the UK have led to a call to increase the “professionalism” of those managing and delivering housing-related services. As part of this process, there is a need to build and integrate empathy, solidarity and person-centered approaches into housing learning to support teaching and practice. However, compared to other professions such as education and health, the housing sector has a limited reflective practice foundation to support this. In response, this paper offers a bespoke model of reflection for the housing sector, which we argue is pivotal to driving forward sector-wide ambitions to raise professional standards through education and qualifications. The “pyramid of housing reflection” model is informed by experiences of the UK higher education context and empirical evidence that takes practitioners and learners through the journey of contextualizing their position (description), impact and positionality (feelings), person-centered practice (empathy and solidarity) alongside engaging with power and critical thinking (structural impacts) to become a reflective housing practitioner. The paper outlines the powerful nature of reflective practice to support personal and professional growth, development and to raise service standards for tenants and other service users in the UK housing sector.

The woman and her inner dialogue: How Positive Psychotherapy transforms psychosomatic challenges into strength

This article presents the case of a patient with endometriosis and related reproductive difficulties who sought support through positive psychotherapy to cope with the emotional and physical challenges of her health condition. Applying the Five Fingers method, the therapist works with the patient to build a positive internal dialogue and accept vulnerability as a strength. Through this approach, the patient recognizes and makes sense of her emotions, needs, and internal conflicts, turning difficulties into a stimulus for personal development. The case study highlights the importance of an empathic and structured therapeutic approach when dealing with psychosomatic symptoms. It demonstrates the potential of positive psychotherapy to support patients in processing traumatic experiences. The article offers a useful model for clinical work with patients suffering from chronic illness and points to new perspectives for coping and personal growth.

An investigation into EFL mentors’ preferred mentoring approaches through feedback practices

PurposeThis case study provides an account of eight mentor teachers’ mentoring approaches based on their reported feedback practices.Design/methodology/approachIn an interpretative phenomenological design, the data were obtained through in-depth individual interviews with mentor teachers in different practicum schools in Istanbul, Türkiye. The study draws upon the mentoring approaches in the literature (Orland-Barak and Wang, 2020), and the mentor teachers’ reports on their feedback behaviors were analyzed accordingly.FindingsDuring the interviews, the mentors’ emphasis on issues such as the use of positive language, encouraging reflection and the evaluative nature of feedback indicated that their feedback behaviors were mainly influenced by personal growth and situated learning mentoring approaches.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that mentors’ awareness on mentoring approaches and how to give feedback should be enhanced. It also suggests that teacher education programs should pay more attention to providing accurate information about mentoring approaches. A more accurately structured evaluation process should be ensured, and mentors should be instructed on how to give constructive feedback through training.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by offering a nuanced exploration of mentoring approaches in relation to teachers’ feedback practices.

Fostering Adversity Intelligence Among Students in Higher Education

Purpose of the Study: This study explores the significance of adversity quotient (AQ) in education and provides strategies to develop AQ as a critical life skill for students. AQ refers to an individual’s ability to endure and overcome challenges by transforming their mindset and actions when confronted with adversity. The research focuses on understanding how AQ can shape student behavior and enhance academic and personal growth. Methodology: A qualitative descriptive method with a phenomenological approach was employed in this study. Primary and secondary data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data were analyzed to identify patterns and factors influencing AQ development in educational contexts. Main Findings: The study identifies seven key factors influencing AQ in students: competitiveness, creativity, risk-taking, self-improvement, perseverance, study habits, and adaptability. The findings also highlight a four-step process for improving AQ: (1) Listen—assess responses to adversity, (2) Explore—analyze the root causes and consequences of challenges, (3) Evaluate—examine evidence critically, and (4) Act—implement solutions proactively. The research underscores the importance of fostering AQ to help students navigate academic difficulties, enhance problem-solving skills, and build resilience in various contexts. Novelty/Originality of the Study: This study introduces a specialized educational model for developing students' adversity intelligence, integrating AQ with soft skills and entrepreneurial competencies. It provides insights into AQ’s role in academic performance, mental well-being, and life skills. Additionally, it investigates the relationship between AQ and entrepreneurial ability, positioning adversity intelligence as a cornerstone for holistic student development in modern education.

Understanding women entrepreneurship in Vietnam: motivators and barriers through integration of two theoretical frameworks

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the motivators and barriers faced by successful women entrepreneurs in Vietnam, a country with high rates of early-stage and established business ownership by women. By integrating the push-pull theory with macro, meso, and micro-level factors, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing female entrepreneurship in this context.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this exploratory qualitative study were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 31 successful female entrepreneurs in Vietnam. The analysis was conducted using NVivo software, employing thematic analysis to identify the motivators and barriers associated with women’s entrepreneurship.FindingsThe findings indicate that women are motivated to start businesses by push factors like job dissatisfaction, economic improvement, and family support, as well as pull factors such as time flexibility, autonomy, and personal development. Barriers are identified at different levels: micro-level challenges include lack of financial support, inadequate skills, and work-life balance issues; meso-level barriers involve insufficient training programs, and macro-level barriers are shaped by gender prejudice. Notably, specific to the sectors, the lack of business training is a major challenge for women in consultancy, tourism, and retail sectors, alongside financial constraints in retail and services.Originality/valueAs a theoretical contribution, this study presents a novel model that integrates push/pull theory with macro, meso, and micro-level factors to analyze the motivators and barriers for female entrepreneurship. This integrated model offers a comprehensive view of women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam’s transitional economy, enhancing understanding of their motivations and challenges, addressing existing gaps, and suggesting practical implications.

Percepción subjetiva de la calidad de vida según niveles de actividad física en mujeres mayores chilenas tras la pandemia de covid-19

Objective: To analyze the subjective perception of quality of life in Chilean older women according to the levels of physical activity they perform after the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study involved 250 older women of whom 120 were physically active (age 68.6±4.6 years; body mass 62.4±3.2 kg; height 1.61±4.3 m; body mass index 24.1±37 km/m2), while 130 were physically inactive (age 71.3±5.2 years; body mass 72.3±5. 9 kg; height 1.58±4.8 m; body mass index 29±8.3 km/m2). Eight dimensions (emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, personal development, physical well-being, self-determination, social inclusion, rights and material well-being) were analyzed using the FUMAT-24 Scale for the subjective Perception of Quality of Life. Results: significant differences p<0.05 were found in favor of physically active vs. physically inactive older women in 7 dimensions with strong effect sizes (d=1.10 to d=2.06) with magnitudes of change from 12% to 30%. However, no significant differences p=0.34 were reported in the material well-being dimension. Conclusion: Physically active older Chilean women have a higher subjective perception of quality of life after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychosynthesis in Positive Psychotherapy

This article examines the integration of psychosynthesis and positive psychotherapy as a holistic therapeutic approach. Psychosynthesis, developed by Roberto Assagioli, emphasizes integrating conscious and unconscious aspects of personality to foster personal growth and spiritual fulfillment. Positive psychotherapy, introduced by Nossrat Peseschkian, focuses on activating individual resources to address psychological challenges through a structured, transcultural framework. The integration of these modalities combines psychosynthesis’s spiritual depth with the practical tools of positive psychotherapy, offering a comprehensive strategy for addressing complex clinical issues such as identity crises, existential challenges, and developmental trauma. While highlighting their compatibility, the article also addresses potential risks, emphasizing the importance of systematic frameworks and rigorous training. This synthesis broadens the scope of therapeutic applications, enhancing client-centered, flexible, and effective interventions. The proposed model demonstrates the transformative potential of integrating distinct psychotherapeutic approaches for holistic personal and psychological development.

Regimes of hope: livelihood, social mobility, and autonomy in Sport for Development programs in the Global South

ABSTRACT Sport is widely recognized as a powerful tool for promoting ‘social good,’ with significant potential for advancing personal, community, and economic development. In this context, the impact of Sport for Development (SfD) programs on livelihood and social mobility has been examined. However, research remains limited on the autonomous steps youth take to enhance their livelihood chances. This study examines how participants in SfD programs within the Global South navigate the program's objectives to pursue their career pathways and opportunities in sport. Drawing on eleven months of ethnographic research in two sport-based organizations in São Paulo, Brazil, and semi-structured interviews with diverse actors, this paper uses Freire’s pedagogy of autonomy and the notion of hope as theoretical lenses. The findings reveal that participants actively shape their futures through SfD projects, crafting autonomous pathways toward improved livelihoods and aspiring for professionalization within the sport sector. Although their opportunities are influenced by neoliberal ideals, the SfD initiatives foster hope and nurture a strong sense of identity among participants. In their pursuit of better livelihoods and social mobility, young people strive to break free from the likelihood of failure within the ‘regimes of hope’ in the Brazilian football system. Findings show how the pedagogy of autonomy can be a promising theoretical avenue to conceptualize SfD in terms of its participants’ search for independent livelihood and social mobility. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for SfD actors to view the SfD curriculum as an ongoing dialogic construction, collaboratively shaped with participants, to better reflect their lived experiences and aspirations.

Development of national identity in Armenia at the beginning of the 20th century based on primary capacities

We improve ourselves each year based on our experience. That experience is passed on to us by our tribe. The generations that preceded us pass on to us a system of capacities that contribute to preserving existence. The lack or absence of information about those predecessors can lead to life-threatening consequences. Having lived through many crisis moments in its history, Armenia continues its existence, keeping its connection with its ancestors through the realization of national identity. National identity, the sense of belonging and attachment to one’s nation, is an important part of personality development. In the article, the author reveals the primary actual capacities involved in forming and reproducing national identity, as well as the connection between the transcultural approach and national identity.

Adapting to the emotional complexity of palliative care communication: Palliative care clinicians' experiences.

Communication is essential to medical care and is key in improving patient outcomes. We aimed to understand clinicians' emotions when communicating with patients in palliative care (PC) and the evolution of their communication skills. Between October and November 2021, 231 Swiss PC clinicians participated in an online cross-sectional survey (65% nurses, 35% physicians). Three questions invited participants to reflect on the development of their communication skills and on their emotions when communicating with patients in PC. Answers to these questions were analyzed thematically. Constantly adapting to complex emotions in communication was the overarching theme. Three main themes further allowed for an understanding of different communication challenges: emotions as a dynamic compass, not always under control, and evolving comfort and competence through personal and professional growth. In evolving comfort and competence, 6 strategies helped clinicians overcome fears and improve their confidence in communication: learning by doing and formal training, integrating life experiences and gaining insight from private life, taking time, collaborating and connecting with peers, acknowledging individuality, and connecting with one's own and patients' emotions. Participants described powerful emotional experiences when communicating with patients in PC, underscoring the emotional labor involved in PC communication. Our study highlights the need to re-conceptualize emotions as a valuable resource rather than a hindrance in clinical practice. The interplay between personal and professional identities in shaping communication skills, emphasizes the importance of emotional competence as a core professional skill. As clinicians often develop these skills individually, our findings suggest a need for earlier integration of emotional competence training in medical education, along with ongoing support through collaboration, and improved allocation of time resources, to enhance clinician well-being and patient care.

Some practical applications of Bernard Matolino’s limited communitarianism

Bernard Matolino’s critique of both the radical and moderate communitarian conception of personhood in African philosophy has itself been widely criticized by scholars such as Anthony Oritsegbugbemi Oyowe, Kai Horsthemke, and Mesembe Edet, just to mention a few. One of their major criticisms is that Matolino’s alternative theory of personhood, known as limited communitarianism, is not different from Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism in any significant sense. He has also been criticized for committing the same error for which he rejects the views of Gyekye. We expose some of the weaknesses of these criticisms by showing some remarkable ways in which limited communitarianism differs from moderate communitarianism. We then demonstrate some of the practical relevance of limited communitarianism for moral decision-making, resolution of social problems, and personal and social development.

Parental neglect and social media addiction of adolescents: The chain mediation effect of basic psychological need and personal growth initiative.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between parental neglect and adolescent social media addiction and its underlying mechanism. A cross-sectional design was used in this study. A total of 792 middle school students participated.Self-report questionnaires were conducted using the Parental Neglect Questionnaire, the Basic Needs Satisfaction Scale, the Personal Growth Initiative Scale and the Social Media Addiction Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the chain mediation model. The results showed that parental neglect was significantly positively correlated with adolescent social media addiction. Basic psychological need and personal growth initiative played a mediating role between parental neglect and adolescent social media addiction, and basic psychological need and personal growth initiative also played a chain mediating role between the two. The study revealed the potential mechanism of parental neglect affecting adolescent social media addiction, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and intervention of adolescent social media addiction from the family and individual levels. Nurses and educators should engage with parents to increase awareness about the potential consequences of parental neglect and social media addiction among adolescents. These professionals are well-positioned to implement educational programs that teach parents how to satisfy their children's basic psychological needs and encourage personal growth initiatives. Such programs should include continuous support, guidance, and practical strategies for parents to help manage their children's social media use effectively.

“I know she’s there” meanings of continuing bonds for bereaved Costa Rican men: a qualitative study

This qualitative study addresses a gap in knowledge regarding men’s experience of the grieving process. Our limited understanding of the topic hinders the development of targeted support services. The study analyzes the meanings of continuing bonds for bereaved men in Costa Rica. It conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve participants; these were guided by a framework focusing on three key areas: mediators of mourning, continuing bonds, and meaning reconstruction. An analysis revealed five themes: loss emblems, mourners’ ecology, memory landscapes, sense-based realities, and symbolic images. These themes suggest that the meanings attributed to continuing bonds facilitated the participants’ personal growth, including the adoption of new values and personality changes, ultimately aiding adaptation to loss. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of men’s grieving process, provide information on the development of gender-specific interventions for men and highlight the need for further research.

From aspiration to achievements: Exploring the motivational drives behind female graduate nursing students' pursuit of higher education in Ghana.

The nursing and midwifery professions are predominantly female. In Sub-saharan Africa, especially in Ghana, females have traditionally been perceived as homemakers who do not require higher education to play their roles. This phenomenon perpetuates gender inequality, underutilises talents, and denies women opportunities for personal and professional growth. This study explored the motivational factors influencing the uptake of higher nurse education among female nurses in a resource-constrained setting. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach was adopted with purposive sampling method to recruit 20 nurses pursuing a postgraduate programme in nursing from October to November 2022. Inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. Two main themes and six subthemes were developed from the data. Female graduate students believe the reasons to pursue higher nursing education are attributed to one's workplace, friends and family's demands. Participants pursuing higher education think it will earn them higher-paying jobs. Their primary motivation to pursue higher education was to earn titles like 'doctor', 'the degree nurse', and 'the specialist nurse'. Other motivations for some participants include the impact of their higher education, which ranges from workplace promotion to family prestige. Ghanaian female graduate nursing students' motivation to pursue higher nursing education is threefold: personal gains, corporate gains, and family fame. Educational institutions need to assist these nurses with the requisite knowledge to excel in their areas of work, get the maximum benefit they expect from schooling, and make their families and communities proud as expected.

Potential profiles of caregivers' benefit finding in ischaemic stroke: The role of personality traits and coping styles.

To investigate the different categories of benefit finding among caregivers of patients with ischemic stroke and the mechanisms of personality and coping styles using an individual-centered approach. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 235 caregivers of patients with ischemic stroke in the neurology departments of three tertiary hospitals in Bengbu using the revised Inventory of Illness Benefit, the Short Form of the Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. The benefit finding of caregivers of patients with ischemic stroke could be categorized into three latent classes: "Low sense of benefit-low personal growth group " (n=58, 24.68%), "Moderate sense of benefit-healthy behaviors group " (n=117, 49.78%), and "High Sense of Benefit-Family Cohesion Group " (n=60, 25.53%). Neuroticism positively predicted the low benefit group, while conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, and extraversion positively predicted the moderate and high benefit groups, all acting as mediators across different benefit categories. Caregivers of patients with ischemic stroke exhibit significant classification characteristics in benefit finding. Healthcare providers can develop targeted intervention measures based on the specific characteristics of the caregivers.

Does parental education moderate the association between personal growth initiative, purpose in life and subjective well-being among Chinese college students?

We investigated the moderating effect of parental education on the relationship between personal growth initiative, purpose in life, and subjective well-being. Two-wave time-lagged data with an interval of three months were collected from 491 students (mean age = 19.58 years, SD = 1.26 years) attending two vocational colleges in the Zhejiang and Henan provinces of China. Hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping analysis (resampling times = 5 000) were conducted to test the hypothetical model. The results showed that personal growth initiative positively predicted a student’s subjective well-being, and purpose in life partially mediated this relationship for a higher subjective well-being. Additionally, the education level of the mother moderated the relationship between personal growth initiative and purpose in life such that this relationship was stronger when the mother’s level of education was high. The finding aligns with the theory of class distinction regarding the role of the family in the quality of college students’ school life. By implication, the findings highlight the importance of family in personal growth initiatives and purpose in life among college students in promoting their subjective well-being.