Master Themes Research Articles

Exploring the Psychosocial Experiences of Within the Family Adoptees: An initiative for Mental Well-Being

This qualitative research delves into the exploring the psychosocial experiences of adoptees within their adoptive families, with a focus on their mental well-being. The study employed an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach to explore the psychosocial experiences of within-family adoptees in relation to mental well-being. The research involved six participants who were engaged in semi-structured interviews. The analysis revealed master themes and generated sub-themes through coding method. Five master themes were communication barriers, assistance, identity crisis, general societal attitudes, and emotional disturbance that contributed to a deeper understanding of the mental well-being for adoptees and shed light on various psychosocial aspects within the family context. The research sheds light on the various emotional, relational, and identity-related aspects that influence adoptees’ mental health within the family context. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of adoptees’ needs and suggest implications for supporting their overall well-being.

“She Punched, Punched, and Scratched Me While I Was Holding My Children After We Broke Up”: Men’s Experience of Postseparation Domestic Abuse

There is a paucity of literature relating to male victims of intimate partner violence and their experiences postseparation. This study explored men’s experiences of abuse after the end of a relationship using an anonymous online survey distributed via social media. The survey included questions of a demographic nature followed by a series of open-ended questions. A hundred and thirty men aged between 18 and 68 years participated. All participants were reporting on their experiences within opposite sex relationships. A thematic analysis identified four master themes (preseparation abuse, postseparation abuse, abuse impact, and help-seeking). The analysis revealed significant experiences of abuse occurring preseparation, followed by accounts of postseparation abuse and the challenges men faced in terms of help-seeking. The collection of preseparation data helped to situate the postseparation experiences in the wider context of an existing abusive relationship and illustrated the impact of this across a range of experiential domains. We conclude that men’s experiences of physical abuse as well as coercive and controlling behavior that exist preseparation often continue postseparation, albeit changing and escalating through different mechanisms. Suggestions for future research and recommendations for practice have been identified.

Virtual consultations: the experience of oncology and palliative care healthcare professionals

ObjectivesTo maintain continuity of care during the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual consultations (VC) became the mainstay of patient-healthcare practitioner interactions. The aim of this study was to explore the views of oncology and palliative care healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the medium of VC.MethodA cross sectional mixed methodology observational study of oncology and palliative care HCPs, analysed via an inductive thematic approach. This was undertaken in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.Results87 surveys were completed. Three master themes were identified. Personal, professional, and familial factors including patient age, illness and VC skillset all influenced practitioner’s experience of VC. Relationships and connection were highlighted by survey respondents as important influences, with a perception that VC could reduce usual relationships with patients, compared to previous face-to-face consults. There was a perceived loss in these domains with VC. Sharing bad news and having challenging conversations was seen as particularly difficult via VC. Many survey respondents emphasized that they preferred to have first time consultations face-to-face, and not virtually. Within the domain of logistical and practical implications reduced travel and increased accessibility were seen as a significant benefit of VC. The inability to examine patients and concerns regarding missing clinical signs was emphasised as a significant worry, alongside the challenges faced with occasionally failing technology.ConclusionVC were felt to have a role for those patients who are already known to professionals, where there was an established relationship. VC for difficult discussions and for unstable patients were felt to be inadequate. Triaging patient suitability prior to offering VC, with emphasis on the importance of patient choice, was seen as a priority in this new era of VC.

Examining contributing factors for the implementation of inclusion students with disabilities from the perspective of university academics in Saudi Arabia

Inclusive education focuses on implementing education for individuals who do not follow typical learning trajectory and require special educational needs (SEN). Educational systems in many countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, tend to implement and practise inclusive education in order to fulfill relevant international conventions and achieve educational standards of acceptable quality in educating children and young people with medical and neurodevelopmental conditions. This study seeks to reveal some of the factors that may help to overcome the obstacles faced in the implementation of inclusive education from the point of view of academics of special education in Saudi universities. To achieve this goal, the study used semi-structured interviews as its primary tool for data collection. Sixteen male and female faculty members specialized in special education in several Saudi public universities were interviewed. The data were analysed thematically. Two master themes were derived from the thematic analyses, 1) theoretical factors and 2) applied factors. Both master themes had several sub-themes. A number of factors were identified as helping to implement inclusive education thereby changing the behaviours and attitudes towards including students with disabilities Saudi context. It is suggested here that similar factors might exist in other countries in Middle East and beyond.

Theme‐Driven Social Analysis: Three Approaches

In this article, I present three strategies for building cultural and historical analyses that are driven by broadly relevant social themes rather than particular cases. Each of these strategies represents a different way to approach “concept‐driven sociology,” focusing the researcher on robust and deep‐seated social and cultural forces that underly and shape various actions, events, and experiences occurring at different times and places. Such a thematic analysis requires bringing together multiple cases that illustrate a common social phenomenon despite their substantive differences, while also highlighting those differences and interpreting each case to reinforce the analysis of the general theme at hand. After discussing the relevance of form, process, and culture to thematic analysis, I draw on previous and ongoing research to outline three strategies: (1) formal analytic abstraction, (2) the configuration of analytic subtypes from a master theme, and (3) transcendent historical analysis. While thematic analysis involves illustrating how several otherwise different cases cohere around a common theme, and thus highlighting important similarities among them, I conclude by discussing why we must also take deep analytic dives into the cases we study in order to enhance our understanding of the theme that ties them together.

Empowering Student Pharmacists to Counsel Patients on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals through Interactive Role-Play.

Preparing the next generation of pharmacists to succeed in practice and provide premier care starts with ensuring pharmacy education standards are met and align with innovative practices and that education incorporates topics that are important to promoting health. For example, recent reports link endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to numerous diseases such as reproductive disorders, metabolic diseases, and developmental abnormalities. Considering the suboptimal awareness and knowledge about EDCs, it is imperative to provide public health education through a pharmacy curriculum. The objective of this study was to evaluate student pharmacists' perceptions of the impact of a role play activity on their knowledge of EDCs and counseling skills. A secondary objective was to explore student pharmacists' perceptions of how role play might impact their future career as a pharmacist. A retrospective qualitative study consisting of a lecture, a pre-brief, a low-fidelity simulation centered on role-play, and debrief to develop knowledge of EDCs to practice counseling skills, and a post reflection was implemented to explore this aim. Third year student pharmacists who were enrolled on the public health elective course were eligible to participate in the study. All reflections were de-identified, imported into a qualitative software, Dedoose®, Version 9.2.6 and thematically analyzed using an inductive approach. Thematic analysis revealed three master themes, which tell the story of an initial lack of familiarity with EDCs that was rectified by the lecture and low-fidelity simulation. In the first theme, we can see that all of the participants noted their positive perceptions of the low-fidelity simulation, especially the role playing on a topic they lacked familiarity with. In the second theme, participants revealed the activity's impact on their performance or behaviors. Finally, the third theme explores the future implications of a pharmacist's impact on public health. This novel study contributes to a growing body of literature on the impact of pharmacy education practices and instruction on public health. The findings suggest that pharmacy educators might consider incorporating role playing instruction for public health topics, EDCs, or topics not traditionally taught in the pharmacy curriculum.

Motivational Factors in Adherence among Elderly with Diabetes and Hypertension

This qualitative study aims to explore the motivational factors in adherence among the elderly with diabetes and hypertension from the perspectives of patients and health professionals in China. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts unveiled eight master themes, including vicarious experiences, health beliefs, self-efficacy, feedback on health outcomes, the desire for improved health and longevity, understanding of diseases, perceived personal deterioration in health conditions, external regulation, and support. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that align with the motivations of older individuals facing the dual challenges of diabetes and hypertension in China.

Navigating the social and healthcare sector: experiences and perspectives of ethnic minority family members/designated care givers of individuals with developmental disorders within the social and healthcare systems

Objectives There is an abundance of literature on the experiences of individuals with developmental disorders while navigating the social and healthcare sector but there is little literature investigating the experiences of ethnic minority family members/caregivers while navigating the social and healthcare sector. The aim of the present study was to investigate and understand the lived experiences of ethnic minority family members/caregivers whilst navigating the social and healthcare filling a gap in the research literature. Methods Semi-structured Interviews were conducted with three ethnic minority family members/caregivers of individuals with developmental disorders. Interviews were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis revealed five master themes relating to their experiences: barriers to support, inadequate support, onus of care, equality and not equity, and collective culture of support. Results Family members/caregivers reported that several factors impacted their experience of the social and healthcare sector including barriers to support, inadequate support, onus of care, and a principle of equality and not equity. However, a collective culture of support amongst family members/care givers provided respite and support in their role as caregivers. Conclusions The present study provided an insight into the lived experiences of ethnic minority family members/caregivers navigating the social and healthcare sector leaving room for the topic to be explored further.

Abdication of Responsibility for Father–Child Contact in a Group of Black South African Non-resident Father Families: A Systems Perspective

Much of what is known about non-resident fathers is based on studies conducted in North America and Europe, and on the accounts of only one family member. This article draws from a study which utilised a family systems perspective and obtained the views of four members of ten Black South African non-resident father families ( N = 40) with infrequent father–child contact. The aim was to investigate if and how non-resident fathers’ contact with adolescent children was influenced by relationships with various family members. Individual interviews were conducted with each of the family member and thematically analysed. Here, we engage with one of the master themes that shows the circular dynamic in families in which various family members held implicit assumptions about who was responsible for father–child contact and, subsequently, did not view the responsibility to be theirs. Infrequent or lack of non-resident father–child contact should therefore be addressed as a family systems issue.

Exploring psychosocial determinants of quality of life in young adults with paternal substance use disorder in Pakistan: a phenomenological study

ABSTRACT Background Substance use disorder has a profound impact not only on the individuals with the disorder but also on their family members, especially children. The impact on children can be long-lasting, affecting their development and well-being throughout their life. The study explored the psychosocial determinants of quality of life in young adults with paternal substance use disorder. Method 8 Young adults with paternal substance use disorder aged 20–30 were selected for this study. Phenomenological research design along with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to obtain an in-depth and holistic perspective. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with the participants. Result Two master themes with respective sub-themes were identified i.e., psychological (psychological disturbance, childhood experience and trauma, and intra-personal difficulties) and social (educational and occupational difficulties, family dynamics and relationships issues, and social issues). Conclusion The study determined that young adults with paternal substance use faces many psychological and social difficulties throughout their life which impact their quality of life. Some of the repeated issues were neglect by the father and society, stigmatization, self-criticism, academic issues, and emotional problems. This study may help mental health professionals to make effective strategies to enhance the quality of life of such young adults.

Experience of compassion-based practice in mindfulness for health for individuals with persistent pain.

Research indicates that acquiring compassion is an integral part to positive outcomes to Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), yet there is both theoretic and empirical literature suggesting that people with persistent pain are more likely to experience challenges and distress when engaging compassion-based practices. Mindfulness for Health is a standardised MBI for people with persistent pain and health conditions. This study sought to explore the positive, neutral and difficult experiences of compassion-based practice and meditation for participants in Mindfulness for Health to further understand implications and risks for participants of MBI's. A qualitative design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was applied to explore how participants understood of the experience of compassion-based practice and the meaning they gave to it. Eight participants who had completed the Mindfulness for Health from four separate groups were interviewed about their experience. Five master themes were identified 'turning away from self-with-pain', 'self-with-pain experienced as shameful', 'facilitating change', 'turning towards self-with-pain', and 'accepting self'. Participants identified both perceived positive changes and difficult emotional experiences during the meditation practice, which they related to the context of compassion in their past and present life. Developing compassion is an important part of Mindfulness for Health, which is salient for participants as both a challenging and potentially valuable experience. Acquisition of mindfulness skills, supporting group dynamics and modelling compassion are understood as helpful in overcoming personal barriers and challenging experiences. Further research is needed to understand processes involved and explore the experience of non-completers.

Authentic Mindfulness Within Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Qualitative Study of Participants' Experiences

There are concerns that participants of some modern mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are receiving a superficial form of mindfulness training. However, empirical investigation of this issue according to participants’ first-hand experiences has been limited. Thus, this qualitative study aimed to capture the first-hand perspectives relating to authentic mindfulness of participants who had recently attended an MBI in the UK. Ten adults completed a recorded, online semistructured interview. Based on a thematic analysis, the following four master themes were identified: (a) authentic mindfulness as a construct, (b) positive aspects of the training, (c) something missing, and (d) recommendations for authenticity. Although all participants experienced benefits from the MBI, they felt that the mindfulness training they received lacked spiritual depth. Implications for the design and delivery of MBIs are discussed.

Up and Down: Insights from a creative approach to online interactions with very young children

ABSTRACT This paper offers guidance for remote communication with young children based on an interpretive study of participants engaged in an online Theatre for Early Years (TEY) event, Up and Down. Drawing on practices used for in-person performance, the theatre-makers engaged interactively with children aged 1 and 2 and their accompanying adults through a conference video call. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used as an approach to generate themes from observation, and interviews with the parents. Three master themes were generated: Missing Live Performance, Unfiltered Response and Human Connection. The discussion was informed by relational pedagogies and the concept of cultural value. Those engaging with young children through video call software are encouraged to look for ways to create embodied, sensory, and ‘magical’ experiences; collaborate with the adults present; and take a strengths-based approach to the medium.

The Cross-Cultural Training Needs of Football Coaches

The ability to interact and communicate effectively in different cultural contexts has never been more relevant for football coaches because cultural diversity in football has increased in the past decades. Yet, there is a reduced number of institutions that are currently offering cultural training to coaches, and it is unknown whether coaches feel the need for such training. This study aimed to explore the cross-cultural training needs of 115 football coaches with national and/or international experience (M = 13.4 years; SD = 8.53). To maximise recruitment reach, an online survey with open-ended questions was used followed by a qualitative thematic analysis. There were four master themes: cross-cultural training needs in the global football market; cross-cultural awareness is important in football; football-specific cultural training; and training by migrant coaches, no matter how. Most coaches perceived a benefit from cultural training in preparation for international appointments, but some felt that coaches already had cultural awareness because they manage individuals and adjust easily to different cultures. Preferences were shown for cross-cultural training delivered by migrant coaches and with a football-specific focus. This is the first study to explore the perceptions of football coaches about cross-cultural awareness and training needs and provides insights to providers of coach education.

The marked body: Exploring experiences of post-mastectomy scarring, body image and change through artistic tattooing.

Breast cancer has become the most prevalent cancer globally, predominantly affecting women, with mastectomy surgery a frequent treatment. Women often experience a discrepancy between their post-mastectomy body, and their former sense of self, affecting negatively on wellbeing. The narratives of eight women who chose to artistically tattoo over their mastectomy scars were explored in this study, through semi-structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Seven master themes are presented. These themes follow the women from a state of disruption (of body image and gender identity) and surgical scarring as the first marking of the body, to the second marking of the body through artistic tattooing, bringing with it transformation, acceptance, feeling heard and connection with the artist, closure and control and the creation of significance and meaning. Viewed through Self-Discrepancy Theory, the findings of this study has implications for psycho-oncology and wellbeing support for women following mastectomy surgery.

Appearance Teasing and Identity Formation Amongst Young Adults: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Appearance teasing (AT) is such a widespread phenomenon that to discount its meaning, impact, and severity on the lives of those who are teased would be a mistake. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of Indian youths who have been appearance-teased by their close friends and family, how they perceive it has impacted their senses of self and identity and to understand their coping strategies that help them manage the negative effects of AT. Data was collected via semi structured interviews with six young adults and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis of the transcripts reveals five master themes encompassing forms of exhibition of AT, causes, impact, protective factors, and coping strategies that represented the experiences for this population. Each individual voice captured in this study offers valuable insights into how teasing someone based on their appearance can have tremendous impacts on their psyche and behavior. Findings also point to the unique role played by Indian culture in these experiences of Indian youths. Based on the results, we conclude that there is a substantial need for awareness about AT in India and the impact of its normalization on Indian youth.

Listening to other people's traumatic experiences: What makes it hard and what could protect professionals from developing related distress? A qualitative investigation.

Listening to people talk about their trauma experiences involves indirect exposure to trauma (IET) and can trigger emotional distress. Existing studies about the risk factors for post-IET distress have methodological limitations and reported inconsistent results, making their findings difficult to meaningfully synthesise. Also, most of them did not focus explicitly on trauma narratives and did not explore qualitatively the opinions and experiences of professionals who work closely with trauma survivors. The present study involved 36 professionals who worked with trauma survivors and used a qualitative design to investigate: (a) the perceived impact of the survivors' accounts, (b) the factors they deemed as important to be psychologically prepared for trauma accounts, and (c) their strategies for coping with IET. The semi-structured interviews conducted yielded rich data that was analysed thematically and organised in 13 subordinate themes, and 4 master themes. Listening to trauma narratives was thought to lead to emotional distress when it challenges the listener's 'basic assumptions' of safety and justice, when the listener has reduced sense of control and operates outside their 'window of tolerance', when empathic responses are too strong, and psychological preparedness for trauma-narratives is perceived as insufficient. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice are discussed.

Development of Interactive Learning Media Helped Kine Master on Themes of Objects, Animals, and Plants Around Me Class 1 SD

Education is a conscious and planned effort to create a learning atmosphere and learning process so that students actively develop their potential to have religious spiritual strength, self-control, personality, intelligence, noble character and the skills needed by themselves and society. This type of research uses development research methods. or Research and Development (R&D). Research methods are used to produce certain products and test the effectiveness of these products. This research is intended to develop interactive learning media assisted by Kine Master with modifications to the design of the ADDIE model development which consists of several stages including analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. From the results of the needs analysis, namely researchers looking for solutions by developing products in the form of interactive learning videos with the help of Kine Master Themes Objects, Animals and Plants Around Me Class 1 SD which can facilitate teachers and students in the learning process. The results of the curriculum analysis can be described as follows: The 2018 revision of the 2013 curriculum has been used at PELITA Vocational Schools and the learning objectives in the media are described from learning indicators, because not all material can be conveyed through interactive learning. Kine Master-assisted media, it is necessary to select learning materials that are guided by the Core Competencies and Basic Competencies of Grade 1 Elementary School semester. Based on the results of research and development that has been carried out by researchers it can be concluded that research and development uses stages with the ADDIE model which is modified into 3 stages, namely : analysis, design, and development have resulted in a product in the form of interactive learning media videos assisted by Kine Master on the themes of objects, animals and plants around me.

Reflections from accused: Advice on navigating life on bail

AbstractAccused individuals employ various techniques in response to the challenges posed by living with bail conditions. By asking ‘what advice would you give to an accused individual who must appear in bail court and who will be assigned conditional bail’, this study assesses how individuals navigate release on bail in the community. A thematic analysis of interviews with 108 accused yielded three master themes: ‘abiding by the system’; a ‘broken system’; and ‘working the system’. The findings add to current research by identifying points of similarity, but also difference, in how common discourses used by bail court actors and bail scholars – including responsibilisation, self‐governance, and accountability – are responded to by accused. The results reveal how individuals accused of a crime find ways to assume a more advantageous position within a system largely perceived as working against them.

Examining maternal unmet needs and perception about autism-related services in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore maternal experiences about autism services in Saudi Arabia. The main focus of the study was to gather maternal perceptions and needs about current services used for their autistic children in Saudi Arabia. The outcomes from this study will be an important source of information for service providers as parental experiences are considered as a reliable source of information about their children. Method and procedureData were gathered from seven focus groups with a total of twenty-nine mothers from different geographical areas in Saudi Arabia. Background data about the mothers and their family’ were also collected and considered within the framework. ResultsThree master themes were generated; i) maternal experiences of daily home/school provisions, ii) maternal suggestions to enhance existing services, and iii) maternal suggestions for future services. The findings from study provide with an understanding of Saudi mothers of autistic children’s perception of autism provision services. This study provides data from maternal lived experiences about their needs for services, barriers and their suggestions for better services. It also provides a direction for parental and community support which ought to be initiated in Saudi Arabia to provide better family outcomes.