The antecedents and consequences of disorganised attachment and dissociation

Attachment researchers theorise that the primary antecedent of dissociation is disorganised attachment. However, the family and social contexts of this parent–child relationship are frequently ignored even though they play an important role in determining whether the unresolved attachment of the parent actually leads to the role confusion characteristic of disorganised attachment and dissociation in the child. This article will address first how the dynamics leading to disorganised attachment and dissociation are dependent on the larger family and social contexts; and second how both unresolved attachment and dissociation in the adolescent or adult are often maintained through the choice of a partner, the dissociative symptoms themselves and other social conditions to which these individuals are frequently exposed. Two case studies will illustrate this thesis. Finally, implications for treatment will be explored.

Exploring Literacy Coach Research in Canada: A Review

The purpose of this review is to understand literacy coach research in Canada in order to facilitate further research in this regard. Research about literacy coaches in Canada remains at an initial stage, and there is no universally accepted definition of a “literacy coach.” Most literacy coach research in Canada has used a qualitative method. The research has shown that literacy coaches in Canada, who act as both guides and supporters in schools, also experience many challenges such as role confusion and inadequate time for carrying out their work. Scholars believe that setting up coaching models and collaboration may be ideal ways to deal with these problems. This review also found that the research has concentrated on literacy coaches in elementary and secondary schools in Ontario. This article concludes with implications and suggestions for future research about Canadian literacy coaches. More analysis about literacy coaches’ identity, their relationships with other stakeholders in the education system, and the challenges they face is needed in the Canadian context.

Diminished responsibility determinations in England and Wales and New South Wales: whose role is it anyway?

A decade has passed since changes to the Homicide Act 1957, section 2 (under section 52 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009) were implemented. The issues that have arisen since implementation have resulted in significant role confusion in the operation of the partial defence, with the real risk of inconsistent outcomes in practice. The article argues that medicalisation of the partial defence in England and Wales has impacted the role of parties in reaching plea agreements pre-trial, rendered the delineation between legal and medical questions regarding the recognised medical condition requisite unclear and produced significant role confusion between medical experts and jurors in assessing the partial defence. The position stands in stark contrast to the approach under the Crimes Act 1900 (New South Wales) section 23A, where the legislation explicitly outlines the respective role of the medical experts and jurors and prohibits experts from commenting on whether murder ought to be reduced to manslaughter in such cases.

Health providers’ and pregnant women’s perspectives about smoking cessation support: a COM-B analysis of a global systematic review of qualitative studies

Background Smoking cessation in pregnancy has unique challenges. Health providers (HP) may need support to successfully implement smoking cessation care (SCC) for pregnant women (PW). We aimed to synthesize qualitative data about views of HPs and PW on SCC during pregnancy using COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour) framework. Methods A systematic search of online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) using PRISMA guidelines. PW’s and HPs’ quotes, as well as the authors’ analysis, were extracted and double-coded (30%) using the COM-B framework. Results Thirty-two studies included research from 5 continents: twelve on HPs’ perspectives, 16 on PW’s perspectives, four papers included both. HPs’ capability and motivation were affected by role confusion and a lack of training, time, and resources to provide interventions. HPs acknowledged that advice should be delivered while taking women’s psychological state (capability) and stressors into consideration. Pregnant women’s physical capabilities to quit (e.g., increased metabolism of nicotine and dependence) was seldom addressed due to uncertainty about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) use in pregnancy. Improving women’s motivation to quit depended on explaining the risks of smoking versus the safety of quit methods. Women considered advice from HPs during antenatal visits as effective, if accompanied by resources, peer support, feedback, and encouragement. Conclusions HPs found it challenging to provide effective SCC due to lack of training, time, and role confusion. The inability to address psychological stress in women and inadequate use of pharmacotherapy were additional barriers. These findings could aid in designing training programs that address HPs’ and PW’s attitudes and supportive campaigns for pregnant smokers.

A Qualitative Study on the Experience of Military Life and Ministry of Korean Christian Female Military Pastors

The purpose of this study was to understand who female military pastors are in the Korean military and examine their military lives and ministry experiences through in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis. Six of the eight female military pastors currently working participated in this study. Seven major themes were identified: motivation to apply, role confusion and ambiguity, token women in the Korean military, perceived barriers or bias, equality experience, lack of network or mentor, and work and family balance. This study was helpful for obtaining a deeper understanding of female military pastors who exist as a minority in the Korean military. This study also provides basic information for the seminary education of future female military pastors and policies for female leaders working in the Korean military.

Understanding the general practice nursing workforce in New Zealand: an overview of characteristics 2015–19

Limited knowledge about the nursing workforce in New Zealand general practice inhibits the optimal use of nurses in this increasingly complex setting. Using workforce survey data published biennially by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, this study describes the characteristics of nurses in general practice and contrasts them with the greater nursing workforce, including consideration of changes in the profiles between 2015 and 2019. The findings suggest the general practice nursing workforce is older, less diverse, more predominately New Zealand trained and very much more likely to work part-time than other nurses. There is evidence that nurses in general practice are increasingly primary health care focused, as they take on expanded roles and responsibilities. However, ambiguity about terminology and the inability to track individuals in the data are limitations of this study. Therefore, it was not possible to identify and describe cohorts of nurses in general practice by important characteristics, such as prescribing authority, regionality and rurality. A greater national focus on defining and tracking this pivotal workforce is called for to overcome role confusion and better facilitate the use of nursing scopes of practice.