Introduction: The Social Media Conundrum We’re living in an era where our lives are knitted together by bytes and pixels, with social media acting as a tapestry of modern communication. But along with bringing us closer, social platforms have also paved the way for darker narratives—online hate speech and misinformation. These digital threads are more […]
Tag: Sociology

Bridging Distances with Telehealth: Families’ and Clinicians’ Experiences with Autism Assessments
Introduction: Navigating the Digital Age of Autism Diagnosis Imagine trying to identify a standout piece in a puzzle of a thousand pieces, but instead of working at a puzzle table, you’re on a virtual video call. This is what autism assessments via telehealth might feel like for families and clinicians alike. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated […]

The Classroom Laboratory: Understanding Teachers’ Insights on Social-Emotional Learning Interventions
Imagine a science lab where the subject of study isn’t chemicals or plants, but rather the very emotions and social dynamics that shape our personal and collective worlds. Welcome to the fascinating arena of school-based social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions, specifically the program called PATHS. This acronym, which stands for Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies, […]

Embracing the Unseen: Exploring Neurodiversity in Higher Education
Introduction Imagine sitting in a crowded lecture hall, eagerly waiting for a class to begin, only to be engulfed by an overwhelming sense of alienation. This experience is not uncommon for many students who identify as neurodivergent, a term that describes individuals whose cognitive functioning varies from the societal norm, encompassing conditions such as autism, […]

Navigating Uncertain Times: How Polish Teachers Cope and Support During COVID-19**
Introduction: Coping and Caring in Challenging Times The COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of communities worldwide, and among the many affected were the unsung heroes in our education system: teachers. While countless professionals faced disruptions and stress, teachers carried the dual burden of navigating personal uncertainties while striving to support their students. This simultaneous juggling […]

Measuring Wellbeing: Insights from Lebanese Adolescents
Introduction: A Window into Adolescent Wellbeing Adolescence is a pivotal period marked by myriad changes and challenges, shaping the trajectory of mental health into adulthood. Amidst this transformation, **wellbeing** becomes a crucial component that influences a young person’s ability to thrive. But how do we measure this often intangible concept, especially across different cultures? Enter […]

Unveiling the Unspoken: Navigating Nonverbal Communication in the World of Autistic Adults
Introduction: The Silent Symphony of Human Interaction Imagine walking into a room full of people chatting animatedly, yet all the words seem scrambled, lost in a cacophony of silent gestures and facial expressions. For many autistic adults, this underlying layer of human interaction can feel like a perpetual puzzle. Nonverbal communication—those subtle eye movements, the […]

Understanding the Emotional Scale of Intimate Partner Violence: A New Perspective
Introduction: A New Lens on Intimate Partner Dynamics Why do some intervention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) work while others fall short? It’s a perplexing question occupying the minds of psychological researchers, therapists, and concerned individuals worldwide. The full complexities of IPV cannot be overstated, given its deep emotional, psychological, and sometimes even generational […]

Paving New Roads: A Driving Training Program for Autistic Student Drivers
## Introduction Imagine the sense of freedom and independence you felt when you first took the wheel of a car, navigating your surroundings with a newfound sense of autonomy. For many, learning to drive is a key milestone in achieving personal independence. Yet, for autistic individuals, this rite of passage can be fraught with unique […]

The Power of Mindful Imagery: Buddha Meditation and Adolescent Mental Health
Introduction Imagine discovering a secret tool that can bolster your mental health, improve your emotional resilience, and offer a sanctuary from the daily highs and lows. For many Thai high school students, this tool is not hidden away in an ancient text or locked in a monastery—it’s something much simpler: Buddha image meditation. This powerful […]