scholarly journals Collectively Coping with Coronavirus: Local Community Identification Predicts Giving Support and Lockdown Adherence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford Stevenson ◽  
Juliet Wakefield ◽  
John Drury ◽  
Isabelle Felsner

The role of shared identity in predicting both ingroup helping behaviour and adherence to protective norms during COVID-19 has been extensively theorized, but remains yet under-investigated. We build upon previous Social Identity research into community resilience by testing the role of pre-existing local community (or ‘neighbourhood’) identity as a likely predictor of these outcomes, via the mediator of perceived social support, in the form of a longitudinal pre/post lockdown survey to explore these unfolding dynamics. Community residents in the UK completed a longitudinal online survey four months before lockdown (T1; N = 253), one month before lockdown (T2; N = 217), and two months into lockdown (T3; N = 149). Analyses of their responses indicated that T1 community identification positively predicted T3 giving and receiving of pandemic-related emotional support via T2 perceived community support. Moreover, T1 community identification positively predicted self-reported adherence to T3 lockdown norms of behaviour, and this relationship occurred via T2 perceived community support and T3 giving of pandemic-related emotional support. Our findings point to the pivotal role played by community identity in effective behavioural responses to the current pandemic, and the need to support and foster community development to facilitate local community resilience as the crisis continues to unfold.

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kritika Samsi ◽  
Jill Manthorpe ◽  
Karishma Chandaria

Purpose – Financial abuse of people with dementia is of rising concern to family carers, the voluntary sector and professionals. Little is known about preventative and early response practice among community services staff. The purpose of this paper is to investigate voluntary sector staff's views of the risks of managing money when a person has a dementia and explore ways that individuals may be protected from the risks of financial abuse. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey of staff of local Alzheimer's Society groups across England was conducted in 2011 and was completed by 86 respondents. Open-ended responses supplemented survey questions. Statistical analysis and content analysis identified emergent findings. Findings – Most respondents said their people with dementia experienced problems with money management, with almost half the respondents reporting encountering cases of financial abuse over the past year. Most were alert to warning signs and vulnerabilities and offered suggestions relevant to practice and policy about prevention and risk minimization. Research limitations/implications – Adult safeguarding practitioners are likely to encounter money management uncertainties and concerns about exploitation of people with dementia. They may be contacted by community-based support staff from the voluntary sector about individual queries but could ensure that such practitioners are engaged in local training and networking activities to promote their skills and confidence. Practical implications – As with other forms of elder abuse, professionals need to be aware of risks of financial abuse and be able to suggest effective yet acceptable preventive measures and ways to reduce risks of harm and loss. Further publicity about adult safeguarding services may be needed among local community support services. Originality/value – There have been few studies investigating the views of people working with people with dementia in the community about adult safeguarding.


2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juyoung Bang ◽  
Seounmi Youn ◽  
James Rowean ◽  
Michael Jennings ◽  
Manila Austin

This study examined consumers’ motivations for participating in market research online communities (MROCs) and an integrative role of community identification in explaining its motivational antecedents and consequences. Online survey data ( n = 1,461) were collected from various company-sponsored MROCs, which were run by a leading online community service provider in the United States. The findings showed that several motivations underlying MROC participation had an influence on members’ sense of identification with MROCs. Furthermore, members’ identification with MROCs was found to contribute to enhancing their feeling heard by the sponsoring company, which in turn affected their intention to continually participate in communities and trust in the sponsoring company’s brand. Theoretical and managerial implications were discussed in relation to the value that listening to consumers has for market research.


Author(s):  
Sandra Murinska-Gaile

The aim of the report is to determine how local and regional newspapers represent local communities and how their communicative integration has been promoted. Mass media, establishing community cognition about its existence, involvement into the community, identification and belonging to the community, represent a perfect model of interaction between community and communication. During the content analysis of the press publications of local newspapers of Latgale region the typological characteristics and classification are emphasized, the role of the press in the development of the region inhabitants is defined, the direction and structure of the editorial board activities, newspapers’ content, authors and genres are inspected. The practice of local journalism varies in different places; there are some common trends but specific characteristics are noticed in each local community. They are being affected by social context, which is characterized by regional values and culture, since they correspond to the community and individual interaction as well. It is possible to see differences both in community structure, spread and in expressions of local newspapers within the region.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Ratschen ◽  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Karine Silva ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
...  

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic raises questions about the role that relationships and interactions between humans and animals play in the context of widespread social distancing and isolation measures. We aimed to investigate links between mental health and loneliness, companion animal ownership, the human-animal bond, and human-animal interactions; and to explore animal owners’ perceptions related to the role of their animals during lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020. The questionnaire included validated and bespoke items measuring demographics; exposures and outcomes related to mental health, wellbeing and loneliness; the human-animal bond and human-animal interactions. Results: Of 5,926 participants, 5,323 (89.8%) had at least one companion animal. Most perceived their animals to be a source of considerable support, but concerns were reported related to various practical aspects of providing care during lockdown. Strength of the human-animal bond did not differ significantly between species. Poorer mental health pre-lockdown was associated with a stronger reported human-animal bond (b = -.014, 95% CI [-.023 - -.005], p = .002). Animal ownership compared with non-ownership was associated with smaller decreases in mental health (b = .267, 95% CI [.079 - .455], p = .005) and smaller increases in loneliness (b = -.302, 95% CI [-.461 - -.144], p = .001) since lockdown. Conclusion: The human-animal bond is a construct of potential clinical importance to identify mental health vulnerability in animal owners. Animal ownership appeared to mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of lockdown. Further targeted investigation of the role of human-animal relationships and interactions for human health, including testing of the social buffering hypothesis and the development of instruments suited for use across animal species, is required.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Elphick ◽  
Rashid Minhas ◽  
Julia Shaw

Since MeToo, light has been shed upon individual and societal consequences of workplace harassment and discrimination, and that at least 70% of victims fail to report it, but little is known about the role of witnesses in speaking up to support victims and contribute to healthier workplaces. An online survey of people who had witnessed workplace harassment or discrimination (n = 1147) was conducted to identify barriers and/or incentives to witness reporting, consequences of witness reporting, whether witness reporting mechanisms could or should be improved, and how to achieve this. The results revealed that incidents are often witnessed but seldom reported to HR by witnesses, although witnesses discuss them with colleagues. Barriers to reporting witnessed incidents, and consequences of experiencing them, overlap with those of victims, and consequences are worse when witnesses choose not to report. However, victim anonymity is compromised when witnesses discuss incidents without the victim’s permission. Nevertheless, reporting witnessed incidents has the potential to create a positive shared identity of support in workplaces. Thus, one step to healthier workplaces is to include witnesses in the fight against harassment and discrimination. A novel model of harassment reporting (HRM) is developed to examine existing approaches of witness reporting, and considerations for how to improve it are included.


Author(s):  
Yolanda Eraso ◽  
Stephen Hills

Self-isolation and quarantine measures were introduced by the UK Government on 12 March 2020 as part of the ‘delay’ phase to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Non-adherence to self-isolation for 7 days after the development of symptoms is considered suboptimal and little is known about adherence to quarantine for 14 days if a co-habitant developed symptoms. This study aims to analyse non-adherence behaviours to self-isolation and quarantine measures by identifying their potential psycho-social and demographic predictors and by exploring people’s accounts of their experiences with these measures. A mixed-methods convergent design was used, comprising an online survey (n = 681) completed by residents in six North London boroughs and qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants (n = 16). Findings identified not accessing community support, lack of control over leaving the house, and lack of perceived benefit and need to follow the rules as behaviours associated with non-adherence to quarantine (42.7%). Non-adherence to self-isolating measures (24.4%) was associated with individuals’ perceived lack of control over responsibilities, lack of control over leaving the house, uncertainty about symptoms experienced, lack of access to tests, and distrust in the Government. Adherence to self-isolation and quarantine could be improved through strengthening perceived benefit to self-isolate with messages emphasising its effectiveness, by implementing a two-way information system to support symptoms identification, and with Government-funded, locally supported packages at different levels (financial, food, and practical needs).


2021 ◽  
pp. 1476718X2096985
Author(s):  
Kate Hoskins ◽  
Alice Bradbury ◽  
Lewis Fogarty

Nursery Schools in the UK have been described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of early years provision because of the quality of education and a wide range of other support services that they provide, particularly for children from socio-economically disadvantaged families and those with complex special educational needs (SEN). In this paper, we explore the role of Nursery Schools in the local community, arguing that they have been re/constructed as a frontline service in the context of austerity policies enacted in England over the past decade. The data presented in support of this argument arise from detailed interviews with 17 staff based in four Nursery Schools. Our data lead us to argue that, in the current context of austerity and cuts to a range of local services, Nursery Schools are filling welfare gaps for families by providing clothing, trips and food voucher advice to families. They are also supporting increasing numbers of SEN children and are described as a first point of contact with state-run services by many, especially minority ethnic and working-class families. We conclude by arguing that Nursery Schools’ funding must be protected so that they can continue to provide support to some of the most vulnerable children and their families in England.


Reumatismo ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 91 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.C. Ansell ◽  
T. Shuto ◽  
N. Busquets-Perez ◽  
E.M.A. Hensor ◽  
H. Marzo-Ortega ◽  
...  

Biomechanical factors including occupational joint physical stressing and joint injury have been linked to spondyloarthritis. We explored such factors in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A retrospective, online survey was developed alongside the UK National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS). Questions on early entheseal symptoms, potential precipitating trauma, sporting activity, and physiotherapy were asked. A total of 1026 patients responded with 44% recalling an instance of injury or trauma as a potential trigger for their AS. After symptom onset, 55% modified sporting activities and 28% reported that the initial AS recommended exercises exacerbated symptoms. Patients report physical trauma, exercise and physiotherapy as potential triggers for AS symptoms. These findings further support the experimental evidence for the role of biomechanical factors in disease.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily H Emmott ◽  
Abigail Emma Page ◽  
Sarah Myers

Extensive evidence suggests that social support improves breastfeeding outcomes. Building on this evidence-base, public health services and interventions aiming to improve breastfeeding rates have primarily targeted informational and emotional support to mothers, reflecting an individual behaviour-change approach. However, mothers exist within a wider social network, and the characteristics of their broader support networks may be an important predictor of breastfeeding outcomes. Here we explore the typologies of postnatal support for mothers in the UK; a population with one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. Using retrospective data from an online survey (data collection period between December 2017 and February 2018), we carry out a latent class regression (n=432) to identify “clusters” of postnatal support in our data. Mothers in our sample were most likely to receive practical and emotional support from partners and maternal grandmothers, and breastfeeding information from health professionals. We identify three distinct typologies of postnatal support: 1) Extensive support, where mothers received support from a wide range of supporters including partners, maternal grandmothers, friends and health professionals, but mothers were the only ones to feed the infant; 2) Family support, where mothers received support from partners and maternal grandmothers, including with infant feeding, but less likely to receive support from health professionals; and 3) Low support, where mothers primarily received support from partners. 94% of women with extensive support were predicted to be breastfeeding at two months, followed by 48% of mothers in the low support group, and 13% in the family support group. Our findings highlight the complexities of family support and its potential impact on breastfeeding, as well as the significance of professional support. Overall, our results hint at the potential value for health professionals to engage with wider family in order to achieve extensive support for mothers.


Eye ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Enoch ◽  
Christine Dickinson ◽  
Ahalya Subramanian

Abstract Background Previous research has established that some informal caregivers (relatives/friends) of people with visual impairment (PVI) may require support themselves. However, there is limited understanding of how healthcare services and sight charities in the UK currently support caregivers. This study was therefore conducted to explore what support, information, and advice healthcare and charity professionals (HCCPs) currently provide for caregivers, and which additional support HCCPs would recommend in order to benefit caregivers. Methods HCCPs filled out an online survey, distributed among UK-based professional bodies and charity partners. Of 104 individuals who consented to participate, 68 (65%) HCCPs completed the survey in September–November 2019. Participants responded to Likert-type questions about how they interact with and support caregivers of PVI. Thirty-eight (56%) participants provided responses to open-ended questions about improving support for caregivers; qualitative analysis was conducted using the Framework Method. Results The survey showed that caregiver support activities most commonly undertaken related to onward signposting (90% (95% CI: 82–97%) of participants), or providing information about low vision aids and adaptations (85% (95% CI: 77–94%)), compared to activities focused on broader caregiver wellbeing. In open-ended responses, HCCPs highlighted the difficulties caregivers face in navigating an under-resourced and complex system. They recommended improving coordination and accessibility of information, as well as provision of emotional support and tangible assistance such as respite care and financial support. Conclusions The study suggests that HCCPs perceive significant unmet needs among caregivers of PVI, and would welcome further resources, information, and training to support caregivers.


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