scholarly journals “I Spent Most of Freshers in my Room”—A Qualitative Study of the Social Experiences of University Students on the Autistic Spectrum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Goddard ◽  
Anna Cook
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Experiences ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
Social Events ◽  
University Life ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAutistic university students face extra challenges in both their academic and social life. Barriers to socialising appear to be less well understood and supported by universities than academic requirements. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten autistic university students to explore their social experiences. Questions explored their social experiences, satisfaction with social life, disclosure of ASD to others, and the impact of mental wellbeing on university life. Thematic analysis indicated most participants were unsatisfied with their social lives and experienced mental health issues. Factors exacerbating social isolation included lack of suitable social events, lack of social support and feeling unable to disclose to peers. Factors which reduced social isolation included joining an autism or special interest society and receiving social mentoring.

scholarly journals Beyond the Pandemic: COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the Face of Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5645
Author(s):  
Shaden A. M. Khalifa ◽  
Mahmoud M. Swilam ◽  
Aida A. Abd El-Wahed ◽  
Ming Du ◽  
Haged H. R. El-Seedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Activities ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Population Movements ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious challenge for societies around the globe as entire populations have fallen victim to the infectious spread and have taken up social distancing. In many countries, people have had to self-isolate and to be confined to their homes for several weeks to months to prevent the spread of the virus. Social distancing measures have had both negative and positive impacts on various aspects of economies, lifestyles, education, transportation, food supply, health, social life, and mental wellbeing. On other hands, due to reduced population movements and the decline in human activities, gas emissions decreased and the ozone layer improved; this had a positive impact on Earth’s weather and environment. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has negative effects on human activities and positive impacts on nature. This study discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different life aspects including the economy, social life, health, education, and the environment.

The Sexual Experience of Married Middle-Aged Women as a Source of Mental Wellbeing: Perceptions, Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-203
Author(s):  
Tal Braverman-Uriel ◽  
Tal Litvak-Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
Women's Leadership ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Significant Development ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

The impact of sexuality on mental wellbeing in women in long-term relationships has only been partially investigated. Emphasis has been on quantitative research studies that do not capture the breadth of the field. The present study looked at how and to what extent women maintain sexual desire in long-term relationships, and how sexuality affects their mental wellbeing. The study used a qualitative narrative approach and included semi-structured interviews with approximately 20 Israeli women aged 40–55 from similar socioeconomic backgrounds and in longstanding, permanent relationships. The findings indicate significant development over the years in the perception of the role of sexuality and its impact on mental wellbeing. The path to good sexuality can and should follow women’s leadership and initiative. Such women have the desire to make an impact, willingness to make an effort, and even an actual ability to exert influence. The interviewees’ tools, strategies, insights and ways of coping can serve as models for other women seeking better sexuality in a long-term relationship.

scholarly journals Use of alcohol and other drugs among male university students and its meanings

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 785-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliza Maria Rezende Dázio ◽  
Márcia Maria Fontão Zago ◽  
Silvana Maria Coelho Leite Fava
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Public University ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sociocultural Environment ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
University Life ◽  
Alcohol And Other Drugs ◽  
Male University Students ◽  
Inductive Analysis

Abstract OBJECTIVE To understand the meanings that male university students assign to the condition of users of alcohol and other drugs. METHOD An exploratory study using a qualitative approach, with inductive analysis of the content of semi-structured interviews applied to 20 male university students from a public university in the southeast region of Brazil, grounded on the theoretical-methodological referential of interpretive anthropology and ethnographic method. RESULTS Data were construed using content inductive analysis for two topics: use of alcohol and/or drugs as an outlet; and use of alcohol and/or other drugs: an alternative for belonging and identity. CONCLUSION Male university students share the rules of their sociocultural environment that values the use of alcohol and/or other drugs as a way of dealing with the demands and stress ensuing from the everyday university life, and to build identity and belong to this social context, reinforcing the influence of culture.

scholarly journals The Impact Facebook and Twitter has on the Cognitive Social Capital of University Students

10.28945/2160 ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 001-030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad Petersen ◽  
Kevin A. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
University Students ◽  
Online Social Network ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Network Systems ◽  
University Life ◽  
Facebook Usage ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital ◽  
The Impact

The impact that Facebook and Twitter usage has on the creation and maintenance of university student’s cognitive social capital was investigated on students in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Facebook and Twitter were selected as part of the research context because both are popular online social network systems (SNSs), and few studies were found that investigated the impact that both Facebook and Twitter have on the cognitive social capital of South African university students. Data was collected from a survey questionnaire, which was successfully completed by over 100 students from all 5 universities within the Western Cape. The questionnaire was obtained from a previous study, allowing comparisons to be made. Analysis of the results however, did not show a strong relationship between the intensity of Facebook and Twitter usage, and the various forms of social capital. Facebook usage was found to correlate with student’s satisfaction with university life; which suggests that increasing the intensity of Facebook usage for students experiencing low satisfaction with university life might be beneficial.

Solving the mysteries of narcolepsy

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 252-253
Author(s):  
Mark Greener
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Life Work

Narcolepsy can profoundly affect a patient's quality of life, including their mental wellbeing, social life, work and study. Mark Greener briefly summarises some recent papers that offer new insights into the causes of narcolepsy, the overlap with depression and other comorbidities, and the impact on patients.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Role of Using IS/IT in the Delivery of Treatments for ADHD in University Students

2016 ◽  
pp. 320-338
Author(s):  
Bader Binhadyan ◽  
Nilmini Wickramasinghe
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Study Skills ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Performance Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Treatment Context ◽  
The University

Over the last decade, the popularity of incorporating advances in information systems and information technology (IS/IT) has been steadily growing. IS/IT can improve the delivery for better intervention and treatment with many different mental illnesses; however, there appears to be great potential for IS/IT in the context of young adults with mental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD affects approximately 11% of the university population; negatively impacting students' academic performance, study skills, and social life. The study design outlined in this paper suggests a possibility for the role of IS/IT in the delivery of treatments and management of ADHD in university students to be examined with the view to introduce IS/IT into the traditional treatment context. This research involves collecting data from psychologists in the form of semi-structured interviews and a grounded theory methodology using multiple cases is adopted.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Web-Based Mindfulness, Nutrition and Fitness Platform on the Health Status of First-Year University Students: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire F Trottier ◽  
Jessica RL Lieffers ◽  
Steven T Johnson ◽  
João F Mota ◽  
Roshni K Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND First-year university students are at increased risk for presenting with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and poor nutritional status. Self-care plays an essential role in optimizing mental health and can prevent/treat stress, anxiety and depression. Web-based self-monitoring of diet and physical activity can lead to similar or improved health outcomes compared to conventional methods. Such tools are also popular among university students. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this 12-week randomized control trial was to assess the impact of a web-based wellness platform on perceived stress among first-year university students. The study’s secondary outcome was to assess the effects of the platform on diet quality and exploratory outcomes were body composition, health related quality of life, mindfulness, mental wellbeing and physical activity. METHODS Ninety-seven first-year undergraduate students were randomized to either the intervention (n=48) or control (n=49) group. The intervention consisted of access to a web-based platform called My Viva Plan® (MVP) which aims to support healthy living on the topics of mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness. The platform is fully automated and is guided by principals of cognitive behavior theory. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to use MVP as frequently as possible over 12 weeks. The control group did not receive access to MVP. Perceived stress was assessed using the Stress Indicators Questionnaire at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Three day food records were used to analyze dietary intake at baseline and week 12. Health related quality of life, mindfulness, mental wellbeing and physical activity questionnaires were completed at baseline, week 6 and week 12 and body composition was assessed at baseline and week 12. Study assessments were completed in-person at baseline and week 12 and electronically at week 6. RESULTS Study recruitment started in August 2018 with batch enrollment for students registered in the fall (September 2018 to December 2018) and winter (January 2019 to April 2019) academic terms at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. Eighty participants completed the 12-week trial (n=35 in the intervention group; n=45 in the control group). All data collection ended in May 2019. CONCLUSIONS This project is the first to explore the impact of an online platform designed to promote health and wellness; it will also shed light into its applicability in first-year university students. If successful, this may become an important health care tool for preventative care in first year university students. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03579264

scholarly journals The impact of social isolation on a selected group of older brazilians within the context of the covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Natalia Sperli Geraldes Marin dos Santos Sasaki ◽  
Marília Louvison ◽  
Camila Garcel Pancote ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Sperli Geraldes Santos ◽  
Amena Alcântara Ferraz Cury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
The Social ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
The Impact

Objective: This paper is an examination of the experiences of a selected group of older Brazilians people which aims to analyse how they have been impacted by COVID-19 and, particularly, how they have been affected by protective social isolation measures. Methodology: 42 older residents of Sao Jose do Rio Preto were interviewed by phone. The applied script question was developed by International Longevity Centre the Netherlands, based at the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Aging. The data collection instrument consisted of five categories of analysis: social activities, social contacts and connectivity, well-being, vitality and health, and COVID-19 news and reports. Results: All in-person social activity ceased with the implementation of the isolation measures. Most of the interviewees pointed out to be suffering do to absence of their children, grand-children, other relatives and close friends from whom they have being apart since the beginning of the Corona virus pandemic. A large number of the interviewees recognized a worsening of their health condition and attributed it to the suspension of the physical activities and the social life that they had before isolation. Conclusion: The interviewed showed some insight about the experiences of older Brazilian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. They all revealed a strong awareness of their physical vulnerability regarding corona virus. Most accepted the need to protect themselves through isolation or any other measures. However, there are barriers that difficulty the elderly people isolation as they live with of member of the family with different ages and in poor financial situations.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of University Students in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiz Muhammad Asif ◽  
Hafiz Abdul Sattar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the cause of COVID-19 eventually led to the declaration of Public health emergency of international concern and a pandemic by WHO due to its exponential global spread. Present study was conducted to investigate the impact of second wave of pandemic on mental wellbeing and social behaviors among university students of Pakistan during this crucial period of COVID-19 infection. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was designed to evaluate the psychosocial impact during the current COVID-19 outbreak among the students of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Snowball sampling or chain referral sampling procedure was adopted to recruit the participants in the study. Verbal informed consent was taken from all participants before recruitment in the study irrespective of their gender, age and socioeconomic status. Results: Mental health of university students during COVID-19 epidemic was affected to a varying degree revealing that 26.66% were recorded to have mild, 27.15% moderate and 17.04% suffering from severe anxiety out of total 1029 students. Students who were residing in urban areas with parents and having a steady family income were negatively associated and found protective factors against anxiety. However, having a relative or an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 was an independent risk factor for experienced anxiety. Positively associated factors with the level of anxiety symptoms included economic stressors, effects on daily-life, and academic delays whereas social support was negatively correlated with anxiety in COVID-19 related stressors. Conclusion: Public health emergencies and such pandemic are exerting serious psychological impacts on university students. It is recommended that the higher authorities should plan better policies to reduce this impact for the provision of high quality and timely crisis-oriented psychological services to university students.

‘Biography of the self’: Why Australian women wear 1950s style clothing

2021 ◽  
Vol 00 (00) ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Lisa J. Hackett
Keyword(s):  
Civil War ◽  
Jane Austen ◽  
The Self ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
Everyday Lives ◽  
Social Events ◽  
Everyday Work ◽  
Research Findings

This article aims to understand why one cohort of Australian women choose to wear anachronistic clothing, in this case, 1950s inspired and styled clothing, and more so, why they choose to wear this style of clothing as part of their everyday lives. While some wearers of anachronistic clothing, such as civil war re-creators or Jane Austen enthusiasts, dress for particular social events and revert to ‘everyday’ clothing in their daily lives, this research seeks to examine why this cohort of 1950s fashion aficionados maintain this aesthetic in their everyday work and social lives. The research findings are based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 27 Australian women, aged from their 20s to their 60s, living in urban and regional locations. The purpose of the project was to uncover the psychological and sociological reasons for their sartorial everyday choices. In doing so a number of issues emerged notably interpretations of what constituted 1950s styled clothing. In the discussion of the findings, it was found that the reasons for this fashion choice were complex ranging from personal, psychological, sociological, gendered, nostalgic and political reasons for adopting this style.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document