scholarly journals A pragmatic study of the impact of a brief mindfulness intervention on prisoners and staff in a Category B prison and men subject to community-based probation supervision

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Davies ◽  
Pamela Ugwudike ◽  
Hayley Anne Young ◽  
Chloe Hurrell ◽  
Peter Raynor
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Offender Rehabilitation ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Physiological Measurement ◽  
Mindfulness Skills ◽  
Probation Supervision ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Staff Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact

Background: Mindfulness has received increased research attention in recent years and has been shown to have a positive impact on stress and impulsivity. This paper presents two studies assessing the impact of mindfulness in prison and non-custodial settings.Method: Study 1 - prisoners (n=44) and staff (n=25) in a UK prison attended a mindfulness programme; 16 individuals acted as a single time point comparison. Data were collected using self-report, computer based and physiological measurement. Study 2 - men under community probation supervision were allocated to mindfulness (n=44) or TAU (n=27). Data were collected using self-report mindfulness measures.Results: Study 1 - statistically significant increases in mindfulness skills and cognitive control along with significant decreases in stress were found. In study 2, the mindfulness group showed non significant improvements in mindfulness skills. Conclusions: The findings suggest brief mindfulness interventions could make an important contribution to offender rehabilitation and custodial staff wellbeing.

scholarly journals A Pragmatic Study of the Impact of a Brief Mindfulness Intervention on Prisoners and Staff in a Category B Prison and Men Subject to Community-Based Probation Supervision

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-156
Author(s):  
Jason Davies ◽  
Pamela Ugwudike ◽  
Hayley Young ◽  
Chloe Hurrell ◽  
Peter Raynor
Keyword(s):  
Self Report ◽  
Offender Rehabilitation ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Physiological Measurement ◽  
Mindfulness Skills ◽  
Probation Supervision ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Staff Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Single Time Point

Objectives: This article presents two studies assessing the impact of mindfulness in prison (prisoners and staff) and non-custodial settings. Method: Study 1—prisoners ( n = 17) and staff ( n = 15) in a UK prison completed a mindfulness program; 16 individuals acted as a single time point comparison. Data were collected using self-report, computer based and physiological measurement. Study 2—men under community probation supervision were allocated to mindfulness (completed, n = 28) or TAU ( n = 27). Data were collected using self-report mindfulness measures. Results: Study 1—statistically significant (increases in mindfulness skills (η2 p = .234 to η2 p = .388), cognitive control (η2 p = .28), and heart rate variability (SDNN; η2 p = .41) along with significant decreases in stress (η2 p = .398) were found. In study 2, the mindfulness group showed non-significant improvements in mindfulness skills. Conclusion: The findings suggest brief mindfulness interventions could make an important contribution to offender rehabilitation and custodial staff wellbeing.

What good soldiers are made of: the role of personality similarity

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1003-1018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer YM Lai ◽  
Simon SK Lam ◽  
Cheris WC Chow
Keyword(s):  
Social Integration ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Organizational Citizenship Behavior ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personality Similarity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Role Behaviors

Purpose – Previous studies have often yielded mixed results in relation to the similar-to-me effect on extra-role behaviors. Based on social exchange theory, the purpose of this paper is to uncover the contribution of personality similarity to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), a type of extra-role behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire surveys were conducted in a multinational bank in Hong Kong. The participants were matched sample of 403 customer service representatives from 81 teams and their corresponding team supervisors. Findings – Personality similarity to peers and supervisors had a positive impact on individual OCB (OCB-I) and organizational OCB (OCB-O), respectively, through better communication and social integration. Moreover, personality similarity to peers was related only to OCB-I, whereas personality similarity to supervisor was associated only with OCB-O. Research limitations/implications – Subordinates perform different facets of OCB depending on the subjects they are similar to in terms of personality. Being similar to others could facilitate communication and social integration, which in turn promote OCB targeted at similar individuals. The importance of distinguishing the similarity effects of peers and supervisors separately as well as scrutinizing the effects of different forms of OCB warrants future research attention. Practical implications – Managers can promote OCB by enhancing communication and social integration among employees and supervisors. Social implications – As OCB enhances organizational effectiveness, the economic development of society in general will eventually benefit from having more effective organizations. Originality/value – This study addresses the inconsistent findings of previous studies regarding the impact of similarity on OCB. It demonstrates the contribution of personality similarity to OCB beyond the confounding effects of judgment bias. It also advances theory by studying personality similarity to peers in addition to the commonly studied similarity to supervisors.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Computer-Based Learning in Developing Academic Skills for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-99
Author(s):  
Faris Algahtani
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Academic Skills ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the effect of using a computer-based program in developing academic skills (reading, writing and arithmetic) for children with mild intellectual disabilities as compared to the conventional teaching instructions. Methods: The study was conducted in intellectual institutions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A randomized controlled trial design was adopted in the study to determine the impact of the intervention. The study sample was composed of boys (n = 19) and girls (n = 21) aged 6 – 10 years who were selected purposively, and randomly assigned to the experimental group and control group. The two-division experimental group one for boys (n = 8) and the other for girls (n = 12) in the experimental group was studied by using an academic skills development program or a computer-based program. Results: The results indicated that there is a positive impact of the academic skills development program, which was applied to the experimental group to improve academic skills. The reason for the absence of gender differences in academic skills for the educational program is the similarity of the educational environment and the activities used in the educational program in terms of skills, activities, training methods, similar abilities and intellectual preparations for the genders, and for their interaction with the program itself. In addition, the program corresponds to the developmental characteristics of both genders, and there are no impediments to the application of the program in both genders.

scholarly journals The Designing and Re-Designing of a Blended University Course Based on the Trialogical Learning Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 591
Author(s):  
Nadia Sansone ◽  
Donatella Cesareni ◽  
Ilaria Bortolotti ◽  
Katherine Frances McLay
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Work Skills ◽  
Subsequent Edition ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
University Course ◽  
The Impact

To have a positive impact on students’ development of crucial skills, blended university courses need careful planning to fruitfully integrate learning settings as well as methodologies. The authors adopted Design-Based Research to design a blended university course based on the Trialogical Learning Approach, and then to redesign it according to the learning outputs and the overall learner’s experience. The first iteration of the course (a.y. 2015) was followed by an observational study that aimed to identify student perceptions of (1) the impact of the course on the acquisition of the targeted knowledge–work skills and (2) strengths and areas for improvement to be considered when re-designing the subsequent edition. A total of 109 students participated in the two editions of the course under scrutiny in this research. The data corpus included students’ self-report questionnaires investigating the development of specific knowledge–work skills and focus group interviews that explored students’ perceptions. The data showed this blended course had a generally positive impact on students’ perception of acquisition of skills and knowledge, which increased between one edition and the next. This positive impact seemed to correspond with course refinements made by the teacher and with the activities that received greater attention in the second edition of the course.

The Effects of Self-Reference and Context Personalization on Task Performance during Adaptive Instruction

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 398-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne M. Sinatra ◽  
Robert A. Sottilare ◽  
Valerie K. Sims
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Adaptive Instruction ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Based Instruction ◽  
Task Efficiency ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Self Reference

An advantage of computer-based instruction is that student entered information can be saved and used throughout learning. Self-reference (tying information to the self) has been shown to have a positive impact on memory and learning. This study evaluates the impact of including self-reference and familiar popular culture names during the assessment phase of adaptive instruction. Participants engaged with a computer-based tutorial about solving logic grid puzzles and were assessed by completing additional puzzles. The assessment puzzles included the participant’s and friends’ names (self-reference), popular culture names, or generic names. Participants in the popular culture condition spent significantly less time solving the standard puzzle than those in the generic condition, with no difference in percentage correct. The inclusion of popular culture names may have facilitated more efficient task performance while maintaining quality of performance. It is envisioned that this strategy can be implemented in computer-based adaptive instruction to improve task efficiency.

Impact of a nature-based intervention on incarcerated women

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barb Toews ◽  
Amy Wagenfeld ◽  
Julie Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Incarcerated Women ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Report Data ◽  
Prison Community ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of a short-term nature-based intervention on the social-emotional well-being of women incarcerated on a mental health unit in a state prison. Design/methodology/approach This research used a mixed method approach with individual interviews, a focus group and a visual analog scale (VAS). Findings Qualitative results found that women appreciated the planting party and the way the plants improved the physical environment. Women were also emotionally and relationally impacted by their participation and practiced skills related to planting and working with people. Quantitative results indicate that women were happier, calmer, and more peaceful after the intervention than before. Research limitations/implications Study limitations include sample size, self-report data and use of a scale not yet tested for reliability and validity. Practical implications Findings suggest that nature-based interventions can serve as an adjunct to traditional mental health therapies in correctional settings. Nature-based interventions can support women’s goals to improve their mental health. Social implications Findings suggest that nature-based interventions can serve to improve relationships among incarcerated women, which may make a positive impact on the prison community. Such interventions may also assist them in developing relational and technical skills that are useful upon release. Originality/value To date, there is limited knowledge about the impact of nature-based interventions on incarcerated individuals coping with mental health concerns.

scholarly journals A relação entre o criticismo do treinador e a ansiedade dos atletas: O papel do mindfulness e do autojulgamento

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-60
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adolescent Athletes ◽  
Competitive Anxiety ◽  
Mindfulness Skills ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
The Impact

Background and Aim: The sample included 184 adolescent athletes (150 boys and 34 girls), aged between 12 and 18 years old, who completed a protocol of self-report instruments assessing sports anxiety (SAS-2), the perception of coach’s critical attitudes (APoCCAS), mindfulness (CAMM) and self-compassion (SCS). Method: The sample included 184 adolescent athletes (150 boys and 34 girls), aged between 12 and 18 years old, who completed a protocol of self-report instruments assessing sports anxiety (SAS-2), the perception of coach’s critical attitudes (APoCCAS), mindfulness (CAMM) and self-compassion (SCS). Results: Sports anxiety showed a positive association with critical coach attitudes and self-judgment and a negative association with mindfulness. Mindfulness revealed a negative association with self-judgment and the athletes’ perception of the coach’s critical attitudes. Self-judgment was positively associated with the athletes’ perception of the coach’s critical attitudes. The regression model explained 45% of the variance in sports anxiety, with mindfulness and self-judgment being the only predictors. Path analysis results indicated that the athlete’s mindfulness and self-judgment fully mediated the effect of the athletes’ perception of the coach’s critical attitudes on sports anxiety. Conclusions: Results suggest that athletes who perceive more critical attitudes from the coach, who have more self-judgmental attitudes, and fewer mindfulness skills tend to have higher levels of sports anxiety. The present study is innovative in showing how these variables are associated, suggesting that the development of mindfulness skills and the reduction of self-judgmental attitudes can help decrease the impact of the coach’s critical attitudes on competitive anxiety.

Multidisciplinary team decision is rare and decreasing in percutaneous vascular interventions despite positive impact on in-hospital outcomes

VASA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian-Alexander Behrendt ◽  
Tilo Kölbel ◽  
Thea Schwaneberg ◽  
Holger Diener ◽  
Ralf Hohnhold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Outcomes ◽  
Vascular Intervention ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Team Decision ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Background: Worldwide prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is increasing and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) has become the primary invasive treatment. There is evidence that multidisciplinary team decision-making (MTD) has an impact on in-hospital outcomes. This study aims to depict practice patterns and time changes regarding MTD of different medical specialties. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study design. 20,748 invasive, percutaneous PVI of PAD conducted in the metropolitan area of Hamburg (Germany) were consecutively collected between January 2004 and December 2014. Results: MTD prior to PVI was associated with lower odds of early unsuccessful termination of the procedures (Odds Ratio 0.662, p < 0.001). The proportion of MTD decreased over the study period (30.9 % until 2009 vs. 16.6 % from 2010, p < 0.001) while rates of critical limb-threatening ischemia (34.5 % vs. 42.1 %), patients´ age (70 vs. 72 years), PVI below-the-knee (BTK) (13.2 % vs. 22.4 %), and rates of severe TASC C/D lesions BTK (43.2 % vs. 54.2 %) increased (all p < 0.001). Utilization of MTD was different between medical specialties with lowest frequency in procedures performed by internists when compared to other medical specialties (7.1 % vs. 25.7 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MTD prior to PVI is associated with technical success of the procedure. Nonetheless, rates of MTD prior to PVI are decreasing during the study period. Future studies should address the impact of multidisciplinary vascular teams on long-term outcomes.

The Stereotype Threat Effect

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Moritz ◽  
Insa Happach ◽  
Karla Spirandelli ◽  
Tania M. Lincoln ◽  
Fabrice Berna
Keyword(s):  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Neuropsychological Performance ◽  
Neurocognitive Deficits ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Threat Effect ◽  
Efficacy Expectations ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Neurocognitive deficits in patients with mental disorders are partially due to secondary influences. “Stereotype threat” denotes the phenomenon that performance is compromised when a participant is confronted with a devaluing stereotype. The present study examined the impact of stereotype threat on neuropsychological performance in schizophrenia. Seventy-seven participants with a self-reported diagnosis of schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either an experimental condition involving stereotype threat activation or a control condition in an online study. Participants completed memory and attention tests as well as questionnaires on motivation, self-efficacy expectations, cognitive complaints, and self-stigmatization. Contrary to our prediction, the two groups showed no significant differences regarding neuropsychological performance and self-report measures. Limitations, such as a possibly too weak threat cue, are discussed and recommendations for future studies are outlined.

Research Participation Experiences of Informants of Suicide and Control Cases

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 238-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. C. Wong ◽  
Wincy S. C. Chan ◽  
Philip S. L. Beh ◽  
Fiona W. S. Yau ◽  
Paul S. F. Yip ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Psychological Autopsy ◽  
Autopsy Study ◽  
The People ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Background: Ethical issues have been raised about using the psychological autopsy approach in the study of suicide. The impact on informants of control cases who participated in case-control psychological autopsy studies has not been investigated. Aims: (1) To investigate whether informants of suicide cases recruited by two approaches (coroners’ court and public mortuaries) respond differently to the initial contact by the research team. (2) To explore the reactions, reasons for participation, and comments of both the informants of suicide and control cases to psychological autopsy interviews. (3) To investigate the impact of the interviews on informants of suicide cases about a month after the interviews. Methods: A self-report questionnaire was used for the informants of both suicide and control cases. Telephone follow-up interviews were conducted with the informants of suicide cases. Results: The majority of the informants of suicide cases, regardless of the initial route of contact, as well as the control cases were positive about being approached to take part in the study. A minority of informants of suicide and control cases found the experience of talking about their family member to be more upsetting than expected. The telephone follow-up interviews showed that none of the informants of suicide cases reported being distressed by the psychological autopsy interviews. Limitations: The acceptance rate for our original psychological autopsy study was modest. Conclusions: The findings of this study are useful for future participants and researchers in measuring the potential benefits and risks of participating in similar sensitive research. Psychological autopsy interviews may be utilized as an active engagement approach to reach out to the people bereaved by suicide, especially in places where the postvention work is underdeveloped.

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