The thesis analyses forms and levels of social exclusion of Zimbabwean migrants in the South African labour market and society. The research reveals that migrants face social exclusion through unruly practices of public officials and institutional bias. At community and individual level migrants are devalued and stigmatised by the local South Africans and other Zimbabwean migrants. To some extent Zimbabwean migrants participate in their own exclusion as they are divided along regional and ethnic lines. The thesis proposes an analytical framework for understanding the social exclusion of Zimbabwean migrants emphasising on how devaluation of migrant identity narrows the existing structure of opportunity, leading to various coping mechanisms some of which are deviant. The thesis proposes a moral and pragmatic view in understanding the social exclusion of migrants from a cosmopolitan perspective where migrants are citizens of a global world. Using a qualitative methodology the research provides an in-depth analysis of the life histories of fifty eight (58) ‘documented’ and ‘undocumented’ Zimbabwean men and women in Kempton Park and Tembisa. The research was carried out in 2012. Migrants respond to social exclusion by using social capital in the form of family/kinship, ethnic and church networks. Zimbabweans mainly rely on bonding rather than bridging social capital. To a greater extent, migrant networks help them to ‘get by’ and simply survive. The few that have managed to ‘get ahead’, have made use of networks with South African residents and other individuals outside their migrant network systems. These have facilitated acquisition of fake identity documents, jobs and other necessities. Family networks are beginning to repel migrants because of the economic pressures they face leading to the weakening of ties among Zimbabwean migrant family members. / Sociology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Sociology)

A infância e a adolescência são períodos sensíveis de maturação neuronal, caracterizados por alta plasticidade de circuitos encefálicos em desenvolvimento, como é o caso do sistema mesolímbico dopaminérgico. Experiências estressantes neste período, como o isolamento social (IS), podem produzir neuroadaptações nesses circuitos e aumentar a vulnerabilidade ao consumo de drogas e de alimentos palatáveis ao longo da vida. Tendo em vista que extensa literatura analisa longos períodos de isolamento social, que não são modelos adequados para o estresse por isolamento que ocorre em sociedades humanas, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos de uma exposição curta ao isolamento social durante o período pré-púbere sobre o sistema mesolímbico dopaminérgico e a susceptibilidade para o abuso de drogas e para o consumo compulsivo de alimento palatável em ratas Wistar fêmeas, na idade adulta. Também foi objetivo avaliar o papel da exposição crônica a uma dieta rica em sacarose (DRS) sobre estas variáveis. Como resultados, foi observado que o IS aumentou a resposta locomotora a um desafio com anfetamina, bem como aumentou, no estriado dorsal, o imunoconteúdo do transportador de dopamina, da enzima tirosina hidroxilase e diminuiu os níveis do receptor D2 de dopamina (D2R); além disso, os animais submetidos ao IS na pré-puberdade apresentaram aumento nos parâmetros relacionados ao estresse oxidativo após o desafio. De modo interessante, a exposição a DRS preveniu os efeitos do IS sobre a resposta locomotora, mas não afetou os parâmetros dopaminérgicos. O IS também diminuiu o imunoconteúdo basal de D2R no núcleo accumbens (NAc) e estimulou o consumo do tipo-compulsivo de alimento doce (Froot Loops®). A DRS não interferiu nestes parâmetros. Observamos também que o IS não alterou os níveis basais de corticosterona plasmática, enquanto que a DRS diminuiu tais níveis. Os registros das correntes excitatórias pós-sinápticas (CEPS) espontâneas indicaram, como resultado preliminar, que a DRS reduziu o tempo de subida das CEPS, indicando uma resposta glutamatérgica fugaz. Os achados deste estudo demonstram pela primeira vez que um período curto de IS em uma fase crítica do desenvolvimento é capaz de programar o sistema mesolímbico dopaminérgico de forma a aumentar a susceptibilidade tanto ao uso de drogas quanto ao consumo do tipo-aditivo de alimento doce. Esses efeitos podem ser em parte explicados pela redução dos níveis de D2R basal no NAc e pela maior estimulação do sistema dopaminérgico no estriado frente a um desafio com anfetamina. Os achados desta tese sugerem que experiências estressantes, como o isolamento social, durante um período crítico do desenvolvimento é capaz de programar o sistema de recompensa encefálico de forma permanente e aumentar a susceptibilidade a comportamentos aditivos na vida adulta. Identificar fatores preditores de propensão a esse tipo de comportamento é importante para prevenir o desenvolvimento de dependência de drogas e/ou de distúrbios alimentares, além de possibilitar a identificação de alvos terapêuticos e o desenvolvimento de estratégias de tratamento para estes distúrbios. / Childhood and adolescence are sensitive periods of neuronal maturation, characterized by high plasticity of developing brain circuits, such as the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Stressful experiences in these periods, such as social isolation (SI), can produce changes in these circuits and increase vulnerability to drug addiction and eating disorders throughout life. Considering that most of literature analyze long periods of social isolation, that are not good models for social stress in human societies, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a short post-weaning social isolation on mesolimbic dopaminergic system and the susceptibility to drug and food addiction in female Wistar rats in adulthood. Moreover, we also aimed to evaluate the role of a chronic high sugar diet (HSD) on these variables. It was observed that IS increased the locomotor response to a challenge with amphetamine (AMPH), as well as increased the immunocontent of dopamine transporter, the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, decreased the D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) and increased the parameters related to oxidative stress in dorsal striatum after the challenge. Interestingly, exposure to DRS prevented the effects of SI on locomotor response, but did not affect dopaminergic parameters. IS also decreased the basal immunocontent of D2R in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and stimulated binge eating of high sweet food (Froot Loops®). HSD did not interfere with these parameters. We also observed that SI did not alter plasma corticosterone baseline levels after IS, whereas HSD induced a decrease in these levels. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC) indicated, as a preliminary result, that the exposure to a HSD reduced the rise time, indicating a more fleeting glutamatergic response. The findings of this study demonstrate for the first time that a short period of SI at a critical period of development is able to programme the mesolimbic dopaminergic system in order to increase susceptibility to both drug and food addiction. These results are possibly due, at least in part, to low basal levels of D2R in NAc and the higher stimulation of the dopaminergic system in striatum after a challenge with AMPH. The findings of this thesis suggest that stressful experiences such as social isolation during a critical period of development are able to permanently program the brain reward system and increase the susceptibility to additive behaviors in adult life. Identifying predisposing factors to this type of behavior is extremely important to prevent the development of drug addiction and/or eating disorders, to identify therapeutic targets and to enable the development of treatment strategies for these disorders.

A infância e a adolescência são períodos sensíveis de maturação neuronal, caracterizados por alta plasticidade de circuitos encefálicos em desenvolvimento, como é o caso do sistema mesolímbico dopaminérgico. Experiências estressantes neste período, como o isolamento social (IS), podem produzir neuroadaptações nesses circuitos e aumentar a vulnerabilidade ao consumo de drogas e de alimentos palatáveis ao longo da vida. Tendo em vista que extensa literatura analisa longos períodos de isolamento social, que não são modelos adequados para o estresse por isolamento que ocorre em sociedades humanas, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos de uma exposição curta ao isolamento social durante o período pré-púbere sobre o sistema mesolímbico dopaminérgico e a susceptibilidade para o abuso de drogas e para o consumo compulsivo de alimento palatável em ratas Wistar fêmeas, na idade adulta. Também foi objetivo avaliar o papel da exposição crônica a uma dieta rica em sacarose (DRS) sobre estas variáveis. Como resultados, foi observado que o IS aumentou a resposta locomotora a um desafio com anfetamina, bem como aumentou, no estriado dorsal, o imunoconteúdo do transportador de dopamina, da enzima tirosina hidroxilase e diminuiu os níveis do receptor D2 de dopamina (D2R); além disso, os animais submetidos ao IS na pré-puberdade apresentaram aumento nos parâmetros relacionados ao estresse oxidativo após o desafio. De modo interessante, a exposição a DRS preveniu os efeitos do IS sobre a resposta locomotora, mas não afetou os parâmetros dopaminérgicos. O IS também diminuiu o imunoconteúdo basal de D2R no núcleo accumbens (NAc) e estimulou o consumo do tipo-compulsivo de alimento doce (Froot Loops®). A DRS não interferiu nestes parâmetros. Observamos também que o IS não alterou os níveis basais de corticosterona plasmática, enquanto que a DRS diminuiu tais níveis. Os registros das correntes excitatórias pós-sinápticas (CEPS) espontâneas indicaram, como resultado preliminar, que a DRS reduziu o tempo de subida das CEPS, indicando uma resposta glutamatérgica fugaz. Os achados deste estudo demonstram pela primeira vez que um período curto de IS em uma fase crítica do desenvolvimento é capaz de programar o sistema mesolímbico dopaminérgico de forma a aumentar a susceptibilidade tanto ao uso de drogas quanto ao consumo do tipo-aditivo de alimento doce. Esses efeitos podem ser em parte explicados pela redução dos níveis de D2R basal no NAc e pela maior estimulação do sistema dopaminérgico no estriado frente a um desafio com anfetamina. Os achados desta tese sugerem que experiências estressantes, como o isolamento social, durante um período crítico do desenvolvimento é capaz de programar o sistema de recompensa encefálico de forma permanente e aumentar a susceptibilidade a comportamentos aditivos na vida adulta. Identificar fatores preditores de propensão a esse tipo de comportamento é importante para prevenir o desenvolvimento de dependência de drogas e/ou de distúrbios alimentares, além de possibilitar a identificação de alvos terapêuticos e o desenvolvimento de estratégias de tratamento para estes distúrbios. / Childhood and adolescence are sensitive periods of neuronal maturation, characterized by high plasticity of developing brain circuits, such as the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Stressful experiences in these periods, such as social isolation (SI), can produce changes in these circuits and increase vulnerability to drug addiction and eating disorders throughout life. Considering that most of literature analyze long periods of social isolation, that are not good models for social stress in human societies, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a short post-weaning social isolation on mesolimbic dopaminergic system and the susceptibility to drug and food addiction in female Wistar rats in adulthood. Moreover, we also aimed to evaluate the role of a chronic high sugar diet (HSD) on these variables. It was observed that IS increased the locomotor response to a challenge with amphetamine (AMPH), as well as increased the immunocontent of dopamine transporter, the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, decreased the D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) and increased the parameters related to oxidative stress in dorsal striatum after the challenge. Interestingly, exposure to DRS prevented the effects of SI on locomotor response, but did not affect dopaminergic parameters. IS also decreased the basal immunocontent of D2R in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and stimulated binge eating of high sweet food (Froot Loops®). HSD did not interfere with these parameters. We also observed that SI did not alter plasma corticosterone baseline levels after IS, whereas HSD induced a decrease in these levels. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC) indicated, as a preliminary result, that the exposure to a HSD reduced the rise time, indicating a more fleeting glutamatergic response. The findings of this study demonstrate for the first time that a short period of SI at a critical period of development is able to programme the mesolimbic dopaminergic system in order to increase susceptibility to both drug and food addiction. These results are possibly due, at least in part, to low basal levels of D2R in NAc and the higher stimulation of the dopaminergic system in striatum after a challenge with AMPH. The findings of this thesis suggest that stressful experiences such as social isolation during a critical period of development are able to permanently program the brain reward system and increase the susceptibility to additive behaviors in adult life. Identifying predisposing factors to this type of behavior is extremely important to prevent the development of drug addiction and/or eating disorders, to identify therapeutic targets and to enable the development of treatment strategies for these disorders.

Submitted by Fabiana Gonçalves Pinto (benf@ndc.uff.br) on 2017-02-22T18:44:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Willian Alves dos Santos.pdf: 2856868 bytes, checksum: 09e364c04de604bece868531688a5915 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-22T18:44:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Willian Alves dos Santos.pdf: 2856868 bytes, checksum: 09e364c04de604bece868531688a5915 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016 / Mestrado Acadêmico em Ciências do Cuidado em Saúde / A ferida neoplásica acomete cerca de 5% a 10% dos pacientes com câncer em cuidados paliativos. O foco central do cuidado dessas feridas é o controle dos sintomas, em que o odor está presente em 10,4% e o exsudato em 14,6% dos casos, sendo responsáveis pelo impacto no aspecto psicossocial do paciente. O estudo teve como objetivo de avaliar as associações entre odor, exsudato e isolamento social em pacientes com feridas neoplásicas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa do tipo transversal prospectivo realizado com os pacientes com feridas neoplásicas no Ambulatório de cuidados paliativos do Núcleo de Atenção Oncológica do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética do HUAP c/nº: 183.757. A coleta de dados foi realizada durante a consulta de enfermagem pela da aplicação das escalas de odor, exsudação (Push) e escala de Likert de três dimensões para avaliação dos aspectos sociais do paciente, bem como dados contidos em prontuário para caracterização da clientela. Para a análise estatística aplicou-se o teste de normalidade Shapiro wilk, verificando que a amostra não é paramétrica (p valor ≤ 0,05) para as variáveis: tamanho da lesão, ferida total, odor total e exsudato total (escala likert) e paramétrica (p valor > 0,05) para a variável idade. Os dados foram apresentados em forma de mediana e intervalo interquartil (x ̃± Q3-Q1) para análises das variáveis não paramétricas; média e desvio padrão (x̅ ±D.P) para variável paramétrica. Realizou-se o teste de Kruskal Wallis para verificação de associação multivariada entre os dados clínicos e da escala e o teste de Spearman para verificar se o grau do odor, quantidade de exsudato, tamanho e localização da lesão apresentam correlação com a interferência da socialização do paciente. A confiabilidade da ISPOE foi medida pelo coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach. Constatou-se, então a correlação entre o grau de odor e as perguntas 1 e 5 da escala da dimensão odor. Assim, o odor interfere no constrangimento (p; 0,0053) e frequentar locais públicos (p; 0,0495). A quantidade de exsudato apresentou correlação com a primeira questão da escala da dimensão exsudato, interferindo no constrangimento (p; 0,0453). A variável tipo de ferida apresentou correlação com as questões 3 e 5, logo, interferindo na relação com a família e em frequentar locais públicos, fatores esses que favorecem o isolamento social em pacientes com feridas neoplásicas As variáveis: tamanho da lesão e local da lesão não apresentaram correlação significativa com as questões da escala na dimensão ferida. As três dimensões da escala apresentaram consistência interna satisfatória com alfa: 0,82 (dimensão ferida); 0,94 (dimensão exsudato) e 0,88 (dimensão odor). Com isso, o odor e o exsudato interferem negativamente fatores sociais e psicológicos que podem favorecer, diretamente, o isolamento social. Além do conhecimento sobre as particularidades dessas lesões e dos produtos adequados ao cuidados, é fulcral que o profissional de enfermagem conheça os principais queixas relacionadas à lesão e o impacto que causam ao cotidiano do paciente. Conhecer esse conflito social e psicológico fará toda a diferença no cuidado de enfermagem, pois, dessa forma, poderá atuar de maneira assertiva e holística no cuidado no cotidiano do paciente, enxergando-o para além dos sintomas: seus anseios psicológicos e sociais. A constatação da associação entre as variáveis poderá auxiliar a avaliação dos aspectos que podem interferir na qualidade de vida e no cuidado prestado aos pacientes com feridas neoplásicas. / Neoplastic wound affects about 5% to 10% of cancer patients in palliative care. The central focus of the care of these wounds is to control the symptoms, where the odor is present in 10.4% and exudate in 14.6% of cases, being responsible for the impact on the psychosocial aspect of the patient. The study aimed to evaluate the association between odor, exudate and social isolation in patients with neoplastic wounds. This is a quantitative study of the kind prospective cross-sectional with patients with neoplastic wounds in outpatient palliative care in Oncology Attention Core of University Hospital Antonio Pedro, approved by HUAP Ethics Committee c / No: 183757. Data collection was performed during the nursing consultation by the application of odor scales, exudation (Push) and Likert scale of three dimensions to assess the social aspects of the patient, as well as data contained in records for population. The statistical analysis was applied to the normality test Shapiro Wilk, verifying that the sample is not parametric (p value ≤ 0.05) for the variables: size of the lesion, the total wound, the total odor and overall exudate (Likert scale) and parametric (p value> 0.05) for the age variable. Data were presented as median and interquartile range ((x) ± Q3-Q1) for analysis of nonparametric variables; mean and standard deviation (x ̅ ± S.P) for parametric variable. He held the Kruskal Wallis test for multivariate association check between clinical data and scale and the Spearman test to see if the odor degree, amount of exudate, size and location of the lesion correlate with the interference of socialization patient. The reliability of ISPOE was measured by Cronbach alpha coefficient. It was found, then the correlation between the degree of odor and the questions 1 to 5 scale of the odor scale. Thus, the odor interferes with the constraint (p, 0.0053) and attend public places (p; 0.0495). The amount of exudate correlated with the first issue of exudate size scale, interfering with embarrassment (p; 0.0453). The variable type of injury correlated with the issues 3:05, so interfering with the relationship with the family and attend public places, factors that favor social isolation in patients with neoplastic Variables wounds: lesion size and location of injury no significant correlation with the range of issues in the wound size. The three dimensions of the scale showed satisfactory internal consistency with alpha: 0.82 (wound size); 0.94 (exudate dimension) and 0.88 (size odor). Thus, the odor and exudate negatively affect social and psychological factors that may contribute, directly, social isolation. In addition to the knowledge about the characteristics of these injuries and products suitable for care, it is crucial that nursing professionals know the main complaints related to the injury and the impact they cause to the daily life of the patient. Knowing that social and psychological conflict will make all the difference in nursing care, because thus may act assertively and holistic care in the patient's daily life, seeing it beyond the symptoms: their psychological and social aspirations. The finding of association between variables may assist the evaluation of aspects that can interfere with quality of life and care provided to patients with neoplastic wounds.

Social isolering förekommer i samhället ständigt och drabbar människan på olika sätt. Det kan orsaka ohälsosamma beteenden, depression och för tidig död. I och med coronaviruset Covid-19 har en stor del av Sveriges befolkning uppmuntrats begränsa graden av social kontakt. Social kontakt är viktigt för att bibehålla människans välmående och motivation. Brist på social kontakt kan leda till social isolering vilket har en negativ effekt på motivation till akademiska studier samt fysisk aktivitet. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka hur motivation till studier och fysisk aktivitet påverkas vid begränsad social kontakt. Dessutom skall faktorer som self-efficacy (tron på sin egen förmåga), autonomi, samhörighet och kompetens (SDT) verka som potentiella faktorer som möjligen influerar graden av motivation begränsad social kontakt. Urvalet bestod av 34 universitetsstudenter från Sverige. Data samlades in via enkäter vilka besvarades två gånger med 3 veckors mellanrum. Analys av data gjordes genom deskriptiv statistik, beroendet-test och ett oberoende t-test. Resultatet visade att studiemotivation signifikant försämrats under studiens gång. En icke-signifikant skillnad observerades i graden av motivation till fysisk aktivitet. Self-efficacy och SDT förklarade inte graden av motivation för studier eller fysisk aktivitet. De icke-signifikanta resultaten kan förklaras av begränsat och icke-representativt urval, hög grad av social kontakt hos deltagarna samt att de utfärdade restriktionerna delvis begränsar deltagarna. / Social isolation occurs in society and affects people in different ways. Social isolation could give rice to unhealthy behaviour, depression and premature death. Due to the spread of the Coronavirus, Covid-19, a great amount of the Swedish population has been encouraged to restrict their social interaction with other people. However, social interaction is of importance for the level of motivation and well-being that people experience. Limited social interacation can lead to social isolation which produces a negative effect on motivation towards education as well as towards physical activity. The objective with this research was to examine if students with limited social interaction experience a deficiency in motivation towards education and physical activity. To examine possible factors that could influence the degree of motivation this study used scales based on self-efficacy (one’s beliefs in one’s ability), autonomy, relatedness and competence (SDT). The selection was 34 university students from Sweden. Data was gathered with a survey that was distributed two times within a time frame of three weeks. The analysis of the data was computed through descriptive statistics, paired samples t-test and independent samples t-test. A statistical significance was found for motivation towards education. There were no significant results for motivation towards physical activity. Neither Self-efficacy or SDT explained the degree of motivation towards education or physical activity. The non-significant result could be explained by the non-representative and small sample size as well by the students' high amount of established social interaction. Sweden's issued restrictions could have affected the result as it only moderately limits students' social environment.

Syftet är att undersöka hur självkänsla är relaterat till användandet av sociala medier, samt om det föreligger några skillnader mellan pojkar och flickor gällande självkänsla, spenderad tid på och beteende i sociala medier. Frågorna som ska besvaras är: (I) Finns det ett samband mellan självkänsla och spenderad tid på sociala medier? (II) Finns det ett samband mellan självkänsla och aktiv användning av sociala medier? (III) Finns det en skillnad i självkänsla mellan aktiva och passiva användare av sociala medier? (IV) Finns det en skillnad mellan flickor och pojkar gällande självkänsla, spenderad tid på och beteende i sociala medier? Studien utgår från en kvantitativ ansats och materialet samlades in med hjälp av enkäter. Urvalet bestod av 140 stycken ungdomar (13–16 år) och valdes ut genom ett bekvämlighetsurval. Deltagarna fyllde i enkäten under lektionstid. Enkäten var en sammanställning av tre olika mätinstrument, RSES (Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale), Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (SMEQ) och Passive and Active Facebook Use Measure (PAUM). Enkätsvaren bearbetades slutligen statistiskt med korrelationsanalyser och t-tester. Resultatet visade på svaga negativa samband mellan självkänsla och de tre variablerna spenderad tid, aktiv social användning respektive aktiv icke-social användning. Resultatet visade inte på någon signifikant skillnad mellan passiva och aktiva användare. Pojkar rapporterade högre nivåer av självkänsla än flickor. Flickor rapporterade högre nivåer av passiv användning, aktiv social användning och aktiv icke-social användning än pojkar. En möjlig slutsats är att det finns en koppling mellan användningen av sociala medier och individens självkänsla. Resultatet i denna studie visade på att hög användning av sociala medier kan vara relaterat till en sämre självkänsla. Det verkar även finnas tendenser till skillnader mellan pojkar och flickor gällande både självkänsla och användningen av sociala medier. Det behövs ytterligare forskning på den yngre generationen för att ta reda på hur den unga individen kan använda sociala medier på ett sätt som främjar självkänslan. / The aim of this study is to examine how self-esteem is related to usage of social media, and if there are any gender differences between boys and girls regarding self-esteem, spent time and behavior on social media. The questions to be answered are: (I) Is there a relation between self-esteem and spent time on social media? (II) Is there a relation between self-esteem and active usage of social media? (III) Is there a difference in self-esteem between active and passive users of social media? (IV) Is there a difference between girls and boys regarding self-esteem, spent time and behavior on social media? The study has a quantitative approach and the material was collected by using surveys. The sample consisted of 140 adolescents (age 13-16) and was selected through a convenience sample. The participants filled in the survey during class. The survey was a compilation of three different measuring instruments; Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSES), Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (SMEQ) and Passive and Active Facebook Use Measure (PAUM). The answers were processed statistically with correlation analyses and t-test. The result showed weak negative correlations between self-esteem and the three variables spent time, active social usage respective active non-social usage. The result didn’t show any significant difference between passive and active users. Boys reported higher levels of self-esteem than girls. Girls reported higher levels of passive usage, active social usage and active non-social usage. A possible conclusion could be that there is a connection between social media usage and self-esteem. The result in this study showed that large amount of social media usage could be related to lower self-esteem. There seems to be a difference between boys and girls regarding self-esteem and social media usage. Further research on the younger generation is needed to find out how the young individual could use social media in ways that promotes self-esteem.

Ofrivillig ensamhet som består under en längre tid kan ge långtgående negativa konsekvenser för individen, så som ökad risk att drabbas av både fysiska och psykiska sjukdomar och för tidig död. Forskning visar att det finns en påvisad ökning av ensamhet under den senare delen av ålderdomen. Studier visar att många ensamstående äldre män har ett begränsat socialt kontaktnät, vilket gör dem mer sårbara för ensamhet och social isolering. Flera sociala verksamheter som syftar till att främja äldres hälsa och motverka äldres ensamhet och isolering vittnar om låga deltagartal bland männen.  Syftet med studien var att undersöka den process som fått äldre män att söka sig till och delta i en organiserad social gruppaktivitet, för att bryta eller lindra ensamhet och social isolering. Målet var att öka kunskapen om vad som har möjliggjort ett deltagande, samt om det funnits omständigheter som har utgjort hinder för ett deltagande. Studien är en kvalitativ intervjustudie och resultatet har tagits fram genom en kvalitativ analys. Studien har en abduktiv ansats där ett antal begrepp inom den symboliska interaktionismen har använts för att analysera resultatet. Åtta personer som är gäster inom den ideella organisationen Äldrekontakt har intervjuats via semistrukturerade intervjuer per telefon.  Resultatet sorterades in under möjliggörande samt hindrande faktorer. Under möjliggörande faktorer ryms tre huvudteman. Normbrytande personlighet belyser de individuella förutsättningar som möjliggjort ett deltagande, där intervjupersonernas egenskaper och beteende trotsar traditionella föreställningar om den starke och oberoende mannen. Temat drivkrafter handlar om de inre motiv som ligger bakom beslutet att söka sig till en social gruppaktiviteten, där längtan efter kontakt med andra människor och att ha något att se fram emot är starka drivkrafter. Temat yttre påverkan beskriver de yttre förutsättningar som bidragit till beslutet att söka sig till en social verksamhet, som att deltagarna har fått information om verksamheten och att de får skjuts till träffarna. Under hindrande faktorer har tre huvudteman tagits fram. Temat mansnormer som barriär visar att samhällets förväntningar om den starke och självständiga mannen gör det svårare för äldre män att erkänna eller identifiera ensamhetskänslor, vilket i sin tur hindrar dem från att söka sig till sociala verksamheter. Temat osäkerhet inför nya kontakter belyser en osäkerhet bland äldre män, inför att söka efter nya sociala kontakter. Temat hälsorelaterade hinder tar upp att en försämrad hälsa gör det svårare att ta sig iväg på sociala aktiviteter, vilket kan leda till en passivisering.  Resultatet visar på en motsättning mellan männens handlande och självinsikt. Även om männen på många sätt agerar på ett normbrytande sätt, framträder också ett maskulint ideal mellan raderna i männens berättelser. I en diskussion om resultatets betydelse diskuteras huruvida männen i studien är medvetna om att de bryter mot traditionella könsnormer eller inte. / Prolonged involuntary loneliness can have far-reaching negative consequences for individuals, such as increased risk of both physical and mental illness and premature death. According to research there is a proven increase in loneliness during the latter part of old age. Studies show that many single older men have limited social networks, which makes them more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. Several social interventions aimed at promoting the health of the elderly and counteracting loneliness and social isolation, have reported low participation rates among older men.   The purpose of this research was to investigate the process that led older men to apply for and participate in an organized social group activity, to break or alleviate loneliness and social isolation. The aim was to increase knowledge about what has made participation possible, and whether there have been circumstances that have constituted obstacles to participation. The research was conducted through qualitative methods, using an abductive approach where a number of concepts in symbolic interactionism were used to analyze results. Eight visitors from the non-profit organization ‘Äldrekontakt’ [Elderly Contact] were interviewed by telephone using semi-structured interviews. The results were sorted under ‘enabling’ and ‘hindering’ factors. Under enabling factors, there were three main themes. ‘Norm-breaking personality’ highlights the individual conditions that enabled participation, where the interviewees' characteristics and behavior defy traditional notions of ‘the strong and independent man’. The theme ‘driving forces’ refers to the inner motives behind the decision to apply for a social group activity, where desire for contact with other people and having something to look forward to, were strong driving forces. The theme ‘external influence’ describes the external conditions that contributed to the decision to apply for a social activity, such as participants receiving information about the activity or getting a lift to the meetings by volunteers.  Three main themes were developed for ‘hindering factors’. Firstly, the theme ‘male norms as a barrier’demonstrates that society's expectations of the strong and independent man make it more difficult for older men to acknowledge or identify feelings of loneliness, which also prevents them from participating in social activities. Secondly, the theme ‘insecurity in seeking new contacts’ highlights an insecurity among older men, in searching for new social contacts. Lastly, the theme ‘health-related obstacles’ addresses that deteriorating health makes it more difficult to partake in and access social activities, which can lead to becoming more passive. The results show a contradiction between the men's actions and self-insight. Although the men in many ways act in a norm-breaking way, a masculine ideal also emerges between the lines within the men's stories. In analyzing the significance of the results, it is discussed whether the men in the study are aware that they are breaking traditional gender norms or not.

Different theoretical approaches and interpretations offer diverse delineations and clusters of Enneagram type in terms of Horney’s interpersonal trends of moving toward, moving against and moving away from people. The present study reports the results of an empirical investigation into the relationship between Enneagram type and Horney’s interpersonal trends. A sample of 2 3 participants completed the Test of Object Relations (TOR) and 125 of these participants completed the Horney-Coolidge Tridimensional Inventory (HCTI). Two one-way, between-groups multivariate analyses of variance revealed differences between Enneagram types for each of the HCTI interpersonal trends of compliance, aggression and detachment and the TOR dimensions of separation anxiety, symbiotic merging, narcissism, egocentricity, social isolation and fear of engulfment. For each trend, an Enneagram type could be identified as a unique marker or benchmark of the trend. However, the empirical result does not offer clear support for one theoretical approach or viewpoint rather than another. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Suicide is among the major public health problems in Sweden and worldwide with social, emotional and financial consequences. Suicide is present in almost all age groups, and the elderly shows no exception of this trend. The research defines the elderly as those 65 years of age and older. Among the elderly, the risk factors to commit suicide mainly include health-related causes, but also other social issues, such as the severity of depression and hopelessness, lack of reasons for living, social isolation, loneliness and the occurrence of stressful life events. The current paper focuses on loneliness as a risk factor. Loneliness among older adults contributes to several health- related issues such as self-assessed poor health status, mental decline, anxiety, depression and suicide. Research has demonstrated that many of the elderly experience loneliness. Several different methods and models are used both within and outside the primary care to prevent elderly loneliness. To understand the processes of suicide risk the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide has been used. It explains the different factors and processes that happen within and around a person ́s life when being in suicidal risk. The theory focuses on loneliness and burdensomeness as two main factors that can lead to suicide. The research aims to understand and analyse how different staff members and the Swedish healthcare deal with loneliness as a risk factor among old people that have suicidal behaviour. The research also aims to find out how this risk of loneliness could be managed. A qualitative case study was implemented that included semi-structured interviews with personnel from Region Skåne. The selection of the interviewees followed both purposive sampling and snowball sampling. In addition, online documents and reports from Region Skåne ́s website were used to complete the interview material in order to implement triangulation and to increase validity. The collected data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results show that staff members at Region Skåne’s Psychiatry departments use several different methods to identify the risk of loneliness among the elderly. The most remarkable results to emerge from the data are the several ways of communication they use with the patients, the different team-works they establish, as well as the time invested into gaining competences about the risk of suicide. / Självmord är bland de största folkhälsoproblemen i Sverige och världen över och leder till sociala, emotionella och ekonomiska konsekvenser. Självmord finns i nästan alla åldersgrupper, och de äldre visar inget undantag från denna trend. Forskningen definierar de “äldre” som är 65 år gamla och äldre. Bland äldre inkluderar riskfaktorerna för att begå självmord, huvudsakligen av hälsorelaterade orsaker (såsom förekomst av fysisk sjukdom, funktionella begränsningar), men också andra sociala problem, tex allvarlig depression och hopplöshet, brist på skäl att leva, social isolering, ensamhet och förekomsten av stressande livshändelser. I den här uppsatsen är det fokus på ensamhet som en riskfaktor. Ensamhet bland äldre vuxna bidrar till flera hälsorelaterade frågor såsom självbedömd dålig hälsostatus, mental nedgång, ångest, depression och självmord. Forskning har visat att många av de äldre upplever ensamhet. Flera olika metoder och modeller användes både inom och utanför primärvården för att förhindra ensamhet bland äldre. För att förstå processen för självmordsrisk har den interpersonella teorin om självmord tillämpats. Den förklarar de olika faktorerna och processerna som händer inom och runt en äldre vuxens liv när de är i självmordsrisk. Teorin fokuserar på ensamhet och känslan att man är en börda för samhället, som två huvudfaktorer och som eventuellt kan leda till självmord. Forskningen syftar till att förstå och analysera hur olika anställda inom den svenska sjukvården och hur man i allmänhet hanterar ensamhet som en riskfaktor bland äldre som har självmordsbeteenden. Forskningen syftar också till att ta reda på hur denna risk för ensamhet kan hanteras. En kvalitativ fallstudie genomfördes och inkluderade semistrukturerade intervjuer med personal från Region Skåne. Urvalet av de intervjuade togs avsiktligt och med snöbollseffekt. Dessutom användes ett online dokument och rapporter från Region Skånes webbplats för att slutföra och komplettera intervjumaterialet för att öka validiteten. Den insamlade data analyserades med användning av en kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultaten visar att anställda vid Region Skånes psykiatriska avdelningar använder flera olika metoder för att identifiera risken för ensamhet bland äldre. De mest anmärkningsvärda resultaten som framgår av uppgifterna är de olika kommunikationssätten de använder med patienterna, de olika teamarbeten som de skapar, samt den tid som investerats för att få kompetens om risken för självmord.

By 2020, the coronavirus has spread worldwide and is classified as a pandemic. The purpose of thisstudy has been to, through the perspective of home care assistants, examine the significance of thesocial isolation that the Covid-19 pandemic has meant for older people regarding their mental health.It has thus been about the home care assistants' experiences of the elderly's strategies for dealing withthe recommended social isolation. The study was conducted by using a qualitative research methodthrough semi-structured interviews with home care assistants, who work with elderly people living intheir home. A thematic analysis of the collected material was made and four themes emerged from thecoding. The results showed that the home care assistants experienced a deteriorating mental healthduring the Covid-19 pandemic of the elderly people. This was shown, for example, in the form ofincreased anxiety and sleeping disorders. Furthermore the results showed how the elderly people usedtheir resilience to handle how the virus was affecting their every-day life. Also the result showed theimportance of social stimulation and activity among the elderly and that home care assistants have animportant role for some eldelry who have a limited social life.