The many faces of hermes: The quality of participation experiences and political attitudes of migrant and non-migrant youth

Human Affairs ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fernandes-Jesus ◽  
Carla Malafaia ◽  
Pedro Ferreira ◽  
Elvira Cicognani ◽  
Isabel Menezes

AbstractThis paper intends to explore whether and how the quality of participation experiences is associated with political efficacy and the disposition of migrant and non-migrant young people to becoming involved. The sample includes 1010 young people of Portuguese, Angolan and Brazilian origin, aged between 15 and 29 years old. The results reveal that the quality of participation experiences is related to political efficacy and dispositions to becoming involved, but different groups seem to react differently to different forms of political action.

Author(s):  
Chantal Piat

This paper explores the many forms of online activism, also known as “slacktivism,” such as making small charitable donations, changing a social media profile picture, and using technological knowledge to hack websites.  The effectiveness of slacktivism is investigated based on prior research in the field, as the nuances of activism, politics, and effectiveness itself are deconstructed.  An argument is posed that any form of activism, whether it is performed online or offline, is valuable and legitimate regardless of its size or reach. It is known that small online acts of participation are strongly correlated with grander offline acts of participation. While it is important to acknowledge the value of offline activism such as participating in a protest or boycott, acts of slacktivism also have an inherent value in and of themselves.  Slacktivism should not be written off as an ineffective “feel-good” tool that young people utilize, but rather as a legitimate form of social and political action.


Author(s):  
Chantal Piat

This paper explores the many forms of online activism, also known as “slacktivism,” such as making small charitable donations, changing a social media profile picture, and using technological knowledge to hack websites.  The effectiveness of slacktivism is investigated based on prior research in the field, as the nuances of activism, politics, and effectiveness itself are deconstructed.  An argument is posed that any form of activism, whether it is performed online or offline, is valuable and legitimate regardless of its size or reach. It is known that small online acts of participation are strongly correlated with grander offline acts of participation. While it is important to acknowledge the value of offline activism such as participating in a protest or boycott, acts of slacktivism also have an inherent value in and of themselves.  Slacktivism should not be written off as an ineffective “feel-good” tool that young people utilize, but rather as a legitimate form of social and political action.  


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-74
Author(s):  
Ivana Markov Čikić ◽  
Aleksandar Ivanovski

Summary One cannot write about the relationship of young people and current sports stars in modern society without having previously studied the processes of mediation and globalisation of sport, and the transformation of traditional social values. The goal of the science and practice engaged in sports and education of young people is a constant quest for preserving universal ethical values and reconciling them with the modern-day social processes. This paper will present the result of a survey conducted with adolescents in five different Serbian cities in order to find the answer to the question if sportspersons were their favourite television role-models. According to the results of our survey, 45% of adolescents do not have a favourite TV personality and do not know for sure who that could be. Novak Đoković, who would be the choice of adults for a role model of the young, with 63.2% according to the survey conducted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, scored 3.81% in our survey with adolescents who would chose Novak Đoković as their favourite TV personality. The necessity of raising media literacy of young people with the aim of clear identification of sports role models who are going to improve their quality of life still remains an open issue for further research on this course.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiran Thabrew ◽  
Karolina Stasiak ◽  
Harshali Kumar ◽  
Tarique Naseem ◽  
Christopher Frampton ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Approximately 10% to 12% of New Zealand children and young people have long-term physical conditions (also known as chronic illnesses) and are more likely to develop psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression. Delayed treatment leads to worse physical and mental healthcare, school absence, and poorer long-term outcomes. Recently, electronic health (eHealth) interventions, especially those based on the principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), have been shown to be as good as face-to-face therapy. Biofeedback techniques have also been shown to enhance relaxation during the treatment of anxiety. However, these modalities have rarely been combined. Young people with long-term physical conditions have expressed a preference for well-designed and technologically-based support to deal with psychological issues, especially anxiety. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to co-design and evaluate the (i) acceptability and (ii) usability of a CBT and biofeedback-based, 5-module eHealth game called ‘Starship Rescue’ and (iii) to provide preliminary evidence regarding its effectiveness in addressing anxiety and quality of life in young people with long-term physical conditions. METHODS Starship Rescue was co-designed with children and young people from a tertiary hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. Following this, 24 young people aged 10 to 17 years were enrolled in an open trial, during which they were asked to use the game for an 8-week period. Acceptability of the game to all participants was assessed using a brief, open-ended questionnaire, and more detailed feedback was obtained from a subset of 10 participants via semi-structured interviews. Usability was evaluated via the System Usability Scale (SUS) and device-recorded frequency and duration of access on completion of the game. Anxiety levels were measured prior to commencement, on completion of the game, and 3 months later using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) and Spence Child Anxiety Scales (SCAS), and at the start of each module and at the end of the game using an embedded Likert/visual analog scale. Quality of life was measured prior to commencement and on completion of the game using the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (PEDS-QL). RESULTS Users gave Starship Rescue an overall rating of 5.9 out of 10 (range 3-10 and a mean score of 71 out of 100 (SD 11.7; min 47.5; max 90) on the System Usability Scale (SUS). The mean time period for use of the game was just over 11-weeks (78.8 days, 13.5 hours, 40 minutes). Significant reductions in anxiety were noted between the start and end of the game on the GAD-7 (-4.6 (p=0.000)), SCAS (-9.6 (p=0.005)), and the Likert/visual analogue scales (-2.4 (p=0.001)). Quality of life also improved on the PedsQL scale (+4.3 (p=0.042)). All changes were sustained at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence for Starship Rescue being an acceptable, usable and effective eHealth intervention for addressing anxiety in young people with long-term physical conditions. Further evaluation is planned via a more formal randomized controlled trial. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Network Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12616001253493p;https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371443 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6sYB716lf)


Author(s):  
Richard Wigmans

This chapter describes some of the many pitfalls that may be encountered when developing the calorimeter system for a particle physics experiment. Several of the examples chosen for this chapter are based on the author’s own experience. Typically, the performance of a new calorimeter is tested in a particle beam provided by an accelerator. The potential pitfalls encountered in correctly assessing this performance both concern the analysis and the interpretation of the data collected in such tests. The analysis should be carried out with unbiased event samples. Several consequences of violating this principle are illustrated with practical examples. For the interpretation of the results, it is very important to realize that the conditions in a testbeam are fundamentally different than in practice. This has consequences for the meaning of the term “energy resolution”. It is shown that the way in which the results of beam tests are quoted may create a misleading impression of the quality of the tested instrument.


Author(s):  
Vijay Mahajan

This chapter deals with Indian ‘innovations for the millions’ (I4M)—new products, processes, and institutional arrangements—that sustainably improve the quality of life of those at the base of the pyramid. Taking ten examples which originated from the private, public, NGO and cooperative sectors, the chapter suggests that these innovations are a response of the ‘elite of calling’ to the Indian paradox – high growth in a large economy, co-existing with a very large number at the base of the pyramid. The chapter argues that a more supportive ecosystem needs to be built to foster I4M, including reforms in regulation and taxation, and attracting bright young people. If that happens Indian I4M can serve billions at the base of the pyramid around the world.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melis G. Laebens ◽  
Aykut Öztürk

Although theories of partisanship were developed for the democratic context, partisanship can be important in electoral autocracies as well. We use survey data to analyze partisanship in an electoral autocracy, Turkey, and find that partisanship is pervasive, strong, and consequential. Using the Partisan Identity Scale to measure partisanship, we show that, like in democracies, partisanship strength is associated with political attitudes and action. Unlike in democracies, however, the ruling party’s superior ability to mobilize supporters through clientelistic linkages makes the association between partisanship and political action weaker for ruling party partisans. We find that partisan identities are tightly connected to the perception that other parties may threaten one’s well-being, and that such fears are widespread on both sides of the political divide. We interpret our findings in light of the autocratization process Turkey went through. Our contribution highlights the potential of integrating regime dynamics in studies of partisanship.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Arnaud ◽  
Carine Duffaut ◽  
Jérôme Fauconnier ◽  
Silke Schmidt ◽  
Kate Himmelmann ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Effective inclusion in society for young people with disabilities is increasingly seen as generating opportunities for self-development, and improving well-being. However, significant barriers remain in the vast majority of activities meaningful for young adults. Research argues that various personal (disabilities, health) and environmental (access to the resources needed, accessible environment, discrimination, lack of personal economic independence) factors contribute to limited participation. However, previous studies conducted in young people with cerebral palsy (CP) mainly investigated the transition period to adulthood, and did not fully consider the whole range of impairment severity profiles or environmental barriers. In this study, we will use the follow-up of the SPARCLE cohort and a comparison group from the general population (1) to investigate the impact of the environment on participation and quality of life of young adults with CP, (2) to determine predictors of a successful young adulthood in educational, professional, health and social fields, (3) to compare quality of life and frequency of participation in social, work and recreational activities with the general population, (4) to document on participation and quality of life in those with severe disabilities. Methods The SPARCLE3 study has a combined longitudinal and cross-sectional design. Young adults with CP aged 22 to 27 years in 6 European regions previously enrolled in the SPARCLE cohort or newly recruited will be invited to self-complete a comprehensive set of questionnaires exploring participation (daily life and discretionary activities), health-related quality of life, body function, personal factors (health, personal resources), and contextual factors (availability of needed environmental items, family environment, services provision) during home visits supervised by trained researchers. Proxy-reports or adapted questionnaires will be used for those with the most severe impairments. The recruitment of a large group from the general population (online survey) will enable to identify life areas where the discrepancies between young people with CP and their able-bodied peers are the most significant. Discussion This study will help identify to what extent disabilities and barriers in environment negatively affect participation and quality of life, and how previous valued experiences during childhood or adolescence might modulate these effects.


Author(s):  
Nele Van Hecke ◽  
Florien Meulewaeter ◽  
Wouter Vanderplasschen ◽  
Lore Van Damme ◽  
Jan Naert ◽  
...  

In recent years, a growing trend to consider strengths and protective factors in studies on desistance from crime has emerged. The present study explores three formerly detained adolescents’ narratives, aiming to tease out how Quality of Life (QoL) and desistance interact in pathways towards a “better life.” The narratives suggest that the journey towards a better life is highly individual, and may unfold via multiple pathways characterized by an ambivalent relationship between QoL and desistance. Alongside the importance of individual aspects and social support, societal barriers and opportunities play a significant role in creating new chances to re-build a life and prosocial identities. This reflects earlier findings that desistance is not an individual responsibility. It is essential to support young people to overcome societal barriers that impede participation in society and living a good life. This research adds to growing evidence of strengths-based approaches to rehabilitation, such as the Good Lives Model (GLM).


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Moshtael ◽  
Sonia Khanom ◽  
Janet E McDonagh

Abstract Background/Aims  Fatigue has been reported by young people and professionals alike as a major challenge for people living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) . It remains unclear as to how therapeutic interventions impacts on this major symptom. The aim of this review was to determine the current evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, non- pharmacological and pharmacological, on improving fatigue in adolescents with JIA. Methods  Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO) were searched from 2000 to Feb 2020; in addition to manual searches. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they (i) were original research papers, (ii) had fatigue as a primary outcome measure (iii) included adolescents (10-25 years) and (iv) were available in the English language. Results  Of the 3,142 records identified, 31 underwent full text assessment and 4 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis including 2 from the Netherlands, 1 Germany, and 1 from Canada. The total number of participants across the 4 studies was 824. Three were randomised controlled trials of nonpharmacological interventions and one was a cohort study from a national drug registry including older adolescents JIA (mean: 19-years). Measurement tools included the Paediatric Quality of life multidimensional fatigue scale, (2 studies), the Checklist for Individual Strength CIS-20 (1 study), a numeric rating scale (1 study). In one study a visual analogue scale for energy level was also utilised. In 2 studies baseline prevalence of fatigue was reported as 60% and 76% respectively. Significant reduction in fatigue was observed in all three nonpharmacological studies. In the registry study, fatigue was noted to be prevalent in spite of the disease being in inactive or minimally active on biologic therapy. In 3 studies the relationship between health-related quality of life and fatigue was highlighted and showed a decreased quality of life in fatigued young people. Conclusion  Fatigue is a significant problem in JIA during adolescence and influences quality of life. Improvements in fatigue with non-pharmacological interventions have been reported. However, at present, data is insufficient to conclusively decide which treatment intervention is most efficacious in treating fatigue in young people with JIA. Fatigue should be considered as an important outcome measure for the management of JIA in future evaluations of interventions. Disclosure  S. Moshtael: None. S. Khanom: None. J.E. McDonagh: None.


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