Academic Journal of Psychology and Counseling

The Emotional Labor And Compassion Fatigue: Concerning Issues Among Mental Health Practitioners

Sumra Mumtaz Khawaja — 2024-10-30

In this fast-paced world, mental health is at a greater toll due to the continuous pressure of excellence. Every other person suffers from anxiety, stress, or depression. Emotional labor is common among mental health professionals, and with extended practice, they are more prone to compassion fatigue and job burnout. This study investigates the relationship between emotional labor and compassion fatigue among mental health practitioners by considering the demographic factors (age, gender, qualifications, and experience) that may affect this relationship. This study employed a cross-sectional design to survey mental health practitioners. The sample (N = 117) comprised male (n = 50) and female (n = 67) professionals within the age range of 24 to 61 years. Participants were selected from hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community health centers in collaboration with department administrators. Measures of the Emotional Labor Scale (Brotheridge & Lee, 2023) and Compassion Fatigue Short Scale (Adams et al., 2008) were used to assess the study variables. Results showed that Emotional labor was positively associated with compassion fatigue. 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 professionals older in age expressed a lower level of emotional labor than those in the younger age group. The strategies deduced should create a supportive environment addressing the diverse factors affecting emotional well-being in this context.

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

Onijuni Olufemi Olatomide — 2024-10-30

Prospective retirees usually prepare for what they thought they would need for retirement adjustment while retired ones are better positioned to evaluate adequacy of their earlier preparedness, judged by retirement reality. Will the future and the past align? This survey investigated 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). Also, prospective retirees and the retired teachers reported dissimilar ranking in the order in which they desired retirement counselling, but they tallied in two items of needs. The findings underpin the necessity for periodically administering retirement preparedness and retirement readiness instruments on workers with a view to offering person-fit retirement counselling as they advance toward retirement.

Love On The Different Spectrum

Hanna May C. Dela Cruz — 2024-10-30

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. By addressing these areas, 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 young adults with ASD, focusing on a young man 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 male adolescent with autism spectrum disorder (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 the impact of 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.

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

Alvina Chee Ying Hee — 2024-10-30

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.

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

Aliyatil Hamdaniati — 2024-10-30

The study of meaning, in philosophy and psychology, is important to reveal the influences toward individual well-being, especially optimism. This study examined the influences of various factors, such as social media, family environment, education, and personal experiences on Z-generation's perception of the meaning of life and their levels of optimism. Age, sex type, and spirituality are influential factors for searching for meaning in life, found based on the journal article review. The Age influences a person's search for life's meaning and their optimism. Sex type also plays an important role; men tend to discover meaning in life through family roles and social relationships, while women tend to discover meaning through achievement and independence. Spirituality, such as religious practices and spiritual beliefs, offers a framework to discover the meaning of life and remain optimistic, especially through the social support of the spiritual community.

The Relationship Between Alexithymia And Compulsive Shopping Among Young Adults

Martina Barbera — 2024-11-12

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.

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

Akilu Isma'il — 2024-10-30

Although kidnapping and banditry are increasingly rampant in northern Nigeria, 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, Nigeria, focusing on their social reintegration and academic pursuits. 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. The study adopted qualitative research design. Seven out of the 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 interview. 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 involved concentration, memory issues, and decreased motivation. The study recommends implementing comprehensive psychological support programmes within educational institutions located in high risk locations such as 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

Gender Differences In Undergraduates’ Perceived School Support, Self-Esteem, Academic Fatigue, And Engagement In Nigerian Government-owned Universities

Stella Olatunbosun — 2024-10-30

Various research results show that there are differences in perceived social support, self-esteem, academic fatigue, and academic engagement based on gender. Yet, at this current research location, pre-research data shows the contrary. This study examines undergraduates’ perceived school support, self-esteem, academic fatigue, and engagement in two public Nigerian universities. The cross-sectional quantitative research type of the non-experimental design was utilized for the study through the theory lenses of Self-concordance and Demands-resources. The population of the study was undergraduate students undertaking degree courses at two public universities in Southwest Nigeria (the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, and the Ekiti State University), and these were selected using both the 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 with Cronbach alpha of 0.78, 0.81, 0.88, 0.89 for the four sections of the scales, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages), and t-test at a 5% significance level. The study's findings have shown that undergraduates’ gender influences their perceived school support and academic fatigue, with gender differences in favour of males. Still, there was no significant gender difference in undergraduates’ self-esteem and academic engagement. The study recommends that efforts be concentrated on ensuring continued gender equity, equality, and gender-balanced dynamics within the school context. Implications of the study and future research suggestions are proffered.