Concetta Pirrone

The Influence of Building Block Play on Mathematics Achievement and Logical and Divergent Thinking in Italian Primary School Mathematics Classes

Abstract In an experimental study to explain the effect of structured Building Block Play with LEGO™ bricks on 6-year-old student mathematics achievement and in the areas of logical thinking, divergent thinking, nonverbal reasoning, and mental imagery, students in the experimental group scored significantly higher (p ≤ .05) in mathematics achievement and in the areas of divergent thinking, nonverbal reasoning abilities, and mental imagery.

Successfully aging. choice of life or life that choices

PETRALIA MARIA CRISTINA1, COCO MARINELLA2, MACI TIZIANA3, MINISSALE CHIARA4 , CONCETTA DE PASQUALE4, D’ORTO GIANLUCA4, MARIA SOFIA BASILE2, DONATO EZIO5, MANIACI MARIO5, COMMODARI ELENA6, DI NUOVO SANTO6, PERCIAVALLE VINCENZO2, DI CORRADO DONATELLA7, GUARNERA MARIA7, PIRRONE CONCETTA6, CASTELLANO SABRINA1, PLATANIA SILVIA2, RAMACI TIZIANA7, BELLOMO MARIA7, MAGGIO CLAUDIO4, SEHILI AMEL4, COCO LUCIO SALVATORE GIOVANNI4, NAPOLITANO SALVATORE8, ASCIONE ANTONIO8, PERCIAVALLE VALENTINA6, BUSCEMI ANDREA9 1Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences and Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania 2Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania 3Department of Mental Health of ASP 3 in Catania Alzheimer Center Psychogeriatry 4University of Catania 5Virgin Active Catania 6Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania 7Department of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University, Enna 8Department Physical Education and Wellness, University of Naples “Parthenope” 9Horus Cooperative Social, Ragusa

Variabili socio-demografiche, sanitarie e psicologiche dello stress lavorativo

Obiettivo principale del presente studio e individuare e valutare in ottica interdisciplinare le principali variabili che possono influenzare il malessere lavorativo, utilizzando strumenti diagnostici adatti a misurare in modo attendibile e valido sul piano sia psicometrico che clinico le variabili osservabili in ambito organizzativo. E stato esaminato un campione di 243 persone, dipendenti di aziende sanitarie e scolastiche. I risultati evidenziano come i disturbi psicofisici generalmente prevalenti siano quelli del sonno; le percezioni di stress direttamente riferite al lavoro riguardano le preoccupazioni inerenti la mansione e la sensazione di non avere piu energie sufficienti per svolgere adeguatamente il proprio lavoro. Alcune significative differenze sono state riscontrate relativamente al genere e all’ambito di lavoro (maggiore stress emotivo e riportato nei lavoratori della sanita rispetto a quelli della scuola). Cambiamenti nello stile di vita, dieta, variazioni di peso sono correlati con l’incremento dello stress. Specifici aspetti di stress sul lavoro predicono significativamente lo stress complessivo, mentre altri sembrano dipendere da diversi fattori extralavorativi. Analisi di approfondimento qualitativo consentono di valutare il profilo dei lavoratori che hanno uno stress superiore al limite della norma. I risultati potranno essere utili al fine di formulare specifici piani organizzativi mirati alla riduzione delle variabili fisiche e psicologiche che incidono sullo stress lavorativo, mediante attivita di risk-management da usare per la diagnosi e la gestione organizzativa. The main objective of this study is to detect and evaluate, in interdisciplinary perspective, the key variables that can affect work uneasiness, using diagnostic tools suitable for measuring both the psychometric and the clinically relevant variables observable in the organizational context. The sample of the study is composed of 243 subjects, working both in health and school organizations. The results show that the psychophysical disorders generally prevalent regard sleep; stress perceptions directly related to work regard job-related concerns and the feeling of not having enough energy to properly carry out work. Significant differences have been reported pertinent to gender and work context (more emotional stress was reported in healthcare workers than in the school). Lifestyle changes, diet, weight alterations are correlated with increased stress. Specific aspects of work stress significantly predict overall stress, while others seem to depend on different non-working factors. Qualitative in-depth analyses allow assessing the profile of the workers who have a higher stress compared with the norms. The results may be useful in order to formulate specific organizational strategies aimed at reducing physical and psychological variables affecting work stress, through risk management activities useful for diagnosis and organizational planning.