“Meeting the Medicine Halfway”: Ayahuasca Ceremony Leaders’ Perspectives on Preparation and Integration Practices for Participants

2021 ◽  
pp. 002216782110433
Author(s):  
Cody Callon ◽  
Meris Williams ◽  
Adele Lafrance
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Current Policy ◽  
Contemplative Practices ◽  
External Resources ◽  
Policy Initiatives ◽  
The Third ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Second Category

Ayahuasca is a psychotropic plant-based tea from the Amazon. Its ceremonial use for therapeutic and spiritual purposes has become increasingly common and stands to escalate based on current policy initiatives in some countries. As ceremonial ayahuasca use spreads there is a need to understand, from various perspectives, how best to improve outcomes and minimize potential harms. Clinicians and therapists encourage the use of preparation and integration practices that accompany ceremonial ayahuasca use; however, there is no research investigating the views of those conducting the ceremonies. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of 15 ayahuasca ceremony leaders regarding preparation and integration practices they consider helpful for ensuring safe and productive experiences for ceremony participants. Qualitative content analysis produced three main categories, each with relevant subcategories. The first category included factors that facilitate preparation, including participant honesty and respect; readiness and willingness; and internal and external resources. The second category encompassed several complementary modalities believed to facilitate both preparation and integration, such as psychotherapy, spiritual and contemplative practices, and other modes of creative expression. The third category included factors considered facilitative of integration, including sharing of experiences, and working with insights and lessons. Ineffective integration practices constituted a fourth subcategory. Consistent with reports from other stakeholders, the findings highlight a wide range of preparation and integration practices that may be useful for ayahuasca ceremony participants to consider when drinking ayahuasca.

scholarly journals Experience of adherence to treatment among patients with coronary artery disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-475
Author(s):  
Nasrin Zahmatkeshan ◽  
Zahra Khademian ◽  
Ladan Zarshenas ◽  
Mahnaz Rakhshan
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Adherence To Treatment ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Second Category

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused patients with chronic diseases to face various challenges. The present qualitative study aimed to explore adherence to treatment in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This qualitative content analysis was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021. Online in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 patients with CAD after discharge from Nemazi and Al-Zahra heart hospitals, Shiraz, Iran. Data management was done via MAXQDA 12 software using conventional content analysis based on the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: The results revealed three main categories, nine subcategories, and 431 primary codes. The first category was ‘improved self-care in the shadow of COVID-19‘ (Improving self-care due to fear of COVID-19, ‘utilization of alternative strategies, and reinforcement of self-care beliefs). The second category was ‘redefinition of support systems’ (need for a support system, seeking for alternative support systems, and changes in social interactions). The last category was ‘barriers to treatment adherence’ (shortage of financial resources, need to adjust with working conditions, and mental conflicts). Conclusion: The results indicated that the COVID-19 threats encouraged the patients with CAD to adhere to their care principles. Nonetheless, the restrictions resulting from the pandemic caused problems in adherence to treatment. Thus, redefinition of the support systems in accordance with the present conditions are recommended.

scholarly journals What Do Meditators Do When They Meditate? Proposing a Novel Basis for Future Meditation Research

Mindfulness ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Matko ◽  
Ulrich Ott ◽  
Peter Sedlmeier
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Contemplative Practices ◽  
Comprehensive List ◽  
Scientific Investigations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vast Range ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Objectives Meditation is an umbrella term for a vast range of contemplative practices. Former proposals have struggled to do justice to this variety. To our knowledge, there is to date no comprehensive overview of meditation techniques spanning all major traditions. The present studies aimed at providing such a comprehensive list of meditation techniques. Methods In a qualitative study, we compiled a collection of 309 meditation techniques through a literature search and interviews with 20 expert meditators. Then, we reduced this collection to 50 basic meditation techniques. In a second, quantitative study, 635 experienced meditators from a wide range of meditative backgrounds indicated how much experience they had with each of these 50 meditation techniques. Results Meditators’ responses indicated that our choice of techniques had been adequate and only two techniques had to be added. Our additional statistical and cluster analyses illustrated preferences for specific techniques across and within diverse traditions as well as sets of techniques commonly practiced together. Body-centered techniques stood out in being of exceptional importance to all meditators. Conclusions In conclusion, we found an amazing variety of meditation techniques, which considerably surpasses previous collections. Our selection of basic meditation techniques might be of value for future scientific investigations and we encourage researchers to use this set.

Mainstream Superhero Comics and Gendered Representations of Social Control

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hope Hutchins
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Social Control ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Graphic Novels ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Women Police Officers ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Media Constructions ◽  
Women Police

In the context of increasing familiarity with mainstream superhero comics and their characters, a wide range of readers are being exposed to the values regarding gender and social control being communicated in this genre. Therefore, it is important to assess whether social control is signified differently for males and females in superhero comics. This presentation will begin with a discussion of why it is important to study comics and graphic novels. I will then outline the concept of social control and criminological theories centered on this idea before demonstrating why superheroes may be understood as agents of social control. This will bring me to a discussion of preliminary findings of a qualitative content analysis of issues of Batman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Ms Marvel, Justice League of America, and New Avengers comics released from May to October 2007. In examining the leadership positions, the formal and informal methods employed, those over whom social control is exercised, and relative success of each superhero in these issues, I am seeking to assess whether social control is portrayed as being exercised by male and female superheroes in different ways and to identify how this happens. The results of this content analysis will be compared with previous studies of women police officers to assess whether representations of female agents of social control in superhero comics are consistent with the experiences of real‐life criminal justice practitioners. Finally, the reasons for and implications of the nature of such media constructions will be briefly explored to encourage other students to study comics and graphic novels.

scholarly journals The Culture of the Sakas of Semirechye: Contemporary State and Current Issues of Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-35
Author(s):  
Ernar A. Estemesov
Keyword(s):  
Iron Age ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Funeral Rites ◽  
The Third ◽  
Urgent Task ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Burial Mounds ◽  
Second Category

Purpose. The article describes the history and analysis of the main issues in the study of archaeological sites of the Saka period in Semirechye. They are presented by three main types on this territory: burial and memorial complexes, settlements and hoards. The first type of monuments includes numerous burial mounds, where the elite burials of “royal” type and ordinary burials are located. Both social groups are combined by the unity of funeral rites, and the main differences are the complexity of architecture, memorial practices, and richness of burial equipment in the “royal” type burial mounds. The second category of monuments is presented by the settlements that are mostly small in size. The constructions like half dugouts were discovered on them, which gave a rich ceramic material. The third type of monuments of the Saka period in Semirechye includes numerous hoards of bronze items. Some of them are represented by the cult objects (sacrificial tables, lamps and cauldrons) that mark the places of worship. A significant percentage of the hoards contain items of weapons, horse equipment and household purposes and, apparently, serve as offerings to the spirits. However, despite the considerable progress in the study of the Saka monuments of the Semirechye Region, the main problem is their cultural attribution at this time. Some researchers suggest that the independent Saka archaeological culture was formed and developed on the territory of Semirechye in the Early Iron Age, while others believe that the Saka monuments of this region belong to the broader historical and cultural community that also covers the neighboring regions of Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang. Results Another important issue in the study of the Saka sites of Semirechye is to clarify the chronology of burial and memorial complexes. Up to now, the significant database of radiocarbon dates has been accumulated, which allows us to consider the chronological positions of a wide range of monuments in a new way. It was of great importance to obtain such dates from several burials of Karatuma necropolis, which showed that it belonged to the Saka period, since burial monuments of this appearance are traditionally dated back to the Wusun period. Conclusion. The necessity of solution of these problems is an urgent task for further research of burial and settlement objects of the Saka period in this region.

scholarly journals Different forms of informal coercion in psychiatry – a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veikko Pelto-Piri ◽  
Lars Kjellin ◽  
Ulrika Hylén ◽  
Emanuele Valenti ◽  
Stefan Priebe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Informal Coercion ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Objectives The objective of the study was to investigate how mental health professionals describe and reflect upon different forms of informal coercion. Results In a deductive qualitative content analysis of focus group interviews, several examples of persuasion, interpersonal leverage, inducements, and threats were found. Persuasion was sometimes described as being more like a negotiation. Some participants worried about that the use of interpersonal leverage and inducements risked to pass into blackmail in some situations. In a following inductive analysis, three more categories of informal coercion was found: cheating, using a disciplinary style and referring to rules and routines. Participants also described situations of coercion from other stakeholders: relatives and other authorities than psychiatry. The results indicate that informal coercion includes forms that are not obviously arranged in a hierarchy, and that its use is complex with a variety of pathways between different forms before treatment is accepted by the patient or compulsion is imposed.

scholarly journals A Content Analysis of Blog Posts on Angry Library Patrons

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Iris Marigold Operario
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Problem Library ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Blog Posts

<p>Research Problem: This exploratory study looks into what is written in blogs regarding angry library patrons. It aims to provide insight on angry library patrons by identifying the themes/issues in the blog posts, the reasons for anger of the library patrons, and to describe the characteristics of the blog post authors. Methodology: A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the blog posts. The blog search engine Google Blogs was used to search for the relevant blog posts. A sample of 92 individual and organisational blog posts were read and analysed. Results: Three main themes emerged in the analysis of the blog posts: 1) the causes of anger which can either be library-related or due to other patrons; 2) how anger was displayed; and 3) the sentiments of the library staff members towards angry patrons. The blog authors mostly come from North America and have a library background. Implications: Analysing these blog posts provides further insight into angry library patrons which might not otherwise be found in existing anger studies in a library setting and problem library patron research. Uncovering what is said in the blogosphere about angry library patrons will give a picture of a wide range of anger issues which may be relevant for library staff members as they try to better understand angry library patrons. While this study was not able to retrieve as much blog posts from an angry library patron’s perspective as originally planned, a study noting the key difference of opinions between angry library patrons and library staff members could be investigated in the future</p>

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Nurses’ Perceived Organizational Commitment: A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faribah Sepahvand ◽  
Foorozan Atashzadeh Shoorideh ◽  
Soroor Parvizy ◽  
Mansoureh Zagheri Tafreshi
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Nurse Managers ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Clinical Nurses

Objective: Nurses’ organizational commitment is one of the most important factors that facilitates their professional evolution and influences the method of care provision, quality of care, and patients’ satisfaction. The aim of this study was identified the factors that affect nurses’ perceived organizational commitment. Material and Methods: This qualitative study, conducted on 16 clinical nurses employed in Social Security Hospital of Khorramabad, Iran, during five months from May to September 2015, used deep semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling method was used for the selection of nurses and the data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Lincoln & Guba’s criteria were used to secure data accuracy and stability. Results: Sixteen subcategories, five categories, and three themes were distilled during content analysis process. The abstracted themes included “organizational factors”, “occupational challenges”, and “contributory management”. Conclusion: Our findings showed that numerous factors present in nurses’ profession and work environment may influence the rate of nurses’ interest and commitment in the hospital and the related organization. Hence, nurse managers can foster the promotion of nurses’ organizational commitment through creating the required suitable conditions. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.18(2) 2019 p.303-311

How Do Coaches Experience Psychological Momentum? A Qualitative Study of Female Elite Handball Teams

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 435-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Moesch ◽  
Erwin Apitzsch
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
Competitive Sports ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychological Momentum ◽  
Behavioral Aspects

Psychological Momentum (PM) is commonly referred to in competitive sports, but still has to be considered elusive from a scientific perspective. This study explores coaches’ perception of triggers, strategies and characteristics of PM in female elite handball teams. Semi-structured interviews with nine coaches were evaluated using a qualitative content analysis. The results revealed that positive and negative PM were characterized by factors regarding behavior, cognition, confidence, emotions, and the team. Triggers for positive PM were categorized into confidence, players’ individual factors, team factors, and team-opponent-factors, whereas triggers for negative PM related to coach factors, confidence, external factors, players’ individual factors, and team factors. Moreover, strategies emerged that are considered beneficial for controlling PM. The results are discussed with emphasis on behavioral aspects, confidence, emotions, team factors, and application. Foundations based on this study and recent research lead to the assumption that PM is probably best portrayed in a circular approach.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Reasons for Infidelity in Women with Extra-marital Relationships: A Qualitative Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shima Messripour ◽  
Ozra Etemadi ◽  
Seyed Ahmad Ahmadi ◽  
Rezvanosadat Jazayeri
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Marital Relationships ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Marital Conflicts ◽  
Intrapersonal Factors

<p>Due to the higher statistics of male infidelity, the focus of previous studies has been on investigating the reasons for infidelity in this gender group. On the other hand; since marital infidelity is a phenomenon that affects every country’s culture, people, and even families, the results of research studies conducted overseas cannot be fully implicated to Iranian families. To this end, this study aimed at analyzing the reasons behind infidelity in women with extra-marital relationships in the form of a qualitative study. This study was conducted through a qualitative research approach and by using the content analysis method. Participants included 11 women referred to the counseling centers in the city of Isfahan. Purposive sampling was used and continued until data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were employed as the primary method of data collection. The data were analyzed via qualitative content analysis and constant comparative analysis methods. After the examination and division of the basic concepts, 800 initial codes were extracted from interviews. The categories were created based on the codes following several reviews and summarizations on the basis of similarities. By the nature, these conceptual and abstract themes were named in three categories of intrapersonal factors, marital conflicts, and sexual reasons. The factors affecting female infidelity in this study had three dimensions. These factors included intrapersonal factors, marital conflicts, and sexual reasons. These findings can help psychologists, family counselors, and planners in the field of the social sciences identify the efficient scopes and purposes.</p>

scholarly journals Evaluation of Official Healthcare Informatics Applications in Saudi Arabia and their Role in Addressing COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-263
Author(s):  
Nouf Alassaf ◽  
Sulaiman Bah ◽  
Fatima Almulhim ◽  
Norah AlDossary ◽  
Munirah Alqahtani
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Healthcare Informatics ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Related

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine official healthcare informatics applications in Saudi Arabia in the context of their role in addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods: This is a case study of official healthcare informatics programs and applications (apps) developed in Saudi Arabia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualitative content analysis (QCA) method was used. Data collection consisted of two components: a desktop review of documents and actual testing of the programs. According to the QCA method, we developed a matrix for abstracting information on different apps and programs in order to categorize the data. The compilation of information and discussion were based on information summarized in the matrix.Results: Six apps in total were developed before the COVID-19 pandemic. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, three of the apps, SEHA, Mawid, and Sehaty were modified to address different aspects of the pandemic. Both SEHA and Mawid included information about COVID-19 awareness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, three official apps were developed: Tawakkalna, Tetamman, and Tabaud. The Tawakkalna app is mandatory for all citizens and residents to activate when visiting stores and institutions. It has a wide range of COVID-19 and other health-related functions. The Tetamman app provides COVID-19 test results and allows one to check his or her daily symptoms. It also has an educational content library and provides alerts. The Tabaud app notifies individuals if they have been exposed to COVID-19. The features, advantages, and disadvantages of all of the apps were examined.Conclusions: Overall, there were more strengths than shortcomings in the role played by healthcare informatics in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

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