Social Clubs Research Articles

North American Women in Iceland: Travel Writing, and Domestic Feminism, 1866-1939

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, dozens of travel narratives about Iceland appeared in the United States. The majority of these were written by and for men and women of the wealthier, upper class, as those were the only Americans who could afford to make the long journey to Iceland. However, as the costs of steamship travel became more affordable, a more economically diverse collection of American tourists began visiting Iceland. In many cases, middle-class American women would journey to Iceland and then share their experiences by giving lectures and talks in social clubs, writing articles in more female-focused periodicals like Ladies’ Home Companion, or to giving interviews in their hometown newspapers. In this paper, I will explore the “feminine” space of the social club and the role it played in the perception of Iceland among middle class American women.

“Girls doing a big job” in diaspora: cosmopolitan minority and making modern Chinese women associations in white Australia

ABSTRACT During Australia's “White Australia” policy (1901-1973), Chinese women in Sydney defied limitations through voluntary work. Starting with social clubs and local relief funds, their efforts culminated in the 1954 Chinese Women's Association of Australia (CWAA). This study explores how these women navigated inclusion and exclusion by leveraging their voluntary efforts. Fundraising, cultural events, and community activities became platforms for them to express their evolving identities and reshape social dynamics. The paper argues that cultural practices empowered women-led Chinese voluntary organizations in the diaspora. It introduces the concept of a “cosmopolitan minority,” where “Chineseness” is performed identities transcending race or ethnicity alone. Cosmopolitan life allowed these women to leverage intercultural understanding for navigating their complex situation and fostering resilience. Through collaboration and community building, they strategically performed their heritage, ultimately shaping associations and spaces to assert agency and define their ideal lives within the diaspora.

Tele-drama therapy for community dwelling older adults with constricted life-space mobility: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Older adults with constricted life-space mobility (limited range of movement and activity within one’s environment) face an increased risk of social isolation and poor psychological well-being. Developing accessible interventions tailored for this population is crucial. This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of a 12-week tele-drama therapy intervention on psychological well-being and the relationships between in-session therapeutic change factors and outcomes. A total of 111 older adults, aged 63–102, with constricted life-space mobility participated in this study, delivered via Uniper Care, a social club aimed at promoting active aging through accessible technology designed with and for older adults (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06419881). The intervention effectively improved social connectedness, personal growth, and general well-being, while also decreasing depressive symptoms. Individual differences influenced participants’ experiences of the therapeutic and creative process. These findings can help refine the theories and practice of tele-drama therapy interventions.

The Essence Of Reinvented OD: A Study On Organization Development & Organizational Development

Welcome to the World of Reinvented OD. Kurt Lewin (1947), the founding father of OD, played a key role in the evolution. Everyone comes with multiple experiences in organizations—from your family to your schools; churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques; workplaces; charitable organizations; government agencies; sports teams; social clubs; labor unions; and so on. Some of the experiences have probably been positive, while some have probably been negative. That’s the nature of the world in which we live. In today’s Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) World, businesses undergo regular change, creating a need for continuous Organization Development. There are some of the approaches, which professionals in the field of OD use to turn negative experiences into positive ones and how good OD practice relies on solid OD theory can help organizations to be more productive, more satisfying, and more effective and efficient. Since Tomorrow’s World is different from Today’s World, the Essence of Reinvented OD (Organization Development & Organizational Development), is very much essential for the Organizations in all over the World. The purpose of this study is to explore the Organization Development & Organizational Development as the Essence of Reinvented OD, which are the evidence-based scientific & sense-making New Approaches, helps Organizations more effective, adaptive to change by developing, improving and reinforcing the strategies, structures & processes.

The Züri Can study: Can regulated cannabis sales promote lower-risk cannabis use? Mini-review and study protocol

Background and AimsRecreational use of cannabis is illegal in most countries. Despite this, it is the third most commonly used psychoactive substance worldwide. As a result of this discrepancy, a growing number of countries have begun to reassess their legal approach to cannabis in recent years. While the health risks of cannabis and potential harm reduction measures are increasingly well understood, there are still significant gaps in knowledge about which regulatory and supply models are effective in promoting lower-risk cannabis use.In this paper, we outline the Züri Can study, which implements and evaluates a regulatory framework for cannabis sales in the city of Zurich, Switzerland, between 2023 and 2026. In addition, we illustrate how the study addresses current knowledge gaps to provide further insight into the potential future regulation of cannabis in Switzerland.To embed the study in the present scientific and political context, we first provide a brief overview of the state of knowledge on cannabis-related health risks and means of reducing them, along with lessons learned from other countries that have implemented varying regulatory systems. Design and Measurements2,100 participants will be able to legally purchase cannabis either at a pharmacy, a cannabis social club, or the municipal drug information center over a three-year period. As part of this observational study, participants will be evaluated regarding their cannabis use habits and motives, their knowledge of lower-risk use, and their mental and physical health, among other parameters.Established harm reduction strategies are implemented as an integral part of the study design. CommentsThe study will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of different cannabis distribution models on cannabis use patterns and related health outcomes. The results are expected to assist Swiss and international policy makers in developing evidence-based and public health-oriented regulatory frameworks for cannabis.

Diverse Musical Explorations in a Global Context

Music, in all its diverse forms, transcends strict boundaries and communicates a universal language that unites people across cultures, histories, and personal experiences. This journey is a vibrant fusion of sounds, rhythms, and traditions, blending elements from various musical genres and cultures worldwide. Beginning in the early 20th century, compositions like Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” reshaped the landscape of classical music. Indie musicians such as the Buena Vista Social Club further expanded these limits, merging Latin classics with innovative new styles of musical production. Moving into the 21st century, artists like Depeche Mode continue to astonish listeners with electronic beats that capture the essence of contemporary digital music.

Well-being in middle-aged and older adults who volunteer: a qualitative network analysis

Objective Social participation is essential for the health of older adults. Formal volunteering can reduce loneliness and is associated with numerous positive health outcomes. Older adults have limited resources to meet their social and well-being needs. We explore factors contributing to the well-being of middle-aged and older adults who engage in formal volunteering using a qualitative social network approach. Methods Between 2022 and 2023, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 members of social clubs in Germany, aged 45–80 (mean age 62 years). Thirteen participants were retired. Eight interviewees were female and twenty were male. Participants created unstructured egocentric network maps of individuals or organisations important to their well-being. Participants reflected on their social networks using these maps, which allowed for deeper insights into changing network dynamics. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results We developed six themes: intrapersonal, interpersonal and social network characteristics affecting well-being, self-fulfilment, feeling indispensable and unfulfilled expectations. Formal social participation, particularly through volunteering, contributed significantly to the well-being. Conclusion Formal volunteering can aid successful role substitution and compensation, especially after retirement. This may prevent loneliness and increase well-being in older age.

Evaluating the social return on investment of a mental health disorders club: a case study

Purpose The growth of mental disorders and their costs represents a public health challenge. This study aims to explore how a social club can help mitigate its impact through arts and sports workshops. Design/methodology/approach Using the social return on investment (SROI) methodology, the impact of the social club is evaluated by identifying stakeholders and quantifying their contributions. In addition, the relationship between patients’ attendance and the reduction of relapses and medication consumption is explored. Findings The SROI showed a positive return on investment, €12.12 per euro invested. This ratio indicates that the social club generates social value well above its initial costs. On the other hand, two stakeholders were identified as higher impact generators, and it was confirmed that sports activities generate more social and economic impact than art activities – however, the positive effects of art activities last longer over time. The study revealed a positive relationship between social club attendance and relapse reduction. Almost 90% of the participating users reported no relapses or emergency hospitalizations during the past year of attendance. In addition, a substantial decrease in medication dosage was observed. These results suggest that social clubs help stabilize mental health and reduce the burden on health-care systems. Originality/value The case study highlights the vital role of social clubs in supporting people facing mental health issues. Policymakers and health-care providers can use this knowledge to invest in more effective and sustainable mental health support activities.

Prospective Impacts of Social Participation Activities on Cognitive and Psychopathological Statuses in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives This study investigated the impact of social activities on cognitive functioning and psychopathological symptoms. Methods Participants aged 55 or older were enrolled through communities. Initial measures assessed demographic data, neuropsychological functioning, psychopathological state, and happiness. Social activities were evaluated using a modified 12-item tool, with 3–4 activities as the cutoff. Follow-up after 6–9 months included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Beck Depression Inventory – II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) measurements. Predictive models for psychiatric and cognitive statuses were built using multiple linear regression, adjusting for baseline conditions. Results Initially, 516 older individuals enrolled, with 403 undergoing follow-up. During follow-up, the low participation group reported lower MMSE scores, higher BAI scores, and increased PHQ-15 risk. Negative correlations between social activity numbers and PHQ-15 results were found. Engagement in social clubs correlated positively with higher MMSE scores, while regular interactions with one’s adult child(ren) were linked to decreased BAI scores. Conclusions The quantity of social activities was associated with lower somatic distress. Social club engagement positively influenced cognition, and regular interactions with one’s adult child(ren) mitigated anxiety among older individuals. Clinical implications Enough types of social activities, participating in social clubs, and adequate interactions with children protected against psychopathologies.

Validation of the Spanish version of the multifaceted empathy test: comparison between cannabis use effects and controls in social cognition.

While social cognition is shown to be impaired in several mental disorders, the effects of cannabis on social cognition are still not clear. Past studies have used the multifaceted empathy test (MET) to study social cognition. This study aims to test the validity of the MET Spanish version and to evaluate the effects of cannabis use on social cognition. In total 116 participants from a Cannabis Social Club (CSC) completed the MET and the reading the mind in the eyes test (RMET) under the effects of cannabis and were compared to 86 university students (control group). Internal consistency and convergent validity were assessed. Cognitive empathy (CE) and emotional empathy (EE) were tested in both groups. The MET CE scale shows low internal consistency, while the EE scale shows high internal consistency. Items showed similar difficulty for both groups. Cannabis users showed deficient overall emotional recognition, with reduced scores associated with positive stimuli. Overall scores for EE were similar for both groups, but the experimental group scored lower with negative stimuli when compared to controls. This study validates the MET Spanish version for its use in future studies. Results confirmed deficient emotional recognition in cannabis users and a dampened reaction to negative stimuli for the first time.

Effects of a strength program on physical performance in amateur female padel players

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an explosive strength training program on the physical performance of amateur padel players. Eight females amateur padel players, aged between 25 and 40, were randomly split up in two groups: a control group (CG, n=4) and an experimental group (EG, n=4). The experimental group performed a 6-week explosive strength training program. Physical performance variables were measured before and after the intervention using several assessments: Change of direction was gauged using a modified padel-specific test (Test 505) with the "COD Timer" application. Bilateral and unilateral horizontal jumps, along with the countermovement jump (CMJ), were measured using the "Myjump" application. Upper extremity strength was evaluated through overhead medicine ball throwing. The experimental group showed significant improvements in all analyzed variables except for the bilateral horizontal jump, dis-playing an overall enhancement in their performance following the intervention. These findings contribute to shedding light on this sport, especially within the amateur domain, as most social clubs rely on it for sustenance despite the limited available information.

The effects of musical practice on the well-being, mental health and social support of student, amateur, and professional musicians in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This pan-Canadian study investigates the effects of musical practice on the well-being, mental health, and social support of Canadian musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a survey questionnaire, data was collected from 1,618 participants aged 14 and above during the first wave of the pandemic up to the first half of 2022. The survey included standardized questionnaires to self-assess well-being (WHO-5), mental health (MHC-SF), and social support (SPS-10 measures social support). Results show that increased musical practice frequency correlates with improved well-being and mental health, particularly among amateurs. Professional musicians and those at a post-secondary level exhibit lower well-being scores, likely due to pandemic-related challenges. Factors such as age, gender, sports engagement, and participation in social clubs or volunteer work significantly influenced outcomes. While sports engagement was associated with higher scores on well-being, mental health and social support, no significant differences were found among participants engaged in artistic hobbies. As for involvement in social clubs or volunteer work, benefits were reported on two of the three outcomes. Overall, the findings suggest that regular amateur musical practice, especially in group settings, alongside engagement in sports and social activities, may have promoted well-being, mental health, and social support among musicians during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Establishing a protocol to increase racial/ethnic minority enrollment on an active radiation oncology randomized clinical trial.

TPS1638 Background: In the United States (US), underrepresented racial/ethnic groups lack ample enrollment in clinical trials, yielding ungeneralizable trial results. Barriers to increasing minority enrollment include decreased awareness of clinical trials, lack of access, financial burden and toxicity, medical system mistrust, and discordant physician-patient demographics. The ongoing Spine Patient Optimal Radiosurgery Treatment for Symptomatic Metastatic Neoplasms (SPORTSMEN) clinical trial (NCT05617716) has a study design to actively accrue minority patients. We present our protocol addressing key targets to increase minority enrollment on this randomized, phase II clinical trial. Methods: Adults with evidence of symptomatic spine metastases are eligible. Baseline demographics (including race/ethnicity) are reported for statistical analysis. Our protocol seeks to minimize barriers to minority enrollment and targets four key areas. Access to care: SPORTSMEN involves institutions located in zip codes with diverse ethnic populations, presently located in regions 46% and 70% African American. Clinical trial design: SPORTSMEN has a prespecified goal of accruing patients to mirror US census representation. The rate of minority enrollment will be reviewed periodically at the discretion of the Data Safety and Monitoring Board. Community outreach and engagement: The trial team will engage with local health care systems to create an alliance within different oncology specialties to provide the basis and benefit for SPORTSMEN and patient-centered education on eligibility criteria, rationale, and intended outcomes. Our principal focus will be providers in prostate, breast, and lung cancers as minorities with these primary site malignancies have a higher propensity to be trial-eligible. Furthermore, we understand the historical mistrust of minorities for the medical community. Therefore, we will engage local grassroot organizations such as churches, community outreach centers, and social clubs to increase awareness of clinical trials and to help foster trust. Financial burden and toxicity: SPORTSMEN does not have direct enrollment costs. A short-course treatment regimen is used to minimize the number of treatment visits required allowing for decreased resources for travel, time lost at work, and additional childcare or eldercare needs. Financial toxicity will be objectively quantified using the validated COST-Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy survey. Increasing clinical trial diversity is a challenge that must be addressed with meaningful intent to present robust Level 1 data that broadens the understanding of treatment response in all demographics. Our protocol takes a patient-centered approach to achieve the objective of concordant racial/ethnic representation in a randomized clinical trial. Clinical trial information: NCT05617716 .

The impact of social isolation on functional disability in older people: A multi-cohort study

ObjectivesWe assessed the relationship between social isolation and functional disability in older people. DesignComparison of longitudinal cohort studies. Setting and participantsHarmonised longitudinal datasets from the United States, England, European countries, Japan, Korea, China and Hong Kong. MethodsSocial isolation was operationalised as a composite score with five domains, such as marital status, living alone, and social contact with others. Functional disability was defined as whether the cohort participant had any difficulty in activities of daily living (ADL). In each dataset, we used robust Poisson regression models to obtain the relative risks (RRs) and the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI). We combined the RRs to synthesize a pooled estimate using meta-analysis with random-effects models. ResultsOverall, the social isolation composite score was not associated with ADL disability (pooled RR = 1.05, 95 % CI [0.97–1.14], n = 40,119). Subgroup analysis suggested social isolation composite score was associated with ADL disability in Asian regions (pooled RR = 1.09, 95 % CI [1.02, 1.16], but not in Western regions (pooled RR = 1.01, 95 % CI [0.96, 1.07]). The relationships between different domains of social isolation and ADL disability were heterogeneous, except that no participation in any social clubs or religious groups was consistently associated with ADL disability (pooled RR = 1.12, 95 % CI [1.04, 1.21]). ConclusionTargeting social isolation may prevent decline in functional abilities in older adults, providing an avenue to active and healthy ageing. Nonetheless, interventions tackling social isolation should tailor to the unique cultural and social underpinnings. A limitation of the study is that reverse causality could not be ruled out definitively.

Coping mechanisms used by caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in North West province, South Africa.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a pandemic that has affected families and left many children orphaned worldwide. After the death of their parents, HIV/AIDS orphans are often taken care of by caregivers who are faced with overwhelming challenges that affect their capabilities to perform caring tasks. It has been reported that caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans use different coping mechanisms to deal with the challenges faced during caring. Coping mechanisms play an integral role in maintaining individuals' physical and mental well-being, particularly those caring for orphans. This study explored coping mechanisms used by caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans. A qualitative design was adopted, and individual semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 13 caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in North West province. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Rigor was maintained throughout the study. Three main themes were identified with eight subthemes. The first theme includes support from significant others, and subthemes are family support, neighbour support, and life partner support. The second main theme emerged from this study was religious practices and two subthemes namely singing gospel songs and using prayer to cope. The third main theme identified includes the use of social support services, and subthemes were government support, support from local schools, and stokvels and social clubs. The identified coping mechanisms in this study improved caregiving skills of caregivers to better care for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

Individual and Collective Approaches of Students who are Members of Social Clubs at University to Mitigate Climate Change Impacts

Climate change is one of the most important global problems of our time. For the solution of this problem, the need for awareness and taking responsibility at individual and social level is quite high. The aim of this study, which was conducted on social club members, is to examine the level of hope for the prevention of climate change according to sociodemographic characteristics, club factors and taking responsibility variable. Relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the study. The research data were collected from the students studying at Ardahan University in the 2023-2024 academic year through a questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 27 and AMOS 24 statistical package programs. In this context, parametric tests such as Independent Samples T Test, One- Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Pearson Correlation and Simple Linear Regression Analysis were applied due to the normal distribution of the data. When the results of the analysis are examined, it is seen that the mean scale scores of the sample group are high; there is a significant difference between the groups in terms of hope levels according to their education levels and club types; and the variable of taking responsibility has an effect of 26.7% on the level of hope. Thus, a one-unit increase in the level of responsibility causes a 0.301-unit increase in the level of hope for preventing climate change. In this context, club members' approaches to preventing climate change can be strengthened by conducting incentive studies to increase their sense of responsibility.

From Social Clubs to Champions for Sports Journalistic Identity and Integrity

Taking the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as a point of departure, this article analyses the changing role of national associations of sports journalists in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Introducing the concept of meta-journalistic discourse and well-established media system theories, it is argued that Nordic sports journalism’s negotiations of professional practices and standards are shaped by a particular media systemic context with distinct Nordic welfare state-oriented features. One such feature is a tradition of using collective, organized social groups, like democratically based voluntary associations, as instruments for social change. The empirical study explores this through a qualitative thematic analysis of the changing structures, identities, and practices of the national associations of sports journalists across the three countries. This illustrates how the organizations in particular during the last two decades have started very similar processes of transformation away from being mainly social clubs. The associations have used their collective frameworks and bargaining power to ensure independent journalists’ access to sports organizations and athletes, and they have engaged in negotiations of what sports journalism is and what constitutes sports journalism in a sports media landscape shaped by strong combined forces of digitization and politicization.

Analysis of Leadership Styles of Blake and Mouton: A Comparative Study of Leadership Interactions in Different Environments

The study aimed to identify the impact of leadership styles according to the leadership network model developed by Blake & Mouton (1978), which are: permissive leadership style, strict leadership style, moderate leadership style, social club management style, and team management style - in choosing business strategies. Followed by insurance companies according to the classification of Michael Porter (1985), who classified them into three strategies: cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy, and focus strategy. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a sample of 100 iraqi insurance company managers. 79 valid questionnaires were retrieved, with a recovery rate of -79%. After conducting the necessary statistical analysis, the study reached the following results: There is no effect of the leadership styles according to the Blake and Mouton model in choosing the cost leadership strategy, as the study showed no effect of the permissive style, the moderate style, the social style, and the team leadership style in choosing the cost strategy, and it showed an effect - only - of the strict style in choosing the cost leadership strategy There is an effect of leadership styles according to the Blake and Mouton model on choosing a differentiation strategy, as the study showed an effect of the permissive, moderate, sociable leadership style and the team leadership style on choosing a differentiation strategy, while no effect was shown For the strict style in choosing a differentiation strategy There is an effect of leadership styles according to the Blake Moton model in choosing the focus strategy, as the study showed the presence of this effect of the strict, moderate, social, and team leadership styles in choosing the focus strategy

Negotiated Resistance: Counterstories of Louisiana Creole Spirituality

ABSTRACT Louisiana Creole as a cultural identity is inextricably linked to Blackness. An understanding of Creole identity as a challenge to the racial binary imposed within Louisiana illuminates the larger legacies of colonialism, slavery, and systems of inequality within society. Creoles organised and fought against racial inequality and segregation through the collective of the Citizens’ Committee forming the legal challenge of Plessy v. Ferguson. Although Louisiana Creoles have been associated with Catholicism, as St. Augustine stands as a historical site of Creole culture, spiritual practices have transcended institutionalised religions. Louisiana Creoles critiqued the institution of the Catholic Church and developed methods of resistance. Drawing upon the legacy of social clubs, Creoles used the format of these associations to further spiritual activism. Through adopting aspects of Catholicism, African traditions, and Louisiana and Creole culture, they formed belief systems and devised intersectional strategies to combat institutional racism.

American Trypanomiasis and Chagas Disease Sexual Transmission to Naïve Mates: Prevention And Control

Chagas disease is the most lethal endemic condition in the Western Hemisphere. Its high morbidity and mortality make the disease a major public health problem in Latin America. At the public hospitals' autopsy rooms, Chagas cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of people’s death, usually at 45 ± 10 years of age. Over the last decades, the disease epidemiologic profiles changed drastically with migration to the five Continents. The immigration of people from Latin America to the Northern Hemisphere bears health concerns, notably, the sexual transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi agent of Chagas disease from males and females to naïve mates, and its vertical transference to progeny. The family-based Chagas disease introduces substantial changes in concepts of disease prevention and control. The treatment of Chagas disease with nitro derivatives is unsatisfactory. In the absence of a drug to eradicate the T. cruzi infection, its control requires a robust program of education, information, and communication for health. Its prevention can be achieved through social activists participating in public and private organizations at schools, social clubs, churches, and people’s organizations for health and education.