We will all age and one day be older adults ourselves: College students’ reflections on facilitating compassionate presence (CP) sessions for older adults

Ekwonye, Angela U.; Brueggemann, Alvina; Gerdes, Sarah; Phi, Kieu My; Kloepfer, Vanessa; Karmacharya, Pragya; Phung, Vy; Sidek, Safia M

doi:10.1080/02701960.2022.2057968

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…One mechanism for improved relationships may be self-compassion, which includes (1) the ability to selfsoothe in response to distress, (2) an emphasis on common humanity that promotes a sense of connection rather than isolation, and (3) a balanced and non-judgmental response to negative emotions, as opposed to avoiding or becoming overwhelmed by them [44]. An expression of kindness and compassion was even found to increase bonding between individuals of different generations [45].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived Benefits of Magdalena Energy Healing Sessions: An Exploratory Study of Clients’ Perspectives

Brueggemann,

Ekwonye

2023

Healthcare

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Background: Energy healing techniques are associated with many physical and mental benefits. A qualitative study was conducted to understand clients’ experiences of a new energy healing modality called Magdalena Energy Healing. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted after clients experienced 60 min Magdalena energy healing session(s). Twenty-five adults participated in the study. All participants received Magdalena energy healing from a certified, trained practitioner. Thematic analysis was conducted to determine clients’ perceived benefits of the Magdalena energy healing session(s). Results: Four themes emerged from the data: Physical, Mental, Social, and Spiritual Benefits. Physical health benefits included relief from a variety of medical symptoms, improved sleep quality, and physical body awareness. Mental Health benefits included relaxation and peace, decision-making clarity, relief of mental health symptoms, and an increased ability to cope with life. Social Benefits included improved attitudes in relationships. Spiritual Benefits included optimism, gratitude, self-acceptance, and increased spiritual connection. Conclusions: Participants’ perceptions are that Magdalena energy healing sessions offer peace, symptom relief, and gratitude. Magdalena energy healing can address priorities of The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Sessions can be seamlessly integrated into traditional medical care as a useful complementary/integrative healing option to improve physical, mental, and/or spiritual wellbeing across a variety of diseases.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived Benefits of Magdalena Energy Healing Sessions: An Exploratory Study of Clients’ Perspectives

Brueggemann,

Ekwonye

2023

Healthcare

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“…Our findings highlight the importance of photovoice in raising one’s sense of critical consciousness about social issues and society [ 1 , 24 , 30 , 31 ] and improving college students’ understanding of the struggles of the local communities [ 42 ]. Students learned meaningful life lessons from their participants, and such a shared body of knowledge can promote student personal growth [ 24 , 43 ]. Moreover, students improved their critical thinking and creative skills, acquired some qualitative research skills, leadership, and collaborative skills, and came to understand the procedure and importance of ethical conduct of research.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

College Students’ Reflections on Their Experience Facilitating a Photovoice Research Project with BIPOC Older Adults and Frontline Healthcare Workers

Ekwonye

Chonyi

Farah

et al. 2023

Youth

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The photovoice literature has focused mainly on research collaborations between researchers in academia and community partners. There is limited evidence of undergraduate students facilitating photovoice research projects with underserved Black, Indigenous, and persons of color (BIPOC). Students’ participation in photovoice research increases their understanding of local issues and can empower them to engage with local communities to create change. This qualitative study explored students’ experiences facilitating photovoice research with BIPOC older adults and frontline healthcare workers. In this study, we trained college students in photovoice methodological skills by introducing photovoice as a participatory qualitative methodology, explained ethics issues and the informed consent process, and clarified the steps and requirements for the photovoice project. Students were paired with BIPOC older adults and frontline healthcare workers. They facilitated the photovoice research project in four stages. Throughout the study, students critically reflected and wrote about the various aspects of their experience facilitating the photovoice research activities based on weekly structured reflection questions. In their weekly journal, student facilitators commented on how both older and younger BIPOC participants were friendly and kind, flexible with the research activity scheduling, inspiring with their stories, and selfless. Students’ reflections indicated that their participants experienced greater emotional and psychological burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by the long-standing epidemic of systemic racism. Student facilitators overwhelmingly recognized participants’ resilience and perseverance despite these life challenges. Our findings highlight the importance of photovoice in developing and strengthening college students’ qualitative research skills and stimulating critical thinking and creativity, a sense of critical consciousness about social issues and society, and a sense of empowerment. Our results will be relevant to hospital/long-term care managers, policymakers, and researchers.

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“Aging is beautiful and graceful:” exploring college students’ perceptions of aging, older adults, and future older selves

Ekwonye

Malek

Farah³

et al. 2023

Educational Gerontology

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We will all age and one day be older adults ourselves: College students’ reflections on facilitating compassionate presence (CP) sessions for older adults

Cited by 3 publications

References 54 publications

Perceived Benefits of Magdalena Energy Healing Sessions: An Exploratory Study of Clients’ Perspectives

Perceived Benefits of Magdalena Energy Healing Sessions: An Exploratory Study of Clients’ Perspectives

College Students’ Reflections on Their Experience Facilitating a Photovoice Research Project with BIPOC Older Adults and Frontline Healthcare Workers

“Aging is beautiful and graceful:” exploring college students’ perceptions of aging, older adults, and future older selves

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