To What Extent Is the Thrive Intervention Grounded in Research and Theory?

The Thrive approach is an assessment and planning based intervention that aims to develop children’s social and emotional wellbeing. Despite the increased popularity of Thrive, there is limited research that has investigated its effectiveness. After reviewing the assessment, training and intervention elements of Thrive and the evidence base for the underpinning assumptions, this article considers the evaluative research. Thrive is rooted in attachment theory and assumes that infant development is vulnerable to disruption by poor attachment experiences and that these disruptions can be ameliorated in later life through the development of secure relationships with school staff. The article concludes that, while Thrive is based on attachment theory, which itself is well supported by evidence, how Thrive applies and interprets this theory is less well supported. There is currently limited evidence of the impact of Thrive on children’s development. Other issues and implications of this critique are also discussed. This research was completed as part of the Doctorate in Educational Psychology at University of Southampton

Dyslexia or Literacy Difficulties: What Difference Does a Label Make? Exploring the Perceptions and Experiences of Young People

This study explores the views of young people (YP), with and without self-reported dyslexia or literacy difficulties, focussing on the impact of labels. Qualitative data were gathered through an online survey and individual interviews. The study highlights how the presence or absence of a label can impact people’s perceptions. Dyslexia was perceived as biological in origin; therefore, YP with the label were seen as not to blame for their difficulties. However, more negative judgements were made about YP without the label but with the same difficulties. Participants viewed the label as important for gaining support, yet highlighted the potential for discrimination in terms of access to diagnosis and resources. What was important to participants with dyslexia was not necessarily the label but the support that they received and how they were viewed by others. Implications for school professionals are discussed in terms of ensuring that YP feel empowered by the way they are described

Educational Psychology Research and Practice (EPRaP): Volume 5, Issue 2

Educational Psychology Research and Practice is an open access periodical published twice a year by the School of Psychology, University of East London. It offers a forum for informed debate and discussion of Educational Psychology research and training as well as a wider focus on issues of social justice and civic engagement in applied psychological practice. EPRaP is open to publishing research findings, literature reviews, commentaries, methodology papers, reflection on practice and book/resource reviews. It is part of a research and learning culture that recognises the importance of knowledge exchange and impact for partners in the community

Educational Psychology Research and Practice (EPRaP): Volume 7, Issue 1

Educational Psychology Research and Practice is an open access periodical published twice a year by the School of Psychology, University of East London. It offers a forum for informed debate and discussion of Educational Psychology research and training as well as a wider focus on issues of social justice and civic engagement in applied psychological practice. EPRaP is open to publishing research findings, literature reviews, commentaries, methodology papers, reflection on practice and book/resource reviews. It is part of a research and learning culture that recognises the importance of knowledge exchange and impact for partners in the community