Life orientation and life satisfaction : an exploration of a homeostatic model of subjective wellbeing : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University

The main purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between life orientation (optimism-pessimism) and life satisfaction. Cummins' (e.g. 1998) homeostatic model of subjective wellbeing was used as the basis for this exploration. The model was proposed to account for the fact that population life satisfaction within Western countries is repeatedly found to fall within the range 75 ± 2.5 percent of the scale maximum score (%SMS). The theory proposes that optimism is involved in the regulation and maintenance of subjective wellbeing. Two other variables, self-esteem and control, are thought to be involved in the regulatory system, however optimism was explored in light of the limited research into the connection between this variable and life satisfaction. According to the homeostatic theory, extreme adverse life events can disrupt the homeostatic system, causing a temporary decline in subjective wellbeing. The sample consisted of 200 adults from the general population of New Zealand. These were volunteers recruited within shopping centres in the Auckland area. Participants were administered a questionnaire consisting of two scales; the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). The LOT-R is a measure of dispositional optimism-pessimism, and the PWI is a measure of life satisfaction. Additionally, the questionnaire consisted of a section designed to elicit basic demographic information, as well as details pertaining to recent experiences of significant life events. The most notable findings were as follows: After controlling for the effects of student and outlier data, the average level of life satisfaction for the current sample was 71.01 %SMS; life orientation accounted for 42 % of the variance in life satisfaction; and the experience of significant negative life events caused a decrease in mean life satisfaction. It is concluded that, overall, the findings provide support for the homeostatic model. Further research is needed to clarify the nature of the relationship between life orientation and life satisfaction. Suggestions for future research, and implications for mental health, are discussed

Immigration to Scotland and the constitutional change debate: geography, difference and the question of scale

This paper seeks to extend understanding of how geographies of scale can contribute to the discussion surrounding migration and constitutional change. It asks the question, is immigration to Scotland distinctive? The 2011 Census is used to explore whether there are other scales at which Scotland’s possible claims to distinctiveness in terms of migration ‘experience’ and ‘needs’ can be assessed. The detailed and comprehensive perspective provided by the 2011 Census highlights the heterogeneous national immigration picture. The authors demonstrate the economic and policy evidence for developing a more nuanced approach to immigration policy. The implications of these findings are significant given the prospect of constitutional change in Scotland

Immigration, Scotland and the constitutional change debate: Geography, difference and the question of scale

This research uses the 2011 UK Census to explore the diverse immigration picture in the UK. In contrast to a simplistic comparison between England and Scotland, this briefing paper suggests that a more pertinent approach is to consider how Scotland compares with English regions. The authors provide evidence which argues that Scotland, and indeed other parts of the UK, would benefit from a more nuanced approach to immigration policy

Engaging with immigration policy on the ground: a study of Local Authorities in Scotland

This paper focuses on how policies and practices relating to immigration are developed at the local level. It explores how Local Authorities in Scotland plan for and respond to international migration. The Scottish Government has made it clear that it is keen to attract migrants to Scotland and that it would be more proactive in this if it had the relevant policy levers. However it is Local Authorities that need to respond to inflows of migrants in terms of issues such as service provision or community cohesion. This research was carried out as part of the ESRC Future of the UK and Scotland programme and focussed on 16 Local Authority areas, ranging from cities to remote regions. It raises questions about how the cogent arguments of local policy makers can be better represented in national debates about immigration policy

An evaluation of the relative influences of elevated temperature and ocean acidification on processes influencing the distribution of intertidal barnacles

Merged with duplicate record 10026.1/2395 on 13.20.2017 by CS (TIS)Ocean acidification and climate change are occurring as a result of anthropogenic release of carbon dioxide (C02) into the atmosphere. Changes in climate and ocean chemistry are occurring concomitantly and at a faster rate than previously recorded in Earth's history, yet little is understood about how they will influence the population dynamics and ecology of many marine organisms. The barnacle Semibalanus balanoides is a major space occupier on rocky shores in northern Europe and hence changes in its population ecology can have a broad influence on other species. An intertidal high CO2 microcosm system was developed in order to determine how temperature and CO2 interact to affect S. balanoides egg development, nauplii development and cyprid development. Changes in abundance and viability of the early life stages impacts the supply of larvae arriving in the intertidal and post settlement mortality determines the number of individuals reaching reproductive age. Laboratory experiments indicated that elevating CO2 and temperature slows the metamorphosis of cyprids thereby increasing their exposure to desiccation. Increased temperature and CO2 had greatest impact on smaller individuals prior to metamorphosis with poor survival being linked to slow growth and ability to calcify. Embryo development rates were also reduced significantly by elevated CO2, while the survival of brooding adults was lowered. These experimental data were then incorporated into a population model used to predict the changes in population abundances over the coming century. At the southern edge of its geographic range, S. balanoides is predicted to be most significantly impacted by temperature, although in colder years CO2 has a significant influence. A conceptual model developed using these empirical data suggests that at the northern edge of its geographic range, S. balanoides, appears more likely to be impacted by ocean acidification than temperature, particularly through changes in resource allocation and changes in life history.Plymouth Marine Laborator

‘It was always the plan’ : international study as ‘learning to migrate’

International student mobility has mainly been theorised in terms of cultural capital accumulation and its prospective benefits on returning home following graduation. Yet, despite a growing body of work in this area, most research on post-study mobility fails to recognise that the social forces that generate international student mobility also contribute to lifetime mobility plans. Moreover, these forces produce at least four types of post-study destination, of which returning ‘home’ is only one option. Our findings challenge the idea that a circular trajectory is necessarily the ‘desired’ norm. In line with wider migration theory, we suggest that return may even be seen as failure. Instead we advance the idea that cultural and social capital acquired through international studies is cultivated for onward mobility and may be specifically channelled towards goals such as an international career. We contribute a geographically nuanced conceptual frame for understanding the relation between international student mobility and lifetime mobility aspirations. By building on studies that highlight the role of family and social networks in international student mobility, we illustrate how influential familial and social institutions – both in the place of origin and newly encountered abroad – underpin and complicate students’ motivations, mobility aspirations and life planning pre- and post-study. We argue for a fluidity of life plans and conclude by discussing how geographies of origin matter within students’ lifetime mobility plans.PostprintPeer reviewe

In what sense ‘distinctive’? The search for distinction amongst cross-border student migrants in the UK

This paper offers a geographical analysis of the concept of ‘distinction’ in relation to student mobility within the UK. The analysis in this paper is based primarily on interviews with Scottish students who have chosen to study in England, and English students who have done likewise in Scotland. The paper problematises the concept of ‘distinction’ in the stratified higher education system of the UK. The paper’s originality lies in showing how global forces affect these intra-state student flows and how ‘distinction’ as a driver of mobility is signified. The research offers a starting point in understanding the glocalisation of student mobility.PostprintPeer reviewe

Environmental Variability and Biodiversity of Megabenthos on the Hebrides Terrace Seamount (Northeast Atlantic)

We present the first remotely operated vehicle investigation of megabenthic communities (1004–1695 m water depth) on the Hebrides Terrace Seamount (Northeast Atlantic). Conductivity-temperature-depth casts showed rapid light attenuation below the summit and an oceanographic regime on the flanks consistent with an internal tide, and high short-term variability in water temperature, salinity, light attenuation, aragonite and oxygen down to 1500 m deep. Minor changes in species composition (3–14%) were explained by changes in depth, substratum and oceanographic stability, whereas environmental variability explained substantially more variation in species richness (40–56%). Two peaks in species richness occurred, the first at 1300–1400 m where cooler Wyville Thomson Overflow Water (WTOW) mixes with subtropical gyre waters and the second at 1500–1600 m where WTOW mixes with subpolar mode waters. Our results suggest that internal tides, substrate heterogeneity and oceanographic interfaces may enhance biological diversity on this and adjacent seamounts in the Rockall Trough

Circulating RANKL is inversely related to RANKL mRNA levels in bone in osteoarthritic males

Introduction The relationship of circulating levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) with the expression of these molecules in bone has not been established. The objective of this study was to measure, in humans, the serum levels of RANKL and OPG, and the corresponding levels in bone of mRNA encoding these proteins. Methods Fasting blood samples were obtained on the day of surgery from patients presenting for hip replacement surgery for primary osteoarthritis (OA). Intraoperatively, samples of intertrochanteric trabecular bone were collected for analysis of OPG and RANKL mRNA, using real time RT-PCR. Samples were obtained from 40 patients (15 men with age range 50 to 79 years, and 25 women with age range 47 to 87 years). Serum total RANKL and free OPG levels were measured using ELISA. Results Serum OPG levels increased over the age range of this cohort. In the men RANKL mRNA levels were positively related to age, whereas serum RANKL levels were negatively related to age. Again, in the men serum RANKL levels were inversely related (r = -0.70, P = 0.007) to RANKL mRNA levels. Also in the male group, RANKL mRNA levels were associated with a number of indices of bone structure (bone volume fraction relative to bone tissue volume, specific surface of bone relative to bone tissue volume, and trabecular thickness), bone remodelling (eroded surface and osteoid surface), and biochemical markers of bone turnover (serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, and urinary deoxypyridinoline). Conclusion This is the first report to show a relationship between serum RANKL and the expression of RANKL mRNA in bone.David Findlay, Mellick Chehade, Helen Tsangari, Susan Neale, Shelley Hay, Blair Hopwood, Susan Pannach, Peter O'Loughlin and Nicola Fazzalar

Public health challenges and responses to the growing ageing populations: A review of literature

Background: Human populations are rapidly ageing worldwide due to declining birth rates and rising life expectancies. This profound demographic shift presents complex public health challenges. Synthesizing evidence on key public health issues impacting ageing populations and policy strategies is required to address these needs. Methods: Narrative literature review on the PubMed database. Data extracted on public health challenges and recommended policy solutions affecting ageing populations. Results: The key public health challenges identified include rising chronic disease burden; risks for preventable multi-morbidities and co-morbidities; disability and dependencies; mental health issues; caregiving gaps; long-term care system deficiencies; health inequities; healthcare access barriers; end-of-life care needs; financial instability; ageism/elder abuse; adverse built environments; climate/disaster threats; and social isolation. Evidence-based policy responses span interventions in healthcare, social services, urban planning, emergency preparedness, economics, technology, anti-ageism advocacy, and many more. Conclusions: Proactively addressing the array of public health challenges faced by rapidly growing ageing populations globally requires implementing collaborative, multisectoral policy solutions focused on promoting healthy, equitable, and socially engaged ageing. Healthcare systems, communities, and policies must be optimized to meet the needs of older people and tap into their strengths