scholarly journals Pet Parenting in the United States: Investigating an Evolutionary Puzzle

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 147470492110382
Author(s):  
Shelly Volsche
Keyword(s):  
Animal Rights ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
The United States ◽  
Second Demographic Transition ◽  
Fertility Rates ◽  
Raising Children ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
General Care ◽  
And Training

Fertility rates continue to decline globally amidst the second demographic transition, marked by urbanization, increased educational attainment, and most importantly, a new flexibility in life-course organization. As a result, some individuals are choosing to bring companion animals in the home rather than raising children. Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore whether these transitions result in differential companion animal attachment and caregiving behavior in the homes of parents (or those who desire to become parents) and nonparents or childfree “pet parents.” Methods A total of 917 respondents completed an online survey via Qualtrics that included demographic questions, the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS), and Likert-scale questions designed to probe direct and indirect caretaking behaviors. Results Nonparents reported more Generalized Attachment and more Affective Responsiveness to their companion animals, as well as increased investment in General Care. They also reported more People Substituting on the LAPS. Parents and nonparents reported similar agreement regarding Animal Rights/Welfare and Training and Play. Conclusion I conclude that nonparents' investment in companion animals much like parents invest in children, but in ways that meet species-specific needs. This supports the notion that nonparents may be nurturing companion animals as a trade-off to raising children, but not as a substitute. This is an evolutionarily novel application of parenting strategies in a new, flexible environment.

Mental illness evaluation and referrals in medical care

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Peros ◽  
Erin Ward-Ciesielski ◽  
Daniel Sullivan ◽  
Alyssa Conigliaro
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Health Evaluation ◽  
Mental Health Referrals ◽  
Severe Psychopathology ◽  
Prescribing Medication ◽  
And Training

The current study seeks to better understand the process by which medical professionals assess mental illness and their subsequent steps when mental illness is suspected or diagnosed (e.g., psychiatric or psychological referral, prescribing medication, etc.). Participants included 36 licensed medical professionals (80% physicians, 20% non-physicians) who are currently practicing in the United States. All participants completed an online survey that included questions about 1) participant demographics, 2) participant’s medical practice and training, 3) prevalence of mental illness in their patient population, 4) how they assess mental illness symptoms, and 5) steps they generally take if they recognize these symptoms in their patients. Additional questions asked about the specific referral processes for patients for whom the physician suspected low, moderate, and severe psychopathology. More than half (56.7%) of participants indicated they have not received training about mental health. Although nearly two-thirds (65.7%) of participants reported using routine screening measures, more than one third (35.3%) reported that non-medical professionals conduct these screenings. Results suggest that regardless of the severity of the patients’ mental illness the majority of participants referred the patient to a mental health professional; around three-quarters referred to specific providers. The second most common referral step was prescribing medications. This study highlights the importance of leveraging medical professionals’ interactions with their patients to improve mental health referrals for patients who may benefit from further mental health evaluation or treatment.

scholarly journals The Need for a National Accreditation Programme for Professionals Working in the Field of Animal Training and Behavioural Modification in New Zealand

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1111
Author(s):  
Lindsay J. Skyner ◽  
Kristie E. Cameron ◽  
Arnja Dale ◽  
Jessica K. Walker
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
National Accreditation ◽  
Behavioural Modification ◽  
Accreditation Programme ◽  
Training Services ◽  
And Training

Companion animals are at risk of psychological (and physical) harm if outdated, incorrect or aversive methods of training or equipment are used during training and behavioural modification. Companion animal guardians often engage professional animal behaviour and training services, yet this industry is not regulated in New Zealand. A voluntary national accreditation and registration programme could act to protect the welfare of animals by robustly evaluating the experience, qualifications and training methods of industry professionals. To investigate industry readiness for a national accreditation programme, we conducted an online survey and analysed the responses of 262 animal trainers, behavioural consultants, dog safety educators, veterinarians and veterinary nurses. A national accreditation programme, promoting the use of reward-based training and behavioural modification techniques, was generally supported, especially by individuals holding qualifications and membership of professional organisations. The implementation of such a programme would ensure that those seeking these services are able to source professionals that use best practice when it comes to training and behavioural modification, with lasting benefits to animal welfare.

scholarly journals National Pharmacist Workforce Study (NPWS): Description of 2019 Survey Methods and Assessment of Nonresponse Bias

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Witry ◽  
Vibhuti Arya ◽  
Brianne K. Bakken ◽  
Caroline A. Gaither ◽  
David H. Kreling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nonresponse Bias ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Wave Analysis ◽  
Practice Characteristics ◽  
Population Comparison ◽  
Pharmacist Workforce ◽  
And Training

National Pharmacist Workforce Studies (NPWS) have been conducted in the U.S. every five years since 2000. This article describes the online survey methods used for the latest NPWS conducted in 2019 and provides an assessment for nonresponse bias. Three waves of emails containing a link to the online survey were sent to a random sample of about 96,000 pharmacists licensed in the United States. The survey asked about pharmacist employment, work activities, work–life balance, practice characteristics, pharmacist demographics and training. A total of 5467 usable responses were received, for a usable response rate of 5.8%. To assess for nonresponse bias, respondent characteristics were compared to the population of U.S. pharmacists and a benchmark, while a wave analysis compared early and late respondents. The pharmacist sample–population comparison and the benchmark comparison showed that the NPWS respondents had a higher percentage of female pharmacists and a lower proportion of young pharmacists compared to the population of U.S. pharmacists and the benchmark sample. In some contrast, the wave analysis showed that the early respondents had a higher percentage of males and older pharmacists compared to the late respondents. Both the wave analysis and the benchmark comparison showed that the NPWS respondents (and early respondents) had a lower percent of pharmacists with a PharmD degree than did the late respondents and the benchmark group. These differences should be considered when interpreting the findings from the 2019 NPWS.

scholarly journals Surgeon Preference, Influence, and Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis

Hand ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Deutch ◽  
Steven R. Niedermeier ◽  
Hisham M. Awan
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Opioid Medications ◽  
American Society ◽  
Thumb Carpometacarpal ◽  
Tendon Interposition ◽  
Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis ◽  
And Training ◽  
Suture Suspension

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate current surgical practice patterns, the factors that influence these patterns, and overall trends in the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Methods: An online survey containing 14 questions was sent to all active members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Information on demographics and treatments was collected. Results were anonymously uploaded to an online spreadsheet. Results: A total of 823 responses were recorded. Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) using whole flexor carpi radialis was the most popular technique at 37.44%. In all, 26.38% of surgeons with fewer than 5 years of experience utilize trapeziectomy with suture suspension (bone anchor based or tendon based); 55.76% choose a particular procedure because of “Personal Clinical Experience” over “Current Evidence” and “Training.” In addition, 24.17% of surgeons who have been practicing for longer than 5 years have changed procedures in the last 5 years. In the United States, 97.2% of hand surgeons prescribe either oxycodone or hydrocodone postoperatively compared with just 23.75% of international hand surgeons. Conclusions: The results show that trapeziectomy with LRTI remains the most popular treatment of choice. The use of trapeziectomy with suture suspension is on the rise, particularly in younger surgeons. International hand surgeons rely more on current evidence, utilize less postoperative therapy and opioid medications, and change procedures more often than US hand surgeons.

Survey of Spanish Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Decision-Making Factors Associated With Communication Modality and Bilingualism

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Guiberson
Keyword(s):  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Spoken Language ◽  
Communication Modality ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Raising Children ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Decision Making Factors ◽  
Do So

Purpose The purpose of the present study was (a) to describe factors and trends associated with Spanish parents' choice of communication modality and spoken-language bilingualism for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and (b) to identify if bilingual variables predict children's bilingual status in a country where bilingualism is common. Method Seventy-one Spanish parents of children who are DHH completed an online survey that included questions about demographics, family and professional involvement and support, accessibility to information and services, and bilingual background and beliefs. Analyses were completed to describe groups and to examine how variables were associated with parents' decisions. Results Thirty-eight percent of parents chose to raise their children to be spoken-language bilingual. Most parents indicated that they believed being bilingual was beneficial for their children and that children who are DHH are capable of becoming bilingual in spoken languages. Parent's bilingual score, beliefs about raising children who are DHH bilingually, and encouragement to do so, were significantly associated with children's bilingual status. Conclusion In communities where bilingualism is common, bilingual parents will often choose to raise children who are DHH bilingual in spoken languages. Implications for practice and future studies in the United States are provided.

scholarly journals The Experience of Teleworking with Dogs and Cats in the United States during COVID-19

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
Christy L. Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Working From Home ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

In Spring of 2020, the novel coronavirus (SAR-CoV-2) prompted an unprecedented number of individuals across the United States to begin working from home. Prior research has identified both positive and negative impacts of teleworking on employee well-being, and this study built on that research to explore perceptions regarding how companion animals factor into the teleworking experience. Individuals who had experience working from home and from their employer’s office completed an online survey about those experiences. Participants reported spending more quality time with their companion animals and family members when they worked from home. Furthermore, when working from home, individuals with dogs were more likely than those without dogs to report they socialized with other people, got a healthy amount of physical activity, and took at least one 15-min walk during the workday. Some participants, particularly those in households containing both dogs and cats, indicated that their pets created distractions during the workday. Future studies can build on this research by investigating whether the findings persist once the novel coronavirus is no longer a threat, and by paying close attention to the characteristics of pets, owners, and household dynamics that may influence the effects of pet ownership on the teleworking experience.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of Their Preparation and Confidence for Providing Dysphagia Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 1666-1682
Author(s):  
Lena G. Caesar ◽  
Merertu Kitila
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Graduate School ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Academic Preparation ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Confidence Levels ◽  
Graduate School Preparation ◽  
Graduate Preparation ◽  
Significant Relationships

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding their academic preparation and current confidence levels for providing dysphagia services, and the relationship between their perceptions of graduate school preparation and their current levels of confidence. Method This study utilized an online survey to gather information from 374 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–certified SLPs who currently provide dysphagia services in the United States. Surveys were primarily distributed through American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group forums and Facebook groups. The anonymous survey gathered information regarding SLPs' perceptions of academic preparation and current confidence levels for providing dysphagia services in 11 knowledge and skill areas. Results Findings indicated that more than half of respondents did not feel prepared following their graduate academic training in five of the 11 knowledge and skill areas related to dysphagia service delivery. However, about half of respondents indicated they were currently confident about their ability to provide services in eight of the 11 knowledge and skill areas. Findings also indicated that their current confidence levels to provide dysphagia services were significantly higher than their perceptions of preparation immediately following graduate school. However, no significant relationships were found between respondents' self-reported current confidence levels and their perceptions of the adequacy of their academic preparation. Conclusions Despite SLPs' low perceptions of the adequacy of their graduate preparation for providing dysphagia services in specific knowledge and skill areas immediately following graduation, they reported high confidence levels with respect to their actual service delivery. Implications of these findings are discussed.

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceived Self-Efficacy in Conducting Multidimensional Treatment With Children Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1172-1186
Author(s):  
Carolina Beita-Ell ◽  
Michael P. Boyle
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Fluency Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Components ◽  
School Based

Purpose The purposes of this study were to examine the self-efficacy of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in conducting multidimensional treatment with children who stutter (CWS) and to identify correlates of self-efficacy in treating speech-related, social, emotional, and cognitive domains of stuttering. Method Three hundred twenty randomly selected school-based SLPs across the United States responded to an online survey that contained self-efficacy scales related to speech, social, emotional, and cognitive components of stuttering. These ratings were analyzed in relation to participants' beliefs about stuttering treatment and their comfort level in treating CWS, perceived success in therapy, and empathy levels, in addition to their academic and clinical training in fluency disorders as well as demographic information. Results Overall, SLPs reported moderate levels of self-efficacy on each self-efficacy scale and on a measure of total self-efficacy. Significant positive associations were observed between SLPs' self-efficacy perceptions and their comfort level in treating CWS, self-reported success in treatment, beliefs about the importance of multidimensional treatment, and self-reported empathy. There were some discrepancies between what SLPs believed was important to address in stuttering therapy and how they measured success in therapy. Conclusions Among school-based SLPs, self-efficacy for treating school-age CWS with a multidimensional approach appears stronger than previously reported; however, more progress in training and experience is needed for SLPs to feel highly self-efficacious in these areas. Continuing to improve clinician self-efficacy for stuttering treatment through improved academic training and increased clinical experiences should remain a high priority in order to enhance outcomes for CWS. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12978194

Suicide-Bereaved Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Therapists

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin F. Ward-Ciesielski ◽  
Madeline D. Wielgus ◽  
Connor B. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Time Of Death ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Suicide Bereaved ◽  
Research Domain

Background: Suicide-bereaved individuals represent an important group impacted by suicide. Understanding their experiences following the suicide of a loved one is an important research domain, despite receiving limited attention. Although suicide-bereaved individuals may benefit from mental health treatment, their attitudes toward therapy and therapists are poorly understood. Aims: The present study aimed to understand the extent to which bereaved individuals’ attitudes toward therapy and therapists are impacted by whether their loved one was in therapy at the time of death. Method: Suicide-bereaved individuals (N = 243) from the United States were recruited to complete an online survey about their experience with and attitudes toward therapy and therapists following the suicide of a loved one. Results: Bereaved individuals whose loved one was in therapy at the time of death (N = 48, 19.8%) reported more negative and less positive attitudes toward the treating therapist than those whose loved one was not in therapy at the time of death (N = 81, 33.3%) or whose loved one was never in therapy/the deceased’s therapy status was unknown (N = 114, 46.9%). Conclusion: The deceased’s involvement with a therapist appears to be an important factor impacting the experience of bereaved individuals and should be considered when attempting to engage these individuals in postvention.

Precarious Work and Young Workers in the United States

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arne L. Kalleberg
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
The United States ◽  
Young Workers ◽  
Severe Problem ◽  
Precarious Work ◽  
The Great Recession ◽  
The Us ◽  
Training Opportunities ◽  
And Training

This chapter discusses how the growth of precarious work and the polarization of the US labor market have produced major problems for the employment experiences of young workers. A prominent indicator of young workers’ difficulties in the labor market has been the sharp increase in their unemployment rates since the Great Recession. Another, equally if not more severe, problem faced by young workers today is the relatively low quality of the jobs that they were able to get. Other problems include the exclusion of young workers from the labor market and from education and training opportunities; the inability to find jobs that utilize their education, training, and skills; and the inability to obtain jobs that provide them with an opportunity to get a foothold in a career that would lead to progressively better jobs and thus be able to construct career narratives.

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