Kontinuität und Wandel – Biografische Übergänge als Herausforderung und Chance

Auch der Lebenslauf unterliegt einem gesellschaftlichen Wandel. Übergänge zwischen Phasen bergen Unsicherheiten in sich. > Ist die Gestaltung des eigenen Lebenslaufs anspruchsvoller geworden? Transitionen (Übergange) sind abhängig von: 1. Gesellschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen, alters- und zeitspezifischen Erwartungen (z.B. Pensionierung) 2. Menschen unterscheiden sich stark, wie sie Übergange in ihrem Lebenslauf bewältigen 3. Individuellen körperlichen, psychischen, sozialen Ansprüchen, Möglichkeiten und Ressourcen > Wie hat sich das verändert in den letzten Jahren und Jahrzehnten in ihrem Leben? Gewinne und Verluste in der zweiten Lebenshälfte: > Wie bewerten Sie Ihre zweite Lebenshälfte im Hinblick auf Gewinne und Verluste? Zeit heilt Wunden, doch Zeit allein genügt nicht – es braucht auch Eigeninitiative! > Wie gelang es mir, mich selber nach Übergängen/Krisen wieder aufzufangen? > Gelang es mir, jemanden aus meinem Umfeld bei einem Übergang zu unterstützen? Resilienz (Widerstandsfähigkeit) – stark durchs Leben 1. Soziale Kontakte aufbauen und erhalten (Familie, Freunde, Kirche etc.). 2. Krisen nicht als unüberwindliches Problem betrachten. 3. Realistische Ziele setzen. 4. Die Opferrolle verlassen, aktiv werden. 5. An die eigene Kompetenz glauben. 6. Eine Langzeitperspektive einnehmen. 7. Für sich selbst sorgen. > Welche Punkte sind einfach, welche eher schwierig umzusetzen? Schlüsselqualifikationen für die Bewältigung von biografischen Übergängen: • Selbstverantwortlichkeit, Gewissenhaftigkeit • Zielstrebigkeit, Wille, Ausdauer • Sinnvolle Betätigung, Kreativität • Optimismus und Zuversicht – Humor Selbstverantwortlichkeit ist bis ins hohe Alter lernbar und ver-lernbar. Die Umgebung kann Selbstverantwortlichkeit fördern oder verwehren. Zielstrebigkeit und die eigenen Standards: > Hartnäckig verfolgen oder flexibel anpassen? Was ist besser? Kreativität / Schaffenskraft: • Offen, staunend • Denken im „sowohl – als auch“, aushalten, wenn etwas mehrdeutig ist • Hingabe, Fleiss, Frustrationstoleranz, Beharrlichkeit Erfolgreich, weil • Überzeugt, das Richtige zu tun • Selbstwirksam: der Glaube an sich und daran, dass man „es“ kann • Eigene Standards: Geduld, Ausdauer, Fleiss > In welchen Punkten bin ich mit zunehmendem Alter stärker geworden?

Stable Isotope and Trace Element Studies on Gladiators and Contemporary Romans from Ephesus (Turkey, 2nd and 3rd Ct. AD) - Implications for Differences in Diet

The gladiator cemetery discovered in Ephesus (Turkey) in 1993 dates to the 2nd and 3rd century AD. The aim of this study is to reconstruct diverse diet, social stratification, and migration of the inhabitants of Roman Ephesus and the distinct group of gladiators. Stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur isotope analysis were applied, and inorganic bone elements (strontium, calcium) were determined. In total, 53 individuals, including 22 gladiators, were analysed. All individuals consumed C3 plants like wheat and barley as staple food. A few individuals show indication of consumption of C4 plants. The δ13C values of one female from the gladiator cemetery and one gladiator differ from all other individuals. Their δ34S values indicate that they probably migrated from another geographical region or consumed different foods. The δ15N values are relatively low in comparison to other sites from Roman times. A probable cause for the depletion of 15N in Ephesus could be the frequent consumption of legumes. The Sr/Ca-ratios of the gladiators were significantly higher than the values of the contemporary Roman inhabitants. Since the Sr/Ca-ratio reflects the main Ca-supplier in the diet, the elevated values of the gladiators might suggest a frequent use of a plant ash beverage, as mentioned in ancient texts.

Mountains and climate chance. A global concern

Mountains are among the regions most affected by climate change. The implications of climate change will reach far beyond mountain areas, as the contributions in the present publication prepared for the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 20) in Lima 2014 show. Themes discussed are water, glaciers and permafrost, hazards, biodiversity, food security and economy. The case studies included show that concrete adaptive action has been taken in many mountain areas of the world. The publication concludes with a series of recommendations for sustainable mountain development in the face of climate change.

Unmet needs of young interventional cardiologists: proceedings from the 2nd summit of the European association of percutaneous cardiovascular interventions

Every year, the EAPCI Board invites presidents and representatives of the interventional working groups affiliated to EAPCI to discuss issues and strategies surrounding the goals of education and advanced healthcare practices in interventional cardiology. In 2013, the 2nd EAPCI Summit, organised by the EAPCI Board in collaboration with the NIFYI committee, was entirely dedicated to discussing the unmet needs of the young generation of interventional cardiologists. In this article, we highlight a selection of the key points and proposed actions highlighted during the summit.

The role of chance events in the school-to-work transition: The influence of demographic, personality and career development variables

Chance events are considered important in career development, yet little empirical research is available on their predictors and consequences. The present study investigated socio-demographic (gender, nationality, school-type), personality (openness, locus of control) and career development variables (career decidedness, career planning) in relation to perceived chance events with a retrospective (N = 229, eleventh grade), and 1-year longitudinal prospective study (N = 245, eighth/ninth grade) among Swiss adolescents. The results showed that the majority of both groups reported a significant influence of chance events on their transition from compulsory school to vocational education or high school. Importance of chance events related to socio-demographics and personality but not career preparation. Career preparation and chance events predicted subjective career success in terms of wish correspondence and overall satisfaction with transition outcome among the younger cohort. Implications include the necessity to integrate both thorough career preparation and chance events in theory and counseling practice.

Psychotherapy Research and Neurobiology: Challenge, Chance, or Enrichment? Are We Wiser 10 Years Later? (Commentary on "Psychotherapy Research and Neurobiology: Challenge, Chance or Enrichment?"(2003))

Presidential Address of the 2003 SPR annual meeting with commentary from the author, Former President of the SPR, Franz Caspar.