Including pupils who are perceived to have challenging behaviour within mainstream schools : exploring the impact of exclusion interventions and SENCos' efficacy beliefs

D. App. Ed. Psy. ThesisA mixed-methods integrated systematic review explored the effectiveness of psychological interventions designed to reduce disciplinary exclusions from British mainstream secondary schools. Little evidence was found to suggest that any one form of intervention can reduce exclusion rates. However, there was some evidence to suggest some interventions may change perceptions of behaviour and/or the incidence of inappropriate behaviours and, in consequence reduce exclusion rates. There was also some evidence to suggest that factors such as ‘notions of power in the classroom’, ‘life scripts’, ‘gender’, ‘sharing thoughts feelings and experiences’ and ‘treatment readiness’ may impact on intervention success. The majority of studies focused on intervening therapeutically at the individual child/group level and the general focus of disciplinary exclusion intervention literature is on transfer to alternative provisions. As there is a dearth of research exploring school factors such as the sources of teacher efficacy beliefs in relation to difficult behaviour to inform intervention, the empirical research project explored this. Five primary school Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) participated in a semi-structured interview and the data was subjected to thematic analysis. Findings suggested that efficacy beliefs in relation to perceived challenging behaviour are developed by ‘mastery experiences’, ‘social persuasion’, ‘cognitive reframing’ and ‘support from team’. Subsequently, barriers to developing efficacy beliefs included ‘lack of experience’, ‘lack of appropriate Continued Professional Development (CPD) opportunities’, ‘perceived limitations of teachers’ role’, ‘lack of access to psychological support’ and ‘lack of success’. Recommendations for future research and Educational Psychology (EP) practice were discussed

The Drawing Book. A survey of drawing: the primary means of expression

‘The Drawing Book’ was conceived and edited by Kovats. Other invited authors included Kate Macfarlane and Katherine Stout (The Drawing Room, London), and Charles Darwent (art historian and writer). The publication sought to survey drawing as the primary means of expression. The book explored whether it was possible to employ a renaissance model, the commonplace book, which is primarily a text-based model, visually. Drawings were gathered together to explore certain themes that then form a visual narrative rather than a text-based one. The book was also an exploration of the subjective nature of visual memory, a journey into the imagination of an individual, in itself a model of the form of drawing, as a personal and subjective cosmology of drawing. The vast collection of drawings span the history of art and design, including the rich dynamic state of contemporary drawing today. This book examines the relationship between drawing and thinking, and looks at what drawings do, as well as how they look. It is organized into thematic chapters based on the form of a commonplace book. The selected drawings trace the continuous line flowing through detailing how artists, scientists, architects, designers, philosophers understand our world and our experience in it. Originally printed as a hardback copy (January 2006), the book has subsequently been reprinted in paperback (June 2007). The book has been reviewed in Blueprint (Andrew Ross, No. 242, May 2006) and Varoom Magazine - The Journal of Illustration and Made Images (Ian Massey, Issue 2, November 2006)

The Reintegration of Child Soldiers in Nepal and Sri Lanka: Navigating post conflict identities in civilian life.

Reintegration remains an on-going process for former child soldiers as they undergo multiple transitions from their child to adult, civilian lives. It is crucial to understand how children experience the child soldier identity in relation to complex social and political situations that are present in post conflict settings. The child soldier identity is under theorised and often poorly understood. Child soldiers often have a much more fluid and complex identity experience depending upon the local, national context. This thesis provides an analysis of reintegration in the context of national post conflict politics by examining the longer-term reintegration experiences of former girl and boy child soldiers, who were recruited to two former armed groups, the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-M), and the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE), Sri Lanka. This research illustrates the complexities of reintegration as experienced by former child soldiers by focusing on their agency and lived experience. The thesis employs a theoretical approach that draws on Sociological based studies of Childhood in International Relations, and a methodology that used case studies based on interviews with former child soldiers conducted through fieldwork. The significance of the empirical analysis shows that the child soldier's reintegration experience is more than the individual transition from a military to civilian identity. Through the reintegration process, the child soldier identity takes on a political meaning in post conflict settings where national led efforts to address issues of peace, justice, and human rights are politicised and often contentious. A three level analysis approach is applied to the two case studies: i) individual experiences of the child soldier identity, ii) family and community relationships, and iii) state-level political analysis. The Nepalese case finds that former child soldiers occupy and negotiate multiple identities across an international and local divide. The child soldier identity imposed upon them by the UN during the formal rehabilitation program disempowered them by creating social distinctions between them, their former Maoist senior comrades, and their families and communities. However, in Nepal's politicised transitional justice context former child soldiers have created an alternative justice narrative through the work of the Peace Envisioners organisation. The organisation is building international linkages by utilising the international child soldier identity as a strategy to pressure the national government and former CPN-M senior leadership to address social justice and legal concerns. In Sri Lanka, the child soldier identity was used by the state to build political legitimacy through state led child soldier rehabilitation efforts. The state's protection of former child soldiers is contingent upon them performing a national identity based on loyalty and commitment to the state. Sri Lanka's militarised setting continues to generate fear and insecurity in the lives of former child soldiers, their families and communities ultimately limiting their reintegration outcomes. This is demonstrated by an analysis of the militarised, masculine state and the continued subjugation of the Tamil population, including through a gendered lens. This thesis generates new insights into the connection between child soldier reintegration outcomes and the national political setting regarding the legacy of conflict, peace, and justice. The legacy of conflict intersects with their reintegration experiences to determine their life outcomes, their ability to rebuild relationships and social status within the family and community more broadly, and their position as citizens in relation to state. The thesis contributes a richer understanding of child soldiers' post conflict lives to support future policy and advocacy initiatives that empower youth in conflict-affected contexts

Teacher attitudes and behavior toward the inclusion of children with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties in mainstream schools : an application of the theory of planned behavior

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used to examine relationships between teacher attitudes and behavior towards children with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties (SEBD). One hundred and eleven elementary school teachers completed questionnaires. Teacher perception of their school principal’s expectations (subjective norm) predicted teacher behaviors. Teachers who had attended more in-service training (INSET) sessions held more positive feelings, but teachers with more experience were less willing to work with children with SEBD. Findings suggest that school principals have a central role in promoting an inclusive ethos within their schools. INSET could focus more on challenging beliefs

A pre-post evaluation of an online career planning module on university students’ career adaptability

Indecisiveness and negative thinking regarding career pathways can hinder university students’ career planning, motivation, and mental health. Students intending to enter the workforce after graduation therefore need to develop skills related to career adaptability (i.e. career planning, decision-making, problem solving/confidence and exploration), particularly since career planning and construction is linked to gaining employment. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of an online career planning module on students’ career adaptability.  The career-focussed online module, based on the constructs of Savickas’ (2005) theory of career construction, and tailored to students’ skills and interests, was developed and embedded into the University curriculum of a second-year exercise and public health-related unit. In 2018, 80 students completed the online module, along with pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessing career adaptability elements including career planning, decision making, problem solving/confidence, and exploration. Dependent t-tests were conducted to assess differences in these measures pre- and post-intervention. Post-intervention, significant increases in career-planning strategies used (t(69)=5.45, p<0.001), career planning concern (t(69)=3.73, p<0.001), decision making (i.e. career path identification) (t(70)=3.86, p<0.001), decision making confidence (t(65)=2.69, p<0.01), and problem solving/confidence (t(65) = 2.16, p=0.03) were observed. Further, 80% of participants identified jobs at post-intervention not previously identified pre-intervention (exploration) and 71% of participants perceived improvements in confidence regarding job ideas/making career choices.  Findings from this research indicated that completing a brief online career education module, tailored to an individual’s skills and interests, improved all dimensions of the participating students’ career adaptability. Further research utilising longer-term follow-up and randomised controlled trial designs are required to confirm the reliability and transferability of the findings

Genetic variation in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal stress axis influences susceptibility to musculoskeletal pain: results from the EPIFUND study

<b>Objectives</b> To determine if genetic variation in genes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the primary stress response system, influences susceptibility to developing musculoskeletal pain.<p></p> <b>Methods</b> Pain and comorbidity data was collected at three time points in a prospective population-based cohort study. Pairwise tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected and genotyped for seven genes. Genetic association analysis was carried out using zero-inflated negative binomial regression to test for association between SNPs and the maximum number of pain sites across the three time points in participants reporting pain, reported as proportional changes with 95% CIs. SNPs were also tested for association with chronic widespread pain (CWP) using logistic regression reporting odds ratios and 95% CI.<p></p> <b>Results</b> A total of 75 SNPs were successfully genotyped in 994 participants including 164 cases with persistent CWP and 172 pain-free controls. Multiple SNPs in SERPINA6 were associated with the maximum number of pain sites; for example, each copy of the T allele of rs941601 was associated with having 16% (proportional change=1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.28, p=0.006) more pain sites compared to participants with the CC genotype. SERPINA6 gene SNPs were also associated with CWP. Significant associations between the maximum number of pain sites and SNPs in the CRHBP and POMC genes were also observed and a SNP in MC2R was also associated with CWP. Associations between SNPs and comorbidity of poor sleep quality and depression explained some of the associations observed.<p></p> <b>Conclusions</b> Genetic variation in HPA axis genes was associated with musculoskeletal pain; however, some of the associations were explained by comorbidities. Replication of these findings is required in independent cohorts

Do genetic predictors of pain sensitivity associate with persistent widespread pain?

Genetic risk factors for pain sensitivity may also play a role in susceptibility to chronic pain disorders, in which subjects have low pain thresholds. The aim of this study was to determine if proposed functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GTP cyclohydrolase (GCH1) and μ opioid receptor (OPRM1) genes previously associated with pain sensitivity affect susceptibility to chronic widespread pain (CWP). Pain data was collected using body manikins via questionnaire at three time-points over a four year period from subjects aged 25-65 in the North-West of England as part of a population based cohort study, EPIFUND. CWP was defined at each time point using standard criteria. Three SNPs forming a proposed "pain-protective" haplotype in GCH1 (rs10483639, rs3783641 and rs8007267) and two SNPs in OPRM1 (rs1777971 (A118G) and rs563649) were genotyped in cases with persistent CWP (CWP present at ≥2 time-points) and controls who were pain-free at all time-points. The expectation-maximisation algorithm was used to estimate haplotype frequencies. The frequency of the "pain-protective" (CAT - C allele of rs10483639, A allele of rs3783641 and T allele of rs8007267) haplotype was compared to the frequency of the other haplotypes between cases and controls using the χ2 test. Allele frequencies and carriage of the minor allele was compared between cases and controls using χ2 tests for the OPRM1 SNPs. The frequency of the proposed GCH1 "pain-protective" haplotype (CAT) did not significantly differ between cases and controls and no significant associations were observed between the OPRM1 SNPs and CWP. In conclusion, there was no evidence of association between proposed functional SNPs, previously reported to influence pain sensitivity, in GCH1 and OPRM1 with CWP. Further evidence of null association in large independent cohorts is required to truly exclude these SNPs as genetic risk factors for CWP

Beliefs about Appropriate Antibacterial Therapy, California

To our knowledge, previous population-based surveys have not assessed misconceptions about antibacterial drug use over time. We documented a 26.3% decline in a key misconception in California women in 2003 compared to 2000; declines varied significantly by education level. Educational campaigns specifically designed to influence important subpopulations are needed

Suicide after leaving the UK armed forces -A cohort study

Background Few studies have examined suicide risk in individuals once they have left the military. We aimed to investigate the rate, timing, and risk factors for suicide in all those who had left the UK Armed Forces (1996-2005). Methods and Findings We carried out a cohort study of ex-Armed Forces personnel by linking national databases of discharged personnel and suicide deaths (which included deaths receiving either a suicide or undetermined verdict). Comparisons were made with both general and serving populations. During the study period 233, 803 individuals left the Armed Forces and 224 died by suicide. Although the overall rate of suicide was not greater than that in the general population, the risk of suicide in men aged 24 y and younger who had left the Armed Forces was approximately two to three times higher than the risk for the same age groups in the general and serving populations (age-specific rate ratios ranging from 170 to 290). The risk of suicide for men aged 30-49 y was lower than that in the general population. The risk was persistent but may have been at its highest in the first 2 y following discharge. The risk of suicide was greatest in males, those who had served in the Army, those with a short length of service, and those of lower rank. The rate of contact with specialist mental health was lowest in the age groups at greatest risk of suicide (14% for those aged under 20 y, 20% for those aged 20-24 y). Conclusions Young men who leave the UK Armed Forces were at increased risk of suicide. This may reflect preservice vulnerabilities rather than factors related to service experiences or discharge. Preventive strategies might include practical and psychological preparation for discharge and encouraging appropriate help-seeking behaviour once individuals have left the services

When will Immersive Virtual Reality have its day? Challenges to IVR adoption in the home as exposed in studies with teenagers, parents and experts

In response to the pandemic, many countries have had multiple lockdowns punctuated by partial freedoms limiting physically being together. In 2020-21, during the COVID-19 pandemic parents were stressed and exhausted by the challenges of work, home schooling and barriers to typical childcare arrangements. Children were missing one another, their social lives and the variety of experiences that the world beyond the home brings. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) offers tried and tested ways to enable children to maintain beyond-household family activities and dynamics. However, it is not viewed as a solution. Instead, as demonstrated through a multiple method study involving a Rapid Evidence Assessment; workshops with 91 teenagers; interviews with 15 experts; a Delphi study with 21 experts; 402 parent questionnaires pre-pandemic; 232 parent questionnaires during the pandemic; and longitudinal interviews with 13 parents during the first UK lockdown in 2020, IVR is not viewed as having value in the home beyond gaming. Results highlight limited consideration of IVR as a way to enhance family life or the home, with a lack of evidence and direction from current research, innovation and policy. The paper empirically demonstrates that experts, teenagers and parents have limited expectations for VR. Further, with parental resistance to adoption and a lack of ideas or innovations in how Immersive Virtual Reality could be used, the likelihood of VR-headset adoption remains low as does its potential as a means of educating, entertaining and socially engaging children and teenagers