Psychological Expertise Research Articles

Academic Dishonesty from the Perspective of Primary School Teachers

Abstract Introduction: Academic dishonesty is addressed by various experts in pedagogy and psychology who seek to preserve academic integrity in accordance with the moral and ethical principles of contemporary society. Methods: The intention of the research was to find out how teachers evaluate different types of cheating by students during class, how they react to different types of academic dishonesty, and how they themselves were dishonest during their time in college. Teachers (N=272, mean age 40.85 years) responded on a 5-point Likert scale the attitudes towards morality, but also whether students cheated or self-reported their academic dishonesty when they were students. Results: Factor analysis indicated the existence of 4 factors of teachers’ moral beliefs (Trust in implicit morality, Teacher-given morality, Need for explicit rules, and Internalization of moral principles), which were correlated with students’ assessment of academic dishonesty (Use of external resources, Cooperation) and with teachers’ self-reported academic dishonesty (Utilitarianism, Unauthorized advantage, and Helping others). Discussion: The research findings suggest that teachers should focus more on understanding their pupils’ behaviour rather than condemning or punishing academic dishonesty and seek to develop their moral competence. Limitations: The research sample size is not representative, also the research method is not standardized. Conclusions: The role of teachers is to apply teaching strategies that will promote honest and responsible student behaviour.

Unveiling the multifaceted public interest in ChatGPT

The present study was aimed at identifying key topics in online discussions about the use of ChatGPT by examining a large dataset extracted from Reddit social media using natural language processing. A corpus of 159,971 posts about ChatGPT were extracted from a custom-made python-coded Reddit content scraper for posts in the r/ChatGPT subreddit discussions. After cleaning the data, the sample was reduced to 119,853 posts which was subjected to cluster analysis using the open-source IRaMuTeQ software to identify main topics based on the cooccurrence of texts. These clusters were named by a panel of social psychology experts (n=3) by reading typical text segments within each cluster. Four thematic clusters emerged, categorized into two main topics: “Society and AI Integration”, focusing on ethical concerns (32.1%), and “Operational Aspects and Applications”, which delves into technical and practical facets (67.9%). The latter includes clusters like “AI Technical Framework”, “Casual AI Interactions”, and “Human-AI Etiquette”. The Reddit discourse provides a comprehensive understanding of ChatGPT, revealing user priorities like system capabilities and ethical considerations. Notably, the “Human-AI Etiquette” cluster is a new topic less covered in existing literature. The findings underscore the importance of effective prompting for meaningful user engagement with ChatGPT.

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Method on the Life Expectancy of Patients with Various Diseases in Iran: A Literature Review Study

Context: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy method focusing on acceptance and commitment to life values. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ACT method on the life expectancy (LE) of patients with different diseases. Evidence Acquisition: The present study is a literature review that collects findings from past related studies in the last two decades. For this purpose, the essential and common Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were first identified. Then, the desired MeSH terms were searched in the most reliable and essential international databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and national databases, including Magiran, SID, Iran doc, etc. First, 265 articles were identified, and then 18 were selected as final studies considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The findings of 18 studies were extracted for the present study. Some different types of patients, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, depression, multiple sclerosis, asthma, diabetes, liver transplants, chronic pain, cancer, physical-motor disabilities, drug addiction, and others, were shown to increase LE through the use of the ACT method. The main finding of the present study was that using the ACT method to increase LE in patients with various diseases has a significant effect, which was clearly highlighted in all the selected studies. Conclusions: Based on the findings, ACT is an effective and high-efficiency method in increasing patients' LE. Acceptance and commitment therapy can improve LE, resilience, quality of life, compliance with treatment, and other patient benefits, thus improving the speed of recovery for patients. Therefore, the ACT method, which is a non-pharmacological method, can be used by specialists and clinical psychology experts for different patients.

Predicting Children’s Mental Well-Being During COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Maternal Cognitive Emotion Regulation

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of warm, supportive, and positive relationships caused behavioral and psychological problems in children. This study aimed to predict the psychological well-being of primary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic based on parental self-efficacy and cognitive emotion regulation in mothers based on the mediating role of the parent-child relationship. Methods: The present applied research used a descriptive correlation in terms of data collection and analysis. This research was conducted on 385 cases, including students and their parents, who were selected using a random sampling method. The research instruments included the Reef's psychological well-being questionnaire (18 questions), Johnston and Mash parenting sense of competence scale, Garnefski's cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, and Fine's parent-child relationship scale. Two psychology experts assessed the face validity of the questionnaires. Reliability of the questionnaires was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Results: The average total scores of psychological well-being, parenting sense of competence, parent-child relationship, and cognitive emotion regulation were 68, 58.3, 72.1, and 61.4, respectively. Maternal cognitive emotion regulation was a significant predictor of the parent-child relationship (p< 0.01). We found that parenting sense of competence and maternal cognitive emotion regulation were able to predict students' psychological well-being through parent-child relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Increasing the level of parenting sense of competence and regulating parental emotions can improve the relationship between parents and their children.

Surrogate motherhood as a right of procreational will for infertile couples in Ecuador

This research paper contributes to the regulation of surrogacy in Ecuador, a controversial topic that has gained attention in scientific and social circles. Although the practice is not legally regulated, there has been an increase in discussion and interest in this topic in the country. The objective is to examine the Ecuadorian regulations and jurisprudence applicable to the regulation of surrogate motherhood considering ethical and social principles. It was based on a historical, normative and jurisprudential study. The qualitative methodology was applied, by means of the empirical analytical method that allowed analyzing the opinions of experts in family law, human rights and bioethics, and evaluating how surrogate motherhood would be integrated within the existing legal framework in Ecuador, which requires further research and an informed debate to structure a legal and ethical framework that regulates surrogate motherhood in Ecuador. We were able to conclude the potential impact that surrogacy has in terms of equity and reproductive justice, as well as in the integral protection of the rights of all parties involved. However, it must be recognized that this discussion must encompass a variety of perspectives, including the opinions of experts in bioethics, reproductive medicine and psychology.

Psycho-Social Predictors of Parental Involvement in Academic Activities of Junior Secondary School Students in Port Harcourt Metropolis

This study investigated psycho-social predictors of parental involvement in the academic activities of junior secondary school students in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The study was guided by four research questions and their corresponding null hypotheses. The design for the study was correlational research design. The population of the study consisted of 16,835 parents of 24,343 JSS3 students (Source: School Board, 2024) from 278 public secondary school students in Port Harcourt Metropolis (Post Primary Education Board, 2024). A sample of 689 parents who are alive and can read and write, as reported by their children (The JSS3 students) was used for the study. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in drawing the sample. Four instruments were used for the study. They are, Self-efficacy Scale (SES), Locus of Control Scale (LCS) Family Conflict Scale (FCS) and Parental Involvement Scale (PIS). The validity of the instruments were done by two experts in Educational Psychology. To ensure the reliability of the instruments Cronbach alpha () technique was used. The alpha coefficients of 0.75, 0.82, 0.67 and 0.76 were obtained for family conflict, self-efficacy, locus of control and parental involvement scale respectively. Multiple regression, simple regression and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Research questions 1 and 3 were answered using simple regression, research question 2 and 4 were answered using multiple regression. Hypotheses I and 3 were tested using ANOVA associated with simple regression while hypotheses 2 and 4 were tested using ANOVA associated with multiple regression. All analyses were done at 0.05 alpha level. Results revealed among others that self-efficacy did not significantly predict parental involvement in the academic activities of junior secondary school students in Port Harcourt Metropolis while locus of control and family conflict significantly predicted parental involvement in the academic activities of junior secondary school students in Port Harcourt Metropolis. It was recommended amongst others that parents should always make effort to exhibit internal locus of control as this will help them get better involved in the academic activities of their children.

Advancing knowledge about criminal justice and mental health

Advancing knowledge about criminal justice and mental health Researchers with expertise in criminal law, philosophy, psychiatry and psychology are combining their knowledge to explore how mental disorders are approached within criminal law and contribute to better legal and forensic practices. Current criminal justice systems are based on the premise that human beings are responsible agents that can be held accountable for their actions. However, most criminal justice systems have legal doctrines recognising that there are exceptions when an individual should not be considered criminally accountable. A ubiquitous practice is that children under the minimum age of criminal responsibility are not subject to punishment. Similarly, most countries limit criminal responsibility for offenders with mental disorders and disabilities. However, the question of who should be held criminally accountable and who should not is highly controversial, and a subject of debate. The same applies to what role psychological and psychiatric experts should have in criminal proceedings.

Violence in contact and custody proceedings-Acase of child endangerment in the family court-Where are efficient child protection measures?

Against the background of 30years of discussion in medicine and law about unfounded accusations and the existence of reasonable suspicion of intra-family violence in contact and custody proceedings, this article emphasises the importance of focusing on child protection by all professionals.Based on acase report in connection with the Federal Ministry of Justice's handout "Dealing with violence in custody and contact proceedings", the article describes the relevance of child protection in Austrian case law and the means by which it is undermined. In the name of science, ideological diagnoses are used instead of evidence-based treatment diagnoses [1]. "Professionals from the healthcare system, youth welfare, justice and education should cooperate in child protection with the aim of recognising, identifying and ending child abuse, maltreatment and/or neglect as such (cf. §3 KKG) [2]."In legal practice, however, practitioners in the psychosocial, psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic fields are often not recognised as witnesses because of the assumption they are influenced by parents or patients themselves. In Austria, the evaluation of evidence is the responsibility of the judge and it is often assumed that practitioners cannot take an objective position towards their patients and their relatives. Specialist medical or psychological experts are therefore of crucial importance. When taking their oath, they have committed themselves to objectivity and impartiality in the recording of findings and orientation towards scientific principles and standards ("state of the art") and their application, as well as to continuous further training and education in the preparation of expert opinions [3].The specific case in question is achild with adiagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder following suspected sexualised violence, enuresis and enkopresis in connection with the traumatic experiences.The connection between violent situations and child and adolescent psychiatric disorders and the course of the custody and contact proceedings are described. Relevant legal interests such as the will of the child, the best interests of the child, attachment tolerance and protection against violence are addressed and put up for discussion. Topics such as domestic, psychological, sexualised, institutional violence and intimate terror are presented.The case report is an example of how child psychiatrists deal with points relevant to the Federal Ministry of Justice's handbook "Dealing with violence in custody and contact proceedings", which was published in January 2024. It represents aguideline for the area of court proceedings, assessment and treatment.

Program Pendidikan Kecakapan Hidup Bagi Anak Usia Fase A

Imam Al-Ghazali defined that education is the perfection of life in this world and the hereafter. Thus, humans who want to achieve perfection in life in this world and the afterlife must have religious knowledge. Religious knowledge is so important for provision in life, without religious knowledge humans can be said to be far from perfection. Apart from religious knowledge, life skills education is also very important for provisions in life. However, it is very unfortunate that many children who are teenagers or are about to enter puberty do not yet have mature life skills in terms of personal skills and social skills. From KPAI (Indonesian Child Protection Commission) data during January - November 2023, 37 children ended their lives. Self-harm behavior and attempts to end life are major global mental health problems due to their increasing frequency. This case occurred at a vulnerable age (grade 5-6 of elementary school), grade 1 or 2 of junior high school, grade 1.2 of high school. Another case related to juvenile delinquency is the incident involving the death of a student in Bogor which sadistically adds to the number of delinquencies among students. It also leaves a red report card for the world of education, because the sadistic incident was carried out by students. From this background, it is necessary to have a program that will strengthen children's life skills education from pre-adulthood, especially phase A, so that class children can be ready to live life in the next phases. This research uses the Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE model, namely Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation. The program needs analysis was carried out by creating a Google form with a closed questionnaire which was distributed randomly to ten respondents. After the needs analysis, the researcher analyzed previous programs. There were two programs that the researcher used as a reference, namely the entrepreneurship program and the self-help program in an effort to increase independence. then the next step is to design the program, the programs prepared by the researchers are as follows: cookies (cooking with kids), market day, BTS (Bed Time Sirah), PKS (Student Independence Habits), PMO (Habits of Helping Parents) and CLMH (Love of the Environment and Living Creatures). After the program was prepared, it was validated by several experts including Islamic religious education experts, language experts and also child psychology experts. After going through expert validation, the program is implemented to users. After implementation, the final stage is to test the feasibility through evaluation. The feasibility test is carried out by experts by providing an assessment of the program being prepared. From the results of this feasibility test, it was found that this program was good and suitable to be applied to pre-age children, especially in phase A in the life skills education process.

Assessing Preregistration Deviations: A Comparative Analysis of Psychologists and Open Science Experts

ABSTRACTUndisclosed deviations between preregistration plans and published articles challenge research transparency. This study examines whether open science experts can aid in assessing such deviations by comparing their evaluations with those of psychology experts. Using content analysis, we compared assessments of 25 preregistration plans and articles, following a psychologist studying preregistration discrepancies framework. The 72.6% agreement rate suggests differences stemmed from distinct perspectives. Psychologists leveraged domain knowledge to scrutinize subtle inconsistencies, while open science experts, deeply committed to transparency principles, focused more on procedural adherence. Open science experts, unfamiliar with psychology's implicit norms, faced challenges in discerning field‐specific knowledge and interpreting ambiguities as non‐deviations due to unclear preregistration formats and ambiguous content. Targeted support and collaborative approaches engaging both expert groups could enhance preregistration adherence evaluations, balancing the open science experts' emphasis on transparent processes with the psychologists' domain expertise, ultimately strengthening research transparency and reproducibility.

Bias audit laws: how effective are they at preventing bias in automated employment decision tools?

ABSTRACT Automated employment decision tools use machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and other data-driven approaches to enhance candidate experiences and streamline employment related decision-making, allowing human resources to be concentrated where they are needed most. However, the use of these tools without appropriate safeguards has resulted in a number of high-profile scandals in recent years, particularly in regard to bias. Accordingly, lawmakers have started to propose laws that require bias audits of automated employment decision tools to examine their outputs for subgroup differences. The first of its kind was New York City Local Law 144, but other US states have since followed suit. In this paper, we examine the concerns about the effectiveness of this and other similar laws, including the suitability of metrics, the scope of the law, and low levels of compliance. We conclude that despite the law being a good initial first step towards greater transparency around automated employment decision tools and reducing bias, examining outcomes alone is not sufficient to prevent bias elsewhere in the tool. Moreover, effective bias prevention will require a multidisciplinary approach that combines expertise in IO psychology, law, and computer science to develop appropriate metrics and maximize the enforceability of such laws.

Machine-assisted social psychology hypothesis generation.

Social psychology research projects begin with generating a testable idea that relies heavily on a researcher's ability to assimilate, recall, and accurately process available research findings. However, an exponential increase in new research findings is making the task of synthesizing ideas across the multitude of topics challenging, which could result in important overlooked research connections. In this research, we leverage the fact that social psychology research is based on verbal models and employ large natural language models to generate hypotheses that can aid social psychology researchers in developing new research hypotheses. We adopted two methodological approaches. In the first approach, we fine-tuned the third-generation generative pre-trained transformer (GPT-3) language model on thousands of abstracts published in more than 50 social psychology journals in the past 55 years as well as on preprint repositories (PsyArXiv). Social psychology experts rated model- and human-generated hypotheses similarly on the dimensions of clarity, originality, and impact. In the second approach, without fine-tuning, we generated hypotheses using GPT-4 and found that social psychology experts rated these generated hypotheses as higher in quality than human-generated hypotheses on dimensions of clarity, originality, impact, plausibility, and relevance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

교사 직무스트레스 완화를 위한 시각이미지 기반 온라인 글쓰기 프로그램 개발 및 적용 연구

This study aims to develop an online writing program based on visual images to alleviate teacher job stress and to explore its effectiveness through practical application. According to previous research, teachers experience psychological difficulties due to stress arising from various tasks and interpersonal relationships, which have been exacerbated during the pandemic. This study received validation from 12 educational psychology experts regarding the program for reducing teacher stress. Additionally, ten middle school teachers in Y City, Gyeonggi Province, participated in the study, where the content of their writing was analyzed to explore the program's impact on stress management. The results revealed that reflective writing based on visual images is effective in helping teachers recognize and manage their emotions and problems, leading to an increase in positive emotional expression. Furthermore, offering the program through an online platform provided teachers with opportunities to manage their stress without being constrained by time or location. This study presents a new approach to managing teacher job stress and could serve as foundational data for developing programs applicable to various professions in the future.

Brain fog assessment in patients recovered from COVID-19 in China: a development and validation study

Background Post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the widespread emergence and persistence of brain fog has led to a decline in people’s productivity and quality of life. However, the clinical characteristics of COVID-19-associated brain fog are unclear, and standardized assessments are lacking. This study aims to develop a scale for brain fog assessment and support clinical practice and research. Methods The 17-item Brain Fog Assessment (BFA) scale was developed using a standardized methodology, including literature review, focus group discussions (FGDs), expert evaluation, and psychometric validation. Eighteen potential items were generated following the literature review. These items were subsequently refined during FGDs, which included input from patients, caregivers, and multidisciplinary experts in neurology, cognitive neuroscience, and psychology. After thorough deliberation and expert evaluation, the item pool was finalized into a 17-item scale. We recruited 1,325 patients recovered from COVID-19 from Chinese communities. Psychometric properties were assessed by reliability and validity analysis. Results Exploratory factor analysis of the BFA scale revealed a three-factor mode comprising ‘cognitive decline’ (nine items), ‘confusion − disorientation’ (five items), and ‘fatigue’ (three items). The internal consistency of each factor was strong (Cronbach’s α: 0.82–0.92). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the scale were satisfactory. The test-retest reliability was strong (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.84). Criterion-related validity analysis showed a strong correlation to the Wood Mental Fatigue Inventory (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). Individuals with a higher BFA score tended to score lower on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (r = −0.23, p = 0.015). Conclusions We established a novel BFA scale to quantify multiple clinical aspects of COVID-19-associated brain fog. Using the BFA scale, fatigue and declining performance in memory, attention, and thought were identified as the main symptoms of COVID-19-associated brain fog. This scale has potential implications for disease monitoring and therapy development for individuals with COVID-19-associated brain fog.

TINJAUAN PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI DALAM PERSPEKTIF FILSAFAT PENDIDIKAN

This study explores the philosophical concepts of early childhood education based on the understanding that children possess inherent potential from the beginning of life that needs to be optimally developed. This perspective aligns with the views of child psychology and ethnopediatrics experts, who emphasize the importance of social, cognitive, and motor development from an early age. The discussion reviews the viewpoints of several prominent philosophers, including Al-Ghazali, Frederich W. Froebel, Ibn Sina, Ki Hajar Dewantara, and John Dewey, each of whom has made significant contributions to early childhood education theory.Al-Ghazali emphasizes the importance of education that guides children to act well and engage through play. Froebel, as the pioneer of the Kindergarten concept, advocates for education that allows children to develop naturally through play. Ibn Sina highlights the importance of role models, motivation, and reinforcement through praise and punishment in child education. Ki Hajar Dewantara integrates culturally-based education with Islamic values to form a well-rounded individual. Meanwhile, John Dewey stresses the significance of experience and interaction in the educational process, understanding children's interests and needs as fundamental elements in their development.Through this study, it is revealed that philosophical approaches to early childhood education play a crucial role in shaping balanced and morally upright individuals, with each philosopher providing relevant insights for application in contemporary educational contexts.

Encountering Bias: Examining Biases and Stereotypes in the Evaluation Process Among Expert Psychologists During Specialization Exams.

The study of cognitive biases in job interviews has garnered significant attention due to its far-reaching implications for the economy and society. However, little research has focused on the biases exhibited by expert psychologists serving on psychology specialization examination committees. As such, this study has conducted a comprehensive examination of biases within the specialization exam in Israel. One additional objective of the research is to assess the levels of distress experienced by examinees following the examination. Questionnaires were administered to 418 psychologists participating in the clinical and educational psychology specialization exams. The findings unveiled several noteworthy outcomes. Firstly, several biases were identified, including ethnic stereotypes, biases stemming from cognitive load, and more. Secondly, examinees who presented a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) case experienced a higher failure rate. Thirdly, a positive association was found between exam failure and personal distress and this effect was stronger for educational examinees compared to clinical examinees. The most intriguing discovery was that all biases, without exception, occurred among clinical psychologists, whereas educational psychologists displayed no biases. This outcome contrasted with initial expectations. Consequently, the present study aims to expand the existing knowledge about psychological biases and stereotypes by elucidate the reasons behind this discrepancy between the two disciplines while considering the advantages and disadvantages associated with a sense of "expertise" in the realm of adult diagnostics.

A research on copyright issues impacting artists emotional states in the framework of artificial intelligence.

Art and artistic creation serve as a means for artists to communicate with their environment, society, and the external world. However, the protection of artistic creations, as forms of communication, is not only a right for artists but also serves as a crucial safeguard that nurtures them during the creative process. Beyond the traditional issues of copyright, the significant advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today's digital world have introduced a new debate regarding the ownership of copyright in artistic creations generated by AI. The question arises whether copyright belongs to the AI itself or to the individuals who guide the creative process behind it. In this study, based on the concepts of art, artistic creation, and emotional states, copyright issues will be examined. Data obtained from semi-structured in-depth interviews with artists and academic experts (eight artists, two communication experts, two law experts, and eight psychology experts) in the field will be analysed through content analysis to explore their perspectives regarding the discussion on emotional states, AI, and copyrights. The research highlights the variability of emotional states and their significant effects on individuals. Addressing the increasing trend of copyright issues, particularly within the framework of digitalization and inadequate legal regulations, it was found that artists' emotional states are negatively impacted by these problems. This negative influence can adversely affect artists' creativity and desire to produce. On the other hand, it was also identified that in artworks produced especially through AI, if artists' rights are not protected, there is a possibility of negative emotional states arising. In conclusion, suggestions are as follows: Emphasising the importance of awareness-raising educational activities nationally and internationally, national copyright law (in Northern Cyprus) needs to be revised to protect traditional copyright and be expanded to include digital copyright, especially for works produced through AI. On an international level, emphasising the need to revise international agreements to include regulations for works produced through AI or to create a new agreement based on the importance of this issue.

The Influence of Atmospherics on Consumer Decision-Making Among Windhoek Restaurant Customers

The purpose of this research was to establish the atmospheric variables used by restaurants, and to determine the relationship between atmospherics and subliminal and supraliminal stimuli. The study explored how atmospherics influenced the absolute threshold and investigated how atmospherics (pleasure, arousal, and dominance) affect the choices made by the chosen Windhoek restaurant customers. The study made use of a simple random sampling and the questionnaires were distributed to customers who dined at the said restaurant during a six-month period. The sample response rate was about 60% and yielded 175 responses. SPSS Inc Version 28 of 2021 and SPSS Amos version 26 were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were analysed, using factor analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to display the data. The study established a relationship between atmospherics and subliminal as well as supraliminal stimuli. Marketing scholars are urged to psychology experts to gain greater insights on the phenomenon.

Design and Development of a Multimodal Digital Intervention (SHIFT App) to Address Sexual Dysfunction in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Survivors

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors frequently experience persistent sexual dysfunction, which is associated with impaired quality of life and increased psychological distress. The lack of availability of clinicians with expertise in sexual health limits the capacity to address sexual health concerns in HSCT survivors. Digital health applications may offer a patient-centered and scalable solution to address sexual health concerns in cancer survivors. The objective of this report is to delineate the iterative process of adapting an in-person sexual health intervention into a self-administered digital application called "Sexual Health and Intimacy Following Transplant (SHIFT)" and the refinement of SHIFT using stakeholder feedback. We used a five-step development model to adapt SHIFT that included: (1) implementation of a multimodal bio-psycho-social conceptual framework, (2) development of a comprehensive intervention manual and SHIFT content, (3) translation of the intervention manual into an interactive storyline with a focus on enhancing patient engagement, (4) creation of initial SHIFT wireframes, and (5) refinement of SHIFT through iterative alpha and beta testing. At each step, key stakeholders including HSCT survivors, HSCT clinicians, and experts in sexual health, psychology, and digital health provided iterative feedback. We adapted SHIFT based on our conceptual framework, prior in-person intervention work, and iterative stakeholder feedback in each application development stage. SHIFT incorporates medical information, educational materials, intimacy exercises, and activities to address the multiple etiologies of sexual health concerns in HSCT survivors. SHIFT includes strategies to enhance engagement including gamification, personalization, and incorporation of video from HSCT survivors and clinicians. Based on stakeholder feedback, SHIFT was refined with a focus on inclusivity of gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, and body image concerns. SHIFT is novel, patient-centered digital application to address sexual dysfunction in HSCT survivors. Iterative feedback from key stakeholders including HSCT survivors guided SHIFT adaptation and refinement, to optimize patient engagement and ensure inclusivity. The final prototype of SHIFT was initially acceptable to key stakeholders and is now under further testing in a pilot randomized trial to assess its feasibility and preliminary efficacy for improving sexual health outcomes in HSCT survivors.

The identity of clinical associates in psychology: a cross sectional, national survey

BackgroundThe Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) is a new psychological profession within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. This paper considers the processes developing the CAPs’ professional identity, specifically how their roles are embedded within services.MethodsThis study utilised an online survey of CAPs and all academic, clinical and managerial staff involved with CAPs. An inductive thematic analysis was undertaken.ResultsA total of 164 participants responded to the survey. Five themes were identified: Widening Access to Psychology, Workforce Development, Navigating the Unfamiliar, Trained [Master’s level] Professionals and An Emerging Ethos. In addition, key skills and unique contributions from CAPs were identified.ConclusionsA clear professional identity is emerging, with CAPs depicted as offering versatile interventions in diverse health care settings, fostering a positive and encouraging integration of psychological expertise into the healthcare service. The study highlights areas for development to facilitate the growth and advancement of the role within the psychological workforce.