Psychological change and the Alexander technique

Objectives: The Alexander Technique (AT) is a complementary therapy and holistic approach, which aims to improve psychological and physical well-being. Very little research has assessed the effectiveness of the AT at bringing about psychological change. This exploratory study aims to investigate the psychological impact of learning and practising the AT, and how AT pupils understand the processes underpinning this impact. Design: A qualitative, phenomenological approach was taken to explore participants' experiences. Methods: Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had experience of learning and practising the AT. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) (Smith & Osborn, 2008). Results: Participants described a wide range of psychological changes as a result of learning the AT, including increased self-awareness, calm, confidence, balance, presence, and ability to detach from problems. The process of learning the AT was rewarding but, for many participants, was also challenging. Conclusions: The psychological benefits of the AT are understood in relation to established psychological and psychotherapeutic models. Further considerations and implications for future research are discussed

Same-sex partner bereavement in older women:an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Objectives: Due to the lack of existing literature, the current research explored experiences of same-sex partner bereavement in women over the age of 60. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three themes were identified which elaborated the experiences of older women who had lost a same-sex partner: (1) being left alone encapsulated feelings of isolation and exclusion; (2) navigating visibility centred on how homophobia led to a lack of recognition of the women's grief; and (3) finding new places to be authentic related women's need for new relationships in which they could be themselves. The findings indicate that existing models of partner bereavement may provide useful frameworks when seeking to understand the experiences of older women who have lost their same-sex partners. Conclusion: The findings indicate that in addition to the experiences of partner bereavement noted in research with heterosexual widows, older women who lose same-sex partners may face particular challenges, which can impact upon psychological well-being and adjustment to loss. These challenges appear to result from past and current homophobic and heterosexist attitudes within the UK culture. A range of interventions at individual, group, health service, and societal levels may be beneficial in improving the psychological well-being of older women who lose a same-sex partner

Non-heterosexual women's experiences of informal social support:a qualitative metasynthesis

This metasynthesis explores how non-heterosexual women experience informal social support. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify papers for inclusion, following which Noblit and Hare's (1988) meta-ethnographic approach was adopted to synthesise the findings of 16 papers. Four themes were derived: (i) disconnection from family life, (ii) the benefits of cross-sexual orientation friendships (iii) negotiating (internalised) homophobia and seeking a space for authenticity, and (iv) the intimacy of friendships between women. The impact of heterosexism on the women’s experiences of social support is discussed, implications for health and social care are explored and future research avenues are proposed

Psychological change and the Alexander technique

Objectives: The Alexander Technique (AT) is a complementary therapy and holistic approach, which aims to improve psychological and physical well-being. Very little research has assessed the effectiveness of the AT at bringing about psychological change. This exploratory study aims to investigate the psychological impact of learning and practising the AT, and how AT pupils understand the processes underpinning this impact. Design: A qualitative, phenomenological approach was taken to explore participants' experiences. Methods: Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had experience of learning and practising the AT. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) (Smith & Osborn, 2008). Results: Participants described a wide range of psychological changes as a result of learning the AT, including increased self-awareness, calm, confidence, balance, presence, and ability to detach from problems. The process of learning the AT was rewarding but, for many participants, was also challenging. Conclusions: The psychological benefits of the AT are understood in relation to established psychological and psychotherapeutic models. Further considerations and implications for future research are discussed.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo