Social Sciences

16 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semiconductors at the Intersection of Geoeconomics, Technonationalism, and Global Value Chains

by Seohee Park

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080466 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2585

This study provides a historical and contemporary analysis of the United States’ strategies in the global semiconductor industry, framed within Joseph Nye’s three-dimensional chessboard analysis. This study examines the strategic responses of the United States from the 1980s to the present, connecting these [...] Read more.

This study provides a historical and contemporary analysis of the United States’ strategies in the global semiconductor industry, framed within Joseph Nye’s three-dimensional chessboard analysis. This study examines the strategic responses of the United States from the 1980s to the present, connecting these shifts to changes in international politics and geoeconomic alliances. It scrutinizes how the U.S. utilized its unipolar power to respond to Japan’s growing semiconductor industry influence in the 1980s and its adoption of free-market principles during the globalization era of the 1990s and 2000s. It further discusses how these multilateral shifts have led to a resurgence of technonationalism in the late 2010s, responding to asymmetric interdependence in the global value chain of the semiconductor industry. This research contributes to the comprehension of the dynamics of the industry within international politics and suggests insights into the ongoing Sino–American competition and strategic realignment in the sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Contemporary Politics and Society)

9 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessReview

Are TikTok Algorithms Influencing Users’ Self-Perceived Identities and Personal Values? A Mini Review

by Claudiu Gabriel Ionescu and Monica Licu

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080465 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 9058

Abstract

The use of TikTok is more widespread now than ever, and it has a big impact on users’ daily lives, with self-perceived identity and personal values being topics of interest in light of the algorithmically curated content. This mini-review summarizes current findings related [...] Read more.

The use of TikTok is more widespread now than ever, and it has a big impact on users’ daily lives, with self-perceived identity and personal values being topics of interest in light of the algorithmically curated content. This mini-review summarizes current findings related to the TikTok algorithm, and the impact it has on self-perceived identity, personal values, or related concepts of the Self. We pass through the contents of algorithmic literacy and emphasize its importance along with users’ attitudes toward algorithms. In the first part of our results, we show conceptual models of algorithms like the crystal framework, platform spirit, and collective imaginaries. In the second part, we talk about the degree of impact a social media algorithm may exert over an individual’s sense of self, understanding how the algorithmized self and domesticated algorithm are trying to sum up the dual development of this relationship. In the end, with the concept of Personal Engagement and the role of cognitive biases, we summarize the current findings and discuss the questions that still need to be addressed. Performing research on the topic of social media, especially TikTok, poses ethical, cultural, and regulatory challenges for researchers. That is why we will discuss the main theoretical frameworks that were published with their attached current studies and their impact on the current theoretical models as well as the limitations within these studies. Finally, we discuss further topics of interest related to the subject and possible perspectives, as well as recommendations regarding future research in areas like impact on personal values and identity, cognitive biases, and algorithmic literacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applying AI to Social Science and Social Science to AI)

17 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healthcare-Seeking Behaviors of Homeless Substance Users During the COVID-19 Lockdowns in Gauteng, South Africa: A COREQ-Based Report

by Mayibongwe Mkhaliphi Abel Mnkandla, Takalani Grace Tshitangano and Azwinndini Gladys Mudau

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080464 - 20 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1353

Abstract

Substance use continues to be a social problem globally. Around the world, approximately 275 million people use drugs, including 15% of South Africans, with over 36 million succumbing to drug disorders. In the Gauteng Province, about 55% of autopsies of deceased medicolegal cases [...] Read more.

Substance use continues to be a social problem globally. Around the world, approximately 275 million people use drugs, including 15% of South Africans, with over 36 million succumbing to drug disorders. In the Gauteng Province, about 55% of autopsies of deceased medicolegal cases (2003–2012) showed the presence of one or more illicit drugs in Pretoria. Most research shows that around one-third of people who have problems with alcohol and drugs are homeless. Evidence suggests that homeless people are often denied access to even the most essential assistance, including healthcare. This study assessed the healthcare-seeking behaviors of homeless substance users during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualitative approach using an exploratory design assessed referrals based on those suffering from symptoms of COVID-19 during the lockdown period between 2020 and 2022. Data were collected from 25 homeless substance users in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng, through unstructured interviews. Three themes based on the study objectives included the types of healthcare services consulted, the determinants of health-seeking behaviors, and challenges experienced while seeking healthcare. Of the twenty-five participants, aged twenty-one to fifty, thirteen suffered from COVID-19 symptoms. Five used formal healthcare systems and eight used informal healthcare systems. Older participants access healthcare services, while less of the younger population use them. Barriers that are encountered while seeking medical services entail marginalization, stigmatization, and a lack of social support. Despite the formidable barriers posed by homelessness and substance use, homeless individuals demonstrated remarkable resilience in their efforts to access healthcare services during the COVID-19 lockdowns. This study highlights the importance and urgent need for harm reduction strategies and policy development for long-term service provision to this population, as well, as the literature on equity, diversity, and inclusion as a foundation for the rights of marginalized populations and groups. Future research directions should focus on harm reduction among this population group of homeless substance users. Full article

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15 pages, 548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Well-Being of Parents of Children with Disabilities—Does Employment Status Matter?

by Andrea Tokić, Ana Slišković and Matilda Nikolić Ivanišević

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080463 - 19 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1776

Abstract

Being a parent of a child with a disability brings with it special burdens, e.g. extraordinary caregiving responsibilities, which can have a negative impact on other areas of life and the well-being of parents in general. The aim of this study is to [...] Read more.

Being a parent of a child with a disability brings with it special burdens, e.g. extraordinary caregiving responsibilities, which can have a negative impact on other areas of life and the well-being of parents in general. The aim of this study is to examine the differences in various aspects of well-being and social support between parents who are employed in addition to having caregiving responsibilities, unemployed parents, and parents who are formal caregivers (they receive financial support to care for their child). The online survey included 165 unemployed parents, 467 employed parents (273 full-time and 194 part-time), and 182 formal caregivers. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) showed that both full-time and part-time employed parents had higher levels of life satisfaction, global health, and social support than unemployed parents, when controlled for the child’s level of disability and the parents’ level of education. Formal caregivers and unemployed parents did not differ significantly in the variables of well-being or social support. Our results suggest that a social measure introduced in Croatia to facilitate parents of children with disabilities to work have a positive impact on parental well-being, and that social support from society for unemployed parents and formal caregivers needs to be improved. Full article

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17 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Governments Facing Turbulence: Robust Governance and Institutional Capacities

by Miquel Salvador and David Sancho

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080462 - 19 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1504

Abstract

Crisis environments, which are becoming systemic, pose significant challenges to local governments. The present study sought to present an academic contribution by introducing an analytical framework designed to scrutinize the institutional capabilities of local governance bodies in effectively responding to the emergent structural [...] Read more.

Crisis environments, which are becoming systemic, pose significant challenges to local governments. The present study sought to present an academic contribution by introducing an analytical framework designed to scrutinize the institutional capabilities of local governance bodies in effectively responding to the emergent structural nature of crises within contemporary contexts. The study centered its attention on the concept of robust governance and accentuated a collection of factors that facilitate proficient public administration: contingency planning capacity, analytical capacity, organizational management capacity, and collaborative capacity. The paper presented a broad analysis of academic literature on the subject and it defined an analytical model for assessing local government capacities to deal with crises. One of the achievements of this work was the identification of key indicators that elucidate the institutional capabilities of local government bodies in addressing crisis environments. Through the examination of these indicators, the suggested analytical framework offers a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the readiness of municipal authorities in dealing with crisis situations. Furthermore, it enables comparative analysis of local government systems in analogous contexts, facilitating the identification of exemplary strategies for enhancing crisis management. The analytical model needs to be validated in further empirical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Local Governance, Wellbeing and Sustainability)

21 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Our Hero and That Kind of Woman: Imaginaries of Sexuality, Masculinity and Femininity in the Discussion of the Rape Allegation against Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal

by Júlia Garraio

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080461 - 19 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2880

Abstract

Kathlyn Mayorga’s rape allegation against Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo was mostly met in his home country with disbelief, prompting a strong wave of support for the national icon. Mayorga was often perceived as a ‘gold digger’. This article explores how traditional gender [...] Read more.

Kathlyn Mayorga’s rape allegation against Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo was mostly met in his home country with disbelief, prompting a strong wave of support for the national icon. Mayorga was often perceived as a ‘gold digger’. This article explores how traditional gender norms, sex scripts and rape myths underpinned the resignification of the rape allegation into a case of extortion, naturalizing sexual abuse regarding ‘immoral women’. It examines how the intersection of local patriarchal traditions with the neoliberal order produced a morality which normalized the commodification of women’s and men’s bodies as a path to social mobility. It looks at the commodification of Ronaldo’s body, his key to success as a ‘super-body’ whose exceptional sports performance granted him respectability, an exceptional social status and access to women’s sexualized bodies. Then, it examines the construction of Mayorga’s body as a sexualized body with less moral and/or commercial value, operating in an area perceived as indecent (sex as a ‘gold digger’ or sexual transactions as a prostitute) and whose inflicted harm could be compensated through money. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Directions in Gender Research—2nd Edition)

15 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“We Are Tired”—The Sharing of Unpaid Work between Immigrant Women and Men in Portugal

by Estefânia Silva, Cláudia Casimiro, Cristina Pereira Vieira, Paulo Manuel Costa, Joana Topa, Sofia Neves, Janete Borges and Mafalda Sousa

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080460 - 18 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1755

Abstract

In this article, we intend to understand and discuss how immigrant men and women living in Portugal perceive their contributions to the performance of unpaid work and how they try to deal with the situation of the greater burden on women. To this [...] Read more.

In this article, we intend to understand and discuss how immigrant men and women living in Portugal perceive their contributions to the performance of unpaid work and how they try to deal with the situation of the greater burden on women. To this end, a qualitative methodology was used to conduct an exploratory study with 10 focus groups of immigrant men and women in five regions of the country: North, Centre, Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve. The participants, 43 females and 27 males, were aged between 19 and 80 years. From the discourse of the immigrant participants in this study, it could be concluded that the division of unpaid work between immigrant women and men is not equal, as their statements evidenced a greater responsibility and overload on women. From a traditional vision of gender roles, a persistent dichotomy of two worlds could be perceived, based on a “naturalized” vision of the social roles of gender and on a distribution grounded in biological differences. In parallel, discourses show a change in the sharing of household chores and childcare. However, this does not always occur regularly and appears very much associated with the entry of women into the paid labour market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Directions in Gender Research—2nd Edition)

22 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Windjammer: Finding Purpose and Meaning on a Tall Ship Adventure

by Gunvor Marie Dyrdal and Helga Synnevåg Løvoll

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080459 - 17 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1809

Abstract

The Windjammer project started in 2018 as a social entrepreneurship program in Norway for adolescents at risk of social drop-out and societal exclusion. While the effects on society of such programs are difficult to measure, aspects such as perceived meaning in life are [...] Read more.

The Windjammer project started in 2018 as a social entrepreneurship program in Norway for adolescents at risk of social drop-out and societal exclusion. While the effects on society of such programs are difficult to measure, aspects such as perceived meaning in life are largely overlooked in the literature. This study explored wellbeing and the processes of creating meaning among adolescents at risk during a one-month tall ship adventure. Three methodological approaches were used. First, psychological and demographic data from the Windjammer participants (n = 122) were compared to a national adolescent survey (Ungdata, n = 793,879) serving as a comparison group. Second, using sensory ethnography, the sailing experience of seven adolescents from one adventure was explored in depth through interviews while onboard the ship. Third, a mixed-methods approach was used to further explore three individual adolescents’ experiences of the adventure. Overall findings show that Windjammers experienced life as less meaningful than the general adolescent population. Interviewed Windjammers talked about transformative experiences, although quantitative data showed a slight decrease in meaning following the adventure. Overall, the tall ship adventure was found to involve four overarching themes: commitment, social wellbeing, familiarization with seamanship, and self-acceptance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Thinking on Psychological Health: Find Purpose and Meaning in Life)

19 pages, 4350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Emotions That News Agencies Express towards Candidates during Electoral Campaigns: 2018 Brazilian Presidential Election as a Case of Study

by Rogerio Olimpio da Silva, Juan Carlos Losada and Javier Borondo

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080458 - 17 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1651

Abstract

Since online social networks play an increasingly important role in the final voting decision of each individual, political parties and candidates are changing the way of doing politics and campaigning, increasing their digital presence. In this paper, we propose a methodology to analyze [...] Read more.

Since online social networks play an increasingly important role in the final voting decision of each individual, political parties and candidates are changing the way of doing politics and campaigning, increasing their digital presence. In this paper, we propose a methodology to analyze and measure the emotions that news agencies express on social media towards candidates and apply it to the 2018 Brazilian elections. The presented method is based on a sentiment analysis and emotion mining by means of machine learning and Natural Language Processing approaches such as Naïve Bayes classification and Stemming calculation. We found that if doing basic sentiment detection, nearly all posts are neutral. However, when we analyze emotions, following Ekman’s six basic emotions, we do not find neutrality but clear and identifiable emotions. Next, we present and discuss the associative patterns between news agencies and presidential candidates. Finally, since the candidate that captured the highest and most negative attention emerged victorious in the elections, we discuss the potential importance of having a social media presence, regardless of generating positive or negative emotions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elections and Political Campaigns in Times of Uncertainty)

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22 pages, 9264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Pseudo-Identification in the Post-Truth Era: Exploring Logical Fallacies in the Mainstream Media Coverage of the COVID-19 Vaccines

by Ekaterina Veselinovna Teneva

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080457 - 16 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2211

Abstract

Because of China’s new wave of COVID-19 in May 2023, the issue of tackling COVID-19 misinformation remains relevant. Based on Lippmann’s theory of public opinion and agenda setting theory, this article aims to examine the concept of digital pseudo-identification as a type of [...] Read more.

Because of China’s new wave of COVID-19 in May 2023, the issue of tackling COVID-19 misinformation remains relevant. Based on Lippmann’s theory of public opinion and agenda setting theory, this article aims to examine the concept of digital pseudo-identification as a type of logical fallacy that refers to supporting journalists’ opinions with ‘false’ arguments that lack factual evidence. To do so, the study applied computer-aided content analysis, as well as rhetorical and critical discourse analyses, to examine 400 articles related to four COVID-19 vaccines (‘Oxford-AstraZeneca’, ‘Pfizer-BioNTech’, ‘Sputnik V’ and ‘Sinovac’) published on the online versions of two major British and American mainstream media sources between August 2020 and December 2021. The results of the study show that journalists of the ‘The New York Times’ and ‘The Guardian’ used similar logical fallacies, including the opinions of pseudo-authorities and references to pseudo-statistics and stereotypes, which contributed to creating distorted representations of the COVID-19 vaccines and propagating online misinformation. The study also reveals political bias in both of the mainstream media sources, with relatively more positive coverage of the European vaccines than non-European vaccines. The findings have important implications for journalism and open up perspectives for further research on the concept of digital pseudo-identification in the humanities and social sciences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geopolitics, Public Communication and Social Cohesion Facing the Crisis of Democracy: Risks and Challenges)

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11 pages, 1340 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

People and Places: The Contextual Side of Politics in Demography and Geography

by Tadeusz Kugler and J. Patrick Rhamey

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080456 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1568

Abstract

The disciplines of political demography and geography examine the interplay between social behaviors, spatial dimensions, politics, and policy. Investigations into demographic shifts, driven by evolving social norms or domestic and international political events, can influence numerous critical dependent variables in international relations, such [...] Read more.

The disciplines of political demography and geography examine the interplay between social behaviors, spatial dimensions, politics, and policy. Investigations into demographic shifts, driven by evolving social norms or domestic and international political events, can influence numerous critical dependent variables in international relations, such as trade, development, and inter- and intra-state conflict. Similarly, geography and the interconnection of space with independent variables, such as power, wealth, and culture, yield similar insights. In this article, we employ a systemist approach from the Visual International Relations Project (VIRP) to provide a brief overview of the theoretical intersection between geography, demography, and international relations focusing on using VIRP to teach these subjects. To accomplish this, we have selected two representative pieces of literature from each field. For demography, we examine Hendrik Urdal’s A Clash of Generations? Youth Bulges and Political Violence, and for geography, we review Alex Braithwaite’s The Geographic Spread of Militarized Disputes. These seminal articles in their respective fields demonstrate the clear applicability of demography and geography to international politics scholarship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Visual International Relations Project)

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15 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

‘My Dad Was, Is a Soldier’: Using Collaborative Poetic Inquiry to Explore Intergenerational Trauma, Resilience, and Wellbeing in the Context of Forced Migration

by Lydia Wanja Gitau, Achol Arop and Caroline Lenette

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080455 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1705

Abstract

The topics of intergenerational trauma, resilience, and wellbeing as they relate to forced migration are receiving more attention in the arts and health literature. Yet, we know very little about how refugee-background young adults manage their psychosocial wellbeing when they grow up surrounded [...] Read more.

The topics of intergenerational trauma, resilience, and wellbeing as they relate to forced migration are receiving more attention in the arts and health literature. Yet, we know very little about how refugee-background young adults manage their psychosocial wellbeing when they grow up surrounded by stories of conflict, loss, and trauma. Achol has been writing poetry to represent and amplify the narratives of those around her (parents, family, and the South Sudanese community in Sydney, Australia). These stories are central elements of her lived experience and the diverse experiences of her community. Using collaborative poetic inquiry, this paper identifies key themes in one of her poems, My dad was, is a soldier, to illustrate how poetry is an important artistic mode of expression that can improve our understanding of intergenerational trauma, resilience, and wellbeing. Rather than conveying interview data through research poems, we place Achol’s poem at the centre of our collaborative poetic inquiry to gain new insights into refugee lived experiences. This paper contributes to contemporary debates on how artistic means enrich our knowledge of psychosocial wellbeing through trauma-informed, culturally safe, and decolonial research methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Research Methods to Understand Lived Experience through Art and Design Collaborations)

21 pages, 919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender, Shame, and Social Support in LGBTQI+ Exposed to Discrimination: A Model for Understanding the Impact on Mental Health

by Joana Cabral and Tiago Miguel Pinto

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080454 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 3117

Abstract

Discrimination and homonegativity have been consistently linked to poorer mental health outcomes in LGBTQI+ individuals. However, little is known about the role of internal shame and the potential moderating role of social support. This cross-sectional study investigated the impact of discrimination, internal shame, [...] Read more.

Discrimination and homonegativity have been consistently linked to poorer mental health outcomes in LGBTQI+ individuals. However, little is known about the role of internal shame and the potential moderating role of social support. This cross-sectional study investigated the impact of discrimination, internal shame, and social support on mental health outcomes in LGBTQI+ individuals, exploring the intersection between gender and sexual orientation. LGBTQI+ participants, especially women, reveal higher levels of discrimination and shame and a stronger impact on mental health outcomes compared to heterosexual counter-partners. Internal shame was found to mediate the impact of discrimination on depression and anxiety. Social support was found to buffer the impact of discrimination on internal shame, depression, and anxiety. These findings have important implications for clinical practice with LGBTQI+ individuals, suggesting that addressing internal shame and building social support networks are central to promoting resilience and mental health. Results also highlight that gender and sexual orientation should be considered in an intersectional approach when addressing gender-based violence and discrimination and its impact on mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender-Related Violence: Social Sciences’ Research & Methods)

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16 pages, 2153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polarization and Moral Threat: Insights from Systemist Analysis

by Ilona Goldner and Pazit Ben-Nun Bloom

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080453 - 14 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1165

Abstract

This article presents a theoretical framework for understanding the social consequences of polarization-driven behaviors by conceptualizing them as a moral threat to the self. Our argument employs systemist graphics, illustrating key connections and patterns from two distinct scientific works. First, an analysis of [...] Read more.

This article presents a theoretical framework for understanding the social consequences of polarization-driven behaviors by conceptualizing them as a moral threat to the self. Our argument employs systemist graphics, illustrating key connections and patterns from two distinct scientific works. First, an analysis of polarization-driven behavior, which reveals Americans’ willingness to trade democratic values for partisan goals. Second, research on moral disengagement strategies, revealing the role of resentment as a coping mechanism in armed conflicts. We offer a synthesis analysis between these two studies and uncover a twofold role of morality in polarization: as a factor in forming partisan animosity and a catalyst in its perpetuation and intensification. We further highlight the role of outgroup hate, rather than ingroup love, in driving negative actions resulting from polarization, and the challenge of reconciling morally-driven conflicts. Our framework sheds new light on the complex interplay between morality and conflicts, with implications for social cohesion, erosion of moral values, and democratic backsliding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Visual International Relations Project)

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14 pages, 666 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Scoping Review of Correctional-Based Interventions for Women Prisoners with Mental Health Problems

by Nur Oktavia Hidayati, Suryani Suryani, Laili Rahayuwati, Berlian Isnia Fitrasanti and Che an Ahmad

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080452 - 14 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1788

Abstract

Women prisoners are a population at a high risk of experiencing stress, anxiety, and other mental health problems. This is because stressors in prisons, such as strict prison rules, intimidation, and conflicts with other inmates and staff, cause a high prevalence of mental [...] Read more.

Women prisoners are a population at a high risk of experiencing stress, anxiety, and other mental health problems. This is because stressors in prisons, such as strict prison rules, intimidation, and conflicts with other inmates and staff, cause a high prevalence of mental health problems in women prisoners. Mental health services, such as correctional-based interventions, are an important part of overcoming these problems. Therefore, this study aimed to identify correctional-based interventions for women prisoners with mental health problems, specifically to determine the types of correctional-based interventions, the types of mental health problems experienced by women prisoners, and the effectiveness of the interventions. The method used was a scoping review based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Articles were searched using Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar with the keywords “Mental Health Care” OR “Mental Health Services” AND “Correctional Program” AND “Interventions” AND “Mental Disorder” OR “Mental Health Problems” AND Women” OR “Female” AND “Inmates” OR “Offenders” OR “Prisoners” OR “Convicts”. The inclusion criteria used were the year of publication (2000–2023), full-text articles in English, and the study sample was women prisoners with mental health problems. After selection, a total of 10 articles were found to meet the review inclusion criteria. The results showed that the correctional-based interventions given to women prisoners with mental health problems included Yoga, which combines mind and body; Seeking Safety, which was a manual CBT model; Transactional Analysis (TA) training program to enhance communication, relationships, and personal well-being; Transcendental Meditation (TM), a simple technique to reduce mental stress; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches the ability to accept painful or unwanted emotions; and Trauma Effect Regulation to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All correctional-based interventions had significant results and can be used by health practitioners in prisons to address mental health problems experienced by women prisoners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gender Studies)

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17 pages, 516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Offshoring Refugees: Colonial Echoes of the UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership

by Michael Collyer and Uttara Shahani

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080451 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6677

Abstract

British proposals to forcibly deport asylum seekers to Rwanda have raised fierce opposition from across the political spectrum in the UK and internationally. These proposals differ from official practices of deportation as they have developed in liberal democracies since the 1970s. There are [...] Read more.

British proposals to forcibly deport asylum seekers to Rwanda have raised fierce opposition from across the political spectrum in the UK and internationally. These proposals differ from official practices of deportation as they have developed in liberal democracies since the 1970s. There are certainly some international parallels, such as Australia’s ‘Pacific Solution’ of ‘offshoring’ asylum, which is often cited as an inspiration. Yet a much clearer precedent involving the forcible movement of people to countries where they have no personal or legal connection existed for many years in the British Empire. Colonial policies of forcible removal, relocation, displacement, and dispersal around the Empire are well established. We draw attention to these longer histories before investigating more recent cases of the dispersal of refugees within the British Empire in the twentieth century. In many cases, such forced dispersal concerned those who had been recognised as refugees who were interned and subsequently moved elsewhere in the Empire. Such policies were designed to prevent the arrival of refugees in the UK. These policies have provided inspiration for asylum practices in some postcolonial states—Israel is reported to have reached an agreement with Uganda and Rwanda to deport asylum seekers from Sudan and Eritrea, although these are not public. In this paper, we highlight how these colonial practices of forcible displacement of individuals inform the current agreement between the UK and Rwanda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Colonial Legacies in Asylum and Welfare in Europe)

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20 pages, 803 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Concept and Application of Social Capital in Health, Education and Employment: A Scoping Review

by Syden Mishi, Kin Sibanda and Godfred Anakpo

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080450 - 09 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1643

Abstract

The term social capital has been conceptualized and applied in different fields with different controversial connotations and impacts. Due to the variation in the conceptualization and operationalization of the subject, understanding the application of social capital in education, health, and employment remains incomplete. [...] Read more.

The term social capital has been conceptualized and applied in different fields with different controversial connotations and impacts. Due to the variation in the conceptualization and operationalization of the subject, understanding the application of social capital in education, health, and employment remains incomplete. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide a thorough review of the concept and application of social capital in health, education, and employment using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Findings from the review reveal that the conceptualization of social capital is multidimensional in each context, with common underlining constructs such as social networks, connections, and a sense of community engagement in all three areas of health, education, and employment. Few reviews in the context of health and education extend social capital conceptualization to include trust, reciprocity, the interlinking of physical structure and social structure, and social cohesion. Furthermore, the conclusive consensus is that social capital leads to positive impacts on health outcomes, though negative outcomes may also be expected through behavioural contagion. The review found a bidirectional relationship between social capital and education. The findings for employment outcomes vary from country to country depending on the methodology used and the strength of social capital, with most studies finding a positive relationship with employment. Additionally, operationalizing social capital may benefit from both quantitative and qualitative methods, therefore, further studies using qualitative approaches to social capital may be especially helpful to understand what social capital means to people. It is also worth noting that the application of social capital is mainly within the context of developed countries; hence, further studies in the context of developing countries on the different types and impacts of social capital are recommended. Full article

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11 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Representations of Trans People in the Workplace

by José Baptista, Dália Costa and Sónia P. Gonçalves

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080449 - 09 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1753

Abstract

Organizations show tendencies to discriminate against trans people, making them significantly more likely to face barriers in the professional context, where the highest rates of discrimination against trans people are reported. This study intends to acknowledge the SRs that are associated with trans [...] Read more.

Organizations show tendencies to discriminate against trans people, making them significantly more likely to face barriers in the professional context, where the highest rates of discrimination against trans people are reported. This study intends to acknowledge the SRs that are associated with trans people in the workplace since the Theory of Social Representations suggests that Social Representations (SRs) are useful to regulate perceptions and the way we act in the world. Also, through Intergroup Contact Theory, by suggesting that contact with a minority population will reduce the associated prejudice, we also intend to understand the impact contact has on SRs. By applying a questionnaire between 20 January and 21 February 2022 on a random sample of 217 people, and respective analyses in MAXQDA 2022 and EVOC 2005 software, the results indicate that the SRs most associated with trans people in a professional context are discrimination, normality, equality, difficulties, and prejudice. Although the term “discrimination” was the most mentioned, it is worth underlining the appearance of positive (and neutral) terms, which may, according to Intergroup Contact Theory, be justified by contact since the majority of the sample (57.6%, n = 125) have had contact with trans people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Directions in Gender Research—2nd Edition)

16 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Teaching Qualitative Research in Psychology: A Look at the Portuguese Reality

by Ana Pereira Antunes and Silvana Martins

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080448 - 09 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1192

Abstract

Qualitative research has been increasingly used in the field of psychology. Consequently, concerns about the development of students’ skills in qualitative research have arisen. The main goal of this paper is to characterize the current state of art of the qualitative research teaching [...] Read more.

Qualitative research has been increasingly used in the field of psychology. Consequently, concerns about the development of students’ skills in qualitative research have arisen. The main goal of this paper is to characterize the current state of art of the qualitative research teaching in Portuguese bachelor’s degrees in psychology. A documentary analysis was performed, and the data collection was conducted through an online search: first on the website of the General Directorate of Higher Education, and afterwards on the online sites of each of the Portuguese universities where the first cycle of psychology is taught. A content analysis was made by two coders and a discussion about categories was made until a consensus was reached. The data revealed the existence of 31 undergraduate courses in psychology at 31 Portuguese teaching institutions. There were 12 undergraduate courses at 12 public universities, and 19 undergraduate courses at 19 private universities. Despite the diversity in the study plans in the degree of psychology, most of them included qualitative research methodology teaching. However, the data analysis revealed different designations of the curricular units (CUs) related to qualitative research, as well as a different number of credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System—ECTS). In addition, there were variations in the academic year in which the qualitative research CUs were taught and registered in their syllabi. This study indicates that undergraduate Portuguese psychology students generally have some training in qualitative research but the way it is carried out and the training contents are not uniform for all the existing degrees. It is important to reflect on the importance of qualitative research in psychology and further studies on qualitative methods teaching practices are still needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 7th World Conference on Qualitative Research)

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12 pages, 1033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Education as Coping Strategy for Exhaustion and Dysfunctional Eating Habits

by Eva Urbón and Carlos Salavera

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080447 - 08 Aug 2023

Viewed by 974

Abstract

Work shifts affect eating habits, social relationships in the workplace, and, more broadly, the physical and mental health of health professionals. The aim of this research was to differentiate BMI, eating behavior, and burnout between shift and non-shift nurses. The study involved 194 [...] Read more.

Work shifts affect eating habits, social relationships in the workplace, and, more broadly, the physical and mental health of health professionals. The aim of this research was to differentiate BMI, eating behavior, and burnout between shift and non-shift nurses. The study involved 194 nurses (63% of whom work shifts and 37% of whom do not) who completed sociodemographic questionnaires, eating behavior questionnaires, and an exhaustion inventory (Maslach Burnout Inventory). The results showed that shift nurses were twice as likely to skip meals and obtained higher exhaustion scores. In conclusion, the need to establish prevention plans to promote adequate food intake and healthier eating behaviors among health professionals, while promoting specialized training in emotional education in order to prevent mental health problems, is emphasized. Full article

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12 pages, 1434 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Key Concepts in the Poliheuristic Theory of Foreign Policy Decision Making: A Comparative Examination Using Systemist Theory

by Steven B. Redd

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080446 - 08 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2036

Abstract

The poliheuristic theory of foreign policy decision making incorporates the conditions surrounding foreign policy decisions, as well as the cognitive processes decision makers undergo en route to a choice. It argues that high-level decision makers, who routinely face stressful decision environments, engage in [...] Read more.

The poliheuristic theory of foreign policy decision making incorporates the conditions surrounding foreign policy decisions, as well as the cognitive processes decision makers undergo en route to a choice. It argues that high-level decision makers, who routinely face stressful decision environments, engage in a two-stage decision process wherein they first employ cognitive-based, heuristic shortcuts in an attempt to simplify the decision task. In the second stage, once the decision task is more manageable, decision makers employ more analytic strategies in order to minimize risks and maximize rewards. Poliheuristic theory also posits that politics is the essence of decision and that decision makers will avoid choosing alternatives that hurt them politically. Using systemist theory, I compare two journal articles that use poliheuristic theory to explain foreign policy behavior and choices. More specifically, I compare Özdamar and Erciyas’s 2020 Foreign Policy Analysis article, which uses case study methods to analyze Turkish decisions during the crises of 1964, 1967, and 1974, with Redd’s 2002 Journal of Conflict Resolution article that uses experimental methods to analyze decision making in an advisory group setting. Systemism uses diagrams in a visual approach to explicate the relationships among various factors in any given theory. As such, systemism enables us to precisely examine how poliheuristic theory has evolved over nearly twenty years as well as compare what the different methodologies of case studies and experimental methods have to offer in explaining the foreign policy behavior of leaders and their advisers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Visual International Relations Project)

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15 pages, 2774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Assessment of the Digital Economy at the National and Sub-National Level

by Olga Chereshnia

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080445 - 07 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1078

Abstract

The study examines the concept of the digital economy, highlights the challenges in measuring it, and explores the development of indexes as a tool for assessing its growth and the effectiveness of policies and strategies. The proposed index is suitable for both national [...] Read more.

The study examines the concept of the digital economy, highlights the challenges in measuring it, and explores the development of indexes as a tool for assessing its growth and the effectiveness of policies and strategies. The proposed index is suitable for both national and sub-national spatial assessments, and it was tested and validated using examples from regions in Russia and European countries. The selected indicators comprehensively capture the geographical distribution of digital economic activity, including the concentration of digital businesses in specific regions, the availability of high-speed internet and mobile networks, the distribution of ICT-related jobs across different regions, and the level of e-commerce activity. The authors initiated an analysis and comparison of available data sources, which resulted in a list of indicators that allows for a sufficient assessment of the levels of digital economy development. The resulting index was used to assess the digital economy’s development in regions in Russia and European countries. The top-ranking countries were Scandinavian, while Moscow dominated the rankings among Russian regions. The results also highlighted significant disparities in the development of the digital economy within Russia and Europe. The study’s findings align with those of other international and domestic studies, confirming the reliability of the proposed methodology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Economics)

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15 pages, 2867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship between Social Media and Tourist Experiences: A Bibliometric Overview

by Samia Idbenssi, Larbi Safaa, Dalia Perkumienė and Mindaugas Škėma

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080444 - 05 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3132

Abstract

In recent years, the relationship between the tourism experience and social media has become an increasingly popular research topic. Previous research has focused only on certain aspects of the tourism experience and social media, but none have covered the subject in depth. To [...] Read more.

In recent years, the relationship between the tourism experience and social media has become an increasingly popular research topic. Previous research has focused only on certain aspects of the tourism experience and social media, but none have covered the subject in depth. To fill this gap, this study takes a holistic approach and combines both concepts simultaneously. This article presents a new overview of scientific production through an in-depth bibliometric analysis on the “Scopus” platform, using the two software packages “VOSviewer” and “R Studio”. This article presents a synthesis of 62 papers published between 2013 and 2023, using citation and co-occurrence analysis to identify key trends and connections in research on this topic. We highlight the most researched concepts and the most important connections between various publications. Our analysis presents the most prolific research community, the evolution of research and the most active journals regarding this topic. Full article

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22 pages, 639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gendered Micropolitics in Academic Work Environments: Uncovering Microaggressions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Mónica Lopes, Virgínia Ferreira and Caynnã Santos

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080443 - 04 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1244

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased attention to the existing gender asymmetries in academia, which have been extensively studied in the literature. Using the analytical lens of “gendered academic citizenship”, this paper takes a micropolitical perspective to examine how the pandemic has impacted [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased attention to the existing gender asymmetries in academia, which have been extensively studied in the literature. Using the analytical lens of “gendered academic citizenship”, this paper takes a micropolitical perspective to examine how the pandemic has impacted the dynamics of academic work, specifically focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of everyday interactions in the work environment. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of survey data collected from 1750 lecturers and researchers in Portuguese higher education and research institutions, the study uncovers that women, especially those who are younger, single, have specific caregiving responsibilities, and are in the early stages of their careers, were more vulnerable to experiencing “everyday” microaggressions such as silencing, exclusion, belittlement, being ignored, lack of validation, and invisibility compared to men during the pandemic. These findings suggest that, while the marginalization of women in academia is a longstanding issue, the virtual work model has created a platform for the expression of subtle forms of disempowerment and discrimination against women. These dynamics are perpetuated within the micropolitics of organizations, shaping subjective feelings of belonging and circulating differential levels of recognition within academic institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Directions in Gender Research—2nd Edition)

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27 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“I’m an Academic, Now What?”: Exploring Later-Career Women’s Academic Identities in Australian Higher Education Using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis

by Matthew James Phillips and Peta Louise Dzidic

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080442 - 03 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1772

Abstract

The becoming of, and being, a later-career woman academic is marked by being positioned to play a key role in the operation of the academic institution. Tensions emerge when later-career women academics are expected to balance these expectations, while simultaneously contemplating how they [...] Read more.

The becoming of, and being, a later-career woman academic is marked by being positioned to play a key role in the operation of the academic institution. Tensions emerge when later-career women academics are expected to balance these expectations, while simultaneously contemplating how they choose to remain, work, and identify within academia. We qualitatively explored how Australian later-career women academics conceptualise their academic identities, and the subject positions made available through their discourse. Aged between 43 and 72 years, 17 participants were interviewed. Data was analysed using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis. Four subject positions were identified—The Insecure Woman, who experienced tensions between the academic that the system required them to be, compared to the academic that they wanted to be; The Expert Academic, viewed by other individuals as the voice of reason within academia; The Reflective Academic, who reflects on, and summarises, their academic career; and The Disengaging Academic, who begins to transition out of their academic roles and responsibilities. Overall, the identified discourses created subjectivities questioning how much one has contributed to the academic setting, what it means to have been a part of academia, as well as evaluating what it means to identify beyond it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gender Studies)

17 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Central Coast Regional Equity Initiative: Co-Creating and Actionizing a New Community-Led Equity Framework

by Kathleen Knight, Morgan Love, Jonnie Williams and Marcos Vargas

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080441 - 03 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1234

Abstract

We present a community-led equity framework as a foundation for promoting equity on the Central Coast of California. We discuss the key elements of a participatory, community-led evaluation and planning approach for the Central Coast Regional Equity Initiative, which aims to advocate for [...] Read more.

We present a community-led equity framework as a foundation for promoting equity on the Central Coast of California. We discuss the key elements of a participatory, community-led evaluation and planning approach for the Central Coast Regional Equity Initiative, which aims to advocate for social, health, environmental, and economic equity through region-wide cross-sector collaboration, community and research-informed action, and an indigenized and decolonized approach. Through a systematic mixed-methods evaluation and planning approach, including Community Consultations and Strategic Action Planning, we found that our community’s lived experience contributes to a deeper understanding of inequities, and that engagement in cross-sector collaboration empowers our community to bridge data with action organizing. The findings demonstrate that engagement in community-led evaluation and planning contributes to a greater readiness for cross-sector collaborative action and a sense of community ownership of solutions to equity issues, and sets the stage for deeper-rooted, long-term success built on genuine reciprocity and trust. We present our community-led equity framework inviting others to adopt systematic community knowledge-base-building that values community wisdom, identifies power imbalance, promotes trust-building through healthy discomfort, and encourages reflective action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Community-Engaged Research, Volume 2: New Voices, Critical Approaches)

16 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Powering Solutions to Truck Pollution in South Stockton

by Catherine Garoupa, Nahui Gonzalez Millan, Bianette Perez, Taylor Williams and Todd Sax

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080440 - 02 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1279

Abstract

Despite decades of literature and practice with community-engaged research along with advancements in the recognition of environmental injustices, the application of equity-/justice-based and collaborative approaches between government agencies and community-based organizations has been limited. The toxic legacies of environmental racism, redlining, displacement, and [...] Read more.

Despite decades of literature and practice with community-engaged research along with advancements in the recognition of environmental injustices, the application of equity-/justice-based and collaborative approaches between government agencies and community-based organizations has been limited. The toxic legacies of environmental racism, redlining, displacement, and segregation combined with the accelerating human-caused climate crisis warrant an increased need for consultation and collaboration between frontline communities and power brokers to markedly improve quality of life and health outcomes in environmental justice neighborhoods. This paper describes the processes and progress to date from a community-led collaboration between local community-based organizations and the Enforcement Division of the California Air Resources Board to assess and address air pollution in South Stockton, particularly from heavy-duty diesel trucks. South Stockton is one of the most polluted neighborhoods in California’s San Joaquin Valley, one of the most disparate and polluted regions in the United States. Some of the most significant components integrated into this project thus far include taking an equity-, justice-, and youth-oriented approach to community development that intentionally emphasizes a historical understanding of root causes of social and environmental injustices and provides pathways to workforce development. Including these elements has been essential in building the trust necessary to transform disparate power relations between the state and environmental justice communities, and to put multiple ways of knowing into conversation with each other to co-learn and co-power solutions to air pollution in South Stockton. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Community-Engaged Research, Volume 2: New Voices, Critical Approaches)

16 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

National or Multicultural? A Common Narrative about History in the Baltic States after 1991

by Beata Halicka

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080439 - 02 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1371

Abstract

In this article, I describe common narratives of history in postcommunist Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and explore the intersection between multiculturalism and memory politics. I argue that dealing with history is a challenge in these countries and can be seen as part of [...] Read more.

In this article, I describe common narratives of history in postcommunist Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and explore the intersection between multiculturalism and memory politics. I argue that dealing with history is a challenge in these countries and can be seen as part of a broader issue of memory politics in societies that have experienced trauma during the Nazi and Soviet eras. The hypothesis that I developed, based on my empirical analysis, is that it makes visible how a difficult process of negotiating competing memories can, under certain circumstances, lead to dialogical remembrance. The article also pays attention to unexpected events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which gives a new dynamic to this process. The original contribution of this article is an analysis of historical narratives in three national museums, with a special focus on how these museums deal with the injustices and traumas experienced by different ethnic groups in the Baltic states. The final section of the article is devoted to the reaction of people in these countries to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and how this relates to the politics of history created in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia after 1991. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reimagining Political Identity and Ideology in Europe: Memory Politics and the Resurgence of Nationalism and Right-Wing Populism)

12 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mirroring Truths: How Liberal Democracies Are Challenging Their Foundational Narratives

by Carles Fernandez-Torne and Graeme Young

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080438 - 01 Aug 2023

Viewed by 832

Abstract

Long-established liberal democracies with histories of settler colonialism—from the United States and Canada to Australia and Scandinavia—are beginning to explore their histories of violence and dispossession. This, in many ways, is long overdue, but the desire to come to terms with past injustices [...] Read more.

Long-established liberal democracies with histories of settler colonialism—from the United States and Canada to Australia and Scandinavia—are beginning to explore their histories of violence and dispossession. This, in many ways, is long overdue, but the desire to come to terms with past injustices should not obscure the challenges that still stand in the way of any reasonable effort to do so. We argue that transitional justice can be applied to colonial history in liberal democracies, but there are major conceptual and practical obstacles that need to be overcome if this is to happen in meaningful ways. We explore three of these obstacles here that are particularly significant: the doctrine of intertemporal law, the unequal power balance between the Global North and the Global South, and national identity. If these are to be overcome, it is important to tie historical to present injustices and to incorporate, beyond violations of physical rights, violations of economic and social rights that are particularly relevant for understanding continuities between past and ongoing violations. These rights are commonly neglected even by states that recognize a broad set of liberal rights and have the capacity to ensure that they are realized, and represent a promising avenue for pursuing a truly inclusive, equitable, and universal understanding of justice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reimagining Political Identity and Ideology in Europe: Memory Politics and the Resurgence of Nationalism and Right-Wing Populism)

15 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aesthetic Enactment: Engagement with Art Evoking Traumatic Loss

by Lynn Froggett and Jill Bennett

Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(8), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080437 - 01 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 873

Abstract

This article analyses audience responses to two creative works inspired by traumatic loss—the first, a performance presentation, recounting events from the author’s adolescence; the second, a short film about a suicide in the filmmaker’s family. Both were shown in 2017 as part of [...] Read more.

This article analyses audience responses to two creative works inspired by traumatic loss—the first, a performance presentation, recounting events from the author’s adolescence; the second, a short film about a suicide in the filmmaker’s family. Both were shown in 2017 as part of a mental health arts festival, attracting audiences with affinity for the lived experiences portrayed. Given the potential for such works to give rise to negative feelings and/or to retrigger trauma, the objective of this research was to understand firstly whether audiences could process the trauma conveyed in a contained and facilitative setting and, secondly, how the specific aesthetic modality of each work supported this processing. The psychosocial methodology adopted consisted of a group-based, image-led associative method—the visual matrix—which invites participants to express their sensory-affective and felt responses to a creativework. In the case of both works, the visual matrix gave rise to a distinctive form of aesthetic enactment, expressed through rhythm and image association. This imagistic and ‘rhythmic’ mode of engagement appeared to be key to the re-symbolisation of trauma for the audiences. The implication of this study is that the re-visiting of potentially distressing experiences in an aesthetically mediated, containing setting is potentially reparative in its effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Research Methods to Understand Lived Experience through Art and Design Collaborations)

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