scholarly journals Locking down the Impact of New Zealand’s COVID-19 Alert Level Changes on Pets

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 758
Author(s):  
Fiona Esam ◽  
Rachel Forrest ◽  
Natalie Waran
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Separation Anxiety ◽  
National Surveys ◽  
Normal Life ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Better Than

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on human-pet interactions within New Zealand, particularly during lockdown, was investigated via two national surveys. In Survey 1, pet owners (n = 686) responded during the final week of the five-week Alert Level 4 lockdown (highest level of restrictions—April 2020), and survey 2 involved 498 respondents during July 2020 whilst at Alert Level 1 (lowest level of restrictions). During the lockdown, 54.7% of owners felt that their pets’ wellbeing was better than usual, while only 7.4% felt that it was worse. Most respondents (84.0%) could list at least one benefit of lockdown for their pets, and they noted pets were engaged with more play (61.7%) and exercise (49.7%) than pre-lockdown. Many respondents (40.3%) expressed that they were concerned about their pet’s wellbeing after lockdown, with pets missing company/attention and separation anxiety being major themes. In Survey 2, 27.9% of respondents reported that they continued to engage in increased rates of play with their pets after lockdown, however, the higher levels of pet exercise were not maintained. Just over one-third (35.9%) of owners took steps to prepare their pets to transition out of lockdown. The results indicate that pets may have enjoyed improved welfare during lockdown due to the possibility of increased human-pet interaction. The steps taken by owners to prepare animals for a return to normal life may enhance pet wellbeing long-term if maintained.

Parental alienation: the impact on men’s mental health

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leo Sher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Separation Anxiety ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Parental Alienation ◽  
Adult Men ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
High Conflict ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Parental alienation is defined as a mental state in which a child, usually one whose parents are engaged in a high-conflict separation or divorce, allies himself strongly with one parent (the preferred parent) and rejects a relationship with the other parent (the alienated parent) without legitimate justification. Parental alienation may affect men’s mental health: a) parental alienation negatively influences mental health of male children and adolescents who are victims of parental alienation. Alienated children/adolescents display guilt, sadness, and depressed mood; low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence; distress and frustration; lack of impulse control, substance abuse and delinquent behavior; separation anxiety, fears and phobias; hypochondria and increased tendency to develop psychosomatic illness; suicidal ideation and suicide attempt; sleep and eating disorders; educational problems; enuresis and encopresis; b) parental alienation negatively affects the mental health of adult men who were victims of parental alienation when they were children and/or adolescents. Long-term effects of parental alienation include low self-esteem, depression, drug/alcohol abuse, lack of trust, alienation from own children, divorce, problems with identity and not having a sense of belonging or roots, choosing not to have children to avoid being rejected by them, low achievement, anger and bitterness over the time lost with the alienated parent; c) parental alienation negatively influences mental health of men who are alienated from their children. Fathers who have lost some or all contact with their children for months or years following separation or divorce may be depressed and suicidal.

Transitions in Technology Mediated Cardiac Rehabilitation and Self-management: A Qualitative Study using the Theoretical Domains Framework (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreya Tadas ◽  
Claudette Pretorius ◽  
Emma J. Foster ◽  
Trish Gorely ◽  
Stephen J. Leslie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Theoretical Domains Framework ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Normal Life ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

BACKGROUND An acute cardiac incident is a life changing event, often necessitating surgery. While surgery has high success rates, rehabilitation, behaviour change, and self-care are critical to long-term health. Recent systematic reviews highlight the potential of technology in this area, but significant shortcomings are also identified, particularly in regard to patient experience. OBJECTIVE To improve future systems this paper explores the experiences of cardiac patients during key phases post-hospitalisation: recuperation, initial rehabilitation and long term self-management. The key objective is to provide a holistic understanding of behavioural factors that impact people across these phases, understand how experiences evolve over time, and provide user-centred recommendations to improve the design of cardiac rehabilitation and self-management technologies. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people who attended rehabilitation programs following hospitalisation for an acute cardiac event. Interviews were developed and data is analysed via the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), a pragmatic framework that synthesizes prior theories of behaviour change. RESULTS Three phases that arise post-hospitalisation are examined: recuperation, rehabilitation, and long-term self-management. Through these phases we describe the impact of key factors and important changes that occur in patients’ experiences over time, including: a desire for and redefinition of normal life; the need for different types of formal and informal knowledge; the benefits of safe-zoning and connectedness; and the need to recognise capability. The use of the TDF allows us to show how factors that influence behaviour evolve over time and identify potential sources of tension. CONCLUSIONS The paper provides empirically grounded recommendations for the design of technology-mediated cardiac rehabilitation and self-management systems. Key recommendations include the use of technology to support a normal life; leveraging social influences to extend participants’ sense of normality; the use of technology to provide a safe zone; the need to support both emotional and physical wellbeing; and a focus on recognizing capability and providing recommendations that are positive and reinforce this capability.

scholarly journals Labour force participation in New Zealand: Tecent trends, future scenarios and the impact on economic growth.

1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Paterson ◽  
Simon Brown
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Labour Force Participation ◽  
Population Ageing ◽  
The Past ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Impact

This paper examines labour force participation trends in New Zealand, how we compare to the rest of the OECD and how participation and economic growth might be affected in the future by population ageing. Participation has risen significantly over the past 20 years despite an increase in the average age of the working­age population. We have looked at how participation has changed by age, gender and ethnicity. By contrast, average hours worked has declined over the past 20 years and we consider the reasons for that. Population ageing means the recent growth seen in labour force participation is likely to come to an end, with the participation rate projected to decline over the medium term. Falling participation will have a dampening effect on economic growth. We have investigated the impact of declining participation on gross domestic product using official labour force projections and identified a range of scenarios for what participation might look like in the year 2029. In each scenario, we discuss the impact on economic growth. Most other OECD countries are in a similar situation to us with respect to population ageing. We have looked at the latest Australian projections for economic growth in the long term and the increased growth in New Zealand’s productivity that would be necessary to begin to close the gap on Australia.

scholarly journals The Elephant in the Room: The Impact of Labor Obligations on Credit Markets

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (6) ◽  
pp. 1673-1712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Favilukis ◽  
Xiaoji Lin ◽  
Xiaofei Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Credit Markets ◽  
Credit Spreads ◽  
Market Frictions ◽  
Labor Share ◽  
International Firms ◽  
Labor Market Frictions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Better Than

We show that labor market frictions are first-order for understanding credit markets. Wage growth and labor share forecast aggregate credit spreads and debt growth as well as or better than alternative predictors. They also predict credit risk and debt growth in a cross section of international firms. Finally, high labor share firms choose lower financial leverage. A model with labor market frictions and risky long-term debt can explain these findings, and produce large credit spreads despite realistically low default probabilities. This is because precommitted payments to labor make other committed payments (i.e., interest) riskier. (JEL D33, E23, E24, E25, E44, F23, G32)

The impact of feedback on tactile discrimination task performance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashikha Arun ◽  
Prarthana Kalmath ◽  
Millena Sivakumar
Keyword(s):  
Discrimination Task ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tactile Discrimination ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Partial Feedback ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Compare And Contrast ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Better Than

Research in the fields of psychology and neuroscience often rely on tasks that participants perform to fulfill the requirements of a study. These tasks are administered with either feedback, partial feedback, or no feedback given to the participant. The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast the impact of feedback vs. no feedback on a tactile discrimination task.  The goal of providing feedback should, in theory, be to motivate participants while performing a task without altering the results. To test this hypothesis, a group of 22 participants was instructed to take two sequential amplitude discrimination tests using the Brain Gauge; one test with feedback and one without. The results show a clear indication that when presented with feedback, participants performed better than without feedback, and it was speculated that the improvement in performance was due to an improvement in motivation, which was supported by a simple survey. The study results suggest that future research should utilize feedback as a means for motivation in participants and should investigate the effects of only positive or negative feedback as well as how feedback would affect scores and motivation levels during long-term experiments.

The Impact of Auditors' Opinions, Macroeconomic and Industry Factors on Financial Distress Prediction: An Empirical Investigation

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (03) ◽  
pp. 417-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bi-Huei Tsai ◽  
Cheng-Few Lee ◽  
Lili Sun
Keyword(s):  
Financial Distress ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Macroeconomic Factors ◽  
Financial Ratio ◽  
Financial Distress Prediction ◽  
Distress Prediction ◽  
Market Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Better Than

This study investigates the usefulness of auditors' opinions, market factors, macroeconomic factors, and industry factors in predicting financial distress of Taiwanese firms. Specifically, two non-traditional auditors' opinions are evaluated: "long-term investment audited by other auditors" ("other auditor"), and "realized investment income based on non-audited financial statements" ("no auditor").The results of the 22 discrete-time hazard models show that "other auditor" opinions have incremental contribution in predicting financial distress, in addition to "going concern" opinions. This suggests that "other auditor" opinions possess higher risk of overstating earnings and firms with such income items are more likely to fail. Besides, we find that the macroeconomic factors studied significantly explain financial distress. Particularly, the survivals of electronic firms are more sensitive to earnings due to higher earnings fluctuations in such firms. Finally, models with auditors' opinions, market factors, macroeconomic factors, and industry factors perform better than the financial ratio-only model in financial distress prediction.

scholarly journals Energy Poverty among Tertiary Students in Aotearoa New Zealand

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Isobel Kiri Harris Clark ◽  
Saera Chun ◽  
Kimberley Clare O’Sullivan ◽  
Nevil Pierse
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
The Impact

Energy poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand is well-documented, and tertiary students have been identified as an at-risk group. However, there has been very little research on tertiary students’ experiences of energy poverty in New Zealand. This paper used a nationwide online survey to investigate the extent and impact of energy poverty among tertiary students. Furthermore, it aimed to identify disparities between different demographic groups, understand the effects of COVID-19 and evaluate the effectiveness of the support policies available to students. Responses from 522 students were analysed; 85% were under 30 years old, 72% were female, 14% identified as Māori, and 14% reported having long-term disabilities or health concerns. The findings of this study are concerning. Tertiary students in New Zealand are largely living in dwelling conditions that do not meet recommended health standards and exacerbate energy poverty. Energy poverty has adverse effects on their physical and mental health; however, available support is limited or inaccessible. Most significantly, the impact of energy poverty is disproportionally affecting students with long-term disabilities or health concerns as well as students identifying as Māori. Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 further strained students experiencing energy poverty and again, disproportionally affected more vulnerable students.

Improving the effectiveness of alcohol interlocks in New Zealand

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 286-292
Author(s):  
Caitlin Chester ◽  
Hester Roberts
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Breath Test ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Driving Under The Influence ◽  
Participation Rates ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Breath Sample ◽  
The Impact

An alcohol interlock device is a breathalyser that is connected to the ignition of a car. To start the car, participants must provide an alcohol-free breath sample. During the trip, breath test updates will be requested, and details including distances and violations are recorded for monthly evaluation. The purpose of the device is to prevent individuals from driving under the influence of alcohol – a universal issue that impacts public safety. Alcohol interlock programmes have the potential to be effective while the device is fitted; however, success rates in reducing driving under the influence of alcohol are limited by factors such as low participation rates, and ineffectual long-term behavioural change. This article presents (1) a brief description of the research on alcohol interlock programmes, (2) barriers to low installation rates, (3) the impact interlocks have on daily life, and (4) showcase the approach that the Department of Corrections New Zealand is taking to maximise interlock effectiveness.

scholarly journals The Impact of Wage Subsidies on Jobseekers' Outcomes and Firm Employment

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Crichton ◽  
Dave C. Maré
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Wage Subsidies ◽  
Data Infrastructure ◽  
Earnings Growth ◽  
Matching Methods ◽  
Propensity Matching ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Term Benefit

Wage subsidies are commonly used to assist disadvantaged jobseekers into employment. If effective they can contribute to reducing long-term benefit dependence. The study examines the impact of wage subsidies on assisted jobseekers and on the firms that employ them. It focuses on hiring subsidies granted over the period of January 2003 to December 2007 and outcomes up to December 2010, and draws on administrative and tax data held by Statistics New Zealand as part of the ‘Integrated Data Infrastructure’ prototype. Outcomes for assisted jobseekers are compared to those of comparable jobseekers using propensity matching methods. Similarly, propensity-matching is used to compare employment and earnings growth in firms that hire subsidised workers to growth in otherwise comparable firms. Overall we find that starting a subsidised job leads to significant employment and earning benefits for assisted jobseekers over several years. Subsidised workers are disproportionately hired into expanding firms, though we cannot determine whether the expansion would have occurred in the absence of the subsidy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document