scholarly journals Comparison of Different Measures of Religiousness and Spirituality: Implications for Neurotheological Research

Religions ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Newberg ◽  
Nancy Wintering ◽  
Mark Waldman

The neuroscientific study of religious and spiritual phenomena requires the development of methodologies that can target both the biological as well as the subjective dimensions of such phenomena. The purpose of the current study was to compare various subjective questionnaires evaluating neuropsychological dimensions of religiosity. Many scales and questionnaires have been developed over the years, but they have rarely been compared to each other. As part of an online survey of peoples’ spiritual experiences, we had individuals complete several questionnaires including the Quest Scale, the Religiousness Measure, the INSPIRIT, the Death Anxiety Measure, and the Intrinsic Motivation Scale. Some of these scales also have subcomponents which can be evaluated separately. We compared these scales to each other, and also to a variety of demographic variables such as age, gender, religion, and socioeconomic status. Importantly, these scales have neurological correlates that can be the targets of future studies in the field of neurotheology. The evaluation of such qualitative data has important implications for methodological challenges in future neurotheological research.

1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward E. Lawler ◽  
Douglas T. Hall

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711269
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Alton ◽  
Caroline White

BackgroundAbuse of older people in care homes is an on-going problem. GPs, as the most frequent practitioner group visiting care homes, have an important role in detecting and reporting abuse. However, there is little research about GPs’ experiences of working in care homes and how they work to safeguard residents.AimTo explore the challenges experienced by GPs working in this unique environment and how these impact on safeguarding.MethodAn online survey collected qualitative data about GPs’ experiences as visiting professionals to care homes, with an emphasis on safeguarding. A thematic analysis identified key themes.ResultsIn total, 58 completed surveys were returned, with a range of practitioner experience represented (1–30 years). Approximately 70% were GP partners, with the remainder salaried and locum doctors. Over one third reported they had witnessed signs of definite or possible abuse within care homes. Emerging themes related to the complex care home context, in which residents had multiple health needs and GPs had to build multiple relationships with managers, carers, families, and residents. Difficulties in accessing information were reported; residents could not always provide information, GPs had to rely on others for information, and rarely had access to electronic records.ConclusionGP work in care homes is a complex and skilled role, in which GPs encounter evidence of poor care and abuse. Key themes in respect of barriers and facilitators of good care were highlighted. The reliance on others for information and the need to build relationships with staff/managers may raise tensions in respect of safeguarding practice.


Author(s):  
Allison L. Groom ◽  
Thanh-Huyen T. Vu ◽  
Robyn L. Landry ◽  
Anshula Kesh ◽  
Joy L. Hart ◽  
...  

Vaping is popular among adolescents. Previous research has explored sources of information and influence on youth vaping, including marketing, ads, family, peers, social media, and the internet. This research endeavors to expand understanding of peer influence. Our hypothesis is that friends’ influence on teen vapers’ first electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use varies by demographic variables and awareness of ENDS advertising. In August–October 2017, youth (n = 3174) aged 13–18 completed an online survey to quantify ENDS behaviors and attitudes and were invited to participate in follow-up online research in November-December 2017 to probe qualitative context around perceptions and motivations (n = 76). This analysis focused on the ENDS users, defined as having ever tried any ENDS product, from the survey (n = 1549) and the follow-up research (n = 39). Among survey respondents, friends were the most common source of vapers’ first ENDS product (60%). Most survey respondents tried their first ENDS product while “hanging out with friends” (54%). Among follow-up research participants, the theme of socializing was also prominent. ENDS advertising and marketing through social media had a strong association with friend networks; in fact, the odds of friends as source of the first vaping experience were 2 times higher for those who had seen ENDS ads on social media compared with other types of media. The influence of friends is particularly evident among non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics/Latinos, those living in urban areas, those living in high-income households, those with higher self-esteem, and those who experiment with vaping. These findings support the premise that peer influence is a primary social influencer and reinforcer for vaping. Being included in a popular activity appears to be a strong driving force.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Fitri Trapsilawati ◽  
Nadhiya Ulhaq Priatna ◽  
Titis Wijayanto ◽  
Ari Widyanti ◽  
Utami Dyah Syafitri ◽  
...  

Abstract Investigating the underlying predictors of speeding behaviour deserves the full attention of research. This study aims to examine the effects of demographic variables on the perceived deterrent mechanisms and to predict speeding behaviour to target appropriate prevention programmes. In this study, 212 randomly selected drivers having a valid car driving licence participated in an online survey. The results revealed that demographic variables influenced drivers’ perceptions towards social and legal sanctions as well as material loss. The model revealed that two sanction-related constructs, that is, legal sanction (b = −0⋅227, P = 0⋅007) and material loss (b = −0⋅218, P = 0⋅005), as well as lax perception towards traffic accident (b = −0⋅176, P = 0⋅025), were the significant predictors of speeding behaviour. These findings suggested that prevention programmes should prioritise young and single drivers. The most effective targeted prevention programmes are highlighted accordingly based on the study results.


Assessment ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 107319112097338
Author(s):  
Naheed Ahmed

Background: Hate crimes against Muslim Americans have increased exponentially in the past 20 years, but there is currently no scale for measuring perceived anti-Muslim discrimination in the United States. To fill this gap, this study used a mixed-method approach to develop scales for measuring perceived anti-Muslim discrimination. Method: Qualitative data informed the development and validation of the 19-item Societal Anti-Muslim Discrimination Index and the 9-item Interpersonal Anti-Muslim Discrimination Index. Quantitative data ( N = 347) were collected from Muslim Americans using an online survey and used to assess the anti-Muslim indexes. Results: Qualitative data contributed to the refinement scale items. Quantitative results indicated one-component models and modest to high reliability of the Interpersonal Anti-Muslim Discrimination Index (.77) and Societal Anti-Muslim Discrimination Index (.88) scales. Discussion: Study results established the validity of these novel scales for measuring the distinct facets of anti-Muslim discrimination not captured by the Everyday Discrimination Index. These scales will facilitate research on anti-Muslim discrimination and the health implications of this form of religious-based discrimination.


2020 ◽  
pp. 095935352093060
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Cole ◽  
Sarah Grogan ◽  
Emma Turley

Endometriosis is a condition which affects around 1–2% of women worldwide and has profound effects on their everyday lives. Previous research has tended to focus on physical symptoms (such as chronic pain); how women manage changes to their identity and relationships as a result of endometriosis has received less attention. This paper discusses qualitative data examining how women negotiate changes to identity while living with endometriosis, in a social context where women are expected to minimise their symptoms and conform to feminine role expectations. We conducted thematic analysis of 34 replies to an online survey seeking qualitative text responses. The women identified disruptions to personal identity as a result of living with endometriosis. They talked about not feeling like themselves (Theme 1) and about reactions from medical and social connections prompting feelings that they were going “mad” (Theme 2). Participants also expressed feeling as though they were a burden to loved ones (Theme 3), which often resulted in self-silencing (Theme 4). Findings are discussed in the context of Western expectations of women’s roles in social relationships and suggest that professionals who support women with endometriosis should be aware of strategies such as self-silencing which may reduce effective self-care.


2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Gast ◽  
Hala Madanat ◽  
Amy Campbell Nielson

The purpose of this study was to determine where men fall on the motivation continuum based on intuitive eating status and if motivation for physical activity and intuitive eating are correlated. Results indicate that being an intuitive eater was associated with a lower body mass index. In terms of demographic variables, as age increased, intuitive eating status decreased and body mass index increased. Men scored high on the antidieting and self-care subscales of the Intuitive Eating Scale. Men who were classified as intuitive eaters scored higher on the external and introjected regulation of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire but no significant differences were reported by eating status and the identified and intrinsic motivation subscales. Intuitive eating holds promise as a weight management and weight loss tool for men. Intuitive eating may also influence initial motivation for physical activity for men.


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz Neuberger ◽  
Mariana Grgic ◽  
Svenja Diefenbacher ◽  
Florian Spensberger ◽  
Ann-Sophie Lehfeld ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, German early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres organised children’s attendance in different ways, they reduced opening hours, provided emergency support for a few children, or closed completely. Further, protection and hygiene measures like fixed children-staff groups, ventilation and surface disinfection were introduced in ECEC centres. To inform or modify public health measures in ECEC, we investigate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among children and staff in ECEC centres in light of social determinants (i.e. the socioeconomic status of the children) and recommended structural and hygiene measures. We focus on the question if the relevant factors differ between the 2nd (when no variant of concern (VOC) circulated) and the 3rd wave (when VOC B.1.1.7 (Alpha) predominated). Methods Based on panel data from a weekly online survey of ECEC centre managers (calendar week 36/2020 to 22/2021, ongoing) including approx. 8500 centres, we estimate the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and staff using random-effect-within-between (REWB) panel models for count data in the 2nd and 3rd wave. Results ECEC centres with a high proportion of children with low socioeconomic status (SES) have a higher risk of infections in staff and children. Strict contact restrictions between groups like fixed group assignments for children and fixed staff assignments to groups prevent infections. Both effects tend to be stronger in the 3rd wave. Conclusion ECEC centres with a large proportion of children with a low SES background and lack of using fixed child/staff cohorts experience higher COVID-19 rates. Over the long run, centres should be supported in maintaining recommended measures. Preventive measures such as the vaccination of staff should be prioritised in centres with large proportions of low SES children.


Author(s):  
Edin Branković ◽  
Marko Badrić

The aim of this study is to test the reliability and validity of the instrument known as Holistic Experience of Motivation Scale (HEMS) that has been used to examine the foundation of holistic experience of motivation in adolescents. Analyzing current research, theories, and practices in positive psychology, it is assumed that the need for purpose, i.e. recognition of the purpose, is a common need manifested differently in different constructs of human motivation.The HEMS is proposed after a theoretical and comparative analysis of various constructs of motivation, philosophies, and educational theories. Holistic Experience of Motivation (HEM) is measured in adolescents (age 14-15, total 50) after the intervention program (IP) in physical education that shows positive effects on intrinsic motivation, self-determination, achievement of goals, flow, thriving, and mindfulness. In the preliminary validation of the instrument, reliability and validity were measured using descriptive and principal component  factor analysis for the case 1:5 with the Monte Carlo method. In the final instrument of 10 variables, three preliminary factors emerged: purpose, focus and example/role-model, but with the application of the Monte Carlo method only one factor emerged.                 The preliminary results show that the basis of the HEM can be the factor of “purpose”. The purpose or meaning may be a common need that is presented through different constructs of motivation in positive psychology. Different philosophical paradigms and constructs of motivation are shown to be connected. It is shown that the purpose or meaning in question is of spiritual/religious nature and that it is manifested through satisfying the basic psychological needs of self-determination and through the realization of motivational sparks that are markers of deep personal interests.               The results show that the HEMS requires an upgrade with an additional validation on a larger sample and its correlation with other constructs in positive psychology. Also, they confirm that relationships have a significant role in motivation and recognition of personal purpose. The study presents the IP that can be used for making an environment for a holistic experience of motivation, which can also be applied in programs that aim toward the development of leadership and moral and ethical values in youth.Key words: flow; intrinsic motivation; mindfulness; positive youth development; sparks.  --- Cilj je ovoga istraživanja ispitati pouzdanost i valjanost Skale cjelovito iskustvo motivacije (CIM) (eng. Holistic Experience of Motivation Scale) koja je korištena za istraživanje osnove cjelovitoga iskustva motivacije kod adolescenata. Analizom dosadašnjih istraživanja, teorija i praksi pozitivne psihologije pretpostavljeno je da je potreba za svrhom, tj. prepoznavanje osobne svrhe zajednička potreba koja je manifestirana različito u različitim konstruktima motivacije.Skala CIM dizajnirana je teorijsko-komparativnom metodom istraživanja konstrukata motivacije, filozofija i teorija edukacije. Cjelovito iskustvo motivacije (CIM) mjereno je kod adolescenata uzrasne dobi 14 – 15 god. (ukupno 50) nakon primjene interventnoga programa (IP) u nastavi tjelesne i zdravstvene kulture koji je pokazao pozitivan utjecaj na intrinzičnu motivaciju, samoodređenje, postignuće ciljeva, zanesenost, pregnuće (thriving) i stalnu svijest (mindfulness). Za preliminarnu validaciju instrumenta pouzdanost i valjanost mjerena je deskriptivnom i faktorskom analizom glavnih komponenata za slučaj 1:5 s Monte Karlo metodom (MKM). U konačnom instrumentu od 10 varijabli izdvojila su se tri faktora: svrhovitost, usredotočenost, primjer/uzor, ali primjenom MKM istaknuo se jedan faktor.Preliminarni rezultati pokazuju da bi osnova CIM mogla biti svrhovitost (purpose). Svrha – smisao mogla bi biti zajednička potreba predstavljena različitim konstruktima motivacije u pozitivnoj psihologiji. Povezane su različite filozofske paradigme i konstrukti motivacije. Pokazano je da je doživljaj svrhe – smisla duhovne/religiozne prirode i da se manifestira kroz zadovoljenje psiholoških potreba samoodređenja i kroz realizaciju iskri (sparks) kao oznake dubokih interesiranja pojedinca.Rezultati pokazuju da Skala CIM treba nadgradnju, dodatnu validaciju na većem broju ispitanika i utvrđivanje kvantitativne povezanosti s drugim konstruktima unutar pozitivne psihologije. Također, oni potvrđuju da međuodnosi imaju vrlo značajnu ulogu u motivaciji, prepoznavanju osobne svrhe. Istraživanje nudi IP koji se može upotrijebiti za stvaranje okoline za cjelovito iskustvo motivacije te se isti može primijeniti u programima koji imaju za cilj razvoj liderstva, moralnih i etičkih vrijednosti kod mladih.Ključne riječi: intrinzična motivacija; iskre; ; pozitivan razvoj mladih; stalna svjesnost; zanesenost.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 0-0

This study investigates the causes impacting the consumers' intention of the premium music streaming services' subscription in China. An integrated model called the Theory of Streaming Service Acceptance (TSSA) is proposed to explain and predict premium music streaming service subscription behaviors. The TSSA consists of four constructs: attitude, descriptive norm, injunctive norm and perceived behavioral control. The research data was collected in the form of an online survey in China with 120 respondents. Then, interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from 20 participants. An explanatory sequential mixed method was implemented and the PLS-SEM technique was used to analyze the survey data. The results showed that all constructs in modified research mode, including attitude, injunctive norm and perceived behavioral control except descriptive norm, are indicative predictors for a person’s intention toward premium music streaming services’ subscription. Significant practical inspirations from the perspective of music streaming services providers are also summarized.


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