A multi-method investigation of the relationship between life stress, coping strategies and psychological distress in adolescents.

The relationship between life stress, coping strategies and psychological distress was investigated in a non-clinical population of thirteen to fifteen year olds (N = 159). The main aim of the research was to evaluate whether the effectiverneffective dichotomy was, clinically, the most useful way to understand coping responses. The study combined traditional psychological and social constructionist perspectives and utilised a multimethod approach. The Birleson Depression Inventory (Birleson, 1981), the Life Events Checklist (LEC) (Johnson and McCutcheon, 1980) and the Adolescent Coping Scale (ACS) (Frydenberg and Lewis, 1993) were administered to all participants. A sample of twenty was then interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule which combined questions from the Coping Process Interview (Seiffge-Krenke, 1995) and Narrative Therapy (White, 1995). Quantitative data was statistically analysed and qualitative data was described using content analyses of the interviews. Levels of depression were shown to be relatively high amongst this group. The results revealed that minor life events were as salient for this population as more major change. Few life events were universally experienced as either positive or negative. Results confirmed that there were significant correlations between coping strategies used and levels of depression. `Solving the Problem' strategies were related to low levels of depression while `Non-Productive Coping' was related to higher depression levels. The adoption of these constructs as respectively `effective' and `ineffective' was not supported due to both the poor to moderate internal reliability of the Adolescent Coping Scale and the findings of the qualitative analysis. Content analyses of the interviews suggested that there was a broad range of coping strategies that the participants themselves considered effective, including `nonproductive' responses. Appraisal was shown to be a key element of the coping process. The interviews also revealed that coping responses changed over time and were neither static in terms of the situation nor the individual. These results were discussed in relation to findings in the literature and implications for clinical intervention and future research were highlighte

Exploring parents’ understandings of their child’s journey into offending behaviours:a narrative analysis

Parents are perhaps the best placed individuals to comment upon their child’s life story, including early life experiences, transitions and their child’s needs. However, research has rarely focussed on the views of parents of young people who have committed serious offences. This research aimed to explore parents’ opinions of which factors may have led to their child becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Interviews were undertaken with six parents who were asked to narrate their child’s life journey into offending behaviours. The data were then analysed using narrative analysis techniques, and a shared story was created which incorporated the main transitional stages in the children’s journeys, as seen by the parents. The findings suggest that it is not just the child, but the whole family who have been in a state of distress throughout the child’s life. Systemic and environmental factors are argued to contribute to this distress, and the use of diagnosis for this population is critically evaluated. The research highlights a life story in which the child’s and family’s distress remains unheard and therefore unresolved. Clinical implications for working with this population are discussed

Rebuilding after the storm:stories of young motherhood

This research aimed to listen, and make sense of, stories of young motherhood from the perspectives of two cohorts: ‘mothers of young mothers’ and ‘young mothers’, and to explore how shared stories of motherhood were constructed in particular social, interpersonal and cultural contexts. A narrative approach was taken to the interviews and analysis. Twelve women were invited to ‘tell their story’ about becoming and being a mother and a mother of a young mother. There were a number of shared plots as well as diversities across and within cohorts, with three acts resembling a series of progressive and regressive phases: (1) derailment; (2) a bumpy, terrifying and fun ride, full of surprises; (3) coming to terms with reality: better equipped for the future. Located within personal stories were key cultural narratives which demonstrated how mothers’ individual experiences were informed by societal expectations. The contribution of these narratives to existing theoretical literature; wider clinical implications; the political context; and future research are discussed. The process of conducting this research has clearly illustrated the power, diversity, and authenticity of listening to mothers’ stories at different stages of their mothering journey

Muslim views on mental health and psychotherapy.

Objectives: The aim of this research was to explore with a heterogeneous Muslim population their understanding of the concept of mental health and how any mental distress experienced by an individual can best be addressed. Design: A qualitative approach was taken. Participants were interviewed, and data analysed thematically. Methods: A sample of 14 Muslims was interviewed according to a semi-structured interview schedule. Participants were recruited via electronic mailing lists, and communications with local Muslim organizations. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Thematic analysis identified seven operationalizing themes that were given the labels `causes', `problem management', `relevance of services', `barriers', `service delivery', `therapy content', and `therapist characteristics'. Conclusions: The results highlight the interweaving of religious and secular perspectives on mental distress and responses to it. Potential barriers are discussed, as are the important characteristics of therapy, therapists, and service provision. Clinical implications are presented along with the limitations of this study and suggestions for future research