1541 delimitation treaty between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Order

An interest in the history of the borders of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL), on the one hand, and the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Order and the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, on the other, arose in the 19th century historiography. The delimitation processes and the concept of borders have been and still are being researched. Sources relevant to these studies are published from time to time. In this case, a source found in the Latvian State History Archive is published: it is a border delimitation agreement concluded between the GDL and the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Order in 1541 to update the borders. The document is written in Latin, on parchment, and sealed. The treaty of 1541 similar in content was published back in the 18th century, but a closer analysis revealed that it is not the same document. The published document is an original that belonged to the Livonian side. A comparison of this text and the one published in the 18th century shows that they differ not only in the spelling of individual words, but also in whole fragments. This allows to take a new look at the documentation of the border delimitation processes

Empowering psychologically traumatised children at school: the experience of social pedagogues

The aim of the study is to reveal the experience of social pedagogues in empowering psychologically traumatised children at school. Qualitative research was chosen for the study by using the method of semi-structured interview. 10 social pedagogues, who work in school in different Lithuanian regions, participated in the study. The study revealed the experience of social pedagogues in empowering traumatised children in school. The study highlighted that in empowering children who have experienced psychological trauma, it is first of all important for the social pedagogue to show the child individual care and provide him with the necessary support. Ensuring that the child receives emotional support and counselling, if necessary using the services of a psychotherapist or psychologist. It is also important to work with the child's family to understand the family's needs and capacity to provide the necessary support. Provide the family with practical help and advice on how to cope with the child's trauma and stress. In order to empower children, it is important to allow them to participate in decision-making because then children will feel in control of their own lives. Empowering psychologically traumatised children requires providing them with a safe and stable environment where they can feel calm and have their needs met. It is equally important that traumatised children become involved in classroom activities or social groups at school, to build relationships and receive support from the school community. Social educators emphasise the importance of educational activities in the school community to help children develop their skills and talents. Long-term collaboration to empower children and their families ensures sustainable well-being of society. Keywords: child, empowerment, school, social pedagogues

Prerequisites for the application of innovative methods in social service organizations

This article analyzes that when solving social problems, most welfare states choose a social security system model in which social service organizations provide professional services and help ensure the well-being of residents in the community. Social challenges require changes and new solutions in the activities of organizations providing social services, which can help solve emerging social problems by offering service recipients new forms of social services. The purpose of the article is to reveal the prerequisites for the application of innovative methods for the solution of social problems and the implementation of the application of new managerial practices in organizations providing social services. Applied research methods - analysis of scientific literature, interviews of social workers, analysis and interpretation of research results. The article provides a review of the scientific literature and research data that reveal the desire of social workers to apply modern technologies in social work, which help to discover new work methods and managerial practices in the social services sector. The pursuit of innovation in organizations providing social services ensures a favorable atmosphere for the creativity of employees and service recipients and provides an opportunity for the continuous improvement of employees in the organization. Keywords: innovations, organizations providing social services, social services

Politiskā homofobija padomju Lietuvā: pārvērtējot disidenta Viktora Petkus gadījumu

This article explores the uses of homophobia as a part of the Soviet repressive apparatus. It examines the case of the Lithuanian dissident, political prisoner, and human rights activist Viktoras Petkus (1928–2012), in particular, the accusation of sodomy he faced in 1978, as a part of the highly political case related to Petkus’ involvement with the Lithuanian Helsinki Group. I employ the concept of political homophobia to analyse the ways that the KGB tried to destroy Petkus’ reputation and defame the Lithuanian dissident movement for human rights, which the Soviet authorities perceived as particularly threatening. Keywords: homophobia, Soviet Union, dissidents, LGBTQ people, Lithuania, Baltic states, Helsinki groups

"Under the law and customs of war": treaties and prisoners of war

Vakarų Europoje paplitusios karo teisės supratimas neabejotinai turėjo įtakos Vokiečių ordino karuose su Lietuva (pagoniška ir krikščioniška). Tačiau tos idėjos sunkiai prasiskverbė į praktiką (jos dažniausiai likdavo skunduose ir sutarčių formuluotėse). Sutarčių dėl karo belaisvių formuluočių raida atspindi laikui bėgant vis didėjantį specifiškumą, šie susitarimai buvo formuluojami vis tiksliau, bandant išvengti interpretacijų. Pavėluotam belaisvių paleidimui dažnai turėjo įtakos platesnis politinis kontekstas. Ilgametis Lietuvos ir Ordino konfliktas prisidėjo prie tam tikrų praktikų įsitvirtinimo. Nors kai kurie aspektai pasižymėjo tęstinumu, buvo matyti prisitaikymas prie besikeičiančių aplinkybių, besikeičiančios sutarčių formuluotės ir bandymai suderinti prieštaringas teisines sistemas. Nors terminas „karo belaisvis“ nebuvo vartojamas, o vietoj jo buvo vartojama platesnė formuluotė – „visi belaisviai“, iš vėlesnių dokumentų matyti, kad atsirado tikslesnė frazeologija – „patekę į nelaisvę šiame kare“, o tai rodo, kad buvo pereita prie konkretesnio nelaisvėje atsidūrusių asmenų apibrėžimo. Raktiniai žodžiai: karo teisė, karo belaisviai, Vokiečių ordinas, LDK, Viduramžiai.The law of war in the Middle Ages extended beyond the considerations of when to initiate a war (the concept of ius belli), the treatment of prisoners, and the permissibility of plunder and destruction. These dimensions were shaped by the contributions of medieval jurists and, significantly, by the influence of Christianity. Despite the concerted efforts to regulate warfare, certain practices persisted, such as the capture of peasants, women, and children – the non-combatants. The expansion of Christianity to the East, particularly to the Baltic Sea region, saw these principles advancing hand in hand, especially through the Teutonic Order and Western nobility. This article endeavors to analyze, primarily drawing from normative sources, the criteria for becoming a prisoner of war during the conflicts involving the Teutonic Order, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and the Kingdom of Poland in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It explores the process of prisoner distribution and examines the prevailing customs and rules outlined in treaties. Notably, the peace treaties of Salynas (1398), Thorn (1411), Melno (1422), and Brest (1435) highlight evolving formulations in the quest to define who qualified as a “prisoner of war,” the conditions for regaining freedom, and the challenges surrounding the effectiveness of international treaties on the matter of captives. Keywords: law of war, prisoners of war, Teutonic Knights, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Middle Ages

Peculiarities of online user's content search in the context of inbound marketing

The article addresses the issue of the distribution of users browsing the internet for content in a specific format through alternative content delivery channels in the context of inbound marketing. The problem being addressed is part of a broader problem with the formation of traffic to an organization’s website. The theoretical part of the work presents the concept of inbound marketing and analyzes the theoretical aspects of its tactical activities, such as content marketing, search engine marketing, and social media marketing. Based on the theoretical research, the scientific hypothesis is formulated – there are links between the desired content format and the choice of content search and consumption channel. The research methodology consists of data collection by survey method and hypothesis testing using Cochran’s Q test. Empirical research has shown links between the content format sought and the channels for searching and consuming content. Although in almost all cases the search for video and audio content is dominated by search engines, evaluating other content delivery channels reveals a significant specialty of users’ web browsing. Keywords: inbound marketing, content marketing, content format, search channels, consumer behavior, online user, social media marketing

How to link assessment and suitable interventions for adolescents: relationships among mental health, friendships, demographic indicators and well-being at school

Over the last 10 years, a noticeable deterioration in mental health has affected adolescents’ lives. Methods: This study was conducted in 12 secondary schools and 14 high schools located in different cities across Lithuania from October to December 2023. The survey included students aged 12 to 17 years. The adolescents filled out a questionnaire about the need for outside help, friendships, and well-being at school and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The goal of our study was to analyze the risk factors that influence adolescents’ psycho-emotional state. Results: A total of 4124 students were involved in this study, with a mean age of 14.48 ± 1.15 years. The sample consisted of 50.9% males and 49.1% females. The boys showed a statistically significantly lower total difficulty score on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ TDS) and internalizing score (IS) than the girls (12.45 ± 5.39 vs. 14.93 ± 5.76; 5.39 ± 3.30 vs. 7.49 ± 3.64, p <0.001). Also, the SDQ TDS, IS, and externalizing score (ES) were statistically significantly lower in the group of adolescents who lived with both parents (13.50 ± 5.69 vs. 14.76 ± 5.72; 6.32 ± 3.61 vs. 6.98 ± 3.65; 7.18 ± 3.23 vs. 7.78 ± 3.35, p <0.001). Linear regression analysis of the SDQ TDS (R2 = 0.406) indicated a significant impact on the feeling of safety at schools (β = −0.173, p <0.001) and loneliness (β = 0.314, p <0.001). Linear regression of the SDQ IS (R2 = 0.469) showed that there was a significant predictor effect of bullying (β = 0.170, p <0.001) and loneliness (β = 0.345, p <0.001). However, the linear regression of the SDQ ES (R2 = 0.256) showed that there was a significant predictor effect of the feeling of teacher care (β = −0.163, p <0.001) and loneliness (β = 0.166, p <0.001). We determined that gender (OR = 2.30) and loneliness (OR = 1.77) were the most significant factors associated with adolescents seeking help. Conclusions: It is crucial to determine specific risk factors and particular groups of teenagers who need psycho-emotional support the most. The findings of this study may offer valuable insights for advancing additional prevention or support programs aimed at adolescents within higher-risk groups. Keywords: adolescents; mental health; well-being; school; friendships; interventions; internalizing difficulties; externalizing difficulties

Lifestyle habits related to internet use in adolescents: relationships between wellness, happiness, and mental health

Background: Studies in recent years have shown a significant increase in problematic internet use. Prolonged internet usage negatively impacts various aspects of adolescents’ lifestyles. Methods: The survey was conducted in three Lithuanian cities—Vilnius, Klaipėda, and Molėtai—between October and December of 2023. The survey involved students between the ages of 12 and 16. The participants completed a questionnaire that included questions about wellness and happiness, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Our study aimed to investigate problematic internet use among Lithuanian adolescents and its relationships with wellness, happiness, and mental health. Results: This study included 1412 adolescents, with a mean age of 14.41 ± 1.20, with the sample composed of 52.3% boys. Boys indicated that they felt healthier and happier than girls (69.4% vs. 47.4%; 51.4% vs. 29.6%), p <0.001. A total of 20.8% of students had IAT scores that reflect a normal level of internet usage. For IAT, the average score of girls was statistically significantly higher than that of boys (41.87 ± 12.24 vs. 39.96 ± 12.37), p <0.001. The IAT score was higher in the group of students who felt less happy and healthy, had more frequent headaches or abdominal pain, and had problems with sleep, p <0.001. A statistically significant, positive weak correlation was found between students’ IAT scores and SDQ internalizing and SDQ externalizing scores (r = 0.366; r = 0.385, p <0.001). Conclusions: Prolonged internet use is arising as a serious problem among adolescents. Negative feelings, unhappiness, and poor emotion regulation have an association with internet addiction. Also, the female gender may be more associated with possible internet addiction. The results of this study can serve as initial steps toward developing preventive interventions. Keywords: problematic internet use; internet addiction; adolescent; mental health; internalizing difficulties; externalizing difficulties; wellness; happiness

Unlocking the essence of loneliness in the older adults: an exploration through participatory research.

In Lithuania's aging culture, aspects of older individuals' "loneliness" and social isolation are becoming increasingly relevant. Despite this, older adults frequently refuse to acknowledge these life's intricacies. Numerous studies indicate that older individuals link social isolation and loneliness to a life of failure and personal worthlessness. As a result, rather than finding solutions, people frequently choose to isolate themselves even more and refrain from discussing these issues with friends or family. The loneliness experienced by older people should be acknowledged, and steps to increase social inclusion will not only extend but also greatly enhance their quality of life. Participatory research was employed to conduct the study. It is a systematic study in direct cooperation with persons for whom the research question is relevant, with the aim of acting or changing something. Participatory research favours collaborative research, where researchers and interested groups actively collaborate with sharing information and expertise. The study was conducted in a care institution providing social services. Every participant in the participatory research gave their consent to participate in the study, and they were informed about its goals, methods, and use of data. They were also given the choice to leave the study at any time if they felt it was inappropriate. The study revealed that loneliness is discerned through the emotions and behaviours of older adults; an individual's loneliness is reflected in both mental and physical health. Emotions like indifference, rage, despair, boredom, needing attention, longing, and the want to speak are signs that someone is lonely. Older people sometimes openly express loneliness but loneliness can also be associated with depression. Concerning employee motivation for change, it was observed that employees displayed a keen interest in training, comprehending its necessity and benefits. Simultaneously, it was noted that some employees may exhibit passivity and a lack of motivation to embrace change and accept innovations. Therefore, the myth that older workers are less likely to change and innovate as well as to increase their knowledge and abilities has been partially validated by participatory studies. Keywords: loneliness, older adults, participatory research

Educational needs of older adults.

The aim of the article is to find out educational needs of older adults and to discuss the process of the training course development and its implementation jointly with older learners in Lithuania. Mixed methods research was applied incorporating survey and participatory research. The training course was developed based on international survey data aiming to reach older learners who had less possibilities to engage in a lifelong learning process. Data analysis revealed similarities across countries, based on which the general template of the course was developed. It included topics in biological, psychological and sociological aspects of ageing, networking and joint research possibilities. However, data showed that there were variations in needs not only between countries but inside countries as well. Participatory research approach allowed older learners to follow the needs and to make necessary changes. Such changes were made in content (for ex., some sociological topics substituted by culture) and in organization (less intensity and shorter sessions) of the course. Even if the learners agreed to involve in participatory research, at the end they were told that it was too many interviews and discussions. On the other hand, they were proud that other learners will take their designed course. Keywords: biological, co-designing training courses, educational needs, older learners, psychological and sociological approaches in ageing