Background: This article explores the significant role of religious tourism as a catalyst for economic growth in destination Topol'cianky. The Scapular pilgrimage in Topol'cianky is one of the oldest in Central Europe. Its history dates back to the 17th century. Methods: Qualitative and also quantitative research methodology was used to conduct this researchA. Semi-structured interviews with destination stakeholders, representatives of the church and the Topol'cianky municipality, as well as with inhabitants, were used to collect data. A questionnaire focused on the spendings of pilgrimage visitors to Topol'cianky was also used to collect data. Results: Spending structures of pilgrimage's visitors change in favor of destination development over the years. Nowadays, visitors do not take part just in pilgrimage, however, they more often look for spending their time with visiting and experiencing more of the destination. Conclusion: The conducted research forms the basis for further research on the socio-economic implications of religious tourism in Central Europe. The findings of the research can be beneficial for destination representatives to build destination and new tourism products on the foundations of Christian pilgrimage.
Background: The article, based on research undertaken, explores the experiences of social workers in selected hospice care facilities within the Czech and Slovak Republics A. Methods: The primary objective of the research was to identify the activities involved in the work of social workers (respondents) in selected hospice care facilities in the Czech and Slovak Republics. A specific objective was to determine the methods used by the respondents in working with clients and their families . The research was undertaken utilizing qualitative research strategies A. Results: The activities included in the respondents' work can be divided into formal and informal forms of interaction with clients and their families A. Formal work includes providing social counselling, legal advice, engaging in conversations with the clients, and identifying their needs and wishes A. Informal work encompasses tasks such as maintaining client documentation in hospice care facilities and developing care plans A. The respondents reported using the following methods in their work with clients: social counselling, verbal and non-verbal communication, validation, reminiscence, aromatherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and bibliotherapy. Conclusion: Performing similar studies can help emphasize the importance of the role of social workers in hospice care facilities within a Czech and Slovak environment A.
Background: The article provides a concise examination of the benefits of canine-assisted therapy for children and seniors, highlighting its effectiveness as either a primary or complementary therapeutic approachA. It also draws on the implementation of current canine-assisted therapy sessions conducted at the Centre for Children and Families and the Facility for the Elderly in Skalica. Conclusion: Similar articles may serve as a foundation for further research exploring specific aspects of the benefits of canistherapy for diverse target groups within the Slovak environment.
Background: The article highlights the importance of the implementation of rituals associated with the end of life during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular pointing out the consequences resulting from failure to perform these rituals . Methods: Data were collected using a qualitative research design, as the chosen method was a personal case study. The selected technique was a semi-structured interview with five respondents . The entry criterion for the research was that participants had to be survivors who lost close relatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, either in a hospital or on the way to a hospital. The results were analyzed according to thematic analysis recommendations, using Atlas.ti software. Results: Research highlights the importance of performing the rituals associated with the end of life . Failure to perform these rituals poses a high risk of complicated grief. From the perspective of the bereaved respondents, a wide range of consequences were observed, particularly in the psychosocial, spiritual, and physical domains. Conclusion: The extent of the impact caused by the inability to perform these rituals can be so profound that it is not easily manageable without professional help and support. Psychosocial and spiritual support from professionals completely failed during the pandemic . Further research should focus on promoting the digitalization of healthcare and improving access to telecommunications/telemedicine. It should also address enhancing the expertise of healthcare workers and increasing information literacy among the older patient population . Additionally, research should be directed toward strategies for developing palliative care under challenging epidemiological conditions.
Background: Statistics about divorce are rising on a national and worldwide scale . But it should be remembered that every religion has a different legal solution for divorce, and that the terms of divorce in Islam and its sects are distinct . Considering the state of Iranian society today and the rise in divorce cases filed in the courts of justice, it is imperative to investigate and evaluate the legal system of divorce in Iran and make a legal comparison with other developed nations. The current research was conducted with the aim of investigating the dimensions and causes of divorce using a descriptive analytical method and using library documents . The results of this research showed that, from the legal point of view, the causes of divorce include divorce by the will of the man and divorce by the will of the woman . According to this, before the adoption of the law on the formation of family courts, a man could divorce his wife whenever he wanted, but after the adoption of the family protection law, obtaining a court order regarding the wife's divorce is a precursor to the implementation of divorce by the husband, which is not implemented without guarantee. Also, a woman can request a divorce from the court for the following reasons, such as the husband's refusal or inability to pay alimony (Using Article (1129) of the Civil Code), refusal of the husband from fulfilling marital duties (Paragraph (1) of Article (1130) of the Civil Law), husband's misbehavior to such an extent that it makes life unbearable (Paragraph (2) of Article (1130) of the Civil Law), contagious and incurable disease of the husband (Paragraph (3) of Article (1130) of the Civil Law), absence of husband for more than four years, wife's attorney from husband (Article (1119) of the Civil Law). Conclusion: In this regard, it is suggested thatjudicial divorce should be explicitly announced to achieve compatibility and harmony with the legislator's goal of recognizing the right of a woman to request a divorce, and the obligation of a man to divorce.
Background/Aim: The empirical study on the values of Czech culture among the Czech population wants to show the irreplaceable element of the psychological and spiritual aspect of the presenttime in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic . The main objective of the research, linked to the main research question, is based on this dimension: Which pillars of of Czech culture values rely on an important religious phenomenon? Methods: A quantitative research methodology was chosen to conduct the research. The research representative sample consisted of 1125 research participants, of which 42% (N = 473) were male and 58% (N = 652) were female. The target group of the research consisted of people with the highest level of education from primary to tertiary. The age composition was divided into five age groups. In the research sample, 48% (N = 540) of the participants identified themselves as atheists in terms of religious beliefs, while a similar number of 48% (N = 541) of the respondents professed Christian beliefs. Results: The results of the research led us to the conviction that the values of Czech culture in the context of spiritual aspects occupy an important place in the thinking of the general public . Conclusion: The findings in the conducted research can be deepened by further investigations in the field of preservation and development of the values of Czech culture, as well as spiritual values.
Background: Therapeutic sessions can significantly contribute to patient care through a developed intervention program. These sessions can assist patients, for example in identifying the complexity of their experiences, enabling them to examine, acknowledge, and either accept or alter them. Methods: Our research utilized a qualitative research design . The data collection tool was a series of semi-structured interviews . The research took place between September 2023 and June 2024 in healthcare facilities in Slovakia, Italy, Spain, and Poland. The research aimed to identify the psychological challenges experienced by patients, particularly seniors, during their stay in a hospital environment and how therapeutic sessions were beneficial to them. A total of 35 respondents participated in the study, all seniors aged 56-70, suffering from mild musculoskeletal disorders or mild cardiovascular conditions. Results: The respondents engaged during the therapeutic sessions in the hospital environment with the following important areas: perception of their own feelings and personal experiences, loneliness, sense of autonomy and growth, redefining ways of thinking and behavior, belief in God or the transcendent, forgiveness, and attitudes toward digital technologies in healthcare. Conclusion: Further exploration could focus more deeply on supporting seniors in the hospital environment and the development of proactive coping strategies during crises, or on the various distinctions in seniors' perceptions of healthcare digitalization.
Background/Aim: Hope gives meaning to life in challenging situations, which certainly include oncological diseases. The aim of the research was to find out the importance of hope in oncology patients. Methods: A qualitative methodology was used for the researchA. It was a narrative study employing the technique of semi-structured interviews . Six respondents, patients with oncological diseases aged over 40, participated, married/living with a partner . Results: At least three of the five phases of response to K & uuml;bler-Ross oncological diagnosis were identified in the participants. Among the participants, material needs were changed to spiritualA. For all the participants, the greatest support in their dealing with the illness was the familyA. Women, although married, did not mention the husband as support, but always the person of the female gender- mother or daughter, while men mentioned their wivesA. In general, all the participants maintained hope of survival, however, the women were more optimisticA. They stated that they believed in themselves ("that they could cope with this situation"), their loved ones and experts . Conclusion: Sustaining hope is part of the communication between health professionals and patients that can maintain positive feelings, goals and beliefs of patients and their families for their well-being . The results of the research for this article may contribute to improving health care, psychological and spiritual care, care for patients in hospice care and palliative care focused on sensitive topics.
Background: The restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among migrant workers in India, caused unrest, fear, and anxiety and turned into one of the most serious disasters in India's history. The only option for migrant workers who lost their jobs or financial income was to return to their country of origin . Many of them had to travel hundreds of kilometres over rough roads and railway tracks to do so . During the pandemic, they were subjected to particularly appalling conditions and ill-treatment. These aspects exacerbated their already poor conditions resulting from their status as migrants and exacerbated their disadvantage. This article examines the problems that migrant workers in India faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The analysis showed that they faced problems in complying with the quarantine, including lack of support from family, poor care, and social exclusion . Other problems included loss of employment and income during the pandemic, inadequate working conditions in terms of health protection, and increased susceptibility to disease and infection due to non-compliance with hygiene measures. The findings of this analysis could be useful in designing new projects to improve conditions for migrant workers. Future research and studies should focus on clarifying in more detail the consequences of the pandemic, economic, and food crises and their impact on migration and the factors that influence population movements.
Background/Aim: This study deals with volunteering and its use by short-term mission trips to help the community and give something in return on the one side and on the other hand with the sharing economy as a modern phenomenon, which increases on importance and the opportunities which brings the development of sharing platforms to the field of volunteering. Methods: The research design of the study was chosen to target an available measurement methodsA. We chose to use descriptive and comparative methods to present the best overview of the studied issue and also to bring the relevant information obtained from various statistics presented by different organizations. Results: The results of our study showed us that volunteering is an important part of community activities and that people who are willing to share their own free time, skills, or knowledge with others for free often stated, that volunteering improved their self-confidence, mental health and helped them become more aware of the community . The volunteers who used their holidays for short-term mission trips said that it helped them to better understand different cultures as well as themselves . Through the analyses, we also found that volunteering and the shared community economy have a common idea, which is sharing time in order to give something back to the community and that there also exist some volunteering digital platforms combining the principles of the sharing economy with volunteerism . Conclusion: Further investigations could build on articles like this, focusing on more detailed contexts and common principles of volunteering and the sharing economy .
Background: The article provides a concise definition of donor crowdfunding as well as a historical overview. Through qualitative content analysis, it identifies open campaigns and subsequently implemented projects on the Slovak crowdfunding platform Donio. Conclusion: Other studies focusing on crowdfunding can be linked to similar articles. These studies should focus on a more detailed investigation of the mechanisms that contribute to the success of crowdfunding-supported projects. They should also focus on identifying strategies suitable for setting up projects in the non-profit sector.
Background: Personal growth and health care are crucial during a woman's productive working period of life but also represent a fundamental necessity for mothers on maternity leave, particularly within culturally ingrained practices such as those observed in Slovakia . The tradition of maternity and later parental leave, which lasts up here to three years, is a relatively rare model of childcare among European countries. Most Slovak mothers consider this time a benefit, even though this approach might result in a significant loss of their professional development while dedicating their time to household and childcare during these three years. Methods: The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of mothers on maternity or parental leave who suffer from migraines, as well as their perceptions regarding the use of social media (SM) whilst suffering from this condition. Qualitative research methodology was used to conduct the research. 17 respondents, mothers on maternity or parental leave, from different regions of Slovakia and different socio-economic backgrounds participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Results: Research findings indicate that for the mothers in our study, social media serves as a crucial resource for: 1) obtaining essential information on migraine treatments and relief strategies, 2) finding inspiration for managing their condition, particularly through "stories of others" dealing with similar health issues, 3) gaining social support from online communities, and 4) focusing on self-care through content related to self-care practices shared on social media. Conclusion: The results of this research can assist healthcare providers and social policy makers in enhancing the quality of healthcare services, particularly in providing online support for mothers during maternity or parental leave. Furthermore, these findings may serve as a valuable resource for future studies and play a role in advancing more effective healthcare practices in both traditional and digital settings.
Background/Aim: This article discusses the possibilities and role of poetry education in character education, which aims to promote well-being in educationA. The article is based on the author's doctoral project, which was conducted in two stages. Methods: During the first stage, a pilot project was carried out, and during the second stage, the main study was conducted with the goal of performing an intervention involving a comparative evaluation, in an Icelandic subject classroom setting, using quantitative and qualitative methods to measure the students' virtue literacy, focusing on 9 th grade students . One group received poetry lessons using learning materials created specifically for the project, while another group received traditional Icelandic subject lessons during the same period . Questionnaires were administered to both groups before and after the intervention to measure potential changes in their understanding of virtues, poetry, and moral issues . Early indications from the pilot project suggested that the quantitative aspect of the research might be too limited, prompting the decision to extend the main study and add an interview-based research component, involving thematic analysis. Results: The results of the research are presented below, where the connections between character education and poetry are explored in light of the aforementioned thematic analysis. Four overarching themes - freedom, creativity, time, and wonderment - were identified following a series of interviews with ten experts and teachers who had experience using poetry in education. Conclusion: The overarching themes, with their underlying themes and sub-themes, offer an insight into the Icelandic curriculum and the potential Character Education, here augmented through poetry teaching, has for tackling some of the barriers and elements that lead to school boredomA.
Background: In the context of caring for children with disabilities, the family plays a crucial role in ensuring their well-being and development . Parents facing the challenging demands of caring for children with disabilities often require emotional and professional support. A crucial tool in providing this support is frequent counselling sessions . Methods: In the first half of 2024, a qualitative research study was conducted. The data collection tool utilized was focus groups . The aim of the research was to explore how parents of children with disabilities perceive frequent counselling sessions and what benefits these sessions bring to their daily lives. A total of 11 respondents participated in the study, consisting of 3 men (fathers) and 8 women (mothers) of children with disabilities. Results: The respondents viewed frequent counselling sessions as a highly positive experience . According to their statements, these sessions provided them with emotional support, enhanced their parenting competencies, improved their understanding of their children's needs, and facilitated their ability to cope with everyday situations and various challenges. Conclusion: Frequent counselling sessions have the potential to improve the quality of life for families of children with disabilities while also supporting the social integration of these children into society . Therefore, future research should prioritize obtaining a more in-depth understanding of the effects of counselling services for this target group of clients within the Slovak context .
Background: The article examines the narcissistic behaviour of parents, clients of the centres for children and families, and how such behaviour affects children. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 . Its aim was to discover what narcissistic behavioural manifestations the respondents, clients of the Centers for Children and Families, had experienced prior to long-term cognitive-behavioural therapy and what their needs were during the course of therapyA. Semi-structured interviews were the data collection instrument. Thirty-five respondents, 13 mothers and 22 fathers, from the centres for children and families in Bratislava, & Zcaron;itavce, and Myjava participated in the research. Results: Narcissistic tendencies manifested themselves in relation to children and, for the respondents, in the area of self-esteem, i.e. on a personal level . Conclusion: Children in centres for children and families have developed unwanted behaviours, learning disabilities, eating disorders, and psychiatric diagnoses as a result of parental behaviourA. Therefore, further research on this issue should be focused on a deeper analysis of such behaviours . Through these behaviours, children try to over-satisfy the needs of others and accommodate them at all costs in order to feel accepted and to experience a sense of unconditional acceptanceA. This may result in substance abuse or lead to maintaining relationships with peers who engage in delinquent behaviourA. It is also important in research to seek new approaches that support the building of self-esteem and self-love in these children, as well as a sense of personal identity .
Background/Aim: The main aim of this study is to add to and nuance, the historical knowledge about the actual persecution of Christians in the ancient world. Method: We draw mainly on historical sources, more exactly, the Church Fathers and other non-Christian authors, in order to offer a more accurate understanding of Christian persecution by the the powers that be. We suggest that maltreatment represented a constant and significant presence in Christian life from the very beginning, which explains why persecution has been the subject of countless writings and authors, historical and otherwise. This should hopefully help us come to terms with the reality of Christian persecution in contemporary times. Results: The key thesis of the study will be that the vast majority of the ecclesiastical writers of antiquity insist that, on the one hand, the persecution of Christians was a major challenge to the integrity of the Church, and on the other hand (and surprisingly enough) its reproductive force. This unfathomable paradox, despite its gruesome roots, has led to an increase of faith in Christ, and continues to do so to this day. We suggest that the same self-sacrificial spirit may be the reason why even after so many years of oppression and discrimination, Christian believers remain unwavering in their faith; a fact which bears testimony to the ongoing vitality of Christianity. Conclusion: Similar studies can serve as inspiration for further research on martyrdom, the testimony to the Christian faith, for example, in the case of religious communities during the persecutions under the communist regime in Slovakia. They can also help others come to terms with the reality of Christian persecution today.
Background: Modernism means intellectual tendency towards new and more advanced cultural phenomena and abandoning some old traditions. SiminBehbahani is considered one of the successful contemporary female poets . Simin's poetry has a special place in contemporary Iranian literature in terms of form. Ghada Al-Saman is also one of the contemporary female poets of literary poetry who has experimented in the field of structure and theme in the poetry of her time, outside the stereotypes and norms of her time . SiminBehbahani and Ghada Al-Saman are two poets who have achieved recognition in the field of poetry. At the same time, with the poems of the evasive norm and rebellious thoughts, they are narrators and show many features and requirements of the society of their time . The method of this research is library study and structuralism analysis based on the study of the works of two poets . The purpose of this article is to get acquainted with contemporary Persian and Syrian literature, to examine the content and themes of the poems of two contemporary poets, and to compare the poems of these two in terms of the components of social romanticism and modernity . Conclusion: The results and findings of the research show that Behbahani and Ghada challenge many of the common traditions of their time with their feminine language and poetic symbolism, and sometimes boldly express some political and social disturbances in their poetry and the power relations in the society of their time, and talk about issues related to oriental women and their daily lives. It is suggested that students and researchers, discuss other findings of social romanticism and modernism in this regard.
Background: The article examines selected aspects of spiritual discernment in four monks: St. Anthony the Abbot, St. Barsanuphius, John Climacus, and Maximus the Confessor, each of whom made significant contributions to the practice of spiritual discernment. Each of these monks had a distinct approach to spiritual discernment. Nevertheless, they all provide valuable insights into achieving the most authentic form of Christian life, enriching the concept of spiritual discernment with unique themes. For St. Anthony the Abbot, spiritual discernment is characterized by valuable guidance for others. St. Barsanuphius emphasizes the illumination of the heart as a central aspect of spiritual discernment. John Climacus focuses on self-knowledge and the cultivation of virtues in the process of spiritual discernment. According to Maximus the Confessor, a key element of spiritual discernment is the close relationship between discernment and love. Conclusion: In the field of spiritual discernment, similar articles can pave the way for further in-depth exploration. When applied practically in Christian life through the aid of Divine love and grace, the approaches to spiritual discernment of the four aforementioned monks can serve as a source of inspiration for the present day. They offer guidance for advancing in spiritual life, progressing along the spiritual journey, and fostering personal development.
Background/Aim: This study deals with current important topics that join the personal decision-making process in the field of work and professional missions. The primary objective of the research was to identify what are the main decision-making factors in terms of a person's working/entrepreneurial life, especially in the territory of Northwest Bohemia. Methods: The research design of the study was chosen to target available measurement methods. We analyzed the results obtained from the measurements using basic descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The research set was obtained by deliberate selection. As the target research groups we compared, we selected residents of Northwest Bohemia. A total of 288 respondents participated in the study, of which 39% were male and 61% were female. Results: The results showed that among the population of northwestern Bohemia, there is a fear of entering into business in working life caused by a feeling of uncertainty, especially uncertain income or the development of the situation. On the contrary, the motivating factor is reality and the desire to build and leave something behind as a legacy to other people or generations. It is here that one can see the dimension of not only the economic but also the spiritual mission of business. Conclusion: The implementation of similar investigations can contribute to the discussion regarding the alleviation of fear associated with entrepreneurship, the understanding of one's own abilities, predispositions, preferences, and also to the awareness of which benefits in employment and entrepreneurship are more appealing despite the risks.
