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Appropriate paper-based technology (APT) is used to provide postural support for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-resourced settings. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of APT on the children's and families' lives. A convenience sample of children with CP and their families participated. Inclusion was based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V. APT seating or standing frames were provided for six months. A mixed methods impact of APT devices on the children and families included the Family Impact Assistive Technology Scale for Adaptive Seating (FIATS-AS); the Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) questionnaire; and a qualitative assessment from diary/log and semi-structured interviews. Ten children (median 3 years, range 9 months to 7 years). Baseline to follow-up median (IQR) FIATS-AS were: 22.7 (9.3) and 30.3 (10.2), respectively (p=.002). Similarly mean (SD) CEDL scores for "frequency" changed from 30.5 (13.2) to 42.08 (5.96) (p=.021) and children's enjoyment scores from 2.23 (0.93) to 2.91 (0.79) (p=.019). CEDL questionnaire for self-care was not discriminatory; seven families scored zero at both baseline and 6 months. Qualitative interviews revealed three key findings; that APT improved functional ability, involvement/interaction in daily-life situations, and a reduced family burden of care. APT devices used in Kenyan children with non-ambulant CP had a meaningful positive effect on both the children's and their families' lives. Assistive devices are often unobtainable for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-income countries. APT is a low cost and sustainable solution to make seating and standing devices for disabled children in Kenya. The regular use of a postural support device enhanced the children's motor skills, ability to function and participate in everyday activities, reduced the burden of care for the families and promoted the children's social interaction. The postural support devices were highly valued and utilised by the children and families in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare data based on computerized and paper versions of health status questionnaires (HSQs) for sampling patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). In addition, to examine associations between patient characteristics (age, education, computer experience) and differences between versions. Finally, to evaluate the acceptability of computer-based questionnaires among patients with FM.Method: The study population comprised female patients diagnosed with FM. All patients completed six HSQs: the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Self-Assessment Questionnaire (GAD-10), both on paper and using a touch screen. One HSQ was tested at a time in a repeated randomized cross-over design. The two versions were completed with a 5-min interval and between each HSQ the participants had a 5-min break. Means, mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), medians, median differences, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for all HSQs, including relevant subscales. Associations between patient characteristics and differences between versions were explored using Spearman's correlation coefficients.Results: Twenty women, mean age 48.4 years, participated in the study. Except for one item, ICCs between touch-screen and paper versions of the HSQs examined indicated acceptable agreement (ICC = 0.71-0.99). Overall, mean and median differences revealed no differences between versions. No significant associations were observed for patient characteristics. None of the participants preferred paper questionnaires over computerized versions.Conclusions: The computerized HSQs using a touch screen gave comparable results to answers given on paper and were generally preferred by the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assistive technologies have allowed people with disabilities to perform daily tasks with greater independence and autonomy, especially for visually impaired people. Using smart home solutions allows these users to control their homes with less cognitive and physical demand. However, making such applications accessible to meet the needs of visually impaired users, especially in developing countries, remains a challenge. This paper investigates the perceptions of these users about home automation technologies through semi-structured interviews. A total of 20 visually impaired people participated in the interviews. A thematic analysis revealed results concerning the following themes: (1) how people go about their lives at home and around, how people interact with current appliances, objects and environments, (3) how people perceive their attitude to technologies, (4) the Brazilian context of smart homes, (5) what people think smart homes should do and (6) envisaging ways of interacting with smart home systems. The results obtained provide significant insight into the needs of visually-impaired people in Brazil, with analysis of issues that are common with previous studies in more developed countries and specific issues that have important particularities and implications in Brazil and other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People who hear voices that others do not often rely on mainstream mental health services. Several alternatives to treatment have grown in popularity including "Hearing Voices Groups" and other self-help groups for voice hearers. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the current evidence relating to the use of Hearing Voices Groups (HVGs) and other self-help groups for voice hearers, and identify the benefits felt by those attending such groups. The following databases were searched for relevant academic articles: CINAHL; APA PsycArticles; APA PsycInfo; Social Sciences; SocINDEX; UK & Ireland Reference Centre and Medline, with 13 papers identified for inclusion. Participants reported several benefits of attending a HVG/self-help group, which reduced isolation, improved social and coping skills, and gave them a better understanding of the meaning and context of their voices. The groups also provide hope for the future and act as a catalyst for recovery. These study findings suggest that voice hearers find some benefits from attending HVGs/self-help groups. Evidence indicates that voice hearers can live meaningful lives and continue to hear voices once context and meaning to their voices become clear. HVGs/self-help groups provide a vital service to voice hearers, which they felt was not available within mainstream mental health services. If mental health providers gained a better understanding of the HVN, they may be able to integrate the values and ethos of the HVN into groups for voice hearers within mainstream mental health services or signpost voice hearers to these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present and discuss partial findings of a thematic analysis on the experiences of 13 licensed clinicians who integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in couple therapy. We cover five of the seven themes that emerged from the data. These themes refer to practical factors of implementation, such as identifying and assessing the conditions necessary for effective integration, risks of integrating, and timing of integration in couple therapy. One additional theme refers to the institutional and training factors that might hinder model integration. After presenting the findings, we contrast them with available literature. We conclude by discussing clinical and research implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the call for chaplains to become 'research literate' has been recognized by various scholars as well as by practitioners in the field. However, papers that present and discuss the study design and provide guidance on the methodology of chaplaincy research are scarce. The aim of this study is to present the design of a mixed-methods study that investigates the impact of a spiritual care intervention on patients' spiritual wellbeing in palliative, home-based care. It reports on the steps needed to conduct such a study in chaplaincy care, and describes and discusses the study's research design, intervention, participants, sampling strategy, patient and public involvement, procedure, ethical considerations, data collection, and analysis. Presenting and discussing such a design is not only useful for researchers before conducting their study, in order to create transparency, but also for chaplains to improve their knowledge on research methodology and research literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes attorney's attitudes towards substance use, offenders with drug problems and referral for treatment in Nigeria. It is a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted among 70 attorneys in Benin City, Nigeria. Participants drawn by both convenience sampling and snowballing approach filled a paper questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, questions on drug dependence and the law relating to it, and the modified substance use scale. A greater proportion of the attorney (69.4%) correctly identified that intoxication can be used as a defence in a criminal charge while fewer (10.0%) opined dependence was a medical (psychiatric) problem. The majority (85.7%) opined that cannabis should not be legalized and viewed alcohol as dangerous and destructive to the youth of a country if not controlled by law (84.3%). Though few (16.2%) believed that medical intervention alone will suffice for drug addiction, many (84.3%) opined that the best way to treat alcohol or drug-dependent people is to refer them to a good treatment program. Nigerian Lawyers demonstrated a mixture of negative/positive attitudes towards drug users and correct/incorrect knowledge on the law regulating drug-related offence. While drug education of legal professionals is recommended, recognition of the potential roles played in treatment referral should be reinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the lack of validated assessment tools to detect past physical or sexual abuse, the current study examines to what extent the experience of either sexual or physical abuse is reflected in self-figure drawings of adolescents at-risk. A convenience sample consists of 93 adolescents at risk between the ages of 12–17 recruited from Welfare institutes divided into three groups: Group 1 included adolescents who experienced sexual abuse, Group 2 included adolescents who experienced physical abuse but not sexual abuse, Group 3 included adolescents who experienced neither sexual abuse nor physical abuse. A self-report anonymous questionnaire that consisted of demographics, traumatic events questionnaire, and the Medical Somatic Dissociation Questionnaire (MSDQ) was administered following Ethical approval and signing of consent forms. Participants were asked to draw themselves on an A4 sheet of paper using a pencil. Five social workers who were unaware of participants' experiences assessed the drawings independently for the level of obviousness of the following indicators: face line, eyes, nose, ears, hair stand, forehead, lower body, arms, and hands. Results yielded differences in pictorial indicators (nose, hair stand, lower body) among the groups. MSDQ score was found significantly higher among sexually abused victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of the stigma construct for the rehabilitation of people with severe mental illness, there are still no scales that offer a measurement for public stigma in Spanish with good psychometric properties. The aim of this paper is to refine and improve an existing scale to measure public stigma towards people with severe mental illness among the Spanish population. We also intended to decrease the number of items in order to facilitate its applicability. 402 college students (73% women) responded to the attributional questionnaire (AQ27) in two subsamples. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis with high cutoffs were conducted. The convergent validity with the resource allocation questionnaire was also tested. We have obtained a parsimonious tool, with 14 items and four factors, and some reliable psychometric indexes and convergent validity. The factors obtained were dangerousness-fear, lack of solidarity, coercion and avoidance. These results improve the findings from other studies that try to validate the AQ27 in other languages. We discuss the different factors that should be considered in the estimation of public stigma and the necessity to implement programmes to reduce it to enable recovery. Since the public stigma of mental illness is an obstacle to recovery and rehabilitation, reliable instruments are needed to assess it. A parsimonious instrument in Spanish with good psychometric characteristics for measuring public stigma is obtained. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, a questionnaire of 14 items is obtained. Four factors constitute the instrument: "dangerousness-fear", "coercion", "lack of solidarity", and "avoidance". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on a research study which explores Social Workers' feelings about professionals touching children during statutory child protection visits to clients' homes in one part of a southern English county. The study focussed on Social Worker visits to children aged between two and ten years who were subject to child protection plans following Section 47 enquiries of the Children Act 1989. A convenience sample of ten completed questionnaires recorded the types of touch, which were reported during the last visit made by the social worker. Semi-structured interviews followed with a further ten Social Workers. Analysis of the data revealed that most of the Social Workers in the study did touch children in a range of ways and for a variety of reasons during visits. 'Touch' was a term which some found uncomfortable and this paper considers whether terminology obstructs open reflection on the topic. Practitioners were keen to discuss the subject more amongst their peers in order to share best practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the development and preliminary validation of a new Existential Gratitude Scale (EGS), designed to measure the tendency to give thanks in difficult times. This study is part of the research agenda of second-wave positive psychology (PP2.0) which emphasizes the positive psychology of suffering. After a pilot study based on a convenient sample, we did a validity study based on 186 participants from Amazon's Mechanical Turk and regular participants. They completed the revised 13-item EGS, the Short Gratitude, Resentment, and Appreciation Test (SGRAT), the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWB) and the Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ). Results supported the factorial validity and our hypothesis that the existential gratitude scale was associated with spiritual well-being while the dispositional gratitude scale is not; this association was shown to be dependent on the presence of symptoms of PTSD. These findings support our proposition that existential gratitude is distinct from the more general dispositional gratitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed by literature identifying the role of fear in decision making processes, the study upon which this paper is based sought to explore Mental Health Officers' (MHOs) experiences of fear and whether this influences their decisions to use powers of compulsory detention under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act (Scottish Government 2003). Semi-structured interviews exploring the experience of fear in mental health assessments were undertaken with eight MHOs employed by a Scottish Local Authority and findings indicated that it had a marked impact on MHO decision making. Two central themes emerged: first, a fear of doing harm to service users, their families or the wider public though making the 'wrong' decision; second, fear of public and professional scrutiny, should any such harm arise. The findings raise a number of recommendations for policy and practice in the statutory mental health field, in particular, the importance of acknowledging fear and identifying strategies to manage it in training and post qualifying practice for MHOs and equivalent roles in the UK and other jurisdictions. The findings also add weight to calls for additional research exploring the MHO role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overall, adult men are less likely to seek and receive health care than women, but male circumcision for HIV prevention has been successful in engaging men in health services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between masculine norms and health care-seeking among men participating in a voluntary male medical circumcision (VMMC) programme in the Dominican Republic (DR). We employed a mixed methods approach integrating survey data collected 6–12 months post-circumcision (n = 293) and in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of these men (n = 30). In our qualitative analysis, we found that health care-seeking is connected to masculine norms among men in the DR, including the perceptions of medical facilities as feminine spaces. Participants' narratives demonstrate that male circumcision programmes may facilitate men overcoming masculinity-related barriers to health care engagement. In quantitative analysis, we found that being concerned about being perceived as masculine was associated with health care-seeking behaviour in the past five years, though this association was not retained in multivariable analyses. Findings indicate that male circumcision programmes can familiarise men with the healthcare system and masculinise health care-seeking and utilisation, easing associated discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: As part of a large mixed-method study aimed at capturing understandings of dignity, and care expectations of community dwelling older women from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds living in Wales, the aim of this paper is to compare service providers' perceptions of their care and support provided to older people in general, and to older women from BME backgrounds in particular, with a focus on two dignity indicators: care and support needs, and effective communication. Design: A survey design was used. Results: A total of 124 responses from service providers in Wales were received. Perceived inequalities in care and support were found. Although most respondents reported that care and support provision was generally acceptable, more respondents believed that compared to older people in general, older women from BME backgrounds were seldom or never offered opportunities and support to express their needs, were involved in their own care, were provided appropriate information, had their key needs especially less visible needs (psychological and religious needs) been taken into account, or were communicated with effectively (all p < 0.05). In some cases, respondents tended to report more positively in areas related to their own practice. Conclusion: We suggest that learning from the views and perceptions of service providers, as well as older people and their families, remains key to developing services for the UK's increasingly diverse and ageing population. A better understanding of how inequalities may occur, their impact on older people and their families, and how they may be minimised can inform the development of high quality care for older people regardless of their ethnic and cultural backgrounds in Wales, other parts of the UK and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School-based comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programmes play an important role in reducing young people's sexual risk behaviour and promoting health and well-being. There is limited evidence regarding the attitudes and beliefs of parents towards the implementation of school-based CSE programmes in Islamic cultural settings, including Oman, which this mixed-method study set out to explore. A convenience sample of 250 parents, with equal numbers of mothers and fathers of children aged 12–14 years (grades 7–9) at two urban public pre-secondary schools in Saham, completed a paper-based self-administered questionnaire in Arabic. We found most parents (72.8%) supported school-based CSE programmes that conformed to Islamic requirements of pre-marital sexual abstinence, but there was some opposition. Almost all parents supported comprehensive age-appropriate CSE being taught to students aged 10–15 years, including topics perceived as controversial in Omani culture, except for birth control and safer sex. Most parents considered themselves, school teachers and school nurses to be important sources of CSE. The study findings which suggest strong parental support for CSE programmes can facilitate education policy, CSE curriculum decision-makers and school healthcare-providers in Oman, other Middle Eastern countries, and countries with Muslim immigrant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uganda suffered four Ebola and five Marburg virus outbreaks from 2000 to 2012 with significant health worker mortality. This paper describes findings from 41 interviews with health workers from three outbreaks. Interviewees frequently encountered stigma from their communities, sometimes accompanied by mistrust and violence. These difficulties were defined as 'challenges of society.' Health workers also suffered emotional trauma, depressive symptoms, and fear classified as 'challenges of psyche.' As the incidence of such outbreaks will likely increase due to ecological and economic trends, health workers require greater access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and knowledge of viral containment. Such improvements would create an optimal psychosocial climate for managing infectious patients ultimately decreasing the severity of future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young people with a parent or parents who have mental illness are at a higher-than-average risk of experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties. Notwithstanding the difficulties experienced by these young people, opportunities to interact with and obtain support from peers living in similar families can be beneficial. While young people face several barriers to participating in face-to-face peer support programs, online approaches potentially provide a different way of obtaining peer support. This paper aims to explore service providers' perspectives on current Victorian peer support programs, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of online approaches to peer support. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 mental health professionals who work with families affected by parental mental illness. Participants recognised that many young people miss out on face-to-face peer support programs, and were highly supportive of the idea of online programs. This study suggests that online peer support programs for young people could occupy an important position in the evolving suite of services for Australian families affected by mental illness. Online approaches to peer support should be included among services for Australian families affected by mental illness. Social workers are well-placed to develop online programs that address the mental health needs of families and young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about cross-cultural supervision dynamics between Black, female supervisors who provide clinical supervision of White supervisees. This study examined transference enactments which occurred between Black, female clinical supervisors (N = 57) and White supervisees. The results show that White supervisees' racist and sexist behaviors towards the Black, female supervisors demonstrated remnants of stereotypical images historically attributed to Black women (i.e., Mammy, Jezebel, and/or Sapphire). Moreover, the findings highlight the need to initiate multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills to enhance clinical skills. The paper concludes with recommendations for cross-cultural supervisory dyads and implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of a valid and reliable women's empowerment tool was reported by previous studies in Iran. The authors of this paper, accordingly, intended to fill this gap by developing a valid questionnaire. 600 women in Dezful city, southeast of Iran, took part in the study in 2014-2015. Multistage sampling method was used to recruit the participants. Our exploratory factor analysis revealed that 18 items of the model loaded on 4 factors. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was suitable as Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.77. Considering high validity and shortness of the questionnaire, it can be used as a trustful and comprehensive tool to measure women's empowerment in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Male drivers in the 16- to 19-year age group have a nine-fold increase in their crash risk compared with 25- to 34-year-olds who have a relative risk of 2.3. Crash risk in young drivers has been directly linked to risk-taking behaviour. This paper reports the development of a video risk assessment tool for use with drivers. Aim/objective: This paper reports on the process of validating and investigating the reliability of the Occupational Therapy Risk Propensity Test (OT-RiPT) to measure risk-taking propensity. Material and methods: 20 healthy male participants were recruited. OT-RiPT scores were correlated with driving experience. Internal consistency was investigated using Cronbach's alpha. Face validity was established. The OT-RiPT and a validated driver behaviour questionnaire were administered and the results correlated to establish discriminant validity. Results: There was no significant correlation between driving experience and OT-RiPT scores. Good internal consistency was established. OT-RiPT has high face validity. Discriminant validity was demonstrated. Conclusion and significance: Pending further testing, OT-RiPT shows promise as a reliable and valid measure of risk-taking propensity in young drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many adolescents have hopes of college graduation, independent living, and satisfying careers. Career preparation is an important component that can facilitate these desires. However, many adolescents do not achieve these hopes in their desired timeframes due to interruptions, such as unplanned pregnancies. As illustrated by the Theory of Adolescent Sexual Decision-Making Influencing Teen Pregnancy (Weiss, 2012. Who will listen? Rural teen pregnancy reflections. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 8, 804-809. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2012.02.028), desiring future success can promote low-risk decision-making. Based on this theory, a Getting Plans Started (GPS) Timeline Tool (GPS Timeline©) was developed to help adolescents plan for future success by using a time perspective and, thereby, avoid interruptions. The purpose of this paper is to describe the GPS Tool©, how it might be used, and a study to determine the feasibility of using the GPS Tool©. Thirty adolescents found the tool easy to use and effective in helping them plan for the future. Their responses indicated almost unanimous desires for college graduation and independence with strong confidence in achieving their plans, but their responses also indicated a need for more effective planning to achieve their desired goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There is limited literature on the challenges encountered during household surveys on alcohol consumption in low- and middle-income countries. This paper aims to describe the problems encountered during data collection for the IAC study in South Africa and put forward recommendations for addressing identified challenges.Methods: Data on methodological and other challenges emerged from feedback sessions held with fieldworkers, supervisors, observations made of and follow up meetings with project investigators, based on the pilot and main study of 2844 adults and adolescents in Tshwane (South Africa).Results: Challenges identified included the following: delays in software development which resulted in postponement of data collection with subsequent budgetary implications; difficulties in identifying the full range of alcohol beverages during the adaptation of the questionnaire as manufacturers sometimes changed quantities and packaging to enhance sales; a resultant lengthy questionnaire which negatively impacted on participation; potential participants sometime being afraid to allow fieldworkers onto premises due to high crime rates in many participating areas and religious beliefs concerning alcohol consumption that prevented some parents from consenting to their adolescent children’s participation.Conclusion: When planning community surveys on alcohol use, it is important to anticipate and prepare for these and other challenging conditions that arise in the preparation for, and execution of fieldwork. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper explores the role of perturbance and attractor, two key nonlinear features described by the Neuro-occupation model in shaping human behavior. A convenience sample of eleven Iranian participants who had both strokes and demonstrated high resilience were recruited for this study. To explore the process of how participants fell under the influence of the perturbance and attractor, the content analysis with pre-determined categories using deductive reasoning was used. The findings suggest that perturbance and attractor exerted considerable influences on adaptation to stroke and assist in the understanding of the Neuro-occupation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation has a subjective and private dimension, and so it is important to hear directly from youth about their experiences in various activity settings, the places where they “do things” and interact with others. To meet this need, our team developed the Self-Reported Experiences of Activity Settings (SEAS) measure, which demonstrated good-to-excellent measurement properties. To address the needs of youth who could benefit from graphic symbol support, the SEAS-PCSTM,1was created. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of SEAS-PCS and the preliminary study that explores the equivalency of the SEAS and SEAS-PCS. The SEAS and SEAS-PCS were compared in terms of the equivalency of meaning of stimulus items by 11 professionals and five adults who used augmentative and alternative communication, were familiar with PCS, and were fluent readers. Out of 22 items, 68% were rated as highly similar on a 5-point scale (M = 4.14;SD = .70;mdn = 4; range: 2.81–5.00). Subsequently, the 32% of the SEAS-PCS items that were rated below 4 were modified based on the participants’ specific comments. Further work is required to validate the SEAS-PCS. The next step could involve exploring the views of youth who use AAC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Young bisexual women experience worse mental and sexual health outcomes in comparison to their heterosexual and lesbian peers. These disparities are associated with stigma and devaluation of bisexual identities. The current paper addresses a community-based focus group project in which participants discussed bisexual stigma in regard to bisexual erasure and other stereotypes. Specifically, participants detailed experiences of feeling pressured to provide evidence of their bisexual identity, modifying their relationship or sexual behavior to conform to these expectations, as well as feeling excluded from queer community. Further, participants discussed how these experiences were related to decreased mental and sexual health. Future research should further investigate the relationship between bisexual stigma, pressure to provide evidence of bisexual identity, and negative mental and sexual health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Nurses' spiritual care practices have been shown to affect patients' well-being, therefore understanding nurses' spiritual care perceptions and their practices. Aim: The aim of this paper is to investigate the nurses' views to practising spiritual care. Methods: A descriptive survey of 193 nurses was conducted at a general hospital in Turkey. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire and The Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS). Findings: The findings of this study revealed that older nurses (p<.05); married (p<.001); higher levels of education (p<.05); work experience (p<.05); worked longer hours (p<.05); received education in spiritual care (p<.001); working in medical departments (p<.05) all tended to score higher on the SSCRS. Conclusion: Our research findings suggest that there is a lack of knowledge and general confusion regarding Turkish nurses perceptions and practices related to spiritual care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for the poor, the marginalised and socially excluded to live healthier and longer lives has in recent times become paramount in the development literature and policy discussions seeking to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In response to this, attempts are being made to redirect the research focus to examine socio-economic factors underpinning disease occurrence and ill health for health planning policies and practices to benefit the poor and vulnerable in society. Tliis paper explores the relationship between socio-economic conditions and health outcomes. It identifies and examines through participatory rural assessment techniques, basic socio- economic factors acting as significant pathways through which poverty increases the susceptibility of rural households to diseases. It seeks to address the reasons why the poor are poorer in health in rural communities of the Amansie West district of Ghana. This paper thus emphasises how social stratification and inequalities could affect quality of life of people in any given society, hence supporting the theory of social suffering and its implications on societal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the historical impact of racial segregation and ongoing health and economic inequities between older Black and White adults is well documented, little is known about the relationships among race, individual- and neighborhood-resources, and formal volunteering in later life. This study explores this intersection. Individual-level data from 268 respondents aged 55+ were collected in the St. Louis metropolitan area through paper-based mail surveys. Objective neighborhood data were obtained at the zip code level from secondary sources and matched with respondents. Using exploratory factor analysis, we constructed a 14-item environmental scale with 3 neighborhood dimensions (economic, social, and built environment). Older Black adults had lower levels of education; had fewer financial assets; lived in neighborhoods with less economic resources and lower built environment scores; and fewer formally volunteered when compared to older White adults. Individual resources (financial assets, health) and neighborhood resources (social and built environment) were positively associated with formal volunteering among older Black adults. Only individual resources (age, marital status, financial assets, health) were associated with formal volunteering among older White adults. A coherent set of policies that bolsters individual and environmental capacities may increase the rate of volunteerism among older black adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to examine the psychometric properties and construct validity of the interpersonal needs questionnaire (INQ) using a modified three-point response scale for oral administration with older adults. Methods: In-home interviews were conducted with 269 participants aged 60 and older who were completing an eligibility interview for a randomized control trial. The INQ was administered orally, as were measures of social support, death and suicide ideation, and meaning in life. Results: A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable fit, with all of the items loading significantly onto the associated latent variable of thwarted belongingness or perceived burdensomeness. Construct validity of the measure was supported through an examination of discriminant validity using constructs hypothesized by the interpersonal theory of suicide to be related to the measured constructs, including social support and social integration for thwarted belongingness, social worth and death ideation for perceived burdensomeness, and meaning in life and suicide ideation for both. Conclusion: The INQ yields reliable and valid scores of thwarted belongingness and burdensomeness when administered orally using a shortened response scale with older adults. These results help establish the measure as a valuable and practical tool for use in the field of late-life suicide prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the use of the Inventory of Countertransference Behavior (ICB) as an observer-rated measure of countertransference (CT). The ICB was originally designed for use by direct psychotherapy supervisors who assess their supervisees, but this limits its use in research and with practitioners who are not in supervision. To increase the use of the ICB as an observer-rated scale, we developed clarifying statements and examples of in-session therapist behaviors for each of its 21 items, creating an Inventory of Countertransference Behavior-Observer (ICB-O). Two separate teams of observers rated therapist CT using the ICB-O while listening to audiotaped recordings and reading transcripts of four psychotherapy dyads' sessions. Our analyses indicate that the ICB-O can be used reliably as an observer-rated measure of CT, and that differences emerged in the development of positive CT over time. We also obtained ratings of client insight and clients' and therapists' ratings of quality of sessions, and present variations in these ratings, including CT, when the treatment was classified as either more or less successful. We end the paper by presenting ways in which the ICB-O can be used in supervision, training, and research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A theory-guided instrument for examining prescription stimulant misuse in the college population was developed and its psychometric properties were evaluated from 2011 to 2012 at one Pacific Northwest (United States) university. Study methods included instrument development, assessment by five health and measurement professionals, group interviews with six college students, a test-retest pilot study, and a paper-based, in-classroom, campus study using one-stage cluster sampling ( N = 520 students, 20 classrooms, eligible student response rate = 96.30%). The instrument demonstrated reliability (i.e., internal consistency and stability) and validity (i.e., face, content, and predictive). Limitations and implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to successfully develop to the highest levels in sport is dependent on a range of variables, not least an individual's ability to cope with the various challenges of development. Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs) include both the trait characteristics and the state-deployed skills that have been shown to play a crucial role in the realisation of potential. Psychological characteristics of developing excellence equip aspiring elites with the mental skills, attitudes, and emotions to cope with the challenges of the development pathway, as well as underpinning their capacity to make the most of their innate abilities. The Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire (PCDEQ) was designed to assess the possession and deployment of these characteristics. The purpose of this paper was to examine the ability of the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire to effectively discriminate between good and poor developers based on their current possession and deployment of psychological characteristics of developing excellence. Two hundred and eighty-five athletes (n = 192 team athletes;n = 93 individual athletes) completed the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire. Results from the discriminant function analysis suggest that the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire correctly classifies between 67% and 75% of athletes based on their responses. The Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire can be used as a formative assessment tool to direct training programmes by identifying weaknesses in psychological characteristics of developing excellence and incorporating specific training to address these weaknesses in advance of developmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the results of a study seeking to examine the experiences of people with intellectual disability in a sporting context. The research design employed an online, interviewer-completed questionnaire in both a standard and an easy English version designed for administration by a third party for those requiring assistance to respond. Questions sought both quantitative responses about levels of participation and qualitative responses about constraints experienced and benefits received from participation. The results of the study show high levels of participation reported by people who are independent or have lower to moderate support needs, whereas people with high to very high support needs had substantially lower levels of participation. Constraints are examined for both those who participate in sport and those who do not. For those who do participate, the benefits were identified as overwhelmingly social in nature, including belonging, companionship and achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A small, self-selected convenience sample of male and female contraceptive users in the United Kingdom (n = 34) were interviewed between 2006 and 2008 concerning their feelings about the body and their contraceptive attitudes and experiences. The interviewees were a sub-sample of respondents (n = 188) who completed a paper-based questionnaire on similar topics, who were recruited through a poster placed in a family planning clinic, web-based advertisements on workplace and university websites, and through direct approaches to social groups. The bodily metaphors used when discussing contraception were analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analytical approach facilitated by Atlas.ti software. The dominant bodily metaphor was mechanistic (i.e.,“body as machine”). A subordinate but influential bodily metaphor was the “natural” body, which had connotations of connection to nature and a quasi-sacred bodily order. Interviewees drew upon this “natural” metaphorical image in the context of discussing their anxieties about hormonal contraception. Drawing upon a “natural,” non-mechanistic body image in the context of contraceptive decision-making contributed to reluctance to use a hormonal form of contraception. This research suggests that clinicians could improve communication and advice about contraception by recognizing that some users may draw upon non-mechanistic body imagery. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The primary objective of this study was to explore perceptions of UK school counsellors of confidentiality and information sharing in therapeutic work with children and young people, using qualitative methods. The research design employed a two-stage process, using questionnaires and follow-up interviews, with a small, non-random sample of school counsellors. Paper-based questionnaires were used initially to identify themes and sub-themes from respondents (n=13), and were followed up with face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, with a convenience sub-sample (n=6). Counsellors reported a lack of awareness of information-sharing policies, largely assuming a legal duty to report child abuse. Maintaining confidentiality was seen as valuable, in order to protect the therapeutic alliance, despite disclosures of risky behaviour by some young clients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The primary purpose of this exploratory autism research was to examine the lived experiences of female primary caregivers of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Specifically the costs and benefits of the primary caregivers' experiences were examined through semi-structured one-one-one interviews. The specific focus of this paper was to examine the costs of caring for a child with an ASD, whereby costs did not refer solely to monetary costs, but were related to all aspects of the caregivers' lives. Interviews were completed with 8 mothers of children that had been formally diagnosed with an ASD. Results: Undoubtedly all family members within the family unit were affected by a child's diagnosis with ASD as evidenced by the costs revealed by mothers. The subthemes derived from the theme of costs included the following: financial and work costs, costs to the health of family, social costs, and costs to overall family life. The results from this research provide evidence of the challenges associated with caring for a child with an ASD. Conclusions: It is anticipated that the insights provided by these mothers can act as a source of support for others faced with a similar situation. Additionally health care professionals may be able to use the knowledge gained from such qualitative endeavors in order to help parents cope more effectively with their caregiving responsibilities associated with children with ASDs. The mothers within this study are remarkable women that, for the most part, were able to rise above the negatives/costs associated with caring for a child with an ASD and find the silver linings amidst the turmoil. As remarkable as these women are in the daily struggles they face with their children, it is evident that more resources and support are required to assist these women and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the question of benefits of education from a life course perspective. Using data from a study of 1600 students (response rate 48%) on an open access program at a London University college, it explores educational activity within the framework of a transitions model. In addition to the quantitative evidence, the article uses material from interviews to illustrate how different aspects of educational activity help individuals cope with transitions. This approach, while clearly not covering all possible education contexts, offers a way of adding to our understanding of the benefits of study in mid- and later-life. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: As reliable instruments are needed for longitudinal research on the development of nicotine addiction, we evaluated the test-retest reliability of eight survey measures (three scales and five individual item measures). Methods: A paper survey was administered to convenience samples of adolescents in two schools and adults in five workplaces in Argentina and re-administered 1-2 weeks later. Test-retest reliability was assessed with Pearson correlations for continuous measures and kappa statistics for dichotomous measures. Results: Both surveys were completed by 95 adolescent and 88 adult smokers. The modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire ( r == 0.88-0.91), the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist ( r == 0.85-0.91), the Autonomy Over Smoking Scale (0.91-0.96) and items assessing latency to needing a cigarette ( r == 0.85-0.94), the pleasure obtained from smoking ( r == 0.84-0.94), and relaxation obtained from the first cigarette (κ == 0.63-0.67), all showed very good to excellent reliability in both populations. Items assessing experiencing the need to smoke more often than previously and the percent of time smoking because of need appear to be more reliable with adolescents (κ == 0.52 and r == 0.76, respectively) than with adults ( κ == 0.32 and r == 0.51, respectively). Conclusions: This is the first study to simultaneously compare the reliability of multiple smoking measures within individual adolescent and adult smokers. All the eight measures showed adequate reliability for use in longitudinal studies with adolescents and all but one were adequate for use with adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]