Search Results (1,309)

Near-death experiences (NDEs) encompass transformative existential experiences that lead to religious change. Although most previous research focused primarily on Western contexts, there remains less understanding of individuals’ interpretations of NDEs in pluralistic societies such as the Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examined the relationship between NDEs and spiritual transformation in a sample of 683 Filipino adults who acknowledged having NDEs. Quantitative data were assessed in terms of levels of religiosity, NDE occurrence, and perceived spiritual change according to different demographics. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. For the qualitative analysis, narrative responses on the reason why their spirituality increased, stayed the same, or decreased were thematically classified. Six focused phenomenological narratives are noted: altruism and helping others, challenges to spirituality, increased and strengthened religious practices, no changes or decreased faith, reflection and growth, and validation of divine presence. In addition, while the majority reported increased or unchanged spirituality following their NDE, only age emerged as a significant predictor of perceived spiritual change. Overall, findings highlight how personal experience, identity, and cultural beliefs shape religious meaning-making after NDEs. This study offers a culturally grounded understanding of spiritual change and highlights the value of a mixed-methods approach in religious studies. Full article

During the transition to adulthood, college students undergo profound personal growth and identity exploration. Spirituality, which is defined as the individual pursuit of meaning, purpose, and connection with others, oneself, and the sacred or transcendent, plays a significant role in shaping well-being, relationships, and academic engagement, independent of organized religion. This qualitative study explores the spiritual aspirations of college students, offering insights into their diverse experiences and values. Participants included 113 ethnically and religiously diverse students from a southern United States urban university who completed an anonymous, open-ended questionnaire focused on spirituality in interpersonal relationships, education, and broader life domains. A thematic analysis identified recurring themes, including “peaceful or less stressed,” “sharing spiritual experiences,” and “being focused.” The findings suggest that the majority of students view spirituality as central to their lives, highlighting its role in their search for meaning, personal development, and a sense of connectedness. These results underscore spirituality as a pervasive influence on student well-being and identity, with implications for their academic and relational experiences. Full article

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial regulators of the tumor microenvironment (TME), promoting cancer progression, immune suppression, and therapy resistance. Single-cell transcriptomics has identified at least five distinct CAF subtypes: myofibroblastic (myCAFs), inflammatory (iCAFs), antigen-presenting (apCAFs), metabolic (meCAFs), and vascular/developmental (vCAFs/dCAFs), each with unique localization, signaling, and functions. While CAFs are well studied in epithelial cancers, their roles in sarcomas are less understood despite the shared mesenchymal origin of tumor and stromal cells. This overlap blurs the line between malignant and non-malignant fibroblasts, raising fundamental questions about the identity of CAFs in mesenchymal tumors. In this narrative review, we explore the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs across solid tumors, focusing on their role in immune evasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. We highlight emerging evidence on CAF-like cells in sarcomas and their contribution to tumor invasion, immune exclusion, and metastatic niche formation. We also assess new strategies to target or reprogram CAFs and suggest that CAF profiling may serve as a potential biomarker for patient stratification. Understanding CAF biology across various tumor types, including those with dense stroma and immunologically cold sarcomas, is crucial for developing more effective, personalized cancer treatments. Full article

The growing influence of social media personalities in shaping consumer behavior presents significant opportunities and challenges for marketers. This research integrates Social Identity Theory with the influencer marketing literature to investigate how influencer self-disclosure affects word-of-mouth intentions through consumer identification. Across four experiments (N = 1048), we demonstrate that high influencer self-disclosure consistently increases consumers’ word-of-mouth intentions compared to low self-disclosure. Consumer identification with the influencer mediates this relationship, providing a psychological mechanism through which personal narratives translate into advocacy behaviors. Furthermore, we identify two important boundary conditions: self-concept clarity moderates the relationship between self-disclosure and identification, with stronger effects for consumers experiencing identity uncertainty; and cultural collectivism orientation moderates the identification-to-WOM pathway, with collectivistic mindsets amplifying the translation of identification into advocacy. These findings contribute to both theory and practice by elucidating the psychological processes underlying influencer effectiveness and offer strategic guidance for optimizing influencer communication across diverse consumer segments and cultural contexts. Full article

As Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools become increasingly embedded in higher education, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers are challenged to rethink their pedagogical identities and practices. While policy discourses often promote GenAI for its potential to enhance instructional efficiency, little is known about how language teachers conceptualize and employ these tools to foster meaningful student engagement. This study explores how university-level EFL teacherinterpret and implement GenAI technologies to support student engagement through narrative inquiry. Drawing on three-level narrative approach, story, Story, and STORY, it examines nine language teachers’ retrospective experiences with GenAI tools across personal, contextual, and sociopolitical dimensions. The findings indicate that teachers’ interactions with GenAI are shaped by their pedagogical affordance, as well as their teaching values, imposed political agendas, and professional agency. This study calls for professional development programs specifically designed for teachers’ narrative identities to ultimately facilitate the ethical use of GenAI in learner-centered EFL contexts. Full article

Fear modulates intergroup dynamics by amplifying biases, yet prior work predominantly examines integrated emotions (e.g., fear tied to intergroup conflict), neglecting incidental fear—transient states unrelated to group contexts. Furthermore, the reliance on Western samples limits insights into cultural variability, particularly in collectivist societies where group boundaries differ. Here, we conducted two experimental studies that involved Chinese participants and examined the effect of incidental fear on empathy for in-group and out-group members’ pain (operationalized as self-focused empathy, reflecting personal distress when witnessing pain, and other-focused empathy, reflecting compassionate concern for the sufferer). In Experiment 1 (N = 54), using a pain observation paradigm, incidental fear was elicited by randomly showing frightening images, while the differentiation between the in-group and out-group was based on natural ethnic differences (same races and other races). Experiment 2 (N = 52) replicated this using artificial social categorization (university affiliation). Fear reduced other-focused empathy for racial out-groups and socially defined out-groups. Self-focused empathy remained unaffected, suggesting fear selectively disrupts mentalizing-dependent processes. The Inclusion of Other in Self (IOS) scale revealed heightened psychological distance toward out-groups under fear, mediating empathy reduction. Incidental fear universally diminishes empathy for out-group pain across natural and artificial group boundaries, extending social identity theory to transient affective states. These findings highlight fear’s role in intergroup bias and underscore cultural generalizability beyond WEIRD populations. Full article

As new technologies shape education, helping students develop historical consciousness remains a challenge. Building on Nordic curricula that emphasize students as both “history-made” and “history-making” citizens, this paper proposes an approach that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with implicit digital game-based learning (DGBL) to learn and develop historical consciousness in education. We outline how traditional, lecture-driven history teaching often fails to convey the abstract principles of historicity (the idea that individual identity, social institutions, values, and ways of thinking are historically conditioned) and the interpretation of the past, understanding of the present, and perspective on the future. Building on Jeismann’s definition of historical consciousness, we identify a gap between the theory-rich notions of historical consciousness and classroom practice, where many educators either do not recognize it or interpret it intuitively from the curriculum’s limited wording, leaving the concept generally absent from the classroom. We then examine three theory-based methods of enriching teaching and learning. Game-based learning provides an interactive environment in which students assume roles, make decisions, and observe consequences, experiencing historical consciousness instead of only reading about it. AI contributes personalized, adaptive content: branching narratives evolve based on individual choices, non-player characters respond dynamically, and analytics guide scaffolding. Implicit learning theory suggests that embedding core principles directly into gameplay allows students to internalize complex ideas without interrupting immersion; they learn by doing, not by explicit instruction. Finally, we propose a model in which these elements combine: (1) game mechanics and narrative embed principles of historical consciousness; (2) AI dynamically adjusts challenges, generates novel scenarios, and delivers feedback; (3) key concepts are embedded into the game narrative so that students absorb them implicitly; and (4) follow-up reflection activities transform tacit understanding into explicit knowledge. We conclude by outlining a research agenda that includes prototyping interactive environments, conducting longitudinal studies to assess students’ learning outcomes, and exploring transferability to other abstract concepts. By situating students within scenarios that explore historicity and temporal interplay, this approach seeks to transform history education into an immersive, reflective practice where students see themselves as history-made and history-making and view the world through a historical lens. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-quality prognostic communication in pediatric oncology is essential to support informed decision making, foster trust, and honor goals of care. While families differ in their preferences for how prognosis is discussed, clinicians often rely on assumptions rather than directly eliciting these preferences, risking misalignment and distress. To address this gap, we aimed to characterize patient, parent, and oncologist perspectives on key variables, experiences, and circumstances that influence their preferences for prognostic communication. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 85 participants (25 patients aged 12–25, 40 parents, and 20 oncologists) to elicit their preferences for prognostic communication and the reasons behind these preferences. Rapid analysis was conducted to generate themes and identify patterns and variances across participant cohorts. Results: Four distinct themes underpinning prognostic communication preferences were described by patients, parents, and oncologists: (1) personality, ideals, and values; (2) general life experiences; (3) prior interactions with the medical system; and (4) faith. Participants emphasized that personal identity and prior experiences significantly shaped how they wished to receive prognostic information. Clinicians and parents often linked preferences to core aspects of their professional or caregiver identities. Conclusions: Understanding the individualized factors shaping communication preferences can guide clinicians in tailoring prognostic discussions. Open-ended inquiry into identity, personal values, and past experiences can foster respectful, personalized communication in pediatric oncology. Further research is needed to determine best practices for prompting discussion about prognostic communication preferences that incorporates the reasons underpinning these preferences. Full article

The figure of the witch (bruxa) has been historically and contextually diverse, often shaped by gendered perceptions. With the rise of the feminist movement and Contemporary Paganism, the term ‘witch’ transformed into a powerful symbol of resistance and empowerment for women. It became a tool for women to challenge social expectations and assert their agency, embodying a subversive stance that promotes personal strength and social critique. Drawing on ethnographic research with Portuguese women who identify as both ‘pagan’ and bruxas, this article explores how embracing this identity is an everyday act of resistance, following the framework of anthropologist James C. Scott. Furthermore, the article argues that this affirmation is also transreligious, as proposed by anthropologists Eugenia Roussou and Anastasios Panagiotopoulos, since it encompasses spiritual, religious, political, and socio-environmental dimensions that intertwine in women’s daily lives and identity formation. Both approaches highlight how women within contemporary pagan circles reinterpret and reshape traditional elements—using spiritual and political processes to confront structural challenges. The term ‘bruxa’ is a form of empowerment and resistance that blurs the boundaries between the spiritual and the political, providing ways to understand and cope with their anxieties, amid ongoing socioenvironmental crises. Full article

(1) Background: Most studies including health data have relied on reducing all variables to manifest scores, ignoring the latent nature of variables. Moreover, relying only on manifest variables is a limitation of longitudinal studies where identical measures cannot be collected at each time point. (2) Objective: This scoping review aims to identify latent variable statistical methods for longitudinal studies of multi-dimensional health and educational data investigating early health predictors of long-term educational outcomes and developmental trajectories that lead to better or worse than expected outcomes. (3) Eligibility criteria: We included peer-reviewed health and education journal articles, doctoral theses, and book chapters of longitudinal studies of children under 12 years of age that adopted latent variable, multivariate analysis of three or more waves of data. We only included full-text-available, English-written articles, without restriction on date of publication. (4) Sources of evidence: We searched five databases, Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Web of Science, and identified 4836 publications for screening. (5) Results: After title, abstract, and full-text screening, nine studies were included in the review, reporting seven statistical methods. These methods were categorised into two groups—variable-oriented modelling and person-oriented modelling. (6) Conclusions: Variable-oriented modelling methods are useful for determining predictors of long-term educational outcomes. Person-oriented modelling methods are effective in detecting trajectories to better or worse than expected outcomes. (7) Registration: Open Science Framework. Full article

Monuments and public sculptures embody collective memory, values, and identity. This study analyses the representation of women in public sculptures in Ibarra, Ecuador, and evaluates citizens’ recognition of the historical figures depicted. A mixed-method, cross-sectional design was employed. An urban inventory was conducted (N = 124 sculptures), and questionnaires were administered in situ to 1200 adult residents using non-probability intercept sampling (100 surveys at each of the 12 female monuments). The results reveal a marked disparity: 55.6% of the sculptures represent men, compared with only 9.7% representing women. Recognition is minimal: 98.6% of respondents did not identify the person represented, and 95.1% reported no knowledge of her history. These findings suggest that the underrepresentation of women in public art reflects enduring structural and cultural gender inequalities. The limited presence of female monuments contributes to the erasure of women’s legacy from collective memory and perpetuates the perception of public space as historically male-dominated. Framed within the literature on gender and monuments as devices of social memory, the study advocates for inclusive commemorative policies and interpretive strategies. Limitations include the non-random sampling and single-city scope; future research should expand comparisons across cities and assess potential interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Involuntary migration exposes individuals to multiple losses and ruptures that profoundly affect their physical, emotional, and social well-being. This study aimed to explore the vital losses experienced by Latin American women seeking international protection, identifying key dimensions of these losses and the coping strategies they employ to support their health and well-being. Methods: The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, with 17 international migrant women comprising the study subjects. Data were analysed using an inductive approach and interpretative phenomenological analysis, facilitated by Atlas.ti 23.0 software. The COREQ criteria were followed. Results: The analysis revealed two central themes: the multiplicity of losses associated with migration, including loss of identity, emotional deterioration, disruption of family and community ties, economic instability, and loss of sense of belonging; and hidden gains, encompassing processes of gratitude, spiritual strength, and personal transformation. Conclusions: The findings highlight the complexity of both the losses and the hidden gains associated with the migration experience, underscoring the need for compassionate and culturally competent healthcare. This study provides relevant evidence to improve professional support strategies for refugee women from a comprehensive and humanised perspective. Full article

General models of talent development have highlighted the importance of a community of practice to nurture talent potential, with recent studies refining factors that contribute to the developmental journey. In music, an early model described three phases of talent development, while current research has focused on transitions between these. Choral music research has investigated conductors’ expertise and choristers’ experiences, highlighting positive social impacts for children in addition to the development of choral skills. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate talent development of 11 elite middle school choristers utilising interviews. Thematic analyses identified four themes and 10 sub-themes, demonstrating that choristers followed a developmental pathway similar to choral conductors, acquiring vocal competence and mastery, nurturing a sense of belonging to a choral community, participating in meaningful experiences, and becoming advanced choristers through intensive training. Chorister talent development was also linked to personality development, with transformation in choral identity leading to growth in personal confidence. This study extends research into choral talent development by documenting the voices of middle school children participating in an advanced choir, showing that high levels of performance can be achieved through expert choral coaching and without sacrificing the enjoyment of singing. Full article

This study investigates the impact of minimalism on ethical consumption within the framework of the Value–Identity–Personal Norms (VIP) model. Data were collected from 340 Turkish consumers using a convenience sampling method and an online survey. Analyses were conducted with SmartPLS, employing the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to examine the relationships among the constructs. The results reveal that minimalism, conceptualized as a value, significantly shapes environmentally responsible behavior by strengthening environmental identity and personal norms, which in turn drive ethical consumption choices. By extending the VIP model, the research positions minimalism not only as a lifestyle but also as a value-based orientation that aligns with biospheric values in encouraging pro-environmental actions. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of sustainability communication as a crucial mechanism for reinforcing the connection between minimalistic values and ethical consumer behavior. It also highlights the mediating role of environmental identity between values (both biospheric and minimalistic) and personal norms, supporting the view that values influence behavior indirectly through psychological constructs. Overall, the findings demonstrate that minimalism positively affects environmental identity and personal norms, thereby fostering ethical consumption in line with the theoretical perspectives of the Value–Belief–Norm (VBN) and pro-environmental behavior models. This research provides valuable insights into how minimalism can be integrated into sustainability communication strategies to promote sustainable consumption, particularly in emerging economies. Full article

This study examines the intersection of artificial intelligence-driven personal branding strategies and female entrepreneurship within Indonesia’s unique hijabi startup ecosystem. Through a mixed-methods approach combining sentiment analysis of 2847 social media posts, in-depth interviews with 35 hijabi entrepreneurs, and machine learning analysis of branding patterns, this research reveals how AI technologies can be leveraged to create culturally sensitive personal branding frameworks for Muslim female entrepreneurs. The findings demonstrate that successful hijabi entrepreneurs employ distinct AI-enhanced communication strategies that balance religious identity, professional credibility, and market positioning. The study introduces the “Halal Personal Branding Framework,” a novel theoretical model that integrates Islamic values with contemporary digital marketing practices. Results indicate that AI-driven personal branding increases startup funding success rates by 34% and market reach by 58% among hijabi entrepreneurs when culturally appropriate algorithms are employed. This research contributes to entrepreneurship communication theory while providing practical guidelines for developing inclusive AI systems that respect religious and cultural diversity in the digital economy. Full article