Social Awareness Research Articles

Effectiveness of an Upper Middle School Social and Emotional Learning Program in Portugal: A Large-Scale Dissemination.

Few large Social and Emotional Learning program trials have been conducted outside the USA. This dissemination study analyzed the effectiveness of the Positive Attitude Upper Middle program in Portugal. The sample was composed of 2231 middle school students (Mage = 12.63, SD = 1.09; 47.3% girls), 669 in control groups, and 1562 distributed between the two intervention groups (led by experienced or inexperienced implementers). Students and their teachers reported that students from both intervention groups displayed larger gains in self-control, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. For self-control, boys benefited more than girls and experienced implementers led intervention group students to larger gains. Thus, the current study supported the programs' effectiveness and highlighted the role of implementer experience.

Promoting Positive Mental Health, Resilience, and Well-being in Higher Education Institutions of India

The well-being of students in higher education institutions is a multifaceted concept encompassing mental, emotional, physical, and various social aspects. Mental Health and wellbeing in education transcends academic learning, encompassing social and environmental awareness among students. A holistic approach is essential in today’s world, where students must be equipped not only with knowledge but also with resilience and adaptability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment that affects students’ well-being. In this evolving educational scenario, innovations that focus on well-being play a very important role. Higher education Institutions (HEIs) have a major role to play in adopting practices and equipping themselves with expertise needed to offer a strengthened system that promotes mental health, resilience, and well-being of students. This paper highlights the various dimensions of student well-being in India's higher education sector, highlighting challenges and potential solutions.

A preliminary analysis of the impact of advertising appeals on sustainable apparel purchase behaviour

This study examines the complex mechanisms shaping consumer attitudes and behaviours towards sustainable fashion, with a focus on Ducoffe’s advertising model. Using a questionnaire, it investigates how informativeness, entertainment, credibility, and irritation in advertising influence purchase behaviour, given the high social media usage and environmental awareness among young consumers. Data were collected via SPSS and AMOS from a convenience sample of 376 consumers aged 18–30. The results indicate that informativeness, entertainment, and credibility positively influence purchase intention, confirming the model’s robustness. These findings contribute to the effective promotion of sustainable apparel, benefiting companies adopting such strategies.

Protocol for a wait list randomised controlled trial: Using social media for health promotion, communication and advocacy - A massive open online course.

Protocol for a wait list randomised controlled trial: Using social media for health promotion, communication and advocacy - A massive open online course.

Social Preferences, Awareness and Ecological Consciousness of Sustainable Drinking Water Options

This innovative study focuses on identifying the primary trends in citizens’ decision-making regarding sustainable and healthy water use and the promotion of tap water options. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether there was a connection between citizen-consumer choices of tap water versus bottled water and their socio-demographic attributes or environmental awareness and consciousness, which both influence the access to and quality of drinking water. The availability, safety and quality of drinking water is a basic human right and an important public health issue. Water plays a crucial role in terms of increasing geo-political and socio-economic importance. Several researchers have examined the multiple elements influencing customers’ opinions about the quality of water and services, finding that a variety of internal and external factors play a role. To accomplish the study goals, a variety of research methodologies were applied to the use case of Kilkis city, Region of Central Macedonia, Greece. Gaining insight was first facilitated via communication with a focus group of local professionals and policy-makers. Then, a social survey of 407 randomly chosen citizens was conducted to collect the data. The key determinants influencing citizens’ drinking water choices were investigated using multivariate data analysis. Specifically, cluster analysis was employed to group customers exhibiting similar water usage patterns, resulting in the identification of two groups: (a) individuals who favored bottled water and (b) individuals who favored tap water with no filtration. The comparison of the distribution of water consumers between these two clusters, via a Chi-Square test with cross tabulation analysis, showed that customers’ drinking water buying habits were not influenced by their socio-demographic traits. On the other hand, the choice of tap water was found to be positively connected to citizens’ increased level of environmental consciousness. The outcomes of this study can help the stakeholders involved to assist in making improvements to customer service programs for encouraging tap water use, as a more sustainable and healthy water option. Moreover, the population could potentially be motivated to adopt updated technologies for recycling water down the line, moving towards sustainable water resource management.

A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE RELATING TO ADOLESCENT EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND AGGRESSION

This literature review delves into the intricate relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and aggression among adolescents, synthesizing prominent research studies published between 2000 and 2021. The paper explores how various dimensions of emotional intelligence affect aggressive tendencies, with a focus on emotional regulation, empathy, and social awareness. It also identifies existing research gaps and underscores the significance of incorporating EI training into educational frameworks. The findings suggest that enhanced emotional intelligence is associated with reduced levels of aggression, emphasizing the value of psychosocial interventions. Data was collected through academic databases such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed, and Elsevier. Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Aggression, Adolescents, Emotional Regulation, Intervention Programs

Psychological and Sociological Problems in Individual Diagnosed with Neuropathy: A Mixed Method in Ankara Sample

This study aims to examine the psychological and sociological problems experienced by individuals diagnosed with neuropathy. In the study conducted in Ankara, the emotional difficulties experienced by the participants, the difficulties faced by social relations and the changes in the quality of life were discussed. The findings show that neuropathy is not only physical but also in spiritual and social fields. These results offer significant inferences in terms of access to support systems of patients, psychological counseling needs and social awareness.

Transformation of cultural life in the conditions of social space of the province at the turn of the 1950-ies – 1960-ies

This article explores the characteristics of cultural development in the provinces during the 1950-ies and 1960-ies of the XX century within the context of everyday life in the Soviet Union. The authors analyze the issue of access to cultural amenities for residents of both the capital and the provinces, highlighting the long-standing disparities in social development across the vast and diverse Russian landscape. An examination of periodicals and citizen appeals to the authorities revealed conflicting approaches to addressing this issue. The analysis showed a significant narrowing of the cultural development gap between the capital and the regions. A significant shift in the cultural dynamics of village life is demonstrated, with cultural activities transitioning from the church to the village club. The cultural demands of citizens have changed significantly. The deliberate promotion of cultural and recreational activities fostered a transformation in social awareness, leading to increased proactivity in citizens’ cultural pursuits. However, despite the Soviet authorities’ efforts to ensure equal access to cultural benefits, persistent domestic challenges prevented them from fully achieving this goal. Mosaic access to cultural assets, commonly associated with rural communities, was also observed in working-class neighborhoods within large cities. Based on citizens’ appeals to the authorities, the authors demonstrate that cultural demands became a crucial factor in resolving domestic problems. In the totalitarian state, cultural life autonomy vanished from the center, a trend that persisted even during the ‘thaw’ period. Executive documents reveal that local authorities were unable to independently resolve even organizational issues of cultural life, as substantive matters remained tightly controlled ideologically.

Impact evaluation of a dementia-friendly community mural: Planting a seed for change.

Stigma against persons living with dementia negatively impacts their quality of life. One of the aims of dementia-friendly community initiatives is to reconstruct public perceptions of dementia through dementia awareness campaigns. In this paper we present the findings of an evaluation of the impact of a Canadian dementia-friendly community mural on raising awareness about dementia, and lessons learned from the process undertaken to create the mural. Using a practical participatory evaluation research approach, the research questions and data collection methods were co-created with the team that led the community mural, which was comprised of four people living with dementia. Numerous data collection methods were used to support this outcome evaluation including observations, interviews and focus groups, and social media tracking. Findings indicate that while the process of creating the mural, and the mural itself, have planted a seed for increased dementia awareness and inclusion of persons living with dementia in the community, to create social change complementary awareness raising efforts are needed.

Predictive factors for death and long-term outcomes in elderly critically ill patients following tracheotomy: a retrospective analysis

ObjectiveTo explore the factors influencing death in elderly critically ill patients within 3 months and 6 months after tracheotomy and to discuss the long-term quality of life of patients and the burden on caregivers by disease type.MethodsThis retrospective study included 160 elderly patients with tracheostomies. The study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with mortality at 3 and 6 months post-tracheotomy using both single-factor analysis and multifactor logistic regression. The subjects were categorized into three groups based on the type of disease. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were utilized to assess differences in survival rates among these groups. Furthermore, the Personal Activities of Daily Living (PADL) scale, the SF- 12 scale, and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) were administered to analyze and compare the quality of life among the patients.ResultsThe PSI score (95% CI: 1.008–1.036), total dose of vasoactive drugs (95% CI: 1.001–1.007), and the number of medical consultations (95% CI: 0.418–0.929,) were identified as independent risk factors for mortality within three months following tracheotomy in elderly patients. Additionally, the PSI score (95% CI: 1.001–1.026, P < 0.05) and the total dose of vasoactive drugs (95% CI: 1.001–1.007, P < 0.05) were also independent risk factors for patient death within six months. No significant differences were observed in the survival rates among the three subgroups followed up for six months, significant differences were noted in the PADL, ZBI, and SF- 12 scores among these subgroups.ConclusionThe quality of life and risk factors for mortality within six months following tracheotomy in critically ill elderly patients warrant careful consideration. Caregivers face varying challenges due to different underlying conditions, particularly in cases involving severe pneumonia and cardiac insufficiency, which require increased social awareness.

Corporate Governance on Organizational Performance: A Study of Commercial Banks in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City

Purpose: The study intends to examine the effect of Corporate Governance on Organizational performance in Commercial Bank.Methods: The study employed a purposive sampling method to gather data from 240 employees of commercial banks in Butwal. A self-administered questionnaire incorporating a precise seven-point Likert scale was utilized. Additionally, the research adopted a descriptive and causal-comparative design, supported by an extensive range of statistical techniques, including Mean, Standard Deviation, Correlation, Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, R-square, Hypothesis testing, and Regression, all carefully selected to ensure rigorous data analysis.Results: The resultss indicates that social awareness is the major factor for organizational performance of commercial banks in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City. Banks that actively engage in socially responsible practices, such as community involvement, customer-centric policies gain customer trust, and improve employee morale. This, in turn, leads to increased customer loyalty and sustainable growth. The findings emphasize that corporate governance frameworks integrating social awareness contribute to long-term success in the banking sector.Conclusion: This research concludes that Social Awareness is the major determinants of Organizational performance. Thus, Banking organizations must focus on Social Awareness programs like financial literacy, Community Development Programs which build a sense of trust and goodwill with customers and enhanced its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen which leads to long term sustainable growth of banking organization.

“Sustainable &amp; Reusable Packaging Solutions for E-Commerce”

The increasing environmental degradation caused by non-biodegradable packaging waste has compelled industries and consumers to seek sustainable alternatives. This research investigates the current awareness, attitudes, and behavior of consumers toward sustainable packaging in the Indian context. With environmental sustainability gaining momentum globally, the shift toward eco-friendly packaging is not only a necessity but also an opportunity for businesses to align with consumer expectations and regulatory standards. The study adopts a quantitative research methodology, using a structured questionnaire circulated via Google Forms to gather primary data. Responses were collected from over 50 individuals across diverse age groups, educational backgrounds, and income levels. The analysis reveals a high level of awareness among consumers about the harmful effects of plastic packaging on the environment. A majority of respondents showed a positive inclination towards purchasing products with sustainable packaging, particularly if such options were affordable and easily accessible. Key findings highlight a gap between consumer intention and actual behavior, largely influenced by price sensitivity, limited market availability of sustainable packaging, and insufficient knowledge about eco-friendly materials. Interestingly, younger demographics exhibited stronger preferences and readiness to adapt to sustainable alternatives, emphasizing the role of education and social awareness in influencing consumer behavior. The research further explores industry implications, suggesting that companies adopting sustainable packaging not only contribute to environmental conservation but also enhance their brand image and consumer trust. Policymakers are encouraged to incentivize businesses and educate consumers to promote a circular economy. Overall, the paper concludes that while consumer support for sustainable packaging is growing, achieving mass adoption will require collaborative efforts among manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers. Enhanced awareness, affordability, and accessibility of sustainable options remain crucial to fostering long-term behavioural change.

Examination of Sustainable Development Awareness of Pre-Service Social Studies Teachers

This study was conducted to examine pre-service social studies teachers' awareness of sustainable development. The study group of the research included 170 pre-service teachers studying at Gazi University, Gazi Faculty of Education, Department of Social Studies Education in 2022-2023 academic year. The survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the study. In the data collection phase of the study, a personal information form and the "Sustainable Development Awareness Scale" (SDAS) developed by Atmaca, Kiray and Pehlivan (2019) were used. Whether the data obtained for the purpose of the study were normally distributed was determined by Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests in the categories of economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability and total score. Since the data were not normally distributed, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test, which are non-parametric tests, were used in the analysis. As a result of the research, it was determined that there was a significant difference in favor of female pre-service teachers in terms of awareness levels in economic, social and environmental sustainability sub-dimensions and total scores. In the analyses conducted according to the age variable, while there was no significant difference in the economic and environmental sustainability sub-dimensions and total scores, a significant difference was found in favor of pre-service teachers aged 24 and above in the social sustainability sub-dimension. In the analyses made according to the grade level variable, a significant difference was found in favor of 2nd grade pre-service teachers in economic sustainability, environmental sustainability sub-dimensions and total scores, and in favor of 4th grade pre-service teachers in social sustainability sub-dimension. In the analyses conducted according to the variable of having received training on sustainable development, a significant difference was found in favor of pre-service teachers who received training on this subject in the economic sustainability and social sustainability sub-dimensions and total scores. In line with these results, it is suggested to conduct studies involving different participant groups to further investigate the effects of variables on the level of awareness on sustainable development; to conduct studies to determine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of students at different levels of education on sustainable development; to further investigate the effects of sustainable development education on the awareness, attitude and behavior levels of pre-service teachers; to use active learning methods such as project-based learning in the education process to raise students' awareness on sustainable development; to organize activities to develop students' critical thinking skills on sustainable development issues and to create projects to raise students' awareness about local and global issues related to sustainable development.

Trajectory of Intolerance in Schools and its Prevention: An Attempt to Apprehend Social Harmony

This study aimed to analyze the phenomena of intolerance in schools, the context, and prevention efforts as critical efforts in achieving harmonious social relationships in the educational setting. The study was carried out in seven high schools in Surabaya, Indonesia. Data were collected using interview, questionnaire, and focus group discussion. The obtained data were examined qualitatively using the identification results. The results revealed that some high schools in Surabaya had grown tolerance very well while others had not successfully responded intolerance. Students’ intolerance stemed from a lack of confidence, inadequate socialization, and disregard for diversities. To address this issue, a collaborative effort was required to improve the instruction of ethical principles, religion, and social awareness both inside and outside of the school. The study’s novelty was the comprehensive approach involving teachers and school committees to permeate the principles of ethics, religion, and social awareness in curriculum.

Using Social Media Platforms to Raise Health Awareness and Increase Health Education in Pakistan: Structural Equation Modeling Analysis and Questionnaire Study.

Current health care education methods in Pakistan use traditional media (eg, television and radio), community health workers, and printed materials, which often fall short of reach and engagement among most of the population. The health care sector in Pakistan has not yet used social media effectively to raise awareness and provide education about diseases. Research on the impact social media can have on health care education in Pakistan may expand current efforts, engage a wider audience, and reduce the disease burden on health care facilities. This study aims to evaluate the perceptions of health care professionals and paramedic staff regarding social media use to raise awareness and educate people about diseases as a potential means of reducing the disease burden in Pakistan. The study used two-stage structural equation modeling (SEM). Data analysis used AMOS 26.0 software, adopting scales from previous literature. Four-item scales for each social media usefulness and health awareness construct and 8-item scales for health care education constructs were adopted on the basis of their higher loading in alignment with psychometric literature. A 7-point Likert scale was used to measure each item. Data collection used convenience sampling, with questionnaires distributed to more than 450 health care professionals and paramedic staff from 2 private hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. There were 389 useful responses received. However, 340 completed questionnaires were included in the data analysis. The study found that all the squared multiple correlation (SMC) values were greater than 0.30. Furthermore, convergent validity was measured using (1) standardized factor loading (found greater than 0.5), (2) average variance explained (found greater than 0.5), and (3) composite reliability (found greater than 0.7). The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the measurement model indicated the fitness of the constructs (Chi-square minimum [CMIN]=357.62; CMIN/degrees of freedom [DF]=1.80; Goodness of Fit [GFI]=0.90; Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index [AGFI]=0.89; Buntler-Bonett Normed Fit Index [NFI]=0:915; Comparative Fit Index [CFI]=0:93; Root Mean Square Residual [RMR]=0:075; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA]=0:055). Moreover, the structural model fitness was also confirmed (CMIN=488.6; CMIN/DF=1.85; GFI=0.861; AGFI=0.893; NFI=0.987; CFI=0.945; RMR=0:079; RMSEA=0.053). Hence, the results indicated that social media usefulness has a positive and significant effect on health awareness (hypothesis 1: β=.669, P<.001), and health awareness has a positive and significant effect on health care education in Pakistan (hypothesis 2: β=.557, P<.001). This study concludes that health care professionals and paramedic staff in private hospitals support the use of social media to raise awareness and provide health care education. It is considered an effective tool for reducing the disease burden in Pakistan. The study results also revealed that young health care professionals are more inclined toward social media usage and express the need for legislation to support it and establish a monitoring process to avoid misinformation.

Criminal Legislation and Women in Sexual Assault Cases: Justice or Victim Blaming?

Sexual assault is a critical social problem with extensive ramifications that deeply affect and displace models of women (Alfadhel, Fouda, &amp; Awny, 2024). Not only does it have an impact on their physical and emotional health, but also on their sense of safety, autonomy, and ability to participate in society fully. This study offers a comparative analytical account of criminal legislation on sexual assault crimes because it intends to catch the actual role of such laws in the process of justice and the protection of the rights of women as victims or, on the contrary, in the blame they get from such crimes. It examines the relationship between legal provisions and societal culture and how, in turn, this affects the judiciary and society's treatment of women who are the victims of such crimes. But the fact is that while criminal laws are meant to protect rights and uphold the dignity of human beings, most legal systems do not have adequate laws to protect victims and what they have is often victim blaming" (Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC], 2024) This research highlights the ways in which cultural and social factors can affect the enforcement of legal provisions, resulting in victim blaming rather than the delivery of justice. It also deals with the influence of these cultural factors upon judicial processes and damage to justice in crimes against women. This study also incorporates a comparative overview between Sharia Islamic law and some Western and international legal systems to identify some legislative and cultural gaps that could prevent the realization of justice. The research seeks to provide legal and social solutions to amend the prevailing conditions and to reinforce the legal protection of women through legal amendments. It also features social awareness mechanisms that support judicial neutrality and work toward the realization of justice.

Socially Aware Language Technologies: Perspectives and Practices

Abstract Language technologies have advanced substantially, particularly with the introduction of large language models. However, these advancements can exacerbate several issues that models have traditionally faced, including bias, evaluation, and risk. In this perspective piece, we argue that many of these issues share a common core: a lack of awareness of the social factors, interactions, and implications of the social environment in which NLP operates. We call this social awareness. While NLP is improving at addressing linguistic issues, there has been relatively limited progress in incorporating social awareness into models to work in all situations for all users. Integrating social awareness into NLP will improve the naturalness, usefulness, and safety of applications while also opening up new applications. Today, we are only at the start of a new, important era in the field.

Mastering Performance-Based Tools for University Classrooms: How Forum Theatre Transforms Teachers

Teaching as a social practice involves a holistic approach, including continuous interaction with all the social actors of the educational process as well as feelings, emotions, body movements, and voice. Few higher education institutions provide teacher preparation programs that integrate and prioritize corporeality alongside social-emotional learning (SEL) and its elements, such as empathy, emotional intelligence and social awareness. The gap between the theory and real-life teaching can be bridged through performance-based tools, such as forum theatre, in a teacher training course at universities or colleges. Such tools represent a transdisciplinary approach between drama and pedagogy with sketches or vignettes as the main technique eliciting discussion and personal reminiscences among students. The corporeality of performance sketches, inherent to any professional practice, and their spatial and temporal resemblance to real teaching settings are what imbibe this approach. The article demonstrates how this approach can be implemented in teacher education. It argues that applying these methods when teaching both pre-service and in-service teachers can transform the teachers’ understanding of the inner world of their students, contributing to a better teachers’ cognitive and emotional empathy towards students. By using the Forum Theatre, teachers can address learners’ needs and interests and advocate for them with other actors in the educational process by being empathetic and attentive to classroom accommodations, extracurricular activities, learners’ sense of belonging, and by raising awareness among stakeholders in the learning process.

Social Awareness Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Aged 5-6 Years Through Experiential Activities at Inclusive Kindergarten

Social Awareness Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Aged 5-6 Years Through Experiential Activities at Inclusive Kindergarten

The specifics of developing the social intelligence of Oralman students with artificial intelligence

This study examines the impact of an educational program based on artificial intelligence (AI) on improving social intelligence among Oralman students (a group of repatriates from among ethnic Kazakhs who faced unique integration problems in Kazakhstan). The main objective was to assess whether targeted interventions can effectively improve social skills that are crucial for successful social integration. The study involved 300 students aged 20 to 22 years, divided into experimental and control groups. Students participated in a six-month AI program designed to develop social intelligence using interactive tools and modeling. Pre-test and post-test assessments used the Tromso social intelligence scale (TSIS), focusing on areas such as social information processing, social skills, and social awareness. Following the intervention, the outcomes revealed that the experimental group had made notable progress in every area that was examined. Specifically, in this group, the overall score increased significantly from 59.37 to 82.33, and the average post-test scores climbed to 25.87 for social information processing, 27.33 for social skills, and 29.13 for social awareness. On the contrary, minimal changes observed in the scores of the control group emphasize the effectiveness of the AI-based program. The analysis of secondary data further confirmed the results: t-tests showed statistically significant differences in the post-test scores between the groups. The progress of the experimental group highlights the potential of AI-based educational tools in the development of basic social competencies, offering promising opportunities to support the integration of Oralman students into Kazakh society.