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Enjoyment
Kinds of Enjoyment Selected AbstractsEnhancing Knowledge Transfer in Classroom Versus Online Settings: The Interplay Among Instructor, Student, Content, and ContextDECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 1 2009Louise Nemanich ABSTRACT This article integrates management education and organizational learning theories to identify the factors that drive the differences in student outcomes between the online and classroom settings. We draw upon theory on knowledge transfer barriers in organizations to understand the interlinking relationships among presage conditions, deep learning process, and product in the 3P model of student learning. We test our model in the context of undergraduate education and find that confidence in the instructor's expertise, perceived content relevance, and the social richness of the classroom learning environment enhance student enjoyment of the course. Confidence in instructor's expertise and perceived content relevance also contribute to greater understanding of causal relationships among course concepts. Enjoyment is positively associated with learning performance in the classroom, but not online, and student ability is positively associated with learning performance in the online context, but not in the classroom. Our results have implications for course designs in the traditional classroom context and the more innovative online environment. [source] Participation and enjoyment of leisure activities in school-aged children with cerebral palsyDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 10 2008Annette Majnemer PhD OT The objective of this study was to characterize participation in leisure activities in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and identify determinants of greater involvement. Ninety-five children of school age (9y 7mo [SD 2y 1mo]) with CP were recruited, and participation was evaluated with the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment in a subset (67/95; 42 males, 25 females) who could actively participate in completion of the assessment. Most had mild motor dysfunction (Gross Motor Function Classification System: 59% level I, 23% level II, 18% levels III,V) and had a spastic subtype of CP (23 hemiplegia, 17 diplegia, 16 quadriplegia, 11 other). Biomedical, child, family and environmental predictor variables were considered in the analysis. Results demonstrated that these children were actively involved in a wide range of leisure activities and experienced a high level of enjoyment. However, involvement was lower in skill-based and active physical activities as well as community-based activities. Mastery motivation and involvement in rehabilitation services enhanced involvement (intensity and diversity) in particular leisure activities, whereas cognitive and behavioral difficulties, activity limitations, and parental stress were obstacles to participation. [source] The relationship between ,workaholism', basic needs satisfaction at work and personalityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 1 2010Cecilie Schou Andreassen Abstract The aim of this study was to examine correlates of ,workaholism' components (Work Involvement, Drive, Enjoyment of Work). A cross-occupational sample of 661 Norwegian employees in six different organizations completed a web-based survey measuring ,workaholism', basic needs satisfaction at work and personality. Needs satisfaction at work was positively related to Enjoyment of Work, and negatively to Drive. Conscientiousness was positively related to all ,workaholism' components; Extraversion and Openness to Work Involvement and Enjoyment of Work; and Neuroticism to Drive. Negative relations were found between Neuroticism and Enjoyment of Work, and Agreeableness and Drive. Although the associations were rather weak, the findings give reason to differentiate between enthusiastic and non-enthusiastic ,workaholic' characteristics, which were consistent with predictions taken from central theories on ,workaholism'. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Effects of Physical Activity Enjoyment on Sedentary Older Adults' Physical Activity Attitudes and Intentions,JOURNAL OF APPLIED BIOBEHAVIORAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2006Kathleen A. Martin Ginis This pilot study examined the effects of 2 types of acute physical activity bouts on enjoyment and subsequent change in attitudes and intentions regarding physical activity. Participants were 41 sedentary, older men and women (M age = 75.4 years) randomized to a single bout of walking plus either (a) 2 sets of a resistance-training circuit performed on weight machines (Weights); or (b) 1 set of the resistance circuit plus 1 set of strength-based activities of daily living (Weights + ADL). The Weights condition enjoyed their bout more, and enjoyment mediated subsequent changes in attitudes. Both conditions increased their physical activity intentions. However, contrary to the tenets of the theory of planned behavior, increased intentions were not mediated by improved attitudes toward physical activity. These findings suggest that single bouts of activity can differentially affect sedentary older adults' thoughts toward being active in their daily lives. [source] Role of gender in depressive disorder outcome for individual and group cognitive,behavioral treatment,JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 12 2008Hunna J. Watson Abstract Gender in cognitive,behavioral therapy (CBT) for outcome for depression has been inadequately examined in previous research. Thirty-five men and 55 women diagnosed with a depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) completed individual CBT at an outpatient community mental health clinic and 56 men and 105 women completed group CBT. Depression severity was measured before treatment and at endpoint using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996) along with secondary outcomes of anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory; Beck, Epstein, Brown, & Steer, 1988) and quality of life (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire; Endicott, Nee, Harrison, & Blumenthal, 1993). Men and women demonstrated equivalent pretreatment and posttreatment illness severity, a comparable gradient of improvement on outcomes, and attainment of clinically meaningful benchmarks. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1,15, 2008. [source] Changes in the Hierarchy of Value References Associated With Flying in SpaceJOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 5 2010Peter Suedfeld ABSTRACT One hundred twenty-five astronaut autobiographies, interviews, and oral histories were content analyzed and scored for references to values (Schwartz, 1992). The current study extended methods tested in 2 pilot studies of space veterans from many nations, of both sexes, and with different experiences within the history of human spaceflight. Value references reflected a high degree of concern with individualism, with Achievement, Enjoyment, and Self-direction ranked highest. There were relatively few value differences across demographic categories, demonstrating the impact of the spaceflight experience. After returning, the astronauts showed increased concern with Universalism, Spirituality, and Power (social recognition), a broadened set of references to values oriented toward the collective good. [source] Psychometric evaluation of the Spanish version of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities of ChildrenOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2008Wanda I. Colón Abstract Culturally sensitive and valid assessments of participation in occupations are needed for Spanish-speaking children to enhance services offered to this population. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the newly developed Spanish version of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities of Children, the Evaluación de Participacion y Disfrute de los Niños y Preferencias de las Actividades de los Niños (EPDN/PAN). The sample included 249 children with and without disabilities, aged 6 to 15 years. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the participation of children with disabilities and children without disabilities, and between younger and older children were found. No statistical significant differences were found between males and females in the dimensions of participation assessed. Adequate internal consistency (0.70,0.92) was found for the PAN scale and the Overall and Informal domain scores of the EPDN-Intensity scale. Further study is needed to evaluate the formal domain scale and gender differences by activity types. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Quality of life in depression: An important outcome measure in an outpatient cognitive,behavioural therapy group programme?CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY & PRACTICE), Issue 6 2009Amanda Swan Studies have shown that psychiatric patients have significantly impaired quality of life (QOL) in comparison to community samples who are not suffering a mental illness. Despite an increase in research in the mental health field, there still remains little consensus as to the merit of using such questionnaires within a mental health population. There is a concern that QOL is redundant with affective state and symptomatology. We investigated the usefulness of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-short form (QLESQ-SF) in a depressed outpatient sample receiving time-limited, standardized group cognitive,behavioural therapy. QLESQ-SF ratings were examined at admission and 10-week endpoint in an intention-to-treat (N = 212) and completers (N = 164) sample. QLESQ-SF ratings and symptom ratings (Beck Depression Inventory-II; Beck Anxiety Inventory) improved significantly over time. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, although affective state and change in symptomatology were significantly correlated with QOL and change in QOL, a large proportion of variance was unexplained. These results are inconsistent with the theory of measurement redundancy. QOL appears to be a useful measure that provides additional treatment outcome information distinct from affective state and symptomatology.,Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Deficits in Psychological Well-Being and Quality-of-Life in Minor Depression: Implications for DSM-VCNS: NEUROSCIENCE AND THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2010Andrew A. Nierenberg Objective: To examine deficits in psychological well-being (PWB) and quality-of-life (QOL) in minor depressive disorder (Min D). Method: Ninety-three subjects entering a treatment study for Min D were assessed using the QOL, Enjoyment and satisfaction questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS). Scores were compared with major depressive disorder (MDD) and normative community samples. Results: Even though subjects had mild depressive severity, Q-LES-Q total scores for the Min D sample averaged nearly two standard deviations below the community norm. Almost 40% of Min D cases had Q-LES-Q scores in the lowest 1% of the population. Responses to most Q-LES-Q items were closer to subjects with MDD than to community norms. Mean standardized PWB scores were extremely low for subscales of Environmental Mastery and Self-Acceptance, low for Purpose in Life and Positive Relations with others, but within the normal range for Personal Growth and Autonomy. QOL and PWB measures had low correlations with depressive symptom severity, and scores were similar in the presence or absence of a prior history of MDD. Conclusions: Mild depressive symptoms with Min D are associated with major deficits in QOL and PWB measures of environmental mastery and poor self-acceptance. Our findings suggest that diminished QOL and PWB may be intrinsic cognitive aspects of Min D with or without a history of MDD. It may be unnecessary in the DSM IV-TR to exclude the diagnosis of Min D if a subject has had a past episode of MDD. ,,Minor depression exists along a continuum of depression. ,,Deficits in psychological well-being and quality-of-life in minor depression are severe. ,,No difference in these measures if minor depression existed with or without a history of major depression. [source] Theorizing Flow and Media Enjoyment as Cognitive Synchronization of Attentional and Reward NetworksCOMMUNICATION THEORY, Issue 4 2009René Weber This article reconceptualizes the psychological concept of "flow" as it pertains to media entertainment. Our goal is to advance flow theory in ways that highlight the necessity of reliable and valid operationalization. We posit flow as a discrete, energetically optimized, and gratifying experience resulting from a cognitive synchronization of specific attentional and reward networks under condition of balance between challenge and skill. We identify video-game play as a context in which flow is likely to occur, and where we can observe our neurophysiological conceptualization of flow using measurement techniques (functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI]) without disrupting the experiential state. After presenting preliminary evidence consistent with our synchronization theory of flow, we suggest ways to advance this research. [source] Conceptualizing Media Enjoyment as Attitude: Implications for Mass Media Effects ResearchCOMMUNICATION THEORY, Issue 4 2004Robin L. Nabi Despite its popularity in mass media effects research, the concept of media enjoyment has yet to be clearly explicated or theoretically integrated into media effects theories. In this analysis, the authors begin to address these limitations by first reviewing terms that have been used to capture the concept of media enjoyment, considering their underlying common features. The authors then introduce a tripartite model of media enjoyment-as-attitude and examine how past research meshes with this perspective. Finally, they consider how enjoyment-as-attitude predicts volitional and spontaneous behavioral outcomes in terms of both media exposure and content-influenced action (e.g., imitation) from 3 theoretical perspectives (uses and gratifications, social cognitive theory, and cultivation). In this way, the article sheds light on how the concept of enjoyment might help to elaborate the understanding of those theoretical processes and, conversely, how extant theoretical perspectives might inform the study of media enjoyment. [source] Understanding Media Enjoyment: The Role of Transportation Into Narrative WorldsCOMMUNICATION THEORY, Issue 4 2004Melanie C. Green "Transportation into a narrative world" is an experience of cognitive, emotional, and imagery involvement in a narrative. Transportation theory (Green & Brock, 2000, 2002) provides a lens for understanding the concept of media enjoyment. The theory suggests that enjoyment can benefit from the experience of being immersed in a narrative world, as well as from the consequences of that immersion. Consequences implied by transportation theory include connections with characters and self-transformations. [source] Flow and Media EnjoymentCOMMUNICATION THEORY, Issue 4 2004John L. Sherry Media enjoyment is theorized by synthesizing empirical literature from uses and gratifications with Csikszentmihalyi's flow theory. This article argues that enjoyment of media results from a flow experience realized when media message content balances with individual ability to interpret that message. Further, it theorizes that media experience, along with individual differences in cognitive abilities, facilitates or prevents flow state in media users. Therefore, it is a balance between individual differences in cognitive abilities and media message challenges that explains enjoyment of media use. The authors offer the case of video game usage as an exemplar, and examples of cognitive tasks are provided and linked to game genre content. [source] "A Large Object with a Small Museum": A Narrative Analysis of Tlotlo's Experience of an Astronomy Science CenterCURATOR THE MUSEUM JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009Anthony Lelliott We illustrate the power of narrative in illuminating the importance of the student's perspective in understanding the conditions for learning in a museum setting. Using principles of narrative presentation, the paper describes Tlotlo's thinking throughout his participation in a school visit to the visitors' center at a radio telescope. The paper discusses six features of the visit: student misconceptions; inadequate preparation and followup; memories and imaginings; enjoyment; discussing the visit afterwards; and socioeconomic constraints on visits. These features are examined within the context of a developing country: both confirming previous research on school visits and providing new insights into how such visits can be interpreted. The significance of narrative analysis for science center educators is discussed and suggested as appropriate for current research in museums. [source] Enhancing Knowledge Transfer in Classroom Versus Online Settings: The Interplay Among Instructor, Student, Content, and ContextDECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 1 2009Louise Nemanich ABSTRACT This article integrates management education and organizational learning theories to identify the factors that drive the differences in student outcomes between the online and classroom settings. We draw upon theory on knowledge transfer barriers in organizations to understand the interlinking relationships among presage conditions, deep learning process, and product in the 3P model of student learning. We test our model in the context of undergraduate education and find that confidence in the instructor's expertise, perceived content relevance, and the social richness of the classroom learning environment enhance student enjoyment of the course. Confidence in instructor's expertise and perceived content relevance also contribute to greater understanding of causal relationships among course concepts. Enjoyment is positively associated with learning performance in the classroom, but not online, and student ability is positively associated with learning performance in the online context, but not in the classroom. Our results have implications for course designs in the traditional classroom context and the more innovative online environment. [source] Capturing Flow in the Business ClassroomDECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 2 2008Yi Maggie Guo ABSTRACT This study focuses on the flow experience in business education. Flow experience, characterized by concentration, control, and enjoyment, can lead to better learning outcomes. Leading preconditions of flow include the balance of challenge and skill, feedback, and goal clarity. Other situational factors affect the flow experience through the mediating effects of these three factors. In this article, we extend an existing framework linking flow and learning. Using the model as a guide, we start our research effort of flow in business education by conducting a field survey of student learning experience in terms of flow and influential factors. Data were collected using business students taking an introductory Operations Management course. The analysis reveals that flow does exist in classroom learning. Its key dimensions are concentration, sense of control, and enjoyment. The more important leading factor is having clear feedback. Characteristics of both the instructor and students play a role in the flow experience of students during lecture. It is evident that flow theory offers a useful framework for business education research. Suggestions for future research are made. [source] Participation and enjoyment of leisure activities in school-aged children with cerebral palsyDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 10 2008Annette Majnemer PhD OT The objective of this study was to characterize participation in leisure activities in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and identify determinants of greater involvement. Ninety-five children of school age (9y 7mo [SD 2y 1mo]) with CP were recruited, and participation was evaluated with the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment in a subset (67/95; 42 males, 25 females) who could actively participate in completion of the assessment. Most had mild motor dysfunction (Gross Motor Function Classification System: 59% level I, 23% level II, 18% levels III,V) and had a spastic subtype of CP (23 hemiplegia, 17 diplegia, 16 quadriplegia, 11 other). Biomedical, child, family and environmental predictor variables were considered in the analysis. Results demonstrated that these children were actively involved in a wide range of leisure activities and experienced a high level of enjoyment. However, involvement was lower in skill-based and active physical activities as well as community-based activities. Mastery motivation and involvement in rehabilitation services enhanced involvement (intensity and diversity) in particular leisure activities, whereas cognitive and behavioral difficulties, activity limitations, and parental stress were obstacles to participation. [source] Patients' help-seeking behaviours for health problems associated with methadone and buprenorphine treatmentDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 4 2008ADAM R. WINSTOCK Abstract Introduction and Aims. Clients in opioid substitution therapy often have considerable unmet health-care needs. The current study aimed to explore health problems related to opioid substitution therapy among clients on methadone and buprenorphine treatment. Design and Methods. A self-complete, cross-sectional survey conducted among 508 patients receiving methadone and buprenorphine treatment at community pharmacies in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Results. The most common problems for which participants had ever sought help were dental (29.9%), constipation (25.0%) and headache (24.0%). The most common problems for which participants would currently like help were dental (41.1%), sweating (26.4%) and reduced sexual enjoyment (24.2%). There were no significant differences between those currently on methadone and those currently on buprenorphine for any of the health problems explored, nor differences for gender or treatment duration. Participants on methadone doses 100 mg or above were significantly more likely to want help currently for sedation. Discussion and Conclusions. The considerable unmet health care needs among participants in this study suggest that treatment providers should consider improving the detection and response to common health problems related to opioid substitution therapy. [source] Can music therapy engage patients in group cognitive behaviour therapy for substance abuse treatment?DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 2 2008GENEVIEVE A. DINGLE PhD Abstract Introduction and Aims. Despite the availability of effective treatments for substance use disorders, engaging people in treatment remains a challenge. This clinical study describes a 7-week trial of music therapy as an adjunct to group cognitive behaviour therapy with the aim of increasing patient engagement in a private hospital open group programme. Design and Methods. Patient attendance rates and perceptions of the music therapy were collected at the end of each music therapy session by means of an anonymous survey, and only data from each patient's first survey were used in the analysis. Twenty-four surveys were analysed, representing feedback from 10 men and 14 women, aged between 17 and 52 years. Results. The average attendance rate over the 7-week trial was 75%. The results indicated that enjoyment and motivation to participate during the sessions was uniformly high (mean ratings of 4.3 and 4.0 out of 5, respectively). The majority (83%) of participants reported that they would attend another music therapy session, and almost half (46%) endorsed that ,(music therapy) would help them to feel more a part of the group'. Additional analyses revealed that music therapy was able to engage patients regardless of their age group (25 years and under vs. over-25 years) or substance (alcohol only vs. other drugs). Discussion and Conclusions. Music therapy is a promising approach to improving engagement in substance abuse treatment groups. [source] Playing texts against each other in the multimodal English classroomENGLISH IN EDUCATION, Issue 2 2005Richard Beach Abstract This article explores the way adolescents and adults are experimenting with the multimodal affordances of contemporary intertextual practices. Drawing on a considerable number of recent research studies, we outline how young people and young adults are consistently engaging with the opportunities of the digital environment. We explore the recent history of multimodality, examining how we can help students move from simply using intertextuality for their own enjoyment, to a far more critical and informed position. This critical position, we feel, is especially powerful when students engage in intercontextuality and when they investigate issues of identity through the affordances of multimodal texts. Drawing on the research studies, we offer a number of ways in which English teachers can utilize the potential of their students' capability with the new technologies. [source] Feasibility of an exercise rehabilitation programme for cancer patientsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 4 2006C. STEVINSON bsc, research fellow A growing body of evidence indicates the benefits of exercise as a rehabilitation intervention for cancer patients. However, few hospitals offer exercise-based rehabilitation programmes to patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based exercise programme for cancer patients attending a local oncology centre. The intervention consisted of a weekly instructor-led circuit training class supplemented by home-based activity 4 days/week for 10 weeks. From 28 eligible patients, 12 were recruited (43%), of whom nine completed the intervention (75%). The three withdrawals were due to worsening of disease. Adherence (mean of 7.5 classes attended and 4 days/week of home activity performed) and tolerability (no adverse events) were good. Positive features of the programme identified in interviews with participants included the variety and scope of the exercises, and the empathetic but positive approach of the instructors. The small group format was highly valued with participants receiving social support and inspiration from each other. Perceived outcomes included improved fitness, reduced fatigue, enjoyment, enhanced mood and a sense of achievement. Several participants felt that the intervention represented a stepping stone to becoming habitual exercisers. Results suggested that the programme was feasible and acceptable to patients, but uptake was low, indicating a need for more effective recruitment strategies in order for a cost-effective service to be implemented. [source] Effects of an occlusal splint compared with cognitive-behavioral treatment on sleep bruxism activityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2007Michelle A. Ommerborn The impact of an occlusal splint (OS) compared with cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) on the management of sleep bruxism (SB) has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an OS with CBT in SB patients. Following a randomized assignment, the OS group consisted of 29, and the CBT group of 28, SB patients. The CBT comprised problem-solving, progressive muscle relaxation, nocturnal biofeedback, and training of recreation and enjoyment. The treatment took place over a period of 12 wk, and the OS group received an OS over the same time period. Both groups were examined pretreatment, post-treatment, and at 6 months of follow-up for SB activity, self-assessment of SB activity and associated symptoms, psychological impairment, and individual stress-coping strategies. The analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in SB activity, self-assessment of SB activity, and psychological impairment, as well as an increase of positive stress-coping strategies in both groups. However, the effects were small and no group-specific differences were seen in any dependent variable. This is an initial attempt to compare CBT and OS in SB patients, and the data collected substantiate the need for further controlled evaluations, using a three-group randomized design with repeated measures to verify treatment effects. [source] FEELING IS BELIEVING, OR LANDSCAPE AS A WAY OF BEING IN THE WORLDGEOGRAFISKA ANNALER SERIES B: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2007Edmunds Valdem, rs Bunk ABSTRACT. This article is work-in-progress, an orientation of thought towards possibilities for individual human beings to diminish the distance between outer and inner landscapes imposed by cultural norms and happenstances such as exile. The dominance of visual landscapes and visual perceptions is seen as a pivotal problem, to be solved by the engagement of all the senses in landscape discourse and formation. All the senses are engaged in earliest childhood, as they have been in ,primitive' societies. While returning to either a state of childhood or primitivism is an impossible dream, it is possible to edge closer to human nature by engaging and honing all the senses, especially the ,earth-bound senses' of feel, smell and taste. Cultivating those senses and developing discourse about them, and incorporating them into landscape formation and enjoyment, is much more difficult than having a discourse about sight and hearing, for which there is a rich and well-developed symbolic language and which can be shared through various types of media. The way towards a deeper discourse about the earth-bound senses, and the way out of the tyranny of the visual, is to be found in stories, as several thinkers suggest. The story told is autobiographical and literary , a mode of geographic writing that I developed in a 2004 book (Bunk,e 2004a), in which the complex dilemmas of home and road were explored. This article shows how in the early 1970s I defined the individual's landscape as ,a unity in one's surroundings perceived through all the senses', with imagination as the key human faculty. And I tell the story of how through complex circumstances, a visually and emotionally repugnant landscape became emotionally and intellectually attractive, with a scent, not a picture or image causing the initial attraction. The external and internal landscapes are thus unified, resulting in a sense of timelessness and placelessness of deep existential significance for the person. [source] The Golden Freeway: a preliminary evaluation of a pilot study advancing information technology as a social intervention for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their familiesHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 1 2004Jennifer Soutter BSc PhD Abstract Established information technology was used in an attempt to reduce social isolation by providing each family who had a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with a personal computer, and e-mail and Internet connectivity. Seventy-four of the 88 families in the north of England (i.e. Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, Teesside, and Tyne and Wear) with a boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who was diagnosed before January 2000 had the equipment installed. Evaluations of equipment usage and parental perceptions of the project were carried out at 3 and 12 months post-installation. Results from quantitative and qualitative interviews with parents indicated that benefits accrued to the families and to the boys themselves: family relationships can be extended, and the boys can acquire a degree of independence which, according to parents' views, can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. As hoped, social isolation was felt to have been reduced, and an occupation, interest and enjoyment provided. The greatest use of the computer was for schoolwork with siblings sharing in this. Cost proved to be a problem for a number of families. For the project team, there were unexpected aspects: creating an e-community was more difficult than anticipated, more training was required and not all families would ever use the equipment to its fullest. However, families did emphasise the value of the project as a way of opening the world for their sons. [source] Once-daily OROS®,hydromorphone for the management of chronic nonmalignant pain: a dose-conversion and titration studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 10 2007M. Wallace Summary Background:, The use of opioid analgesics for patients with chronic nonmalignant pain is becoming more widely accepted, and long-acting formulations are an important treatment option. Aim:, To assess conversion to extended-release OROS® hydromorphone from previous stable opioid agonist therapy in patients with chronic nonmalignant pain of moderate-to-severe intensity. Methods:, In this open-label multicentre trial, patients were stabilised on their previous opioid therapy before being switched to OROS® hydromorphone at a ratio of 5 : 1 (morphine sulphate equivalent to hydromorphone hydrochloride). The OROS® hydromorphone dose was titrated over 3,16 days to achieve effective analgesia, and maintenance treatment continued for 14 days. Results:, Study medication was received by 336 patients; 66% completed all study phases. Stabilisation of OROS® hydromorphone was achieved by 94.6% of patients, the majority in two or fewer titration steps (mean time, 4.2 days). Mean pain intensity scores, as determined by the Brief Pain Inventory, decreased during OROS® hydromorphone treatment (p , 0.001). The percentage of patients rating their pain relief as ,good' or ,complete' increased, and the use of rescue analgesics for breakthrough pain decreased. The interference of pain with everyday activities (e.g. walking or work), and the effects on mood and enjoyment of life, also improved during the study (all p < 0.001). OROS® hydromorphone was well tolerated, and adverse events were those expected for opioid agonist therapy. Conclusion:, Patients with chronic nonmalignant pain who had been receiving opioid therapy easily underwent conversion to OROS® hydromorphone, with no loss of efficacy or increase in adverse events. [source] A study of cross-border outshopping determinants: mediating effect of outshopping enjoymentINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 6 2009Chiquan Guo Abstract Outshopping has been studied in the marketing literature for years, and research has identified some compelling reasons for people to shop out of their home country. Outshoppers literally go extra miles to outshop for better quality and assortment of merchandise, higher quality of personal service, more pleasant shopping atmospherics, and more competitive prices. In this study, we propose that outshopping enjoyment is not only directly related to outshopping, as are the earlier outshopping determinants, but mediate the relationships between those cognitive determinants and outshopping behaviour. In addition, we explore how patriotism and terror would affect people's outshopping frequency. Managerial and research implications are also discussed. [source] Which little piggy goes to market?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 3 2009Characteristics of US farmers' market shoppers Abstract The growth in farmers' markets in the US has raised questions about whether they are a niche market or appeal to a broader population. Using a simple, random sample of US food shoppers, this study uses a test of means to examine whether there are differences in characteristics between those who shop at farmers' markets and those who do not. A key finding was that there was no significant difference in the level of food expenditures between shoppers and non-shoppers. In addition, a probit model was used to examine the marginal effects of attitudinal, behavioural and demographic variables on the probability of shopping at a farmers' market. The probability was significantly increased by the following: enjoyment and frequency of cooking, being female and the presence of another adult in the household. Income did not significantly influence the probability of shopping at a farmers' market. However, the probability of shopping at a farmers' market was significantly reduced if respondents perceived that cost was the most important characteristic of food. These characteristics imply limited appeal of farmers' markets currently to convenience-oriented, single-person, and single-parent households. [source] The influence of college students' shopping orientations and gender differences on online information searches and purchase behavioursINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 2 2008Yoo-Kyoung Seock Abstract Using the data collected from a survey of 1277 US college students, this study investigated college students' shopping orientations, and examined the relationships between their shopping orientations and searches for information about and purchases of apparel products online and the differences between male and female students in their shopping orientations, online information searches and purchase experiences. Seven shopping orientation constructs were identified: shopping enjoyment, brand/fashion consciousness, price consciousness, shopping confidence, convenience/time consciousness, in-home shopping tendency and brand/store loyalty. Results showed that participants' shopping orientations were significantly related to their searches for information about and purchases of apparel items online. In addition, male and female participants showed significant differences in their shopping orientations, online information searches and purchase experiences. This study provided suggestions for apparel e-tailors to develop effective marketing strategies to reach their target market, for consumer educators and for educators in the retail merchandizing area to prepare their students for future careers. [source] Shopping behaviour among gay men: issues of internalized homophobia and self-esteemINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 4 2007Andrew Reilly Abstract Connections among internalized homophobia, self-esteem and various shopping behaviours are investigated. Internalized homophobia, which affects nearly all gay men to some degree, and self-esteem may affect shopping behaviours such as credit card debt, venue of shopping, enjoyment from shopping, amount of time spent shopping and frequency of shopping. Data from 213 gay men were collected using an Internet-survey design. Results demonstrate that internalized homophobia has weak to moderate effects on thrift store shopping, discount store shopping and credit card debt. Although self-esteem did not predict shopping behaviour, it was correlated with shopping enjoyment. Implications, limitations and future research are discussed. [source] What is worse for your sex life: Starving, being depressed, or a new baby?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS, Issue 7 2007Dip Clin Psych, Frances A. Carter PhD Abstract Objective: To compare the current sexual functioning of women in an intimate relationship with anorexia nervosa, with major depression, and in the postpartum period. Method: Complete data were available for 76 women who reported being in an intimate relationship (anorexia = 10; depression = 24; postpartum = 42). Sexual functioning was assessed using the Social Adjustment Scale (Weissman and Bothwell, Arch Gen Psychiatry, 33, 1111,1115, 1976). Results: Significant differences were found among groups for the frequency of sex (p =.03) and problems with sex (p < .001), but not for enjoyment of sex (p = .55). In the previous 2 weeks, women with anorexia nervosa or major depression were more likely to have had sex than postpartum women, but were also more likely to have had sexual problems than postpartum women. Most women with anorexia nervosa, women with major depression, and postpartum women reported enjoying sex. Conclusion: Women with anorexia nervosa and women with major depression who are in an intimate relationship report a similar profile of current sexual functioning that is different from postpartum women both in the frequency of sexual encounters and in reported problems with sex. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||