Young men's experiences of living with existential concerns: "living close to a bottomless darkness"

Adolescents' Experiences of Existential Loneliness Regarding Receiving and Providing Support

Among adolescents, loneliness is common. One kind of loneliness, existential loneliness, is understood as a painful part of the human condition. During adolescence, existential loneliness has been shown to be challenging to navigate independently. Therefore, this study aimed to explore Swedish adolescents' experiences of existential loneliness regarding receiving and providing support. This study had an exploratory qualitative design based on focus group discussions (n = 9) comprising 30 Swedish adolescents (median age 18). The data was analysed inductively using thematic analysis. The adolescents' experiences of existential loneliness regarding receiving and providing support were represented in four themes: Wanting to face existential loneliness alone, but seeking relief and support when needed; Wanting to share the experiences, but not knowing how or being afraid to bare the vulnerability; Wanting to share the experiences, but nobody is there; Supporting friends by trying to be there, but feeling insecure. In conclusion, knowledge of existential loneliness and a sensitivity to adolescents' personal needs is crucial. Supporting and being there for adolescents may increase their ability to encounter ̶ their own or others' ̶ experiences of existential loneliness, which could be promotive for their well-being and personal growth.

A Scoping Review of Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) as Psychological Intervention: Potential Benefits and Future Directions

Purpose

The present study aimed to investigate how prior research of TTRPG revealed the benefits of TTRPG as a psychological intervention and how further studies can overcome the challenges and limitations of TTRPG in those previous studies.

Methods

The study used Scoping Review to explore the potential benefits of TTRPG. Three research questions were identified (1) the extent to which empirical research has been conducted regarding TTRPG as intervention, (2) the potential of TTRPG mentioned, and (3) the suggestions for future research. The study investigated the last 10 years (ie, 2013 to 2023) of research publications with all research methods included. The search focused on key terms of "Tabletop Role-playing Game", "TTRPG", "Dungeons and Dragons", and terms related to intervention. The databases used were in English and Indonesian and resulted in 109 papers but later eliminated due to various reasons until it became 51 papers to be reviewed.

Results

Of the 51 papers included for final analysis, majority are of exploratory approach (n = 35; eg, literature review and qualitative design studies), indicating that research in TTRPG is still at the emerging stage. Quantitative design studies (n = 12) and mixed-method design studies (n = 4) on TTRPG are the minority. Majority papers (n = 30) are published in the United States, only three papers published in the Asian context, indicating that TTRPG research in the Asian context is scarce.

Conclusion

From existing literature, TTRPG provides benefits to promote cognitive and psychosocial skills, to prevent negative effects and stress, as well as to intervene in psychological problems such as social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and autism spectrum disorders. Further studies can explore the use of TTRPG in Asia-representing collectivistic culture, to employ different systems of TTRPG and to examine the effects of TTRPG using experimental design to overcome the limitations of prior studies.

They are my worries, so it's me the doctor should listen to-adolescent males' experiences of consultations with general practitioners

BACKGROUND

Many adolescent males visit a general practitioner regularly, yet many report unmet health needs and negative experiences. This indicates a gap between provided healthcare and the needs of adolescent males. In order to improve adolescent males' possibilities to discuss their health concerns with general practitioners, the study's aim was to explore and describe how adolescent males understand and assign meaning to their experiences of consultations with general practitioners.

METHODS

This qualitative study was conducted at two healthcare centres in mid-Sweden in 2022. Nine males 15 to 19 years old described their experiences in semi-structured interviews immediately after consulting a general practitioner, regardless of reason for the consultation and whether or not accompanied by a parent. The analysis was guided by thematic analysis according to Braun & Clarke and reflective lifeworld theory's concepts of openness and sensitivity.

RESULTS

One overarching theme, To be listened to, and three themes were developed: To handle insecurity and uneasiness, To be understood and cared for, and To get parental support on his terms. In a good appointment, the general practitioner cares about him, listens attentively, and takes him seriously. More importantly, the general practitioner's understanding permeates the consultation, so that all aspects of it is adapted to him. The adolescent males doubted their ability to express themselves and to understand what would happen in the consultation, and therefore feared being dismissed without receiving any help. Such difficulties may be due to unfinished neurocognitive development and inexperience. They struggled with embarrassment, partly due to notions of masculinity, and strived to balance their needs of parental support, privacy, and being the one that the doctor listens to.

CONCLUSIONS

We argue that adolescent males are particularly vulnerable due to on-going neurocognitive and emotional development, inexperience, and notions of masculinity. However, good experiences can be generated through rather simple means. Adolescent males need individual adaptations demonstrating that they are cared for, understood and taken seriously. Furthermore, they need an unhurried pace to facilitate understanding, verbal affirmations to mitigate embarrassment, and help in navigating parental involvement.

Positive Facets of Suffering, Meaningful Moments, and Meaning Fulfilment: A Qualitative Approach to Positive Existential Issues in Trauma-Exposed University Students

The possible positive consequences of trauma and its relationship to existential aspects are receiving increasing attention. However, little is known about how young individuals perceive the changed status of these profound aspects of their lives. This study aimed to explore and identify the themes of the possible positive aspects of trauma-related suffering, the most meaningful moments, and the perception of meaning realization in young individuals. A total of 139 trauma-exposed Mexican university students responded to a survey consisting of open-ended questions survey. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The main benefits of suffering were a better attitude towards life, more maturity and strength, new capabilities, and a reorganization of values, purposes, and beliefs. In reference to significant moments, the themes of the importance of bonds with significant people, spiritual moments, and personal achievements emerged. Both meaning realization and existential frustration were observed. Meaning was mainly oriented towards career goals, other people, personal growth, and financial goals. Findings suggested several patterns of existential concerns for Mexican university students. Both personal and interpersonal levels were cited as pivotal aspects for the transformation of young people after trauma. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Deeply lonely in the borderland between childhood and adulthood - Experiences of existential loneliness as narrated by adolescents

BACKGROUND

Adolescence is associated with different feelings and experiences that can negatively affect adolescents' health and well-being. In the transition between childhood and adulthood, experiences of loneliness are common. A deep form of loneliness is described as existential loneliness. Studies among adults have shown that existential loneliness often arises in connection with transitions and is related to suffering, but may lead to positive experiences when acknowledged and addressed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore adolescents' experiences of existential loneliness.

METHODS

This was an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study based on narrative interviews with 16 adolescents (median age 17.5). The data were analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis.

FINDINGS

Existential loneliness among adolescents was related to experiences of social exclusion and "in-betweenness". To alleviate their suffering, the adolescents tried to avoid burdensome feelings and thoughts, and they chose between sharing or not sharing their inner lives with someone else.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to support adolescents' sense of belonging, and they may need assistance in dealing with existential loneliness, as well as with finding constructive and healthy ways of recuperating from the suffering. Professionals need knowledge of existential loneliness to promote adolescents' existential health and well-being.

Preliminary Efficacy of an Occupation-Oriented Purpose in Life Intervention After Breast Cancer

Background. Purpose in life is important to health and well-being; purpose disruption often goes unidentified after breast cancer. Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of a purpose renewal intervention and utility of a screening question for identifying people with purpose-related distress. Method. In this prospective pretest-posttest study, participants with breast cancer received an 8-session purpose renewal group intervention (n = 35). Participants completed standardized measures of meaning and purpose at pretest, posttest, and two-month follow-up and a forced-choice Purpose Status Question (PSQ) at pretest. Findings. Participants made statistically significant pretest-to-posttest and pretest-to-follow-up improvements. The PSQ demonstrated construct validity: 40% of participants lacked purpose direction at pretest and this subgroup made significantly greater improvements than participants who reported purpose direction at pretest. Implications. The PSQ warrants further study as a screener to identify people with purpose-related distress. Many breast cancer survivors may benefit from a purpose in life intervention; a subgroup may benefit more.