The Connection Between Student Identities and Outcomes Related to Academic Persistence

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 437-460
Author(s):  
Mesmin Destin ◽  
Joanna Lee Williams
Keyword(s):  
Academic Persistence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Identities ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
Sociocultural Perspectives ◽  
Contextual Influence ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Identity Based ◽  
Student Identities ◽  
Health And Well Being

Young people begin to explore and develop a deeper understanding of who they are, or their identities, during adolescence and young adulthood. The various aspects of these dynamic and developing identities guide how students navigate the world and pursue their goals, including how they engage with academic opportunities and challenges. This article uses the identity-based motivation framework to integrate a selective review of research demonstrating connections between student identities and outcomes related to academic persistence. First, a foundation of significant theoretical and empirical contributions describes how different types of identities—including future identities and social identities—influence academic persistence. Additional evidence builds upon socioecological and sociocultural perspectives to demonstrate various levels of contextual influence on student identities and outcomes related to academic persistence. The area of research has implications for the promotion of more holistic approaches to student success, health, and well-being in addition to effective goal pursuit across the life span.

Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of First Responders from Career to Retirement: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Erin Smith ◽  
Greg Dean ◽  
Lisa Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
First Responder ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Introduction: First responders are at greater risk of mental ill health and compromised well-being compared to the general population. It is important to identify strategies that will be effective in supporting mental health, both during and after the first responder’s career. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the PubMed database (1966 to October 1, 2020) and the Google Scholar database (October 1, 2020) using relevant search terms, truncation symbols, and Boolean combination functions. The reference lists of all relevant publications were also reviewed to identify further publications. Results: A total of 172 publications were retrieved by the combined search strategies. Of these, 56 met the inclusion criteria and informed the results of this overview paper. These publications identified that strategies supporting first responder mental health and well-being need to break down stigma and build resilience. Normalizing conversations around mental health is integral for increasing help-seeking behaviors, both during a first responder’s career and in retirement. Organizations should consider the implementation of both pre-retirement and post-retirement support strategies to improve mental health and well-being. Conclusion: Strategies for supporting mental health and well-being need to be implemented early in the first responder career and reinforced throughout and into retirement. They should utilize holistic approaches which encourage “reaching in” rather than placing an onus on first responders to “reach out” when they are in crisis.

When I am old I shall wear purple: a qualitative study of the effect of group poetry sessions on the well-being of older adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Seymour ◽  
Michael Murray
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Poetry Reading ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose There is increasing evidence that participation in various art forms can be beneficial for health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of participating in a poetry reading group on a group of older residents of an assisted living facility. Design/methodology/approach Six poetry sessions, each on a different theme, were conducted with a group of volunteer participants. These sessions, those of pre- and post-study focus groups and interviews with the group facilitator and staff contact were audio-recorded. The transcripts of the recordings were then subjected to a thematic analysis. Findings Overall the participants were enthused by the opportunity to participate in the project and the benefits were confirmed by the support staff. In addition, reading poetry on particular themes promoted different types of discussion. Research limitations/implications The number of participants in this study was small and the study was conducted over a short period of time. Practical implications This paper confirms the impact of poetry reading for older people. The challenge is to explore this impact in more detail and over community as well as residential settings. Originality/value This paper is the first empirical report on the value of poetry reading for older people.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Health, and Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-70
Author(s):  
Kristine Klussman ◽  
Julia Langer ◽  
Austin Lee Nichols
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Activity Intensity ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract. Background: Most people are comfortable asserting the beneficial effects of physical exercise on mental health and well-being. However, little research has examined how different types of physical activity affect these outcomes. Aims: The current study sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the differential relationships between different types of physical activity and various aspects of health and well-being. In addition, we sought to understand the role of self-connection in these relationships. Method: One hundred forty-three participants completed a questionnaire designed to measure their current weekly activity as well as their current health and well-being. Specifically, we examined three intensities of activity (walking, moderate, and vigorous) and three types of activity (team-based, community-based, and not team nor community-based) on self-reported health, anxiety, depression, affect, flourishing, job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and meaning in life. In addition, we examined self-connection as a possible moderator of these relationships. Results: Results suggested that physical activity was inconsistently related to health and well-being, and activity intensity and type were important to understanding these relationships. In contrast, self-connection reliably related to health and well-being and moderated the relationship between activity type and the presence of meaning. Limitations: The cross-sectional, self-report nature of the study limits its contribution. In addition, we only examined a subset of all physical activities that people engage in. Conclusion: In all, results suggest that the relationships between physical activity, mental health, and well-being are tenuous, at best. Future research needs to examine these relationships further and continue to examine self-connection to determine how to best increase health and well-being through physical activity.

scholarly journals The Comprehensive Community Engagement Framework for Health and Well-being

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
H S Adnan ◽  
P M Venticich ◽  
L Prevo ◽  
F Schneider ◽  
S Kremers
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Agenda 2030 ◽  
Societal Challenges ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Community engagement (CE) and empowerment are required to support the sustainability and effectiveness of actions to reach Agenda 2030. There is a need to guide CE for health and well-being to take action on important societal challenges such as the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and health inequities. The framework proposed in this study has been designed to assist professionals, practitioners and communities to effectively engage. Methods A narrative review of existing grey literature, policy papers and models related to CE was performed. This guided the development of a systematic search strategy, performed by two researchers, which reviewed CE approaches and key influencing factors. The search strategy captured different terms used for CE. Results A total of 27 studies of different types, from around the world, were identified for inclusion into the review. The study compiled a set of widely-used theories and approaches to CE. Key factors such as governance, trust, accessibility and sociocultural contextualisation were also identified as important for the success of CE initiatives. Subsequently, the Comprehensive Community Engagement Framework (CCEF) was developed. It combines theoretical and empirical principles, proven participatory actions and key factors to produce evidence-based health and well-being outcomes across different sectors and levels of society. Conclusions This study has formed the basis of a forthcoming WHO report on CE. The CCEF enables the operationalisation of CE to guide for possible practical approaches to planning, initiating, sustaining and evaluating CE processes alongside the community. It can be used by the health sector as well as the non-health sectors to address health, well-being and broader societal challenges. Key messages The CCEF can be used to engage health and non-health stakeholders to tailor CE processes, increase impact of interventions and policies, building capacity and empowering communities. The proposed framework provides the first comprehensive guidance to conduct community engagement.

scholarly journals Harnessing shared identities to mobilise resilient responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Vignoles ◽  
Zahira Jaser ◽  
Frankiebo Taylor ◽  
Evangelos Ntontis
Keyword(s):  
Prime Minister ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Social Identities ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Political Leaders ◽  
Identity Based ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Protective Behaviours

Shared social identifications (family, community, nation, humanity) predict normative actions and psychological well-being, and can be invoked discursively by leaders to mobilise their followers. We illustrate the potential for harnessing shared identities to mobilise resilient public responses against COVID-19. Study 1, a discursive thematic analysis, contrasted Prime Minister Ardern’s use of identity-based rhetoric to mobilise New Zealanders, with Prime Minister Johnson’s use of individualistic appeals to the UK public. Study 2 explored which patterns of social identification predicted protective behaviours (personal hygiene, physical distancing), prosocial actions (helping proximal and distal others), and psychological wellbeing (mental wellbeing, depressive symptoms, anxiety), among 560 UK adults surveyed during lockdown. Our findings suggest how political leaders might beneficially use social identities in communications about extreme events.

scholarly journals Dealing With Loneliness Among LGBT Older Adults: Different Coping Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 516-517
Author(s):  
Natasha Peterson ◽  
Jeongeun Lee ◽  
Daniel Russell
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Discrimination ◽  
Time Usage ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) adults may be at risk for high levels of loneliness—a risk factor for worse health behaviors—as a result of historical and social discrimination. Some LGBT older adults may have estranged relationships with family members or have toxic relationships, consequently leaving them without adequate social support. The 2018 Loneliness and Social Connections survey by the AARP Foundation consists of a national sample of non-institutionalized individuals 45 and older, including 2905 individuals who identify as heterosexual and 318 who identify as LGBT. The study indicated individuals had similar levels of loneliness regardless of sexual orientation. However, significant differences between heterosexuals and LGBT participants were found in their communication and time usage when they are lonely. For example, heterosexual individuals socialize with friends in person more than homosexuals (t=-2.393, p<.05), whereas LGBT older adults use technology more to socialize with friends (t=3.749), p<.001. Further, findings revealed that older LGBT adults tend to engage in more risky or unhealthy behaviors when lonely than do heterosexual older adults (t=3.907, p<.001). Overall, the results indicate that while LGBT older adults may spend more time alone (t=7.350, p<.001), they are engaging in different types of activities, particularly involving technology to communicate with friends, suggesting compensation for their lack of in-person contact. By understanding how LGBT older adults cope with loneliness along with the risks and resources that have influences on their health disparities can be useful for developing interventions to improve the health and well-being in these communities.

scholarly journals Health professionals’ perceptions of weight loss programmes and recommendations for future implementation: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e039667
Author(s):  
Christina Jessen-Winge ◽  
Pia Marie Ilvig ◽  
Trine Thilsing ◽  
Kim Lee ◽  
Heather Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
Weight Loss Programme ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Health And Well Being

ObjectiveObesity is an increasing public health challenge and most weight loss programmes are still inadequate to support sustainable weight loss. One reason for the continued lack of success might be the dominant biomedical, individualised approach to weight loss. Holistic approaches that focus on overall health and well-being in addition to weight loss are increasingly recommended. In Denmark, health professionals in the municipalities are responsible for developing and conducting weight loss programmes. The objective of this study was to explore what health professional’s perceived as an ideal, holistic weight loss programme that could be feasibly implemented in the municipalities.DesignA phenomenological-hermeneutical qualitative study was performed using semistructured interviews.SettingThirty-two Danish municipalities were weight loss programmes are developed and conducted.ParticipantsThirty-five health professionals with experience conducting weight loss programmes.ResultsThree themes emerged from the analysis: Support from the social network are important both during and after a weight loss, Changing the self-belief by positive discussions and doing activities, Maintaining changes through daily life.ConclusionFuture municipal weight loss programmes should emphasise overall health and well-being instead of weight loss and adopt a holistic approach including a focus on social relationships, meaningful activities and successes as part of a balanced daily life.

Concerning Germanic Straw bears, St. Nicholas & The Last Sheaf

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roslyn M Frank
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Specific Class ◽  
Good Luck ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Form Part ◽  
Symbolic Value ◽  
Health And Well Being

<p>In this article the traditional ritual activities connected to European Good-Luck Visits will be analyzed. These are performances that take place across much of Europe during the winter and spring. In them we find that the actors often utilize different types of plant-based materials to make their costumes. Symbolically, these objects form part of a larger class of objects and actions whose purpose is to ensure the health and well-being of those whose households are visited as well as to contribute to the fecundity and health of their domestic animals. As we shall see, the integration of natural plant-based materials in such traditional performances is not limited to the employment of these items as props with symbolic value. Rather vegetation, specifically, various types of straw (wheat, rye, oats, spelt or pea-straw) have been used, quite literally, to construct the very costumes worn by a specific class of bear performers, known collectively as Strohbären, that is straw bears. Whereas utilization of straw in the confection of these costumes is commonly associated with the bear actors of Bavaria, similar costumes are found in other parts of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland.</p><p>As will be demonstrated, in addition to straw, many other types of plant material have been used to construct the costumes, for example, moss, leaves, twigs, and pine boughs. And, less exotically, the bear costume can consist of a real bear skin and the head of a real bear, as is still the case of performances held in certain villages in Rumania. As has been noted by other researchers, the actors, often called ‘men of the forest’—as were bears themselves—were frequently identified as ‘wild-men’. In this study we will examine the wide variation in the costumes as well as the variety of plant materials, animal furs and horns that have been utilized to create them. In addition, the role of these bear actors will be discussed, especially in reference to the traditional performances of Bavaria. Questions related to the way that St. Nicholas got added to the mix of actors are also addressed.</p>

scholarly journals Use of Smartphone Apps, Social Media, and Web-Based Resources to Support Mental Health and Well-Being: Online Survey

10.2196/12546 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. e12546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Stawarz ◽  
Chris Preist ◽  
David Coyle
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background Technology can play an important role in supporting mental health. Many studies have explored the effectiveness, acceptability, or context of use of different types of mental health technologies. However, existing research has tended to investigate single types of technology at a time rather than exploring a wider ecosystem that people may use. This narrow focus can limit our understanding of how we could best design mental health technologies. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate which technologies (smartphone apps, discussion forums and social media, and websites and Web-based programs) people use to support their mental health and why, whether they combine and use more than one technology, what purpose each technology serves, and which features people find the most valuable. Methods We conducted an online survey to gather responses from members of the public who use technology to support their mental health and well-being. The survey was advertised on social media and via posters at a university. It explored usage patterns, frequently used features, and engagement with technology. To gain deeper insights into users’ preferences, we also thematically analyzed open-ended comments about each technology type and suggestions for improvements provided by the respondents. Results In total, 81 eligible participants completed the survey. Smartphone apps were the most commonly used technology, with 78% of the participants (63/81) using them, either alone (40%) or in combination with other technologies (38%). Each type of technology was used for specific purposes: apps provided guided activities, relaxation, and enabled tracking; social media and discussion forums allowed participants to learn from the experiences of others and use that knowledge to understand their own situation; and Web-based programs and websites helped to find out how to deal on a day-to-day basis with stress and anxiety. The analysis of open-ended responses showed that although many people valued technology and felt it could support targeted activities, it was not seen as a substitute for traditional face-to-face therapy. Participants wanted technology to be more sophisticated and nuanced, supporting personalized and actionable recommendations. There was evidence that participants mistrusted technology, irrespective of the type, and had broader concerns regarding the impact of overuse of technology. Conclusions People use different types of technology to support their mental health. Each can serve a specific purpose. Although apps are the most widely used technology, mixing and matching different types of technology is also common. Technology should not be seen as a replacement for traditional psychotherapy, rather it offers new opportunities to support mental health as part of an overall ecosystem. People want technology to be more nuanced and personalized to help them plan informed actions. Future interventions should explore the use of multiple technologies and their combined effects on mental health support.

scholarly journals A toolkit with nine district types to support municipalities in taking an integrated approach to prevention

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilse Storm ◽  
Nikkie Post ◽  
Antonia Verweij ◽  
Karlijn Leenaars
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
District Health ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Post War ◽  
Different Characteristics ◽  
City Centres ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Not only do people differ in their health, so do districts within municipalities. For example, city centres have different characteristics and health issues than villages or post-war neighbourhoods. This is why the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment has developed a toolkit, ‘Prevention in the district’, based on nine different types of district. Methods The aim of the toolkit is to help municipalities implement an integrated approach to prevention by providing tailored, practical information. We therefore looked at the best way to improve the connection between the available knowledge and local needs. Based on data analysis, expert opinion and working sessions with professionals and local policymakers, we developed a toolkit with three related tools. Results The following tools were developed: 1) nine district types with their prominent characteristics and 14 themes for prevention (ranging from loneliness to overweight); 2) a data guide containing a set of indicators to assess the district health profile; 3) a prevention guide containing a mix of evidence-based interventions for the 14 themes. The tools are presented in a toolkit (a clickable PDF) to emphasise the fact that they form a coherent whole. The link between data and interventions is considered to be particularly innovative. Conclusion The three tools support the improvement of the health and well-being of residents in a district. The first indications are that the toolkit empowers municipalities and lets them work towards an integrated approach. An integrated approach in both district health profiles and district plans could also serve as an example for other countries.

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