1,103,545 results on '"*QUALITY of life"'
Search Results
2. Mental Health Difficulties and Health Related Quality of Life amongst Late Adolescents in Vocational Education
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Claire Abela, Angela Abela, and Liberato Camilleri
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This study investigated vocational students' mental health by identifying the prevalence of depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders and associated risk and protective factors among 16- to 18-year-old students attending a vocational college in Malta. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) was also investigated. A sample of 422 students completed standardised self-report mental health tools and a demographic and personal variables' questionnaire. A total of 64.4% of students were found to be struggling with at least one of the mental health conditions assessed while 36.7% reported a suspected eating disorder. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety and stress (moderate, severe or extremely severe) were 43.3%, 48.8% and 29.3% respectively. Students had a lower HRQOL than the reference population as indicated by European norm data. Only 13.5% of participants sought help from mental health services. Risk factors include female gender, poverty, being LGBTQ, not living with both parents, past negative school experiences, poor relationships and presence of suspected or diagnosed conditions or disabilities, amongst others. Having supportive relationships with family, peers and school personnel emerged as protective factors.
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- 2024
3. Addressing Sexuality in Occupational Therapy Practice: A Qualitative Exploration of Students' Needs, Barriers, and Facilitators
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Keren Shavit-Buckley, Amy J. Nwora, Renee Cadzow, and Bryan M. Gee
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Disability and chronic disease can have a profound effect on individuals' sexuality and sexual health, resulting in decreased quality of life for many. While sexuality and sexual health are identified within the domain of occupational therapy (OT), this topic is not routinely addressed in clinical practice. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceived needs, facilitators, and barriers to addressing sexuality in clinical practice by 10 graduate OT students recruited from one Western New York (WNY) university. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted utilizing a researcher developed interview guide. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used as the conceptual framework for the study. Data were analyzed inductively using thematic analysis, followed by mapping the identified themes deductively to the established domains of the TDF. Ten domains were identified as likely to influence whether or not sexuality is addressed in clinical practice, including knowledge, skills, social/professional role and identity, beliefs about capabilities and consequences, intentions, environmental context and resources, social influences, emotions, and behavior regulation. The results highlight the barriers, facilitators, and action steps, as perceived by OT students, that are needed in order to effectively address sexuality in clinical practice, including increasing sexual health curriculum within OT education, providing opportunities for practice and experience, and integrating sexual content into routine practice.
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- 2024
4. Use of an Education and Coaching Intervention to Promote Occupational Balance in Graduate Occupational Therapy Students
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Linda M. Rini and Ingrid Provident
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This small-scale pilot study was developed to examine the perceived occupational balance of graduate occupational therapy students and implement an education and coaching intervention to promote occupational balance for those who have difficulty achieving and maintaining it. Although literature provides many examples of interventions to facilitate stress relief in graduate students, this is the first to address the promotion of occupational balance in this effort, which has been identified as a student-reported need. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data on occupational therapy students' satisfaction with their balance of activity in all areas of occupation. The impact of that balance on stress levels and occupational satisfaction was examined utilizing an investigator developed scaled survey and The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Participants (N=22) were MSOT and OTD students from all academic years of their program. A six-week group education program was implemented. One additional 30-minute individual coaching session was held virtually with each student and the primary investigator to target individual goals. Survey data collected before the start of the educational series and again at its conclusion indicate an aggregate decrease in students' perceived stress (-0.85); an increase in perceived occupational performance (mean +1.26); and an increase in perceived occupational satisfaction (mean +2.10). The desired outcome of the intervention was to provide students with strategies to increase lifestyle balance to help manage some of the stresses of graduate academia, and ultimately increase students' health and wellness to promote retention and successful completion of graduate education.
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- 2024
5. Nature-Based Physical Activity in Pictures: A Photovoice Unit in (and Beyond) Physical and Health Education
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Jennifer Gruno and Sandra Gibbons
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Experts in public health and education alike have long advocated for the engagement of youth in nature to foster movement, human-nature connectedness, and mental wellbeing. Physical and health education teachers in school-based programs continue to find a variety of ways to help their students be physically active in the natural environment due to the plethora of positive benefits. This paper describes a unit entitled Nature-Based Physical Activity in Pictures that utilized Photovoice to engage youth and foster human-nature connectedness.
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- 2024
6. A Process for Asset Mapping to Develop a Blue Economy Corridor
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Emily Yeager, Beth Bee, Anjalee Hou, Taylor Cash, Kelsi Dew, Daniel Dickerson, Kelly White-Singleton, Michael Schilling, and Sierra Jones
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Through a multistakeholder partnership, this research aims to catalyze the development of a blue economy corridor (BEC) through community-based asset mapping in the eastern portion of the Tar-Pamlico River Basin in North Carolina, a geographic area predominated by physically and culturally rural landscapes. Underpinned by appreciative inquiry, this project aims to counter a deficit model of community development in this portion of eastern North Carolina by increasing awareness of quality of life assets that communities currently possess and may leverage for sustainable economic, environmental, and social development through their inclusion in a digital interactive map freely available to the public.
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- 2024
7. Healing and Connectedness at Akhiok Kids Camp
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Speridon Simeonoff, Judy Simeonoff, Teacon Simeonoff, Sven Haakanson, Cheri Simeonoff, Balika Haakanson, and Leilani Sabzalian
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Each August, Sugpiaq Elders, community members, and educators gather in Cape Alitak to host Akhiok Kids Camp, a week-long culture camp that provides a space for local Sugpiaq youth to learn and carry forward traditional lifeways and promotes youth's self-esteem, identity, and healthy choices. This article traces the legacy of the camp and outlines its ongoing vision and curriculum, including the Indigenous values and principles of education that guide camp activities. Of particular focus is the role of camp in fostering Sugpiaq youth's sense of connectedness to their homelands, waters, community, and culture, a focus that promotes healing, cultural resurgence, and wellbeing for Sugpiaq youth. This description of Akhiok Kids Camp highlights the valuable role that culture camps play in turning Indigenous youth toward the brilliance of their lands and lifeways, and the importance of respecting the knowledge and leadership of Indigenous families in this work.
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- 2024
8. Novel Extension of the UTAUT Model to Assess E-Learning Adoption in Higher Education Institutes: The Role of Study-Life Quality
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Vishnu Lal, Vishvajit Kumbhar, and G. Varaprasad
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The study aims to improve the existing unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework to understand the adoption of e-learning platforms in developing countries and to understand the relevance of the quality of study life among students. The constructs for the UTAUT model were chosen based on the e-learning study context and expanded with the variable study-life quality. The expanded model was tested with empirical data collected from graduate and post-graduate students of higher education institutes. The hypotheses testing and adequacy of the expanded model were analysed using structural equation modeling using SmartPLS v 3.2.8. The study's findings indicate that nine out of the twelve hypothesized paths significantly influenced students' engagement with e-learning platforms, and a total of six significant variables explained a variance of 65.8% of the dependent variable behavioral intention. The variable study-life quality had the highest [beta] coefficient value of 0.380, indicating that it is the most significant factor for e-learning adoption in this study setting. The study adds to the publication on adoption theories by providing an expanded UTAUT framework that is empirically tested.
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- 2024
9. Engineering in Medicine: Bridging the Cognitive and Emotional Distance between Medical and Non-Medical Students
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Milan Toma, Faiz Sy, Lise McCoy, Michael Nizich, and William Blazey
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In the current study, we focused on measuring the development of important professional attitudes, such as "compassion satisfaction" and "burnout." Students from four different colleges worked in teams to conceptualize innovative engineering products. During the ideation phase of their project, participants completed a Professional Quality of Life survey to assess metrics related to "compassion satisfaction" and "burnout." On average, the combined "compassion satisfaction" score was high for both medical students (42/50) and non-medical students (43/50). In terms of "burnout," 77% of medical students and 81% of non-medical students reported low "burnout"; the average "burnout" score for medical students was 19/50, and for non-medical students 17/50. Only one statement produced a statistically significant difference between groups. For the statement, "I am a caring person," only 31% of medical students self-described as being a very caring person 'very often' as opposed to 62% of non-medical students. Through this innovative curriculum project, faculty were able to measure the level of student "compassion satisfaction," and "burnout" for the students involved. Surrounded by the rationality of science, students learned to communicate and contribute to projects that supported a positive sense of contribution and effort, and a low perception of "burnout."
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- 2024
10. Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Sense of Coherence Scale in a Hungarian Child and Adolescent Sample
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Olney Rodrigues de Oliveira, Dorottya Ori, and Eniko Kiss
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Sense of coherence (SOC) is a relevant contributor and predictor of the individuals' mental and physical health. There are a number of studies about SOC, but only two validation articles of the sense of coherence scale (SOCS) were found on adolescents and none on children. The aim of this research was to validate the SOC scale in youth under 18. We hypothesized that younger children and children without psychiatric problems will have higher SOC than older ones, and children with psychiatric symptoms. We also wanted to examine the factor structure of both the 13 and the 29 item versions of the scale to study which is more valid in child and adolescent population. 199 children and 198 adolescents were included in the study; the mean age was 14.3 (SD 2.1) years. The sample included average youth from schools and youth under psychiatric treatment. Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Inventory of Life Quality (ILK) were used for validation of the SOCS. SOCS-13 was applied to compare SOC of children and adolescents. Children had higher SOC than adolescents in both samples. Males had higher SOC than females in children but not in adolescents. Psychiatric and behavioral symptoms were associated with a lower SOC regardless
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- 2024
11. Training Curriculum to Enhance the Quality of Life for the Elderly
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Chaloemchai Charoenkiatkan, Natthawat Khositditsayanan, and Benchaporn Wannupatam
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This study aimed to develop and evaluate a training curriculum intended to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. As Thailand witnesses a demographic shift with increasing numbers of older adults, driven by declining birth rates and extended life expectancies, the importance of ensuring quality elderly care becomes paramount. The devised curriculum encompasses eight principal elements focusing on the elderly, defined as those aged 60 and above, addressing their physical and mental changes, well-being, health, and overall satisfaction. The content is holistic, integrating components of music, art, health care, and exercise. Delivered over a two-day period, the curriculum employs a structured approach featuring lectures, discussions, and knowledge exchanges, supported by a range of media and materials. Initial assessments revealed a moderate quality of life among the elderly, but post-training evaluations indicated enhanced knowledge, understanding, and positive attitudes towards the activities, pointing to an overall high level of effectiveness of the curriculum.
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- 2024
12. A Condensed Positive Psychology Course Improves Students' Subjective Well-Being and Academic Achievement
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Kit W. Cho and Sarah Frizzell
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Background: Completing positive psychology-related activities can increase subjective and objective well-being. Objective: The present study investigated whether completing a condensed positive psychology course increases students' subjective well-being and academic achievement relative to those who completed other condensed psychology courses. Method: One hundred and eighty-one students completed a condensed 4-week to 5-week asynchronous, fully online, positive psychology, cognitive psychology, or statistics course. All students completed three questionnaires assessing their subjective wellbeing (life satisfaction, happiness, and stress level) at two time points: precompletion and postcompletion of the course. Participants were also asked to indicate how often they shared the information they learned in the course with their close others, and their course grade was analyzed. Results: Students who completed the positive psychology course reported higher levels of life satisfaction, lower levels of stress, and had a higher course grade compared to students completing the other psychology courses. Students who completed positive psychology indicated that they were more likely to share what they had been learning with their close others than those who completed the other courses. Among the positive psychology activities, participants indicated that they were most likely to continue performing random acts of kindness. Conclusion: Completing a positive psychology course benefits both the individual and the community at large. Teaching implications: The results support the use of a positive psychology course to improve students' well-being and academic achievement.
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- 2024
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13. A Personal Journey of Studying Positive Psychology: Reflections of Undergraduate Students in the United Arab Emirates
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Anita Shrivastava, Humna Azhar, and Lynda Hyland
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Background: An increasing number of undergraduate positive psychology courses offer students a holistic view of the broader discipline of psychology. Even short-term participation in positive psychology activities as part of a taught course may improve psychological well-being and lower stress. However, there is a dearth of qualitative evidence on how students experience this learning process. Objective: This study aimed to explore UAE-based undergraduate students' reflections on their experiences of an elective positive psychology course and their participation in various positive psychology interventions (PPIs). Method: This qualitative study explored 21 UAE-based undergraduate students' reflections on taking a semester-long positive psychology course, in which they participated in PPIs. The rich data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged, namely "rethinking positive psychology," "changes in perspective on happiness and search for positivity," and "enhanced relationships." Conclusion and Teaching Implications: The study suggests that positive psychology may reach past the time and space of the taught course and have at least a short-term positive impact on students' mental and social lives. Findings from this study imply the potential of positive psychology in higher education and point towards further integration of such courses in undergraduate programs in the UAE and beyond.
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- 2024
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14. Do Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions Improve Family Quality of Life? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Amanda Leigh Duncan, Hannah Keene, and Collin Shepley
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Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions have been described as culturally responsive and family-friendly interventions, with research demonstrating improvements in children's development when receiving these services. Given the child-directed nature of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions and the intervention's congruence with families' daily routines, many studies have examined the impact of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions on family and family member quality of life. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the relationship between Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions and family quality of life. Results suggest that the receipt of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention services neither improved nor worsened family and family member quality of life. For those involved in the provision of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention services, there is an immediate need to convey to families that children's improvements will likely not translate into improvements in family quality of life (osf.io/3ua5f).
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- 2024
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15. Transition to Adulthood for Women on the Spectrum: A Brief Narrative Review
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Jennifer S. Durocher, Rahul Mittal, Emily Furar, Idil Memis, Leylane Cavalcante, Lorena Klahr, Rebecca S. Eshraghi, Michael Alessandri, and Adrien A. Eshraghi
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Research in the field of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) focuses mainly on school-aged children and male participants. This has left substantial gaps in our understanding of the life course of autistic individuals, particularly autistic females, once they reach adulthood. The objective of this concise narrative review is to discuss the current literature on autistic women with a focus on transitioning to adulthood, specifically in the areas of quality of life, post-secondary education and employment. Given that the evidence so far suggests widely inconsistent findings, we conclude that future research is needed to more carefully elucidate the unique needs of women on the spectrum during the process of transitioning to adulthood, and to identify evidence-based practices that could better support this population.
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- 2024
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16. Finding Similarities in Differences between Autistic Adults: Two Replicated Subgroups
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Tulsi A. Radhoe, Joost A. Agelink van Rentergem, Carolien Torenvliet, Annabeth P. Groenman, Wikke J. van der Putten, and Hilde M. Geurts
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Autism is heterogeneous, which complicates providing tailored support and future prospects. We aim to identify subgroups in autistic adults with average to high intelligence, to clarify if certain subgroups might need support. We included 14 questionnaire variables related to aging and/or autism (e.g., demographic, psychological, and lifestyle). Community detection analysis was used for subgroup identification in an original sample of 114 autistic adults with an adulthood diagnosis (autism) and 58 non-autistic adults as comparison group (COMP), and a replication sample (N[subscript Autism] = 261; N[subscript COMP] = 287), both aged 30-89 years. Next, we identified subgroups and assessed external validity (for cognitive and psychological difficulties, and quality of life [QoL]) in the autism samples. To test specificity, we repeated the analysis after adding 123 adults with ADHD, aged 30-80 years. As expected, the autism and COMP groups formed distinct subgroups. Among autistic adults, we identified three subgroups of which two were replicated. One of these subgroups seemed most vulnerable on the cluster variables; this subgroup also reported the most cognitive and psychological difficulties, and lowest QoL. Adding the ADHD group did not alter results. Within autistic adults, one subgroup could especially benefit from support and specialized care, although this must be tested in future studies.
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- 2024
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17. What Makes Life Better or Worse: Quality of Life According to People with Intellectual Disabilities
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Holli M. Holmes and W. Ben Mortenson
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Background: People with intellectual disabilities are rarely involved in research on quality of life. The study sought to answer the question: what do people with intellectual disabilities believe improves or hinders their quality of life? Method: Using an inclusive, accessible research design, 18 participants met in small groups to answer the study's question using their choice of arts-based media. Participants completed the analysis collaboratively, identifying key themes among their responses. Results: The participants concluded that supports, well-being, hobbies, and activities contribute to quality of life. Lack of accessibility, assumptions, negative behaviours, stress, and negative people (staff, roommates, people in general) were identified as detractors of quality of life. Conclusions: To continue to make progress in improving the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities, the voice of those with intellectual disabilities is key. The results suggest key areas of focus to make these improvements.
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- 2024
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18. Organisational Culture in 'Better' Group Homes for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in England: A Qualitative Study
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Diane Fox, Julie Beadle-Brown, Jill Bradshaw, Christine Bigby, and Lisa Richardson
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Background: Previous research identifies organisational culture as one of a number of factors associated with the quality of life outcomes of group home residents' with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This study aims to elaborate on the dimensions of group home culture in settings in England. Method: Participant observations and semi-structured interviews with staff were carried out in two group homes. Field-notes, interview notes and transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis by a researcher naïve to the project and the previous literature. Initial coding was re-examined after sensitisation to theorised models in previous literature to identify the most parsimonious fit. The two settings were rated and compared using a five-point Likert scale for each of the dimensions. Results: The findings describe group home culture across seven dimensions. There were mixed ratings across the different dimensions reflecting inconsistencies in culture that were reflected in staff practice. The challenge in assigning a global rating of culture in group homes, which includes interactions across multiple staff and multiple residents over time, was highlighted. Conclusion: The development of an observational measure of culture is highlighted as potentially helpful in understanding and responding to culture in services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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- 2024
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19. Using Fixed-Effects Analyses to Examine How Neighborhood Structural, Process, and Physical Characteristics Predict Children's Cognitive Skills in a National Cohort of Elementary School Students
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Portia Miller, Rebekah Levine Coley, Lorraine Blatt, Bryn Spielvogel, and Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal
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Individual characteristics of neighborhood context, like concentrated socioeconomic disadvantage, are associated with children's cognitive development, including their academic skill development and executive functions. However, questions remain regarding how neighborhood structural, process, and physical features uniquely predict children's cognitive skills when measuring neighborhoods more holistically. Exploiting within-child changes in neighborhood conditions over time in a nationally representative sample of children followed from kindergarten through fifth grade (N ˜ 13,550), this study examined unique associations between structural (i.e., concentrated disadvantage), process (i.e., violent crime, learning resources, and aspects of school quality), and physical (i.e., green space and pollution) characteristics of neighborhoods and children's achievement skills and executive functions. Fixed-effects models demonstrated that increases in neighborhood violent crime and pollution predicted decreases in children's reading and math skills, while increases in neighborhood school quality, learning resources, and green space predicted increases in reading and math. Children's executive functions were better when neighborhood pollution was lower and when school quality was better. Our results suggest that improving neighborhood structure, processes, and physical conditions may foster children's cognitive skill development, especially academic achievement.
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- 2024
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20. Dog-Assisted Therapy vs Relaxation for Children and Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Study
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Raquel Vidal, Laura Vidal, Jorge Lugo, Francesc Ristol, Eva Domènec, Teresa Casas, Anna Veiga, Cristina Vico, Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga, and Nuria Gómez-Barros
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The rationale of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Dog-assisted Therapy (DAT) in children and adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). We conducted a randomized controlled trial in a cohort of 71 children and adolescents with FASD. Participants were randomly assigned either to DAT group (n = 38) or Relaxation Group (control group) (n = 33). Results revealed that participants who were assigned to the DAT group experienced significantly reduced externalizing symptoms (CBCL Externalizing Inattention: t (69) = 2.81, p = 0.007; d = 0.7); CBCL Opposition: t (69) = 2.54, p = 0.013; d = 0.6), reduced internalizing symptoms (CBCL Social problems: t (69) = 3.21, p = 0.002; d = 0.8) as well as improvements on social skills (SSIS-P Problem behavior: t (68) = 2.55, p = 0.013; d = 0.6), and quality of life (KidScreen Autonomy and Parents: t (51) = - 2.03, p = 0.047; d = 0.5) compared to the relaxation control group. The relaxation control group obtained significant differences between the pre- and post-treatment evaluation, diminishing withdraw symptoms (t (32) = 3.03, p = 0.005; d = 0.2). Results suggest that DAT and relaxation may be promising adjunctive treatments for children and adolescents with FASD.
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- 2024
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21. The Influence of Social Connectedness and Meaning in Life on Career Adaptability and Career Self-Efficacy in Students with Special Educational Needs
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Mantak Yuen and Ryder Tsz Hong Chan
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Students with special education needs (SEN) face challenges in developing career adaptability and self-efficacy. Using a sample of 355 students with SEN in Hong Kong, this study evaluated effects of social connectedness and meaning in life on career adaptability and career self-efficacy. Data were collected twice, participants completing self-report measures at baseline and 18 months later. Analysis found that meaning in life significantly and positively predicted both variables. At follow-up, social connectedness directly predicted presence of meaning, while indirectly predicting career adaptability and self-efficacy. Interventions for SEN students should seek to strengthen their social connectedness and meaning in life.
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- 2024
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22. The Social Self-Efficacy Scale for Spanish and Portuguese (13-18-Year-Olds) Adolescents: Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance
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Vanesa Salado, Tania Gaspar, Concepción Moreno-Maldonado, Margarida Gaspar de Matos, and Francisco Rivera
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Introduction: Social self-efficacy refers to peoples' beliefs about their ability to establish effective social relationships. During adolescence, it has been related to positive social relationships, skills to cope with adverse experiences, and health. While prior research has focused on the general dimension of self-efficacy, this study aims to examine the reliability and validity of the subscale social self-efficacy in Spanish and Portuguese adolescents across gender, age, and country. Method: The sample, selected from the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, was composed of 20,691 13-18-year-old adolescents from Spain and Portugal (48.2% boys and 51.8% girls). The scale's reliability and internal and external validity were examined systemically across sex, age, and country, as well as testing measurement invariance according to these variables. Results: Data showed adequate evidence of reliability ([alpha] = 0.85), as well as internal and external validity, thus demonstrating the scale's stability and applicability in similar research contexts. Conclusions: Social self-efficacy fosters individual and social well-being in youth, as well as healthy and positive development. Use of this subscale in evaluation and intervention programs could further our understanding about different dimensions of adolescent development.
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- 2024
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23. Development and Evaluation of a Blended Self-Management Program for Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases
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BoAe Im, HyunSoo Oh, SooHyun Kim, HyeSun Jeong, and WhaSook Seo
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Rheumatic diseases are known to be associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, which increases mortality rates due to cardiovascular complications. Although a variety of self-management programs for rheumatic diseases have been developed, few have concentrated on metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to develop and verify a blended (a mixture of telephone and online interventions) metabolic syndrome self-management program. The program was developed in four stages: analysis to identify program contents, website design, website development, and validity testing. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was adopted to verify the program effectiveness in 54 patients with rheumatic disease. The program was initially implemented via telephone for 4 weeks and then self-administered via a web-based platform for 20 weeks. Indices of metabolic syndrome and self-management and quality of life scores were measured as outcome variables. Data were collected three times: before intervention, after 4 weeks of telephone interventions, and after 20 weeks of online self-interventions. The devised program had a significant overall effect on metabolic syndrome indices, metabolic syndrome-related self-management behaviors, and quality of life. Detailed analysis showed the program effectively reduced body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and blood glucose levels and improved metabolic syndrome self-management behaviors. Based on our findings, it can be expected that the use of this program may retard or prevent the progression of metabolic syndrome by improving some metabolic syndrome indices and metabolic syndrome-related self-management behaviors, which are key components of care in rheumatic disease patients with metabolic syndrome. This web-based program appears to be beneficial in public health care settings because it is cost-effective, readily available, and may provide long-term support.
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- 2024
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24. Turkish Adaptation of the ADORE: A Study of Validity and Reliability
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Sevil Cicek Ozdemir and Ayten Senturk Erenel
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It is obvious that current tools in literature that are used to measure female's sexual quality of life focus only on the objective dimension of sexual function, failing to examine quality of life on a multidimensional level. The aim of this research is to examine the validity and reliability of the ADORE for Turkish society. In the methodological research, 500 females were included. The research data was collected with "Descriptive Information Form" "ADORE" and "Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F)." ADORE is a five-Likert-type type and 36-item scale that was developed to assess female's sexual quality of life. It has six sub-dimensions. It is stated that ADORE can better evaluate female's sexual quality of life holistically and contextually. The validity of ADORE was analyzed as linguistic, content, and construct validities. In determining the reliability of the scale, item-total score correlation, Cronbach alpha (Cr [alpha]) coefficient, Pearson correlation, split-half analysis, test-retest, and parallel form were used. Content validity index was found to be 0.90. The confirmatory factor analysis was performed for construct validity. ADORE's Cr [alpha] reliability coefficient was determined to be 0.95. According to ADORE test-retest analyses, it was found that there is a positively strong and statistically high significant correlation among scores of the scale. It was determined that there is an acceptable correlation between ADORE and SQOL-F. In determining female's sexual quality of life in Turkish society, ADORE is a valid and reliable scale. It is a useful scale for health professionals working in the clinic to evaluate female's sexual quality of life.
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- 2024
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25. Discrimination and Sense of Purpose: Taking an Intergenerational Lens
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Megan W. Wolk, Ryan Bogdan, Thomas F. Oltmanns, and Patrick L. Hill
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Given the developmental benefits associated with higher sense of purpose, past work has aimed to understand how experiences of adversity relate to sense of purpose. With a specific focus on experiences of adversity that may impact individuals from marginalized groups, past work has found that discrimination is related to lower sense of purpose in life, but that these effects are weaker for Black adults relative to White adults. The current research aims to extend past work by examining how and for whom discrimination is related to sense of purpose in life. Moreover, the current work also aimed to understand the extent to which sense of purpose spans across generations and whether there are generational differences in the relationship between discrimination and sense of purpose. Using data from the St. Louis Personality and Aging Network study, 822 parents (G1 participants) and 654 children (G2 participants) completed measures for sense of purpose, major experiences of discrimination, and personality traits. Results found mixed evidence for a relationship between discrimination and sense of purpose, with little evidence for consistent moderators. In addition, while the current work found no evidence of intergenerational associations for sense of purpose, results showed that discrimination was positively associated across generations, suggesting a potential for an intergenerational cycle of marginalization.
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- 2024
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26. Leisure, Employment, Community Participation, and Quality of Life in Primary Caregivers of Autistic Children: A Qualitative Study
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Gemma Davy, Josephine Barbaro, Katy Unwin, and Cheryl Dissanayake
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Purpose: In prioritising the needs of their autistic children, parents often modify their own participation across leisure, social, and workforce activities. Few studies have examined the impact these modifications have on caregiver quality of life (QoL). The aim in the current study was to examine how parenting their autistic child/ren impacts parent's participation and QoL. Methods: Twenty primary caregivers (29-48 years, all female) of autistic children (7-11 years) were interviewed online about their participation in leisure, community, and employment activities including the impact of COVID-19. Results: Five themes with underlying subthemes were identified using reflexive thematic analysis. The themes were: (1) Reflecting on the important things in life, (2) Getting access to everything needed, (3) Barriers to participation in meaningful activities, (4) Facilitators of participation in meaningful activities, and (5) Participation through the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of regular participation in meaningful activities for parents of autistic children and the support needed by them, particularly single parents, to achieve balance between meeting caring responsibilities and their own participation needs.
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- 2024
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27. Item Understanding of Common Quality of Life Measures for Use with Autistic Adults
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Kelly B. Beck, Lauren A. Terhorst, Carol M. Greco, Jamie L. Kulzer, Elizabeth R. Skidmore, and Michael P. McCue
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Quality of life (QOL) and life satisfaction are important research priorities for autistic adults. As such, we saw a need to evaluate individual items of commonly used subjective QOL scales to understand how they are interpreted and perceived by autistic adults. This study used cognitive interviews and repeated sampling to evaluate the accessibility, test-retest reliability and internal consistency of several common QOL measures in a sample of young autistic adults (n = 20; aged 19-32). Cognitive interviews suggested that the Satisfaction with Life Scale was well understood and demonstrated excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. While the WHOQoL-BREF and WHOQoL Disability Modules had adequate reliability, cognitive interviews suggested that additional instructions and examples would further enhance their accessibility for use with autistic adults.
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- 2024
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28. Coming out Autistic at Work: A Review of the Literature
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Melissa A. Sreckovic, Tia R. Schultz, Suzanne Kucharczyk, and Nancy Welsh-Young
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Research consistently documents the negative postsecondary outcomes of autistic individuals. Identifying facilitators and barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment is imperative to improve postsecondary outcomes. Autism diagnosis disclosure at work may serve as a facilitator or barrier to obtaining and maintaining employment, but little is known about the lived experiences of individuals on the spectrum regarding diagnosis disclosure at work. To ascertain why autistic individuals choose to pursue disclosure or choose not to disclose at work, how they disclose, and the consequences of that disclosure, a state-of-the-art literature review was conducted. Ten studies met the final inclusion criteria and were synthesized to provide guidance to autistic individuals, families, and professionals who support autistic individuals' transition to employment.
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- 2024
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29. An Exploratory Study of Longitudinal Trajectory of Language, Swallowing and Cognition Post Endovascular Clot Retrieval
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Pamela D'Netto, Emma Finch, Anna Rumbach, and David A. Copland
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Background: Endovascular clot retrieval (ECR) is known to reduce global disability at 3 months post stroke however limited research exists regarding the trajectory of specific clinical impairments including language, swallowing and cognitive deficits between onset and 3 months. Aims: To assess language, swallowing, and cognitive performance following ECR and explore whether impairment severity is correlated with modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (mTICI), stroke severity or quality of life (QoL). Methods: Assessment was completed within 7 days (T1), 1 month (T2) and 3 months (T3) post-stroke. Performance was measured with the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Trail Making Test (TMT A and B) and Brixton Spatial Awareness Test. The Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) was used for left hemisphere stroke. QoL was measured with the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale. Results: Twenty-five participants (median 72 years; 64% male) were prospectively recruited following ECR. High reperfusion success (68% mTICI 3) and low stroke severity post ECR (median 24 h NIHSS = 3, IQR 7-18) were noted. At T1, 10 participants presented with aphasia, eight required a modified diet and 20 had impaired cognition. At T3 all had recovered to a normal oral diet, 39% had persistent cognitive impairment and 45% of patients with left hemisphere stroke remained aphasic. Performance on the WAB, FOIS, RBANS and TMT changed significantly over time (all p < 0.05). The severity score at T1 for all measures, excluding TMT B and Brixton, was significantly correlated with 24 h NIHSS. WAB scores at T3 were correlated with QoL (r = 0.618; p = 0.043). Conclusion: This exploratory study found the longitudinal performance of language, swallowing and cognition significantly improved over time and severity in the first-week post-ECR was correlated with 24 h NIHSS rather than the degree of reperfusion.
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- 2024
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30. 'I Have to Charge My Social Battery': Perspectives from Autistic Young Adults on Quality of Life
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Elisabeth Øverland, Åshild Lappegard Hauge, Stian Orm, Merete Glenne Øie, Erik Winther Skogli, Elizabeth Pellicano, and Per Normann Andersen
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Several studies report on lower quality of life for autistic people when compared to non-autistic people. However, there are ongoing discussions about the conceptualization of quality of life for the autistic population. This qualitative study investigated self-perceived quality of life in the context of autistic young adults' everyday lives. Participants (age range 21-29 years) were recruited from a 10-year follow-up study, Lillehammer Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Study, all diagnosed in childhood and adolescence. Fourteen individual in-depth interviews were conducted. When asked about what was important for having a good quality of life, our autistic participants described relationships to people and pets as important, as well as having meaningful activities. Specific interests had guided many to their choice of both academic and work career. Many also described obstacles in their environment that had influenced their quality of life negatively, such as being misunderstood by teachers and other professionals, being bullied, and sensory and emotional overload. Our findings indicate that those in supportive roles should provide help with establishing connections to activities and people/animals, as this seems to be essential for creating a good quality of life. Taking advantage of passions and interests can create opportunities for autistic people. Findings suggest that future research should address the communication barriers between autistic people and professionals that can lead to misunderstandings.
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- 2024
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31. Using Life Course Theory to Explore the Association between Autistic Traits, Child, Family, and School Factors and the Successful Transition to Secondary School
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Moira Whelan, Jane McGillivray, and Nicole J. Rinehart
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Life Course Theory contends that school transitions can interrupt academic and wellbeing trajectories, depending on child, family, and school factors. Hierarchical regression analyses examined how autistic traits were associated with school transition outcomes. Autistic traits explained 12% of the variance in Quality of Life (QOL), 24% of the variance in mental health and 9% of the variance in school belonging. When autistic traits were accounted for, gender was a significant predictor of changes in QOL whereas changes in school belonging were predicted by cognitive functioning, parent education, school attendance and school refusal. Changes in mental health after transition were mostly predicted by family factors including family structure, family functioning and parent education but were also significantly predicted by sleep problems.
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- 2024
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32. Lifestyle Behaviors and Health-Related Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: A Latent Class Analysis
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Jenny L. Olson, David E. Conroy, Scherezade K. Mama, and Kathryn H. Schmitz
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Healthy lifestyle behaviors can improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer survivors; but the combination of behaviors most important for HRQOL is not known. This study investigated the patterns of lifestyle behaviors among cancer survivors and differences in HRQOL between behavioral classes. Cancer survivors (n = 2,463) were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Participants (N= 591) were predominately female (63%) and non-Hispanic White (90%). Survey items included self-reported physical activity, diet, smoking, sleep, HRQOL, and demographics. Behavioral classes were estimated by latent class analysis. Differences between classes were assessed by latent class regression. Compared with the "healthy lifestyles" class (higher probabilities of meeting aerobic/strength-based activity guidelines, high fruit/vegetable intake, and no sleep problems; 11% of sample), the "sleep and diet problems with inconsistent physical activity" class (higher probabilities of not meeting strength-based guidelines, low fruit/vegetable intake, some sleep problems; marginally higher probability of meeting aerobic guidelines; 41%) had poorer general and physical HRQOL. The "poor physical activity and diet" class (higher probabilities of not meeting aerobic/strength-based guidelines, low fruit/vegetable intake, and some sleep problems; 48%) had poorer general, physical, and mental HRQOL. Few participants exhibited healthy lifestyle patterns associated with HRQOL. The findings provide opportunities to develop differentiated multiple behavior-change interventions, targeted to two common patterns of behavior. A large subgroup of cancer survivors was susceptible to suboptimal physical activity and diet, warranting interventions exclusively targeting these behaviors. Another subgroup was susceptible to suboptimal physical activity, diet, and sleep, indicating interventions for this group should include strategies targeting these three behaviors.
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- 2024
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33. Leisure Education in Youth with Developmental Disabilities: Effects on Individual Quality of Life, Adaptive Behavior, and Family Quality of Life
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Marta Badia, Beatriz Pérez, Begoña M. Orgaz, and María Gómez-Vela
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Leisure participation enhances the learning of adaptive skills and the quality of life in youth with developmental disabilities. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of a leisure education program in individuals with developmental disabilities in terms of adaptive behavior and quality of life. Nine participants divided into two small groups and their families were included. A quasi-experimental design was employed to determine whether there was a program effect. The Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, the KIDSCREEN-27, and the Family Quality of Life Scale were administered before and after the intervention. There was a significant increase in social, home, and school skills as well as a better perception of quality of life in relationships with parents, social support, and school. In addition, the program affected the family's perception of practical and emotional support. Findings provide support for the application of this leisure program to enhance quality of life outcomes.
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- 2024
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34. Humanization: The Humanistic Perspective as a Guide for Supporting People with Intellectual Disability
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Ran Neuman
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Background: Despite humanistic declarations regarding the rights of people with intellectual disability to live a full, meaningful life, in practice, resulting from dilemmas experienced by direct support provides, support is often limited to a focus on functional independence. The aim of this research was to define the theoretical principles by which the gap between humanistic declarations and practice can be overcome. Method: The research focused on the role perception of 30 direct support providers who participated in semistructured interviews. A case study methodology was used applying an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Findings: The interviews revealed that a humanistic perspective has been partially incorporated into the general attitudes of direct support providers. In practice, however, they indicated that they face dilemmas that challenge them in their daily work. Conclusion: To assist direct support providers in resolving their dilemmas, by adhering to humanistic principles, a 'humanization' model is offered. The theoretical principles underlying the model focus on meaningful life as the aim of support, enhancing recipients' autonomy, adhering to a holistic perspective and conducting dialogues acknowledging the abilities of people with intellectual disability to understand, choose and face challenges. Further examination of the model and its application in practice is recommended.
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- 2024
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35. A National Cohort Study of Spiritual and Religious Practices of Older People with Intellectual Disability
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Fiona Timmins, Darren McCausland, Damien Brennan, Fintan Sheerin, Retha Luus, Philip McCallion, and Mary McCarron
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Background: Spirituality and spiritual support for older people with intellectual disability are deemed important, however little is known about their specific needs. This paper reports for the first time on the religious and spiritual practices of older adults with intellectual disability. Methods: A national longitudinal study examined the prevalence of spiritual practices among older people with intellectual disability in the Republic of Ireland. Results: Older people with intellectual disability seek and receive solace from religious and spiritual practices, especially if they are lonely, in poor health, distressed or bereaved. There is likely a social benefit to spiritual and religious aspects of life that would be beneficial to explore further. Conclusions: Globally more research is required and efforts should be made to ensure greater opportunities for inclusion in societal spiritual and religious activities and to more clearly determine the spiritual needs of this population.
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- 2024
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36. Quality of Life of Parents Seeking Mental Health Services for Their Adolescent's Social Anxiety: Psychometric Properties of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form
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Anu Sangraula and Andres De Los Reyes
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Background: The Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) is a well-established, clinically feasible measure of quality of life concerns when assessing relatively severe clinical populations of adult patients. To what degree might the Q-LES-Q-SF facilitate identifying quality of life concerns among parents of adolescents receiving outpatient services for psychosocial concerns for which parents are often involved in service delivery, such as social anxiety? Objective: We tested the Q-LES-Q-SF in a mixed-clinical/community sample of adolescents receiving a social anxiety evaluation and their parents. Method: We examined 134 adolescents aged 14-15 years old and their parents. Parents completed self-reports on the Q-LES-Q-SF as well as self-reports on several domains relevant to understanding their mental health. Further, parents completed reports about adolescent and family functioning known to contribute to psychosocial impairments linked to adolescent social anxiety. Results: We observed strong internal consistency estimates for the Q-LES-Q-SF. Scores taken from the Q-LES-Q-SF demonstrated significant links with survey measures designed to assess various domains of adolescent, parent, and family psychosocial functioning. Further, scores taken from the Q-LES-Q-SF uniquely related to measures of both adolescent and parent social anxiety. Conclusions: The findings support use of a short, clinically feasible measure (Q-LES-Q-SF) to assess quality of life among parents seeking mental health services for their adolescents. As such, the study informs future work that tests the ability of the Q-LES-Q-SF to screen for or identify parents whose quality of life may impact their involvement in the delivery of anxiety-related services to their adolescent.
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- 2024
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37. A Social Justice Curriculum for a World in Crisis: Finding Purpose and Joy in a Time of Dread
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Eddie Playfair
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This article considers how to approach the task of developing a curriculum for social justice at a time of planetary and systemic crisis, on the basis that both 'human capital development' and passing on 'the best that has been thought and said' from the past are inadequate responses. If our aim is to create the conditions for human survival and greater social justice, we need to radically commit to values of care, solidarity, equality and democracy, and the development of a broad set of critical literacies. Rather than simply hoping and waiting for better policies and systems, can we usefully find purpose and joy and start to prefigure a more socially just world in the here and now?
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- 2024
38. The Role of Participation in Sports and Physical Activity in the Effects of Negative Emotions and COVID-19 on Quality of Life
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Cakir, Gökhan
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The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of sports participation and physical activity on negative emotions and the quality of life of COVID-19. Data were collected through the personal information form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, the COV19-Impact on Quality of Life scale, and Positive-Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Data were collected through stratified sampling from Recep Tayyip Erdogan University and Kirsehir Ahi Evran University. The sample of the study consisted of 888 students. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Necessary assumptions were ensured before the analysis. Afterwards, descriptive statistics and MANOVA were used in the research. It has seen that the number of students who do not do sports under license, who passively participate in sports 2-3 times a week, and whose physical activity level is moderate are more in number. The findings show that students who do sports under license, passively participate in sports, and are physically active experienced lower levels of negative emotions and COVID-19 affected their quality of life at lower levels. As a result, it can be said that participation in sports and physical activity have an impact on negative emotions and the quality of life of COVID-19 in the sample of university students.
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- 2023
39. Student Musicians' Reflection on Their Experiences of Belonging Whilst Serving Others: Findings from a Three-Year Arts-Based Service-Learning Programme on Therapeutic Community Music
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Varvarigou, Maria
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This exploratory study reports findings from an "arts-based service-learning" (ABSL) programme where student musicians facilitated "therapeutic community music" (TCM) (Aigen, 2012) for, with, and alongside children and seniors in different community settings. The data primarily comprised student musicians' reflective logs and feedback forms and were analysed through a quality of life lens (Raphael, 2002). This paper discusses the student musicians' reported experiences of belonging (Raphael, 2002). Belonging manifested itself in physical, social, and community aspects. For example, facilitating TCM within a circular format helped the student musicians experience deeper social interactions and a greater sense of inclusion. Moreover, the sense of belonging became a resource for developing resilience, expressing creativity, building professional networks, and experiencing the possibilities of their careers. The study concludes with implications for embedding ABSL in higher education programmes to support learning, enhance well-being, and promote community.
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- 2023
40. The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience in the Relationship between Quality of School Life and School Burnout
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Gündogan, Selim
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School burnout is a common problem in students. Therefore, it is a situation that negatively affects students. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of psychological resilience (PR) in the relationship between quality of school life (QSL) and school burnout (SB). The data of the study were collected by using the "QSL Scale", "SB Scale" and "PR Scale". The study group of the current study is comprised of a total of 325 middle school students aged 10 to 15. Of these 325 students, 163 (50.2%) are females, and 162 (49.8%) are males. Correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis were used in the analysis of the collected data. As a result of the SEM analysis, it was found that QSL has a positive effect on PR and a negative effect on SB. PR was found to have a negative effect on SB. Moreover, PR was found to have a partially mediator role in the relationship between QSL and SB. Overall, it can be argued that improving students' perception of QSL will positively affect their PR and their attempts to cope with SB.
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- 2023
41. Expanding Opportunity: How States Can Accelerate the Use of Career Pathways Programs to Help Young People Access Meaningful Careers
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Bellwether, Koehler, Linea, Hinds, Harold, and Lee, Nick
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States and districts use career pathways in a variety of ways, in a variety of settings, and under vastly different circumstances to give young people access to meaningful careers and stable lives. In this report, the authors conducted case studies of career pathways initiatives in Texas, Ohio, and Colorado to better understand the triumphs and challenges inherent in creating and operating career pathways programs amid a rapidly changing policy context. Through research and interviews with education stakeholders, the authors gathered meaningful insight into how legislators, policymakers, and program operators build high-quality programs and overcome barriers. The report examines the implementation of career pathways programs in these states to surface themes about the factors that support and hinder implementation, and to identify recommendations for state policymakers interested in supporting these programs. The recommendations include policy changes and practical administrative retooling that will have the greatest impact on improving pathways programs in these states and across the country.
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- 2023
42. Economic Evaluation of Early Interventions for Autistic Children: A Scoping Review
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Katherine Pye, Hannah Jackson, Teresa Iacono, and Alan Shiell
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Many autistic children access some form of early intervention, but little is known about the value for money of different programs. We completed a scoping review of full economic evaluations of early interventions for autistic children and/or their families. We identified nine studies and reviewed their methods and quality. Most studies involved behavioral interventions. Two were trial-based, and the others used various modelling methods. Clinical measures were often used to infer dependency levels and quality-adjusted life-years. No family-based or negative outcomes were included. Authors acknowledged uncertain treatment effects. We conclude that economic evaluations in this field are sparse, methods vary, and quality is sometimes poor. Economic research is needed alongside longer-term clinical trials, and outcome measurement in this population requires further exploration.
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- 2024
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43. The Association between Stuttering Burden and Psychosocial Aspects of Life in Adults
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Marscha M. Engelen, Marie-Christine J. P. Franken, Lottie W. Stipdonk, Sarah E. Horton, Victoria E. Jackson, Sheena Reilly, Angela T. Morgan, Simon E. Fisher, Sandra Van Dulmen, and Else Eising
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Purpose: Stuttering is a speech condition that can have a major impact on a person's quality of life. This descriptive study aimed to identify subgroups of people who stutter (PWS) based on stuttering burden and to investigate differences between these subgroups on psychosocial aspects of life. Method: The study included 618 adult participants who stutter. They completed a detailed survey examining stuttering symptomatology, impact of stuttering on anxiety, education and employment, experience of stuttering, and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. A two-step cluster analytic procedure was performed to identify subgroups of PWS, based on self-report of stuttering frequency, severity, affect, and anxiety, four measures that together inform about stuttering burden. Results: We identified a high- (n = 230) and a low-burden subgroup (n = 372). The high-burden subgroup reported a significantly higher impact of stuttering on education and employment, and higher levels of general depression, anxiety, stress, and overall impact of stuttering. These participants also reported that they trialed more different stuttering therapies than those with lower burden. Conclusions: Our results emphasize the need to be attentive to the diverse experiences and needs of PWS, rather than treating them as a homogeneous group. Our findings also stress the importance of personalized therapeutic strategies for individuals with stuttering, considering all aspects that could influence their stuttering burden. People with high-burden stuttering might, for example, have a higher need for psychological therapy to reduce stuttering-related anxiety. People with less emotional reactions but severe speech distortions may also have a moderate to high burden, but they may have a higher need for speech techniques to communicate with more ease. Future research should give more insights into the therapeutic needs of people highly burdened by their stuttering.
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- 2024
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44. Autistic Adults' Experiences of Financial Wellbeing: Part II
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Elizabeth Pellicano, Gabrielle Hall, and Ru Ying Cai
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Financial wellbeing is an important component of people's overall wellbeing, reflecting the capacity to live a comfortable and fulfilling life. Yet virtually nothing is known about this topic for autistic people. This study addressed this gap using a two-phase sequential mixed-methods design. Here, we report on findings from the Phase 2 qualitative study. In this study, 21 autistic participants were purposively selected based on the status of their financial wellbeing, including 12 people with high, and 9 with low, financial wellbeing, and interviewed by an autistic researcher. We identified four themes through reflective thematic analysis. Having access to a stable income made an enormous difference to people's financial wellbeing. Participants emphasised how their broader social supports, especially family support, shaped their financial wellbeing. Yet, planning financially was often challenging, especially for people who had insufficient money to meet their basic needs. Nevertheless, our participants reported a strong drive to stay in control and avoid unnecessary risk. Our findings revealed how much money matters in autistic people's lives. Future research should investigate the ways in which autistic people could secure more reliable incomes and identify the most effective ways to support them to achieve financial resilience.
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- 2024
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45. The Role of Intervention Fidelity, Culture, and Individual-Level Factors on Health-Related Outcomes among Hispanic Adolescents with Unhealthy Weight: Findings from a Longitudinal Intervention Trial
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Padideh Lovan, Alyssa Lozano, Yannine Estrada, Cynthia Lebron, Tae Kyoung Lee, Sarah E. Messiah, and Guillermo Prado
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Previous studies have suggested the impact of intervention fidelity on the management and prevention of chronic diseases; however, little is known about the effect of the contributing determinants (at multiple levels of influence) that can impact health-related interventions intending to improve the health status of Hispanic adolescents with overweight or obesity. The current study aimed to assess whether fidelity (i.e., dosage and quality of the program delivery), acculturation (i.e., orientation to the American culture, retention of Hispanic cultural values), and individual-level socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., income, education) predict changes in family processes (e.g., parent control), which in turn may affect adolescent health-related outcomes including body mass index (BMI), physical activity, dietary intake, and adolescents' health-related quality of life. A pathway analysis model was utilized to explore the study variables among 140 Hispanic parent-adolescent dyads randomized to Familias Unidas Health and Wellness (FUHW) intervention. Results indicated that fidelity was significantly associated with changes in parent-adolescent communication, parent monitoring, limit-setting, and control. Parents' education was associated with changes in parent limit-setting, and parent Hispanicism was associated with changes in parent limit-setting and discipline. The examination between family processes and adolescent health outcomes revealed that parents' higher discipline and improved communication with their adolescents were significantly associated with improved adolescents' quality of life, and parent control was positively associated with physical activity and negatively associated with BMI in adolescents. Our findings demonstrated the significant contribution of intervention fidelity and participants' characteristics in parenting strategies leading to adolescents' health outcomes to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases. Future research is needed to investigate the effect of environmental and organizational factors on the delivery of the intervention materials.
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- 2024
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46. Family Resilience Affecting Well-Being of Families with a Child with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
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Siméon T. A. Lahaije, Jorien Luijkx, Aly Waninge, and Annette A. J. van der Putten
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Persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) have pervasive support needs, which are often managed by their families. By being resilient and positively adapting to this challenge, families may maintain a positive family quality of life (FQOL). We therefore aimed to understand how families with a child with PIMD experience their family resilience, and if and how it affects their FQOL. Participants were 64 parents of a person with PIMD from 44 families. Total family resilience, as well as most subscales received positive scores, and also had a significant positive effect on FQOL. These results provide more insight into the family dynamics of families with a child with PIMD, which should inform policies, and provided services for these families.
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- 2024
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47. Migrant Grandparents in Australia: English Learning and Well-Being
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Alice Chik and Jill Murray
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Migrant families often invite grandparents to move to Australia when babies are born. In order to provide support to their families, many of these grandparents have to retire from their own professional careers and migrate to Australia to start new lives. Some speak English as an additional language, with or without formal education, prior to arriving in Australia. Once in Australia, these senior migrants can only access limited government-funded English learning, and they are frequently left to capitalize on informal learning. This paper discusses a case study of two Chinese-heritage senior migrants and the role English plays in their lives, and grandparenting in Australia. We argue that having the English capability for everyday activity within the family is key to their overall well-being, and that drawing directly on their past experiences and learning strengths can enhance their quality of life.
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- 2024
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48. Expanding Cycles of Collaboration and Critical Inquiry in Utopian Methodology. The 360 Education Alliance Case
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Esteban-Guitart, Moises, Rajala, Antti, and Cole, Michael
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The article proposes and illustrates a methodological framework that aligns with the action-research models and utopian methodology in particular, although it represents a more substantial leap forward, especially regarding the distributed nature of decision making in the different processes of research/intervention, and its multiple and systematic nature (linking theory, practice and politics). It is developed through four main phases: i) collective identification of the needs and the object of the study, ii) expansive co-design of the action-research, iii) dynamic and multiagency implementation, and iv) critical and participatory reflexive evaluation. It is examined more specifically how the phases proposed here can be illustrated by an ongoing project called 360Education Alliance ("Aliança Educació 360") conducted in the context of Catalonia, Spain. It consists of a partnership presented in January, 2018, that currently involves more than 300 entities for promoting a community vision of education based on improving equity and social justice. Some opportunities deriving from this methodology are mentioned in the conclusion, emphasizing the transversal role of self-criticism as permanent inquiry of multiple agents involved in the process, including the participants themselves.
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- 2023
49. Students' Opinions on COVID-19 and University Life
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Külekçi Akyavuz, Ebru and Yildirim, Figen
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The purpose of the study was to determine how the university students who continue their education online after the universities shifted to distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic evaluate this process. The study was designed as a case study, one of the qualitative research methods. The study group was selected using the maximum variation sampling method among the university students studying at a public university in the 2020-2021 academic year in Turkey. Semi-structured interview form was used as data collection tool. It was found that the university students were struggling with academic, social, psychological, economic, and health problems during the pandemic period. In addition, in the study, the effect of being at the family home on the university education was also examined. While some participants considered it as an opportunity to stay at the family home for the reasons such as the support of the family and being more comfortable, some others considered it as negative due to the reasons such as the absence of a study environment, behaviors of the family members, family problems, and family pressure.
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- 2023
50. Stepping Up to the Challenge: Human Services Students Help Their Community in a Time of Need
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Redding, Carly L. and McDaniel, Michallene G.
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Research indicates that food insecurity among college students has been on a steady incline. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified economic vulnerabilities, which has led to increased food insecurity among college students due to the closure of campus resources and high unemployment rates in jobs that college students typically hold. Universities have long recognized the need for on-campus pantries and the institutions' role in preparing students to apply the knowledge learned in their courses in real-world settings. This article uses a case study to illustrate how one university worked with service-learning students in its Human Services department to provide food support to the campus community by becoming essential workers during a crisis. This created a sustainable solution to improve the quality of life for an entire university community and provided Human Services students the opportunity for applied experience and professional growth and development.
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- 2023
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