Psychology & Sociology

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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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