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Cebrino J, Portero de la Cruz S. Psychological impact of COVID-19 and determinants among Spanish university students. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1252849. [PMID: 37920580 PMCID: PMC10619672 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1252849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background University students are a vulnerable population and faced a significant psychological impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of fear of COVID-19 among university students and to evaluate the possible relationship between fear of COVID-19 and socio-demographic, health-related determinants, variables related to the COVID-19 and variables related to the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study between December 2020 and December 2021 on a sample of 950 university students from two universities in southern Spain. Participants completed a form that collected socio-demographic, health-related and COVID-related variables, a validated questionnaire related to the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fear of COVID Scale (FCV-19S). Descriptive, inferential, and multivariable linear regression analyzes were conducted. Results The mean FCV-19S score was 14.86 ± 5.16 points. The factors identified as predictors of FCV-19S were being female (p < 0.001), holding religious beliefs (p = 0.04), living in towns with over 10,000 inhabitants (p < 0.01), living with someone vulnerable to COVID-19 (p = 0.02), watching TV to keep informed about COVID-19 (p < 0.01), believing in a low probability of surviving if infected with COVID-19 (p < 0.001), having a higher level of death anxiety (p < 0.001) and suffering from insomnia (p < 0.001). Conclusion An average fear of COVID-19 score of 14.86 ± 5.16 points has been found among university students in Spain. These findings can aid in identifying specific factors contributing to fear of COVID-19 and in developing coping strategies to alleviate the stress of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Cebrino
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Silvia Portero de la Cruz
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Research Group GE10 Clinical and Epidemiological Research in Primary Care, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
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Green ZA, Rizwan S. Art-of-Living Intervention Imparted Through a Blended Learning Approach to Nurture Positivity Among Pakistan's University Students During COVID-19: A Growth Curve Analysis. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2023; 24:1-32. [PMID: 37358970 PMCID: PMC10248975 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Art-of-living allows individuals to live a contemplative, mindful, and active life to attain well-being. This study demonstrates the development and implementation of an art-of-living training intervention to nurture positivity among Pakistan's university students during COVID-19. To ensure the efficacy of teaching and learning during the second wave of the pandemic, the intervention was imparted through a blended learning approach comprising two modes: (1) online learning and (2) offline personal and collaborative learning. This approach was based on the emotionalized learning experiences (ELE) format to make learning more engaging, permanent, and gratifying. The study comprised 243 students randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 122) and a wait-list control group (n = 121). Growth curve analysis indicated that positivity together with the components of art-of-living-self-efficacy, savoring, social contacts, physical care, and meaning-and overall art-of-living increased at a greater rate in the experimental group than in the control group from pretest to posttest and from posttest to follow-up measurement. The analysis provided an all-encompassing view of how positivity developed in the two groups over time. There were significant variations in participants' initial status (intercepts) and growth trajectories (slopes). The influence of participants' initial positivity scores suggested that students with high initial positivity scores had a slower increase in linear growth, whereas those with low initial positivity scores had a faster increase in linear growth over time. The success of the intervention may be attributed to the dimensions of ELE-embodied in the two modes-and fidelity to intervention for effectively implementing the blended learning approach. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-023-00664-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Asher Green
- Faculty of Business Administration, Preston University, No. 85, Street 3, H-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sophie Rizwan
- Department of Leadership & Management Studies, National Defence University, E-9, Islamabad, Pakistan
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3
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Turska E, Stępień-Lampa N, Grzywna P. Experience of COVID-19 disease and fear of the SARS-CoV-2 virus among Polish students. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14356. [PMID: 36530393 PMCID: PMC9756872 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has significantly affected individuals and entire societies. It has caused a number of adverse consequences for public health. It has contributed to lower average life expectancy and significantly reduced the sense of health security. It has affected not only physical but also mental health. COVID-19 infections have become so common in many countries, including Poland, that almost every member of society has either experienced it themselves or has a family member or friend who have been affected by the disease. The investigations undertaken in the article concern the fear of COVID-19 infection among Polish university students, determined by the experience of the disease -whether direct or among loved ones. Methods An online survey was conducted with 851 students. It took place between 1 and 15 March 2021, a year after detection of the first case of infection with the virus in Poland. The aim of the study was to find out about the relationship between the experience of COVID-19 disease (whether direct or among people close to the respondent) and fear of this disease among university students in Poland. The analysis used intergroup comparison tests (Mann-Whitney U Test and t-test). Results The results indicate that the level of fear of COVID-19 among Polish university students was low (M = 1.98; SD = .49), with women (M = 2.04; SD = .75) presenting statistically higher (t (620.46) = 3.05; p = .002) fear than men (M = 1.87; SD = .74). The situation of the respondent having had a close person fall ill with COVID-19 or die as a result of coronavirus infection was found to be significant for the level of experienced fear of COVID-19 in the studied group (t (469.46) = -2.98; p = .003). Conclusions The significantly higher level of fear in the group of young people who knew someone close with severe (fatal) COVID-19 disease indicates that psychological support may be more significant for such people than for individuals who have not experienced such a situation. A similar conclusion can be formulated taking into account the gender criterion, as the results make it possible to predict that women expect more support in a pandemic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Turska
- Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia, Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Natalia Stępień-Lampa
- Institute of Political Science, University of Silesia, Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Paweł Grzywna
- Institute of Political Science, University of Silesia, Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
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4
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Green ZA, Faizi F, Jalal R, Zadran Z. Emotional support received moderates academic stress and mental well-being in a sample of Afghan university students amid COVID-19. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1748-1755. [PMID: 34903066 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211057729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic stress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered high levels of anxiety and depression and other severe mental health issues among university students around the globe. In Afghanistan, there is a paucity of research on the academic and mental health issues of Afghan university students and none pertaining to their academic stress and mental well-being amid the pandemic. AIM This research examines the potential stress-buffering role of emotional support received between academic stress and mental well-being in a sample of Afghan university students during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHOD The study sample comprised 508 Afghan university students. An online survey was developed for data collection. Model 1 of the PROCESS macro was used to conduct the moderation analysis. RESULTS These indicate that moderate and high levels of emotional support received may protect against the negative effects of higher levels of academic stress on mental well-being. CONCLUSION This research makes an important contribution to the literature on social support. It may be inferred from the results that Afghan university students who experience academic stress, but have strong emotional support are able to attain greater mental well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak as compared to those with weak emotional support. Results may encourage mental health practitioners, university counselors, education administrators, and faculty to jointly formulate strategies for offering emotional support to Afghan university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Asher Green
- Faculty of Business Administration, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Farkhonda Faizi
- Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rahmatullah Jalal
- Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zarifa Zadran
- Faculty of Economics, Kabul University, Kart-e-Char, Kabul, Afghanistan
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Vélez-Morón A, Andújar-Barroso RT, Allande-Cussó R, García-Iglesias JJ, Aquino-Cárdenas G, Gómez-Salgado J. Measuring anxiety and fear of Covid-19 among older people: psychometric properties of anxiety and fear of Covid-19 scale (AMICO) in Spain. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1589. [PMID: 35987563 PMCID: PMC9392509 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13960-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The elderly population has proven to be a particularly vulnerable group with regard to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to study the psychometric properties of the Ansiedad y MIedo a Covid-19 scale (AMICO) on a population-based sample of elderly people. Methods A descriptive and psychometric cross-sectional study, based on questionnaires, was carried out. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was performed, as well as a bivariate analysis between the different sociodemographic variables with respect to the total scale score. Results A sample of 720 adults over 65 years of age was obtained, 52.2% of whom were women. The structure of the factor of the scale showed two factors (fear and anxiety) and was confirmed with good fit parameters. The overall reliability of the scale in terms of internal consistency was α = 0.94. Conclusions The AMICO scale is a valid and reliable instrument to measure anxiety and fear of COVID-19 in the Spanish population over 65 years of age. Women and subjects with a partner showed the highest values of fear and anxiety.
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Green ZA, Yıldırım M. Personal growth initiative moderates the mediating effect of COVID-19 preventive behaviors between fear of COVID-19 and satisfaction with life. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09729. [PMID: 35720766 PMCID: PMC9197570 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focused on a moderated mediation model. First, it determined the mediating effect of COVID-19 preventive behaviors between fear of COVID-19 and satisfaction with life. Next, it examined whether personal growth initiative moderated the mediation effect. The study comprised 461 Pakistani university students (52% men and 48% women) between 18 and 35 years (M = 24.66, SD = 3.51). Results indicated that higher levels of fear of COVID-19 were linked to greater adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors, which in turn were related to higher levels of satisfaction with life (mediation model). With regard to the hypothesized moderated mediation model, results showed that personal growth initiative moderated the mediating path from fear of COVID-19 to satisfaction with life and from COVID-19 preventive behaviours to satisfaction with life. Further, results suggested that fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 preventive behaviours had stronger effects on satisfaction with life when personal growth initiative was high, but not when it was low or moderate. It was therefore concluded that personal growth initiative may play a protective role in buffering the negative effect of higher levels of fear of COVID-19 on satisfaction with life and an enabling role in strengthening the relationship between COVID-19 preventive behaviors and satisfaction with life. Theoretical contribution and practical implications of the results are discussed as well as the study limitations and future research prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Asher Green
- Faculty of Business Administration, Preston University, Islamabad Campus, No 85, Street 3, Sector H-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan
| | - Murat Yıldırım
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Erzurum, Yolu 4 Km 04100, Merkez, Ağrı, Turkey.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavior, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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7
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Green ZA, Yıldırım M, Jalal R. Testing the Career Construction Model of Adaptation in a Sample of Afghanistan’s Working Adults: A Longitudinal Study. JOURNAL OF CAREER ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/10690727221084291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the Career Construction Model of Adaptation (CCMA) in a sample of Afghanistan’s working adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures of adaptation were applied at three time points, that is, positive orientation toward future (adaptive readiness) at Time 1, career adaptability (adaptability resources) and competence need satisfaction at work (adapting responses) at Time 2, and meaningful work (adaptation result) at Time 3. Testing the model through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that the indirect effect of positive orientation toward future at Time 1 on meaningful work at Time 3 via the combination of career adaptability and competence need satisfaction at work at Time 2 was significant and positive. Results support Afghan employees’ career construction over time. Theoretical contribution of the results and strategies for assisting Afghan employees in crafting their careers in the current political situation are discussed. Study limitations and prospects for future research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Asher Green
- Faculty of Business Administration, Preston University, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan
- Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan
| | - Murat Yıldırım
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Turkey
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavior, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Rahmatullah Jalal
- Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan
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8
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Wang F, Zhang L, Ding L, Wang L, Deng Y. Fear of COVID-19 Among College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:846894. [PMID: 35299699 PMCID: PMC8921101 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.846894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health issue among college students is routinely a major public health concern, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have exacerbated the students' mental health issues which include psychological distress, panic disorder, insomnia, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, few studies reached a consensus on the impact of COVID-19 fear on mental health among college students. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis that quantitatively synthesized the fear among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO electronic databases were systematically searched to identify cross-sectional study reporting the state of COVID-19 fear examined by the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) published up until November 20, 2021. Methodological quality was complied with the evaluation criteria of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The random effects model was employed to estimate the pooled mean of FCV-19S score. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were also conducted. Publication bias was assessed by Begg's test and funnel plot. Results A total of 16 studies with a sample size of 11,872 were included. A pooled mean of FCV-19S score was 17.60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 16.41–18.78]. The mean of COVID-19 fear in women (17.11, 95% CI: 16.59–17.64) was higher than that in men (15.21, 95% CI: 14.33–16.08). The highest and lowest pooled means of FCV-19S score were observed in the studies conducted in multiple countries that include Israel, Russian, and Belarus (21.55, 95% CI: 20.77–22.33) and in Europe (16.52, 95% CI: 15.26–17.77), respectively. No significant publication bias was detected by Begg's test. Conclusions College students experienced a moderate level of fear caused by COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to design and implement prevention programs that target the mental health of college students. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021287017, identifier: CRD42021287017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Le Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Lu Ding
- Department of Public Health, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Yang Deng
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Tomás JM, Vilca LW, Carbajal-León C, Cervigni M, Gallegos M, Martino P, Barés I, Calandra M, Anacona CAR, López-Calle C, Moreta-Herrera R, Chacón-Andrade ER, Lobos-Rivera ME, del Carpio P, Quintero Y, Robles E, Lombardo MP, Recalde OG, Figares AB, White M, Videla CB. Socio-Demographic Variables, Fear of COVID-19, Anxiety, and Depression: Prevalence, Relationships and Explanatory Model in the General Population of Seven Latin American Countries. Front Psychol 2021; 12:695989. [PMID: 34803794 PMCID: PMC8602858 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.695989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has gravely impacted Latin America. A model was tested that evaluated the contribution of socio-demographic factors and fear of COVID-19 on anxiety and depression in samples of residents in seven Latin American countries (Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, and El Salvador). A total of 4,881 individuals, selected by convenience sampling, participated in the study. Moderate and severe levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety were identified, as well as a moderate average level of fear of COVID-19. In addition, it was observed that about a quarter of the participants presented symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and a major depressive episode. Fear of COVID-19 significantly and positively predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms, whereas the effects of socio-demographic variables are generally low [χ2(287) = 5936.96, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.064 [0.062, 0.065]; CFI = 0.947; and SRMR = 0.050]. This suggests the need for the implementation of preventive actions in the general population of these countries, with the aim of reducing the prevalence of depressive, anxious and fearful symptoms related to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José M. Tomás
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lindsey W. Vilca
- Departamento de Psicología, Peruvian Union University, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Mauricio Cervigni
- Facultad de Psicología, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Miguel Gallegos
- Facultad de Psicología, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Catholic University of the Maule, Maule, Chile
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Martino
- Facultad de Psicología, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Barés
- Facultad de Psicología, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Manuel Calandra
- Facultad de Psicología, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Edgardo René Chacón-Andrade
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Marlon Elías Lobos-Rivera
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Perla del Carpio
- Department of Social Studies, University of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Yazmín Quintero
- Department of Social Studies, University of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Erika Robles
- Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, University Autonomous of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Michael White
- Dirección General de Investigación, Peruvian Union University, Lima, Peru
| | - Carmen Burgos Videla
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Sociales y Educación, Universidad de Atacama, Copiapó, Chile
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Green ZA. Strengthening career adaptation among school teachers in Pakistan: Test of strengths-based career intervention imparted through emotionalized learning experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE 2021; 23:43-75. [PMID: 34603554 PMCID: PMC8478636 DOI: 10.1007/s10775-021-09502-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study demonstrated that the Exemplary Teaching intervention offered to Pakistan's school teachers through the emotionalized learning experiences (ELE) format fared better than that offered through the teacher-centered methodology as regards the development of career adaptability, teaching self-efficacy, and work engagement from Time 1 to Time 2. Analyses to explore the development of career variables from Time 2 to Time 4 revealed that only the teachers who were offered the ELE intervention effectively engaged in step-by-step career construction over the academic year. Theoretical contributions of the results and implications for offering future career interventions amid COVID-19 are also discussed. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10775-021-09502-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Asher Green
- Faculty of Business Administration, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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11
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Green ZA. Character strengths intervention for nurturing well-being among Pakistan's university students: A mixed-method study. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 14:252-277. [PMID: 34431238 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A strengths intervention, The Good Life, was developed for this study to augment Pakistani university students' PERMA-oriented well-being. The intervention strategy focused on all 24 strengths, observing strengths in others, and developing the lesser strengths based on the dominant ones. Intervention best practices from positive, vocational, and educational psychology were also implemented to support greater learning capabilities among participants. Additionally, fidelity to training was observed to ensure intervention integrity. In this three-wave longitudinal study, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 91) and a wait-list/no-treatment control group (n = 91). Quantitative results revealed that the experimental group reported greater well-being than the control group immediately after the intervention and 6 months later. Qualitative findings shed light on the character strengths demonstrated by the experimental group to build each PERMA dimension during Time 2 and Time 3. Findings also provided insights into how the experimental group experienced well-being during Time 2 and Time 3. Together, the quantitative and qualitative findings provide encouraging evidence regarding the long-term efficacy of the intervention in Pakistan's collective society. Implications for offering future strengths interventions amid the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations for improving the Good Life intervention are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Asher Green
- Faculty of Business Administration, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Contemporary Research Initiative, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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