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Finding the words to say how you feel: experiences of using embodied metaphors
No full textIntroduction: Metaphors play a crucial role in structuring understanding of experiences and enabling expression of thoughts and feelings that are otherwise difficult to articulate. While their use in counselling is well established, limited research has explored how embodied metaphors, grounded in sensory and bodily experiences, facilitate emotional expression. This study addresses a gap by examining participant experiences of using embodied metaphors and their perceived helpfulness in discussing difficult emotions. Method: 20 participants aged 18–52, excluding those with current mental health diagnoses or in therapy, took part in semi-structured interviews. They used embodied metaphors (visual, sound, smell, taste, touch, bodily sensation) to express emotions linked to a difficult experience and rated each metaphor’s helpfulness. Data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006, 2019, 2022). Results: Four themes were identified: Sensory Preferences, Memory Trumps Metaphor, Storytelling Through Metaphor, and Gaining Perspective. Sensory preferences, imagery vividness, and memory recall shaped participants’ engagement with metaphors. While embodied metaphors often supported emotional expression and insight, sensory sensitivities and strong memory recall sometimes acted as barriers, shifting focus from emotions to events. Conclusion: Embodied metaphors can facilitate emotional expression, particularly through storytelling. Variations in sensory preferences, imagery vividness, and memory recall influenced perceptions of helpfulness. Findings highlight the potential of embodied metaphors as a therapeutic multi-tool that extends beyond visual imagery to incorporate diverse sensory domains. This personalised approach may deepen emotional exploration and insight, with further research needed to refine clinical applications
Social work with unmarried mothers and their children: learning from the past
No full textThis is a social work history with a difference. Written with and by a retired social
worker and three former residents of a children's home in Edinburgh, Scotland, it
tells the story of one agency's response to unmarried mothers and their children
during and after the Second World War, and alongside this, the story of what was,
at the time, a new and experimental approach to group care for children.
Based on the experience of the Guild of Service for Women, then a prominent
Scottish voluntary agency, and Edzell Lodge and Margaret Cottage family group
homes, we learn from the inside what life was like for unmarried mothers and
their children between the early 1940s and early 1960s. The book draws on three
very different sources of evidence: social policy and legislation, historical sources
and social work literature; memories of children (now older adults) and staff
members; and archival research (agency records and genealogical sources).
Taken together, these present a rich and nuanced picture of social work and
childcare in the past, offering much learning for social work and childcare in the
future, as well as a timely example of a co-produced, collaborative research and
writing project
Mental health and well‐being in esports: a scoping review
No full textThe growing popularity of esports has sparked interest in understanding how esports participation might pose unique mental health challenges and opportunities for players. To address this, this scoping review aimed to systematically map mental health and well‐being research in esports. Specifically, we sought to (1) describe the methodological characteristics of existing studies, (2) synthesise findings on mental health and well‐being outcomes and (3) identify gaps to guide future research and practice. A systematic search identified 10,348 records, of which 89 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results reveal a nuanced picture in which indicators of mental well‐being, such as intrinsic motivation, self‐efficacy and psychosocial skills, can coexist with mental ill‐health symptoms, including anxiety and gaming addiction. Prevalence estimates varied widely, with anxiety reported in 38%–82% of players and depressive symptoms in 25%–37%. These outcomes appear to vary depending on factors such as player experience, coping strategies and the competitive environment, highlighting how indicators of well‐being (e.g., motivation and confidence) can co‐occur with symptoms of distress (e.g., anxiety), reflecting the dynamic nature of mental health in esports. While research in this area has recently proliferated, the majority of studies were cross‐sectional (56.2%), with only 6.7% longitudinal and 4.5% intervention based. Significant gaps remain, including methodological inconsistencies, a lack of longitudinal and intervention studies and limited inclusion of diverse populations (e.g., various genders, geographical location and competitive settings). This review underscores the need for standardised measurement tools to accurately ascertain the prevalence, severity and nature of mental health challenges in esports. There is also a need for gender‐balanced samples and tailored mental health frameworks that reflect the unique pressures of this population, such as performance demands, digital toxicity and irregular schedules. Future research should develop and evaluate evidence‐based interventions and organisational policies aimed at safeguarding player well‐being
Effects of handheld dumbbell load on force-time characteristics during countermovement jumps with accentuated eccentric loading in youth athletes
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of handheld dumbbell load on force-time characteristics during countermovement jumps with accentuated eccentric loading (CMJ ). Nineteen youth athletes (9 males and 10 females; age 15 ± 2 years; stature 1.66 ± 0.09 m; body mass 54.8 ± 8.4 kg) performed bodyweight CMJs (CMJ ) followed by CMJ conditions at 20% (CMJ ) and 30% (CMJ ) of body mass. Vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) data were analysed using a combined forward and backward integration method to account for changes in system mass. Jump height increased in both CMJ conditions compared with CMJ with the greatest improvement during CMJ . Propulsion time increased with load, while propulsion mean vGRF decreased, suggesting participants produced force over a longer duration to attain a greater jump height. Propulsion mean velocity and power increased under CMJ but changes were uncertain for CMJ . Braking responses were inconsistent, as higher braking vGRF were not accompanied by meaningful changes in braking velocity or power. These findings suggest CMJ can acutely increase jump height; however, associated changes in force-time characteristics, particularly phase durations and velocities, should be considered, as they provide insight into how jump performance is achieved in response to AEL
A battle for validation and understanding of people with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): Effects of stigma and actions of others on well-being and self-perception
No full textIt is increasingly recognized that further research is needed to examine the effect of stigma, bias and the views of others in people experiencing Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). In this light, the present qualitative study focused on an exploration of how the well-being and self-perception of people with FND might be affected by the stigma of others. Seven participants (from England, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand) were recruited via adverts posted to online FND support group webpages and took part in in-depth online semi-structured interviews exploring the personal experiences of living with FND. Transcripts of the interviews were then analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Two superordinate themes were developed: dehumanization and self-perception. These superordinate themes comprised of the following subordinate themes: consent issues; disbelief and disregard; self-doubt; and self-stigma. Consent issues and disbelief and disregard reflected dehumanization, while self-doubt and self-stigma encompass self-perception. The present data highlighted just how impactful stigma and disbelief are in leading to negative self-perception and dehumanization of people with FND. Future research is needed to help those living with FND to overcome the negative consequences of this stigma and actions of others, such as reduced quality of life, deterioration of symptoms and decreased well-being
Improved mood following cold‐water immersion: a comparison of differing exposure durations
Full text linkBackground: Cold‐water therapy is gaining popularity as a mood‐enhancing intervention. However, immersion protocols vary, particularly in terms of temperature and duration. This study examined whether different durations of cold‐water immersion produce differential effects on mood.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty participants with self‐reported low mood were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group or immersion groups exposed to seawater at 13.6°C ± 0.3°C for 5, 10 or 20 min. Participants in the immersion groups completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) 7 days before and immediately after immersion; control participants completed the same measures at matched intervals. Skin temperature and heart rate were recorded before and during immersion, and heart rate variability (HRV) was analysed in 10 participants from the 5‐min group.
Results: Total mood disturbance (TMD) significantly improved across cold‐water immersion groups. The greatest reduction was observed in the 20‐min group (mean change −15.9 points; 49.7 ± 18.8 to 33.8 ± 10.8, p < 0.0005), followed by the 5‐min group (−14.7 points; 47.6 ± 19.9 to 32.9 ± 13.7, p < 0.0005) and the 10‐min group (−8.8 points; 41.8 ± 15.5 to 33.0 ± 12.3, p = 0.001). No significant change in TMD was observed in the control group (−1.9 points; 41.5 ± 9.5 to 39.6 ± 6.4, p = 0.156). Immersion significantly reduced skin temperature by 10.7°C, (t(48) = 21.8, p < 0.0005) and increased heart rate by 33 bpm, (t(48) = –17.76, p < 0.0005). HRV showed reduced root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) (48.8 to 28 ms) and total power (4197 to 1812 ms2), indicating a shift from parasympathetic to sympathetic dominance.
Conclusion: Cold‐water immersion appears to effectively improve mood, with benefits observed across all durations. A 5‐min immersion was as effective as longer exposures, offering a practical option for implementation. While safe in healthy, screened individuals under controlled conditions, caution is advised in less structured environments or with individuals with pre‐existing health conditions
The influence of doomscrolling on mental health: a scoping review
Full text linkPurpose
This paper aims to synthesise and critically review empirical research on doomscrolling, the compulsive consumption of negative online content, and its relationship with mental health and wellbeing. The review clarifies conceptual definitions, examines theoretical perspectives, and evaluates emerging intervention strategies to inform future digital mental health research and practice.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Seventeen empirical studies were identified through systematic database searches and screened according to predefined inclusion criteria. Extracted data were charted and synthesised narratively to highlight conceptual trends, theoretical frameworks, methodological limitations, and research gaps.
Findings
Doomscrolling was commonly characterised as a habitual, compulsive behaviour reinforced by design features such as infinite scrolling and algorithmic content delivery. Theoretical explanations emphasised rumination, emotional exhaustion, and intolerance of uncertainty. Across predominantly cross-sectional studies, consistent associations were found with anxiety, depression, stress, and reduced resilience. One experimental study tested a “kindness-scrolling” intervention, showing only short-term affective benefits.
Research limitations/implications
Current evidence is limited by cross-sectional designs, self-report bias, and conceptual inconsistency. Future studies should employ longitudinal and experimental designs, develop validated measurement tools, and evaluate targeted interventions to establish causal pathways and support evidence-based prevention.
Practical implications
Findings underscore the need for digital wellbeing interventions addressing maladaptive coping, habit formation, and algorithmic reinforcement mechanisms that sustain doomscrolling.
Originality/value
This review provides the first systematic synthesis of doomscrolling research, offering a conceptual foundation for future studies and the development of empirically informed digital mental health interventions
Special issue on creating a culture of child safety in sport: recognising the need for an integrative approach
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Effect of exposure to asynchronous virtual clinical environments on actual/perceived competence in drug dosage calculation: a pilot study
Full text linkIntroduction: Nursing students are expected to be ‘practice ready’ on qualifying. This includes safe medication administration. This pilot study investigates the relationship between exposure duration to asynchronous virtual drug dosage calculation scenarios and nursing student actual and perceived competence. Methodology design planned for larger scale main study was tested and piloted.
Methods: A randomised quasi-experimental research design (pre- and post-test) was used. Purposive sampling was used to recruit six groups of second/third-year pre-registration undergraduate nursing students from six sites (UK and Canada). Students were randomly assigned to four groups of different exposure to the safeMedicate® COVID-19 education module.
Results: Student actual competence increased across all four groups, and their perceived competence mirrored this. There was no clear dose-response relationship demonstrated.
Conclusion: Valuable insights into the effects of asynchronous virtual learning on drug dosage calculation competence among nursing students were generated. Improvement in actual and perceived competence was found, but no clear dose-response relationship. Further research on a larger scale is needed to explore the impact of instructional design, feedback, and interaction on learning outcomes
The philosophical foundations of participatory action research: pragmatism, critical theory, constructivism, feminist epistemology and participatory democracy
Full text linkThis article explores the philosophical foundations of Participatory Action Research (PAR), a dynamic approach in which participants, as key stakeholders, determine research needs, design the research framework, and collect data to achieve social change. By tracing its philosophical origins within pragmatism, critical theory, constructivism, feminist epistemology, and participatory democracy, the paper elucidates the connections between these philosophical pillars and the development of PAR. It emphasises the principles of social justice and highlights how PAR empowers communities by integrating research, education, and action, thereby transforming marginalised groups into active agents of change. The paper begins with an overview of PAR principles and then explores the underlying philosophical underpinnings that support this research approach. By examining the transformative potential of PAR on individuals, research, and society, the article underscores the importance of collaborative knowledge generation and the dismantling of power dynamics in research processes. This exploration reinforces the efficacy of PAR in addressing pressing social issues and influencing policymakers, advocating for a participatory process that prioritises equal and collaborative engagement from all stakeholders. Through this analysis, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of PAR’s role in fostering value-based research and social change