Personal Motivation Research Articles

Complicity in a Minor Act and Minor Complicity in Crime

The article notes that the criminal legal assessment of complicity in a crime from the point of view of the provisions of Part 2 of Art. 14 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation presupposes the solution of two interrelated tasks: 1) assessment of the social danger of the act itself, which was the result of the joint efforts of co-participants, i.e. actions (act of inaction) of the performer (co-executors); 2) assessment of the public danger of the participation of a particular person in the commission of this act. Thus, the projection of Part 2 of Art. 14 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for an act committed in complicity, multiplies (at least doubles) the subject of criminal legal assessment.Complicity is traditionally considered a circumstance that increases the degree of public danger of an act. However, the fact of committing a criminal act in complicity does not in itself prevent the application of the provisions of Part 2 of Art. 14 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Firstly, the influence of this circumstance on the degree of social danger of the act is not so clear, since in some cases complicity can even reduce the social danger of the act (an example would be criminal acts committed under the influence of mental coercion or as a result of the involvement of a minor into illegal activities). And secondly, even in a typical situation when complicity increases the social danger of an act, this influence can be completely offset by circumstances that reduce the social danger of the act to an insignificant level. Specifics of application of the provisions of Part 2 of Art. 14 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation to an act committed by the joint efforts of several persons is that the issue of insignificance should be considered in relation to each such person individually, taking into account his role in the unlawful act committed, his personal criminal “contribution”, the amount of guilt, personal motives and goals.

Educating custom officers supervisors: how do they experience their role?

PurposeThis study aims to examine customs officers’ perception of the role as supervisor before and after completing formal training in practice supervision. Owing to changes in the education of customs officers, their role as supervisors has changed, necessitating formal training.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire with three open-ended questions was given to all participants to answer before and immediately after the training. Responses were given anonymously. Additionally, free text of the participants’ reflections on the supervision method and challenges within supervision was analysed.FindingsFour categories, including subcategories, emerged from the thematic analysis: competence in practice supervision; socialising and integration; motivation; and frame conditions. Analysis of the feedback shows that the education is experienced/perceived as a contribution to their personal development, learning and motivation, leading to more reflection on their own practice and a stronger focus on contributing to the students’ learning process and shaping them as future colleagues.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, there are no similar studies within this group, and the results of this study may lead to greater awareness regarding the supervisor role and the quality of customs and border management education and, thereby, higher quality in professional practice as customs officers.

Developing Social Skills Through Rhythmic Gymnastics in American sport

The research is aimed at substantiation of the role of rhythmic gymnastics in development of athletes’ social skills in the context of American sports academy. The study focuses on the achievement of the following tasks: description of the advantages of rhythmic gymnastics as a sport discipline; outlining social skills that are developed through rhythmic gymnastics; explaining internal and external factors influencing the development of social skills through rhythmic gymnastics; evaluation of technologies/teaching methods/techniques used to develop social skills through rhythmic gymnastics. To investigate the development of social skills through gymnastics, the mixed-methods case study research was applied. The sample involved three groups of participants: pupils of Vitrychenko Gymnastics Academy (Illinois, USA); coaches and instructors; and parents of young athletes. The findings showed that rhythmic gymnastics enhances not only physical strength but also various social skills. They include: discipline, time management, responsibility, teamwork, communication, networking, patience, leadership, social confidence, and adaptability. the special attention was paid towards the factors influencing the development of social skills through rhythmic gymnastics. It was found that they can be divided into internal and external ones. Internal factors refer to personal motivation, self-confidence, emotional intelligence, self-discipline, adaptability, cognitive development, personal values, and previous experiences. External factors concern coaching style, team dynamics, parental support, competition environment, peer influence, institutional support, and constructive feedback. The methodology in gymnastics was described in details. On the basis of coaches’ preferences, training programs, and classroom observations it was found that team-buildings exercise, demonstration, role-playing, video analysis, peer coaching, group discussion, virtual competition, online learning, VR-based exercises, gamification, and digital mentorship are widely used to develop social skills through rhythmic gymnastics. The results can be implied to recognize the social benefits of rhythmic gymnastics and to development of more efficient curriculum to enhance pupils’ social competencies as well as academic achievements.

Feasibility of continuous smart health monitoring in pregnant population: A mixed-method approach.

The utilization of smart monitoring technology offers potential for enhancing health outcomes, yet its feasibility and acceptance among Hispanic pregnant individuals remain uncertain. This is particularly crucial to investigate within the context of apparently healthy individuals identified as low risk, who still face a 10% likelihood of complications. Given their frequent underrepresentation in healthcare services and relative lack of attention, improving the feasibility of remote monitoring in this population could yield significant benefits. To address this gap, our study aimed to adapt and evaluate the practicality of a smart monitoring platform among healthy Hispanic pregnant women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as one week following childbirth, a period when complications often arise. This longitudinal study followed n = 16 participants for an average of 17 weeks. Participants were instructed to wear the Oura ring for objective data collection, including activity, sleep, and heart rate, and to complete survey questions through REDcap to assess mental health and lifestyle factors. The study framework utilized the RE-AIM approach, with acceptability and adherence as key components of the feasibility evaluation. Our findings revealed that completion rates for biweekly and monthly surveys remained consistently high until after childbirth (approximately 80%), while daily question completion remained above 80% until 38th week of gestation, declining thereafter. The wearing rate of the Oura ring remained consistently above 80% until the 35th gestational week, decreasing to around 31% postpartum. Participants cited barriers to wearing the ring during the postpartum period, including difficulties managing the newborn, forgetfulness, and concerns about scratching the baby's skin. The enrollment rate was 71.42%, with an attrition rate of 6.25%. Thematic analysis of one-on-one interviews identified three main themes: personal desire for health improvement, social acceptability and support, and conditions influencing device/platform efficiency. In conclusion, while adherence varied based on gestational week and survey frequency, the study demonstrated strong acceptability of the smart monitoring platform among the study population, indicated by the high enrollment rate. Qualitative insights underscored the significance of personal motivation, social support, and device/platform efficiency in enhancing patient engagement with digital health monitoring during pregnancy, offering valuable considerations for future healthcare interventions in this domain.

Perceptions of organizational politics and organizational commitment: role of personal motive and ability

PurposeThis study expanded previous studies on the relationship between POP (Perceptions of Organizational Politics) and OC (Organizational Commitment); and it examined the mediating effect of OCM (Organizational Concern Motive) and the moderated mediating effect of PS (Political Skills). Based on the uncertainty management and expectancy theories, the mediating role of OCM was assumed; also, the moderated mediating effect of PS was assumed, because of the effect of the POP on members' motives would vary depending on each individual's ability to respond.Design/methodology/approachTo collect the required data for analyzing the research model of this study, a questionnaire was conducted on employees of South Korean companies and institutions. To verify the hypothesis of this study, the measurement and hypothesized models were analyzed sequentially.FindingsThe results of this study indicated that the OCM mediates the relationship between POP and OC. Furthermore, the mediating effect of OCM is moderated by PS. Specifically the negative effect of the POP on the OCM was mitigated in the group with proficient PS.Research limitations/implicationsTo mitigate the negative effects of POP, this study suggests that managers should provide fair evaluation and reward based on performance, and consider PS as an important factor in employee selection and education/training.Originality/valueThis study is original in that it presents the mechanisms of both variables in terms of an individual's motive towards the organization. Furthermore, this study is valuable in that it suggests ways to mitigate the negative effects of POP through PS.

Independence through community access and navigation: A supported leisure intervention for individuals with negative symptoms.

Promoting leisure participation requires a collaborative approach that emphasizes personal interests, strengths, and motivations. The purpose of this article was to test the effectiveness of the Independence through Community Access and Navigation (ICAN) intervention on community participation, recreation participation, and positive emotions among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Using motivational interviewing and an individualized placements and support framework, the ICAN intervention focuses on working with participants to identify and participate in personally meaningful leisure activities by connecting with personal motivations and mainstream community opportunities. This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 74 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia with assessments conducted at baseline and posttreatment. Intervention effects were examined with repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multiple regression analysis was also performed using a change score as an outcome variable and baseline negative symptoms score, condition, and interaction as predictors. There was no significant main effect of ICAN on positive emotions, recreation participation, or community participation; however, among those in the experimental group, those with impairments in motivation and pleasure experienced improvements in community participation. For individuals experiencing greater negative symptoms, a supported leisure intervention may be an effective strategy to explore personal motivations and increase leisure participation. Future research should test the intervention effectiveness specifically targeting a larger sample of individuals with more severe negative symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Living apart together in contemporary Spain: Diverse motivations across life stages

Living-apart-together (LAT) partnerships are gaining prominence in many high-income societies, prompting ongoing discussions about their significance and their role in the family formation process. This study provides a contemporary update on LAT relationships in Spain, with a specific emphasis on variations across different life stages. The study focuses on several key aspects: (1) recent trends in the prevalence of LAT relationships, (2) socio-demographic factors associated with being in a LAT relationship, (3) joint influence of both partners’ characteristics, and (4) short-term intentions to co-reside. Using data from the 2018 Spanish Fertility Survey, we employ logistic regression models to analyze the factors influencing individuals’ likelihood of being in a LAT relationship as opposed to a co-residential partnership. Our findings reveal a noticeable rise in LAT partnerships in Spain over the past two decades, except among the youngest age group. Personal motivations and socially attributed meanings of LAT relationships, however, differ depending on an individual's life stage. Among young adults, LAT partnerships largely serve as a transitional phase in the family formation process, preceding co-residence with a partner. In this early adulthood stage, unemployment and temporary work contracts – affecting any of the partners – often hinder household formation, but intentions to co-reside in the near future remain strong. In contrast, LAT partnerships in the mid-life stage often stem from a desire to maintain personal independence and are frequently linked to prior partnership and reproductive biographies.

Fenomena Stereotyping Perempuan Bercadar di Kalangan Mahasiswa UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya

Stereotypes are an integral part of the social interaction dynamics within society, including negative perceptions directed toward certain groups, such as veiled women. These stereotypes have developed through a systematic and deeply internalized negative perspective over time. In reality, veiled women often have personal motivations and reasons that do not align with the prevailing societal assumptions. This study seeks to address two primary questions: first, what is the nature of the stereotype toward veiled women among students at the State Islamic University of Sunan Ampel Surabaya, and second, how can the theory of symbolic interactionism explain this phenomenon? A qualitative research approach was employed at the State Islamic University of Sunan Ampel Surabaya, with data collection methods including observation, interviews, and documentation. The data were analyzed descriptively using social identity theory to examine the process of stereotype formation and symbolic interactionism theory to understand the meanings and rationale behind the use of veils. The findings of this research reveal the existence of negative stereotypes associated with veiled women, along with the underlying reasons for their choice to wear the veil, which serves as a form of resistance against such stereotypes.

Analysis Of The Influence Of Work Environment, Discipline And Motivation On Job Satisfaction Of Vocational Education Institution Employees

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how work environment, work motivation, and work discipline affect teachers' job happiness. Researchers use the population of all teachers. One hundred teachers served as the study's sample. In this study, questionnaires, observations, and interviews were utilized to collect data. Validity and reliability tests are the kind of data quality assessments that were employed in this study. Multiple linear regression analyses are used in this study. Numerous significant conclusions on the variables influencing teachers' job happiness are presented by the analysis that was done. First, job happiness among teachers is influenced in part by work motivation. This suggests that the degree of job satisfaction among teachers is significantly influenced by their level of personal work motivation. Second, work discipline has an impact on teachers' job happiness to some extent. This demonstrates that the degree of discipline exhibited in completing tasks is a significant factor in determining the degree of job satisfaction experienced by teachers. Third, it has been demonstrated that a teacher's job happiness is somewhat influenced by their workplace. Teachers' levels of job satisfaction can be influenced by a variety of factors, including corporate culture, work facilities, and the quality of relationships among colleagues. Moreover, overall, the work atmosphere, discipline, and motivation all affect teachers' job satisfaction at the same time. These results highlight how intricately these many elements interact to shape teacher job satisfaction in certain educational settings. Gaining a deeper comprehension of these elements will enable actions to be taken to boost teacher job satisfaction and raise the standard of instruction they deliver.

Exploring perceptions, cognitive factors, and motivations: A study on green structures on residential rooftops

Urban greenhouse and green roof cultivation propose a nature-based solution to current socio-ecological challenges in urban ecosystems, as it offers several socio-ecological solutions and benefits. The interdisciplinary techniques for scientific explorations of cognition and perception towards urban green structures could not get the attention of the researchers across varying scientific disciplines, especially in the developing world. Addressing the personal factors involved in human cognition and its subsequent impact on perceptions will lay the foundation for the studies of the field. The study included questions about socio-demographic characteristics and socio-environmental motivations, as well as a set of images depicting potential future of green structures. The study was accomplished in Tabriz city of Iran with 375 participants. The findings showed that individuals prioritize certain types of rooftop green structures based on their personal characteristics and motivations. Additionally, cognitive differences were observed among individuals based on age, gender, and marital status, leading to perceptual differences towards green structures. Socio-environmental motivations activate perceptual responses within individuals, influencing their preferences for specific types of rooftop greenhouses. Understanding the response of individuals towards green structure types is crucial for effective planning and design. This knowledge can enhance the overall success and satisfaction of rooftop green structures projects, leading to greater wellness and a positive impact on the environment.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF GRADUATE STUDENTS OF TECHNICAL SPECIALTIES(on the example of Satbayev University)

The study is devoted to the analysis of the psychological characteristics of graduate students of technical specialties on the example of Satbayev University. The relevance of this research is due to the rapid development of technology and the increasing role of technical specialties in the modern world, which creates new challenges and requirements for the educational process in technical universities. The purpose of the study is to identify the key psychological characteristics of graduate students, which will allow them to better understand their needs and expectations, as well as contribute to the formation of a more effective and adapted educational process. The study revealed a variety of factors influencing the educational and professional trajectories of graduate students, including social, personal and internal motives. The results facilitate a deeper comprehension of the psychological traits and requirements of students, thereby aiding in the formulation of customized strategies for their education and development. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including questionnaires, were used in the course of the work. The main sample of the study covered more than 180 graduate students of various technical specialties at Satbayev University. The analysis of the questionnaire data, including demographic parameters, motivation for choosing an educational institution and specialty, as well as value orientations and hobbies of graduate students, was carried out.The results obtained canbe used to develop individualized approaches to learning, career management and student support, as well as to improve the quality of education in technical universities.

Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh (1954): A Curious Case of the First Biopic on the Indian Revolutionary Martyr

Immediately after India’s independence, the Indian revolutionary martyr Bhagat Singh became the focus of several competing biopic projects. A censorship controversy erupted around the making of the now-lost film Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh (1954), the first biopic on the martyr. It became a contentious site where the interests of the filmmakers, former revolutionary colleagues of Bhagat Singh and his family members, and various other stakeholders like public representatives, intersected with an almost disinterested state. Following Debashree Mukherjee’s (2019) methodological approach of considering film censorship ‘as a productive material site for the study of lost films’, this article enters into a microhistory of this controversy by utilising bureaucratic paperwork and filmic and nonfilmic paratextual material to compensate for the absent film element. By tracing the very first attempts which were made to mount a biopic on Bhagat Singh, I try to investigate personal and political motivations behind the race to make the first biopic on the revolutionary martyr. For this purpose, I employ Chris Moffat’s (2019) mobilisation of the metaphors of corpse, corpus and corps, which he productively uses to understand the politics behind the multifarious afterlives of Bhagat Singh and wrangle over his revolutionary inheritance in the post-colonial period, and make a case for the importance of the study of Bhagat Singh’s hitherto neglected biopics by arguing that the time of their making, their production contexts and attendant controversies afford us unique insights into what Moffat terms the politics of ‘India’s revolutionary inheritance’.

The feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a locally developed digital health intervention in improving breast cancer survivor’s quality of life (QOL): Qualitative and quantitative analysis result.

e13803 Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer type amongst females of all ages and the highest reported cancer cases in Malaysia. Breast cancer survivors may have distinctive struggles. Inadequate recovery preparation can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Digital health interventions (DHI) can enhance patient rehabilitation. Methods: This is an open-label feasibility study conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Center. The study involved 40 patients diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer. They were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (12-week program with DHI) or the control group (follow-up at UMMC). Unfortunately, 3 patients withdrew from the intervention group during the study. This resulted in a study size of 17 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. At the end of the 12-week period, we conducted individual interviews to explore the experiences of DHI users. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the smartphone application in enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Secondary objectives included estimating the variability of body mass index, health, and physical and psychological status. Results: The study showed the engagement of breast cancer survivors with our Digital Health Intervention (DHI), indicating a 100% retention rate over a 12-week period. This emphasizes the accessibility of DHI, as shown by users logging in at least once within 12 weeks. Quantitative data analysis reveals that the DHI app's engagement rates are 53%, implying that users are logging in at least once a week and over 30% throughout the study period. Farago's study shows a 27-30% user retention rate for medical and health apps within 90 days. (5) Clinical outcome for both control and experimental shown not significant result with p>0.05, however we can appreciate absolute changes in intervention arm BMI. Qualitatively, we are able to code to utility and usability of the DHI apps. Users enjoyed the exercise module, valued admin support, and found the app intuitive. Users were engaged in exercise, diet, and psychology, while disengagement was associated with other social media platforms and personal motivation levels. Conclusions: Study showed a 100% retention rate and a promising 53% engagement rate, showing success in health app engagement. The feasibility study intentionally used a small sample for specific disease and patient demographics. Users reflect on app relevance in exercise, diet, and psychology. In summary, assessing the effectiveness of DHI in providing comprehensive support to cancer survivors requires larger-scale studies.

Becoming an Abla

Abstract This article analyses the performance of homemaking and religious practices of six Turkish Muslim women who made hicret (migration) to Brazil, focusing on the domestic space of their shared apartment. Their reasons to migrate combine personal motivations and a sense of responsibility to spread the world view of the Turkish Islamic movement of which they are participants. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, I explore their everyday practices in the production of an ideal Muslim self and the making of a home in order to understand the effects of the community's domesticities on their individual trajectories. The analysis shows that the performance of those everyday practices produces a moral and affective bond to the movement and its religious leader, conditioning home to a specific spatial and moral structure.

The structural and activity method of studying the universal creative personality (on the example of musical culture)

The trend of the global educational process aimed at developing a universal creative personality is leading young people to expand their professional spectrum. The study of the universal personality of a musical artist is a prominent issue in the context of socio-cultural changes in the life of modern society. The aim of the research is to study the specific and characteristic features of a creative personality as well as to clarify the aspects of the formation of a musician’s universal personality. This article uses the following scientific methods to study the issue of universal creative personality of a music student: description, analysis, synthesis, comparison, abstraction and generalisation. The paper highlights the issues of formation and development of the universality of the creative personality in the representatives of musical culture. The authors studied the functions of leading and auxiliary activities in the process of forming a musician’s creative personality in view of personal motivation. The work analyses and highlights the ways of forming and developing the creative aspects of a musician’s personality. This study also examines the typology of the universal creative personality, which resulted in the formation of the following types of musical personalities, in particular, the musician-master and the musician-creator and the differences between them. The article explores the structure and activity of the creative personality of a composer, performer, musicologist, teacher and public figure. The authors’ work can be a subject of further investigation by researchers and teachers who will study the topic of universal creative personality of music students.

RESULTS OF A STUDY OF STUDENTS’ PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL FEATURES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESSFUL PREPARATION FOR THE ALL-RUSSIAN OLYMPIAD OF SCHOOLCHILDREN IN FUNDAMENTALS OF LIFE SAFETY

The article presents the results of psychological and pedagogical research conducted as part of the work of the regional experimental platform “Improving the Organisational and Pedagogical Conditions for Preparing Schoolchildren at the Levels of Basic and Secondary General Education to Participate in the Final Stage of the All-Russian Olympiad of Schoolchildren in Fundamentals of Life Safety” at Lyceum No. 419 of Saint Petersburg named after K. M. Kalmanov. The research included an analytical interview with the teaching staff aimed at analysing the experience of participation in the All-Russian Olympiad of schoolchildren and the prospects of work in this direction, and psychological diagnostics of students designed to study personal characteristics and motivation that contributed in effective preparation for the Olympiad. The results of the study made it possible to develop a portrait of a successful participant of the Olympiad in life safety and the system of his/her psychological and pedagogical support.

Exploring the “Can Do” and “Will Do” factors of human capital to enhance university performance

This study explores the "Can Do" and "Will Do" elements of human capital that impact university performance. Human capital, comprising both "Can Do" and "Will Do" elements, plays a pivotal role in driving organizational success, particularly in academic institutions. To investigate these elements within the university context, we conducted an exploratory qualitative research design using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 12 purposely selected university practitioners and experts. The study results show that a high knowledge level, skills, capabilities, and experiences characterize the "Can Do" mindset. In contrast, the "Will Do" attitude encompasses personal traits, achievement motivation, and engagement with the job and institution. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of cultivating a synergistic relationship between human capital's "Can Do" and "Will Do" aspects for driving sustainable improvements in university performance. By leveraging these insights, academic institutions can optimize their resources and empower their faculty to achieve greater success and impact.

Effective Teacher Professional Development and Its Influencing Factors: A Cross-National Comparison of the United States, China, Finland, and Singapore

The promotion of effective teacher professional development (ETPD) is a critical issue in the field of teacher education. The present study investigated how ETPD is affected simultaneously by teacher- and school-level factors across the United States, China, Finland, and Singapore. The data were drawn from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS 2018) and analyzed using a hierarchical linear model. Findings showed that scores on social utility motivation to teach, self-efficacy in student engagement, and school participative climate were positively and significantly correlated with scores on ETPD across the four countries. It was concluded that gender, education background, teaching experience, personal utility motivation to teach, teacher self-efficacy in classroom management, and teacher–student relations made significant, yet inconsistent, differences in ETPD in the four countries. Motivating teachers to teach and creating a democratic, participatory, and caring school culture may be important measures to promote effective professional development of teachers globally.

Feasibility of Fit24, a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program for Hispanic Adolescents: Qualitative Evaluation Study.

Digital health interventions are promising for reaching and engaging high-risk youth in disease prevention opportunities; however, few digital prevention interventions have been developed for Hispanic youth, limiting our knowledge of these strategies among this population. This study qualitatively assessed the feasibility and acceptability of Fit24, a 12-week goal-setting intervention that uses a Fitbit watch (Fitbit Inc) and theoretically grounded SMS text messages to promote physical activity and sleep among Hispanic adolescents (aged between 14 and 16 years) with obesity. After completing the intervention, a subsample of youth (N=15) participated in an in-depth interview. We categorized the themes into dimensions based on participant perspectives using the Practical, Robust Implementation, and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework. Participants shared positive perceptions of wearing the Fitbit and receiving SMS text messages. Youth were highly engaged in monitoring their behaviors and perceived increased activity and sleep. Almost all youth organically received social support from a peer or family member and suggested the use of a group chat or team challenge for integrating peers into future interventions. However, most youth also expressed the need to take personal responsibility for the change in their behavior. Barriers that impacted the feasibility of the study included the skin-irritating material on the Fitbit watch band and environmental barriers (eg, lack of resources and school schedules), that limited participation in activity suggestions. Additionally, sync issues with the Fitbit limited the transmission of data, leading to inaccurate feedback. Fit24 is a promising approach for engaging Hispanic youth in a diabetes prevention program. Strategies are needed to address technical issues with the Fitbit and environmental issues such as message timing. While integrating peer social support may be desired by some, peer support strategies should be mindful of youth's desire to foster personal motivation for behavior change. Findings from this study will inform future diabetes prevention trials of Fit24 and other digital health interventions for high-risk pediatric populations.

The Great Persecution

The contribution sheds light on a mass witch trial that began in 1661 at the court in Hrastovec. It is related to proceedings initiated a decade later and taking place simultaneously in at least five courts. Those convicted were forced to list the names of many witchcraft meeting participants, which were described with all sorts of demonic imagery. The trials were thus interconnected and kept dragging on because of the confrontations between the accused. Despite the many mass trials, the number of the indicted even exceeded those that were actually put to trial. The proceedings were caused by weather storms, and many people were only tried when a new round of trials followed a storm. The trials were affected by the people’s understanding of the causes of the disasters, conspiracy theories, and various actors such as the rural population affected by the disasters, neighbourly disputes, superstitions, belief in magic, cruel, bloodthirsty judges and their personal motives, and the Inner Austrian government in charge of the criminal justice apparatus.