12560 research outputs found
Sort by
Being at home in the world: Stella Benson’s 'Goodbye, Stranger’
No full textDespite success later in life, winning the Femina-Vie Heureuse Prize in 1932 for her last completed novel, Tobit Transplanted, and the silver medal of the Royal Society of Literature, and while popular and successful in her lifetime, Stella Benson has never been considered as part of the canon of Modernist or early twentieth century literature. Drawing on Benson’s unpublished diaries for the period in which she was writing Goodbye, Stranger, this essay, in part, discusses her position outside the canon, but it also explores the world of the changeling and the uncanny, the whimsical and the fantastical in Goodbye, Stranger, those very elements which might be considered the rationale for its exclusion from the canon, but which belie a more serious endeavour: how to find one’s place in a hostile society, when one is a stranger who sits outside of conventional societal and, perhaps, authorial norms
History of health psychology
No full textThis chapter gives an overview of the history of health psychology, covering the development of the discipline across a number of countries, including the United States of America (USA), Europe, the United Kingdom (UK), Japan, Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It takes a look at the key influences on its development, changes to job opportunities, discussions on the need for training models to accommodate standardised skill sets, core journals and books that were published to assist knowledge transfer of this new discipline, and how the growth in countries where health psychology is well-established such as the UK, differ from less developed countries. It includes extracts from interviews with 53 Health Psychologists (mainly trained in the UK) as part of the Royal Society–funded Oral History of Health Psychology (OHHP) in the UK Project (funded 2016–2018), many of whom were involved in European and international developments. New oral testimony from this project, interviewed by the authors, is presented in this chapter for the first time, highlighted by the date on which people were interviewed as part of this historical work. The chapter concludes with practical tips to ensure that history continues to be able to be captured in the future on an international platform through good documentation at annual meetings and as part of professional network events, conferences, and peer-reviewed journals
Palin stuttering therapy for school aged children and usual treatment: a randomised controlled trial feasibility study
Get PDFBackground: Despite a clear need for and evidence-based therapy for some children who stutter aged 8–14, there is no high-level evidence of effectiveness, with Speech and Language Therapists rating knowledge and confidence low. One programme which might address these needs, increase availability of services and improve outcomes, is Palin Stammering Therapy for School aged Children (Palin STSC(8 14)). Aim: To investigate the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised controlled trial comparing Palin STSC(8 14) with usual treatment. Objectives were to establish: recruitment and retention rates; appropriateness of the outcome measures; acceptability of the research and Palin STSC(8 14) therapy; treatment fidelity; and, appropriateness of the cost-effectiveness measures. Method: A two-arm, cluster-randomised trial, with randomisation of therapists, stratified by service. Children aged 8;0–14;11, and their parent(s), were allocated to therapist and completed questionnaires pre-therapy and six months later. Assessments were selected for their potential to measure or predict therapy outcome. Therapists completed measures at the start and end of the trial. A process analysis was conducted, incorporating semi-structured interviews and treatment fidelity examination. Results: Recruitment targets were exceeded (Children n = 67; SLTs n = 37). Research processes were largely acceptable, as was Palin STSC(8 14) therapy. Treatment fidelity was high, with SLT adherence at 85.7 % Mean number of sessions per child for Palin STSC(8 14) was 6.9 compared to 3.5 for usual treatment. Conclusions: The feasibility targets were met. Based on recruitment, retention and adherence rates and our outcome measures, a full-scale randomised controlled trial appears feasible and warranted to assess the effectiveness of Palin STSC(8 14)
London's Ultra Low Emission Zone and active travel to school: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of children, families and teachers
Get PDFObjective Taking a qualitative approach, we aimed to understand how London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) might work to change behaviour and improve health in the context of the school journey. Design Primary qualitative study embedded within an existing natural experimental study. Setting A population-level health intervention implemented across London. Participants Purposive sampling was used to recruit children (aged 10-11 years) from ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds within an existing cohort study, Children's Health in London and Luton. Methods In-person and online interviews were conducted with 21 families and seven teachers from the children's schools between November 2022 and March 2023. Verbatim transcripts were analysed drawing on Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis and guided by realist evaluation principles to identify contexts, mechanisms and outcomes using NVivo. Results Common context, mechanism, outcome (CMO) configurations were identified reflecting congruent narratives across children, parents and teachers, for example, current active travellers (context) reported reductions in pollution (mechanism) leading to improvements in health, including alleviated symptoms of asthma (outcome). These CMOs were broadly captured by two themes: (i) how you travelled before the ULEZ matters: the impact of travel mode on experiences of the ULEZ and (ii) your context matters: the role of socioeconomic position in experiences of the ULEZ. Participants highlighted the potential for the ULEZ to positively impact their choice of travel mode to school, experiences of the journey and their health. However, the impact of the ULEZ differed inequitably by journey length, travel mode before implementation and access to reliable and affordable public transport. Conclusions The capacity for the ULEZ to both narrow and exacerbate inequities across different travel contexts suggests when developing such schemes, more emphasis needs to be placed on providing accessible and affordable alternatives to driving.</p
Child and family social worker knowledge and skills: rapid evidence review
Get PDFThis report is based on a rapid evidence review of the knowledge and skills required by child and family social workers to improve outcomes for children and their families. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Editorial: Climate and environmental changes in circum-Mediterranean regions
Get PDFCircum-Mediterranean regions, consisting of South Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, are located at the crossroads of global environmental patterns. There is a convergence between various maritime conditions and different continental air masses from adjacent extensive lands marked by extreme differences in topographical features. At a spatial scale, the climate and environmental parameters vary considerably across circum-Mediterranean regions. At a temporal scale, significant climate and environmental changes have occurred over the past thousands of years. Currently, circum-Mediterranean regions are experiencing challenges ranging from drought and fire to intense floods and water quality concerns under the changing climate. Further warming will lead to an unbearable future for human beings and ecosystems
Feeling the heat: understanding stakeholders’ perceptions of residential-sector heating decarbonisation options in the UK
Get PDFThe reliance on natural gas for residential sector heating in the United Kingdom (UK) presently accounts for around a fifth of national greenhouse gas emissions. Phasing out this reliance is considered important as the UK's ‘Net-Zero’ ambitions. Alternatives to a reliance on natural gas, include the use of hydrogen boilers and electrification using heat pump technologies. The acceptance of these technologies among different societal actors (including publics) will play a significant role in which are backed, available, and used. The aim of this study was to consider the perceptions of key stakeholders in the UK residential heat decarbonisation sector about: (a) policies pertaining to this sector; (b) the factors likely to shape public acceptance of hydrogen and heat-pump technologies; and (c) the prospect of repurposing the gas pipeline network to support heat decarbonisation. Interviews were held with 12 stakeholders from the UK's residential heating sector. Interviews were supported using bespoke ‘flash cards’ to convey core details about each of the options under consideration. Interview principally considered the relative strengths and drawbacks of hydrogen versus ‘standard’ heat pump options, with discussions centring on four primary themes: Relative risks and benefits; Public choice and control over residential heating options; Engaging with the public throughout the energy transition; and Envisioning future energy transition scenarios for residential home heating. The findings confirm that the factors and actors feeding into the relative ‘acceptability’ of each option are manifold, and that the ‘acceptance’ of each option is tied to factors, such as: (a) the consistency of policy signals from government; (b) the relative affordability of the technology; and (c) both the physical infrastructure and social aspects of the local development context. The concept of repurposing the gas pipeline network was considered to be a good idea in principle, although enthusiasm was heavily caveated with reference to the practicalities of achieving this goal
The impact of an electronic learning intervention to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing behaviour by non-medical prescribers for upper respiratory tract infections in the primary care setting: a feasibility study
Get PDFBackground: Interventions are available for general practitioners to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing behaviour for common, acute, uncomplicated, self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Non-medical prescribers frequently manage these conditions, but no such interventions exist for these groups. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and perceived impact of a theory-based electronic learning intervention designed to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing by non-medical prescribers for URTIs in primary care settings. Methods: A repeated measures, electronic survey design was used, with data collection occurring pre-intervention (stage 1), post-intervention (stage 3), and at a 3-month follow-up (stage 4). The intervention’s usefulness was assessed by analysing prescribers’ self-reported confidence and knowledge in treating patients with URTIs, as well as their views on the relevance of the intervention to their work. The influence of the intervention on prescribing behaviour was evaluated by examining prescribers’ perceived capabilities, opportunities, and motivations (COM) in the pre-intervention questionnaire and at follow-up. Feasibility outcome measures included recruitment, retention, and engagement with the intervention. Results: Twenty-one participants (n = 18 nurses, n = 1 pharmacist, and n = 2 paramedics) responded to the recruitment materials, followed the weblink to the survey, and completed the intervention over the 2-month recruitment period. Outcome data for 21 participants were available for pre- and post intervention (stage 1 & 3) and 11 (52%) participants completed follow-up (stage 4). Behavioural practice (information and support for self-management of URTIs) and perceived COM in relation to prescribing for patients with URTIs all increased at follow-up. Mean confidence scores were high at pre- and post-intervention stages but showed a slight decrease at follow-up. The intervention was reported to be useful and applicable to participants’ practice. Conclusion: It was feasible to recruit the target sample, and participants engaged well with the intervention. However, further consideration is needed for recruiting pharmacists and paramedics and developing a retention strategy for the follow-up survey. Behaviour and COM influences on behaviour changed positively from before to after the intervention. Future work should consider using the intervention in nursing and pharmacy undergraduate programmes, with students on prescribing programmes, and with other non-medical prescribers such as paramedic and physiotherapist prescribers.</p
"MoveScape":informing active landscape planning to improve physical activity and well-being
No full textBackground: The purposeful design of built environments for meaningful physical activity experiences is underexplored. Development policies and regulations often overlook community involvement in active landscape design for enhanced physical activity engagement. This article addresses this gap by presenting findings from ‘MoveScape’ — an academic-industry collaboration using participatory methods to explore the quality and meaningfulness of physical activity experiences to inform active landscape design that support physical literacy and community wellbeing. Methods: Based at a new housing development in the East of England, four focus group workshops (N = 26; 33-68 years; 73% male) employed elements of appreciative inquiry and invited local residents to explore meaningful physical activity, physical literacy, and neighbourhood perceptions. Participants shared and envisioned physical activity experiences around their community. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to code and categorise data. Results: Eight themes were developed; (1) ‘Safety and Security’, (2) ‘Sense of belonging’, (3) ‘Attractive, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing spaces’, (4) ‘Inclusive, diverse and accessible spaces’, (5) ‘Sustainable and durable spaces’, (6) ‘Health considerations’, (7) ‘Social interactions’, (8) ‘Valued spending’. Conclusion: Key recommendations for active landscape design include prioritising safety and security through better lighting and well-maintained environments, fostering a sense of belonging by designing inclusive, multi-generational spaces that encourage social interaction, and ensuring accessibility for diverse needs. Sustainable and aesthetically pleasing landscapes support long-term engagement. Key recommendations relate to embedding community voice and participatory methods in the active landscape design process to enhance meaningful physical activity through community investment, cultural identity, and long-term usability
Language assessment literacy
No full textLanguage assessment literacy is a crucial, evolving skillset with implications for administrators, instructors, and students (Coombe et al., 2020). This chapter examines assessment literacy through the lens of program development and administration, emphasizing key principles and skills relevant for the overall success of a language program. Drawing insights from both foundational and contemporary literature, we highlight core principles such as validity, reliability, practicality, washback, and authenticity, in addition to ethics, fairness, and transparency. Key skills (e.g., instrument development and analysis) and knowledge (e.g., summative and formative assessment practices) are described. The chapter extends beyond theoretical underpinnings to elucidate practical applications and implications of assessment literacy. It sheds light on how assessment literacy can both inform the development of effective language courses and contribute to ongoing professional development initiatives. Reviewing practical integrations of assessment literacy principles into course design, the chapter offers opportunities for enhancing the quality of language education. Further, the reader is presented with future directions which harness technological advancements and adapt to emergent needs and social contexts. This chapter aims to empower the reader with a strong grasp of the literature and best practices associated with language assessment literacy
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage University of Bedfordshire Repository? Access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard!