Connectivity, community, and sense of belonging

This chapter illustrates how the change to a virtual setting challenged students' social connectedness and sense of belonging. It demonstrates how students found a way to build social connectedness in a virtual setting that reinforced their sense of community. The chapter discusses how Students of Color experienced the COVID-19 interruption. It offers insights into whether thriving in college is even possible for students when their means of creating community have been disrupted. At the University of Utah, the detachment was experienced by students in their interactions with faculty and their relationships with their friends, peers, and classmates. The closing of campus and the shift to online learning also limited students' social connectedness with friends, classmates, and peers. Students also relied on new communities to gain motivation and achieve academically. University employees were also a part of students' relational communities. Some students created a strong emotional connection with staff members, such as advisors and student affairs professionals. The pandemic and the resulting educational changes added another layer of complexity to the academic experiences of Students of Color. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Social connectedness for socially withdrawn and vulnerable young people's well-being: A qualitative study

Aims: The DisCOVery study sought to better understand the experiences of young people with complex emerging mental health problems over the longer-term social restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A key focus investigated young people's attitudes and experiences of social connection, and how they perceived this to be related to their mental health and future recovery needs. Method(s): Semi-structured interviews were completed with 16 young people (aged 20 to 25) with pre-existing and complex mental health and social problems, between January to December 2021. N = 6 completed follow up interviews approximately 6 months after their initial interview. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results and Conclusion(s): Four themes were identified. These centred around a preference for balancing solitude and quality relationships within small social worlds, the complex role of in-person versus online connection and interaction, how the COVID-19 lockdowns were a facilitator of both social connection and disconnection, and the importance of relationships, talking and being listened to for well-being. The findings suggest that in-person, and to some extent online connection, is a key component of well-being, and is an active recovery goal that socially withdrawn young people with complex pre-existing mental health problems would like to work on.

The mediating role of social connectedness and hope in the relationship between group membership continuity and mental health problems for vulnerable young people

Aims: The DisCOVery study sought to better understand the experiences of young people with complex emerging mental health problems over the longer-term social restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the 'social cure' theory, this study aimed to investigate the association, and potential mechanisms, of group membership continuity and reducing mental ill-health amongst vulnerable young people. Method(s): Cross-sectional survey data from a sample of 105 young people aged 16-35, collected approximately 1 year after the global COVID-19 outbreak (January-July 2021). Correlational and path analyses were used to test the associations between group membership continuity and mental health problems (depression, anxiety, psychotic-like experiences), and the mediation of these associations by hope and social connectedness (in-person and online). Results and Conclusion(s): Prior multiple group memberships were associated with the preservation of group memberships during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person social connectedness, online social connectedness and hope mediated the relationship between group membership continuity and mental health problem symptoms. The results suggest that clinical and public health practice should support vulnerable young people to foster and maintain their social group memberships, hopefulness and perceived sense of social connectedness as a means to potentially help prevent exacerbated symptoms and promote recovery of mental health problems, particularly during significant life events.

Hope and social connectedness as intervention targets in youth mental health

The DisCOVery study sought to better understand the experiences of young people with complex emerging mental health problems over the longer-term social restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Quantitative findings (N = 105) will be shared to demonstrated how belonging to multiple social groups can promote better mental health through the provision of hopefulness and social connectedness. Qualitative findings (N = 16) will be shared to elucidate how young people with complex emerging mental health problems experienced social connectedness during the ongoing social restrictions, and how they perceive social connection to be associated with their well-being Results also indicate young people's social preferences and the complex role of in-person versus online connection and interaction. A brief summary will be given regarding a linked trial (TOGETHER), evaluating the feasibility of delivering a social connectedness-focused intervention for young people with emerging complex mental health problems across clinical and community services in the UK.

Culture dose for kids: Impact of arts engagement on 9- 12 year-olds with anxiety

There is growing momentum to understand the value of the arts in mental health and wellbeing. Engagement with the arts can promote wellbeing by helping to build resilience, aid recovery and foster social connections. Aim(s): To co-develop, implement and evaluate the impact of Culture Dose for Kids (CDK), an arts engagement program, on young people's anxiety. Method(s): Mixed methods [surveys and interviews] were used to research an 8-week series of face-to-face arts engagement sessions conducted at the Art Gallery of New South Wales with anxious youth (9-12 years) and their parents/carers. Result(s): Findings indicate that the children's anxiety scores decreased over the eight-week program. Sustained high attendance rates throughout were another marker of its effectiveness and engagement, although a COVID outbreak affected several sessions. Qualitative data, from parent and children's interviews, offered greater insight and meaning into CDK's impact on the child and family. Not only did parents find CDK calming and stress-relieving for themselves ('a little gift of time'), but they said that they are using some strategies and topics from the sessions to connect more closely with their child and their child's issues. By engaging both parent and child in this inclusive, non-stigmatizing arts-based mental health intervention, a more holistic, family-centred, community approach to supporting wellbeing occurred. Conclusion(s): This study responds to the recent call to move beyond the formal mental health system to facilitate community-led initiatives and infrastructure to strengthen young people's overall mental health and well-being and their social connections and involvement with their community.

Zero Suicide Quality Improvement: Developmental and Pandemic-Related Patterns in Youth at Risk for Suicide Attempts

The Zero Suicide (ZS) approach to health system quality improvement (QI) aspires to reduce/eliminate suicides through enhancing risk detection and suicide prevention services. This first report from our randomized trial evaluating a stepped care for suicide prevention intervention within a health system conducting ZS-QI describes (1) our screening and case identification process, (2) variation among adolescents versus young adults, and (3) pandemic-related patterns during the first COVID-19 pandemic year. Between April 2017 and January 2021, youths aged 12-24 years with elevated suicide risk were identified through an electronic health record (EHR) case-finding algorithm followed by direct assessment screening to confirm risk. Eligible/enrolled youth were evaluated for suicidality, self-harm, and risk/protective factors. Case finding, screening, and enrollment yielded 301 participants showing suicide risk indicators: 97% past-year suicidal ideation, 83% past suicidal behavior;and 90% past non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Compared to young adults, adolescents reported more past-year suicide attempts (47% vs. 21%, p <.001) and NSSI (past 6 months, 64% vs. 39%, p <.001);less depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and substance use;and greater social connectedness. Pandemic onset was associated with lower participation of racial-ethnic minority youths (18% vs. 33%, p <.015) and lower past-month suicidal ideation and behavior. Results support the value of EHR case-finding algorithms for identifying youths with potentially elevated risk who could benefit from suicide prevention services, which merit adaptation for adolescents versus young adults. Lower racial-ethnic minority participation after the COVID-19 pandemic onset underscores challenges for services to enhance health equity during a period with restricted in-person health care, social distancing, school closures, and diverse stresses.Copyright © 2023 Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology.

The influences of depression and loneliness on A1C among middle-aged and older adults with diabetes.

Even before increased social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, 43% of adults aged 60 and older reported experiencing loneliness. Depression and loneliness often co-exist and are significant issues faced by middle-aged as well as older adults because each condition is likely to worsen health outcomes. This study of middle-aged and older adults examined how depression and loneliness affect diabetes (DM) control (A1C levels). This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Midlife in the United States Refresher (MIDUS-R) survey, a national survey of adults aged 25-74 years. Correlation analyses were conducted, and a hierarchical logistic regression was estimated to predict A1C levels ≤7% (recommended goal) or >7 using 1) demographics and physical health (ethnicity, gender, education, age, and comorbidities), 2) family and friend support, and 3) depression and loneliness. The sample of 92 participants with DM and A1C data from the MIDUS-R had mean age = 57.37, were 51% male, 68% non-Hispanic White; 39.1% had A1C >7. The average level of depression was low (CES-D mean 9.42) and loneliness was moderate (UCLA scale mean 12.43). Loneliness was correlated with A1C (r= .26, p< .05); depressive symptoms (r= .71, p< .001), family and friends support (r= -.36, r= -.38, respectively, both p< .001). Only loneliness significantly predicted higher A1C levels. People with higher levels of loneliness had increased odds of having A1C >7 (OR = 1.18, p < .05) after controlling for depression and all other variables. Loneliness had a greater impact than depression on A1C level among persons with DM. Healthcare providers should assess patients for loneliness as well as depression and reduce adverse health impacts by referring to psychosocial support as needed.

Therapy at the window: Can TA be "Framed"?

The author responds to Stilman's article in this issue of the Transactional Analysis Journal. He briefly discusses some of the issues he sees with online therapy from a TA perspective and raises some questions regarding the phenomenological, epistemological, and clinical implications and areas for further investigation related to bringing TA therapy into cyberspace. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Singing for people with advance chronic respiratory diseases: Qualitative meta-synthesis

Introduction/Aim: Although there remains insufficient evidence regarding singing programs as effective strategies for achieving clinically significant health outcomes, this non-pharmacological intervention appears to be subjectively low-risk and well-tolerated by people with advanced chronic respiratory diseases (CRD). Method(s): A meta-synthesis was undertaken to examine the current qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of singing for lung health programs in adults with advanced CRD and their careers. Electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE) were searched for qualitative studies published in English. Qualitative data was extracted and analysed, which generated descriptive and analytical themes. Result(s): Themes identified from seven included studies consisted of anticipation and reluctance to participate;physical and psychological benefits;new sense of purpose and enjoyment;social connection and achievement;and broad views regarding program structure and content. The themes were categorised into three time points to explore participants' perspectives before, during and after engaging in the singing program. Over time participants transitioned from anxiety to mastery of their chronic condition as the singing program progressed. Participants, however, raised concerns regarding several singing technicalities, the lack of ongoing support after the singing programs' conclusion and the social impacts of transitioning the sessions online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion(s): The increasing body of qualitative literature suggests that participants enjoyed the singing program and derived psychological, social and health benefits, not necessarily captured in quantitative studies. Future work should explore participants' experiences through qualitative, longitudinal methods to gain further insight into the acceptability and feasibility of singing programs and inform broader implementation of the intervention.

Online activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities at a day centre in the wake of COVID-19.

Background: The lockdown of a day centre for individuals with intellectual disabilities led to digital activities instead of traditional physical presence. Method: This study is based on 17 interviews with staff of a day centre, directors of day centres and support persons. Findings: The purpose of the digital activities was to overcome physical distance and to create "social connectedness" with service users at a day centre. Emphasis was placed on recognisability to meet the needs of the service users. When the lockdown was lifted, service users were included in the production of digital artefacts. There were also obstacles to digitalisation: some service users had no access to Internet or tablets at home, some lawyers forbid the use of common digital programmes and service users were denied being visible on social media, support persons lacked digital competence and were reluctant to digital activities. Conclusions: The experiences of digital activities including coproduction of films made individuals with intellectual disabilities active and visible on social media. This might facilitate the possibilities for future digital inclusion in society. The support from staff at the sheltered accommodations was vital and when it succeeded it promoted a more holistic approach to the service users' everyday lives.

Social connectedness, emotional regulation, and health behaviors as correlates of distress during lockdown for COVID-19: A diary study.

Mass lockdowns are a powerful infection-reduction strategy but are a significant stressor. This study aimed to explore whether various factors known to predict distress in normal contexts (e.g. social connectedness, emotional-regulation strategies, and health-related behaviors) are associated with daily distress under lockdown conditions. A time-based diary study evaluated how perceived social connectedness, health-promoting, and risk behaviors predicted within-person and between-person psychological distress. One hundred and nine adults completed surveys on these variables daily for 15 days while under stringent COVID-19 lockdown in Colombia. Emotional suppression and reappraisal were measured at the start of the study to explore whether they predicted distress. Distress was lower on the days that people experienced greater social connectedness (within-person analyses) but was not significantly predicted by between-participant differences in emotional regulation. Health-promoting behaviors such as exercising and meaningful activity were associated with lower distress, while watching COVID-19 news and eating high-calorie food were associated with higher distress. Looking at individual dynamics provides meaningful insights on daily behaviors associated with distress that might improve people's wellbeing during lockdown, such as social connectedness, meaningful activity, nutrition, exercise, and minimizing news exposure. Future research with alternative designs will enable causal conclusions to be drawn.

Social connectedness and resilience post COVID-19 pandemic: Buffering against trauma, stress, and psychosis.

The present study investigated psychosocial predictors of psychosis-risk, depression, anxiety, and stress in Croatia two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the existing transgenerational war trauma and associated psychiatric consequences in Croatian population, a significant pandemic-related deterioration of mental health was expected. Recent studies suggest that after an initial increase in psychiatric disorders during the pandemic in Croatia, depression, stress, and anxiety rapidly declined. These findings highlight the role of social connectedness and resilience in the face of the global pandemic. We examined resilience and psychiatric disorder risk in 377 Croatian adults using an anonymous online mental health survey. Results indicate that there was an exacerbation of all mental ill health variables, including depression, anxiety, stress, and a doubled risk for psychosis outcome post-COVID pandemic. Stress decreased levels of resilience, however, those exposed to previous traumatic experience and greater social connectedness had higher resilience levels. These findings suggest that individual differences in underlying stress sensitization of Croatian population due to past trauma may continue to influence mental health consequences two years after COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to promote the importance of social connectedness and resilience in preventing the development of variety of mental health disorders.

Ties that bind: Young people, community and social capital in the wake of the pandemic

The connection that young people have to their local neighbourhood and community has been shown to impact on health and wellbeing, particularly for those living in the most deprived areas. We report on a qualitative participatory study using photo elicitation methods undertaken in three deprived neighbourhoods across London exploring concepts of community and social connection, with young people aged 13-24 years, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The construct of social capital, referring to the extent of solidarity and connection between groups, has been shown to impact on pandemic related outcomes, and is used in this study as a lens to enhance understanding of young people's experience of the pandemic. Young people created heterogenous physical social ties across class, ethnicity, and geographical area which were important during the pandemic, although these may be jeopardised by a range of factors including fear of violence, mistrust of those in power, parental control and place-based inequity. The isolation and localism enforced by the pandemic encouraged young people to pay more attention to the value of local connections they built up both with people and place. Place-based research needs to continue a dialogue with young people, acknowledging and drawing on existing networks, community assets and cultural beliefs. The impact of COVID-19 on accentuating existing inequalities means that the need for place-based action, addressing the social determinants of health and involving the experiences and input of the young, is more vital than ever.Copyright © 2022 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Event centrality of the covid-19 outbreak and depressive symptoms in nurses and the general population: The mediating role of social connectedness

The restrictions imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic had significant negative effects on the mental health of the general population, and particularly in nurses as frontline healthcare workers. The main goal of the present study was to analyze the direct and indirect effects, via social connectedness, of centrality of the COVID-19 outbreak on depressive symptoms. Furthermore, it is explored whether this association varied by group (nurses versus general population). The global sample included 326 individuals from the community and 316 nurses, who were administered self-reported questionnaires. Results revealed that event centrality of COVID-19 outbreak was linked to depressive symptoms, both directly and through the deterioration of social connectedness;moreover, this indirect effect was significant for both subsamples. Interventions aimed at preventing the deterioration of social connectedness may facilitate the decrease of depressive symptoms in the aftermath of the pandemic, particularly for nurses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Engaging AYAs by Meeting Them Where They Are: Development of an Annual AYA Cancer Summit

Background/Purpose: Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer represent a small but increasing number of the overall cancer population in the US, representing about 5% of those diagnosed. Given the impact of treatment on quality of life, especially fertility, programmatic efforts to educate patients on ways to mitigate these effects are paramount. However, reaching this population in a large academic medical center can be elusive given the diversity of cancers diagnosed within this population and the many competing personal and developmental demands patients face. The recent COVID-19 pandemic also challenges efforts to build a cohesive AYA program. Method(s): We present efforts to host an annual in-person patientcentric summit for 60 AYA patients and 60 caregivers in the year 2022. The summit included a community partner fair. Agenda design was based upon patient feedback from an online summit in 2021 requesting more direct engagement and topics specifically focused on coping with side effects from treatment. Recruitment efforts included targeted social media marketing, phone campaigning and direct contact at patient medical appointments. Agenda topics focused on exercise, nutrition, onco-fertility, caregiver burnout, and rebuilding social connections. An incentivized exit survey was provided for feedback on the current summit and topic ideas for future programming. Result(s): Over 250 patients were contacted directly via phone or in person. Patients and caregivers registered for all 120 slots prior to the summit. A total of 75 (49 patients and 26 caregivers) participated in the summit. There were 10 local and national community partners at the fair. Fifty-seven exit surveys were completed with 86%-95% of respondents indicating they learned a good amount or a great deal from the presentations. Conclusions and Implications: Recruitment of AYAs for educational events requires significant front-end effort. However, patients appreciate the information provided and program leadership gain invaluable information about the current needs of AYA patients.

Community-based theatre: Critical pedagogy for promoting social connectedness recovery in the post-pandemic era

The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has persisted for several years. After a period of prolonged social isolation, people may be especially vulnerable to developing issues, such as social withdrawal. Theatre has been utilised in some instances to inspire individuals to foster critical thinking and encourage them to lead a positive life. This study applies a community-based theatre test case to examine theatre practices within the framework of critical pedagogy to address emerging issues in the post-pandemic era. It aims to deliberate upon the ongoing process of the theatre workshop as well as the efficacy of theatrical approaches on an individual's personal, interpersonal and sociological difficulties. This is meant to gain a better understanding of theatre practices that operate on the edge between critical pedagogy and sociocultural intervention. The findings suggest that community-based theatres effectively inspire participants to reflect on and take action to escape oppression. Therefore, it is an innovative strategy for promoting social connectedness while supporting post-pandemic responses. This study contributes to the theoretical, practical, and experiential development of critical pedagogy by providing support for individuals, groups, and the society. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

KIMA: Voice: The human voice as embodied presence

Through and post-COVID, disembodied technological interactions were experi-enced at an unprecedented, often involuntary level in households across the world, with the human voice often providing a link between geographically disconnected individuals, resulting in a decrease in perceived social connectedness. Recent research suggests that effects of social isolation and sensory deprivation can be mitigated through participatory media arts experiences (Tymoszuk et al. 2020;Tejada et al. 2020, All-Party Parliamentary Report 2017). Over the last ten years, the art collective Analema Group has explored the pivotal role of the human voice as means for social connectedness through their artwork KIMA (Tate, National Gallery, Barbican). The current development of KIMA: Voice seeks to challenge experiences of embodiment in remote environments. This article and artwork pres-entation will present a new development KIMA: Voice designed to provide new forms of embodied experiences across a distance. The publication will be supported by a demonstration and exhibition of the artwork. © 2022 Intellect Ltd Article. English language.

Staying connected while physically apart: Digital communication when face-to-face interactions are limited

Theoretical and empirical work on digital media use and social connectedness has often considered face-to-face communication to be an available option. But how do various digital media uses relate to social connectedness when face-to-face communication is not, or much less, possible? Drawing on survey data from 2925 US adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we find that different digital communication methods display different relationships with social connectedness under stay-at-home circumstances with limited in-person interactions outside the home. Overall, digital communication relates to lower social connectedness. In line with notions from social presence theory, especially digital media lower in social presence (e.g. email, social media, and online games, and to some extent text messaging) relate negatively to social connectedness, while this is not the case for higher social presence media (e.g. voice and video calls). Our study has implications for theorizing about digital media use and social connectedness in times when face-to-face communication is less available. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Individual responsibility and disconnection: Practitioner experiences of the first wave covid19 lockdown

ABSTRACT The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia called for a lockdown that impacted the delivery of social work and human services. This study investigated the experiences of 15 social work and human service practitioners in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Telephone and Zoom interviews were conducted with practitioners and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three themes arose: 1) technology problems;2) flexibility in work roles;3) supportive and unsupportive organisations. Findings suggested that practitioners faced challenges due to poor technology, reduced role clarity, and in some cases limited organisational support. Findings also provided insight into benefits that included increased flexibility, regular communication from the organisation, and acts of kindness and care from individuals and organisations. A fundamental lesson from this study was the importance for organisations to nurture connections that demonstrated care for employees during times of crisis. IMPLICATIONS Social work and human service practitioners need continued support in accessing and using software and hardware in preparation for crisis. While practitioners displayed resilience and flexibility during the COVID19 lockdown, clarity about work roles and responsibilities is necessary. Employers play a vital role in maintaining practitioner wellbeing during crisis by showing care and connection between individuals and across the wider organisation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

We need a hero: HR and the 'next normal' workplace

During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees worked from home in record numbers and enjoyed extraordinarily high levels of autonomy. Now, as employers reopen their doors, we can build on those gains to create better workplaces than the ones we left behind. HR has a window of opportunity in which to develop psychologically safe workplaces, trust-based employment relationships and socially connected workforces. But progress towards better workplaces hangs on a few critical adjustments in the HR researcher-practitioner relationship. HR researchers must work with HR practitioners to identify organization-level interventions and examine their simultaneous influence on employee and employer outcomes. HR practitioners must create sandboxes where those interventions can be pilot tested, and resist their instinctive urge to establish formalised structures and develop monitoring systems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)