Browsing by Person "McVittie, Chris"

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A discourse analytic study of ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) sufferers' experiences of interactions with doctors
(2010) Guise, J.; McVittie, Chris; McKinlay, Andy
The aetiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS are controversial. Doctors and sufferers often have opposing perspectives, leading to problematic clinical interactions. We use discourse analysis to explore ME/CFS sufferers' descriptions of interactions with medical professionals taken from an asynchronous, online sufferers' support group. Participants described themselves as experiencing limited medical care and attention but restricted criticisms to ?legitimate?, pragmatic or ancillary matters such as a clinicians' unwillingness to prescribe untested treatments. Participants also described themselves as active in seeking a resolution to their problems. They thus attended to possible negative attributions of being ?complaining? or unmotivated to seek recovery. 2010 SAGE Publications.
Alternative facts are not facts: Gaffe-announcements, the Trump administration and the media
(Sage, 2018-12-20) McVittie, Chris; McKinlay, Andy
Gaffes are actions or events that are treated as problematic in subsequent news coverage through the production of what we term here ‘gaffe-announcements’. In an analysis of news media interviews conducted with members of the Trump administration during its first 100 days, we examine how interviewees respond to interviewer gaffe-announcements. Interviewees are seen to challenge the making of an announcement, to attempt to rework the ontological status of infelicitous talk, or to introduce the views of others who view the prior talk as felicitous. These responses lead in subsequent turns to reformulation of the gaffe-announcement, rejection of the response, or the views introduced being treated as irrelevant. These forms of response allow interviewees to avoid accepting that gaffes have occurred and allow the interviews to continue in line with normative expectations, but discussion continues on matters that are treated as negative and detrimental to the interests of the administration.
Aspects of identity in a British Christian sample
(2010-11) Tiliopoulos, Niko; McVittie, Chris
Quantitative studies on religiosity and identity appear to be generally absent. In the present study we investigated this relationship, and predicted that personal identity would be positively associated with church attendance, and mainly intrinsic and quest Christian religious orientations, while social identity would exhibit a positive association with extrinsic orientation. A total of 161 British Christian adults took part in the study and responded to standardized measures of Christian religiosity and identity. The predicted relationship between religiosity and aspects of identity was to an extent supported. As expected, personal identity showed a positive association with quest, while social identity was positively related to extrinsic-personal, and negatively to intrinsic. Counter to our predictions, church attendance had an inverse association with social identity, while it lacked an obvious association with personal identity. It appears that the social expressions of Christians are more likely to be concerned with broad inclusive collective identities. 2010 Taylor & Francis.
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.
Being conductor of the orchestra: An exploration of district nursing leadership
(Mark Allen, 2020-05-07) Dickson, Caroline; McVittie, Chris; Smith, Margaret Coulter
The purpose of the present study was to gain insight into how district nurses understand their leadership role. Data were generated through interviews and audio-journals and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings suggested that district nurses managing teams and caseloads experienced a burden of responsibility. Being creative problem solvers, they adopted facilitative ways of engaging with patients but directive approaches to team management. District nurses sharing leadership with multidisciplinary colleagues did not appear to experience this burden. Their leadership drew on their facilitative approaches to care-giving. If nurses enabled, rather than directed teams, they could create a context for developing autonomy and growth, easing the burden of responsibility.
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.
British Muslims’ discourse of belonging and conflict
(Critical Approaches to Discourse Analysis Across Disciplines, 2019) Anjum, Saliha; McVittie, Chris; McKinlay, Andy
According to the 2011 UK Census, Muslims form the second largest religious community in Britain. The relationship of this community to British society more generally has come under much scrutiny. The current study focused on British Muslim’s constructions of belonging and conflict towards Britain. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using discourse analysis. Findings suggested that for these participants second generation Muslims were more likely to construct themselves as belonging to Britain than first-generation Muslims, who show more attachments to their own culture and religion. Both generations produced rationalizations in order to negotiate their sense of belonging to British society and /or other culture. Moreover, their discourse was constructed in such a way that it fulfilled the function of protecting both generations from issues of accountability in social interactions.
Cancer-related psychosocial research: What are the perspectives of cancer care centre users on participation?
(Springer Verlag, 2011-07) Hepworth, J.; Robertson, A. R. R.; Jhunjhunwala, A.; Jarvis, G. C.; McVittie, Chris
Purpose To explore the perspectives of cancer care centre users on participation in psychosocial research to inform research design and ethics. Methods The study is based on a qualitative research design. Fourteen semistructured interviews were carried in people diagnosed with cancer and carers. The interview included four main questions about practical barriers to participation, types of research design, motivating factors and the conduct of research in a cancer care support setting. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Interviewees demonstrated a willingness to participate in psychosocial research within certain circumstances. There were no practical barriers identified, although they considered payment for research-related travel important. The most acceptable research design was the face-to-face interview and the least preferred was the randomised control trial. The factors that motivated participation were altruism, valuing research, and making a contribution to the centre. Interviewees supported the conduct of research in cancer care support centres conditional upon delaying recruitment during the initial months of users' visits and its need to be discreet to avoid deterring visitors from accessing the centre. Conclusions The study concludes that the personal interaction between participants and researchers is the most important feature of decision-making by patients/carers to join studies. Taking into account the perspectives of people affected by cancer during the early stages of research design may enhance recruitment and retention and can contribute to the development of research protocols and ethics. 2011 Springer-Verlag.
Committed to (un)equal opportunities?: 'New ageism' and the older worker.
(British Psychological Society, 2003) McVittie, Chris; McKinlay, Andy; Widdicombe, Sue
In recent years the principle of equality of opportunity in employment has been widely promoted as a means of addressing the marginalization of various groups of workers, including older workers. Evidence suggests, however, that equal opportunities have not improved prospects for older workers. The present study employs discourse analysis to examine a variety of accounts of those responsible for employment within a number of organizations. Analysis shows that these accounts are rhetorically oriented towards potential attributions of age discrimination. As evidence of a non-discriminatory stance, participants attend to possible shortcomings in written policies by making explicit their organizations' equal opportunity practices. In describing their workforces as comprising predominantly younger employees, however, they make only implicit reference to practices involving older workers. When they account for the apparent age imbalances in their workforces, they attribute these imbalances to factors outwith their control so that the organization's practices become completely 'invisible'. The contrast between this 'invisibility' and explicit claims to be committed to equal opportunities allows participants to position themselves as non-discriminating employers and at the same time justifies the marginalization of older workers.
A conversation analysis of communicative changes in a time-limited psychotherapy group for mothers with post-natal depression
(Taylor & Francis, 2019-11-26) McVittie, Chris; Craig, Slavka; Temple, Margaret
Objective: To examine qualitatively changes occurring in discussions within a time-limited psychotherapy group for mothers with post-natal depression.
Critical Health Psychology, Pluralism and Dilemmas: The Importance of Being Critical.
(Sage, 2006-05) McVittie, Chris
Hepworth (this issue) argues for critical health psychology (CHP) to move on from binary opposition to mainstream health psychology (MHP) and to engage with other researchers in projects of common interest. In doing so, CHP can take up Murray and Campbell's earlier 'call to action' and avoid the risk of isolation. However neither action nor cross-subject collaboration are necessarily appropriate strategies for all elements of a pluralistic CHP that encompasses a diversity of epistemological positions. Conducting research on others' terms also holds risks for the development of work that remains critical. The potential contributions of a pluralistic CHP, by way of action or otherwise, might usefully be judged in relation to both the distal and proximate contexts of health issues.
Design issues for socially intelligent user-interfaces: a discourse analysis of a data-to-text system for summarizing clinical data
(Schattauer, 2010) McKinlay, Andy; McVittie, Chris; Reiter, E.; Freer, Y.; Sykes, C.; Logie, R.
Discourse Analysis and Discursive Psychology
(APA, 2023-07) McVittie, Chris; McKinlay, Andy; Cooper, Harris
This chapter provides an introduction to discourse analysis (DA) and how its focus on the study of language as topic in its own right differs from the ways in which other methods approach qualitative data. We examine how this focus has been taken up specifically in relation to psychological issues and concerns, leading to the development of discursive psychology (DP). In doing so, we trace the origins of DP in ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, and show how these have led to the key features of current DP, in its focus on the action orientation of discourse, discourse as construction, and the situatedness of discourse in use. The chapter outlines the various steps involved in conducting DP research. We discuss elements of research design and selection of data for DP studies, outlining debates between different authors as to the use of naturally-occurring data against reliance on data generated by the researcher for research purposes. This is followed by discussion of how to conduct analysis, how to recognize people’s use of discursive devices and discursive forms, and the organization of talk. The chapter includes examples that illustrate the points being covered and highlight the relevance of DP for understanding the psychological issues in play. We conclude by discussing ways of evaluating DP research and outlining current debates.
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.
Ethical and practical issues in using visual methodologies: the legacy of research-originating visual products.
(Taylor & Francis, 2005) Temple, Margaret; McVittie, Chris
Psychology to date has made use of visual methodologies primarily in well established and tested ways. The development and greater use of such methodologies has the potential to enrich psychological understanding of many aspects of human experience. This development however needs to be accompanied by awareness and discussion of ethical and practical issues surrounding such methodologies, particularly when visual items are produced in the course of conducting research. In order to explore these issues, we examine the understandings of professionals who regularly work with visual items, namely art therapists. The data came from semistructured interviews conducted with six art therapists. Participants experienced a lack of professional guidance relating to enduring visual products, viewed their roles in relation to these items as changing on the completion of the therapeutic process and commonly experienced a sense of loss on the destruction of visual products. Often participants looked to the enduring visual products themselves for resolution of the attendant ethical and practical dilemmas. Similar dilemmas, until and unless resolved, are likely to accompany any greater involvement of psychology with visual methodologies.
Examining abuse in online media
(Wiley, 2020-02-13) Sambaraju, Rahul; McVittie, Chris
While online spaces and media offer unique possibilities for participating in critical and mundane communication, these also introduce several problems in the form of abuse such as trolling, flaming, or other anti-social behaviour. Social and personality psychologists offer a range of explanations for abusive behaviour online. Here we distinguish between explanations that treat online abuse as readily known and consequently proceed with examining possible causes of such abuse, and those that treat abuse as a situated act of communication worth examining in its own right. This latter, examines how abuse is accomplished, treated, and negotiated in specific online settings. A central advantage of doing so is that the specifics and details of instances of abuse become amenable to examination and consequently open to identification of in situ means by which abuse maybe challenged. In taking this approach, online abuse is examined for how it is produced and situated in specific social and interactional settings.
Expertise in action: Insights into the dynamic nature of expertise in community-based nursing
(Wiley, 2018-02-01) Dickson, Caroline; McVittie, Chris; Kapilashrami, Anuj
Aim To gain insight into community nurses' experiences and how they make sense of the expertise they offer in their role Background Globally, the spotlight is currently on community nursing expertise because of the movement of hospital-based to community- based care. Caring for people at home is no longer solely concerned with prevention, but delivering complex care to patients who are acutely unwell or at the end of their life. Little is known about the distinct expertise of community nurses, or their contribution to patient outcomes. There is a need to examine expertise in this group in order to inform current and future care provision within community settings. Design A hermeneutic, phenomenological study. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight community nurses in Scotland, UK, who hold an additional post-registration, professional qualification. Participants also kept audio-journals. Data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Findings Participants described their expertise in three themes; negotiating a 'way in' to care, managing complexity, and 'thinking on your feet'. They did not refer to themselves as specialist practitioners, nor did they perceive that they were viewed as specialist by colleagues or management. They appeared to dismiss their range of expertise which included forming trusting relationships, anticipating care needs and problem-solving, enabling them to undertake complex care management. Conclusions Expertise of community nurses in this study is dynamic, contextualised and action-oriented enabling them to be creative problem-solvers. It reflects engagement with patients and families and all aspects of the setting where care is provided, rather than being solely an identifiable set of specialist skills, Relevance to clinical practice It is vital to recognize community-based expertise internationally, especially if current WHO aims for community-based health care are to be achieved. Highlighting this expertise contributes to current discourse and may be considered in education and practice reviews. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Femininity, Mental Weakness, and Difference: Male Students Account for Anorexia Nervosa in Men.
(Springer, 2005) McVittie, Chris; Cavers, Debbie; Hepworth, J.
The purpose of this study was to examine how men account for the diagnosis in men of anorexia nervosa (AN), a condition commonly associated with women. Male students participated in focus group discussions of topics related to AN. Discussions were tape-recorded with participants' consent, transcribed, and then analyzed using discourse analysis. The participants spontaneously constructed AN as a female-specific condition. When asked to account for AN in men, they distanced AN from hegemonic masculinities in ways that sustained both dominant masculine identities and gender-specific constructions of AN. These findings show how issues of health and gender are interlinked in everyday understandings of AN. Future researchers might usefully consider how the construction of gender-specific illness implicates wider notions of both feminine and masculine gender identities.
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.