scholarly journals Experiencing Grace: A Thematic Network Analysis of Person-Level Narratives

Open Theology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 360-373
Author(s):  
Tine Schellekens ◽  
Annemie Dillen ◽  
Jessie Dezutter
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Written Narratives ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Theoretical Assumptions ◽  
Flow Of Time ◽  
Psychological Flourishing ◽  
Lay Experience ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Thematic Network Analysis

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to clarify the lay experience of grace through person-level narratives. This empirical qualitative study follows a bottom-up approach, not restricted by specific theoretical assumptions, and includes a large and heterogeneous group of Belgian participants. The sample (recruited online) was composed of 456 participants (64% women, mean age = 50.04, age range from 18 to 93 years). Data consisted of 456 written narratives describing the experience of grace. They were analysed using a thematic analysis and thematic network approach with the help of a qualitative data management package Nvivo 12 pro. The resulting thematic network visualizes the experience of grace in the flow of time with (a) antecedents, grace can happen anywhere and anytime, but difficulties often precede grace; (b) the core experience is one of receiving an unmerited free gift in response to failure or brokenness or as an encounter with goodness and beauty, and this can be given by the divine or by other people and lastly (c) consequences entails a transformation at the intrapersonal, interpersonal and/or situational level. Our approach allows for an ecological and bottom-up understanding of grace as experienced nowadays in a secularized country and can empirically inform future studies about the connection between grace and psychological flourishing.

scholarly journals Exploring Existential Anxiety among Indian Youth: Prevalence and Gender Differences

2021 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 8-12
Author(s):  
Megha Mandalaparthy ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Qualitative Aspect ◽  
Existential Anxiety ◽  
Social Pressures ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Thematic Network Analysis

Background: Existential anxiety (EA) refers to the feeling of uncertainty regarding life and its meaning. It is gaining increasing attention on social media in the form of existential humour. The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of EA among Indian youth and gender differences among those experiencing EA. Method: The sample consisted of 30 males and 39 females (N = 69) falling in the age range of 17-29 years. The quantitative tool used was the Existential Concerns Questionnaire. For the qualitative aspect, three open-ended questions were given at the end of the scale. Result: Upon analysing the quantitative data, it was found that there existed no significant differences (p = 0.24) between the EA levels of males (M = 52.53, SD = 16.73; moderate) and females (M = 56.97, SD = 14.20; moderate). Thematic network analysis of the qualitative data revealed common themes amongst the genders (uncertainty, negative emotions, competition/ success, meaning-making, social media, and life events). The only theme that was present among females was that of social pressures. Conclusion: There is a medium-low EA prevalence rate among the participants. Furthermore, major gender differences don’t seem to exist in the experience of such anxiety, barring the theme of social pressures which affects the females.

AN INDUCTIVELY DERIVED RESEARCH FRAMEWORK FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION IN ODL: THE HIGHER EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-57
Author(s):  
Marry Mdakane ◽  
Christo J. Els ◽  
A. Seugnet Blignaut
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Specific Aspect ◽  
Written Narratives ◽  
Research Framework ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
Education Environment

Student satisfaction, as a key psychological-affective outcome of tertiary education, is a direct measure of the success of Open Distance Learning (ODL). It is therefore vital for ODL Higher Education Institutions to assess and improve student satisfaction constantly. Existing theories on student satisfaction are mostly derived from deductive research, i.e. from research that considers the existing body of knowledge, followed by an investigation of a specific aspect or component, in order to reach a specific conclusion. We, however, maintain the inductive stance that a research framework for student satisfaction in ODL should be derived from students themselves. Accordingly, we purposively collected qualitative data from N=34 South African postgraduate ODL students, representative of various cultural language groups, with regard to student satisfaction. Supported by Atlas.ti, we composed an integrated dataset comprised of students’ responses to two focus-group interviews, as well as students’ written narratives in response to qualitative questions. Through meticulous qualitative data-analysis, we detected data categories, sub-categories, patterns and regularities in the integrated dataset. Theories and findings from the existing corpus of knowledge pertaining to student satisfaction in ODL illuminated our qualitative findings. This paper reports on the knowledge we gained from our participants pertaining to their student satisfaction with the Higher Education (HE) environment, the first of three main research components of an inductively derived research framework for student satisfaction in ODL.

EXPERIENCE OF GROWING UP IN INSTITUTIONAL FOSTER CARE – RESEARCH REPORT

2021 ◽  
Vol 572-573 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 32-40
Author(s):  
Agata Butarewicz-Głowacka ◽  
Anna Chomiuk ◽  
Magdalena Jabłońska
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Report ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Institutional Form ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Education Centre ◽  
Theoretical Assumptions ◽  
Empirical Material

The article is devoted to the functioning of adolescent pupils of the “House of Return” in Białystok. Its aim is to show the experience of growing up in an orphanage from the pupils’ perspective. The first part of the text presents theoretical assumptions regarding the experience of growing up, organization of foster care in Poland, growing up in its institutional form and the process of deinstitutionalization. The second part of the article presents methodological assumptions of the research and the results regarding growing up in institutional foster care. Qualitative research using the method of individual cases was carried out in May 2021 with the charges of the “House of Return” in Białystok. The concept of qualitative data analysis by Matthew B. Miles and A. Michael Huberman was used to analyze the empirical material. In the light of the research, the charges function properly in the care and education centre for children and young people, the experience of growing up in an orphanage is not a trauma for them, but they have difficulties with establishing close relationships, they lack a significant adult, and are also not very self-reliant.

STATURE AND STATUS: HEIGHT PERCEPTIONS AND ASPIRATIONS OF SELECTED FILIPINO YOUTH

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 856-863
Author(s):  
Richard Jonathan O. Taduran
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Economic Advantage ◽  
Cultural Perceptions ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Height Perception ◽  
Opposite Sex

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to provide an explanation of the perceptions of height by selected Filipino youth and discuss the factors that shape these perceptions. By exploring these factors, this study gives an overview of the extended height affects an individual's experience and aspirations. Methodology: Both quantitative and qualitative surveys were conducted on 300 youth participants (150 males and 150 females), where they rated 30 statements and answered open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically, and qualitative data were arranged into a comprehensive matrix and thematic coding of responses. Main findings: Height mainly symbolizes three components: advantage, capability, and desirability. Participants believe that being tall is an advantage in playing sports, will open up opportunities for work, and can help in doing everyday tasks. Height can also be a key to attracting the opposite sex. The ‘bigger is better’ prejudice appears to extend to a person’s experiences as well—short people’s experiences differ from those of taller people. Benefits brought by tallness is so sought that many exert extra efforts to grow taller. Tall bodies demonstrate a non-economic advantage that gives higher status and sociopolitical distinction in society. Implications: The topic of body size is potent for analyzing culture and power. This study provides evidence on the biases on height perception by the Filipino youth and can be useful in future studies relating to height. Originality/Novelty of the study: There are either limited or no studies concentrating on cultural perceptions of height conducted in developing countries such as the Philippines. Moreover, the height of Filipinos has rarely been reported, and the data that are available tend to be in relatively obscure publications.

scholarly journals Supply chain integration configurations: process structure and product newness

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1437-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos Tsinopoulos ◽  
Carlos Mena
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Main Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Process Structure ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the configurations of supply chain integration. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use qualitative data from manufacturers shortlisted for the UK’s Manufacturing Excellence awards over three years. Detailed processes and policies of 68 manufacturers are analysed. Findings – Process structure and product newness require different supply chain configurations, which change as products mature. Supply chain integration is dynamic, and the extent of collaboration between suppliers and customers will be different at different moments in time. The authors define and discuss four key supply chain configurations: customised; ramp-up; recurring; coordinated. Research limitations/implications – Future studies on supply chain integration should be controlled for the variation in the configurations. A limitation is the use of data which were derived for an award. The paper explains how the authors have mitigated the associated risks. Practical implications – The configuration of integration will change as the manufacturing plant becomes more familiar with a product. Additionally, different suppliers may provide better support at different stages of a product’s lifecycle. To yield better performance, supply chain integration would need to take different forms. Efforts to integrate with suppliers should not be avoided as, when certain conditions are met, integration can lead to improved performance. Originality/value – The authors have identified manufacturers’ main process structures and products’ newness as two strategic characteristics that differentiate integration approaches with customers and suppliers, and defined four integration configurations. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first study to argue that these also define the configuration of supply chain integration.

scholarly journals PSYCHOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF PERFECTIONISM AS A STEP TO STUDENT PERFECTIONISM SCALE DEVELOPMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 57-63
Author(s):  
Ulyana I. Nikitchuk ◽  
Oleksandra F. Polyukhovych
Keyword(s):  
Free Association ◽  
Connotative Meaning ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Socially Prescribed Perfectionism ◽  
Introductory Part ◽  
Grade Scale ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Further Development

The article presents the results of psycholinguistic analysis of perfectionism. A theoretical review of perfectionism structure and explication is proposed in the introductory part of the paper. The associative and connotative meaning of perfectionism are empirically investigated using free association experiment procedure. The data from two groups are compared: student sample (N = 23 in total, age range: 17-27 years) and non-student sample (N = 11, age range: 18-60 years). Findings. After the analysis of 176 associative responses and their frequencies the associative universals were discovered: ‘purity’, ‘result’, ‘order’, ‘letters’, ‘boring’, ‘ideal’, ‘puzzle’, ‘sample’, ‘responsibility’. The connotative meaning for each universal was defined using 7-grade scale and three parameters: (1) evaluation (positive-negative); (2) strength (strong – weak); (3) activeness (active-passive). It is concluded that the meaning of perfectionism for students is positive in general. Active and passive aspects of perfectionism and the criteria to distinguish between healthy and neurotic perfectionism are revealed. It is determined that students, unlike others, are focused on achieving ‘perfection’ and ‘purity’, which may indicate a healthy perfectionism. In contrast, the respondents in non-student sample primarily pay attention to the ‘requirements’ and ‘standards’, which is recognized as a feature of neurotic perfectionism. It is revealed that students more than other participants agree with relevance of notions ‘excellence’ and ‘facility’ in connection with stimulus ‘perfectionism’ while other respondents support association ‘boring’ much more. For non-student sample some features related to perfectionism can be stated: disturbance with inflated requirements and expectations, with difficulties of compliance to high demands; an avoiding fails mindset. The hypothesis for future studies is set on this basis that, maybe, the role of socially prescribed perfectionism is not that significant when it comes to students’ striving for excellence. The universals ‘ideal’ and ‘responsibility’ are common to both groups of participants, so this quality is assumed to be closely related to perfectionism, although it manifests itself differently depending on the type of perfectionism: from excessive responsibility for own actions in self-oriented perfectionism to inclination of avoidance in socially prescribed perfectionism. The limitations of the study are discussed. The results are going to be implemented for further development of the student perfectionism scale.

scholarly journals Considerations for implementing criminal law for defendants exposed to COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 565-572
Author(s):  
Firman Wijaya
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Criminal Law ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Criminal Cases ◽  
Health And Human Rights ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Criminal Sanctions ◽  
Legal Studies ◽  
Health Rights

This study discussed the scope of criminal law considerations for defendants exposed to the Coronavirus through legal studies and health literacy in Indonesia. This article also tries to understand the criminal sanctions carried out by defendants exposed to COVID-19 by examining the potential for criminal justice with considerations and consequences for the rights of citizens to obtain health protection. This study concludes that punishment for criminal acts related to criminal cases must be limited considering that prosecution and criminal sanctions can only be given as light as possible where the condition of the community does need help because of their right to obtain health insurance for the population as regulated in the Law on Health and Human Rights. With a set of rights inherent in the nature and existence of humans as creatures of God Almighty are His gifts that must be respected, upheld, and protected by the state. After reviewing several international and national publications active discussing criminal law and the control of COVID-19, we got all this data. We hope that all this qualitative data can be used for future studies related to health rights and criminal law.

scholarly journals 412 - Empowerment for people living with dementia: an integrative literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 36-37
Author(s):  
Charlotte T.M. Van Corven ◽  
Annemiek Bielderman ◽  
Mandy Wijnen ◽  
Ruslan Leontjevas ◽  
Peter LBJ Lucassen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Inductive Reasoning ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Formal Caregivers ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Qualitative Data Analysis Software ◽  
Definition Of

Introduction:Although the concept of empowerment seems useful for good care and support for people living with dementia, there is a lack of understanding as to how to define this concept. Therefore, insight is needed in what empowerment means for people living with dementia.Methods:We performed an integrative literature review (PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO), including articles that addressed empowerment for people living with dementia in their title or abstract. Using qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti, we applied open codes to describe all relevant aspects of included articles. Common themes and categories were identified using inductive reasoning and constant comparison.Results:Sixty-nine articles were included. We identified four themes: (1) description of the state of being empowered, (2) the process of empowerment, (3) contribution of the environment to the empowerment process, and (4) effects on other variables. We combined these results with the conceptual framework of our previous qualitative study on the definition of empowerment for people living with dementia based on stakeholders’ perspectives into a revised conceptual framework. Subsequently, the combined information of both studies was visualized in a revised conceptual framework.Conclusion:This literature review provides more details as to the role of the environment for empowerment of people living with dementia and suggests that empowerment can be considered a dynamic process, taking place through interaction between the person living with dementia and their environment. Our revised conceptual framework of empowerment can serve as a basis for future studies on empowerment for people living with dementia, and to support (in)formal caregivers in the empowerment process.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Reading Strategies Used by Ethiopian Higher Education Students: Evidence from Ambo University, Oromia, Ethiopia

IJOHMN ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 25-53
Author(s):  
Motuma Hirpassa Minda ◽  
Mikire Dase Boka ◽  
S. Nakkiran
Keyword(s):  
Reading Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Interactive Approach ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
English Major ◽  
Main Ideas ◽  
The University

Concerned by increased problems about the students’ reading quality, this study was carried out to investigate the reading approach of English major students of Ambo University. To achieve this objective, all 52(31 male and 21 female) English major students of the University were purposely selected for the study because the number of the students is small to manage. Both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from the respondents through Reading Achievement Tests, Questionnaire and Structured Interview and analyzed accordingly. The study mainly focused on the students’ approach to reading (adapted top-down or bottom-up) and the students’ ability to identify the main ideas and details, explicitly stated and implied information, the purpose and the tone of authors in five different reading genres: dialogues, directions, article, essays, and poems.  The overall result of the study showed that 89.7% of the University students were exclusively limited to bottom-up approaches to reading and frustrated to determine the main ideas and implied information in the texts. In other words, no student answered more than 78% in reading comprehension items correctly in the tests. Moreover, half of the students could not answer above 50% in the comprehension questions. Therefore, the prescriptions for the solution  to the problem lies in bringing about improvement in the students’ interactive approach to reading and thereby, improve students’ ability to identify the main ideas and details, explicitly stated and implied information, the purpose and the tone of authors in different reading genres: dialogues, articles, essays, directions and poem.

scholarly journals Using Qualitative Analysis to Assess a Model of Support for Online Health Communities for People Living with Chronic Health Conditions (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian M. Green ◽  
Kaitlyn Van Horn ◽  
Ketki Gupta ◽  
Amrita Bhowmick ◽  
Michael Booth
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Online Health Communities ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Thematic Network Analysis

BACKGROUND Online health communities (OHC) can be a powerful tool to facilitate communication among patients, professionals and family members who live with or care for someone with a chronic health condition(s). Health Union LLC’s OHC model engages, empowers and encourages people to take an active role in their health by providing content that aligns with their needs and interests and by cultivating a safe environment where communication, understanding and meaningful relationships can thrive. OHCs included in this study target people living with multiple sclerosis, migraine, IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE Using qualitative methods we sought to determine if constructs in the Health Union OHC model are supported by themes identified in OHC participant comments. Key components of the model to be tested include: content tailored to needs of community, facilitation, and encouragement of social support, active moderation, opportunities for active and passive engagement, and transparency of community norms and rules. METHODS A sample of over 5800 comments exported from over 40 Facebook posts from 6 OHCs was analyzed using the Dedoose qualitative data analysis software. Comments from these Facebook posts were extracted, imported into Dedoose software and coded. Interrater reliability of initial coding was calculated using Pearson Correlation Coefficient. An exploratory approach was taken in the analysis and initial codes were grouped into thematic categories and then confirmed through thematic network/framework analysis using the Dedosse software tool. Thematic categories were compared for similarity and differences for each of the 6 OHCs, original post type, and by the extent of active moderation evident in each comment thread. RESULTS Qualitative thematic network analysis of posts and comments from 6 OHCs correspond to the primary components of the Health Union OHC model. This analysis suggests that the structural elements of the OHC model, including active site moderation, support high levels of community engagement and information sharing and mutual support of OHC participants. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative data from the 6 OHCs demonstrates the positive impact the community has on participants, often helping them reframe their health care experience and coping strategies. The principle of adaptive engagement is demonstrated by the thematic network analysis and illustrates the Health Union OHC model constructs. Different community segments have different patterns of engagement. Our primary focus on the content of participant comments in this analysis is a current limitation. While we also examine more passive methods of liking and sharing posts utilized by OHC participants, these may warrant further analysis. This study has practical significance as it helps to demonstrate the value of online health communities for people living with chronic health conditions by providing meaningful engagement, support, and information in an accessible environment.

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