Exploring mindfulness attentional skills acquisition, psychological and physiological functioning and well-being: Using mindful breathing or mindful listening in a nonclinical sample.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-118
Author(s):  
Leong-Min Loo ◽  
Jon B. Prince ◽  
Helen M. Correia
Author(s):  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Elisa Pedroli

The progressive growth of the ageing population represents opportunities as well as challenges. Consistently, the identification of effective cognitive empowerment programs in elderly population is now a worldwide health policy priority, specially for their preventive effect. In this chapter, within the paradigm of Positive Technology, the main focus will be on the use advanced technologies as effective tools for a new class of applications aimed at improving the traditional cognitive empowerment in elderly. Specifically, the attention will be devoted on how advanced technologies may be used to support elderly in reaching engaging and self-actualizing experiences. On the basis of the most recent evidence in literature, it will be discussed the possible advantages in using such advanced technologies for improving well-being in frail elderly: coupled with an increase in cognitive skills acquisition, the advantages may range increased self-efficacy and decreased subjective weakness, with a consequent improvement in both physical and cognitive performance.


Author(s):  
Jonathan E. Oghenekohwo ◽  
Young D. Tonunarigha

This is an investigation on the empowerment programmes of faith-based organizations (FBOs) and socio-economic well-being of members in Yenegoa Communities of Bayelsa. This study lay to rest the controversy surrounding FBOs, whether they are empowering members or exploiting them and the extent to which such organisations have met its goals especially that of capacity building, charity and giving. The survey research method was used for the study. From a population of 12,565 FBOs leaders and members in Yenegoa communities, a sample of 659 participants was selected through proportional random sampling method. Data were collected with a face and content validated self-structured instrument title: Faith-Based Organisations Empowerment Scales (FBOES), (r=0.88). Four research questions were raised and answered using the mean, standard deviation and multiple regression statistics analysis. Results showed that, faith-based organisations provided skills acquisition programmes for member’s empowerment. Majority of the FBOs were actively involved in the empowerment of youth, women and the most vulnerable members of the affiliates and even the host communities. Faith-based organisations derived its goals from the teaching on social capital investment elements of trust, cooperation, mutuality, compromise, reciprocity, courage, integrity, networking, mentoring, and communication for peace building and community development. It was concluded that faith-based organisations empowerment programmes had positive impacts on members’ social and economic well-being. In view of these findings, it was recommended that leaders of FBOs in the communities should moderate their lifestyles, emulate and enhance the example of service, humanness and sacrifice in their engagement.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 351
Author(s):  
Uranta D.

The study examined the effect of capacity building programmes of development agencies (NDDC and SPDC) on well being of beneficiaries in the Niger delta, by assessing participant’s income before and after participation and their perception about the effects of the training programme on them using multidimensional criteria such as their educational, health, shelter, skill acquisition and general standard of living needs. A<strong> </strong>sample size of 300 respondents was selected from the 22 capacity development (study) centers chosen from Rivers and Bayelsa state using purposive-cluster and random sampling techniques. The result of the study indicates that there was a nominal positive change of income in favour of the participating youths exposed to the programme, the study concluded that the skills acquisition pogrammes of the development agencies were effective at improving the wellbeing needs of the participants. It was recommended that donors of both programmes SPDC and NDDC should ensure sustainability by creating more study centres with well-equipped facilities for the training; effective supervision, and monitoring. There is need for adequate funding to ensure prompt payment of stipends and starter packs. Apart from this, experts and professionals should be engaged to train this youth.


Author(s):  
Lucia Bosakova ◽  
Andrea Madarasova Geckova ◽  
Jitse P. van Dijk ◽  
Sijmen A. Reijneveld

Increasing employment opportunities for segregated Roma might prevent major economic losses and improve their health. Involvement of the private sector in Roma employment, on top of intensified governmental actions, is likely to be a key to sustainable improvement, but evidence on this is scarce. Our aim was to determine the potential outcomes of such a partnership regarding increased employability and the resulting improved well-being and health. We therefore investigated a Roma employment project called Equality of Opportunity, run since 2002 by a private company, U.S. Steel Kosice, in eastern Slovakia. We conducted a multi-perspective qualitative study to obtain the perspectives of key stakeholders on the outcomes of this project. We found that they expected the employability of segregated Roma to increase in particular via improvements in their work ethic and working habits, education, skills acquisition, self-confidence, courage and social inclusion. They further expected as the main health effects of increased employability an improvement in Roma well-being and health via a stable income, better housing, crime reduction, improved hygienic standards, access to prevention and improved mental resilience. Social policies regarding segregated Roma could thus be best directed at increasing employment and at these topics in particular to increase their effects on Roma health.


2020 ◽  
Vol - (5) ◽  
pp. 41-59
Author(s):  
Olena LAZORENKO

The article is focused on some aspects of development adult learning and education policy in Ukraine from stakeholders` perspective, and active role of the Ukrainian civil society in this discourse. This was facilitated by conducting analytical research and further advocacy activities on the protection and representation of interests in Ukraine in 2018-2019. Adult learning and education following the change in UNESCO’s terminology from «adult education» to «adult learning and education» (abbreviated - ALE), is interpreted as a permanent activity aimed at acquiring, recognizing and applying key skills. Acquisition of new skills, abilities and knowledge by adults usually occurs after they receive basic education and enter the labour market. In European practice, this covers formal, non-formal and informal forms of adult learning. Stakeholders were involved in the analytical re- search through a survey of experts; participation in a practical seminar on peer review workshop, which was held in the format of a progress meeting to present the Policy Research Report and discuss the preliminary results; virtual discussion of analytical documents. Usually, adult learning policy promotes social well-being and integration, employment and active civil participation. Ukraine lack of consolidate active state adult learning policy during the whole period of its independence since 1991. The problem-solving options proposed in the research and validated by stakeholders are presented in this article. The article will be interesting for social philosophy, educational & learning academic and non-academic researchers, policy-makers and practitioners.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Kesharwani ◽  
M M Buksh ◽  
M Rawashdeh ◽  
N Arumainayagam

Abstract Introduction COVID 19 affected surgical training owing to changes in rotations, moving trusts/departments, surgical skills acquisition and new guidelines/protocols during unprecedented times. Aim was to infer how redeployment impacted surgical skills via an objective and subjective study. Method A retrospective observational study comparing lead surgeons in Laparotomy and Appendectomies between 23rd March- 31st July (2019/2020). A subjective survey was done to elucidate perspectives on skill, academic advancement and trust/deanery support. A focussed group discussion was also done to gain insight on physical and psychological well-being. Results Laparotomy 2019 (n = 75) had 59%; 41%; 0% - Consultants/Registrars/ fellows respectively as lead surgeons. 2020 Laparotomies (n = 50) had 40% consultants; 41% registrars; 20% fellows Similarly, Appendectomy 2019 (n = 94) had 8.5% consultants; 71.3% registrars; 3.2% clinical fellows, whereas 2020 Appendectomies (n = 67) had 18% consultants; 71.6% registrars and 10.4% fellows. The Likert questionnaire showed 42.86% had mental exhaustion, less confidence/skills due to lesser opportunities/procedures. 57.14% expressed COVID 19 extremely affected surgical training while 28.14% believed in a reduction of 81-100% operative log book entries from before. Conclusions Although, the results were not significant in number of cases managed by trainees; many reported perceived loss of training( log book/portfolio), less teaching/training opportunities and mental exhaustion.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. e12
Author(s):  
Dawn Smail ◽  
Sarah Elison ◽  
Linda Dubrow-Marshall ◽  
Catherine Thompson

Background There are increasing concerns about the health and well-being of individuals facing financial troubles. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the relationship between debt and mental health difficulties is becoming more evident due to the economic downturn and welfare reform. Access to debt counseling services is limited and individuals may be reluctant to access services due to stigma. In addition, most of these services may not be appropriately resourced to address the psychological impact of debt. This study describes outcomes from an Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) program, Ostrich Community (OC), which was developed to provide support to those struggling with debt and associated psychological distress. Objective The aim of this feasibility study was to assess the suitability and acceptability of the OC program in a nonclinical sample and examine mental health and well-being outcomes from using the program. Methods A total of 15 participants (who were not suffering from severe financial difficulty) were assisted in working through the 8-week ICBT program. Participants rated usability and satisfaction with the program, and after completion 7 participants took part in a semistructured interview to provide further feedback. Before the first session and after the final session all participants completed questionnaires to measure well-being and levels of depression, stress, and anxiety and pre- and postscores were compared. Results Satisfaction was high and themes emerging from the interviews indicate that the program has the potential to promote effective financial behaviors and improve financial and global psychosocial well-being. When postcompletion scores were compared with those taken before the program, significant improvements were identified on psychometric measures of well-being, stress, and anxiety. Conclusions The OC program is the first ICBT program that targets poor mental health associated with financial difficulty. This feasibility study indicates that OC may be an effective intervention for increasing financial resilience, supporting individuals to become financially independent, and promoting positive financial and global well-being. Further work with individuals suffering from debt and associated emotional difficulties will help to examine clinical effectiveness more closely.


Author(s):  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Elisa Pedroli

The progressive growth of the ageing population represents opportunities as well as challenges. Consistently, the identification of effective cognitive empowerment programs in elderly population is now a worldwide health policy priority, specially for their preventive effect. In this chapter, within the paradigm of Positive Technology, the main focus will be on the use advanced technologies as effective tools for a new class of applications aimed at improving the traditional cognitive empowerment in elderly. Specifically, the attention will be devoted on how advanced technologies may be used to support elderly in reaching engaging and self-actualizing experiences. On the basis of the most recent evidence in literature, it will be discussed the possible advantages in using such advanced technologies for improving well-being in frail elderly: coupled with an increase in cognitive skills acquisition, the advantages may range increased self-efficacy and decreased subjective weakness, with a consequent improvement in both physical and cognitive performance.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document