On the functional renormalization group for the scalar field on curved background with non-minimal interaction

The running of the non-minimal parameter (\xi) of the interaction of the real scalar field and scalar curvature is explored within the non-perturbative setting of the functional renormalization group (RG). We establish the RG flow in curved space-time in the scalar field sector, in particular derive an equation for the non-minimal parameter. The RG trajectory is numerically explored for different sets of initial data.Comment: LaTeX, 17 pages, 4 Figure

Therapist interventions and client ambivalence in two cases of narrative therapy for depression

Aim: We understand ambivalence as a cycle of opposing expressions by two internal voices. The emergence of a suppressed voice produces an innovative moment (IM), challenging the dominant voice, which represents the client’s problematic selfnarrative. The emergence of the IM is opposed by the dominant voice, leading to a return to the problematic self-narrative. This study analyzed therapist and client responses to each other in episodes of ambivalence. Method: The therapeutic collaboration coding system (TCCS) assesses whether and how the therapeutic dyad is working within the therapeutic zone of proximal development (TZPD) by examining client responses to therapist interventions. We applied the TCCS to episodes in which a good- and a poor-outcome client in narrative therapy expressed ambivalence. Results: In both the good- and poor-outcome cases, the therapist responded to the emergence of ambivalence similarly, balancing challenging and supporting. The good-outcome case responded at the developmental level proposed by the therapist when challenged, while the poor-outcome case lagged behind the level proposed. Discussion: This supports the theoretical explanation that the therapist did not match client’s developmental level in the poor-outcome case, working beyond the client’s current TZPD and contributing to the maintenance of ambivalence.Psychology Research Centre (UID/PSI/01662/2013), University of Minho, and supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education through national funds and co-financed by FEDER through COMPETE2020 under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement (POCI-01-0145- FEDER-007653)Postdoctoral research grant SFRH/BPD/ 84157/ 2012 of Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technolog