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Role of Social Media Influencers in Shaping Public Opinion and Consumer Behavior in Greece
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to role of social media influencers in shaping public opinion and consumer behavior in Greece
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: In Greece, social media influencers play a significant role in shaping public opinion and consumer behavior. They have the power to sway public perception, with their content often influencing political attitudes, lifestyle choices, and purchasing decisions. Greek social media influencers are particularly effective in the beauty, fashion, and travel sectors, where they can impact consumer choices and trends.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social influence theory, two-step flow theory & selective exposure theory may be used to anchor future studies on role of social media influencers in shaping public opinion and consumer behavior in Greece. Brands and organizations in Greece should collaborate with local influencers who resonate with the target audience. Develop and implement a regulatory framework for influencer marketing in Greece. This framework should address issues such as transparency, disclosure, and truthfulness in influencer content
Media Choice and Public Participation in the Budget Making Process for Nyeri County
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Media Choice on Public Participation in the Budget Making Process in Nyeri County.
Methodology: The study population constituted all the residents operating and living in Nyeri County, Nyeri County Government officials and leaders from both the County Executive and County Assembly. The study applied a descriptive study design and used both primary and secondary data that was obtained from public participation reports, publications, and interviews with county government officials, budget committee members and questionnaires to the MCAs, residents, staff of the County Assembly. Stratified random sampling was used to select and identify respondents from Nyeri County residents\u27 attendees in public participation fora and a further random sampling to obtain respondents from the Wards. Strata and purposive sampling was used to get key informants from the County Executive and County Assembly. A sample size of 72 general respondents and 12 key informants was used. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected using a study questionnaire and interview guides respectively. Qualitative data was represented using study themes or goals and was discussed in narrative. The quantitative data was sorted and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings were presented using tables and graphs
Findings: A regression correlation analysis of the data showed that the independent variables (social media =0.044, for print media = 0.047) were significant with p values of less than 0.05 - the predetermined significance level - to imply that the results were statistically significant. The p value for radio station was 0.326, greater than 0.05, thus not significant in its effect on public participation in the budget making process in the County Government of Nyeri. From the data collected, great importance was placed on vernacular and community radio stations which are potential channels for communicating pertinent information on the budget making process. The research found out other factors that determine effectiveness of public participation to include public\u27s awareness of its rights, individual understanding of the processes, and level of education and prevailing support infrastructure.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Medium Theory and Arnstein\u27s Ladder of Citizen Participation Model informed the study variables and approach. Further research is recommended to explore other variables. The study findings will help planners and implementers at the County level when setting out to engage the public for their participation in the County\u27s development agenda.
Assessment of Community Radio Social Impact in Tanzania
Get PDFPurpose: This paper assessed social impacts of three community radio stations located in three different social-economic zones in Tanzania namely, Kilosa in the Eastern Zone, Karagwe in the Lake Victoria Zone and Orkonerei Community Radio (ORS) in the Northern Zone.
Methodology: The study used cross sectional design whereby data were collected at one point in time. Purposive sampling methods were used to obtain 585 (48% female) respondents based on whether the area was well covered by community radio broadcasts or otherwise. Data were collected interview schedule, in-depth interview of key informants, systematic observations and focus group discussions. Key informants included community radio management and journalists working in the community radios. As for focus group discussions, four discussions were held (two in each community radio) with a total of 40 respondents.
Findings: The study found that 51% of the respondents viewed community radio stations as enhanced access to information (news, current affairs and educational informational). On popularity, the study found that on average, community radios were more popular with local audience than other radio stations. This was due to broadcasting local contents. An analysis of sex and education levels of people who preferred community radio showed that 53.4% were men and 46.5% were women. As for education levels, 57% of those who preferred community radio broadcast had primary education followed by those without formal education at 24%. However, contrary to the theory of community radio which asserts that community radios focus on local social economic development, the study found that the most dominant theme was music and general entertainment.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study found that community radio stations have enhanced information flow (news, current affairs and education). They are also most popular with local audience compared to other radios. This indicates that if tailored to address contemporary local development issues, community radio can have huge impact. However, the study found that, the most dominant themes in studied stations was music and general entertainment. This is contrary to the theory asserting that community radio should focus on local social development issues. This calls for further investigation on circumstances leading community radios deviation from the popular theory
Communication Strategies Used during a Crisis in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Naivasha Sub-County
Get PDFPurpose: Since tourism is highly susceptible to shocks, and effects of crises in the industry can lead to several direct and indirect repercussions, appropriate communication techniques and strategies are needed to proactively overcome or prevent crises. However, in Kenya, assessment of the same is glaringly insufficient, hence, the need for the current study. The study objective was guided by a research question; What are the during-crisis communication strategies used in crises preparedness in the tourism and hospitality industry in Naivasha Sub-county?
Methodology: The study was conducted among hotels in Naivasha Sub-County of Nakuru County of Kenya using a mixed research methodology. Using a sample of 362 employees through multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques, questionnaires were used to collect data among employees while 28 key informant interviews were used among the hotel managers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data.
Findings: The study concluded that during crisis communication strategies featured issuance of accurate and consistent messages, giving precautions, dissemination of information on how to cope physically as well as information on prioritizing self-protection. The communication strategies during the crisis influenced the preparedness in small and insignificant amounts (sig. = .968). The results showed that communicating on precautions during a crisis was a special way and strategy to contain the effect of the crisis. The study found that more than half of the hotel staff 175(59.5%) agreed that their organizations give accurate and consistent messages on crisis preparedness.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that the Cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Tourism develop policies that spell and guide crisis management plans that acknowledge effective crisis communication strategies in hotels in the country. For individual hotel operators and managers in Naivasha subcounty, provision of regular information on crisis, and having a crisis communication plan in the precrisis stage will educate and sensitize the employees of the possible risks and how to handle them. This study findings will inform academia and be a base for scholars in mass communication in carrying out further studies in communicative strategies used in crises preparedness. The study findings inform development and roll out of policies that guide crisis management plans in tourism and hotel industry
A Critical Analysis of Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Emotional Regulation
Get PDFPurpose: The objective of this paper is to understand the impact of Sleep deprivation on emotional well-being in adolescents. A prevalent issue in modern society, has significant implications for emotional regulation. This study examines the impact of sleep deprivation on emotional processes, highlighting the relationship between inadequate sleep and emotional instability.
Methodology: Using a mixed-methods approach, Data was analyzed both quantitative from sleep assessments and emotional response tests, and qualitative data from participant interviews. The data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics.
Findings: Results indicate that individuals experiencing sleep deprivation exhibit heightened emotional reactivity, diminished positive affect, and impaired emotional recognition and regulation capabilities. Furthermore, chronic sleep deprivation exacerbates stress and anxiety levels, contributing to long-term emotional dysregulation. These findings emphasized the necessity of adequate sleep for maintaining emotional health and informed interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on emotional well-being.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Future research should explore the minimizing of these effects and develop strategies to promote better sleep hygiene and emotional resilience
The Relationship between Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Client-Therapist Attachment on Symptom Reduction
Get PDFPurpose: The current study examines the efficacy of Equine-assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), an alternative form of treatment for individuals who struggle to connect with traditional forms of therapy, with Traditional Psychotherapy (TP).The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental study was to determine if attachment to a therapist differs between the method of treatment (EAP v TP) and if the attachment has an impact on levels of anxiety and levels of depression in participants.
Methodology: The study employed a non-randomized Quasi-Experimental two-group design. Participants who received TP (n = 45) or EAP (n = 45) were administered the Client Attachment to Therapist Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. The research questions were tested using a mixed design 2 (treatment group [EAP v PT]) x 2 (Pretest /Post-test) ANOVA.
Findings: The results indicated both of treatment conditions produced significant and beneficial changes in Attachment, Anxiety, and Depression from Pretest to Post-test. In addition, significant Group x Time interactions indicated the EAP group achieved significantly greater symptoms reduction over time
The Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms among Adults Living in the UAE during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Get PDFPurpose: To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among adults living in the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered anonymous online questionnaire distributed in both Arabic and English via social media platforms. A total of 261 adults living in the UAE were included in the study, using a non-probability volunteer sampling. Univariate and bivariate analyses of the acquired data were analyzed using SPPS Statistics version 26. Patients clinically diagnosed with depression were excluded from this study.
Findings: Overall, the prevalence of depression among our studied population was 63%. Several parameters were correlated with depression to assess their associations. A lower household income was found to be linked to a greater likelihood of developing depression, as 74.6% of depressed subjects had an income lower than 20,000 Dhs (p=0.003). Age also had a significant correlation (95% CI, p=0.003) with depression, and those in the younger age group (18-25 years) had a greater prevalence of depression than did those in the older age group. Difficulty performing daily activities, restless sleep, feeling lonely, feeling sad, feeling inadequate, and losing hope were the most commonly reported symptoms in depressed subjects. A total of 78.21% of our participants did not know about hotlines when they were depressed; however, this difference was not statistically significant (95% CI, p=0.178).
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Depression was prevalent in 63% of our participants. A lower household income and younger age were associated with a greater risk of depression. We believe that our findings will encourage institutions and government authorities to implement awareness programs about depression awareness and screening for depression. Families should support individuals seeking professional help, particularly if their depressive symptoms are severe or persistent
Psychosocial Needs and Their Relation to Achievement Motivation among Students at A\u27Sharqiyah University
No full textPurpose: The current research underscores that university students are in a crucial stage of their development where their psychological and social needs play a pivotal role in their success in both academic and personal endeavours. The current research aims to know the contribution of psychological and social needs to the motivation of students at Al Sharqiyah University in the Sultanate of Oman to achieve their goals.
Methodology: The study sample consisted of a total of (402) students enrolled in the university. In the current study, the researchers used two scales. The researchers prepared the first which was called the Psychological and Social Needs Scale. The researchers used the second scale, the Achievement Motivation Scale prepared by Safwat Kanaan (2003).
Findings: The results of the first question indicated the existence of a positive relationship with statistical significance at a significance level of less than (0.05) between psychological and social needs and achievement motivation, and the value of the correlation coefficient reached (0.545). The results of the second question also indicated that the values of the t-test for psychological and social needs were statistically significant at a significance level of (α≤0.05), which indicates that achievement motivation can be predicted through these needs. Therefore, through these results, achievement motivation can be predicted through psychological and social needs.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It recommends the creation of counselling and educational programs designed to meet psychological and social needs effectively and the start of initiatives that enhance the drive to succeed and encourage students to participate in activities that help them realize their potential in achieving academic and personal success. The researchers aspires that this study will add to the understanding of how to support students in their psychological and social development to achieve optimal results in their academic and professional careers. 
Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on Reducing Stress in College Students in Indonesia
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of mindfulness meditation on reducing stress in college students.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Mindfulness meditation significantly reduces stress among college students by enhancing emotional regulation, promoting relaxation, and improving coping mechanisms. Studies show that students practicing mindfulness experience lower levels of anxiety, better academic focus, and improved overall well-being compared to those who do not. Regular meditation fosters greater resilience to stress by encouraging present-moment awareness and reducing overthinking. Additionally, integrating mindfulness programs into college settings can create supportive environments that enhance mental health.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) framework, cognitive appraisal theory & self-determination theory (SDT) may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of mindfulness meditation on reducing stress in college students. Colleges should integrate mindfulness training into orientation programs to help first-year students navigate the academic, social, and emotional transitions of college life. Policymakers should mandate the inclusion of evidence-based well-being programs, including mindfulness meditation, as part of a holistic approach to mental health in higher education
Effects of Migration and Displacement on Human Rights and Development in Sub-Saharan African
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to investigate effects of migration and displacement on human rights and development
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Migration and displacement profoundly affect human rights and development, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action at local, national, and international levels to ensure the protection and well-being of all individuals affected by these processes.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Human rights-based approach (HRBA), structural violence theory & transnationalism theory may be used to anchor future studies effects of migration and displacement on human rights and development. Implement robust human rights monitoring mechanisms in migration and displacement contexts, ensuring that individuals\u27 rights are safeguarded throughout their journey. Develop and enforce policies that explicitly incorporate a human rights-based approach to migration and displacement. States should ratify and implement relevant international conventions, ensuring the rights of migrants and displaced persons are respected