Well-being Research Articles

Developing a social and emotional wellbeing intervention using the early childhood education and care environment: an Intervention Mapping approach

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper was to describe how Intervention Mapping Steps 1–4 were used to develop the My Sensory Experience Resource (MSER) to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing through the environment. Empirical evidence, behaviour change theory, and stakeholder feedback were combined to co-design MSER for the early childhood education and care sector using the first four steps of the Intervention Mapping framework. First, a thorough needs assessment was conducted to inform a logic model of the problem and define the intervention goals. Second, outcomes, performance objectives and change objectives were outlined at individual, interpersonal and organizational levels. Third, a practical resource was developed by mapping behaviour change theories to the resource components. Finally, relevant health knowledge was translated into the materials and resources, labelled as MSER, for educators, teams and organizations. MSER strengths, limitations and future directions are discussed.

Space, place and recovery: Fostering atmospheres of dignity in interiors where inhabitants have limited influence

ABSTRACT The design literature proposes frameworks for building and renovating rehabilitation and recovery facilities that promote wellbeing; however, little attention has been given to temporarily inhabited interiors that provide similar services. The story of two spaces hosting Recovery Café support groups is presented to highlight the importance of place, atmosphere, and control in promoting dignity, empowerment, and self-worth in recovery support settings that operate in borrowed spaces. One space was outfitted with the café in mind, and the other was simply inhabited and dressed for the occasion. Participant observations in both spaces indicated that furniture, fixtures, and displays within a given spatial envelope may impact psychological and social wellbeing by offering self-expression and means to regulate social interactions. Inhabiting a space that restricts participation in the environment poses problems related to belonging and trust. Additionally, places imbued with memory and meaning were potential obstacles in long-term recovery journeys, suggesting that the location of recovery services should be carefully selected.

DEMOGRAPHY OF AGEING POPULATION IN NIGERIA: TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS

Nigeria, like many other African countries, is experiencing a rapidly ageing population, with significant implications for healthcare, social security, and economic growth. Lack of functional national policy on the care and welfare of older persons in Nigeria, the breakdown of the family structure and the absence of a social security system, present unique challenges to the elderly in Nigeria. This paper analyzes the demography of the ageing population in Nigeria with a focus on the trends, challenges, and implications for healthcare, social security and economic growth. The paper relied on secondary sources of data such as journal articles and books in the area of the ageing population in Nigeria for its analysis. The Disengagement Theory provided theoretical pathway for the study. Based on the review, it was found that the rapidly ageing population poses challenges to Nigeria’s development including strains on social security system, increased healthcare costs, and potential decline in economic productivity. These challenges are due to lack of policies and the appointment of personnel capable of understanding and responding to the current social priorities and complex needs of an increasingly aging population in the country. The paper recommends among others, the need for policy makers to put in place, functional policies towards a robust public pension, insurance and healthcare system to ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for the ageing population in Nigeria.

Interventions supporting meaningful connections for people with serious mental illness: a concept-framed systematic narrative review.

Meaningful connections, encompassing relationships providing emotional support, understanding, acceptance, and a sense of belonging, are vital for social inclusion and well-being of Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). The mixed methods review critically explored multifaceted approaches supporting people with SMI to foster meaningful (non-intimate) social relationships or connections. Searches of eight electronic databases returned 4882 records. Duplicate removal, title abstract, then full-text, screening and hand searching resulted in 23 records for inclusion. Studies were integrated using the CIVIC Framework emphasising the importance of Closeness, Identity, Valued relationships, Involvement, feeling Cared for and accepted. The review identified emotional and physical challenges, societal stigma, and other environmental factors to hinder making meaningful connections. Studies highlighted the necessity for interventions being adaptable, personalised, and encompassing of structured activities, peer and professional supports, and technology-assisted platforms. The complexity of social interactions for those with SMI call for comprehensive, holistic strategies to nurture social relationships within their communities.

Homoeopathic Management of Specific Phobia

Introduction: Phobia is an excessive fear of a specific object, circumstance, or situation. Specific phobia is a strong, persisting fear of an object or situation that always occurs upon exposure to the feared stimulus. Many phobias respond strongly to in vivo exposure therapy; however, the strategy is often hindered by high dropout rates and low treatment acceptance. Homoeopathy can be regarded as an alternative treatment for specific phobia. Case summary: Three cases of Specific Phobia in adults are presented here, which have been treated exclusively with individualized Homoeopathic medicines without any supportive therapies. The case was diagnosed based on ICD 10 criteria by a consultant psychiatrist at the institute. The Diagnosis and Severity were assessed using the Severity Measure for Specific Phobia-Adult (SMSP-A) scale. Naranjo Criteria explicitly depicted possible causal attribution of changes. During the treatment course, patients experienced notable alleviation of symptoms related to fears of diseases, snakes, enclosed spaces, and thunderstorms, leading to enhanced social and occupational well-being. However, more extensive research is needed on the topic to prove the effectiveness of individualized Homoeopathic medicine in specific phobias. The overall assessment of the cases showed a positive role of Homoeopathy as the cases are exclusively managed by Individualized Homoeopathic medicine. KEYWORDS: Case series, Homeopathy, Specific Phobia, Severity Measure for Specific Phobia-Adult (SMSP-A) scale

Future-Ready Minds, Resilient Hearts: Understanding Psychological Well-being and Resilience in College Teaching in the Philippines

The psychological well-being of college instructors is a critical factor in their professional satisfaction and effectiveness, yet there is limited research on how various dimensions of well-being evolve in response to career challenges and institutional support, particularly for instructors balancing both teaching and administrative duties. This study addresses this gap by exploring the psychological well-being of 12 college instructors in a qualitative case study. Using in-depth interviews, the study examines five key constructs of well-being: emotional, social, professional, physical, and personal well-being. The findings reveal that instructors' well-being is shaped by external pressures, such as the dual demands of teaching and administrative responsibilities, as well as institutional support. Internal factors, including coping strategies, personal reflection, and social support, also play a significant role. Notably, the study identifies the importance of a sense of purpose, work-life balance, and supportive relationships in maintaining resilience against stress. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that a holistic approach to teacher well-being, considering both professional and personal dimensions, is essential for enhancing mental health and job satisfaction. The research underscores the need for institutions to develop tailored, comprehensive well-being programs and suggests that future research should examine the long-term effects of such interventions, particularly for instructors with dual roles, and explore how different teaching contexts influence well-being outcomes.

Life as a Design Element of Hardened Urban Shorelines

Armored urban shorelines have historically impoverished life on the waterfront. Materials and forms were chosen to discourage the settlement of marine communities and human access. This has weakened shoreline habitats and adjacent terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and diminished urban human experiences by reducing links to nature. Augmentation of existing structures and new waterfront designs for specific ecological goals such as salmon habitat improvement are reversing these trends. With the integration of advances in ecology, social science, engineering, architecture, and regulation, urban shorelines can be designed and built to enrich human experience and natural resources through connections rather than through separation and can then be considered “living shorelines.” Such a holistic approach should extend from the subtidal to the terrestrial vegetated and built environment. As with traditional soft sediment living shorelines, life can be included from the outset and be applied as an integral design element providing many functions as well as ecosystem services and social well-being benefits. We present challenges and recommend solutions for broad incorporation of this new vision for urban shorelines. We need data on biological recruitment processes, a better understanding of human social engagement with the urban shore, and continued development of materials for strength, customizability, ecosystem compatibility, and reduced carbon footprint. Measuring and tracing impacts or contributions will be difficult. Improved assessments of investment risk and reward for urban areas are needed to fund these efforts, and regulatory adaptability is needed to allow the transformation of urban shores into living shores.

Catalytic role of Islam’s social well-being and economic justice as determinants of peaceful coexistence: a systematic literature review using PRISMA

Purpose The contributions of Islam to human civilization, spanning theology, philosophy, politics, economy, sociology and science, find ample documentation in several historical records. This paper aims to critically examine the catalytic role played by Islam’s social well-being and economic justice in advancing peaceful coexistence. Design/methodology/approach This exploration is carried out through a systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework. The paper addresses three core thematic research questions, with the intent of offering a comprehensive contribution to both the theory and application of Islamic Studies. To acquire essential data, a qualitative research approach focused on documentation, particularly the collection of non-numerical data from secondary sources, including the Qur’an, Hadith and scholarly articles, was used. Findings The systematic literature review led to three notable insights. Firstly, the promotion of social well-being by Islam contributes positively to peaceful coexistence across various global regions. Secondly, Islam’s emphasis on economic justice also plays a constructive role in nurturing peaceful coexistence in diverse geographical areas. Thirdly, the alignment between Islam’s promotion of social well-being and economic justice, following the principles of Maqasid al-Shari’ah and the five international principles of peaceful coexistence, lays the groundwork for prospective theoretical inquiries. Originality/value This study provides a pioneering perspective by systematically integrating Islamic principles with international frameworks for peaceful coexistence through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) methodology. It offers a unique contribution by presenting how Islam’s intrinsic values of social well-being and economic justice using Maqasidul Shari’ah indicators serve as catalysts for promoting global harmony and social stability. By bridging religious tenets with universal coexistence principles, the study sets a foundational framework for interdisciplinary and policy-driven discourse on achieving sustainable peace through faith-based social and economic structures.

Responsiveness and clinical utility of PROMIS instruments in pediatric Crohn's disease: insights from a longitudinal study

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may adversely affect physical, psychological, and social well-being. Integrating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical practice is crucial for comprehensive disease management.ObjectiveTo evaluate the responsiveness and clinical utility of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instruments, compared with standard clinical assessment tools in pediatric CD patients.MethodsA longitudinal, prospective study with 31 pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) patients aged 8–17 years recruited from a Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit. Data were collected at baseline and every 6 months over 18 months. PROMIS pediatric measures assessed PROs. Disease activity was evaluated using the pediatric Crohn's disease activity index (PCDAI) and clinical markers. IMPACT-III was also applied. Linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) and bivariate analyses were used to assess changes over time.ResultsPROMIS Global Health scores showed significant improvement over time, indicating enhanced overall health perceptions among patients. Notable reductions were observed in PROMIS Pain Interference and Fatigue scores, indicating better physical health. PROMIS depression scores generally decreased, suggesting improved mental health. PCDAI scores, hemoglobin, and platelet count significantly changed and correlated with PROMIS measures. Globally, the study demonstrated significant and clinically relevant changes in multiple PROMIS measures, confirming their responsiveness to changes in disease activity.ConclusionPROMIS instruments are clinically useful in managing pediatric CD, providing valuable insights into global health and quality of life. Integrating PROMIS measures into routine clinical practice may enhance disease management and treatment strategies for pediatric IBD patients.

Visual Art Activities as a Means of Realizing Aspects of Empowerment for Blind and Visually Impaired Young People

In this article, we present a study that examined the effects of visual art activities on the realization of aspects of empowerment in a blind ninth-grade elementary school female student with minimal residual vision. We focused on three key aspects: well-being, positive self-image, and empowerment of strengths and weaknesses. In addition to the student, her mother and a personal assistant who accompanies the student during each activity in art class participated in the study. Based on initial interviews with all three participants, we developed ten visual art activities that address at least one of the listed aspects in different ways. Based on interviews, rating scales, observations and analysis of the visual art solutions, we found that visual art activities have a significant impact on improving a person's well-being, helping to strengthen a good self-image, reinforcing strong areas and developing weaker ones. In the future, we could broaden the range of psychological aspects that could be influenced by artistic activities, and we would also obtain more interesting and reliable results if more people with different special needs were included in the research.

When aging meets digitisation: can urban digital technology innovations enhance the well-being of older adults?

Introduction. With the rapid advancement of urban digital transformation in China, the significance of innovation in urban digital technology has become increasingly pronounced in the lives of elderly individuals. However, existing research on its impact remains limited. This study investigates the profound influence of urban digital technology innovation on the well-being of elderly people in Chinese cities, elucidating key mechanisms and moderating factors. Method. This study collected data on 1,317,694 digital technology innovation patents in urban areas, the level of urban digital transformation, and factors such as social support and well-being among elderly residents in Chinese cities. Empirical analysis was conducted using an OLS mixed-effects model, yielding compelling and convincing results. Results. Urban digital technology innovation significantly and positively affects the well-being of elderly individuals. The widespread adoption of digital technology broadens the horizons of the elderly, providing increased opportunities for social interaction, knowledge acquisition and health management. Furthermore, we identify urban digital transformation as a mediating factor between urban digital technology innovation and the well-being of elderly individuals. Crucial elements in this mediation encompass the establishment of a digital society, efficient digital governance, and robust digital infrastructure. Intriguingly, social support, serving as a moderating variable, influences the extent to which urban digital technology innovation affects the well-being of elderly individuals. Conclusion. Our study highlights the crucial role of urban digital innovation in enhancing elderly well-being. It offers valuable insights for policymakers to promote digital inclusion, social support, and sustainable urban development strategies that benefit older adults.

Social Economy Well-Being Improvement Based on Quality Function Deployment Framework

Social Economy Well-Being Improvement Based on Quality Function Deployment Framework

The Role of Fashion and Art in First Nations Healing, Decolonisation, and Cultural Practice

This paper explores the intersection of art, fashion, and decolonisation within First Nations communities, focusing on how clothing and adornment are powerful tools for healing, cultural survival, and resistance. Through art programs, fashion workshops, and community-based projects, First Nations peoples reconnect with culture, land, and history, fostering identity and continuity while addressing the traumas of colonisation. This paper examines how First Nations artists and designers engage with traditional garments, such as kangaroo skin cloaks and shell necklaces, to reclaim ancestral practices and challenge colonial traumas. By reinterpreting colonial clothes and creating new forms of fashion, artists engage in truth-telling, amplify resilience, and promote reconciliation. This paper highlights the role of art and fashion as an aesthetic expression and a strategy for cultural survival and resistance. It concludes by offering recommendations for policies and programs that support First Nations fashion initiatives, fostering economic opportunities, social well-being, and intergenerational healing. Ultimately, this paper advocates for the transformative power of art and fashion as pathways to decolonisation and empowerment for First Nations communities.

Interrelationships between social exclusion, mental health and wellbeing in adolescents: insights from a national Youth Survey.

Adolescence is a critical developmental phase during which young people are vulnerable to the experiences of mental ill-health and social exclusion (consisting of various domains including education and employment, housing, finances and social supports and relationships). The aims of this study were to (i) obtain an understanding of the relationships between social exclusion, mental health and wellbeing of young people; and (ii) identify potentially modifiable targets, or population groups that require greater or targeted supports. Data were obtained from the Mission Australia 2022 Youth Survey, Australia's largest annual population-wide survey of young people aged 15-19 years (n = 18,800). Participants' experiences of social exclusion in different domains were explored (e.g., prevalence, co-occurrence and controlling for differences in demographic characteristics). Multivariable linear regression models were used to map the relationships between social exclusion domains and mental health and wellbeing, controlling for confounding factors where necessary. Sixty per cent of all young people experienced social exclusion in at least one domain, 25% in multiple. Young people who identified as gender diverse, Indigenous, living in a remote/rural or socio-economically disadvantaged area and with a culturally diverse background were more likely to report social exclusion. A strong association was seen between all domains of social exclusion and poor mental health (e.g., higher psychological distress and loneliness, reduced personal wellbeing, reduced sense of control over their life and a more negative outlook on the future). Notably, difficulties in socialising and obtaining social support were critical factors linked to increased psychological distress and reduced wellbeing. Findings underscore the need to address multiple domains of social exclusion concurrently, and in collaboration with youth mental healthcare. Prevention efforts aimed at early identification and intervention should be prioritised to support young people vulnerable to social exclusion. Screening approaches are needed to identify individuals and groups of young people in need of support, and to facilitate care coordination across multiple providers.

Bilingual Perspectives of Functional Dyspepsia Management in People from Underserved Areas.

Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), like functional dyspepsia (FD), are prevalent and challenging conditions. In other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, individuals from underserved areas (UAs) have difficulty accessing care. Little is known about UA FD patient perspectives of their care, especially in those with limited English proficiency (LEP). We aimed to characterize patients' experiences with FD management with the goal of informing future studies targeting DGBI management in potentially vulnerable communities residing in UAs. Participants meeting FD criteria were identified in two community health centers affiliated with a large academic medical center in the northeastern United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. Transcripts were reviewed by a bilingual panel of investigators using the constant comparative method of iterative data acquisition. Psychosocial stressors and GI symptom severity were assessed. A total of 26 participants were interviewed (12 English-speaking, 14 Spanish-speaking). Broadly, GI symptoms were mild and there was mild-to-moderate psychological distress present. Adverse social determinants of health were highly prevalent. Despite mild symptom severity on objective scales, FD severely impacted quality-of-life and interfered with physical, psychological, and social wellbeing, including avoidance of certain foods and professional/social situations. Study subjects (particularly those of LEP status) reported difficulty in receiving care. Thematic saturation was achieved. Even when symptoms were mild, interviewees from UAs reported significant FD-related impairment, along with psychological distress. Education interventions targeting FD-related care in UAs should be designed to improve shared decision-making in FD, sensitive to the burden of social determinants of health.

Специфика религиозной идентичности армянской молодежи в России и в Армении

<p><strong>Objective. </strong>The aim of the study is to identify the role of values in the relationship between religious identity and psychological well-being of Armenian respondents in Armenia and the Krasnodar Territory of Russia.<br><strong>Background. </strong>At present, religious identity, especially in Armenia, is an important marker of ethnic identity, a consolidating factor for Armenians as a social community and a process of forming the civil self-consciousness of an individual. Since the church plays an important role in the history and life of the Armenian people, for Armenians it is a symbol of national identity and a link between the Armenian diaspora and the title ethnos. <br><strong>Study design. </strong>The study examined the relationship between religious identity of Armenians in Russia and Armenia and other social identities, the link between social identities and psychological well-being, their relationship with values. These characteristics were tested using univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression analysis (hierarchical regression), and moderation analysis. <br><strong>Participants. </strong>The total sample consisted of 245 participants. Russian sample: 113 people (44% men, 56% women) aged 18-30 years (<em>M</em> = 20,3;<em> SD</em> = 2,5). Armenian sample: 132 people (13,6% men, 86,4% women) aged 18-41 years (<em>M</em> = 19,94; <em>SD </em>= 1,86). <br><strong>Measurements. </strong>Russian-language versions of scales from the international project "Mutual Intercultural Relations in Pluralistic Societies" (MIRIPS) and the questionnaire by S. Schwartz PVQ-R. Psychological Well-Being Scale by C. Ryff. Author's questionnaire for socio-demographic characteristics. <br><strong>Results. </strong>Armenians of Armenia and Kuban differ significantly in ethnic, civil, religious and local identities and psychological well-being. Religious identity in both groups was associated with ethnic, civil and local identities. The influence of values on the level of religious identity, as well as the effect of values in the relationship between religious identity and psychological well-being, was established. <br><strong>Conclusions. </strong>There is a relationship between religious identity and other social identities; value orientations influence religious identity.</p>

A Thematic Analysis, Definition, and a Green Aviation Conceptual Model—Putting It All Together

The notion of ‘Green Aviation’ has gained interest over the last three years. However, there is no clear definition of what the term green aviation means. Many interpret the meaning to describe the focus of their study, resulting in a diverse understanding of what it entails. In this study, we present our systematic approach to proposing a definition that meets all stakeholders’ understanding and extract from the definition an actionable framework. Focusing on total quality management and circular economy frameworks, we followed a two-step approach towards the definition: Conduct a thematic analysis on the body of literature, followed by consultations with green aviation professionals. Green aviation is defined as sustainable aviation practices to minimize environmental impact and continuously improve social wellbeing. This definition is used to extract a conceptual framework to help future research work and sustainability integration into the practitioner’s strategic planning. The proposed framework adapts the triple bottom line theory to include an organization’s level of social, environmental, and economic integration towards increased ‘sustainability value’. Our study findings provide organizations with insight into pathways towards the successful integration of their environmental goals into their strategic planning, where continuous improvement and social responsibility play a central role.

MEIO AMBIENTE E SUSTENTABILIDADE: ENSINO E POSTURA DE QUATRO IGREJAS CRISTÃS DE ABAETETUBA

In the last decades, there has been a strong concern on the part of the communities of our planet in relation to the environment, due to the changes caused by man in nature or even by the responses given by herself to the actions undertaken by him. This article analyzes the position of four Christian churches in relation to the environment and sustainability, on how religious institutions are promoting knowledge to understand environmental dilemmas, in addition to checking if there are any projects and / or guidance on these issues. The focus of the research was the municipality of Abaetetuba, an Amazon region where there are companies that wish to explore the locality. The analysis of this research will be done through graphics whose interviewees are members of these churches. It is concluded that the principles of Christian formation, religion as a link, establishes as a defining element the rules and guidelines that awaken in the faithful the awareness of rational and wise coexistence with nature, for the development of an environment conducive to quality of life, defining social well-being.

Audiologists' Awareness and Use of Resilience-Building Strategies

Purpose: Audiologists face occupational stressors that put them at risk for burnout, which can impact personal well-being and lead to poor patient care. Resilience building can mitigate the impact of occupational stressors. The purpose of this study was to explore audiologists' awareness and use of various resilience-building strategies. Method: In this qualitative study, 12 audiologists completed a virtual interview focused on occupational stressors and resilience building. Results: Five of the 12 participants (42%) stated they understood the term “resilience building” when queried at the start of the interview. When provided with clarification, many limited their commentary to specific examples provided by the interviewer, without expanding their responses to more diverse resilience-building strategies. Participants described the ways they used strategies proactively to mitigate the long-term impact of stress (sleep, exercise, boundaries) and reactively for managing acute stress (psychotherapy), with some strategies used both proactively and reactively across participants (connections, mindfulness/meditation). Conclusions: All participants described using at least one strategy to combat occupational stressors, but there did not appear to be a clear understanding of the holistic nature of resilience building or an overall strategy to apply diverse strategies to build resilience. Barriers to the use of resilience-building strategies included exhaustion, lack of time, and motivation. Gaps in awareness and application suggest audiologists may benefit from education on resilience building as a holistic approach to combating occupational stress and decreasing burnout.

Cross-cultural examination of social support, academic support, and well-being

In this study used a comprehensive survey instrument to examine the nexus of social support, academic assistance, and well-being among 190 university students, including 64 international and 126 Indian students, with gender parity. It addresses a critical gap in the literature by exploring how emotional and educational support intertwine and elucidating their impact on students' psychological states. The findings highlighted a positive correlation between social and academic support and overall well-being for both cohorts, with minor cultural differences. The study underscores the importance of culturally sensitive interventions in fostering student well-being, calling for tailored support systems. These insights can enhance support services in academic institutions for diverse student populations with the aim of enhancing their holistic well-being.