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Peer support is where individuals with the same shared experience provide mutual support. Using a non-controlled repeated measure design, this study evaluates initial efficacy of one-to-one email peer support. Young people with an eating disorder were matched with a recovered volunteer befriender, for up to one year, providing 1–3 email contacts a week. All participants completed measures (self-esteem, self-efficacy, wellbeing) at start of service, two and four-month intervals for recipients (n = 92) and peer befrienders (n = 86) respectively, and at end of service. Recipients also completed measures of social connectedness, impact of eating disorder, and goal-based outcomes. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models indicated significant improvements across all outcomes for recipients by 4 months, apart from self-esteem, and improvements self-efficacy, eating disorder impact and goal-based outcomes maintained at end of service. Peer befrienders did not show changes in self-esteem or self-efficacy, but there was a small significant reduction in wellbeing. The study provides evidence for email peer support for young people with eating disorders and highlights the need for robust support for befriending roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live-streamed and recorded concerts have increased the possibilities for attending live performances. In this study, our goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the qualities of the aesthetic experience in digital concerts of Western classical music. We thematically analyzed the free-form comments left by 341 participants of an online experiment after they viewed a digital concert. With an inductive approach, we developed a thematic framework focusing on medium-related affordances and their influence on the participants' experiences. The camerawork has a particular potential to affect sensory perception; for example, through close-ups and offering different visual perspectives. Additionally, the peculiarity of viewing the concert from one's living room creates a situation that can both foster and inhibit aspects of the experience and produce a constrained kind of social connectedness. Hence, specific experiential dimensions—such as closeness and immersion—are developed by the digital medium in distinctive ways. At the same time, participants' previous live experiences induced expectations conditioning the whole experience. Overall, this study contributes to understanding how an audience's aesthetic experience acquires specific qualities through the digitization of the concert. The findings also indicate possibilities for triggering specific dimensions of the audience's experience in future digital or hybrid concert design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have assessed the impact of operas on audience engagement in social issues and psychological well-being. This study evaluated a streaming opera's effects on measures of audience engagement important to Veterans' recovery from posttraumatic stress and unstable housing. Among 185 attendees, 137 completed at least part of the pre- or postopera surveys, and 45 completed both pre- and postopera surveys. Participants also shared 31 comments and 34 Zoom chat submissions. The primary outcome was change in willingness to engage in social activities, work, and family relationships with Veterans with posttraumatic stress or unstable housing. Secondary outcomes included measures of movement toward greater engagement, hope for Veterans Affairs (VA) response, positive and negative affect, arousal, and social connectedness. There was a large increase in overall willingness to engage with Veterans who have posttraumatic stress or unstable housing (Cohen's d =.74). Similar increases were observed among those reporting personal experience with trauma or unstable housing, despite high baseline willingness to engage. Postopera movement toward engagement correlated with postopera ratings of positive affect, social connectedness, and arousal. Qualitative comments highlighted the inspirational and emotionally connected structural features of the work along with concerns about witnessing trauma and abuse. These findings suggest that opera may be an effective vehicle to promote engagement with clinical and social concerns. The results further show that increased willingness to engage is associated with psychological well-being. The qualitative results may inform creation of future presentations in both content and style to maximize beneficial impacts and community uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses how the principle of gender equality informs politics of belonging in Switzerland. We propose to conceptualize 'doing belonging' as a technology of power and we examine how actors in (non-)institutional settings employ it as part of professional and personal action. The paper draws on two case studies: an ethnography of institutions in charge of Swiss naturalization procedures and a series of qualitative interviews with migrant descendants. It unpacks how individuals negotiate belonging in different social contexts that are marked by specific power relations. First, we reveal how ideas of gender equality shape the implementation of state policies in naturalization procedures by selectively assessing the candidates according to their national and assumed cultural background. Second, we show how naturalized individuals are doing belonging when confronting external ascriptions as being 'gender unequal'. The analysis contributes to a better understanding of the role the principle of gender equality plays in politics of belonging enacted at a micro-sociological and individual level, thus illuminating the gendered underpinnings of migration politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine adolescents' perspectives regarding external and internal influences of the e-cigarette initiation process. Design: Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews. Setting: California, remote videoconference. Participants: Adolescents ages 13-17 who currently or previously used e-cigarettes (n = 47). Method: Interviews occurred from May 2020-February 2021. Two researchers coded transcripts based on a codebook developed inductively. Coded excerpts were reviewed to identify encompassing themes related to adolescent e-cigarette initiation. Results: Adolescents were often near e-cigarette use by peers, family members, and others, creating ample opportunities to try e-cigarettes in response to curiosity, peer pressure, and desires to cope with stress or belong to a group. Adverse first experiences were common (eg, throat irritation, nausea), but many adolescents vaped again or continued to use regularly in attempts to cement friendships or alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, including low-cost, concealability, and variety in designs and flavors facilitated initiation, continued use, and nicotine dependence. Conclusions: Adolescents progress to e-cigarette use via a multistage process, starting where social expectations and opportunity converge. While individual circumstances vary, many continue to vape as a perceived coping tool for emotional issues, to gain social belonging, or influenced by e-cigarette characteristics that contribute to ongoing use and dependence. Efforts to deter use should address the devices themselves and the social forces driving youth interest in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, political tensions between Hong Kong and mainland China over the territory's status, culminating with the 2019/20 pro-democracy demonstrations, spilled over into tourism, with rising antagonism among "HongKongers" toward Chinese tourists. Central to these strained relationships are complex identity tensions that position HongKongers as distinct from mainland Chinese, despite being essentially "compatriots." The sense of belonging to a social group is derived from the interactions that distinguish "us" from "others," whilst the Chinese have been signified as "others" in this scenario, their perspectives on the issue are poorly understood. This study utilizes social identity theory to unpack these identity positions. Our results uncover changes in Chinese tourists' reflections on perceived othering they experienced by HongKongers and how identity plays a significant role in redefining relationships between hosts and guests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of students experienced increased levels of stress and worries about their college pursuits as they were forced to abrupt pivot to online and hybrid learning due to the global pandemic. Drawing from the theory of human needs, this study examined the extent to which COVID-19 influenced the relationship between financial well-being, needs satisfaction, and college persistence among undergraduate college students. Findings suggest financial well-being and needs satisfaction predicted college persistence. We also found that as social belonging (group connection) and self-actualization (academic achievement) increase, college persistence decreases. Both needs satisfaction and financial well-being were important and of critical nature, pre-pandemic, and were amplified for students during the pandemic. Suggestions on how university administrators and faculty can support their students amid crises, such as COVID-19, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Providing opportunities for social interaction and access to psychosocial interventions are 2 of the 15 Standards for Psychosocial Care for Children with Cancer and Their Families. Peer relationships are especially important among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), and cancer disrupts this aspect of social development. Many AYAs with cancer report a desire to engage in peer support groups; however, this remains a critical unmet need. Telehealth is a cost-effective and increasingly common modality for delivering health care that reduces access barriers and may be an especially good fit for AYAs with cancer. Little work has evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of peer support groups for AYAs with cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth peer support group intervention for AYAs with cancer. Methods: Telehealth group interventions are offered twice yearly as standard of care at Seattle Children's Hospital to AYAs on or off treatment for cancer or a brain tumor. Group members are assigned to a High School Group (grades 9–12) or an AYA Group (spring of grade 12 or older). Aim 1 is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for all patients who participate in groups in their clinical care. Feasibility will be assessed based on a priori metrics (enrollment, attendance, attrition) for all group members. Group and telehealth acceptability will be assessed by a 16-item internally developed measure that was adapted from the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. Aim 2 is to conduct patient stakeholder semi-structured interviews post-intervention with 20 AYAs to gather feedback and inform intervention refinement. Participants who opt-in for study procedures will also complete exploratory measures of social connectedness/isolation, depression, and benefit finding, pre- and post-intervention (Aim 3). Discussion: Findings from this pilot study will inform intervention refinement, intervention implementation, and sample sizes for future powered trials. This study will provide preliminary empirical evidence to support the development of effective group interventions for AYAs with cancer that increase opportunities for social interaction and access to peer support, with the potential to contribute to improved psychosocial care of AYAs with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominance of online social media data as a source for large-scale social network studies has recently been challenged by networks constructed from state-curated register data. In this paper focused on the cross-comparison of the network structures, we investigate the similarities and differences of the Dutch online social network (OSN) Hyves and a register-based social network (RSN) of the Netherlands. First and foremost, we find that node metrics and the connectivity of the two population-scale networks are similar, with more long-distance ties captured by the OSN, and with the OSN ties proving to be predictive of RSN ties. These results hold when correcting for population size and geographical distance, notwithstanding that these two factors appear to be the main drivers of connectivity. Second, we show using multiple algorithms that the community structure of the two networks is similar and that neither follows strict administrative geographical delineations (e.g., provinces). Instead, communities appear to either center around large metropolitan areas or, outside of the country's most urbanized area, comprise large blocks of interdependent municipalities. Beyond population and distance-related patterns, communities also highlight the persistence of deeply rooted sociocultural communities such as the Dutch Bible belt. The findings presented in this work aid in interpreting results from future studies in which register-based social networks are used to obtain insights into the social network structure of an entire population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveParticipantsMethodsResultsConclusionsIn this study, we examine social support and sense of belonging as protective factors against depression and anxiety among undergraduates with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), a growing population at heightened risk for mental health problems.Our sample of 170 undergraduates (ages 18–25) attending a large public university in the southwestern US was comprised of predominantly female-identified (69%), South Asian (45%), junior and senior (78%), full time (97%) students.Students self-reported ACEs, perceived social support, sense of school belonging, and depression and anxiety symptoms in fall 2022.Controlling for age, higher ACEs and lower social support and belonging predicted more severe depression and anxiety. Higher ACEs only significantly predicted higher depression severity when support and belonging were low. Interactions predicting anxiety were nonsignificant.Findings highlight social support and belonging as potential intervention targets for reducing mental health risk among students with ACEs or other traumatic experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the internet has allowed for the global distribution of content, redefining media communication and property structures through various streaming platforms. Previous studies successfully clarified the factors contributing to trends in each streaming service, yet the similarities and differences between platforms are commonly unexplored; moreover, the influence of social connections and cultural similarity is usually overlooked. We hereby examine the social aspects of three significant streaming services–Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube–with an emphasis on the dissemination of content across countries. Using two-year-long trending chart datasets, we find that streaming content can be divided into two types: video-oriented (Netflix) and audio-oriented (Spotify). This characteristic is differentiated by accounting for the significance of social connectedness and linguistic similarity: audio-oriented content travels via social links, but video-oriented content tends to spread throughout linguistically akin countries. Interestingly, user-generated contents, YouTube, exhibits a dual characteristic by integrating both visual and auditory characteristics, indicating the platform is evolving into unique medium rather than simply residing a midpoint between video and audio media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bed rest (BR) studies are primarily designed to investigate the effects of weightlessness on the human body, but they are also used to study the effects of physical inactivity. For this purpose, participants are typically recruited from the general population without requiring specialized training, which contrasts with the selection process for cosmonauts. The BR study environment is often characterized as highly stressful, highlighting the importance of understanding coping mechanisms and adaptation strategies among participants, as well as the role of their daily interactions. This review aims to determine whether interpersonal relationships and the concept of social connectedness (SC) have been explored within the context of BR studies. For the search strategy, the definition of exclusion criteria, and the initial screening, PRISMA 2020 statement was followed. The PEO framework was used to generate keywords, and thematic synthesis was applied for data extraction, analysis, and synthesis. An initial search did not uncover any studies examining the concept of SC in the context of BR as an environment with extreme conditions, suggesting that SC in this context has not yet been investigated. While findings of thematic synthesis indicate that interpersonal relationships play a significant role in coping with and adapting to the extreme conditions of BR studies. As results showed these relationships can have both positive and negative effects. Interpersonal relationships also serve as a crucial support mechanism among participants. Additionally, how participants make sense of their involvement in such studies remains underexplored, and further research in this area is recommended in the discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Guided by Self-System Processes Theory, Social Support Theory, and Stress and Coping Theory, this study investigates how perceived school climate influences adolescents' negative emotions through the chain mediation of school belonging and social avoidance and distress. It also examines demographic differences across gender and grade and tests the structural invariance of the proposed model. Method: A cross-sectional survey of 1,507 Chinese adolescents in grades 5–9 was conducted using validated scales. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used to examine gender and grade differences in the key variables. Structural equation modeling (SEM) tested the hypothesized mediation model, while multigroup SEM assessed structural invariance across subgroups. Results: Perceived school climate reduced negative emotions both directly and indirectly, with school belonging and social avoidance and distress as key mediators. Peer support demonstrated the strongest indirect effect, while teacher support and autonomy opportunities influenced negative emotions through both direct and indirect pathways. A chain mediation pathway was identified, and structural invariance testing confirmed consistent relationships across gender and grade groups. Conclusion: This study reveals a complex chain mediation mechanism and highlights the stability of structural relationships across demographic groups. The findings provide valuable theoretical and practical insights for fostering supportive school environments to promote adolescent emotional well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Graduate students face numerous demands, high stress levels, and associated challenges to intra- and inter-personal relationships. Mindfulness may help to ease such challenging experiences. The Mindfulness Ambassador Program (MAP) is a promising group-based program that has not yet been studied among graduate students. The primary objectives of this study were to: (1) explore graduate students' perceptions of stress, and their relationships with themselves and meaningful others; (2) explore graduate students' perspectives of and satisfaction with the MAP; and (3) investigate if participation in the MAP elicited changes in graduate students' perceived levels of stress, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and/or social connectedness. Methods: In this one-group, pre/post mixed-methods pilot study, nine participants completed pre-post questionnaires and participated in a semi-structured interview post-intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and paired t-tests. Results: Pre-intervention, qualitative themes included participants experiencing moderate-to-high stress levels, intrapersonal conflict, interpersonal relationship challenges, and seeing oneself as a work in progress. Post-intervention themes included better stress management, increased consideration for oneself and others, feelings of connection with others, and overall satisfaction with the MAP. Statistically significant improvements were found from pre- to post-intervention in mean score differences for perceived stress (p =.043), private self-awareness (p =.006), awareness of immediate surroundings (p =.044), and social connectedness (p =.006). Conclusions: Participants reported several benefits from their positive experience participating in the MAP. These findings may be used to inform future mindfulness-based programming for graduate students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the factors influencing teachers' organizational commitment in China. We employed a survey design with a sample of 506 full-time teachers from various public middle and high schools across mainland China. Social connectedness, job control, and work engagement were measured using self-reported scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the hypothesized relationships. The results indicated that social connectedness and job control were directly associated with higher levels of organizational commitment among teachers. Furthermore, work engagement played a mediating role in these relationships. Specifically, teachers who felt more connected to their colleagues and had greater control over their work reported higher levels of work engagement, which, in turn, predicted stronger organizational commitment. These findings highlight the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative school environment to cultivate social connectedness and provide teachers with greater autonomy and decision-making opportunities to enhance job control. By nurturing these factors, schools can promote work engagement, ultimately leading to a more dedicated and committed teaching workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many lifestyle and psychosocial factors are associated with a longer lifespan; central among these is social connectedness, or the feeling of belongingness, identification, and bond as part of meaningful human relationships. Decades of research have established that social connectedness is related not only to better mental health (e.g., less loneliness and depression) but also to improved physical health (e.g., decreased inflammatory markers, reduced cortisol activity). Recent methodological advances allow for the investigation of a novel marker of biological health by deriving a predicted "age of the brain" from a structural neuroimaging scan. Discrepancies between a person's algorithm-predicted brain-age and chronological age (i.e., the brain-age gap) have been found to predict mortality and psychopathology risk with accuracy rivaling other known measures of aging. This preregistered investigation uses the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study to examine connections between the quality of social connections, the brain-age gap, and markers of mortality risk to understand the longevity-promoting associations of social connectedness from a novel biological vantage point. While social connectedness was associated with markers of mortality risk (number of chronic conditions and ability to perform activities of daily living), our models did not find significant links between social connectedness and the brain-age gap, or the brain-age gap and mortality risk. Supplemental and sensitivity analyses suggest alternate approaches to investigating these associations and overcoming limitations. While plentiful evidence underscores that being socially connected is good for the mind, future research should continue to consider whether it impacts neural markers of aging and longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting in the 1960s, state investments in the economic development of Southern Italy led to the construction of large-scale production plants and radically transformed spaces and social relations. In the context of Taranto's Old City, the impacts of the steel industry continue to fuel the degradation of buildings and spaces, encapsulating the struggles between social marginality, health ramifications and the need for economic alternatives. Through ethnographic research conducted with an active group of Old City residents, I explore how a fractured and devastated urban space becomes an opportunity for resilience and social regeneration. This material degradation comes from Taranto's pre-industrial past, in the sense that it is a by-product of the historical sedimentation of housing processes in the Old City. However, it is also inherently future-oriented if we consider the context's current ecological and urban transition challenges. Inhabitants reclaim spatial waste to recover the economic and social alternatives destroyed and repressed by industrial development. The manipulation of the ruins allows the inhabitants remaining in the Old City to claim a social valuation of space that challenges the logic of industrial reconversion. People on the periphery of industrial development produce a new interpretation of the interaction between what is discarded and what is recovered, shifting the focus from the relics of a bygone era to the strategic recovery of ruins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study examined the longitudinal relationship between cumulative socioeconomic status (SES) risk and serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels to better understand the association between social factors and a biomarker of neurodegeneration. Methods We used data from the Family and Community Health Study, collecting psychosocial and blood data at 2 waves (2008) and (2019) from 254 Black Americans (43 males and 211 females). Blood samples were analyzed at each wave for serum NfL concentrations. Regression analysis and mixed-effect modeling examined relationships between cumulative SES risk and serum NfL, controlling for covariates and assessing time effects. Results Utilizing 11-year longitudinal data, serum NfL levels increased with age. Higher cumulative SES risk at baseline correlated with elevated serum NfL at the 11-year follow-up and predicted a greater increase in NfL levels. Clinically, NfL is a sensitive biomarker for axonal injury and neurodegeneration, commonly used to detect early and preclinical stages of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Conclusions Our results suggest that exposure to cumulative SES risk among Black adults may contribute to elevated levels of NfL, indicating potential early neurodegeneration. Given the established role of NfL in detecting neurodegenerative processes, these findings underscore the importance of interventions that bolster social safety nets and social connectedness to enhance brain health and mitigate neurodegenerative risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic-imposed disruptions led to increased loneliness and parenting stress. This is concerning given the well-known negative effects of loneliness and stress on one's overall well-being. There is limited research, however, on the experience of loneliness during parenthood. Thus, this study aims to examine the influence of loneliness and social connectedness on parenting stress during the pandemic. Data were collected through an online survey in July 2020 administered in the U.S. (n = 362). PROCESS Macro was used to examine the main and moderating effects of loneliness and social connectedness on parenting stress. Results showed that higher scores on loneliness were related to higher parenting stress; higher scores on social connectedness were related to lower parenting stress. Social connectedness also moderated the effects of loneliness on parenting stress. Findings highlight the importance of expanding relationships beyond the parent or couple subsystem. Other implications for the counseling profession are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaspora has been defined as the voluntary or involuntary dispersion of a social or ethnic group. Home signifies a dwelling and the structures of family and friends. There exists a nexus between migration and home. Diaspora connotes a process of estrangement and detachment from home which evokes images of trauma. The diasporic members experience a sense of loss of the homeland and a sense of alienation in the hostland. The dislocation fetches isolation, cultural conflicts and nostalgia for home. Memories are crucial to diasporic identity and bridge the gap between the past and the present. To resist assimilation to the host country, the migrants attempt to revive and recreate their religious, cultural and linguistic practices. This paper draws from the theories of Stuart Hall, Avtar Brah and Paolo Boccagni and attempts to reestablish a sense of home and grounding for the Indian diaspora in the host country. The Immigrant revolves around the immigrant experiences from the perspective of a woman Nina who shifts to the environs of Canada following her courtship with Ananda, a dentist in Halifax. Ananda gets assimilated to the Canadian culture thanks to his endurance whilst Nina is alienated and torn between the two different cultures. Memories provide sustenance to Nina in the new atmosphere. Owing to her attachment to the homeland, Nina reintegrates her Indian cultural traditions in the Canadian setting. She asserts her belongingness, recreates a sense of home in the foreign soil and reconstructs her Indian cultural identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aims to investigate the relationship between internal motivations and consumer upcycling intention, and how these motivations relate to purchase intention of upcycled products. Design/methodology/approach: This research is based on an online survey with a sample of 470 US consumers. Structural equation modeling with Mplus was applied to test the proposed relationships. Findings: Perceived competence is the strongest internal motivation related to consumer upcycling intention, followed by waste prevention and frugality. Consumers who have motivations of waste prevention, social connectedness and emotional attachment for consumer upcycling have higher intention to purchase upcycled products. Research limitations/implications: The generalizability of the findings might be limited due to the US-based survey sample. Future research could validate and extend these findings in different cultural contexts. Practical implications: The findings enable policymakers and business practitioners in the circular economy to develop effective strategies to promote consumer upcycling as well as the purchase of upcycled products. Originality/value: First, this research addresses the dearth of literature studying upcycling and the broader circular economy from the demand side (i.e. the consumer). Second, by identifying perceived competence as the strongest internal motivation for consumer upcycling, this research offers a new perspective on how to promote consumer upcycling. Third, by demonstrating that certain internal motivations for consumer upcycling can explain purchase intention of upcycled products, this research validates for the first time the connection between consumer upcycling and upcycling businesses empirically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is carried out at the Educational Institution No. 35005 Reverend Father Bardo Bayerle of the Province of Oxapampa, Peru. We demonstrate that when there is a strong cultural identity, this means that the intercultural attitude of students is also strengthened. Cultural identity is a value that is currently being lost. This is a negative phenomenon, since with the reaffirmation of what one is culturally then one can consolidate the relationship with other groups. In this paper this phenomenon is studied from a statistical perspective on a survey carried out on students of this institution, some of them belonging to the target group and others belonging to the control group. To obtain more reliable results we apply Plithogenic Statistics, which is a generalization of Multivariate Statistics, where more than one random variable is studied simultaneously. Specifically, plithogenic statistics incorporates new components within the statistical study such as falsity or indeterminacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimalism is a philosophy based on reduction of consumption and holding fewer possessions that has gained great momentum and popularity worldwide. While prior literature suggests that not all minimalists engage in luxury consumption, a segment of minimalists labeled inconspicuous minimalists are theorized to not only focus on having fewer possessions, but also to have a preference for high product quality and subtlety in design that translates into a higher propensity to purchase "quiet luxury" products. This research empirically examines the relationship between inconspicuous minimalism and luxury consumption. In four experimental studies, we find that contrary to popular belief, certain minimalists are in fact likely to purchase luxury goods. Moreover, we find that inconspicuous minimalists prefer "quiet" versions of luxury brands that are more discreet (no logos), and that these luxury purchases are motivated by a desire for social connectedness to knowledgeable "elites" who share similar cultural capital and values. These findings suggest that inconspicuous minimalists are motivated by social factors, but not by traditional Veblen style conspicuous consumption motives in which the buyer has a desire to impress the masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the use of feminist citation practice and intertextual relations in Jennifer Bélanger and Martine Delvaux's essay "Les allongées," including the elements of chronic pain, autotheory and horizontal writing. Topics discussed include performative use of citation in autotheory to foster a sense of belonging and community, connecting through dialogue on chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic, and citation as companionship and process of feminist figuration.

Ying Qian's book "Revolutionary Becomings: Documentary Media in Twentieth-Century China" redefines the role of media in China's revolutionary history, exploring how visual media shaped revolutionary imaginations and experiences. The book challenges conventional views of documentary as a monolithic genre and delves into diverse ways in which media negotiated revolutionary visions. Through a detailed analysis of film-making, the book uncovers the complex interactions between makers, subjects, and audiences in defining revolution and media in twentieth-century China. Qian's work expands the boundaries of documentary media studies and offers valuable insights for scholars, students, and anyone interested in modern Chinese media history. [Extracted from the article]

• Contributes to understanding of how LGBTQ+ events support identity construction for a stigmatised group such as LGBTQ+ people. • Study 1 findings outline the process through which stigma informs queer identity construction and social connectedness. • Study 2 explores the nuances in how events can foster different identity expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent/young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) are diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years of age. Improving AYACS’ survivorship quality is crucial—including improving social connectedness, a construct describing the quality, structure and function of social relationships. With better understanding of AYACS’ social connectedness, network-based interventions can be developed to foster social health. This study explored how a personal cancer diagnosis impacts AYACS’ social connectedness among 35 AYACS 15–25 years old. Three themes emerged through thematic analysis: (1) AYACS experience substantial heterogeneity related to social support needs; (2) AYACS leverage multiple relationships and resources when seeking support after a personal cancer diagnosis; (3) AYACS’ individual experiences were unique in that some noted positive changes, whereas others noted negative changes in relationships within social networks, specifically with peers. These findings create a foundation to develop social programming, foster peer relationships, and incorporate social science methods to aid intervention development to strengthen AYACS’ social connectedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While characteristics of an individual’s social network and reported loneliness may be linked, they can be distinct. Prior work indicates that gender moderates the relationship between social networks and loneliness; however, these relationships have not been investigated in American Indian adults. The current work investigates whether the relationship between characteristics of one’s social network (i.e., social network size and social integration) and loneliness is moderated by gender in a sample of Blackfeet American Indian adults.At Wave 1 of a longitudinal research project, we used linear regression to test whether gender moderates the relationship between social network characteristics and loneliness in a sample of 275 Blackfeet American Indian adults living in the Blackfeet nation in Montana. Our analyses controlled for age, education, and symptoms and depression and anxiety.Gender moderated the relationship between social network size and loneliness (β = − 0.15, t(265) = − 2.71, p = 0.01, r2 change = .04), and the relationship between social integration and loneliness (β = − 0.14, t(265) = − 2.68, p = 0.01, r2 change = .03). Women with small social networks reported significantly greater loneliness compared to men with similarly small social networks, and for women higher social integration (i.e., more social roles) related to lower loneliness, but this was not the case for men.Social network characteristics predict loneliness for Blackfeet women but not Blackfeet men in this sample. Future work should elucidate predictors of loneliness for Blackfeet men and consider whether daily changes in social connectedness predict changes in loneliness and whether changes in social networks predict changes in loneliness.Method: While characteristics of an individual’s social network and reported loneliness may be linked, they can be distinct. Prior work indicates that gender moderates the relationship between social networks and loneliness; however, these relationships have not been investigated in American Indian adults. The current work investigates whether the relationship between characteristics of one’s social network (i.e., social network size and social integration) and loneliness is moderated by gender in a sample of Blackfeet American Indian adults.At Wave 1 of a longitudinal research project, we used linear regression to test whether gender moderates the relationship between social network characteristics and loneliness in a sample of 275 Blackfeet American Indian adults living in the Blackfeet nation in Montana. Our analyses controlled for age, education, and symptoms and depression and anxiety.Gender moderated the relationship between social network size and loneliness (β = − 0.15, t(265) = − 2.71, p = 0.01, r2 change = .04), and the relationship between social integration and loneliness (β = − 0.14, t(265) = − 2.68, p = 0.01, r2 change = .03). Women with small social networks reported significantly greater loneliness compared to men with similarly small social networks, and for women higher social integration (i.e., more social roles) related to lower loneliness, but this was not the case for men.Social network characteristics predict loneliness for Blackfeet women but not Blackfeet men in this sample. Future work should elucidate predictors of loneliness for Blackfeet men and consider whether daily changes in social connectedness predict changes in loneliness and whether changes in social networks predict changes in loneliness.Results: While characteristics of an individual’s social network and reported loneliness may be linked, they can be distinct. Prior work indicates that gender moderates the relationship between social networks and loneliness; however, these relationships have not been investigated in American Indian adults. The current work investigates whether the relationship between characteristics of one’s social network (i.e., social network size and social integration) and loneliness is moderated by gender in a sample of Blackfeet American Indian adults.At Wave 1 of a longitudinal research project, we used linear regression to test whether gender moderates the relationship between social network characteristics and loneliness in a sample of 275 Blackfeet American Indian adults living in the Blackfeet nation in Montana. Our analyses controlled for age, education, and symptoms and depression and anxiety.Gender moderated the relationship between social network size and loneliness (β = − 0.15, t(265) = − 2.71, p = 0.01, r2 change = .04), and the relationship between social integration and loneliness (β = − 0.14, t(265) = − 2.68, p = 0.01, r2 change = .03). Women with small social networks reported significantly greater loneliness compared to men with similarly small social networks, and for women higher social integration (i.e., more social roles) related to lower loneliness, but this was not the case for men.Social network characteristics predict loneliness for Blackfeet women but not Blackfeet men in this sample. Future work should elucidate predictors of loneliness for Blackfeet men and consider whether daily changes in social connectedness predict changes in loneliness and whether changes in social networks predict changes in loneliness.Conclusion: While characteristics of an individual’s social network and reported loneliness may be linked, they can be distinct. Prior work indicates that gender moderates the relationship between social networks and loneliness; however, these relationships have not been investigated in American Indian adults. The current work investigates whether the relationship between characteristics of one’s social network (i.e., social network size and social integration) and loneliness is moderated by gender in a sample of Blackfeet American Indian adults.At Wave 1 of a longitudinal research project, we used linear regression to test whether gender moderates the relationship between social network characteristics and loneliness in a sample of 275 Blackfeet American Indian adults living in the Blackfeet nation in Montana. Our analyses controlled for age, education, and symptoms and depression and anxiety.Gender moderated the relationship between social network size and loneliness (β = − 0.15, t(265) = − 2.71, p = 0.01, r2 change = .04), and the relationship between social integration and loneliness (β = − 0.14, t(265) = − 2.68, p = 0.01, r2 change = .03). Women with small social networks reported significantly greater loneliness compared to men with similarly small social networks, and for women higher social integration (i.e., more social roles) related to lower loneliness, but this was not the case for men.Social network characteristics predict loneliness for Blackfeet women but not Blackfeet men in this sample. Future work should elucidate predictors of loneliness for Blackfeet men and consider whether daily changes in social connectedness predict changes in loneliness and whether changes in social networks predict changes in loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comparison to other motives for gambling, social motives (e.g., gambling for social interaction) are often suggested to be the least problematic and, in some cases, even a protective factor for problem gambling. This view is consistent with historical distinctions between ‘social’ versus ‘problem’ gambling. As a result, little research has attempted to identify the circumstances in which social motives are more likely to be associated with risk of problems. Consistent with self-determination theory, the present study examined whether the relationship between social motives and problem gambling varies based on social deficits, such as loneliness and a lack of social connectedness, in a weighted, census matched sample of adults in the U.S. (N = 2,835). Findings demonstrate support for the moderating influence of social deficits (i.e., loneliness and relatedness frustration) on the relationship between social gambling motives and problem gambling and provide unique insights into the circumstances in which social motives are more likely associated with gambling problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major life events, such as living through a pandemic, can have profound influences on development. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to the ways in which parents lived their lives. Mothers’ workloads were magnified as they had to balance their own responsibilities and those of their children all within the confines of the home. Little is known about how mothers adapted over time and what they took away from the experience of living through this global crisis. The objective of the current study was to explore how life has changed for mothers three years after COVID-19 was designated a pandemic. Thirty mothers (Mage = 39) living in the Western United States participated in an interview between March and April 2023. Reflexive thematic analysis grounded within a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to analyze the transcripts. Four themes and one subtheme were identified around changes in perspective, family intimacy, gratitude, friendships, and coping tools. Mothers’ discussions highlighted both growth and challenges. They described increased feelings of family connectedness and agency, while also expressing negative shifts in their views on the goodness of humanity. The findings reveal that the pandemic had lasting impacts on mothers’ socioemotional and cognitive development, particularly in terms of relationships and worldviews. These effects are discussed within a context of a bioecological systems framework and life course theory. Insights from mothers’ lived experiences may provide valuable guidance for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and mental health practitioners, in developing interventions that can support mothers during and after crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of evolving democratic governance and the aspiration for a fair and equitable societal structure, the framers of the constitution were keenly aware of India's hierarchical societal framework, the accumulated hardships faced by tribal communities, and the communal fabric of their social connections. To mitigate these disparities, education was perceived as a vehicle for societal transformation, individual advancement, and the pursuit of social parity across all societal segments through social justice, integration, and mainstreaming. Across such societal segments, tribal communities also needed integration into the mainstream, which strongly required measures ensuring social justice and equality in terms of perceiving education. In light of this, the paper seeks to address the causes of systemic exclusion of Warli tribal girls in higher education. In addressing such a systemic exclusion of Warli tribe girls, the second objective of the study seeks to investigate the external factors such as lack of opportunities, infrastructure, and low inclusion of culture milieu in the educational text or certain internal factors such as traditional gender roles, marriage practices and other culturally attested practices which sets the scene for systemic exclusion in the higher education system. In identifying the causes of such exclusion, a third objective of the study is to understand the unique cultural and societal factors at play, linking to higher educational aspirations among girls while unraveling the dilemmas of perception and barriers of higher education in the community. This includes traditional gender roles and expectations as well as the influence of social norms and practices, which in a way seek to explore the perceptions of availing higher education in the Warli community within the cusp of cultural and societal norms. While shedding light on the unique socio-cultural factors at play, the fourth objective of the research seeks to inform targeted interventions that can help empower Warli girls to pursue educational opportunities and break the cycle of poverty and inequality so that a more inclusive and supportive academic environment could be established. The paper is based on primary qualitative data collected from the Warli community of Thane and Palghar districts of Maharashtra. The conversation analysis method and shadowing method are used as analysis methods to emphasize the depth of the qualitative data. Theoretical tools of Urie Bronfenbrenner's - Bioecological Model of Human Development and Social-Cognition Theory are used to understand the dynamics of perception and barriers of higher education. The findings of the study suggest that there is a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors contributing to the systemic exclusion of Warli tribe girls from higher education. Internally, those girls who manage to pursue higher education recognize both the intrinsic and instrumental values of education - seeing it as a means of self-actualization and a pathway to economic mobility. However, traditional gender roles, early marriage, financial constraints, limited awareness, and language barriers persist as significant challenges. • Address the causes of systemic exclusion of Warli tribal girls in higher education. • External and internal factors are evaluated leading to systemic exclusion of Warli tribal girls from higher education. • Unique cultural and societal factors unravel the dilemmas of perception and barriers to higher education in the community. • Conversation analysis and shadowing methods are used as an analysis method to emphasize the depth of the qualitative data. • Urie Bronfenbrenner's - Bioecological Model of Human Development and Social-cognition theory provides a theoretical gist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latinos living in the US are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). To develop culturally-informed interventions, a first step is engaging with key stakeholders. The present study aimed to explore perspectives on brain health and aging among middle-aged Latinos living in Chicago, IL. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 English- or Spanish-speaking Latinos between 35 to 64 years old. Questions from a previously used interview guide were leveraged and addressed knowledge about the brain, perceptions of healthy and unhealthy aging, ideas of how to care for the brain, where knowledge was acquired, and suggestions for disseminating brain health education. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. The following themes were identified: (1) Understanding of the brain is varied (including cognitive, behavioral, anatomical, and psychological descriptions); (2) Perceptions surrounding healthy aging are broad and demonstrate a depth of understanding (e.g., physical and cognitive abilities, independence, positive emotions, and sociability), yet understanding of signs of an unhealthy brain is somewhat limited (e.g., focus on memory); (3) Brain health promotion is largely viewed as actionable (spanning physical health, cognitively stimulating activities, emotional wellbeing, medical self-management, and social connectedness); (4) Suggestions for disseminating education included media, clinics, churches, libraries, and community centers, with consideration of possible barriers and facilitators to behavior change (e.g., finances, prioritizing family). Results showed significant heterogeneity in understanding of the brain, albeit with promising attitudes that actions can be taken to protect one's brain from ADRD. Takeaways include the need for increasing education on normative versus nonnormative memory loss and signs of ADRD beyond memory impairment. Messaging may benefit from utilizing analogies, considering familism and spirituality, and highlighting lifestyle changes that do not carry a financial burden or place blame on individuals. • Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) compared to non-Latino Whites. • Exploring middle-aged Latinos' perceptions of brain health can inform intervention development aiming to address disparities. • Responses suggest middle-aged Latinos hold promising attitudes that actions can be taken to protect one's brain from ADRD. • Messaging may benefit from considering familism, spirituality, and behaviors that do not carry a financial burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While some stress can be beneficial for survival, identifying drivers of detrimental stress is essential for improving animal welfare and reproductive outcomes in conservation breeding programs. We examined the interaction between housing and behavioral indicators of temperament, both of which may explain variability in markers of positive and negative (stress) welfare in a critically endangered bird, the 'alalā (Hawaiian crow; Corvus hawaiiensis). During the 2019 breeding season, we collected behavioral data, including markers of negative welfare (e.g. alarm calling and pace flying), positive welfare (e.g. foraging and preening), and four temperament-like traits (aggression, social connectedness, restfulness, and shy/boldness), on 26 mated pairs engaged in varying breeding stages at a conservation breeding center in Hawaiʻi. All pairs were housed in one of two housing setups: 1) a two-compartment, "breeding" aviary (predicted to be less stressful due to relative seclusion and single-pair occupancy) or, 2) a > 2 compartment "holding" aviary, used to house pairs immediately adjacent to other 'alalā (predicted to be more stressful for 'alalā due to the close proximity of others and the territorial nature of the species). Regardless of housing, we observed lower rates (per min) of positive welfare behaviors in incubating and parent-rearing than non-breeding individuals. However, when we examined the interaction of housing and temperament-like traits, the welfare outcomes were more nuanced. Birds in highly compatible pairs (regardless of enclosure) and, surprisingly, birds in more crowded aviaries (regardless of temperament) exhibited higher rates of positive welfare behaviors. Moreover, non-restful birds had higher mean positive welfare rates when housed in holding aviaries. Although not of primary interest in our study, we also found that average positive welfare behaviors increased over time (across repeated observations on each pair), which were largely associated with the presence or absence of rainfall. Following these results, we recommend future studies in which non-restful and highly compatible 'alalā pairs are relocated to holding aviaries, as this may increase overall welfare of the breeding population. Additionally, where possible, we recommend future studies control for weather when conducting behavioral observations. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of accounting for differences in behavior among individuals when examining the impact of housing on animal welfare in conservation breeding facilities. • Hawaiian crows display temporal consistency in behaviors indicating temperament. • Housing and temperament interact to affect the rate of positive welfare behaviors. • Caretakers should consider the interactive effects of housing and temperament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullying victimization is a serious problem with far-reaching consequences for the victims. Research has concluded that certain personality factors are associated with the frequency of bullying victimization experiences, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Most longitudinal research to date has primarily focused on adulthood (e.g., workplace experiences), neglecting the reciprocal effects that bullying victimization and personality may have during adolescence, a phase particularly susceptible to personality change. Hence, this project investigated the reciprocal relationship between personality factors and bullying victimization using data from TwinLife, a study with a representative sample of about 4000 German twin families. Focusing on middle adolescence (N ≈ 1500, M = 13 years), cross-lagged modeling revealed cross-sectional associations and correlated changes, but no reciprocal longitudinal relationship between certain personality dimensions and the frequency of bullying victimization. Bivariate Cholesky modeling was utilized to investigate the etiology of the cross-sectional associations. We identified common genetic causes underlying both bullying victimization and Agreeableness, Neuroticism, and Conscientiousness, which decreased with age. Thus, environmental factors, such as the social peer group and social connectedness, appeared to gain importance throughout adolescence, influencing both personality and the likelihood of experiencing victimization. Further research should incorporate and further examine environmental processes to improve our understanding of bullying victimization. • Study identified link between personality and bullying victimization in adolescents. • No reciprocal longitudinal relationship found between personality and victimization. • Genetic factors initially explained most of the link in adolescents. • Environmental factors gained importance in the course of adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]