The Value of Orientation and Mobility in the Preparation, Response, and Recovery of the 2017 Hurricane Season in Puerto Rico

2021 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110466
Author(s):  
Kevin McCormack
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Hurricane Season ◽  
Orientation And Mobility ◽  
Post Disaster

Introduction: The 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria significantly affected all people in Puerto Rico, including people with visual impairments. This population has historically been underserved; therefore, access to disaster-related services and the overall availability of training in independence skills are inadequate. This study focuses on independence as related to orientation and mobility (O&M) and was part of a larger case study that sought to determine what unique factors affected people with visual impairments during the aforementioned hurricanes and how challenges could potentially improve. Methods: Qualitative exploratory single-case study of the 2017 hurricane season in Puerto Rico. Interviews used language interpreters and were conducted in-person and by telephone between November 2 and December 17, 2018. Referred sampling included 29 people with visual impairments, four relief agencies, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) technical specialist, and seven organizations serving people with visual impairments. Results: The post-Maria travel environment presented many challenges through altered infrastructure. Impact was also felt due to insufficient disaster-related institutional supports and a lack of empowerment for people with visual impairments. Post-disaster life presented mental health challenges; however, the usage of O&M training helped to curb its effects. For study participants, the greater the acquisition and practice of O&M, the greater their well-being. Discussion: Paternalism minimized the acquisition and practice of O&M. Knowledge and practice of O&M were salient in post-disaster life. The use of O&M aided in mental health before, during, and after the hurricanes. Implications for practitioners: Expressions of the importance of O&M skills among participants can be used to encourage future recipients of O&M training. These testimonials can also be used to advocate for more social support and financial assistance for organizations which provide such training.

“Be Mindful Even Though It Hurts”: A Single-Case Study Testing the Effects of a Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Intervention on Injured Athletes’ Mental Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 399-421
Author(s):  
Karin Moesch ◽  
Andreas Ivarsson ◽  
Urban Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Single Case Design ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Clinical Methods ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
Clinical Changes ◽  
Injured Athletes

Injury is a serious setback for athletes and might jeopardize mental health. The aim of this study is to investigate if a mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention can improve mindfulness (nonreactivity and acting with awareness), acceptance, and well-being, and decrease the level of symptoms of anxiety and depression. A single-case design with multiple, staggered, and nonconcurrent baselines was used. Six seriously injured athletes took part in an 8-week intervention and repeatedly completed questionnaires on all variables for the duration of the study. The results showed that, on average, there were significant clinical changes between phases in nonreactivity, well-being, and acceptance. No effect was seen in the two remaining scales. On an individual level, two participants showed effects in all scales, two participants in some of the scales, and two participants in the scale nonreactivity. Results are discussed in light of existing research, and implications for practitioners’ clinical methods are presented.

scholarly journals The Effects of Open Space on Reducing Workplace Stress: Case Study of Business Park in the Post-Socialist Urban Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 336
Author(s):  
Jelena Maric ◽  
Djukic Aleksandra ◽  
Branislav Antonic ◽  
Danilo Furundzic ◽  
Vladimir Parezanin
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Stress Levels

Working people spend around 54% of their waking hours at a workplace, according to recent statistics. Work-related stress is unavoidable, and it can damage the health of employees and affect business performance. In this paper, we argue that open space inside the workplace environment can have a positive influence on reducing overall stress levels in all the categories of users. To our knowledge, there is a significant lack of research considering specific business districts and the gated complexes called business parks, especially in post-socialist Eastern European cities, where there they are still a novelty. Empirical research in this study is on the single case study of Business Park “Airport city” in Belgrade, Serbia. Its main focus is on the survey conducted with 235 participants based on a questionnaire, which examines the relation between workplace stress and workplace environments. The findings from the questionnaire show that the frequency, duration, and activity of open space usage influence the stress levels of employees in this specific workplace, while it is not visible relating to their age and gender. Additionally, final implications suggest that improved open space, such as well-expected greenery, but also the urban design non-associative to workspace and the socialization and exercise amenities customized for frequent and short work breaks, can facilitate the overall well-being of employees. They are innovative elements in relatively underdeveloped research on stress measures with open space usage characteristics in the specific (gated) workplace setting.

scholarly journals Towards a Model for Integrating Informal and Formal Learning for Children in Refugee Camps: The Example of the Lesbos School for Peace

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Ephrat Huss ◽  
Smadar Ben Asher ◽  
Tsvia Walden ◽  
Eitan Shahar
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Refugee Children ◽  
Refugee Camps ◽  
Arts Based Research ◽  
Whole School ◽  
School Based ◽  
Research Interviews ◽  
Post Disaster

The aim of this paper is to describe a unique, bottom-up model for building a school based on humanistic intercultural values in a post-disaster/refugee area. We think that this model will be of use in similar contexts. This single-case study can teach us about the needs of refugee children, as well as provide strategies to reach these needs with limited resources in additional similar contexts. Additionally, this paper will outline a qualitative arts-based methodology to understand and to evaluate refugee children’s lived experience of in-detention camp schools. Our field site is an afternoon school for refugee children operated and maintained by volunteers and refugee teachers. The methodology is a participatory case study using arts-based research, interviews, and observation of a school built for refugee camp children in Lesbos. Participants in this study included the whole school, from children to teachers, to volunteers and managers. The research design was used to inform the school itself, and to outline the key components found to be meaningful in making the school a positive experience. These components could be emulated by similar educational projects and used to evaluate them on an ongoing basis.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Mental-Health Positive Impacts of Agritourism; A Case Study from South Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8712
Author(s):  
Mehdi Rezaei ◽  
Doohwan Kim ◽  
Ahad Alizadeh ◽  
Ladan Rokni
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Considerable Improvement ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Emotional Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Practical Implications

The stressful lifestyle of urban dwellers has increased the demand for green-based leisure activities; considering such growing demand, this paper investigated the potential mental health benefits of agritourism activities. The assessments were based on a questionnaire survey of two groups: visitors of agritourism sites around Seoul and a control group staying home (n = 200). In addition to measuring the participants’ well-being level and stress level, they were also asked to self-estimate their immediate mood after their activities of the day. The analysis was conducted with R version 4.1.0 to explore the potential relationships and interactions between the activity of the day, perceived psychological factors, and the immediate emotional outcomes. Findings reveal that visitors to the agritourism sites perceived considerable improvement in their immediate mood compared to the control group who stayed home. Results indicate a significant interaction between self-reported wellbeing and agritourism activities and a combined effect on improved mood. Therefore, agritourism can potentially be a resource for a positive mood boost and improved mental health. The suggested practical implications can be applied as strategies to evoke the feeling of more connection to the agritourism activities and raise awareness of potential mental health outcomes.

scholarly journals Exploring collaboration within social housing retrofit practice for an ageing population: a single case study in the West of Scotland

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayna Rodger ◽  
Nicola Callaghan ◽  
Craig Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Social Housing ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Infrastructure ◽  
The Social

Purpose Sustainably addressing the social and economic demands from an ageing population is a major global challenge, with significant implications for policy and practice. This is resultant of the increasing demand for housing adaptations to prevent increased pressure upon acute health services. Through the lens of institutional theory, this paper aims to explore the levels of joined-up retrofit practice within a Scottish social housing provider, under a constructivist approach. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory single case study of a Scottish local authority was undertaken. Within this, nine key stakeholders were interviewed, taking a hierarchical approach, from director to repair and maintenance staff. Results were analysed by using Braun and Clarke’s six stages of thematic analysis. Findings There is a need for greater levels of integration within retrofit practice to not only improve the health and well-being of the older population but also increase efficiency and economic savings within public services. Currently, there are key issues surrounding silo-based decision-making, poor data infrastructure, power struggles and a dereliction of built environment knowledge and expertise, preventing both internal and external collaboration. However, housing, energy and health have interlinking agendas which are integral to achieving ageing in place. Therefore, there must be system-wide recognition of the potential benefits of improved cross-sector collaboration, preventing unintended consequences whilst providing socioeconomic outcomes. Originality/value This research provides a new perspective surrounding retrofit practice within the context of an ageing population. It highlights the requirement for improved cross sector collaboration and the social and economic cost of poor quality practice.

scholarly journals SATISFACTION OF RESIDENTS ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL DISASTER AREA. CASE STUDY: KUALA KRAI, KELANTAN, MALAYSIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Ling Hoon Leh ◽  
Muhammad Shamsul Azdhar Zulkapli ◽  
Kwong Qi Jie ◽  
Nurul Ashikin Mabahwi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disaster ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
The Public ◽  
Disaster Area ◽  
Housing Area ◽  
Post Disaster

Referring to the Malaysian National Security Council, disaster is defined as a catastrophic situation that claimed many lives and caused extensive damage to property and potentially endangers the public peace and security. In Malaysia, there were few natural disaster events that can be said to be among the worst ever in terms of the number of deaths and damages. However, these occurrences were not as severe as overseas. At the end of December 2014, there was a catastrophic flood called as the 'Bah Kuning' was hitting the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It resulted in almost 85% of the total Kuala Krai area inundated by flood water. One of the elements in post-disaster recovery is rebuilding shelter for victims. Regardless, it is important to research on residents’ satisfaction as it will affect the well-being directly or indirectly. Thus, a study was carried out to evaluate the satisfaction of residents (victims) on the “New Permanent Houses” (Rumah Kekal Baharu, RKB) that they received from the redevelopment project. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect and understand respondents’ satisfaction on the redevelopment of their housing area, in specific, the quality of their newly reconstructed houses and the supporting facilities or infrastructure in their area. From the analysis, it was found that majority of the respondents were satisfied with their newly redeveloped houses and the infrastructure. The satisfaction level was associated with the locational and land ownership factors.

Promoting School Safety, School Climate, and Student Mental Health

2020 ◽  
pp. 117-136
Author(s):  
Amy Jane Griffiths ◽  
Elena Diamond ◽  
Zachary Maupin ◽  
James Alsip ◽  
Michael J. Keller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
School Climate ◽  
School District ◽  
School Violence ◽  
Real World ◽  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
School Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Intervention Implementation

The reduction of school violence requires a coordinated effort that enhances school climate and improves the sense of safety on campus. This chapter addresses the related topics of school violence, school safety, and school climate; provides an overview of the interactions among these constructs; and illustrates how they are directly linked to student mental and emotional well-being. A multidisciplinary approach is described that addresses these constructs, which are grounded in a school safety model that provides a foundation to promote students’ mental health. The process for moving toward action includes selecting an appropriate model for organizing intervention efforts, building a multidisciplinary team, developing a plan for assessment, and creating a systematic process for intervention implementation. Finally, a case study is provided to illustrate how a school district can interpret and implement these key components in the real world.

scholarly journals COVID-19 School Closure-Related Changes to the Professional Life of a K–12 Teacher

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Kaden
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Single Case ◽  
School Teacher ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Professional Life ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
K 12

The COVID-19 pandemic forced K–12 school closures in spring 2020 to protect the well-being of society. The unplanned and unprecedented disruption to education changed the work of many teachers suddenly, and in many aspects. This case study examines the COVID-19 school closure-related changes to the professional life of a secondary school teacher in rural Alaska (United States), who had to teach his students online. A descriptive and explanatory single case study methodology was used to describe subsequent impacts on instructional practices and workload. Qualitative and quantitative data sources include participant observations, semi-structured interviews, artifacts (e.g., lesson plans, schedules, online time), and open-ended conversations. The results of this study demonstrate an increase and change in workload for the teacher and that online education can support learning for many students but needs to be carefully designed and individualized to not deepen inequality and social divides. The forced move to online learning may have been the catalyst to create a new, more effective hybrid model of educating students in the future. Not one single model for online learning will provide equitable educational opportunities for all and virtual learning cannot be seen as a cheap fix for the ongoing financial crisis in funding education.

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