School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management

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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.
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.
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.
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.
Female identity and the British female ensemble drama 1995-1998
(Queen Margaret University, 2007) Ball, Victoria
This thesis focuses upon a distinctive form of 'feminine-gendered' fiction, that of the British female ensemble drama, that has proliferated across televisual schedules since the late 1970s and which has received little academic attention. Although not a discrete genre, the female ensemble drama is nevertheless identifiable as a distinctive form of 'feminine-gendered' fiction that is largely written and/or produced by women, which diegetically focuses on particular communities of female characters and which is predominantly aimed at female audiences. The purpose of this text-based analysis of the female ensemble drama is to engage with a central concern of feminist television criticism, that of the gendered identity of this particular media form and the constructions of gender within it given its association with women at these three sites of production, text and audience. While I provide a historical overview of the development of this form of drama in relation to its textual precedents I isolate a particular moment in the history of this form of drama, that of the late 1990s, for closer analysis. Firstly I isolate the late 1990s to provide knowledge and understanding of the way in which the 'feminine' identity of this form of drama has contributed to its academic neglect within this socio-cultural period. Secondly I provide a close textual analysis of the constructions of 'women' within three female ensemble dramas in order to engage with and explore the textual negotiations they embody surrounding discourses of feminism and post feminism, de- and re-traditionalization in this particular period. While these themes have begun to be addressed in feminist television criticism they have largely been explored in relation to constructions of femininity in American dramas. This analysis then, allows for an exploration of these discourses in relation to a regional form of British drama. It is through investigating the academic neglect of this form of drama; providing a historical, thematic and aesthetic overview of the female ensemble drama as well as a detailed analysis of three of the female ensemble dramas of the 1990s that I contribute knowledge and understanding of this particular regional form of 'feminine-gendered' fiction to the field of Feminist Television Studies.
The Corbicula Cycle : postmodernism and identity in on the edge, throught the night, and in the shade
(Queen Margaret University, 2007) Leddy, David
This practice-based research is based around the creation of a triptych of performances entitled The Corbicula Cycle. The three performance pieces are: On The Edge, Through The Night and In The Shade. The aim of the practice is to take the supposedly 'low' artistic forms of the murder-mystery, Cinderella narrative, blackface minstrelsy and drag cabaret and interpenetrate them with theoretical content from postmodernism and identity politics whilst combining formal elements of dramatic writing and performance art practice. The emphasis of both the research and the research outcomes is a practical one. The DVDs and playscripts represent the core of the submission, with this thesis serving to support and contextualise the practice. Thus the contribution of this work is demonstrated not through new theoretical findings but through new artistic findings in the three performances. In terms of postmodernism, the research focuses on intertextuality; deconstruction; simulacra and simulation; split and shifting subjectivity; parody, pastiche, irony and the mixing of the genres. In relation to identity politics, the piece takes a postmodern view, covering cultural theories relating to gender, sexuality, class and race. The overarching objective in combining these different knowledge paradigms is to create a series of open, polysemantic texts which can be read in different ways by different viewers. Thus, it is hoped that the pieces can be shown successfully outside of an academic context and be open to readers other than an 'expert-spectator' audience of academics and artists. None of these artistic or theoretical constructions is innovative in itself. However, this research represents a modest contribution to knowledge through the subtly new ways it combines the paradigms of cultural theory, dramatic new writing and performance art with the generic artistic models of the murder-mystery, the Cinderella narrative, drag cabaret and blackface minstrelsy. It also provides substantial new insights through critical reflection upon process and products, exploring the play between artistic aims, principles of composition and audience response.
Webfilm theory
(Queen Margaret University, 2007) Kurtzke, Simone
Since its inception in 1989, the World Wide Web has grown as a medium for publishing first text, then images, audio, and finally, moving images including short films. While most new media forms, in particular, hypertext, have received scholarly attention, research into moving image on the Internet had been limited. The thesis therefore set out to investigate webfilms, a form of short film on the WWW and the Internet, over a period of 9 years (1997-2005). The thesis was theoretically embedded in questions regarding new media as new field of research, since the increasing visibility of new media had resulted in the emergence of the discipline of 'new media studies'. This context raised issues regarding the configuration of new media studies within the existing academic disciplines of media and cultural studies, which were explored in depth in the literature review. The case studies of the thesis explored and analysed webfilms from a vantage point of actor-network theory, since this was arguably the most appropriate methodology to a research object considerably influenced by technological factors. The focus was on the conditions of webfilm production, distribution, and exhibition, and the evolution of webfilm discourse and culture. The aim was to seek answers to the question 'How didwebfilm arise as (new) form of film?' In the process of research, a number of issues were raised including the changing definition and changing forms of webfilms, the convergence of media, and the complex interdependency of humans and their computers. The research re-evaluates the relationship between human and non-human factors in media production and presents a fresh approach by focusing on the network as unit of analysis. The thesis as a whole not only provides new information on the evolution of webfilm as a form of film, but also illustrates how the network interaction of humans and nonhumans lies at the heart of contemporary new media and convergence culture.
Community development in cyberspace: a case study of a community network
(Queen Margaret University, 2001) Malina, Anna
This thesis investigates the background, emergence, use and significance of a community based information network, the Craigmillar Community Information Service (CCIS), in Edinburgh, Scotland, to assess its relationship with community development and note also the local network's relationship over time with the community, the city and society. Desk research, i.e. reviews of literature and examination of various documents combined with information gained in the field helped to weave contextual, conceptual and theoretical frameworks to assist in analysis. Data was gathered in the field by means of qualitative interviews with City of Edinburgh (CEC) officials, system developers and CCIS users. Additional data was collected and checks were subsequently made as a result of routine observations of CCIS operating within their base in Craigmillar; and also via virtual observations of on-line structure and content over time. Local media reports and an assessment of regeneration delivery services in Craigmillar, commissioned by CEC also provided insights in the analysis. The main objective was to collect data that would accurately reflect the true nature and significance of the CCIS system. A qualitative methodology was employed in this study. Desk research began in mid 1995, and on-line and real-time observations in 1996. Interviews were carried out in the field during 1997 and early 1998. In the final chapter of this thesis, conclusions emerging from analysis of the data are offered as a means of developing deeper understanding of CCIS and community development in cyberspace. Overall, it is hoped to extend general knowledge of community networks, and broaden understanding of the developing field of social informatics. In light of conclusions drawn, theoretical frameworks are reviewed in the final chapter and potential is outlined for further research into the evolving roles of community-based initiatives situated elsewhere, their socio-technical relations and their significance in different societal settings.
Motivation and method in Scots translations, versions and adaptations of plays from the historic repertoire of continental European drama.
(Queen Margaret University, 2000) Findlay, William
This study adopts a twin approach to investigation of writers' motivation and method in translating, versionizing, and/or adapting into Scots plays from the historic repertoire of Continental European drama. First, it considers, through historical/critical research, the work ok, and statements by or about, selected writers representative by period of the development of a modern tradition in translating such plays for the Scottish stage from the 1940s through the 1990s. Second, it presents, through practice-as-research, self-reflective commentaries on two playscripts prepared as part of this study in order to allow self-recording and self-analysis of the process from the perspective of motivation and method. The playscripts are a version of Gerhart Hauptmann's Die Weber (The Weavers), and a co-translation of Carlo Goldoni's Le Baruffe Chiozzote (The Chioggian Squabbles; or, in this translation, The Chioggian Rammies).

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