scholarly journals Conserving the ‘Container’ of Tantric Secrecy: A Discussion with Western Śākta Practitioners

Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 729
Author(s):  
Sophie-Anne Perkins
Keyword(s):  
Present Article ◽  
Spiritual Experience ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Spiritual Experiences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Meditative Practice ◽  
Bridge Building ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Do So

Secrecy has long limited the possibility of gaining emic insight into the spiritual experiences of tantric practitioners. By sharing reflections obtained via semi-structured interviews, the present article examines how a contemporary community of Western Śākta practitioners not only interprets the functions of secrecy and the necessity of maintaining it, but re-defines it in a way that divorces it from the negative connotations that have commonly been ascribed to it. In light of the latter, this article also evaluates the scope of applicability that certain existing scholarly interpretations of secrecy in tantric traditions have in the context of present intercultural exchanges of such practices. Moreover, it identifies the conditions according to which this group of practitioners was willing to discuss practice-related experiences of both a challenging and transformative nature with non-initiates, including what motivated them to do so, and what benefits they expect might result from such bridge-building. In doing so, it demonstrates the negotiable boundaries of secrecy and the ground of possibility for dialogue, thereby providing an example of how future research on the spiritual experience and impact of tantric meditative practice may be further expanded and explored.

ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE AND THE INFORMAL ECONOMY IN CAMEROON

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (04) ◽  
pp. 1450024 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHRISTOPHER F. ACHUA ◽  
ROBERT N. LUSSIER
Keyword(s):  
Informal Economy ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Formal Economy ◽  
Curve Effect ◽  
Street Corner ◽  
Do So

There is a growing appreciation for the value and impact of the informal economy on the lives and livelihood of many in developing economies. A key question for researchers has been whether those operating in it do so out of necessity or voluntarily as opportunity seekers? Unlike previous studies that have examined the informal economy as one large block, this paper took a slightly different tangent. First, we analyzed and identified three distinct sub-groups within the informal entrepreneurial sector — the street walker (st. walker), the street corner (st. corner) and store owner (st. owner) — and then examined each group's motives. Reporting the results of face-to-face structured interviews with 200 informal entrepreneurs in Cameroon (West Africa), the finding is that the majority, especially st. walker and st. corner informal entrepreneurs, are predominantly necessity-driven while st. owner entrepreneurs are predominantly opportunity-driven. Our study also revealed a progression pattern whereby st. walkers do progress to st. corner and ultimately to st. owner entrepreneurs. The assumption is that this does create a learning curve effect in the entrepreneurial abilities and effectiveness of store owners. This is an area for future research. There are policy implications for institutional support that can grow the informal economy into the formal economy.

scholarly journals “Trapped in their Shame”: A Qualitative Investigation of Moral Injury in Forensic Psychiatry Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 009385482110398
Author(s):  
Sophia L. Roth ◽  
Aamna qureshi ◽  
Heather M. Moulden ◽  
Gary A. Chaimowitz ◽  
Ruth A. Lanius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Forensic Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Not Criminally Responsible ◽  
Forensic Psychiatric ◽  
Insight Into

Individuals who engage in criminal behavior for which they are found not criminally responsible (NCR) may be at increased vulnerability to experience moral pain and, in extreme circumstances, moral injury after regaining insight into the consequences of their behavior. Yet, almost no research exists characterizing the nature, severity, or impact of moral pain in this population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine forensic psychiatric patients and 21 of their care providers. Narratives were explored using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrate that NCR patients endorse symptoms consistent with moral injury, including feelings of guilt toward victims, shame for one’s behavior, and a loss of trust in one’s morality. Moral pain is a strong driver of behavior and must be understood as part of a constellation of factors influencing criminality, risk, and recovery. Future research must develop adequate tools to measure and characterize offense-related moral injury to understand its impact on this population.

Linguistic identities

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Present Article ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Recent Article ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Language And Identity ◽  
Prejudice And Discrimination ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Made In ◽  
Do So ◽  
The Way

Linguistic identities are double-edged swords because, while functioning in a positive and productive way to give people a sense of belonging, they do so by defining an “us” in opposition to a “them” that becomes all too easy to demonise. Studying the construction of identities is important precisely because it offers our best hope for helping to undo their negative impact, while at the same time providing deeper insight into the role languages play in our interpretation of who does or doesn’t belong to which particular group. Djité, in a recent article in this journal (2006), argues that, in our multilingual world, linguistic identities are not the monolithic entities which people often take them for, with the result that individuals get misinterpreted based on the way they speak, provoking prejudice and discrimination. This is also, contrary to what Djité suggests, one of the principal thrusts of Joseph’s book Language and Identity (2004). The present article summarises the relevant arguments made in this latter book and attempts to clarify points of agreement and disagreement with Djité.

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of prisoners’ experience of riotous behaviour in an adult male prison

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niamh Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Prison Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – Prison violence generates much public interest with concerns for the financial costs, staff safety and public safety. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience of riotous behaviour from the perspective of prisoners in a maximum secure adult prison. It also seeks gather information and to generate discussion on areas for future research. Design/methodology/approach – A purposive sampling method and in-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out. Interpretative phenomenological analysis identified super ordinate themes and related sub-themes within the participants’ narratives. Emergent themes were then considered in relation to the theories and concepts that underpinned and connected them. Findings – Super ordinate themes emerged centred around the subject of social processing and relationships. Prisoners emphasised the role of prisoner-staff relationships in feeling valued as part of the social structure and considered riotous behaviour the best method of communication at that time. Social comparison highlighted the value they placed in being part of the prisoner culture and the nostalgic nature of the riotous behaviour for them. It lends support to earlier theory on prison adjustment and social psychological explanations for rioting. Research limitations/implications – It is not assumed that the findings of this study can be universally applied given the sample size and the idiosyncratic nature of participants’ experiences. This research may provide greater insight into the motivational factors related to individuals involved in riotous behaviour. With such insight prison staff may be more able to consider whether prisoners’ needs are being sufficiently met to help prevent such behaviour in the future. Practical implications – This research may help inform training on the identification and management of potential riots. With insight into the individual motivational factors prison staff may be more able to consider whether prisoners’ needs are being sufficiently met to help prevent such behaviour in the future. Originality/value – This paper reports on the prisoners’ individual experience of being involved in riotous behaviour. Due to the paucity of literature on this behaviour, this exploratory study is intended to add to existing knowledge.

Perceived mechanisms targeting cancer-related fatigue, song choice rationale, and song function: An interpretivist study of patient-preferred live music with adult oncology patients on a blood and marrow transplant unit

2020 ◽  
pp. 030573562094229
Author(s):  
Lacey Reimnitz ◽  
Michael Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Symptomatic Relief ◽  
Marrow Transplant ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Oncology Patients ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Blood And Marrow Transplant ◽  
Live Music ◽  
Musical Elements ◽  
Insight Into

Although patient-preferred live music (PPLM) can be an effective music therapy intervention for addressing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adult oncology patients, there is a gap in the literature specific to patients’ experiences of how PPLM impacts CRF. The primary purpose of this interpretivist study was to understand the mechanisms by which PPLM impacts CRF from the patients’ perspectives. The secondary purpose was to gain insight into patients’ song choice rationales and their ensuing function within PPLM. We provided PPLM and conducted semi-structured interviews with adult oncology patients ( N = 5) on a blood and marrow transplant unit. We used an inductive approach to thematic analysis to analyze interview transcripts and achieved trustworthiness through independent analyses of transcripts as well as peer review of codes and themes. Participants described how PPLM provided CRF symptomatic relief by facilitating emotional release and being an aesthetically pleasing distraction. Participants noted they chose songs because of memorable experiences and for musical elements and components, while explaining that PPLM facilitated reminiscence, promoted relaxation and restful states, and encouraged reflection through the lyrics. Results provide an initial patient-centric understanding of how and why PPLM might impact CRF. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.

scholarly journals Working with transgendered sex offenders: prison staff experiences

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Marlow ◽  
Belinda Winder ◽  
Helen Jane Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Prison Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Staff Experiences ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the experiences of staff working with transgendered sex offenders in a prison setting. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilised a qualitative approach, with semi-structured interviews used to explore the experiences of staff working with transgendered sexual offenders (n=6). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – Three themes were identified in the data. The first relates to how staff become educated on transgender issues and the content of this information. The second describes situations in which boundaries are overstepped by both transgender offenders and others in the prison. The third relates to the ways in which staff manage change, such as tailoring treatment to specific needs and being mindful of what adaptations may be required. Research limitations/implications – The main drawback of this research was the limited sample; female prison staff. Future research should expand this sample to encompass male staff and staff working in alternate category prisons. Practical implications – The research illustrates the utility of staff collaboration with transgendered sex offenders on transgender issues but also suggests some additional guidance is required when it comes to determining the boundaries. Staff may also benefit from more education on the possible ways in which a transgendered identity can impact on criminogenic needs. Originality/value – The present research offers insight into the current state of care and management of transgendered offenders in custody and the nature of interactions between staff and this minority group. At present, there is limited research in this area.

scholarly journals Resilience Competence Face Framework for the Unforeseen: Relations, Emotions and Cognition. A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Herberg ◽  
Glenn-Egil Torgersen
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Creative Behavior ◽  
Traditional Research ◽  
Generic Qualitative ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Function ◽  
Globalized World ◽  
Insight Into

The high impact of unforeseen events in a globalized world accentuates the importance of a greater in-depth and broader understanding of resilient competencies that can promote performance. Traditional research has, however, paid relatively little attention to uncertainty and unpredictable conditions, including the particulate competence of the unforeseen, and how organizations can achieve degrees of resilience. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore whether there are types of competence at the individual, social and organizational level that can enhance preparedness to face the unforeseen. The first aim was to explore how highly experienced professionals from different sectors and organizational levels describe and understand the nature and function of the unforeseen phenomenon. The second aim was to explore what resilient competencies can be beneficially applied in organizations to enhance performance irrespective of the scenario or event that occurs. The generic qualitative approach of this study employed semi-structured interviews. The purposive expert sample of 13 highly knowledgably Norwegian professionals with unique and extensive cross-sectorial experience of unforeseen events were selected. Ages ranged from 41 to 62 years (M = 48.92, SD = 6.94), length of professional experience and education ranging from 22 to 43 years. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts and the interpretation displayed six types of resilience competence: (1) General Preparedness, (2) Characteristics and Competence of the Individual, (3) Sound Relations, (4) Creative Behavior and Improvisational Skills, (5) The Ability to Reflect and Learn, (6) Emotion Efficacy. In addition, The Unforeseen was discerned as a complex phenomenon. These findings emphasize a cross-disciplinary perspective and provides integrative multilevel insight into the particulate competence of the unforeseen by introducing a framework that serves as a foundation for future research and as a tool for practitioners working in the field.

scholarly journals Arabizi across Three Different Generations of Arab Users Living Abroad: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Haghegh
Keyword(s):  
Generational Differences ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Educational Work ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Insight Into

The study explores the sociolinguistic phenomenon, Arabizi, from a new perspective by investigating the case of three Arabizi users coming from different generations: Azer (42 years old), Nada (29 years old), and Mira (21 years old). The main research question of the study is how generational differences between Arabizi users shape their experiences with Arabizi in terms of 1) how they learned it, 2) how they currently use it, 3) how they perceive its effect on the Arabic language, 4) their attitude towards its users, 5) and their expectations for its future use. Semi-structured interviews were employed to gain a deeper insight into participants’ experiences with Arabizi, taking into consideration their linguistic, educational, work, and social backgrounds. The significance of this case study lies in how Arabizi users’ surroundings and life experiences influence their linguistic choices and perceptions. Findings provide insight into how Arabizi is considered advantageous compared to using English language. It is also perceived to be a phase for youngsters that will subside in the future as technology develops. The study concludes with recommendations for future research on how Arabizi transforms as its users grow older.

scholarly journals Arabizi across Three Different Generations of Arab Users Living Abroad: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-173
Author(s):  
Mariam Haghegh
Keyword(s):  
Generational Differences ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Educational Work ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Insight Into

The study explores the sociolinguistic phenomenon, Arabizi, from a new perspective by investigating the case of three Arabizi users coming from different generations: Azer (42 years old), Nada (29 years old), and Mira (21 years old). The main research question of the study is how generational differences between Arabizi users shape their experiences with Arabizi in terms of 1) how they learned it, 2) how they currently use it, 3) how they perceive its effect on the Arabic language, 4) their attitude towards its users, 5) and their expectations for its future use. Semi-structured interviews were employed to gain a deeper insight into participants’ experiences with Arabizi, taking into consideration their linguistic, educational, work, and social backgrounds. The significance of this case study lies in how Arabizi users’ surroundings and life experiences influence their linguistic choices and perceptions. Findings provide insight into how Arabizi is considered advantageous compared to using English language. It is also perceived to be a phase for youngsters that will subside in the future as technology develops. The study concludes with recommendations for future research on how Arabizi transforms as its users grow older.

scholarly journals Teaching practicum: The impacts on classroom management skills of novice lecturers

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-42
Author(s):  
Pham Thi Thuy Linh ◽  
Nguyen Van Thang ◽  
Ho Tuong Thanh ◽  
Hoang Thi Minh Nguyet ◽  
Pham Viet Phuong Thao
Keyword(s):  
School Choice ◽  
Classroom Management ◽  
English Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Teacher Education ◽  
Teaching Practicum ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Significant Factors

This research investigates the perspectives of the novice lecturers in the Faculty of English Language Teacher Education (FELTE) regarding Teaching Practicum’s impacts on their classroom management skills. Using survey research, data was gathered through questionnaires distributed among the whole population of 29 participants, followed by semi-structured interviews to gain a deeper insight into participants’ experience. The study’s results showed that novice lecturers generally made considerable progress in classroom management skills, especially in attention-drawing and response encouragement, creation of a motivating environment as well as physical and emotional interactions with students. On the other hand, it was discovered that inadequate duration and inappropriate timing generally impeded novice lecturers’ gains during their Teaching Practicum. However, some challenges related to supervisor and school choice turned out to be significant factors from which participants could derive considerable benefits, which is opposed to previous research. At the end of the study, some recommendations were suggested for future research on this topic.

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