Optimistic Research Articles

Depressive Symptoms and Coping Strategies in Community-Dwelling Older People Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine depressive symptoms of community-dwelling older people amidst COVID-19 and explore how naturally occurring coping strategies were associated with depression. A mixed-method cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted with 375 older people aged 60 years and above between March and May 2020 in Hong Kong. Trained social workers interviewed participants and assessed depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Attribute coding and thematic analysis were adopted for qualitative data analyses. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to examine the effects of demographics, self-reported risk factors and coping strategies on PHQ-9 scores. Participants’ average PHQ-9 score was 1.9 (SD = 2.9), suggesting a low risk for depression in general. Over half of the participants reported adaptive coping strategies, including learning new things, staying physically, mentally, and socially active, and having a positive mind-set. GLM results indicated that living with family members (other than spouse) and/or others, maladaptive coping, and self-reported risk factors were significantly associated with higher PHQ-9 scores, while adaptive coping was significantly associated with lower PHQ-9 scores. Our study contributed to the growing literature on older people’s resilience and adaptive coping during the pandemic, and the results may have implications for mental health promotion and community care.

Perceived Access to Finance, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Attitude Toward Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Ability, and Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Botswana Youth Perspective

Governments in emerging markets in Africa need to focus more on the factors that drive the entrepreneurial ability of the youth on the continent. This approach is required to lower unemployment levels through self-employment and stimulating entrepreneurial intentions among graduates. Considering this, the research aimed to determine the factors influencing youth entrepreneurial ability and their effect on entrepreneurial intentions. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey from 347 youths enrolled at five universities in Botswana and analyzed through structural equation modeling to test the formulated hypotheses. The results established that perceived access to finance, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and attitude toward entrepreneurship positively influence entrepreneurial ability. In addition, entrepreneurial ability was found to positively affect entrepreneurial intentions. Therefore, it is important for universities in developing markets like Botswana to stimulate entrepreneurial thinking through curriculum development and establishing a positive mindset that will stimulate the development of goals and the understanding that failure is not always a negative outcome or characteristic.

Structural equation model of psychological constructs of transtheoretical model, motives for physical activity, and amount of physical activity among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Malaysia.

This study aimed determine the structural relationship between psychological constructs of the transtheoretical model (TTM; processes of change, decisional balance, and exercise self-efficacy), motives for physical activity (PA), and amount of PA among Malaysians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). All participants were recruited from the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia using a cross-sectional study design with purposive) sampling method. A total of 331 participants were recruited for the present study. Before participation in the study, they were informed that participation in the study was totally voluntary. Those who agreed to participate voluntarily were required to complete the self-administered questionnaire set, which included the processes of change, decisional balance, exercise self-efficacy, physical activity and leisure motivation, and international physical activity questionnaires. Data analysis of structural equation modeling was performed using Mplus 8. From the 331 participants, most of whom were male (52%) and Malay (89.4%), with a mean age of 62.6 years (standard deviation = 10.29). The final structural equation model fit the data well based on several fit indices [Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.059, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.953, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.925, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.031]. A total of 16 significant path relationships linked between the TTM, motives for PA, and amount of PA. The pros of decisional balance, others' expectations, and psychological condition were constructs that directly affected PA, whereas the other constructs had a significant indirect relationship with the amount of PA. A positive mindset is crucial in deciding a behavioral change toward an active lifestyle in people with T2DM.

Transition from undergraduates to residents: A SWOT analysis of the expectations and concerns of Japanese medical graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interruptions in undergraduate clinical clerkship during the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the confidence and preparedness of residents beginning their postgraduate training. We explore the thoughts of new residents about this transition and reflect on the support needed. An exploratory qualitative case study was conducted with 51 residents. All had experienced interruptions in clinical training due to the pandemic and had just started their postgraduate training. Qualitative data were collected through 6 focus groups and 12 individual follow-up interviews. A thematic analysis was undertaken, and the data were categorised using a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) framework. Graduates beginning their residency were aware of their professionalism and independence during the transition. They also faced the predicament of needing close supervision while their supervisors managed pandemic conditions. Residents emphasised the importance of developing relationships with colleagues and supervisors during the transition to residency and wanted direct observation and detailed feedback from their supervisors during procedures. The experiences of residents were not uniformly negative. In fact, some had developed a positive mindset when entering the clinical field. Medical faculty members reflecting on interactions with new residents and planning future clinical internships could benefit from placing a high value on building relationships among residents, who may expect direct observation and detailed feedback from their supervisors.

Still: A Screenplay Exploring Death Anxiety - The Fear of Losing a Loved On

The fear of death has long plagued people for its unknown implications and the burden of grief that comes with it; however, it is not something that people often acknowledge. This work intends to highlight that fear-related issues should not be understated as trivial negative emotions and need more awareness. Using the death anxiety and protection motivation theories, I discovered that there are hidden conflicts behind death anxiety that people need to address to minimize their symptoms and eventually undergo a successful coping process. The story follows the struggle of Sasha, who initially rejects her beloved Kaiser’s death by creating alternate universes to save him but then slowly realizes that her interferences are harmful. In the end, she finally accepts his death and moves on. Through that angle, this work aims to motivate people that while death happens inevitably, they can always handle their fear through a more positive mindset. Keywords: death anxiety, codependency, coping, science fiction, dark fantasy, alternate universes

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SPORTING ATTITUDE AMONG EXCELLENT STUDENTS

Physical sporting activities is beneficial for your health. It has to be continuously and constantly performed route in creating positive and healthy lifestyle as it involves self-discipline. It needs a special interest and a positive mindset to attract students to take up sporting activities. The objective of this study is to assess the students’ interest in sports based on several factors among the excellent students. The samples for this study are a group of students (N = 420) comprises of male (n = 210) and female (n = 210) with the age of 16 years old, selected based on simple random sampling. Questionnaire forms were used as a method for data collection. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used to look at the factors influencing students’ sporting attitudes based on demographic data. The result shows that there are four factors highly influencing sporting attitudes. However, only the aspect of value that has significance different from gender p <0.05, where male students are higher than female. Nevertheless, the most significant factor is gender, p<0.05, where male students found to be higher than female. This value aspect is a preliminary consideration of the advantages or disadvantages of sports. Sporting assessment also depends on the effectiveness of teaching by educators who shape the behavior of students to pick up sports. Hsiao (2009) emphasizes the attitude of teachers or lecturers who care about students, know what is being taught, easy to discuss and make teachers and lecturers happy to be with them.

The Effect of the Empower SCI Program on Improving Occupational Performance for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Research Objectives To investigate if there would be increased autonomy and participation in meaningful occupations and positive perception of the program after attending Empower SCI and to investigate whether participation and autonomy improved in individual's daily lives after attending Empower SCI 2-week summer program. Design A retrospective cohort designed to evaluate participants’ experiences from the 2019 (in-person) or 2020 (virtual) Empower SCI program. Setting Community Based Setting on a University Campus both in-person and virtually (due to COVID-19 restrictions). Participants Summer 2019/2020- Participants recruited using convenience sampling from the 2019 cohort attended in person. 2020 cohort attended virtually. A total of 9 participants, 8 from the 2019 cohort 1 from 2020 cohort. Interventions The EmpowerSCI is a 2-week summer program of a 2nd chance at rehabilitation. Includes therapies, sports, education and socialization. The Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA) Survey was administered and completed via REDcap. Participants were asked to complete survey with the mindset they had “before attending Empower SCI. During December 2020, the IPA was Administered by phone. Participants were asked to complete survey with the mindset they had “after attending Empower SCI” and were asked the face valid qualitative questions developed by the research team over the phone. Researchers imputed data on REDcap. Main Outcome Measures Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA) Survey that is made up of 10 sub-scales- aimed at looking at one's independence and ability to complete everyday activities. Some examples include "Mobility and Getting Around", "Self-Care", "Leisure", "Work", "Education" and "Social Relationships". Qualitative Questions Results Mobility (Mean): 13.1→ 11.1 (p=0.044) Leisure (Mean): 4.8→ 4.3 (p=0.029) Concluding (Mean): 3.2→ 2.6 (p=0.048) Data showed improvement in each subsection (a decrease in IPA scores shows important). Conclusions Empower SCI led to significant improvements of participation and autonomy in: Mobility, and Leisure on the IPA. Improvements (although not significant) in: Getting around, self-care, work, helping others, managing money, and social participation. Qualitative data showed a positive impact of Empower SCI such as Increased confidence and comfort, more positive mindset, sense of community. Author(s) Disclosures N/A. To investigate if there would be increased autonomy and participation in meaningful occupations and positive perception of the program after attending Empower SCI and to investigate whether participation and autonomy improved in individual's daily lives after attending Empower SCI 2-week summer program. A retrospective cohort designed to evaluate participants’ experiences from the 2019 (in-person) or 2020 (virtual) Empower SCI program. Community Based Setting on a University Campus both in-person and virtually (due to COVID-19 restrictions). Summer 2019/2020- Participants recruited using convenience sampling from the 2019 cohort attended in person. 2020 cohort attended virtually. A total of 9 participants, 8 from the 2019 cohort 1 from 2020 cohort. The EmpowerSCI is a 2-week summer program of a 2nd chance at rehabilitation. Includes therapies, sports, education and socialization. The Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA) Survey was administered and completed via REDcap. Participants were asked to complete survey with the mindset they had “before attending Empower SCI. During December 2020, the IPA was Administered by phone. Participants were asked to complete survey with the mindset they had “after attending Empower SCI” and were asked the face valid qualitative questions developed by the research team over the phone. Researchers imputed data on REDcap. Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA) Survey that is made up of 10 sub-scales- aimed at looking at one's independence and ability to complete everyday activities. Some examples include "Mobility and Getting Around", "Self-Care", "Leisure", "Work", "Education" and "Social Relationships". Qualitative Questions Mobility (Mean): 13.1→ 11.1 (p=0.044) Leisure (Mean): 4.8→ 4.3 (p=0.029) Concluding (Mean): 3.2→ 2.6 (p=0.048) Data showed improvement in each subsection (a decrease in IPA scores shows important). Empower SCI led to significant improvements of participation and autonomy in:

Exploring Sport Participation in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Thematic Synthesis

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> To synthesize qualitative studies exploring the experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) participating in sport, in relation to physical, psychological, and social health. <h3>Data Sources</h3> APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Medline, and PubMed. No language or date limits were applied. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Four researchers were involved in title and abstract screening to identify articles of interest. Two researchers then independently reviewed full texts to identify articles for inclusion. Conflicts were resolved through discussion. Studies were selected if they: a) studied individuals aged 16 or older who were at least one year post SCI; b) explored physical, psychological, and/or social health outcomes resulting from at least three months of sport participation; c) focused on community sports programs; and d) used qualitative or mixed methods. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Fourteen studies were included: the 13 qualitative studies comprised of phenomenology (n=6), qualitative description (n=5), narrative research (n=1), and a case study (n=1), and the one mixed methods study was of sequential explanatory design. Data extracted included study objective(s), participant sex, age and injury, sport details, and themes. Critical appraisal involved utilizing the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> The overarching theme that emerged from this thematic synthesis was that sport facilitates the gradual progression to living an enriching life after SCI. Following injury, individuals experienced significant disturbance to function and identity. This disturbance was alleviated by the presence of a positive mindset and social support. Factors facilitating the initiation of sport included family and pre-injury sport participation. Limiting factors involved dealing with mental health challenges after SCI and receiving negative messages from medical professionals. The reported benefits of sport were extensive; for example, participants experienced improvements in fitness, strength, independence, confidence, self-acceptance, and sense of community. Challenges of sport participation included the logistics of travelling and managing finances. Sport also helped reshape views of SCI, such as breaking stereotypes and teaching others. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Sport plays an important role in helping individuals live an enriching life after SCI. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None reported.

EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING: SHORT-TERM PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON BRITISH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

ABSTRACT There are widespread concerns about the mental health implications of the pandemic, particularly among university students, an already at-risk population for poor mental health. This study looked at 1,281 UK university students, recruited through the Prolific website. Participants were asked to complete the Attitudes towards COVID-19 Scale, the CORE-10, the PERMA Profiler, the GAD-7 and the Office for National Statistics wellbeing questions (ONS4). The first survey was conducted between May 14th and 16th, when the UK was in national lockdown. The second survey was carried out between June 26th and July 15th. There was only an 11% attrition rate between the two time points. Well-being improved overall between the two time points. Some findings were contradictory as overall well-being, anxiety and levels of flourishing improved, but reports of psychological distress increased. It is also important to note that levels of positivity about the pandemic increased as time went on. There was evidence that higher levels of positivity were linked to better mental health outcomes. Encouraging a positive mindset and outlook in students, probably through positive psychology-based interventions, might act as a protective factor against severe mental illness. The wider relevance and practical implications for higher education are discussed.

A171 EXPLORING PATIENT PERSPECTIVES ON A 12-WEEK, ONLINE STRESS REDUCTION INTERVENTION IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic relapsing-remitting or progressive inflammatory condition. In addition to physical symptoms, individuals with IBD experience uncertainty about their future, social isolation, and increased psychological stress. Conventional medical and surgical IBD treatment does not adequately address the the impact of psychological stress. Online stress reduction interventions may therefore be useful adjuncts to standard medical therapies for IBD. The Peace Power Pack (PPP) trial was a 12-week RCT testing a stress reduction intervention with two core components: (i) a yoga, breathwork and meditation video, and (ii) a behavior-change facilitation informed by cognitive behavioral therapy.AimsThe aims of this qualitative study, which was carried out alongside the PPP trial was to: (i) explore the experience of living with IBD, (ii) understand the impacts of the PPP program, and (iii) identify potential improvements to the program.MethodsUpon completion of the 12-week RCT, all intervention participants were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Interviews were analyzed through a theoretical thematic analysis process, whereby transcripts were coded, and codes then grouped into larger categories and themes.ResultsOf the 56 participants interviewed, 52% had CD and 48% had UC. Participants ranged in age from 23 to 73 years, were predominantly female (70%) and had been diagnosed with IBD 14.3 years ago. Three main themes (Table 1) were identified: (i) IBD as a source of stress and uncertainty, (ii) understanding the positive impacts of the stress reduction program, and (iii) suggested strategies to enhance program desirability. IBD was described as causing uncertainty, significant disruptions to daily activities, and stress. The online program was associated with a perceived reduction in IBD symptom burden, an increased ability to manage daily and disease-associated stressors, and a more positive mindset. Variation in program content and fostering connections with others in the IBD community were identified as potential strategies to enhance future programming.ConclusionsThis study highlights the power of the patient voice to deepen our understanding of the impact of IBD, and the potential benefit of an online stress reduction program including suggestions for iterative refinement.Table 1. Themes identified with sample quotationsThemeSample quoteIBD as a sources of stress & uncertainty“It’s stress from the fact that no one really knows the cause. No one really knows the cure and it’s maybe going to get worse over time”.Understanding the positive impacts of the PPP programI catch myself . . . I’m much more mindful of what’s going on stress wise . . . it changed how I look at stress and how I cope with it.Enhancing program desirabilityI wanted to talk to other people in the program who had similar life situations to me. Like working full-time, having young children at home . . . to share strategies they were using to make time to do this.Funding AgenciesUniversity of Alberta Hospital Foundation, the American College of Gastroenterology and the Inflammation, Microbiome, and Alimentation: Gastrointestinal and Neuropsychiatric Effects (IMAGINE) Network CIHR grant

Exploring COVID-19 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms for SMEs in the South African Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Globally, COVID-19 has caused significant damage, including business closures and changes in how entrepreneurial activities are performed. The pandemic has spawned a slew of publications with the majority thereof being editorials, commentaries, and concept notes. This implies a lack of empirical evidence on the pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to explore the COVID-19 challenges and coping mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Data for the study were collected from 15 SME owners through semi-structured interviews using a generic qualitative research method. The findings revealed that the SME COVID-19 challenges included lockdown restrictions, customer loss, lack of government support, and scarcity of raw materials. The coping mechanisms used by the SMEs were having a positive entrepreneurial mindset followed by reduced service prices and the retrenchments of employees. Theoretically, the study contributes to the scarce empirical evidence on COVID-19 challenges and coping mechanisms for SMEs in the South African context; to the available literature in the entrepreneurial ecosystem context and to the world at large. Practically, it is recommended that during crises, businesses should network with one another to remain operational and, owing to e-commerce, they are encouraged to have an online presence.

\u201cThis is hard to cope with\u201d: the lived experience and coping strategies adopted amongst Australian women with pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy

BackgroundWomen with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) report diminished ability to perform physical activities and experience higher rates of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, than pregnant women without PPGP. Despite these physical and psychological impacts, little is known about the lived experiences of PPGP amongst Australian women and the ways in which they cope. Situated within biographical disruption and social support theories, this study sought to gain a conceptual understanding of the experience and impact of PPGP on daily life, and how women cope with this condition during pregnancy.MethodsA qualitative research design, situated within a phenomenological framework, using individual, semi-structured interviews consisting of open-ended questions was used with a flexible and responsive approach. Purposive sampling of pregnant women attending a single hospital included 20 participants between 14 and 38 weeks gestation, classified with PPGP as per recommended guidelines, with a mean (SD) age of 31.37 (4.16) years. Thematic analysis was performed where interview data was transcribed, coded, grouped into meaningful categories and then constructed into broad themes.ResultsThree themes were identified: 1. a transformed biography; 2. coping strategies; and 3. what women want. The pain experienced created a dramatic change in women’s lives, making the pregnancy difficult to endure. Women utilised social support, such as family, to help them cope with pain, and a self-care approach to maintain a positive mindset and reduce stress. Although a few women received support from healthcare professionals, many reported a lack information on PPGP and limited societal recognition of the condition. Women wanted early education, personalised information and prompt referral to help them cope with PPGP.ConclusionsFindings from this study highlighted the complexity of living with PPGP as women attempted to deal with the unexpected impact on daily life by seeking support from partners and families, while also struggling with societal expectations. Although women with PPGP used a number of coping strategies, they sought greater support from healthcare professionals to effectively manage PPGP. These findings have important implications for the provision of health care to women living with PPGP.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618001423202.

Exploring the Emotional Concerns of Oncology Nurses: A Qualitative Study.

Nursing care for patients with cancer is related to the nurses' ability to manage their emotions and having appropriate behaviors in the clinical setting. Oncology nurses are emotionally influenced by their communication with cancer patients. Thus, this qualitative study was conducted to explore nurses' emotional concerns in oncology wards. This qualitative content analysis was performed among 14 oncology nurses in the oncology wards of cancer hospitals in the east and southeast of Iran (South Khorasan and Sistan and Baluchestan Provinces). The study participants were selected through purposeful sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached from January to September 2020. The interviews were analyzed after being typed word by word, based on Graneheim and Lundman (2004). The themes and subthemes that emerged from the data were related to the emotional concerns of oncology nurses. The main themes included emotional involvement and attachment (feeling of frustration in nurses, nurses' suffering from painful experiences, and nurses' emotional dependence), emotional ambiguity (nurses' uncertainty emotions, avoidance of expressing real emotions, and having a positive mindset to maintain the patient's positive mood), and emotional exhaustion (persistent chronic stress, excessive worrying about possible harms, and feelings of mental and physical exhaustion). Based on the study results, cancer patient nursing care can be distressing and stressful for nurses. Oncology nurses have many emotional concerns in caring for cancer patients. The experiences of oncology nurses provide new insight into how to manage their emotional concerns.

The Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program: An Analysis of the Success Factors

The background of this research is that the implementation of the MBKM policy has not been fully implemented, obstacles such as human resources and supporting facilities are not yet ready. So, it is necessary to know what are the factors that influence the successful implementation of Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program, especially at the Universitas Bandar Lampung. This study uses a qualitative approach with data collection methods using In-Depth Interviews. The results obtained are the factors that influence the success of the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program, namely the commitment and vision of the university leadership towards the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program, the existence of a special unit that is responsible for the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program, the support and commitment of partners, the same positive mindset from the entire academic community regarding the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka, the role of active and optimal supervisors, the role of active, initiative and creative students, the role of other academics regarding the administration of activities, the existence of standard operating procedures references, curriculum conformity planning, ect.

Factors Affecting the Mindset in Cultivating Management Major’s Students’ Entrepreneurship Spirit

The mindset of an entrepreneur is influenced by several factors such as environmental factors, association with the community, education, and experience. This study aims to determine what factors influence the entrepreneurial mindset to foster an entrepreneurial spirit in the Management Study Program students at the State Islamic University of North Sumatera. This research model uses a qualitative approach with survey and interview methods and involves 56 people. The results of this study indicate that the factors that influence the entrepreneurial mindset of Management Study Program students at the State Islamic University of North Sumatera are environmental factors, association with the community, education, and experience. The way to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in the Management Study Program students at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra is by developing a positive mindset and avoiding negative thinking patterns.

Exploring physical education teachers’ awareness of observed teaching behaviour within pedagogies of affect

ABSTRACTBackgroundAffective learning has been recognised increasingly as a significant outcome of physical education. This focus on the affective domain comes at a time when there is increasing concern about health and wellbeing of children and young people and, in particular about the rising prevalence of mental health issues. The literature established that a number of approaches that could produce affective learning outcomes that may offer a positive contribution to children and young people’s health and wellbeing. These approaches to physical education could be characterised as pedagogies of affect. One underpinning theory informing pedagogies of affect is Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Pedagogical research grounded in SDT has shown the significance of need-supportive teaching behaviour in physical education as it has a direct impact on pupils’ positive affective learning outcomes. However, little has been known about what is happening right before need-supportive teaching behaviour occurs during class.PurposeThis study aims to address the research questions of how aware are teachers of their own need-supportive teaching behaviour and why do they behave in the ways they do in practising pedagogies of affect.MethodsData were generated through filmed videos and self-confrontation interviews. We filmed two indoor lessons which the same teacher delivered to the same classes. Within a month after the observations, the teachers participated in the self-confrontation interviews about their teaching behaviour and concerns that arose during the observed lessons while watching selected recorded video clips. The scenes were selected when teachers were offering meaningful choices of activities, offering feedback including either aspect of need-support or control, and interacting with pupils individually. This paper reported data from five physical education teachers in Scottish secondary schools. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes in relation to teachers’ awareness of observed teaching behaviour.FindingsWe highlighted how the teachers responded through the following three themes: (1) recognised benefits of offering meaningful choices; (2) different intentions of offering feedback and individual interactions; (3) the need for supporting pupils with behavioural issues. The first theme indicated teachers’ knowledge in terms of being able to explain why offering meaningful choices works effectively in terms of pupils’ affective learning. The second theme demonstrated teachers’ intentions behind offering feedback and individual interactions. There were teachers’ intentions of securing their pupils’ confidence, motivation, positive mindset, and wellbeing as prioritised outcomes. In contrast, teachers offering feedback to keep running a lesson might not be effective for pupils’ affective learning. The third theme highlighted teachers’ expectations of pupils’ behaviour to implementing need-supportive teaching, especially for pupils with additional support needs. Meanwhile, we remain alert to the possibility that some of the teachers’ interactions with pupils who have additional support needs could be construed in SDT terms as controlling teaching.ConclusionWe conclude that how well teachers are willing to learn from their pupils and how well teachers know the contextual factors about pupils such as their feelings, needs, and interests could be a fundamental requirement for implementing need-supportive teaching behaviour for pupils’ mental health and wellbeing within pedagogies of affect.

Challenges and Responses of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Towards Academic Resilience

This study aimed to explore the challenges, approaches, and outputs as experienced by educational leaders of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) towards academic resilience. Participants of the study were 14 educational leaders represented by either President or Deans of HEIs in Region XI. This study was conducted last January to June of 2021 and it employed a phenomenology-qualitative research design. Virtual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were utilized as data gathering tools in generating responses. Difficulty in sustaining the quality of education and instructional delivery, lack of faculty training in using technology in instruction delivery, poor internet connectivity and non-availability of teaching gadgets, and not-well managed institutional resources were the themes that emerged from the responses on the challenges faced by educational leaders in achieving academic resilience. Educational leaders employed the following approaches: adapt the new normal situation with a positive mindset; implement flexible learning; apply innovative leadership in handling resources and operations of HEIs; intensify faculty development; and collaborate with teachers, stakeholders, partner – institutions, and other agencies. The output of the approaches shows that educational leaders were able to build resilience amid the new normal situation and improved efficiency in delivering its services. The results implied that challenges make the educational leaders more innovative, positive, determined, and collaborative. The management of higher education institutions may assess the Learning Management System, evaluate the results of the approaches of educational leaders, and craft relevant policies to fully achieve academic resilience.

A Framework to Assess the Impact of Employee Perceived Equality on Contextual Performance and Mediating Role of Affective Commitment to Enhance and Sustain Positive Work Behavior

Different employees working in a similar organization may have a different experience‐based perception of workforce diversity and management. When employees perceive discrimination, it adversely affects them psychologically and negatively affects their behavior, while perceiving equality reinforces a positive mindset towards other members and management, resulting in healthy work culture. This study investigates the association between perceived equality, affective commitment, and contextual performance. Further, the differences in perception of various genders were examined. The data were collected from (n = 385) employees working in various private organizations in India and were analyzed using the structural equation modeling (SEM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study’s novelty is that, unlike prior research, the study indicated a significant inverse relationship between perceived equality and contextual performance. Moreover, affective commitment mediated the positive relationship between perceived equality and contextual performance. Perceived equality showed a significant positive relationship with affective commitment. Unlike previous research, the analysis of variance demonstrated that both males and females indicated no significant differences regarding contextual performance. Thus, the current research provides a comprehensive model to assess the psychological and behavioral effect of organizational practices related to equal opportunities and representation to diverse employees.

The Tales of Barangay Officials in Resolving Community Disputes

Katarungang Pambarangay or barangay justice system is a community-based dispute settlement mechanism that is administered by the basic political unit of the country, the barangay. This system can improve the quality of domestic justice; it would reduce the number of indiscriminate filings of cases before the courts and reduce the number of cases filed there to the courts. The study explored the tales of the barangay officials in resolving community disputes in the urbanized barangays. The participants were selected through a snowball and purposive sampling. It based on the inclusion criteria: 1) Residing on working in the barangay 2) Member of the lupon tagamapayapa 3) Voluntarily participated and signed the informed consent. The selected participants were asked about their experiences in resolving community disputes in the interview. Based on the responses four emergent themes were developed namely: 1) Preservation relationship 2) Faster resolution of problems 3) Economically beneficial 4) Practical agreement. As a result, the researchers concluded that the data gathered from the survey questionnaire and the exclusive interview as a supplement and secondary source for the study implied a clear indication that members of the barangay and lupon tagapamayapa are doing their best in the discharge of their mandated powers and functions to fully serve the interest of their settlement in dealing with the resolution disputes of its experience constituents relatively with the segregation. Based on the findings and conclusions drawn from the study, the researchers would like to recommend that barangay officials have a positive mindset to settle barangays well and administer justice properly. Although it is difficult to contain their opponents' temper, barangay officials are focused on resolving their differences and reaching a negotiated agreement that works for all parties involved and has been successful, success in reaching a peaceful resolution without going to court.

The Role of Fathers with First Child Born to a Premature Infan

To understand the role experiences of fathers with premature infants is needed as the father’s roles are changing in our society. The purpose of this study is to explore intrinsic theme and meaning of the role experiences of fathers whose first child was born premature. This phenomenological research was processed in the form of in-depth interviews with the fathers until the data is saturated. The analysis of collected data used 7 steps according to Colaizzi (1978). The results were as follows: The role experiences of fathers who first child was born premature infant displayed three themes: ‘the emotions which began after becoming the father of a premature infant’, ‘taking responsibility in caring the infant and the wife’ and ‘leading the family as the center of a family with positive mind set.’ This study was focused on the role experiences of the fathers who first child was born premature using phenomenological analysis method and will provide basic data in developing nursing intervention for effective role performance of the fathers with premature infant.