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Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/25

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Start date: 2020Subject: search.filters.subject.Education

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    A brief neuro-affirming resource to support school absences for autistic learners: development and program description
    (Frontiers Media, 2024-03-22) Johnston, Lorna; Maciver, Donald; Rutherford, Marion; Gray, Anna; Curnow, Eleanor; Utley, Izy
    Background: Education should be inclusive, nurturing each individual’s potential, talents, and creativity. However, criticisms have emerged regarding support for autistic learners, particularly in addressing disproportionately high absence levels within this group. The demand for accessible, person-centered, neuro-affirming approaches is evident. This paper provides a program description of a structured absence support framework, developed and implemented during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. We detail creation, content, and implementation. Methods: We collaborated with stakeholders, reviewed literature and drew on existing theoretical frameworks to understand absence in autistic learners, and produced draft guidance detailing practical approaches and strategies for supporting their return to school. The final resource was disseminated nationally and made freely available online with a supporting program of work around inclusive practices. Results: The resource is rooted in neuro-affirming perspectives, rejecting reward-based systems and deficit models of autism. It includes key messages, case studies and a planning framework. It aims to cultivate inclusive practices with an autism-informed lens. The principles promoted include recognizing the child’s 24-hour presentation, parental partnership, prioritizing environmental modifications, and providing predictable, desirable and meaningful experiences at school. Feedback to date has been positive in terms of feasibility, face validity, and utility. Conclusion: This novel, freely available resource provides a concise, practical framework for addressing absence in autistic learners by cultivating a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive educational system in which autistic individuals can thrive.
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    Occupational alienation and the mental health of university students
    (FapUNIFESP (SciELO), 2022-06-08) Nañagas, Maria Lucia; Kantartzis, Sarah
    Abstract Mental health, especially in the youth, has been a prevailing concern in recent years. University students are a particularly high-risk population for mental health problems. Changing perspectives in the field of mental health present the opportunity to explore this concept through an occupational justice lens – specifically that of occupational alienation. Through a brief review of relevant literature, this critical essay will explore the relationship among the concepts of alienation from both a sociology and occupational science perspective, and consider the insights that may be obtained through application of this concept to understanding the mental health of university students. The use of an occupational justice lens provides an opportunity for an alternative perspective when considering factors potentially contributing to the mental health problems in this population.
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    Associations between adolescent psychosocial factors and disengagement from education and employment in young adulthood among individuals with common mental health problems
    (Springer, 2022-03-11) Tayfur, Sumeyra N.; Prior, Susan; Singh Roy, Anusua; Maciver, Donald; Forsyth, Kirsty; Irvine-Fitzpatrick, Linda
    Transition to adulthood can be a challenging developmental task for adolescents with common mental health problems and is linked to adverse outcomes such as ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEET). This study investigated longitudinal associations between adolescent psychosocial factors (e.g., self-esteem, aspirations, bullying, physical activity) and later NEET status among individuals with common mental health problems (i.e., depression and anxiety). A secondary data analysis of the Next Steps cohort study was completed using waves 2 and 8. Psychosocial factors, mental health, and background characteristics were captured when participants were aged 15–16 years (wave 2) while still in compulsory education. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used to identify adolescents with common mental health problems. The study population consisted of 2224 participants (females 66.8%) of which 1473 (66.2%) were aged 15 years and 751 (33.8%) were aged 16 years in wave 2. The outcome was NEET status at ages 25–26 years (wave 8). The results showed that after adjusting for background characteristics, adolescent self-esteem, locus of control, bullying, physical activity, job aspirations, and attitudes to school predicted NEET status. Educational aspirations, substance use, and behavioural problems were not significantly associated with NEET status. These findings provide new insights into the role of adolescent psychosocial factors in the context of education and employment outcomes for youth at risk and highlight the necessity of targeted mental health support to improve life chances.
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    Adolescent psychosocial factors and participation in education and employment in young adulthood: A systematic review and meta-analyses
    (Elsevier, 2021-07-30) Tayfur, Sumeyra N.; Prior, Susan; Singh Roy, Anusua; Irvine-Fitzpatrick, Linda; Forsyth, Kirsty
    Adolescence is a critical period for successful transition into adulthood. This systematic review of empirical longitudinal evidence investigated the associations between adolescent psychosocial factors and education and employment status in young adulthood. Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ASSIA and ERIC) were searched. Meta-analysis was conducted by using odds ratios (OR) as our common effect size; a narrative synthesis of results was also completed. Of the 8970 references screened, 14 articles were included and mapped into seven domains, namely, behavioral problems, peer problems, substance use, prosocial skills, self-evaluations, aspirations and physical activity. The results showed that behavioral problems (overall OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.26–1.74) and peer problems (overall ORadj: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.02–1.57) were significantly associated with being out of education, employment and training (NEET) as young adults. Prosocial skills did not present a significant association (overall OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.92–1.15). Other domains were narratively synthesized. The role of substance use was less clear. Only a few studies were available for self-evaluations, aspirations and physical activity domains. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
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    A mapping review of models of practice education in allied health and social care professions
    (SAGE, 2020-03-03) Beveridge, Joanna; Pentland, Duncan
    Practice education is fundamental to pre-registration learning for many health and social care professions, yet finding sufficient opportunities for students is challenging. One-to-one student-educator pairings are common, and while different models could increase placement opportunities, associated terminology is inconsistent and an overview of advantages, challenges and available evidence is missing. This mapping review identifies, categorises, and critically considers the evidence for different models of practice education used by health and social care professions. Papers from 2008 onwards reporting on practice education approaches in allied health or social care profession courses were identified in three databases. Data was extracted, methodological quality categorised and a typology of practice education models developed. 53 papers were reviewed and developed into a typology of fourteen models. Mapping indicated issues with a lack of high quality research and limitations in available outcome indicators. Pre-requisites for the effective operation of different models include preparation, communication, and allowing sufficient time for new ways of working. Practice education discourse is characterised by varied terminology and practices. Various models for structuring practice education exist though the evidence for their effectiveness and impact on capacity is limited. Using consistent language and considering wider impacts and outcomes is recommended in future study.