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On self-becoming and so what? Searching for a transforming vision for our untransformed world
No full textCHAPTER SUMMARIES
1. LIFEWAYS AND WORKWAYS: THE TRUTH OF MYTH
This chapter, a chapter on the ontology of me, describes a pattern of encounters I had from my youngest years with the Arthurian legend-turned-myth which eventually became the organising framework for my book, Finding Merlin. In it, I offer my own précis of the anonymous, late 14th Century Sir Gawin And The Green Knight, the greatest chivalric poem of the English medieval canon, which I use to ‘set’ the discoveries of the modern developmental theorists who, together, have provided a modern, Western interpretation of what has been an ancient inquiry – to understand the human adventure as an ontological quest. I share the lessons my life has taught me in the decade and more since Finding Merlin was published. And I explain how Gawain’s tale, the story of an ‘ordinary hero’ who must learn what it is to be human, may remind us of our own story of wonder and mystery that we, too, must tell - for it is in our story-making that we ‘make’ ourselves, a realisation that became the motivation for my next endeavour, the subject of Chapter Two.
2. MAKING OURSELVES IN STORY: SUMMONING OUR AGENCY FOR THE WORLD
This chapter, a chapter on the dynamic, interdependent relationship between the epistemological and the ontological, describes a ‘theory of knowing’ and the importance of language as an essential structure of self-making for us as storytelling organisms. In it, I assert that reflecting-in-writing is a particularly disciplined means of incorporating our life experiences into our sense of who we are, of grounding us at the waypoint we have reached on our development journey, and of living out the proposition that individual and social development are intertwined. I list my various efforts to help social-change professionals – ordinary heroes of our own time – to write their stories of ‘outtrage aventure’’ to support their personal development and to summon their agency for the world. I acknowledge, though, that writing can be a lonely undertaking, hence my next endeavour to explore the possibility of Conversation and Friendship as method, the subject of Chapter Three.
3. A SPACE FOR THE LIFE OF THE MIND: A WICKED COMPANY FOR OUR TIME
This chapter and its six appendices describe the formation of ‘Wicked Company’ – an illustration of working at the intersection of thinking and practice, of the manifestation of one individual’s expression of their unique agency for the collective. My 50th birthday was marked by the diagnosis of breast cancer, and this was not my first experience of severe adversity. Unlike the philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, I did not make the claim in Finding Merlin that “that which does not kill us makes us stronger”14. Nevertheless, when I learned that I may survive, I realised that I needed to discover a new purpose. Inspired by the ‘wicked companies’ of the 18th Century, I set myself the task of creating a ‘culturing context’ to support social-change professionals who, like me, believe that human and social development are interwoven. In the marked absence of either technical or political mechanisms for managing the commons, a new way of thinking is required that is not of the order of consciousness that gave rise to the multiple, global crises we are witnessing today. The Wicked Company network, therefore, continues to assemble in the spirit of the courageous freethinkers of the Enlightenment period for Friendship and Conversation, to challenge established worldviews in our own turbulent times.
4. CONSTRUCTS OF THE SELF: ONE NARRATOR’S TALE OF ‘TIMELESS TRUTHS’
This chapter describes the beginning of a new line of inquiry – of the letting go of the delusion that there is only one expression of ‘timeless truth’. Recognising that Finding Merlin offers a Western, scientific construct of personhood, I became curious about how different people in different cultures and in different times have conceived of it, and so I began to research and compose a genealogy of ideas about the Self which will be published in due course. As an interpretation of that which has already been interpreted, and of which I will also, necessarily, be a part, it will inevitably be “radically incomplete, insufficient, provisional, disputable, and arguable”15. But our globalised world calls for the expression of a plurality of cultural views to produce new visions of complex phenomena, and so this “new knowledge synthesis”16 - a more expansive and inclusive interpretation of the Self than that proposed in Finding Merlin - is intended for those who seek frameworks of different ways of thinking in order to understand more fully the human experience and the world in which it is embedded.
5. A TRANSFORMING VISION FOR OUR UNTRANSFORMED WORLD: AN UNFINISHED TALE
This final chapter, an unfinished tale of how emerging insights can spark creativity, describes the reinvention of a beautiful, Victorian school in a conservation village in the North-East of Scotland. The building has lain empty for more than half a century and my high dream for it is to re-establish it as a place of learning once more, to enable all those who cross its threshold to live out the central proposition of Finding Merlin that, when we work on ourselves, we do our work in the world. This not-for-profit venture will consume all my resources and I do not know yet if it will be successful, but this is a non-personal task that I realise I must do in my remaining working years, and so it is my duty – indeed my obligation - to try to fulfil it
Difficult experiences for counselling psychologists in mandatory process groups during their training
Get PDFThe participation in process groups during psychology and psychotherapy training can provide trainees with experiences that contribute significantly to their personal and professional development. However, some of the negative experiences associated with participation found in the research undertaken can cause trainee distress and psychological harm which frequently pertains to potential ethical breaches.
This study’s aim was to explore these ‘difficult experiences’ that can sometimes occur in mandatory process groups to determine the impact of these experiences on trainee safety and learning. The qualitative approach employed in this study involved nine qualified counselling psychologists from 5 different universities in the UK, aged from 28 to 59, who took part in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed and analysed using Template Analysis. This produced two primary themes ‘Ethical dilemmas – ‘Thrown to the lions’’ and ‘Lack of safety – A barrier to learning’. Researcher reflexivity was used throughout this study to enhance the transparency and accuracy of the findings.
The findings indicated that taking part in process groups can, at times, be a source of intensely distressing and harmful experiences reported by the trainees in this research, and that these experiences can lead to trainee withdrawal and non-engagement, which negatively impacts learning. The descriptions of difficult experiences included malicious attacks from peers, breaches of confidentiality, unsupportive facilitators, destructive interpersonal dynamics, and an implicit pressure to contribute to the group. The study’s findings have contributed to new knowledge in how difficulties experienced negatively impact learning for trainee counselling psychologists in the UK. In addition, the findings have shown that difficulties in process groups pertaining to ethical breaches are consistent across the five training programs in this study. It was felt important to therefore make some considered recommendations for counselling psychology educators based on the findings of this study and make improvements in the field for candidates and institutions
An investigation of biosurfactant-mediated disruption and biological activity in mature biofilms formed on plastic surfaces by LPS mutants of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
No full textSalmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium is a major foodborne pathogen. Its ability to form biofilms (a community of microorganisms) contributes to contamination in the food industry and clinical environments, posing challenges for disinfection and increasing the risk of spread. Biosurfactants, compounds produced by microorganisms, can potentially control biofilm formation as eco-friendly antimicrobial agents and be applied to plastic food packaging to prevent biofilm formation and food spoilage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biosurfactant, rhamnolipid (produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and in particular surfactin (produced by Bacillus subtilis), on S. Typhimurium wild type (LT2) and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-modified mutants (with mutated rfa genes, critical for LPS biosynthesis). Furthermore, evaluate its effectiveness in S. Typhimurium cultivated on commonly used plastics (polypropylene and polystyrene) in food and medical industries.
Surfactin at 5 µg/mL and polypropylene (PP) plastic have been selected for further studies based on the Crystal Violet assay, which assesses the reduction of biofilm formation. The results revealed that surfactin treatments at 5 µg/mL significantly reduced biofilm mass in WT (p <0.0001) as well as in LPS-mutants: 228 (rfaL), 229 (rfaJ), 230 (rfaF) (all p <0.0001), and 227 (rfaI) (p <0.01). This indicates that LPS biosynthesis influences the cell surface of biofilm structure and adhesion. Surfactin appears to affect biofilm growth and reduce extracellular polymeric substance (EPS, a biofilm matrix protective barrier) on PP surfaces, which was also demonstrated by FilmTracerTM SYPRO® Ruby Biofilm Matrix staining using fluorescence microscopy. Significant reduction (p ≤0.05) of EPS was observed in S. Typhimurium (WT) and selected LPS-modified mutants (225 rfa, 228 rfaL, 231 rfaG, 258 rfaE). To understand the gene regulation involved in biofilm formation and its expression under surfactin treatments on PP coupons and planktonic conditions, the following genes csgD, flgK, cydA, bamA, ftsZ, murA, hisI, and dnaA from various clusters were investigated by RT-qPCR. Where surfactin up-regulates these genes, it could signify the adaptive stress response, and surfactin-related gene down-regulation suggests reduced survival. These effects are possibly due to the LPS chain variation between strains. There were distinct patterns between the PP coupon and planktonic conditions, which could be due to different synthesis mechanisms used in bacterial cell adhesion, cell replication and survival.
In conclusion, these findings have practical implications for designing biofilm control strategies in food processing environments. Targeting the LPS structure of S. Typhimurium by surfactin to disrupt biofilm formation may reduce the risks of foodborne infections. Further studies using the proteomic approach could confirm the surfactin mechanism and its effect on EPS and inhibition of biofilms
Investigating the influence of distractions whilst engaging in social media – an EEG project
Get PDFThe current study aims to take a closer look at the social media app TikTok and its potential influence on attentional processes as a representative of all social media apps with a similar interface. It features a “never ending scroll” as its main feed where users encounter a wide variety of topics which makes it ideal for the experimental setting. The goal of the study is to investigate how distractors are processed when engaging with social media. This was assessed by visual targets along with tactile and visual cues presented during the trials as well as EEG data collected throughout. During the experiment, all participants will have different blocks where they will have a social media engagement section as well as a section where they will not engage with social media. During each condition, they will sometimes be asked to respond to targets, other times they will not be asked to respond. Their performances will be analyzed with a within-subjects approach. It is expected that when participants engage with social media, they will not perceive the cues as well. Though the existing literature does not feature neurological studies centered on social media, other similar topics such as Lavie’s (1995) perceptual load theory provide enough framework from which to base expectations off. It was expected that the two conditions of varied perceptual load will interact with cue perception. However, though there were main effects for the two factors, there were ultimately no observed interaction effects. Despite that, the data does support that social media is equivalent to high perceptual load and that engaging with it could impact somatosensory processing, as well as support the idea that the perceptual load theory applies cross-modally. Social media is a growing area of interest in publication due to its increasing presence in society. As it is a relatively new phenomenon, it warrants scientific interest to analyze the ways it may be modulating attention, if at all. The exploratory analysis concerned with long-term social media usage reveals some potential long-lasting effects, specifically in relation to the tactile cue, and also provides a clear direction moving forward with future studies
Gamification of E-Learning apps via acceptance requirements analysis
Get PDFIn the last few years, and particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, E-Learning has become a very important and strategic asset for our society, relevant both for academic and industry settings, involving participants ranging from students to professionals. Different applications have been developed to support E-Learning to be an effective tool, particularly in relation to the software engineering and programming areas. However, in order to be effective, in particular within academic settings, such tools require students to be continuously engaged and motivated to learn both practical and theoretical aspects. The integration of gamification in educational environments has gained considerable prominence as a potential mean to augment students’ motivation and involvement, providing them with immediate feedback and reinforcement, bolstering their sense of accomplishment and motivation to persist in their studies. However, to design gamified applications that can effectively engage and motivate users, as the literature has demonstrated, it is required to consider psychological, sociological, and human behavioural aspects, often referred to as Acceptance Requirements. This study presents a case study, where a Goal Modeling-based, Systematic, Acceptance Requirements Analysis and Gamification Design process, has been applied, by using the Agon framework, to prototype a gamified tool, aiming at engaging students towards learning both theory and practice related to a “Web-Based Mobile App Development” university module. To evaluate our proposed prototype, students were involved to use our proposed gamified prototype. The results show that our gamification solution can engage and motivate students towards learning both theoretical and practical aspects of the module
Multiplicity in contemporary Naga society: a study on professional women in multiple lifeworlds
No full textMultiplicity or the multiple self can be understood as an abstract idea or an empirical phenomenon. As such, it can be conceptualized as a psychological concept, a philosophical idea, or a social phenomenon. Broadly speaking, it is understood within a spectrum, from pathological to normal, sometimes even celebratory. While it is considered a modern phenomenon and a normal part of contemporary societies, it is also associated with instability and uncertainty. As a consequence, integration or prioritising certain selves is often offered as a way of coping with multiplicity. This thesis argues that there is another way to understand and engage with the multiple self – through the notion of vocation or calling.
The study takes its research participants as exemplars for understanding multiplicity in contemporary Nagaland. Their life-stories show the manifestation of multiplicity, on the one hand, and offer ways to cope with it, on the other.
It shows that for professional women in Nagaland today, multiplicity manifests as co-existing cultural systems, layers of limitations, voices in conflict, and possible selves that are either unfulfilled or can manifest in the future. It argues that the idea of vocation can hold these in creative tension by: endorsing a construal of self that is both modern and traditional at the same time; interpreting limitations caused by both particular experiences and social structures as inevitable and necessary towards fulfilling one’s calling; giving expression to conflicting voices while avoiding making one salient and suppressing the others; and forming a self-schema defined by the Christian narrative of fulfilling God’s calling – one that constitutes meaning-making and decision-making processes – in retrospect, in the present, and in the future
Seasonal variations in performance and asymmetry data for jump and change of direction abilities in female soccer players
Get PDFThe study aimed to evaluate the progression of the percentage-based change of direction deficit (%CODD) over a competitive season, along with its correlation with performance tests, and to examine the impact of the magnitude and direction of asymmetry at four stages of the season. Forty-seven (U-16, U-18, and U-20) highly-trained female soccer players performed unilateral vertical (CMJ), and horizontal jumping (HJ), 10-m sprint, and 180º change of direction (COD180) tests. The %CODD was also calculated. Significant group and time effects (p < 0.05) were observed in CMJ, HJ, 10-m sprint, and COD180 tests, with U-20 players generally outperforming the U-18 and U-16 groups. Non-significant differences were reported in the %CODD between any time-point or groups throughout the season. Moderate/large significant (r = 0.44 to 0.64; p < 0.05) relationships were found between %CODD and 10-m. The direction of asymmetry within- and between-tests at all time-points was slight to moderate (k = -0.29 to 0.57). Notwithstanding, 51% of the players showed the best performance in the horizontal jump with the same leg throughout the season, while only 36% in %CODD. This study highlights the importance of developing strategies to improve %CODD depending on the player’s position demands. Finally, individually monitoring the magnitude and direction of asymmetry can help practitioners monitor the effects of training and competition throughout the season
Low-carbon good lives
No full textWe all strive for a good life, but what this means or might involve is impacted by time, culture, context, and individual-level factors. As the climate and associated environmental and social crises continue to develop, it is crucial that we explore how we might be able to lead inclusive ‘low carbon good lives’, which encompass high levels of human wellbeing alongside increased care for the planet. This entry takes an interdisciplinary approach to outline current understandings of the factors that may constitute low carbon good lives, covering both leisure and workplace practices. In doing so, it also highlights the actions that may help to support and encourage transitions to low carbon good lives including the role of the arts, business, and social infrastructure. Ultimately, the entry calls for a combined effort of actors across disciplines, geographic borders, and societal levels to help imagine and implement sustainable prosperity
Feminist conversations with Buber: dialogic encounters with ‘The Girls’ (stories of Jewish women in Brownsville, Brooklyn, 1940–1995)
Get PDFThis article conceptualises feminist conversations with Buberian dialogic philosophy while theorising intersubjectively intersectional dialogues with Carole Bell Ford’s book, The Girls, drawing on stories of Jewish women in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The narrative extracts analysed grapple with some of the women’s challenges of coming of age within migrant enclaves in the post-war period and these are deconstructed through a feminist and intersectional dialogic lens. In gendering Buber, the article also embraces the temporal and spatial configurations of dialogic migrancy in how it offers transversal, diachronic and synchronic contributions through the women’s experiences of everyday life. The article also reflects on methodological innovations in how the combined approaches can offer deeper, more reflexive and nuanced understandings of intersubjective experiences concerning complex emotions, sensitive themes and challenging topics
Working the system—an empirical analysis of the relationship between systems thinking, paradoxical cognition, and sustainability practices
Get PDFSustainability is an inherently complex problem. Often, a reductionist mindset underpins corporate sustainability practices. Understanding the collective impact of systems thinking and paradoxical cognition on sustainability practices could foster new cognitive strategies for sustainability efforts. Informed by stakeholder theory, this study investigates the impacts of systems thinking and paradoxical cognition on sustainability practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Primary data was collected through a survey of SME managers in the United Arab Emirates (n = 554), and the hypothesized model was analyzed using structural equation modelling. The findings imply that systems thinking, paradoxical thinking, and the ability to recognize paradoxical tensions positively influenced sustainability practices. The study's findings offer novel insights advocating for the integration of cognitive frameworks and sustainability practices in the context SMEs, highlighting the need for a shift from traditional linear management approaches to more adaptive and integrative strategies