Imagination Looks Different for Gen-Alpha: Social Play in Early-Childhood Development and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Description
The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including early child development (0 years old to 5 years old). Compared to historical events, the COVID-19 Pandemic’s effects are close to those of the Great Depression…

The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including early child development (0 years old to 5 years old). Compared to historical events, the COVID-19 Pandemic’s effects are close to those of the Great Depression regarding business closures, levels of stress and anxiety, and the number of job losses that occurred, which will be written about in future textbooks. This literature review will discuss the theoretical history of social play and the appropriate play levels based on a child's age. Then, the thesis will explain the importance of social play during early childhood. Finally, the article will debrief the differences in play behavior noticed between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic teachers and caregivers and the potential long-term effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Thesis will end with a discussion of advisory websites directed to parents regarding the issue. While the full extent of the long-term effects is still being studied, evidence suggests that the pandemic has negatively affected child development in several ways, including social isolation and emotional health and well-being.
Date Created
2023-12
Agent

I'm not that old: how attitudes towards loss of hearing affect adoption of goods and services designed to improve qualifty of life

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Description
It is well understood that many people who experience hearing loss do not realize the extent of their loss and often do not seek help. This resistance to intervention puts them at risk of social isolation, depression and even serious…

It is well understood that many people who experience hearing loss do not realize the extent of their loss and often do not seek help. This resistance to intervention puts them at risk of social isolation, depression and even serious neurological issues such as dementia.

This research explores first, the attitudes that people have toward hearing loss and how these attitudes affect the adoption of products and services that could help them. This may not seem like a design question, but it is paramount to designers who seek to improve the quality of life for this population. It is no longer enough to create beautiful, functional products. In order to make a difference in people’s lives, designers need to understand the underlying motivations that drive behavior. This informs the second question this study seeks to answer, what changes can be made to current products and services on the market in order to increase adoption.

Through a series of qualitative interviews with seniors experiencing hearing loss, this study finds that the main factors in their attitudes towards hearing loss are their feelings towards aging in general, their susceptibility to stigma, and their perceptions of the cost and functionality of the hearing devices available. However, the most important factor found in this study is a lack of awareness. Awareness of their own level of hearing loss. Awareness of the risks associated with putting off intervention. And awareness of the products and services available to help. Thus, design solutions that focus on visibility of services and patient education will have the most meaningful impact on quality of life for those who suffer from hearing loss.
Date Created
2019
Agent

Does Online "Working Out Work" as a Treatment and Prevention for Depression in Older Adults?

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Description

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does Online "Working Out Work" as a Treatment and Prevention for Depression in Older Adults? An Analysis of a Prescribed and Monitored Exercise Program Administered via the Internet for Senior Adults with Depression.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study…

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does Online "Working Out Work" as a Treatment and Prevention for Depression in Older Adults? An Analysis of a Prescribed and Monitored Exercise Program Administered via the Internet for Senior Adults with Depression.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate and access the effectiveness of an online prescribed and monitored exercise program for the treatment of depression in Older Adults. The Dependent Variable for the study is Depression. The Independent Variable for the study is the Effects of Exercise administered via the Internet and the population is geriatric adults defined as senior adults aged 50 and older. Depression is defined by Princeton University Scholars (Wordnet, 2006) as a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity.
METHODS: The presence and severity of depression will be assessed by using The Merck Manual of Geriatrics (GDS-15) Geriatric Depression Scale. Assessments will be performed at baseline, before and after the treatment is concluded. The subjects will complete the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) prior to participating in an exercise program three times per week.
LIMITATIONS OF RESEARCH: The limitations of this study are: 1) There is a small sample size limited to Senior Adults aged 50 - 80, and 2) there is no control group with structured activity or placebo, therefore researcher is unable to evaluate if the marked improvement was due to a non-specific therapeutic effect associated with taking part in a social activity (group online exercise program). Further research could compare and analyze the positive effects of a muscular strength training exercise program verses a cardiovascular training exercise program.

Date Created
2011-05-02
Agent
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