scholarly journals Parenting and infant mental health promotion: teachers’ views

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-77
Author(s):  
Lynn Carol Cuddihy ◽  
Anna Waugh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically examine school teachers’ experiences and beliefs regarding parenting and infant mental health (IMH) promotion, starting with the research question: How do teachers in two secondary schools view their roles regarding parenting and IMH promotion? Design/methodology/approach Qualitative, exploratory focus groups were used with two groups of teachers that delivered personal social education (PSE) in schools. Findings Teachers currently have varying roles in PSE delivery. Interaction within focus groups can generate changes of opinions. Teachers do not promote parenting and IMH but are keen for support and training to do so to enable them to benefit future parents. Research limitations/implications This was a small-scale study. There was limited breadth of knowledge and experience of participants. The study highlights the need for further research and support and training for school-based staff in parenting promotion. Social implications The significance of parenting and IMH is well evidenced by theory, practice and policies. A potential strategy to prevent child developmental difficulties is to educate young people about parenting and IMH before they become parents. Originality/value No similar research was found in this area at the time of the study.

Author(s):  
Jane Kirkby ◽  
Julianne Moss ◽  
Sally Godinho

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present how the social learning theory of Bourdieu (1990; Bourdieu and Passeron, 1990) can be a valuable tool to investigate mentoring relationships of beginning teachers with their more experienced colleagues. Bourdieu’s work provides a lens to magnify the social exchanges that occur during the mentoring relationship, so that what tends to be hidden in the “logic of practice” (Bourdieu, 1990) is drawn into view. The paper shows how the mentor is ascribed power that enables domination, and how this tends to result in cultural reproduction. A case study is used to identify aspects of social and cultural learning that demonstrate this process. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on a year-long narrative inquiry of beginning secondary teachers’ mentoring experiences in the state of Victoria, Australia. The data were generated through in-depth interviews and participants’ diary entries to answer the research question “What personal, professional knowledge is developed through beginning teachers’ early experiences with induction and mentoring?” Findings The researcher found that attention to minutiae of mentor/mentee interactions can suggest how symbolic violence shapes personal, professional knowledge. Research limitations/implications This small-scale study has some limitations. However, as an illustration of organisational learning, with strong connections to Bourdieu’s theoretical work, it can provide some illuminating insights into how policy can be enacted at the micro-level. In particular, there are implications for how mentor teachers engage in their roles and understand the potential impact of their interactions with beginning teachers. Originality/value This study applies Bourdieu’s framework of cultural reproduction as an analysis tool for a qualitative study of the mentoring of beginning teachers.


Author(s):  
Gerwyn Huw Jones

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate undergraduate pre-registration mental health nurse’s satisfaction with problem-based learning (PBL), in light of the dearth of such studies and to influence future teaching and learning strategies within Cardiff University. Design/methodology/approach Totally, 16 students from three cohorts were interviewed in two focus groups. Data analysis was consistent with Seidel and Kelle (1995) which involved noticing relevant phenomena, collecting examples of these phenomena and subsequently analysing these to find commonalities, differences, patterns and structures. Findings Student experiences were categorised in five themes indicating that they perceived PBL as a novel, flexible approach to adult learning, which fostered decision making and critical thinking. Student engagement with the process was heavily influenced by the contribution of the end product to their degree classification. They also expressed concerns about working in groups and whether the depth of learning was comparable with traditional methods. However, they presented well-considered recommendations for future practice to address the perceived deficits of PBL. Research limitations/implications This was a small scale study undertaken in one institution. As such the views expressed by students relate to the approach to PBL used in this institution. Originality/value This study adds to the body of research relating to the application of PBL in mental health nurse education. Well considered, student generated recommendations are presented which can enhance student motivation, engagement and learning. These are arguably of value to other educationists interested in this approach to teaching and learning.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianni Pirelli ◽  
Liza Gold

Purpose Firearm-involved violence and suicide in the USA, often collectively referred to as “gun violence,” has been labeled a public health problem and an epidemic, and even an endemic by some. Many lawmakers, community groups, mainstream media outlets and professional organizations regularly address gun-related issues and frequently associate firearm violence with mental health. As a result, these groups often set forth positions, engage in discussions and promote policies that are at least partially based on the widely held but incorrect assumption that medical and mental health professionals are either inherently equipped or professionally trained to intervene with their patients and reduce gun deaths. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach Furthermore, notable proportions of medical and mental health professionals self-report a level of comfort engaging in firearm-specific interventions that is often disproportionate to their actual education and training in the area. This type of overconfidence bias has been referred to as the Lake Wobegon Effect, illusory superiority, the above average effect, the better-than average effect or the false uniqueness bias. While medical and mental health professionals need to serve on the front line of firearm-involved violence and suicide prevention initiatives, the vast majority have not actually received systematic, formal training on firearm-specific issues. Findings Therefore, many lack the professional and cultural competence to meet current and potential future in regard to addressing gun violence. In this paper, the authors discuss empirical studies that illustrate this reality and a novel model (i.e. the Know, Ask, Do framework) that medical and mental health professionals can use when firearm-related issues arise. In addition, the authors set forth considerations for clinicians to develop and maintain their professional and cultural competence related to firearms and firearm-related subcultures. Originality/value This paper provides empirical and conceptual support for medical and mental health programs to develop formal education and training related to guns, gun safety and gun culture. A framework is provided that can also assist medical and mental health professionals to develop and maintain their own professional and cultural competence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuljit Heer ◽  
John Rose ◽  
Michael Larkin ◽  
Nidhi Singhal

Purpose – India has one of the more progressive disability frameworks in the developing world which tends to adopt western philosophies and principles (e.g. parent participation and advocacy) which to some degree mirrors the type of service delivery in the UK. The purpose of this paper is to adopt a cross-cultural perspective to explore caregiving amongst parents caring for a child with intellectual/developmental disabilities in India. Design/methodology/approach – Three focus groups were used to interview parents at Action for Autism (AFA) located in Delhi, India. The focus groups explored how disability is encountered within an Indian context. Findings – Two main themes were identified in the parents narratives which were “making the decision to get help” and “seeing disabilities in from a new perspective”. Family members played an important role in the decision to get help and acted as a platform for mothers to explore their own concerns. Seeing disability from a new perspective was a four stage process which included initially accepting the diagnosis and their child; regaining control through parenting skills training; witnessing positive changes in their children and themselves and reaping personal benefits as a result of their involvement with AFA. Research limitations/implications – The research is very small scale and focused on parents in a specific organisation, as a consequence the results cannot be generalised. Originality/value – The discourses of these individuals do provide a useful insight into the provision of services to children in India and provide a starting point for cross-cultural understanding of parenting children with disabilities.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-143
Author(s):  
James Watson ◽  
Stephanie Daley

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the incidence of the use of section 135(1) of the Mental Health Act 1983 in a London borough and describe the main features of the population subject to that section. Design/methodology/approach – Uses of section 135(1), hospital stay, and demographic data were gathered from service and patient records over one year. Means, medians, modes and standard deviation were calculated for interval data. Nominal data were cross-tabulated and the chi square test applied where appropriate. Study data were compared to census and national hospital data; the significance of proportional population differences were calculated using the Z-test. Findings – In total, 63 uses of section 135(1) were recorded. It was primarily used with people with psychotic diagnoses (79 per cent), and was used predominantly in black populations, and among people aged 40-54. People admitted to hospital after section 135(1) use who had psychosis diagnoses had median spells in hospital that were double the corresponding national median. Research limitations/implications – Total uses of section 135(1) in the borough equated to 25 per cent of the national total for all section 135 admissions recorded in 2012/2013. Hospital statistics in England focusing on admissions alone may fail to reflect a more widespread use of this section. Further research is required to confirm and develop the findings of this small scale study. Practical implications – The repeated use of this section is suggested as a marker for reviewing practice and resource allocation to prevent or shorten hospital admissions for people with psychosis diagnoses. Originality/value – This paper highlights gaps in NHS data collection in England relevant to policy makers, mental health service providers, and the police service.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 199-203
Author(s):  
Jan Bruce ◽  
Lucy English

Purpose Change and “change fatigue” were contributing to a spectrum of workplace issues – from extreme stress and burnout – to rising mental health issues even before the impact of COVID-19. This paper aims to examine why identifying mental and behavioral health issues had become a top priority for some employers and explore the negative impacts mental health issues present to organizations. Design/methodology/approach To gain this additional insight and data, meQuilibrium partnered with Employer Health Innovation Roundtable (EHIR) to hold a series of four workshops and focus groups, in the Fall of 2019 with 37 participating EHIR members representing large employers. The authors also gathered data through a short survey instrument. The discussions and the survey focused on the current mental and behavioral health challenges being faced by their organizations and what innovations are being put in place or will need to be put in place as part of a future integrated workforce strategy. Findings A key, and foundational, finding was that among these human resource (HR) leaders there was a view shared by 97% of survey respondents that the workplace was facing a greater mental health challenge than previously. Hundred per cent of participants agreed that the success of a workplace mental health solution will now require highly personalized, whole-person care across the full range of problems from mild to severe and will need to include not just the employee but also their spouse/partner and children. Originality/value While identifying mental and behavioral health issues had become a top priority for some employers even before the pandemic, meQuilibrium believed there was a need for more clarity as to how the HR professionals were viewing the urgency of the situation. This study examines key stakeholders in their organizations, the effectiveness of their current solutions and what new approaches to employee mental health they were considering. This paper includes original data compiled through workshops and focus groups.


2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Camenzuli ◽  
Kevin McKague

Purpose – Drawing on a qualitative study of youth microfranchising in the Tanzanian computer sales, service, and training sector, the purpose of this study is to identify the challenges and advantages of a team-based approach to owning and operating a microfranchise business in the context of a least developed country. However, disadvantaged entrepreneurs typically still lack a critical mass of specialized technical skills and general managerial skills to manage a differentiated and competitive microenterprise business. A team-based approach to microfranchising can allow for combining specialized skills among more than one business owner; however, the potential risks and opportunities of team-microfranchising have not been studied. This study makes a contribution toward filling this gap by identifying five challenges and five advantages of team microfranchising which provide guidance for future research and practice. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data (interviews, observation and archival documents) were analyzed from an in-depth case study of youth microfranchising in the Tanzanian computer sales, service and training sector. Findings – Results revealed that microfranchise businesses in sectors that require multiple complementary higher-level skills are suited to a team microfranchise approach. Findings suggest that the greater the limitations on franchisee skills and the more pronounced the lack of public goods and institutions, the greater the potential for team microfranchising to overcome the entrepreneurial capacity constraints and institutional voids in low-income market contexts. Further, team-based microfranchises may be able to compete more effectively in sectors where economies of scale are not a significant factor, such as service industries and small-scale niche manufacturing. Also identified are five potential challenges and five areas of opportunity for practitioners seeking to implement a team-microfranchise approach. Research limitations/implications – The current study examined microfranchising among teams of youth in the Tanzanian computer sales and service sector. Further research could examine team microfranchising among other demographic groups in different sectors and the different regulatory, institutional and cultural contexts of other regions and countries. Social implications – If developed effectively in the right contexts, the team-based approach to microfranchising can potentially double the job-creation impacts of microfranchising ventures. Originality/value – This study is the first to assess the viability and boundary conditions of a team-based approach to microfranchising.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Lindbergh ◽  
Birgitta Schwartz

PurposeThe aim of this study is to understand how artisanal food entrepreneurs acting as businesses, which are grounded in the logic of profit and growth, navigate the anti-growth constraints of artisanal logic. The study answers the research question of, how and when do the artisanal entrepreneurs respond to tensions between the small-scale craftsmanship logic and the business growth logic?Design/methodology/approachThis study consists of two cases of artisanal food entrepreneurs situated in rural regions of Sweden. The empirical material is collected through interviews, observations and secondary sources. The analysis consists of two steps: a narrative analysis and a categorization of institutional logics using Pache and Santos (2013) framework.FindingsOur findings show that the artisanal food entrepreneurs used several types of response to the tensions between the two institutional logics. As businesses grew, business growth logic increasingly penetrated the companies' operations. They responded by combining and blending the two logics and avoided growing too large themselves by collaborating with suppliers and local farmers. In addition, other activities needed to be compartmentalized and hidden since these activities could threaten their business images and their own criteria for small-scale food artisans.Originality/valueMuch work on how different institutional logics affect businesses have been on a structural level. This study answers the call on that more research is needed on an individual level by studying how individuals interpret logics and use them in their business activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shimri Hadas Grundman ◽  
Neta Edri ◽  
Renana Stanger Elran

Purpose This paper aims to present a working model for using experiential knowledge in the work of lived experience practitioners within the mental health field. Design/methodology/approach The working model is constructed from three key elements, namely, components of lived experience, the Library of Life Experiences and the NISE technique for sharing experiential knowledge (NISE: need identification; inner identification; sharing experiential knowledge and interpersonal encounter). Findings The model will be described, followed by central themes that emerged from a pilot course that was taught in Israel in 2019 to a group of peers working in the mental health system. The central themes were: developing peer identity; sharing peer language; internalizing the working model; understanding the peer role; and awakening social consciousness. Originality/value The original working model and training course were co-produced and co-conducted by peer specialists and mental health professionals, for the use of lived experience practitioners.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-44
Author(s):  
Jennifer Oates ◽  
Rasiha Hassan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore occupational health (OH) clinicians’ perspectives on employee mental health in the mental health workplace in the English National Health Service. Design/methodology/approach Thematic analysis of data from seven semi-structured interviews is performed in this paper. Findings Three themes emerged under the core theme of “Situating OH services”: “the Uniqueness of the mental health service setting”, “the Limitations of OH services” and “the Meaning of mental health at work”. An important finding came from the first theme that management referrals in mental health may be due to disputes about workers’ fitness to face violence and aggression, a common feature of their working environment. Research limitations/implications This was a small scale study of a previously unresearched population. Practical implications These findings should be used to refine and standardise OH provision for mental healthcare workers, with a particular focus on exposure to violence and workers’ potential “lived experience” of mental illness as features of the mental health care workplace. Originality/value This is the first study to explore OH clinicians’ perspectives on the mental health service working environment.


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