Digital Socialligators? Social Media-Induced Perceived Support During the Transition to the COVID-19 Lockdown

The sudden COVID-19-induced transition from a physical university life to a virtual one was a painful one for many students. Social distancing measures mean more than a simple change from face-to-face to online education. This study investigates how different social aspects, such as the students' psychological sense of community, social capital, and use of social media, facilitated the perceived social support during the transition to the COVID-19 lockdown. Our results not only underline social media's role, but also indicate that the perceived social support, as well as the bonding and bridging social capital, were particularly relevant during the transition process. Our findings are aimed at organizational management by recommending actionable ways in which they could improve social support by organizing computer-supported social networks, social support predictors, and specialized interventions for students with less perceived social support. As such, the study provides unique insights into the COVID-19-induced lockdown situation among students, while offering a transition model that also generalizes to other settings. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Social Science Computer Review is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Multi-level students' sense of community development in hybrid and online learning environments at higher educational institutions: A systematic literature review

The formulation of a sense of community (SOC) among students has received significant attention in the literature in recent years. However, digitally enhanced learning and COVID-19 have amplified the challenges vis-a-vis connecting students and making them feel involved and recognized in virtual learning ecologies for higher educational institutions (HEIs). This review examines the factors impacting students' SOC development in online and hybrid learning environments for HEIs. To provide a holistic view, we synthesize the streams of theoretical foundations on SOC for keyword search strategy and follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. In total, 128 empirical studies from 2015 to October 2022 are synthesized. One of the main contributions lies in disclosing the multiple levels of students' SOC formulation from a sociological perspective on HEIs. It further broadens our understanding of the dimensions, and the roles and responsibilities of key players, as well as the units involved in the social context of HEIs. The main findings reveal that HEIs should "circulate the blood" by integrating various key elements identified in pedagogy, instructor, learner, and extra-curriculum fields into the learning ecology for SOC facilitation to formulate an implicit curriculum and a more interactive, supportive, and caring environment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Teachers' and students' perceptions of a sense of community in blended education.

Universities have renewed interest in blended learning in preparation for post-COVID education. However, unsatisfactory social interactions hinder the quality of blended learning, despite its potential for flexible and personalized learning. In this situation, a sense of community would provide essential academic and social benefits. To develop a sense of community among students, we need to further understand students' and teachers' perceptions concerning this subject by exploring their experiences in blended learning. Therefore, we investigated this for three blended courses using a qualitative case study approach. We conducted: (1) classroom observation; (2) document analysis of course content, assignments, and assessments; and (3) individual interviews with teachers (n = 3) and group interviews with students (n = 18). The results showed the main factors that appeared to contribute to sense of community: group learning activities within courses, non-academic and extracurricular activities across courses, and the campus as a physical place integrating academic and social life after COVID. Further, we identified two obstacles: students valued group learning but struggled to manage group dynamics, and despite teachers' efforts to encourage learning autonomy, students viewed teachers as the ultimate authority in the learning process, which strained the student-teacher relationship. Additionally, this study revealed the limitations that digital tools have for promoting sense of community, as students questioned whether these tools have added value for supporting intricate and in-depth conversations. Finally, based on these findings, we provided practical recommendations for the future development of sense of community in blended learning.

Effect of physical activity on stress and the sense of community during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of gender and age

Despite their effectiveness in minimizing the spread of infection, movement restrictions adopted during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not been without their health-related consequences, including decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary behavior. This study aimed to investigate differences in stress and sense of community among Korean citizens in various age groups according to the degree of their participation in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data collected during the Social Survey of Busan Metropolitan City 2020, the population of which included all household members over the age of 15. Data for a total of 33,082 participants (male = 15,129;female = 17,953) were extracted using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Age, stress level, and sense of community were analyzed using independent t-tests, while the frequency of participation in physical activity was analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test. Differences in stress level and community consciousness according to the frequency of physical activity were examined via multivariate analysis of variance. Variables exhibiting significant differences were evaluated for differences between groups through Scheffe's post hoc analysis. First, stress levels were higher among female adolescents than male adolescents. Among adults and older adults, men exhibited higher overall stress levels than women, whereas sense of community was stronger in women than men. Second, male adolescents in the regular physical activity participation group showed lower levels in some factors of stress than those in the nonparticipating group. Finally, a higher frequency of participation in physical activity among adults and older adults was associated with lower stress and higher sense of community, regardless of gender. In conclusion, regular participation in physical activity should be considered when designing strategies for managing stress and promoting social relationships at the national and individual levels during COVID-19 and any similar pandemics in the future.Copyright ©2023 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.

From strangers to social collectives? Sensemaking and organizing in response to a pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily exposed the inadequacy of established institutions and markets to handle a multidimensional crisis, but it also revealed the spontaneous emergence of social collectives to mitigate some of its consequences. Building upon more than 600 responses from an open-ended survey and follow-up qualitative interviews, we seek to understand the spontaneous formation of social collectives in neighborhoods during the initial global lockdown. Applying the sensemaking lens, we theorize the process that prevented the collapse of sensemaking; motivated neighbors to comply with the pandemic-related restrictions; and inspired the development of collective initiatives and the sharing of resources, experiences, and a feeling of belonging. In doing so, we identify mechanisms that allow distributed sensemaking and organizing for resilience: widely shared and accepted cues and frames, simultaneous enactment of practices, embeddedness, visibility of actions, and sense of community. Contrary to the literature on local community organizing and entrepreneurship, which emphasizes the importance of shared values and beliefs, we reveal how the abovementioned mechanisms enable social collectives to emerge and build resilience in times of crisis, even in the absence of pre-existing ties and physical and social isolation. Implications for sensemaking, resilience, organization studies, and community psychology are discussed.

How COVID-19 Affects the Willingness of the Elderly to Continue to Use the Online Health Community: A Longitudinal Survey

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the governments of different countries adopted restrictions, such as locking down cities and restricting travel and social contact. Online health communities (OHCs) with specialized physicians have become an important way for the elderly to access health information and social support, which has expanded their use since the outbreak. This paper examines the factors influencing elderly people's behavior in terms of the continuous use of OHCs from a social support perspective to understand the impact of public health emergencies. Research collected data from March to April 2019, February 2020, and August 2021 in China. A total of 189 samples were collected and analyzed by using SmartPLS. The results show that (1) social support to the elderly during different stages has different influences on their sense of community and (2) the influence of the sense of community on the intention to continuously use OHCs also seems to change over time. The results of this study provide important implications for research and practice related to both OHCs and COVID-19. © 2022 IGI Global. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of a Brief Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention for University Students.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a dramatic increase in Web-based education, lacking face-to-face student-teacher and student-student interaction, and consequently impairing students' sense of belonging to a community, interoceptive awareness, and academic self-efficacy. This study examined how a brief mindfulness-based intervention in an online university course can be effective in enhancing attention resources, developing a stronger sense of academic self-efficacy, and improving the sense of belonging to a community, which represent critical factors affecting students' participation in online and blended courses. Method: Four-hundred and eighty-six participants (Mage 22.88) completed a battery of measures at pre- and post-treatment. One class (experimental group) participated in a brief online mindfulness-based intervention (42%), whereas the other one (control group) did not take part in the intervention (58%). The intervention included breathing meditation at the beginning of class, sharing of experiences, mini-lectures on mindfulness, and daily practice, and lasted for 28 consecutive days. Results: Participants in the experimental group when compared to controls showed a significant increase in the feeling of influencing the course activities (F = 9.628; p < 0.005), in the self-regulation of attention (F = 19.133; p < 0.001), in academic self-efficacy (F = 9.220; p < 0.005), and, particularly, in their self-efficacy in regulating learning (F = 12.942; p < 0.001). The students' adherence to the assigned practice could partially explain the effectiveness of the intervention. Conclusions: This study offers useful clues about the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in the classroom in enhancing sense of belonging to a community, attention grounded in bodily sensations, and academic self-efficacy. Preregistration: This study is not preregistered.

Sense of Community among Event Stakeholders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Illinois Marathon

This study investigated the ways in which event stakeholders perceived and actively secured their sense of community (SOC) in the wake of an event cancellation during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted document analysis and semi-structured interviews with 31 event stakeholders, including 14 runners, 9 volunteers, 4 business owners, and 4 charitable organization managers. Findings revealed that SOC among event stakeholders went through three key stages: leaving a hole in the community, getting a glimpse of normalcy, and living in a new normal. The findings extend the existing literature that has mainly focused on how hosting sport events contributes to SOC, rather than on SOC related to event cancellation, by highlighting how personal and contextual factors contribute to the unique trajectory of SOC among event stakeholders. This study also proposes strategies for keeping socially connected in the absence of in-person sport events, such as increasing media outlets and using interactive apps. © 2023 Global Alliance of Marketing & Management Associations (GAMMA).

Dreaming for the World: A Jungian Study of Dreams During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

This project explores what dreams might reveal about the collective psyche’s response to the COVID‐19 pandemic in its first year, before the development of vaccines. A brief survey, distributed to Jungian colleagues and organizations, and to various social media sites, invited people to submit online a dream related to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Four hundred and thirty‐six dreams were submitted. Forty additional Russian dreams were collected and submitted by Russian colleagues. Using qualitative research methods based on phenomenological hermeneutics, the researchers categorized and counted the range of COVID imagery. In addition, the researchers describe a range of psychic responses to the pandemic, including horror, grief, sickness, social discord, and violence, but also images of healing and transformation, increased sense of community, and spiritual renewal. Several healing nightmares are presented. Healing alchemical and anima/animus imagery is described. Twelve dreams are introduced and presented. It is concluded that the collective psyche, rooted in the Self, is a healing resource for social and cultural trauma. This project supports Beradt’s (1968) inspirational study of dreaming in Nazi Germany, as well as recent studies of COVID‐related dreams and recent publications on the social nature of dreaming.Alternate :Ce projet explore ce que les rêves peuvent révéler en ce qui concerne la réponse de la psyché collective à la pandémie de COVID‐19 dans sa première année, avant le développement des vaccins. Un court questionnaire, distribué à des collègues et des organisations Jungiennes, et à divers sites de réseaux sociaux, invitait les personnes à mettre en ligne un rêve en lien avec la pandémie de COVID‐19. Quatre cent trente‐six rêves ont été mis en ligne. D’autre part quarante rêves ont été collectés et mis en ligne par des collègues Russes. En utilisant les méthodes de recherche qualitative fondées sur l’herméneutique phénoménologique, les chercheurs ont établi des catégories et ont dénombré la variété de l’imagerie liée au COVID. De plus, les chercheurs ont décrit un certain nombre de réponses psychiques à la pandémie, par exemple l’horreur, le chagrin, la maladie, la discorde sociale et la violence, mais également des images de guérison et de transformation, un sentiment accru de communauté, et du renouveau spirituel. Plusieurs cauchemars de guérison sont présentés. L’imagerie de la guérison alchimique et celle liée à l’anima/animus est décrite. Douze rêves sont décrits et présentés. La conclusion apportée est que la psyché collective, enracinée dans le Soi, est une ressource de guérison en ce qui concerne le traumatisme social et culturel. Ce projet soutient l’étude inspirante de Beradt (1968) de rêves dans l’Allemagne Nazie, ainsi que des études récentes de rêves en lien avec la COVID et des publications récentes sur la nature sociale du rêve.Alternate :Dieses Projekt untersucht, was Träume über die Reaktion der kollektiven Psyche auf die COVID‐19‐Pandemie im ersten Jahr vor der Entwicklung von Impfstoffen verraten könnten. Eine kurze Umfrage, die an Jungianische Kollegen und Organisationen sowie an verschiedene Social‐Media‐Sites verteilt wurde, lud Menschen ein, online einen Traum im Zusammenhang mit der COVID‐19‐Pandemie einzureichen. Vierhundertsechsunddreißig Träume wurden eingereicht. Vierzig weitere russische Träume wurden gesammelt und von russischen Kollegen zugesandt. Unter Verwendung qualitativer Forschungsmethoden auf der Grundlage phänomenologischer Hermeneutik kategorisierten und zählten die Forscher die Bandbreite der COVID‐Bilder. Darüber hinaus beschreiben die Forscher eine Reihe psychischer Reaktionen auf die Pandemie, darunter Entsetzen, Trauer, Krankheit, soziale Zwietracht und Gewalt, aber auch Bilder von Heilung und Transformation, gesteigertem Gemeinschaftsgefühl und spiritueller Erneuerung. Mehrere heilende Albträume werden präsentiert. Heilend alchemistische und Anima/Animus‐Bilder werden beschrieben. Zwölf Träume werden vorgestellt und präsentiert. Es wird der Schluß gezogen, daß die im Selbst verwurzelte kollektive Psyche eine heilende Ressource für soziale und kulturelle Traumata darstellt. Dieses Projekt unterstützt Beradts (1968) inspirierende Studie über das Träumen in Nazi‐Deutschland sowie neuere Studien zu COVID‐bezogenen Träumen und neuere Veröffentlichungen über die soziale Natur des Träumens.Alternate :Questo progetto esplora cosa possono rivelare i sogni sulla risposta della psiche collettiva alla pandemia di COVID‐19 nel suo primo anno, prima dello sviluppo dei vaccini. Un breve sondaggio, distribuito a colleghi e organizzazioni junghiane, e a vari siti di social media, ha invitato le persone a presentare online un sogno legato alla pandemia di COVID‐19. Sono stati inviati 436 sogni. Altri quaranta sogni russi sono stati raccolti e inviati da colleghi russi. Usando metodi di ricerca qualitativa basati sull’ermeneutica fenomenologica, i ricercatori hanno categorizzato e contato l’assortimento dell’immaginario relativo al COVID‐19. Inoltre, i ricercatori descrivono una serie di risposte psichiche alla pandemia, incluso orrore, dolore, malattia, tensione sociale e violenza, ma anche immagini di guarigione e trasformazione, maggiore senso di comunità , e rinnovamento spirituale. Vengono presentati diversi incubi che sono stati terapeutici. Vengono descritte la guarigione alchemica e le immagini di anima/animus. Vengono introdotti e presentati dodici sogni. Gli Autori concludono che la psiche collettiva, radicata nel Sé, è una risorsa curativa per il trauma sociale e culturale. Questo progetto supporta lo stimolante studio di Berardt (1968) sui sogni nella Germania nazista, così come studi recenti sui sogni legati al COVID‐19 e con le recenti pubblicazioni sulla natura sociale dei sogni.Alternate :Ð' этом проекте исследуется, что могут рассказать сновидения о реакции коллективной психики на пандемию COVID‐19 в течение первого года, до того, как были разработаны вакцины. Ð' краткой анкете, рассылавшейся юнгианским коллегам и организациям, а также размещенной в социальных сетях, респондентам предлагалось предоставить в электронном виде свои сновидения, связанные с пандемией COVID‐19. Было прислано четыреста тридцать шесть сновидений. Еще сорок сновидений на русском языке было собрано и предоставлено российскими коллегами. Используя качественные методы исследования, основанные на феноменологической герменевтике, исследователи произвели подсчеты и классификацию и получили диапазон образов COVID. Кроме того, исследователи описали целый ряд психологических реакций на пандемию, среди которых ужас, горе, заболевания, социальные разногласия и насилие, но вместе с тем и образы исцеления и трансформации, усиленное чувства общности и духовное обновление. Описывается ряд кошмарных сновиденийс целебным эффектом. Приведены исцеляющие алхимические образы анимы/анимуса. Подробно представлено двенадцать сновидений. Исследователи приходят к заключению, что Ñ€ÐµÑ ÑƒÑ€ÑÐ¾Ð¼ для исцеления социальных и культурных травм является коллективная психика, опирающаяся на Самость. Ð'ыводы проекта подтверждают результаты вдохновляющего исследования Берадта о сновидениях в нацистской Ð"ермании (1968), а также недавних исследований сновидений, связанных с COVID, и публикаций о социальной природе сновидений.Alternate :Este proyecto explora lo que los sueños podrían revelar sobre la respuesta de la psique colectiva a la pandemia de COVID‐19 en su primer año, antes del desarrollo de las vacunas. A través de una breve encuesta, distribuida entre colegas y organizaciones Junguianas, así como en diversas redes sociales, se invitó a la gente a enviar en línea un sueño relacionado con la pandemia de COVID‐19. Se presentaron 436 sueños. Otros cuarenta sueños rusos fueron posteriormente recogidos y enviados por colegas rusos. Utilizando métodos de investigación cualitativa basados en la hermenéutica fenomenológica, los investigadores categorizaron y contaron una gama de imágenes de COVID. Además, los investigadores describen una serie de respuestas psíquicas a la pandemia, que incluyen horror, dolor, enfermedad, discordia social y violencia, pero también imágenes de curación y transformación, aumento del sentido de comunidad y renovación espiritual. Se presentan varias pesadillas curativas. Se describen imágenes alquímicas curativas y de anima/animus. Se introducen y presentan doce sueños. Se concluye que la psique colectiva, enraizada en el Self, es un recurso curativo para el trauma social y cultural. Este proyecto apoya el inspirador estudio de Beradt (1968) sobre los sueños en la Alemania nazi, así como estudios recientes sobre los sueños relacionados con el COVID y con publicaciones recientes sobre la naturaleza social de los sueños.Alternate :为世界做梦:æ–°å† ç–«æƒ…æœŸé—´æ¢¦å¢ƒçš„è£æ ¼å­¦æ´¾ç ”ç©¶è¿™ä¸ªé¡¹ç›®æŽ¢è®¨äº†æ¢¦å¢ƒå¦‚ä½•æ­ç¤ºé›†ä½"心灵对COVID‐19疫情所做出的反应, 这些梦境发生在疫情第一年, åœ¨ç–«è‹—å¼€å‘ä¹‹å‰ã€‚æœ¬ç ”ç©¶å‘è£æ ¼å­¦æ´¾åŒè¡Œå'Œç»„织, 以及通过各种社会åª'ä½"网站分发了一份简短的调查, 邀请人们在线提交与COVID‐19疫情有关的梦。共收集到四百三十六个梦。另外还收集了40个俄罗斯人的梦, å¹¶ç”±ä¿„ç½—æ–¯åŒäº‹æäº¤ã€‚ç ”ç©¶ä½¿ç”¨äº†åŸºäºŽçŽ°è±¡å­¦è¯ é‡Šå­¦çš„å®šæ€§ç ”ç©¶æ–¹æ³•, ç ”ç©¶äººå‘˜å¯¹ä¸Žæ–°å† ç›¸å…³çš„æ„è±¡è¿›è¡Œäº†åˆ†ç±»å'Œç»Ÿè®¡ã€‚此外, ç ”ç©¶äººå‘˜è¿˜æè¿°äº†æ¢¦ä¸­äººä»¬å¯¹ç–«æƒ…åšå‡ºçš„ä¸€ç³»åˆ—å¿ƒç†ååº”, 包括恐怖、悲伤、疾病、社会不å'Œè°å'Œæš´åŠ›, 但也有治愈å'Œè½¬å˜çš„意象、增强的社区感å'Œç²¾ç¥žæ›´æ–°çš„æ„è±¡ã€‚ç ”ç©¶ä»‹ç»äº†å‡ ä¸ªå¸¦æœ‰æ²»æ„ˆæ€§çš„å™©æ¢¦ã€‚æè¿°äº†æ²»æ„ˆæ€§çš„ç‚¼é‡‘æœ¯å'Œé˜¿å°¼çŽ›/阿尼玛斯意象。介绍并展示了12个梦。ç»"论是, æ¤æ ¹äºŽ “自性”的集ä½"心灵是治疗社会å'Œæ–‡åŒ–创伤的一种资源。这个项目的ç»"果支持了Beradt(1968)在纳粹德国的梦境的é¼"èˆžäººå¿ƒçš„ç ”ç©¶ç»"æžœ, ä¹Ÿä¸Žæœ€è¿‘å…³äºŽæ–°å† æ¢¦å¢ƒç ”ç©¶çš„ç»"æžœ, 及最近发表的关于梦境的社会性质的ç»"果一致。

Elder-led cultural identity program as counterspace at a public university: Narratives on sense of community, empowering settings, and empowerment.

Higher education institutions present unique settings in which identities and life paths are distinctively shaped. While at their best universities should serve as empowering settings that support their members to grow and develop, to raise awareness of injustice, and to catalyze change, too often systems of higher education in the United States serve to marginalize Indigenous cultures and promote assimilation to White, Euro-American cultures. Counterspaces offer an important response, spaces developed by and for people experiencing oppression that allow for solidarity-building, social support, healing, resource attainment, skill-building, resistance, counter-storytelling, and ideally, empowerment. The Alaska Native (AN) Cultural Identity Project (CIP) is based at an urban U.S.-based university and was rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed from the best available scientific and practice literature, local data from AN students, and traditional wisdom from Elders, CIP incorporated storytelling, experiential learning, connection, exploration, and sharing of identity and cultural strengths with the aim of helping AN students understand who they are and who they are becoming. In all, 44 students, 5 Elders, and 3 additional staff participated in the space. In this paper, we sought to understand how CIP was experienced by these unique members who co-created and engaged in this space through 10 focus groups with 36 of the CIP members. We found that the counterspace promoted a sense of community, served as an empowering setting, and set the stage for empowering actions and ripple effects beyond its impact on individuals.

International students' collective resilience in crisis: Sense of community reduced anxiety via social contact and social support during lockdown.

Objectives: The role of community in individuals' well-being has been extensively examined in the Western context. However, little is known about how the host community is related to sojourners' well-being in a crisis in an Asian context. The current study aims at exploring international students' sense of community in the Chinese context under the direct threat of a global health crisis. Methods: Using a cross-sectional sample of 102 international students staying in Wuhan during the 76-day lockdown at the earliest stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the current study explored the relationship between international students' sense of community and anxiety, and the mediating role of social contact, social support from three key sources in the host community (host university, international students, and Chinese friends). Results: Results showed that participants' stronger sense of community indirectly reduced anxiety via the role of sources of contact and support from the host community. Conclusions: This study provided further evidence to support the nurturance of the sense of community in community resilience and provided implications on how the host community can help to enhance sojourners' psychological well-being in a global crisis.

Teachers' and students' perceptions and practices in promoting a sense of community for blended education

Blended learning is not a new concept, but has attracted increased interest among higher education institutions in preparing for future education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many teachers have gained extensive experience with online and digital education. Yet, maintaining social engagement amongst and with students, while motivating them to actively participate in their learning, remains a momentous challenge for teachers working in a blended learning environment [1]. Poor social interactions cause a negative impact on the quality of blended learning [2], culminating in students feeling lonely, isolated, and losing motivation [3]. As such, a sense of community will be crucial, but may be difficult to achieve due to limited physical classroom time. This study addresses students' and teachers' viewpoints, and seeks to answer the question: What are the perceptions and practices of students and teachers regarding promoting a sense of community in a blended learning environment? A qualitative methodology is utilized, including non-participant observation, document analysis, and interviews for data collection and analysis. Firstly, the findings of this study enhance our understanding of teachers' perceptions, practices, and challenges for cultivating SoC. Secondly, this study provides information for professional development of teachers that carry out blended education. Finally, we hope this study can support higher education institutions in preparing and reshaping for the future. © 2022 SEFI 2022 - 50th Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education, Proceedings. All rights reserved.

Finding community and connection in the shadow of COVID-19 at Forest Hills Baptist church youth group, Raleigh, North Carolina

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in dramatic and unexpected ways. Closures, cancelations, and quarantines altered our lives and the ways in which we viewed the world. The effects of this season had the greatest impact on our young people, who experienced increased levels of anxiety and isolation. In Church life, Youth Ministry programing and activities across the country were halted or significantly altered because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without the ability to host traditional programming, and the inability to provide a sense of belonging and connection through virtual activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the students in Youth Ministry programs became disengaged and disconnected from congregations life. When Churches were able to open their doors and resume regular ministry programming, the problems surrounding Youth Ministry and virtual platforms did not disappear. The Church was open, but young people were no longer showing up. As the world continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, Youth Ministry and the Church are in need of programming and experiences that re-engage and welcome back students who no longer feel like they belong.This thesis explores the shifting cultural landscape of postmodernity and seeks to reimagine how to create community and connection among young people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This project sought to create ministry practices that increased the perceived sense of belonging among students through the structured experience of visual art and storytelling. Five participants between the ages of fourteen and eighteen volunteered to participate by sharing their stories as an act of worship through visual art with the congregation at Forest Hill Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC during the Fall semester of 2022. This research project included six sessions that were designed for students to share their stories and create individual pieces of visual art. Once the six sessions where completed, the students shared their artwork with the congregation as an act of worship. Following the completion of the project each participant completed an individual questionnaire and participated in a group interview. The questions and interview were designed to determine if structured experiences could create ministry practices that increased student perceive sense of belonging within a congregation. The themes that emerged from the questionnaire and survey indicated that students who experienced safety, celebration, and intergenerational community. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Distancing from the present: Nostalgia and leisure in lockdown

This paper considers the role of nostalgia-based leisure in the present COVID-19 pandemic. Enforced lockdowns and social distancing initiatives have been met with various media channels replaying famous sport matches, classic films and memorable concerts from the past. Furthermore, social media is full of families interacting more;playing traditional board games and numerous other leisure-related activities such as baking bread and making fresh pasta. Nostalgia may well end up being one of the primary coping mechanisms (for all generations) of enduring isolation, fear-and a general loss of freedom. It is also worth considering whether we are now creating our own future nostalgia where, when the crisis is through, we will long for the social bonds and sense of community the pandemic created. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Predictors of prosocial behavior during the COVID-19 national lockdown in Italy: Testing the role of psychological sense of community and other community assets

There is growing support for viewing communities as a multilevel construct in which the interdependence between individuals and community systems contributes to the promotion of individual responsibilities in thinking and enacting changes to respond to people's and community's needs. However, there is currently scant evidence regarding the influence of psychological sense of community and the role of community assets on prosocial behavior during the COVID-19 national lockdown. The main aim of the current study was to test a conceptual model of community assets as predictors of prosocial behavior during Italy's COVID-19 national lockdown. A sample of 3,964 Italian adults was involved in the current study. We collected data using an online questionnaire, between April 12 and May 21, 2020, during the nationwide lockdown restrictions. To collect data, we employed convenience and virtual snowball sampling strategies (i.e., email, social networks, and online channels). Using structural equation modeling, we found that prosocial behavior was predicted by sense of community responsibility but not by sense of community. Moreover, sense of community and sense of community responsibility were predicted by community members' perception of its assets, in particular collective resilience and adequate information. Finally, trust in the institutional response to the pandemic predicted community members' perception of collective resilience and receiving adequate information through the community. The present study suggests that community qualities, positively perceived by community members, are crucial in promoting prosocial behaviors and producing collective goods during a pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Sense of community and anxiety during a global pandemic: The role of world assumptions in couples.

The current study was designed to examine the role of sense of community at the outset of COVID-19 pandemic-related shutdowns as a longitudinal predictor of anxiety in couples. We also sought to investigate whether self-reported changes in perceived levels of benevolent world assumptions would serve as an indirect conveyor of this association. Data were collected at three time points during the first 6-months of pandemic shutdowns in the US and the current study utilized responses from 535 heterosexual cisgender couples. Mplus was used to path model lagged associations between sense of community at wave 1, world assumptions at waves 1 and 2 and anxiety symptoms at all three waves for both partners. Findings demonstrated direct effects within men and women with a stronger sense of community at wave 1 relating to lower anxiety at waves 2, and within women this effect extended to wave 3. Further, we found that a higher sense of community at wave 1 in men associated with perceived strengthening of benevolent world assumptions at the next wave for men and women. We noted that perceived strengthened benevolent world assumptions at wave 2 associated with lower anxiety at wave 3 within men. Indirect effects showed that a stronger sense of community at wave 1 associated with lower anxiety at wave 3 within men.

Protective and risk social dimensions of emergency remote teaching during COVID-19 pandemic: A multiple mediation study.

The changes in teaching due to COVID-19-related restraints generated distress among teachers, putting their job-related efficacy and satisfaction at risk. This study deepens the community-related protective and risk factors in teachers' experience. An online questionnaire detecting social distancing burnout, job-related distress experience, efficacy and satisfaction, and Sense of Community (SoC) was administered to 307 Italian teachers. A multiple mediation model was tested with Structural Equation Modeling. Evidence showed that social distancing burnout could increase teachers' distress rates and, through them, impact their job-related efficacy and satisfaction; however, its effects on the latter depended on the kind of distress mediating. Conversely, SoC could support their job-related efficacy and satisfaction, yet no association with their distress rates emerged. The role of social distancing and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)-related distress as the main threats for teachers stems, along with the one of job distress and the community of belonging as assets on which teachers relied.

Sense of community, meaning in life, and satisfaction with life among Ultra-Orthodox Jews: A mediation model.

The Ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, characterized by close-knit ties and strong community values, has been particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, both epidemiologically and socially. Accordingly, the current study examined whether the connection between the sense of community and life satisfaction in this population is mediated by meaning in life (MIL). Three hundred and fifty-eight Ultra-Orthodox participants (age range: 30-70; M = 49.50, SD = 10.24) filled out scales assessing MIL, sense of community, and satisfaction with life (SWL), as well as sociodemographic and COVID-19-related scales. Sense of community was linked with increased MIL and life satisfaction. Moreover, the connection between sense of community and life satisfaction was mediated by MIL. This study highlights the roles of sense of community and MIL for Ultra-Orthodox individuals and emphasizes the importance of both concepts for maintaining SWL during COVID-19. Practical implications for Ultra-Orthodox communities are suggested.

Analysis of the Influencing Factors of Seeking Intention on COVID-19 Risk Information: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Information seeking, as an important part of the prevention and control of infectious diseases, can lead to positive outcomes by reducing uncertainty and alleviating panic. However, most previous studies have limited their analysis to individual-level psychosocial factors, and little is known about how social-level factors influence individuals' information-seeking intentions. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 30, 2020 to August 15, 2020 in China. We used a convenience sampling strategy to recruit participants from among the Internet users. The structural equation model was used to identify the incentives associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk information-seeking intention. Results: In this study, the responses of 871 Internet users who reflected a response rate of 85% were analyzed. Information-seeking intention was found to be directed by informational subjective norms (ISNs), perceived information need, risk knowledge, the sense of community (SOC), and negative affective responses, and ISNs were found to be the strongest driving factor. Individuals with a stronger SOC, which was associated with greater pressure and expectations, show negative affective responses. COVID-19 risk knowledge can affect the information-seeking intention of Internet users not only directly but also indirectly through their perceived information need. In addition, more risk knowledge was associated with a lower perceived risk likelihood. Conclusion: When formulating risk communication strategies, governments and health institutions should take targeted measures to improve the public's SOC and knowledge. This will provide an opportunity to explore the role of individual cognition and environmental risk information in public health.

Analysing workplace spirituality as a mediator in the link between job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour

Purpose>Without competent and talented employees, no organisation can grow and sustain for a long time. It becomes essential for every organisation to retain and satisfy the employees to achieve their predetermined organisational goals. The present study examines the mediating effect of workplace spirituality dimensions (i.e. meaningful work, compassion, transcendence, mindfulness and sense of community) in the link between job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) among managerial employees of selected manufacturing firms of Chhattisgarh state.Design/methodology/approach>Correlational research design was incorporated. Employees working at managerial positions at different private manufacturing firms of Chhattisgarh state were chosen as a sample for the present study. Regression analysis and confirmatory factor analysis tools were used to analyse the primary data collected from 400 respondents.Findings>The results revealed that all the dimensions of workplace spirituality, i.e. meaningful work, compassion, transcendence, mindfulness and sense of community, were found statistically significant and partially mediated between job satisfaction and OCB among managerial employees of Chhattisgarh. The authors discussed the results thoroughly and provided avenues for the future research.Research limitations/implications>The findings of the present research study will assist all private organisations in rethinking their employee retention and satisfaction strategies, since the presence of workplace spirituality in the organisation has a significant and beneficial impact on its environment. The current research will assist organisations in creating circumstances for OCB for employee via the introduction of workplace spirituality.Originality/value>Creating spirituality in the current situation, where Covid-19 has suddenly affected all organisations around the world, would be extremely beneficial in terms of employee retention and satisfaction, which would eventually aid in the development of an environment conducive to citizenship behaviour at the workplace. However, the role of workplace spirituality as a mediator in the link between job satisfaction and OCB is innovative and has received little attention in the research community.