The Coping Strategies of Nontraditional Female Students in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana

Problem The purpose of this research study was to examine the coping strategies of nontraditional female students in a private university in Southwest Michigan, and a public university in Northern Indiana. According to Carney-Compton & Tan (2002), nontraditional female students characterize the leading emergent set of students beginning college. This study examined the reasons why they are in college, the problems they face while there, and the coping strategies they used to make the adjustment to school life. Method The Coping Scale for Adults survey was used to determine what coping strategies are utilized by nontraditional female students. The factor analysis produced seven factor scales (work at succeeding, positive ways to cope, healthy coping strategies, self defeating behaviors, proactive self-care, negative coping skills, and means of getting help) that adequately depicted coping strategies employed by this population. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Results The result of the Coping Scale for Adults survey indicated the following: 1. Work at succeeding is used often as a coping strategy. 2. Positive ways to cope, healthy coping strategies, self-defeating behaviors, proactive self-care, and negative coping skills are sometimes used. 3. Means of getting help is the least used coping strategy. 4. Non traditional female students used proactive self-care only sometimes with Caucasian using it significantly less than African-American or students from other ethnic background. 5. Non traditional female students use work at succeeding frequently with students with one child using it more frequently than those with no children, or students with two or more children. 6. Self-defeating behaviors, positive ways to cope and proactive self-care as coping strategies are related to income levels. Generally, higher income non traditional students use these coping strategies less frequently than lower income students. 7. Self-defeating behaviors, positive ways to cope and proactive self-care were related to age groups. Younger students tend to use self-defeating behaviors and positive ways to cope slightly more than older students. Older students tend to use proactive selfcare slightly more than younger students. 8. Coping strategies are not related to marital status. Conclusions Based on the analysis, the following conclusions were deduced. 1. Nontraditonal female students work hard to succeed. However, they utilize the other coping strategies only sometimes to cope with their problems. Means of getting help is the least used coping strategy but possibly one of the most needed. 2. It is easier for nontraditional female students with one child to work at succeeding than parent with none, two, or three or more children. 3. Minority nontraditional female students’ utilization of proactive self-care may derive from a need to take care of oneself in a hostile environment. 4. Nontraditional female students with higher incomes tend to use different coping strategies from nontraditional female students from lower socio economic levels. 5. Age does make a difference in which coping strategies are used by nontraditional female students. 6. Coping strategies are not related to marital status

Thinking Outside the Box: Reaching Inner City Children

Abstract: This is the story of how one church is working with the children in their inner city community. The outreach program started with the church providing transportation to the children for Vacation Bible School and now extends to the church members bringing the children to church each week. Description: The black church has often been the focal point of the black community. It has been the training center for members who have later gone on to be community leaders as well a catalyst for social change. Black children in the inner city may not have the connection to a religious community if someone in the household does not make it a priority. It is important for this connection to be made early in a child\u27s development in order for them to establish connections with the faith community. Greener (2016) supports this premise that early involvement and long lasting involvement lead to the best results in a child\u27s development. The church can assist in this process by creating programs that are specifically geared to introduce and connect younger members to Jesus. Churches\u27 often use Vacation Bible School programs as an outreach program in their community. The question is does the outreach end with the completion of the Vacation Bible School Program? It does not have to end but can serve as a means to build rapport in order to continue the nurturing, equipping, and training process of these children. Church leaders can use community programs to reach out and get to know those who are living right in their neighborhood while fostering an opportunity to extend the gospel to all the world but most importantly to the community outside its door. Crosby, Smith, and Frederick(2015) indicated the importance of children ministry workers\u27 actively listening to the children they are working with in the Sunday school as well learning how to validate their students in unusual ways while providing a secure environment for them to build relationships with other students. Furthermore, as students become more comfortable in the church setting they can be given tasks to do that will increase their self-esteem and resourcefulness (Shaw, 2016). One church used Vacation Bible School as an outreach to minority children where most of them come from single parent homes in low income neighborhoods. The results have broadened the church leaders’ perception and response as they started a breakfast program and enhanced their programs for the children who were coming to the church. It allowed the leaders to become acquainted with the needs of the children and their families and this served as a means to build rapport and connection to other adults outside of their family circle. The church needs to be willing to walk the talk and practice what they preach while instructing their own children in the practice of social justice (Csinos, Jennings, McLaren, & Yust, 2010). The process of creating an outreach ministry that is ongoing is not only rewarding for the church but a learning experience as well. Ingersoll (2014) stated that focusing on the spiritual growth of its younger members is a reward for all the members. Learning Outcome #1 Learn unique approaches to establishing a genuine rapport with inner city children that may differ from the way church leaders have been trained. Learning Outcome #2 Learn strategies of how to involve other church leaders to promote programs for this population. Learning Outcome #3 Learn specific strategies of how to establish an outreach ministry in churches. Bibliography/References Csinos, D.M., Jennings, D.L., McLaren, B.D. and Yust, K.M. (2010). Where are the children? Family and Community Ministries, 23 (4), 10-21. Crosby, R.G., Smith, E.I., and Frederick, T.V. (2015). The kid-friendly church: What makes children feel loved, valued, and part of a supportive church community. The Journal of Family and Community Ministries, 28(1), 87-109. Greener, S.H. (2016). Children-at-risk and the whole Gospel: Integral mission to for and with vulnerable agents of God. Transformation, 33 (3), 159-170. Ingersoll, H.N. (2014). Making room: A place for children\u27s spirituality in the Christian church. International Journal of Children\u27s Spirituality, 19(3-4), 164-178, http://dx.doi.org10.1080/ Shaw, P.W.H. (2016). Parenting that reflects the character of God. Christian Education Journal, 13(1), 43-58.1364436X.2014.979774

The effect of state orientation on emotion dysregulation, borderline personality disorder, and nonsuicidal self-injury

The current study extends the application of Personality Systems Interactions (PSI) theory (Kuhl, 2000b) to the distinction between Nonsuicidal Self-injury (NSSI) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) by examining the effect of State Orientation (Kuhl, 1994) on emotion dysregulation, BPD, and NSSI. Participants were recruited using social media and internet-based snowball techniques. Participants were directed to a web-based survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire, the Action Control Scale -24 (ACS-24; Kuhl, 1994; Kuhl & Fuhrmann, 1998), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004; Gratz and Roemer, 2008), the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD; Zanarini et al., 2003), and the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS; Klonsky & Glenn, 2009; Klonsky & Olino, 2008). Path analysis was used to test a mediation model in which State Orientation had direct effects on emotion dysregulation, BPD symptoms, and NSSI behaviors, and indirect effects on BPD symptoms and NSSI behaviors through emotion dysregulation. The hypothesized model suggested the relationship between BPD symptoms and NSSI behaviors is mediated by the total effects specified in the model. Results indicated that the specified model demonstrated marginal model-data correspondence and was not supported. The retained model (a theory consistent model) depicted direct effects of State Orientation on emotion dysregulation, but not on BPD symptoms or NSSI behaviors. However, results indicated an indirect effect of State Orientation on BPD symptoms and NSSI behaviors. These findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that NSSI may be a distinct disorder, specifically, separate from BPD. Future research should attempt to replicate the findings of the current study and/or test the originally proposed model with alternate populations (e.g., undergraduate college students, clinical samples of various ages, and youth). Additionally, future research should incorporate other aspects of PSI theory into the NSSI and BPD literature. Clinical implications include early identification and subsequent intervention, as well as improved conceptualization of client characteristics

Analyzing the British News Media’s Representations of British Female Olympians during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are the first Games with numerical gender parity, with equal numbers of male and female athletes competing. Notably, during the Olympic Games, the proportion of coverage sportswomen receive in the media is significantly greater than outside of the Games, albeit considerably less than sportsmen. As such, the representations and framing of sportswomen during this period of increased visibility hold significant importance and influence. In this context, we examine the trends that have been previously identified in the representations of sportswomen in the sports media and explore the representations of three British sportswomen who represented Great Britain during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the British news media: Dina Asher-Smith (athletics), Helen Glover (rowing), and Bethany Shriever (BMX racing). Despite evidence of some progress in female Olympians’ media representations, ambivalent narratives and gendered discursive journalistic practices are still prevalent in British news media. In light of these findings, we suggest ways that the journalists and media organizations can improve representations of sportswomen to facilitate progression towards gender equity in sports reporting at future Olympic Games

Analyzing the British News Media’s Representations of British Female Olympians during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are the first Games with numerical gender parity, with equal numbers of male and female athletes competing. Notably, during the Olympic Games, the proportion of coverage sportswomen receive in the media is significantly greater than outside of the Games, albeit considerably less than sportsmen. As such, the representations and framing of sportswomen during this period of increased visibility hold significant importance and influence. In this context, we examine the trends that have been previously identified in the representations of sportswomen in the sports media and explore the representations of three British sportswomen who represented Great Britain during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the British news media: Dina Asher-Smith (athletics), Helen Glover (rowing), and Bethany Shriever (BMX racing). Despite evidence of some progress in female Olympians’ media representations, ambivalent narratives and gendered discursive journalistic practices are still prevalent in British news media. In light of these findings, we suggest ways that the journalists and media organizations can improve representations of sportswomen to facilitate progression towards gender equity in sports reporting at future Olympic Games

Time-out for well-being: A mixed methods evaluation of attitudes and likelihood to engage in different types of online emotional well-being programmes in the perinatal period

Background: Positive maternal mental health during the perinatal period contributes to general well-being and positive emotional bonds with the child, encouraging an optimal developmental trajectory. Online interventions to enhance maternal well-being and develop coping skills, such as meditation-based interventions, can be a low-cost way to improve mother and child outcomes. However, this depends on end-user engagement. To date, there is limited evidence about women’s willingness to engage and preferences for online programmes. Objectives: This study explored pregnant women’s attitudes towards and likelihood to undertake minimal online well-being training programmes (mindfulness, self-compassion, or general relaxation), engagement barriers and enablers, and programme structure preferences. Design: A mixed methods triangulation design was undertaken using a validating quantitative model. Quantile regressions were applied to the quantitative data. Content analysis was undertaken for the qualitative data. Methods: Consenting pregnant women (n = 151) were randomized equally to read about three online programme types. Participants were sent an information leaflet, tested by a consumer panel prior to distribution. Results: Participants generally held positive attitudes about all three types of interventions, with no statistically significant differences in preferences between programme types. Participants appreciated the importance of mental health and were receptive to fostering skills to support their emotional well-being and stress management. The most frequent perceived barriers were lack of time, tiredness, and forgetfulness. Programme structure preferences indicated one to two modules per week, less than 15 min in duration, and over 4 weeks. Programme functionality, such as regular reminders and easy accessibility, is important to end users. Conclusion: Our findings reinforce the importance of determining participant preferences in designing and communicating engaging interventions for perinatal women. This research contributes to the understanding of population-based interventions that can be provided as simple, scalable, cost-effective, and home-based activities in pregnancy for the benefit of individuals, their families, and society more broadly

Perinatal women\u27s perspectives of, and engagement in, digital emotional well-being training: Mixed methods study

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress in the early postpartum period can have long-lasting deleterious effects on a mother\u27s well-being and negatively affect her infant\u27s development. Intervention approaches based in contemplative practices such as mindfulness and loving-kindness and compassion are intended to alleviate distress and cultivate well-being and can be delivered effectively as digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). OBJECTIVE: To understand the feasibility of engaging perinatal women in digital interventions, this study aimed to document participants\u27 experiences in the Mums Minds Matter (MMM) study, a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion, and progressive muscle relaxation training delivered in a digital format and undertaken during pregnancy. To assess the different stages of engagement during and after the intervention, we adapted the connect, attend, participate, enact (CAPE) framework that is based on the idea that individuals go through different stages of engagement before they are able to enact change. METHODS: The MMM study was nested within a longitudinal birth cohort, The ORIGINS Project. We aimed to recruit 25 participants per randomization arm. Data were collected sequentially during the intervention through regular web-based surveys over 8 weeks, with opportunities to provide regular feedback. In the postintervention phase, qualitative data were collected through purposive sampling. RESULTS: Of 310 eligible women, 84 (27.1% [connect rate]) enrolled to participate in MMM. Of the remaining 226 women who did not proceed to randomization, 223 (98.7%) failed to complete the baseline surveys and timed out of eligibility (after 30 weeks\u27 gestation), and 3 (1.3%) displayed high psychological distress scores. Across all program groups, 17 (20% [attend rate]) of the 84 participants actively opted out, although more may have disengaged from the intervention but did not withdraw. The main reasons for withdrawal were busy life and other priorities. In this study, we assessed active engagement and ongoing skills use (participate and enact) through postintervention interviews. We undertook 15 participant interviews, conducted 1 month to 3 months after the intervention. Our results provide insights into participant barriers and enablers as well as app changes, such as the ability to choose topics, daily reminders, case studies, and diversity in sounds. Implementing a DMHI that is brief, includes frequent prompts or nudges, and is easily accessible is a key strategy to target perinatal women. CONCLUSIONS: Our research will enable future app designs that are sufficiently nuanced to maximize the uptake, engagement, and application of mental health skills and contemplative practices in the perinatal period. Providing convenient access to engaging and effective prevention programs is critical and should be part of prenatal self-care. Our research underscores the appeal and feasibility of digital intervention approaches based in contemplative practices for perinatal women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) 12620000672954p; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12620000672954p. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/19803

The ORIGINS project biobank: A collaborative bio resource for investigating the developmental origins of health and disease

Early onset Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including obesity, allergies, and mental ill-health in childhood, present a serious and increasing threat to lifelong health and longevity. The ORGINS Project (ORIGINS) addresses the urgent need for multidisciplinary efforts to understand the detrimental multisystem impacts of modern environments using well-curated large-scale longitudinal biological sample collections. ORGINS is a prospective community birth cohort aiming to enrol 10,000 pregnant people and follow each family until the children reach 5 years of age. A key objective is to generate a comprehensive biorepository on a sub-group of 4000 families invited to contribute blood, saliva, buccal cells, urine, stool, hair, house dust, cord blood, placenta, amniotic fluid, meconium, breastmilk, and colostrum over eight timepoints spanning the antenatal period and early childhood. Uniquely, ORIGINS includes a series of nested sub-projects, including interventions and clinical trials addressing different aspects of health. While this adds complexity as the project expands, it provides the opportunity for comparative studies. This research design promotes a multidisciplinary, multisystem approach to biological sample collection, analysis, and data sharing to ensure more integrated perspectives and solutions. This paper details the evolving protocol of our collaborative biobanking concept. Further, we outline our future visions for local, national, and ultimately international, comparative, and collaborative opportunities to advance our understanding of early onset NCDs and the opportunities to improve health outcomes for future generations

Teaching the Teachers: Development and Evaluation of a Racial Health Equity Curriculum for Faculty.

INTRODUCTION: Faculty are increasingly expected to teach about the impact of racism on health and to model the principles of health equity. However, they often feel ill-equipped to do so, and there is limited literature on faculty development on these topics. We developed a curriculum for faculty education on racism and actions to advance racial health equity. METHODS: The curriculum design was based on a literature review and needs assessments. Implementation consisted of four live virtual 1-hour sessions incorporating interactive didactics, cases, reflection, goal setting, and discussion offered to a multidisciplinary group of pediatric faculty at a children\u27s hospital. Topics included the history of racism, racism in health care, interacting with trainees and colleagues, and racial equity in policy. Evaluation consisted of pre- and postsurveys at the beginning and end of the curriculum and a survey after each session. RESULTS: A mean of 78 faculty members attended each session (range: 66-94). Participants reported high satisfaction and increased knowledge at the end of each session. Qualitative themes included self-reflection on personal biases, application of health equity frameworks and tools, becoming disruptors of racism, and the importance of systemic change and policy. DISCUSSION: This curriculum is an effective method for increasing faculty knowledge and comfort. The materials can be adapted for various audiences

Comparing web-based mindfulness with loving-kindness and compassion training for promoting well-being in pregnancy: Protocol for a three-arm pilot randomized controlled trial

© Amy Louise Finlay-Jones, Jacqueline Ann Davis, Amanda O\u27Donovan, Keerthi Kottampally, Rebecca Anne Ashley, Desiree Silva, Jeneva Lee Ohan, Susan L Prescott, Jenny Downs. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 14.10.2020. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in JMIR Research Protocols, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on http://www.researchprotocols.org, as well as this copyright and license information must be included. Background: Promoting psychological well-being and preventing distress among pregnant women is an important public health goal. In addition to adversely impacting the mother’s health and well-being, psychological distress in pregnancy increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes, compromises infant socioemotional development and bonding, and heightens maternal and child vulnerability in the postpartum period. Mindfulness and compassion-based interventions show potential for prevention and early intervention for perinatal distress. As there is an established need for accessible, scalable, flexible, and low-cost interventions, there is increased interest in the delivery of these programs on the web. This project aims to pilot a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine the feasibility of a full-scale RCT comparing 2 web-based interventions (mindfulness vs loving-kindness and compassion) with a web-based active control condition (progressive muscle relaxation). Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of an RCT protocol comparing the 3 conditions delivered on the web as a series of instructional materials and brief daily practices over a course of 8 weeks. The second objective is to explore the experiences of women in the different intervention conditions. The third objective is to estimate SD values for the outcome measures to inform the design of an adequately powered trial to determine the comparative efficacy of the different conditions. Methods: Pregnant women (n=75) participating in a longitudinal birth cohort study (the ORIGINS project) will be recruited to this study from 18 weeks of gestational age. We will assess the acceptability and feasibility of recruitment and retention strategies and the participants’ engagement and adherence to the interventions. We will also assess the experiences of women in each of the 3 intervention conditions by measuring weekly changes in their well-being and engagement with the program and by conducting a qualitative analysis of postprogram interviews. Results: This project was funded in September 2019 and received ethics approval on July 8, 2020. Enrollment to the study will commence in September 2020. Feasibility of a full-scale RCT will be assessed using ADePT (a process for decision making after pilot and feasibility trials) criteria. Conclusions: If the study is shown to be feasible, results will be used to inform future full-scale RCTs. Evidence for flexible, scalable, and low-cost interventions could inform population health strategies to promote well-being and reduce psychological distress among pregnant women