scholarly journals A Comparison of the Effects of Short-term Singing, Exercise, and Discussion Group Activities on the Emotional State and Social Connectedness of Older Australians

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 205920431880060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Maury ◽  
Nikki Rickard
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Social Group ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Discussion Group ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Group Activities ◽  
Over Time

Choir membership has been shown to improve emotional states and facilitate social connectedness. It is, however, less clear whether these benefits are unique to group singing or are shared by other social group activities that include some of the characteristics of choirs other than singing, such as music listening and social interaction. This research compares older Australians who are members of either a choir that both produces and listens to music in a social context, an exercise group that incorporates music listening and movement with social interaction, or a current events discussion group with social interaction but no music content. Participants were administered emotional state and cohesion questionnaires at two test times, just prior to and immediately after the session, to determine the short-term (60–90 minutes) effects on emotional state and social cohesion as result of different social activities containing varying levels of music engagement. A two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant improvements in positive affect and cohesion scores, and a decrease in negative affect and tiredness scores, over time for all groups. The choir and exercise groups were also observed by two raters who recorded observable behaviors categorized using the circumplex model of emotion. Findings revealed that both groups demonstrated significant increases in Activated Pleasant (high positive affect, high arousal) behaviors over time, but with no differences between the two groups. Taken together, these studies suggest that well-being benefits are shared by self-selected leisure social group activities, and that the effects can be observed within a very short time frame using both self-report and behavioral measures. The authors suggest that future research incorporates suitable control groups into research designs to better articulate any unique benefits that group singing may confer.

scholarly journals 1025Social interaction of middle-aged and older people with and without cardiovascular disease in Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shahdaat Bin Sayeed ◽  
Grace Joshy ◽  
Emily Banks ◽  
Rosemary Korda
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Group ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Group Contact

Abstract Background Social interaction is important for social wellbeing and may be adversely affected in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Large-scale evidence on social interaction among older people with versus without CVD is limited. We quantified and compared social interaction in older people with and without CVD. Methods Survey data (2006-2009) from the 45 and Up Study were linked to hospitalisations data through CHeReL to ascertain CVD status. Four items from the Duke Social Support Index (social-visits/week, telephone-contacts/week, social-group-contact/week, and number of people to depend on) were examined, using generalised linear models to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of no social interaction in people with versus without CVD, adjusting for relevant factors, and separately according to CVD subtype and level of physical disability. Results There were 266,504 study participants, 21.4% had CVD. People with CVD were 8%, (95%CI: 5-11%), 7% (2-12%), 4% (3-5%) and 7% (3-11%) more likely than people without CVD to have no social-visits/week, telephone-contacts/week, social-group-meetings/week and people to depend on respectively. The magnitude but not direction of results varied by CVD subtype. People with CVD and severe physical functioning limitations were 30-80% more likely than those with neither of these to have no social interaction. Conclusions Levels of social interaction were slightly lower in people with versus without CVD, but they varied by social interaction items, CVD subtypes, population characteristics and physical disability. Key messages Management to improve quality of life for people living with CVD should consider the role of physical disability for social connectedness.

scholarly journals Hooked on a Feeling: Influence of Brief Exposure to Familiar Music on Feelings of Emotion in Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019-1031
Author(s):  
Alaine E. Reschke-Hernández ◽  
Amy M. Belfi ◽  
Edmarie Guzmán-Vélez ◽  
Daniel Tranel
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Declarative Memory ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Therapeutic Tool ◽  
Impaired Memory ◽  
Post Induction ◽  
Sad Music

Background: Research has indicated that individuals with Alzheimer’s-type dementia (AD) can experience prolonged emotions, even when they cannot recall the eliciting event. Less is known about whether music can modify the emotional state of individuals with AD and whether emotions evoked by music linger in the absence of a declarative memory for the eliciting event. Objective: We examined the effects of participant-selected recorded music on self-reported feelings of emotion in individuals with AD, and whether these feelings persisted irrespective of declarative memory for the emotion-inducing stimuli. Methods: Twenty participants with AD and 19 healthy comparisons (HCs) listened to two 4.5-minute blocks of self-selected music that aimed to induce either sadness or happiness. Participants reported their feelings at baseline and three times post-induction and completed recall and recognition tests for the music selections after each induction. Results: Participants with AD had impaired memory for music selections compared to HCs. Both groups reported elevated sadness and negative affect after listening to sad music and increased happiness and positive affect after listening to happy music, relative to baseline. Sad/negative and happy/positive emotions endured up to 20 minutes post-induction. Conclusion: Brief exposure to music can induce strong and lingering emotions in individuals with AD. These findings extend the intriguing phenomenon whereby lasting emotions can be prompted by stimuli that are not remembered declaratively. Our results underscore the utility of familiar music for inducing emotions in individuals with AD and may ultimately inform strategies for using music listening as a therapeutic tool with this population.

scholarly journals Fragile and Enduring Positive Affect: Implications for Adaptive Aging

Gerontology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 263-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Ong ◽  
Nilam Ram
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Intraindividual Variability ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Interindividual Differences ◽  
Individual Health ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Robust Evidence ◽  
Over Time

There is robust evidence linking interindividual differences in positive affect (PA) with adaptive psychological and physical health outcomes. However, recent research has suggested that intraindividual variability or fluctuations in PA states over time may also be an important predictor of individual health outcomes. Here, we report on research that focuses on PA level and various forms of PA dynamics (variability, instability, inertia, and reactivity) in relation to health. PA level refers to the average level of positive feelings. In contrast, PA dynamics refer to short-term changes in PA that unfold over time. We discuss how consideration of both PA level and PA dynamics can provide a framework for reconciling when high PA is conducive or detrimental to health. We conclude that more work on PA dynamics is needed, especially in combination with PA level, and suggest productive questions for future inquiry in this area.

scholarly journals Failure to Meet Generative Self-Expectations is Linked to Poorer Cognitive–Affective Well-Being

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 792-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molli R Grossman ◽  
Tara L Gruenewald
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Multiple Mediation ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives Generativity, or concern with contributing to others, is theorized to be an important goal of mid-to-late life. Greater self-perceptions of generativity are associated with better well-being over time. The aim of this study is to examine how generative self-perceptions and failure to meet generative expectations over time are linked to specific cognitive–affective states (feelings of connectedness, self-worth, and positive affect), and consequently, life satisfaction. Method Analyses used data from Waves 2 and 3 of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS). Multiple mediation was utilized to assess whether these cognitive–affective states linked generative failure to decreased life satisfaction. A Johnson–Neyman moderation analysis determined whether these associations vary with age. Results In demographically adjusted regressions, generative contributions and expectations were associated with greater perceived social connectedness, self-worth, and positive effect. Generative failure was associated with lower life satisfaction, a link that was strongest in the middle-aged and young-old and mediated by the cognitive–affective states. Discussion Greater feelings of generativity, and more positive expectations for future contributions, are associated cross-sectionally and over time with better affective well-being. Positive affect, social connectedness, and self-worth may partially explain why generative failure over time is linked to decreased life satisfaction.

The Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts of Sarbanes-Oxley Act on Composition and Characteristics of Corporate Board of Directors

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Halil Kaya ◽  
Gaurango Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Board Composition ◽  
Corporate Boards ◽  
Corporate Accountability ◽  
Corporate Board ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Dual Roles ◽  
Board Characteristics ◽  
Sarbanes Oxley ◽  
Over Time

The paper examines the Sarbanes-Oxley (2002) Acts immediate impact on board composition and characteristics as well as possible reversals in its impact over time. Effects on directors age and tenure are analyzed over the 2001-06 sample period. Female participation in corporate boards is also studied in the pre-SOX and post-SOX periods. The dual roles of directors in being a member of the board as well as serving as either CEO, CFO, Chairman, Co-Chair, Founder, or Lead Director of their respective companies is also examined. We observe a short-term impact of SOX on board compositions due to changes seen in board characteristics between 2001 (pre-SOX), and 2003-05 short-term period (post-SOX). Also, we observe a reversal of board characteristics in 2006 to pre-SOX levels implying that the effects of SOX on board composition were short-lived, and needs to be monitored over time to ensure adherence to corporate accountability guidelines over the long-term.

scholarly journals Personality dynamics at work: The effects of form, time, and context of variability

2021 ◽  
pp. 089020702110173
Author(s):  
Nadin Beckmann ◽  
Damian P Birney ◽  
Amirali Minbashian ◽  
Jens F Beckmann
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Temporal Stability ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Short Term ◽  
State Data ◽  
The Status ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Trait Variability

The study aimed to investigate the status of within-person state variability in neuroticism and conscientiousness as individual differences constructs by exploring their (a) temporal stability, (b) cross-context consistency, (c) empirical links to selected antecedents, and (d) empirical links to longer term trait variability. Employing a sample of professionals ( N = 346) from Australian organisations, personality state data together with situation appraisals were collected using experience sampling methodology in field and repeatedly in lab-like settings. Data on personality traits, cognitive ability, and motivational mindsets were collected at baseline and after two years. Contingent (situation contingencies) and non-contingent (relative SD) state variability indices were relatively stable over time and across contexts. Only a small number of predictive effects of state variability were observed, and these differed across contexts. Cognitive ability appeared to be associated with state variability under lab-like conditions. There was limited evidence of links between short-term state and long-term trait variability, except for a small effect for neuroticism. Some evidence of positive manifold was found for non-contingent variability. Systematic efforts are required to further elucidate the complex pattern of results regarding the antecedents, correlates and outcomes of individual differences in state variability.

scholarly journals Leaching Rate of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) from Marine Paint Chips

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen D. Uhler ◽  
Jeffery H. Hardenstine ◽  
Deborah A. Edwards ◽  
Guilherme R. Lotufo
Keyword(s):  
Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Leaching Rate ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Aroclor 1254 ◽  
Maintenance And Repair ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Vessel Bottom ◽  
Dissolved Phase ◽  
Over Time

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were added to certain marine vessel bottom paints as a plasticizer to improve the adhesion and durability of the paint. The most common PCB formulation used to amend such paints was Aroclor 1254. Fugitive Aroclor-containing paint chips generated from vessel maintenance and repair operations represent a potential source of PCB contamination to sediments. Limited published studies indicate that Aroclor-containing paint is largely inert and exhibits low PCB leaching into water; however, the rate and degree of leaching of PCBs from paint chips have not been directly studied. This laboratory-based study evaluated the rate and extent of leaching of PCBs from paint chips into freshwater. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the rate of PCB dissolution from paint chips decreased rapidly and exponentially over time. Based on this study, it is estimated that the rate of leaching of PCBs from paint chips would cease after approximately 3 years of exposure to water. When all leachable PCBs were exhausted, it is estimated that less than 1% of the mass of PCBs in the paint chips was amenable to dissolution. The results of this experiment suggest that Aroclor-containing paint chips found in sediments are likely short-term sources of dissolved-phase PCB to pore or surface waters and that the majority of the PCBs in paint chips remain in the paint matrix and unavailable for partitioning into water. Graphic Abstract

scholarly journals Enhancing Nature Connection and Positive Affect in Children through Mindful Engagement with Natural Environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4785
Author(s):  
Alexia Barrable ◽  
David Booth ◽  
Dylan Adams ◽  
Gary Beauchamp
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Nature Connection ◽  
Mindful Engagement

Nature connection, which describes a positive relationship between humans and the rest of nature, has been recognised as a worthwhile goal of all education. Given its association with wellbeing, as well as the fact that it can predict ecological behaviours in children, there have been several calls for it to become central to environmental education, and an important tool in tackling climate change. Previous research has reported the success of short-term interventions in increasing nature connection in children, but to date no empirical studies have looked at how mindful engagement with nature can promote both nature connection and positive affect. This study took place in a nature reserve in Wales and included n = 74 children, aged 9–10, who took part in three mindful activities. Pre- and post- measures included nature connection and positive/negative affect. Analysis showed a significant small to medium effect of the activity on nature connection. Moreover, positive affect significantly increased post-activity, while negative affect showed a small decrease.

scholarly journals Investigating the Broken-Heart Effect: a Model for Short-Term Dependence between the Remaining Lifetimes of Joint Lives

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaap Spreeuw ◽  
Iqbal Owadally
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Numerical Work ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Multiple State ◽  
Multiple State Model ◽  
Insurance Data ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Assurance Contracts

AbstractWe analyze the mortality of couples by fitting a multiple state model to a large insurance data set. We find evidence that mortality rates increase after the death of a partner and, in addition, that this phenomenon diminishes over time. This is popularly known as a “broken-heart” effect and we find that it affects widowers more than widows. Remaining lifetimes of joint lives therefore exhibit short-term dependence. We carry out numerical work involving the pricing and valuation of typical contingent assurance contracts and of a joint life and survivor annuity. If insurers ignore dependence, or mis-specify it as long-term dependence, then significant mis-pricing and inappropriate provisioning can result. Detailed numerical results are presented.

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