Reward-related attentional capture predicts non-abstinence during a one-month abstinence challenge

BackgroundWhile it is generally recognised that cognitive attributes can predict behaviour change outcomes in the field of addiction this question is typically studied in treatment seeking samples (to predict treatment outcomes and relapse). However the concept of behaviour change applies to the entire spectrum of addiction-like behaviours and initiatives such as temporary abstinence challenges offer insight into an understudied but equally relevant point of the spectrum. Thus the current study examined whether reward-related attentional capture predicted non-abstinence during IkPas (the Dutch national dry January campaign translated: NoThanks!).MethodParticipants included 1130 adults who had complete baseline data and performed above chance level on the cognitive task. Of these 683 participants completed the post-IkPas assessment and were included in the primary analysis. A binary logistic regression examined whether reward-related attentional capture predicted drinking during IkPas controlling for alcohol use at baseline (among other potential confounders).ResultsParticipants who showed greater reward-related attentional capture before IkPas were more likely to not remain abstinent from drinking during IkPas (p = .014). Findings were replicated using multiple imputation to replace missing data (p = .013).ConclusionThese findings provide important insights into the cognitive mechanisms that support successful behaviour change such as the ability to ignore task-irrelevant reward cues and may inform the development of tools that individuals could use to maximise their likelihood of achieving successful behaviour change

Covert action failure and fiasco construction: William Hague’s 2011 Libyan venture

In 2011 William Hague, then British Foreign Secretary, authorized a Special Forces team to enter Libya and attempt to contact rebels opposed to Muammar Gaddafi in the unfolding civil war. However, its members were detained by the rebels, questioned and ejected from the country. This article puts the literature on public policy failures into dialogue with that on covert action as a tool of foreign policy. It asks: why did this not develop into a fully-fledged policy fiasco when journalists and politicians alike judged it to have been a major error of judgement on Hague’s part? Using narrative analysis of the contemporary reporting of this incident, we argue that the government – possessing the advantage of information asymmetry accruing from operational secrecy – was ultimately able to win the battle of narratives in a frame contestation process. The study of information asymmetry can enhance the recently revivified research into foreign policy failures

Predicting disclosure and help-seeking in university students with psychosocial problems based on stigma and attitudes towards disclosure and help-seeking

Despite high prevalence of mental health problems among university students, there’s a gap between the need for help and the actual treatment received. This study investigated disclosure on distress and hazardous alcohol use and help-seeking behavior in a sample of 1,791 students of a Dutch university of applied sciences. Students’ perceived public and personal stigma, and attitudes towards disclosure and help-seeking were assessed as possible predictors of disclosure and help-seeking behavior. Results of the analysis of variance and logistic regression analysis indicated that perceived public and personal stigma did not predict disclosure and helpseeking behavior, but that attitudes towards disclosure and help-seeking did. Students with both distress and hazardous alcohol use have the least tendency to disclose their problems to family, friends or classmates, but at the same time they do tend to seek help. Disclosure and seeking help for mental health challenges are health promoting competencies that seem to need more attention in university students. Although further research needs to validate these findings, it is recommended to promote disclosure and help-seeking among students by investing in mental health literacy programs, to educate students about mental health issues, raise awareness on available mental health services and their potential benefits

Influence of shear stress magnitude and direction on atherosclerotic plaque composition

British Heart Foundation (BHF) grants (no. RG/11/13/29055 and PG/15/49/31595), awarded to R.K. and E.P. who are employed by Bioengineering and the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre at Imperial College London. The grants also supported R.M.P. and S.M.B. V.V.M. was supported by a BHF. PhD studentship

Professionals' views on interventions to reduce and prevent problematic alcohol use in older adults

BackgroundInterventions to address problematic alcohol use in older adults are needed as alcohol use is highly prevalent among those over 55 years of age. For interventions to be most effective, their working elements should be leveraged. However, understanding of working elements specifically in interventions for older adults is limited. The aim of this study was to understand how (i.e., which elements), in which context, and why (which mechanisms) interventions are successful in preventing or reducing (problematic) alcohol use among older adults, from the perspective of professionals providing these interventions.MethodsGuided by a Realist Evaluation approach, an existing Initial Program Theory (IPT) on working elements in alcohol interventions, was tested by conducting semi-structured interviews with professionals (N = 20). These professionals provide interventions targeting alcohol use across several contexts: with or without practitioner involvement; in-person or not; and in an individual or in a group setting. Data were coded and links between contexts, elements, mechanisms and outcomes were sought for in order to confirm, refute or refine the IPT.ResultsSeveral general working elements were found: 1) pointing out the risks and consequences of drinking behavior, 2) paying attention to abstinence, 3) contact with peers, 4) personalized content and 5) providing support. We also found context-specific working elements:1) personalized content and conversations in interventions with practitioners, 2) safety, trust and feeling connected in in-person interventions and 3) sharing experiences and tips in group interventions.ConclusionsFindings are in general in line with the IPT. Our findings emphasize the need for social contacts and support for older adults. The mechanisms awareness and accessibility were important contributors to positive interventions outcomes. Further research should study the perspective of older adults and their relatives on interventions.Key messages• Social contacts and support are needed in interventions to reduce and prevent problematic alcohol use in older adults.• Awareness and accessibility are important contributors to positive interventions outcomes in interventions to reduce and prevent problematic alcohol use in older adults