Social Connections Research Articles

Negotiating authenticity: experiences of student influencers on social media

ABSTRACT Research has shown that contemporary youth face a variety of challenges, ranging from social belonging to striving towards perfection in body image and personal achievements in all areas of life. Student life is expected to add further complexities, reflected in a need to negotiate new social connections, spatial environments and academic and future-oriented challenges. This project engaged with a unique and hard-to-reach group of students who define themselves and are defined by others as social media influencers. The objective was to explore the ways in which the participants’ experiences of the influencer marketing industry and its pressures for authenticity intersect with the experiences of being a student. The article draws on 13 in-depth interviews with UK-based student influencers with profiles on different platforms (including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and the Little Red Book) and discusses how these students navigate the increasingly complex field of monetisation of their content, while maintaining a sense of authenticity and success as a student. It reveals the moments of transition encountered by students when constructing oneself as a successful student who produces content that has strong educational value, and the intricate processes entailed in preserving one’s brand on social media platforms.

Development and Initial Validation of a Scale to Measure Social Abuse in Intimate Partner Relationships.

Social abuse represents a distinct form of intimate partner violence characterized by intentional violations of a victim's social rights and inherent need to belong. This is achieved by tactics such as severing, interfering with, and surveilling the victim's social connections as well as limiting their social participation. Such abuse often results in victims experiencing social isolation, potentially causing adverse mental health outcomes and failure to seek help. This study aimed to develop and validate the Social Abuse Scale (SAS) to measure social abuse in intimate partner relationships. After generating the preliminary items, content validity testing was performed. Ten international experts reviewed the items and assessed their relevance. Additionally, 17 interview participants assessed the items for clarity and ease of response. Thereafter, the SAS was administered to 251 individuals, either currently in or who had an intimate relationship in the previous year. The final SAS comprised 30 items unified under a single-factor structure, which accounted for approximately 69.77% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the model's satisfactory fit. The instrument showed excellent internal consistency, as evidenced by Cronbach's alpha and a McDonald's omega value of .986. The SAS can be employed to investigate the prevalence of social abuse, its underlying mechanisms, and its impacts, and it can also assist in further development and evaluation of programs aimed at its prevention.

Predictors of Happiness and Life Satisfaction among University Teacher-Trainees on Internship

The study investigated the factors that drive happiness and life satisfaction among university teacher trainees on school practice internship. It was a purely qualitative study that employed explorative methods and a phenomenological design because it dealt with the subjective experiences about happiness and life satisfaction during internship as a phenomenon. It was conducted on a population of 25 participants drawn from a total population of about 700 teacher trainees on internship placement. The respondents were selected using both purposive and convenient sampling technique. These methods were preferred because purposively, the respondents were teacher trainees on internship and conveniently, they were under the supervision of the corresponding author. Data was collected using in depth interviews and analysed using themes and narratives drawn from the transcribed data. Results’ presentation, analysis and discussions was done concurrently. The findings revealed that happiness and life satisfaction among teacher trainees on internship school practice placement is determined by economic and financial drivers, supervision processes, collegial social support and connections, student or learner attributes, logistical provisions and follow up factors. As a result of the findings, universities invested in teacher training and schools hosting internship teacher trainees are required to boost the university-based and school-based factors in order to promote happiness and life satisfaction among the trainees respectively through provision of teaching practice logistics, supervisor support and evaluation, student/learner discipline, as conditions aimed at enhancing happiness, for the end goals of academic achievement

Integrating Spirituality into Neurological Healthcare

Brain health, as defined by Owolabi et al.⁸, encompassesthe integration of cognitive, emotional, and motor functions that areessential for optimal learning, adaptation, and overall lifeperformance. This broad understanding is further enriched byvarious perspectives, which highlight critical elements such aslearning, memory, and the adaptability of cognitive and emotionalcapacities. In particular, cognitive health plays a vital role infostering social connectivity, especially in older adults. The ability tomaintain meaningful relationships as one ages is closely tied to thebrain's capacity for adaptation and resilience. Viewed as a dynamicand multifaceted state influenced by numerous factors, brain healthinvolves not only the preservation of brain integrity but also thecultivation of overall well-being. Ultimately, these aspects convergeto enable individuals to reach their full potential throughout life. Byemphasizing the interconnectedness of cognitive, emotional, andsocial functions, this holistic approach to brain health underscoresits fundamental role in achieving a fulfilling and balanced life atevery stage of development.

Russian-Ukraine War and its Impact on the European Economy

This study examines the impact of the Russian-Ukraine war on the economy of Europe, concentrating on trade disruptions, energy security, foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, and the socioeconomic ramifications of the war[1]induced refugee crisis. This study employs the descriptive research design, qualitative research method and a secondary source of data collection. The research uncovers the problems and possibilities coming from the war, as well as the larger implications for economic growth, development, and stability in the area. The results reveal severe interruptions to commercial links between European nations, especially Russia, and Ukraine, with key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture facing considerable disruptions. Energy security emerges as a significant worry, spurring attempts to diversify energy sources and lessen dependence on Russian supply. Meanwhile, the war has resulted in a drop in FDI inflows to Russia and Ukraine, aggravating economic concerns in both nations and hurting their growth prospects. Furthermore, the research shows the burden on social welfare systems in European nations hosting migrants, since the inflow of refugees exerts great demands on resources and capabilities. Investments in housing, health care, education, and social welfare are vital for satisfying the different needs of displaced people and facilitating their long-term integration into society. However, issues connected to social cohesiveness, community connections, and political dynamics within host nations also occur. The study recommends diplomatic resolution of the dispute through peaceful discussions, involving European Union (EU) member states- Russia, Ukraine, and other parties. This could involve neutral mediation, de-escalating initiatives, and confidence-building measures.

Machine learning for base transceiver stations power failure prediction: A multivariate approach

The widespread deployment of cellular networks has improved communication access, driving economic growth and enhancing social connections across diverse regions. Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs), are foundational to mobile networks but are vulnerable to power failures, disrupting service delivery and causing user inconvenience. This paper proposes a machine-learning-based framework for preemptive BTS power failure prediction using multivariate time-series data from power and environmental monitoring systems. We employ a combination of deep learning architectures, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, and hybrid CNN-LSTM models, to achieve accurate and timely predictions of BTS power failures. CNNs were selected for extracting dependencies among features of a multivariate time-series data, while LSTMs effectively capture temporal dependencies, making them suitable for predicting power failures.The proposed models exhibit noteworthy predictive performance, with the LSTM network emerging as the most accurate model (MSE: 0.001, MAPE: 2.528), followed by the hybrid CNN-LSTM (MSE: 0.001, MAPE: 2.843) and the CNN (MSE: 0.223, MAPE: 2.843). This work demonstrates deep learning’s effectiveness in preemptive BTS failure prediction, enabling proactive maintenance and improved network resilience.

Longitudinal Study of Mobile Telepresence Robots in Older Adults’ Homes: Uses, Social Connection, and Comfort with Technology

Mobile telepresence robots can help reduce loneliness by facilitating people to visit each other and have more social presence than visiting via video or audio calls. However, using new technology can be challenging for many older adults. In this article, we examine how older adults use and want to use mobile telepresence robots, how these robots affect their social connection, and how they can be improved for older adults’ use. We placed a mobile telepresence robot in the home of older adult primary participants ( N = 7; age 60 \(+\) ) for 7 months and facilitated monthly activities between them and a secondary participant ( N = 8; age 18 \(+\) ) of their choice. Participants used the robots as they liked between monthly activities. We collected diary entries and monthly interviews from primary participants and a final interview from secondary participants. Results indicate that older adults found many creative uses for the robots, including conversations, board games, and hide “n” seek. Several participants felt more socially connected with others and a few had improved their comfort with technology because of their use of the robot. They also suggested design recommendations and updates for the robots related to size, mobility, and more, which can help practitioners improve robots for older adults’ use.

Swimming Proficiency and Self-reported Mental Health Outcomes in Chinese Individuals

This researh examines the relationship between swimming proficiency and self-reported mental health outcomes in Chinese adults, considering different demographic variables. A descriptive-correlational research technique was used to recruit a varied sample from various areas and backgrounds in China. Systematic surveys evaluated swimming proficiency in multiple aspects, such as water confidence, breath control, body positioning, propulsion, coordination, and safety awareness. Additionally, self-reported mental health outcomes were measured, including emotional well-being, life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of purpose, resilience, and social connectivity. The findings suggest that respondents usually have high confidence and proficiency in swimming abilities. However, there needs to be more understanding of safety measures, highlighting the need to enhance education on recognizing hazards and following safety procedures. Although respondents were skilled swimmers, they said that participating in swimming activities did not substantially impact their mental well-being, self-esteem, sense of purpose, resilience, or social connectivity. Nevertheless, a significant correlation between swimming proficiency and mental health outcomes was established, indicating that enhancing swimming abilities might benefit mental well-being. The study revealed many primary obstacles to participation in swimming, such as financial limitations, cultural and societal expectations, difficulties in accessing facilities, safety and health worries, and educational and psychological hindrances. The obstacles differ across different demographic groups, emphasizing the need for focused solutions.

Adolescents social capital and academic performance: A comprehensive study on the mediating effect of social belongingness and connectedness

ABSTRACT Adolescence recognised as the peroid of transition characterised by a changing environment. The inadequate attention given to adolescent social relationships and resources makes it crucial for investigation in the field of behavioral sciences. The individual’s instinct for collective survival through the establishment of social relationships enhances the significance of connectedness and belongingness in the process of resource accumulation. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of social belongingness and connectedness in the relationship between social capital and academic performance within the educational context. The research employs a cross-sectional approach utilizing a quantitative descriptive research design and stratified sampling methodology. Approximately, 200 samples were gathered through a questionnaire administered to middle-aged adolescents aged 12-15 years from multiple schools in Salem district. The study findings indicate a statistically significant association between social capital, belongingness, connectedness, and academic performance of the individuals within the school environment. Furthermore, social capital was predicted and mediated by sense of belongingness and connectedness. The study concludes that the dual relationship between individuals’ social capital and academic performance facilitates enhanced access to resources and opportunities, favouring both individuals’ and society as a whole.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Rural Women Farmers Through Mobile Technology in Kerala

This research paper investigates the impact of mobile technology on empowering rural women farmers and promoting inclusive agricultural development. The primary emphasis is on how mobile technology enables rural women producers to become more self-reliant in agriculture, promotes market participation, strengthens social connections, facilitates socioeconomic integration, enhances rural quality of life, and fosters sustainable agricultural development. In addition, this study also analyses the influence of demographic factors on the use of mobile technology among rural women farmers. This study was carried out in Kerala, a renowned agricultural state in India. In Kerala, the Palakkad district is known to be the granary of Kerala due to the availability of fertile valleys, rivers, forests, and paddy fields. Data were collected from 192 rural women farmers from Palakkad via semi-structured interviews, questionnaire surveys, and focus group discussions (FGD). The data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Garratt ranking method. The results demonstrate that mobile technology markedly enhances access to agricultural information, market engagement, and social connectivity, resulting in greater empowerment for rural women farmers. Nonetheless, obstacles such as insufficient digital literacy and inadequate mobile infrastructure access persist as considerable impediments. The findings demonstrate the revolutionary potential of mobile phone use in bridging information gaps, empowering women farmers in rural areas, and advancing equitable agricultural development, as well as the barriers faced by rural women in using mobile technology.

The MINT Program: A Mixed-Method Approach to Identifying Nature-Based Resources to Promote Adolescent Parent Social and Psychological Well-Being.

Adolescent parents are at an increased risk for loneliness and mental health challenges compared to childless peers. Nature-based interventions are shown to promote social connectedness. To identify elements of a nature-based intervention to reduce loneliness and foster nature connection among pregnant and parenting adolescents. Sequential exploratory mixed methods. In 2020 and 2021, we piloted the 8-week MINT program at a school for pregnant and parenting teens. Our qualitative approach (n = 17) included online and in-person group meetings with nature-based educational content, discussion, park excursions, mindfulness activities, journaling and nature photography. Subsequently, we recruited 131 young mothers at a children's hospital for a cross-sectional survey based on qualitative school findings. Qualitative results from the school-based intervention showed a preference for meditative and contemplative activities and for spending time in nature with extended family. Participants typically accessed nature close to home. Our clinic-based teen parent survey illustrated that participants' access to nature were most limited by lack of time (25% of responses), company (18%) and energy (28%). While participants showed a close nature connection (mean NR-6 score = 3.9 (SD = 0.84)), they also showed moderate levels of loneliness (mean UCLA Loneliness score = 4.78 (SD = 1.60)). Walking, hiking and/or running were the most preferred nature activity. These findings provide key details to define nature-based activities to address loneliness and psychological well-being among teen mothers. Nature-based health interventions can address loneliness and nature disconnection by building community resilience, improving provider and patient well-being and motivating environmental stewardship. We identify key features of a nature-based intervention for adolescent mothers. These findings support teen mothers in the US and abroad and may serve as a foundation for using nature-based solutions for vulnerable mothers and for adolescents facing loneliness and mental health challenges. No patient or public contribution.

Exploring community gardens on mental well-being among urban dwellers in Lagos, Nigeria

Purpose: In Lagos, Nigeria, Rapid urbanization raises serious concerns about mental well-being due to limited green spaces and social isolation; hence, this qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences of individuals engaged in community gardens and their effect on mental health. Method: This research uses semi-structured interviews with five individuals engaged in Lagos community gardens to thoroughly investigate their influence on mental well-being. Result: The findings demonstrate an increased social connection, improved mood, and reduced stress, through nature contact, and gardening. Also, the findings review that community gardens contributed to overall well-being, provided opportunities for mindfulness, and physical activity, and facilitated a sense of belonging Conclusion: The novelty of the research is that it sheds light on the specific experiences of Nigerians in community gardens and their perceived mental health benefits, thereby, pinpointing the potential of these spaces in tackling the urban mental health issues. This systematic study informs the development of culturally relevant community gardens as accessible interventions to enhance mental well-being in Lagos and similar urban settings.

Exploring the lived experience of performance-related health and wellbeing among flautists.

The study has investigated the lived experience of flautists, focusing on their experiences and perceptions of performance-related physical discomfort, injury and related mental health challenges that they might have encountered in practice and performance. The aims of the research have been to provide flautists with an opportunity to reflect on any physical or psychological performance issues in their own words, and to understand the subjective meaning of these experiences. A basic qualitative approach was used for gathering data. All the fieldwork was undertaken during or immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, the participating flautists were deliberately selected using professional networks on the basis of their answers to a pre-interview initial questionnaire related to the characteristics of their personal backgrounds and their experiences, as well as being able to participate remotely. There have been two data collection phases. Phase 1 was a specially designed pre-interview questionnaire drawing on themes from appropriate literature. Phase 2 built on the pre-interview questionnaire responses and was designed as semi-structured interviews, undertaken on Zoom, and included a 'River of Flute-playing Experience' activity during the interview. The 'River of Experience' method is an autobiographical research tool in which participants were asked to annotate key biographical experiences and challenges at various points along their drawing of a meandering river. The combined data analyses drew on thematic analysis. The eight participants reported a personal history of performance-related health and wellbeing challenges that they had faced at some point in their lives. The findings reveal that flautists encounter health-related challenges associated with their practice and performances, and the data suggest that they each require an understanding of likely performance-related health challenges and supportive resources to assist them in managing these challenges. The participants' diverse experiences highlight the importance of managing health and the value of supportive social connections. They cope with health challenges by integrating passion, resilience, and adaptability into their lives, finding ways to grow and continue to thrive in their flute-playing journey. The study underscores the need for comprehensive health education and support resources for flautists, emphasising the significance of resilience and adaptability in fostering health, wellbeing, and success.

Social connection in long-term care homes: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators

BackgroundSocial connection is a basic human need and is essential to quality of life. It is associated with better mental and physical health outcomes for long-term care (LTC) home residents and is a key aspect of quality of care and person-centred care. There are considerations for LTC homes that may present obstacles to and opportunities for social connection. It is therefore important to understand what restricts or enables good social connection in LTC homes, to guide better quality care and future interventions in this population. This qualitative study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to social connection for LTC residents.MethodsWe used thematic analysis to describe themes derived from individual and group qualitative interviews from 67 participants (18 residents, 17 staff members and clinicians, 32 family members and friends) recruited from LTC homes in the United Kingdom and Canada.ResultsThemes were grouped into four categories: (1) becoming familiar with life in the LTC home to support social connection; (2) physical and virtual access beyond the LTC home as strategies to maintain contact; (3) getting to know residents to deepen relationships; (4) person-centred approaches to build social connection. ‘Becoming familiar with life in the LTC home to support social connection’ described the benefits of counteracting the institutionalized feel of LTC homes, enabling LTC residents to spend time in meaningful ways, and increasing freedom of mobility around the home. ‘Physical and virtual access beyond the LTC home as strategies to maintain contact’ related to the benefits of outings, providing support with technology, and involving family and friends in LTC home life. ‘Getting to know residents to deepen relationships’ related to the benefits of using routine care and interactions as opportunities for social contact, using family and friend knowledge as a resource, and fostering resident relationships. ‘Person-centred approaches to build social connection’ included considering physical, mental, cognitive, and sensory impairments, accounting for adjustment and sociability, using communal spaces well, and prioritizing psychosocial needs.ConclusionsThis study identifies barriers and facilitators to social connection for LTC residents which can be addressed in care policies, staff selection and training, and can inform policies and interventions to build and maintain social connection in LTC homes.Clinical trial numberclinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05315960.

A Resident Narrative Medicine Curriculum to Promote Professional Identity Development: Story-Based Sessions Grounded in Narrative Learning Theory.

Empathy, reflection, and social connectedness are important skills for physician identity development and are increasingly challenged by burnout. Humanities-based interventions like narrative medicine (NM) are emerging in medical education to promote these skills. Only 17% of such initiatives target graduate medical learners. Furthermore, interventions are inconsistent in approach and theory representation. NM uses story-based learning to promote reflection and group discussion. Inspired by narrative learning theory, we developed NM sessions for residents to foster healthy identity development. Ninety-minute sessions were integrated into curricula for PGY 1-PGY 3 internal medicine-primary care residents at two large academic centers. Sessions involved engagement with a narrative source (stories, poems, art), personal reflection, and group discussion. Topics ranged from burnout to difficult patients. Participants completed anonymous postsession surveys assessing satisfaction, attitudes, and skills. Fifteen sessions occurred from 2021 to 2023, with three to 10 residents per session. Fifty residents completed between one and four sessions, with 68 survey responses (response rate: 88%). Over 95% ranked 4-5 out of 5 for overall impression (n = 67) and personal value (n = 65) of sessions. Sessions were highly enjoyable (M = 4.8), with mean scores of >4 out of 5 for impact on wellness, appreciation of work values, social connectedness, and patient care. NM sessions demonstrated measurable improvements in several domains of professional performance including wellness, job satisfaction, and patient care, while promoting camaraderie and emotion processing. Our materials offer tremendous potential for promoting healthy identity formation.

Close relationships with caregivers as protective factor for the mental health and functioning of war-affected Congolese youth

BackgroundSupportive social connections are a crucial determinant of the mental health and adjustment of youth in conflict-torn regions. Conflict-affected youth face particular risks to their well-being due to high levels of trauma exposure and perpetration of violent acts as members of armed groups and post-conflict discrimination. However, little is known about the possible protective role of close relationships with caregivers in the aftermath of trauma. This study examined whether a higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers would attenuate the associations between exposure to traumatic experiences and four indicators of adjustment (posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSS], emotional problems, behavioural problems, criminal behaviour) in a sample of 268 war-affected youth (61.2% male, Mage = 16.31 years) living in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. More than half of the present sample (56.7%) were former members of armed groups.MethodsData were collected using quantitative structured interviews and analyzed through regression models using the PROCESS macro.ResultsHigher cumulative trauma exposure was significantly related to higher levels of PTSS and emotional problems, while more frequent perpetration of war-related violence was significantly related to higher levels of PTSS, behavioural problems, and criminal behavior. The perceived quality of relationships with caregivers significantly moderated the associations between youth’s cumulative trauma exposure and all four outcomes. At higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers, the associations between trauma exposure and emotional problems, behavioural problems, and criminal behaviour were no longer significant and the association with PTSS was significantly weakened. Higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers was also directly significantly related to lower levels of mental health problems and criminal behaviour.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that interventions that focus on strengthening relationships with caregivers are crucial for supporting the mental health and functioning of youth who experienced and perpetrated war-related violence.

The effectiveness and acceptability of physical activity interventions amongst older adults with lower socioeconomic status: a mixed methods systematic review.

Older adults with lower socioeconomic status are less likely to be physically active than those with higher socioeconomic status. To inform future intervention development, this review explored: [i] how effective are physical activity interventions at increasing levels of physical activity amongst older adults with lower socioeconomic status?; [ii] what factors are associated with the acceptability of physical activity interventions amongst older adults with lower socioeconomic status?; [iii] what are the implications for developing physical activity interventions for older adults with lower socioeconomic status? This mixed methods systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ASSIA and Sports Medicine and Education Index were searched up to May 2023, to identify quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods primary research studies measuring the effectiveness of and/or experiences of physical activity interventions for older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) with lower socioeconomic status. No limits on country were applied. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results were synthesised using a results-based convergent synthesis approach with narrative synthesis of quantitative findings and thematic synthesis of qualitative findings. Thirty studies were included. Mixed effects were found for the effectiveness of physical activity interventions, with positive effects for increases in utilitarian walking (i.e. for transport) but not for leisure, mixed effects for objectively measured physical activity and no effects for self-reported total physical activity or muscle strengthening and flexibility activities. Engaging in physical activity interventions was perceived as offering many benefits, social familiarity was important to intervention acceptability and interventions were seen as more acceptable when they were compatible with the lifestyles of older adults with lower socioeconomic status. Future development of physical activity interventions for older adults with lower socioeconomic status should foster social connections, emphasise health benefits of physical activity, hold interventions in locations that are accessible and familiar to older adults with lower socioeconomic status, minimise costs to participants, employ individuals who share participant characteristics to lead interventions, and combine physical activity with other activities older adults with lower socioeconomic status already do to make more efficient use of time. PROSPERO CRD42023417312; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=417312 .

Social Networks within the City: Remaking the City through Movement and Collecting Materials in Johannesburg, South Africa

This study examines the dynamics of networks among informal recyclers in Fietas, Johannesburg, South Africa, focussing on how these networks embody their struggle for the "Right to the City." By observing informal recycling activities across various Johannesburg suburbs, the study highlights how recycling not only provides livelihoods for the unemployed but also allows marginalised groups to assert their presence and rights within the cityscape. Building upon Adama's (2012) analysis of urban livelihoods and social networks, this research explores the interactions and spatial practices of informal recyclers in Johannesburg. Informal recyclers develop connections with city stakeholders that demonstrate interdependencies crucial for their survival and claiming space within the city. These networks are vital for accessing resources such as recyclable waste, which provides essential needs like food and shelter. These everyday practices underscore the importance of social connections in building networks that sustain livelihoods and assert a right to belong in the city. The nature of these networks varies by location, policies, and social relations. Some are shaped by power dynamics and monopolies, while others reflect interdependence and mutual support. This paper argues that recognising these diverse networks is key to understanding how informal recyclers navigate the urban landscape. In line with Harvey's (2003) "Right to the City," these networks reflect efforts to reshape urban spaces to meet recyclers' needs, despite structural challenges. As Sung (2021) shows, hierarchies and power dynamics influence access to resources, highlighting the contested nature of urban life for informal recyclers.

Amazonian conservation across archipelagos of Indigenous territories.

Indigenous stewardship is essential to the conservation of biocultural diversity, yet conventional conservation models often treat Indigenous territories (ITs) as homogeneous or isolated units. We propose that archipelagos of Indigenous territories (AITs), clusters of ITs that span geographies but are connected through shared cultural or political ties maintained by Indigenous nations, are crucial for understanding and enhancing conservation strategies that recognize the complexity of Indigenous stewardship. We classified 3572 ITs in the Amazon into 4 categories-single or multiple nations with either singular IT or AIT-to assess their spatial heterogeneity, governance, and conservation potential. We then assessed species richness, carbon stocks, and pressures across these different categories. To examine how AITs can enhance biocultural conservation efforts, we conducted a case study of the Cofán Nation in Ecuador. AITs covered 45% of the Amazonian land area and had higher species richness and carbon stocks than single IT configurations. However, AITs faced greater pressures from development and extractive activities. In the case study, the Cofán AIT was shaped by colonization and land titling challenges, but their community-driven governance, cross-territorial collaboration, and adaptive responses-such as comanagement agreements and resisting extractive activities-enhanced their ecological and cultural resilience amid growing development pressures. Our findings suggest that AITs facilitate the exchange of resources, knowledge, and cultural practices, which strengthens social connectivity, reinforces governance structures, and enables adaptive management across ITs, thereby enhancing biocultural resilience across discontinuous spaces. This work advocates for a paradigm shift in conservation planning and practice that recognizes the vital role of AITs in sustaining Amazonian ecosystems and Indigenous lifeways, particularly in the face of increasing pressures.

Motivations of Sports Tourists and Their Companions in Participating in Rowing Activities in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)

This study explores the motivations of sports tourists and their companions in participating in rowing activities within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Water-based sports tourism, such as rowing, has increased in popularity due to its integration of physical activity with natural environments. A quantitative research design was employed, using structured questionnaires to assess five key motivational categories: physical health, personal achievement, social interaction, psychological well-being, and experiential enjoyment. A total of 200 participants, including sports tourists and their companions, were surveyed at various rowing events in the EEC. Results show high motivation levels across all categories, with experiential motivation being the most significant factor, followed by physical health and personal achievement. These findings underscore the importance of promoting rowing as an activity that addresses both physical and psychological needs while fostering social connections. Future research could explore how these factors influence long-term participation and retention in sports tourism.