Hotel guest e-questionnaires: implications for feedback and relationships

This paper examines the reliability and efficacy of hotel guest e-mail questionnaire compared to the paper questionnaire in the Asian Pacific context. Conducted in Perth, Singapore and Penang, cities with mature hospitality and tourism industries and a representation of chain and independent deluxe hotels, this exploratory qualitative study examines hotelier views of e-mail guest communication derived from content analysis of guest questionnaires format and content and in-depth interviews with senior hoteliers. The findings indicated that e-questionnaires manifested as e-mails, as a direct replacement of the paper questionnaire, appear to be premature given divergent hotelier views and shortcomings in email response administration. If properly executed, e-mail can play an increasingly important adjunct role to the paper guest questionnaire as a part of a multi-channel approach. The balance/relationship between ‘high tech’ and ‘high touch’ needs to be maintained: the latter can enhance the latter but should not undermine it

Early maladaptive schemas and their relationship to psychopathology in adolescence

Schema therapy was developed by Jeffery Young to treat adults with personality disorders, and has been evidenced to be effective in treating both Axis I and Axis II disorders. While Young stipulates that schemas are likely to be in place by adolescence, there is currently little agreement over the appropriateness of schema theory and therapy in understanding and treating psychopathology in adolescence. This thesis aims to explore the evidence–base and potential utility of applying schema theory to adolescent psychopathology, and consists of a systematic review and research article. The review included published studies measuring Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) in 12 to 18 year olds, including those exploring relationships between EMS and psychopathology. The search of relevant literature from 1990 to 2012 yielded 19 articles for review, which were then subject to assessment of methodological quality. Most studies were assessed as ‘moderate’ in quality. Good quality evidence was found for the detection of higher rates of EMS in clinical or referred adolescent populations compared to non–clinical populations, as well as some evidence for effects of age and gender on EMS. Less consistent evidence was found for specific associations between individual EMS or domains and particular types of psychopathology or problem behaviour. Common limitations of the articles reviewed included poor control of confounding variables and little testing of EMS alongside contextual constructs to provide validation of findings. The main research article used a quantitative, questionnaire–based cross– sectional design to test the dimensionality of the schema concept in a population of 12 to 18 year–olds, comparing levels of EMS between a referred and non–referred group. EMS were measured alongside attachment and interpersonal behaviours to test their unique predictive effect on psychopathology. Specific relationships between individual groups of EMS and type of psychopathology were also explored. Results showed that the referred group scored significantly higher than the non–referred group on overall schema score. Schemas were found to significantly predict level of psychopathology, over and above prediction by attachment or interpersonal behaviour scores. There was also evidence for the specific prediction of internalising and externalising problem behaviour, affective, anxiety, oppositional–defiant and conduct problems by clusters of EMS. In conclusion, EMS appear to be a valid concept in predicting and understanding psychopathology in adolescence. A conceptual model is suggested for future research to explore the adaptation of schema theory more fully within developmental psychopathology. It is hoped that future research will test other aspects of schema theory in adolescents such as coping styles and modes. It is proposed that, following further validating evidence, this may result in the development of improved interventions for a range of presenting problems in adolescence

The relationship between personality, cognitive schemas, and the quality of life in HIV positive gay men.

Part I of this thesis, reviews research pertaining to quality of life and personality in HIV. Conceptual and methodological issues, which hinder research into quality of life and personality, are discussed. The review notes the lack of research into personality and HIV beyond prevention, and the need to investigate personality beyond neuroticism and extraversion. The review concludes that further replication of the reported associations between personality and quality of life in HIV is required. Studies that consider clinical directions and potential interventions are needed. The empirical paper presents a cross-sectional, questionnaire, study looking at the relationships between personality, quality of life, and cognitive schemas, in HIV positive gay men. The study found that HIV is associated with poorer quality of life. Higher levels of neuroticism, and lower levels of extraversion, were found in the HIV positive group compared with the HIV negative group. Neuroticism and extraversion significantly predicted quality of life, and significant correlations were found between cognitive schemas and quality of life. Factor analyses of the Schema Questionnaire suggest problems with the measure. Results of the study are discussed with regard to future studies, and clinical implications. The final part of the thesis is a reflective paper. It begins with a presentation of the processes leading to the conception of the research, and a discussion of clinical experiences that have informed and impacted on this process. An extended discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the research is presented, followed by a consideration of the clinical and scientific implications of the research. In the final sections of the paper, the author reflects on how the research has shaped her clinical understanding, and the methodological lessons learned

Psychological needs of young adults leaving the care system

Although there is an identified need for psychological services to work therapeutically with young adults leaving care (care leavers), there is a paucity of research examining the psychological constructs which may underlie reported distress in a care leaver population. There are plausible links between attachment theory and schema theory, but research investigating them is in its infancy. If made clearer, such links may usefully guide therapeutic interventions for care leavers. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the self-reported psychological needs of care leavers. More specifically, the study aimed to examine the relationships between psychological distress, adult attachment, and early maladaptive schemas (EMS) in this group. The study also aimed to augment existing literature on the relationships between internal working models (IWMs) within attachment theory, and EMS within schema theory as conceptualised by Young et al. (2003). A total number of 50 care leavers aged 18-22 were recruited. They were all in contact with a leaving care team in one of five social services departments in South Wales. Self-report measures were used to assess psychological distress, adult attachment and EMS (considered within five schema domains). Care leavers with the highest reported levels of psychological distress also reported the highest degree of attachment anxiety (most negative IWMs of self), highest degree of attachment avoidance (most negative IWMs of others) and the most pronounced schema domains. Significant differences were observed in the reported levels of psychological distress and the prominence of schema domains in participants with different attachment styles, with most notable differences between the secure and fearful avoidant attachment style groups. Clinical and theoretical implications of the study findings are discussed in detail and areas for future research are suggested

"Living here has changed me": Resident and staff perceptions of Psychologically Informed Environments for homeless people

Homeless people have often had significant early adverse experiences and are at risk of consequent mental health difficulties. This thesis examines psychological interventions designed for meeting the needs of this group. Part 1 is a literature review of the outcomes of psychological interventions for homeless people with mental health problems. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions were grouped into four types: traditional psychological interventions, supported housing with a talking-based component, therapeutic communities and peer support interventions. Design quality was variable. All studies reported positive outcomes on at least one measure. However, the variability in outcomes and rationales for intervention suggest that there is scarce evidence about which models are appropriate to the needs of homeless people and that there is a lack of agreement about how to measure success.Part 2 is a qualitative study exploring the experiences of living and working in a 'Psychologically Informed Environment' (PIE), a new model of hostel provision which aims to meet the psychological and emotional needs of homeless people. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with residents, staff and therapists in two PIE hostels. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and 18 themes were organised into five domains: what makes a home, resident needs, managing relationships, reflective practice and theory vs practice of PIEs. Part 3 is a critical reflection on carrying out the research. Methodological issues and choices made in the design of the study are discussed. Limitations arising from these choices and future directions for research are then considered followed by reflection on the role of the psychologist in relation to PIEs

A study of electronic commerce and tourism : e-commerce system evaluation and consumer behaviour in the e-business environment

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Correspondance entre les représentations d'attachement et les schémas précoces inadaptés à l'éveil et dans les rêves chez les jeunes de 8 à 16 ans et leurs mères

Les modèles opérants internes d’attachement (MOIs) et les schémas précoces inadaptés (SPIs) sont deux concepts qui partagent un rationnel très similaire. Leur rapprochement empirique a toutefois été négligé durant l’enfance et l’adolescence, moment clé de leur émergence. De plus, bien qu’ils proviennent d’interactions précoces et théoriquement hors du champ de perception, leur évaluation ne s’effectue qu’à l’état conscient (éveil). Possiblement, les MOIs et les SPIs pourraient être évalués via l’analyse des rêves, dont le rappel fiable se déploie durant l’enfance. La présente thèse vise à répondre à ces questions de recherche. Un premier article scientifique explore les liens entre l’attachement et les SPIs chez des jeunes et leurs mères, leur transmission intergénérationnelle et les associations croisées entre l’attachement et les SPIs, de la mère à l’enfant. Au total, 23 jeunes âgés de 8 à 16 ans (M = 12,1 ans; ÉT = 2,0) et 21 mères ont pris part aux entrevues d’attachement (Child Attachment Interview, Adult Attachment Interview) et ont rempli les questionnaires des schémas (Schema Inventory for Children, Young Schema Questionnaire–Short form 3). Des corrélations avec bootstrap révèlent que la sécurité d’attachement des jeunes est liée à des SPIs touchant l’inhibition émotionnelle et les exigences élevées (r = 0,435 à 0,565). À l’inverse, l’insécurité d’attachement (type préoccupé) des mères est associée à plusieurs scores de SPIs (r = 0,449 à 0,584). Également, plusieurs SPIs de la mère sont associés négativement à l’« idéalisation » (insécurité de type détaché) chez le jeune (r = -0,504 à -0,617). Enfin, des corrélations intraclasses montrent une correspondance intergénérationnelle pour plusieurs SPIs théoriquement issus de l’insécurité d’attachement (domaine « séparation et rejet »). Le deuxième article explore la correspondance éveil-rêves respective des MOIs et des SPIs dans l’échantillon d’enfants et d’adolescents (n = 19). Les participants ont rapporté leur rêve le plus récent (en laboratoire) et ont enregistré leurs rêves quotidiens à la maison pendant 14 jours. Les rêves recueillis ont permis de valider deux grilles de codification, l’une mesurant les représentations d’attachement (GARO-MOI), l’autre les SPIs (GARO-SPI), dans les rêves des jeunes (bonnes fidélités interjuges). Des corrélations avec bootstrap révèlent que des échelles associées à la sécurité d’attachement à l’éveil sont liées à des scores oniriques d’insécurité d’attachement (détaché et préoccupé). Ajoutant à ces résultats, une analyse de regroupements (cluster analysis) révèle que les rêves se regroupent selon différentes stratégies d’attachement (p. ex., préoccupation, détachement, sécurité) et qu’un score élevé aux échelles du CAI associées à la sécurité (vs à l’insécurité) implique une association avec un regroupement de rêves. Pour les SPIs, les corrélations avec bootstrap révèlent des associations inverses entre les scores d’éveil et les scores oniriques du domaine « altération de l’autonomie et de la performance » (r = -0,473 à -0,693). En conclusion, les liens MOIs-SPIs semblent sous-tendus par des enjeux développementaux d’autonomie et de compétence scolaire chez les jeunes. La transmission intergénérationnelle des SPIs se centre sur une thématique d’attachement et cible les SPIs maternels comme des pistes d’intervention potentielles dans la relation mère-enfant. Finalement, les résultats appuient l’hypothèse de compensation des rêves au regard des MOIs et des SPIs chez les jeunes

Exploring early attachments and maladaptive schemas in juvenile sexual offenders

Little research has been conducted when looking at the causes of juvenile sexual offending. This thesis attempted to highlight some of the gaps within the literature in this area by identifying whether developmental factors play an important role in juvenile sexual offending. This thesis includes a systematic review and review of a psychometric tool, in addition to both an individual case study and a research paper. The research compared two groups of juvenile sex offenders, those who offend against children and those who offend against adults/peers to identify differences on their maladaptive schemas and early attachment to parent and/or caregivers. Results indicated that all juvenile sexual abusers reported insecure attachment styles. Child abusers were mostly associated with a fearful attachment style whereas peer abusers were mostly associated with a dismissive attachment style. Those with a fearful attachment style reported significantly higher scores on the subjugation and self-sacrifice schemas. Furthermore, child abusers endorsed higher scores on the enmeshment, subjugation, insufficient self-control and self-sacrifice schemas. Further qualitative and quantitative research is recommended to develop these findings