scholarly journals Physiological and Emotional Responses of Disabled Children to Therapeutic Clowns: A Pilot Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shauna Kingsnorth ◽  
Stefanie Blain ◽  
Patricia McKeever
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physiological Arousal ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Disabled Children ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Television Exposure ◽  
And Behavior

This pilot study examined the effects of Therapeutic Clowning on inpatients in a pediatric rehabilitation hospital. Ten disabled children with varied physical and verbal expressive abilities participated in all or portions of the data collection protocol. Employing a mixed-method, single-subject ABAB study design, measures of physiological arousal, emotion and behavior were obtained from eight children under two conditions—television exposure and therapeutic clown interventions. Four peripheral autonomic nervous system (ANS) signals were recorded as measures of physiological arousal; these signals were analyzed with respect to measures of emotion (verbal self reports of mood) and behavior (facial expressions and vocalizations). Semistructured interviews were completed with verbally expressive children (n= 7) and nurses of participating children (n= 13). Significant differences among children were found in response to the clown intervention relative to television exposure. Physiologically, changes in ANS signals occurred either more frequently or in different patterns. Emotionally, children's (self) and nurses' (observed) reports of mood were elevated positively. Behaviorally, children exhibited more positive and fewer negative facial expressions and vocalizations of emotion during the clown intervention. Content and themes extracted from the interviews corroborated these findings. The results suggest that this popular psychosocial intervention has a direct and positive impact on hospitalized children. This pilot study contributes to the current understanding of the importance of alternative approaches in promoting well-being within healthcare settings.

Medicine’s Melodies: On the Costs & Benefits of Music, Soundscapes, & Noise in Healthcare Settings

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 211
Author(s):  
Charles Spence ◽  
Steve Keller
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Operational Environment ◽  
Experience Economy ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Point Of Entry ◽  
Multisensory Environment ◽  
The Impact

A large and growing body of empirical research now demonstrates the positive impact that music and other auditory stimuli (such as nature soundscapes) can have across the entire spectrum of the healthcare ecosystem. From the point of entry and onward to the operating room/theatre, in the peri-operational environment, patient wards, and medical waiting rooms, music affects all of those who hear it: Patients, their families, surgeons, caregivers, and hospital staff alike. In the age of the “experience economy,” where patients are considered both guests and consumers, private healthcare is increasingly starting to focus on customer satisfaction, and its impact on both financial performance and (not unrelated) health outcomes. In this review, we summarize the latest evidence concerning the impact of music, soundscapes, and noise, on medical outcomes and healthcare provision. We highlight the importance of the auditory (and, ultimately, the multisensory) environment, not only for health and well-being, but also in terms of improving patient satisfaction and managing costs.KEYWORDS: MUSIC; MEDICINE; ATMOSPHERICS; SOUNDSCAPES

scholarly journals The Impact of Relationship Wellness Checkups With Lesbian Couples

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary J. Minten ◽  
Cass Dykeman
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Lesbian Couples ◽  
The Impact

Relationship health impacts many facets of both physical and mental well-being, including depression, heart health, and even children’s health. For a variety of reasons, distressed couples often delay entering therapy despite its value in supporting wellness and preventing distress. One early intervention program, the marriage checkup (MC), aims to keep healthy couples healthy with a brief supportive checkup. The MC is based on motivational interviewing principles, and research on MC shows the program has a positive impact on relationship satisfaction, prevents decline, and improves health on other variables such as intimacy. However, past research on MCs has only focused on heterosexual couples. As such, this study explores the research question, “What is the impact of a relationship wellness checkup on lesbian couples’ relationship satisfaction?” Using a single-subject design, specifically concurrent multiple-baseline, multiple-probe design, this study extends MC research to an underrepresented population. After conducting checkups over 10 weeks with three lesbian couples, findings show the intervention had a medium effect on satisfaction (nonoverlap of all pairs = .66). These results indicate a relationship checkup can increase satisfaction for lesbian couples. The findings also suggest checkups with lesbian couples can have a comparable impact to their use with heterosexual couples. This study concludes by advocating that the checkup may help lesbian couples stay healthy, providing support for this marginalized group of couples in a time of prejudice.

scholarly journals Improvements in Sleep Quality and Duration Following a Meditation Retreat: an Open-Trial Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Kanchibhotla ◽  
Sheel Galada Parekh ◽  
Prateek Harsora ◽  
Shashank Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Open Trial ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meditation Retreat

Abstract Purpose Disturbed sleep and other sleep-related problems have a negative impact on the human mind and body. Meditation practices are reported to improve physiological functions and might also have a positive impact on regulating sleep. This research investigates the efficacy of an advanced mind–body medicine intervention, called Hollow and Empty Meditation (HEM), on improving sleep quality. Methods The study was a single-arm open-trial pilot study which assessed 413 adults who underwent a 4-day meditation retreat offered by the Art of Living, called the Advanced Meditation Program (AMP), and experienced a novel meditation—HEM. Results were measured using a self-report questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which was administered to the participants thrice: on the first day of the program (pre-intervention), immediately after program (post-intervention/Day 4), and on Day 40 (D40) after the program. Results There was a significant difference in pre–post and pre–D40 scores in the population. Both sleep quality and sleep duration showed an improvement immediately after the AMP (post), and the residual impact was still experienced at D40, especially with the group with age > 36 years. Conclusions The use of HEM resulted in improvement in sleep quality not just immediately after the program, but had longer-term effects that extended over several weeks, helping remediate sleep problems among younger adults as well as older ones. It resulted in improvement in sleep quality as well as reduction in sleep-related daytime impairment, which have substantial constructive implications for well-being, everyday functioning and quality of life.

Clowns in Paediatric Surgery: Less Anxiety and More Oxytocin? A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 229 (05) ◽  
pp. 274-280
Author(s):  
Tabea Scheel ◽  
Dorothea Hoeppner ◽  
Anne Grotevendt ◽  
Winfried Barthlen
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ward Round ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Paediatric Surgery ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Positive Effects

Abstract Background Hospital stays and medical interventions are accompanied by worries and anxiety in children and parents. Recent studies show that hospital clowns may reduce anxiety and enhance well-being. However, so far studies are based solely on subjective measures and clowns are usually not integrated in medical routine. With this pilot study, we aim to provide both psychological and physiological evidence of positive effects of clowns’ interventions in hospitalized children. Patients/Method In a consecutive randomized intervention-control group design with 31 children aged 4 to 13 years, 17 patients were accompanied by a clown prior to surgery or during ward round (intervention group) and 14 were not (control group). Saliva samples for oxytocin measurement were taken from all patients before hospitalization (T1) and prior to surgery or after ward round (T2). Self- and parents-reports were obtained at T1, T2 as well as at time of discharge from hospital (T3) regarding children’s anxiety (STAI), worries and well-being. Clowns evaluated their success in cheering up the child. Health professionals were asked for their acceptance of clowns in hospitals. Results Children in the intervention group had lower anxiety ratings and a higher oxytocin concentration at T2 as compared with T1; the control group showed no changes. Parents rated the well-being of their children higher if their child had clown’s contact and were more willing to recommend the hospital. The staff judged the clowns as helpful for patients. Discussion Consistent psychological and physiological results suggest the positive impact of a clown’s intervention in hospitalized children.

Examining the effectiveness of an imagery intervention in enhancing athletes’ eudaimonic well-being

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Despina Kouali ◽  
Craig Hall ◽  
Sarah Deck
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Statistical Analyses ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Multiple Baseline ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Multiple Baseline Design ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Baseline Design ◽  
Intervention Phase

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of an imagery intervention on eudaimonic well-being (EWB) of soccer players using a single-subject multiple baseline design.MethodsFive female varsity level soccer players (Mage=19.80, SD=1.64) participated in the study. Each athlete engaged in eight individual imagery sessions (i.e., intervention phase) aimed at increasing EWB.ResultsVisual and statistical analyses demonstrated a small increase on EWB for two participants. However, post-intervention interviews revealed that all the players believed the intervention was beneficial and had a positive impact on their EWB.ConclusionsThe utility of employing imagery interventions for enhancing athletes’ EWB in various contexts within and outside sport was highlighted.

scholarly journals Religiousness and mental health: a review

2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Moreira-Almeida ◽  
Francisco Lotufo Neto ◽  
Harold G Koenig
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Religious Involvement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Relationship

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between religiosity and mental health has been a perennial source of controversy. This paper reviews the scientific evidence available for the relationship between religion and mental health. METHOD: The authors present the main studies and conclusions of a larger systematic review of 850 studies on the religion-mental health relationship published during the 20th Century identified through several databases. The present paper also includes an update on the papers published since 2000, including researches performed in Brazil and a brief historical and methodological background. DISCUSSION: The majority of well-conducted studies found that higher levels of religious involvement are positively associated with indicators of psychological well-being (life satisfaction, happiness, positive affect, and higher morale) and with less depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, drug/alcohol use/abuse. Usually the positive impact of religious involvement on mental health is more robust among people under stressful circumstances (the elderly, and those with disability and medical illness). Theoretical pathways of the religiousness-mental health connection and clinical implications of these findings are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that religious involvement is usually associated with better mental health. We need to improve our understanding of the mediating factors of this association and its use in clinical practice.

Voxel-based morphometry at the single subject level: a pilot study in early Huntington's disease

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Mühlau ◽  
A Wohlschläger ◽  
C Gaser ◽  
M Valet ◽  
S Nunnemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Huntington's Disease ◽  
Huntington’S Disease ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Voxel Based Morphometry

Prinsip Dasar Ekonomi Dan Bisnis Dalam Islam

AKADEMIKA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-77
Author(s):  
Misbahul Khoir
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Economic System ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
Universal Values ◽  
The Government ◽  
Islamic Economic ◽  
And Behavior

In order for humans could reach the so-called falah (goodness), human behavior needs to be colored with the spirit and norms of Islamic economics reflected in its values. The principles and values of Islamic economics are considerably two inseparable things. The implementation of economic principles without being colored with values or values without being based on principles could keep people far away from their purpose, namely falah. The implementation of values not based on principles will tend to bring with it the normative economics, which would cause it trapped into injustice. While the implementation of values on the Islamic economic development is based on the five universal values, namely akidah (belief), 'adl (justice), nubuwwah (prophetic), khilafah (the government), and ma'ad (results). The five principles are used as the basis for building theories of Islamic economics. But strong and adequate theories not applied into a system will make the Islamic economics just as the study of science without giving positive impact on the economic life. Therefore, based on the five universal values, the three derivative principles should be built into the characteristics and the forerunner of the Islamic economic system. The Islamic economic system makes sure that there are no economic transactions that are contrary to the Shari'a. But business performance depends on the man behind the gun. For that reason, the economic actors within this framework could be held by non-Muslims. The Islamic economics could only be developed if the mindset and behavior of Muslims are already itqan (diligent) and ihsan (professional). It "may be" one of the secrets of the Prophet's statement, saying "Truly I was sent to perfect good character". Because good character could be an indicator of knowing good or bad behavior in determining both the success and the failure of business itself.

Human potential in the system of social and economic development: problems and prospects of Vinnytsia region

2020 ◽  
pp. 71-80
Author(s):  
Olesya Tomchuk
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Human Potential ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Social And Economic Development

The article highlights the problems and prospects of human development, which is the basis for the long-term strategies of social and economic growth of different countries and regions at the present stage. Submitting strategies of this type provides an opportunity to focus on individual empowerment and to build a favorable environment for effective management decisions in the field of forming, maintaining, and restoring human potential. The analysis of the Vinnytsia region human potential dynamics in the regional system of social and economic development factors was carried out. Application of generalized assessment of the regional human development index components allowed the identification of the main trends that characterize the formation of human potential of the territory, including the reproduction of the population, social environment, comfort and quality of life, well-being, decent work, and education. The article emphasizes that despite some positive changes in the social and economic situation of the region and in assessing the parameters of its human development level relative to other regions of Ukraine, Vinnytsia region is now losing its human potential due to negative demographic situation and migration to other regions and countries. The main reason for such dynamics is proven to be related to the outdated structure of the region's economy, the predominance of the agricultural sector, the lack of progressive transformations in the development of high-tech fields of the economy. An important factor is the low level of urbanization of the region, which leads to the spread of less attractive working conditions and less comfortable living conditions. The key factors that cause the growth of urbanization in the region have been identified, including the significant positive impact of the transport and social infrastructure expansion, the lack of which in rural areas leads to a decrease in the level and comfort of life. Without progressive structural changes in the economy and the resettlement system, the loss of human potential will continue.

Yoga as an Innovative Solution for Financial Growth of Companies

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ipseeta Satpathy ◽  
B. Chandra Mohan Patnaik ◽  
Chandrabhanu Das
Keyword(s):  
Inventory Management ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Antibiotic Drugs ◽  
Lifestyle Diseases ◽  
The Impact

The existence of Yoga dates back to more than ten thousand years around India and all nations. The Hindu Mythology considers the genesis of Yoga by incorporating Lord Shiva as Guru and Goddess Parvati as Shishya. Gradually with the development of civilization mankind assessed the benefits of this spiritual discipline and different leaders propagated the Yoga in different ways.In this era of 21st century Baba Ramdev propagated the yoga sutras with simple and effective techniques. The Pranayam and Suryanamaskar are the popular routines practiced by many followers of Baba Ramdev. Today Yoga is practiced as a way of Living to prevent Lifestyle diseases, combat stress and rejuvenate self. Yoga has gained immense popularity over the years with July 21st being celebrated as International Yoga Day. Corporate are also now introducing Yoga for employees as a means to relieve their stress and improve productivity. Long Hours of sitting, standing and excessive use of electronic gadgets puts pressure on bones, joints and responsible for Lifestyle diseases. Yoga is now increasingly used as a wellness solution replacing high cost antibiotic drugs. Employee well-being leads to Cost Savings in terms of personnel by reduced payment of Insurance and Medical Bills. The paper studies the Impact of Yoga to Financial benefits in MSME Organizations in Odisha in light of three different perspectives of Internal Control, Inventory management and Cash Flow. The primary data was collected from a sample of 155 high profile finance executives working in the MSME sector. Ranking Table and Regression Analysis Methodology was used to derive meaningful conclusions. The research takes initiative to transform the effectiveness of Yoga into improved financial health for the Organization. The observation from the study interprets a positive impact of Yoga on good financial health of Organization.

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