Positive Expectations Research Articles

Effect of Teachers’ Professional Development on Classroom Management at Higher Secondary Level

Since effective pre- and in-service teachers’ professional development (TPD) on classroom management (CM) as an organizational and instructional factor practiced in school classrooms is important in providing adequate practical knowledge on how teachers can prevent, control, and manage student disruptive behaviours in lessons, student conduct in classrooms, and proactively supervise and manage disruptive behaviours to promote positive learning environment and student conduct in classrooms. Effective professional development interventions build teachers’ knowledge and actual use of appropriate and positive classroom expectations, effective behavioral repertoire, and effective instructional practices. Professional development focuses thus on the strengthening of these competencies to assure that plan for dealing with these challenges can be implemented and learners supported in the classroom. The purpose of the study to ascertain the extent of professional development and classroom management, impact and interaction between PD and CM. The population included all higher secondary schools and colleges. Convenience and purposive sampling were used, though, the technique used in the research was multistage sampling. The tools used in the study were questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed using arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s coefficient of correlation and simple regression analysis. Statistical data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The study findings showed teachers’ PD had highly significant effect on CM at higher secondary level.

Do stock prices deviate from their fundamental values during and after COVID-19? Evidence from Fintech firms

Purpose This study aims at investigating the nexus between stock misvaluation, Fintech and COVID-19 via identifying the firm-level misvaluation of Fintech firms, and additionally examining how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected this misvaluation. This study further examines how the level of stock misvaluation has changed after the COVID-19 pandemic to shed more light on the pricing behavior of Fintech in a post-pandemic world. Design/methodology/approach The sample consists of all Fintech firms listed in the STOXX Global Fintech Index over the period (2014–2023). To empirically identify stock misvaluation, the authors apply the widely used approach of Rhodes-Kroph et al. (2005). Then, a series of fixed-effects regressions is conducted to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mispricing. Findings This study finds compelling evidence that Fintech stocks tend to be particularly mispriced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This evidence suggests that investors became more attracted to Fintech stocks, as being exposed to widespread adoption, usage and investment worldwide during the pandemic. Interestingly, the findings show that Fintech firms remain overvalued, even after the pandemic, which indicates that investors maintain their positive expectations for Fintech firms after the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications For investors and fund managers, the observed high valuation in the Fintech sector highlights its noticeable growth in the financial industry. The results also suggest that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pricing behavior is asymmetric across the undervalued and overvalued Fintech stocks. This finding provides important insights for portfolio construction and investment strategies during the hard times of pandemics. Originality/value No previous work has been done on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevailing levels of mispricing in Fintech stocks. Moreover, the findings provide novel insights into the pricing efficiency in the context of Fintech and extend the understanding of the long-term effects on Fintech firms in a post-pandemic world.

Exploring physical, subjective and psychological wellbeing profile membership in adolescents: a latent profile analysis

BackgroundUnderstanding wellbeing in adolescents and within education settings is crucial to supporting young people. However, research defining and exploring wellbeing has typically taken a focus on subjective, psychological, social and emotional domains and has failed to incorporate aspects of physical health and wellbeing. This study aimed to explore how both physical and subjective and psychological wellbeing can be combined to generate different profiles of wellbeing in adolescents, and to understand the characteristics associated with this profile membership.Methods366 adolescents aged 11-16yrs (mean age 12.75) from three mainstream secondary schools across England completed an online survey capturing demographic characteristics, physical, subjective and psychological wellbeing, physical activity, emotional literacy, school belonging, and perceptions of learning ability. Latent profile analysis used a data driven approach to explore profiles of wellbeing using physical wellbeing and positive emotional state and positive outlook as predictors of profile membership. To understand profile characteristics demographics, physical activity and educational variables were added as co-variates.ResultsThree profiles were identified, (1) low wellbeing (n = 68, 19%) displaying low scores across physical wellbeing, positive emotional state and positive outlook, (2) moderate wellbeing (n = 168, 46%) characterised by average levels across physical wellbeing, positive emotional state and positive outlook, and (3) high wellbeing (n = 128, 35%) showing high score across physical wellbeing, positive emotional state and positive outlook. Compared to the high wellbeing profile, the moderate and low profiles membership was characterised by being older, being a girl, lower perceived socio-economic status, fewer hours of physical activity a week, and lower emotional literacy, school belonging and perceptions of learning.ConclusionsThe results evidence that physical, subjective and psychological wellbeing are closely inter-related, this finding coupled with increased physical activity in the higher wellbeing group signify physical health and activity are important components of overall wellbeing and should form part of a holistic approach to school wellbeing curriculums.

Measurement equivalence of the Marijuana Effect Expectancies Questionnaire-Brief across sex, race/ethnicity, and their co-occurring social identities for Black, Latinx, and non-Latinx white youth in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

The primary aim of this study was to assess and adjust for measurement non-equivalence (bias) by sex, race/ethnicity, and co-occurring social identities (sex x race/ethnicity) for the Marijuana Effect Expectancies Questionnaire-Brief (MEEQ-B) among Black, Latinx, and Non-Latinx white youth. The second aim was to determine how group comparisons change after accounting for possible measurement bias. Black, Latinx, and Non-Latinx white youth from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study Follow-up 3 (n=8,982; mean age=12.91; SD=0.65; 47.28% female; 15.03% Black, 22.93% Latinx, 62.04% Non-Latinx white) completed the MEEQ-B. Moderated nonlinear factor analysis (MNLFA) generated positive and negative expectancies factor scores accounting for non-equivalence. Analyses contrasted group differences by sex, race/ethnicity, and these co-occurring social identities using original (unadjusted) versus MNLFA-generated scores adjusted for measurement non-equivalence. Measurement non-equivalence was observed for positive and negative expectancies across sex, race/ ethnicity and their co-occurring social identities. MNLFA revealed between-group differences at the factor and item level. Further, comparisons of original (unadjusted) and MNLFA-generated adjusted scores revealed that unadjusted scores underestimated or did not detect some group differences in positive expectancies identified using adjusted scores, and unadjusted scores underestimated how much lower negative expectancies were in Black and Latinx relative to non-Latinx white youth. Results highlight the need for caution when interpreting scores of a measure like the MEEQ-B that has not undergone measurement equivalence testing and demonstrate how failing to adjust for non-equivalence can result in biased estimates of positive and negative expectancies, particularly when used with diverse populations.

Parenting Styles and Children’s Wellbeing

The parenting styles adopted by parents have a particularly important role in creating and maintaining a child’s wellbeing. Psychological and educational research has been consistently concerned with the relationship between parenting practices and child wellbeing. Multiple factors, including cultural, economic, societal and demographic, can influence this relationship. This study aims to examine the association between the wellbeing of rural children and authoritarian, democratic, and permissive parenting styles. The study was conducted between February and March 2024 and those who werw involved were 115 pupils between the ages of 13 and 14 (M = 13.13, SD = 0.33) together with their respective parents. In order to measure parenting styles, Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire in short form (PSDQ) was used, whereas The Stirling Children's Wellbeing Scale (SCWBS) was used to gauge children's wellbeing. The results of the Pearson analysis have shown that the democratic parenting style positively correlates with the manifestations of wellbeing (positive emotional state, positive outlook on the future). Conversely, the authoritarian parenting style correlates negatively with the wellbeing dimensions, while the permissive parenting style does not correlate with any of the aforementioned dimensions.

How Ecological Filters Influence the Dynamics of Re-Built Plant Communities and Functional Composition in Open-Pit Mine over 14 Years

The traditional ecological reclamation measurements and assessments for the grassland areas damaged by open-pit mining often fall short in revealing the dynamics of plant communities affected by environmental filters during reconstruction, making reclamation efforts crucial. The trait-based community framework has been widely applied due to its great potential to predict the restoration process and provide insight into its mechanisms, but how the traits and environmental factors interact to form communities over time is still uncertain. Therefore, to make this process clear, we used the trait-based community framework, defining target species, non-target species, and common grass species, examining how the mix seed sowing and environment (two surface-covering materials applied to mine dump) affect re-vegetation composition, diversity, and functional traits in 14 years. Four treatments were tested: bio-fence surface-covering materials + sowing (BFS), plant-barrier surface-covering materials + sowing (PBS), sowing without any surface-covering materials (SOW), and a control without seeding and covering (CK). Natural grassland sites were regarded as reference (REF). Our findings indicated that the mix seed sowing and the interaction of surface-covering and time were primarily driving the dynamics of the plant community, affecting composition, the value of diversity, coverage, numbers, richness, and functional traits, such as the community-weighted mean (CWM) and functional diversity (FD), which increased and approached the sites REF. There were significant differences between the treatments and CK for the most traits. Although several results in the treatments approached the REF, significant differences still remained in the last observation year. With the sowing and surface-covering treatment, the re-built communities became more resource-acquisitive in terms of the CWM traits; even the value of the specific leaf area (SLA) exceed the REF after 14 years reclamation. We found those communities were dominated by target species that had a higher traits value than the non-target species, while the CK treatment became more resource-conservative over time due to non-target species dominating. The CWM in treatments tended toward reference levels for specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and root dry matter content (RDMC), but not for seed mass (SM), thereby indicating that the above- and below-ground productivity of restored sites gradually overcame abiotic (surface-covering) and biotic (sowing) filters and approached target values. The functional diversity (FD) generally increased, with higher multivariate functional dispersion in the treatments containing more target species, suggesting that re-built communities achieve more resistance to invasion and disturbance over time. Hence, the trajectory of species and communities changing highlights the effectiveness of a trait-based approach in identifying better reclamation treatments and candidate species and provides a positive outlook for future re-vegetation community succession.

The neural dynamics of positive and negative expectations of pain.

Pain is heavily modulated by expectations. Whereas the integration of expectations with sensory information has been examined in some detail, little is known about how positive and negative expectations are generated and their neural dynamics from generation over anticipation to the integration with sensory information. The present preregistered study employed a novel paradigm to induce positive and negative expectations on a trial-by-trial basis and examined the neural mechanisms using combined EEG-fMRI measurements (n=50). We observed substantially different neural representations between the anticipatory and the actual pain period. In the anticipation phase i.e., before the nociceptive input, the insular cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) showed increased activity for directed expectations regardless of their valence. Interestingly, a differentiation between positive and negative expectations within the majority of areas only occurred after the arrival of nociceptive information. FMRI-informed EEG analyses could reliably track the temporal sequence of processing showing an early effect in the DLPFC, followed by the anterior insula and late effects in the ACC. The observed effects indicate the involvement of different expectation-related subprocesses, including the transformation of visual information into a value signal that is maintained and differentiated according to its valence only during stimulus processing.

The neural dynamics of positive and negative expectations of pain

Pain is heavily modulated by expectations. Whereas the integration of expectations with sensory information has been examined in some detail, little is known about how positive and negative expectations are generated and their neural dynamics from generation over anticipation to the integration with sensory information. The present preregistered study employed a novel paradigm to induce positive and negative expectations on a trial-by-trial basis and examined the neural mechanisms using combined EEG-fMRI measurements (n=50). We observed substantially different neural representations between the anticipatory and the actual pain period. In the anticipation phase i.e., before the nociceptive input, the insular cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) showed increased activity for directed expectations regardless of their valence. Interestingly, a differentiation between positive and negative expectations within the majority of areas only occurred after the arrival of nociceptive information. FMRI-informed EEG analyses could reliably track the temporal sequence of processing showing an early effect in the DLPFC, followed by the anterior insula and late effects in the ACC. The observed effects indicate the involvement of different expectation-related subprocesses, including the transformation of visual information into a value signal that is maintained and differentiated according to its valence only during stimulus processing.

Using scales and multidimensional analysis techniques to assess the pressures of sociocultural norms regulating masculinity on the psychosocial well-being of college male students (based on a sample from NaUKMA)

Norms are inherently social entities. The link between collectively shared social norms and individual well-being is an important juncture for social scientists as well as for applied social researchers. In this regard it is oftentimes contended that in a modern society the internalized norms of masculinity tend to form behavioral models that frequently contribute to young men’s forming an apathetic attitude toward their social responsibility, as well as to dissociation and indecision, and can worsen their emotional states and, eventually, lead to poorer well-being. The goals of the present research were two-fold and involved exploring the contents of the cultural norms of masculinity and evaluating their effect on mental well-being of young college males (based on a sample from National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (N = 215)). Grounded in the operationalization of Pearson & Marr conceptual framework, a formalized instrument was designed to measure the degree of consensuality of different norms of masculinity and to investigate their relationships with the mental well-being of the study participants. The study conducted in Kyiv in Spring 2024 collected self-reported cognitive data by means of an online form. The data analysis employed techniques of multidimensional analysis operating on multi-item scales. The findings show that a more pronounced expression of the normative traits that are marked as masculine serves as a predictor of higher mental well-being levels, more salient feeling of social belonging, more positive outlook on life and perceiving life events in a more constructive way. Granted that individual correspondence to sociocultural normativity in the domain of masculinity also positively affected psychological condition and the experience of social belonging of male participants, improving their well-being, it can be surmised that the destructive criticism of masculinity per se, radical reshaping of agreed-upon norms regulating masculinity and exposing the young men to the mixed signals of “what a man should be” can have harmful consequences for social adaptation and psychological well-being of male students. On the other hand, it is important to contextualize the criticism of masculinity within collectively meaningful axiological networks of a society and their contingencies. Specifically, congruence with socially desirable repertoires can confer a greater sense of responsibility, understanding one’s role in the group and developing one’s decision-making skills.

Resources of psychological resilience in combating the stressors of war

Numerous sociological studies have recorded a generally stable psycho-emotional state of the population since the beginning of a full-scale invasion, despite the constant negative pressure of existential threats. However, there are still no representative quantitative studies that would allow us to determine which psychological resources ensure the stability of the psychological state of the population in conditions of prolonged exposure to the negative influence of wartime stressors. This article is devoted to finding an answer to this question. An analysis of existing theoretical works devoted to the study of psychological resources for coping with stressors has shown a significant variety of possible solutions regarding the involvement of certain resources in the analysis. It was decided to focus on those resources whose role is considered key, regardless of the theoretical positions of the researchers. Accordingly, we focused on determining the role of optimism, which is operationalized as positive expectations about the future, self-efficacy, which is understood in a broad sense as the ability to control the situation, and emotional stability, which is understood as the ability to control emotional reactions to an unfavorable situation. To assess the role of psychological resources in coping with stressors, a special tool was created in the study: the Complex Psychological Resources Assessment Scale - "Complex Psychological Resources - 8". Multiple linear regression analysis was used to study the relationship between the CPR-8 scale and the expanded distress scale (SCL-28). Multiple regression models for each of the stress states were built to assess the role of the CPR-8 scale components as predictors. A comparison procedure was used to determine the role of optimism, self-efficacy and emotional stability in coping with stressors. The respondents’ identification of stressors that have a negative impact on them and the resources that help them resist such impact were compared in groups with different levels of expression of each of the studied individual psychological resources. The analysis confirmed: 1 - the role of optimism and self-efficacy as key psychological resources that help maintain the stability of the psychological state of the population under the long-term pressure of wartime stressors; 2 - the relationship between psychological stability and high activity and intensive involvement in social relations; 3 - the leading role of self-efficacy in reducing the relevance of the negative impact of stressors in risk groups (women and youth); 4 - the importance of emotional stability as a predictor of stressors associated with panic, conflicts and suffering due to what they heard and saw in the media.

Cognitive flexibility as a predictor of optimism in university students

The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive power of cognitive flexibility levels of university students on optimism. In addition, it is aimed to reveal whether the relationship between optimism and cognitive flexibility differs according to gender. The participants of the study consisted of a total of 835 university students, 632 females (75.7%) and 203 males (24.3%), studying at Ondokuz Mayıs University, Turkey. The ages of the university students participating in the research range from 17 to 43, and the average age of the students was determined as 20.58. In the data collection process, the Personal Information Form was used to determine the demographic information of the participants, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory to determine their cognitive flexibility levels, and the Life Orientation Test to determine the level of positive expectations that individuals generally have about their experiences. To achieve the research purposes, missing value analysis, outlier analysis, normal distribution, linearity and homogeneity of variance-covariance matrices were examined, and it was found that the assumptions were met. Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficients were used to determine the relationships between optimism and cognitive flexibility. According to the correlation analysis results, positive and meaningful relationships were found between optimism and cognitive flexibility, and it was found that university students with high optimism scores also have high cognitive flexibility levels. Simple Linear Regression Analysis was performed to determine how much cognitive flexibility predicts optimism. As a result of the regression analysis, it was concluded that cognitive flexibility explains 19.4% of the total variance of optimism. Considering the research results, universities can organize programs and workshops aimed at developing the cognitive flexibility of students. These programs can increase students' optimism by teaching them positive thinking skills.

The Impact of Monetary Connectivity: From Single Currency to Economic Growth

This research investigated the impact of the adoption of the Euro as a single currency in the European region (Eurozone) on transaction costs, consumption, investment, and economic growth. By combining monetary transmission theory, empirical data analysis, and case studies, this research revealed mechanisms that linked the single currency to increased economic activity and growth in the Eurozone. The results showed that the elimination of currency conversion costs, exchange rate uncertainties, and foreign currency risks had reduced transaction costs, encouraged cross-border trade, investment, and economic integration. The increase in transaction volume and value reflected an increase in household consumption, which in turn drove production, innovation, and further investment. The stability and confidence created by the European Central Bank and positive market expectations had contributed to sustained economic growth, as reflected in trend of the Eurozone’s gross domestic product (GDP). This research highlighted the transformative role of single currency system in promoting prosperity and economic stability across all member states. Keywords: Economic Growth, Euro, Eurozone, Monetary Connectivity, Monetary Transmission.

EFFECTS OF LAND DEGRADATION ON SUSTAINABILITY OF MOUNTAINOUS SETTLEMENTS IN PERI-URBAN IBADAN, NIGERIA

This study investigates the effects of land degradation on the sustainability of mountainous settlements in the peri-urban areas of Eleyele, Adetokun, Alafara, and Ologuneru in Ibadan. The research aims to assess how environmental changes impact the quality of life and overall sustainability in these regions. Methodologically, a structured survey was administered to a sample of 346 residents across these settlements, with a high response rate of 325 completed surveys, resulting in an effective response rate of 94%. The survey sought to capture residents' perceptions of their living conditions, the impact of land degradation, and the general sustainability of their environment. The findings reveal that a significant majority, 87.6%, of respondents expressed satisfaction with their living conditions in the study area, indicating a positive perception despite challenges. Conversely, 22.4% of respondents reported dissatisfaction, highlighting areas for improvement. The study identified several key issues related to land degradation. The hilly terrain in these areas is notably prone to flooding, which can exacerbate the effects of land degradation and increase the vulnerability of the settlements. However, these regions also benefit from certain environmental advantages, such as reduced exposure to heat waves compared to lower-lying areas. This can contribute to a more comfortable living environment and partially offset some of the adverse impacts associated with land degradation. In conclusion, while land degradation in Eleyele, Adetokun, Alafara, and Ologuneru presents challenges, including susceptibility to flooding, residents generally maintain a positive outlook on their living conditions. The lower incidence of heat waves in these mountainous areas offers some relief. Addressing the impacts of land degradation through targeted interventions can enhance sustainability and improve overall resident satisfaction.

Self-Regulation, Healing Processes, and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Multiple Case Study

The study investigates how self-regulation aids in processing their abuse, the mechanisms of their healing journey, and the impact of post-traumatic growth on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse with different elaboration of their attitudes, managing themselves, and their positive disposition. Qualitative research is designed to comprehend phenomena in context-specific settings, such as a real-world setting, where the researcher refrains from attempting to manipulate the phenomenon of interest. The researcher entails a multiple-case study that focuses on the examination of numerous individual cases within a single study to acquire a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of a phenomenon. By capturing diverse perspectives and contexts through the analysis of multiple cases, the researcher enhances the richness and validity of their findings. Data were obtained from interviews and documentary analysis. The adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse shared common experiences of initial negative emotions but demonstrated significant self-regulation over time, reframing their perspectives positively. The proposed intervention plan integrates principles from positive psychology, aiming to enhance participants’ resilience and maintain their psychological well-being. This proposed intervention plan not only supports ongoing healing but also aims to inspire a positive outlook and improve self-esteem among survivors and victims’ alike. The findings emphasize the importance of social support and personal agency in the healing journey from CSA, highlighting the nonlinear nature of recovery and the enduring impact survivors can have in supporting others within their communities.

Public Perception on Artificial Intelligence-Driven Mental Health Interventions: Survey Research.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly important in health care, generating both curiosity and concern. With a doctor-patient ratio of 1:834 in India, AI has the potential to alleviate a significant health care burden. Public perception plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes that can facilitate the adoption of new technologies. Similarly, the acceptance of AI-driven mental health interventions is crucial in determining their effectiveness and widespread adoption. Therefore, it is essential to study public perceptions and usage of existing AI-driven mental health interventions by exploring user experiences and opinions on their future applicability, particularly in comparison to traditional, human-based interventions. This study aims to explore the use, perception, and acceptance of AI-driven mental health interventions in comparison to traditional, human-based interventions. A total of 466 adult participants from India voluntarily completed a 30-item web-based survey on the use and perception of AI-based mental health interventions between November and December 2023. Of the 466 respondents, only 163 (35%) had ever consulted a mental health professional. Additionally, 305 (65.5%) reported very low knowledge of AI-driven interventions. In terms of trust, 247 (53%) expressed a moderate level of Trust in AI-Driven Mental Health Interventions, while only 24 (5.2%) reported a high level of trust. By contrast, 114 (24.5%) reported high trust and 309 (66.3%) reported moderate Trust in Human-Based Mental Health Interventions; 242 (51.9%) participants reported a high level of stigma associated with using human-based interventions, compared with only 50 (10.7%) who expressed concerns about stigma related to AI-driven interventions. Additionally, 162 (34.8%) expressed a positive outlook toward the future use and social acceptance of AI-based interventions. The majority of respondents indicated that AI could be a useful option for providing general mental health tips and conducting initial assessments. The key benefits of AI highlighted by participants were accessibility, cost-effectiveness, 24/7 availability, and reduced stigma. Major concerns included data privacy, security, the lack of human touch, and the potential for misdiagnosis. There is a general lack of awareness about AI-driven mental health interventions. However, AI shows potential as a viable option for prevention, primary assessment, and ongoing mental health maintenance. Currently, people tend to trust traditional mental health practices more. Stigma remains a significant barrier to accessing traditional mental health services. Currently, the human touch remains an indispensable aspect of human-based mental health care, one that AI cannot replace. However, integrating AI with human mental health professionals is seen as a compelling model. AI is positively perceived in terms of accessibility, availability, and destigmatization. Knowledge and perceived trustworthiness are key factors influencing the acceptance and effectiveness of AI-driven mental health interventions.

How do health workers build resilience after family loss, covid-19 infection, and social stigma during the pandemic?

This study investigates the resilience-building process of health workers who experienced critical incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic, including family loss, personal infection, and social stigma. Specifically, the research addresses how these factors influence the psychological, emotional, and behavioral resilience of healthcare workers. Using a qualitative method with a Critical Incident Technique design, the study involved in-depth interviews with 12 health workers, including nurses and medical professionals, who met the criteria of having lost a spouse or parent to COVID-19, endured moderate to severe infection, or faced negative community stigma. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and resilience factors. Findings reveal that social support, emotional regulation, self-efficacy, and spirituality played significant roles in resilience-building. Affective responses, such as a sense of security from social support and optimism, cognitive responses like positive thinking and acceptance, and behavioral capacities, including increased worship and professionalism, were prominent. The research also highlights that these resilience processes led to positive adaptation and post-traumatic growth, with 33% of participants reporting a more positive outlook on life and 66% exhibiting increased patience and gratitude. These findings suggest that resilience in healthcare workers is shaped by a complex interplay of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors, with implications for policy development and mental health support for healthcare professionals.

Trauma, bicultural immersion, and growing into self: The impacts of media narratives on former refugees

Background: Building on robust research linking discrimination and poorer mental health outcomes, the current study explores the impacts of macro-level attitudes, such as in media and politics, on refugee wellbeing during resettlement. Method: A purposive sample of six former refugees of Banyamulenge ethnicity from the Democratic Republic of Congo participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, analyzed independently by two authors, and then jointly using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Five superordinate group experiential themes emerged from the data, Fleeing, rejection, and illusive safety, straddling two cultures, media stigmatizing identity, different is good, and, g rowth and wellbeing. Themes speak to overcoming turbulence and past trauma, of being othered and rejected along the way to safety that is often elusive. Participants grapple with bicultural identities, and the media’s power in shaping societal narratives. Over time, their history becomes a source of pride for redefining self through strength of character, resilience, and psychological growth. Discussion and conclusion: Findings indicate that for these participants, media was stigmatizing, and negatively impacted wellbeing, confidence, and self-esteem by threatening their self-identity and presenting challenges in other areas of their life, such as work, school, and friendships. Despite this, participants’ experiences of resettlement and bicultural immersion promoted personal growth and a positive outlook for the future. This study recognizes the need to elevate Banyamulenge youth voices as a group poorly represented in research and contributes to a better understanding of how macro-level attitudes in media impact the wellbeing of ethnic minority youth in Australia.

Perspectives of pharmacy students towards academic programs accreditation: A focus on awareness, perception and attitude

Background: The accreditation of pharmacy programmes is essential for maintaining educational quality in academic institutions, entailing a systematic evaluation process. This study examines the perspectives of pharmacy students (i.e. awareness, perception and attitude) towards academic programme accreditation. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) students at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, towards accreditation of academic programmes. Data from 112 participants were collected via a structured questionnaire covering demographics, awareness evaluation, and perception and attitude assessment. Results: The study included male (56.30%) and female (43.70%) students from different academic years. 38.40% demonstrated comprehensive awareness of the accreditation process, with significant variation across academic years (p < 0.001). 54.50% had a general awareness of accreditation, but 74.10% lacked formal orientation from their institutions. Over half (53.60%) knew their program's accreditation status, but many were unclear about accreditation requirements. Only 38.40% were aware of other accredited pharmacy programs. The study revealed a generally positive outlook on accreditation, with different perceptions about its importance across academic levels. Conclusion: The present study revealed a significantly improved trend in students' awareness of accreditation by academic level, demonstrating that awareness level increases with each academic year. Educational strategies that deepen students' awareness of the accreditation process are needed.

Mindfulness training fosters a positive outlook during acute stress: A randomized controlled trial.

The tendency to maintain a positive outlook during adversity associates with better health. Interventions that help people cope with stress by maintaining a positive perspective have potential to improve health. Mindfulness interventions show promise for enhancing positive affect in daily life, and developing acceptance toward momentary experiences may help people notice more positive experiences under stress. In a sample of 153 healthy stressed adults (Mage = 32 years; 67% female; 53% White, 22% Black, 22% Asian, 4% other race; 5% Hispanic; collected in 2015-2016), we tested whether mindfulness training, and acceptance training in particular, boosts awareness of positive experiences during acute stress. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three matched 15-lesson remote interventions: (1) Monitor + Accept, standard mindfulness instruction in both monitoring and acceptance; (2) Monitor Only, dismantled mindfulness instruction in monitoring only; or (3) Coping control. After the intervention, positive (and negative) experiences during acute stress challenge (using a modified Trier Social Stress Test) were assessed using a new checklist measure. As predicted, Monitor + Accept participants reported noticing significantly more positive experiences during acute stress than Monitor Only (d = .61) and control (d = .58) participants, whereas the number of negative experiences noticed did not differ by condition. Across conditions, positive experiences during acute stress correlated with daily life positive emotions at postintervention (r = .21). Results suggest that mindfulness training, and acceptance training in particular, can broaden awareness to include more positive affective experiences. This work has important implications for understanding coping and affect dynamics following mindfulness interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Teachers' and Student's Perception on Shadow Education in Mathematics Learning

The title of this study was Teachers and Students Perceptions of Shadow Education in Mathematics learning. This study aims to cover the perceptions of teachers and students regarding shadow education. A qualitative research design specifically using narrative interviews, was employed in this study. The main tools of this study were interview and focus group discussion. The primary data source of this study were two community schools and mathematics teachers. Two students and one Teacher from each of the two schools were selected based on purposive sampling . After collecting the data themes were generated through coding. Both positive and negative perception were observed among teachers and students. A positive expectation was that coaching class would enhance students achievements while negative expectation was that regular class attendance might decrease. An improvements in teachers’ economics situations was a positive aspects. Shadow education was also seen to increase students self confidence and enhance use of materials when solving mathematical problem, which were considered beneficial aspects.