The Mental Health Experience among Parents of Children with Autism

Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face challenges, stress, and mental health issues than parents of children without autism. Mental health experience of parents in underserved communities are not adequately studied. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to understand the mental health experience of eight parent caregivers residing in San Joaquin Valley, California. All parents reported the journey was stressful but not all parents described the point when they received the diagnosis as being more stressful than before and after the ASD diagnosis. Parents’ responses to the semi-structured interview that assesses for the degree of ambiguous loss indicate all parents have some degree of ambiguous loss in having a child diagnosed with ASD. Results of the thematic analysis using an inductive conventional approach yield four themes: mixed emotions, uncomfortable, helpless, and growth. In contrast to what is historically delivered to parents as a personal tragedy to have a child with ASD, the current study indicates there is a positive side to having a child with ASD. All parents in the study were offered no mental health support throughout their pre-diagnostic, diagnostic, and post-diagnostic journey. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals and educators who work with parents of children diagnosed with ASD to offer parents’ mental health support throughout this journey

DYSPHAGIA SITUATION AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT FOR VIETNAMESE OLDER ADULT INPATIENTS

十文字学園女子大学博士（栄養学）令和４年度doctoral thesi

Enhancing Children’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Skills in Early Childhood: A Handbook for Parents Based on Authentic Activities

This project presents a literature review of the role of social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in children’s development, including an overview of Vygotsky’s constructivist theory, the definition of SEL skills, the benefits of SEL for children, and the role of parents in children’s SEL development. The purpose of this project was to provide parents with a keen awareness of the role that they play in their children’s SEL development, and to create a practical handbook that parents can use to encourage children’s engagement in SEL activities in their home environment. Presenting home-based activities, the implementation of the handbook included in this project can benefit children’s SEL skills and overall well-being

UNVEILING THE ESSENCE OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF KARL JASPERS’ EXISTENTIAL APPROACH

This paper critically assesses Karl Jaspers’ existential viewpoint concerning the fundamental nature of university education. In a contemporary context where the pursuit of credentials prevails, Jaspers challenges traditional paradigms by underscoring the university’s distinctive role beyond the mere acquisition of job-related skills. The abstract delves into Jaspers’ critique of an education system fixated on efficiency, advocating for the cultivation of intellectual life and existential awareness. Through a thorough analysis, the article reexamines the objective of university education, transcending the narrow focus on credentials to embrace a comprehensive vision that aligns with Jaspers’ philosophical principles. Practical insights for applying Jaspers’ philosophy in contemporary educational settings are presented, facilitating a transition towards a more purposeful and contemplative academic experience. The research methodology employed encompasses narrative analysis and philosophical inquiry.  Article visualizations

Work-life balance in a Japanese sample: a person-centered approach

2020 Fall.Includes bibliographical references.Work-life balance (WLB) has been linked to one's job satisfaction, well-being, and quality of life. Despite its importance, WLB remains elusive to many working people. The present study used a person-centered methodology called Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to answer three research questions: (1) Can people be categorized into meaningful exclusive and exhaustive latent groups of varying degree of WLB based on their experiences in work and life domains?; (2) To what extent do demographic variables predict membership in certain profile of WLB?; (3) Are identified profiles of WLB related to individuals' well-being? In a sample of over 700 middle-aged workers from Tokyo, Japan, I identified three distinct subgroups that qualitatively differed in their symptomology of balance. I referred to these as the Moderate WLB Profile that was family-oriented and partially engaged in their multiple life roles, the High WLB Profile that was fully engaged and efficient at managing their roles, and the Low WLB Profile that was partially engaged and inefficient at juggling among several life roles. Regarding demographics, age, gender, and marital status seemed to be important predictors of one's latent profile membership. Furthermore, the latent profile membership was predictive of one's well-being. In sum, the study results suggested that WLB is indeed critical to workers' well-being and hence, further efforts to boost balance are needed. One-size-fit-all policies of WLB may not work well for all employees. Understanding workers' circumstances is critical for more targeted interventions/policies to enhance balance