University of Lapland

About: University of Lapland is a education organization based out in Rovaniemi, Finland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Arctic & Indigenous. The organization has 665 authors who have published 1870 publications receiving 39129 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Rovaniemi & Lapin yliopisto.

Dispositional optimism as predictor of outcome in short- and long-term psychotherapy

Abstract: Objectives Dispositional optimism predicts various beneficial outcomes in somatic health and treatment, but has been little studied in psychotherapy. This study investigated whether an optimistic disposition differentially predicts patients’ ability to benefit from short-term versus long-term psychotherapy. Design A total of 326 adult outpatients with mood and/or anxiety disorder were randomized into short-term (solution-focused or short-term psychodynamic) or long-term psychodynamic therapy and followed up for 3 years. Methods Dispositional optimism was assessed by patients at baseline with the self-rated Life Orientation Test (LOT) questionnaire. Outcome was assessed at baseline and seven times during the follow-up, in terms of depressive (BDI, HDRS), anxiety (SCL-90-ANX, HARS), and general psychiatric symptoms (SCL-90-GSI), all seven follow-up points including patients’ self-reports and three including interview-based measures. Results Lower dispositional optimism predicted faster symptom reduction in short-term than in long-term psychotherapy. Higher optimism predicted equally rapid and eventually greater benefits in long-term, as compared to short-term, psychotherapy. Conclusions Weaker optimism appeared to predict sustenance of problems early in long-term therapy. Stronger optimism seems to best facilitate engaging in and benefiting from a long-term therapy process. Closer research might clarify the psychological processes responsible for these effects and help fine-tune both briefer and longer interventions to optimize treatment effectiveness for particular patients and their psychological qualities. Practitioner points Weaker dispositional optimism does not appear to inhibit brief therapy from effecting symptomatic recovery. Patients with weaker optimism do not seem to gain added benefits from long-term therapy, but instead may be susceptible to prolonged psychiatric symptoms in the early stages of long-term therapy.

Complex regional innovation networks and HEI engagement - the case of Chicago

Abstract: This article considers how HEIs engage within local complex development networks in order to develop the urban metropolis, using the case of Chicago as a specific example. The data utilised in the study are based on document analysis and interviews with some 40 representatives of organisations within the Chicago metropolitan area, including regional HEIs. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken in order to determine core themes and discourses, and to build a logical chain of evidence to formulate our conclusions, which offer new thinking about the regional engagement role of HEIs within complex innovation systems. Our focus of analysis was the extent to which an adaptive and creative co-operation network of local triple helix actors had been created. Our study shows that creativity, the sharing of information, and acting and learning together are critical success factors in city development, and in particular in capitalising in the knowledge held by HEIs.

Legislative Language in the EU: The Crucible

Abstract: The present article discusses threeactors whose interests shape legislativelanguage in the EU to a significant extent: thelay reader, the legislator and the linguist. Asthe end user of legislation, the first isconcerned with inscription – a reliable,i.e., transparent, final product. The secondhas a strong professional interest in prescription – fixing meaning to achieveconsistent application of the law. The third isand must be utterly disinterested, focusing ondescription – a systematic account ofprevailing usage. The dynamic obtaining amongthese interests is illustrated through a studyof ambiguity in the use of the deontic modalsshall, may and must in legislation. Thediscussion first takes up inconsistencies ofuse that compromise transparency in what isassumed to be unambiguous drafting. It thengoes on to sketch attempts within the legalprofession to address issues of discrepantusage in the modals and outlines mediatingmechanisms, all feasible in and some unique tothe EU, which might contain the tensionsidentified.

Experiencing the Elements – User Study with Natural Material Probes

Abstract: In this paper, we present the first systematic user study exploring the user experience and perceptions towards different natural materials – water, ice, stone, sand, fire, wind and soup bubbles. By trying out different materials, participants (n = 16) expressed their associations and perceptions, rated different qualities of the materials, and described their impressions through product reaction cards. Our findings reveal for example that light weight and ease of movement are perceived as central qualities when inspiring and fun elements are sought for. This exploratory study shines light on user experiences with natural elements, and provides an experimental grounding for naturalistic tangible user interface design. Material qualities in tangible user interface design create a subtle, but critical part of the user experience.

What is it like to be at home: the experiences of five- to seven-year-old Finnish children

Abstract: What kind of place is the home for the children of today’s world where the tight working pace and schedules frame children’s lives and transitions between home and day care? The primary significance and value of home is unquestionable for children’s development and rarely have the adults stopped in order to listen to the children’s thoughts about how they experience home. The purpose of this article is to describe on the one hand the experiences that the children have of the home as a place and on the other hand to bring out how the children talk about their experiences. Twenty-nine Finnish day care children (aged 5–7) are the research subjects. This study uses the existential phenomenological method to describe children’s experiences as they appear to the children themselves. The children’s opinions on a home are an essential means for developing parenthood. In addition, the working hours in the modern society are worth reflecting: other surroundings hardly substitute for home.