Emotional intelligence, reflective abilities and wellbeing in social workers

Research reportIn order to inform the curriculum and the development of supportive structures to support the work-related wellbeing of trainee social workers, this research project had several aims. It examined the key motivators to enter social work, together with the sources of social support and the coping strategies that students draw on to help them manage the demands of study and placement experiences Several emotional and social competencies (i.e. emotional intelligence, reflective ability, empathy and social competence) are also investigated as potential predictors of resilience. Also examined was whether resilience predicted psychological distress, and the role played by resilience in the relationship between emotional intelligence and distress was assessed

Between one and zero: noise, ghosts and plasticity.

This paper addresses two sonic artworks, Ghost (2011) and Plasticity (2012) that use models of spiking neurons to materialize endogenous and exogenous composition in relation to noise and sonic memory. In the formation of these artworks the exploration of noise is considered in the context of areas of neuroscience, cell switching and cultural theory. Noise appears to be the glue that turns the boundary or limit of the cell into a threshold, no longer indivisible. And that noise, in drawing sound into being, carries with it the root of all information implicit and explicit

What is resilience and how can it be assessed and enhanced in social workers?

A report submitted to the University of Bedfordshire in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published WorksThe outputs chosen for inclusion for this PhD by publication comprise seven articles published in peer reviewed journals, two book chapters, one research paper and two resource guides commissioned by professional bodies. These outputs explore two major themes. The first concerns the nature of resilience in social workers and identifies the inter- and intra-individual competencies associated with the concept. The second concerns how resilience and its underpinning competencies can be enhanced in social work education, both pre and post qualification. The report begins by contextualising the research within the existing literature, outlining my epistemological and methodological position and highlighting the importance of a pragmatic mixed-methods approach to research design, data collection and analysis. A critique of the outputs is subsequently provided together with a discussion of how I developed as a social work academic and a researcher during the research programme. Finally, the significance of the contribution to the body of social work knowledge provided by these outputs is demonstrated by identifying how the research has enhanced understanding of improving wellbeing in social workers though the development of a tool box of strategies to manage stress and foster resilience in social work training and practice

Circular 114

Trials were begun in 1989 at the Georgeson Botanical Garden (64°51’N, 147° 52’W, elevation 475 feet; 136 meters) to evaluate the hardiness and ornamental potential of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennial ornamentals. Woody ornamentals are tested for 10 years, and herbaceous perennials for five years. This report is the first summary of perennials that have survived the trial period with a winter hardiness rating between zero and 2.5. Each plant in the trial is evaluated annually for winter injury and rated on a scale of zero through four. A zero rating denotes no visible injury, and four is death. A score of 2.5 and lower indicates the plant grew well in the Garden. It may have shown symptoms of winter injury but recovered in subsequent seasons. The species and cultivars listed in Table 1 are recommended for further trial throughout Interior Alaska. Plants are grown on a south-facing slope in Fairbanks silt loam soil. The plots have been cultivated since about 1910. All plants receive full sun except those located in the shade house. Plants receive supplemental irrigation, mostly hand weeding, and an annual application of 500 lb per acre (560.5 kg/ha) 10-20-20S fertilizer. Lilies receive 1500 lb (1,681.5 kg/ha) per acre of the same fertilizer. No plant receives winter protection such as mulches, wind barriers or snow fences. Weather data are compiled annually from U.S. Weather Service station (elevation 475 feet; 136 meters) located approximately 350 feet (105 meters) west of the Garden. A summary of pertinent weather statistics is shown in Table 2

The governance of women's organisations towards better practice

This report is intended as a stimulus to further research on the organised women’s movement and as a contribution to the better governance of the sector. It aims to develop a methodology for the analysis of the governance of women’s organisations. It draws on archival and contemporary material, case studies and other expertise within the sector. It also aims to redress the research deficit on women organising and stimulate further relevant research within the sector the academy

Dementia Friendly Walking Project: Evaluation Report

The evaluation project explored the second year of the dementia friendly walking project. Paths for All were keen to obtain views of people living with dementia, their carers and other walk attendees regarding their experiences of attending dementia friendly walks. Currently approximately 100 group projects are taking place across Scotland, with 500 walks taking place per week. Currently there are 23 dementia friendly walking group projects taking place across Scotland. The purpose of the evaluation is to evaluate the current progress on the dementia friendly walks aspect of Paths for All, and the experiences and perspectives of people living with dementia in relation to the group walking activities, areas of improvement for walking groups, and in relation to project outcomes set by the Life Changes Trust as the project funder. The goals of the evaluation are; • To explore experiences of attending dementia friendly walks as organised by walking for health groups within the Paths for All programme.  • To explore landscapes where walks are taking place.  • To explore social interactions taking place between attendees.  • To identify benefits, facilitators and challenges regarding attending dementia friendly walks from the perspective of people living with dementia. • Identify gaps and make recommendations for provision of dementia friendly walks in the future.&nbsp

The Evolution of Life Sentences For Second-Degree Murder: Parole Ineligibility and Time Spent in Prison

Canada\u27s murder sentencing regime has been in effect since 1976, and yet very little data has examined what these sentences actually mean for those convicted. This paper begins to fill this gap by examining the meaning of a life sentence for those convicted of second degree murder in Canada. Using data provided by the Correctional Investigator, we examine both the parole ineligibility periods imposed by sentencing judges, and how long people are serving before a grant of full parole over time from 1977 to 2020. We found statistically significant increases over time in both judicial parole ineligibility periods, and in how long people are serving beyond their first full parole eligibility date. We also found that Indigenous persons are more likely to serve longer periods of time past their parole ineligibility date. We conclude that, at every point in the process, sentencing for murder has become increasingly harsh over time with no obvious public safety rationale for this increase

San Francisco Bay Area KIPP Schools: A Study of Early Implementation

Measures how well five San Francisco Bay Area schools have implemented the goals of the Knowledge Is Power Program during the first year of a three-year initiative to prepare underserved urban youth for college