Positive Engagement Research Articles

Effect of Lurasidone on Life Engagement in Schizophrenia: Post-Hoc Analysis of the JEWEL Study.

To evaluate the effect of lurasidone on a new, patient Life Engagement scale in schizophrenia. This post-hoc analysis included participants (ages 18 to 74) diagnosed with schizophrenia who were randomized to lurasidone (40 mg/day) or placebo in a 6-week double-blind efficacy study and those who continued in a subsequent 12-week open-label extension study during which patients received either 40 or 80/mg day lurasidone (flexibly dosed). Change in life engagement was measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) 11-item Life Engagement subscale score, and individual subscale items, at week 6 during the double-blind phase and extension phase week 12 during the open-label extension phase. Analysis focused on 478 subjects randomized to lurasidone or placebo during the 6-week trial, and 146 who received lurasidone during the extension phase. During the 6-week trial, there was a significantly greater change on the PANSS11 Life Engagement subscale score from baseline to week 6 in the lurasidone group compared to the placebo group (mean changes of -6.4 and -4.8, respectively, p = 0.006; effect size = 0.27). Further improvement was evident during the extension phase for patients who received lurasidone in both phases, with a mean change from double-blind baseline to week 12 of the open-label treatment phase of -10.1 on in PANSS11 Life Engagement subscale. This post-hoc analysis suggests that lurasidone may improve life engagement in patients with schizophrenia, a meaningful outcome from patients' perspective. Further studies are needed to confirm this effect. Trial registration: EudraCT Numbers: 2016-000060-42; 2016-000061-23.

Integrating four teaching and learning methods to deliver transformational social work education online

ABSTRACT As responsive social work education is about meeting the dynamic needs of learners, social work educators engage with innovative approaches that promote teaching and learning (TAL). The purpose of this article is to address the research question: Based on our experience as educators, what TAL methods can support social work and human services curriculum delivery in an online environment? Using the co-operative research method and analyzing our reflections, we proposed a model of curriculum delivery which conceptualizes the application of four methods of TAL (pedagogy, andragogy, heutagogy, and paragogy). We also illustrate how this teaching approach can promote different levels of learning (single, double, and triple- loop learning). The model is based on internationally agreed principles of social work and can incorporate non-Western and Indigenous learning processes. We argue that when educators and learners use these four methods in different combinations, it is possible to produce learning experiences that augment social work skills and knowledge development, as well as prepare learners for a multi-dimensional world of change. The implication is that there is scope in the presented model to promote transformational learning and ways of positive engagement during social disruption and dynamic change, both features in our current global environment.

Examining the Post-School Decision-Making and Self-Determination of Disabled Young Adults in Ireland

Reflecting the neglect of childhood disability in transitions research, there is a notable dearth of research on the factors shaping self-determination in post-school decision-making for disabled young adults. To address this gap, we explore how early educational experiences, parental expectations, economic vulnerability, school context, and educational supports shape perceived school support in developing self-determination skills among disabled and non-disabled secondary school students in Ireland. Utilising data from the nationally representative Growing Up in Ireland study, descriptive analyses map post-school decision-making and self-determination skills development among disabled and non-disabled young adults at age 20. Multivariate analyses explore the experiences of students with different disabilities, investigating how family, school, and peer influences shape such skill development. Disparities are found between disabled and non-disabled students, as well as among disabled students in school support for this skills development, with gender, socioeconomic background, cultural capital, and early educational experiences also important in perceived support. Positive school engagement and student-teacher relationships, as well as high self-expectations, emerge as protective factors, indicating that fostering supportive environments and self-concept may enhance students’ self-determination skills. The findings underscore the importance of promoting causal agency, providing support for proxy agency, and taking action to create enriching opportunities and choices for all students.

Flourishing: Development of a Higher-Level Uses Well-Being Scale and Concept in Positive Psychology

Background: Flourishing is the highest level of well-being in positive psychology. Flourishing individuals have high levels of well-being based on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being perspectives. Flourishing is a developing concept that has yet to be widely studied in positive psychology. Objective: This literature review aims to trace the development of theoretical concepts and scales that can be used to research the flourishing variable further. Methods: This research uses a literature review, which involves searching reputable journals for articles related to the concept and scale of flourishing. Results: The PERMA concept introduced by Seligman is the primary literature that forms the foundation for examining flourishing by combining two theories. This PERMA concept states that flourishing in individuals can be measured by five aspects: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaningfulness, and individual achievement. Conclusion: Other researchers then developed the PERMA concept as a reference for creating a flourishing scale. Keywords: Flourishing, well-being, theory, scale, literature review

Psychological flexibility in the face of potential adversity: Examining wellness among gay and heterosexual men.

This work expands the theoretical model on the pursuit of happiness in a hostile world, which concerns individuals' coping processes in the face of life adversity while focusing on psychological flexibility, regarded as an adaptive strategy presenting co-occurrence of converse experiences. Psychological flexibility was operationalized by concurrent, positive, and negative affect as well as by differing modes of coping (negative and positive engagement) related to the concept of a hostile-world scenario. The adaptive role of psychological flexibility was examined among Israeli gay men, a sexual minority that deals with unique hardships. Gay men (N = 474, aged 18-84) were pair-matched with equivalent 474 presumably heterosexual men on core sociodemographic variables. Questionnaires assessed the participants' psychological flexibility and psychological wellness as indicated by self-rated health, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and neuroticism. The results showed a positive association between psychological flexibility and psychological wellness. Moreover, this association was stronger among gay compared to heterosexual men. In conclusion, the endurance of contradictory experiences may facilitate the adjustment to complex life challenges of sexual minorities. Therefore, researchers and clinicians working with sexual minorities are encouraged to examine coping strategies that enhance psychological flexibility by addressing the adaptational benefits embedded in the coactivation of positive and negative experiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Enhancing interoceptive sensibility through exteroceptive–interoceptive sensory substitution

Exploring a novel approach to mental health technology, this study illuminates the intricate interplay between exteroception (the perception of the external world), and interoception (the perception of the internal world). Drawing on principles of sensory substitution, we investigated how interoceptive signals, particularly respiration, could be conveyed through exteroceptive modalities, namely vision and hearing. To this end, we developed a unique, immersive multisensory environment that translates respiratory signals in real-time into dynamic visual and auditory stimuli. The system was evaluated by employing a battery of various psychological assessments, with the findings indicating a significant increase in participants' interoceptive sensibility and an enhancement of the state of flow, signifying immersive and positive engagement with the experience. Furthermore, a correlation between these two variables emerged, revealing a bidirectional enhancement between the state of flow and interoceptive sensibility. Our research is the first to present a sensory substitution approach for substituting between interoceptive and exteroceptive senses, and specifically as a transformative method for mental health interventions, paving the way for future research.

Multidimensional Measure of Well-Being, Translation, Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, Reliability and Validity of the PERMA-Profiler in Spain

The main objective of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the PERMA-Profiler in a Spanish context. The PERMA-Profiler, developed by Butler & Kern (Int J Wellbeing 6(3):1-48, 2016) to measure Seligman’s (Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being, 2011) PERMA model of flourishing, consists of five domains that assess well-being: Positive Emotion (P), Engagement (E), Relationships (R), Meaning (M), and Accomplishment (A). We translated and adapted the PERMA-Profiler, analyzed the instrument’s reliability, its validity based on an internal structure through three confirmatory factor analyses, gender and age invariance, and its convergent and discriminant validity. A total of 2525 participants completed all measures. The results of the analyses to confirm the internal consistency are very acceptable in all the domains and in Overall Well-being (PERMA), except for the Engagement domain. The results of three confirmatory factor analyses show that the model of five independent interrelated factors (domains) presents the best fit. The analysis shows the invariance across gender and age groups. The analyses of the convergent validity show that are positively and significantly related to satisfaction with life (SWLS), to the six evaluated dimensions of psychological well-being (PWB), to positive affect (PANAS) and dispositional optimism (LOT-R) and the general physical and mental health status (SF-36). The discriminant validity analyses show that are related negatively and significantly to negative affect (PANAS), the total score of depression (BDI-II) and the Cognitive-Affective and Somatic-Motivational factors. The findings of this study indicate that the PERMA-Profiler is transferable to the Spanish context, and the Spanish version is a reliable and valid measure of well-being.

Stakeholder perspectives on continuous observation in inpatient psychiatric wards.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous observation is a frequently used tool to manage high levels of risk on psychiatric wards. However, there is little previous research on its use in practice. This qualitative service evaluation aims to explore the continuous observation experiences of service users, informal carers and staff in a local NHS Mental Health Trust, informing suggested future improvements to current practice. Five service users, three informal carers and seven healthcare staff completed semi-structured interviews, which were thematically analysed to create four themes. Positive interaction and engagement in activities were critical for a therapeutic approach to observations, supporting service users and staff to minimize the unproductive behaviours that can arise. Difficulties balancing safety with privacy could suggest the importance of proportionate and tailored observation procedures for each service user. Ensuring the voices of service users and informal carers remain central to decisions regarding care could further improve the observation experience. This study highlights therapeutic, proportionate and co-produced observations as key characteristics to improve practice. Further training and formalization of the observation process could foster cultural changes towards more long-term approaches to risk management.

Inquiry on Threats of Evil within the Hostile-World Scenario: Emerging Content and Mental Health Concomitants Among Holocaust Survivors

ABSTRACT Exposure to human evil, referring to malevolent deeds that deliberately inflict suffering or death, can be psychologically traumatic. This study examined self-perceived evil-related threats within the conception of hostile-world scenario (HWS) that signifies one’s mental representation of major threats in life. The study explored whether evil-related threats, along with HWS, differentiated Holocaust survivors from comparisons, and how these concepts related to mental health. Participants were Israelis aged 58–93, including 220 Holocaust survivors and 205 non-Holocaust survivors. Participants completed measures of mental health (neuroticism, positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms) and HWS. Evil-related threats were assessed by a 7-item Evil Scale separated from the HWS Questionnaire. Evil-related threats contained two factors, fear of human violence and interpersonal distrust, and correlated with lower mental health. With age and gender controlled, Holocaust survivors were higher than comparisons on evil-related threats and negative engagement with HWS. Beyond associations of HWS (in its negative and positive engagement modes) with mental health, evil-related threats related to higher depressive symptoms among survivors. Results suggest that early traumatic experiences related to perceived threats in later life. Evil-related threats complemented the HWS in associating with mental health. The findings bear implications in approaching victims of evil and trauma.

Are different generations of female employees trapped by work-family conflicts? A study on the impact of family-supportive supervisor behavior on thriving at work.

With women's advancement in education and status, they drive corporate and social progress. However, traditional gender roles burden female employees with more family responsibilities, challenging work-life balance and affecting job performance. Organizations should supporting female employees to address these challenges. Thriving at work, a core aspect of positive work engagement, helps maintain enthusiasm and efficiency. This study explores the impact of family-supportive supervisor behavior (FSSB) on the thriving at work of female employees in China, considering generational differences in their work-family balance needs and the mediating mechanisms involved. The methodology adopted in this study utilized Amos 26.0 and SPSS 25.0 to analyze data obtained from a sample of 279 female employees in China. Specifically, the study examined the direct impact of FSSB on thriving at work, alongside the mediating influence of work-family balance. Moreover, the research aimed to discern variations in these effects across different generational cohorts. This study highlights the direct impact of FSSB on female employees' thriving at work across different generational cohorts. Notably, the "post-90s" generation displayed the strongest direct effect of FSSB on thriving at work. Additionally, the impact of FSSB on work-family balance varied by generation, with the "post-90s" generation showing the weakest effect. Furthermore, the mediating role of work-family balance differed among generations, with complete mediation observed in the "post-80s" generation but no mediating effect in the "post-90s" generation, reflecting their distinct work-life balance priorities and needs. This study uses a generational difference perspective to explore the main and mediating effects of FSSB on thriving at work, enriching the theoretical research on generational differences and providing valuable insights for future research. Practically, organizations should focus on the needs of different generations while encouraging FSSB, fostering a supportive work environment and enhancing outcomes.

Scaling the apex of engagement: Anxious language learners’ positive flow experiences during speaking tasks

Flow is a psychological state that represents high levels of positive emotional engagement in a single task. Fostering flow experiences could lead anxious learners to become fully immersed in the task, experience positive emotions, and temporarily set aside their anxiety during task performance. In the present exploratory study, we investigate anxious learners’ flow experiences over a series of carefully selected and adapted communicative speaking tasks that were implemented in an online Saudi EFL university classroom. Data were collected using open-response questionnaires (n = 127), stimulated recall interviews (n = 25), and a series of interviews with the teacher. The findings suggest that anxious learners can experience flow and that this positive state is sustained through certain conditions: authentic communication on interesting task topics, control in tailoring the task content, and a balance between challenge and skill. The study concludes with implications for teachers to design or adapt flow-enhancing classroom tasks.

Fostering positive engagement: climate change and environmental activism in the sixth-grade classroom

A qualitative study adopting a phenomenological approach examined the feedback of 53 sixth-grade students (aged 11-12) who participated in an annual educational program on climate change and environmental activism. The program was structured around instilling hope while utilizing the ‘head,’ ‘heart,’ and ‘hands’ pedagogical framework. Research tools included two open-ended questions and a reflective summary of their participation in the educational program. Through first- and second-cycle coding methods, it was revealed how some students acquired scientific literacy, developed global awareness, and honed critical-thinking skills. Furthermore, the experiential learning fostered by the program generated advantages, challenges, and recommendations expressed by the students. Despite the challenges, students reported a positive experience from the program and emphasized the importance of continuing environmental action even after its completion. In summary, this research underscores the school’s ability to foster active student engagement in combating climate change, emphasizing optimism over apprehension.

Influential Effects between Positive HR Practices and Employee performance – Mediating Moderating Effects based on Work Engagement

The development of the knowledge economy society has made enterprises pay more attention to the subjectivity and initiative of ”people” in their human resource management practices, and the performance of employees is related to their level of work engagement. Therefore, this study is based on the impact of positive human resource practices on employee performance, and analyzes the mediating effect of work engagement through experimental data processing, scale design, and hypothesis testing. The results showed that: a) There is a significant positive correlation between positive human resource practices and employee performance, and the regression coefficients corresponding to work performance and relationship performance are both above 0.35 and 0.40. b) There is a significant correlation between positive human resource practices and work performance, and a significant correlation between positive human resource practices and work engagement. c) Work engagement plays a mediating role between positive human resource practices and work performance. Mastering the mediating effect of work engagement can effectively provide management insights for enterprises to promote human resource practices.

Pengaruh Faktor Penjual, Discount Voucher, dan Giveaway Terhadap Customer Trust dan Customer Engagement pada Siaran Langsung Tiktok Shop

One crucial aspect in the success of the live streaming shopping is the high number of views and engagement obtained from customers watched the live streaming. The aim of this research is to determine whether seller factors, discount vouchers, and giveaways had an impact on customer trust, and whether customer trust influenced customer engagement in Tiktok Shop live streaming shopping. This research used employed the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique as data analysis method. Data collected by using a questionnaire, and will be processed using SmartPLS4 tools. The research results prove that seller factors such as informative seller, interactive seller, dedicative seller, influential seller, discount voucher, and giveaway are accepted positively and significantly influence customer trust. Customer trust also significantly affecting positive customer engagement.

Joystick-Operated Ride-On Toy Navigation Training for Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study.

Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) require intensive task-oriented training to make meaningful gains in affected upper extremity (UE) motor function. To evaluate the acceptability and utility of single joystick-operated ride-on toy (ROT) navigation training incorporated into a modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) camp for children with HCP. Single group pretest-posttest design. Three-wk structured CIMT camp. Eleven children with HCP between ages 3 and 14 yr. Children received group-based CIMT for 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk, for 3 wk. As part of camp activities, children also received ROT navigation training for 20 to 30 min/day, 5 days/wk, for 3 wk. We assessed children's acceptance of ROT training by monitoring adherence and evaluating child engagement (affect and attention) during training sessions. The effects of ROT training combined with other camp activities on children's affected UE motor function were also assessed with the standardized Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and training-specific measures of ROT maneuvering accuracy. Children demonstrated high levels of training adherence, positive affect, and task-appropriate attention across weeks. Positive engagement during ROT sessions was correlated with independent navigation. We also found medium- to large-sized improvements in QUEST scores and toy-maneuvering capabilities after the combined program. Our pilot data support the use of joystick-operated ROTs as child-friendly therapy adjuncts that can be incorporated into intensive UE training programs to improve adherence and motivation in therapy programs, boost treatment dosing, and promote affected UE motor function in children with HCP. Plain-Language Summary: This pilot study offers promising evidence that supports the use of modified single joystick-operated ride-on toys (ROTs) for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). The study used ROTs as one of several interventions that were part of a constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) camp program for children with HCP. The ROTs boosted children's motivation, their engagement with and adherence to training, and their practice in using their affected upper extremity (UE) for goal-directed activities in their natural settings. ROTs are accessible, age-appropriate, and easy-to-use devices for both occupational therapy clinicians and families to encourage children to use their affected UEs by challenging their perceptual, motor-planning, problem-solving, and movement-control skills in an enjoyable and engaging way. ROTs can be used within and outside conventional rehabilitation settings.

Risk-stratified analysis of sex risk behaviors and correlates among school-going adolescents in Argentina: insights from a national survey.

This study was conducted to address a critical gap in understanding adolescent sexual health risks in Argentina, a country that has undergone substantial socio-economic changes that made significant strides in education and healthcare. A secondary data analysis of the 2018 Argentina Global School-based Student Health Survey was performed. In this study, 23,262 sexually active adolescents were categorized into four risk groups based on the predicted granular risk: number of sexual partners and condom use in their last sexual encounter. Males and older adolescents were more prone to high-risk sexual behaviors. Additionally, key psychosocial factors such as loneliness, anxiety, experiences of violence, and school absenteeism were significantly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Early alcohol use and recent experiences of hunger were also identified as strong predictors of heightened sexual risk behaviors. Conversely, positive parental engagement and awareness exhibited protective factors. These findings highlight the necessity for policy interventions that focus on mental health support, parental involvement, and awareness of adolescent issues and activities.

Bridging technology and care: integrating web-based PROMs in mental health services for refugees: a study on clinician training and technology adoption.

This study explores the integration of a web-based electronic database technology containing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with electronic health records for refugees with PTSD, emphasizing the systematic inclusion of patient perspectives in clinical decision-making. Our research addresses the notable gap in literature regarding training clinicians for the competent integration of health information technology in healthcare. The training program developed aimed at equipping clinicians, particularly inexperienced with technology, to effectively utilize an electronic PROM system for collecting systematic patient information. Our study is set in the context of the Mental Health Services (MHS) in Denmark, focusing on a specialized clinic for treating trauma-affected refugees. The multidisciplinary team involved in this project reflects a wide range of healthcare professionals. The training program employed a variety of activities over nearly 2 years, adapting to feedback and aiming to engage clinicians in continuous improvement processes. Analyzing qualitative data with thematic analysis we interpreted that the training's extended focus on discussion of the implementation process, with limited hands-on experience, potentially reinforced clinicians' hesitations toward new technology, rather than reducing them. Clinicians prioritized immediate concerns over potential long-term benefits. Despite this, their approach reflects a strong commitment to patient welfare and careful evaluation of new practices. Notably, there were also positive engagements with the technology, highlighting its potential in patient care. This study concludes that the successful integration of technology in clinical settings hinges on its alignment with clinicians' workflows, respect for their professional judgment, and clear benefits to patient care.

The whole world in your hands: explorations in sustainability education using geospatial tools

This paper describes the integration of geographic information system (GIS) technology in a high school environmental science classroom, specifically examining the impact of GIS technology on student engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning for Education for Sustainability (EfS). This environmental science classroom utilized ArcGIS Online and StoryMaps to facilitate hands-on learning, enabling students to explore spatial relationships, analyze data, and communicate insights to foster engagement and critical thinking. This GIS technology promotes interdisciplinary learning by connecting essential environmental issues with location and other social factors. Students deepen their understanding of human-environment interactions by interpreting spatial data, empowering them to propose sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Using ArcGIS Online and StoryMaps, students engaged in guided lessons, explored sustainability topics, and created their own StoryMaps based on the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings highlight positive engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning impacts. Students demonstrated increased interest, understanding of complex issues, and developed analytical skills through spatial data analysis. The approach encouraged interdisciplinary thinking and expanded awareness of ongoing environmental challenges, supporting EfS goals.

Exploring social skills in sports: a comparative analysis between individual and team athletes among students

Social skills are essential for individuals, enabling positive engagement with their environment, numerous studies have underscored the contribution of sports in cultivating such skills. This study aims to explore level of social skills and explore differences among individual and team athletes. The Alwan Scale (2011), comprising four dimensions, was validated for its psychometric properties and then administered to a random sample of 143 student athletes at the Institute of Sports Science and Physical Activity Technologies (STAPS) during the academic year 2022-2023. Among the participants, 68 were engaged in individual sports, and 75 participated in team sports, with an average age range of (20-28). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version. The results indicated a high level of social skills and their dimensions, with no significant differences between individual and team sports and the Point-Biserial correlation test indicate that there is no significant relationship between the type of sport and students. Keywords: social skills, individual sports, team sports, athletes, students.

Climate Change Awareness and Its Effects on Cognitive and Functional Abilities and Behavioral Responses: A Review of Literature

Climate change awareness has been identified as a critical factor influencing various aspects of human cognition, functional capabilities, and behavioral engagement. This literature review explores the intersection of climate change awareness with cognitive and functional impairments, and how these factors collectively influence behavioral responses. Studies suggest that heightened awareness of climate change can lead to increased cognitive load, potentially exacerbating cognitive impairments, particularly in older adults and individuals with pre-existing cognitive deficits. Functional impairments, such as reduced physical mobility and mental health issues, have also been linked to the stress and anxiety associated with climate change awareness. Furthermore, the relationship between awareness and behavior is complex; while awareness can lead to proactive environmental behaviors, it can also result in maladaptive responses like eco-anxiety and climate inaction due to perceived helplessness. This review synthesizes current research to highlight the multifaceted impacts of climate change awareness and underscores the need for targeted interventions to support cognitive and functional health while promoting positive behavioral engagement.