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Encouraging people to self-incentivize (i.e., to reward themselves in the future if they are successful in changing their behavior) or self-reward (i.e., prompt people to reward themselves once they have successfully changed their behavior) are techniques that are frequently embedded within complex behavior change interventions. However, it is not clear whether self-incentives or self-rewards per se are effective at bringing about behavior change. Nine databases were searched alongside manual searching of systematic reviews and online research registers. One thousand four hundred papers were retrieved, spanning a range of behaviors, though the majority of included papers were in the domain of "health psychology". Ten studies matched the inclusion criteria for self-incentive but no studies were retrieved for self-reward. The present systematic review and meta-analysis is therefore the first to evaluate the unique effect of self-incentives on behavior change. Effect sizes were retrieved from 7 of the 10 studies. Analysis of the 7 studies produced a very small pooled effect size for self-incentives (k = 7, N = 1,161), which was statistically significant, d+ = 0.17, CI [0.06, 0.29]. The weak effect size and dearth of studies raises the question of why self-incentivizing is such a widely employed component of behavior change interventions. The present research opens up a new field of inquiry to establish: (a) whether or not self-incentivizing and self-rewarding are effective behavior change techniques, (b) whether self-incentives and self-rewards need to be deployed alongside other behavior change techniques, and, (c) when and for whom self-incentives and self-rewards could support effective behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although the association between young pregnancy and the socio-economic environment is globally recognised, little is understood about either the processes behind it or how young parents construe this relationship. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted in four London areas; two ‘less deprived’ and two ‘more deprived’ in order to solicit young parent''s views. Thematic analysis uncovered three factors indicative of how young parents understand the social gradient in young pregnancy; the parental relationship status (openness and parental control); access to education and career; and acceptance of young pregnancy. It is suggested that differing representations of young parenthood across socio-economic subgroups correspond to differing representations, values and beliefs concerning sexual and reproductive behaviour, education and the social acceptability of young pregnancy. Further work is needed to build up a holistic picture of the influence place has on young people''s sexual and reproductive health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Congenital heart defects (CHD) can be detected during routine antenatal scans or go undiagnosed until birth. Parents of children with Single Ventricle CHD (SVCHD) have a complex experience. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of parents of children with SVCHD from diagnosis through to adolescence. Interviews were conducted with 12 parents whose children had completed the Fontan procedure. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) identified themes across parents' accounts. Data were analysed into three superordinate themes of super parents , striving for normality and accepting SVCHD and their role. Through accepting SVCHD, becoming experts, and taking responsibility for the management of their child's physical healthcare, parents developed their own sense of normality. Following distress at the point of diagnosis, parents found their own way of accepting and integrating SVCHD into family life and regained a sense of control and normality within the family. Transition points such as starting nursery, final surgery, puberty, and reaching adulthood are key time points when parents may struggle with their changing roles and the gradual shift of responsibility and independence onto their children. There are implications for supporting parents to educate their children in terms of the management and long-term prognosis of their condition, especially when the child with SVCHD enters puberty or moves into adult services where they gain agency of their condition and its management. The role of healthcare professionals promoting emotional wellbeing and providing support to families during significant periods is discussed. • We know little about the experiences of parents as parents of children with single ventricle congenital heart defects (SVCHD). • Numerous coping strategies are employed by these parents to manage their distress and family experiences. • Accepting SVCHD and its management enabled parents to gain control and normality. • Parents need extra support at transition points, such as starting nursery, final surgery, puberty and reaching adulthood. • Support for parents will enable them to educate their children on their condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess the extent to which the title and font of participant information sheets (PISs) can influence pregnant women's and trainee midwives’ perceptions of an antenatal intervention. Methods Pregnant women ( n = 35) and trainee midwives ( n = 36) were randomly presented with one of four PISs where the title and font of the PIS had been manipulated to create four experimental conditions (i.e., Double Fluent ; Double Awkward ; Fluent Title-Awkward Font ; Awkward Title-Fluent Font ). After reading the PIS, participants rated their perceptions of the intervention (i.e., Attractiveness, Complexity, Expected Risk, Required Effort) using five-point Likert scales. Results A 4 × 2 factorial multivariate analysis of variance revealed that pregnant women rated the Double Awkward condition as significantly more complex than the Double Fluent ( p = .024) and Awkward Title-Fluent Font ( p = .021) conditions. Conclusion Font influenced pregnant women's ratings of intervention complexity. Practice implications Results have implications for ethical recruitment, and in turn, the optimisation of corresponding interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]