scholarly journals The Experiences of Grief and Personal Growth in University Students: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1899
Author(s):  
Jovita Tan ◽  
Karl Andriessen
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Continuing Bonds ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Formal Services

Background: Experiencing the death of a close person, especially in emerging adults and students, can have profound effects on the bereaved individual’s life. As most research in this field has focused on negative effects of a loss, little is known about potential positive effects experienced by bereaved university students. This study investigated the experience of grief and personal growth in a sample of students from The University of Melbourne, Australia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews via Zoom/telephone with bereaved students (n = 14), who were invited to reflect on their loss and any personal growth potentially experienced. Thematic analysis of the data was based on a deductive and inductive approach. Results: The analysis identified four themes: (i) sharing of grief as a coping mechanism, (ii) balance between grief reactions and moving forward in life, (iii) lessons learned and personal growth, and (iv) adopting values from the deceased person and continuing bonds. Conclusions: Participants emphasized personal growth regarding self-perception and philosophical views on life. Following the loss, they preferred peer support, and used formal services only when they had a specific need. The findings indicate the importance of social support for bereaved students, and the complimentary role of peer and professional support. Hence, academic institutions should offer supportive services tailored to both students and professionals to help bereaved students.

Benefits and challenges to applying IPD: experiences from a Norwegian mega-project

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Rieger Rodrigues ◽  
Søren Munch Lindhard
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Concept ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Collaboration And Communication ◽  
Traditional Construction ◽  
Supporting Element ◽  
Early Phases

Purpose The traditional construction delivery method is challenged by low trust and collaboration issues, resulting in increased project costs. The integrated project delivery (IPD) method is developed, through a contractual agreement, to overcome these challenges by creating a common set of terms, expectations and project goals. Design/methodology/approach A singular construction case was followed during a four-month period. Data collection consisted of contract documents and a series of semi-structured interviews with representatives from the owner, design-group and contractors. Findings The IPD contract was found to have a number of positive effects; it improved project behavior (e.g. trust, collaboration and communication), increased ownership among project participants and improved buildability of the design, leading to fewer surprises and interruptions in the construction phase. The study also revealed a number of challenges including contractual and legal challenges and involving too many participants in the early phases. Moreover, co-location was identified as a particular important supporting element, to build relations and improve collaboration. Originality/value This research identified lessons learned from the application, as well as initial barriers and persistent barriers for implementing IPD. To improve IPD application the top three lessons were as follows: 1) the contractual documents should be adapted and signed at an early stage as this increases financial transparency, 2) cost estimates should be carried as an iterative process and project main concept be freezed at an early stage to increase understanding and minimize risks, 3) only the most important project developers should be involved in the early phases, to avoid going into detailed design issues before the main concept is completed.

Embracing supply base complexity: the contingency role of strategic purchasing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melek Akın Ateş ◽  
Huriye Memiş
Keyword(s):  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Purchasing ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

PurposeThis paper aims to empirically examine the moderating role of strategic purchasing on the relationship between supply base complexity (SBC) and purchasing performance.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 209 firms listed in the Capital Top 500 Firms of Turkey. Measurement properties were assessed via confirmatory factor analysis, and the conceptual model was tested via hierarchical regression analysis. A supplementary analysis based on 14 semi-structured interviews was conducted to provide further insights on the survey findings.FindingsRegarding structural SBC, the results suggest that horizontal complexity and supplier interaction improve purchasing performance, but only in firms with high strategic purchasing. By contrast, spatial complexity reduces purchasing performance in firms with high strategic purchasing, while supplier differentiation does not have any effect. Regarding dynamic SBC, the results show that both delivery complexity and supplier instability reduce purchasing performance when firms have low strategic purchasing. Interviews further suggest that firms with high strategic purchasing leverage the positive effects and mitigate the negative effects of SBC by having a long-term focus, considering multiple performance criteria and adopting advanced purchasing practices.Practical implicationsIn contrast to what is widely posited in the existing literature, the nuanced findings of this study reveal that complexity is not always detrimental. The results suggest that practitioners should aim for high levels of strategic purchasing to suppress the negative effects of SBC while leveraging its benefits.Originality/valueBy investigating the contingency role of strategic purchasing, this study provides novel insights into the under-investigated issue of how to best “manage” SBC.

Positive effects of earthquake from the perspective of people with physical disability in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahrzad Pakjouei ◽  
Aidin Aryankhesal ◽  
Mohammad Kamali ◽  
Hesam Seyedin ◽  
Mohammad Heidari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Disability ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Knowledge Enhancement

Purpose Earthquake usually causes death, injury, disability and destruction of buildings and infrastructure, and people with disabilities are usually affected more than healthy people. As undesirable experiences may also have positive outcomes, this study aims to investigate the experiences of PWD and identify the positive effects of earthquakes on them in Iran, as an earthquake-prone country. Design/methodology/approach In this qualitative study, 20 participants were selected purposively among those having physical disability, aged 23-55 years and with experience of an earthquake. Their opinions were collected using semi-structured interviews. Analysis was performed using thematic approach and MAXQDA software was used to organize the data. Findings The positive effects of earthquake were categorized into five main themes: promotion of preparedness, knowledge enhancement, improvement of structures, socio-economic improvement (economic situation enhancement and social cohesion promotion) and outstanding role of national and international non-governmental organizations. Originality/value Although disasters are generally unpleasant, in the long term, they can result in positive effects and may be considered as opportunities to improve the situation and eliminate certain limitations. It is also important to learn from experiences of people with disabilities and apply the lessons learned, for enhancing preparedness and providing better services in the response phase of disaster management. Additionally, paying attention to the positive attitudes of such people, with special conditions and limitations, indicates their enhanced resilience to cope with disasters and emergencies, including COVID-19, which should be taken into consideration by policymakers and planners in future programs.

scholarly journals The Positive Effects of Parents’ Mental Illness on Their Children: A Qualitative Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-453
Author(s):  
Reza Zeighami ◽  
Fatemeh Oskouie ◽  
Soodabeh Joolaee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Theoretical Sampling ◽  
Constant Comparative Analysis ◽  
Sampling Approach ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Objective: The main objective of this research is to explore the positive consequences of parents’ mental illness on their children. Material & methods: This study was a part of a more comprehensive study performed based on grounded theory. In this work semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants selected by purposeful and theoretical sampling approach. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis suggested by Straus and Corbin (1988) method. Results: Despite negative effects of the illness, the children have been perceived positive effects from their parents’ illness. These findings categorized in two category of "independence" and "considering the others needs". Conclusion: Application of these findings in care plan of patients and families, particularly their children, can offer more efficient coping with mental illness. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.12989 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.449-453

scholarly journals Career Mentoring in Higher Education: Students’ Perceptions and Experiences

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-53
Author(s):  
Daniela Dumulescu ◽  
Diana Maria Sarcă ◽  
Constantin Valer Necula
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
Trajectory Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Career Trajectory ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Life Challenges ◽  
Career Construction Theory

Nowadays, the process of building the career of emerging adults is embedded in the need for meaningful paths, connection, creativity and autonomy. Thus, the support services universities offer for students should incorporate subjective aspects of individual experiences such as targeting relevant goals, building meaningful learning experiences, promoting personal resources of adaptability. One of the most effective mechanism for positively influencing students’ career paths is mentoring, by helping them to successfully face the academic and life challenges and to build meaningful careers. The current study aims to investigate perceptions and experiences of seven undergraduate students, in order to understand the mentoring role in the development of a calling orientation in their career trajectory. Data was collected through one-to-one semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was conducted. The findings revealed a mentoring approach that includes a career construction theory and calling-infused elements has positive effects on self-reflection, self-knowledge, proactive experiences and behaviours that maintain and strengthens the perception of the presence of calling. In other words, the support of a mentor facilitates the activation of personal resources and values the self-directed career oriented towards individualized results in the context of an uncertain and dynamic work environment.

scholarly journals Interruptions to Attending Physician Rounds and Their Effect on Resident Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-275
Author(s):  
Julia Armendariz ◽  
Carla Tamayo ◽  
Justin Slade ◽  
Ilana Belitskaya-Lévy ◽  
Caroline Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Care ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Attending Rounds

ABSTRACT Background Daily attending rounds (AR) are a cornerstone of teaching and patient care in academic health centers. Interruptions in health care are common and can cause increased risk of errors, incomplete work, and decreased decision-making accuracy. Interruptions to AR may diminish a trainee's capacity to learn and retain information. Objective We characterized and quantified interruptions that occur during AR. Methods We used a mixed-methods design combining a prospective observational study with a qualitative study. AR were observed January to March 2020 to characterize interruptions, followed by semi-structured interviews with the observed physicians to elucidate the effect of interruptions on workflow and the educational value of rounds. Results There were 378 observed interruptions over the course of 30 AR sessions, averaging 12.6 (range 1–22, median 13) interruptions per rounding session. Bedside nursing staff was the most common source of interruptions (25%) and consultant recommendations was the most common topic of interruption (21%). Most interruptions occurred during patient presentations (76%), and the most common method of interaction was text message (24%). Most team members described negative effects of interruptions, including loss of focus and missing critical clinical information; some also reported that certain interruptions had positive effects on education and clinical care. Interns were more likely to report negative emotional reactions to interruptions. Conclusions AR are frequently interrupted for non-urgent topics by a variety of methods and sources. Negative effects included loss of focus, missed information, and increased stress. Proactive communication, particularly between physicians and nurses, was suggested to reduce interruptions.

Connecting Caregivers to Support: Lessons Learned From the VA Caregiver Support Program

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Bruening ◽  
Nina Sperber ◽  
Katherine Miller ◽  
Sara Andrews ◽  
Karen Steinhauser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
National Priority ◽  
Caregiver Interventions

Development and evaluation of supportive caregiver interventions has become a national priority. This study’s aim was to evaluate how caregivers participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) use and value supportive services. Qualitative semi-structured interviews ( N = 50 caregivers) were the core of a mixed-methods design, and surveys ( N = 160) were supplemental. Caregivers who had used CSP services valued emotional, functional, and health care navigational support, calling support groups and the program coordinator their “lifeline.” However, many described a lack of connection with the program—not knowing about or successfully engaging in program services—and needed more information about available resources. Caregivers in rural areas or caring for individuals with specific diseases reported needing tailored services to meet their unique needs. Policy makers and practitioners should proactively promote supportive services for caregivers. Future research should explore strategies for reducing barriers to accessing tailored support to meet the needs of a diverse caregiver population.

scholarly journals The positive effects of caring for family carers of older adults: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-375
Author(s):  
Alex Pysklywec ◽  
Michelle Plante ◽  
Claudine Auger ◽  
William B. Mortenson ◽  
Jacquie Eales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Dyadic Relationship ◽  
Positive Effects

The negative effects of caring are well documented; however, positive effects have received less attention. A scoping review of 22 studies published between 2000 and 2018 was conducted regarding the positive effects of family caring for older adults. Our analysis revealed that positive effects are embedded in relationships, summarised in three themes: in relationship with one’s self (the carer), for example, personal growth; in relationship with the care recipient, for example, a deepened dyadic relationship; and in relationship with others, for example, new care-related relationships. Seeing the positive effects of caring relationally may shape environmental factors, such as assistive device, social policy or health services development.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Experiences of Precarious Employment in Canadian Libraries: An Exploratory Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ean Henninger ◽  
Adena Brons ◽  
Chloe Riley ◽  
Crystal Yin
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Organizational Health ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Precarious Employment ◽  
Precarious Work ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
As Stress

Precarious employment is a labour practice characterized for employers by flexibility and economic efficiencies and for workers by vulnerability and uncertainty as to job duration, scheduling, and pay. It is increasingly common in Canada and can result in physical, mental, financial, and social strain for people who experience it. In libraries, it has the potential for negative effects on individual staff members, organizational health, and service quality. However, literature on precarious library work is scarce, and it is unclear how its effects on library staff compare to those described in the broader literature or how it affects the library field as a whole. The purpose of this study was to gather information about library workers’ perceptions and experiences of precarious employment and to see how it played out in library contexts. Thirteen library workers both with and without experiences of precarious employment participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews, which were synthesized into a narrative summarizing their thoughts and experiences. Results indicated that while there were some positive effects of precarious work, they mainly benefited library organizations from scheduling and financial standpoints, while negative outcomes were more numerous, more salient, and affected individuals as well as organizations. Awareness of such perceptions and experiences may help to spark conversations and support for those experiencing negative effects from precarious work, and it can serve to reduce or eliminate factors leading to those effects. However, failure to address them may result in negative outcomes for library workers and organizations, such as stress, turnover, marginalization, burnout, leaving the field, reduced service quality, and more. Accordingly, this paper provides some of the first qualitative information on precarious employment in libraries and may be used to support broader discussions about the topic.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study of Blood Donors’ Psychological Characteristics over 8 Weeks

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Max Esefeld ◽  
Ariane Sümnig ◽  
Ulf Alpen ◽  
Hans Jörgen Grabe ◽  
Andreas Greinacher
Keyword(s):  
Blood Donors ◽  
Blood Donation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Effects

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Previous studies suggest that blood donation impacts blood donors’ psychological state, with either positive or negative effects, such as feeling more energetic or more exhausted. It has not yet been described how long these effects last. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This prospective cohort study consisted of a qualitative and a quantitative part: (1) Psychological characteristics which changed after blood donation were identified by structured interviews of regular whole blood donors (<i>n</i> = 42). Based on this, a questionnaire addressing 7 psychological dimensions was established. (2) The psychological state of 100 blood donors was assessed after blood donation by applying the questionnaire 15–30 min before and during donation, as well as 15–30 min, 6 h, 24 h, 72 h, 1 week, and 8 weeks after donation. The resulting changes were summarized to a score. Furthermore, potential correlations of the score with pre-donation blood pressure, hemoglobin, or body mass index were calculated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Seven items were identified which changed in at least 25% of blood donors (mood, concentration, satisfaction, resilience, spirit of initiative, physical well-being, energy level). In the 100 blood donors, the well-being score increased (positive effects, <i>n</i> = 23), showed minor changes (<i>n</i> = 53), or decreased (negative effects, <i>n</i> = 24). The positive effects lasted for about 1 week and the negative effects for 3 days. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> While the frequency of psychological effects following blood donation identified by our study was comparable to others, the changes of the psychological state in our donors were traceable for a longer period than previously acknowledged.

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