Jenny Mercer - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Jenny Mercer
Psychology Teaching Review, 2009
This three-year longitudinal study explored the approach to study and academic performance of a g... more This three-year longitudinal study explored the approach to study and academic performance of a group of male psychology undergraduates. In induction week, 112 new psychology students completed the survey. Later in the year, some of the males were interviewed in small groups. Performance was measured from marks at the end of Years 1 and 3. In Year 1, compared with their female contemporaries, male respondents had higher self-esteem (p<.01), expected higher marks (p<.001) and anticipated performing better than their peers (p<.05). In interviews, males described themselves as being less motivated and less organised than females, but did not consider this a problem. The only difference in marks showed males doing worse in coursework at Year 1 (p<.05). However, significantly more males failed to complete the course. These findings are set in the context of concerns about under achievement of males and discussed in relation to research into transition to university.
The Impact of Working with Farm Animals on People with Offending Histories: A Scoping Review
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Jun 8, 2022
Within the Criminal Justice System, using animals for therapeutic or rehabilitative purposes has ... more Within the Criminal Justice System, using animals for therapeutic or rehabilitative purposes has garnered momentum and is extensively researched. By contrast, the evidence concerning the impact of farm animal work, either on prison farms or social farms for community sanctions, is less well understood. This review sought to explore the evidence that exists in relation to four areas: (1) farm animals and their contribution to rehabilitation from offending; (2) any indicated mechanisms of change; (3) the development of a human—food/production animal bond, and (4) the experiences of forensic service users working with dairy cattle. Fourteen articles were included in the review. Good quality research on the impact of working with farm animals and specifically dairy cattle, with adult offenders, was very limited. However, some studies suggested that the rehabilitative potential of farm animals with offenders should not be summarily dismissed but researched further to firmly establish impact.
Are Loneliness and Regret the Inevitable Outcomes of Ageing and Childlessness?
Emerald Publishing Limited eBooks, Aug 10, 2018
Abstract Discourses on ageing and childlessness coalesce around the notion that childless women w... more Abstract Discourses on ageing and childlessness coalesce around the notion that childless women will experience regret and loneliness in old age. In the United Kingdom, the idea that children (mostly women) will provide care in old age tends to be normalised and underpins social care provision. In recent times, media coverage of childless women has also tended to sustain and promote this. This discourse occurs within a context where childlessness is on the rise and where there is little academic interest in the topic. Our chapter will report on a constructivist grounded theory study with women who choose not to have children. A key aim of the study was to explore the consequences of participants’ choices on their lives. Twenty-one women aged between 45 and 75, from across England, Scotland and Wales participated. The age criteria were chosen to reflect the category that is used by the Office of National Statistics to denote that women’s reproduction ends at 45. This also helps to construct a social norm that women aged 45 and over are seen as older women. Findings reveal that most participants experience no regrets following their choice not to have children. Some express ‘half regrets’ while all challenge the societal expectation that without children there will be no one to care for them when they are older. This supports the limited, mainly autobiographical literature, on loss and regret. It also refutes the unquestioned and widely believed assumption that women who choose not have children will live to regret it. For participants, the choice for motherhood was but one choice from a menu of many others. Their choice was for something more meaningful for them rather than a choice against motherhood. Consequently, participants had no reason to experience loss or regret. These findings also question the discourse, which implies that children will ensure care in older age. It presents a challenge to the myth that the family is a haven of happiness and support in an ever-changing world. Crucially, it supports calls for more inclusive policy making to address the care needs of all older people.
Mental Health Practice, Jul 6, 2018
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) presents a serious concern for prisons, being particularly preval... more Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) presents a serious concern for prisons, being particularly prevalent in prisoners with mental health difficulties. This study gained accounts of the functions of self-harm in a sample of adult, male prisoners with mental health difficulties and understand what they believe would help them reduce or stop their NSSI. Six semi-structured interviews were carried out and thematic analysis conducted. Four main themes were identified: Affect regulation, affective change following NSSI and mediators of NSSI. All participants cited affect regulation as the function of their NSSI and discussed the impact of the prison environment on the behaviour. Results highlight the importance of interventions targeting emotion identification, regulation and expression and coping skills within prison environments. This study was limited by it's small sample size, however, findings indicate this would be a valid area for further research to gain greater understanding of NSSI within the prison population, providing the opportunity to consolidate themes. This research focussed on the function of NSSI for prisoners as opposed to the nature, prevalence and context of these incidents, which research has traditionally focussed on. This is an important due to increasing rates of NSSI within the prison system in the context of resource pressures.
Research in Post-compulsory Education, Mar 1, 2007
A common outcome of entering post-compulsory education as a mature aged learner appears to be dev... more A common outcome of entering post-compulsory education as a mature aged learner appears to be development and growth of the self. However, this is often only viewed as an outcome or considered an added benefit, rather than an integral part of the academic process itself. This paper explores the relationship between academic growth and personal growth, arguing that they are not mutually exclusive categories, but inter-related ones. Using a grounded theory approach it is suggested that a 're-negotiation' of the self was evident amongst a group of 31 mature students at different stages of their further and higher education courses. The reasons why this might be such a salient issue for mature aged cohorts is discussed.
Through Others We Become Ourselves: How Service-learning Develops Graduate Identity
SAGE Publications Ltd eBooks, 2023
How understanding Doctoral researchers’ coping strategies can inform Higher Education institutions’ response to their stress
Research in Post-Compulsory Education, Jan 18, 2024
Psychology Teaching Review, 2011
I N THIS EDITION devoted to understanding how psychology is constructed and positioned in differe... more I N THIS EDITION devoted to understanding how psychology is constructed and positioned in different countries we offer an account of a free-ranging discussion highlighting common features of psychology provision and that considers the differences between two departments and two distinct programmes. The discussion took place between ERASMUS partners during a Teacher Exchange visit to the University of Wroclaw, Poland, in March 2011. ERASMUS exchange programmes have been running since 1987 and offer students opportunities to travel and learn in universities across Europe where agreements are signed between member institutions. The European Higher Education Area looks to bring comparable academic standards and quality assurance to universities and thus enable greater movement between countries. In practice this means that students can have their work in one country recognised as being equivalent to that in another through the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). In 2010 over 22000 students visited the UK as part of an ERASMUS exchange (European Commission, 2011). Since 2006 there has been an agreement between the psychology departments in the
A phenomenological study on the lived experience of men with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Journal of Health Psychology, Jul 17, 2023
Whilst chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been widely researched amongst women, studies investiga... more Whilst chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been widely researched amongst women, studies investigating how men experience a CFS diagnosis is limited. This study utilised an interpretative phenomenological approach to interview five men who have a medical diagnosis of CFS. Six themes emerged to demonstrate the participants’ experiences prior to, during and after obtaining their CFS diagnosis. Findings revealed that participants were initially reluctant to accept their condition, confounded by their perception that symptoms compromised their sense of masculinity. They also felt that healthcare professionals had limited recognition of CFS leading them to seek social support and legitimisation from other sources. The struggle to come to terms with a different lifestyle and sense of masculinity prevailed. Such knowledge could be effectively utilised by researchers, practitioners and employers to facilitate an increased understanding of male accounts of the condition and more bespoke interventions where required.
Women who choose not to have children have been largely overlooked in both mainstream and feminis... more Women who choose not to have children have been largely overlooked in both mainstream and feminist literature, where the focus is more typically on childbirth and motherhood or reproduction and infertility. Using data obtained through semistructured interviews with four women aged 45 and over, this paper presents the initial findings of an on-going constructivist grounded theory study with women who have chosen not to have children. Findings from category one suggest that participants had no desire to replicate motherhood. The reasons included their negative experiences and memories of family life. Access to education and introduction to feminist ideas helped develop a strong sense of agency. Ongoing reflection on their lives illustrated how adult relationships were prioritised over motherhood. Findings from the other three categories (briefly discussed) challenge some of the dominant ideologies and assumptions about women who choose not to have children.
“I feel happier in myself with the dogs”: the perceived impact of a prison animal programme for well-being
Journal of forensic practice, Feb 10, 2022
Purpose Amid concerns regarding prisoner well-being, growing evidence indicates that prison anima... more Purpose Amid concerns regarding prisoner well-being, growing evidence indicates that prison animal programmes (PAPs), most commonly involving dogs, have significant therapeutic potential. Published research on this topic from the UK remains sparse, and more is needed to determine the type of programmes which work best and for whom. This study aims to explore the perceived benefits of a short-term PAP on the well-being of a sample of individuals assessed as at risk of self-harm. Design/methodology/approach Participants with complex mental health needs in a category B prison took part in a four-week programme where two dogs were brought in for interactions once a week. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants at the end of the programme. Findings Three themes were identified through thematic analysis: “A Safe Space for Emotional Experience”, “An Opportunity to Connect” and “Being Human”. The narratives offered a range of perceived benefits which illustrated the potential of dog based PAPs for enhancing well-being and consistency with desistance goals. Practical implications The findings illustrate that even short-term interactions with dogs can be impactful and provide evidence for other practitioners about how this approach may be used with individuals with complex mental health needs. Originality/value The study highlights the therapeutic potential of the presence of animals in prisons. The research contributes to the limited literature about PAPS in the UK.
Mature Students: the same but different
Journal of Health Psychology, Dec 2, 2021
Thi s is a n O p e n Acc e s s d o c u m e n t d o w nlo a d e d fro m ORCA, C a r diff U niv e r... more Thi s is a n O p e n Acc e s s d o c u m e n t d o w nlo a d e d fro m ORCA, C a r diff U niv e r si ty' s in s ti t u tio n al r e p o si t o ry: h t t p s://o r c a. c a r diff.a c. u k/i d/ e p ri n t/ 1 4 6 0 4 2/ This is t h e a u t h o r's v e r sio n of a w o r k t h a t w a s s u b mi t t e d t o / a c c e p t e d fo r p u blic a tio n. Cit a tio n fo r fin al p u blis h e d ve r sio n: Wr e n, G e o r gi n a a n d M e r c er, Je n ny 2 0 2 2. Dis mi s s al, dis t r u s t, a n d di s m ay: a p h e n o m e n olo gic al e x plo r a tio n of yo u n g w o m e n's di a g n o s tic e x p e ri e n c e s wi t h e n d o m e t rio si s a n d s u b s e q u e n t s u p p o r t. Jou r n al of H e al t h P syc h olo gy 2 7 (1 1) , p p .
Representing death in psychology: Hospice nurses’ lived experiences
Mortality, Jul 22, 2009
... Retrieved November 12, 2007, from the Aisling magazine website: http://www.aislingmagazine. c... more ... Retrieved November 12, 2007, from the Aisling magazine website: http://www.aislingmagazine. com/aislingmagazine/articles/TAM19/Death.html View ... and Australia represent the most sizable populations from source countries in recent years (Buchan, Jobanputra, Gough, & Hutt ...
Journal of forensic practice, Feb 9, 2015
Purpose: Much evidence suggests that animals can serve as therapeutic tools for those working wit... more Purpose: Much evidence suggests that animals can serve as therapeutic tools for those working with vulnerable individuals. This exploratory study analysed the accounts of staff and offenders involved in a UK prison-based animal programme. The aim was to explore the perceived impact of such a programme with male offenders. Design/ Methodology: Semi structured interviews were conducted with three service users and five staff members. Participants were drawn from a special unit in a category B prison which housed an animal centre. Findings: A thematic analysis identified four salient themes: A Sense of Responsibility, Building Trust, Enhanced Communication and Impact on Mood and Behaviour. Findings revealed that offenders seemed to gain particular benefit from interacting with the two Labrador dogs which were present on the wing. Originality/ Value: This paper offers an important contribution to the sparse literature about prison-based animal programmes in the UK. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of the presence of animals in prisons. Their implications of this for forensic practice are discussed.
Making sense of student cultures in higher education today Deborah Claire Le Play Learning, ident... more Making sense of student cultures in higher education today Deborah Claire Le Play Learning, identity and learning about identity: the role of connectedness Hilary Lawson Rhythm, routine and ritual: strategies for collective living among first year students in halls of residence Ingrid Richter and Gary Walker Living and learning: students talk and investment in university culture Kate Brooks Mindful or mindless: do UK student drinking cultures and stereotypes undermine intercultural contact?
QMiP Conference 2019Archives, experiments and rhetoric: Reflections on a secondary qualitative analysis of Stanley Milgram’s obedience experimentsQualitative methods and critical psychology – Can we weather a post truth and positivist ‘superstorm’?
QMiP Bulletin, 2019
Reflecting on the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with focus groups
QMiP Bulletin, 2012
Focus groups are a popular method of data collection within qualitative psychology, but have not ... more Focus groups are a popular method of data collection within qualitative psychology, but have not been widely employed for phenomenological approaches such as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). It could be suggested that the presence of others will constrain individual accounts, leaving focus groups unsuitable for this type of research. However, this paper presents some arguments in favour of using this method. Drawing from examples of published research, I shall discuss the reasons why focus groups can be useful, how a researcher might engage with post hoc data checks, and raise points to consider in relation to analysis and presentation of findings. It is acknowledged that this complex research setting presents many challenges and perhaps it is time to develop a specific set of guidelines to account for experiential accounts captured in a group context.
Psychology Teaching Review, 2011
What is ERASMUS? RASMUS, originally introduced in the late 1980s, is the acronym for the European... more What is ERASMUS? RASMUS, originally introduced in the late 1980s, is the acronym for the European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. Since 2007 the programme has come under the auspices of the British Council and forms part of the European Union Lifelong Learning Programme. ERASMUS supports temporary periods of study abroad, the average period of stay for 2008/09 being six months (European Commission, 2010). Flexibility to pursue modules in more than one European country is made possible by a common framework of credits-The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). ECTS make it possible to continue working towards degree completion whilst studying abroad. Students would typically complete 60 ECTS during an academic year. In the UK, a 10-credit module equates to five ECTS. The focus of the scheme is on facilitating mobility of students within the European community, though it also provides funding to enable exchanges of university lecturers. A central aim has been to increase the number of graduates with experience of intercommunity cooperation ; but also, through emphasis on teacher exchanges and curriculum design it was envisaged that those who were non-mobile could also benefit from a more internationalised educational experience. In his overview of an evaluation of ERASMUS, Maiworm (2001) describes its launch as 'the beginning of internationalisation of higher education in Europe' (p.459). Whilst the internationalisation agenda is often associated with generating income for universities from the higher fees set for international students (e.g. Knight 2007, Haigh, 2008), such fee structures do not apply to students who move within European HEI's. Thus the term 'internationalisation' in the context of schemes such as ERASMUS becomes more about the benefits of increasing inter-cultural knowledge and interaction; nurturing what many authors (e.g. Peacock & Harrison, 2009; Montgomery & McDowell, 2008) describe as 'global citizenship'. The UK received over 20,000 ERASMUS students during the academic year of 2008/09 (European Commission 2010) making it the fourth most popular
International journal of fashion studies, Apr 1, 2017
Research about fashion modelling within Psychology remains sparse. Rare empirical studies which d... more Research about fashion modelling within Psychology remains sparse. Rare empirical studies which do exist exhibit a tendency to pathologise models, and provide only a superficial insight into this career. Little is known about who a fashion model really is, what a young person who models experiences in their careers, or how they make sense of this role. With this in mind, the current study sought to explore the lived experience of young people who are fashion models. Three participants offered experiential accounts of modelling in the fashion industry, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) revealed superordinate themes: 'Growth and Development', 'Changes in Self-Perception', and 'A Job? Or a Way of Life?'. Change was found to be an integral part of the participants' experiences, which led to both positive and negative developmental outcomes, including a self-reported growth in confidence and maturity, yet a potentially more self-critical view of one's appearance. The role seemed to be an all-encompassing lifestyle rather than a job, and it is argued that modelling at a young age may act as a catalyst for a transition into adulthood. This study is exploratory in nature but provides an initial insight into the experiences of fashion modelling. The discussion identifies ways in which cognate sub-disciplines of Psychology may contribute to this area of research, thus developing and extending further the Psychological literature base in the field of fashion studies.
Psychology Teaching Review, 2009
This three-year longitudinal study explored the approach to study and academic performance of a g... more This three-year longitudinal study explored the approach to study and academic performance of a group of male psychology undergraduates. In induction week, 112 new psychology students completed the survey. Later in the year, some of the males were interviewed in small groups. Performance was measured from marks at the end of Years 1 and 3. In Year 1, compared with their female contemporaries, male respondents had higher self-esteem (p<.01), expected higher marks (p<.001) and anticipated performing better than their peers (p<.05). In interviews, males described themselves as being less motivated and less organised than females, but did not consider this a problem. The only difference in marks showed males doing worse in coursework at Year 1 (p<.05). However, significantly more males failed to complete the course. These findings are set in the context of concerns about under achievement of males and discussed in relation to research into transition to university.
The Impact of Working with Farm Animals on People with Offending Histories: A Scoping Review
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Jun 8, 2022
Within the Criminal Justice System, using animals for therapeutic or rehabilitative purposes has ... more Within the Criminal Justice System, using animals for therapeutic or rehabilitative purposes has garnered momentum and is extensively researched. By contrast, the evidence concerning the impact of farm animal work, either on prison farms or social farms for community sanctions, is less well understood. This review sought to explore the evidence that exists in relation to four areas: (1) farm animals and their contribution to rehabilitation from offending; (2) any indicated mechanisms of change; (3) the development of a human—food/production animal bond, and (4) the experiences of forensic service users working with dairy cattle. Fourteen articles were included in the review. Good quality research on the impact of working with farm animals and specifically dairy cattle, with adult offenders, was very limited. However, some studies suggested that the rehabilitative potential of farm animals with offenders should not be summarily dismissed but researched further to firmly establish impact.
Are Loneliness and Regret the Inevitable Outcomes of Ageing and Childlessness?
Emerald Publishing Limited eBooks, Aug 10, 2018
Abstract Discourses on ageing and childlessness coalesce around the notion that childless women w... more Abstract Discourses on ageing and childlessness coalesce around the notion that childless women will experience regret and loneliness in old age. In the United Kingdom, the idea that children (mostly women) will provide care in old age tends to be normalised and underpins social care provision. In recent times, media coverage of childless women has also tended to sustain and promote this. This discourse occurs within a context where childlessness is on the rise and where there is little academic interest in the topic. Our chapter will report on a constructivist grounded theory study with women who choose not to have children. A key aim of the study was to explore the consequences of participants’ choices on their lives. Twenty-one women aged between 45 and 75, from across England, Scotland and Wales participated. The age criteria were chosen to reflect the category that is used by the Office of National Statistics to denote that women’s reproduction ends at 45. This also helps to construct a social norm that women aged 45 and over are seen as older women. Findings reveal that most participants experience no regrets following their choice not to have children. Some express ‘half regrets’ while all challenge the societal expectation that without children there will be no one to care for them when they are older. This supports the limited, mainly autobiographical literature, on loss and regret. It also refutes the unquestioned and widely believed assumption that women who choose not have children will live to regret it. For participants, the choice for motherhood was but one choice from a menu of many others. Their choice was for something more meaningful for them rather than a choice against motherhood. Consequently, participants had no reason to experience loss or regret. These findings also question the discourse, which implies that children will ensure care in older age. It presents a challenge to the myth that the family is a haven of happiness and support in an ever-changing world. Crucially, it supports calls for more inclusive policy making to address the care needs of all older people.
Mental Health Practice, Jul 6, 2018
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) presents a serious concern for prisons, being particularly preval... more Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) presents a serious concern for prisons, being particularly prevalent in prisoners with mental health difficulties. This study gained accounts of the functions of self-harm in a sample of adult, male prisoners with mental health difficulties and understand what they believe would help them reduce or stop their NSSI. Six semi-structured interviews were carried out and thematic analysis conducted. Four main themes were identified: Affect regulation, affective change following NSSI and mediators of NSSI. All participants cited affect regulation as the function of their NSSI and discussed the impact of the prison environment on the behaviour. Results highlight the importance of interventions targeting emotion identification, regulation and expression and coping skills within prison environments. This study was limited by it's small sample size, however, findings indicate this would be a valid area for further research to gain greater understanding of NSSI within the prison population, providing the opportunity to consolidate themes. This research focussed on the function of NSSI for prisoners as opposed to the nature, prevalence and context of these incidents, which research has traditionally focussed on. This is an important due to increasing rates of NSSI within the prison system in the context of resource pressures.
Research in Post-compulsory Education, Mar 1, 2007
A common outcome of entering post-compulsory education as a mature aged learner appears to be dev... more A common outcome of entering post-compulsory education as a mature aged learner appears to be development and growth of the self. However, this is often only viewed as an outcome or considered an added benefit, rather than an integral part of the academic process itself. This paper explores the relationship between academic growth and personal growth, arguing that they are not mutually exclusive categories, but inter-related ones. Using a grounded theory approach it is suggested that a 're-negotiation' of the self was evident amongst a group of 31 mature students at different stages of their further and higher education courses. The reasons why this might be such a salient issue for mature aged cohorts is discussed.
Through Others We Become Ourselves: How Service-learning Develops Graduate Identity
SAGE Publications Ltd eBooks, 2023
How understanding Doctoral researchers’ coping strategies can inform Higher Education institutions’ response to their stress
Research in Post-Compulsory Education, Jan 18, 2024
Psychology Teaching Review, 2011
I N THIS EDITION devoted to understanding how psychology is constructed and positioned in differe... more I N THIS EDITION devoted to understanding how psychology is constructed and positioned in different countries we offer an account of a free-ranging discussion highlighting common features of psychology provision and that considers the differences between two departments and two distinct programmes. The discussion took place between ERASMUS partners during a Teacher Exchange visit to the University of Wroclaw, Poland, in March 2011. ERASMUS exchange programmes have been running since 1987 and offer students opportunities to travel and learn in universities across Europe where agreements are signed between member institutions. The European Higher Education Area looks to bring comparable academic standards and quality assurance to universities and thus enable greater movement between countries. In practice this means that students can have their work in one country recognised as being equivalent to that in another through the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). In 2010 over 22000 students visited the UK as part of an ERASMUS exchange (European Commission, 2011). Since 2006 there has been an agreement between the psychology departments in the
A phenomenological study on the lived experience of men with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Journal of Health Psychology, Jul 17, 2023
Whilst chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been widely researched amongst women, studies investiga... more Whilst chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been widely researched amongst women, studies investigating how men experience a CFS diagnosis is limited. This study utilised an interpretative phenomenological approach to interview five men who have a medical diagnosis of CFS. Six themes emerged to demonstrate the participants’ experiences prior to, during and after obtaining their CFS diagnosis. Findings revealed that participants were initially reluctant to accept their condition, confounded by their perception that symptoms compromised their sense of masculinity. They also felt that healthcare professionals had limited recognition of CFS leading them to seek social support and legitimisation from other sources. The struggle to come to terms with a different lifestyle and sense of masculinity prevailed. Such knowledge could be effectively utilised by researchers, practitioners and employers to facilitate an increased understanding of male accounts of the condition and more bespoke interventions where required.
Women who choose not to have children have been largely overlooked in both mainstream and feminis... more Women who choose not to have children have been largely overlooked in both mainstream and feminist literature, where the focus is more typically on childbirth and motherhood or reproduction and infertility. Using data obtained through semistructured interviews with four women aged 45 and over, this paper presents the initial findings of an on-going constructivist grounded theory study with women who have chosen not to have children. Findings from category one suggest that participants had no desire to replicate motherhood. The reasons included their negative experiences and memories of family life. Access to education and introduction to feminist ideas helped develop a strong sense of agency. Ongoing reflection on their lives illustrated how adult relationships were prioritised over motherhood. Findings from the other three categories (briefly discussed) challenge some of the dominant ideologies and assumptions about women who choose not to have children.
“I feel happier in myself with the dogs”: the perceived impact of a prison animal programme for well-being
Journal of forensic practice, Feb 10, 2022
Purpose Amid concerns regarding prisoner well-being, growing evidence indicates that prison anima... more Purpose Amid concerns regarding prisoner well-being, growing evidence indicates that prison animal programmes (PAPs), most commonly involving dogs, have significant therapeutic potential. Published research on this topic from the UK remains sparse, and more is needed to determine the type of programmes which work best and for whom. This study aims to explore the perceived benefits of a short-term PAP on the well-being of a sample of individuals assessed as at risk of self-harm. Design/methodology/approach Participants with complex mental health needs in a category B prison took part in a four-week programme where two dogs were brought in for interactions once a week. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants at the end of the programme. Findings Three themes were identified through thematic analysis: “A Safe Space for Emotional Experience”, “An Opportunity to Connect” and “Being Human”. The narratives offered a range of perceived benefits which illustrated the potential of dog based PAPs for enhancing well-being and consistency with desistance goals. Practical implications The findings illustrate that even short-term interactions with dogs can be impactful and provide evidence for other practitioners about how this approach may be used with individuals with complex mental health needs. Originality/value The study highlights the therapeutic potential of the presence of animals in prisons. The research contributes to the limited literature about PAPS in the UK.
Mature Students: the same but different
Journal of Health Psychology, Dec 2, 2021
Thi s is a n O p e n Acc e s s d o c u m e n t d o w nlo a d e d fro m ORCA, C a r diff U niv e r... more Thi s is a n O p e n Acc e s s d o c u m e n t d o w nlo a d e d fro m ORCA, C a r diff U niv e r si ty' s in s ti t u tio n al r e p o si t o ry: h t t p s://o r c a. c a r diff.a c. u k/i d/ e p ri n t/ 1 4 6 0 4 2/ This is t h e a u t h o r's v e r sio n of a w o r k t h a t w a s s u b mi t t e d t o / a c c e p t e d fo r p u blic a tio n. Cit a tio n fo r fin al p u blis h e d ve r sio n: Wr e n, G e o r gi n a a n d M e r c er, Je n ny 2 0 2 2. Dis mi s s al, dis t r u s t, a n d di s m ay: a p h e n o m e n olo gic al e x plo r a tio n of yo u n g w o m e n's di a g n o s tic e x p e ri e n c e s wi t h e n d o m e t rio si s a n d s u b s e q u e n t s u p p o r t. Jou r n al of H e al t h P syc h olo gy 2 7 (1 1) , p p .
Representing death in psychology: Hospice nurses’ lived experiences
Mortality, Jul 22, 2009
... Retrieved November 12, 2007, from the Aisling magazine website: http://www.aislingmagazine. c... more ... Retrieved November 12, 2007, from the Aisling magazine website: http://www.aislingmagazine. com/aislingmagazine/articles/TAM19/Death.html View ... and Australia represent the most sizable populations from source countries in recent years (Buchan, Jobanputra, Gough, & Hutt ...
Journal of forensic practice, Feb 9, 2015
Purpose: Much evidence suggests that animals can serve as therapeutic tools for those working wit... more Purpose: Much evidence suggests that animals can serve as therapeutic tools for those working with vulnerable individuals. This exploratory study analysed the accounts of staff and offenders involved in a UK prison-based animal programme. The aim was to explore the perceived impact of such a programme with male offenders. Design/ Methodology: Semi structured interviews were conducted with three service users and five staff members. Participants were drawn from a special unit in a category B prison which housed an animal centre. Findings: A thematic analysis identified four salient themes: A Sense of Responsibility, Building Trust, Enhanced Communication and Impact on Mood and Behaviour. Findings revealed that offenders seemed to gain particular benefit from interacting with the two Labrador dogs which were present on the wing. Originality/ Value: This paper offers an important contribution to the sparse literature about prison-based animal programmes in the UK. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of the presence of animals in prisons. Their implications of this for forensic practice are discussed.
Making sense of student cultures in higher education today Deborah Claire Le Play Learning, ident... more Making sense of student cultures in higher education today Deborah Claire Le Play Learning, identity and learning about identity: the role of connectedness Hilary Lawson Rhythm, routine and ritual: strategies for collective living among first year students in halls of residence Ingrid Richter and Gary Walker Living and learning: students talk and investment in university culture Kate Brooks Mindful or mindless: do UK student drinking cultures and stereotypes undermine intercultural contact?
QMiP Conference 2019Archives, experiments and rhetoric: Reflections on a secondary qualitative analysis of Stanley Milgram’s obedience experimentsQualitative methods and critical psychology – Can we weather a post truth and positivist ‘superstorm’?
QMiP Bulletin, 2019
Reflecting on the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with focus groups
QMiP Bulletin, 2012
Focus groups are a popular method of data collection within qualitative psychology, but have not ... more Focus groups are a popular method of data collection within qualitative psychology, but have not been widely employed for phenomenological approaches such as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). It could be suggested that the presence of others will constrain individual accounts, leaving focus groups unsuitable for this type of research. However, this paper presents some arguments in favour of using this method. Drawing from examples of published research, I shall discuss the reasons why focus groups can be useful, how a researcher might engage with post hoc data checks, and raise points to consider in relation to analysis and presentation of findings. It is acknowledged that this complex research setting presents many challenges and perhaps it is time to develop a specific set of guidelines to account for experiential accounts captured in a group context.
Psychology Teaching Review, 2011
What is ERASMUS? RASMUS, originally introduced in the late 1980s, is the acronym for the European... more What is ERASMUS? RASMUS, originally introduced in the late 1980s, is the acronym for the European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. Since 2007 the programme has come under the auspices of the British Council and forms part of the European Union Lifelong Learning Programme. ERASMUS supports temporary periods of study abroad, the average period of stay for 2008/09 being six months (European Commission, 2010). Flexibility to pursue modules in more than one European country is made possible by a common framework of credits-The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). ECTS make it possible to continue working towards degree completion whilst studying abroad. Students would typically complete 60 ECTS during an academic year. In the UK, a 10-credit module equates to five ECTS. The focus of the scheme is on facilitating mobility of students within the European community, though it also provides funding to enable exchanges of university lecturers. A central aim has been to increase the number of graduates with experience of intercommunity cooperation ; but also, through emphasis on teacher exchanges and curriculum design it was envisaged that those who were non-mobile could also benefit from a more internationalised educational experience. In his overview of an evaluation of ERASMUS, Maiworm (2001) describes its launch as 'the beginning of internationalisation of higher education in Europe' (p.459). Whilst the internationalisation agenda is often associated with generating income for universities from the higher fees set for international students (e.g. Knight 2007, Haigh, 2008), such fee structures do not apply to students who move within European HEI's. Thus the term 'internationalisation' in the context of schemes such as ERASMUS becomes more about the benefits of increasing inter-cultural knowledge and interaction; nurturing what many authors (e.g. Peacock & Harrison, 2009; Montgomery & McDowell, 2008) describe as 'global citizenship'. The UK received over 20,000 ERASMUS students during the academic year of 2008/09 (European Commission 2010) making it the fourth most popular
International journal of fashion studies, Apr 1, 2017
Research about fashion modelling within Psychology remains sparse. Rare empirical studies which d... more Research about fashion modelling within Psychology remains sparse. Rare empirical studies which do exist exhibit a tendency to pathologise models, and provide only a superficial insight into this career. Little is known about who a fashion model really is, what a young person who models experiences in their careers, or how they make sense of this role. With this in mind, the current study sought to explore the lived experience of young people who are fashion models. Three participants offered experiential accounts of modelling in the fashion industry, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) revealed superordinate themes: 'Growth and Development', 'Changes in Self-Perception', and 'A Job? Or a Way of Life?'. Change was found to be an integral part of the participants' experiences, which led to both positive and negative developmental outcomes, including a self-reported growth in confidence and maturity, yet a potentially more self-critical view of one's appearance. The role seemed to be an all-encompassing lifestyle rather than a job, and it is argued that modelling at a young age may act as a catalyst for a transition into adulthood. This study is exploratory in nature but provides an initial insight into the experiences of fashion modelling. The discussion identifies ways in which cognate sub-disciplines of Psychology may contribute to this area of research, thus developing and extending further the Psychological literature base in the field of fashion studies.