Academic Journal of Psychology and Counseling

Retirement Illusion And Reality Compared: Reports Of Prospective Retirees And Retired Teachers In Nigeria

2024-07-03T01:52:05+07:00

Prospective retirees usually prepare for what they thought they would need for retirement adjustment while retired ones are better positioned to evaluate the adequacy of their earlier preparedness, judged by retirement reality. This survey investigated the pre-retirement guidance needs of retirement-eligible teachers, explored retroactive retirement guidance needs of retired teachers, and compared the results of the two groups. A sample (n=305; 151 prospective teacher-retirees; 154 retired teachers) was selected, while three research questions guided the study. Results showed the 16 items in the pre-retirement guidance needs are potential needs for teachers entering retirement (Item’s RSI>0.05), and the 16 items in the retrospective retirement guidance needs are areas that retired teachers opined they missed while preparing for retirement (Item’s RSI>0.05). Prospective retirees and retired teachers also ranked guidance needs in different orders, but they tallied two items of needs. The findings underpin the necessity for periodically administering retirement preparedness and retirement readiness instruments to workers to provide person-fit retirement counseling as they advance toward retirement.

Psychological Impact Of Kidnapping On Social Reintegration And Academic Pursuits Of Female Undergraduates In Zamfara State

2024-06-28T09:18:46+07:00

Kidnapping and banditry have become pervasive in northern Nigeria, severely disrupting the lives of vulnerable communities including students in both pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions, particularly Zamfara State. However, research on their psychological impact on female undergraduate students is lacking. To fill this gap, this study investigated the psychological impact of kidnapping on female undergraduate students in Zamfara State, focusing on their social reintegration and academic pursuits. The study adopted a qualitative research design. Seven female undergraduates of Federal University Gusau who had recently been released after prolonged captivity participated in the study. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was used to select participants based on availability, willingness, and ability to provide detailed accounts. Data was collected through structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed profound psychological trauma, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Social reintegration challenges found in the study include stigmatization and alienation, while academic difficulties involve concentration, memory issues, and decreased motivation. The study recommends implementing comprehensive psychological support programs within educational institutions located in high-risk locations like Zamfara State, including professional counseling and peer support groups, to address the long-term psychological effects and facilitate better social and academic reintegration of the victims.

Love On The Different Spectrum: A Phenomenological Study On A Young Adult

2024-09-17T11:47:11+07:00

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have often been wrongly viewed as asexual. However, research suggests that their romantic and sexual experiences are more nuanced and deserving of further exploration. The study aimed to foster a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals with ASD as they navigate the complexities of relationships. This study delved into the romantic and sexual lives of a young man with ASD aged 22 years old to understand how his condition influenced his partner preferences and relationships with friends, classmates, and family. Through a semi-structured interview and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), the study uncovered three key themes: (a) navigating social interactions and boundaries; (b) understanding love and relationships; and (c) desires and expectations in relationships. These insights highlighted the need for tailored sex education, family support, and positive media portrayals. According to the study, a young man with ASD has difficulty interacting socially, particularly when it comes to recognizing cues and establishing limits with others. His romantic aspirations may be impacted by his inability to comprehend emotions and societal prejudices. The results show that to normalize his experiences and promote healthy relationships, family support, specialized sex education, and favorable media portrayals are essential.

Emotional Labor And Compassion Fatigue: A Correlational Analysis On Mental Health Practitioners

2024-07-21T07:54:51+07:00

In this fast-paced world, mental health is at a greater toll due to the continuous pressure of excellence. Emotional labor is common among mental health professionals, and with extended practice, they are more prone to compassion fatigue and job burnout. This study examined the relationship between emotional labor and compassion fatigue among mental health practitioners by considering the demographic factors (age, gender, qualifications, and experience). It employed a cross-sectional design to survey mental health practitioners. The sample (N=117) comprised male (n=50) and female (n=67) aged 24 to 61 years old. Participants were selected from hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community health centers in collaboration with department administrators. Results showed that emotional labor was positively associated with compassion fatigue (p<0.01). Female professionals exhibited higher emotional labor and compassion fatigue levels than their male counterparts. Mental health professionals with extended job experience exhibit lower levels of emotional labor and compassion fatigue than those with less experience in the mental health field. Moreover, the results indicated that older professionals reported a lower level of emotional labor than those in the younger age group. There needs to be a supportive environment addressing the diverse factors affecting the emotional well-being of these professionals.

Fostering The Future: Examining The Meaning Of Life And Optimism In Generation Z

2024-07-09T01:14:19+07:00

The study of meaning, in philosophy and psychology, is important to reveal the influences on individual well-being, including optimism. This systematic literature review examined various factors, such as social media, family environment, education, and personal experiences, influencing Generation Z's perception of the meaning of life and their optimism. The researcher employed the PRISMA model to select articles included in the study. Age, gender, and spirituality are influential factors in the search for meaning in life. Age influences a person's search for life's meaning and their optimism. Gender also plays an important role; women tend to discover meaning in life through family roles and social relationships, while men tend to find meaning through achievement and independence. Spirituality, such as religious practices and spiritual beliefs, offers individuals a framework to discover the meaning of life and remain optimistic, especially through the social support of the spiritual community.

Gender Differences In Perceived School Support, Self-Esteem, Academic Fatigue, And Engagement Among Nigerian Undergraduates

2024-08-12T16:07:32+07:00

Various studies have found differences in perceived social support, self-esteem, academic fatigue, and academic engagement between men and women. Yet, at this current research location, preliminary data shows the contrary. This study examined undergraduates’ perceived school support, self-esteem, academic fatigue, and engagement in two public Nigerian universities. The cross-sectional quantitative research using the non-experimental design was employed in the study, implementing self-concordance and demands-resources theories. The population of the study was undergraduate students undertaking degree courses at two public universities in Southwest Nigeria, and participants were selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. An instrument tagged "School Support and Undergraduates' Self-esteem, Academic Engagement, and Fatigue Questionnaire" was used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a t-test. The study's findings have shown that undergraduates’ gender influences their perceived school support and academic fatigue, with higher scores seen in male students. However, there was no significant difference in self-esteem and academic engagement between male and female undergraduates. The study recommends that efforts be concentrated on ensuring continued gender equality and gender-balanced dynamics within the school context. Implications of the study and future research suggestions are proffered.

The Relationship Between Alexithymia And Compulsive Shopping Among Young Adults

2024-10-06T04:48:40+07:00

Although previous studies have investigated factors contributing to compulsive shopping, the specific role of alexithymia and its influence on emotional regulation in predicting this behavior remains underexplored. The study explores the link between alexithymia and compulsive shopping in young adults, focusing on whether emotional regulation difficulties predict problematic shopping behavior. A sample of 220 Italian young adults was assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Shopping Behaviour Scale (SBS). Multiple regression analysis revealed that alexithymia's three dimensions explained 4.8% of the variance in compulsive shopping. Externally oriented thinking was the only significant predictor, while difficulty identifying and describing feelings were not. The findings suggest that individuals more focused on external realities are at higher risk for compulsive shopping. Improving emotional awareness and regulation may help reduce this behavior in young adults.

Historical, Philosophical And Psychological Dimensions Of Bilingualism: Cognitive And Neurological Perspectives

2024-08-09T11:18:06+07:00

Research on bilingualism has traditionally focused on its effects on language proficiency, yet a significant gap exists in understanding its broader cognitive impacts, particularly regarding executive functions and brain structure. This study aims to bridge that gap by examining the multifaceted influences of bilingualism on cognitive function, incorporating historical and philosophical perspectives to provide a comprehensive analysis. Using a systematic literature review approach, supported by neuroimaging studies, this research explores how bilingualism enhances brain plasticity and executive functions, such as attentional control and task-switching. Historical analysis reveals the shift from early 20th-century deficit views of bilingualism to the recognition of its cognitive advantages. Philosophical discussions further contextualize these findings, addressing the ethical considerations of cognitive enhancement and the mind-brain relationship in bilingual contexts. The results suggest that bilingualism confers distinct cognitive benefits, reshaping both brain structure and function. Based on these findings, this study offers key recommendations for improving future research methodologies, emphasizing the need for more diverse and standardized studies, and suggests practical counseling approaches that account for the psychological and philosophical complexities of bilingual identity. These insights challenge traditional views on cognitive development and have significant implications for educational policies, counseling strategies, and future neuroscience research.