Browsing by Person "Chouliara, Zoë"

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A randomized trial of face-to-face counselling versus telephone counselling versus bibliotherapy for occupational stress.
(British Psychological Society, 2009) Kilfedder, Catherine; Power, K. G.; Karatzias, T.; Chouliara, Zoë; McCafferty, Aileen; Niven, Karen; Galloway, Lisa; Sharp, Stephen
Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness and acceptability of three interventions for occupational stress. Methods/design A total of 90 National Health Service employees were randomized to face-to-face counselling or telephone counselling or bibliotherapy. Outcomes were assessed at post-intervention and 4-month follow-up. Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were used to evaluate intervention outcomes. An intention-to-treat analyses was performed. Results Repeated measures analysis revealed significant time effects on all measures with the exception of CORE Risk. No significant group effects were detected on all outcome measures. No time by group significant interaction effects were detected on any of the outcome measures with the exception of CORE Functioning and GHQ total. With regard to acceptability of interventions, participants expressed a preference for face-to-face counselling over the other two modalities. Conclusions Overall, it was concluded that the three intervention groups are equally effective. Given that bibliotherapy is the least costly of the three, results from the present study might be considered in relation to a stepped care approach to occupational stress management with bibliotherapy as the first line of intervention, followed by telephone and face-to-face counselling as required.
Cognitive appraisals and physical health in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
(2009-04) Karatzias, T.; Chouliara, Zoë
Previous literature suggests that posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD) is associated with poor physical health. To date a number of existing hypotheses have been developed to explain this association focusing predominantly on the interplay between cognitive and emotional appraisals. We have attempted to synthesise existing literature on the role of cognitive and emotional appraisals in explaining ill health (i.e. medically explained symptoms), following PTSD. On the basis of this review, we are introducing a conceptualisation aiming to explain poor physical health following PTSD. This new conceptualisation proposes that PTSD symptoms will lead to the production of two types of cognitive appraisals: Appraisals about the body that occurred during traumatisation, and cognitive appraisals about PTSD symptoms themselves. Both these cognitive appraisals coupled with negative emotional responses will lead to physiological arousal and negative health behaviours and subsequently to poor health. Although this conceptualisation has certain clinical implications for the management of physical health following PTSD, further research is required to test such by investigating the association between its elements. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
General psychopathology in anorexia nervosa: The role of psychosocial factors
(2010-11) Karatzias, T.; Chouliara, Zoë; Power, K.; Collin, P.; Yellowlees, A.; Grierson, D.
The aim of the present study was to investigate psychosocial correlates of comorbid psychopathology. Data were collected from a total of 90 female inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Higher levels of general psychopathology were detected in depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist (SCL)-90. Regression analysis also revealed that higher levels of psychopathology across SCL-90 subscales in AN patients are significantly associated with an earlier age of onset of the condition, higher levels of anorectic psychopathology as measured by Eating Disorders Examination, lower self-esteem as measured by Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory and social support levels as measured by Quality of Social Network and Social Support Questionnaire. Considering the high levels of general psychopathology in people with AN, routine clinical practice should aim for a comprehensive assessment of such. Given the strong association between psychosocial factors such as self-esteem, social support and general psychopathology, psychological therapies could play an important role in facilitating emotional recovery. 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Views and experiences of young women about: knowledge, condom use and access to health.
(British Psychological Society, 2009) Chouliara, Zoë; Karatzias, A.; Goulbourne, Alison; Smart, H.
The study aimed to elicit perceptions of and awareness about chlamydia, views and experiences of condom use as protection against a chlamydia infection and of access to sexual health services. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured individual interviews. The sample consisted of 12 young females, aged between 18 and 25 years old. Transcripts were analysed using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) to identify recurrent themes and their interlinks. Six themes were identified: Facts versus risk misjudgement; social stigma and taboos; assertiveness versus fear of conflict; respect versus patronising; accessibility and discreteness; and targeting young people. An awareness of the shame, embarrassment and social stigma associated with sexual health and specifically chlamydia testing and diagnosis were central in participants' accounts. Participants also emphasised the need for effective sex education, especially for young women. It is envisaged that findings have the potential to inform health education, policy and clinical practice regarding sexually transmitted infections and chlamydia in particular.