How does Openness impact on loneliness ?5 answersOpenness can significantly impact loneliness in various contexts. Research suggests that individuals from adoptive families characterized by openness and honesty tend to experience lower levels of loneliness and closer relationships with their adoptive parents. Conversely, individuals with a history of alcoholism in their families may struggle with intimacy and loneliness, with adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) reporting less intimacy in their relationships compared to adult children of nonalcoholics (ACNAs). Additionally, openness is highlighted as a contextual concept that does not automatically lead to inclusiveness or equity, indicating that the effects of openness on loneliness can vary depending on the specific circumstances and resources available. These findings underscore the complex relationship between openness and loneliness, influenced by familial dynamics and individual experiences.
How does Niklas Luhmann define the terms "openness" and "closeness" in relation to organizational functioning?5 answersNiklas Luhmann's theoretical framework offers a nuanced understanding of "openness" and "closeness" within organizational functioning, diverging from traditional binary interpretations. Luhmann conceptualizes organizations as social systems characterized by operational closure, which refers to the self-referential and self-organizing processes that define their boundaries and internal operations. This operational closure, however, does not imply isolation from the environment; rather, it enables organizations to maintain their identity and autonomy while still being open to environmental influences through selective interactions. Luhmann's distinction between system and environment underlines this interplay, where organizations are seen as both closed in their operations and open in their communications and decisions, which are crucial for identifying organizational limits and coordinating actions within their boundaries.
Luhmann's approach expands the understanding of organizational boundaries by emphasizing the role of communications in the construction of these boundaries, thus highlighting a form of openness through the organization's engagement with its environment. This perspective aligns with the broader discourse on openness in organizational studies, which increasingly acknowledges the complexity of open and closed elements in strategy-making, innovation, and organizational design. The concept of "clopenness," as discussed in the software industry, further illustrates the practical application of Luhmann's ideas, showing how organizations navigate the continuum between openness and closeness to make better business decisions.
Moreover, Luhmann's theory resonates with contemporary discussions on Open Organizing, which explore transparency, inclusion, and distributed decision rights as dimensions of openness, while also acknowledging the necessity of certain closures to achieve desired outcomes. This theoretical backdrop enriches the understanding of how organizations can be and remain open in a societal context that increasingly advocates for closeness, offering insights into the dynamic and relational nature of organizational boundaries and functioning.
What is perceived closeness?4 answersPerceived closeness refers to the subjective sense of interconnectedness or intimacy between individuals in various relationships. It plays a crucial role in influencing different aspects of interpersonal dynamics. Research indicates that perceived closeness can act as a protective buffer against the negative effects of stress on biological aging pathways. Moreover, in relationships where individuals feel close to each other, psychological comfort becomes a significant predictor of relationship maintenance and patient retention. Additionally, perceived closeness extends to how individuals perceive their partners' inclusion in their self-concept, which in turn influences relationship outcomes. Overall, perceived closeness encompasses feelings of intimacy, trust, and comfort, impacting various facets of social interactions and relationship quality.
What scales are used to measure closeness in relationships?4 answersThe scales used to measure closeness in relationships include the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Revised Child version (ECR-RC), the 'Inclusion of the Other in the Self' (IOS) Scale, and the Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale (URCS). The ECR-RC is a tool specifically designed to assess anxious and avoidant attachment in children and adolescents. The IOS Scale is a pictorial tool that measures the subjectively perceived closeness of a relationship and is highly reliable. The URCS is a self-report scale that measures the closeness of social and personal relationships and has high reliability and validity across different relationship types. Additionally, the ECR-RS is another scale that assesses attachment in close relationships, including father, mother, romantic partners, and friends, and measures anxious and avoidant attachment.
Willingness for closeness with multiculturalism5 answersThe willingness for closeness with multiculturalism is influenced by various factors. Research suggests that cross-group friendship plays a significant role in promoting positive attitudes toward outgroups. Additionally, individuals with a multicultural personality are more likely to have positive outgroup attitudes when they engage in close cross-group interactions. Furthermore, young people generally perceive multiculturalism as positive, as it leads to increased opportunities for interaction, understanding, and acceptance. However, a significant portion of young individuals may hold negative views towards multiculturalism due to fear, concern, and frustration towards specific minority ethnic and faith communities. The ability to manage diversity and promote acceptance of multiculturalism is crucial for societies. Fair procedures used by authorities in making policies can enhance acceptance of policies, even among those who may perceive the consequences as unfair. Overall, the willingness for closeness with multiculturalism is influenced by factors such as cross-group friendship, multicultural personality, perceptions of diversity, and fairness in policy-making.
Has the association between student's sense of belonging, mental health and well-being been proven?2 answersThe association between students' sense of belonging, mental health, and well-being has been explored in several studies. Research has shown that a sense of belonging in the university community is important for achieving well-being and good mental health. Peer support plays a significant role in creating a sense of belonging and supporting students' transitions into university. Additionally, a strong sense of belonging has been found to buffer against adverse mental health outcomes, such as depressive symptoms and anxiety, among college students. Furthermore, the perception of a positive mental health climate and a higher sense of belonging are associated with lower levels of depression among Black college students. These findings highlight the importance of considering students' sense of belonging in relation to their mental health and well-being, and suggest that interventions and programmatic changes at the institutional level are needed to support students from diverse backgrounds.