RESUMEN
The ubiquitous nature of technology is changing the way humans interact with interior space and redefining the third place, venues where individuals gather for socialization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fusion of physical and virtual space led to an overlapping of the first place (home) that served as the physical host for the virtual second (work), and third (social gathering) places. Most critically, the first place (home) became a proxy for second and third place experiences as we started connecting with the outside world, albeit virtually. The goal of this study was to determine the extent that individuals relied on technology to meet their socializing needs in response to COVID-19, verify if individuals are altering their environment as a result of the pandemic and whether these changes align with physical third-place characteristics, and inform interior designers on how to intentionally design physical space in ways that include virtual experiences. The researchers employed a mixed-methods approach by gathering data from an online survey, incorporating closed-ended and open-ended questions, using two different convenience sampling approaches (N = 229), and asking participants to submit photos to support their responses. Results illustrated that during the pandemic, virtual environments integrated with the home and became a substitute for physical third places. Four themes identified the modifications in physical space that occurred because of COVID-19 as individuals accommodated the merging of their home, work, school, and social places. Insights regarding the design of successful physical spaces that embrace virtual experiences are provided.
RESUMEN
In spring and fall 2020, most schools across the globe closed due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online and remote learning (ORL) modalities were implemented to continue children's education and development. Yet, the change in educational delivery increased parental responsibilities in cultivating their children. We examined the determinants related to students' learning performance before and during the COVID-19 period in association with psychosocial behaviors (such as socialization, internalizing and externalizing behavior, and motivation) and other factors, including parents' support received, the teaching modality, and access to digital resources. The current study included 80 parents of elementary and middle school children who completed an online survey. The results of the study indicated that more than double the normal time was spent by parents in supporting their children's learning and development during the COVID-19 period. The factors of parental support and motivation were found the most effective contribution in the development of children's positive emotions and learning attainment. It was indicated that academic performance, motivation to participate in learning, socialization, prosocial behavior, discipline, externalizing and internalizing behaviors decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, teachers and educators should consider bridging or creating alternative performance recovery strategies and socioemotional development interventions for children and young adults.
RESUMEN
Although divorce is typically stressful for mothers, the formation of post-divorce dating relationships can help to ease this stress. Unfortunately, research has yet to empirically consider children's post-divorce adjustment for mothers' wellbeing leading up to and during mothers' post-divorce dating. This study addresses the following questions: 1) How do children's problem behaviors predict mothers' depressive symptoms following divorce? 2) How do children's problem behaviors predict the quality of mothers' dating relationships and the rapport between children and mothers' dating partners? 3) How do children's problem behaviors, the quality of mothers' dating relationships, child-dating partner rapport, and length of mothers' dating simultaneously impact mothers' depressive symptoms? Data for this study comes from a longitudinal investigation of recently divorced mothers and their children (N = 232). Hierarchical linear models revealed that mothers experienced more depressive symptoms when their children exhibited more internalizing behaviors. Children's internalizing behaviors were negatively associated with the quality of mothers' dating relationships. When examining these variables simultaneously, increases in children's internalizing behaviors and decreases in relationship quality predicted increases in mothers' depressive symptoms. Promoting family-level adjustment appears best for mothers' wellbeing following divorce. Other implications for post-divorce adjustment are discussed.
RESUMEN
Individuals who feel rejected following relationship dissolution typically experience reductions in their health and wellbeing. Although feelings of rejection can be painful, the acquisition of a new romantic relationship can help to ease this pain. The goal of this study is to examine the direct and indirect effects of divorced residential mothers' rejection from the ex-spouse on their time to entering post-divorce romantic relationships. Results indicate that mothers' rejection from the ex-spouse is significantly associated with delays in repartnering. Results indicated two marginally significant indirect effects, providing some evidence that mothers' rejection from the ex-spouse and delayed repartnering is transmitted through decreases in mothers' depressive symptoms and increases in mothers' barriers to repartnering. These findings demonstrate the importance of promoting divorced mothers' self-perceptions following divorce.
RESUMEN
The relationship literature describes that declining commitment leads to breakup. The goal of this manuscript is to distinguish declining commitment and breakup to clarify this claim to better understand relationship processes. Data comes from a longitudinal study of heterosexual dating couples (N = 180). Both individuals in the relationship independently graphed changes in commitment to wed their partner and reported reasons for each change monthly for eight consecutive months. Frequency and intensity of decreased interaction, relational uncertainty, and alternative partners were measured across periods of stability (increased or stable levels of commitment to wed) and declining commitment (decreased commitment to wed that was at least one month in duration). Hierarchical linear models revealed that more frequent reports of these characteristics were associated with declining commitment rather than stability. Using survival analyses, intensity of each characteristic predicted breakup versus declining commitment. Implications for relationship processes are discussed.
RESUMEN
Repartnering has been linked to health benefits for mothers, yet few studies have examined relationship quality in this context. According to the divorce-stress-adaptation perspective, relationship quality may influence the relationship between maternal well-being and dating after divorce. The current study examines the consequences of dating, relationship quality, and dating transitions (breaking up and dating new partners) on maternal well-being (negative affect and life satisfaction). Using monthly surveys completed by mothers over a two-year period after filing for divorce, we examined changes in intercepts and slopes of dating status and transitions for maternal well-being while also testing the effects of relationship quality. Mothers entering high-quality relationships were likely to report boosts in well-being at relationship initiation compared to single mothers and mothers entering low-quality relationships. Mothers entering lower-quality relationships were likely to report lower levels of well-being than single mothers. Dating transitions were associated with increases in well-being. Implications for maternal adjustment are discussed.