Qualitative Empirical Studies Research Articles

Psychotherapy focusing on dialogical and narrative perspectives: a systematic review from qualitative and mixed-methods studies.

This systematic review identified qualitative and mixed-methods empirical studies on psychotherapy from dialogical and narrative approaches, aiming to address the following questions: (1) How are subjectivity and intersubjectivity qualitatively understood in dialogical and/or narrative psychotherapies studied using dialogical and narrative approaches? (2) How do therapeutic changes occur, including their facilitators and barriers? (3) What psychotherapeutic resources are available for psychotherapists in these types of studies? The articles were selected according to the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the eligibility criteria proposed by the PICOS strategy (participants, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and study design) from 163 records identified in the Web of Science Core Collection databases. The systematic review process allowed the selection of 16 articles. The results provided insights into the understanding of subjectivity, intersubjectivity, change in psychotherapy, its facilitators, and barriers from these perspectives. It also offered some therapeutic interventions that can be implemented in psychotherapies, integrating dialogical and/or narrative aspects. The centrality of dialogical exploration of patient/client resources, therapists as interlocutors fostering client agency, polyphony serving as scaffolding for change, and interconnection with the sociocultural environment are discussed. The integration of this latter topic has been a challenge for these types of studies, considering the active construction of shared meanings. The dialogical and narrative approaches focus psychotherapy on transforming meanings through dialogue and re-authoring stories, evolving within cultural and historical contexts. Thus, this study highlights the relevance of these perspectives in contemporary psychotherapy, emphasizing dialogue in co-creation within an intersubjective framework.

Feeling and interpreting the changing streetscape: Capturing experiences of urban atmospheres in Cuba street, Wellington

Drawing on fieldwork in Cuba Street, Wellington (New Zealand), the paper contributes to the emergent body of empirical qualitative studies on urban atmospheres. It explores sensory experiences in a central urban streetscape setting focussing on individual feelings and interpretations of study participants expressed through field descriptions and sketches. The findings reveal a variety of atmospheric accounts and perceptual amalgamations that kept changing while participants walked through particular spatial situations. The study discusses the influence of the built environment, the role of movement, and the notion of ‘dominant’ urban atmospheres. Spatial and architectural arrangements as much as participants' movement had a significant influence on their feelings and interpretations. The paper identifies ‘atmospheric zones’ that influenced study participants' moods while walking through them. However, while related descriptions reveal similar atmospheric accounts, not all participants shared the same experiences. Experiential descriptions were diverse, sometimes contradicting, and did not always add up to a conclusive urban atmosphere. Findings challenge the notion of ‘dominant’ urban atmospheres and encourage atmospheric analysis that is inclusive of multiple experiential accounts and based on diverse first-person perspectives.

Maskuliniteter i förändring på mansdominerade arbetsplatser. Exemplet gruvindustrin

This article discusses how changes in male-dominated work are connected to changes in gender constructions in the workplaces. The discussion is based on results from research conducted 2001–2021, mainly qualitative empirical studies of mine work. Although the development of the mining industry will not be as technologically deterministic and rapid as the usual dystopian and utopian visions predict, our research shows that there has already been changes that have affected mine work and workplaces. These changes have challenged the old, gendered mining workplace cultures and the implementation of new technology and reorganisation initially met resistance in the workplace. Workplace cultures seemed to be lagging behind in their acceptance of technological and organizational changes. The resistance was shaped in relation to intertwined masculinities and miner identities linked to the old ‘macho masculin-ity’, a form of local hegemonic masculinity built upon overarching myths and discourses about both mining and rural communities. The subsequent changes of mining work resulted in new gender encodings of the new technology and the new spaces of work – which created new organisational gender boundaries and new forms of inequality. At the same time, there are new forms of masculinities and feminini-ties emerging in mining organizations, which can provide openings for gender equality. Although mine work continues to be male dominated, we can see that new places, new technology, improved work environment and increased gender equality seem to imply that it has become difficult to preserve the old (‘macho’) miner masculinity and to maintain the gender marking of mining work as male and the image of the miner as male. As of now, the ‘green transition’ and the acceleration of new digital technologies implemented in mine work is beginning to shape the industrial workplaces of northern Sweden. The discourses of “green” and “technological transformation” are permeated by gendered preconceptions, by some expected to reshape the masculine workplace of the mine. Yet, our conclusion is that transformation of gendered structures in mining is not foremost dependent of technological change. Rather, we have seen complex connections between gender, technology, work and place for these male-dominated industrial workplaces, including processes of both stability and change, suggesting that changes in workplaces does not only challenge but also reproduce and reconfigure gender-based preconceptions and social constructions of gender.

Becoming whole again-Caring for the self in chronic illness-A narrative review of qualitative empirical studies.

To explore how chronic illness transforms the self when living with and managing chronic illness and what this means for their self and identity. We also discuss how people with chronic conditions could be supported by healthcare professionals to manage illness in daily life. Self-management recommendations from health care are commonly based on a biomedical understanding of the disease. People's experiences of how a condition affects them and adequate support are crucial for their outcomes in daily self-management. A narrative review. A systematic search was undertaken during January 2021 across the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Soc INDEX and Philosopher's Index. A quality appraisal of articles was performed. Our analysis was inspired by qualitative content analysis. The PRISMA Checklist 2020/EQUATOR guidelines was used to report the study. Twenty-eight peer-reviewed qualitative empirical articles focusing on self in a variety of chronic illnesses with relevance to nursing published from January 2010 to December 2020 were included. The main theme, Developing from an uncertain existence to meaning and wholeness, was built up by the five themes: Walking on an unstable ground; Being stalemated; Being involved with others for better or worse; Searching for meaning; and lastly, Modifying self and integrating a new way of living. The results illuminate experiences that seldom are prioritized but need to be addressed by health professionals. Such experiences are oriented more towards the existential self rather than medical issues, why it is important to go beyond the medical lens. This is important knowledge for nurses aiming to support people with chronic illnesses. Nurses supporting people in self-management need to be aware that by teaching and encouraging people to revise their daily habits, they also work on the boundaries of their self-concept. No patient or public contribution.

Pioneering Online Assessment Solutions: Empirical Experiences from Educational Practitioners

The emergence of E-learning has shaped the university's new pedagogical, environment to guarantee business continuity in worse pandemics. Assessment is an end process of learning however, measuring it to globally accepted standards is still a nightmare in universities. It is not clear whether the assessment spells out the tasks posed to learners? illustrate an observable demonstration of the learners’ ability? or have a detailed scoring criterion? no wonder stake holders still doubt assessment online. The research examined qualitative literature regarding the innovative strategies for online educational assessment sustainable and scalable. To gather empirical qualitative data on this subject, a systematic review of literature was undertaken. The study responded to one major research question. “What are the experiences of educational practitioners reported in empirical qualitative research studies pertaining innovative strategies for online educational assessment?” We conducted a qualitative review of the scientific literature published between 2010 and 2022 using the PRISMA framework, thematic analysis was employed to generate themes and patterns. Education databases, like ERIC were used for the article search. Search phrases utilized for this systematic review included “Strategies for online assessment” and “Assessment of E-learning.” 16 articles were included in the analysis for this study. findings point to the Asynchronous Online Discussion, E-portfolios, Distance Project based assessment, Online proctored Exams, Online non-proctored exams as sustainable strategies. The study demonstrates a potential solution to online assessment in universities and restores confidence among educational partners and funders.

Strategies for Reducing Anxiety in EFL Classroom: An Academic Review

Anxiety is a significant issue in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms, impacting learners' performance and overall language acquisition. This theoretical review examines recent research findings and effective techniques for reducing anxiety in EFL settings. Drawing on qualitative methodologies and empirical studies from the past five years, the review highlights various factors contributing to anxiety, including low self-esteem, fear of mistakes, and pressure from peers and teachers. The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) emerges as a valuable tool for measuring anxiety, focusing on exam anxiety, communication anxiety, and fear of poor grades. The review identifies several strategies to alleviate anxiety, such as creating a supportive environment, delaying error correction, providing ample speaking practice opportunities, and incorporating relaxation techniques. Additionally, interventions like game-based learning, music instruction, and cooperative learning activities demonstrate promise in reducing anxiety and enhancing motivation among EFL learners. The review underscores the pivotal role of teachers in mitigating anxiety by offering effective feedback, facilitating speaking practice, and fostering a welcoming classroom environment conducive to language acquisition. Ultimately, the review emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing anxiety to promote successful language learning outcomes in EFL classrooms.

Dementia-Friendly Transportation Services: A Scoping Review.

Transportation is an important component of dementia-friendly communities. People living with dementia have the right to access transportation services to keep their mobility in their community, which is essential for independence, well-being, and quality of life. This scoping review maps the literature on dementia-friendly transportation services and explores their characteristics to inform future development and research. Empirical quantitative and qualitative studies in English or French that informed on transportation services for people living with dementia in the community were searched in 15 databases. Two authors independently screened records and charted relevant characteristics from selected publications. Important findings were summarized with a narrative synthesis approach. Thirty-five studies informed on important dimensions of transportation services in urban and/or rural context: availability, accessibility, acceptability, adaptability, and affordability. Important insights were identified: the importance of staff training and attitude, and the challenges of availability of affordable services in the rural context. Emerging policy and program intervention areas include the need for access to quiet areas in transit hubs, training to use mass public transit and mobility management. The literature on dementia-friendly transportation services is important in the expansion and maintenance of mobility for people living with dementia in the community. The scope of the existing scientific literature remains limited. Although several studies indicated a clear need for better access to dementia-friendly transportation services, the best practices still need to be demonstrated in the scientific literature.

A protocol for a systematic review of social dimensions of resilience in older adults.

Populations are ageing, making the quality of old age a crucial issue. Some adversity in old age, such as loss of loved one or loss of physical function, is often experienced, as is the need for recovery from such adversity. Resilience in later life has become an important topic and has accumulated much empirical research. However, the research has mainly centred on individual factors, such as personality, rather than social factors, such as family relationships or community engagement. There is no systematic review of the social dimensions of resilience in old age, a focus that should be especially important for policy and practice seeking to create supporting environments. Our review comprises quantitative and qualitative empirical original English language studies, published 2013-2023, using predefined search phrases including 'resilience' and various terms for old age and social dimensions. Titles and abstracts are screened by the first two authors using registered exclusion criteria. Final inclusion, based on full-text reading, is decided using registered inclusion criteria, and verified by co-authors. Qualitative articles are read by authors specialized in qualitative research and quantitative articles by authors specialized in quantitative research. Due to large expected heterogeneity, meta-analysis is not conducted, but weighted effect sizes or funnel plots may be prepared if parallel quantitative studies are encountered. Qualitative studies are synthesized using meta-aggregation. The risk of bias is evaluated with applicable Joanna Briggs Institute checklists for each study design. A narrative synthesis brings together the qualitative and quantitative studies. Methodological strengths and weaknesses of the included studies are reported to assess the quality of the research. Summary of the most significant social dimensions of resilience in old age is prepared, emphasizing interactions between contexts, stressors, mechanisms and outcomes; and research gaps are identified. Protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023412532).

Adversarial Growth among Refugees: A Scoping Review

Background: The main aims of this scoping review are to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge about adversarial growth among refugees, and to gain insight into the complexity of post-trauma development. Methods: We applied a systematic search strategy resulting in the inclusion of 43 quantitative and qualitative empirical studies. Our findings underscore the prevalence of growth as a common phenomenon among refugees, emphasizing the positive associations with problem-focused coping, optimism, positive reappraisal, religiosity, and social support. Additionally, this review sheds light on the qualitative experiences and outcomes of growth, particularly pro-social outcomes, and the cultural and religious aspects of growth processes. Findings concerning the role of time and post-migration factors on growth processes highlight the need for more studies among established refugees. In sum, the findings supplement and lend nuance to pathology-oriented research, while acknowledging the severity of suffering and trauma and their consequences for individuals. We suggest that further research should focus on existential aspects and theories of growth: compassion, altruism, and pro-sociality following trauma, and the importance of religious and cultural elements in growth processes.

Hospitals’ financial performance across European countries: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionHospitals remain the cornerstone of health systems in European countries. Therefore, the financial sustainability of hospitals constitutes an important determinant of healthcare provision security. The fragmentary data available indicate that...

What are the barriers to mental health support for racially-minoritised people within the UK? A systematic review and thematic synthesis

Abstract In the United Kingdom (UK), racially-minoritised (non-White) people are more likely to have poorer health outcomes and greater difficulties with accessing healthcare (Dyer, 2019). People face individual and societal adversity that can affect their physical and mental wellbeing (Gibbons et al., 2012). There are clear mental health needs for racially-minoritised people, and we must go further in understanding the barriers to help to adequately meet the needs of diverse communities. The aim of this systematic review was to understand the barriers to accessing formal mental health support for racially-minoritised people within the UK. Qualitative empirical studies published between January 1970 to December 2020 were searched for using two databases: PsycINFO and Web of Science. Studies were searched for written in English, using a clinical or non-clinical population of adults with qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Database searches and reference mining gave a total of 283 studies, with 31 duplicates removed. Considering inclusion and exclusion criteria there were 15 final studies. A second researcher (S.O’H.) was used throughout, when selecting papers, quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist, coding and developing themes using thematic synthesis. The final four themes are ‘internal and external stigma’, ‘understanding of distress and coping’, ‘competence of professionals and services’ and ‘perception and accessibility’. There are various barriers making it harder for racially-minoritised people to access mental health support. Further research is needed with individual communities and action must be taken by commissioners, services, CBT practitioners, and others to eliminate barriers and improve mental health care. Key learning aims (1) To better understand the barriers to accessing mental health services, including Talking Therapies, for racially-minoritised communities. (2) Low and high intensity CBT practitioners to better understand the factors that impact the wellbeing of racially-minoritised communities and how to better support different communities. (3) Consider how to address these barriers to accessing support such as Talking Therapies services, with implications for practice and policy development.

Alevi narratives on Authority, Genealogy and Law

In recent years, various empirical qualitative studies on Alevi traditions have been conducted in Turkey. In these interviews, individuals belonging to the Alevi faith community have shared various Alevi narratives about God and creation and the transmission of just order and norms. Based on these narratives, this article undertakes the task of presenting the origin myths of Alevi law in the present and analyzing them. Likewise, this article attempts to read and analyze Alevi law in the context of the German and Austrian law.

Social Responsibility and Hospitality: Strengthening Tourism on the Costa da Mata Atlântica/Brazil

This study aims to expand the analysis of and initiatives in implementing social responsibility in hospitality and tourism. To this end, a theoretical scenario of the specific nature of social responsibility and hospitality was configured to understand what shapes organizations' decision-making factors regarding market principles. Social responsibility, often confused with philanthropy, has become of utmost importance for organizations given the present context of global climate change and the search for sustainability. Hospitality is a differentiating factor and competitive advantage for companies seeking to maintain a strong market position. The methodological approach adopted was a case study based on two data sources: a literature review and other empirical qualitative and quantitative studies. That resulted in a research tool applied to eight Costa da Mata Atlântica, Brazil tourism organizations. The results reveal beliefs and values that influence these organizations' increased involvement and interaction in tourism. The findings have implications primarily for strengthening tourism in the Costa da Mata Atlântica and supporting the development of a management framework for the organizations surveyed.

Including families in schizophrenia treatment: a systematic review

The family as one of system support for schizophrenia treatment in the primary care setting has been a challenge in integrating family services into mental health. This study aimed to review the urgent of family involvement during the treatment of schizophrenia in health mental services using the Family-Centered Care approach. A systematic review was performed using the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design (PICOS) framework within Scopus (27 articles), ProQuest (151 articles), Science Direct (93 articles), EBSCO (124 articles), and Springer (149 articles) published databases in the last five years using the keywords of “Family- Centered Care, nursing, AND Schizophreni*”. The articles were empirical quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies published within 2017- 2021 where study participants were clinically diagnosed with schizophrenia and intervention approaches were within the scope of family involvement. Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria for review. Evidence supports a professionally engaged relationship between patients, families, and providers with open knowledge exchange, communication, and collaboration. Family-centered care requires empathy, understanding, respect, and empowerment to choose, control decisions, and empower in the treatment of schizophrenia. This study concludes the importance of family involvement in the treatment of schizophrenia from the start. Health care providers help families through the admissions process.

Social Processes of Young Adults' Recovery and Identity Formation during Life-Disruptive Mental Distress-A Meta-Ethnography.

Young people's mental health recovery is well-explored in empirical research, yet there is a lack of meta-studies synthesizing the characteristics of young people's recovery. This meta-ethnography explores young adults' recovery during life-disruptive experiences of early psychosis or schizophrenia. Based on a systematic literature review search, 11 empirical qualitative studies were included for synthesis. Inspired by young people's prominent experience of social isolation in the included studies, we applied an interpretive lens of belonging deriving from the sociology of youth. The synthesis presents five themes: (1) expectations of progression in youth in contrast with stagnation during psychosis, (2) feeling isolated, lost and left behind, (3) young adults' recovery involves belonging with other young people, (4) forming identity positions of growth and disability during psychosis, and the summarizing line of argument, (5) navigating relational complexities in the process of recovery. While suffering from social isolation, young people's recovery is conceived as getting on with life, like any other young person involving connecting and synchronizing life rhythms with their age peers. Socializing primarily with caring adults entails being stuck in the position of a child, while connecting with young people enables the identity positions of young people. This synthesis can inspire support for young people's recovery through social inclusion in youth environments.

The evolving direct‐to‐consumer retail model: A review and research agenda

AbstractThe substantial growth of e‐commerce sales, driven by digital advancements, has enticed brands to sell direct‐to‐consumers (DTC) online. Despite the growth of the DTC online retail model in practice, academic literature remains fragmented. This systematic review is timely as it meets the need for a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of DTC over two decades of research to 2023. A SPAR‐4‐SLR protocol combined with a Theory–Context–Methods (TCM) approach examines the extant literature through a marketing lens. An analysis of 81 articles reveals a need for consumer behavior theories to underpin research on the DTC retail model. We conclude the review by identifying areas for further development, such as the need for research on the technology‐driven balance of power between brands, retailers, and consumers. Contextually, the authors highlight research opportunities on SME brands' internationalization and the DTC online luxury experience. Methodological directions include empirical qualitative studies and experiments on the emerging topics of technology‐enabled retail services and the experiential e‐commerce impact on customer experience. These future research undertakings will help us to better understand the DTC retail model.

The effects of small class sizes on students' academic achievement, socioemotional development and well-being in special education: A systematic review.

The effects of small class sizes on students' academic achievement, socioemotional development and well-being in special education: A systematic review.

End of Life in Boys and Young Men With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - The Perspective of Dying Men and Their Families: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence.

Understanding the perceptions and experiences related to the end of life (EoL) of boys and men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy from their own and/or family perspective is limited based on the available qualitative empirical studies. This systematic review was done with a thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence according to the PRISMA Statement Guidelines and the SPIDER search tool. The review included empirical, qualitative, and relevant full-text studies published in 2000-2023 in the EBSCO Discovery Service, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest databases. From o total of eight included qualitative studies, four main key themes were identified: "Being a parent/caregiver" - psychosocial aspects, needs, and experiences; "Communication about EoL with healthcare and other professionals" - positive experiences and personal shortcomings; "Discussions about…" - the issue of EoL, dying and death; and "End of life" - end-of-life care, planning and the need for palliative care.

The Association of Moral Injury and Healthcare Clinicians’ Wellbeing: A Systematic Review

Research focused on elucidating moral injury amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) is essential due to the deep connection with morality and individuals’ overall wellbeing. Examining moral injury provides an avenue through which researchers can connect individual experiences with systemic level causes (i.e., structural power imbalances between clinicians and health systems) to better study workplace wellbeing. The omnipresence of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need to study moral injury. This paper describes a systematic review conducted using PRISMA-P guidelines to answer the question, “what is the association between moral injury and professional wellbeing and mental health amongst healthcare workers.” Twelve databases were searched to identify specified studies. This study’s criteria included: (1) articles published through December 2022; (2) qualitative and quantitative empirical studies; (3) articles written in English; (4) articles including moral injury; and (5) articles including at minimum one other measure of professional or personal wellbeing. The initial search produced 248 articles, and 18 articles were ultimately included in the final review. To confirm that no articles were left out of this study, the first author of each included article was contacted to inquire about any additional works that met the inclusion criteria of this study. The elements of the 18 included articles described in this review are discussed. The results indicate that moral injury is associated with both professional wellbeing factors and mental health outcomes. Further theoretical development, including (professional- and identity-based) exploratory research on moral injury, and evidenced-based interventions for moral injury are needed.

Experiences of Everyday Life among Individuals with Co-Existence of Serious Mental Illness and Cancer-A Qualitative Systematic Literature Review.

Daily life with severe mental health (SMI) and cancer comorbidity entails multiple challenges. The study aims to explore everyday life experiences among individuals with SMI and cancer comorbidity from the perspectives of patients, significant others, and involved healthcare professionals. The study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021259604). A qualitative systematic review was conducted through searches in the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Web of Sciences (last search 14 February 2023). Inclusion criteria were empirical qualitative research studies investigating experiences of healthcare and everyday life among persons living with SMI and who were subsequently diagnosed with cancer from the perspective of the individuals themselves, their significant others, and healthcare professionals involved in their care. Exclusion criteria: Literature reviews, quantitative studies, intervention studies, quantitative parts of mix-methods studies, non-English languages, persons <18 years, dementia/learning disabilities, diagnosed with anxiety/depression as a consequence of cancer. Seven articles, published between January 2011 and February 2023, were included and analysed through a thematic analysis. The PRISMA 2020 checklist guided the study. The results were presented in four themes: 'Navigating between different worlds and logics', 'Decision-making capacity depending on the assessor', 'Cancer must give way to severe mental illness or vice versa', and 'Significant others as a safety net'. Research about the everyday lives of persons with SMI and cancer comorbidities from patients' and relatives' perspectives is lacking and thus called for.