Search Results (1,949)

Climate change constitutes a growing challenge for high-Andean communities worldwide, whose livelihoods depend directly on agriculture, livestock farming, and the stability of local ecosystems. In this context, the study seeks to understand the construction of social imaginaries among agricultural producers regarding the dynamics of climate variability, with the aim of analyzing both the vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities that emerge in their everyday practices. Based on a qualitative approach, supported by 32 interviews with key informants from 16 communities, 04 focus groups, and documentary analysis, field data were collected and processed using Atlas.ti software. The testimonies of community members from Cojata, Puno–Peru, revealed social imaginaries and collective responses linked to this phenomenon. The findings show feelings of concern and uncertainty, diverse interpretations of climate change dynamics, reconfiguration of cultural meanings, and the deployment of hybrid adaptation strategies that combine ancestral knowledge with contemporary resources. Overall, these findings show that social imaginaries play a central role in how communities face the climate crisis, revealing both the persistence of structural inequalities and the need to strengthen intercultural territorial policies that recognize local knowledge, promote communal cooperation, and foster a horizon of resilience and climate justice. Full article

This study explores the development potential of thematic tourism in the Municipality of Pella, Northern Greece. It examines local residents’ perceptions regarding tourism as a growth strategy, evaluates current informational and promotional efforts by the local government, and assesses the public’s willingness to participate in tourism activities. A structured questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of residents that was given both in person and via the internet. Quantitative analysis revealed that while respondents generally support the idea of tourism development and feel moderately informed, there is a strong perception that the municipality’s efforts to promote tourism are insufficient. Key factors influencing residents’ attitudes include age, level of education, and personal involvement with tourism. The findings suggest that thematic tourism could serve as a viable development path, provided that local authorities implement targeted education, infrastructure, and promotion strategies. This study recommends enhanced cooperation between public institutions and local stakeholders to support sustainable tourism growth. It is suggested, therefore, to increase the depth of focus given in the development of an innovative agricultural area development model that will combine traditional agriculture with agritourism and the remaining types according to each place’s capabilities. Full article

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have significant implications for women’s long-term health, including at least a twofold increased lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Blood Pressure Postpartum (BP²) Study was a three-arm randomised trial evaluating follow-up and lifestyle behaviour change strategies during the first year after HDP. Methods: This qualitative sub-study, embedded within the BP² Study, explored women’s experiences of life in the first year following HDP. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 34 women, approximately 10–12 months postpartum. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Participants reflected on their experiences post-HDP; three major themes were identified: Navigating life with a newborn, The value of support, and Processing and Moving forward. Some women felt informed and empowered to make positive lifestyle changes; others were still processing their HDP experience and/or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of early motherhood. Responses were influenced by their HDP experience, available support, prior experience with healthy behaviours, and financial stability. Conclusions: The findings highlight that postpartum women who experienced HDP face unique challenges, including physical recovery, emotional processing, and intensive infant care. It often takes time for these women to begin prioritising their own health, as they navigate these challenges. The insights generated from women’s experiences suggest that flexible, accessible, and individually tailored support may facilitate postpartum health, promote lifestyle change, and help reduce long-term CVD risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) require contextual approaches emphasizing family roles. Parents of children with NDDs face a complex socio-emotional reality. They may experience high levels of stress, fatigue, depression, and feelings of guilt and uncertainty, and they are often left feeling isolated and unsupported. All of these factors increase their socio-emotional vulnerability and affect their children’s wellbeing. A significant part of the available evidence has focused on parents of typically developing children or on a single construct. For these reasons, and considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aim of this study was to review interventions targeting the improvement of the socio-emotional wellbeing of parents of children with NDDs, in order to characterise recent research, the specific constructs addressed, and the effectiveness of interventions. Methods: No prior protocol/registration. ERIC and Web of Science databases (selected for their broad multidisciplinary coverage in psychology and social sciences) were searched from 2020–2025 (last search: 7 September 2025), limited to English/Spanish publications. Inclusion criteria encompassed parents/primary family caregivers of children with NDDs receiving socio-emotional programs. Two independent reviewers screened the titles/abstracts and full texts, resolving disagreements through discussion. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review employed narrative synthesis without risk-of-bias assessment and included 16 studies (approximately, 1100 participants). Results: The analysis indicated a scarce but growing scientific output, with a complex methodological landscape showing promising preliminary convergence in intervention outcomes. Interventions effects appeared mediated by cultural suitability, accessibility, and contextual alignment. Conclusions: Future work should pursue multisystemic approaches engaging diverse societal contexts and agents to optimize child and family wellbeing. Full article

Agroecology is a long-term solution for changing agri-food systems as climate change and food security problems become worse. In North Africa, especially Algeria, this change needs a profound understanding of how people feel and act toward food that is grown in an environmentally friendly way. This study looks at what Algerian consumers know, how much they are ready to pay (WTP), and how their social and demographic factors affect their attitudes toward agroecological products and practices. A principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression have been used on 552 responses from a nationally representative sample collected as part of the NATAE Horizon Europe project to find the psychological and structural factors that affect sustainable consumption. The results show that age, education, job level, and living in a city have a big effect on how aware and open-minded consumers are. People over 45 who have more education and a better job are more likely to care about the environment and be willing to spend more on eco-friendly products, notably, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. People still do not know much about it, though, and WTP differs by product category. This case study shows how important it is to have targeted education and labelling regulations to fill in knowledge gaps and get people more involved in agroecological changes in Algeria. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric asthma remains a pressing public health issue, especially among low-income, minority children living in subsidized housing. Methods: This study employed a community-based participatory research approach to explore barriers and potential solutions for improving asthma management in this vulnerable population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 caregivers of children with asthma and 8 community health workers in Washington, DC—a city marked by high childhood asthma rates and concentrated subsidized housing. Results: Thematic analysis identified six core findings: (1) families frequently encountered multiple home environmental asthma triggers, including pests, mold, secondhand smoke, leaks, poor ventilation, and aging infrastructure; (2) healthy housing services were under implemented, often due to unresponsive landlords, inadequate inspections, and poor maintenance; (3) existing services such as pest control, mold remediation, and smoke-free policies were ineffectively implemented; (4) challenges to service delivery included difficulties faced by landlords and structural barriers tied to geography, race, and socioeconomic status; (5) substandard housing conditions contributed to residents’ feelings of powerlessness, frustration, and distrust, with some taking legal action to address persistent hazards; and (6) participants recommended stronger housing code enforcement, sustained funding for home-based environmental interventions, housing-health liaisons, strengthened landlord accountability, support for landlords to facilitate repairs, centering families’ voices, and advocacy. Conclusions: This study underscores the persistent challenges caregivers face in managing asthma triggers in subsidized housing. The findings highlight the critical need for improved housing conditions, greater landlord and housing authority accountability, and policy reforms to ensure consistent, equitable, and sustainable healthy housing services that reduce pediatric asthma disparities. Full article

Mastectomy, while a life-saving intervention for breast cancer, often leads to profound psychological and emotional challenges for affected women. Feelings of loss altered body image, and anxiety about recurrence can significantly impact mental well-being. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of women after mastectomy at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. In this study, a qualitative phenomenological design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with women who had undergone mastectomy. Fifteen participants were purposively sampled, and thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and meanings in their narratives. The findings revealed that the participants initially described feelings of being ‘disabled’, incomplete, and anxious about cancer recurrence or their ability to perform maternal functions such as breastfeeding. However, over time, many developed resilience and acceptance, seeing surgery as a life-saving measure and an opportunity for renewal. The adjustment of women after mastectomy is a complicated emotional transition from crisis and loss to adjustment and empowerment. The results identify the need for holistic psychosocial support that combines counseling, peer networks, and education for their family members addressing their emotional healing, body image, and social reintegration. Full article

This essay provides a neurobiological and neuroanatomical analysis of how the recently published Walla Emotion Model, with its neurobiologically grounded definitions, elucidates the evolutionary origin of affective processing from the sense of olfaction. The analysis first deconstructs the model’s hierarchical framework, which distinguishes between rapid, non-conscious affective processing (neural activity coding for valence of stimuli), conscious, subjective feelings, and observable, communicative emotions. It then details the unique neuroanatomical pathway of the olfactory system, highlighting its most direct, subcortical connections to the limbic system (only two synapses) (shared subcortical network between olfaction and affection). The core argument presented is that this emotion model’s definition of affective processing as being distinct from an emotion is a direct conceptual reflection of the ancient, hardwired, and survival-oriented function of olfaction. This link is substantiated by empirical evidence from studies on sniffing behavior, startle reflex modulation, and non-conscious physiological responses, all of which provide empirical evidence for a non-conscious, non-cognitive evaluation of olfactory stimuli. First, this essay concludes that a clear distinction between affective processing, feelings, and emotions offers a coherent framework that has the potential to resolve long-standing terminological ambiguities in the affective science. Second, it also aims at providing a paradigm for understanding the foundational role of a specific sensory modality in the evolution of our most primitive and yet so evident and impactful affective responses serving the adaptation of produced behavior in humans. Finally, some ideas for broader implications are mentioned. Full article

People living in rural communities are typically underserved by public transportation services and face challenges in accessing healthcare, jobs, stores, and other destinations. Understanding the lived experiences of people who use public transportation in rural communities can help to inform a more equitable transportation system. This qualitative study gathered the perspectives of community health center employees about the public bus system for Hawai‘i Island, a rural county in the United States. Using a community-engaged research approach, the evaluation team interviewed 10 employees through either in-person small group interviews or online individual interviews between April and July 2023. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. While all study participants were selected for their interest in commuting to work by bus, most believed the bus was not a reliable or convenient option. Participants shared their experiences about not being able to rely on the bus schedule, feeling unsafe while walking to bus stops or waiting for the bus, and other barriers to using the bus system. Participants also shared their insights about how a reliable bus system would benefit community health center patients who needed transportation to more than just their medical appointments, but also to places like pharmacies, laboratory services, and grocery stores. These findings can be used to initiate discussions around the ways that community health centers can further address transportation as a social determinant of health and inform transportation providers about how to best plan and invest in transportation infrastructure and services to meet the needs of rural populations. Full article

Rapid climate change and its anticipated impacts trigger significant worry and distress among vulnerable groups, including young adults. Little is known about how Dutch young adults experience and cope with climate change within their specific social and environmental context. This study examines Dutch young people’s emotional responses to climate change, their perceived emotional and psychological needs arising from these experiences, and the barriers they encounter in engaging in pro-environmental behaviour, with the aim of informing public health strategies to better support and empower this vulnerable group. Data were drawn from a large online survey among a representative sample of 1006 Dutch young adults (16–35 years; 51% women). The questionnaire included fixed-answer sections assessing emotional responses to climate change, as well as two open-ended questions exploring participants’ perceptions of their emotional and psychological needs related to climate change and the barriers they perceive to pro-environmental behaviour. Descriptive statistics were used for the fixed-response items, and thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended responses. Many Dutch young adults reported worry and sadness about climate change and its impacts, with approximately one third experiencing feelings of powerlessness. A large percentage of respondents attributed responsibility to large companies, and nearly half indicated that they still had hope for the future. One third (31%) felt that nothing could make them feel better about climate change, and another third (36%) reported to experience no climate-related emotions. Key emotional needs included more action at personal, community, and governmental levels, and more motivating positive news. Almost half (46%) of young adults said they already lived sustainably, while perceived barriers to pro-environmental behaviour were mainly financial (21%), knowledge-related (8%), and time-related (7%). This exploratory study highlights key practical and emotional barriers to pro-environmental behaviour reported by Dutch young adults 16–35, who expressed diverse emotional needs while coping with climate change. The findings underscore the need for a multi-level public health response to climate-related emotions, that simultaneously addresses emotional needs, structural barriers, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. Lowering barriers to pro-environmental behaviour and fostering supportive environments that enable sustainable action among young adults may enhance wellbeing and strengthen their sense of agency. Public health supports this by reducing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour in young adults, through targeted support, clear information, and enabling social and structural conditions that promote wellbeing and sustained engagement. Full article

This article offers a comparative study of two closely linked constellations of early Ṣūfī thought: the ascetic–mystical program of al-Fuḍayl ibn ʿIyāḍ (d. 187/803) and that of his renowned disciple Bishr al-Ḥāfī (d. 227/841). Moving beyond hagiographic anecdote, the study advances the thesis that the pair articulate two complementary modalities of tawba (repentance) that generate distinct ascetic habitus and pedagogical lineages: al-Fudayl’s “ethic of awe” (fear, juridical redress, and renunciation of patronage) and Bishr’s “aesthetics of reverence” (beauty-induced modesty, evident humility, and fame avoidance). Drawing on primary sources (Ḥilyat al-Awliyāʾ, al-Sulamī’s Ṭabaqāt al-Ṣūfiyya, al-Qushayrī’s Risāla, al-Sarrāj’s Lumaʿ), the article reconstructs each thinker’s core concepts, practices (e.g., returning wrongs, ḥafāʾ/barefoot humility), and teaching styles and maps how the teacher–disciple nexus transmits, adapts, and ritualizes these ethics into durable Ṣūfī dispositions. Methodologically, the article combines close textual analysis with practice theory to show how emotions—such as fear and modesty (ḥayāʾ)—are choreographed into public, socially legible acts, thus reframing repentance as embodied discipline rather than interior feeling alone. A prosopographic appendix traces transmission from al-Fudayl to Bishr to Sarī al-Saqaṭī and al-Junayd, clarifying how each modality survives in later Baghdad sobriety and Malāmatī self-effacement. The contribution is twofold: first, it supplies a granular typology of early Ṣūfī repentance that explains divergent stances toward money, publicity, and power; second, it models how to read early Ṣūfī biography as anthropology of practice, recovering the lived grammar by which “conversion stories” become social programs. In doing so, the article nuances standard narratives of early Ṣūfism, showing that Bishr is not merely al-Fuḍayl’s echo but a creative reframer whose “reverential” path complements—rather than imitates—the awe-driven ethic associated with al-Fuḍayl. Full article

Previous studies on innovative courses have found that information on the elements of sustainable tourism is still lacking. To fill this research gap, this study examined the concept of sustainable tourism by focusing on two innovative courses titled “Seminar on Sustainable Tourism” and “Management and administration of Ecotourism”. Thirteen graduate students taking one of these courses were recruited as respondents for this study. The Zaltman metaphor elicitation technique (ZMET) was used to analyze photographs taken by the respondents and illustrate how graduate school students perceive sustainable tourism. The ZMET surveys were conducted in the 3rd week and 9th week and between the 17th and 18th weeks to represent the first and second semester, respectively. The results of the analysis illustrated that sustainable tourism involves constructs related to the natural environment and caring for wildlife, environmental conservation, sociocultural sustainability, natural and cultural experiences, perspectives on the environment, and government and policy. Four consensus maps were developed regarding environmental concerns, responsible behaviors, learning experiences, and reflections on sustainable tourism. Finally, the author concluded that when graduate students develop ecotourism itineraries, increase their environmental awareness, gain relevant learning experience, and exhibit reflective engagement, they experience positive feelings that benefit their environmental awareness, environmental attitude, sensory emotions, and reflective engagement, ultimately leading to pro-environmental or ecotourism behaviors that may subsequently boost sustainable tourism practices. Full article

This study examines how societal heteronormative norms influence interactions involving transgender individuals, offering insights into identity formation and mental health. Understanding how societal heteronormative norms shape interactions involving transgender individuals is crucial to the attainment of public health goals related to addressing societal barriers, such as stigma, and promoting mental health. Interviews were conducted at a university in the Southwest United States with 11 self-identified transgender individuals, focusing on three main questions: How do you feel when you interact with someone who does not conform to heteronormative gender roles? When you meet somebody who doesn’t conform to heteronormative gender roles does that cause you to question your own gender identity. Does your body have to match your gender identity? Directed content analysis revealed a divided phenomenon. While some participants experienced discomfort due to societal scrutiny, safety issues concerns, and heightened visibility, others found empowerment and validation in these interactions, affirming their identities and fostering a sense of belonging. Yet another finding pointed to the role of embodiment and lived experiences, highlighting contrasting views on body harmony congruence: some participants prioritized physical alignment for societal acceptance, while others valued internal authenticity over external validation. This underscores the tension between personal agency and societal expectations in shaping gender identity. The study contributes to transidentity-theoretical literature by addressing the diverse outcomes resulting from the copresence of discomfort versus empowerment, internalized stigma, and the interplay of self-perception with societal norms. Clinical implications point to the need for inclusive spaces, supportive interventions, and mental health resources to assist trans individuals in navigating these challenges. Full article

The color design of architectural interior display spaces directly affects the effectiveness of cultural information communication and the visual cognitive experience of viewers. However, there is currently a lack of combined subjective and objective evaluation regarding how to scientifically translate and apply traditional color systems in modern contexts. This study takes the virtual display space of traditional Chinese floral arrangements as a case, aiming to construct an evaluation framework integrating the Semantic Differential Method and eye-tracking technology, to empirically examine how color schemes based on the translation of traditional aesthetics affect the subjective perception and objective visual attention behavior of modern viewers. Firstly, colors were extracted and translated from Song Dynasty paintings and literature, constructing five sets of culturally representative color combination samples, which were then applied to standardized virtual exhibition booths. Eye tracking data of 49 participants during free viewing were recorded via an eye-tracker, and their subjective ratings on four dimensions—cultural color atmosphere perception, color matching comfort level, artwork form clarity, and explanatory text clarity—were collected. Data analysis comprehensively employed linear mixed models, non-parametric tests, and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. The results show that, regarding subjective perception, different color schemes exhibited significant differences in traditional feel, comfort, and text clarity, with Sample 4 and Sample 5 performing better on multiple indicators; a moderate-strength, significant positive correlation was found between traditional cultural atmosphere perception and color matching comfort. Regarding objective eye-tracking behavior, color significantly influenced the overall visual engagement duration and the processing depth of the text area. Among them, the color scheme of Sample 5 better promoted sustained reading of auxiliary textual information, while the total fixation duration obtained for Sample 4 was significantly shorter than that of other schemes. No direct correlation was found between subjective ratings and spontaneous eye-tracking behavior under the experimental conditions of this study; the depth of processing textual information was a key factor driving overall visual engagement. The research provides empirical evidence and design insights for the scientific application of color in spaces such as cultural heritage displays to optimize visual experience. Full article

Background: An increasing number of university students report feeling lonely, a negative experience arising from a mismatch between perceived and actual social relationships. Loneliness has been linked to poorer mental health. However, the relationship between qualitative (sources of loneliness) and quantitative (high or low) differences in loneliness and mental health is under researched. The aims of this research were to (a) identify profiles of loneliness among university students across three indicators of loneliness, namely, social, family, and romantic indicators, using latent profile analysis (LPA); (b) examine the differences among identified profiles based on dimensions of mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress), social support, and life satisfaction; and (c) assess profile membership based on demographic variables (gender, social isolation, relationship status, and education characteristics) and the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism). Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 912 university students from five cities in Uttar Pradesh, India. Participants completed questionnaires covering demographic details and validated measures assessing loneliness, depression, stress, anxiety, social support, life satisfaction, and the Big Five personality traits. Data were analyzed using the latent profile module in Jamovi and fit indices, namely, BIC, AIC, and BLRT, and entropy was used to select the best profile. Results: The latent profile analysis identified four profiles for university student loneliness, including Social and emotional lonely (31.4%), Moderate romantic lonely (23.8%), Moderate social lonely (8.2%), and Severe romantic lonely (36.6%). Moreover, the Social and emotional lonely profile scored the highest on depression, anxiety, and stress. The Moderate romantic lonely profile scored the highest on life satisfaction and social support. Being in a relationship decreased the likelihood of being categorized as Severe romantic lonely. In terms of personality, neuroticism was the strongest predictor of profile membership. This study is a step towards identifying at-risk lonely individuals with varying sources of loneliness. Identifying different profiles of lonely individuals will have direct implications for designing interventions that cater to a particular group rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Full article