Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a pervasive and devastating condition, often resulting in permanent alterations in cognition, behavior, and personality. As such, survivors of severe TBI usually rely on the assistance of caregivers to navigate situations of daily living throughout their life span. Spouses of individuals with TBI have been shown to experience greater levels of burden than parental caregivers of TBI survivors (Kreutzer et al., 1994; Mauss-Clum & Ryan, 1981) and subsequently rates of divorce and separation have been documented within the research literature to be high (Thomsen, 1984; Wood et al., 2005). Although marital breakdown has been frequently studied, research on marital satisfaction and coping within long-term marriages where one spouse has survived a severe TBI remains insufficient. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of long-term spousal caregivers of individuals with severe TBI. First, demographic variables of caregiving spouses of individuals with severe TBI, who remained married at least 10 years post injury, were described and comparisons to other spousal caregiver samples were addressed. Second, the relationship between marital adjustment and demographic variables, coping, and quality of life was examined. Finally, an analysis of primary stressors was conducted to better understand the caregiving spouses' continued experience of stressors. Twenty-one spousal caregivers who remained married for at least 10 years post injury to their spouse who sustained a severe TBI participated in the study. Analyses revealed that spouses had remained married an average of 19 years post-injury and in general were mildly dissatisfied within their marriages. Furthermore, marital adjustment (Dyadic Adjustment Scale total score) of long-term spousal caregivers of severe TBI was not significantly different than spousal caregivers of individuals with chronic illness. Higher marital satisfaction scores were associated with higher endorsement of emotion-focused coping strategies and greater mental health quality of life. In addition, marital satisfaction was positively associated with the longevity of the marital relationship, the age of the spouse at the time of the injury, and the length of the marriage at the time when the injury was sustained. As expected, higher scores of marital satisfaction were associated with higher levels of mental health quality of life. There were no significant relationships between physical health quality of life and marital satisfaction. An analysis of primary stressors show that long-term caregiving spouses continue to report similar types of stressors as indicated in the research literature from caregiving spouses during the first 5 to 8 years post injury. Findings were discussed in relation to implications for practice and additional research.

In this article, we review the limited but growing body of research on international skilled migrants and examine to what extent knowledge generated in adjacent research streams-specifically, work on assigned and self-initiated expatriates-can be meaningfully applied to aid our under- standing of the challenges, coping strategies, and acculturation dynamics of skilled migrants. We develop a framework that explains how variables and processes at multiple levels (individual, organisational, and societal) influence migrant acculturation and coping and result in integration-related outcomes in the domains of personal/family life and workplace/career. We discuss directions for future research and implications for practice.

Since 1999, there has been a significant increase in the number of food insecure individuals in the United States. The Great Recession (2007-2009) and slow economic recovery has led to additional increases in rates of food insecurity and the usage of emergency food assistance programs. Thirty qualitative interviews with individuals seeking emergency food assistance at a Tampa Bay food pantry were conducted. Interviews focused on collecting the life experiences of participants, the barriers they face in having food security, their strategies to cope with limited food budgets, and how food insecurity impacts their household's overall health and wellbeing. Recommendations for fulfilling the immediate need for food as well as addressing the larger issues that lead to and perpetuate food insecurity and hunger are presented in this paper. In collaboration with the food pantry, a booklet presenting personal experiences of hunger alongside broad institutional forces affecting food insecurity was disseminated in the community in hopes of increasing awareness of and support for combating this important social issue.

Stigma and discrimination are now recognised as major factors in the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). To date, research has focused on how to change individual responses to stigma and discrimination without exploring the social and structural dimensions. Complex community and societal dimensions, such as culture, power and difference need to be explored if progress is to be made in coping with stigma and discrimination. India now has HIV/AIDS prevalence figures to rival sub Saharan Africa. The disease has spread from high-risk populations such as intravenous drug users and commercial sex workers into the general population. Married, monogamous, heterosexual women in slum communities are highly vulnerable. Factors such as caste, class, ethnic group, poverty and social expectations present formidable layers of stigma for these women. They have also faced discrimination since before their birth. HIV/AIDS imposes yet another layer of stigma and discrimination upon their shoulders. The aims of the study were firstly to investigate whether stigma and discrimination existed for these women by documenting and analysing literature on the individual, societal and cultural situation of Indian women living with HIV/AIDS (IWLWHAs). Secondly, the study aimed to identify, evaluate and explore the psychosocial needs and coping strategies of IWLWHAs, to determine the barriers to accessing health services, and describe community perceptions as they were experienced by the participants. / This qualitative research study examined the multiple layers of stigma and discrimination experienced by women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in a low socio-economic area of Mumbai, India. This was achieved by interviewing women who were benefiting from a home-based service - Positive Living - An integrated home-based care programme for people living with HIV/AIDS under the auspices of the KJ Somaiya Hospital in Mumbai. This programme provides a nutrition and home-based service to the nearby community slums. The conceptual framework used for this study was developed to evaluate the effects of natural disasters such as tsunamis, floods and earthquakes. HIV/AIDS is no less of a tragedy for individuals, families and communities. Within this framework, human capacity or the ability of individuals to cope is linked to social ecology - the relationship between individuals and their community. This dimension overlaps with culture and values. Three other dimensions affect humans - economic status, the environment and living conditions, and physical health. I have developed this framework further to examine threats and strengths which arise from these dimensions, and which affect human resilience. An exploratory case study was considered the most suitable approach to explore these areas, as it permits more sensitivity and richer data, and enhances rigour. In-depth interviews of 45 women in three different age groups, home visits and observations, focus group discussion, key informants, narratives, vignettes and photographs were supported by documentary data collection in triangulation of the data. A reflective journal recorded observations and perceptions in the field during three months in India. / Results from the combined data indicated that IWLWHAs experienced discrimination in their families, communities and health care settings. Fear of future discrimination ensured secrecy which, in turn, prevented them accessing community services which would provide emotional and physical support. A range of reactions was demonstrated by the affected women, half of whom were also infected which added to their burden. Women who could not disclose their condition were extremely isolated, lacked family and community support, feared the future and felt hopeless. Despite their appalling living conditions of poverty, overcrowding, prevalence of disease and pollution, the women displayed a sense of pride, dignity and resilience. Culturally appropriate strategies are necessary to address the lack of education and awareness as only two of the 45 women had any knowledge of HIV/AIDS before their own diagnosis which often followed their husbands' positive status. In addition, the social and cultural dimensions which affect these women have to be explored and examined in order to strengthen the 'shock absorbers' of the family. The community health workers and co-ordinator of the home-based service were vital in providing emotional support and health information to the women. Finally, no change is possible unless men take responsibility for their sexual mores. Policy makers and programmes have to look further for strategies which would engage men in the process to change their attitudes and thus protect vulnerable women and children.

Postgraduate research presents particular challenges to students: self-management, independent research, extended writing, and working with a supervisor. If we add to these challenges those faced by international students - the complexity of a new culture, a new academic culture, and the difficulties of a second language - we begin to see the hurdles that such students must overcome. Postgraduate students are already well socialised into their discipline, its discourse, research, and methodology. However, when students undertake their study abroad, how easily do they 'fit' into their new environment? And in what ways does their previous disciplinary socialisation, clash with, or complement their new academic socialisation? Given the large numbers of Chinese international students studying abroad particularly at postgraduate level, a focus on individual student experiences was seen as important in advancing our understanding of these students' experiences and sensitising international providers of such education to the ways in which they may better respond to such students. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of Chinese international postgraduate students studying in Singapore to find out how they perceived their new learning environment, and to explore the coping strategies they employed to manage, understand and construct meaning out of their learning situation. The study also sought to focus on their particular learning needs, given their perception of their environment, and the ways in which higher education providers could best accommodate these needs. A qualitative constructivist methodology was used to examine the learning experiences and coping strategies of 12 Chinese international postgraduates balanced by gender and level of higher degree study involved. The students were interviewed twice over a five-month period, with each interview lasting approximately one hour. The study focused on understanding students' experiences of positive and negative incidents in their learning environment, on the construction of meaning around those incidents, and on students' subsequent responses to them. Potential differences across the variables of level of degree study, gender and marital status were also considered in the analysis. Four major themes were identified in the student experiences those of marginalisation: student/supervisory relationship, academic/organisational marginalisation, social marginalisation, and advantaging. The coping strategies identified are those of self-determination and technique. It was found that adjustment for students was most difficult in the first six to twelve months from entry into the new cultural context, largely due to the influence of previous educational and cultural experiences on expectations. Also highlighted was the range of interpersonal and intrapersonal coping strategies that students used to help manage their cultural transition. The importance of collegial support as a key coping strategy for international student adjustment was confirmed in the study. Self-determination was also shown to be a strong motivator for managing research work and interpersonal relationships. The research indicated a number of important differences between masters and doctoral students' experiences and highlighted differences concerning traditional gender roles. Implications arising from the study may inform intervention programmes that are directed to the points of tension identified in students' experiences. The tensions in student experiences may largely be understood in terms of unrealistic or unfulfilled expectations being brought to the new study context but grounded in the home culture. Addressing these needs may be seen in various ways, including: (1) changing student expectations to make them more realistic; (2) sensitising students in cross-cultural issues; (3) sensitising host university staff in understanding and responding to cross-cultural issues in students; (4) providing appropriate levels of support in dealing with issues as they arise; and (5) structuring opportunities for mutual support by students in the host institution. Further research is indicated into the investigation of the cultural transition experiences and coping strategies of other national or ethnic groups at postgraduate level. Investigation of the experiences of international Chinese students in other disciplines, other host countries, and at other education levels is also indicated.

Adolescence is the period of physical and emotional development from childhood to adulthood. As an adolescent develops they struggle with many issues including developing independence from their parents, embracing peer culture, an increase in the importance of body image and the development of sexual, vocational, and moral identity. The diagnosis and treatment for cancer can interfere with the adolescent meeting these goals, and subsequently cause the experience of adolescence to be more difficult. The aim of this study was to identify how adolescents with cancer cope with their situation. The objectives were to determine the resources adolescents utilise to cope with their experience, and the coping strategies adolescents use to cope with their experience. A thorough literature review identified that there had previously been only limited research with adolescents with cancer. In particular there had been very few qualitative studies investigating the specific coping strategies used by adolescents with cancer, with no such research being undertaken in Queensland. This study was conducted under the epistemological stance of constructionism. Meaning was constructed for this study of adolescents with cancer through the use of grounded theory methods, and secondary analysis of data. Interviews were collected by the researcher for a project at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Using grounded theory methods, seven of the interviews were analysed. In the process of developing a central category, Schatzman's Dimensional Matrix was used to assign codes into context, processes, consequences, and conditions, under the central category of “conquering the cancer experience”. The experience of diagnosis and treatment for cancer was difficult for these adolescents, however they ultimately coped and became stronger as a result of their experience. The key findings of this study identified that adolescents were able to cope with their experience. These finding were discussed in relation to factors which enhanced their coping, factors which influenced their ability to cope and how the experience changed the adolescent. Recommendations were also made with the aim of improving the experience of adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer in Queensland. Through the implementation of the recommendations of this study, hopefully the journey of adolescents with cancer can be made easier.

Utilising an interpretive descriptive approach, this qualitative study explores and identifies how spouses and partners of stroke survivors sustain their own health and wellness. Recent literature has mainly focused on identifying psychological coping strategies thought to assist in adapting to the caring role. As a consequence, there is limited knowledge regarding the experiences of how spouses and partners attend to their own health and well-being. This study aimed to explore how spouses and partners sustain their own health and wellness while supporting a stroke survivor. Purposive and theoretical sampling strategies were used to guide recruitment. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven spouses and partners who were living with, and supporting a stroke survivor. A central theme with three sub-themes became apparent when examining spouses and partners’ experiences. The theme of Meeting Needs connects the three sub-themes, in that spouses’ and partners’ health and wellness appeared to be influenced by and intertwined with attending to the stroke survivors’ needs. The context of Being in a Relationship provided a rationale for prioritising the stroke survivors’ needs and was the first sub-theme. Secondly, Living Both Lives explains how spouses/partners were busy thinking and attending primarily to the stroke survivor’s daily requirements whilst also trying to attend their own needs. The third sub-theme, Uncertain Health encompasses how a spouse’s and partner’s well-being is connected to the stroke survivors’ health and their future concerns about being able to provide care if they themselves become sick. Therefore, these circumstances shaped their ability to attend to their own health and well-being. Whilst attending to the stroke survivor was at the forefront of their minds there were some strategies which spouses/partners utilised to support their own health and well-being. These were: creating time and space for themselves; talking with others; and comparing own lives against others who were seen to be worse or better off, in order to support their own emotional well-being. This study found that the participants struggled to prioritise and attend to their own health and well-being, as most of them was busy primarily attending to the stroke survivor’s needs. Overall, results suggest that exploring what spouses/partners think and do within the relationship could be valuable for health practitioners. Given that it is the intimate nature of being in a relationship that is the foundation for spouses/partners supporting the stroke survivor, it could also be important for services and health professionals to consider the well-being and needs of the couple, not just the stroke survivor.

<p>The objectives of this study was to test the Transition Monitoring Survey (TMS) and to</p><p>examine similarities and differences in the transition experiences between athletes in the</p><p>beginning of the transition and in the middle of the transition from junior to senior sport. A</p><p>pilot study (n = 10) was conducted with a combination of survey and debriefing. The main</p><p>study (n =135) was quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. Participants were divided</p><p>into two groups; athletes in the beginning and athletes in the middle of the transition. The</p><p>results showed thirteen significant differences in demands, coping strategies, resources and</p><p>perceived stress. Athletes in the middle of the transition showed more adaptation to the</p><p>transition process then athletes in the beginning. The study also shows that the TMS works</p><p>well. The results are discussed based on frameworks and previous research.</p>

No description available.

<p>En enkätundersökning utfördes på ledare inom olika företag i Örebro och Tranås. Syftet var att jämföra ledares upplevda stressnivå på små, mellanstora och stora företag, samt att undersöka deras stresshanteringsförmåga, hälsa och arbetstillfredsställelse. Enkäten bestod av 117 frågor som mätte olika stressförhållanden som t.ex. kvantitativ överstimulering, rolloklarhet och ledarskap. Vidare mätte enkäten mental och fysisk hälsa, stresshanteringsmetoder, individegenskaper och arbetstillfredsställelse. Ingen signifikant gruppskillnad fanns gällande ledarnas upplevda stressnivå beroende på om de arbetade på ett litet, mellanstort eller stort företag. Ledarna hade en låg upplevd stressnivå, god fysik och mental hälsa och trivdes med sin arbetssituation. Respondenterna använde sig av konstruktiva stresshanteringsmetoder så som förnuftsorientering och uppgiftsorientering. Svagt ledarskap var den faktor som starkast korrelerade med upplevd stressnivå och arbetstillfredsställelse.</p> / <p>A survey was done on leaders in different companies in Örebro and Tranås. The purpose was to compare leaders perceived stress level i small, medium and large companies, and to examine their coping strategies, health and work satisfaction. The survey consists of 117 questions which measured different stress conditions like quantitative over stimulation, roll ambiguty and leadership. Further on the survey measured mental and physical health, coping strategies, individual characteristics and work satisfaction. No significant groupe difference was found for the leaders perceived stress level depending if they worked in a small, medium or large company. The leaders had a low perceived stress level, good physical and mental health and were satisfied with theire work situation. The respondents used constructive coping methods like rational orientation and task orientation. A powerless leadership was the factor that had the strongest correlation with perceived stress level and work satisfaction.</p>