scholarly journals I Will Not Stand in My Way

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Lausch
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Science Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Self Authorship

Background: The impostor phenomenon (IP) describes a condition in which one has a feeling of intellectual phoniness, leaving one to doubt their ability to succeed. Research states that in particular, female STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) college students in male-dominated programs, such as engineering and computer science, are affected by such feelings. IP has shown consequences for female students' retention, feeling of belonging, and success, which contribute to STEM gender inequities. Recently it has been stated that strengthening the student's sense of self individually through mindfulness might be another avenue of support. Purpose: Using self-authorship theory, and with that taking into account science identity development, the purpose is to explore and interpret the effects of mindfulness on female STEM graduate students' experience with IP in computer science and engineering and their advancement on the self-authorship trajectory. Methods: Ten graduate and doctoral students participated in this exploratory, mixed-methods study, by completing an eight-week, self-led mindfulness program. The participants completed three semi-structured interviews, and weekly journals entries, including drawings. Four surveys were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results: A Mindfulness Foundation was developed that supported the participants in internalizing mechanisms to deal with IP. Mindfulness also strengthened the participants' sense of self-authorship and a correlation of mindfulness, IP and self-authorship was identified. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating mindfulness into STEM graduate education due to its multifaceted impacts. Further underlined is the importance of giving female STEM graduate students the opportunity to uncover their impostor feelings, explore their science identity, and grow self-authorship for professional success and well-being.

How Can We Enhance the Sense of Self-Efficacy in Epilepsy Individual Responses from 2 Qualitative Case Reports

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Michaelis ◽  
Christina Niedermann ◽  
Bettina Berger
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Focal Epilepsy ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Interventions

Background: Epilepsy is a serious, common and chronic neurological condition characterized by an increased disposition to suffer occasional seizures. Psychological interventions may enhance the well-being of individuals with epilepsy. So far, no qualitative study has investigated the complex effects of psychotherapeutic interventions in epilepsy. Methods: This study examined the questions as to if and how the participation in a patient-centered 6-month resource-oriented mindfulness-based intervention would enhance an individual's well-being and sense of self-efficacy. Pre- and post-intervention semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 9 participants. Qualitative data analysis (Mayring) in an inter-professional group was combined with the evaluation of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31. The case reports follow the CAse REport Guidelines for Anthroposophic Art Therapies (CARE-AAT). To show the diverse nature of individual intervention objectives, we chose the single case study format, contrasting 2 participants with diagnosed focal epilepsy. Results: Pre-intervention deductive and inductive outcome categories revealed high levels of stress regarding personal seizure experience and loss of autonomy, for both participants. Post-intervention interviews consist of increased seizure-related self-efficacy and self-awareness: while minimizing the debilitating impact of the seizures on her life was relevant to Iris, Carl developed a personalized aura interruption technique. Conclusions: These qualitative case analyses suggest that enhanced psychological well-being and even positive medical results may be achieved when epilepsy care focuses on the wishes that are most meaningful to the individual. The possibility of improving the quantitative evaluation of the effects of psychotherapeutic interventions needs to be explored.

Mindfulness Meditation Apps: An Effective Tool to Improve Mental Health Among Graduate Students in STEM Programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A. Grogan
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Symptom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Stem Programs

Abstract This paper seeks to determine whether or not mindfulness meditation training via a simple meditation app can effectively improve well-being among graduate students enrolled in STEM programs. Graduate students were recruited from STEM programs at the University of Florida. Participants were randomly assigned into treatment and control groups. The control group simply proceeded as they normally would during an academic semester. The treatment group received free access to the Ten Percent Happier app and were asked to meditate once per day for eight weeks. Both groups completed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention surveys that included the Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7). The treatment group averaged about 10 minutes of meditation per day, and the average participant meditated on about 82% of days within the intervention period. At the end of the 8-week intervention, the treatment group reported CES-D and GAD-7 scores that were about 35% and 41% lower than the control group and their physical symptom score was about 36% lower. Relative to their own starting scores, CES-D, GAD-7, and physical symptom scores decreased 35%, 50%, and 43%, respectively for the treatment group, while the control group experienced no change in scores.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life among 13–14 year old adolescents with overweight - a mixed methods approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Turid Kristin Bigum Sundar ◽  
Kirsti Riiser ◽  
Milada Småstuen ◽  
Randi Opheim ◽  
Knut Løndal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reference Population ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract BackgroundOverweight and obesity are public concerns with risk of adverse health outcomes. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower in adolescents than children in general. An increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with a decrease in HRQoL. The purpose of this study was to measure and explore the HRQoL among adolescents with overweight or obesity who had participated in an intervention study with the aim of increasing PA, reducing BMI and promoting HRQoL.Methods Mixed methods, with a convergent design, were used to investigate how different methodological approaches could expand our understanding of the adolescents’ HRQoL. Quantitative post-intervention data on HRQoL were collected among the 84 intervention participants, aged 13–14 years, using the KIDSCREEN 52 questionnaire. The data were compared with a Norwegian reference population of 244 individuals, and analysed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 adolescents from the intervention. A directed approach to content analysis was adopted, using the ten sub-scales from KIDSCREEN 52.ResultsHRQoL in the intervention sample was significantly reduced on the sub-scale of physical well-being compared to the reference population. The reference population scored significantly lower than the intervention sample on the sub-scale of parent relation and home life. No significant differences were found on the other sub-scales. The qualitative data supported the quantitative findings on the sub-scale of physical well-being, but showed that perceptions of fitness, energy level or health could vary. Regarding parent relations, the interviewees extended this to include relationships to other family members as equally important. Most of the interviewees expressed a negative view of their bodies, but not their clothing or accessories. This may explain why no statistically significant differences were found on these aspects in the results from the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. ConclusionThe use of the KIDSCREEN 52 instrument gave important indications about the adolescents’ HRQoL. Combining methods enabled a comprehensive approach to research on HRQoL, indicating better ways of providing help. More research using the benefits of mixed methods approaches is needed to further elucidate these findings.

Reconsidering Change and Continuity in Later Life: Toward an Innovation Theory of Successful Aging

2007 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galit Nimrod ◽  
Douglas A. Kleiber
Keyword(s):  
Activity Theory ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Purposive Sample

This article examines the patterns and meanings of innovation in the activities of a group of retirees with an eye toward understanding the place and value of innovation in the aging process. Starting with a consideration of continuity theory, as a perspective that simply describes typical patterns of activity, and activity theory that prescribes expansion of activities as a key to well-being, this article highlights the characteristics, meanings and perceived benefits of a wide variety of innovative activities. The study utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 male and female retirees involved in a “Learning and Retirement” program. Innovations that both preserve a sense of self (internal continuity) as well as those that allow one to strike out in entirely new direction are described, and, using a process of constant comparison, their motivational dynamics are explored. Given previous arguments that activity can be indiscriminate and disintegrative in some circumstances, we nevertheless suggest that innovation can be growth producing and liberating, even in later life, while at the same time generally protecting a sense of internal continuity.

scholarly journals Exploring Writing Anxiety and Self-Efficacy among EFL Graduate Students in Taiwan

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-ching Ho
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Research Writing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Writing Anxiety ◽  
Affective Constructs ◽  
Individual Variables ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Survey Responses

This study investigates research writing anxiety and self-efficacy beliefs among English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) graduate students in engineering-related fields. The relationship between the two writing affective constructs was examined and students’ perspectives on research writing anxiety were also explored. A total of 218 survey responses from engineering graduate students at Taiwanese universities were analyzed, along with qualitative data from open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews. The findings show that while master’s and doctoral students felt a similar moderate level of writing anxiety, senior doctoral students were more self-efficacious about writing research papers in English than their junior counterparts. Overall, students with higher writing self-efficacy felt less apprehensive. Additionally, among the individual variables, experience in writing for publication better predicted writing anxiety and self-efficacy than students’ self-reported English proficiency and the number of writing courses taken. The qualitative findings indicated various sources of graduate-level writing anxiety, including insufficient writing skills in English, time constraints, and fear of negative comments. Furthermore, composing different sections of a research paper provoked different levels of anxiety due to the variations in the rhetorical purposes and discourse structures of particular sections. Implications on dealing with research writing anxiety are also discussed.

scholarly journals Self-authorship and creative industries workers’ career decision-making

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. 1454-1477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn Bennett ◽  
Sophie Hennekam
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Career Decision ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Creative Industries ◽  
Career Decision Making ◽  
Multiple Selves ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Career Calling ◽  
Self Authorship

Career decision-making is arguably at its most complex within professions where work is precarious and career calling is strong. This article reports from a study that examined the career decision-making of creative industries workers, for whom career decisions can impact psychological well-being and identity just as much as they impact individuals’ work and career. The respondents were 693 creative industries workers who used a largely open-ended survey to create in-depth reflections on formative moments and career decision-making. Analysis involved the theoretical model of self-authorship, which provides a way of understanding how people employ their sense of self to make meaning of their experiences. The self-authorship process emerged as a complex, non-linear and consistent feature of career decision-making. Theoretical contributions include a non-linear view of self-authorship that exposes the authorship of visible and covert multiple selves prompted by both proactive and reactive identity work.

“I have grown with it”: Experiences of Spiritual Identity Development in a Group of South African Adolescents

2020 ◽  
pp. 0044118X2094742
Author(s):  
Luzelle Naudé ◽  
Tracy-Ann Capitano
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
South African ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Spiritual Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Spiritual Journeys ◽  
Religiosity And Spirituality ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to capture experiences of spiritual identity development in a purposive sample of South African adolescents, using semi-structured interviews and reflective writing exercises. Participants confirmed the prominence of religiosity and spirituality, as intertwined concepts central to their sense of purpose and identity. Consistent with the ideas expressed in psychosocial theories and lifespan development approaches, these adolescents valued the importance of choice when confronted with contradiction. They prioritized personal commitment and authenticity in their spiritual journeys toward finding a sense of self. It is clear that spiritual identity development unfolds as a lifelong process, driven by an interplay between cognitive development, psychosocial experiences, and the religiocultural context. The findings of this study reiterates that, as adolescents mature into emerging adulthood and their lives and meaning-making abilities become more complex, spirituality is critical in answering intricate questions about the self, others, and purpose of life.

Exploring professors’ experiences supporting graduate student well-being in Ontario faculties of education

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-411
Author(s):  
Vera Woloshyn ◽  
Michael J. Savage ◽  
Snezana Ratkovic ◽  
Catherine Hands ◽  
Dragana Martinovic
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Graduate Student ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inclusive Learning ◽  
Ontario Education ◽  
Faculties Of Education ◽  
Diverse Groups

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore Ontario education professors’ perceptions of well-being, document ways in which they support graduate students’ well-being and discuss perceived challenges in doing so.Design/methodology/approachA basic interpretative design was used, with participants consisting of seven (four females, three males) tenured professors from five faculties of education in Ontario, Canada. Participants completed one to two semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed for member checking and read holistically to identify emergent themes across participants.FindingsParticipants provided multifaceted representations of well-being and reported that supporting graduate students’ psycho-socio-emotional well-being was a critical aspect of their role. They discussed the intentional use of specific strategies including creating inclusive learning environments, nurturing caring relationships, providing academic accommodations and promoting relevant on-campus supports and services. Finally, participants identified factors that challenged their abilities to support graduate students’ wellness including institutional norms and expectations, shifting student demographics and uncertainties with respect to professional capacities.Practical implicationsGraduate student mentorship should be included in the faculty reward system. The provision of private, specialized services offered by trained personnel is also recommended. Future research is needed to explore faculty experiences supporting and mentoring diverse groups of graduate students.Originality/valueWhile limited in participant numbers and educational jurisdiction, this research extends current mentoring models by adding a mental health and well-being component, thus bridging gaps between well-being and graduate mentorship in higher education.

‘Normal’ and ‘failing’ mothers: Women’s constructions of maternal subjectivity while living with multiple sclerosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 516-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Parton ◽  
Terri Katz ◽  
Jane M Ussher
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cultural Discourses ◽  
Biographical Disruption ◽  
Maternal Subjectivity ◽  
Subject Positions ◽  
The Impact

Multiple sclerosis causes physical and cognitive impairment that can impact women’s experiences of motherhood. This study examined how women construct their maternal subjectivities, or sense of self as a mother, drawing on a framework of biographical disruption. A total of 20 mothers with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis took part in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using thematic decomposition to identify subject positions that women adopted in relation to cultural discourses of gender, motherhood and illness. Three main subject positions were identified: ‘The Failing Mother’, ‘Fear of Judgement and Burdening Others’ and ‘The Normal Mother’. Women’s sense of self as the ‘Failing Mother’ was attributed to the impact of multiple sclerosis, contributing to biographical disruption and reinforced through ‘Fear of Judgement and Burdening Others’ within social interactions. In accounts of the ‘Normal Mother’, maternal subjectivity was renegotiated by adopting strategies to manage the limitations of multiple sclerosis on mothering practice. This allowed women to self-position as ‘good’ mothers. Health professionals can assist women by acknowledging the embodied impact of multiple sclerosis on maternal subjectivities, coping strategies that women employ to address potential biographical disruption, and the cultural context of mothering, which contributes to women’s experience of subjectivity and well-being when living with multiple sclerosis.

scholarly journals Essential core competencies for health policy doctoral graduates

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
leila Doshmangir ◽  
Amirhossein Takian ◽  
Minoo Alipouri Sakha ◽  
Hakimeh Mostafavi
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Doctoral Graduates ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Specific Order

Abstract Background: In the health sector, competency-based education focuses on the desired performance characteristics of health professionals through designing and implementing the evidence-based standards, performance indicators and, quality outcomes. This paper aims to explore core competencies required for health policy graduates, aiming to prepare doctoral students for a spectrum of future roles, i.e. academic and non-academic.Methods: The databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, and SID were searched to identify the required competencies for health policy students worldwide. Students and well-known academics in the field of health policy (from Iran and other countries) were interviewed. This qualitative study was conducted in three phases: a critical review of literature; interviews; and validation of identified competencies through face to face consultations with experts complemented by a survey. We used three methods for data collection: 1) review of the literature; 2) 74 face to face and email-based semi-structured interviews and 3) validating the identified competencies through face to face consultations with qualified experts. Results: We identified five core competencies for health policy doctoral graduates without specific order including research, policy analysis, education, decision making, and communication.Conclusions: As countries are gearing up towards sustainable development goals (SDGs), the role of health policy graduates is crucial paving the pathway towards SDGs on health and well-being. Appropriate and contextually-tailored curriculum is pivotal, we envisage, to foster multi-dimensional competencies that are complementary to the specific disciplines of health policy scholars of future, those who can genuinely serve their health systems towards sustainable health development.

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