Positive Image Research Articles

The effect of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) on the body image of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has increased in the last decade, resulting in enduring psychological effects, including negative body image. This study explored the effect of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) on body image in women with PCOS.MethodsIn a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial conducted in Kerman, Iran, women of reproductive age (18–45) who were diagnosed with PCOS and met specific inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to either the MBAT intervention group or a control group placed on a therapy waiting list. The main focus of the study involved evaluating alterations in body image scores as the primary measure. Additionally, the study assessed secondary outcomes, which encompassed various domains of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The trial is registered with www.irct.ir (Registration code (25/01/2020): IRCT20170611034452N9).ResultsBetween August 2020 and January 2021, 66 participants were randomly assigned to the MBAT or waiting list group, and the study was completed by 60 women. At the end of the intervention, body image (adjusted mean difference from baseline (AMD) of 29.22 [95% CI 19.54, 38.90], P < 0.05) and at the one-month follow-up (AMD of 34.77 [95% CI 24.75, 44.80], P < 0.05) were greater in the MBAT group than in the waiting list group. At certain time points, some MBSRQ domains, including body area satisfaction (BASS) (p < 0.05), appearance evaluation (p < 0.05), fitness orientation (p > 0.05), health orientation (p < 0.05), and self-classified weight (p > 0.05), had higher scores than did the control group. However, only BASS had a conclusive effect size (large). Additionally, appearance orientation (p > 0.05), illness orientation (p > 0.05), health evaluation (p < 0.05), fitness evaluation (p > 0.05), and overweight preoccupation (p < 0.05) had lower scores with variable and inconclusive effect sizes.ConclusionsThe MBAT has potential as an effective approach for enhancing body image in women with PCOS. However, some MBSRQ domain results were inconclusive, likely due to the small sample size. Therefore, further research with a larger sample size is recommended.

Positive and negative touch differentially modulate metacognitive memory judgements for emotional stimuli.

Touch plays a crucial role in providing humans with information from the external environment and can be perceived by humans as positively or negatively valenced. It is well documented that touch can differentially influence social functions, but very little is known about how touch can modulate (meta)cognition. Utilizing a within-subject design, participants were exposed to (a) positive, (b) negative, and (c) no touch, alongside encoding of emotionally valenced (positive and negative) images. After a 20-minute delay, participants completed a Yes/No recognition task to investigate how touch influenced memory-related decision components (e.g. criterion, confidence). Results showed that, compared to the control condition, both positive and negative touch were associated with overall lower confidence ratings, a less liberal response bias and slower response times. Interestingly, for correct recognitions, only negative touch (vs. no touch) led to inappropriately lower confidence and slower response times while both confidence and response time remained unaltered in positive touch. Our findings provide the first evidence that positive and negative touch differentially interact with metacognitive memory-related decisions. Altered metacognitive judgements after being touched could have significant consequences in applied settings, such as situations of eyewitness testimony.

Adding brief content-related information to sensitive-content screens does not exacerbate screen- or image-related distress

ABSTRACT Content descriptions presented on sensitive-content screens reduce how often people view negative images. But does this reduction in exposure come at an emotional cost? Across two experiments, we investigated this possibility. In Experiment 1, we compared participants’ change in state anxiety when exposed to sensitive-content screens with and without brief and detailed content descriptions. State anxiety was similar for participants who saw screens with and without brief content descriptions, but we found larger increases in state anxiety for detailed content descriptions. Therefore, detailed content descriptions negatively impact how people feel when they view sensitive-content screens. In Experiment 2, we presented participants with a single sensitive-content screen, either with or without a brief content description, and gave them the opportunity to uncover it. Participants who uncovered the screen viewed the negative image and then rated their distress. Most participants uncovered the screen and, irrespective of condition, reported similar image-related distress. Taken together, brief descriptions do not negatively impact how people feel when they view sensitive-content screens or the forewarned content. Therefore, brief content descriptions do not create an emotional cost. Social media platforms should move beyond merely warning about upcoming content and provide brief content descriptions indicating what the content depicts.

Pelaksanaan Program "Cek Tensi dan Gula Darah Gratis" oleh KKN Kelompok 14 Universitas Abdurrab di Tembilahan

This activity aims to increase public health awareness through free blood pressure and blood sugar check services. The activity was carried out on Car Free Day (CFD) in Tembilahan, Jl. Swarna Bumi, by KKN Group 14 of Abdurrab University. The community who attended not only received health services, but also information about Abdurrab University through the distribution of brochures. The methods used were direct service and health education. The results showed high enthusiasm from the community with 100 participants checking their blood pressure and 80 participants checking their blood sugar. This program succeeded in increasing basic public health knowledge and improving the positive image of the university.

Gender differences in the association between body shame and binge eating: Body image flexibility as a moderator in women

BackgroundBody shame is an established antecedent and maintaining factor of binge eating, beyond global negative affect and body weight, and partly through the effects of dietary restriction. These associations have mainly been established in women and are understudied in men. Body image flexibility, a concept from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, may be a protective psychological process against the effects of negative body image on binge eating. MethodsUsing structural equation modeling and a non-clinical sample of 244 women and 185 men, this cross-sectional study tested an integrated model of the association between body shame and binge eating, mediated by dietary restriction and moderated by body image flexibility, controlling for depressive symptoms and BMI. ResultsBody shame predicted binge eating in women but not in men, whereas depressive symptoms predicted binge eating in men but not in women. Body image flexibility moderated the association between body shame and binge eating in women. ConclusionsThese cross-sectional findings highlight the importance of considering gender differences in current negative affect models of binge eating, and further support the role of body image flexibility in attenuating the influence of body shame on binge eating in women. Longitudinal studies are required to examine the temporal dynamics between these variables.

Self-appreciation is not enough: exercise identity mediates body appreciation and physical activity and the role of perceived stress.

This study explores the relationship between body appreciation and physical activity, focusing on the mediating role of exercise identity and the moderating effect of perceived stress. While individuals with positive body image are generally thought to engage in proactive physical activity, it remains unclear whether this positive attitude necessarily promotes exercise. We conducted a short-term longitudinal survey, recruiting 345 college students 28 (100 females, 245 males; M age = 22.94, SD = 5.99) who completed questionnaires at two-week intervals for a total of three times within four weeks. Body appreciation, exercise identity, perceived stress, and physical activity were measured for the participants separately. The results demonstrated that body appreciation positively predicted physical activity, exercise identity partially mediated the positive effect of body appreciation on physical activity, and perceived stress played a moderating role in body appreciation and exercise identity. These results highlight the significant role of body appreciation in influencing physical activity through exercise identity, with perceived stress further moderating this relationship. The study underscores the importance of promoting body appreciation and regulating stress to enhance physical activity engagement among college students.

Exploring the Construction of Angela Merkel's Identity by Global Print Media across International Platforms

This study is an attempt to observe and analyze the intricate operations of media discourses in the identity construction of “world leader” i.e. Angela Merkel. It highlights that how through the explicit and implicit discourse layers’ construction, the macro and micro semantic structures are created in a newspaper, for portraying the desired positive or negative image of a world leader. The theoretical framework has been structured over the basics of the Van Dijk’s (1980) The Theory of Semantic Macrostructures. The macro- level analysis focuses the core themes and main propositions publicized in the selected data. The micro-level analysis concentrates on the lexicalization and syntactic patterns employed by media experts in creating the larger positive image as world leader through smaller level discourse language constructions, focusing her social and political posterities. Furthermore, the study highlights the gradually constructed personal, social and political identities’ portrayal of Angela Merkel as a powerful world leader, through the world newspaper articles discourse and discursive practices.

To What Age Do Japanese People Wish to Live?: The Impact of Age Stereotypes.

The images we have concerning aging and older people influence our health, well-being, and longevity; however, we do not know which of its aspects (e.g., health, appearance, and personality) positively or negatively affect us. Therefore, to clarify the impact of images of aging on our desire to live long, which impacts our healthy behavior, we conducted an internet survey targeting 1,000 people aged between 30 and 75 years old in Japan in 2018. We tested the following five hypotheses: 1) Respondents who are interested in interacting with older people wish to live longer than those who do not; 2) Respondents who have a positive stereotype about physiological traits of older people wish to live longer than those who do not; 3) Respondents who have a positive stereotype about social relations among older people wish to live longer than those who do not; 4) Respondents who have a positive stereotype about the functioning of older people wish to live longer than those who do not; 5) Respondents who have a positive stereotype about the functioning of older people are likely to engage in healthy behavior and perceive better subjective health than those who do not, which positively affects the age they wish to live to. As a result, we found that only 70-75-year-old participants who had positive images of social relations in old age tended to express a wish to live longer. However, other aspects of images of aging such as appearance, personality, and biological traits did not affect such desire. We conclude that the influence of aging images on the desire to live long may be less apparent among Japanese than other cultures. It is possible that Japanese people are less likely to internalize aging images regarding old age.

Enhancing loyalty in Islamic hospitals: Exploring customer experience as mediating variables

Purpose – This study investigates the impact of service quality and corporate image on customer experience and loyalty within health institutions.Methodology – Utilizing a correlation research design, data were collected from 80 hospital patients using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using regression analysis in SPSS version 25.Findings – The findings reveal that Service quality and corporate image significantly enhance customer experience. Moreover, while service quality directly influences loyalty, the impact of corporate image on loyalty is mediated by customer experience.Implications – The study suggests Hospitals should focus on improving service efficiency, communication, and patient satisfaction in order to strengthen patient loyalty. Additionally, cultivating a positive corporate image through patient interactions can further enhance the customer experience, leading to increased loyalty. Originality – This study introduces a novel conceptual model that integrates customer experience as a mediating variable to explain loyalty dynamics in health institutions. This study's contributions are particularly relevant for hospital management, although the relatively small sample size may limit the broader applicability of the results.

The retrograde effects of negative emotion on memory for conceptually related events: a registered report

ABSTRACT Emotional events are often remembered better than neutral ones; however, emotion can also spill over and affect our memory for neutral experiences that precede an emotional event. Theories suggest that emotion can retroactively enhance memory for preceding neutral events that are considered high-priority while impairing memory for events deemed low-priority. However, the impact of conceptual relationships (i.e., semantic connections) between preceding neutral information and emotional events on memory for the preceding information has received little attention. This study investigated the influence of conceptual relatedness on the retroactive effects of emotion on memory. Participants sequentially encoded pairs of images that were high or low in conceptual relatedness, each comprising a neutral object followed by either a negative or neutral image. Participants returned the next day for a recognition memory assessment. The results indicated an interactive effect of emotion and conceptual relatedness on memory: In a “discovery” sample, memory was poorer for images preceding conceptually unrelated negative (vs. neutral) images, while the opposite pattern was seen for conceptually related images. In a “replication” sample, these effects were partially replicated, with the former impairment effect statistically observed but not the latter augmentation effect. Hence, conceptual relatedness affects how negative emotion influences memory.

Imran Khan’s Speech as Prime Minister of Pakistan at UNGA 2021: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Linguistic Strategies under the Lens of Fairclough’s 3D Model

The study aims to unfold the linguistic strategies employed by the former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan in his speech delivered at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in the year 2021. However, the primary objective has been to explore the functions these linguistics strategies performed to convey the target meanings to the global audience. Fairclough 3D model has been employed as the framework of this study. Hence, the population of the study included the multiple speeches delivered by the former prime minister Imran Khan to UNGA throughout his tenure while the researcher selected a particular sample of only one speech given in 2021 through purposive sampling. The findings revealed the constant use of multiple linguistic strategies by the former prime minister to portray the positive image of Pakistan in front of the whole world by highlighting the importance of global peace.

Promoting the Nation: Conflicting Theories of Tourism during Decolonization in Papua New Guinea, 1960–70s

ABSTRACT This article delves into the development of tourism in Papua New Guinea during the decolonization era from 1960 to the 1970s. It argues that divergent theories and strategies emerged regarding the promotion of tourism. One perspective, championed by the Australian colonizers, viewed the exotic aspects of the Indigenous savage culture as the primary attraction for tourists. On the contrary, another faction led by nationalist Papuans and New Guineans advocated for a focus on respect and dignity of the Indigenous people, aligning with the nation’s journey towards self-governance and eventual independence. This article highlights the significance of promoting a positive image and upholding respect, particularly in a nation grappling with perceptions of ‘otherness’ and a legacy of colonialism. As Papua New Guinea progressed towards self-rule and sovereignty, tourism development became intertwined with broader national development objectives that prioritized economic empowerment and the welfare of its citizens over the pursuit of a competitive destination in the Pacific.

Representation Of Woman Leader In The Qur'an (Power-Knowledge Relations In The Discourse On Surah An-Naml 20-44)

The presentation of the story of Queen Bilqis in the Qur’an has sparked debate among Muslim scholars regarding women's public leadership. The majority of classical and modern scholars argue that the positive portrayal of Bilqis in the Qur’an cannot be used as evidence of women’s suitability for leadership roles, as this tradition is associated with non-believers. Only a few scholars use the positive image of Bilqis as an argument for women’s leadership capabilities, asserting that it is inconceivable for the Qur’an to depict something forbidden in a positive light. This study aims to reveal the Qur’anic ideology on women’s leadership, the pro and con responses of scholars to this ideology, and the factors that have led to the dominance of interpretations that prohibit women’s leadership. This research is a literature review with a feminist approach. Data were collected through bibliographic searches of Qur’anic exegesis from the classical to the modern era. The study shows that the Qur’an fully and unconditionally recognizes women’s public leadership. However, this gender-egalitarian Qur’anic ideology has not developed from the classical to the modern era due to power-knowledge relations that regulate, limit, and control the discourse surrounding women’s agency in the Islamic public sphere. The study recommends providing equal access to women in public leadership spaces

Pendidikan Anti Korupsi Bagi Calon Tenaga Kerja Indonesia di PT. Global Lubna Jaya Sukoharjo

Indonesian workers abroad often face different work environments compared to Indonesia, including stricter ethical and moral standards. They represent the nation in their host countries. Anti-corruption education for prospective Indonesian workers can help build a positive image of professionalism and integrity, increasing other countries' trust in their quality and work ethics. The goal of this education is to develop a firm stance against workplace corruption both domestically and abroad. The community service partner is PT. Global Lubna Jaya Sukoharjo. The service method is online, using simulations and case studies. Results show significant understanding of anti-corruption culture among the participants, who commit to avoiding corrupt practices and fighting corruption together.

The Influence of Sports Dance on Self-esteem Among College Students

Background and Aims: College students' lives depend greatly on their sense of self-worth. It has an impact on their social interactions, emotional well-being, and academic achievement. Several issues can arise for college students, such as social pressures, anxiety related to appearance, and negative body image. These elements may damage their sense of self-worth, which subsequently impacts their general health and standard of living. Sports dance is a unique physical activity that combines artistic ability and physical prowess to positively impact college students' self-esteem. Sports dancing has also been linked to improvements in self-esteem and self-image in addition to physical health, according to earlier research. The two main goals of this study are to first compare the experimental group's self-esteem before and after they participated in sports dancing, and then to compare the experimental group's self-esteem with that of the control group. Methodology: This study included a sample of 20 third-year undergraduate students from the Dance Department, College of Art, Chongqing University of Mechanical and Electrical Technology. The samples were divided into two groups: 10 students, consisting of 5 female and 5 male students, in both the experimental and control groups. The experimental group used the sports dance training method, while the control group used the traditional teaching method. A self-designed, expert-reviewed Rosenberg's self-esteem scale was issued before and after the experiment to determine the influence of sports dance exercises on the self-esteem of the sample group. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, and t-tests. Result: Before engaging in sports dance training, the experimental group's mean self-esteem score was found to be 28.3, while the control group's mean score was 28.8 before receiving traditional instruction. Following the experiment, the experimental group's mean score on self-esteem increased to 35.6, while the control group's score stayed at 27.8. After taking the sports dance course, the experimental group felt more confident in themselves. The mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. Students in the experimental group demonstrated higher levels of engagement in class during sports dance training. When given chores involving dance, they showed initiative in solving problems and made their own choices. They conversed with people more and gained self-assurance when voicing their ideas. These findings imply that sports dancing significantly and favorably raised the students' self-esteem. Conclusion: The results show that sports dance programs can help students feel better about their bodies and have higher self-esteem. Students receive timely rewards throughout the sports dance learning process, which boosts their self-esteem in the classroom and promotes greater interaction between them. By working together to create dance performances, students improve their interpersonal skills and become fully immersed in a stimulating, dynamic, and demanding learning environment. This promotes a calm and pleasurable learning environment while also helping students develop their knowledge and skills and improving their communication skills. This study provides educational institutions and schools with a workable strategy for enhancing students' mental health by introducing sports dance courses. The results also highlight sports dance's potential as a useful tool for psychological intervention. Mental health practitioners might think about introducing elements of sports dance into psychotherapy sessions to help patients feel better about themselves.

The Balkans or South-Eastern Europe: a new conceptualization of the spatial and political image of the region (late 20&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; – early 2&lt;sup&gt;st&lt;/sup&gt; century)

The author analyzes the process of geospatial diversification of the traditional historical and cultural Balkan region in the national discourses of a number of Balkan countries. It is based on the search for a new identity in the context of a strengthening European political orientation and the desire to minimize the existing negative image of the Balkans, associated in the European political tradition with the phenomenon of «Balkanization». The formulation of the concept of a new broader political space of South-Eastern Europe, the definition of which appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, is accompanied by the discussions in both public and academic circles in the states of the region regarding the combination of traditional cultural and historical identity traits and strengthening the political component that determines the course towards a «return to Europe» as a way out of the so-called geo-historical Balkan impasse. The search for a «geographical alternative» in the modern Balkans has acquired the character of a sharply expressed contrast between the so-called traditional historical Balkan realities and the new trend of Europeanization of this region. At the same time, the Balkan self-identification continues to be preserved in the public narrative in a number of countries, and it is adjacent to the definition of South-Eastern Europe that is increasingly gaining strength and has a wider geographical scope. It is this that allows to emphasize the historical ties of the Balkan peoples and their states with neighboring countries located in the «border zone» between the so-called classical Europe and its virtual periphery.

Motion Graphic Sebagai Media Promosi SMK Telkom 1 Medan Sumatera Utara

The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has brought significant changes in various aspects of life, including in the world of education. Telkom 1 Medan Vocational School, as one of the leading vocational schools in the city of Medan, needs to formulate appropriate promotional strategies to attract the interest of prospective students in the digital era. This research aims to identify appropriate social media content visualizations to attract prospective students at Telkom 1 Medan Vocational School, especially in the city of Medan. This research uses qualitative research methods with a descriptive approach. Data was collected through observation of Telkom Medan Vocational School's social media, in-depth interviews with prospective students, visual analysis of social media content at other vocational schools, and focus group discussions with social media and education experts. The data analysis techniques used are content analysis and thematic analysis. The research results show that the right visualization of social media content to attract prospective Telkom Medan Vocational School students in the city of Medan must have several characteristics, namely Informative, Interesting, Interactive, Relevant and Building a positive image. Visualization of social media content made capable effective promotional strategy to attract prospective students at SMK Telkom 1 Medan in the digital era.

Strategi Komunikasi Digital: Media Sosial Instagram Sebagai Sarana Promosi di MI Unggulan Darul Mujtaba

This research aims to identify and analyze effective digital communication strategies through Instagram social media that can be implemented by MI Unggulan Darul Mujtaba as a promotional tool. In the current digital era, social media plays an important role in building an image and attracting public interest in educational institutions. However, the challenge faced is how to optimally utilize Instagram social media to achieve these promotional goals. This research uses descriptive qualitative research with data collection methods in the form of interviews and in-depth observations of research subjects and objects. The research results show that the success of the digital communication strategy at MI Unggulan Darul Mujtaba can be seen from increased visibility, high levels of engagement, positive feedback, and an increase in the number of new student registrations. With a well-planned and implemented strategy, MI Unggulan Darul Mujtaba can make maximum use of Instagram's potential to build a positive image and attract public interest. This research contributes to the development of literature on digital communication and promotional strategies in the era of social media, as well as providing practical guidance for other educational institutions that wish to optimize the use of social media for promotional purposes.

Oncologic surveillance after surgical treatment for clinically localized kidney cancer: UroCCR study n. 129.

In 2021, the EAU Guidelines implemented a novel, expert opinion-based follow-up scheme, with a three-risk-category system for clear cell (cc) and non-cc renal cell carcinoma (non-ccRCC) after surgery with curative intent. We aimed to validate the novel follow-up scheme and provide data-driven recurrence estimates according to risk groups, to confirm or implement the oncologic surveillance strategy. We identified 5,320 patients from a prospectively maintained database involving 28 French referral centers. The risk of recurrence, as either loco-regional or distant, was evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier method for each group (low- intermediate- or high-risk) according to ccRCC or non-ccRCC histology. The noncumulative distribution of recurrences was graphically investigated through the LOWESS smoother. Two thousand two hundred ninety-three (58%), 926 (23%), and 738 (19%) had low-, intermediate, and high-risk ccRCC, and 683 (50%), 297 (22%), and 383 (28%) had low-, intermediate, and high-risk non-ccRCC, respectively. Median follow-up for survivors was 46 months. Overall, 661 patients experienced recurrence. Over time, the noncumulative risk of recurrence was approximately 10% for low-risk cc-RCC, non-ccRCC, and intermediate-risk non-ccRCC, with non-significant difference among the three recurrence functions (P=0.9). At 5-year, time point after which imaging should be de-intensified to biennial, the noncumulative risks of recurrence were: for intermediate risk ccRCC and non-ccRCC: 15% and 11%, respectively; for high-risk ccRCC and non-ccRCC: 24% and 8%, respectively. Among high-risk non-ccRCC patients there were 9 recurrences at 3-month. There was no significant difference between the recurrence function of high-risk non-ccRCC patients with negative imaging at 3-month and the one of intermediate-risk ccRCC (P=0.3). Given the relatively low recurrence risk of patients with intermediate-risk non-ccRCC, those individuals could be followed up with a similar strategy to the low-risk category. Similarly, patients with high-risk non-ccRCC with negative imaging at 3-month, could be followed up similarly to intermediate-risk ccRCC after the 3-month time point.

Partial object doubling in the periphery induced by negative afterimages.

We describe a new phenomenon-partial object doubling-in which the perceived contours of peripherally viewed moving targets become distorted and duplicated. The effect appears to arise due to interactions between physically drawn contours and the strong negative afterimages that are dynamically released during stable viewing of the displays. An online demo is provided where the effect can be experienced and relevant parameters manipulated.