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“If she had kept going down that way, she would’ve gone straight to that castle!”: Labyrinth, the Gothic body of David Bowie, and the education of desire
No full textThis article investigates Labyrinth as a Gothic narrative; it positions the films as an attempt to ‘educate desire’ into normative channels within the context of the late Cold War and the Culture Wars of the 1980s. Particular attention is paid to the body and performance of David Bowie as Jareth and the way this engages with classic Gothic tropes of the dangerous older man. Sarah is also considered as a liminal adolescent coming to occupy a position defined by desire in a historical moment riven by anxieties around ‘acceptable choices’ amid the AIDS crisis and the activism of conservative pressure groups such as Moral Majority. Ultimately, Labyrinth is shown to be a productive space for the working through of issues of desire, both in its original context and, through the mapping of fan activities, throughout the 40 years since its release
Structural and molecular differentiation of cultured human neurons is accompanied by alterations of spontaneous and evoked calcium dynamics
No full textDuring development, neuronal precursors transform from a pluripotent state into specialized neurons. While much research has been conducted into morphological and molecular changes, there is a pressing need to define accompanying functional alterations. We used immunofluorescence microscopy and live imaging in SH-SY5Y-derived human neurons to elucidate the relationship between structural and molecular differentiation with evoked and spontaneous Ca2+ dynamics. In the undifferentiated state expressing trace amounts of neuronal markers, SH-SY5Y cells maintain spontaneous high-amplitude slow Ca2+ oscillations, with their stimulation by carbochol activating low-amplitude Ca2+ transients. Driving SH-SY5Y cells into the 2CL state by retinoic acid facilitated the outgrowth of neurites and expression of neuron-specific proteins. These changes are accompanied by the abolition of Ca2+ oscillations. Differentiating SH-SY5Y cells into definitive neurons by a cocktail of retinoic acid and BDNF induced their polarization and enrichment with specific neuronal markers, accompanied by a resurgence of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations but with faster kinetics. The carbachol-induced rise of Ca2+ in these cells showed a higher peak and biphasic decay. At all developmental stages, Ca2+ transients in response to ionomycin were indistinguishable. These findings lead us to conclude that a switch of Ca2+ dynamics accompanies structural and molecular differentiation of SH-SY5Y cell-derived human neurons, contributing to the developmental process
Investigating the effects of acquired brain injuries on self-identity and adjustment in adolescence
No full textSection A
A systematic search and narrative review were conducted to explore how an adolescent’s self-concept changes after a brain injury, and to identify factors that aid their adjustment to life post-injury.
A systematic literature search was performed across various electronic databases, including PubMed, PsychINFO, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), which covered studies published from 1999 to August 2024. In total, 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria were examined, focusing on changes in self-identity and self-concept among adolescents following an acquired brain injury (ABI).
The review identified three key aspects of an adolescent's self-concept that were impacted by an ABI: self-esteem, social identity, and self-awareness. The literature suggested that acceptance, social support, and various internal attributes, such as patience, significantly
facilitated adjustment after the injury. The findings were discussed in the context of existing research, and suggestions for future
research were explored.
Section B
Introduction: Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) often experience significant psychological adjustment difficulties. This current study aimed to validate a 22-item measure called the Self-Identity Adjustment Scale (SIAS), which has been designed to assess how adolescents perceive themselves and adjust to their lives following a brain injury.
Method: A total of 163 adolescents with a history of brain injury were recruited via UK-based charities. Participants completed the SIAS alongside additional self-report measures related to adjustment and wellbeing. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to evaluate the underlying structure of the SIAS and its construct validity.
Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed an underlying two-factor structure, encompassing Adaptive Adjustment and Disrupted Adjustment. These distinct factors represent the nuanced positive and negative dimensions of identity adjustment that adolescents experience in the aftermath of a brain injury. Moreover, the Self-Identity Adjustment Scale (SIAS) exhibited robust construct validity when assessed alongside
established measurement tools.
Conclusion: The SIAS is a valuable tool for evaluating self-identity adjustment in adolescents post-brain injury. It provides researchers and clinicians with important insights into how young people adapt after a brain injury. Its application can help identify those having difficulty with post-injury identity, enabling targeted interventions and enhanced psychological support in clinical environments
Exploring the lived experiences of informal and legal order kinship carers
No full textSection A
Context: Kinship care has been advocated by many countries in circumstances where children are unable to remain in the care of their biological parents. For children looked after by relatives through informal arrangements, challenges can arise in relation to finance, social, and emotional stressors, and can impact the wellbeing of carers and children. This review synthesises literature on the experiences of children and carers in informal kinship arrangements to better understand these arrangements.
Methods: A literature search was completed across five databases and Google Scholar. 12 qualitative papers were identified for the review’s aims and the CASP tool was used to critically appraise the paper’s methods and findings. A meta-ethnography approach was used to synthesise papers findings.
Results: Seven papers explored experiences for the carer, and five those for children. From the synthesis, three third order constructs were identified: ‘the carer-child relationship’; ‘the impact of a wider context’ and ‘navigating the microsystem’.
Implications: Findings are discussed within the wider context of literature available. Implications are considered both for future research and for clinical psychology practice, including the importance of access for carers to supports and services to maintain placement stability and good outcomes for both carers and children.
Section B
Context: Kinship care has become the encouraged form of care in the UK when children are unable to remain living with their parents. While benefits of kinship care have been explored, there is less research on lived experiences of carers living in informal and legal order arrangements. This study aimed to explore the stories of carers in these arrangements using a narrative approach.
Methods: Recruitment used purposive sampling, and nine kinship carers took part in a one-one interview asking for them to tell their story of becoming and being a kinship carer. Narrative analysis was used to explore the findings and identify individual, community and societal narratives within their stories.
Results: Within narratives, becoming a kinship carer had a significant impact on participants role identity, financial circumstances, and highlighted value in community networks. Societal discourses of moral responsibilities within families were identified and how arrangement titles and postcode lotteries influenced access to support and services.
Implications: Additional social and psychological support is required for kinship carers in informal and legal order arrangement, and definitions of arrangements require clarifying to ensure they can access adequate financial allowances. Limitations of the study involve low participant diversity and research implications are discussed
From concept to prototype: Designing an assistive device for multicompartmental knee osteoarthritis
No full textKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive condition that increasingly affects multiple compartments of the knee, yet most existing orthotic devices are designed for unicompartmental disease and provide only partial relief. Current options such as unloader braces, knee sleeves, and patellofemoral braces are limited by rigid, single degree-of-freedom structures, inconsistent levels of assistance, and restricted flexion–extension, which can negatively impact comfort, gait, and long-term adherence. Clinical studies also report variable outcomes in pain reduction, function, and load redistribution, further highlighting design shortcomings. To address these gaps, this study integrates findings from a comprehensive literature review into the conceptualisation and prototyping of a novel assistive device aimed at multicompartmental KOA. A 3D-printed prototype was developed featuring an adjustable spring mechanism for variable assistive force, together with a sensor interface for preliminary data collection. The design prioritises biomechanical performance and user comfort, demonstrating the feasibility of a new orthotic concept while outlining opportunities for further refinement, clinical validation, and innovation in this field
Young people's experiences of self-criticism and compassion-based interventions
No full textSection A
Objective: There is promising research amongst adult populations regarding the effectiveness and acceptability of compassion-based interventions. This review aimed to explore young people’s experiences of compassion-based interventions as at present there is a lack of qualitative research pertaining to their acceptability amongst this population.
Methods: A systematic search of six databases was conducted to identify studies concerned with young people’s experience of a compassion-based intervention, yielding nine qualitative studies. The studies were reviewed using a quality assessment tool and key methodological concerns were discussed. The study findings were synthesised thematically.
Results: Five themes were identified: ‘Yes! I’m not alone – acknowledging our common humanity’; ‘Easier said than done: Compassion as a simple concept in theory but difficult in practice’, ‘Turning inwards – increased awareness and acceptance as agents of change’, ‘Tools and strategies learnt’, and ‘Making it work for young people’.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that compassion-based interventions are an appropriate tool to support the wellbeing of young people. Sharing personal experiences and engaging with their inner critic was of value to participants. Implications and recommendations for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Section B
Objective: Self-criticism is thought to contribute to the development of psychological difficulties in adolescence. This study aimed to explore experiences of self-criticism amongst young people accessing children and young people’s mental health services. It was hoped this study would provide useful insights for clinicians on how self-criticism is experienced by this population, allowing for developments in clinical practice.
Methods: Eight young people were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method.
Results: Six themes were generated (of which three contained subthemes): ‘Self-criticism as an unstoppable force’, ‘Warped reality’, ‘Impossible standards’, ‘Parts of the self in conflict. ‘The tipping point between tough love and total hostility’, and ‘Social connection as a threat and saviour’.
Conclusion: This study provided insight regarding how self-criticism impacts on relationships, education, and wellbeing from the perspective of young people. Participants discussed factors that can exacerbate self-criticism, including moving school, exams, bullying, and social media use, as well as discussing ways they found self-criticism helpful.
The results provide support for the view that self-criticism is an appropriate target for psychological intervention for adolescents. Implications and recommendations for clinical practice and future research are discussed
AI-driven advancements in orthodontics for precision and patient outcomes
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming orthodontic care by providing personalized treatment plans that enhance precision and efficiency. This narrative review explores the current applications of AI in orthodontics, particularly its role in predicting tooth movement, fabricating custom aligners, optimizing treatment times, and offering real-time patient monitoring. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets of dental records, X-rays, and 3D scans allows for highly individualized treatment plans, improving both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. AI-driven aligners and braces are designed to apply optimal forces to teeth, reducing treatment time and discomfort. Additionally, AI-powered remote monitoring tools enable patients to check their progress from home, decreasing the need for in-person visits and making orthodontic care more accessible. The review also highlights future prospects, such as the integration of AI with robotics for performing orthodontic procedures, predictive orthodontics for early intervention, and the use of 3D printing technologies to fabricate orthodontic devices in real-time. While AI offers tremendous potential, challenges remain in areas such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the cost of adopting AI technologies. However, as AI continues to evolve, its capacity to revolutionize orthodontic care will likely lead to more streamlined, patient-centered, and effective treatments. This review underscores the transformative role of AI in modern orthodontics and its promising future in advancing dental care
Illuminating the fine line between radicalization and transformative learning: Case studies from auto/biographical narrative inquiry
No full textThere is a fine normative line separating transformative learning and radicalization processes. Using in-depth auto/biographical narrative inquiry, the paper illuminates the importance of self-recognition in both: of feeling seen, understood and validated. But radicalization is ultimately about closure to the other and otherness, and fundamentalist acceptance of one truth and nothing but that truth. Transformative learning, on the other hand, requires an openness to doubt, uncertainty and willingness, forged in relationship, to recognize the other – symbolic and actual – in processes of lifelong and lifewide learning. Recognition too that there can be more than one victim, and that the other suffers and has the right to live and share valued space
Why mattering matters in practice education and leadership placements
No full textA guide to supporting students to feel they matter in non-clinical facing placements to create the authentic and compassionate leaders the healthcare sector of the future needs
Evidential Pluralism and accounts of establishing
No full textIn Evidential Pluralism in the Social Sciences, Yafeng Shan and Jon Williamson do a great job of clarifying, motivating, and defending the commitments of Evidential Pluralism. In this commentary, I will show that one of their clarifications commits Evidential Pluralism to a particular account of establishing. And I will argue that a non-committal account of establishing would better promote the main message of the book