scholarly journals Meaning-Making Coping Methods among Bereaved Parents: A Pilot Survey Study in Sweden

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Ahmadi ◽  
Saeid Zandi

The death of a child may result in traumatizing forms of grief, and meaning-making coping with loss seems to be important in prevention of intense psychosocial problems among bereaved parents. The aim of this quantitative pilot study was to discover the divergent meaning-making coping methods used by bereaved parents in Sweden. In doing so, 162 respondents were selected using a convenience sampling method, and they responded to the modified version of RCOPE. The study revealed that the strategies talking to others about their feelings, pondering the meaning of life alone, and being in nature for greater emotional affiliation, i.e., what we call secular existential coping methods, have been the most used meaning-making coping methods among Swedish mourning parents. While explaining the results, we considered the respondents’ cultural background and speculated about the potential influence of cultural teachings and elements in the selection of ways of coping with bereavement. Further, we compared the results obtained with those of the two other Swedish studies conducted among people coping with cancer and COVID-19 to further discuss the impact of culture on coping with illness, loss, grief, and crisis. The study supports the idea that culture plays an essential role in the choice of coping methods.

Religions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 284
Author(s):  
Önver A. Cetrez ◽  
Fereshteh Ahmadi ◽  
Pelin Erbil

(1) Background: The role of culture in secular, spiritual, and religious coping methods is important, but needs more attention in research. The aim has been to (1) investigate the meaning-making coping methods among cancer patients in Turkey and (2) whether there were differences in two separate samples (compared to Study 2, Study 1 had a younger age group, was more educated, and grew up in a big city), (3) paying specific attention to gender, age, education, and area of residence. (2) Methods: Quantitative study using a convenience sampling in two time periods, Study 1 (n = 94) and Study 2 (n = 57). (3) Results: In Study 2, there is a significant increase in several religious and spiritual coping strategies. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between being a woman and using more religious or spiritual coping strategies. Secular meaning-making coping strategies also increase significantly in Study 2. The results confirmed the hypotheses for gender, educational, and age differences in seeking support from religious leaders. The results also confirmed the hypotheses for gender and educational level in a punishing God reappraisal and demonic reappraisal. (4) Conclusions: As Turkey is a country at the junction of strong religiosity and deep-rooted secularism, dividing up the meaning-making coping methods into the religious and spiritual, on one hand, and the secular, on the other, reveals interesting results.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 463-469
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina ◽  
Grzegorz Śladowski ◽  
Ewelin Kania

Abstract The process of constructing structures and the selection of technology is difficult due to a series of highly varied conditions - which are often difficult to foresee - associated with the construction of a building within a city centre. The goal of the article is the performance of a structural analysis of the most commonly occurring conditions that need to be considered in the context of the selection of a technology of constructing buildings in the centre of an urban agglomeration. Based on a literature study that had been performed, aswell as on a survey study performed on expects, the authors listed and characterised conditions that occur during the construction of structures in the centres of urban agglomerations. Afterwards, experts determined the impact of these factors and their mutual relations in the context of the selection of the technology of the construction of said structures. In order to determine the involvement and the role of the factors in the context of the selection of a technology of the construction of a structure, as well as its analysis, the authors used the WINGS (Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge System) modelling and structural analysis method. This method takes into account both direct, as well as indirect relations between these factors. The study contained in the article constitutes a basis for the development of a comprehensive systemic approach supporting the decision-making process associated with the selection of a construction technology for a building to be built in the centre of an urban agglomeration.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Ahmadi ◽  
Önver A. Cetrez ◽  
Pelin Erbil ◽  
Asil Ortak ◽  
Nader Ahmadi

To understand the role of culture on the use of the meaning-making coping among people who have been struck by cancer, qualitative and quantitative studies have been conducted in several countries like Sweden, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Turkey. This article reports on a quantitative study carried out in Turkey. The aim of the study has been to answer the following question: “Which meaning-making coping method (even nonreligious or spiritual coping methods) is used by informants?” The sample consists of 95 persons, 18+ who had been struck by cancer. The questionnaire was distributed to former/current cancer patients via a web address as an electronic survey through the media page of Cancer Survivors Association. The results of the study show that the most important coping methods used by cancer patients in Turkey are the religious coping (RCOPE) methods, particularly spiritual connection, active religious surrender, passive religious deferral, and pleading for direct intercession. Several RCOPE methods such as spiritual discontent, seeking support from clergy or members, punishing God reappraisal, and demonic reappraisal or self-directing religious coping are not used by the Turkish informants. Nor are non-RCOPE methods highly prevalent among informants.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tapiwa Chininga ◽  
Ellen Rungani ◽  
Norman Chiliya ◽  
Tinashe Chuchu

Facebook has become the main platform for young adults to sustain their social presence as well as expand their social networks. The impact of social media on youth decision-making has attracted much attention in research and academia. The research setting was at University of Fort Hare, a university located in South Africa. Before and during a student representative council (SRC) election at the university, the six student parties contesting for the leadership office utilised Facebook in communicating and marketing their campaign messages to fellow students. This research therefore empirically investigated how Facebook influenced university students’ intention to vote and elect an SRC for the institution. The survey methodology was adopted in collecting data and non-probability sampling, a form of convenience sampling was utilised in selection of suitable participants for the study. A total of 381 students participated in the study responding to questions examining potential drivers of selection of a particular student representative party (SRP). A conceptual model was developed with Facebook constructs that included “medium credibility of Facebook”, “peer communication on Facebook” and “user trust of Facebook” among other factors that influence students’ choice of an (SRP). The main findings established that identification with peers was observed as having the most significant impact on youths’ intention to vote for student representatives. Message credibility was found to have weak impact on student’s intention to vote for a particular (SRC) candidate. Implications emerged from the findings and further research suggestions were provided.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-73
Author(s):  
Peninah Kimani ◽  
Dr. Sifunjo Kisaka

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of collective investment schemes in financial inclusion in Kenya.Methodology: The research design was descriptive survey study in nature since it focused on all collective investment schemes in Kenya. The target population was collective investment schemes. A sample of 11 collective schemes was selected using random sampling. The second stage of sampling involved the selection of the respondents using a stratified sampling approach. The strata were the various respondents in the schemes. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire that consisted of both open ended and close ended questions. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and results presented in frequency tables to show how the responses for the various questions posed to the respondents. The data was then analysed in terms of descriptive statistics like frequencies, means and percentages.Results: The findings implied The study concludes that there was low access to financial products in the investment schemes. It is also possible to conclude that the there were several factors that affect financial inclusion in Kenya. These factors include age of the investor, gender, level of education and level of income.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that measures such as target marketing the segments with low access to collective investments and increasing the market budget to investors on financial matters, may be adopted. Such measures would ensure gendered financial inclusion, and inclusion of social economic classes characterized by age, level of income, education and rural urban classes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Ahmadi ◽  
Mohammad Rabbani ◽  
Xiaohe Yi ◽  
Hiroko Kase ◽  
Nader Ahmadi

The present article is written on the basis of a sociological international project on meaning-making coping. The aim of the project has been to understand the role of culture in meaning-making coping. The project embarrasses studies among cancer patients in 10 countries. The present article is confined to the results obtained in the study in japan. The main aim was to investigate the impact of culture from a sociological perspective on the choice of coping methods. Twelve participants with various kinds of cancer were interviewed.Several meaning-making coping methods are found in the present study. This study underlines the importance of investigating cultural and social context when investigating into the use of the meaning-making coping methods in different countries.


Methodology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Ramon Barrada ◽  
Julio Olea ◽  
Vicente Ponsoda

Abstract. The Sympson-Hetter (1985) method provides a means of controlling maximum exposure rate of items in Computerized Adaptive Testing. Through a series of simulations, control parameters are set that mark the probability of administration of an item on being selected. This method presents two main problems: it requires a long computation time for calculating the parameters and the maximum exposure rate is slightly above the fixed limit. Van der Linden (2003) presented two alternatives which appear to solve both of the problems. The impact of these methods in the measurement accuracy has not been tested yet. We show how these methods over-restrict the exposure of some highly discriminating items and, thus, the accuracy is decreased. It also shown that, when the desired maximum exposure rate is near the minimum possible value, these methods offer an empirical maximum exposure rate clearly above the goal. A new method, based on the initial estimation of the probability of administration and the probability of selection of the items with the restricted method ( Revuelta & Ponsoda, 1998 ), is presented in this paper. It can be used with the Sympson-Hetter method and with the two van der Linden's methods. This option, when used with Sympson-Hetter, speeds the convergence of the control parameters without decreasing the accuracy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelby Devina ◽  
Waluyo Waluyo

The objective of this research was to examine the effect of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, speed, security and privacy and readiness technology tax payers information to e-Filing usage. The object of this study is the individual tax payers in Tangerang City, Karawaci District. The selection of the sample is determined based on convenience sampling method. Data used in this study was primary data, id est: questionnaires. The respondent in this study were 110. Data analysis technique in this study using multiple linear regression. The result of this study were (1) perceived usefulness have a significant impact towards e-Filing usage; (2) perceived ease of use have a significant impact towards e-Filing usage; (3) speed does not have a significant impact towards e-Filing usage; (4) security and privacy does not have a significant impact towards e-Filing usage; (5) readiness technology tax payers information does not have a significant impact towards e-Filing usage; (6) perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, speed, security and privacy and readiness technology tax payers information all simultaneously, have a significant impact towards e-Filing usage. Keywords: e-Filing usage, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, readiness technology tax payers information, security and privacy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke Zeng ◽  
Weiguo Zhu ◽  
Caiyou Wang ◽  
Liyan Zhu

BACKGROUND The rapid spread of COVID-19 has created a severe challenge to China’s healthcare system. Hospitals across the country reacted quickly under the leadership of the Chinese government and implemented a range of informatization measures to effectively respond to the COVID-19. OBJECTIVE To understand the impact of the pandemic on the medical business of Chinese hospitals and the difficulties faced by hospital informatization construction. To discuss the application of hospital informatization measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. To summarize the practical experience of hospitals using information technology to fight the pandemic. METHODS Performing a cross-sectional on-line questionnaire survey in Chinese hospitals, of which the participants are invited including hospital information staff, hospital administrators, medical staff, etc. Statistical analyzing the collected data by using SPSS version 24. RESULTS A total of 804 valid questionnaires (88.45%) are collected in this study from 30 provinces in mainland China, of which 731 (90.92%) were filled out by hospital information staff. 473 (58.83%) hospitals are tertiary hospitals while the remaining 331 (41.17%) are secondary hospitals. The majority hospitals (82.46%) had a drop in their business volume during the pandemic and a more substantial drop is found in tertiary hospitals. 70.40% (n=566) of hospitals have upgraded or modified their information systems in response to the epidemic. The proportion of tertiary hospitals that upgraded or modified systems is significantly higher than that of secondary hospitals. Internet hospital consultation (70.52%), pre-check and triage (62.56%), telemedicine (60.32%), health QR code (57.71%), and telecommuting (50.87%) are the most used informatization anti-pandemic measures. There are obvious differences in the application of information measures between tertiary hospitals and secondary hospitals. Among these measures, most of them (41.17%) are aiming at serving patients and most of them (62.38%) are universal which continue to be used after pandemic. The informatization measures are mostly used to control the source of infection (48.19%), such as health QR Code, etc. During the pandemic, the main difficulties faced by the hospital information department are “information construction projects are hindered” (58.96%) and “increased difficulty in ensuring network information security” (58.58%). There are significant differences in this issue between tertiary hospitals and secondary hospitals. The shortcomings of hospital informatization that should be made up for are “shorten patient consultation time and optimize consultation process” (72.51%), “Ensure network information security” (72.14%) and “build internet hospital consultations platform” (59.95%). CONCLUSIONS A significant number of innovative medical information technology have been used and played a significant role in all phases of COVID-19 prevention and control in China. Since the COVID-19 brought many challenges and difficulties for informatization work, hospitals need to constantly improve their own information technology skills to respond to public health emergencies that arise at any moment.


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