Implications For Professional Practice Research Articles

‘Honor’ and Its Upholders: Perpetrator Types in ‘Honor’-Based Abuse

ABSTRACT ‘Honour’-based abuse (HBA) studies tend to focus on survivors’ lived experience, with less emphasis on perpetrator characteristics. This study aims to investigate whether various HBA characteristics correlate with different types of perpetrators, based on their relationship with survivors. Savera UK, a charity specialising in HBA and harmful practices, provided 107 cases which were coded for 66 variables. Three main perpetrator types were identified: 1. “Intimate Partner”, 2. “Family” and 3. “Intimate Partner and Family”. Chi-squared analyses were conducted and odds ratios of any significant associations were calculated. The distinct profile of survivor, perpetrator and abuse characteristic for each type was presented. The average number of abuse characteristics reported for the “Intimate partner and Family” perpetrator type was 19, much higher than the other two sub-samples. The implications for professional practice are discussed, highlighting the importance of increasing understanding into ‘honour’-based abuse to improve investigative, safeguarding and prevention interventions.

Psychometric properties of the reading self-efficacy scale in Peruvian students aged 10 to 16 years

BackgroundReading self-efficacy is a key factor for students’ academic performance and motivation and given the low reading performance of Peruvian students compared to the average, it is crucial to understand and improve their reading self-efficacy.ObjectiveTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Reading Self-Efficacy Scale in a Peruvian sample.MethodologyUsing a sample of 560 students aged 10 to 16 (M = 13.5, SD = 1.93), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and gender-specific invariance analysis were conducted.ResultsA two-dimensional, second-order model was taken into consideration. Significant differences were discovered in gender invariance, suggesting that the scale is comparable between the genders.ConclusionThe validation of the Reading Self-Efficacy Scale in the Peruvian context provides a useful tool to assess and develop Peruvian students’ reading self-efficacy, with implications for professional practice and educational policy.

Children in Family Mediation

This article explores the impact of three interlinked developments on both theoretical understanding of the specific role of children in family mediation and on its professional practice implications. First, the adoption of an imported terminology deviates from the clarity and precision of existing policy in respect of the nature and purpose of professional intervention in relation to children in mediation; second, current high standards of practice risk being compromised by an overemphasis of a rights approach to determining a child’s direct participation in mediation; and third, how a failure to sufficiently recognize the impact on families of multiple harsh pressures, including poverty and deprivation, at a time of conflict and stress, risks both overstating the scope of mediation for meeting a child’s needs as well as underplaying the complexities involved in relation to the direct participation of children in mediation. The article explores the tensions arising from these developments and the challenges, theoretical and professional, involved in protecting the ethical and professional principles of mediation while ensuring that the voice of the child can be heard in the process. Keywords: ADR; mediation; family mediation; children in mediation; children’s rights.

What could be considered as effective support for autistic females in high school? Asystematic literature review

AbstractIt could be argued that autistic females, attending high school, have a distinct set of needs when compared to their male counterparts. The purpose of this review is to synthesise reported findings on what could be considered as effective for supporting the needs of autistic females in high school settings. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Searches identified 12 papers that included direct perspectives of autistic females, their families and the professionals supporting them. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis. The findings indicate seven main themes for support related to: mental health; identification of specific needs and post‐diagnostic support; friendship interventions and skills development; tiered support; relationships between home and school; transitions between levels of education; self, peer and staff advocacy, and sense of belonging. Social and emotional experiences of autistic females in high school are key areas to target in ensuring successful education. Findings are discussed in relation to integrated, inclusive practices that high schools may adopt to support this cohort of students. Implications for professional practice, policy and research are discussed, which will be of interest to educators and helping professionals alike.

A qualitative focus on community pharmacists’ attitudes and barriers toward continuing professional development: implications for professional practice

A qualitative focus on community pharmacists’ attitudes and barriers toward continuing professional development: implications for professional practice

A qualitative study of mothers' experiences adopting deaf or hard-of-hearing children.

The current study presents the results of a qualitative investigation into the perspectives of mothers who have adopted children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Nine mothers, recruited via convenience and snowball sampling, participated in semi-structured interviews via videoconference technology. The interviews were transcribed and coded for thematic analysis. Parent perspectives on the following topics were analyzed: motivation, reaction to identification, communication and technology decisions, language, services pre- and post-adoption, others' reactions, expectations, race and ethnicity, and attachment and adjustment. Based on thematic analysis of the participants' responses, key themes and implications for professional practice are proposed.

Exploring the use of dual-processing in commercial property development decision-making under conditions of risk and uncertainty

PurposeCommercial property development builds floor space in anticipation of potential, but unknown, future demand, making it particularly prone to risk and uncertainty. The research explores the degree to which property developer decision-making is objective and rational and the degree to which it relies on behavioural instincts and intuition. Decision-making theory, including heuristics, is considered and its prevalence in the field of commercial property development is examined.Design/methodology/approachA “dual-processing” decision-making model, comprising intuitive System 1 and objective System 2 processing, is proposed and tested. Inductive research using template analysis of interviews, with “high status” commercial property developers, explored whether the model offers an accurate representation of developers' behaviour and effective lens through which to examine decisions made under conditions of risk and uncertainty.FindingsParticipants believed they adopted objective and rational approaches to complex commercial property development decisions. Analysis of interviews reveals that System 1 heuristics and intuition play significant roles in decision-making behaviour, leading to potential bias and systematic error. The research concludes that the dual-processing model provides a useful lens through which to better understand the decision-making approach adopted by commercial property developers.Originality/valueThe research represents the rare application of behavioural theory to the realm of commercial property development and provides new and original insight as to how important investment decisions are made under conditions of risk and uncertainty, with implications for professional practice.

Grief and bereavement in the time of COVID-19: a thematic analysis exploring psychotherapists’ observations of clients’ experiences

ABSTRACT Research published at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic predicted additional complexity and difficult experiences for those who experience grief and bereavement in this context. The current study aimed to explore the observations of professionals who have worked with grieving clients during the pandemic. This qualitative study targeted psychotherapists with experience of supporting bereaved and grieving clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sampling frame of psychotherapists specialising in bereavement was generated from the website of a professional body and potential participants were randomly selected for invitation. Snowball sampling was used as a supplementary method. An inductive thematic analysis was used to generate themes based on 10 interviews. Six key themes were identified; “Restricted access to dying loved ones,” “Cut off from expected supports and ways of grieving,” “Scope to find positives in the changed experience of grief,” “Enhanced emotions,” “Loss of focus on individual grief,” and “Additional complexities surrounding a COVID-19 death.”. The findings provide support for predictions made around additional complexity for grieving persons during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they also demonstrate the potential for bereaved persons to find positives in their grief experience. These findings have implications for professional practice, policy, and future research directions.

Are there Common Components in Effective Psychotherapies for Suicidal Behavior? Implications for Professional Practice

The scientific literature in recent years and the new research paradigms for suicidal behavior indicate that clinical treatment should focus on the reasons a person is considering suicide and why they would prefer to die rather than live. Suffering, desperation, and an inability to find meaning in life transcend diagnostic categories and are linked to the presence of any manifestation of suicidal behavior. This calls for a perspective that understands the need for specific approaches, beyond particular diagnoses or what is required for other possible psychological problems. In the adult population, the psychotherapies with the most empirical support for their efficacy are cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy for people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, particularly women. In adolescents, dialectical behavioral therapy has the highest level of recommendation. The short intervention with the best empirical support in response to suicidal crises is safety planning. We indicate the common components needed for effective psychotherapies, such as the importance of comprehensive evaluations, the therapeutic alliance, the family component, and emotional regulation skills, among others. We consider the professional implications and reflect on the need for specific training for therapists.

A Comprehensive and Updated Review of the Performance Profile Technique

The performance profile (PP) technique is a standard intervention employed by mental performance consultants to enhance a range of psychological outcomes within individuals and groups. Since its inception, the PP has generated much applied and research interest in the field of sport and performance psychology. The last decade has seen a resurgence of performance profiling publications, including applied reflections and empirical investigations, as well as extending use of the technique to novel populations. In addition to novel applications, more psychological outcomes, formal adaptations, theoretical extensions, and validity data have been provided. This paper distills previous and recent PP literature so as to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the popular PP procedure. To this end, the PP technique’s implementation overview, theoretical roots, established variations, validity, and impacts to date are thoroughly discussed. Limitations of the technique and future directions to extend the performance profiling literature are offered. Collectively, this information provides readers with insight as to the flexibility, utility, and effectiveness of the PP technique and implications for professional practice.

Neuroticism and Emotional Intelligence in Adolescence: A Mediation Model Moderate by Negative Affect and Self-Esteem.

Different studies have revealed that high scores in neuroticism relate to feelings of guilt, flustering, low self-esteem, and insecurity in relationships with others. The main objective of this work is to analyze the relationship between neuroticism and emotional intelligence in the adolescent stage and try to go one step further in the study of that relationship through the formulation of a moderate mediation model in which negative affect participates as a mediating variable and self-esteem as a moderating variable. Method: The total number of adolescents amounted to 742, with a very similar sample in both sexes, 45.1% boys and 51.5% girls. They were between 13 and 19 years old (M = 15.63, SD = 1.244) and lived in the province of Almería, Spain. Results: First, our main results significantly reflected that the neuroticism personality trait increased negative affect as self-esteem decreased. Second, statistical analyzes showed that the effect of neuroticism on attention and emotional repair was mediated by negative affect, the effect being greater when self-esteem was lower. Therefore, negative affect was presented as a mediating variable in the relationship between neuroticism and attention and emotional repair, with self-esteem acting as a moderating variable in the model. Conclusions: These findings have implications for professional practice with adolescents, since they highlight the importance of carrying out interventions that contribute to the development of self-esteem in the prevention of neuroticism since these actions can help moderate the effect exerted by the negative affect on emotional attention and repair, improving the emotional intelligence of the adolescent and, therefore, their psychological health.

Exploring Aftercare Experiences and Well-Being after Completion of a Young Adult Addiction Treatment Program

ABSTRACT Adventure therapy (AT) interventions are being integrated with evidence-based treatment models for a variety of clients, including adolescents and young adults, for a wide range of presenting symptomology, including substance use disorders (SUD). Though some studies have explored longer term outcomes, little is known about the posttreatment experiences of clients. Clients from a 90-day AT treatment program were contacted approximately posttreatment and asked to assess their general well-being and current relationship with substance use. Results showed that clients were doing well evidenced by OQ-45 scores that were statistically similar at the discharge and follow-up period (t (92) = −1.693, p < .09; Cohen’s d = −.180). Clients also showed statistically significant increases in mindfulness skills. Results also showed that 70.8% of the participants indicated that they did relapse, while 29.2% indicated they did not. Of those that relapsed, 73.8% indicated the relapse was “severe,” while 26.3% believed their relapse was “not severe.” Clients reflected favorably on their treatment experience and desired more structured aftercare opportunities posttreatment. Implications for professional practice and research include the need to advance perspectives of recovery and develop aftercare support systems that can aid clients in the recovery process.

Savouring the ordinary moments in the midst of trauma: benefits of casual leisure on adjustment following traumatic spinal cord injury

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits of casual forms of leisure during adjustment to traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). This qualitative study applied a grounded theory approach. A total of 10 participants were recruited from former and current participants of an adaptive sports organisation in Central Canada. The thematic analysis revealed four main themes of the benefits of casual leisure as follows: (a) tasting positive emotions, (b) providing a source of motivation and structure in everyday life, (c) experiencing a sense of belonging, and (d) creating a distance from acquired injury. The findings in this study provided empirical evidence that engagement in casual forms of leisure and savouring the anticipated moments in the midst of trauma can offer various benefits among individuals with traumatic SCI. Especially, our study demonstrated that the experience of joyful and relaxing moments by engaging in activities promoted various positive emotions during the stressful adjustment period. Also, the findings demonstrated that regular engagement in casual leisure is an important source of motivation in everyday life. Implications for professional practice are discussed.

Perceived barriers and facilitating factors to positive mental health and engagement with support services for young offenders – A systematic literature review

Aim(s):This systematic review aims to provide an overview of evidence regarding the link between offending and mental health difficulties, before focusing upon young people’s (YP’s), parents’ and professionals’ experiences of mental health provision.Method/Rationale:Within the literature there is a wealth of quantitative research focused upon the needs of young offenders (YOs); however, less weighting is given to individuals’ perspectives. Consequently, this paper aims to explore how mental health provision is experienced by those in the system. Four databases were included in the systematic search (PsychINFO (1806 to present), EBSCO, ERIC, and ProQuest) and seven papers were selected, published between 2004 and 2016.Findings:Findings indicate that barriers to help-seeking include: stigma, self-reliance, lack of trust, poor relationships, perceived lack of control and poor emotional literacy. Accessibility of social support was identified as a facilitating factor, alongside non-judgemental, trustworthy professionals with sound knowledge of YP’s developmental and mental health needs.Limitations:This paper outlines a small-scale systematic literature review including seven qualitative papers; therefore, findings cannot be generalised to the wider population of YOs.Conclusions:Results support a contextualised understanding of YOs’ experience of mental health provision. Findings are expected to support the development of effective mental health strategies for young offenders in the future. Implications for professional practice are considered alongside recommendations for the role of Educational Psychologists (EPs).

Improving Child Development Screening: Implications for Professional Practice and Patient Equity.

Introduction and Objectives:A pediatric group with 25 clinics and 150 providers used multifaceted approaches to implement workflow processes and an electronic health record (EHR) flowsheet to improve child developmental screening. The key outcome was developmental screening done for every patient during 3 periods between ages 8 and 36 months. Identification of developmental concerns was the secondary study outcome. Screening rates and referrals were hypothesized to be optimized for children regardless of demographic backgrounds.Methods:During preventive visits, developmental screens targeted patients in age groups 8 to 12, 13 to 24, and 25 to 36 months. EHRs were analyzed for screening documentation, results, and referrals by patient demographics. Fifteen pediatric professionals were interviewed about their qualitative experiences. Quality improvement interventions included appointing clinic champions, training staff about the screening process and responsibilities, using a standardized tool, employing plan-do-study-act cycles, posting EHR prompts, providing financial incentives, and monitoring screening rates using control charts.Results:Within 25 months, screening rates improved from 60% to >95% within the 3 preventive visit age groups for a total of more than 30 000 children. Professionals valued the team process improvements. Children enrolled in Medicaid, black children, and those living in lower income zip codes had lower screening rates than privately insured, white children, and those living in higher income areas. Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3rd edition results were significantly different by gender, race/ethnicity, insurance, and income categories across all groups. Referral rates varied by race/ethnicity and zip code of residence.Conclusions:This project resulted in an effective and efficient process to improve child developmental screening that was valued by pediatric professionals. Analyses of patient demographics revealed disparities in services for the most vulnerable families. Ongoing quality improvement, health services research, and advocacy offer hope to improve health equity.

Educators’ Perceptions on Refugee Students’ Identity Challenges Following Higher Education Through Virtual Learning

Refugees experience specific challenges when transitioning into higher education influenced by socio-cultural issues (Kong et al., 2016). Moreover, online learning may impact identity formation leading to duelling identities (Brunton et al., 2019). As virtual learning prevails in higher education due to the globalisation of new technologies, academic needs and competition with international institutions (Olaniran &amp; Agnello, 2008), marginalisation of socially excluded groups such as refugees may surface (Crea &amp; Sparnon, 2017).The purpose of this study is to explore educators perspectives of challenges and opportunities refugee students’ face when following higher education via a virtual space that impedes these specific students identity and sense of belonging. This paper provides the concept based on Erickson’s psychosocial development theory to extend this area of investigation by assessing the impact of learning via online spaces on identity.Five educators working within higher education were interviewed using a qualitative phenomenological methodology to generate an in-depth, unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities observed by teaching refugee students’ and focusing on identity formation. The data generated were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a computer-assisted data analysis software (CAQDAS), NVivo 12 Plus, to classify group-specific codebooks emerging from the data collection.The finding suggests that refugee students’ studying via a virtual space face specific challenges linked to their lived reality; however, pedagogy and educators need to be more culturally responsive to support students from diverse backgrounds and aid in the identity transition. Moreover, opportunities gained through online learning allow a sense of belonging to a global education and skills fostered will prove fruitful academically and beyond. This study concludes with implications for professional practice within the higher academic setting.

Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists' Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice

Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists' Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice

Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists’ Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice

Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists’ Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice

Being a female academic under neoliberal evaluation: A systematic review

Abstract The current academic assessment system is drawing a scenario based on neoliberal values. It has contributed to the perpetuation of gender inequalities. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize the most relevant research on the impact of neoliberalism on the professional identity of female academics. For this purpose, a systematized bibliographic search was carried out in four different databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Education Resources Information Center, and Google Scholar), which yielded a total of 26 articles published in international journals. The results illustrate a research field dominated by the USA and the UK and a trajectory of growth in the literature in recent years. The emerging themes reveal some of the challenges faced by women academics in a neoliberal context. These obstacles may be external and even unconsciously imposed by women academics themselves. Motherhood emerges as one of the most influential aspects of their professional development. Furthermore, our findings explore various ways in which women academics reconstruct their identity in the face of systemic challenges. This manuscript culminates with a discussion of the impact that neoliberal values and their general consequences in the performance evaluation processes of academics have on women. Therefore, we provide a number of implications for professional practice and future lines of research.

Exploring Veteran Teachers' Collaborative Action Research Experiences Through a School-University Partnership: "Old Dogs" Try New Tricks

This article shares insights from the experiences of three high school practitioners and two university faculty who participated in a school-university-based action research program as a voluntary part of the teachers’ professional development. The three high school practitioners conducted action research projects around questions that stemmed from and were relevant to their own teaching practice. As part of the action research program, the practitioners were paired with university faculty to support the research. Building on practitioner inquiry traditions and critical case study methodologies, this study used qualitative methods to explore the experiences of practitioner action research processes. Drawing on in-person meeting notes and reflective memos, four key ideas emerged: Infrastructure, We are all Partners in Education, Engaging Pathway for Experienced Teachers, and Challenges. Insights gained from this inquiry will have implications for professional practices in the areas of school-university partnership, professional development, and action research process.