scholarly journals Dementia as an Existential Threat: The Importance of Self-Esteem, Social Connectedness and Meaning in Life

2015 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Cheston ◽  
Gary Christopher ◽  
Sanda Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Self Esteem

The psychological benefits of music-evoked nostalgia

2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562110646
Author(s):  
Constantine Sedikides ◽  
Joost Leunissen ◽  
Tim Wildschut
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Social Domain ◽  
Physiological Functions ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Social

We provide a narrative review of the nascent literature on the psychological benefits of music-evoked nostalgia. Music is a prevalent and influential source of nostalgia. Music-evoked nostalgia confers approach-oriented psychological benefits in the social domain (by fostering social connectedness), self-oriented domain (by raising self-esteem, instilling a sense of youthfulness, elevating optimism, and enhancing inspiration), and existential domain (by strengthening meaning in life and augmenting self-continuity). Music-evoked nostalgia also confers psychological benefits indirectly. For example, it elevates optimisms by fostering sequentially social connectedness and self-esteem. Also, by fostering social connectedness, it enhances inspiration, strengthens meaning in life, and augments self-continuity. Furthermore, music-evoked nostalgia serves to buffer individuals against discomforting states, such as sadness. We conclude by discussing music-evoked nostalgia in people with dementia, contemplating the role of individual differences and context, considering the possibility that music-evoked nostalgia serves physiological functions, and asking whether familiarity with the music is necessary for the evocation of nostalgia and its ensuing benefits.

Nostalgia as a psychological resource for people with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence of effectiveness from experimental studies

Dementia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanda Umar Ismail ◽  
Richard Cheston ◽  
Gary Christopher ◽  
Jane Meyrick
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
People With Dementia

Objective This review systematically examines evidence relating to the effect of nostalgia on psychological well-being through a meta-analysis of measures of social connectedness, self-esteem, meaning in life, self-continuity, optimism and positive and negative affect. Rationale: If nostalgia is to be used as a clinical intervention to boost well-being in dementia by reducing threat, then it is important to assess its therapeutic potential. Results Searches carried out in July 2014 and updated in February 2018 identified 47 eligible experimental studies comparing nostalgic reminiscence and non-nostalgic reminiscence to be included in the meta-analysis. Nostalgic reminiscence had moderate effects on positive affect (0.51 (0.37, 0.65), p= 0.001), social connectedness (0.72 (0.57, 0.87), p= 0.001), self-esteem (0.50 (0.30, 0.70), p= 0.001), meaning in life (0.77 (0.47, 1.08), p= 0.001) and optimism (0.38 (0.28, 0.47), p= 0.001) and a large effect on self-continuity (0.81 (0.55, 1.07), p= 0.001). There was, however, no difference between the effect of nostalgic reminiscence and non-nostalgic reminiscence for negative affect (−0.06 (−0.20, 0.09), p= 0.443). Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis provides an overview of the evidence base for nostalgia. This is an important stage in developing nostalgia as a clinical intervention for people with dementia which might be achieved, for instance, by adapting current reminiscence and life review techniques. This meta-analysis will therefore also serve as a valuable reference point for the continued exploration of nostalgia as an intervention.

scholarly journals Nostalgic conversations: The co-production of an intervention package for people living with dementia and their spouse

Dementia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 147130122110473
Author(s):  
Emily Dodd ◽  
Sanda Ismail ◽  
Gary Christopher ◽  
Tim Wildschut ◽  
Constantine Sedikides ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Reliable Change Index ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Intervention Package ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Reliable Change ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Clinical Potential

Objectives Nostalgic memories are more social than other forms of autobiographical recall, often refer to atypical events, express more positive affect and reflect life as meaningful. Recalling a nostalgic (compared to ordinary) memory increases self-esteem, self-growth, meaning in life and social connectedness for people living with dementia. We set two objectives: to work with people living with dementia to develop an intervention based on nostalgia, and to assess whether couples could engage in nostalgic conversations. Method Our research fell into three phases. Initially, we consulted with people living with dementia and with carers to identify the parameters for a nostalgic intervention. From this, we drafted a workbook that contained triggers for nostalgic conversations, which we then took back to the public contributors for refinement. Finally, we trialled the workbook over 5 weeks with six couples, each of which included a person living with dementia. We assessed pre- and post-intervention self-esteem, self-growth, meaning in life and social connectedness for participants with dementia and social connectedness for carers. We then calculated Reliable Change Index scores and established levels of clinically significant change. We also interviewed couples at the end of the intervention to explore its implementation and acceptability. Results All six couples could identify nostalgic memories, with five couples successfully integrating the nostalgic conversations into their day-to-day lives. A sixth couple found it difficult to engage fully with the intervention, but still considered it useful. All six couples manifested a reliable change in at least one outcome, with one couple showing reliable change across three outcomes. Conclusion The psychological benefits of nostalgia have been robustly demonstrated in laboratory-based studies. This co-production of an intervention that sets nostalgic recall into the context of a conversation has clinical potential but requires further investigation through a larger study.

Some Good News

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Daniel Batson
Keyword(s):  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Empathic Concern ◽  
Good News ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Political Conflicts ◽  
Conflict Situations ◽  
Business Negotiations

Empathy-induced altruism provides benefits for (a) the person in need, (b) other similar people, and (c) the person feeling empathic concern. Specifically, there is evidence that it can produce the following: more and better help for those in need; less aggression toward them; less derogation and blaming of victims of injustice; increased cooperation in conflict situations (business negotiations, political conflicts, and tensions between students in school); less negative attitudes toward stigmatized groups; increased willingness to help these groups; more sensitive and responsive care in close relationships; increased happiness and self-esteem; less stress; more meaning in life; and greater longevity. The list of benefits of empathy-induced altruism for which there is at least preliminary evidence is impressive. Although not a panacea, it can be a powerful force for good.

scholarly journals Testing the Impact of Brief Counseling on Non-Urgent Client Self-Esteem, Social Connectedness, Recommending Their University and Active Alumnus Intent

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Gary Blau ◽  
John DiMino ◽  
Allyce Barron ◽  
Kathleen Davis ◽  
Kelly Grace ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Control Group ◽  
University Counseling Center ◽  
University Counseling ◽  
Brief Counseling ◽  
Median Period ◽  
Business Undergraduates ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study was to test brief counseling impact on four outcomes. Two outcomes, self-esteem and social connectedness, were more typical for a University Counseling Center (UCC) to address. However, two other outcomes were more related to a university’s academic mission, i.e., recommending the university and active alumnus intent. Using a longitudinal sample of 60 matched non-urgent undergraduate clients at a UCC, brief counseling increased all four outcomes: social connectedness, self-esteem, recommending the university, and active alumnus intent. For this study, brief counseling was defined as a median of three counseling sessions after intake (range 1 to 8) over a median period of six weeks (range 4 to 10 weeks). In addition, these scale means were compared to a control group of business undergraduates not in counseling. The counseled sample at Time 2 compared favorably to the non-counseled sample on recommending the university and active alumnus intent. To better support its students’ success and university enrollments, UCCs need to consider new avenues to promote their advocacy by gathering data more directly connected to a university’s mission.

scholarly journals Relationship between meaning in life and death anxiety in the elderly: self-esteem as a mediator

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaxi Zhang ◽  
Jiaxi Peng ◽  
Pan Gao ◽  
He Huang ◽  
Yunfei Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Death Anxiety ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Life And Death ◽  
Meaning In Life Questionnaire ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Death anxiety is a common phenomenon in all societies. Older adults may be more prone to death anxiety than their younger counterparts; however, death anxiety among older adults is not well understood. This study explores the relationship between meaning in life, self-esteem, and death anxiety in senior citizens in China. Methods A total of 283 older adults participated in this study; data were collected via the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Death Anxiety Scale. Results Results show that the dimensions of meaning in life, presence of meaning (r = − 0.43, p < 0.01), search for meaning (r = − 0.31, p < 0.01), and self-esteem (r = − 0.54, p < 0.01) were each negatively correlated with death anxiety. Regression analysis reveals that meaning in life significantly predicted self-esteem and death anxiety (F = 45.70, p < 0.01; R2 = 0.33). Path analysis indicated that self-esteem either completely or partially mediated the effects of meaning in life on death anxiety in older adults. Conclusions Overall, meaning in life appears to be significantly correlated with death anxiety in older adults, and self-esteem can mediate this effect.

Subsidised Café Meals Program: more than just "a cheap meal"

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Doljanin ◽  
Kristine Olaris
Keyword(s):  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
The Self ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Innovative Program ◽  
The City ◽  
General Community ◽  
Improve Access ◽  
Insight Into

This paper describes the Caf� Meals Program that is operating in the City of Yarra. The Program has resulted from a collaboration of North Yarra Community Health (NYCH) and City of Yarra, and aims to improve access to nutritious, affordable and socially acceptable meals for homeless people. The Program forms a part of City of Yarra?s Meals Program; it is managed by NYCH. The Caf� Meals Program is currently feeding 50-60 homeless people in Yarra. It targets those who are homeless (or at risk of becoming homeless), who find it difficult to prepare their own meals, and who have no other prepared meal options that are appropriate for them in the community. It provides a choice of four local caf�s and restaurants for its participants. Each person is provided with a membership card that can be used once per day to purchase a meal (to the value of $8.80) for the price of $2.00. The program empowers clients by giving them control over when, where and what they will eat. It also enables the homeless person to participate in the life of the community by dining in venues where the general community eats and socialises. This improved sense of social connectedness and inclusion can have significant effects on the self-esteem of the program participants, and, subsequently, on their ability to make choices that improve their health and wellbeing. This paper presents this innovative program in detail and provides some insight into its outcomes, the components of the program that make it work, as well as the challenges that the program has had to address.

Leaving Sport

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Government Programs ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Loss Of Self ◽  
Athletes With Disabilities ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
Lifestyle Physical Activity ◽  
Fitting In ◽  
Or Manager

This chapter addresses the unique difficulties that disabled athletes face upon leaving sport. For instance, because athletes with disabilities tend to have less social connectedness than that of able-bodied athletes, further reducing it upon leaving a team may be problematic. Retiring athletes also experience numerous barriers to fitting in lifestyle physical activity and formal exercise. Hence they are at risk for overweight, obesity, and associated hypokinetic diseases. Athletes with disabilities are often intensely committed to sport, have strong and sometimes exclusive athletic identities, and disregard other important aspects of life. As a result, upon leaving sport they might experience a range of negative emotions, such as loss of self-esteem. At the same time, many athletes make the transition out of sport with relatively minor anguish. In some cases athletes look forward to leaving daily hard practices behind and embrace the opportunity to have more time to pursue other interests. For some athletes the difficulty of a transition is eased by remaining in sport as a coach or manager. Government programs are being developed for elite-level athletes , such as career assistance programs, to help athletes’ successful transition out of sport and into careers.

Gratitude and Suicidal Ideation in Undergraduates in Taiwan: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem and Meaning in Life

2019 ◽  
pp. 003022281988284
Author(s):  
Chih-Che Lin
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Multigroup Analysis ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Path Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

This study examined both the mediation effects of self-esteem and meaning in life for the relationship between gratitude and suicidal ideation in late adolescence. A total of 276 Taiwanese university students completed measures of gratitude, self-esteem, meaning in life, and suicidal ideation. Path analyses indicated that self-esteem and meaning in life acted as full mediators of the association between gratitude and suicidal ideation. The identified model also revealed a significant path from gratitude through self-esteem and meaning in life to suicidal ideation. A multigroup analysis found that the paths did not differ by genders. Implications for future research and limitations of the present findings are discussed.

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