Psychology & Sociology

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Models of health enhancing and illness provoking factors in mental health.
(Queen Margaret University, 2005) Hipwell, Michele
The aim of this study is to increase understanding about the causes of dysphoria, depression and anxiety by identifying the psychological factors that predict the development or protect the individual from developing mental health problems. A quantitative study, it is conducted over a period of a year and utilises a 3 wave observational longitudinal cohort design to investigate the relationship between the psychological variables and processes leading to mental health or ill health in a community group of female undergraduate students (N=183). Data is collected at 6 montly intervals for a period of a year from 183 female students. The participants are first year undergraduate students at a college of higher education. Characteristics from the students are collected using a battery of paper and pencil self report questionnaires in a group administration for the first wave of data and two postal questionnaires for follow up. Conceptual models are developed and tested statistically using structural equation modelling to explore the relationship between the elements identified for each model retrospectively and prospectively over a period of 12 months. Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses are conducted for anxiety and depression separately. The elements of the models include positive and negative life events and protective and vulnerability factors for depression and dysphoria. Results from the cross-sectional and logitudinal analysis demonstrate that psychological factors have a significant effect on the development of depression and anxiety, with illness provoking factors explaining between 33-55% of the variance of depression in longitudinal analyses and 59-42% of the variance in cross-sectional analyses. They explain 45-57% of the variance in anxiety in longitudinal analyses and 28-50% in cross-sectional analyses. Health enhancing factors explain 18-19% of the variance in deprssion in longitudinal analyses and 47-49% of the variance in cross-sectional analyses. They explain 15-20% of the variance in anxiety in longitudinal analyses and 12-=20% of the variance in cross-sectional analyses. Health enhancing and illness provoking characteristics for depression and anxiety are identified in this study. They include enduring personality characteristics, cognitive styles and coping strategies and act as predictors for mental health outcomes or mediate or moderate the relationship between predictors and mental health outcomes.
An interactive classroom timetable for children with high functioning autism : development and qualitative evaluation of a computer-based timetable
(Queen Margaret University, 2007) Murray, Susan
Teachers report that advanced knowledge of the day's activities can considerably lessen anxiety for children with autism, especially if this information is highly visual in its presentation. Teaching children with autism often follows a highly structured approach including use of visual planning aids, such as symbolic timetables (Gillberg & Coleman, 2000; Mesibov, Browder, & Kirkland, 2002). Children with autism have been noted to be skilled at using computers and it has been suggested that the computer presents an ideal resource for both educational and recreational use (Attwood, 1998; Higgins & Boone, 1996; D. Moore, 1998; Murray, 1997). However, in spite of widespread use of visual timetables in schools by children with autism, there is little evidence of research being conducted in the area of computerised timetabling for this population. The overall aim of this particular study was to develop an interactive, computer-based timetable and to explore and assess the practical value for children with autism. The research was of an ethnographic nature and involved a case study approach. The development of the interactive timetable followed a user-centred design. Participating children attended a language and communication class attached to a mainstream primary school in Scotland. Seven males aged between six and nine years of age were involved, with four of the children able to participate in the final evaluations of the interactive timetable. Other participants included special needs teachers, nursery nurses, speech and language therapists, and parents of participating children. Examination of a symbolic timetable identified several important issues relevant to the design of an interactive timetable, whilst consideration of parental and educationalist views, gathered through interview, highlighted both benefits and concerns. By extending use to the home environment, the interactive timetable was considered to facilitate communication between child and parent. Concerns regarding access, size and position, user ability, and availability of resources were identified. Although findings were inconclusive, it was possible to communicate timetable information in a computer-based form and furthermore, the children appeared to enjoy using the timetable. Whilst the setting for this study was a single language and communication class attached to a mainstream primary school, this research has implications for a wider debate. The study found generally that the prospect of using information and communication technology to display an interactive timetable which was accessible both at school and at home, offered numerous possibilities for children with autism and their families.
Lay and professional constructions of childhood ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): a discourse analysis.
(Queen Margaret University, 2008) Gray, Carol A.
Childhood ADHD is a contested yet rising public health phenomenon, due to greateruse of inclusive American diagnostic classification. In the UK ADHD is considered to be 'incompletely medicalised' with rising incidences predicted. A critical approach was adopted in this thesis, based on a number of social constructionist assumptions in order to examine the emergence and increased use of the construct and to contribute to broader critical debate in the field. Parents and teachers are key adults in childhood ADHD as they may identify and care for diagnosed children yet they have been relatively neglected in the literature. How such adults account for children's difficulties was the focus of an empirical analysis. A 'critical discursive psychology' approach was adopted using Edley's (2001) framework in order to examine culturally available talk by parents and teachers about ADHD, from semistructured interviews in Scotland. Analysis highlighted how parents deployed contradictory interpretive repertoires in talk using a Biological repertoire as a genetic explanation and an Environmental repertoire in relation to various parenting issues. Such talk was organised to attend to the ideological dilemma of parental moral adequacy and accountability and which sought to accomplish the 'good parent'. Further analysis considered how parents accounted for competing versions of the difficulties and their positioning in relation to controversial medication talk. Teacher accounts of children's difficulties deployed an ADHD repertoire as a medical condition and a Not ADHD repertoire as due to temporal difficulties. Through the 'cases I know' device, teachers managed their own experiential knowledge and thereby negotiated agency and control for childhood behaviours. Analysis considered accounts of (mis)diagnosis and (mis)treatment as alternative explanations for ADHD. This innovative focus on how health policy for children's difficulties as ADHD were socially produced by lay parent and teachers accounts, highlighted the limitations for agency in ADHD diagnoses and implicated further critical debate about this topic. Parental talk which drew on current biopsychosocial models for ADHD was largely reductionistic and fragmentary. The reliance on discursive efforts about the 'good parent' identity meant that this was a temporal accomplishment in talk rather than achieved by a diagnosis. Analysis of teacher accounts originating from a Scottish context highlighted how they differed from a North American context and provided greater understanding of how teachers succeeded in offering robust alternative explanations to ADHD. The implications for health and education policy of ADHD efforts aimed at the 'education' of teachers may be limited in the face of the teacher talk. Finally, within methodological debate in discourse analysis, this work contributes to further arguments for an eclectic discourse analysis as applied to the field of ADHD.
Self help and the early management of acute, non-specific low back pain
(Queen Margaret University, 2008) Robertson, Ann R R.
This research investigated whether there might be benefit from encouraging early self management in an episode of non-specific low back – a common and costly condition in the U.K. It aimed to address a lack of research evidence on interventions to improve current, Step 1 of primary care management for back pain. A self help, audio programme, to give information and reassurance about non-specific back pain and skills training in some components of cognitive behavioural pain management, could be used independently at home. Self help could widen access to early, cognitive behavioural based treatment, might offer an inexpensive and practicable means of intervention delivery in busy GP practices and would accord with government policy of encouraging increased self management by NHS patients. Pilot evaluation: The face validity of two, self help, audio CD programmes for use at home, “Using Relaxation Skills” and “Using Thinking Skills”, was assessed by six primary care patients with nonspecific, acute low back pain. Participants in the pilot evaluation expressed some satisfaction with both self help programmes and found them helpful. The audio CD with a focus on progressive muscular relaxation, “Using Relaxation Skills”, was more popular. Pragmatic randomised controlled trial of self help CD effectiveness: The primary objective was to demonstrate whether using a three week, self help programme at home showed benefits with respect to back pain specific functioning as measured by the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). Forty four members of the public with a current episode of back pain lasting between two and nine weeks were randomised to a CD intervention arm or a control arm. Back pain specific functioning, self reported pain intensity and general health and well being in physical and mental domains were assessed at baseline and at one and six months' follow up. Data analysis conducted using a mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance demonstrated significant improvement across all measures over time for all participants. Compared to controls, those using a self help, audio CD showed significantly improved scores on the RDQ at six months [F =6.673, p=.013], although the magnitude of the mean group difference was small (partial eta squared=.137). It is concluded that a three week, home based self help programme delivered by audio CD can improve functional outcomes in the short to medium term in early, non-specific low back pain. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of self help for back pain: The study aimed to explore possible reasons for the slow uptake by the public of a free, self help CD for early back pain. Nine people with non-specific low back pain were interviewed by email to explore their experiences of using self help for managing pain. An IPA analysis revealed four, major themes: taking control, social comparisons, ongoing learning and “with hindsight”. The findings suggest that turning to self help for back pain may be a developmental process over time, related to the variable course of back pain symptoms. Interviewees wished with hindsight they had been directed towards self management in the initial stages of back pain. At the time of first consulting a GP, they had hoped for a medical “cure”. The findings indicated that slow recruitment into a self help intervention for early low back pain may reflect a lack of perceived need for any intervention in the initial phase of the condition, with implications for the likely uptake of an early, self help intervention.
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa: an online phenomenological approach
(Queen Margaret University, 2009) Williams, Sarah
Anorexia has often been theorised as a way of obtaining a sense of control and a sense of identity. Previous research has identified the positive functions anorexia plays for those who experience it. Healthcare professionals perceive anorexia as something to be treated whilst those experiencing it are often ambivalent and see it as something to maintain. Those who feel misunderstood in their offline environment can turn to the physically anonymous environment of the internet to discuss their experiences and opinions. The aims of the research were (1) to determine the understandings of anorexia, recovery and treatment through participants' lived experiences, and (2) to identify how participants' understandings affected pathways to and through treatment. An online phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of those recruited through online resources for anorexia. Data was collected using online focus groups and e-mail interviews and was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated a strong theme of maintenance of anorexia due to its egosyntonic and functional role. Anorexia was initially perceived as a solution to problems or crises but over time it became problematic. Nonetheless, strong psychosocial mechanisms such as feelings of ambivalence, an 'anorexic voice' and a sense of feeling addicted to anorexia affected its maintenance. Recovery required the acceptance of anorexia as a problem. Recovery was interpreted as a sense of living rather than existing and required four main factors: self-acceptance, acceptance of and from others, the development of alternative, healthy behaviours and the ability to manage residual anorexic cognitions. Implications for treatment are discussed. Online communication is considered a safe environment due to its physical anonymity, allowing people to feel more comfortable disclosing views and experiences that may be stigmatised or uncomfortable to discuss in an offline situation. Future research should utilise the internet in conducting studies with people with body image issues.
Psychosocial adjustment, experiences and views of fathers of sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
(Queen Margaret University, 2010-09) Cunniff, Anna Louise
Background Although Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is acknowledged to have an impact on families as a whole, few studies have investigated psychosocial aspects. Investigation of fathers in paediatric psychology literature is also neglected, and available DMD studies focus on maternal adjustment. This study addresses calls for both, research within the area of DMD and inclusion of fathers. Aims The overall aim was to investigate psychosocial adjustment, and experiences, of fathers of sons with DMD by studying associations between paternal adjustment and: • boys’ functioning (physical and psychological) • perceived paternal involvement in condition management • perception of support • fathers’ experiences of parenting a son with DMD Methods A mixed methods approach, incorporating questionnaires evaluating level of boys’ functional ability (Functional Disability Inventory) and psychiatric adjustment (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire); paternal involvement in condition management (Dads Active Disease Support Scale); paternal ratings of satisfaction, and paternal adjustment (General Health Questionnaire), was used. In-depth 2 interviews were also undertaken, and written accounts of experiences and views recorded. Results 50 fathers completed questionnaires and 48 provided written accounts, with a cohort of 15 participating in interviews. Paternal adjustment was comparable to that of mothers, as noted in previous studies, with 38% above cut off for risk of psychological problems. Predictors of paternal adjustment were boys’ psychosocial adjustment, perceived amount of involvement in condition management and perceived support from friends. Themes emerging from the qualitative strand were 1) loss and acceptance; 2) support versus isolation; 3) the fight for resources and 4) race against time. Conclusion Findings emphasise the need for bio-psychosocial interventions, acknowledging fathers’ needs, role, and involvement in their child’s condition. Alongside consideration of the family, the psychosocial impact for fathers should be acknowledged as being equally important to dealing with physical issues surrounding DMD. Professional awareness is needed of the emotional implications, and issues fathers face.
A study of a home exercise programme for community dwelling people with late stage stroke
(Queen Margaret University, 2011) Baer, Gill
BACKGROUND Many people living with chronic stroke are not involved in any form of ongoing rehabilitation, despite having ongoing impairments and limitations in activity and participation. The approach to structuring practice of functional tasks, as part of ongoing rehabilitation, can incorporate diverse techniques. Current texts advocate that physiotherapists construct stroke rehabilitation programmes that incorporate Motor Learning principles, however the evidence to support this is limited. No evidence related to stroke exists as to whether functional tasks should be practised in their entirety (whole practice) or in component parts (part practice). The primary aim of the work reported in this thesis was to investigate the effects of a home exercise programme based on Motor Learning principles of part practice (PP) or whole practice (WP) of selected functional tasks for people at least six months after a stroke. METHODOLOGY A single blind, randomised controlled trial was undertaken, with participants allocated to either a part practice experimental group (PP), a whole practice experimental group (WP) or a control (Con) group. Both experimental groups followed a four week exercise intervention programme of functional tasks based on PP or WP. Outcome measures were undertaken at baseline, at the end of a four week intervention (wk 4), at short-term follow-up (wk 4.5) and at long-term follow-up (wk 16). Outcome measures utilised were the Barthel Index (BI), Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Timed Up and Go over 2 metres (TUG2m), Step Test, Frenchay Arm Test (FAT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Frenchay Activities Index (FAI)and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Differences between the groups at each measurement point were examined using a Kruskal Wallis test. Differences within each group over time were analysed using a Friedman's Anova, followed up by a Wilcoxon's Signed Ranks test using a Bonferroni correction where a significant difference was found. RESULTS Sixty four people with late-stage stroke were recruited and provided informed consent. Data were available for analysis for 60 participants (median time since stroke 21 months). No statistically significant differences were found between the three groups at any point for any of the dependent outcome variables. A number of statistically significant within group changes were found in all groups. Most statistically significant changes were demonstrated by PP including on the BI from baseline to wk 4.5; on the MAS from baseline to weeks 4, 4.5 and 16; on the Step Test from baseline to weeks 4, 4.5 and 16 and on the FAT from baseline to week 4. On more global measures the PP group reported statistically significant improvements on the SIS in the domains of strength, mood and mobility from baseline to wk 4; and in the SIS participation domain from baseline to wk 16; as well as a statistically significant within group improvements on FAI from baseline to wk 4. CONCLUSIONS People with late-stage stroke demonstrated capacity for improvements in a number of measures of impairment, activity, participation and mood. The PP group demonstrated improvements, over time, in more of the outcome measures relating to physical ability than either WP or Con groups. Implications for clinical practice and further research are discussed.
Challenges and opportunities: adjustment to life post transplant for adults with cystic fibrosis and the impact on their professional support needs.
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2013) Cochrane, Samantha
Lung transplant can improve both quality and quantity of life for a person with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at end stage respiratory disease. However, life post transplant can be challenging both medically and psychologically due to the need to adjust to a significantly changed health status, as well as understand and manage the side effects and medical complications of transplant. This study questioned, whether from a service perspective, the support needs of adults with CF changes with transplant and how a specialist CF centre should accommodate this. In order to do this, a more detailed understanding of the experiences of a post transplant group was sought utilising qualitative methodology. Eleven participants or sixty-five percent of adults with CF post transplant who attend one of Scotland's largest specialist CF centres participated in semi-structured interviews. Framework analysis was chosen as the method of analysis due to its relevance in a health care setting. A framework was generated consisting of four broad areas of post transplant adjustment: Recovering; Adjusting and realising; Redefining and pursuing and; Managing the issues of post transplant life. Each area has activities and key factors which provide more information about post transplant adjustment life as well as factors that may account for individual differences. In general, and in the absence of medical complications, participants adjusted to transplant with the support of partners, families and local CF and transplant services. They did not indicate the need for dedicated post transplant services in their local CF centre, but found communications between service providers to be inefficient. When faced with medical complications especially rejection, participants reported needing more psychosocial support. Recommendations include an increased awareness of the processes of psychosocial adjustment post transplant for health professionals, psychological intervention at times of crisis and more efficient communication between transplant and local CF services.
Materialism as Morality in the ANWR Oil Drilling Debate: A Critical Investigation into the Reification of Science, the Marginalization of Values, and the Power of Discourse within Environmental Conflict
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2014) Moyer, Jessica
Modern science is well established as the institution through which knowledge is legitimated, facts are produced, and credibility is assigned. Operating within the prevailing capitalist socio-political order, science is also controlled by the wealthy elite, whose resources are required for its production, evaluation, and implementation. Beyond disproportionately serving powerful interests, however, science enables the most privileged groups within society to embolden certain understandings of the world and marginalize others, to shape public perceptions, behaviors, and norms, and thus to reinforce the existing social systems and institutions that support their own dominance. Building on critical scholarship that addresses inequality by problematizing the structures and practices that reproduce power, this thesis examines the prominent and politically opposed positions of the oil industry and mainstream environmentalists in the U.S. policy debate over whether to permit petroleum development in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Specifically, through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), I explore how these two 'mid-stream' scientific actors, which have effectively appropriated the wider 'for' and 'against' drilling campaigns respectively, each engage with the generation as well as dissemination of technical knowledge in order to substantiate their arguments and enhance the authority of their claims. The analysis presented here demonstrates that the hegemonic framing of the ANWR conflict, which I describe in terms of Materialism as Morality, reifies scientific expertise whilst burying values beneath assumptions of objectivity and neutrality. It also allows incongruent truth claims to eclipse the many legitimate but competing perspectives, priorities, investments, ideologies, risks, and ethical dilemmas that lie at the heart of the ANWR drilling debate. Moreover, this framing is implicit in the perpetuation of systemic social and environmental injustice. Ultimately, my research argues for a transformative politics that engages all stakeholders in the negotiation of competing interests, the discussion of social values, and the production of scientific knowledge; and above all, which recognizes the interconnectivity of all three.
Living with limb loss: individuals' and prosthetists' perceptions of amputation, prosthesis use and rehabilita
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2014-04) Uytman, Clare Louise
Loss of limb through amputation presents a significant, life changing, circumstance for individuals. The prosthetist as the gate keeper to the health-care system and the facilitator of rehabilitation is essential to positive adjustment post-amputation. As yet, however, commonalities and differences in the understandings of each of these parties of the experience of limb loss, prosthesis use and rehabilitation remain unexamined. This comparison provides the focus for this study. Fifteen individuals post amputation and 13 prosthetists were interviewed on their perceptions of limb loss and prosthesis use. Semi structured interviews were conducted, face to face, via telephone or via email. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed as necessary and thereafter analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in order to gain an understanding of the subjective experiences of individuals with limb loss and of prosthetists of the post-amputation process. Analysis of the data led to identification of four key themes, namely Personal Identity, Social Identity, The Prosthesis and Communication. These themes were relevant for both groups. The meanings that they held for the two groups, however, differed in relation to key elements of the post-amputation experience. Both groups have a shared interest in the process of prosthetic limb fitting and rehabilitation and yet come from very differing perspectives. The fitting and use of a prosthetic device is not a simple, technical process but rather involves a combination of psychological, social and practical components all of which must be recognized in the rehabilitation process. The differing expectations and understandings held by both groups become especially evident in interactions between individuals with limb loss and prosthetists. Communications between members of these groups can provide a central point for addressing differences in their understandings of living with limb loss and might provide a focus for further developments in research and practice.
Women's experiences of domestic abuse and alcohol: same hell, different devils
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2016) Young, Julie
Research into domestic abuse and alcohol use has been dominated by a focus on associations between male perpetrator's drinking and physical violence, neglecting issues of power and control. Minimal space has been given to enabling women's voices to be heard. This study explored the duality of domestic abuse and alcohol use, by not only focusing on alcohol use defined as problematic, but by examining its role in the everyday lives of abused women, and how their experiences were shaped by a gender differentiated society. It was therefore critical to study women's alcohol use as potentially normal, pleasurable, a constructive and autonomous response to their lives as they balanced multiple risks against each other. A Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) approach deployed the visual method of Photovoice with seven women survivors of domestic abuse in Scotland. Participant generated photographs were used to facilitate dialogue across multiple group sessions. Views of ten stakeholders, working in related fields, were also collected by semi-structured interviews. Combining Johnson's (2008) typology of domestic violence with Stark's (2007) framework of coercive control, created a feminist lens through which a nuanced understanding of the complexity of domestic abuse could be revealed. This enabled new insights in relation to not only how women understood, managed and negotiated the use of alcohol within this intimate context, but how gendered societal discourses intersected with those experiences. Telling a different story of domestic abuse and alcohol, one that moves away from the violence paradigm, revealed a new perspective that uncovered the complex and often contradictory discourses which women must negotiate in their roles as women, partners and mothers in the context of domestic abuse. These discourses were found to contribute to women's entrapment, owing to their invisibility and general acceptance as the 'wallpaper' that constitutes the backdrop to women's lives.
The contribution of the central executive to visuo-spatial bootstrapping in younger adults, older adults and patients with mild cognitive impairment.
(Queen MArgaret University, Edinburgh, 2016) Calia, Clara
Background. Recent studies on verbal immediate serial recall (Darling & Havelka, 2010; Darling et al., 2012, 2014; Allen et al., 2015) show evidence of the integration of information from verbal and visuo-spatial short term memory with long-term memory representations. This so-called 'visuo-spatial bootstrapping‘ (VSB) pattern, in which verbal serial recall is improved when the information is arranged in a familiar spatially distributed pattern, such as a telephone keypad, is consistent with the existence within working memory of an episodic buffer. Objective. The general purpose was to investigate the structure of working memory, and in particular the relationship between verbal and visuo-spatial working memory. Specifically, this thesis aimed to determine the contribution of the central executive and the implications of the VSB paradigm in younger and older adults and patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Materials and Methods. The first study explored the role of the central executive. The VSB task with digit sequences, visually presented both in single and in a typical keypad display, was administered under conditions of verbal and central executive load. In the second study VSB was investigated in older and younger adults using three conditions: single digit display, typical and random keypad. In the third study, examining performance in VSB in a typical elderly sample compared with people with MCI. Each participant was assessed with a neuropsychological battery of tests and the VSB task composed by single digit and typical keypad display. Results and Conclusion. Central executive load demonstrated to have a negative effect on digit recall performance without affecting the bootstrapping effect. VSB does not need to recruit executive resources. No difference was observed in the bootstrapping pattern as a consequence of age and cognitive difficulties and the beneficial impact of additional visual information was comparable for MCI, older and younger participants.
Adult attachment, anger regulation and aggression: individual differences in the experience and expression of anger
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2016) Brodie, Zara
Attachment theory has increasingly been applied to the understanding of individual differences in emotion regulation, however application of the attachment framework to anger is underspecified. The present thesis describes three studies reporting relationships between attachment insecurity and anger expression, taking into account attachment-related differences in anger regulation. Using multiple regression analyses, the results of Study 1a indicated that attachment anxiety was a significant independent predictor of trait anger, while attachment avoidance and self-esteem were not. Study 1b extended these findings by examining whether the use of specific anger regulation strategies mediated the relationship between attachment insecurity and dispositional aggression (physical aggression, verbal aggression and hostility). Attachment anxiety was indirectly related to physical aggression and hostility, through the use of maladaptive regulation techniques and a lack of anger control; while attachment avoidance had an indirect relationship with hostility through anger suppression. Study 2 utilised an anger induction procedure to investigate the relationship between attachment insecurity, self-reported and physiological responses, and subsequent aggressive behaviour. Neither attachment dimension was significantly associated with physiological reactivity to the anger induction, however attachment avoidance was negatively associated with changes in self-reported anger. Attachment avoidance was once again a significant predictor of anger suppression, while attachment anxiety significantly predicted variance in aggression. Overall, the findings indicate that attachment anxiety is a predictor of dispositional anger and aggression, whilst attachment avoidance predicts the use of suppression to regulate anger, reduced self-reported anger responsivity and increased hostility. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed with suggestions for attachment and emotion regulation-based anger management interventions.
A POST-NORMAL SCIENCE APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THE REAL ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND CONTEXTS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE (MSW) MANAGEMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES – A CASE STUDY OF ABA-URBAN IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA.
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2019) Nwankpa, Stanley Onyeonoziri
Effective management of waste is a complex task requiring appropriate technical solutions, sufficient organisational capacity and the collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders. The more advanced, high-income economies and developed nations of the world have evolved their current systems in a series of steps. It is now widely recognised that it is counterproductive for developing countries to use strategies and policies developed for high-income economies. There are no quick fixes. Therefore, it is unrealistic for a developing country to expect to go from uncontrolled dumping of waste to a ‘modern’ state of the art waste management system in one great leap. Rather, the process should be locally sensitive, critical and creative and owned by the community of concern. By adopting this approach, many cities and small towns in other developing countries have recorded considerable progress while the same cannot be said of cities in Nigeria, where there appears to be a lack of understanding and appreciation of the enormity of the challenges posed by MSW. The main aim of this study therefore, is to understand the real issues, challenges and contexts of MSW management in developing countries, using the Nigerian city of Aba as a case study. The study adopted a purely qualitative methodology, and by utilising the approach of Post Normal Science (PNS) and Adaptive Methodology for Ecosystem Sustainability and Health AMESH), particular attention was given to the oral testimonies and lived experiences of the participants drawn from the wider peer community of stakeholders of MSW management in the city. The results provide the first historical review of MSW management in Aba and show that, over the period reviewed; the MSW management processes remained rudimentary, often involving the evacuation of refuse from one point to another. It also shows that currently, indiscriminate dumping, littering and illegal dumping of refuse is common in the city. Further analysis of the data revealed the inadequacies in the national sanitation policy and the current MSW management system implemented by ASEPA – the agency responsible for MSW management in the city. The level of planning and organisation of MSW management activities was found to be shambolic and there were shortages in manpower and availability of equipment needed to effectively collect and dispose waste. The common method of waste disposal was found to be open dumping in dumpsites that were unplanned and unsanitary. Despite these realities, the study found that contrary to the commonly held popular notion that residents of Aba prefer a dirty environment to a clean one, most participants in this study showed a good understanding of the implication of poor MSW management practices on public health, and expressed willingness to pay higher sanitation fees if it will guarantee a cleaner environment. To curb most of the conflicts that currently exist between ASEPA and other stakeholder groups and move towards sustainable MSW management as indicated in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and millennium development goals (MDGs), the direction of travel of MSW management in the city must change form a modernisation approach of expending scarce public resources on imported sophisticated refuse collection and transportation vehicles, that are unsuitable and does not stand the test of time for various reasons; to adopting a local approach that encourages genuine participation of all relevant stakeholders in the policy decision making, design, implementation and evaluation of the MSW management system. Such approach will help improve the livelihood of informal waste workers who are currently maligned, intimidated and harassed by MSW management authorities.
MIXED METHODS INVESTIGATION OF DISTRESS RELATED TO PSYCHOSIS EXPERIENCES
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2019) Akoral, Melissa
Distress associated with psychosis experiences has been related to the maintenance of psychosis experiences and people’s need for care. However, the mechanisms responsible for its maintenance remain unclear. Thus, this mixed methods project investigates experiential and psychological vulnerability factors contributing to distress related to psychosis in a clinical sample living in the community. This is done in order to determine whether specific vulnerability factors also act as maintenance factors for people in care. Therefore, these are assumed to be distinct. In the first study, a cross-sectional design (N= 60) was used to investigate the role of specific emotion regulation and metacognitive difficulties in the relationship between insecure attachment dimensions and distress related to psychosis experiences. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine which subscales predicted distress related to psychosis and significant predictors were taken forward to mediation models. Mediation analysis showed that only need for control mediated the relationship between insecure attachment and distress related to positive symptoms. Further, only limited access to emotion regulation strategies mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety and distress associated with both negative symptoms and to depressive symptoms in psychosis. These results expand on previous research by suggesting specific vulnerability factors that are related to distress associated with different symptoms. In the second study, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse 10 in-depth qualitative interviews which explored people’s appraisals of their experiences of psychosis. Four inter-related themes emerged; (1)lacking control, (2)change – renegotiating a personal and social identity, (3)living in fear, and (4)multiple realities. The importance of ‘control’ is highlighted throughout all the themes, as negative appraisals about perceived control underpins experiences. This study demonstrates the importance of people’s appraisals to how they make meaning of and respond to psychosis experiences. Together, these studies emphasise that distress relates to psychosis experiences as a whole rather than specific symptoms. The two studies were integrated and interpreted using a joint display method. People’s perceived lack of control and unhelpful interpersonal relationships were found to contribute to the maintenance of distress related to psychosis experiences. Implications of these findings are discussed. Keywords: Psychosis, distress related to psychosis, emotion regulation, metacognition, attachment theory, mixed methods
Adjustment to a brain tumour diagnosis: A mixed methods investigation
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2021) Trejnowska, Anna
A primary brain tumour diagnosis is known to elicit higher distress compared to other forms of cancer, and is related to high depressive symptomatology. It poses unique challenges in the process of psychosocial adjustment, with social networks and roles often being disrupted. Despite emerging evidence regarding the importance of social support in maintaining well-being when living with a chronic condition, literature on adjustment to living with a brain tumour rarely focuses on social relationships. The current mixed methods project was therefore designed to address an overarching research question: How do people cope with a brain tumour diagnosis in the context of their social relationships? The aim of the first study was to examine the associations between insecure attachment dimensions and coping strategies, with a proposed mediating role of perceived availability of social support. In this cross-sectional study, participants diagnosed with primary brain tumours (N = 480) were recruited online. Multiple regression analyses revealed significant positive associations between both attachment anxiety and avoidance and helplessness/hopelessness. Attachment anxiety was found to be significantly related to anxious preoccupation, while attachment avoidance was associated with fighting spirit and fatalism. Mediation analyses indicated that perceived social support mediated the relationships between both attachment dimensions and helplessness/hopelessness and fatalism. The findings indicate that individuals higher on insecure attachment dimensions seem to respond with a more maladaptive coping repertoire when adjusting to a diagnosis. The second study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of being diagnosed with a brain tumour, with a focus on exploring participants’ understandings of the meaning of social support. Twelve individuals took part in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework. Five inter-related themes were identified: (1) Making sense of the diagnosis, (2) Working it out in the family, (3) Giving and receiving support, (4) Feeling appreciative, and (5) Negotiating a new normal. The results emphasise that the diagnosis does not affect only the individual but a whole network of closest relationships, often with a price or negotiation that needs to take place within these relationships. Collectively, the results of the project highlight that coping is never an individual task. Both studies were integrated and interpreted jointly through narrative and joint display methods. Overall, the project portrays a complex interplay between family dynamics and individual coping and concludes by proposing that coping is deeply socially embedded. Implications of the findings are discussed. Keywords: Coping, adjustment, brain tumour, adult attachment, social support, mixed methods
I am pretty sure but not 100%: obtaining, interpreting and presenting eyewitness confidence statements
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2022) Pennekamp, Pia
Eyewitness identification confidence is typically studied using scales (generally numeric); in practice, eyewitnesses typically provide confidence in their own words. Verbal and numeric confidence similarly predict accuracy, but verbal confidence is difficult to interpret reliably (Mansour, 2020). To minimize miscommunication, eyewitnesses could provide scale ratings after verbal judgements or vice versa, but we do not know if the order in which such confidence statements are obtained affects the confidence-accuracy relationship. I tested the utility of requesting both verbal and numeric confidence and whether order effects exist. Participants (N = 198) viewed a mock-crime video with two perpetrators. After a delay, they viewed two simultaneous lineups with one perpetrator each and provided confidence for each perpetrator verbally (in their own words) and then numerically (0-100%) or numerically and then verbally. Numeric confidence in identifications was higher when provided first, t(393.82) = 2.40, p = .02, d = 0.24. Confidence-accuracy characteristic (CAC) curve analysis indicates the effect is driven by medium-confidence judgements (numeric range). No order effect was found for verbal confidence (p = .32). However, for low and high numeric confidence, verbal followed by numeric was better calibrated than numeric followed by verbal. When the numeric judgement came first, none of the subsequent verbal judgements could be categorized as high confidence using our coding scheme. These data provide preliminary evidence that eyewitnesses should provide only a single confidence judgement.
CAN I TELL YOU, MY STORY? UNDERSTANDING AND EXPLAINING THE ADVERSE EXPERIENCES OF UGANDAN CHILDREN WITHIN TRANSITION TO AN ORPHANAGE IN KAMPALA; A CRITICAL HERMENEUTIC INQUIRY
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2023) Bunyan, Elle
INTERGENERATIONAL INCLUSION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA GLOBALLY AND NATIONALLY: A TWO-PHASE STUDY
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2023-06-28) Emond, Heather
Importance: This research explores the topic of intergenerational inclusion for people living with dementia. Both in Scotland and internationally, intergenerational programmes have been implemented with the aim of fostering inclusive relationships between people of different age groups. A sub-set of intergenerational programmes, moreover, have focused on the inclusion and participation of people living with dementia in particular. Such programmes are perceived to be important due to the potential they have to combat trends of loneliness and social isolation that may affect people of all ages. Programmes are also perceived to have the potential to generate positive outcomes for both younger and older participants, such as increased knowledge and understanding of ageing and dementia among younger age groups and enhanced enjoyment and engagement among older participants. Research Gap & Questions: However, intergenerational practice has been recognised to unfold in the absence of an adequate conceptual framework (Vanderven, 2004). This research uses a comparative and evaluative methodology to analyse how the concept of intergenerational inclusion for people living with dementia has been understood and operationalised internationally and in Scotland. Using insights from this analysis of international and national practice, the research further explores how intergenerational practice and policy can be further developed. Methodology: The research uses a two-phase study design informed by realist evaluation (Pawson, 2013) and thematic analysis. The first phase of the study comprises a realist synthesis review method to explore the understanding and operationalisation of intergenerational inclusion for people living with dementia internationally. The second phase of the study comprises a qualitative, semi-structured interview method to explore the understanding and operationalisation of intergenerational inclusion for people living with dementia in Scotland. Interviewees involved in the study are Scottish stakeholders with expertise in the provision of dementia services and/or intergenerational practice. Results: Results have been thematically analysed according to the context-mechanism-outcome configuration of realist evaluation. Mechanisms identified at the international level include role provision; matching and preferences; and meaningful and structured activities. Mechanisms identified within the Scottish context include preparation and planning; purpose and roles; preferences, lived experience and personhood; and sharing and learning. Higher- level findings are presented regarding intergenerational inclusion for people living with dementia, policymaking, and partnership working in Scotland. Implications: The implications of this research include, firstly, presenting a definition of intergenerational dementia programmes along with reflections on current ambiguities and tension in regard to existing definitions. Secondly, synthesised findings regarding how intergenerational dementia programmes ‘work’ in terms of their contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes are presented, with explanatory factors including the provision of roles for participants, the use of individual preferences to inform programme design, the development of meaningful and structured activities, flexible planning, and processes of sharing and learning between different age groups. Finally, an exploration of how the understanding and operationalisation of intergenerational inclusion is linked to key theories and concepts is undertaken along with recommendations for future theoretical development, encompassing personhood, intergroup contact theory, relationship and activity theory, and generativity. Directions for further research are also presented.
REDUCING AND MEASURING THE CROSS-RACE EFFECT
(Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, 2024-10) TÖREDI, DILHAN
Individuals recognise same-race faces better than different race faces, a robust phenomenon called the cross-race effect (CRE). The CRE can contribute to mistaken identifications, making it crucial to study it. This project included two studies. The first aimed to reduce the CRE using targeted interventions and to evaluate how individual differences, confidence, and response time predict eyewitness accuracy. The second focused on creating a reliable measure of eyewitness accuracy for White and Asian witnesses and targets. Both studies examined the confidence-accuracy relationship for White and Asian targets. The first study compared known interventions to reduce the CRE (discrimination training, individuation instructions) against no intervention and explored new variables— individual differences in working memory capacity, selective attention, and need for cognition—and extant variables—confidence and response time—predicting accuracy. Contrary to expectations, participants (White, n = 403) showed similar identification accuracy of Asian and White faces. A CRE was observed for target-absent accuracy. Discrimination training altered the CRE (cf. control group): it increased correct rejections for cross-race faces but decreased them for same-race faces. Working memory capacity, confidence, and response time reliably predicted identification accuracy. Confidence and response time explained unique variance, but the variance explained by working memory capacity overlapped with these. The second study developed the CRE Inventory, combining known predictors of the CRE to improve the prediction of same- and cross-race eyewitness accuracy. A CRE was observed for White participants (n = 202). However, Asian participants (n = 203) recognised White faces similar to Asian faces—potentially because of their minority status. Exploratory factor analysis produced reliable scales with expected factors that significantly predicted identification performance: general face recognition ability, race-specific face recognition ability, racial attitudes towards White individuals, quantity of contact with Asian individuals, motivation to individuate White individuals, and cognitive disregard of Asian individuals. Three scales that predicted identification accuracy also explained unique variance compared to that explained by the eyewitness’ confidence. This research advances the CRE literature theoretically—by identifying factors that relate to recognition—and practically—by testing multiple predictors of accuracy and developing a tool to enhance the reliability evaluations of White eyewitnesses.