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Factors Influencing the Self-Recognition of Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies
Full text linkBackground: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been associated with a significantly greater duration of untreated illness when compared to other anxiety disorders. It is proposed that the inability to identify one’s symptoms as characteristic of OCD may contribute to this duration. However, existing literature has exclusive investigated the recognition of OCD symptoms and tendencies in others. The current study is the first to investigate the self-recognition of obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Methods: 400 participants were asked whether they thought they displayed obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Those who answered positively were shown a list of tendencies and asked to pick the ones they believed they displayed. They were then asked to complete the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI). Participants who answered negatively were taken straight to the OCI.
Results: Of the 400 who responded, 251 provided meaningful data. A 2x2 chi-squared analysis revealed that participants who believed they displayed obsessive-compulsive tendencies were significantly more likely to score highly on the OCI X2(1, N = 251) = 49.841, p <.001. 2x2 chi-squared analyses revealed that four dimensions were associated with poor recognition: Washing X2(1, N = 147) = 11.577, p = .005; Checking X2(1, N = 147) = 2.748, p = .190; Obsessions X2(1, N = 147) = 6.806, p = .009; Neutralising X2(1, N = 147) = 4.793, p = .029. A logistic regression analysis revealed that higher scores on the checking and ordering subscales of the OCI were associated with a lower likelihood of believing oneself to display obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that participants are generally able to accurately identify whether they display obsessive-compulsive tendencies. However, participants who score highly on the washing, checking, obsession, and neutralising subscales of the OCI are no more likely to believe they display such tendencies than those score low on such subscales. Furthermore, participants who score highly on the checking and ordering subscales are less likely to believe they display obsessive-compulsive tendencies than those who score lower on such subscales. These findings highlight the need for better education surrounding the inaccurately identified dimensions of OCD, which may help reduce the duration of untreated illness
Shaping the Future: Professor Elaine Hall’s Impact on Clinical Legal Education and Innovations in Teaching
Full text linkCan ethnic disparities in sentencing be taken as evidence of judicial discrimination?
Full text linkLarge research efforts have been directed at the exploration of ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system, documenting harsher treatment of minority ethnic defendants, across offence types, criminal justice decisions, and jurisdictions. However, most studies on the topic have relied on observational data, which can only approximate ‘like with like’ comparisons. We use causal diagrams to lay out explicitly the different ways estimates of ethnic disparities in sentencing derived from observational data could be biased. Beyond the commonly acknowledged problem of unobserved case characteristics, we also discuss other less well-known, yet likely more consequential problems: measurement error in the form of racially-determined case characteristics or as a result of disparities within the ‘Whites’ reference group, and selection bias from non-response and missing offenders’ ethnicity data. We apply such causal framework to review findings from two recent studies showing ethnic disparities in custodial sentences imposed at the Crown Court (England and Wales). We also use simulations to recreate the most comprehensive of those studies, and demonstrate how the reported ethnic disparities appear robust to a problem of unobserved case characteristics. We conclude that ethnic disparities observed in the Crown Court are likely reflecting evidence of direct discrimination in sentencing
G05 Do lower limb kinetic and kinematic differences in drop jump landings persist when players have returned to sport following knee ligamentous injuries?
No full textKnee injuries (KI) are identified as one of the most burdensome lower limb injuries in football with long and complicated rehabilitation and high re-injury risk. Current research often describes technique deficits being present upon RTS, often being a result of poor return to sport (RTS) testing procedures. More recently, research has advocated the use of single leg vertical jump assessments, due to the specificity of the movement to injury mechanisms and the ability to consider different phases of the task to inform practitioners of joint contributions to the propulsion and landing phases. The aim of this research is to identify whether these functional deficits exist 12-24 months post RTS authorisation, to help inform future RTS in applied practice. Twenty-four semi-professional male footballers (mean ± SD: age 25 ± 4 years; stature 182 ± 7 cm; body mass 80 ± 8 kg) were recruited into a previously injured and a control group. Participants completed 5 repetitions of single leg drop jump (SLDJ). Jump height, ground contact time, reactive strength index, peak moments, angles and power contributions for the hip, knee and ankle were measured using Qualisys Track Manager then exported to Visual 3D. This study was approved by the Edge Hill University Ethics Committee. No significant findings were identified for landing one however, during the propulsion phase there was a difference between groups (P = 0.026, d=1.14) for knee flexion at take-off. Most differences were identified during landing two bilaterally in both groups. Within the injured group, differences were identified for peak hip (P = 0.011, d = 0.028) and knee powers (P < 0.001, d = 1.269), hip (P < 0.001, d = 1.924) and knee power contribution % (P < 0.001, d = 1.269). No differences were identified for the performance measures or through performing statistical parametric mapping for hip and knee powers for all three phases. Joint coupling analysis was conducted for the total ground contact time amalgamating the landing and propulsion phase, this was analysed as Hip-Knee, Hip-Ankle and Knee-Ankle, with significant findings in Hip-Knee and Hip-ankle. Both groups elicited bilateral differences however, no differences between the injured limb and dominant control limb were identified. To better apply this form of analysis to RTS testing, functional movements such should be undertaken when athletes are injury free to provide baseline measurements to refer to if undertaking rehabilitation from KI. Likewise, the current study identified that joint contributions could be identified in a more applied setting using the range of motion data from each joint
J23 Coach–athlete relationship as a predictor of contextual motivation in weightlifters
No full textCoach behaviour is an important predictor of athlete motivation (Jowett, 2017). The coach–athlete relationship can be defined as a dynamic interaction wherein the feelings, thoughts and behaviours of both athlete and coaches are mutually and causally interconnected (Jowett and Shanmugam, 2016, In Schinke, McGannon & Smith (Eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Sport Psychology, Relational Coaching in Sport: Its psychological underpinnings and practical effectiveness (pp. 471–484). Routledge). This present study explored the coach–athlete relationship through the lens of Self-Determination Theory. This multidimensional theory underscores various facets of motivation suggesting that coaches' behaviours influence athletes' motivation by directly influencing their three basic psychological needs (Deci & Ryan, 2008, Can Psych, 49, 182–185). The study builds on previous research highlighting the pivotal role of coaches in shaping positive sporting environments and the significance of closeness, commitment and compatibility in the coach–athlete relationship (Jowett & Nezlek, 2012, J Soc Pers Rel, 29, 287–301). The purpose of the present study was to further understanding of the association between the coach–athlete relationship and contextual motivation among weightlifters. Previous studies have expounded a motivational model of the coach–athlete relationship that outlined a sequence wherein coaches’ actions bear influence on athletes’ intrinsic and self-determined extrinsic motivation by shaping their perceptions of autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Mageau & Vallerand, 2003, J Sports Sci, 21, 883–904). It was hypothesised that a coach–athlete relationship scores would be a negative predictor of amotivation and external regulation (H1). It would, however, be a positive predictor of more intrinsic forms of motivation (H2). Specifically, those who perceive their coaches as supportive, understanding and competent will report higher levels of intrinsic motivation within the training environment. Following institutional ethical clearance (33249-A-Nov/2023-47988-1), a sample of male and female weightlifters (N = 20; females = 11) were asked to complete an 11-item version of Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q; Jowett & Ntoumanis, 2003) and the 18-item Sports Motivation Scale (SMS-2; Pelletier et al., 2013). There was no time gap in the administration of the two questionnaires. A series of standard linear regression analyses was computed using CART-Q subscales as predictor variables and each SMS-2 subscale as the dependent variable. H1 was not supported, as the CART-Q subscales were not a significant negative predictor of amotivation and external forms of motivation. H2 was supported given that the CART-Q subscales were positive predictors of intrinsic motivation subscales
J25 Comparing group cohesion in interactive and coactive exercise classes
No full textExercise classes are provided in the majority of gym memberships and provide both physical activity and social interactions. By exploring group cohesion, whether members feel part of a group when exercising. This study aims to add to current research by investigating the extent in which group cohesion differs in those who attend, an interactive group exercise class compared to those who attend a coactive group exercise class. 10 members from a pump class and 10 members from a circuit class were asked about their levels of group cohesion using the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire. Results revealed that there was a higher group cohesion level in the circuits class compared to the pump class. However, there was no significant differences between classes when investigating individual attraction to group-task. The results provide implications on which exercise classes a gym should run to encourage exercise and social behaviours. 
"Training is Everything": How to Prepare Students for Policy Clinic Projects
Full text linkAs more students carry out policy work as part of their law degrees, the different skills needed for policy work have become clearer. Policy work differs from traditional legal studies in a number of key ways, and so requires different, or more developed, skills to effectively participate and engage in projects. This article reviews the literature on the skills required for policy work. It summarises the evaluation of the online training provided to Open University policy clinic students in 2022-23, analysing the attendance and engagement data and the findings of a student survey to draw conclusions about the value and effectiveness of the training.
In order for law students to carry out policy work, there is a need for training in policy research and analysis skills and the research suggested students found this of value. Whilst the literature suggested the need for further communication skills training, it was not possible to reach an evidenced conclusion about this from the research. Students expressed a strong preference for online synchronous training sessions provided at the start of a project. The recording of those sessions allowed students to re-visit the training throughout the project as and when needed, which was of value to them
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The Value of Cross Institutional Policy Law Clinic Collaboration in the Fight Against Climate Change
Full text linkIn the spring of 2022, clinicians from the University of Central Lancashire’s Advice and Resolution Centre and Lancaster University’s Law Clinic launched a pilot environmental law policy clinic. A primary motivation for starting the policy clinic was to involve a wider range of students in clinic work, including those who may not have volunteered for the main legal advice clinic due to either a lack of confidence or a lack of desire to enter the legal profession.
Through participation in a CLEO workshop on policy clinics, the writers were introduced to the work of the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF). ELF provides free information and guidance on environmental issues for individuals and communities through a university-based law clinic policy network. The aim of our policy clinic project with ELF was to investigate the extent to which local authorities in a UK region are considering climate emergency declarations in their decision making and are on track to achieve net zero emissions. Participation in the project did not require any previous experience in environmental law or policy work, and the supervisors of the project did not have expertise in this niche area of law.
This paper will reflect on the experiences of running a pilot, cross-institutional environmental law policy clinic and the lessons learned (both good and bad) from the undertaking
A02 Exploring the factors that influence the food choices of 14- to 16-year-old competitive cyclists in the UK
No full textThe natural growth and maturation process for young people is metabolically taxing and, for young athletes, there is added pressure to ensure sufficient energy to sustain sporting pursuits. Adolescence is also a time of increasing independence coupled with a continued dependence upon guardians. There is an increasing understanding of the physiology and expected nutritional needs of the competitive youth cyclist, however understanding of their nutrition knowledge and behaviours lags behind. The aim of this study was to explore the factors which influence the food choices of 14- to 16-year-old competitive cyclists in the UK, to inform the development of effective and sustainable nutrition support frameworks for this demographic. To do this, one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person or online with these athletes. Questions focussed on understanding the athletes’ sources of information, perspectives, and perceived level of agency surrounding their food practices. Interviews were conducted with a total of five athletes (female = 4, male = 1). Audio recordings were transcribed and inductively coded by hand to check for saturation before being compiled into a larger data set which was analysed for concepts and themes. The final codes were interrogated by an external researcher to further increase their validity. Data analysis revealed five key themes for this sample: influence, practice, personal narrative, opportunity, and optimal support. Subthemes for influence were parents, coaches, experiential learning, community, the external cycling world, peers, and externally contracted support. Subthemes for practice were fluid and hydration, carbohydrates, protein, caffeine, and food culture within cycling. Subthemes for personal narrative were application of knowledge, categorisation, lack of motivation, personal control, food as enjoyment, and superstition and ritual. Subthemes for opportunity were family support, independence, and planning. Subthemes for optimal support were guidance wanted and bespoke solutions. Though saturation was not achieved, the sample showed homogeneity across a number of areas and across sexes. Participants expressed a desire for nutrition guidance and, in particular, solutions tailored to their circumstances. They would prefer to receive nutrition support from trusted coaches who know them and their training loads, in an informal manner rather than through formal nutrition support from a professional. There was scepticism about the ability of a nutritionist to understand their unique sporting needs. Recommendations include further research into this population and also an examination of the knowledge and support required by guardians and coaches of youth cyclists to develop a practical approach that supports the athletic triangle
D04 The effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion and sports performance in female athletes during different phases of the menstrual cycle
No full textSodium Bicarbonate (SB) is recognised as an effective ergogenic aid for enhancing high-intensity exercise capacity and performance. However, the lack of consistency in scientific research findings involving female participants and SB, attributed to the variations in hormonal profiles during the menstrual cycle (MC), has led to a disproportionate focus on studies exclusively conducted in a male population. Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to assess the effects of SB ingestion and sports performance in female athletes during different phases of the MC. There is currently no evidence showing whether different phases of the MC would enhance exercise performance following SB ingestion. Given this gap in the literature, it yet remains unclear that if different hormonal fluctuations throughout the MC affected absorption, nutrient capacity, or exercise performance, the stimulating effect of buffering agents could be further enhanced in future research, by identifying optimal administration strategies of SB, as well as investigating if different phases of the MC impacted exercise performance, however this is still unknown. Methods: In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, six eumenorrheic female athletes will complete four all-out 30-second sprints on the Wattbike, each separated by a 5-minute recovery period after receiving either 0.3g/kg body mass (BM) of SB or a placebo containing plain flour in enteric coated capsules. Performance variables collected across the duration of the experimental trials are, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), peak power output (PPO), relative peak power (RPP), heart rate (HR), anaerobic capacity (AC), and fatigue index (FI). Experimental trials will be performed in each of the following two phases of a participant’s individually characterised MC: (i) the follicular phase and (ii) the luteal phase. MC phase will be determined by using a set of home ovulation strips for the whole duration of the study. In order to control any dietary variables, participants are asked to record a 24-hour food diary for the days prior to exercise testing and are encouraged to replicate identical food and fluid intake on the day prior to experimental testing to ensure a similar metabolic state. The development of this study in this area of research could greatly enhance our understanding of how the MC and the ingestion of SB may impact female athletes and performance outcomes. Furthermore, this study would provide valuable insights into the potential impact of different MC phases on athletes and help optimise their training and performance strategies