scholarly journals The power of feeling seen: perspectives of individuals with eating disorders on receiving validation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josie Geller ◽  
A. Fernandes ◽  
S. Srikameswaran ◽  
R. Pullmer ◽  
S. Marshall

Abstract Background A common complaint of individuals suffering from mental health conditions is feeling invalidated or misunderstood by care providers. This is notable, given that non-collaborative care has been linked to poor engagement, low motivation and treatment non-adherence. This study examined how receiving validation from care providers is experienced by individuals who have an eating disorder (ED) and the impact of receiving validation on the recovery journey. Methods Eighteen individuals who had an eating disorder for an average duration of 19.1 years (two identifying as male, 16 identifying as female), participated in semi-structured interviews on barriers and facilitators to self-compassion. Seven were fully recovered, and 11 were currently participating in recovery-focused residential treatment. Thematic analysis focused on the meaning and impact of receiving validation to participants. Results Five care provider actions were identified: (i) making time and space for me, (ii) offering a compassionate perspective, (iii) understanding and recognizing my treatment needs, (iv) showing me I can do this, and (v) walking the runway. These were associated with four key experiences (feeling trust, cared for, empowered, and inspired), that participants described as supportive of their recovery. Conclusions This research provides insight into patient perspectives of validation and strategies care providers can use, such as compassionate reframing of difficult life experiences, matching interventions to patient readiness, and modeling vulnerability.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 60-61
Author(s):  
Johan Suen

Abstract For holistic interventions and research on dementia, it is fundamental to understand care experiences from the perspectives of carers, care recipients, and care professionals. While research on care dyads and triads have highlighted the effects of communication and interactional aspects on care relationships, there is a lack of knowledge on how individual-contextual and relational factors shape the provision and receipt of care in terms of decision-making processes, resource allocation, and expectations of care outcomes. Thus, this paper sheds light on (i) how carers negotiate care provision with other important life domains such as employment, household/family roles and conflicts, as well as their own health problems, life goals, values, and aspirations for ageing; (ii) how older adults with dementia perceive support and those who provide it; (iii) the structural constraints faced by care professionals in delivering a team-based mode of dementia care; and, taken together, (iv) how community-based dementia care is impeded by barriers at the individual, relational, and institutional levels. Findings were derived from semi-structured interviews and observational data from fieldwork conducted with 20 persons with dementia (median age = 82), 20 of their carers (median age = 60), and 4 professional care providers. All respondents were clients and staff of a multidisciplinary and community-based dementia care system in Singapore. Our analysis indicates the impact of dementia care is strongly mediated by the interplay between institutional/familial contexts of care provision and the various ‘orientations’ to cognitive impairment and seeking support, which we characterised as ‘denial/acceptance’, ‘obligated’, ‘overprotective’, and ‘precariously vulnerable’.


2020 ◽  
pp. 026975802096197
Author(s):  
Vicky Heap

Despite victimological interest in the impacts of different types of criminal victimisation, there is little empirical work that examines the effects of sub-criminal behaviour on victims. This article begins to redress the balance by reporting the findings from a qualitative research project in England that investigated the effects of long-term anti-social behaviour victimisation. Semi-structured interviews explored victims’ accounts of the long-term anti-social behaviour they experienced and the resultant effects it had on their lives. The research uncovered that victims experience a range of mental and physical health effects as well as behavioural changes and has provided the first in-depth insight into the impact of this type of victimisation. The findings suggest the cumulative harms associated with anti-social behaviour need to be better acknowledged, understood and addressed, with greater support made available to victims.


2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.A. Bekessy ◽  
K. Samson ◽  
R.E. Clarkson

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the impact and value of non‐binding agreements or declarations in achieving sustainability in universities.Design/methodology/approachA case study of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University is presented, analysing the reasons for lack of progress towards sustainability and evaluating best ways forward. Using a timeline and analysis of historical records for the 12 years since RMIT first engaged in the sustainability agenda, major trends in the process of implementing policies are identified. Secondly, 15 semi‐structured interviews with university leaders and key sustainability stakeholders from across the university are analysed to provide insight into how and why the university has failed to achieve sustainability.FindingsNew implications for successfully achieving sustainability arise from these findings. Accountability is a key issue, as RMIT appears to reap benefits from being signatory to declarations without achieving genuine progress. To ensure that declarations are more than simply greenwash, universities must open themselves up to scrutiny of progress to determine whether commitments have been honoured.Practical implicationsRelying on small‐scale “club” activities establishing demonstrations and raising awareness is unlikely to lead to permanent change. The evidence of RMIT's engagement with sustainability shows that, for example, even when successful pilot studies are conducted, these initiatives may do little to affect the mainstream practices of a university unless certain conditions exist. Furthermore, given the on‐paper commitments institutions have made, and the role of the university in society, small‐scale and gradual changes in university practice are a far from adequate response to the urgent sustainability imperative.Originality/valueThe initial engagement of RMIT University with the sustainability agenda 12 years ago marked it as a world leader in sustainability best‐practice. Analysing how and why such a disappointing lack of action has resulted from such promising beginnings provides insight into future directions for implementing sustainability in universities. The paper argues that considering the key responsibility of universities in leading the sustainability agenda, a more systemic and serious response is required.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Engel ◽  
Cristian Ghergu ◽  
Mohammad Abdul Matin ◽  
Mohammad Golam Kibria ◽  
Kamala Thriemer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The radical cure of Plasmodium vivax requires treatment with an 8-aminoquinoline drug, such as primaquine and tafenoquine, to clear the liver of parasites which can reactivate to cause relapsing infections. Safe treatment regimens require prior screening of patients for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency to avoid potential life-threatening drug induced hemolysis. Testing is rarely available in malaria endemic countries, but will be needed to support routine use of radical cure. This study investigates end-user perspectives in Bangladesh on the introduction of a quantitative G6PD test (SD Biosensor STANDARD™ G6PD analyser) to support malaria elimination.Methods: The perspectives of users on the SD Biosensor test were analysed using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with health care providers and malaria programme officers in Bangladesh. Key emerging themes regarding the feasibility of introducing this test into routine practice, including perceived barriers, were analysed.Results: In total 63 participants were interviewed. Participants emphasized the life-saving potential of the biosensor, but raised concerns including the impact of limited staff time, high workload and some technical aspects of the device. Participants highlighted that there are both too few and too many P. vivax patients to implement G6PD testing owing to challenges of funding, workload and complex testing infrastructure. Implementing the biosensor would require flexibility and improvisation to deal with remote sites, overcoming a low index of suspicion and mutual interplay of declining patient numbers and reluctance to test. This approach would generate new forms of evidence to justify introduction in policy and carefully consider questions of deployment given declining patient numbers. Conclusions: The results of the study show that, in an elimination context, the importance of malaria needs to be maintained for both policy makers and the affected communities, in this case by ensuring P. vivax, PQ treatment, and G6PD deficiency remain visible. Availability of new technologies, such as the biosensor, will fuel ongoing debates about priorities for allocating resources that must be adapted to a constantly evolving target. Technical and logistical concerns regarding the biosensor should be addressed by future product designs, adequate training, strengthened supply chains, and careful planning of communication, advocacy and staff interactions at all health system levels.


2021 ◽  
pp. 009385482110398
Author(s):  
Sophia L. Roth ◽  
Aamna qureshi ◽  
Heather M. Moulden ◽  
Gary A. Chaimowitz ◽  
Ruth A. Lanius ◽  
...  

Individuals who engage in criminal behavior for which they are found not criminally responsible (NCR) may be at increased vulnerability to experience moral pain and, in extreme circumstances, moral injury after regaining insight into the consequences of their behavior. Yet, almost no research exists characterizing the nature, severity, or impact of moral pain in this population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine forensic psychiatric patients and 21 of their care providers. Narratives were explored using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrate that NCR patients endorse symptoms consistent with moral injury, including feelings of guilt toward victims, shame for one’s behavior, and a loss of trust in one’s morality. Moral pain is a strong driver of behavior and must be understood as part of a constellation of factors influencing criminality, risk, and recovery. Future research must develop adequate tools to measure and characterize offense-related moral injury to understand its impact on this population.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tegan Jemma Reeves ◽  
Natalie L. Dyer ◽  
Sara Borden ◽  
Jeffery A. Dusek ◽  
Sat Bir Singh Khalsa

Abstract Background: While there is growing evidence for resilience building programs, to date research has not explored how professionals construct their understanding of program impact. Methods: Using a qualitative exploration of reflections on a yoga-based retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, nested in a larger study, the current inquiry aims to explore long-term perceptions of an occupation-oriented program designed to improve resilience. Called RISE (resilience, integration, self-awareness, engagement), the immersion program was a 5-day professional development for professionals in high-stress jobs. Through a grounded constructivist lens, inductive coding and iterative thematic analysis was employedResults: Semi-structured interviews of 17 adult professionals who attended RISE, conducted 3 months after completion of the program, illustrated two integrated perceptions woven through five themes. Persistent threads of experiential learning and sense of permission provided structure for themes found. Five interrelated themes related to psychological health and workplace dynamics were: (1) use of acquired behavioral skills and practices; (2) lived mindfulness; (3) resilience to stress and emotion regulation (4) self-care and self-compassion, and (5) sharing with others. Conclusion: Findings provide meaningful interpretation of previously reported program efficacy by contextualizing perceived benefits within participants constructed understanding of change. Specifically, environmental, social, and experiential considerations have suggested implications for resilience building programs.


Author(s):  
Isaiah Pickens

Educating students who experience significant challenges outside the classroom can present opportunities for a strengths-based approach when effective tools are employed. Responsiveness to cultural and adverse life experiences sparks renewed pathways for connecting with students of all developmental levels. The trauma-informed, culturally responsive (TICR) approach represents a tool that gives educators insight into the impact of trauma and culture on students’ academic experience. The present chapter defines the TICR approach by outlining key tenets of trauma-informed practice and deconstructing the cultural context that impacts educators and students. Practical strategies for engaging the TICR approach in the classroom are reviewed. Implications for educator and student experiences in the classroom are discussed.


1986 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 493-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin Rae-Grant

Child Psychiatry is now a well recognized and established sub-speciality in Canada. It has gone through a period of vigorous and healthy growth. Like psychiatry in general it now faces a number of challenges which provide potential threat but which may lead to better definition of priorities and of its most effective function. Other disciplines, medical and non-medical, increasingly compete for a place on the therapeutic spectrum. Within psychiatry the rhetoric between different schools of thought provides ammunition for those who have no use for any form of psychiatry however it may be provided. The challenge is to develop more effective ways of using the skills of the child psychiatrist within a recognition that the number of practitioners will never approach what would be required to have child psychiatry alone cover the treatment needs of children and adolescents. The field requires the adoption of a more flexible metaphor for training and practice with competence in the different schools of theory and of therapy. Attention needs to be paid to the consumer movement, to the impact of better informed parents and public and to the developing of a parsimonious and selective approach to the use of scarce professional time. The healthy growth of research in child psychiatry is a development long overdue and places the discipline on a scientific rather than a clinical practice base. At a time when funding and the cost of health care are crucial issues the development of a secure knowledge base, efficient methods of service delivery and the integration with other mental health care providers are opportunities and grounds for optimism about the future of the sub-speciality.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn Clarke ◽  
Katherine Ravenswood

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore career identity within the aged care sector.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a descriptive interpretive methodology using 32 in-depth, semi-structured interviews.FindingsThis paper shows that social processes and occupational and professional status issues shape career identity in an aged care context. Individuals seek positive career identities through emphasising job fit in relation to their personal experience and values in order to counteract the impact of “taint”.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was based in one organisation. Future research could explore its findings in the context of multiple organisations, and include the concept of career identity in other low status, “tainted” occupations, such as childcare, in order to develop a more complete understanding of identity construction processes.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that aged care providers could employ a values-driven approach to recruitment, complementary to pay and career development, to enhance recruitment and retention of aged care employees. Universities and professional bodies could consider more active use of aged care student placements to highlight the opportunities that aged care offer to new graduates in allied health professions.Originality/valueThis paper extends our understanding of career identity in relation to “taint” and “dirty work” in the context of two occupational groups in the understudied sector of aged care.


Author(s):  
Grace Lucas ◽  
Ann Gallagher ◽  
Magda Zasada ◽  
Zubin Austin ◽  
Robert Jago ◽  
...  

IntroductionThis research set out to understand the context and explore the reasons for the disproportionate number of complaints raised against paramedics to the United Kingdom professional regulator – the Health and Care Professions Council – relative to other health professions. MethodsThis paper reports on qualitative findings from one aspect of a mixed-methods study which included a case analysis, Delphi study and literature review. One-to-one semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 stakeholders drawn from practitioners, educators, representatives and regulators, and three focus groups held with 16 practitioners and service users were used to gain an in-depth understanding of the possible reasons for complaints about paramedic practice. ResultsFive themes were generated from a thematic analysis of the data: the impact of public perceptions and expectations; the challenges of day-to-day practice; the effect of increasingly pressurised services; the organisational and cultural climate which impacts paramedics’ work; and the evolving nature of the profession. ConclusionThis study highlights the complex and changing nature of paramedic practice. It provides an insight into the ways in which the character, practice and environment of the profession contribute to a disproportionate number of complaints.


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