Browsing by Person "Goodall, Karen"

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Attachment as a partial mediator of the relationship between emotional abuse and schizotypy
(Elsevier, 2015-12-30) Goodall, Karen; Rush, Robert; Grunwald, Lisa; Darling, Stephen; Tiliopoulos, Niko
Developmental theories highlight the salience of attachment theory in explaining vulnerability towards psychosis. At the same time there is increasing recognition that psychosis is associated with childhood trauma variables. This study explored the interaction between attachment and several trauma variables in relation to schizotypy levels in a non-clinical sample. 283 non-clinical participants completed online measures of schizotypy, attachment, childhood abuse and neglect. When five types of abuse/neglect were entered into a linear regression analysis emotional abuse was the sole independent predictor of schizotypy. Age, attachment anxiety and avoidance were independent predictors after the effects of emotional abuse were controlled for. The overall model was significant, explaining 34% of the variation in schizotypy. Moderation analysis indicated that the effect of emotional abuse was not conditional upon attachment. Parallel mediation analysis indicated small but significant indirect effects of emotional abuse on schizotypy through attachment avoidance (13%) and attachment anxiety (8%). We conclude that emotional abuse contributes to vulnerability towards psychosis both directly and indirectly through attachment insecurity.
Attachment insecurity and dispositional aggression: The mediating role of maladaptive anger regulation
(Sage, 2018-05-02) Brodie, Zara; Goodall, Karen; Darling, Stephen; McVittie, Chris
Attachment insecurity has been associated with dysfunctional strategies for emotion regulation, leading to inflexible or maladaptive responding. Currently, application of the attachment framework to anger is underspecified. This study presents a preliminary investigation of attachment-related differences in the dispositional regulation of anger and aggressive outcomes. 270 participants completed measures of adult attachment (attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance), anger regulation processes (anger suppression, unregulated anger and anger control) and aggressive outcomes (physical aggression, verbal aggression and hostility). While those high in attachment anxiety have been found to under-regulate other negative emotions, our results postulate that these individuals may implement a suppression strategy when faced with the experience of anger. Mediation models indicate that anger suppression is implicated in the relationship between attachment dimensions and hostility, but not physical aggression. This supports the notion that suppression may be useful in reducing the external expression of anger, but cannot alleviate the associated internal cognitions. These findings suggest that levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance should be considered when identifying techniques to target specific anger regulatory difficulties that contribute to increased aggression. Further, consideration and exploration of the role of security priming is encouraged as a possible mechanism by which to reduce dispositional hostility in those with high levels of attachment insecurity.
Attachment-related differences in dispositional anger and its experience and expression following an insult-based anger induction
(Elsevier, 2022-08-22) Brodie, Zara P.; Goodall, Karen; Darling, Stephen; McVittie, Chris
Variation in how individuals experience and express anger has been linked to their attachment style, particularly in close interpersonal contexts. However, little research has investigated attachment-related differences in anger and aggression in non-attachment-based settings. This multi-method investigation reports two studies. The first investigated associations between anger and adult attachment dimensions in 270 participants. The second describes a lab-based anger provocation task which examined associations between attachment and pre-post-test change in self-reported anger, physiological responses, anger suppression and aggressive responding (N = 77). Results from study 1 indicate that attachment anxiety was a significant independent predictor of trait anger, while attachment avoidance was not. There were no significant interaction effects, suggesting distinct effects of attachment dimensions on anger. In study 2, attachment avoidance was negatively related to anger change scores from baseline to post-provocation and positively to anger suppression. Attachment anxiety was positively associated with aggressive responding. These findings support the high arousal-low control style previously associated with attachment anxiety, evidenced by elevated trait anger and aggressive responding. They also align with previous studies that support an association between attachment avoidance and emotion suppression, suggesting that the attachment framework can be usefully extended to understand anger and aggression in non-attachment-based contexts.
Birth choice following primary caesarean section : mothers' perceptions of the influence of health professionals on decision-making
(Taylor & Francis, 2009) Goodall, Karen; Magill, Michelle; McVittie, Chris
This study explored mothers' perceptions of the influences of health professionals (GPs, midwives and consultants) on decisions as to mode of delivery of second children, following a previous caesarean section (CS). Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 pregnant women (31-40 years), expecting a second child following a first delivery by caesarean section (20-40 weeks gestation). Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed four themes accounting for participants' understandings of relevant influences. Participants regarded themselves as (1) lacking relevant knowledge to make an informed choice, (2) obtaining probabilistic information, and (3) receiving latent communication from health professionals regarding choice of mode of delivery. Their perceived response was (4) to relinquish control over the mode of second delivery to the health professionals involved.
Empowerment and Participation in Organized Outdoor Activities
(Public Science Framework, 2015-05) McVittie, Chris; Goodall, Karen; O'May, Fiona
Empowerment is a central focus for much work in community psychology. Yet what constitutes empowerment is commonly problematic, especially in relation to programs for young people. We report outcomes from a case study of a UK program designed to empower young people through participation in organized outdoor activities. Grounded theory analysis of data from program leaders (n=10) identified four themes as relevant to success, namely 1) acquiring skills, 2) increasing self-efficacy, 3) prior community links, and 4) challenges in in social participation. Attempts to elicit young people's (n=30)understandings were unsuccessful as they withdrew prior to completing the program. Such outcomes might be taken to indicate lack of engagement and lack of empowerment. On an alternative interpretation, however, lack of engagement might demonstrate participants' power to make meaningful decisions. This interpretation points to the difficulties of attempting to define empowerment in practice and of seeking to assess the success of such programs.
Gender identities and health: how wives construct masculinities and femininities in relation to older men
(2009) McVittie, Chris; Hepworth, J.; Goodall, Karen
Much work in critical health psychology, in contrast to mainstream health psychology, has focused on issues of health and illness as situated achievements that are negotiated in social and discursive contexts. Here we extend this focus by examining how issues of health and illness are bound up with other social concerns, such as the accomplishment of identity. In this paper, we consider such issues in relation to the health concerns of older men, a group whose health has received considerable research attention. In particular, it is argued that for older men the negotiation of hegemonic masculinity has potentially damaging consequences for health outcomes. These constructions of masculinities however have implications not just for older men themselves but also for wives, partners and health professionals. We report findings from an interview study conducted with wives of men aged 65 years and over. Discourse analysis of interview responses shows that participants construct masculine identities in ways that both reproduce and challenge hegemonic masculinities. In all cases however, participants construct their own feminine identities in ways that make them responsible for overseeing their husbands' health and which are thus complicit in maintaining existing behaviours. Health behaviours of older men thus can be viewed as situated in a broader context of both masculine and feminine gender identities. Improving health outcomes for older men thus requires attention to the negotiation of health and identities across a broad context.
Harry, Paul and the Filipino Maid: Racial and Sexual Abuse in Local Contexts
(Sage, 2009-07) McVittie, Chris; Goodall, Karen
Estacio argues for critical health psychology to take action to address three issues raised (unintentionally) in the 'Harry and Paul' sketch broadcast on British television. It is suggested that, although attempting humour, the sketch offensively reflected and reproduced patterns of social injustice that are far from funny. We argue here that micro-level analysis of the interactional elements of the sketch provides an understanding of how in everyday contexts Filipino workers are constructed in socially unjust terms and of how abuse can be justified. Such an understanding can allow critical health psychology to make a distinctive contribution to these topics. 2009 SAGE Publications.
Individual differences in the regulation of positive emotion: The role of attachment and self esteem
(Elsevier, 2015-02) Goodall, Karen
Individual differences in the regulation of positive emotion are associated with psychological resilience and well being. This study investigated the relationship between attachment, self esteem and gender and the regulation of positive emotion. 174 participants completed an online battery measuring attachment avoidance and anxiety, global self esteem and positive emotion regulation strategies (dampening and savouring). Moderating moderation analyses indicated that attachment insecurity was associated with maladaptive regulation of positive emotion. Savouring of positive emotion was predicted by attachment avoidance but not anxiety. Dampening of positive emotion was predicted by avoidance and self esteem and by the interaction of attachment anxiety with self esteem. Correlations between attachment and specific dampening and savouring strategies are discussed. The results are discussed within the broader context of attachment-related differences in emotion regulation.
“It Is Kind of Invisible Work”: Lived Experiences of Informal Caregivers of People with a Brain Tumor
(Elsevier, 2025-06-11) Zanotto, Anna; McVittie, Chris; Goodall, Karen; Ellison, Marion
Objectives Primary brain tumor presents symptoms related to both cancer and neurological condition. Due to unique characteristics and related care demands, neuro-oncology family caregivers experience different challenges compared to family members of other cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to understand the informal caregivers’ lived experiences of coping, support needs, and changes in relationships while caring for family member or friend with a brain tumor. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 informal caregivers of people diagnosed with a primary brain tumor. The mean age of participants was 45 years (range 19-68 years), and 90% of participants were female (n = 9). Time since diagnosis of the family member ranged from 1 month to 13 years (mean = 4 years). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results Five interrelated themes were identified following the analysis: (1) Exhaustion and all-consuming role, (2) experiencing rupture and loss, (3) togetherness and isolation, (4) navigating healthcare and lack of support, and (5) anticipating grief. There was an overarching sense of loneliness, loss on multiple levels, and feeling invisible in their caregiving role. Conclusion Neuro-oncology caregiving was described as an extremely challenging and lonely experience. The current findings support calls for healthcare services redesign which would provide family-based cancer care. Implications for Nursing Practice Findings highlight the importance of involving informal caregivers of persons with a brain tumor in the treatment process and their important role be acknowledged.
"Just an excuse people are just using these days": Attending to and managing interactional concerns in talk on exclusion of immigrants
(Sage, 2017-04-28) Sambaraju, Rahul; McVittie, Chris; Goodall, Karen; McKinlay, Andy
In line with discursive work on the role of constructions of minority groups in social exclusion, we offer an examination of talk on immigrants and its links with employment of British residents, in the UK Parliament and interview talk with British residents looking for work, in the context of a financial crisis (2007-09). Discursive analysis of data shows that parliamentarians treat immigration as problematic for British residents' employment, whereas interviewees' responses reject or minimally accept this, while displaying sensitivity to the status of this as a prevalent complaint about immigration. Parliamentarians do so to warrant and challenge or manage challenges to Government's policies, whereas interviewees do so to manage being seen as discriminatory and work-shy. These findings show that constructions of immigration and its links with employment in the context of the financial crisis, and, their use in warrants for exclusion are offered in ways to attend to the situated institutional and interactional relevancies in play for interlocutors.
‘Make Them Wonder How You Are Still Smiling’: The Lived Experience of Coping with a Brain Tumour
(SAGE Publications, 2023-04-07) Zanotto, Anna; Goodall, Karen; Ellison, Marion; McVittie, Chris
A brain tumour can be a life-threatening illness and cause unique symptoms compared to other types of cancer, such as cognitive or language deficits, or changes in personality. It is an exceptionally distressing diagnosis which can affect quality of life, even for those with a lowgrade tumour or many years after the diagnosis. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of adjustment to living with a brain tumour. Twelve individuals (83% female) with a primary brain tumour (83% low-grade) took part in the study. Participants were aged 29-54 years, on average 43 months following the diagnosis, and were recruited through the charitable support organisations in the United Kingdom. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Six inter-related themes were identified: making sense of the diagnosis, seeking empowerment, feeling appreciative, taking charge of coping, learning to accept, and negotiating a new normality. Notions of empowerment, gratitude, and acceptance throughout the illness journey were prominent in the participants’ narratives. Receiving sufficient information and initiating treatment were important in negotiation of control. The results highlighted what facilitates and hinders adaptive coping. Among the aspects which facilitated positive coping were: trust in clinician, feeling in control, feeling grateful or accepting. Participants on a ‘watch and wait’ approach, while feeling appreciative, perceived the lack of treatment as difficult and frustrating. Implications for patient-clinician communication are discussed, particularly for patients on a ‘watch and wait’ who might need additional support in adjusting.
...'man up' and get on with it-: young workers' experiences of customer abuse and violence.
(2011) Elliott, Ian; Goodall, Karen; McVittie, Chris; Sambaraju, Rahul; Trejnowska, Anna
Many of the UK Government's Welfare Reforms have been predicated on evidence, cited within the Dame Carol Black report, that work is good for health. Yet the original research base upon which this assertion lies makes the distinction that it is good work which leads to positive health outcomes. This research study investigates one particular aspect in which employment may have a negative impact on health outcomes - the incidence of workplace abuse and violence. The prevalence of abusive customers is widely recognised and researched. Yet it remains unclear to what extent young workers (16-24 years old) are particularly vulnerable. This study examined young workers' experiences of customer abuse and violence including: the frequency; nature and type; impacts; and employer responses to abusive or violent customer behaviour. The study used the internet to recruit participants and to collect data using a survey, a discussion forum and interviews. A total of 365 young people completed the survey, of whom 20 also took part in the discussion forum and nine also took part in interviews. Overall, 65% of participants experienced at least one incident of workplace abuse or violence in the past year. This is in contrast with 37% of the overall working population who experience such incidents. It was found that, for many young workers, abusive customers are seen as part of the job. There is a lack of empowerment in how staff can deal with abusive customers and a general lack of training or management support. The short-term effects of continued exposure to abuse are lack of confidence, anger and irritability; longer-term effects could not be discerned from this study. It is concluded that employers, and employees, perceive violence as normal behaviour and subsequently it often goes unreported. Recommendations are relevant to the Scottish Government, associated public agencies and employers. Yet without a significant change in public values and behaviours the problem of violence is likely to remain.
Masculinities and Health: Whose Identities, Whose Constructions?. Whose Identities, Whose Constructions?
(Elsevier, 2017-01-04) McVittie, Chris; Hepworth, Julie; Goodall, Karen
Discursive research focuses on the examination of how individuals negotiate versions of identities, events, and social phenomena in social interaction. The chapter describes the key elements of this approach, in terms of paying close attention to how people ascribe, resist, and rework identities and what these accomplish. Applying the approach to the study of gendered identities and health, the chapter considers in detail the construction of one specific gendered identity, namely that of hegemonic masculinity. This identity recurs commonly in the literature on gender and health but has been overemphasized, often with little regard for the situatedness of gendered identity. Moreover, many studies have tended to equate considerations of health with those of ill health, often paying little attention to the contextual features of the identities in play. Adopting a discursive perspective provides a detailed understanding of how individuals negotiate gender in relation to health and ill health. 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
“My Family Assumed I Was Going to Fight It”: Experiences of Social Support & Relationships After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis
(AOTA Press, 2023-07-26) Zanotto, Anna; McVittie, Chris; Ellison, Marion; Goodall, Karen
Date Presented 04/20/2023 The study explored the perceptions of social support and relationships after a primary brain tumor diagnosis. It was found that seeking support was associated with costs, and individuals did not always ask for it when needed. Primary Author and Speaker: Anna Zanotto Contributing Authors: Chris McVittie, Marion Ellison, Karen Goodall
Perceptions of social support and relationships while living with a brain tumour: a qualitative study
(Informa UK Limited, 2023-07-22) Zanotto, Anna; Goodall, Karen; Ellison, Marion; McVittie, Chris
Objective Having a brain tumour can disrupt social roles and networks. Despite growing evidence on the significance of social support in adjustment to chronic illness, research rarely focuses on the role of relationships when coping with a brain tumour. The current study sought to explore individuals’ experiences of social support, and the dynamics within their social relationships, following a diagnosis of a brain tumour. Methods Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used as a methodological framework. Participants were 12 individuals (83% female) aged 29-54 years diagnosed with primary brain tumour (83% low grade), on average 3.5 years post-diagnosis. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using IPA. Results Five themes were identified: Coping together in the family; Being concerned about others; Giving and receiving support; Needing to share the experience; and Negotiating independence. The results highlighted that the illness affected a whole network of closest relationships, and that coping was not an individual task. Conclusion Coping with the condition was deeply socially embedded. There was a cost associated with seeking support and participants did not always ask for it, in order not to burden the caregivers. Talking to others with similar diagnoses provided a sense of validation and belonging.
The relationship between adult attachment and coping with brain tumour: The mediating role of social support
(Wiley, 2020-01-10) Trejnowska, Anna; Goodall, Karen; Rush, Robert; Ellison, Marion; McVittie, Chris
Objective A primary brain tumour diagnosis is known to elicit higher distress than other forms of cancer and is related to high depressive symptomatology. Using a cross-sectional design, the present study explored how individuals cope with this diagnosis using an attachment theory framework. Attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were hypothesised to be positively related to helplessness/hopelessness, anxious preoccupation and cognitive avoidance, and negatively related to fighting spirit and fatalism coping. We proposed perceived social support to play a mediating role in those associations.
Resisting having learning disabilities by managing relative abilities
(Blackwell Publishing, 2008) McVittie, Chris; Goodall, Karen; McKinlay, Andy
- People who attended a community centre for people with learning disabilities talked to researchers about the centre, their school and personal experiences. - The researchers were interested in what the people in the study said about learning disabili
Successful outcomes or psychological losses? Young people's experiences of leaving residential care
(British Psychological Society, 2006) Goodall, Karen; McVittie, Chris
Outcome-based evaluations of the transition from residential care settings to independent living tend to point to successful transitions. The present study was based on semi-structured interviews with eight participants who had left residential care. The participants' perceptions of the transition and the experience of independent living were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four themes emerged: leaving quickly, losing support, alternative support, and psychological ill-health. Although participants could be judged to have had a successful outcome based on traditional criteria, independent living entailed ongoing problems such as the need to find support and maintain psychological well-being.
The ever-changing meanings of retirement
(American Psychological Association, 2012-01) McVittie, Chris; Goodall, Karen
The neglected link between adult attachment and schizotypal personality traits
(Elsevier, 2009-09) Tiliopoulos, Niko; Goodall, Karen
The relationship between adult attachment and schizotypal personality traits in a non-clinical sample was explored. It was predicted that insecure attachment would show a positive association with schizotypy. A total of 161 British adults completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire and the Experience in Close Relationships Scale. Canonical correlation analysis was used as a multivariate technique to explore the nature and directionality of the relationship between the two constructs. Attachment had a strong relationship with schizotypy, both at a bivariate and multivariate level, in the predicted direction. In conjunction with other predisposing factors, insecure attachment might contribute towards the development of schizotypy via specific interactional and cognitive styles, implicit within individuals' internal working models. A study of the relationship between schizotypy and attachment can enhance understanding of the pathways and triggers associated with schizotypal development, and ultimately lead to better ways of diagnosing, preventing, and even treating schizotypal personality disorder. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.