Shame, depressive symptoms and eating, weight and shape concerns in a non-clinical sample

Shame has been shown to be related both to symptoms of depression and eating pathology. However, the independence of this relationship has not yet been established. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the relationship between shame and eating disorder symptoms was independent of the relationships of these variables with depression. Seventy non-clinical female participants completed measures of eating disorder related concerns using the Eating Disorder Examination - Questionnaire version (EDE-Q), depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and two measures of shame, the Other As Shamer Scale (OAS) and the Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA). Despite a strong association between BDI-II and EDE-Q scores and a moderate relationship between the shame measures, the two measures of shame showed some specificity in their relationships with symptom measures. The OAS was independently related to levels of BDI-II scores while the TOSCA was independently related to scores on the EDE-Q. There are a number of differences between the two measures of shame used in this study. The fact that each was differentially related to eating concerns and depressive symptoms may give clues as to which aspects of shame are important in each of the two types of pathology.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Weapons of mouse destruction: a 3D strategy for combating cut-and-paste plagiarism using the JISC Plagiarism Advisory Service

This article describes an action research project undertaken in the Business Information Technology (BIT) subject group of a post-1992 University Business School to combat the growing menace of cut-and-paste plagiarism. The authors regard plagiarism—the passing off as one’s own, the words and ideas of another—as an academic malpractice that should be deterred, detected and dealt with appropriately. We use these three themes, or dimensions, to structure our account here of an expanding portfolio of tools and techniques we have deployed over a period of three years. Recently the Joint Information Systems Committee’s (JISC) Plagiarism Advisory Service (PAS) has become central to our efforts, and whilst it is certainly useful in structuring student perceptions, detecting and highlighting sections of cut and paste, and providing professional disciplinary evidence, we draw attention to the potentially pivotal role it can play in structuring student perceptions of plagiarism. In particular, we advise that the JISC PAS is used carefully as part of a more considered approach to student plagiarism rather than as a quick and easy panacea. Pilot studies carried out across six undergraduate and postgraduate units have revealed a growing awareness, amongst both academic and student enthusiasts, of the strengths and limitations of this service. Potentially, these limitations, combined with the restricted sanctions available according to university regulations, could constitute a small risk that some students may calculate and be willing to take. We feel it is important whilst working within this framework to adopt other complimentary strategies in order to make the wholesale or part copying of another’s work an irrational choice, even for the desperate student. This article draws upon current plagiarism literature, field observations and a survey of plagiarism perceptions conducted on over 150 final year undergraduate students. We present the findings from our ongoing action research in the form of a ‘3D’ strategy that attempts to share best practice in deterring, detecting, and dealing appropriately with cut-and-paste plagiarism. Our findings indicate that students do perceive the JISC PAS as effective across all three dimensions, but this perception can be altered significantly depending upon how the service is presented as part of a broader set of strategies to combat student plagiarism. In particular, we have found that allowing students to see the comparison report output from the JISC PAS, not only heightens student anxiety regarding speculative accusations of plagiarism, but also significantly reduces their confidence in the service as a reliable and effective detection method

Adherence to prophylaxis in adolescents and young adults with severe haemophilia: a qualitative study with healthcare professionals

© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.Aim: to examine healthcare professionals’ (HP) perceptions and experiences in relation to adherence to prophylactic treatment among young people living with haemophilia (YPH). Methods: All HPs in four haemophilia centres across England and Wales were invited to participate, and all HPs who agreed to take part (n = 6) were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and then analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: HPs estimate that generally young people with haemophilia keep to their treatment regimen well, although they also recognise that adherence may fluctuate with many patients going through shorter periods of non-adherence. The increasingly personalised or flexible approach to prophylaxis makes it harder to assess adherence. The main themes identified through IPA included (1) HPs’ suggest that adherence fluctuates (2) Non-adherence is mainly driven by lifestyle and developmental, social and family factors, and (3) Education, HPs’ sensitivity to individual needs, and psychological and peer support are key facilitators of good adherence. Conclusion: The increasingly flexible approach to prophylaxis requires a new way of thinking about, and assessment of, adherence. More personalised treatment regimen can be more complicated and may, therefore, lead to accidental non-adherence. The results of this study with HPs complement those of a previous qualitative study with patients but place greater emphasis on a broader perspective on understanding drivers of non-adherence as well as understanding strategies to improve adherence in the minority of patients who appear to struggle.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

A prospective study exploring the construct and predictive validity of the COM-B model for physical activity

The final, definitive version of this paper has been published in Journal of Health Psychology, November 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105317739098, published by SAGE Publishing, All rights reserved.This study examined the constructs of Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation from the COM-B model and their influence on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Using a prospective survey design, 186 healthy adults completed measures representing the Theoretical Domains Framework mapped to the COM-B, and MVPA one week later. The main indicators for the COM constructs were ‘habits’ (Capability), ‘subjective norms’ (Opportunity), and ‘exercise self-identity’ (Motivation). Motivation (77%) and MVPA (50%) were strongly predicted, with Capability and Motivation as key drivers of behaviour. Motivation was a strong mediator for Capability on behaviour. Future research should consider this approach for other populations and behaviours.Peer reviewe

How effective is community physical activity promotion in areas of deprivation for inactive adults? A pragmatic observational evaluation of the 'Active Herts' physical activity programme

Background There is a high prevalence of inactivity in UK adults and many suffer from comorbid conditions. These frequently co-exist in areas of higher socio-economic deprivation. There is a need to test the effectiveness, acceptability, and sustainability of physical activity programmes in this population. Method Active Herts recruited inactive adults (N=435) with one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease and/or mild-to-moderate mental health conditions, and followed up at 3 and 6 months after baseline. In two areas programme-users received a behaviour change technique booklet, consultations, a booster phone call, motivational text messages, and signposting to 12 weeks of exercise classes (standard intervention). In another two areas programme-users also received 12 weeks of free tailored exercise classes, with optional exercise ‘buddies’ (enhanced intervention). Mixed ANOVAs analysed changes in physical activity, sporting participation, sitting (primary outcomes), mental wellbeing, health perception, and COM-B measures (secondary outcomes). Secondary analyses explored whether COM-B measures predicted moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at baseline, 3, and 6 months, and changes at 3 and 6 months using path analyses. Results At both timepoints, physical activity (3 months, η2 = .17; 6 months, η2 = .18), sporting participation (3 months, η2 = .22; 6 months, η2 = .17), sitting time (3 months, η2 = .08; 6 months, η2 = .06), and several secondary outcomes (e.g. wellbeing) improved regardless of group. COM-B related indicators explained MVPA performance better after 3 (R2=18%) and 6 (R2=15%) months than at baseline (R2=8%), but changes in MVPA were weakly predicted (3 months, R2=5%; 6 months, R2=7%). Self-monitoring was key in driving MVPA performance and change. Conclusions and Implications Active Herts improved activity levels at 3 and 6 months providing preliminary evidence that such interventions, delivered in real world settings, can change the behaviour and wellbeing of residents living in areas of deprivation.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

The Legal Liability of the Chartmaker

Recent developments in the law have imposed increased liability and responsibility on Government Departments and Agencies providing services to the public. The Canadian Hydrographic Service, as the Crown Agency providing reliable information to the marine navigator, must be aware of the legal responsibilities and duties and the extent to which the Crown may be liable for shipping casualties and other marine accidents. The degree of reliance placed on charts and other nautical publications of the CHS potentially exposes the Government of Canada, under the Crown Liability Act, to claims by ship owners and cargo owners for damages ranging up to many millions of dollars based upon misleading or inaccurate charts. Members of the CHS need to be aware of this responsibility and take all necessary measures to protect and to limit this potential exposure of the Government of Canada. The importance of the CHS establishing standards of excellence and providing for mechanisms to ensure that these standards of excellence are met is emphasized. Special reference is made to the legal problems and other scientific investigations and the manner by which the Crown can discharge its responsibility and limit its liability there for. The heavy reliance by Government and the marine public on the hydrographer’s creditability and expertise is also described, as well as the use to which the information and results are put. The legal problems associated with changing technology, new procedures and the updating of older charts and publications to meet modem charting standards are reviewed and discussed

Social rank, rank-related life events and eating pathology

This study explored the role of meaning in the link between stress and disordered eating, in particular focusing on social rankPeer reviewe

A CASE STUDY TO EXPLORE THE PERCEPTION OF A WOMAN PARTICIPANT IN DRUG COURT OF A COMMUNITY-BASED ARTS PROGRAM ON SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY OUTCOMES

Addiction to drugs is a complex, chronic, and multi-faceted disease that often involves cycles of relapse and remission. The lifetime prevalence of alcohol and drug use disorders in women in the United States is 19.5 percent and 7.1 percent, respectively (McHugh, Wigderson, & Greenfield, 2014) yet there is a significant dearth of efficacious substance abuse treatment services tailored specifically to women. In addition, literature suggests that the third aspect of Bandura’s Social Cognitive theory (self-efficacy) potentially plays a significant role in abstinence of drug use. The role of art interventions on recovery outcomes for a woman enrolled in the Franklin County, Kentucky drug court program was examined through the lens of self-efficacy using a case study method. Interviews were conducted with a female participant in drug court over a four-month period. In addition, a single one-hour interview was conducted with the judge who oversees this specialty court. The results of this study suggest art interventions can serve as an effective addiction recovery tool for women and can enhance self-efficacy, particularly when incorporated into a larger, more comprehensive program, as it provides an alternative way to process trauma and gives a setting to form relationships with other women in recovery. In addition, this study preliminarily showed that a woman’s belief that she will be successful in maintaining sobriety is equally important to having access to recovery tools and resources. These results revealed potential weaknesses, which can be considered in the design of similar programs. Additionally, as these results are preliminary, the findings can be used to inform ongoing research in this area