scholarly journals Managing uncertainty: Lone parents' time horizons and agency in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Núria Sánchez-Mira ◽  
Benjamin Moles-Kalt ◽  
Laura Bernardi
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Lone Parents ◽  
Multiple Paths ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
Multiple Domains ◽  
Fourth Wave

Objective: This article shows the analytical value of an approach that integrates theoretical elaborations about the temporal orientations of different types of agency (pragmatic, identity, and life course) and uncertainty management, to analyse how families dealt with the challenges emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: The pandemic has been a major shock that has seriously challenged families' ability to adapt to sudden changes affecting multiple domains of life. Switzerland established a low-intensity lockdown in the spring of 2020, with social-distancing measures based on official recommendations. Changes in employment situations and school closures resulted in significant alterations to family life. This study examines how individuals with a trajectory of lone parenthood dealt with the increased uncertainties generated by this novel context. Method: Empirical data stems from the fourth wave of fieldwork of the longitudinal project "The multiple paths of lone parenthood", ongoing in French-speaking Switzerland since 2012–2013. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 participants between April and June 2020. Results: The emergence of novel situations, the ambiguity of social-distancing measures, and the breakdown of routines accentuated pragmatic agency for most families. With the chronification of uncertainty, parents sought to regain identity agency by restabilising everyday routines. Uncertainty about future developments diminished life course agency, especially for parents in more insecure situations. Conclusion: The study offers an original perspective on the challenges of living through increased uncertainty and changing environments triggered by the pandemic, by highlighting the relevance of temporalities for understanding agency within life course processes.

How did Autistic Children, and their Parents, Experience School Transition during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee Code ◽  
Umar Toseeb ◽  
Kathryn Asbury ◽  
Laura Fox
Keyword(s):  
School Transition ◽  
School Closure ◽  
School Transitions ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
New School ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant school closures, social distancing measures, and restrictions placed on routine activities, the start of the academic year in September 2020 was a unique time for those transitioning to a new school. This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents who supported autistic children making a school transition in 2020, and to examine what impact parents perceived the COVID-19 pandemic had on their child’s school transition. Emphasis was placed on identifying facilitating factors that had benefitted school transitions, and barriers, which had negatively impacted these experiences. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 parents of autistic children in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify themes in interview data. Parents reported a variety of experiences, and factors that were perceived as facilitatory to some were observed to be barriers by others. For some parents, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted aspects of school transitions. For example, school closure in March 2020, being unable to visit their child’s new school, and social distancing measures were discussed as being barriers to an easy transition. However, other parents identified these factors as being facilitatory for their child or reported that these circumstances created opportunities to approach the school transition in a unique, improved manner. This paper sheds light on the heterogeneity of experiences and perceptions of parents of autistic children, and highlights the need to examine the impact of COVID-19 on school transitions, including practices which may be advantageous to retain.

scholarly journals Sex difference in travel is concentrated in adolescence and tracks reproductive interests

2014 ◽  
Vol 281 (1796) ◽  
pp. 20141476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. Miner ◽  
Michael Gurven ◽  
Hillard Kaplan ◽  
Steven J. C. Gaulin
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Travel Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sexual Competition ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Market Town ◽  
Sexual Selection Theory ◽  
Women's Travel ◽  
The Life Course

Sexual selection theory suggests that the sex with a higher potential reproductive rate will compete more strongly for access to mates. Stronger intra-sexual competition for mates may explain why males travel more extensively than females in many terrestrial vertebrates. A male-bias in lifetime distance travelled is a purported human universal, although this claim is based primarily on anecdotes. Following sexual maturity, motivation to travel outside the natal territory may vary over the life course for both sexes. Here, we test whether travel behaviour among Tsimane forager–horticulturalists is associated with shifting reproductive priorities across the lifespan. Using structured interviews, we find that sex differences in travel peak during adolescence when men and women are most intensively searching for mates. Among married adults, we find that greater offspring dependency load is associated with reduced travel among women, but not men. Married men are more likely to travel alone than women, but only to the nearest market town and not to other Tsimane villages. We conclude that men's and women's travel behaviour reflects differential gains from mate search and parenting across the life course.

scholarly journals Older African Americans’ Perspectives on Exposure to Structural Discrimination Across Contexts and the Life Course

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 689-689
Author(s):  
Sarah LaFave ◽  
Sarah Szanton ◽  
Roland Thorpe
Keyword(s):  
African Americans ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Older African Americans ◽  
Environmental Toxin ◽  
Development Of Instrument ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
Interpersonal Level

Abstract This presentation reports on findings from the first phase of a mixed methods study aimed at developing an instrument to assess older African Americans’ exposure to structural racial discrimination. We conducted semi-structured interviews with older African Americans about their perspectives on and exposure to structural discrimination. Participants (n=20) were community-dwelling African Americans aged fifty and older in Baltimore, MD. Participants described exposure to structural discrimination that had accumulated across the life course and across the contexts of education, employment, healthcare services, criminal justice system, neighborhood factors, media and marketing of unhealthy products, environmental toxin exposures, and income, credit and wealth. In the next phase of the study, we will incorporate these findings into the development of instrument items. Developing and testing a tool to assess exposure to discrimination beyond the interpersonal level is an important step in identifying solutions to mitigate the contribute of discrimination to racial health disparities.

scholarly journals Captivating Perplexities of Spinareovirinae 5′ RNA Caps

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 294
Author(s):  
Justine Kniert ◽  
Qi Feng Lin ◽  
Maya Shmulevitz
Keyword(s):  
Immune Recognition ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
The Many ◽  
Rna Capping ◽  
Multiple Domains ◽  
Rna Caps

RNAs with methylated cap structures are present throughout multiple domains of life. Given that cap structures play a myriad of important roles beyond translation, such as stability and immune recognition, it is not surprising that viruses have adopted RNA capping processes for their own benefit throughout co-evolution with their hosts. In fact, that RNAs are capped was first discovered in a member of the Spinareovirinae family, Cypovirus, before these findings were translated to other domains of life. This review revisits long-past knowledge and recent studies on RNA capping among members of Spinareovirinae to help elucidate the perplex processes of RNA capping and functions of RNA cap structures during Spinareovirinae infection. The review brings to light the many uncertainties that remain about the precise capping status, enzymes that facilitate specific steps of capping, and the functions of RNA caps during Spinareovirinae replication.

scholarly journals COVD-07. THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS AFFECTED BY BRAIN TUMORS: THE PATIENT NAVIGATOR PERSPECTIVE

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii22-ii22
Author(s):  
Kyle Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Patient Navigator ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Tumor Patient ◽  
Patient Navigators ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND Preliminary evidence indicates that glioma patients are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications due to systemic immunosuppression. Interruptions in cancer care may exacerbate patient and caregiver anxiety, but surveying patients/caregivers about their COVID-19 experiences is often limited by attainable sample sizes and over-reliance upon single-institution experiences. METHODS To explore how COVID-19 is impacting brain tumor patients/caregivers across the U.S., we performed semi-structured interviews with brain tumor patient navigators employed by two different 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. A semi-structured interview guide was used, utilizing prompts and open-ended questions to facilitate dialogue. A core set of COVID-19 topics were covered, including: financial issues, coping strategies, geographic variability, variability by tumor grade/histology, disruptions in care continuity, accessing clinical trials, psychosocial issues, and end-of-life care. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and organized by discussion topic to identify emerging themes. Inductive sub-coding was completed using the constant comparison method, within and between transcripts. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Ten patient navigators were interviewed between April 15th and May 8th, with interviews lasting approximately one hour (range 38-77minutes). Navigators reported having contact with 183 unique brain tumor families during the pandemic (range 7–38 families per navigator). High concordance emerged across narratives, revealing important considerations for the neuro-oncology workforce. The most prominent theme was increased caregiver burden, attributed to maintaining social distancing by reducing visits from home-health aides and friends/family. A related theme that applied to both patients and caregivers was increased social isolation due to social distancing, suspension of in-person support groups, and church/temple closures. Accessing clinical trials was a recurrent issue, exacerbated by patients’ increasing unwillingness to travel. Glioblastoma patients, especially those with recurrent tumors, expressed greater reluctance to travel. Access to standard-of-care treatment was rarely interrupted, but reduced access to supportive services – especially physical and occupational therapy – was identified as an emerging COVID-related deficiency in clinical care.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Adaptations to the Call for Social Distancing and Use of Technology: Insights From Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and Lived Experiences

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482199686
Author(s):  
Shoshana H. Bardach ◽  
Elizabeth K. Rhodus ◽  
Kelly Parsons ◽  
Allison K. Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Technology Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Socioemotional Selectivity Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Socioemotional Selectivity ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Comparison Approach

Social distancing guidelines during COVID can be isolating, especially for older adults, with potential for poor health outcomes. Technology offers opportunities for remote connection, yet, older adults’ use of and perspectives on technology during this time remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into older adults’ technology use and preferences to inform the development of a technology training intervention to support older adult well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 older adults. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative, constant comparison approach. Findings were consistent with Socioemotional Selectivity Theory; respondents were primarily interested in technology to support emotionally meaningful goals. Participants indicated limited interest in technology training, referencing diminished future time perspectives to explain disinterest. Findings suggest that efforts to encourage older adults’ expanded technology adoption should highlight how use supports emotionally meaningful goals and provide low-effort, timely training, tied to specific and clear applications.

Understanding barriers and facilitators to compliance with UK social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative interview study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Burton ◽  
Alison McKinlay ◽  
Joanna Dawes ◽  
Anna Roberts ◽  
Wendy Fynn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Shared Spaces ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Motivation Model

ObjectivesWhen followed, there is evidence that social distancing measures play a major role in reducing the transmission of viruses such as COVID-19. However, not all individuals follow the guidance. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to compliance with United Kingdom social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodSemi-structured interviews with 116 adults. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and themes mapped to domains of the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM-B).Main Outcome MeasuresWe identified 12 themes affecting compliance to UK social distancing guidelines.ResultsBarriers to compliance included inconsistent rules, caring responsibilities, fatigue, unintended consequences of control measures, and the need for emotional support. Facilitators were informational support and social responsibility. Six themes acted both as a barrier or facilitator: lived environment and shared spaces, beliefs about consequences of non-compliance, influence of others, practical social support, and trust in government. Conclusions Participants experienced a range of barriers and facilitators to compliance, often dependent on individual circumstances. Reflective motivation, psychological capability and social opportunity were important drivers for compliance. Measures that enable social support alongside strategies that help maintain motivation to comply, provide clear guidance and optimise social cohesion should be promoted.

scholarly journals Modelling transmission and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheryl L. Chang ◽  
Nathan Harding ◽  
Cameron Zachreson ◽  
Oliver M. Cliff ◽  
Mikhail Prokopenko
Keyword(s):  
Computational Simulation ◽  
International Travel ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Control

Abstract There is a continuing debate on relative benefits of various mitigation and suppression strategies aimed to control the spread of COVID-19. Here we report the results of agent-based modelling using a fine-grained computational simulation of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. This model is calibrated to match key characteristics of COVID-19 transmission. An important calibration outcome is the age-dependent fraction of symptomatic cases, with this fraction for children found to be one-fifth of such fraction for adults. We apply the model to compare several intervention strategies, including restrictions on international air travel, case isolation, home quarantine, social distancing with varying levels of compliance, and school closures. School closures are not found to bring decisive benefits unless coupled with high level of social distancing compliance. We report several trade-offs, and an important transition across the levels of social distancing compliance, in the range between 70% and 80% levels, with compliance at the 90% level found to control the disease within 13–14 weeks, when coupled with effective case isolation and international travel restrictions.

Muslim Values in Islamic and Non-Islamic Societies

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-63
Author(s):  
Robert M. Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Family Values ◽  
Muslim Minority ◽  
The World ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
Muslim Majority ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Fourth Wave ◽  
Islamic Society ◽  
Representative Samples

Abstract Values are conceptions of the desirable in various domains of life. This study tests the hypotheses that (1) when Muslims are a minority living in a non-Islamic society (e.g., India, Singapore, Uganda), their values are more similar to those of the non-Muslim majority religion in their society than to those of Muslims in Muslim-majority Islamic societies (e.g., Iran, Morocco, Pakistan); and (2) this tendency toward value assimilation is more pronounced when the Muslim minority is socially included, rather than excluded, by the non-Muslim majority. Data from representative samples of the population of nine Muslim-majority societies and nine Muslim-minority societies in the 2000 (fourth) wave of the World Values Surveys are used to construct scales for three domains of cultural values: religious values, family values, and gender values, and measures of social exclusion. The findings largely confirm hypothesis 1 and lend some support to hypothesis 2.

“Care from the heart”: older minoritised women's perceptions of dignity in care

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roiyah Saltus ◽  
Christalla Pithara
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women’S Perceptions ◽  
Social Markers

Purpose – Drawing findings from a large mixed-method study on perceptions of dignity, care expectations, and support in relation to older women from Black and minority-ethnic backgrounds, the purpose of this paper is to explore the interrelationships between life course events and the multiple roles adopted by women at different points in time that have shaped their perceptions of care and their care expectations in old age. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 32 semi-structured interviews were undertaken, allowing for the collection of data on the participants’ understanding of growing old, and the meaning and attributes of care and what care with dignity “looked and felt like”. The theoretical framework is guided by a life-course approach and grounded within an intersectionality perspective. The majority of the participants were migrants. Findings – Social markers such as ethnicity and cultural identity were found to influence the participants’ understanding and expectations of care with factors such as gender identity and integration in the local community also of importance. How women felt they were perceived and “recognised” by others in their everyday lives with particular focus at the time of old age with the increased potential of loss of dignity due to declining capabilities, raised the importance of the family involvement in care provision, and perceived differences in the attributes of paid and non-paid care. The notion of “care from the heart” emerged as a key attribute of care with dignity. Care with dignity was understood as a purposeful activity, undertaken with intent to show respect and to acknowledge the participants’ sense of worth and value. Practical implications – The implications of this study are relevant in the current debate taking place at the EU level about the lived experiences of ageing migrant groups and care expectations. Originality/value – The study highlights the importance of the social nature of dignity, how wider societal structures can impact and shape how care is understood for older women of migrant and minoritised backgrounds, and the need to explore migration and care across the life course.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document