Erica Marie Kunz-Skrede, Marianne Molin, Miroslava Tokovska
{"title":"\"<i>So, we started to say hi to each other on campus</i>.\" a qualitative study about well-being among PhD candidates in Norway.","authors":"Erica Marie Kunz-Skrede, Marianne Molin, Miroslava Tokovska","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2025.2474355","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2025.2474355","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Loneliness, social isolation, and lack of social belonging are factors that may negatively impact the mental health and well-being of PhD candidates. This study aims to advance understanding of the function of social activities in their role as interventions that foster social belonging and well-being among PhD candidates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>After collecting observational data from the well-being interventions, 10 PhD candidates were interviewed to explore how they perceived their participation in social activities on campus and how it affected their sense of social belonging.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results show that participating in social activities was beneficial for PhD candidates on both a personal and professional level, potentially leading to an increased sense of community and well-being, along with increased social interaction, networking, and collaboration. PhD candidates' well-being was found to be linked to social capital in the forms of social belonging and social support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Organizing social activities tailored to PhD candidates' needs may help increase their sense of well-being by generating social capital, which could benefit PhD candida nationally and worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"20 1","pages":"2474355"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11915731/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143651836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Markus Sjösten, Cecilia Fagerström, Ulrica Hörberg, Hanna Tuvesson
{"title":"Lived experiences of how the care relationship in primary healthcare contributes to recovery from stress-related disorders: a reflective lifeworld research study.","authors":"Markus Sjösten, Cecilia Fagerström, Ulrica Hörberg, Hanna Tuvesson","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2025.2460257","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2025.2460257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of the study was to describe how the care relationship in primary healthcare has contributed to the recovery of persons with stress-related disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was based on the phenomenological approach, Reflective Lifeworld Research (RLR). Fifteen persons who had recovered from stress-related disorders and who had experience of being cared for in primary healthcare were included. Lifeworld interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed according to the RLR principles of openness, flexibility and bridling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The participants experienced that the care relationship in primary healthcare contributed to their recovery from stress-related disorder by enabling them to land and be embraced in a safe relationship. This opened up a space for rest and growth that included time, being listened to and a permitting space for existential reflection based on one's life story. The results also showed that a sense of disharmony in the care encounter constitutes a threat to recovery and reinforces vulnerability.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Sensing security and hope is a crucial element in the care relationship in primary healthcare when recovering from stress-related disorders. This includes the importance of being treated with respect, being given space to tell one's story, being listened to and being supported in an existential reflection of one's life situation.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"20 1","pages":"2460257"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11790067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143076549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"<i>\"It's about wanting to disappear from the world… \"</i> - an interpretative phenomenological analysis on the meaning of music and hearing-related risks.","authors":"Iris Elmazoska, Staffan Bengtsson, Stephen Widén","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2025.2480966","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2025.2480966","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore the role and meaning of music in adolescents' lives and the adolescents' ways of understanding how music listening can impact hearing-health.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Open-ended interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The analysis involves both individual and more generalized investigations based on the contributions from seven participants.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The findings show that music is an integrated and habitual aspect of the adolescents' daily lives, used as a tool for emotion regulation, cognitive enhancement, and creating personal space where one can be free from outside criticisms and distractions. There is a preference for music listening in headphones which creates a more intense and private experience. There are varying levels of awareness of the potential hearing-health risks, but the profound meaning of music for their well-being often overshadows any concerns.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite awareness of potential hearing-health risks, the adolescents prioritize the immediate emotional and cognitive benefits of music. Technological advancements and increased social media interactions contribute to a trend towards more personalized music listening. These insights call for more complex intervention strategies and models for health promotion which account for the positive aspects of music listening, instead of merely focusing on the potential risks of loud music.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"20 1","pages":"2480966"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11924263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143659749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anna S Tanimoto, Johanna Segerbäck, Anne Richter, Petra Lindfors
{"title":"Insecurity and psychological well-being among faculty in academia: exploring the constraints and conduits of positive psychological functioning.","authors":"Anna S Tanimoto, Johanna Segerbäck, Anne Richter, Petra Lindfors","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2025.2474361","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2025.2474361","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Job insecurity characterizes academic work, with potential risks for the health, well-being, and personal lives of faculty. Notwithstanding, faculty with job insecurity experiences may still find academia conducive to pursuing personal fulfilment. As faculty experiences of psychological well-being may be coloured by insecurity, this study sought to qualitatively investigate the ways in which experiences of insecurity and psychological well-being co-occur.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study followed a questionnaire study of a representative sample of faculty in Swedish academia and their job insecurity perceptions, inviting the most insecure to participate. The participant group included 19 faculty from nine public Swedish higher education institutions. Transcripts of the semi-structured interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, guided by the six theoretical dimensions of psychological well-being.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two themes were developed: 1) Staying afloat?, and 2) I'm not yet where I'm supposed to be. These themes elucidate faculty experiences of managing their current work (and personal) situations, and reveal how faculty orient themselves in relation to their futures, pasts and presents.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings demonstrate how experiences of insecurity co-exist with psychological well-being in constraining and enhancing faculty well-being. This reveals how psychological well-being involves a dynamic process of negotiation, especially during transitional periods.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"20 1","pages":"2474361"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781583","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Akiko Kadoma, Mari Kato, Mami Yamamoto, Midori Asano, Koji Shiraki
{"title":"How do dialogical group sessions work for mothers of young children with parenting challenges in Japan?","authors":"Akiko Kadoma, Mari Kato, Mami Yamamoto, Midori Asano, Koji Shiraki","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2427433","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2427433","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Parenting support is a pressing issue in Japan. The application of open dialogue (OD)-an alternative treatment for mental illnesses-to parenting support has generated considerable interest. This study aimed to describe the participants' experiences shared during a dialogic group session based on OD principles for mothers of young children facing parenting challenges.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Five mothers with parenting concerns participated in five continuing group sessions over a half-year at a parenting support centre in Japan. The data comprised participants' utterances and feedback in each session, along with semi-structured individual interviews conducted after all sessions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Qualitative descriptive analysis revealed six themes: \"From initial surprise to growing ease with dialogue without a theme,\" \"Talking and listening without interruption or judgement,\" \"Reflections by the facilitators: insightful or uncomfortable?,\" \"Learning to talk about difficult things,\" \"Offering empathic advice without imposing opinions,\" and \"Multiple voices helped deepen their thoughts and reflections.\"</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The participants discovered how to listen to others without judgement and verbalize thoughts that would otherwise have remained unvoiced. The sessions also enabled them to understand their families and themselves better. The dialogical group sessions demonstrated new possibilities for more open, mutually supportive communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"19 1","pages":"2427433"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11562024/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142632381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rakel Eklund, Lisa Hjelmfors, Sophia Nyquist, Josefin Sveen, Michael Hultström, Miklos Lipcsey, Robert Frithiof, Ewa Wallin, Ing-Marie Larsson, Filip K Arnberg, Lotti Orwelius
{"title":"Surviving COVID-19: patients' experiences of care and path to recovery.","authors":"Rakel Eklund, Lisa Hjelmfors, Sophia Nyquist, Josefin Sveen, Michael Hultström, Miklos Lipcsey, Robert Frithiof, Ewa Wallin, Ing-Marie Larsson, Filip K Arnberg, Lotti Orwelius","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2301953","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2301953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To examine patients' experiences of receiving care on an ICU for COVID-19 and the subsequent rehabilitation process.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An explorative and inductive design was used. Participants were recruited from two university hospitals in Sweden. Patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to April 2021, who enrolled in the ICU follow-up, and understood and spoke Swedish were invited to participate. In total, 20 participants completed a semi-structured interview, of whom 18 were included in the thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis resulted in two themes: \"An isolated world with silver linings\" and \"Recovery in the wake of the pandemic\". Findings show that patients cared for on an ICU for COVID-19 during the pandemic felt safe but experienced a sense of vulnerability. After discharge, physical rehabilitation was a slow process with frustrating day-to-day fluctuations. Mentally, participants felt isolated, fatigued, and emotionally sensitive. Patients reported that love and support from family and friends were crucial for the recovery process.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the challenges of recovering from COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of continued support from health care, public services, family and friends. It provides important insights into patients' experiences and can inform future healthcare strategies and policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"19 1","pages":"2301953"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10773674/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139111256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The effect of HIV on patients' lives: a phenomenological qualitative study.","authors":"Naif S Alzahrani, Abdulaziz Mofdy Almarwani","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2315634","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2315634","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection poses a significant threat to the immune system, compromising the body's ability to combat diseases and infections. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia reported an HIV incidence rate of 3 cases per 10,000 individuals. This study aimed to gain insight into the lived experience of Saudi patients living with HIV.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 16 HIV patients (10 men, 6 women) between January 2023 and May 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thematic data analysis highlighted three overarching themes and four subthemes. \"Fear of the Future\" encompassed subthemes including the fear of infecting a family member, fear of marriage, fear of employment recruitment, and fear of scandals. \"Hopelessness\" reflected the profound emotional state experienced by patients. \"Overcoming Adversity\" captured the resilience and strength demonstrated by individuals facing the challenges of living with HIV.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Saudi patients diagnosed with HIV encounter numerous obstacles in their daily lives. The fear of the future, including concerns such as infecting family members, marriage prospects, employment opportunities, and potential social repercussions, significantly impacts their overall well-being. By understanding the lived experience of HIV patients in Saudi Arabia, healthcare providers and policymakers can better support and enhance the quality of life for this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"19 1","pages":"2315634"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10860465/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139716665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ariel Almevall, Päivi Juuso, Catharina Melander, Karin Zingmark
{"title":"Exploring the meaning of a good life for older widows with extensive need of care: a qualitative in-home interview study.","authors":"Ariel Almevall, Päivi Juuso, Catharina Melander, Karin Zingmark","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2322757","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2322757","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Studies of older women's life transitions is rare but gains relevance as the aging population, with older women as the majority, expands.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore the meaning of a good life for older widows with extensive home care needs.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eleven women, aged 80 and over (82-95 years, mean 90) residing at home with extensive care needs (≥4 daily sessions, averaging 2.5-6 hours, mean 3). Data were analysed by reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The theme \"This Day in My Home, the frame of my life\" reflects the women's experience of a good life. A good day imbued them with hope, trust and security, carrying them forward with the assurance that night would usher in a new day. However, there were moments when life was merely about navigating daily challenges. During such days, the women felt trapped in time, unsafe and lonely.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A day at home may seem static, yet it mirrors life's dynamism, evolving with shifting circumstances. Older widows navigate challenges while maintaining their sense of self, independence, and connection to home. These findings have implications for aged care, recognizing the multifaceted aspects of life and the centrality of home.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"19 1","pages":"2322757"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10911179/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140023187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tina Lundberg, Eleonora Falk, Anette Alvariza, Eva Åkerman, Oili Dahl, Marie Nilsson, Lena Anmyr
{"title":"Being between life and death-experiences of COVID-19 survivors 12 to 18 months after being treated in intensive care.","authors":"Tina Lundberg, Eleonora Falk, Anette Alvariza, Eva Åkerman, Oili Dahl, Marie Nilsson, Lena Anmyr","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2398223","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2398223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to explore the experiences of care, psychosocial support, and psychosocial wellbeing among patients treated for COVID-19 in intensive care 12 to 18 months after discharge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 20 adult patients treated for COVID-19 12 to 18 months after being discharged from a university hospital in Sweden. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The participants were severely affected by COVID-19 both during the hospital stay and afterwards. They experienced overwhelming fears and uncertainties related to their wellbeing and possibility to recover. The care was described chaotic with staff that were stressed; however, the efforts of the staff during this strenuous circumstance were still positively acknowledged. Difficulties to stay in touch with family and friends due to visiting restrictions affected the patient's psychosocial wellbeing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Contracting COVID-19 in the beginning of the pandemic was a stressful event. Being seen and heard is of importance as it has the possibility to create a feeling of security and being cared for despite unclarities about treatment and illness trajectory. Accordingly, healthcare staff play an important role for the psychosocial wellbeing of patients treated for COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"19 1","pages":"2398223"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11382733/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142141726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students.","authors":"Arnfrid Farbu Pinto, Nina Petersen Reed, Odd Morten Mjøen","doi":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2421032","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17482631.2024.2421032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Promoting inclusive student communities and a sense of belonging is essential for university students' well-being and mental health. Our aim in this study was to explore how universities can enhance student well-being by facilitating interactions that contribute to a sense of belonging within the university environment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Through thematic analysis of 309 written narratives collected from students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), we explored significant events related to their studies, social lives, or personal experiences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Introduction Week is important for students' well-being, providing a key opportunity to form initial social connections and foster a sense of belonging. However, its impact is inconsistent, and building lasting relationships requires continued effort throughout the academic journey. Recognizing and addressing potential challenges when expectations are unmet is essential for enhancing student belonging.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings suggest that while Introduction Week plays an essential role in breaking social barriers and ensuring immediate social inclusion, the greatest challenge lies in establishing structures that facilitate belonging and relationships throughout the entire period of studies. Recognizing the diverse needs of students, universities should offer a variety of platforms for engagement and connection to enhance student well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":51468,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being","volume":"19 1","pages":"2421032"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11514387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142512700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}