Factors Related to Passage Length: Implications for Second Language Listening Comprehension

Despite its importance in the development of second language (L2) proficiency, there is little research on listening comprehension in a second language. Evidence for the role of most factors that may impact second language listening is sparse. One practical factor often mentioned in relation to the difficulty of L2 listening passages is length, but there are several problems with characterizing the amount of information in a passage this way. We summarize available research on the effects of passage length in L2 listening comprehension and describe the relationship between passage length and other important factors and highlight areas in need of more research

Providing support following exposure to suicide: A mixed method study

Exposure to suicide and the associated impacts for those left behind can be long lasting and traumatic. Literature has predominantly examined the experience of suicide and impact from the perspective of those closest to the deceased—with studies primarily focused on kin relationships. Appropriate and timely support delivered by skilled professionals, through the provision of postvention support, has been suggested as a way to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with exposure to suicide. The evidence regarding what support, for whom, and the timing of support is scarce. As an extension of this scarcity, there is minimal research examining the ways in which provision of this postvention (that is, support following exposure to suicide) support impacts workers. This paper explores service use data gathered to evaluate a nation‐wide Australian suicide postvention service, in conjunction with qualitative data from those providing postvention support to those exposed to suicide to understand who accesses support and the impact of providing such support on service providers. Postvention workers provide insight into the demands of responding to suicide, the pressure of being on call, and the ways in which they are able to maintain their well‐being through external supervision