Working with people affected by cancer – Phase 1 of a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy

Introduction - Nutritional therapy (NT) is a bioscience-based branch of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and accredited training courses which include compulsory clinical training. Approximately 900 practitioners are registered with the voluntary regulator, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), but the number of unregulated practitioners is unknown. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide; nutrition and lifestyle factors may affect recurrence and survival rates. Many cancer patients and survivors seek individualised advice on diet and use of supplements and appropriately skilled nutritional therapy practitioners (NTP) may be well-placed to safely provide this advice. Little is known of NTPs’ perspectives on working with people affected by cancer; this study seeks to explore their views on training, use of evidence and other resources, to support the development of safe evidence-based practice in this important clinical area. Methods – An on-line anonymised questionnaire collected data from participants recruited from all UK registered NTPs. Recruitment was facilitated by the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT). Quantitative data on practitioner characteristics, years in practice, other therapies practiced and work with cancer clients were collected. Qualitative data on types of evidence used, barriers to practice and perceived training and support needs when working with clients with cancer, were collected and analysed. SPSS was used to produce descriptive statistics. Preliminary Results – 274/888 (31%) of registered NTPs participated. 61% respondents had accredited NT qualifications of which 46% were at degree or post-graduate level. 73% (202) participants indicated they also had other higher education qualifications, including 153 (56%) at degree or above. When asked to describe their position on cancer work, 17% respondents (40/238) indicated no interest, and 35% (84/238) respondents already work with cancer clients (cancer practitioners - CP). A further 48% (114/238) respondents expressed interest in starting cancer work, and typically requested specialist training and practice guidelines to support this area of clinical practice. Cancer practitioners (CP) rated searches of peer-reviewed literature as most useful for information to support practice, whereas commercial product information was rated least useful. CPs requested engagement with mainstream medicine, more access to research evidence and professional recognition to facilitate and support work with cancer clients. A need for professional networking, mentorship and/or supervision was noted by CP and non-CP respondents, which is of interest since 81% all participants worked as sole practitioners exclusively or as part of their practice, <1% worked within the NHS. Discussion & Conclusions – This is the first detailed documentation of NTP perspectives on cancer work. A number of areas have been identified for further detailed evidence to be collected using focus groups and interviews, including detailed training needs, communication with mainstream cancer professionals, access to research evidence, and professional recognition. This work will inform and support the development of professional practice guidelines for NT and inform the development of specialist training and other resources.

Der Widerspruch zwischen nationalen Berufsbildungssystemen und dem europäischen Arbeitsmarkt: der Fall der Maurerqualifikationen

This paper draws on research into bricklaying qualifications in eight countries to show how equivalence might be established between qualitative differences in occupational qualifications so facilitating the implementation of a European Qualifications Framework (EQF). These differences are associated with different forms of vocational education and training (VET) and related to social partner (trade union and employer) involvement and the significance attached to underpinning knowledge and broader educational components. A main distinction is drawn between countries where bricklaying continues to be predominantly a ‘trade’, based on narrow skills gained at the workplace, and those where it is conceived as a broader occupation with a substantial knowledge base. A contradiction exists between national VET systems and the European labour market, from which stems the necessity for a European Sectoral Qualifications Framework (SQF) if differences in qualification are to be recognised and if the EQF is to function as a meaningful translational device.

Afectividad y creaciones estéticas: intervención social con jóvenes no cualificados

Los jóvenes no cualificados, que participan en los dispositivos educativos de segunda oportunidad, recorren itinerarios de transición al mercado laboral cada vez más complejos. Por lo que conocer sus expectativas y su capacidad de agencia resulta ineludible para mejorar nuestro acompañamiento como profesionales de la intervención sociolaboral. En este artículo exploramos la adaptación de esos jóvenes a una exigencia creciente de cualificación, que los está excluyendo laboralmente. Frente a este proceso, observamos que contraponen una resistencia basada en su capital simbólico, a través de la afectividad y la estética. Nuestro interés por estas respuestas nace de la desorientación percibida entre los profesionales de los programas educativos. Incapaces de comprender las trayectorias divergentes que estos jóvenes plantean, ante los itinerarios homogéneos que se les ofrecen para su inserción social. Tras el análisis de las creaciones artísticas y estéticas de los adolescentes, intuimos que hay dos factores que activan su resistencia a las limitaciones de sus expectativas de éxito. Por un lado, una variable institucional, que apunta a una deficiente planificación de los itinerarios formativos, que los jóvenes perciben que les aboca a la infracualificación y a un mercado laboral precario e inestable. Y por otro lado, una resistencia a la exclusión, que se enraíza en un imaginario de éxito y de movilidad social propio de una juventud globalizada.

College radio as coaching professional. Analysis of the relationship between the degrees and Spanish university radio

College radio is subject to constant transformation. The rise of information and communications technologies has allowed its development and modernization as well as the proliferation of new professional profiles. This research aims to analyze the connection of the Spanish university stations with the relevant qualifications. To do this, we use a comparative methodology based on examination of descriptors and specific principal subjects of degrees such as Audiovisual Communication and Journalism, although we will be using other degrees that are acquiring more responsibilities in a radio station, such as the degree in Information and Documentation. In conclusion, structural weaknesses in the university environment are observed, but future possibilities are detected as well: A college radio station is a place of convergence between the training of students from different degrees and reality itself, a versatile medium that provides the relevance of being the first professional contact of college students with the labor market.

MODERN SPORT COACHING AND THE LAW: IMPLICATIONS FOR COACH EDUCATION

Introduction
The intersection between the law of negligence and sport coaching in the UK is a developing area (Partington, 2014; Kevan, 2005). Crucially, since the law of negligence may be regarded as generally similar everywhere (Magnus, 2006), with the predominance of volunteer coaches in the UK reflective of the majority of countries in the world (Duffy et al., 2011), a detailed scrutiny of this relationship from the perspective of the coach uncovers important implications for coach education beyond this jurisdiction.  
Argumentation
Fulfilment of the legal duty of discharging reasonable care may be regarded as consistent with the ethical obligation not to expose athletes to unreasonable risks of injury (Mitten, 2013). More specifically, any ‘profession’ requiring ‘special skill or competence’ (Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee [1957] 1 WLR 582), including the coaching of sport (e.g., Davenport v Farrow [2010] EWHC 550), requires a higher standard of care to be displayed than would be expected of the ordinary reasonable person (Lunney & Oliphant, 2013; Jones & Dugdale, 2010). For instance, volunteer coaches with no formal qualifications (e.g., Fowles v Bedfordshire County Council [1996] ELR 51) would be judged by this benchmark of professional liability (Powell & Stewart, 2012). Further, as the principles of coaching are constantly assessed and revised (Cassidy et al., 2009; Taylor & Garratt, 2010), so too is the legal standard of care required of coaches (Powell & Stewart, 2012). Problematically, ethical concerns may include coaches being unwilling to increase knowledge, abusive treatment of players and incompetence/inexperience (Haney et al., 1998). These factors accentuate coaches’ exposure to civil liability.
Implications
It is imperative that coaches have an awareness of this emerging intersection and develop a ‘proactive risk assessment lens’ (Hartley, 2010). In addition to supporting the professionalisation of sport coaching, coach education/CPD focused on the legal and ethical aspects of coaching (Duffy et al., 2011; Telfer, 2010; Haney et al., 1998) would enhance the safety and welfare of performers, safeguard coaches from litigation risk, and potentially improve all levels of coaching (Partington, 2014). Interestingly, there is evidence to suggest a demand from coaches for more training on health and safety issues, including risk management and (ir)responsible coaching (Stirling et al., 2012). Accordingly, critical examination of the issue of negligent coaching would inform coach education by: enabling the modelling and sharing of best practice; unpacking important ethical concerns; and, further informing the classification of coaching as a ‘profession’.

Education as a Predictor of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic medication use after Bereavement: a population based record linkage study.

Purpose: Educational attainment has been shown to be positively associated with mental health and a potential buffer to stressful events. One stressful life event likely to affect everyone in their lifetime is bereavement. This paper assesses the effect of educational attainment on mental health post bereavement.
Methods: By utilising large administrative datasets, linking Census returns to death records and prescribed medication data, we analysed the bereavement exposure of 208,332 individuals aged 25-74 years. Two-level multi-level logistic regression models were constructed to determine the likelihood of antidepressant medication use (a proxy of mental ill-health) post bereavement given level of educational attainment.
Results: Individuals who are bereaved have greater antidepressant use than those who are not bereaved, with over a quarter (26.5%) of those bereaved by suicide in receipt of antidepressant medication compared to just 12.4% of those not bereaved. Within individuals bereaved by a sudden death those with a University Degree or higher qualifications are 73% less likely to be in receipt of antidepressant medication compared to those with no qualifications, after full adjustment for demographic, socio-economic and area factors (OR=0.27, 95% CI 0.09,0.75). Higher educational attainment and no qualifications have an equivalent effect for those bereaved by suicide.
Conclusions: Education may protect against poor mental health, as measured by the use of antidepressant medication, post bereavement, except in those bereaved by suicide. This is likely due to the improved cognitive, personal and psychological skills gained from time spent in education.

The influence of socio-demographic, psychological and knowledge-related variables alongside perceived cooking and food skills abilities in the prediction of diet quality in adults: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

Background: Interventions to increase cooking skills (CS) and food skills (FS) as a route to improving overall diet are popular within public health. This study tested a comprehensive model of diet quality by assessing the influence of socio-demographic, knowledge- and psychological-related variables alongside perceived CS and FS abilities. The correspondence of two measures of diet quality further validated the Eating Choices Index (ECI) for use in quantitative research.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a quota-controlled nationally representative sample of 1049 adults aged 20–60 years drawn from the Island of Ireland. Surveys were administered in participants’ homes via computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) assessing a range of socio-demographic, knowledge- and psychological-related variables alongside perceived CS and FS abilities. Regression models were used to model factors influencing diet quality. Correspondence between 2 measures of diet quality was assessed using chi-square and Pearson correlations.
Results: ECI score was significantly negatively correlated with DINE Fat intake (r = -0.24, p < 0.001), and ECI score was significantly positively correlated with DINE Fibre intake (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), demonstrating a high agreement. Findings indicated that males, younger respondents and those with no/few educational qualifications scored significantly lower on both CS and FS abilities. The relative influence of socio-demographic, knowledge, psychological variables and CS and FS abilities on dietary outcomes varied, with regression models explaining 10–20 % of diet quality variance. CS ability exerted the strongest relationship with saturated fat intake (β = -0.296, p < 0.001) and was a significant predictor of fibre intake (β = -0.113, p < 0.05), although not for healthy food choices (ECI) (β = 0.04, p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Greater CS and FS abilities may not lead directly to healthier dietary choices given the myriad of other factors implicated; however, CS appear to have differential influences on aspects of the diet, most notably in relation to lowering saturated fat intake. Findings suggest that CS and FS should not be singular targets of interventions designed to improve diet; but targeting specific sub-groups of the population e.g. males, younger adults, those with limited education might be more fruitful. A greater understanding of the interaction of factors influencing cooking and food practices within the home is needed.

Kvinnor i styrelser : Att lyckas i en mansdominerad värld

Kvinnor har länge varit exkluderade från ledarpositioner, såsom styrelser, men utvecklingen mot en mer jämställd könsfördelning går långsamt framåt. Syftet med uppsatsen är att skapa förståelse för hur kvinnor i styrelser kan bidra till utvecklingen mot en jämnare könsfördelning. Genom att intervjua fem kvinnliga styrelseledamöter har vi fått en inblick i deras upplevelser och erfarenheter av styrelsearbete och könsroller. Kvinnorna i undersökningen har, genom många års styrelsearbete i olika former samt genom gedigna arbetserfarenheter, arbetat sig fram till ledande positioner inom olika branscher och företag. Även om de överlag inte anser sig ha behandlats annorlunda i styrelsen på grund av sitt kön kan vissa av kvinnorna ändå uppleva att de ibland förväntas ansvara för specifika uppgifter just för att de är kvinnor, att de behöver tuffa till sig eller att de måste vara mer pålästa och duktigare än männen. De anser att kvotering kan vara det enda sättet att få jämställda styrelser men understryker att det bör vara kompetensen som avgör vem som får uppdraget. För att lyckas bra som ledamot krävs, enligt respondenterna, en viss baskunskap om ekonomi och ledarskap samt ett visst mått av självsäkerhet och att våga stå för sina åsikter. Kravbilden på styrelsemedlemmar i bolagsstyrelser har ökat under de senaste årtiondena och det krävs att medlemmarna som individer har en hög kompetens och att styrelsen i sin helhet besitter en bred kunskapsbas. Denna utveckling kan ha en positiv effekt på könsfördelningen då det är fler kvinnor än män som har universitetsutbildning och eftersom en mer heterogen grupp ger ett bredare spektrum av kunskaper. Kvinnorna i undersökningen har genom sina positioner bidragit till brytandet av normer och gör det därför lättare för andra kvinnor att följa i deras spår. Det råder ingen brist på kompetenta kvinnor men utmaningen ligger i att kartlägga och synliggöra dessa kvinnor och ge dem samma möjlighet som männen att nå ledande positioner.

Institucionalização do Défice

Esta investigação objetiva rastrear cognitivamente as pessoas idosas que se encontram sob resposta social, Centro de Dia e Lar de Idosos, no concelho de Miranda do Corvo e utiliza como instrumentos de rastreio o Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) e o Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Concomitantemente esta investigação propõe-se relacionar três itens do domínio da linguagem, propostos por nós, com as habilitações. A população que frequenta as instituições investigadas, 224 pessoas com idades 65 anos, apresenta as seguintes características sociodemográficas: 179 mulheres (79,9%), média de idades de 83,76 anos ( = ±7,29) sendo que 93 (41,5%) não possuem qualquer grau de escolaridade. A avaliação efetuada, durante o período de 19 de Dezembro de 2011 a 7 de Maio de 2012, evidencia que as pessoas que frequentam/residem estas/nestas respostas sociais apresentam elevados níveis de défice cognitivo quando comparadas com a população inquirida no “Estudo do Perfil do Envelhecimento da População Portuguesa” (2010). A diferença mostrou ser estatisticamente significativa independentemente de se utilizarem as referências para cortes etários de 65, de 65-74 ou de 75 anos de idade. Segundo os resultados obtidos através da administração do MMSE verificamos que dos 144 inquiridos 55 (38,2%) têm défice cognitivo. Se acrescentarmos a estes inquiridos os restantes utentes/clientes com diagnóstico de demência reportado nos processos individuais e confirmado através de sintomatologia tanto por nós como pela equipa técnica dos equipamentos esta percentagem sobe para 135 pessoas, ou seja, 135 (60,3%) das pessoas nestas respostas sociais. Na avaliação efetuada através do MoCA verificamos que 140 (97,2%) dos idosos têm défice cognitivo. Se acrescentarmos a estes inquiridos os restantes utentes/clientes com diagnóstico de demência esta percentagem sobe para 220 pessoas, ou seja, 98,2% das pessoas nestas respostas sociais. Os resultados obtidos, independentemente da magnitude da diferença avaliativa nos dois instrumentos utilizados, facto que consideramos não ser alheio às características sociodemográficas da coorte geracional que frequenta este tipo de respostas, atestam a prevalência do défice cognitivo nas instituições que acolhem pessoas idosas. Assim, propomos que as respostas sociais implementem programas de estimulação cognitiva para a conservação e melhoria das capacidades cognitivas dos idosos. / This investigation aims to track cognitively older people who are under social response, Day Centre and Home for the Aged, in the municipality of Miranda do Corvo and used as screening tools for the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Concomitantly this research proposes three items relate domain language, proposed by us, with qualifications. The people who attend the institutions surveyed, 224 people aged ≥ 65 years, presents the following sociodemographic characteristics: 179 women (79.9%), mean age of 83.76 years (σ = ± 7.29) being 93 (41.5%) do not have any schooling. The assessment carried out during the period from 19 December 2011 to May 7 2012, shows that people who attend / they reside / these social responses show high levels of cognitive impairment when compared with the population surveyed in the "Study Profile Aging of the Population Portuguese "(2010). The difference proved to be statistically significant regardless of whether the reference to use of cuts age ≥ 65, ≥ 75 or 65-74 years old. According to the results obtained by administering the MMSE found that 55 of the 144 respondents (38.2%) had cognitive impairment. If we add to these the remaining respondents users / clients with dementia reported in individual cases and confirmed by symptoms both by us and by the technical team of equipment that percentage goes up to 135 persons, ie, 135 (60.3%) of people in these social responses. In the evaluation conducted by MoCA found that 140 (97.2%) of the elderly have cognitive impairment. If we add to these the remaining respondents users / clients diagnosed with dementia this percentage rises to 220 people, or 98.2% of the people in these social responses. The results, regardless of the magnitude of the difference in the two evaluative instruments used, that we consider not to be oblivious to the sociodemographic characteristics of the generational cohort that attends this type of answers, attest to the prevalence of cognitive impairment in institutions for elderly people. Thus, we propose that the answers implement social cognitive stimulation programs for the conservation and improvement of cognitive abilities of the elderly.

Être médecin diplômé à l’étranger au Québec : des parcours contrastés d’intégration professionnelle

En 2015, il y aurait au Québec plus de 5 000 médecins diplômés à l’étranger, dont près de 2 500 travaillent comme médecins et possiblement autant qui ont emprunté d’autres voies professionnelles, momentanément ou durablement. Les migrants très qualifiés sont réputés faire face à de multiples barrières sur le marché du travail, particulièrement ceux membres de professions réglementées. Le cas des médecins est exemplaire compte tenu de sa complexité et de la multiplicité des acteurs impliqués au cours du processus de reconnaissance professionnelle. Ayant comme principal objectif de documenter les trajectoires d’intégration professionnelle de diplômés internationaux en médecine (DIM) et leurs expériences sur le marché du travail québécois, cette thèse s’attache à comprendre ce qui pourrait distinguer les trajectoires d’intégration en emploi pour un même groupe professionnel. En observant notamment les stratégies d’intégration et les ressources mobilisées, nous cherchons à mieux saisir les parcours des DIM qui se requalifient et qui exercent au Québec et ceux qui se réorientent vers d’autres secteurs d’activités. La démarche méthodologique est qualitative (terrain 2009 à 2012), le cœur des analyses étant basé sur 31 récits de vie professionnelle de DIM ayant migré au Québec principalement dans les années 2000. Les données secondaires incluent 22 entretiens non dirigés auprès d’acteurs clés de milieux institutionnels, communautaires ou associatifs ainsi qu’auprès de DIM très récemment immigrés ou ayant le projet d’immigrer. S’y ajoute l’observation ethnographique ponctuelle, telle que des activités associatives. La forme retenue pour cette thèse en est une par articles. Le fil directeur est l’exploration de l’interface entre les politiques, les pratiques et les individus au cœur des trajectoires d’intégration professionnelle. Les trois articles (chapitres 4 à 6) visent des focales complémentaires avec le même objectif : l’exploration de la complexité des trajectoires d’intégration professionnelle et la dialectique entre les niveaux micro, méso et macrosociaux. Ces derniers renvoient respectivement à la puissance d’agir des individus et leurs contraintes d’action, les relations sociales, les institutions et les pratiques organisationnelles et plus largement les structures sociopolitiques. Les résultats de cette thèse mettent en lumière des aspects complémentaires de l’intégration professionnelle et en interaction dynamique : 1) dimension macrosociale et politique; 2) dimensions institutionnelles et relations sociales; 3) identité professionnelle. Suite à l’introduction, la problématique (chap. 1) et la méthodologie (chap.2), le chapitre 3 expose les types des trajectoires d’intégration des DIM, leur hétérogénéité, et met en relief leurs récits de vie professionnelle. Le chapitre 4 soulève le paradoxe entre les politiques d’attraction de l’immigration déployés par les gouvernements canadien et québécois et les mécanismes de régulation opérant sur le marché du travail. Le chapitre 5 explore les stratégies et ressources mobilisées par les DIM et met en lumière l’effet positif des ressources symboliques. Les ressources institutionnelles de soutien, quoique élémentaires dans le processus de reconnaissance professionnelle, ne sont subjectivement pas considérées comme un élément central. Ce sont plutôt les ressources informelles qui jouent ce rôle d’appui significatif, en particulier les pairs DIM. Le chapitre 6 adopte une perspective microsociale et explore le caractère dynamique et relationnel de l’identité professionnelle, mais surtout, la puissance des conditions d’appartenance qui obligent à une flexibilité professionnelle et parfois au retrait de la profession ou du pays. Le chapitre 7 discute au plan théorique de l’intérêt d’une combinaison d’échelles analytiques et d’une ouverture disciplinaire afin de souligner les tensions et angles morts en ce qui concerne les mobilités de professionnels de la santé et leur intégration professionnelle. Cette thèse explore l’interrelation complexe entre les ressources économiques, sociales et symboliques, dans un contexte de fragmentation des ressources institutionnelles et de corporatisme.

Satisfação no Trabalho: o caso do Município de Condeixa-a-Nova

No âmbito da gestão de Recursos Humanos a análise da satisfação no trabalho considera-se de grande relevância, uma vez que esta variável influencia o desempenho dos trabalhadores, a sua produtividade e, consequentemente o sucesso organizacional. Neste contexto, esta dissertação teve como objectivos analisar o nível de satisfação no trabalho dos funcionários das diferentes categorias profissionais da Câmara Municipal de Condeixa-a-Nova (CMC); verificar se as varáveis socioprofissionais, nomeadamente, a idade, o sexo, o tempo de serviço, a categoria profissional, as habilitações académicas e o tipo de vínculo que têm com a autarquia estão relacionadas com a satisfação no trabalho e analisar até que ponto as diferentes dimensões da satisfação influenciam o trabalho dos funcionários da CMC. A abordagem de investigação foi quantitativa, de âmbito estatístico descritivo e análise inferencial, desenvolvida a partir da aplicação de um questionário sobre a satisfação no trabalho. A amostra é composta por 91 funcionários da CMC, o que representa 41,94% da população total. Da análise dos dados conclui-se que existem diferenças ao nível da satisfação total no trabalho entre as diferentes categorias profissionais, sendo a categoria de encarregado operacional a que apresenta uma média de satisfação total no trabalho mais elevada e as categorias de assistente operacional, técnico superior e assistente técnico as que apresentam valores médios de satisfação no trabalho mais baixos. Por outro lado, e de uma forma geral, os funcionários manifestam uma grande satisfação ao nível da dimensão liderança e uma maior insatisfação ao nível da dimensão dos factores pessoais. / Inside of the human resources management, the study of job satisfaction is considered of great importance since this variable influences the performance of employees, their productivity and consequently the organizational success. In this context, this dissertation aimed to analyze the job satisfaction level from the various professional categories of the city council of Condeixa-a-Nova (CMC), verify the relationship between socio-professional variables (age, sex, length of service, professional category, academic qualifications) and job satisfaction and analyze to what extent the different dimensions of job satisfaction influence the work of employees from CMC. The research approach was quantitative, descriptive and statistical, with a inferential analysis, developed from the application of a questionnaire about job satisfaction. The sample consists of 91 workers of CMC, which represents 41,94 % of the total population. From the data analysis, we concluded that there are differences at the level of total job satisfaction between the different professional categories. The professional category of “encarregado operacional” has a highest average of job total satisfaction and the professional categories of “assistente operacional”, “técnico superior” and “assistente técnico” have the lowest average. On the other hand, and in general, employees express a great satisfaction at the level of leadership and a lower satisfaction of the personal factors dimension.

Comprometimento Organizacional, Autocriticismo e Autocompaixão na PSP

Introdução: São poucos os estudos que em Portugal se dedicaram a explorar constructos como o autocriticismo, autocompaixão, saúde mental e o comprometimento organizacional. São nossos objetivos analisar estas associações na Polícia de Segurança Pública, considerando igualmente a influência de variáveis sociodemográficas e profissionais, bem como realizar análises preditivas que permitam verificar quais são as variáveis preditores do comprometimento organizacional. Metodologia: A amostra é constituída por 188 polícias com idades compreendidas entre os 30 e 56 anos (M = 43,75, DP = 5,66). Os participantes preencheram um protocolo integrante do projeto Organizar Positivamente do Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, composto por um questionário sociodemográfico, a SELFCS (Escala da Autocompaixão), a FSCRS (Escala das Formas do Autocriticismo e Autotranquilização), o MHI-5 (Mental Health Inventory) e o QCO (Questionário do Comprometimento Organizacional). Resultados: Os polícias parecem regular a sua relação com a organização através do comprometimento calculativo. A autocompaixão associa-se positivamente ao comprometimento afetivo, sobressaindo a capacidade de mindfulness. O autocriticismo, na forma eu inadequado - menos corrosivo que a forma eu detestado -, revela uma relação positiva com o comprometimento calculativo, pelo que a permanência na organização pode ser emocionalmente negativa, originar ataques ao eu e diminuir a capacidade afetiva. Porém, a capacidade autotranquilizadora (forma eu tranquilizador do autocriticismo) parece capacitar os polícias para o desenvolvimento de maiores níveis de comprometimento organizacional e afetivo. A idade, a antiguidade e menos habilitações literárias parecem favorecer o comprometimento calculativo. Discussão: A autocompaixão pode contribuir para uma atitude positiva e afetuosa do polícia para com a organização. Assim, através de uma intervenção baseada na autocompaixão e no mindfulness, com impacto positivo no comportamento afetivo e normativo, não só se poderá preservar e promover a saúde e o bem-estar dos polícias, mas também fomentar o empenho organizacional, atenuando os efeitos negativos da profissão policial. Esta abordagem poderá contribuir para os objetivos organizacionais, através da supressão das emoções aversivas, da diminuição da intenção de turnover e abandono da organização. / Introduction: There are few studies in Portugal that have been dedicated to explore constructs such as self-criticism, self-compassion, mental health and organizational commitment. Our goals are to analyze these associations at the Public Safety Police, considering also the influence of sociodemographic and professionals variables, as well as to conduct predictive analyses, in order to verify which variables may predict organizational commitment. Methodology: The sample consisted of 188 police with ages between 30 and 56 years (M = 43.75, SD = 5.66). The participants filled in a protocol from the project Organizar Positivamente, from Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, composed by a sociodemographic questionnaire, the SELFCS (Self-Compassion Scale), the FSCRS (Scale of Forms of Self-Criticism and Self-Reassurance, the MHI-5 (Mental Health Inventory) and the QCO (Organizational Commitment Questionnaire). Results: The police officers appear to regulate their relationship with the organization through calculative commitment. Self-compassion is associated positively to affective commitment, with mindfulness showing to be the most important competence in this professional group. Self-criticism, in its inadequate self form – which is less corrosive than the hated self form - reveals a positive relationship with calculative commitment, which might imply that staying in the organization may be emotionally negative, may provoke attacks against the self and diminish the affective capacity. However, the self reassurance capacity (reassure self form of self-criticism) may enable the police officers to develop higher levels of organizational commitment and affective commitment, as well. Age, seniority and fewer qualifications seem to support the calculative commitment. Discussion: Through self-compassion police officers may experience a positive and warmth attitude towards the organization. Thus, an intervention program based on self-compassion and mindfulness may stimulate affective and normative commitment, not only preserving and promoting health and the well-being of police officers, but also fostering organizational commitment and mitigating negative effects in the police profession. This approach may contribute to organizational goals’ through the suppression of aversive emotions, decreasing turnover and intention to abandon the organization.

Coimbra: cidade amiga das pessoas idosas?!

Introdução: Em Portugal, bem como nos restantes países mundiais, tem sido registado, em virtude de múltiplas transformações societárias, um aumento crescente do envelhecimento demográfico. Este novo cenário demográfico originou uma reflexão, por parte de organizações supranacionais, sobre as cidades na sua relação com os munícipes mais velhos. Desta reflexão surge o projeto Cidade Amiga das Pessoas Idosas que apresenta referenciais de avaliação das cidades para que estas possam adaptar as suas estruturas e serviços aos seus munícipes mais velhos. Beneficiando desta forma do potencial que as pessoas mais velhas representam para a humanidade. Objetivos: O presente estudo tem como objetivo central verificar se a cidade de Coimbra é uma cidade amiga das pessoas idosas. Metodologia: A pesquisa remete para um estudo qualitativo exploratório a partir dos procedimentos metodológicos que constam do Protocolo de Vancouver. O focus group decorreu em duas sessões. Participantes: Foram auscultados 16 pessoas, 15 (93,8%) do sexo feminino. A idade média situa-se nos 79,88 anos (dp= ± 10,658), são maioritariamente viúvos (7= 43,8 %) e 7 (43,8%) e têm como habilitações a 4ª classe. Autoclassificam-se maioritariamente na classe média baixa (7 =43,8). Resultados: Das oito categorias analisadas três categorias “espaços exteriores e edifícios”, “transportes” e “respeito e inclusão social” são avaliadas com aspetos positivos e negativos. O “suporte comunitário e serviços de saúde” é avaliado como positivo enquanto a “habitação”, “participação social” e “comunicação e informação” são avaliados como negativos. As sugestões efetuadas referem-se a um único tópico “espaços exteriores e edifícios”. Conclusões: Se partilharmos a tese que uma cidade amiga das pessoas idosas estimula o envelhecimento ativo porque otimiza as oportunidades de participação no ambiente urbano melhorando, desta forma, a qualidade de vida das pessoas envelhecem. Os resultados que obtivemos, a partir da auscultação de um grupo de idosos, permitem-nos afirmar que Coimbra precisa de se adaptar aos seus munícipes mais velhos. Só assim Coimbra se poderá tornar uma cidade amiga das pessoas idosas. Importa igualmente registar que os resultados encontrados devem ser mediados pelo perfil sociodemográfico dos idosos entrevistados. / Introduction: In Portugal, as well as in other countries worldwide, has been registered by virtue of multiple associated transformations, an increasing growing of population. This new demographic scenario triggered, led to a reflection on the part of supranational organizations, about the cities in their relationship with the older residents. This reflection comes with the project Friendly City of Older Persons that presents benchmarks for the evaluation of cities so that they can adapt their structures and services to its older citizens. Enjoying this way the potential that older people represent for humanity. Objectives: This study aims to check if the city of Coimbra is an elderly friendly city. Methodology: The research refers to an exploratory qualitative study from the methodological procedures of the Vancouver Protocol. The focus group was held in two sessions. Participants: 16 people were sounded out, 15(93.8%) were female. The average ages tends at79.88 years (dp = ±10,658), are mostly widowers (7=43.8%) and 7 (43.8%) have the qualifications to4th grade. They are classified mostly in the lower middle class(7=43.8). Results: Of the eight analyzed categories three categories" outdoor spaces and buildings", "transport" and "respect and social inclusion" are evaluated on positive and negative aspects. The "community support and health services" is evaluated as positive as the"housing", "social participation "and "communication and information" are evaluated as negative. The suggestions are related to a single topic "buildings and outdoor areas." Conclusions: If we share the view that an elderly friendly citizen courages active aging because it optimizes the opportunities for participation in the urban environment improving, in this manner, the quality of life of the elderly. The results we obtained from the consultation of a group of elderly allow us to say that Coimbra needs to adapt to its older citizens. Only then Coimbra can become a friendly city of the elderly. It should also be noted that the results should be mediated by socio-demographic profile of elderly respondents.

Participação Social e Redes Sociais Pessoais de Idosos

Objetivo: O objetivo central deste estudo é caracterizar as redes sociais pessoais de indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 65 anos, a nível estrutural, funcional e relacional-contextual, analisando-as segundo o nível de participação social dos idosos ao longo da sua vida em estruturas comunitárias ligadas ao lazer, cultura, desporto, religião e voluntariado. Metodologia: Para a avaliação das variáveis em estudo foram utilizados o Instrumento de Análise da Rede Social Pessoal, versão para idosos (IARSP – Idosos) (Guadalupe, 2010; Guadalupe & Vicente, 2012) para avaliar as dimensões da rede social pessoal, um questionário para caracterizar as variáveis sociodemográficas e a participação social e a Satisfaction With Life Scale – SWLS (Diener, 1985) que permite avaliar o grau de satisfação com a vida. Participantes: A amostra é constituída por 567 idosos, com uma média de idades de 75 anos (DP=7,6), entre os 65 anos e os 98 anos, maioritariamente do sexo feminino (63,0%), casados ou em união de facto (53,7%) e com escolaridade (69,8%), sobretudo ao nível do quarto ano (51,3%). A maioria dos idosos inquiridos não vive só (79,4%) numa zona de residência maioritariamente inserida em aglomerado populacional em região rural (57,0%) e não usufrui de qualquer tipo de apoio de resposta social (75,5%). Resultados: A amostra divide-se entre os que participaram comunitariamente ao longo da vida (47,8%; n = 271) e os que não participaram (52,2%; n = 296), sendo que entre os que participam 16,7% fazem-no com elevada frequência. Os idosos do sexo feminino, com idade igual ou inferior a 75 anos, casados, com habilitações literárias e que vivem acompanhados, são os que têm uma maior probabilidade de ter uma participação social mais ativa. Os idosos que apresentam participação social têm uma rede maior, com um membro a mais em média (M = 8,52 vs. 7,51, p = 0,027), e uma composição distinta dos que não participam, com menor peso das relações familiares (M = 72,61% vs. 80,81%, p < 0,001), maior peso e mais relações de amizade (M = 15,43% vs. M = 9,24%, p < 0,001) e maior presença de relações de trabalho (M = 1,11% vs. 0,13%, p = 0,006). Relativamente às características funcionais, podemos constatar que a reciprocidade de apoio é percebida como maior (p = 0,010) entre os idosos que participam comunitariamente, não se verificando diferenças noutras variáveis funcionais e relacionais-contextuais. O nível de participação e a satisfação com o nível de participação correlacionam-se positivamente com a satisfação percebida com a vida (p < 0,001). Conclusão: As conclusões apontam para um efeito da participação social ao longo da vida em estruturas comunitárias nas características estruturais das redes sociais pessoais dos idosos, não se verificando interferência na maioria das características funcionais e nas relacionais-contextuais. Verificámos ainda que há uma associação entre a participação social e a satisfação com a vida, sendo mais satisfeitos os que participam em estruturas comunitárias. É possível constatar que a rede daqueles que referem ter participação social é tendencialmente maior e heterogénea na composição, quando comparada com as redes dos sem participação social, assumindo, assim, relevância na estruturação de uma rede mais diversa e ampla, devendo ser estimulada no sentido de promover uma rede com recursos potencialmente positivos e um envelhecimento mais ativo. / Objectives: The central objective of this study is to characterize the personal social networks of the elderly, aged 65 years or more, analyzing them according to the level of social participation throughout their life in community structures related to leisure, culture, sports, religion and volunteering. Methodology: For the evaluation of the variables we used the Social Network Analysis Tool (IARSP-elderly) (Guadalupe, 2010; Guadalupe Vicente, 2012) to assess the dimensions of the social network; a questionnaire to evaluate social participation; and the Satisfaction With Life Scale SWLS – (Diener, 1985) to acess the degree of satisfaction with life. Participants: The sample consists of 567 elderly, with an average age of 75 years old (SD = 7,595), between 65 and 98 years old, mostly female (63.0 %), married (53.7%) with education (69.8%), mainly with the 4th grade (51.3%). Most of the respondents do not live alone (79.4%) in agglomerations in rural region (57.0%) and are not users of social services (75.5%). Results: The sample is divided between those who had community participation throughout life (47.8 %; n = 271) and those who did not participated (52,2%; n = 296). Between the first, 16.7% do it with high frequency. The elderly women, aged less than 75 years old, married, with educational qualifications and living not alone, are those who have a higher likelihood of having a more active social participation. The elderly that present social participation have a larger network, with one more member (M = 8,52 vs. 7,51, p = 0,027), and a composition distinct from not participating, with less proportion of family relations (M = 72,61% vs. 80,81%, p < 0,001), greater proportion and more friendships (M = 15,43% vs. M = 9,24%, p < 0,001) and greater presence of working relations (M = 1,11% vs. 0,13%, p = 0,006). Regarding the functional dimension, the reciprocity of support is perceived as higher (p = 0.010) among seniors participating in community and there were no differences in other functional and relational-contextual variables. The level of participation and satisfaction with the level of participation correlate positively with perceived satisfaction with life (p <0.001). Conclusion: The findings point to an effect of lifelong social participation in community in structural characteristics of personal social networks of the elderly, not verifying interference in most of the functional and the contextual-relational characteristics. We have also found that there is an association between social participation and life satisfaction, being more satisfied when they participate in community structures. The social network of the elderly who reported having social participation tends to be larger and heterogeneous in composition compared with those without social participation, thus assuming importance in structuring a more diverse and extensive network, should be encouraged in order to promote a network with potentially positive resources and a more active aging.