Perspectives on Open Science and Scholarly Publishing: a Survey Study Focusing on Early Career Researchers in Europe

Background: The value of Open Science (OS) for the academic community and society has been becoming more evident recently, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, significant challenges regarding its implementation arise that are likely to affect researchers, especially those in early career stages. Hence, monitoring early-career researchers’ views, knowledge, and skills on OS and related policies, is crucial for its advancement. The main aim of this exploratory study was to gain new perspectives regarding the awareness of and attitudes towards OS and related practices having in consideration geographical, economic and research career variables. Methods: The survey was conducted during May-August 2020 as part of a collaboration between Eurodoc and the Open Research Europe project. The data from the survey were analyzed by European region, Gross domestic product, Gross domestic expenditure on research and development as a percentage of gross domestic product, field of study, and career stage. Results: The awareness and positive attitude regarding OS, specifically among early-career researchers, is high in Europe. However, there are significant career stage group differences in views and knowledge about OS. Generally, awareness and positive attitude tend to increase with increasing career seniority. Regarding European regions, we spotted three main groups sharing similar awareness levels and attitudes: researchers in Western Europe - the most informed group towards OS; researchers in northern, central, and southern Europe - a moderately informed group with some minor differences; and researchers in eastern Europe - the least informed group, whose opinions deviate the most. Conclusions: We found that there is an “evolution of needs and focus” regarding scientific publishing: researchers in most European regions are in different stages of transition from the competitive to collaborative levels, while researchers in eastern Europe are largely beginning their transition to the competitive level.

Research as an Act of Resistance: Responsive, Temporally Framed Narrative Inquiry

In this paper I frame systemic, narrative informed, group work practice as an act of solidarity; and narrative inquiry as an act of resistance and activism. I describe research I have been part of as an intervention into (and a resistance against) discourses of individualised psychopathology that exist within the mental health services (where I have worked for the last decade) and colonising practices that can and do exist in academia. Part of the narrative is my own story of movement from research informed practitioner to practice based researcher which includes an exploration of an evolving relationship with power. I also describe how I have devised a five-step process to inquire into my own group work practices – a process I have called a responsive, temporally framed narrative inquiry. Responsive because it has been designed to be adaptive and attuned to the inevitable movement between research ‘material’ and people involved in any such inquiry. Temporally framed, and with an emphasis on narrative, because it pays attention to past stories (of abuse and oppression), present feelings in relation to those stories and narratives that develop through inquiry that are ‘future forming’ and speak to ‘preferred futures’.

Effect of an Active Distraction Method for Pediatric Venipuncture Related Pain and Anxiety

Needle-associated fear and pain in children can lead to poor health consequences and lower uptake rates of medical services. Information and distraction are significant methods in reducing pain and anxiety in children. We aimed to evaluate the effects of giving information and an active distraction method for pediatric venipuncture -related pain and anxiety in 3-8 years old children. Children were randomized into three groups as the control, the informed, the informed and distracted. Fear and pain experience were found to be significantly lower in the informed and distracted group rather than the control and the informed group according to the parents/caregivers. Fear and pain experience were similarly found to be significantly lower in the informed and distracted group than the other groups according to the independent observer. Informing, preparing, coping, distracting methods should be used before, during, and after the invasive procedures to reduce children's pain and anxiety.

A narrative-informed evaluation of tree of life for parents of children with physical health conditions

Background: Parents of children with chronic health conditions can face many challenges. The Tree of Life narrative therapy group intervention aims to connect parents with their skills and resources before collectively exploring the ‘storms’ (challenges) they face. A narrative-informed evaluation aimed to story the parents’ experiences of attending the group. Methods: Seven parents attended a Tree of Life group intervention and then participated in a narrative-informed group interview to generate stories regarding their experience of the group. The interview was recorded with consent and later transcribed. Results: A thematic analysis was undertaken and highlighted that the group offered parents a ‘safe place to stand’ to talk about difficulties; a different perspective on their situation; connection with the skills of other parents; new ideas to introduce more independence to their child; and togetherness within the ‘storms’ (challenges). Conclusions: The narrative-informed evaluation offered opportunities to further thicken parents’ preferred identity stories whilst also contributing to the evidence base of narrative-informed group interventions for parents.

Client Experiences of the Strength at Home Intimate Partner Violence Program: A Qualitative Analysis

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent issue among veteran populations. Strength at Home (SAH) is a 12-week cognitive behavioral and trauma-informed group intervention shown to reduce IPV among veterans via a randomized controlled trial and several implementation and pilot studies. The program is currently being implemented nationally in the Department of Veterans Affairs, with initial data showing that clients evidence significant reductions in physical and psychological IPV, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and alcohol misuse. The present study explored the subjective experience of veterans who participated in SAH during this rollout. Following their final group session, participants completed a treatment satisfaction survey. A qualitative thematic analysis of 291 surveys was conducted to evaluate (a) if SAH led participants to pursue other intervention; (b) what participants perceived as most beneficial about the program; (c) what participants perceived as least beneficial about the program; and (d) the ways in which SAH impacted their lives. These evaluations shed light on which aspects of the program may be most and least impactful, which may be utilized to modify and enhance the SAH program to best address the needs of individuals using and experiencing IPV.

Promoting Wellness and Recovery of Young Women Experiencing Gender-Based Violence and Homelessness: The Role of Trauma-Informed Health Promotion Interventions

Little is known regarding the types of interventions most effective in supporting wellness and recovery of victims of gender-based violence, particularly those simultaneously experiencing homelessness. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 18 young women experiencing gender-based violence and homelessness who participated in a community-based, trauma-informed group intervention in Toronto, Canada. Participants completed audio-recorded and transcribed semi-structured interviews, analyzed using thematic content analysis. Participants described valuing the safe, women-only space, shared lived experiences, and tailored psychoeducation and resulting improvements in confidence, coping, health, relationships, and future directedness. Findings suggest community-based, trauma-informed group interventions can facilitate wellness and recovery in this population.