Dissertations / Theses: 'Public Psychological aspects'

1

Lau, Yvonne, and n/a. "The enthusiasm for disease screening : an ethical critique with a sociological perspective." University of Otago. Dunedin School of Medicine, 2009. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20090121.085918.

Full text

Abstract:

Screening is generally considered a useful strategy in the prevention of chronic diseases. The notion is that early detection through the use of certain screening tests can facilitate effective preventive measures to be undertaken which can then lead to improved prognosis from or ultimate avoidance of serious clinical diseases. The enthusiasm for screening in the United States is high and can be seen by the size of public demand for it. Rapid technological advances and knowledge expansion in the past decade have further facilitated the introduction of new tests and screening opportunities. In the mean time, the concept of screening has undergone subtle changes. Previous emphasis on clear and demonstrable population health benefits has been slowly replaced by an emphasis on individual responsibility for the surveillance of personal health risks. Disease screening is frequently advocated as part of a health promotion programme. As a clinician who has worked in breast cancer screening and who is wary of the complexities and problems associated with disease screening, my contention is that the enthusiasm for screening may not ultimately be conducive to health and well-being. This thesis represents an effort to understand the popularity and enthusiasm for disease screening, how it has come about and, why it may not be conducive to health and well-being. The thesis begins with a description of the phenomenon to be followed by a detailed examination of the scientific principles behind disease screening. It then moves on to discover how the phenomenon might have come about by first considering the evolution of biomedicine over the centuries and then its present endeavour in the form of surveillance medicine as well as the latter�s relationship with today�s market economy. Using relevant case studies that involve, for example, cancer and prenatal genetic screening, this thesis explores different concerns relating to health and well-being, including such topics as the creation of health roles, the reconfiguration of human values and interpersonal relationships as well as medicalisation. A final chapter offers an account of health and well-being and sums up why the enthusiasm for screening may not be conducive to health and well-being. The enthusiasm for screening compels people to assume health as a moral virtue. Screening is turned into a ritual that people consume to attain salvation. Since diseases may lead to death, diseases must be avoided though screening. Yet health is not just about the absence of disease. Health and well-being can only be realised by the individual within the context of the individual�s life as a whole. The institution of biomedicine has undeniable responsibility to ensure that screening will not be used to the detriment of individuals� health and well-being. Without condemning disease screening as a potentially useful tool in the prevention of disease, this thesis advocates prudence in its utilisation. People must not be compelled to attend screening through programmes of promotion (commercially related or not). Rather, autonomous decisions must be facilitated as far as possible through the provision of clear, accurate and factual information.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Takase, Miyuki. "Influence of public image of nurses on nursing practice." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2000. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1346.

Full text

Abstract:

Many researchers believe that nurses live in a dual structure, encompassing both the social and nursing worlds. They contend that these two worlds have contrasting views toward nurses. This is, while nurses are guided to establish professional status, society still expects them to remain in a dependent role. This conflict is assumed to have a negative impact on nurses’ psychological and functional states (Kalisch & Kalisch, 1983 & 1987). However, this assumption has not yet been explored sufficiently. The aim of this descriptive correlational study was therefore to investigate the relationships among the public image of nurses, nurses’ self concept, personal and collective self-esteem, job satisfaction, and performance. A total of eighty registered nursing students were invited to participate in this study by completing seven types of questionnaires (see Appendix C). The data were analysed by Pearson correlation and One-Way Analysis of Variance. The results of this study supported contention of the contemporary nursing scholars that the stereotypical public image of nurses could negatively affect nurses’ self-concept, self-esteem, job satisfaction and performance. The results, however, also demonstrated that the professional socialisation and cultivation of nurses’ personal self-esteem would help to buffer the negative effects of the public stereotypes on nursing practice. Based on these findings, this study suggests countermeasures to deal with the negative impacts of the public stereotypes. These strategies include public education, monitoring the media, changing nurses’ attitudes, encouraging professional socialisation, empowering nurses, and boosting nurses’ self-esteem. This study is expected to help nurses overcome the potential effects of the public stereotypes. The results of the study are also dedicated to nurses who have endeavoured to facilitate the process of professionalization in nursing.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Sharp, Lee-Ann, and n/a. "The role of sport psychology consultant effectiveness within the consulting relationship." University of Otago. School of Physical Education, 2009. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20090827.122540.

Full text

Abstract:

Within the field of sport psychology the need for effective evaluation is now one of the most pressing requirements, yet it is a need that is often overlooked (Strean, 1998). The evaluation of the individual sport psychology consultant has been neglected in favour of the assessment and evaluation of the methods employed by these individuals. Despite this neglect, the relationship that exists between the sport psychology consultant (SPC) and the athletes they are consulting with is regarded as a significant component in successful sport psychology interventions (Petitpas, Giges & Danish, 1999). Clinical and counselling psychology literatures have demonstrated substantial evidence supporting the positive effect that an open, trusting and collaborative relationship between therapist and client has on therapeutic outcomes (e.g., Horvath, 2006). Yet little is known about the facilitative conditions needed to establish an effective collaborative relationship between the sport psychology consultant and athlete. The first purpose of this research project was to investigate SPCs, elite athletes and coaches' perceptions of the influence of SPC characteristics on the development of athletes' mental skills. The second purpose was to explore the facilitative conditions these individuals believed were necessary for establishing an effective consulting relationship. In order to accomplish these goals, four studies were conducted to assess what SPCs, athletes and coaches believed to be essential for effective consulting. The first study involved the completion of an online Consultant Effectiveness Form by 48 elite athletes; study two involved individual face-to-face interviews with nine elite athletes (6 male and 3 female, mean age = 32.67 years, SD = 11.05, mean competitive experience = 16.67 years, SD = 8.70) from a variety of sports (cricket, rugby, swimming, triathlon, dressage and wheelchair rugby) regarding their opinions of consulting effectiveness. In study three 13 accredited SPCs (9 males and 4 females, mean age = 44.8, SD = 10.6; mean years consulting experience = 11.1, SD = 4.7) were interviewed to examine their perceptions of consulting effectiveness. Finally, study four involved the interviewing of both members of four sport psychology consulting case studies regarding the effectiveness of their individual relationship. An inductive grounded theory approach was employed to analyse the interview data. Following extensive inductive content analysis the concepts and sub-categories that emerged were then organised into broader categories. Results indicated five categories important for an effective consulting relationship; (a) adopt a client-centred consulting approach, in which the SPC demonstrated trust, openness and a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities; (b) transference and countertransference were a reality of the consulting relationship which the SPC should be aware of; (c) an informal, flexible, collaborative relationship with clear boundaries and the SPC being friendly, but not friends with the client; (d) the client contributions to the consulting relationship included commitment, openness and honesty; and (e) the SPC contributed counselling skills, enthusiasm, fitted in with team culture and worked towards creating client independence. The findings provide clear guidelines for consulting practice to promote the development of effective consulting relationships between sport psychology consultants and their clients.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Darling, Helen Marie, and n/a. "School and personal factors associated with being a smoker." University of Otago. Dunedin School of Medicine, 2005. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20060830.120926.

Full text

Abstract:

Most adult smokers begin smoking during adolescence; nicotine dependence can develop relatively quickly and, once established, most smokers smoke for approximately 40 years. For adolescents dependent upon nicotine, cessation interventions are not well established. It is, therefore, essential that public health interventions focus on preventing initiation and maintenance and decreasing the prevalence of youth smoking. In spite of legislation to protect New Zealand adolescents, a large proportion continues to use tobacco at least weekly. Recent surveys have shown a slight decrease in cigarette smoking prevalence, overall, but, no reduction and marked increases have been reported within some subgroups. The overall aim of this research was to identify school and personal factors associated with secondary school students smoking. The specific research objectives included: a) identifying factors at the personal, family, peer, school and 'tobacco-genic' environment levels which were associated with regular and established cigarette smoking; b) describing the extent of smoke-free policy and health education programmes in secondary schools; and, c) evaluating the relations between cigarette smoking among students and potential protective factors, smoke-free policies and practices and health education programmes. The research was based on data from 3,434 secondary school students from 82 schools. The multi-stage sampling procedures and data analyses ensured that the results were able to be generalised to the New Zealand secondary school student population. Smoking was more prevalent amongst girls for all measures of smoking frequency and significant differences were found for smoking prevalence between ethnic groups and school decile. In terms of family influences, the smoking behaviours of parents were not associated with increased odds of smoking nor were perceived relationships between students and their parents, or exposure to SHS. In contrast, the smoking behaviour of siblings was associated with increased odds of smoking but it is likely that both student and sibling smoking are both influenced by the same processes within the family. Similarly, low levels of self-concept were not associated with increased odds for daily smoking. The smoking behaviour of a best friend was a pervasive risk factor as was a high level of disposable income, frequent episodes of unsupervised activities, and 'pro-smoking' knowledge. Being male, visiting a place of worship, and the intention to stay at school until after Year 13 reduced the odds of daily smoking among students. Multilevel models were used to identify school level effects. After adjusting for student, family and school characteristics significant between-school variance in smoking prevalence remained and this suggests that there are factors, arguably beyond the immediate control of the student or family that may influence a student�s smoking behaviour. The presence of a school effect also supports the WHO concept of 'health promoting schools' in that schools can make a difference to health outcomes. Understanding how the health promoting schools model has been interpreted and implemented in NZ schools, along with critique of the implementation of the amended legislation making all schools smoke-free, would be a pertinent 'next-step' in identifying characteristics of schools which are associated with decreased tobacco use.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Roesch, Stefan, and n/a. "There and back again - comparative case studies of film location tourists� on-site behaviour and experiences." University of Otago. Department of Tourism, 2008. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20080211.090920.

Full text

Abstract:

Over the last decade, film location tourism has been established as a niche segment in the tourism industry. While this niche has attracted attention from both researchers and marketers alike, not much knowledge has been accumulated about the tourist encounter itself. It is the main purpose of this thesis to research on-site behavioural and experiential aspects of the film location encounter. For the overall research design, an inductive, comparative case-study approach was implemented. Three cases were selected for this research: The Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand, The Sound of Music locations in Austria and Star Wars locations in Tunisia. The applied methods are participant observation, image-based data and semi-structured interviews. The data collection was conducted while participating in organised film location tows in order to secure access to the informants. The first fundamental outcome of this research is that there is no 'film location tourist' as such. People who travel to film locations come from different socio-economic backgrounds, comprise all age groups and possess varying degrees of fandom. The majority of film location tourists, however, have one thing in common, regardless of the underlying movie genre: the longing to connect with the imaginary world of the film by visiting the physical and thus 'real' location places. These places are consumed in two ways: as places of spectacle and as sacred places. The nature of the location consumption is dependent on a number of factors, including the degree of fandom of the consumers, the attractiveness of the encountered locations, the consistency of the interpretive community, the amount and nature of external distortions and, if applicable, the structure of the location tour. Means of consumption of film locations as spectacle are formal posing, sight recordings and shot re-creations. When experiencing film locations as sacred places, shot re-creations, mental simulations and filmic re-enactments occur. The latter form of consumption can result in a symbiosis between the imaginary and the real place component: the gazing subject becomes the previously (photographed) object. Regardless of the degree of experiential satisfaction, film location tourists want to bring some of the magic back home. This is achieved not only via mental pictures and physical photographs, but also through souvenirs. These can be off- or on-site. Regarding the latter, these souvenirs are almost holy relics, brought home from a successful pilgrimage and subsequently framed and displayed in an altar-like fashion. The benefits from this are not only self-pride and satisfaction, but also the distinction to other movie fans who have not been able to do the journey themselves. Thus, the person in possession of such a relic gains privileged status amongst peers which in turn raises the satisfaction with the location encounter. The film location experience cycle comes to a full closure by re-watching the movie. This procedure involves a renewed connection to both the imaginary filmic places as well as the real locations visited. The filmic gaze is extended, as the movie scenes are now seen as part of a real place which extends beyond the filmic sight. Keywords: Film location tourism - multiple, comparative on-site case study inquiry - film locations as spatial and temporal constructs - the film location tourist encounter - behavioural and experiential interactions with place.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Inglis, Sher Jaclyn. "Cognitive aspects of public sector accrual accounting in organizational context." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 1995. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/35853/1/35853_Inglis_%201995.pdf.

Full text

Abstract:

Original cross discipline applied research on cognitive aspects of accrual accounting in the public sector has been reported. Literature reviewed was relevant to accrual basis and cash basis accounting for the operations of government, accounting output and user orientation, leading to decision making as seen by accountants. Decision making and problem solving as seen by cognitive science was selectively reviewed in relation to heuristics, goal directedness, representation and functional fixity, and expert novice differentiations. In the work environment. fifty employees of a Government Department from managers to sub managers were given the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Form A and a battery of eight in context unstructured work problems cross treated to examine accrual versus cash bases of accounting, accounting jargon versus plainer English representation, and goal directedness versus no goal directedness. The population sample also permitted study of distinctions of gender, age, and expert versus novice differences at three levels, being accountants versus non accountants, managers versus potential managers and non managers, and successful problem solvers versus the rest. Trial design included unobtrusive process tracing by computer as to requests for additional data readily available at no extra cost. Results revealed gender, age, and critical thinking measures were unimportant, and problem solving was not enhanced by either accrual or cash basis accounting output when either method provided full disclosure of relevant information. Plainer English representation shortened problem solving time, but did not enhance problem solving outcomes, and was in this way more efficient but not more effective across all subjects, including accountants. Solution outcomes were enhanced only by goal directedness, showing that. when accounting output was offered to internal users of accounting to facilitate their decision making, the goal effect cognitive factor was more important than any accounting and representation issues examined. For the introduction of accrual accounting to the public sector, attention to goal directedness was the major implication inferred from the study. Collectively neither managers nor accountants showed persistent results suggestive of expert status in the domain of contemporary accounting issues in government. When expertise was identified by perfect score for a problem, experts called for more information that was available at no extra cost, and spent longer time looking at it, increasing overall problem solving time.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Lira, Wellington Martins de. "Instituições de segurança pública e práticas psicológicas : a segurança emocional dos agentes de segurança." Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, 2011. http://www.unicap.br/tede//tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=567.

Full text

Abstract:

A crise na segurança pública brasileira direciona os olhares para as chamadas forças de segurança pública. Especialistas afirmam o isolamento e a falência das mesmas, que não estão preparadas para a democracia e as exigências do mundo contemporâneo. Os agentes de segurança pública, paradoxalmente, muitas vezes têm provocado violência, em vez de combatê-la e mesmo grupos de elite vêm protagonizando ações desastrosas. Ex-integrante da Polícia Militar do Estado de Pernambuco e partindo de uma motivação encarnada no próprio corpo, na medida em que sofreu na pele a dor imposta aos agentes de segurança pública, tanto pela natureza da função quanto pela dinâmica institucional, o autor propôs-se a lançar um olhar diferente sobre o tema, buscando uma articulação, uma triangulação entre instituição de segurança pública, prática psicológica e o termo que cunhamos como ―segurança emocional‖. A experiência como agente de segurança pública, aliada à formação psicológica e aos estudos e pesquisas desenvolvidos por diversos autores, contribuíram para a compreensão do campo a ser investigado e, para tanto, realizado entrevistas semidirigidas com doze profissionais psicólogos e doze agentes de segurança pública do Estado de Pernambuco, todos da Região Metropolitana do Recife/PE. Através de uma abordagem compreensiva e da análise dos conteúdos explicitados em eixos temáticos e núcleos de sentido, as narrativas dos entrevistados possibilitaram a compreensão de que, apesar dos esforços dos profissionais psicólogos e da percepção da necessidade por parte dos agentes de segurança pública, a ação clínica psicológica ainda é pífia em relação às necessidades, conforme afirmam ambos os seguimentos. A falta de uma percepção adequada pela instituição de segurança pública quanto à importância da dimensão psicológica tem contribuído para o sofrimento dos agentes de segurança e psicólogos, e interferido no resultado de suas práticas. Os desafios são grandes e sua superação, certamente, contribuirá significativamente com a segurança pública cidadã e o chamado pacto pela vida, adotados pelo Governo de Pernambuco. Esperamos que os resultados dessa pesquisa contribuam para a formação de uma postura crítica e reflexiva da ação dos profissionais psicólogos em instituições de segurança pública, a melhoria da qualidade dos serviços dirigidos à sociedade, pela contribuição aos atores e gestores desse segmento
The crisis in public security in Brazil looks directs calls to the security forces. Experts say the isolation and failure of those who are not ready for democracy and the demands of the contemporary world. The public security officers, paradoxically, often have provoked violence, rather than fight it, and elite groups that come starring unwholesome actions. A former member of the Military Police of Pernambuco, and starting with a motivation incarnated in the body itself, as it suffered the pain inflicted on the skin to the public security officers, both by nature and by function of institutional dynamics, the author proposed to launch a fresh perspective on the topic, seeking a joint institution of a triangulation between public safety, psychological practice and the term that we coined as "emotional safety". Experience as an agent of public safety, coupled with the psychological training and studies and research developed by several authors contributed to the understanding of the field to be investigated and, therefore, conducted interviews with twelve semidirected professional psychologists and twelve public security officers of Pernambuco State, all in the Metropolitan Region of Recife. Through a comprehensive approach and analysis of the explicit content in thematic areas and units of meaning, the narratives of respondents provided an understanding that, despite efforts by professional psychologists and the perceived need by the public security agents, the action clinical psychology is still minimum in relation to need, as claimed by both segments. The lack of an adequate perception of the institution of public security on the importance of the psychological dimension has contributed to the suffering of security officers and psychologists, and interfered in the results of their practices. The stakes are high and overcoming it certainly will contribute significantly to public safety and civic life called pact, adopted by the Government of Pernambuco. We hope the results of this research contribute to the formation of a critical and reflective action of professional psychologists in the public security institutions, improving the quality of services aimed at society, by contributing to the actors and managers that segment

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Brooks, Bradley Wilson. "Provoking public dialogue on architecture and urbanism through the dissemination of ad hoc guerrilla media." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/23440.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Wang, Xing Tao. "Architectural dynamics and a suitable public space." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/5579.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Maclean, Joan. "Assessment and prediction of long term psychological outcome after intensive care." Thesis, University of Huddersfield, 2000. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/4869/.

Full text

Abstract:

The aim of this research has been the examination of the long term psychological consequences of admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for critical illness. The major objectives were first, psychometric assessment at specified intervals post-discharge, using the General Health Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self Esteem scale, and the Impact of Event Scale, and secondly identification of ICU related variables which influence psychological wellbeing and recovery. The design was prospective and used survey methods. Seventy-two patients were recruited from the ICU at St James's University Hospital in Leeds. Data were collected at six weeks, six months and twelve months post-discharge. The initial analysis produced evidence of discrimination between subgroups, in particular age, length of stay in ICU, admission severity, indication for admission, communication, pre-existence of cancer, and the use of muscle relaxant drugs. Further analysis by way of a logistic regression identified four factors which may have predictive properties - age, admission severity, trauma and pre-existence of cancer. Patients from younger age groups reported more post traumatic stress symptoms than older patients; patients with pre-existing cancer also reported fewer post traumatic stress symptoms. Patients admitted following trauma reported poorer psychological outcome. Admission severity was negatively associated with psychological dysfunction, with those who were sickest on admission reporting fewer problems. Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder were found in a number of patients; at final follow-up 27% of the surviving sample had medium levels, and 27% high levels of post traumatic stress symptoms. ICU patients form a fragile group to study and sample attrition was considerable. Nevertheless the findings are of interest to this developing research area and suggestions are made regarding their utilisation.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Lloyd, Sharni, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Exploratory surgery of the female psyche." Deakin University, 1996. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20051111.115947.

Full text

Abstract:

The thesis explores the visual narrative concerning a journey of empowerment for women. To enable the journey to advance the inquiry is directed into two areas. The first area is female gender, which is argued to be socially constructed and implicit in the marginalisation of women in western society. The second area is feminine authority, which is gained by developing an understanding and acceptance of the characteristics which have historically been considered as belonging to the feminine. Granting these characteristics agency would recognise their authority and assist in the elevation of the female to a position of equality in western society. Beginning from a feminist position, the research supported the belief that the female is marginalised in western society. It also confirmed the notion that empowerment and authority can be attained by women if they actively pursue the following; Explore their own psychology beyond the existing socially constructed gender roles. Develop an understanding of their feminine self by applying Jung's theories on individuation and archetypes. Expose the underlying patriarchal influence in western epistemology and science by challenging existing deeply held cultural and scientific beliefs and by actively contributing as feminists to the areas of epistemology and science. Archetypal myths of the feminine have developed from an androcentric position. They enforce and perpetuate gender imbalance which contributes to the disenfranchisement of women in western society, Individuation is a process in which a person explores aspects of themselves to bring forth parts of their unconscious into their conscious mind in an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. As a consequence the consciousness develops closer links with archetypal memories which assists the exploration. The true feminine is the feminine not restricted or defined by the dominant androcentric view. Knowledge of the feminine empowers women to address the marginalisation of the female in western society and assists in the process of gaining female authority. This enquiry also investigated the four stages of female psychological development with regard to patriarchal influences. Of particular importance is the second stage of psychological development where the female identifies with historically perceived inferior characteristics of the female. This is when she rejects her connections with the primacy of female power and her deep connections with nature which were inherited from archaic times. It is at this stage that she absorbs the myths associated with western patriarchal society which effectively disempower her. Western epistemology, with its emphasis on objective investigation and empiricism contributes to the support for and promotion of inferior female gender. This type of investigation is brought into question when areas of research into primates and human evolutionary theory is shown to develop from an androcentric view. Western knowledge has associations with power and justice and power is commonly associated with dominance. Regard for truth and absolute can be viewed as key elements in the support for knowledge and its associations with power. Knowledge has historically maintained suppression of individual experience which promotes a universalised account. This suppression of beliefs other than the dominant authority maintains the existing dominant social structure. Foucault's view of the genderised or inscribed body alerts us to areas where dominance, resistance and power play a part in maximising masculine power and control. Gender becomes an instrument of power within the existing patriarchal structure. Gender, knowledge and power are identified as areas obstructing female empowerment. Part 3 of this exegesis examines the imagery which embodies the visual narrative. Particularly, the harlequin image, its historical background and connections with ancient mythology including reference to Jungian psychology. The harlequin image is developed sequentially in the earlier black and white drawings on paper. These drawings contained a female figure which was often placed in juxtaposition with a Venus or goddess image, reference was also made to eve and the siren. These elements provided the framework which enabled the harlequin image to emerge and evolve. The narrative developed with an understanding of the feminine aspects of the psyche which resulted in the harlequin acquiring the elevated authority of a goddess. The Harlequin evolved from my need for symbolic representation of the female psyche. It represents contradiction and dualism. It is a composition of opposites, reflects masculine and feminine traits, the dark and light of the conscious and unconscious mind, it houses both comic and sinister elements, is a trickster and menace. The costume, colours and patterns are expressive elements conducive to fragmentation and layering within the composition of the paintings. Jung examined the harlequin in Picasso's paintings. He concluded that as Picasso drew on his inner experiences the harlequin became important as a symbol; it was a pictorial representation from the unconscious psyche. It travelled freely from the conscious to the unconscious and represented the masculine and feminine, chthonian and apollonian. The final painting in the series, a triptych, completes the narrative and stands alone as a salutatory work. It unites the series by combining existing compositional devices and technique while making reference to imagery from previous works, The Three Graces Victorious, expresses the authority of the feminine. It completes a victorious stage of a journey where the harlequin is empowered by archaic memories and knowledge of the psyche. The feminine is hailed, elevated and venerated. Other elements which assist in expressing the visual narrative are; colour, technique and influence. Colour is explored and its use as an emotive devise in expressionism. Paul Klee's writing on the use of colour and it's symbolic meaning and Julia Kristeva's investigation on colour from a psychoanalytic and semiotic view are also discussed. To indicate influences and connections within my oeuvre, reference is also made to the following: Jasper Johns' for his use of imagery in his Four Seasons series with it's reference to a journey of maturation and Louise Bourgeois' work which deals with issues of gender, memories and past journeys. Although The Three Graces Victorious; the concluding painting for the investigation is celebratory and represents a finality to the thesis, it points to further areas that impede feminine development and need future examination. Reference is made to a continuation of the exploratory journey by plotting the Harlequin/Goddesses future directions. Although the Harlequin/Goddess is empowered with newly acquired authority, her future journey does not need to be bound by mathematics or limited by rationality. She does not require power to dominate or gender structures to subjugate, but requires limitless boundaries and contexts. The Harlequin/Goddess's future journey is not fixed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Crawford, Maria Anne, and n/a. "Speed of retrieval after traumatic brain injury." University of Otago. Department of Psychology, 2005. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20060830.115029.

Full text

Abstract:

Although it is well established that persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience word retrieval difficulties, the underlying cause of these deficits is not known. Difficulties with word retrieval have negative social implications as they can impact on the ability to converse with others. The overarching goal of this dissertation was to determine the underlying cause of problems with word retrieval after TBI. To test word retrieval in this dissertation, participants were given a series of word fluency tasks and the speed of word generation was measured. In addition to measuring interresponse times, procedures used by Rohrer, Wixted, Salmon and Butters (1995) were also followed. This involved the calculation of parameter estimates to investigate whether slowed retrieval or degraded semantic stores were responsible for the patients� word retrieval difficulties. One parameter (N) was a measure of the total number of retrievable words and the second parameter (tau) was an estimate of mean latency. Study 1 was designed to trial the procedure and equipment adopted throughout this dissertation to analyse speech. University students were presented with categories on a computer screen and asked to generate as many exemplars as possible in 60 seconds. A PowerLab Chart sound system was used to measure the time that each word was generated. The results of Study 1 showed that the methodology of previous research could be replicated using the PowerLab Chart sound system. In Study 2, persons with postconcussion syndrome (PCS) and matched controls were given two word fluency tasks. Results showed that on both tasks patients recalled fewer words, had longer pauses between words, and took significantly longer to generate their first word than controls. Also, patients had a significantly reduced N relative to controls, but there was no difference in tau between patients and controls. Given that the participants had not finished responding and that parameter estimates require responses to be exhausted, Study 3 was designed to replicate the findings of Study 2 using an extended recall period. In Study 3, patients with PCS and matched controls completed a series of word fluency tasks and were given extended periods of time to generate words. Results showed that the patients obtained significantly fewer words on two of the tasks, but no evidence of slowed retrieval was found. There was also no difference in the estimates of N and tau between patients and controls. As the patients in Study 3 sustained more minor injuries than those in Study 2, Study 4 tested patients with severe TBI. In Study 4, patients with severe TBI and matched controls were given a series of word fluency tasks. Results showed that the patients generated fewer words and experienced slowed retrieval. Again, there was no difference in the estimates of N and tau between patients and controls. The results of Study 4 confirmed the hypothesis that slowed word retrieval is a consequence of TBI. Taken together, the results of this dissertation show that an underlying slowness of processing is the primary cause of problems with word retrieval in persons with TBI.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Cohen, Scott Allen, and n/a. "The search for 'self' for lifestyle travellers." University of Otago. Department of Tourism, 2009. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20090819.151427.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis examines the search for self in the context of lifestyle travellers. It has been suggested that maintaining a coherent sense of self has become problematic in late modernity as the socially constructed notion of a 'true self' has come to be regarded as concrete, whilst choice has increasingly replaced obligation or tradition as a basis in defining selves. Issues of self have been noted as especially important in the context of adopted lifestyles, as lifestyle can be a means through which individuals seek coherence in their lives. Furthermore, travelling to 'find one's self' has a lengthy tradition in popular literature that has also been reflected in tourism studies where research has been conducted into backpacker and traveller identities. Lifestyle travel is a post-traditional way of life wherein individuals are voluntarily exposed to an array of cultural praxes. Thus, the literatures on self, lifestyle and tourism point to lifestyle travel as a context where issues of self may be particularly relevant. Whilst there is a significant and growing body of research within tourism studies on backpackers, there is a dearth of information on individuals that travel as a lifestyle. Therefore, this thesis contributes to academic knowledge not only through its investigation into the search for self, but also by its conceptualisation of and empirical research into lifestyle travellers. With criteria for defining lifestyle travellers based on of a fluid combination of self-definition of travel as one's lifestyle and multiple trips of approximately six months or more, twenty-five semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out by the researcher with lifestyle travellers in northern Indian and southern Thailand from July through September 2007. In keeping with the paradigmatic ideals of interpretivism, emergent themes were identified from within the qualitative material including meanings that the lifestyle travellers attached to the search for self, surrounding issues of avoidance and seeking that influenced why they travelled as a lifestyle and their future travel intentions. Although there were multiple perspectives on how the search for self was conceived and approached, searching for self was voiced as a critical motivating factor for the majority of the lifestyle travellers. With a common view among most of the respondents of self as an internal object to be developed, many lifestyle travellers had been or were still on a Romantic modern quest of searching for their true self. Escapism, freedom and learning through challenge were identified as important themes surrounding the search for self, as lifestyle travellers described varying degrees of success in escaping their home societies and finding increased free space and time to learn about and challenge their ideas of self. Paradoxically, most of the lifestyle travellers sought to experience an inner self that dominant sociological views posit does not exist. The tension of searching for a unified sense of self in a world of relational selves is highlighted as not only problematic for the interviewees, but also for previous tourism studies that have premised their contributions on the existence of an inner self.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Hayat, Roshanai Afsaneh. "Psychological and Behavioral Aspects of Receiving Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancer." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Vårdvetenskap, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-128870.

Full text

Abstract:

The overall aims of this thesis were to investigate psychological and behavioral effects of receiving cancer genetic counseling for breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer and/or with a family history of these cancer types and to determine whether counselees’ informational needs were met. Study I was performed 3-7 years post-counseling. Participants (n=214) reported a relatively high level of anxiety but a low level of depression compared to cancer patients in general. However, there was no indication that the distress experienced was due to the counseling. Moderate changes in life and family relations, high level of adherence to recommended controls and satisfaction was reported. Study II was a randomized control trial (RCT) intervention study which involved 147 counselees. An increase in the level of knowledge and correct estimation of personal risk was reported in both the intervention and control groups, although this increase declined at later follow-up. Enhanced information led to significantly greater satisfaction with the given information, and the way of informing relatives. Most counselees had shared information with their at-risk relatives. Study III focused on sharing information with at-risk relatives among participants in study II and their relatives (n=81). Counselees were interviewed and answered a questionnaire, whilst their relatives only answered the questionnaire. Counselees reported positive/neutral feelings about communicating genetic information and mostly interpreted their relatives’ reactions as positive/ neutral. Also, approximately 50% of relatives reported positive/neutral reactions and were generally satisfied with the received information. Study IV was conducted in Sweden and Norway based on 235 counselees. Counselees expected counselors to be skillful and thoughtful, take them seriously and provide risk estimations and medical information. Most important issues to counselees were satisfactorily addressed by the counselors. Analyzing importance rankings resulted in five categories of needs: a need for facts, caring communication and medical information, need for understanding and support in sharing genetic information, practical care and medical/practical information. In conclusion, no adverse psychological or behavioral effect on counselees was observed. Apparently, genetic counseling is managed properly and counselors successfully address counselees’ needs. Providing extended information does not seem necessary, however, tailoring information to individual counselees needs may create a more effective counseling.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Holt, Kate Eloise, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "A clinical investigation of attachment theory and the manifestation of psychological disturbance." Deakin University. School of Psychology, 2005. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20050825.093259.

Full text

Abstract:

The affectional bond that develops between caregiver and child during infancy can lead to the development of emotional distress and the manifestation of psychological disturbance if the relationship is severed and a sense of loss is experienced. Furthermore, the caregiver-child relationship formed during infancy can have implications for the development of interpersonal relationships in later life. The secure or insecure attachment relationships developed influence the capacity to form affectional bonds in later life and may lead to the manifestation of psychological disturbance, such as depression. The focus of this thesis is on four case studies of three children and one adolescent who have suffered negative early life experiences. Harrison is an 8 year old Koori boy who has suffered from maternal deprivation. Diana is a 10 year old girl who has a Mild Intellectual Disability and Epilepsy. The influence of second generational trauma on the caregiver-infant attachment relationship will also be explored in the case study of Diana. The third case study focuses on Melanie who is a 9 year old girl who has suffered from paternal sexual abuse and exhibits indiscriminate attachment relationships. Finally, the fourth case study focuses on Tammie who is a 16 year girl who exhibits depressive symptomatology which may have developed as a result of early insecure attachment relationships. The case studies are described with reference to attachment theory, the language and social deficits associated with negative early life experiences, and implications for therapeutic interventions.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Armeni, Elizabeth. "Menstruation goes public : aspects of womens's menstrual experience in Montreal, 1920-1975." Thesis, McGill University, 1996. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=26674.

Full text

Abstract:

Menstruation is all at once a cultural, social, historical, and biological process. Intertwined, these forces create menstrual experiences which are neither fixed nor universal, but rather adaptable and transformable not only between cultures, but from within cultures as well. How these factors interrelate, what menstrual discourse they create, and how that translates into women's everyday lives, becomes the focus of this research. Structured around the relationship between prescription and reality, this study examines the interplay of those who defined the menstrual discourse: doctors, mothers, and the sanitary napkin industry, and those who experienced it.
Listening to the lives of twenty-four women, born between 1910 and 1965, a complex and ambiguous tale of the menstrual experience emerges. Through their narratives, we learn the importance of early instruction by mothers; the emphasis placed on hygiene and concealment; the effect menstruation had on women's sexual, feminine, and (re)productive identity. Once women's voices are taken into consideration, it becomes clear that the dynamic between prescription deeming menstruation as unclean or deviant and women's reality is not straightforward. Women reacted to the menstrual discourse, at times they rejected it, other times adhered to it, but for the most part, simply transformed it to meet their daily needs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Kemper, Matthew Thomas. "An assessment of curricular methods to reduce communication apprehension among public speaking students." Scholarly Commons, 2007. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/674.

Full text

Abstract:

This study investigated curricular methods to reduce communication apprehension among public speaking students. Previous research has found many intervention strategies to be successful in reducing levels of communication apprehension, including both visualization and cognitive restructuring. However, prior research has failed to examine the efficacy of such techniques within the context of teaching a public speaking course that has limited time to devote to these techniques. Consequently, an experiment was conducted which examined whether a one hour instructional unit using cognitive restructuring and visualization can reduce levels of communication apprehension among public speaking students. The results of the study indicate that a one hour instructional unit does not reduce the anxiety of high communication apprehensive students in a public speaking course.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Batt, Richard, and n/a. "Aeronautical decision making : experience, training and behaviour." University of Otago. Department of Psychology, 2005. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20061016.164438.

Full text

Abstract:

Decision making is fundamental to all aspects of flying operations. The results that flow from poor aeronautical decision making can be both swift and devastating. The work of this thesis uses data from a variety of sources to investigate the following aspects of aeronautical decision making; accident and incident case histories and pilot decision making, case-based versus rule-based pilot decision training, pilot behaviours in the face of adverse weather. The first part of thesis uses survey data to gain a better understanding of the role of accident and incident case histories in aviation safety and training. Anecdotal evidence suggests that exposure to case-based information can leave a lasting impression on a pilot and significantly influence their flying behaviour. To investigate this aspect more formally, information was obtained from a survey of 138 pilots. A questionnaire was then distributed to pilots worldwide and responses were received from 409 pilots, from all areas of aviation. The combined experience of pilots who responded was over 700,000 hours flying time. The second part of the thesis uses experimental data to compare the effectiveness of aviation safety training using case-based material or rule-based material. Two experiments were carried out, based on the two areas that account for the majority of fatal general aviation accidents: flight into adverse weather and low flying. A total of 114 participants took part in the experimental studies. The third part of the thesis is based on a set of 491 aviation accident and incident reports drawn from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau occurrence database. The study compares three groups of pilots who differed in their response to adverse weather conditions, as demonstrated by the following behaviours; VFR flight into IMC, a weather-related precautionary landing, some other significant weather avoidance action. A number of common themes emerged from the three parts of the thesis. There is strong support for the importance of case-based material in aviation safety and training. However, the results also suggest that aeronautical decision making can be best understood in terms of a model that combines both case-based and rule-based reasoning. Rule-based material provides a basic framework of standard procedures and recommended practices, particularly for novices, while case-based material adds detail and salience to the framework, particularly in the form of affective markers linked to particular case histories. One important aspect of the results can be summed up by the adage that 'a safe pilot is a proactive pilot'. That is, it is imperative for a pilot to take control of the situation before the situation takes control of them. The results also emphasise the dynamic nature of aeronautical decision making. A pilot may make a series of good decisions, but that is no automatic protection against a subsequent poor decision putting the safety of the flight at risk. Hence, it is critical that a pilot does not fly to the limit of their abilities, or let past success breed complacency.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Cash, Penelope Anne, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Women clinical nurses' constructions of collegiality: An ethnomethodological study." Deakin University. School of Nursing, 2000. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20051123.122031.

Full text

Abstract:

This research is about a shared journey of being together. It involved thirteen women nurses (including myself) in a process approach to working with data collected through audio transcriptions of conversations during group get-togethers, field notes and journalling over twelve months. The project was conducted in a large acute care metropolitan hospital where the ward staff interests lie in a practice history of the medical specialty of gynaecology and women's health. Prior to commencement ethical approval was gained from both the University and hospital ethics committees. Accessing the group was complicated by the political climate of the hospital, possibly exaggerated further by the health politics across the state of Victoria, at a time of major upheaval characterised by regionalism, rationalisation and debt servicing. In order to ascertain women clinical nurses' constructions of collegiality I adopted an ethnomethodological approach informed by a critical feminist lens to enable the participants to engage in a process of openly ideological inquiry, in critiquing and transforming practice. I felt the choice of methodology had to be consistent with my own ideological position to enable me to be myself (as much as I could) during the project. I wanted to work with women to illuminate the ways in which dominant ideologies had come to be apprehended, inscribed, embodied and/or resisted in the everyday intersubjective realities of participants. The research itself became a site of resistance as the group became aware of how and in what ways their lives had become distorted, while at the same time it collaboratively transformed their individual and collective practice understandings, enabling them to see the self and other anew. Set against the background of dominant discourses on collegiality, women's understandings of collegiality have remained a submerged discourse. Revealed in this work are complex inter-relationships that might be described by some as collegial!, but for others relations amongst these women depict alternative meanings in a rich picture of the fabric of ward life. The participants understand these relations through a connectedness that has empathy as its starting point. In keeping with my commitment to engage with these women I endeavoured to remain faithful to the dialogical approach to this inquiry. Moreover I have brought the voices of the women to the foreground, peeling away the rhizomatic interconnections in and between understandings. What this has meant in terms of the thesis is that the work has become artificially distanced for the purposes of academic requirements. Nevertheless it speaks to the understandings the participants have of their relationships; of the various locations of the visible and invisible voices; of the many landscapes and images, genealogies, subjectivities and multiple selves that inform the selves with(in) others and being-in-relation. Throughout the journey meanings are revealed, revisited and reconstructed. Many nuances comprise the subtexts illuminating the depths of various moral locations underpinning the ways these women engage with one another in practice. The process of the research weaves through multiple positions, conveying the centrality of shared goals, multiple identities, resistances and differences which contribute to a holding environment, a location in which women value one another in their being-in-relation and in which they stand separately yet together.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Blore, David Charles. "An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) investigation of positive psychological change (PPC), including post traumatic growth (PTG)." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2012. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/3328/.

Full text

Abstract:

Positive Psychological Change (PPC) following trauma is a developing field for which there is no standard terminology. The plethora of labels, of which Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) is probably the most common descriptor, arguably masks a significant gap in clinical and theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. One specific gap addressed by this study is PPC following psychological trauma stemming from a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) in which the person involved has subsequently received Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR). To investigate this gap in knowledge, an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach was used and twelve participants recruited via a snowball sampling method. The participants were then interviewed using a Semi-structured Interview Questionnaire (SSIQ) and the interviews were then transcribed for IPA analysis. Key themes that emerged included Navigational Struggle (NS) to describe Negative Psychological Change (NPC), and Network Growth (NG), to describe PPC. At any one post-RTA/EMDR point there was a preponderance of one over the other, however, NS and NG were inseparable and found to co-exist along an NS-NG continuum. In addition, Figurative Language Use (FLU) had a significant role in both NS and NG yet was independent of both and apparently driving change towards the development of NG. Whilst NS and NG were both post-trauma phenomena, FLU seemed to hallmark expansion of memory networks as part of a general maturation process post-RTA. Furthermore, there was evidence that participants were incorporating their traumatic experiences via FLU into the rebuilding of their assumptive worlds. To account for these findings, an extension to Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) – the theory widely accepted to underpin EMDR - is proposed based upon a hypothesised Plasticity of Meaning (PoM), which is observable through FLU. PoM predicts which, why and how memory networks connect resulting in the adaptive processing predicted by AIP. The study’s findings are re-examined in terms of consequential modifications to the clinical use of EMDR. Extensive suggestions for further research are provided.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Lonsdale, Christopher Sean, and n/a. "Burning out or burning desire? : investigating athlete burnout and engagement in elite New Zealand athletes." University of Otago. School of Physical Education, 2006. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20070220.144258.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis examined the utility of Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2002) as a framework for understanding athlete burnout and its hypothesized opposite - athlete engagement. Athlete burnout was defined as "a psychological syndrome of emotional/physical exhaustion, reduced sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation" (Raedeke, 1997, p.398). Athlete engagement was defined as a persistent, positive, cognitive-affective experience in sport that is characterized by vigour, dedication, and confidence. Based on the predictions of Vallerand�s (1997; Vallerand & Losier, 1999) motivational model, it was hypothesized that elite New Zealand athletes with higher perceptions of competence, autonomy, and relatedness (i.e., basic psychological needs) would also report more self-determined motives to participate in sport and that individuals with higher self-determined motivation would experience lower athlete burnout and higher athlete engagement. Before testing these hypotheses four preliminary studies were necessary. First, because of the nomadic lifestyles of many elite athletes, it was decided that an online survey delivered via the Internet would be the most appropriate and effective method for collecting data to test the central hypotheses. However, a literature search revealed that no studies in sport psychology had compared online and traditional paper and pencil survey methods and therefore a preliminary study was needed to investigate potential survey format effects. Results of measurement invariance and latent mean structures analyses indicated that there were no differences on the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire for randomly assigned online (n=117) and paper and pencil (n=97) groups. Second, recent research (e.g., Martens & Webber, 2002; Riemer, Fink, & Fitzgerald, 2002) has indicated that the only published measure of behavioural regulations (i.e., motives) in sport (Pelletier, Fortier, Vallerand, Tuson, & Blais, 1995) has psychometric problems. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a reliable and valid measure of behavioural regulations in sport. Following rigorous scale development procedures that included expert review and pilot testing, results from two studies (n=382 and n=343) supported the reliability and validity of this new measure - the Behavioural Regulations in Sport Questionnaire. Third, while researchers in organizational and educational psychology have examined engagement experiences, no research has investigated athlete engagement. Results of a qualitative inquiry with elite New Zealand athletes (n=15) indicated that vigour, dedication, and confidence were core athlete engagement dimensions. Fourth, items for a quantitative athlete engagement questionnaire were created using operational definitions from the qualitative study and then reviewed by athlete burnout and positive psychology experts. Analysis of data from two samples (n=382 and n=343) supported the reliability and validity of the Athlete Engagement Questionnaire. Results from the final study (n=343) investigating the relationships amongst basic needs, behavioural regulations, burnout, and engagement generally supported the main hypotheses of the thesis. Indeed, athletes with higher perceptions of autonomy and competence reported more self-determined regulations; however, relatedness was not a significant predictor. Athletes� levels of self-determined motivation accounted for substantial portions of variance in athlete burnout symptoms: emotional/physical exhaustion (R�=.13), sport devaluation (R�=.43) and reduced accomplishment (R�=.42). Behavioural regulations were also strong predictors of athlete engagement, accounting for 49% of the variance in vigour, 42% of the variance in dedication, and 30% of the variance in confidence. Implications of these results for researchers and practitioners are discussed. Directions for research concerning SDT, athlete burnout, and athlete engagement are also highlighted.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Mura, Paolo, and n/a. "Young tourists' perceptions of fear on holiday - a gendered perspective." University of Otago. Department of Tourism, 2009. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20090904.110603.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis explores young tourists' perceptions of fear while they are on holiday. This work is important because it sheds light on tourists' emotional experiences on holiday, adding to our overall understanding of tourist behaviour. While the importance of investigating perceptions of fear has been recognized within a number of different disciplines (e.g. psychology, sociology, criminology, marketing), perceptions of fear have remained relatively unexplored within the tourism experience. This thesis also investigates young tourists' perceptions of fear from a gender perspective. Although gender has been regarded as one of the most important factors influencing perceptions of fear, gendered perceptions of fear among tourists in the holiday environment in general, and young tourists in particular, have received little attention. The thesis is based on three months of fieldwork conducted in the summer of 2007 on the island of Ios, Greece. The choice of Ios as a study site was based on the fact that the island is promoted as the 'party island of Greece' and attracts many young tourists. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted among young tourists on the island. In order to explore gender-based similarities and differences in the perception and expression of fear, the interviews were conducted with 13 females and 12 males. Systematic observations were also carried out during the fieldwork. The findings reveal that, although some respondents perceived fear as a negative emotion, others referred to fear as a positive component in the tourism experience. In particular, it was found that while on holiday on Ios young tourists participated in activities that they perceived as risky in order to experience fear. However, only optimal levels of fear were conceived as pleasant. With regard to gendered perceptions of fear, the results show that gender, despite having been traditionally constructed as a binary concept, did not play a major role in influencing young tourists' perceptions of fear on holiday. Rather, with the exception of women's concerns of sexual violence, the findings of this thesis demonstrate that more marked differences occurred in the perception and expression of fear among the various masculinities and femininities than between men and women.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Herbert, Kate. "Overcoming traumatic experiences : psychological therapy, recovery and reflections on the research process." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2008. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/2347/.

Full text

Abstract:

This research examined therapeutic approaches to trauma and post traumatic growth and recovery as a result of brief psychological intervention. Chapter one is a critical review of current therapeutic approaches used in the treatment of trauma and post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD. The PTSD treatment literature indicates that the therapy most rigorously assessed and currently recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Despite this, the literature review indicated that other forms of therapy have been effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD. The research indicated that clinicians are successfully using psychodynamic, integrative and person centred approaches in both an individual and group therapy format. Regardless of therapeutic approach used, issues of client motivation, timing of therapy and therapeutic alliance were important determinants in outcome. Chapter two is an empirical study, which focuses on the effect of brief psychological intervention on recovery from trauma. A mixed methodological design was used and five participants took part in the research. The results indicated that those participants whose trauma symptoms reduced had experienced recovery from their trauma. Participants cited underlying beliefs towards adversity, personal and contextual factors as important in facilitating recovery. Recommendations for further research and clinical implications were discussed. Chapter three provides the authors reflections upon the research process and methodological and ethical issues that arise when carrying out qualitative research with a trauma population.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Chiang, Yam-wang Allan, and 蔣任宏. "Motivation of middle level managers: a comparison of the public and private sectors in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1986. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31974715.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Eggen, Josja Katelijne. "A literature review of the impact of a monitoring coping style on psychological adjustment in people with real or potentially life threatening illness, and, An investigation of psychological adjustment and coping style in patients undergoing bone marrow/stem cell transplantation." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2008. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/491/.

Full text

Abstract:

Volume I contains a literature review and an empirical paper. The literature review, which is presented first, reviews recent findings for a relationship between informational coping style and psychological adjustment in patients confronted with potential or real life threatening illness. Empirical data is systematically reviewed within the theoretical framework of Miller's (1995) Monitoring Process Model. Suggestions are made for future research on order to develop effective interventions for those individuals who are most vulnerable to psychological, social, and emotional complications secondary to their illness. The empirical paper examines psychological distress in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation in a prospective longitudinal design. Specific aims are to examine the degree of psychological distress over the course of transplantation, which pre-treatment demographic, medical and psychosocial factors predict psychological distress and adjustment after transplantation, and whether informational coping style was associated with distress levels before and after transplantation. The findings of this study illustrate the need for pre-treatment assessment and intervention, focusing on treatment related anxiety management, depression, and dysfunctional illness attributions which may help reduce post-treatment distress. [Volume II contains a series of clinical practice reports and is not available online.].

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Ferguson, Colin B., and mikewood@deakin edu au. "An investigation of the effects of microcomputers on the work of professional accountants." Deakin University. School of Accounting and Finance, 1994. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20050915.155628.

Full text

Abstract:

Information technology research over the past two decades suggests that the installation and use of computers fundamentally affects the structure and function of organisations and, m particular, the workers in these organizations. Following the release of the IBM Personal Computer in 1982, microcomputers have become an integral part of most work environments. The accounting services industry, in particular, has felt the impact of this microcomputer revolution. In Big Six accounting firms, there is almost one microcomputer for each professional accountant employed, Notwithstanding this, little research has been done on the effect of microcomputers on the work outcomes of professional accountants working in these firms. This study addresses this issue. It assesses, in an organisational setting, how accountant perceptions of ease of use and usefulness of microcomputers act on their computer anxieties, microcomputer attitudes and use to affect their job satisfaction and job performance. The research also examines how different types of human-computer interfaces affect the relationships between accountants' beliefs about microcomputer utility and ease of use, computer anxiety, microcomputer attitudes and microcomputer use. To attain this research objective, a conceptual model was first developed, The model indicates that work outcomes (job satisfaction and job performance) of professional accountants using microcomputers are influenced by users' perceptions of ease of use and usefulness of microcomputers via paths through (a) the level of computer anxiety experienced by users, (b) the general attitude of users toward using microcomputers, and (c) the extent to which microcomputers are used by individuals. Empirically testable propositions were derived from the model to test the postulated relationships between these constructs. The study also tested whether or not users of different human-computer interfaces reacted differently to the perceptions and anxieties they hold about microcomputers and their use in the workplace. It was argued that users of graphical interfaces, because of the characteristics of those interfaces, react differently to their perceptions and anxieties about microcomputers compared with users of command-line (or textual-based) interfaces. A passive-observational study in a field setting was used to test the model and the research propositions. Data was collected from 164 professional accountants working in a Big Six accounting firm in a metropolitan city in Australia. Structural equation modelling techniques were used to test the, hypothesised causal relationships between the components comprising the general research model. Path analysis and ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate the parameters of the model and analyse the data obtained. Multisample analysis (or stacked model analysis) using EQS was used to test the fit of the model to the data of the different human-computer interface groups and to estimate the parameters for the paths in those different groups. The results show that the research model is a good description of the data. The job satisfaction of professional accountants is directly affected by their attitude toward using microcomputers and by microcomputer use itself. However, job performance appears to be only directly affected by microcomputer attitudes. Microcomputer use does not directly affect job performance. Along with perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, computer anxiety is shown to be an important determinant of attitudes toward using microcomputers - higher levels of computer anxiety negatively affect attitudes toward using microcomputers. Conversely, higher levels of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness heighten individuals' positive attitudes toward using microcomputers. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness also indirectly affect microcomputer attitudes through their effect on computer anxiety. The results show that higher levels of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness result in lower levels of computer anxiety. A surprising result from the study is that while perceived ease of use is shown to directly affect the level of microcomputer usage, perceived usefulness and attitude toward using microcomputers does not. The results of the multisample analysis confirm that the research model fits the stacked model and that the stacked model is a significantly better fit if specific parameters are allowed to vary between the two human-computer interface user groups. In general, these results confirm that an interaction exists between the type of human-computer interface (the variable providing the grouping) and the other variables in the model The results show a clear difference between the two groups in the way in which perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness affect microcomputer attitude. In the case of users of command-line interfaces, these variables appear to affect microcomputer attitude via an intervening variable, computer anxiety, whereas in the graphical interface user group the effect occurs directly. Related to this, the results show that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness have a significant direct effect on computer anxiety in command-line interface users, but no effect at all for graphical interface users. Of the two exogenous variables only perceived ease of use, and that in the case of the command-line interface users, has a direct significant effect on extent of use of microcomputers. In summary, the research has contributed to the development of a theory of individual adjustment to information technology in the workplace. It identifies certain perceptions, anxieties and attitudes about microcomputers and shows how they may affect work outcomes such as job satisfaction and job performance. It also shows that microcomputer-interface types have a differential effect on some of the hypothesised relationships represented in the general model. Future replication studies could sample a broader cross-section of the microcomputer user community. Finally, the results should help Big Six accounting firms to maximise the benefits of microcomputer use by making them aware of how working with microcomputers affects job satisfaction and job performance.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Fitch, Jenelle C. "Further development of the parenting belief questionnaire." Virtual Press, 2002. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1236376.

Full text

Abstract:

The psychometric properties of the Parenting Beliefs Questionnaire (PBQ) were further explored. College students (176 males and 342 females) who were not parents completed the measure. Results of a series of principle components factor analyses with varimax rotation suggested retaining a two-factor solution accounting for 35.5% of the variance. Factor I measured the Promotion of Interpersonal Behaviors in children (alpha = .87), while Factor 2 assessed the Promotion of Autonomy in children (alpha = .73). A one-way MANOVA was employed to examine potential gender differences in participants' responses to the PBQ factors. A main effect was discovered whereby females rated both factors higher than males. Limitations of this study and the PBQ were discussed as were recommendations for future research and counseling.
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Wryobeck, John M. "The role of fatigue, positive affect and negative affect in the reporting of quality of life in a group of radiation oncology patients." Virtual Press, 1998. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1074539.

Full text

Abstract:

The use of quality of life instruments to evaluate the effect of cancer and its treatment on individuals has increased but the process by which the patient comes to make these quality of life evaluations has not been addressed. Earlier studies have shown the reporting of physical symptoms and the evaluation of one's health to be related to negative affect. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the relationship between negative affect and the evaluation of ones health would remain the same in a group of cancer patients, when a major disease and treatment symptom, fatigue was controlled for. The current study found no relationship between negative affect and the evaluation of health once fatigue was controlled for. Negative affect and fatigue were found to be moderately correlated and fatigue accounted for a large proportion of the variance in the quality of life domains of physical, functional and emotional well-being. Both empirical and theoretical issues are discussed.
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Ramrakha, Sandhya, and n/a. "The link between mental health problems and sexual risk taking in a general population sample." University of Otago. Dunedin School of Medicine, 2009. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20090527.155127.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis examined whether mental health problems and sexual risk taking were associated in a general population sample and if so, the extent and direction of this association. The thesis begins with a review of theories of risk taking; sexual risk and mental health correlates; and the existing studies linking mental health and sexual risk taking. Three empirical studies were conducted. Study One produced new evidence that a range of psychiatric disorders were linked to early sex (<16 years), risky sex (multiple partners and inconsistent condom use in the past year at age 21) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by the age of 21 years. Young people who present with schizophrenia spectrum disorder were also prone to early and risky sex and STIs. Second, depression, the single most common psychiatric problem in the population, was also associated with risky sex and STIs. The risk increased with comorbid psychiatric conditions. Study Two addressed the issue of directionality, specifically examining if childhood behavioural and emotional problems and early adolescent psychiatric disorder predicted later sexual risk taking and STIs. Main findings showed that childhood antisocial behaviour increased the likelihood of risky and early sex, and that low levels of childhood anxiety increased the likelihood of later risky sex and having STIs. Involvement with delinquent peers mediated the association between childhood antisocial behaviour and risky and early sex. To a lesser degree, attachment to parents mediated the association between antisocial behaviour and early sex. These factors did not mediate the association between low levels of childhood anxiety and later sexual outcomes. No associations were found between adolescent psychiatric disorder and later sexual risk taking, with the exception of conduct disorder. However, it is important to note that by excluding the group who had early sex in order to establish temporality, other behaviours of interest exhibited by this group were also excluded. The third study examined whether sexual risk taking was associated with an increased risk of subsequent mental health problems, addressing the issue of directionality in the other direction. Main findings showed that reports of early sex, multiple sex partners and STIs elevated the risk of later substance dependence disorders. Importantly, this association persisted after controlling for �baseline� levels of psychiatric disorder. Early sex also predicted later conduct disorder, even after controlling for prior conduct disorder. In contrast, early sex, multiple sex partners and acquisition of STIs were unrelated to later diagnoses of anxiety or depression. The significant associations with multiple sex partners and STIs were also shown for incident cases of substance dependence. Moderation analyses revealed no differences between the sexes in any of the studies except in Study Three. Specifically, the association between multiple sex partners and substance dependence appeared to be stronger for males than females for up to 10 sex partners and substantially stronger for females than for males beyond ten sex partners. The final chapter in this thesis reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the studies in this thesis before considering the implications of the results for theory, research and practice.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Willis, Eileen. "Accelerating control : an ethnographic account of the impact of micro-economic reform on the work of health professionals /." Title page, table of contents and abstract only, 2004. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phw7341.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Hutchinson, Jacquie. "Workplace bullying in Australian public service administrations." UWA Business School, 2008. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2009.0014.

Full text

Abstract:

This is a study of workplace bullying policy in the public service. The research draws on interviews with policy actors from three groups located in four Australian states and one Australian territory. The groups are senior managers, policy implementors and employee advocates. The study is also informed by research and popular literature to examine how assumptions about what the problem is in workplace bullying dictates the direction taken in policy development. Unlike much of the research into workplace bullying that is based on psychological theorisations, this study is influenced by scholars who focus on the power imbalances that underpin workplace bullying. The key argument in this thesis is that the conceptual dominance of 'gender neutrality' operates to mask the gendered power imbalances which perpetuate bullying behaviour. Hence, to start to address workplace bullying, the effects of power must be acknowledged and addressed in the organisational policy responses to the growing phenomenon of workplace bullying. However, analysing the effects of power is insufficient if gender is not made visible in the analysis. The methodological touchstone for this is Carol Bacchi's 'whats the problem' approach (1999), which is taken further through feminist organisational theory, post modernist understandings of power realtions and a critique of New Public Management practices. The thesis shows how workplace bullying policies in Australian public service administrations have been carefully crafted as gender-neutral, and interweaves data and literature to develop a thesis for why such an approach is a deeply flawed outcome of gender politics. This thesis concludes with some modest suggestions about how organizations might more effectively develop more effective gender-sensitive approaches to workplace bullying.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Geaves, Linda Helen. "Public priorities and public goods : the drivers and responses to transitions in flood risk management." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2016. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6a5de60c-1920-403e-aaf7-0c8b8655edef.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis examines the role of the public in Flood Risk Management (FRM) service provision at a time when the perceptions of the distribution of benefits provided by FRM interventions are in flux, and the role the public should play in FRM highly contested among stakeholders. Two schemes have marked the revised role of the public in FRM - Partnership Funding and Flood Re - both of which challenge existing judgments of the excludability and rivalry of benefits delivered by FRM interventions. The Partnership Funding scheme allocates capital for FRM projects proportionately to the public benefits they provide, allowing communities to top-up grants through local contributions. In comparison, by increasing accessibility to affordable insurance through cross-subsidies and pricing signals, Flood Re highlights a growing recognition that the distribution of gains as a result of widespread insurance uptake is greater than the benefits received by the policyholder alone. Following the identification of these schemes, we tested their social feasibility, examining both the scale and distribution of benefits. Due to the different stages of implementation of each scheme at the time of writing this thesis, two distinct methods were developed. The Partnership Funding Chapter used field data to examine how public-private funding of flood defences has changed service provision and the public acceptance of this transition. Whereas the Flood Re chapter used computer-based experiments to hypothesize how Flood Re may make the purchase of insurance a more or less attractive investment for different types of consumer. We found that Partnership Funding enabled more FRM projects to go ahead, raised public awareness of flood risk, and improved collaboration between stakeholders, but encouraged lower-cost projects, which, in the longer term, could transfer the expense of managing residual risk to the householder. In comparison, Flood Re provided peace of mind to householders struggling to afford rises in insurance premiums, but disproportionately benefited those who annually purchased insurance. Combining this proposed inequity in Flood Re with increasing residual risks, we identify a gap in service provision for the public who cannot afford household mitigation measures. We propose that loss mitigation and flood defence should become increasingly collaborative in line with the complexities of flooding within a community. We seek a move away from the information asymmetry which currently exists between insurance providers and policyholders, and yet simultaneously call for local authorities to recognise the capacity of the public to participate in FRM, and sustain resilience in the face of rising flood risk.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Ferguson, Shelagh Wyn, and n/a. "The role of post consumption narrative : an exploration of identity and 'cool'." University of Otago. Department of Marketing, 2006. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20070418.111413.

Full text

Abstract:

Consumers tell stories every day: stories about the products they buy, the experiences they consume, even their friends� and families� consumption experiences - in fact, stories about most aspects of their lives. People live �storied� lives. Consumption experiences are understood and related to others through stories (2003). These stories are loaded with personal, social and cultural meaning that varies significantly dependent upon the intended audience and effect (Bruner 1987) Stories are everywhere and understanding these narratives in relation to consumer experience is a challenge that consumer research must embrace (Stern 1998b). The study of such narratives must address issues such as the content of the story, how it is told, who is actually doing the telling and for what purpose. All these stories exist in context. These contexts are not a means in themselves; rather, they are a means to understand a particular aspect of a consumer phenomenon. In this case, the research presented in this thesis seeks to understand the purpose and function of consumers� narratives about commercial adventure experiences. Hence the context of this research is commercial adventure experiences consumed in Queenstown, New Zealand, billed in promotional tourist literature as �the adventure capital of the world� (Smitz et al. 2004). This specific focus on commercial adventure therefore defines the sample group as consumers of commercial adventure experiences in Queenstown. Hence, the scope of this research is limited to understanding the phenomenon under investigation (consumer narratives) in relation to members of Generation Y, as they are the primary consumers of commercial adventure experiences in New Zealand. This research adopts an interpretive, inductive approach utilising qualitative tools to frame and develop an evolving research question. The primary data collection has an initial framing of the research question phase and then three main phases utilising a variety of qualitative tools including observation, in-depth interviewing and videography. The research addressed many issues, including the preference of consumers to narrate these adventure consumption experiences to their most valued community, their home community, and how they intended to tell their stories to their home community when removed from that community. Additionally, consumers� perceptions of �cool� were investigated, together with the reactions they anticipated receiving from their audiences. This research investigated �cool� as a more meaningful term than status, used by the members of Generation Y to describe the most desired outcome for the narration of their consumption experiences. Several key themes emerged from this research. They were the use of these consumer experience narratives in the identity-construction process, both collectively and individually, and how this related to the classic hero myth identity construction (Campbell 1972) and how �cool� was acquired by these consumers through their narrations. Implications of the findings are presented for consumer research with specific reference to a model of community formation based on consumption practices and Generation Y as a community sharing a consciousness of kind.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Powell, Tyrone. "Dysfunctional marital beliefs and marital satisfaction : a multicultural analysis." Virtual Press, 1995. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/955850.

Full text

Abstract:

One hundred twenty African-American and Euro-American married individuals were asked to complete inventories measuring marital distress, dysfunctional beliefs about marital relationships, and socioeconomic status (SES). It was hypothesized there would be a negative relationship between the dysfunctional beliefs that married individuals held and their level of marital satisfaction; there would be no significant difference between the dysfunctional beliefs that married individuals held across gender and race; and finally, the dysfunctional beliefs of married individuals would provide a better prediction of marital satisfaction than SES, gender, age, or race.Results indicate that Disagreement is destructive (D), Mindreading is expected (M), Partners cannot change (C), Sexual perfectionism is a must (S), and The sexes are dramatically different (MF) each obtained a statistically significant negative association with marital satisfaction. Examining the relationship between gender and marital satisfaction, males reported higher levels of marital satisfaction than females. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were obtained for gender but not for race when considering all five dysfunctional marital beliefs simultaneously. Finally, the various factors considered in this study accounted for 30% of the variance in marital satisfaction.
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Torres, Jonathan. "HIV false-positives : the impact doctrine and negligent infliction of emotional distress." Honors in the Major Thesis, University of Central Florida, 2001. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETH/id/252.

Full text

Abstract:

This item is only available in print in the UCF Libraries. If this is your Honors Thesis, you can help us make it available online for use by researchers around the world by following the instructions on the distribution consent form at http://library.ucf.edu/Systems/DigitalInitiatives/DigitalCollections/InternetDistributionConsentAgreementForm.pdf You may also contact the project coordinator, Kerri Bottorff, at kerri.bottorff@ucf.edu for more information.
Bachelors
Health and Public Affairs
Legal Studies

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

David, Onyekachi P. "Ethnic and gender differences in the relationship between psychological, socio-cognitive and socio-demographic variables in people with diabetes mellitus in Nigeria." Thesis, University of Gloucestershire, 2017. http://eprints.glos.ac.uk/4678/.

Full text

Abstract:

Background: Diabetes is a growing public health problem affecting people worldwide both in the developed and developing countries, and poses a major socio-economic, psychological and Behavioral challenge. Consequently, diabetes takes a staggering toll on the people in Nigeria and the economic burden is very high. It is a well known fact that numerous factors influence diabetes self-care: such as patient’s physical, psychological, social, cognitive and health care system factors. In this study, the researcher set out to elicit an understanding of the association between socio-demographic, socio-cognitive, and psychological health and to specifically provide explanations for how these three factors are related and differ across ethnicity, gender and type of diabetes. Conversely, studies investigating the psychological health in people with diabetes have observed disparities in terms of gender, ethnicity and the type of diabetes. More so, the impact of socio-cognitive health indicators on psychological status in the Nigerian context remains invisible and unknown. Additional investigations were carried out to assess the pattern of the psychological health of diabetic patients using socio-demographic and socio-cognitive factors, to identify if differences occur in the psychological and socio-cognitive factors by gender, ethnicity and type of diabetes. Finally, an exploration of the contextual and explanatory factors perceived to have underlain the gender ethnicity and type of diabetes differences observed in the psychological status and socio- cognitive health was carried out. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design comprising a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase was employed. In the quantitative phase general survey, data from the N= 486 participants were analysed to test for significant differences of ethnic groups, gender, type of diabetes and the relationship they all have on psychological status and socio-cognitive health. The qualitative phase on the other hand, was based on a follow up of the significant results by using semi-structured focus group interviews with 18 recruited respondents across gender, ethnic groups and type of diabetes. Findings: A 2x4x2 MANOVA hypotheses: 2 and 3 from the quantitative study showed a significant interaction between gender, ethnicity and type of diabetes; ethnicity and type of diabetes; gender and type of diabetes; gender and ethnicity. From the partial eta squared 2 , type of diabetes explains more of the variance remaining (after excluding the variance attributable to other variables) (21.4% vs 20.1%); than gender (21.1% vs 13.3%); which, in turn, explains more of the variance than ethnicity (5.6% vs 6.5%) on the combined DVs Psychological and Socio-cognitive health respectively. The qualitative results revealed extreme and overwhelmingchallenges diabetes imposed on the sufferers. It provided specific insight and on patients contextual experiences such as non-adherence; concerns about the present and the future’ health care systems and the way medical practitioners interact with patients which negatively impact on psychological status. These factors broadened the quantitative result in terms of the consistence in the patients’ descriptions of living with and self-managing their diabetes. Conclusions: The outcome of the t study has extended knowledge on the complex and dynamic nature of individuals’ responses to the challenges of diabetes in day-to-day self-care management and how best diabetic patients should be supported in order to promote adherence, positive treatment processes, provide assistance to the physical discomfort associated with diabetes, and support pro-diabetes coping behaviors (diet), through psychotherapy so as to enhance optimal psycho-behavioral health.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Anderson, Kalin A. "Implicit models of the biological bases of weight loss." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 1988. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/341.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Tenty, Crystal Renee. "Sex Work and Moral Conflict: Enhancing the Quality of Public Discourse Using Photovoice Method." PDXScholar, 2009. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3005.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis uses an advocacy/participatory framework and moral conflict theory to examine the opposing ideas: and interests of parties involved in the issue of prostitution on 82nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon. It locates areas of contention within the larger dominant feminist discourse, which views sex work as either a form of violence and exploitation or as a form of legitimate free-contract labor. The thesis shows how the intractable moral conflict between these differing feminist theories and values can be mediated using participatory data collection techniques. Ethnographic data was collected and analyzed from 11 women working in the sex industry in Portland, highlighting voices commonly left out of the conflict. Participants were given cameras and invited to photo-document their individual and community's needs and aspirations through the qualitative, arts-based research method, photovoice. An exhibit of these photographs was displayed as an art exhibit at several locations throughout the Portland area. Data collection methods also included a review of local media sources collected between September 2007 and April 2009, and field notes gathered from participatory and non-participatory observations at public town hall forums. Close analytic attention is given to the perspectives of those marginalized populations of sex workers excluded from the dialogue on issues that directly affect them. This thesis demonstrates ways in which community-based, participatory research, such as the use of photovoice method, can empower marginalized individuals to affect change within their community. The exhibit of photovoice data was used to enhance communication among individuals and groups involved in an intractable moral conflict about sex work in Portland. This thesis argues that photovoice method has potential for increasing the quality of public discourse to manage moral conflicts or to discover resolutions suitable to the needs and desires of multiple stakeholders.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Lambert, Debra J. "Adult's visual perceptions of obese indivisuals." Virtual Press, 1991. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/834607.

Full text

Abstract:

The purpose of this investigation was to identify college students' visual perceptions of obese individuals and to identify any differences that may exist due to gender or body build of the subject. The subjects who participated in this study were students randomly chosen from a beginning counseling psychology course at Ball State University. One hundred subjects volunteered to complete the necessary testing for this thesis. A cross tabulation and Chi Square analysis of gender and somatotype preference found significant differences in that female subjects chose to interact less often with endomorphs than did the male subjects. The differences between the subject's somatotype and somatotype preference were found to be insignificant.
Institute for Wellness

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Fernández, Esquer María Eugenia 1957. "TERRITORIAL PERSONALIZATION OF FRONTYARDS IN A MEXICAN PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/276482.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Buckley, Patricia Louise, and pbuckley@swin edu au. "'A sense of place' : the role of the building in the organisation culture of nursing homes." Swinburne University of Technology, 2000. http://adt.lib.swin.edu.au./public/adt-VSWT20060317.114711.

Full text

Abstract:

This study attempted to identifj and explore the role the building plays in the organisation culture of nursing homes. To do this a research plan was formulated in which the central plank was a case-study of a seventy-five bed high care nursing home. As part of the case-study, interviews were conducted at the nursing home with ten members of staff, two residents and a daughter of a resident. The study was also informed by interviews with two architects, who specialise in the design of nursing homes and aged care facilities. A theoretical model entitled the 'Conceptual Framework' was developed prior to the case-study. It was tested by applying it to findings related to the physical context and the organisation culture of the case-study venue. The hypothesis that the building does influence the culture of the nursing home environment was explored by studying the manner in which the building influenced the lives of those who work in the nursing home and those who live there. This challenge was met with the use of theoretical contributions from organisation theory and psychodynamics, which together provided a vehicle for analysis of the culture and the building's role in it.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Mitchell, Richard D., and n/a. "'Scenery and Chardonnay': a visitor perspective of the New Zealand winery experience." University of Otago. Department of Tourism, 2005. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20060810.150303.

Full text

Abstract:

It is widely recognised that the tourism experience involves pre-visit anticipation, travel to and from the site and post-visit reminiscence or recollection, yet to date few studies have explored the link between these elements. Winery visitation presents an excellent opportunity to explore these phases of the travel experience as wine is present pre-visit, on-site and post-visit. In 1999 this study set out to explore these links by surveying visitors to 33 New Zealand wineries and then tracking their behaviour six to eight months post-visit via a postal survey. From an initial sample of 1,090, 636 follow-up surveys were distributed with 358 usable surveys returned. The on-site survey explored the pre-visit and on-site wine habits and winery visitation behaviour of respondents, while 97 semi-structured interviews were also undertaken in order to provide further detail on some aspects of the on-site visit. The follow-up survey included an exploration of the respondents� on-going purchasing and consumption of wine as well as experiential elements such as recollection of the visit, word-of-mouth behaviour and enduring levels of satisfaction. A number of a priori segmentation criteria drawn from wine consumer behaviour and wine tourism literature have been applied in the analysis of the data in order to provide a detailed discussion of the various elements of this multi-phased experience. Many regional differences were observed in the demographic profile of respondents, while the age profile of male and female visitors were also significantly different. This has dispelled the myth of a 'typical winery visitor' put forward by many early wine tourism researchers and highlights the need for detailed market analysis for wineries and wine regions. Pre-visit wine habits and winery visitation behaviour were influenced by gender, age/generation and country of origin. However, the most significant influence was between different levels of wine knowledge. This highlights the importance of wine education and interpretation, which was also identified as an important part of the winery visit by many respondents. Examination of the on-site experience identified important regional differences in the nature of the winery experience and lead to the coining of the term touristic terroir to describe the nuances of the regional experience. Almost half of the respondents made a post-visit purchase, while there were moderately high levels of enduring satisfaction and high levels of word-of-mouth behaviour. Post-visit purchases were primarily influenced by taste, but experiential elements of the visit (including sharing the wine or winery experience with others, memory of the visit and the service received) were also moderately influential. This study has provided an insight into wine tourism and the behaviour of the winery visitor. It is the first and, to date, only nationwide survey of winery visitors anywhere in the world and one of only a handful of tourism studies that have attempted to track the behaviour of respondents. It has identified important connections between the on-site experience, experiential aspects of the post-visit experience and the purchasing and consumption behaviour of winery visitors. It also provides a framework for the study of other areas of tourism including souvenir purchases, holiday photography, food and tourism and tourist behaviour more broadly.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Wong, Shan. "Psychological reaction of healthcare workers in the outbreak and aftermath of severe acute respiratory syndrome." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2004. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B29760239.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

July, Emma. "Awareness, attitudes and referral practices of health care providers to psychological services in Botswana." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1166.

Full text

Abstract:

The provision of psychological services is vital considering the complex nature of psychosocial issues facing people today. Nevertheless, the provision and utilization of psychological services has not been given due recognition in most African countries, including Botswana. Botswana is one of the countries faced by the challenges of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other mental health problems, as well as poverty and unemployment. To date statistics on the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana, published annually by the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) reflect an increased rate of mental illness and psychosocial problems. Considering the complex nature of issues that impact negatively on people in Botswana, there is a need for awareness and the provision of psychological services in the primary health care system. There is little research on the place of psychology and psychological services in Botswana. The availability of such information is crucial for the planning of effective community-based psychological services. The present study employed a quantitative research method to explore and describe awareness and attitudes towards psychological services and referral practices in relation to psychological problems, of health care providers in Botswana. The participants in the study were chosen, based on a non-probability, purposive sampling method. The sample consisted of ninety-six persons and constituted medical doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and clinical social workers from governmental and non-governmental institutions from Gaborone and Francistown in Botswana. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics in order to identify the mean, ranges and standard deviations. Frequency counts and percentages of the participants’ responses were computed. The results of the study revealed an awareness of available psychological services, positive attitudes towards psychology and psychological services and a reasonable percentage of referrals to psychological services. The results also revealed that available psychological services were limited and not easily accessible to patients. There was also an indication of a shortage of trained professionals to offer psychological services in health care centres, which resulted in psychological problems being referred to social workers.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

Ferestad, Jaysen Nicole. "I'm Not Gonna Be Like That Guy: Exploring the Montana Meth Project Through the Eyes of That Guy." PDXScholar, 2013. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1503.

Full text

Abstract:

Graphic images of meth addicts have swept across Montana in television, radio and print ads as part of the state's latest anti-drug campaign, the Montana Meth Project. From a labeling perspective, the negative portrayal of meth addicts in these ads has significant implications for meth addicts in terms of their reintegration. The unintended population of drug addicts potentially affected by public service campaigns has failed to gain attention in the literature despite the implications suggested by labeling theory. This poses a significant gap in our knowledge and understanding, which this study addresses through the voice of recovering meth addicts. This study explored the significance of the campaign with regard to the worldview of recovering meth addicts and the implications of this worldview with regard to their reintegration. In particular, the study examined 1) addict perceptions of the campaign's impact on community 2) addict perceptions of the campaign's personal impact 3) addict perceptions of the significance of social bonds 4) the implications of these perspectives from the theoretical standpoint of Labeling and Social Bond theory. In-depth interviews were conducted among a sample of twenty recovering meth addicts at a treatment facility in Grenadier, Montana as well as one active meth user. This form of data collection was chosen due to the exploratory nature of the study as well the significance of perception suggested by the Symbolic-Interaction perspective (Cooley 1902). The study revealed that the Montana Meth Project does have a significant impact on the worldview of the participants. When the participants believe the campaign has a positive impact on the community - creating awareness, understanding and acceptance - the campaign is viewed as a tool in their reintegration. However, as the bulk of the findings suggest, when the participants believe the campaign has a negative impact - stereotypes, labeling, stigmatization and differential treatment - the campaign is viewed as a barrier to their reintegration. With such a negative reaction in the worldview of the participants, the mainstream world including family, friends and the community did not appear to be at the forefront of their reintegration. Rather, a subculture of recovering addicts acts as the source of positive social bonds and the most significant in the reintegration of the participants. The findings of this study demonstrate the impact anti- drug campaigns, and particularly scare campaigns using a public service approach, can have on the unintended audience of drug addicts.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Hale, Beatrice, and n/a. "The meaning of home as it becomes a place for care : the emergence of a new life stage for frail older people? : a study in the dynamics of home care for older people." University of Otago. Department of Anthropology, 2006. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20070402.143208.

Full text

Abstract:

This work is a study of the day to day experiences of older people in receipt of in-home care, the experiences of their family carers, and of their careworkers, resulting in a hypothesis about the structure of the lifecycle towards the end of life, and a consideration of both structured transition and individual transitions to and within this life stage. It has taken off from Laslett�s (1989,1996) seminal work on age divisions, into Third and Fourth Ages. Through an initial examination of secondary sources, I have hypothesized that the older people in this care bracket are in fact in a new life stage, between that of the independent Third Age and the dependent Fourth Age. I call this life stage the stage of 'Supported Independence'. Further references to the secondary sources, and references to the data, have supported this hypothesis, and have shown that there is a structured transition from the stage of independence to that of supported independence. The value of building such a life stage lies in the ability we then have to emphasize the situation of in-home care, bringing to prominence the experiences of the three stakeholders in this care environment. I have used the rites of passage concept to make known the issues involving the move from independence to dependence and those issues predominant in receiving in-home care, in being the carer at such a time, and in being the careworker within the invisibility of home. This has shown a formalized separation from the independent identity, and a prolonged stage of liminality because of an often uncertain form of service delivery. In this liminal stage also are revealed the emotions of living at home with a disability and with care, the improvisatory practices, the passivity and the assertiveness of this time of ageing. By applying this concept also to the family carers, I show the movement of families into and through the caring role, the joy of caring and the difficulties of taking responsibility without authority. I have shown carers� own improvisatory practices, and their determination to maintain the care recipient at home as long as possible. For the careworker, the rites of passage concept shows how she (and the careworker participants in this study are all women), can act to either maintain the liminal position of the recipients or assist in their reconnection to greater autonomy. Exploring the careworkers� own positions by means of the rites of passage concept highlights their inter-structural position between the public and private sectors, and highlights too, the care industry�s position, between that of a time managed industry and a recipient-directed industry. Whether this can be regarded as liminal depends on the philosophies of care adopted by the industry. In summary, the study examines the significance of the place of care, challenging the dominant ideology that home is best, and putting forward for consideration principles of care for other models of service delivery.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Sigcau, Nomakhosi. "Public discourses on choice of termination of pregnancy in a rural area of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002564.

Full text

Abstract:

A period of ten years has elapsed since the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act came into effect. Little has been done in South Africa to investigate public discourses concerning termination of pregnancy since the implementation of the Act. The social context and the quality of available support systems determine the outcome of the women’s feelings after the abortion. Knowledge about the social context is important, as it will help to understand the complexities and nuances of abortion. The aim of the research is to explore public discourses on Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP), and the potential implications of these discourses on the use of the CTOP service. The sample consisted of 23 black isiXhosa-speaking participants from the rural area of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Four focus groups coming from different age groups (between the ages 18 and 52) with both men and women participated in the study. Fictitious vignettes that tap into two different scenarios regarding abortion based on women’s stories were used. Discourses that emerged from people’s text are explained, described and interpreted through a discourse analysis. Since the study was interested in public discourses it led to the discovery of 17 interpretative repertoires as follows: social stigma, abortion equated to murder, degradation of society, pregnancy as an irresponsible act, conditional acceptance, TOP in the context of marriage, future potentiality invested in the foetus, dehumanizing foetus into a clot, shared decision making responsibility, gender dynamics interpretative repertoire, negative post abortion consequences, the scolding versus the supportive nurse interpretative repertoire, alternatives interpretative repertoire, rights versus no responsibility interpretative repertoire, more knowledge needed, male and female or generational differentiation repertoire, and the positive effects repertoire. Abortion is opposed on religious and cultural grounds. TOP has been legalized in South Africa but with this a debate and conflicting views have arisen. These variations in people’s discourses may limit access to TOP for women who need the service.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Hofmann, Karsten C. "Advertising in restrooms." PDXScholar, 1988. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3803.

Full text

Abstract:

There is a common belief that the special situation one encounters in restrooms is likely to evoke negative associations between the setting and a potential product, and that these presumed associations make advertising in restrooms incompatible with the objectives of advertisers. This general proposition was questioned on theoretical grounds. It was argued that the specific situation in a restroom would be conducive to advertising goals in a number of ways. In addition, while negative associations may occur with certain kinds of products, others were hypothesized to be unaffected. In particular, the potential value of restrooms for communicating public education issues such as AIDS and Cholesterol was examined.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Jacobs, Laurie Marie. "Work Stress Reactivity and Health Outcomes: A Study of Nurses." PDXScholar, 2013. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1515.

Full text

Abstract:

Negative events encountered in daily life influence individual well-being. Individuals vary in their reactivity to these events, the extent to which they are behaviorally, physiologically, and psychologically influenced by them (Almeida, 2005; Neupert, Almeida, & Charles, 2007). Reactivity to events in the form of changes in health behavior could represent either an attempt at coping (Cooper, Frone, Russell, & Mudar, 1995) or a stressor-related failure of self-control (Muraven & Baumeister, 2000). Such changes in behavior could have later effects on health. Although a great deal of attention has been paid to both the immediate and long-term effects of stressors on individuals, little is understood about the potential relationship between these immediate and long-term consequences. Exploration of this connection could not only expand the understanding of the relationships between stressors, behavior, and well-being, but also inform intervention strategies. One important domain in which stressors occur is work; certain occupations such as nursing expose individuals to a greater likelihood of experiencing stressors simply by nature of the tasks and/or environment involved. As a nursing shortage continues, stress is in fact one of the most-often cited reasons for nurses to leave the profession (Cangelosi, Markham, & Bounds, 1998). Using a sample drawn from the Oregon Nurse Retention Project and the relatively novel statistical method of slopes-as-predictors, I examined the relationships between work stressors and nurses' health behaviors (alcohol consumption, diet, exercise) and then used those relationships as predictors of follow-up outcomes (depression, life satisfaction, perceived health). Significant variability was found for five combinations of stressors and health behaviors, indicating that varying patterns of health behavior reactivity were indeed present in this sample; moreover four of those five stressor-behavior (reactivity) slopes emerged as significant predictors of later health and well-being. Notably, reactivity in the form of increased days of exercise during weeks of greater demands or negative events was associated with lower depression scores, and reactivity in the form of increased days of exercise during weeks of greater conflicts was associated with greater satisfaction with life. Implications of these findings, including the importance of exercise in maintaining well-being, are discussed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

Orsini, Cesar A. "The self-determination theory of motivation in dental education : testing a model of social factors, psychological mediators, academic motivation and outcomes." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2017. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/8022/.

Full text

Abstract:

Background: Motivation plays a vital role in dental students' learning experience and wellbeing. Self-determination theory differentiates between autonomous and controlled motivation and amotivation, where autonomous motivation corresponds to the most selfdetermined form of regulation. Previous research has found that several social educational factors, mediated by students' satisfaction of their basic psychological needs of feeling autonomous, competent and related to important others, predicts autonomous motivation. In turn, autonomous motivation leads to more positive educational outcomes compared to controlled motivation or amotivation. So far, however, few studies have investigated the process of motivation in health professions education from the perspective of the Selfdetermination Theory. A systematic review was conducted within this thesis, identifying determinants, such as an autonomy supportive learning climate and feedback, that predicted students' autonomous motivation. No studies were found that tested mediation effects between determinants and motivation. In turn, students' self-determined motivation was found to predict different affective, behavioural and cognitive outcomes. These studies, however, came mainly from medical education. Despite its relevance for students' development, very little is known about the process of motivation in dental students. This indicates a need to understand its various aspects, which may lead to evidence-based interventions to foster students optimal functioning. Purpose: To test a model of academic motivation in dental education by analysing the associations between autonomy-support and quantity and quality of feedback, as determinants, and self-determined motivation, mediated by students' basic psychological needs satisfaction. This, followed by testing the associations between self-determined motivation and the behavioural outcomes of deep and surface study strategies and academic performance, and the affective outcomes of vitality and self-esteem. Finally, we aimed to test whether the model worked different for female and male students, and by year of curriculum. Methods: We conducted a correlational cross-sectional survey study at the dental school of the University San Sebastian in Chile. All dental students from year 1 to 6 were invited to participate and to answer a questionnaire package containing demographic data and previously validated self-reported instruments. Data on academic performance were obtained from the administrative department. Data analysis involved five phases. First, internal consistency of all measures was assessed by means of Cronbach alpha. Second, descriptive and group comparisons were computed by means of independent t-test to assess gender differences and MANOVA to assess year-of-curriculum differences. Third, bivariate correlations were assessed amongst all measures. Fourth, mediation was tested through a series of regression analyses. Finally, the entire model was assessed by means of structured equation modelling, for the overall student sample as well as for the subgroups of females and males and different years of study. Data were analysed with the PASW and AMOS software. Results: A total of 924 students (90.2% response rate) agreed to participate and completed the questionnaires. Cronbach's alpha values of all instruments ranged from .641 to .912. Students' autonomous motivation for attending university was higher than controlled motivation and amotivation, showing an overall self-determined profile. Females endorsed higher than men both autonomous and controlled motivation, while men endorsed amotivation higher. The overall motivation profile, however, did not show significant gender differences. Across the six years, students showed an overall self-determined profile, in which autonomous motivation decreased when transitioning to clinical years, to rise again in the final year. The contrary was found for students' amotivation scores, while controlled motivation declined as they entered clinical-based years. Bivariate correlations showed that both determinants were positively correlated with students' basic psychological needs satisfaction and with autonomous motivation. In turn, the latter was positively associated with behavioural and affective outcomes. All these associations showed a decreasingly positive correlation from autonomous motivation to amotivation. Mediation regression analyses showed both determinants predicting dental students' autonomous motivation, however, this influence was not direct, it was mediated by students' perceptions of the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs. Finally, structured equation modelling indicated that the data fitted the model well, and showed both determinants positively predicting students' satisfaction of their basic psychological needs, which positively influenced autonomous motivation over controlled motivation. In turn, the gradual shift from controlled to autonomous motivation positively predicted affective and behavioural outcomes. Moreover, the associations followed a similar pattern, with minor deviations, when tested by gender and by year of study. Discussion and conclusion: In the context of this research, dental students' autonomous motivation was indirectly predicted by the social educational factors of teachers' autonomysupport and quantity and quality of feedback, being mediated by students' satisfaction of their basic psychological needs. Students' acting out of autonomous motivation showed enhanced deep study strategies and better academic performance, experienced higher vitality and self-esteem, and showed lower surface study strategies. This suggests that autonomous motivation leads to important outcomes, decreasing from controlled motivation to amotivation. Whilst students in different years of study showed an autonomous motivation profile, there were important differences that showed that students' transition from basic/preclinical to clinical years influenced their motivation and should therefore be taken into account when planning interventions to enhance students' motivation. Results are discussed in light of self-determination theory and considering its implications on curriculum development, teaching and learning, clinical training, assessment, faculty development, peer-assisted-learning and dentist-patient relationship. Significance: This is the first study, in health professions education, to test a Selfdetermination theory-based model including determinants, mediators, motivation and outcomes. This research also expands to dental education the study of motivation based on an empirically verified psychological theory. The results provide strong support for the Selfdetermination theory of motivation in dental education and provide acceptable evidence that the quality of motivation and satisfying students' psychological needs are important in determining positive educational outcomes amongst dental students. Therefore, many successes and failures in a number of elements of dental and health professions education may be understood through the lens of this theory. As such, efforts should be made in various aspects of dental education to support learners' sense of autonomy, competence and relatedness, which may have an extensive influence on dental education and on students' wellbeing. Future research should confirm or refute our results in other dental education settings.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Public Psychological aspects'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles