Eudaimonia and creativity: the art of human flourishing

In times of rapid change the Arts have been shown to contribute through an array of processes to a range of outcomes that improve social and emotional health. While this observation has caused debates in the field such as, intrinsic versus instrumental value, individuality versus sociality, skill development focus versus broader aesthetic focus/beauty, and the tired argument of process versus product, these reductive arguments negate the value of the Arts to becoming fully human. Using the New Economics Foundation’s ‘Five Paths to Wellbeing’ as a framework, this article describes these paths – connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give – and the way that Arts practices are reflective of them. These links are then illustrated through a consideration of an artist-in-residence project, and pre-service teachers highlighting animating principles and processes that reveal creativity as a core value, and the links between enabling, belonging, creating, health and wellbeing.     

Adverse childhood experiences and health anxiety in adulthood

Childhood experiences are thought to predispose a person to the development of health anxiety later in life. However, there is a lack of research investigating the influence of specific adverse experiences (e.g., childhood abuse, household dysfunction) on this condition. The current study examined the cumulative influence of multiple types of childhood adversities on health anxiety in adulthood. Adults 18–59 years of age (N = 264) completed a battery of measures to assess adverse childhood experiences, health anxiety, and associated constructs (i.e., negative affect and trait anxiety). Significant associations were observed between adverse childhood experiences, health anxiety, and associated constructs. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicted that adverse childhood experiences were predictive of health anxiety in adulthood; however, the unique contribution of these experience were no longer significant following the inclusion of the other variables of interest. Subsequently, mediation analyses indicated that both negative affect and trait anxiety independently mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and health anxiety in adulthood. Increased exposure to adverse childhood experiences is associated with higher levels of health anxiety in adulthood; this relationship is mediated through negative affect and trait anxiety. Findings support the long-term negative impact of cumulative adverse childhood experiences and emphasize the importance of addressing negative affect and trait anxiety in efforts to prevent and treat health anxiety.     

Perceived Value of Certification as a Process for Training Managers: A Case Study From the Hospitality Industry

This paper uses a qualitative research methodology to investigate the perceived value of certification as a process for training managers in the lodging industry. Using a “stakeholder group” to provide face validity, a dual-level sample was contacted, consisting of 10 high-ranking corporate-level managers and 185 hotel general managers. Respondents were asked to determine how they would distribute resources in support of various academic qualifications, including a certification program sponsored by the American Hotel and Motel Association—the “Certified Rooms Division Executive” (CRDE). Respondents also were asked to rank qualifications in terms of utility for hiring and promotion. The following major conclusions were reached. In the hospitality industry: (a) Certification is seen as a viable methodology for training in lower-level management skills, especially among those property level general managers who have little formal education; (b) there was a clear distinction between support for certification at the corporate vice-presidential level and the property general managers' level, with property level managers expressing greater support; and (c) the CRDE is “valued” above a generic two-year degree, in both hiring and first promotion, if other “personal” factors are ignored.     

Association of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Perinatal Maternal Depression with Early Childhood Behavioral Problems: An Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Study

This study examined the association of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), prenatal, and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms with externalizing, internalizing, and autism spectrum problems on the Preschool Child Behavior Checklist in 2379 children aged 4.12 ± 0.60 (48% female; 47% White, 32% Black, 15% Mixed Race, 4% Asian, <2% American Indian/Alaskan Native, <2% Native Hawaiian; 23% Hispanic). Data were collected from the NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program from 2009-2021. GDM, prenatal, and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms were each associated with increased child externalizing and internalizing problems. GDM was associated with increased autism behaviors only among children exposed to perinatal maternal depressive symptoms above the median level. Stratified analyses revealed a relation between GDM and child outcomes in males only.