The Social Cure

The Social Cure

Author: Jolanda Jetten

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2012-01-25

Total Pages: 409

ISBN-13: 1136698264

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A growing body of research shows that social networks and identities have a profound impact on mental and physical health. With such mounting evidence of the importance of social relationships in protecting health, the challenge we face is explaining why this should be the case. What is it that social groups offer that appears to be just as beneficial as a daily dose of vitamin C or regular exercise? This edited book brings together the latest research on how group memberships, and the social identities associated with them, determine people’s health and well-being. The volume provides a variety of perspectives from clinical, social, organisational and applied fields that offer theoretical and empirical insights into these processes and their consequences. The contributions present a rich and novel analysis of core theoretical issues relating to the ways in which social identities, and factors associated with them (such as social support and a sense of community), can bolster individuals’ sense of self and contribute to physical and mental health. In this way it is shown how social identities constitute a ‘social cure’, capable of promoting adjustment, coping and well-being for individuals dealing with a range of illnesses, injuries, trauma and stressors. In addition, these theories provide a platform for practical strategies that can maintain and enhance well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations. Contributors to the book are at the forefront of these developments and the book’s strength derives from its analysis of factors that shape the health and well-being of a broad range of groups. It presents powerful insights which have important implications for health, clinical, social and organisational psychology and a range of cognate fields.


An Introduction to Cyberpsychology

An Introduction to Cyberpsychology

Author: Gráinne Kirwan

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-02-06

Total Pages: 331

ISBN-13: 100099855X

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An Introduction to Cyberpsychology provides a comprehensive introduction to this rapidly growing discipline. Fully updated in its second edition, the book encourages students to critically evaluate the psychology of online interactions and to develop appropriate research methodologies to complete their own work in this field. The book examines cyberpsychology and online research methodologies, social psychology in an online context, practical applications of cyberpsychology, and the psychological aspects of other technologies. This new edition has been carefully updated to include additional coverage of: Expanded content relating to major developments in the field and new content on gaming and screentime A new chapter examining the relationship between older adults and technology Cyberpsychology in focus feature boxes in each chapter that examine topics in depth Interviews with professionals working in fields relating to cyberpsychology Each chapter includes key terms and a glossary, content summaries, discussion questions, and recommended reading to guide further study. Supported by extensive online resources for students and instructors, this authoritative book is an essential core text for undergraduate modules in cyberpsychology, and an ideal primer for students of postgraduate programs in cyberpsychology. To view the additional student and instructor resources for this book, please visit bpscoretextbooks.routledge.com


Virtual Human-Animal Interactions

Virtual Human-Animal Interactions

Author: Christine Yvette Tardif-Williams

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-07-14

Total Pages: 181

ISBN-13: 1000914038

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Interest in the field of human-animal interactions is burgeoning, and researchers and educators are keen to understand the science undergirding research that helps us understand interactions between people and animals. Recently, exciting and innovative research is focusing on how people’s virtual interactions with animals can enhance their learning, social interactions, and well-being. This research aims to answer questions such as, "What types of interactions do people have with animals in a virtual context? How do people access and experience their virtual interactions with animals? Do virtual interactions with animals hold potential to enhance people’s well-being and learning in the same way that in-person interactions with animals have been documented? What educational strategies could be employed to enhance people’s virtual interactions with animals? How can we respect animals as research participants within a virtual context?" Drawing from seminal and cutting-edge research in the field of human-animal interactions, these questions and others are answered in Virtual Human-Animal Interactions. Research-informed and grounded in critical discussions of theory and practice, this book challenges readers to reconceptualize their understanding of research and practice exploring the complexities inherent in, and arising from, people’s virtual interactions with animals. Further, with an eye to the future, this book illuminates readers’ thinking around the empirical and practical implications of facilitating interactions between people and animals within virtual contexts. Researchers and educators from across disciplines will find Virtual Human-Animal Interactions both scientifically savvy and practical.


The Role of AI, IoT and Blockchain in Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19

The Role of AI, IoT and Blockchain in Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19

Author: S. Vijayalakshmi

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Published: 2023-11-07

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 9815080660

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In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, humanity faced unprecedented challenges that necessitated innovative technological solutions. The Role of AI, IoT, and Blockchain in Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 explores the transformative influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain technologies in combating the pandemic's effects. Key themes: Technological Pandemic Response: This book delves into how technology played a pivotal role in enabling social distancing, remote monitoring, contact minimization, telecommuting, online education, virus analysis, and predictive modeling, effectively aiding the fight against the coronavirus. Data Precision: Accurate and reliable data are essential for tracking virus spread. The book demonstrates how AI, IoT, and Blockchain can establish digital databases that ensure data accuracy, accessibility, and real-time monitoring, addressing the challenges faced by public healthcare systems. Innovative Applications: Chapters in this book cover a wide array of applications, from AI-driven models for COVID-19 analysis and prediction to the use of 3D printing technologies, IoT tools for virus control, and the impact of AI and IoT in healthcare. It also explores the role of social media in promoting social distancing. Advanced AI Techniques: Readers gain insights into cutting-edge AI techniques applied to COVID-19 in areas such as treatment, diagnosis, prognosis, chest X-ray and CT analysis, pandemic prediction, and pharmaceutical research. Industry 4.0: The book discusses Industry 4.0 technologies and their contribution to sustainable manufacturing, efficient management strategies, and their response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Contributed by a distinguished panel of national and international researchers, with multidisciplinary backgrounds specializing in Artificial Intelligence, biomedical engineering, machine learning, and healthcare technology, public health and industrial automation. Each contribution includes derailed references to encourage scholarly research. This book serves as a valuable resource for academic and professional readers seeking to understand how modern computing technology has been harnessed to address the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers insights into technological innovations and their potential for the betterment of society, especially in times of crisis. Readers will be introduced to computing techniques and methods to measure and monitor the impacts of medical emergencies similar to viral outbreaks and implement the necessary infection control protocols.


Big Data Analytics in Cognitive Social Media and Literary Texts

Big Data Analytics in Cognitive Social Media and Literary Texts

Author: Sanjiv Sharma

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-10-10

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 9811647291

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and praxis of Big Data Analytics and how these are used to extract cognition-related information from social media and literary texts. It presents analytics that transcends the borders of discipline-specific academic research and focuses on knowledge extraction, prediction, and decision-making in the context of individual, social, and national development. The content is divided into three main sections: the first of which discusses various approaches associated with Big Data Analytics, while the second addresses the security and privacy of big data in social media, and the last focuses on the literary text as the literary data in Big Data Analytics. Sharing valuable insights into the etiology behind human cognition and its reflection in social media and literary texts, the book benefits all those interested in analytics that can be applied to literature, history, philosophy, linguistics, literary theory, media & communication studies and computational/digital humanities.


Globalisation and Pandemic Management

Globalisation and Pandemic Management

Author: Chris L. Peterson

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-05-07

Total Pages: 197

ISBN-13: 1040027903

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This book considers the global response on governance after the pandemic while sociologically addressing the effects of COVID-19 on life and work experience. It presents the effects of COVID-19 on global and local labour markets, the development of digitisation and technology, of work health, and on the environment with respect to global warming and climate change. Linking COVID-19 to the progress of globalisation, the book considers the spread of the pandemic and its management as a response to neoliberalism. The book analyses national and international governance models for tackling future outcomes of emerging global issues such as technology, green industry and environment that may inform future management of global crises. As such, it will be of interest to scholars in the field of Global Studies, Governance, International Relations, Political Science, Complexity Studies, Environment Studies, Sociology, Disaster Management and Occupational Health.


Positive or Negative? The Effect of Emerging Technologies and Products on Mental Health

Positive or Negative? The Effect of Emerging Technologies and Products on Mental Health

Author: Chao Guo

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2023-11-02

Total Pages: 110

ISBN-13: 2832535585

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Emerging technologies and products such as digital health technology, computing platforms, wearable devices, smartphone sensors and electronic gadgets have the potential to transform and empower society while simultaneously presenting unprecedented challenges in our life. Some like electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are for entertainment, some like online conference platforms are for convenience and some like social media have become a life necessity. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether the use of physical and virtual digital technology products can do harm to mental health. Some evidence-based research shows that frequent use of social media may cause depression and anxiety, and derived behavioral phenomena like cyberbullying and game addiction, which negatively affect people’s lives. Other scholars think digital technology products could provide insights into timely, personalized, engaging and accessible intervention, promotion and improvement of mental health. Given the ubiquity of digital devices and their complex and subtle associations with mental health, more research is needed to bring benefits to both research and daily life practices.


Routledge International Handbook of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Descendants of Holocaust Survivors

Routledge International Handbook of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Descendants of Holocaust Survivors

Author: Judith Tydor Baumel-Schwartz

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-07-14

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 1000926125

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The Routledge International Handbook of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Descendants of Holocaust Survivors offers a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge studies from a wide range of fields dealing with new research about descendants of Holocaust survivors. Examining the aftermath of the Holocaust on the Second Generation and Third Generation, children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, it is the first volume to bring together research perspectives from history, psychology, sociology, communications, literature, film, theater, art, music, biology, and medicine. With contributions from international experts, key topics covered include survivor characteristics and experiences; the phenomenological experience of transmitted trauma legacies; the creation of Second Generation groups; the epigenetics of inherited trauma; the development of Second Generation writing; representation of Holocaust survivors in film; music and the transmission of memory; art, music, and the Holocaust; ancestral trauma and its effect on the ageing process of subsequent generations; 2G and 3G health issues and outcomes. Divided into two sections, the first deals with the humanities: history and testimony, literature, film and theater, art, and music. The second section, focusing on the social sciences and health-related sciences, contains chapters dealing with studies in the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology, communication, gerontology, nursing, and medicine. This insightful handbook is a contemporary anthology for advanced students and scholars in the humanities, along with those in behavioral, social, and health-related sciences concerned with research about second- and third-generation Holocaust survivors.


Managing Social Robotics and Socio-cultural Business Norms

Managing Social Robotics and Socio-cultural Business Norms

Author: Anshu Saxena Arora

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-08-21

Total Pages: 206

ISBN-13: 3031048679

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This book explores the co-existence of humans and AI in business contexts. Though AI and social robots have become ubiquitous, there are still many challenges facing technological expansion, including a true understanding of abstract concepts, transfer of knowledge to novel application problems, transparency and security guarantees, and distinguishing between random and logically meaningful relationships. While machines are valuable tools, only humans are capable of recognizing values which are the key to ethics and socio-cultural norms. Further, human virtues such as emotional intelligence, wisdom, and courage are required for decision making in many (private and professional) situations where machines would lead to sub-optimal and/or ethically questionable business outcomes. This book discusses how digital technology has emerged as a critical support system for organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it can be used to complement human qualities that machines lack. It is divided into three sections that examine the complex world of AI and social robotics, digital technology and social media roles in business, and human actions that are embedded within socio-cultural business norms, such as international negotiations, that are not yet replaceable by AI. For researchers interested in understanding these parallel worlds, this book assesses how can continue to not only coexist but mutually benefit the business ecosystem.