Psychological Impact of E-Learning among Students: A Survey

Aim: This study is conducted to know the psychological impact of e learning among the students. Background(s): From the time of very first beginning of civilization to modern days before corona pandemic situation, most of the students of India are very much used to with the offline mode of learning. But now the situation is changed totally. They are getting themselves adapted to the online mode of learning as per need of time. In this changed scenario they are totally disconnected from their usual life with frames schools teachers and society. This situation wreaks havoc to their psychology. Methodology: This study is conducted with primary data in form of online survey. It was conducted with a pre formed questionnaire. 428 responses were collected for the present study. With advanced Excel software statistical analysis done. Outcome(s): Results show that students have shown negative impression on online learning and still they are not ready totally psychologically. Still positive answers show neck to neck result, which signifies increasing interest towards e learning. More practices and awareness required before further implementation.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

On the Effect of COVID-19 on Drivers' Behavior: A Survey Study.

COVID-19 had a disruptive effect on the global community. This study looks at the effects that the stringent lockdown measures enacted in March 2020 had on motorists' driving patterns. In particular, given the greater portability of remote working associated with the drastic decline in personal mobility, it is hypothesized that these may have served as accelerators for distracted and aggressive driving. To answer these questions, an online survey was conducted in which 103 respondents were asked to report on their own and other drivers' driving behavior. While respondents agreed they drove less frequently, they also indicated that they were not prone to more aggressive driving or engaging in potentially distracting activities whether for work or personal purposes. When asked to report on other motorists' behavior, however, respondents indicated they had witnessed more aggressive and distracting drivers on the road after March 2020 relative to the time before the pandemic. These findings are reconciled with the existing literature on self-monitoring and self-enhancement bias, and the existing literature on the effect of comparable large-scale, disruptive events on traffic patterns is used to discuss the hypothesis on how driving patterns may change after the pandemic.

Positive distraction in daily activities as a predictor of good coping: A "day in the life" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The early part of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) was a chronic stressor that led to decreased life satisfaction, increased psychopathology, and decreased social interaction, making it important to study coping strategies that stimulate increases in emotional well-being. Previous research has demonstrated that disengagement coping may be beneficial in scenarios where engagement coping is too difficult or not possible. We hypothesized that disengagement coping would be related to good emotional well-being (high positive emotions and/or perceived control, lower negative emotions and/or stress), with distraction (taking a break from a stressor) related to better emotional well-being than is avoidance (avoiding thoughts and feelings associated with a stressor). Methods: Using a daily reconstruction method that represents a "day in the life" of people in the United States during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we assessed people's (N = 329) activities, their intention to distract from or avoid the stressor during these activities, emotions, and thoughts about and motivation to deal with COVID. Results: Between-subjects' analyses revealed that habitual distraction did not predict any outcomes, while habitual avoidance related to poorer emotional well-being. Within-subject analyses, however, demonstrated that engaging in distraction (and to a smaller extent, avoidance) was associated with better concurrent emotional well-being and less thinking about COVID. Furthermore, the intent to distract/avoid was more reliable in predicting emotional outcomes than was the activity type. Conclusion: These findings suggest that disengagement from stress can be an adaptive coping behavior during global pandemics and possibly other chronic stressors with similar attributes.

Avascular necrosis in pediatric mandibular distraction - Report of a rare complication with a review on the pathogenic mechanism and management strategies

Avascular osseo-necrosis is one of the rare complications that has never been reported in pediatric mandibular distraction. However extensive periosteal stripping, developing tooth buds and aberrations related to the inferior alveolar canal in malformed syndromic mandible may lead to compromised vascularity to the osteotomised segments leading to avascular necrosis after monofocal mandibular distraction. The aim of the current case report is to describe this rare complication after pediatric MMDO and discuss in detail the possible etio-pathologic mechanisms and provide an insight for the management strategies.Copyright © 2021 The Authors

This must be the place: Distraction, connection, and "space-building" in the time of quarantine

Philosopher Henri Lefebvre claimed that exultations such as "Change life! Change society!"-or, more appropriately, "Change your habits!"-mean nothing "without the production of an appropriate space" where these changes can occur. Adapting Lefebvre's theories on the production of space to leisure, this paper celebrates how our participation in collectivistic online communities helps reconcile our need for distraction and connection during quarantine, aided by the practice of "space-building." Through this process, leisure develops as both a visual and physical practice, the apathy (and boredom) resulting from inertia circumvented by space-building. By constructing relatable spaces that strive to mimic "real-world" locales, the dissonance created by the dialectical relationship between the objective truth (I'm stuck at home...) and our subjective projections is temporarily resolved. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Maternal technology distraction and its associations with stress and parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic

The widespread adoption of digital technology devices has introduced unique challenges to modern parenthood, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when parents relied on digital technology more than ever before. Parents have experienced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with mothers being especially vulnerable to stress and mental health problems. This study investigates associations between technology distraction of mothers while spending time with their offspring, psychological well-being (stress sensitivity), and parenting behaviors (warmth and indifference) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers (n = 246) of adolescents (aged 13-18) who attended public secondary schools in Italy completed an online survey during the fourth wave of COVID-19. The pattern of associations was analyzed via path analysis. COVID-19 pandemic-induced stressors were positively associated with perceived stress, which was positively associated with technology distraction of mothers when spending time with their offspring. Furthermore, maternal technology distraction was positively associated with indifference and negatively associated with warmth. Perceived stress was negatively associated only with warmth. Strategies to mitigate stress during times of crisis and adversity might be useful for potentially vulnerable targets (e.g., mothers living with offspring during the COVID-19 pandemic). Information and prevention actions should be focused on how parents use digital devices while with their offspring. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This study examined potential correlates of maternal technological distraction while mothers spent time with their offspring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that COVID-19-specific effects on life dimensions (e.g., relationships with family members/friends, work performance, family financial situations) were associated with high perceived stress, which was associated with greater technology distraction of mothers when spending time with their offspring. Furthermore, maternal technology distraction was linked to negative parental behaviors (higher indifference and lower warmth), suggesting the relevance of using strategies to mitigate stress in potentially vulnerable persons during times of crisis such as the pandemic context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Changing workplace patterns in Saudi Arabia: a gender lens

This study explores the perspectives of employed married women in Saudi Arabia and the impact of changing workplace patterns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative approach draws on the findings from in-depth semi-structured interviews with married Saudi working women in the public education sector. The key findings are identified through a thematic analysis. First, remote work is considered to provide a suitable and quiet workplace. Second, the challenges include weak internet connections (major factor), followed by communication, sitting for long periods, institutional disrespect for official working hours and non-specific working hours (minor factors). A specific difficulty was the distraction of children, but this was considered manageable. Third, working remotely gives Saudi married working women opportunities to increase their performance and productivity, develop themselves, create work-life balance and improve their technology skills. Finally, in the education sector, a blended workplace is a suitable pattern that can be implemented effectively. The study is exploratory with a small sample size, so the findings cannot be generalized. However, it generates new insights into gender stereotypes regarding the difficulties and opportunities of the changing workplace patterns caused by COVID-19, through the lens of Saudi married working women.

Exploring undergraduate students' attitudes towards emergency online learning during COVID-19: A case from the UAE

This qualitative study aims to investigate the attitudes of undergraduate students towards their experience with emergency online learning during the first few weeks of the mandatory shift to online learning caused by COVID-19. Students from two general English courses at a university located in Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates were asked to write semi-guided essays during the week preceding the final exams of the second semester of the academic year 2019–20. A sample of these essays was analyzed using open coding. Findings revealed that cost- and time-effectiveness, safety, convenience and improved participation were the most frequently cited positive aspects of the emergency online learning experience, while distraction and reduced focus, heavy workload, problems with technology and the internet, and insufficient support from instructors and colleagues were the most recurrent negative aspects. The findings of the study help instructors and institutions understand students' attitudes regarding online learning under abnormal circumstances. A number of recommendations informed by the interpretation of the participants' feedback are offered to assist instructors, administrators and policy makers improve future online learning experiences.

Applying relational frame theory and increased sensory involvement with metaphors to the digital delivery of an act-based coping skill

Metaphor use in ACT is unique in that it is guided by Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and the idea that metaphors assist individuals in stepping outside traditional language traps to bridge the gap between their own previous knowledge/experiences and complex psychological concepts, such as cognitive defusion, in ACT. RFT specifically emphasizes the importance of limiting verbal language within treatment and increasing direct experience, including when using metaphors. Therefore, ACT practitioners are encouraged to increase sensory involvement with the metaphor to decrease reliance on language. However, this results in a myriad of ways in which sensory involvement is increased within ACT such as through more detailed language/guided imagery, using visual aids, and through physical engagement such as acting out the metaphor or using props with little empirical evidence to support doing so. This aim of this study was to empirically evaluate the effects of increased sensory involvement with metaphors in the context of digitally delivering an ACT-based coping skill with individuals experiencing distress related to COVID-19. Participants were randomized to one three metaphor conditions (verbal, visual, or physical) using the ?thoughts as clouds in the sky? metaphor for cognitive defusion, or to a distraction condition. The results showed that all conditions facilitated a reduction in urge to get rid of thoughts and a decrease in distress. However, actively engaging with the metaphor within the physical delivery condition resulted in the greatest improvements in the process of cognitive fusion for exposure to COVID-19 information to skill practice as compared to the remaining conditions. It also showed a difference in changes in distress between physical engagement with the metaphor and verbal engagement with the metaphor only during the same change period. This study provided initial support for RFT?s approach to metaphor use and ACT?s emphasis on experiential engagement with metaphors. Moreover, it lends support for the use of the ?thoughts as clouds in the sky? metaphor more generally and distraction that incorporates defusion exercises for delivery via a digital format. The study provides numerous avenues for future exploration of the experiential use of metaphors both empirically and within clinical practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

A comparison of the effect on pain management of two non-pharmacological methods used during administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2): A randomized controlled study.

AIMS: This study was conducted with the aim of examining the effect on pain intensity of the vibration technique applied at the injection site and squeezing a stress ball during the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled single-blind experimental study. The study included 120 adults who were randomly selected between July and November 2022. One experimental group (n = 40) received local vibration by means of a Buzzy® device, and the other (n = 40) were given a stress ball to squeeze. Routine vaccination procedure was performed with the control group (n = 40). The level of pain felt during the vaccination procedure was assessed on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The pain score of individuals during the vaccination procedure was found to be significantly lower in the vibration group than in the control group (P = .005) and the stress ball group (P = .036), but there was no significant difference between the control and stress ball groups (P = .851). Also, it was found that the variables of gender, age and body mass index did not affect the average pain intensity of individuals during the vaccination procedure. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that local vibration applied by means of the Buzzy® device was effective in reducing the levels of pain relating to administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. Nurses should think of the application of vibration as a choice in the management of pain relating to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination.

Facilitator reflections on online delivery of simulation-based mental health education during COVID-19

Purpose: During COVID-19, Maudsley Simulation successfully pivoted to fully online delivery of simulation-based education (SBE) in mental health. In migrating digitally, the simulation faculty experienced a range of new phenomena and challenges. The authors' experiences may be transferable to other specialities and for other educator groups. By sharing the authors' experiences, this study aims to support others adapt to online SBE. Design/methodology/approach: This piece represents the authors' collective reflections on the challenges of adapting their facilitation skills to the online environment. It also offers various suggestions on how to improve the learner experience in view of these challenges. Findings: Beyond merely platform orientation and operating procedure familiarisation, the team gained insights into ensuring optimal learning, engagement and participant experience during online deliveries. Delivery of online SBE brings several potential barriers to psychological safety and these warrant careful consideration by experienced simulationists. Practical implications: Optimising participant engagement and psychological safety remain key considerations despite this novel medium. Facilitators must be willing to adapt accordingly to begin delivering high-quality online SBE. Originality/value: From their experience, facilitators must reframe their debriefing expectations and adjust how they engage participants and manage group dynamics given the inherently different nature of this new learning environment.

Analysis of Psychological Symptoms Resulting From the COVID-19 Pandemic

The present study aimed to investigate the level of severity of some psychological symptoms resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic, among a sample of Ajman University students in the United Arab Emirates, and to verify the differences between students' demographic variables. The study used the descriptive-analytical approach and a modified DASS-21 scale, by adding the two scales of phobia and mental distraction to the tool. The reliability of the tool was verified for use on the sample in the current study. The most prominent results indicated that the highest psychological symptoms resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic were phobia (1.53 ± 0.98) with moderate severity, followed by stress (1.44 ± 0.84) with moderate severity, and the lowest was anxiety (1.02 ±0.79) with mild severity. The results also showed that females of the age group (30-40) years and the group less than 30 years of males are the most age categories who developed psychological symptoms. The study recommended the necessity of activating virtual clinical clinics in universities to provide online counseling services to face the psychological repercussions of the Coronavirus pandemic. © 2023 NSP.

The effect of the distraction methods used before the COVID-19 test on the fear and anxiety levels of children: a RCT study.

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of the distraction methods employed before nasopharyngeal swab sampling from children within the scope of the COVID test on their anxiety and fear levels. The study was an RCT with parallel groups conducted according to the CONSORT statement at the pediatric emergency unit of a hospital in Turkey. Children aged 5-10 years were randomized into three groups: Kaleidoscope, Visual Illusion Cards, and control. Data were collected by the researchers using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Children's Anxiety Meter-State, and the Children's Fear Scale. According to the reports of the children, the parents, and the nurse, the mean anxiety score and the mean fear score in the experimental groups were significantly lower after the nasopharyngeal swab procedure compared to the control group (p < .05). Fear and anxiety were observed less in the visual illusion cards group and the kaleidoscope group.

A randomized controlled trial on virtual reality distraction during venous cannulation in young children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain management in children is often inadequate, and the single most common painful procedure in children who are hospitalized is needle procedures. Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to decrease anxiety and pain in children undergoing painful procedures primarily in children from the age of 7 years. Our aim for this study is to investigate patient satisfaction and pain reduction by using a three-dimensional VR interactive game as a distraction in 4-7 years old children during venous cannulation. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, we enrolled 106 children aged 4-7 years who were scheduled for venous cannulation. Patients assigned to the control group were adherent to standard of care, including topical numbing cream, positioning, and distraction in this group by games of choice on a tablet/smartphone. In the study group, children were adherent to standard of care and were distracted by an interactive VR game. Primary outcomes were patient satisfaction and the procedural pain assessed by using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale; secondary outcomes were the procedural time and any adverse events. RESULTS: We found an overall high level of patient satisfaction with our regime of topical numbing cream, positioning, and distraction. The primary outcome of pain during the procedure was median 20 mm (IQR 0-40) and 20 mm (IQR 0-55) (Wong-Baker 0-100 mm) in the VR group and the control group, respectively (difference: 0 mm, 95%CI: 0-20, p = .19). No significant difference was found in procedural times. The number of adverse effects was low, with no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: VR distraction is an acceptable form of distraction for children 4-7 years old when combined with topical numbing cream and positioning during preoperative venous cannulation. No difference was found between VR- and smartphone/tablet distraction.

Risky business: Comparing the riding behaviours of food delivery and private bicycle riders.

The growth in the gig economy and a preference for home delivery of meals due to COVID-19 have led to huge growth in the food delivery business internationally and consequent road safety concerns. There is increasing evidence that delivery riding is an occupation with significant road safety risks because work pressures encourage risky behaviours. However, there is little or no research that directly compares delivery and private riders. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of riding for work by comparing the observable riding behaviours of food delivery and private bicycle riders. Specifically, this investigation used decision trees to analyse the prevalence and patterns of risky riding behaviours of 2274 bicycle food delivery riders (BFDRs) and 1127 private bicycle riders observed in the inner suburbs of Brisbane, Australia. The results showed that helmet use was higher for BFDRs than private riders (99.8% versus 93.4%) but varied by company and for some companies, female BFDRs had lower wearing rates. Male BFDRs on electric bikes were more likely to wear helmets than those on standard bikes (99.7% versus 94.9%). Using a handheld mobile phone or having a mobile phone in a cradle was less common for one company (0.6%) than for the others (3.0%) or among private riders (1.8%). Among riders from the Other Companies, using a handheld mobile phone was more common on standard bikes and differed by time of day. Female BFDRs were more likely to be observed using handheld mobile phones. Overall, 24.0% of riders facing a red traffic or pedestrian signal ("red light") did not stop. This was more common among riders who rode on the footpath (Australian term for sidewalk), and particularly those who moved between the footpath and the road on electric bikes (49.5%) and among those who rode in the wrong direction in the traffic lane (55.0%). Whether the rider was a BFDR or private rider had little influence on red light running. The results suggest that BFDRs are not more likely to perform the risky behaviours examined, but that other factors such as bicycle type, gender, time of day and infrastructure appear to be more important determinants. However, the differences among companies suggest that organisational factors deserve further investigation.

Exploring the definitions and experiences of the digital divide-it is more than a digital distraction: A case study in one Midwestern suburban high school during the COVID-19 pandemic

This case study was an exploration into the digital distraction occurring in a 1:1 integrated American high school. Twenty-first century education allows students and teachers to navigate learning using digital resources (internet, social media, academic databases) via school-issued and student-owned mobile digital technology (laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, etc.). This digital inclusion has been concerning for those who must supervise on-task learning, as managing devices, such as Chromebooks, cellphones and smartwatches has become both a pragmatic and ethical matter. In this case, I explored stakeholders' perspectives on digital devices, and the distraction they can cause in secondary education. Specifically, I attempted to discover the impact of digital distraction on engagement and attention during learning in the secondary 1:1 integrated classroom. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Sound and Silence: The Effects of Environmental Conditions on State Boredom in an Online Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Boredom is a negative emotion commonly experienced in mundane situations. Boredom is thought to arise from a mismatch between individuals and their expectation for environmental stimulation. People attempt to reduce boredom by increasing the stimulation in their environment (e.g., turning on TV or music). Theories of boredom suggest external stimulation may cue the individual to expect more stimulation than the mundane task offers-thereby increasing boredom. Researchers adapted lab-based tasks to online during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed participants to set the study's environmental conditions. Our method involved data collected online during the COVID-19 pandemic. We tested whether 137 college-age participants who reported being alone in a noisy room experienced more boredom after a mundane task than those who were alone in a quiet room. Results showed individuals in a noisier environment reported more boredom following a repetitive task than those in a quieter environment. Some people, high in trait boredom, experience boredom more frequently or cannot tolerate it. Our results revealed that the effects of environmental condition remained after controlling for the influence of trait boredom. In the discussion, we describe links to extant boredom research and implications for researchers collecting data online and individuals attempting to mitigate boredom.

Radio public service announcements to promote vaccinations for older adults: Effects of framing and distraction.

This article investigates the effects of message framing and distraction on older adults' responses to a radio public service announcement (PSA) to promote influenza and pneumococci vaccinations. In detail, it addresses the message impact on recognition, attitudes toward the ad, and information-seeking intentions. The 2 × 2 online experiment was conducted in August 2019 in Germany. 378 participants aged 60 years and above received a radio PSA with either gain- or loss-framed messages (factor 1). Additionally, half of the participants completed a distraction task while listening (factor 2). Gain frames (η2p =.02) and a non-distracted reception situation (η2p =.04) positively influenced older adults' recognition accuracy. Recognition, in turn, was found to mediate the effect of framing and distraction on the intention to seek further information on the campaign (framing: b = -0.03, distraction: b = 0.05). We conclude that gain-framed radio PSAs are an appropriate tool to raise awareness for a vaccination campaign and its contents, especially when recipients are concentrated while listening to it. We suggest to implement them at the early stages of a health intervention to sensitize people about vaccination, followed by more in-depth information material (e.g., brochures) to create behavior change.

Doom and zoom: How the tsunami of distractions from the rapid collision of home and work floods video call interactions

The world flipped to remote work overnight with the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, current literature on the pandemic video call work environment is limited and is mainly trade articles. Previous literature used many terms, with one term per study, to evaluate deliberate behaviors where one engaged in an unrelated task with or without a conversation partner. Therefore, this study identified divided presence as the umbrella term to aggregate these behaviors. At this point, divided presence is defined as one's deliberate behavioral choice to divide one's presence between a live conversation partner and at least one other unrelated task simultaneously. This narrative study examined how 21 pharmaceutical or biotechnology professionals who worked remotely at least two days per week and experienced receiving divided presence from colleagues on work video calls in the COVID-19 remote work environment made sense of this experience. This research used real-life scenarios in video calls with 3 participants per call and a follow-up survey to validate themes. Psychological meaningfulness, safety, and availability served as this study's theoretical framework. Ten themes emerged across the call groupings. Findings suggest that when participants received divided presence, they experienced negative, empathetic, and variable emotional impact. The nature of the colleague relationship and the unrelated task were potential mitigating or compounding factors. Power dynamics had an impact and, repeat engagers in divided presence were detrimental to working relationships. Lastly, poorly organized meetings increased undesirable impact from a participant's receiving and propensity to engage in divided presence. This study's findings validated pre-COVID-19 literature, showed that the theoretical framework still works today, and provided challenges to literature with siloed lenses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Distracting Moments in Videoconferencing: A Look Back at the Pandemic Period

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced workers around the world to switch their working paradigms from on-site to video-mediated communication. Despite the advantages of videoconferencing, diverse circumstances have prevented people from focusing on their work. One of the most typical problems they face is that various surrounding factors distract them during their meetings. This study focuses on conditions in which remote workers are distracted by factors that disturb, interrupt, or restrict them during their meetings. We aim to explore the various problem situations and user needs. To understand users' pain points and needs, focus group interviews and participatory design workshops were conducted to learn about participants' troubled working experiences over the past two years and the solutions they expected. Our study provides a unified framework of distracting factors by which to understand causes of poor user experience and reveals valuable implications to improve videoconferencing experiences. © 2022 ACM.