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Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Ning Sun, Yuhan Peng, Yingchen Lu, Wanting Liu and Zhenhua Zheng

This study aims to investigate the relationships between the perceived neighborhood walkable environment (PNWE), neighborhood interaction (NI) and residents’ mental health, with…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationships between the perceived neighborhood walkable environment (PNWE), neighborhood interaction (NI) and residents’ mental health, with a focus on examining differences among residents of different age groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an electronic survey questionnaire, data on PNWE, NI and mental health were collected from 1,159 residents across 205 communities in Shanghai, China. Our study utilized a structural equation modeling (SEM), employing the maximum likelihood estimation method. The structural equation model was fitted using the MPLUS software.

Findings

The mental health of young and middle-aged adults is generally poor, and they are at higher risk of depression than children and older adults. The effects of PNWE and NI on the mental health of residents varied among different age groups. As residents get older, their mental health is more affected by the PNWE. In addition, the influence of the PNWE on children and older adults’ mental health is direct and not mediated by NI. For young and middle-aged adults, the influence of the PNWE on their mental health needs to be mediated by NI.

Originality/value

This study marks the first examination of the relationship between PNWE, NI and mental health among different age groups of residents in China. The findings of this research can assist policymakers in gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which PNWE affects mental health. Furthermore, it can contribute to the development of more targeted walkable environment designs aimed at enhancing mental health among various age groups.

Details

Open House International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2023

Farhana Sajjad Kiani and Saima Ehsan

This study aimed to identify which positive psychological factors are associated with the mental health of older adult retirees. Positive psychology is an emerging discipline of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to identify which positive psychological factors are associated with the mental health of older adult retirees. Positive psychology is an emerging discipline of psychology. The study and identification of such factors could lead to increased mental health and lower stress levels of individuals (Ho et al., 2014; Abbas et al., 2019).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched the following electronic databases: Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus. Thematic synthesis was used for analysis. Database search resulted in the recruitment of 948 articles; after the screening process, only 7 articles were left for further analysis.

Findings

Thematic synthesis of resulting articles from systematic literature review revealed that “staying active after retirement, participation in social activities, volunteering, and presence of loved ones” are positive psychological factors that are positively associated with the mental health of older adult retirees. A few positive psychological factors and their association with the mental health of older adult retirees have been examined. Other positive psychological factors and their association with the mental health of older adult retirees are yet to be investigated in future research.

Research limitations/implications

First, many studies have investigated meaning and purpose in life, relationships or having intimacy, well-being, transcendence, flow or engagement, spirituality and flourishing (pleasant life, engaged life and meaningful life, relationship and achievement) (LeBon, 2014). However, many other positive psychological constructs need to be studied yet in this age group examples include wisdom, courage, mindfulness, forgiveness, resilience, emotional intelligence, hope and humor. Second, there is need of theory in the field of successful aging with respect to the positive psychology. Third, which factors negatively contributed toward the mental health of older adult could be another area of future systematic literature review. Finally, role of culture needs to be examined with reference to which positive psychological factor could be important in a specific given cultural context.

Practical implications

The findings of the current research will be useful for clinical psychologist, counselors and gerontologists to understand which factors positively contributed toward the mental health of older adult retirees, which in turn will help to improve mental health of older adult retirees. Findings of the present study set grounds for future research in the field of gerontology in specific cultural context. The findings of this study have added to scientific body of existing literature. Better understanding of retirement can lead to increase in use of positive intervention-based programs for retirees that can facilitate them with life after retirement.

Social implications

Policymaker working on the well-being of older adult retirees can take help from this study’s evidence-based findings for developing any policy.

Originality/value

Systematic literature review consolidated the existing literature review on the present topic of research. This systematic literature review highlighted factors that are associated with the enhanced mental health of older adults’ retirees. Furthermore, findings revealed the important gap in literature that is many positive psychological constructs are need to be studied yet in this age group examples includes wisdom, courage, mindfulness, forgiveness, resilience, emotional intelligence, hope and humor. Hence, this study has implications for future research.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Krishna Murari, Shalini Shukla and Lalit Dulal

The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of the existing literature on social media (SM) use and examine its relationship with various facets of social…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of the existing literature on social media (SM) use and examine its relationship with various facets of social well-being (SWB).

Design/methodology/approach

The study identifies and selects relevant articles using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, wherein 273 articles were identified using the keyword search criteria from 5 databases namely Web of Science, Emerald, Pubmed, Google Scholar and EBSCOhost, and finally, 20 relevant studies were included for this systematic review. In order to provide directions for future research, a thorough profile with the key findings and knowledge gaps is presented.

Findings

The majority of the reviewed studies report an increase in the use of SM, especially amongst adolescents, and this suggests a seriously detrimental impact on their SWB in terms of cyberbullying, lifestyle comparison and impact on self-esteem, substance abuse, declined academic performance, fear of missing out (FoMo) and social overload. However, some of the studies reported life satisfaction, a reduction in loneliness and improved social support and belongingness, particularly those focussing on old age people who experience social isolation. The review also affirmed improved job performance and employees’ well-being. These findings vary across various demographic variables and various SM platforms namely Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, YouTube, etc.

Originality/value

The findings have significant implications for SM researchers, family members and educators concerning promoting appropriate SM use, especially in terms of their SWB. The study also provides various suggestions for future studies and the need to further explore the topic as the field of SM use and SWB is ever-growing.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2023

Long Thanh Giang, Aiko Kikkawa, Donghyun Park and Tue Dang Nguyen

This study aims to explore the situations and socio-economic and health-related factors associated with employment of older men and women in Vietnam.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the situations and socio-economic and health-related factors associated with employment of older men and women in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the nationally representative data in 2019 with a sample size of 3,049 older persons (those aged 60 and over). This study applied logistic regression analyses.

Findings

This study found that there were significant differences in employment rates between various groups of older men and women in terms of age group, residential place, marital status and educational level. Controlling for age, education, marital status, place of residence and (in) sufficient income for daily living, the results from logistic models indicated that health issues were strongly associated with lower probability to be employed for both genders. In all tests and regression models, that age and health condition were consistently related with lower employment probability of older persons implied an important consideration in raising normal retirement ages for both men and women.

Research limitations/implications

Due to limitation of the cross-sectional data, this research could not explore how health influences older people’s employment overtime.

Practical implications

Findings of this research provide important and adaptive policy insights for Vietnam to take advantage of older workers for economic growth under an aging population.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this has been among the first studies exploring the role of health, which was presented by different indicators, determining employment of older men and women in Vietnam.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2023

Eliza Sharma and John Ben Prince

This study aims to measure the impact of loneliness, physical activity (PA) and self-esteem on the health of retired people and also checks the moderating role of living…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to measure the impact of loneliness, physical activity (PA) and self-esteem on the health of retired people and also checks the moderating role of living arrangements and gender of the elderly people on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Four standardized scales were used in the study to measure four different constructs: Self-Worth Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3, General Health Questionnaire-28 and Physical Activity Scale for Elders. Structural equation modelling was applied to the four constructs.

Findings

The study concluded that loneliness has a negative and significant impact on the health of retired people, while self-esteem and PA have a positive and significant impact on their health.

Originality/value

The study is among the few to include multiple instruments to measure abstract parameters in the field of health care. The paper brings out implications not just for academicians but also for policymakers, considering the complex situation prevailing in the emerging economy.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2023

N.T. Khuong Truong, Susan J. Smith, Gavin Wood, William A.V. Clark, William Lisowski and Rachel Ong ViforJ

The purpose of this paper is to consider one test of a well-functioning housing system – its impact on wellbeing. Exploring one indicator of this, this study aims to track changes…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider one test of a well-functioning housing system – its impact on wellbeing. Exploring one indicator of this, this study aims to track changes in mental and general health across a mix of tenure transitions and financial transactions in three jurisdictions: Australia, the UK and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Using matched variables from three national panel surveys (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia, British Household Panel Survey/Understanding Society and Panel Study of Income Dynamics) over 17 years (2000–2017) to capture the sweep of the most recent housing cycle, this study adopts a difference-in-difference random-effects model specification to estimate the mental and general health effects of tenure change and borrowing behaviours.

Findings

There is an enduring health premium associated with unmortgaged owner-occupation. Mortgage debt detracts from this, as does the prospect of dropping out of ownership and into renting. A previously observed post-exit recovery in mental health – a debt-relief effect – is not present in the longer run. In fact, in some circumstances, both mental and general health deficits are amplified, even among those who eventually regain homeownership. Though there are cross-country differences, the similarities across these financialised housing systems are more striking.

Practical implications

The well-being premium traditionally associated with owner occupation is under threat at the edges of the sector in all three jurisdictions. In this, there is cross-national convergence. There may therefore be scope to introduce policies to better support households at the edges of ownership that work across the board for debt-funded ownership-centred housing systems.

Originality/value

This paper extends the duration of a previous analysis of the impact of tenure transitions and financial transactions on well-being at the edges of ownership in the UK and Australia. The authors now track households over nearly two decades from the start of the millennium into a lengthy (post-global financial crisis) era of declining housing affordability. This study adds to the reach of the earlier study by adding a general health variable and a third jurisdiction, the USA.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 November 2022

Basil Alzougool

This study aims to examine the eHealth literacy level among online health consumers (OHC) in Jordan and identified variables predicting their eHealth literacy level as well.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the eHealth literacy level among online health consumers (OHC) in Jordan and identified variables predicting their eHealth literacy level as well.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted to achieve the study objectives. A purposeful sample of 262 OHC completed an electronic version of the eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS). eHEALS is the most cited scale in the literature, which includes eight items (measured on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree).

Findings

Results showed that OHC in Jordan had a moderate level of overall eHealth literacy. Specifically, the eHEALS formed two conceptually sound factors. Gender, occupation, perceived usefulness and perceived importance of the internet, and more frequent online health information seeking were significant positive predictors of overall eHealth literacy and/or its two identified dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

This study represents a humble contribution to the field. Several recommendations were suggested to maintain and improve eHealth literacy among OHC in Jordan.

Originality/value

The internet has changed the landscape of health information. There is an increase in the provision and availability of health information to all users. OHC should be skillful in locating, using and evaluating online health information. Although many researchers have increasingly studied the concept of eHealth literacy among various groups in the past decade, little research has been devoted to focus on eHealth literacy among OHC, particularly in Jordan.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2023

Nunzia Nappo and Giuseppe Lubrano Lavadera

The main aim of this study was to examine gender differences in job satisfaction in Europe.

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of this study was to examine gender differences in job satisfaction in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

For the empirical analysis, data from the Sixth European Working Conditions Survey were used. Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition with a principal component analysis (PCA) aggregated variable, after unconditional quantile regressions in a multiple imputation background, was implemented.

Findings

Women report higher job satisfaction than men do. Women were significantly more satisfied than men for the middle levels of the job satisfaction distribution.

Originality/value

This study expands the evidence on the determinants of job satisfaction in the European labour market by applying a recent form of decomposition that invests in unconditional quantile regression (UQR). To the best of this study knowledge, this is the first time that the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition with a PCA aggregated variable after unconditional quantile regression has been employed to study gender-based differences in job satisfaction.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 January 2024

Jacquie McGraw, Rebekah Russell-Bennett and Katherine M. White

Preventative health services are keen to identify how to engage men and increase their participation, thus improving health, well-being and life expectancy over time. Prior…

Abstract

Purpose

Preventative health services are keen to identify how to engage men and increase their participation, thus improving health, well-being and life expectancy over time. Prior research has shown general gender norms are a key reason for men’s avoidance of these services, yet there is little investigation of specific gender norms. Furthermore, masculinity has not been examined as a factor associated with customer vulnerability. This paper aims to identify the relationship between gender norm segments for men, likely customer vulnerability over time and subjective health and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Adult males (n = 13,891) from an Australian longitudinal men’s health study were classified using latent class analysis. Conditional growth mixture modelling was conducted at three timepoints.

Findings

Three masculinity segments were identified based on masculine norm conformity: traditional self-reliant, traditional bravado and modern status. All segments had likely customer experience of vulnerability. Over time, the likely experience was temporary for the modern status segment but prolonged for the traditional self-reliant and traditional bravado segments. The traditional self-reliant segment had low subjective health and low overall well-being over time.

Practical implications

Practitioners can tailor services to gender norm segments, enabling self-reliant men to provide expertise and use the “Status” norm to reach all masculinity segments.

Originality/value

The study of customer vulnerability in a group usually considered privileged identifies differential temporal experiences based on gender norms. The study confirms customer vulnerability is temporal in nature; customer vulnerability changes over time from likely to actual for self-reliant men.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Dennis Rosenberg

This paper aims to establish the link between the attitudes older adults hold toward governmental websites, their subjective online public service use skills and their…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the link between the attitudes older adults hold toward governmental websites, their subjective online public service use skills and their e-government use for bureaucratic (e.g. document downloading or filling them out online) and transactional (e.g. payment) purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from the 2020 Israel Social Survey and analyzed using binary logistic regression models. The sample included internet users aged 60 years and older (N = 735).

Findings

Subjective use skills were positively associated with each studied type of e-government use. Perception of security in providing personal information on governmental websites was also positively associated with both types of use. Perceived clarity and simplicity of governmental websites was (positively) related to transactional e-government use only.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that the types of e-government use in older adulthood are not contingent upon exactly the same factors. Moreover, attitudes toward e-government seem to be more relevant for transactional rather than bureaucratic e-government use in this lifespan period.

Originality/value

The study examines factors related to government website uses of various types in later life – a rarely studied topic in e-government research.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

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