Neuroliberalism:Cognition, context, and the geographical bounding of rationality

Focusing on the rise of the behavioural sciences within the design and implementation of public policy, this paper introduces the concept of neuroliberalism and suggests that it could offer a creative context within which to interpret related governmental developments. Understanding neuroliberaism as a system of government that targets the more-than rational aspects of human behaviour, this paper considers the particular contribution that geographical theories of context and spatial representation can make to a critical analysis of this evolving governmental project.authorsversionPeer reviewe

Social problem solving in chronic fatigue syndrome: Preliminary findings

This paper investigates social problem solving in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition characterized by reduced activity levels and excessive mental fatigue. Although intra- and interpersonal problems are prevalent, no studies have explored social problem-solving skills in this group. Patients were split into two groups: either high or low alexithymia, a condition associated with affect dysregulation. The high alexithymic group viewed problems as threatening, responding either impulsively or avoiding responding altogether; they were poor also in the use of compensatory strategies, which, taken together, increases the likelihood of a negative outcome from attempts at conflict resolution. These findings go some way in successfully identifying potential subgroupings in CFS sufferers and has important implications in terms of the therapy offered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Life-course transitions and desistance in sex offenders

This chapter examines life-course explanations of desistance and explores to what extent important life-course transitions are associated with reoffending rates in convicted sex offenders. It analyzes the effect of stable dynamic factors and focuses on the way marriage, divorce, and parenthood are associated with recidivism of registered sex offenders over a 25-year period. The chapter describes the sample of convicted sex offenders in terms of demographic and criminal history characteristics. It then examines general, special, and specific recidivism in this sample over the 25 year period. The chapter estimates event history models to assess the extent to which reconviction rates for different types of offenses are influenced by between individual characteristics and within individual differences in life course circumstances. Life-course research, however, indicates that institutions like school, work, and intimate relationships can act as important sources of informal social control that deter offenders from committing additional crimes