Experiencing a significant life event during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of perceived control.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a context that might influence how people experience significant life events (such as marriage, job change, or relocation). In the present research, we argue that one important factor of how positively or negatively the pandemic influences the experience of significant life events is how much control people perceive in the situation. An online sample of N = 882 participants aged 18-82 years reported a significant life event that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants described whether the pandemic influenced the life event, to what extent they perceived control over the life event and how they experienced the life event in terms of valence (i.e., positively or negatively). The results showed that the self-reported pandemic influence was significantly associated with the life-event experience. Furthermore, perceived control partly mediated this association. The results persisted even after controlling for the age of the participants. The present research underscores the important role of control for experiencing significant life events in challenging times such as during the pandemic.

Assessing psychological variables on mobile devices: an introduction to the experience sampling app ESM-Quest.

The use of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), which involves repeated assessments in people's daily lives, has increased in popularity in psychology and associated disciplines in recent years. A rather challenging aspect of ESM is its technical implementation. In this paper, after briefly introducing the history of ESM and the main reasons for its current popularity, we outline the ESM-Quest experience sampling app which is currently being developed at the University of Vienna. ESM-Quest runs on different operating systems, specifically on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets running either iOS or Android. An internet connection is not necessary during the assessment. Compared to most other ESM apps, ESM-Quest allows event-based random sampling, which is very helpful when assessments need to be collected within specific situations. Currently, ESM-Quest is being utilized at the University of Vienna and will be made available for research groups worldwide upon request. We introduce the technical aspects of ESM-Quest and provide examples of analyses on ESM data collected through this app, such as examining fluctuations in constructs within individuals. Finally, we outline potential next steps in ESM research.

Experiences of solitude in adulthood and old age: The role of autonomy.

Recent evidence suggests that older adults experience momentary states of spending time alone (i.e., solitude) less negatively than younger adults. The current research explores the role of autonomy as an explanation mechanism of these age differences. Previous research demonstrated that solitude can be experienced positively when it is characterized by autonomy (i.e., the own wish or decision to be alone). As older adults are relatively more autonomous in their daily lives, they might experience solitude less negatively (in terms of subjective well-being, social integration, self-esteem, and valence) than younger adults. We tested this hypothesis in three studies. In two experience-sampling studies (Study 1: N = 129, 59.7% women, age 19-88 years; Study 2: N = 115, 66.4% women, age 18-85 years), older age and higher autonomy were associated with more positive experience of everyday solitude moments. Although autonomy did not differ between younger and older adults, perceived (lack of) autonomy partly played a more important role for the experience of solitude moments in younger adults compared to older adults. Finally, Study 3 (N = 323, 52% women, age 19-79 years) showed that the relationship between recalled solitude moments of high versus low autonomy and solitude experience is fully explained by feelings of autonomy. Overall, our results demonstrate that older people do not experience more autonomy in situations of solitude than younger adults, but that they partly better cope with low-autonomy solitude. However, people of all ages seem to benefit more from high-autonomy moments of solitude.

Exploring the Team Climate of Health and Social Care Professionals Implementing Integrated Care for Older People in Europe.

BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM STATEMENT: Team climate describes shared perceptions of organisational policies, practices and procedures. A positive team climate has been linked to better interprofessional collaboration and quality of care. Most studies examine team climate within health or social care organisations. This study uniquely explores the team climate of integrated health and social care teams implementing integrated care initiatives for older people in thirteen sites across seven European countries, and examines the factors which contribute to the development of team climate. THEORY AND METHODS: In a multiple case study design, data collected as part of the European SUSTAIN (Sustainable Tailored Integrated Care for Older People in Europe) project were analysed. The short-form Team Climate Inventory (TCI-14) was administered before and after implementation of the integrated care initiatives. Qualitative data was used to explain the changes in TCI-14 scores over time. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Overall, team climate was found to be high and increased over time in eight of the thirteen sites. The development of a shared vision was associated with a strong belief in the value and feasibility of the initiative, clear roles and responsibilities, and a reflective approach. Strong inter-personal relationships, shared decision-making, and high levels of commitment and motivation contributed to the development of participative safety. Support for innovation increased when staff had the 'space' and time to work together. CONCLUSION: This mixed methods study offers significant insights into the development and maintenance of team climate in complex, integrated care systems in Europe.