bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in the impact of environmental influences: Vulnerability to risk or general sensitivity to context? And what have genes got to do with it?
Authors: Assary Elham
Published: January 2023

Individuals differ in the extent to which they are influenced by their environmental contexts, with some individuals detrimentally affected by the same adverse environmental contexts that leave others unscathed. Recent evolutionary–based theoretical frameworks propose that genetically driven variations in general sensitivity to environmental stimulations can explain this observed variation in response to adversity, as well as to positive environmental influences. Three main theoretical models are explored, along with evidence on the genetic basis of individual differences in environmental sensitivity.
Funded research visit to Northwestern University
Authors: Gaebler Scarlett
Published: January 2023

With PsyPAG bursary funding, I was able to conduct a research visit at the Northwestern University in Chicago. Building upon my own research at Sussex University into emotional, cognitive arousal in text processing, my visit focused on physical forms of arousal. The research group I was visiting study sexual arousal as measured by genital arousal assessments. My visit allowed me to learn about these new methodologies, as well as discussing potential crossovers between physical and emotional/cognitive arousal research.
Health Psychology in Public Health Network (HPPHN) Physical activity: Influences and interventions
Authors: Norris Emma
Published: January 2023

This review outlines discussions emerging from a one–day seminar on physical activity, run by the Health Psychology in Public Health Network (HPPHN). The importance of physical activity for health and wellbeing is highlighted, with the varied effectiveness of interventions and implications for future work discussed.
Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition (SARMAC) XII Conference
Authors: Sukumar Divya
Published: January 2023

From 3–6 January 2017, Sydney played host to the twelfth Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition (SARMAC) conference. This article discusses the wide range of presentations at the conference.
Accessing treatment for childhood mental health problems: A look at the current issues faced in primary care
Authors: O’Brien Doireann
Published: January 2023

Approximately 10 per cent of children and young people suffer from mental health problems in the UK. However, the vast majority of those affected do not receive specialist help. Primary care is usually the first port of call for parents who have concerns about their child’s wellbeing; however, General Practitioners (GPs) report many difficulties managing this group. Worryingly, despite an increase in the amount of referrals for these disorders, data suggests that many children are not being assessed and treated. Recent reviews of these issues have called for increased training for GPs and access to a mental health work on-site, within primary care.
Social networks in psychology research: Considerations for data collection and analysis
Authors: Gardner Sarah
Published: January 2023

As social beings we are all members of social and local communities, connected with friends, families, colleagues and loved ones. These social connections form social networks which psychologists can capture and explore within research. This article will provide a brief introduction to social networks including methodological considerations associated with collecting social network data and an overview of techniques for analysing social networks.
American Association of Suicidology 50th Annual Conference
Authors: Littlewood Donna
Published: January 2023

The 50th Annual Conference of the American Association of Suicidology drew a diverse range of attendees, who share an interest in suicide prevention. This provided a unique opportunity to disseminate findings of two studies from my PhD research to fellow researchers and psychologists, as well as other healthcare professionals, crisis centre staff and volunteers. Delegates also included people who have lost a loved one to suicide or had lived experience of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. By bringing together the different stakeholders in suicide prevention, this conference provided a mixed and thought–provoking programme.
The role of metacognition in the primary prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Authors: Hett Danielle
Published: January 2023

Military servicemen and women face a multitude of psychological stressors when deployed (e.g. witnessing the death or serious injury of military personnel or civilians). Previous research suggests that women are more vulnerable to developing PTSD compared to their male counterparts; however, little is known about the effects of combat trauma among military servicewomen. This is an important issue, given that women are now allowed to occupy front line roles. This article firstly highlights the lack of research surrounding the mental health of servicewomen exposed to combat trauma. Secondly, it discusses the need to develop more preventative interventions for PTSD which can aid psychological resilience prior to trauma exposure (e.g. primary prevention). Lastly, the article addresses the role of metacognition as a novel approach to the primary prevention of PTSD and explores ways in which this intervention could be delivered to military personnel.
Body image of South Asian men in UK and the effects of acculturation
Authors: Ahmad Muzammil
Published: January 2023

Past research has suggested South Asian men are at more risk of body image concerns. This study explored body image concerns of South Asian men living in the UK and the effects of acculturation on body image using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. It was found that acculturation led to experiencing higher body image concerns as South Asian men tried to incorporate perceived Western ideals of a muscular body. While acculturation may help individuals adapt to living within the host culture, it may not be conducive to developing a healthy body image and integration strategy might be a better solution.
Time management for postgraduate studying
Authors: Hamilton Jayne
Published: January 2023

As a recent winner of a PsyPAG bursary, I was asked to write an article for The Quarterly. Whilst this probably sounds like something that should be easy and straight forward to a PhD student, I wanted to write something that was interesting and relevant to many readers. My current research looks at time management of autistic adolescents and young adults, therefore, I thought it was applicable to write about time management of postgraduate studying. Below you will find a few hints and tips that I think I could have benefitted from being told at the beginning of my PhD journey.
Keynote Spotlight: PsyPAG Annual Conference 2018
Authors: Scott Becky Louise , Pears Matt , Myers Tianna
Published: January 2023

For the first issue of this two-part series in the Quarterly, the keynote speakers presenting at PsyPAG’s 33rd annual conference have shared some of their expertise, insight and research interests as well as valuable advice on life as a postgraduate. This article explores the consequent discussions that took place in the run-up to what we hope to be an exciting event. Here, we hope to shed some light on the research interests and motivations of our keynotes within their respective academic fields, whilst also adding important reads to the shelves of postgraduate offices and sharing tips on the importance of life outside of being an academic.
Overview of emotion dysregulation in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder: Importance and clinical implications
Authors: Moukhtarian Talar R.
Published: January 2023

Research shows a great symptomatic overlap and comorbidity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Emotion dysregulation (ED) is one of the key common feature causing significant impairments in psychosocial domains in both conditions. Due to criterion overlap and a lack of accurate characterisation of ED in both disorders, there is a risk of misdiagnosis that will potentially impact treatment plans. In this discussion paper, I give an overview of the importance of a clear and detailed characterisation of ED in ADHD and BPD, and the rationale behind my PhD project addressing this issue of great clinical relevance.
Computers for therapists: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and the expanding digital infrastructure of primary care mental health services
Authors: Maxwell Mark
Published: January 2023

Traditionally Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is delivered in a face-to-face format. However, with the rise of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and the pressure to meet government access targets, alternative modes of delivery have been explored. This has paved the way for computerised CBT programmes which are interactive computer interfaces that allow clients to complete treatment in the comfort of their own homes. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of these programmes; it considers their evidence-base and discusses in relation to current legislation and government strategies to improve mental health services.
The importance of starting a conversation about suicide: Hints and tips for supporting postgraduate peers
Authors: Russell Kirsten
Published: January 2023

Suicide is a common cause of preventable death worldwide and the student population represents a particularly high-risk group for the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. When an individual feels suicidal they often have the impression of being trapped with no option for escape. As a result, they feel that they cannot talk about these thoughts and often struggle to ask for help. Therefore, it is important that others start the conversation and offer support to these individuals. This article highlights the issue of suicide in university students and provides advice for those who may be worried about someone and unsure of how to start a conversation about suicide.
Workshop Spotlight: PsyPAG Annual Conference 2018
Authors: Scott Becky Louise , Pears Matthew , Myers Tianna
Published: January 2023

In the final edition of this two-part series, the following article aims to capture a snapshot of a few of the opportunities that PsyPAG Annual Conference 2018 will offer – focusing on workshops. In organising the conference, there was unanimous agreement amongst the organising committee that all workshops should be interactive and engaging, in the hope that, alongside experience of presenting at the conference, delegates will also take home some practical skills and important messages. As of reading – details of all workshops will be available on the conference website –www.psypag2018.com. We look forward to seeing you next month!
Discussion paper: The role of sensorimotor signals in cognition and its relevance to autism
Authors: Palser Eleanor
Published: January 2023

Cognitive science has traditionally championed the separation of processing into the constituent domains of perception, action, and higher cognition, with very little crosstalk either amongst scientists researching different domains or conceptually, between nodes in the network. Cognitive reasoning, for example, is widely considered to occur in segregation to motor processing. However, increasingly, evidence is suggesting that this artificial separation of function may not be reflected in the computational organisation of the brain. Theories of embodied cognition argue that sensorimotor cues from the body are fundamental to higher cognitive functions. In this light, understanding the nature of crosstalk between perception, action and cognition may be integral for understanding the human mind. Indeed, disorders that are characterised by abnormalities in multiple domains, for example in both motor and cognitive functions, may only be understood by employing this method. Studying these disorders may also prove informative as to the nature of domain crosstalk during typical development. Autism spectrum disorders, which are associated with both sensorimotor and cognitive abnormalities, may be one such example. As such, research that emphasises domain crosstalk may both shed light on a disorder that has so far eluded the application of a unifying theory, and inform our understanding of the neurotypical organization of the human brain.
Book review: ‘Statistics and Experimental Design for Psychologists: A model comparison approach’ by Rory Allen
Authors: Harrison Peter M.C.
Published: January 2023

This article reviews a new statistics textbook by Rory Allen. The book teaches the fundamentals of statistics and experimental design at an undergraduate psychology level. The material is taught from a model comparison perspective, which Allen argues to be more intuitive than traditional null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) approaches. A key feature of the book is an elegant and novel geometric formulation of Fisher’s F, the test statistic in analysis of variance (ANOVA). Allen’s contribution should provide a useful reference for psychology students, especially if future editions incorporate a wider range of statistical methods.
Discussion paper: Preventing anxiety disorders: Improving effectiveness of, and access to, programmes
Authors: Lawrence Peter
Published: January 2023

The focus of this paper is the prevention of anxiety disorders in at risk children and how programmes might be made more effective and accessible to these children and their families. Child anxiety disorders are common, cause significant distress and predict the onset of other psychiatric disorders as well as educational under-attainment. Although effective treatments exist, barriers mean they are accessed by few and, for over 40 per cent of those who do access them, are ineffective. Anxiety disorders can be prevented, particularly when children at risk are targeted, but prevention science is less well developed than treatment science, and barriers to prevention programmes have received almost no scientific attention. We are conducting a prospective natural history study of adolescents who, in infancy, were at risk of anxiety disorders, and a qualitative study to identify barriers to anxiety disorder prevention programmes and how to make them accessible to those at greatest risk.
Research in brief: The effect of baobab fruit on cognitive function, cerebral blood flow and blood glucose levels
Authors: Docherty Sarah
Published: January 2023

The baobab tree is native to Africa and locally has a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses. The fruit of the tree is high in nutrients, particularly vitamin C and polyphenols. This article summarises a preliminary study in which it was demonstrated 10g baobab fruit powder could improve a range of cognitive performance outcomes (in particular error responses and accuracy), increase cerebral blood flow and increase blood glucose levels in a healthy young sample.
Research in brief: Symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders in people living with ALS and their family members
Authors: McHutchison Caroline
Published: January 2023

Changes in behaviour are common in Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with up to 15 per cent meeting criteria for frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Higher rates of neuropsychiatric disorders have been found in both MND patients and their family members suggesting a possible overlap between MND, FTD and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this preliminary analysis, we found generally low rates of neuropsychiatric disorders in MND patients and their family members, consistent with healthy controls (HC) and their family members. Future research aims to examine associations between neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive and behavioural changes.
Hints and tips: Arranging a study visit as part of your postgraduate studies: Establishing international collaborations
Authors: Nesbit Rachel
Published: January 2023

In May 2018, I was fortunate to receive funding to support a 4-week study visit to the Amsterdam Interdisciplinary Centre for Emotions at the University of Amsterdam. In this article, reflecting upon my own experiences, I provide some (hopefully) useful hints and tips for organising your own study visit, from finding and contacting a host, applying for funding and making the most of your time away from your home institution.
Hints and tips: Advice for managing multiple funders, their expectations and agendas
Authors: Pritchard Amy
Published: January 2023

While securing funding for a PhD is a fantastic achievement, the complexities of receiving support from multiple funders is often overlooked. Three strategies for managing these complexities are discussed. The first strategy is to hold regular, joint meetings with the expectation that everyone will contribute to the agenda. The second is to educate all parties about what the research process involves. Finally, I suggest the need for transparency as to progress developments. Being able to successfully manage the multiple funders of your PhD project, will not only develop your negotiation and communication skills but will also ensure your project realistically meets the needs of all funders.
Book review: A Transdiagnostic Approach to CBT Using Method of Levels Therapyby Warren Mansell, Timothy A. Carey & Sara J. Tai
Authors: Xie Yarong
Published: January 2023

‘A Transdiagnostic Approach to CBT using Method of Levels Therapy’ aims to give clinical psychologists and therapists a handy guide to conducting Method of Levels Therapy. As I am not from a clinical psychology background, I will not comment on the technical contributions of the book in this review. However, I do find the book fun to read as the authors use accessible language and real-life cases to introduce the theory and illustrate the therapy. The revolutionary ideas of Perceptual Control Theory and application of MOL will refresh your mind and broaden your perspectives in psychology.
Writing grant applications
Authors: Turner Grace
Published: January 2023

Securing funding is a key marker of academic success and a stepping stone to the holy grail of ‘becoming an independent researcher’. The process of applying for funding can be daunting, but is a great opportunity to develop new skills and build collaborations. This article will provide hints and tips for preparing a funding application.
Academia and beyond: Exploring career options for postgraduate students
Authors: Oxley Laura
Published: January 2023

Working in academia is the aspiration of many postgraduate students, but intense competition for job vacancies and the prevalence of temporary contracts may make a non-academic career seem more inviting. This article outlines how having an alternative career and remaining involved in academia does not have to be mutually exclusive.
Getting on to a PhD
Authors: Hales Samuel , Burns Derek William , Partridge Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Over the last decade, there has been a 25 per cent rise in the number of students applying for doctoral-level study across the UK (Universities UK, 2017). Prior to committing to a PhD, applicants must make an informed decision as to whether working towards a PhD is valuable for them in terms of personal and professional development. By answering some of the most frequent questions asked by PhD applicants, this article aims to demystify common myths associated with doctoral-level study
Managing your PhD
Authors: Walton Holly
Published: January 2023

PhDs are largely unstructured. This can lead PhD students to feel uncertain and overwhelmed about how to move forward with their PhD. This article discusses different ways in which students can manage their PhD: from planning, organising and managing their project, effectively planning for supervision meetings to make the most of this support, and managing their time to maintain a positive work-life balance.
Managing the second year of your PhD: Data collection and upgrading from an MPhil to a PhD
Authors: Denniss Rebecca , Talbot Catherine V.
Published: January 2023

Your PhD typically takes the following course: Getting to grips with the literature and necessary research skills in the first year, conversion to PhD status and data collection in the second year and third year dedicated to writing up the thesis. This article aims to provide guidance and information for the crucial second year.
Conquering the bridge: The highs and lows of doing interdisciplinary research as an early career researcher
Authors: Laurie Margaret
Published: January 2023

Conducting multidisciplinary research is commended and encouraged, but it comes with unique challenges which students may face during the research process. Here, I discuss challenges such as managing differently disciplined supervisors, sharing work with different people, and handling imposter syndrome when working on an interdisciplinary project.
Facing the challenges of postgraduate study as a minority student
Authors: Albayrak Nihan , Okoroji Celestin
Published: January 2023

Postgraduate studies bring their own burden to many students, yet minority students find themselves confronted with some unique challenges. Acknowledging that this problem lies in the system rather than the students themselves, this article offers some personal strategies that may be helpful for dealing with these particular challenges.
Writing for success: The thesis
Authors: Rusu Ramona , Melia Claire
Published: January 2023

When writing at PhD level, postgraduates are dealing with their most substantial and complex piece of work, in both time and size. From macro-level advice on general ordering of the thesis, through to specific advice on structuring your chapter headings, this article will guide the reader through the key aspects to consider in writing your thesis.
Meet the Readers
Authors: Scott Becky , Stacey Jemaine ‘Jammy’ , Robertson Olly
Published: January 2023

We are pleased to introduce a new item into the Quarterly, our ‘Meet the Readers’ section. This is aimed at showcasing all of our amazing readers and helping facilitate collaboration between members. We hope that our readers find this a useful opportunity to learn more and reach out to one another, building more connections and collaborations across the UK. If you would like to be featured in the next issue of the Quarterly then please contact us atquarterly@psypag.co.ukto obtain a template questionnaire – we want to know more about you! For our first ever ‘Meet the Readers’ some of our core committee kindly agreed to reveal a little about themselves and their work. Find out more below.
Interview: The quarterly big interview with Dr Sally Wiggins
Authors: McQuade Robert
Published: January 2023

Having completed her PhD at Loughborough University in 2002, Sally worked first at Nottingham Trent University, then at the University of Strathclyde for over 12 years. During this time, Sally established herself as a social psychologist with expertise in discursive psychology through a wide range of projects including analyses of family mealtimes, weight management treatment within the NHS, online suicide help forums, and student tutorial group interactions. In 2016, Sally moved to Linköping University (Sweden), where she is currently Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology. In 2017, she released the methods textbook Discursive Psychology: Theory, method and applications. I became enthralled with social psychology thanks to Sally’s undergraduate teaching and was delighted to catch up with her in October 2018 as part of The Quarterly’s ‘Big Interview’ series.
Book Review: ‘Your Guide to Successful Postgraduate Study’ by Geoffrey Elliot, Karima Kadi-Hanifi & Carla Solvason
Authors: Rusu Ramona
Published: January 2023

The issues on how to deal with research literature, how to create and maintain a special relationship with your tutors and your supervisors, asking for emotional and academic support when needed, or pulling written-work to a higher level of performance are some of the most important and highly mentioned points during postgraduate studies. The first steps in becoming successful in postgraduate studies include starting with you, as a person. Becoming mindful, reflective and confident, with a self-awareness perspective of the environment and opportunities, are number one priorities while students read, write, listen or present their work. Students must be provided with concrete situations, real-life examples and evidence deducted from literature on postgraduate studies that enables them to achieve a correct and complex vision related to their studies. They should be informed of what to expect, in the case of future intention to peruse postgraduate studies, and how to reach their maximal potential, in case of the students that have already passed the initial stages of study. How are the less confident students going to perform and overcome their state of being, their physical condition that complements the mental state during reading, listening and presentation skills? How could the routine errors and clumsy presentation modes be eliminated in order to produce interesting and engaging work? The book ‘Your guide to Successful Postgraduate Study’ aims to answer these and many other questions.
Research in Brief: Sleep paralysis in Italy: Terrifying ghosts and witches – and symptoms of psychopathology (PTSD and depression)
Authors: Jalal Baland , Romanelli Andrea , Hinton Devon E.
Published: January 2023

A recent study found that over a third of Italians (in Abruzzo) believe their sleep paralysis (SP) might be caused by the Pandafeche – a supernatural creature (Jalal et al., 2015). Research also suggests that SP in Italy has been shaped by local cultural beliefs, which have worsened the experience (e.g. longer paralysis and excessive fear) and made it more frequent; a mind-body interaction. In the present study (N = 67) conducted in Italy, we found that fear during SP was associated with trauma and symptoms of depression. These findings support the idea that SP has been radically shaped by cultural beliefs.
Is there a synaesthetic personality profile? Characterising synaesthetes’ singularity
Authors: Mas-Casadesús Anna
Published: January 2023

In synaesthesia, senses are ‘blended together’ and experiences in one sensory modality produce additional sensations in another modality. Not only do synaesthetes perceive the world in a different way, but they also seem to present a unique set of behaviours, cognitions, and emotional patterns. The current literature review aims to give a brief overview of the research conducted to date on synaesthetes’ personality, identifying key directions for future research.
What can psychology tell us about the impact of the use of technology and social media on our mental health?
Authors: Dyas Rebecca
Published: January 2023

Social media and the readily access to it, via tablets and smartphones, has not been around for long enough to be sure of its true impact. Research into any potential effects is steadily developing and many studies highlight mental health as being vulnerable to its use. Here I briefly explore the current literature and emphasise the saliency of psychologists, their research and practice, in helping to understand the impact.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate: Child influenza vaccination in England
Authors: Smith Louise E.
Published: January 2023

Influenza is a common disease which causes considerable morbidity and mortality. In an attempt to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with influenza, the influenza vaccine has been offered to children in England since 2013. However, uptake is low. Psychological factors, such as the perception that the vaccine causes adverse effects, negative vaccine beliefs and attitudes, lack of vaccine recommendation from healthcare providers, and perceived practical/logistical barriers to vaccination have been found to be associated with child influenza vaccine refusal in the UK. Public health communications and vaccine interventions should target these factors in order to increase vaccine uptake.
Meet the Readers
Authors: Pownall Madeleine , Benjamin Butterworth , Isaac Halstead
Published: January 2023

We have already had a great response to our call for the new ‘Meet the Readers’ section. This feature is all about you, the reader. Each issue, we give our readers from across the country the chance to tell us a little bit about themselves and their research to help promote collaboration between postgraduate psychologists. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming issue of the Quarterly, please emailquarterly@psypag.co.ukfor a short form to fill out! Here are some of our latest submissions from readers.
More methods can result in more knowledge: Why psychology needs to use multi-method approaches
Authors: Natoli Adam P.
Published: January 2023

There is an overabundance of mono-method approaches and research designs used in psychology. Mono-method approaches (use of a single method of measurement) are problematic because, surprisingly, different methods for measuring the same thing often do not yield comparable scores. Multi-method assessment, however, often leads to more complete and precise findings. To better understand people, multi-method approaches in research and clinical practice need to become common practice in psychology. Intervening at an early stage of education might be the most fruitful tactic for initiating this change. Doing so by addressing current insufficiencies in psychological assessment training might be an advantageous route for facilitating successful transition.
Researchers undertaking overseas data collection
Authors: Sharaan Shereen
Published: January 2023

Towards the end of the second year of my PhD, I embarked on a 12-month journey in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to collect the data essential for PhD programme completion. With just one month left to go before my data collection is complete, this hints and tips piece addresses several points that fellow postgraduates may find helpful to consider when collecting data internationally. Specifically, this article will focus on the regulatory, cultural, logistical, and lone-working aspects of overseas data collection.
Managing mental and physical health conditions at academic conferences
Authors: Hawken Tamsyn
Published: January 2023

Conferences are fantastic opportunities that many will be lucky enough to experience during the course of their postgraduate studies. Whilst they can be exciting, for most people, they are also tiring. This is particularly the case for those who manage a mental and/or physical health condition. The hints and tips in this article are relevant to anyone wishing to improve or manage their experiences at academic conferences, but are especially useful for those who need to manage their time and energy alongside a health condition.
Towards a more comprehensive ethical approach: Potential impacts of studying sensitive topics
Authors: Albayrak-Aydemir Nihan
Published: January 2023

The current ethical approach in psychological research gives importance to protecting the physical and psychological safety of participants. This article highlights the need to go beyond the existing ethical standards in order to improve the safety of researchers in psychological research in sensitive topics as well.
The influence of individuals diagnosed with Autism on their siblings’ level of empathy and pro-social behaviour
Authors: Parfenov Raluca-Maria , Bedwell Stacey A.
Published: January 2023

Sibling relationships are a primary source of intrapersonal and interpersonal development (Knott et al., 1995). Based on social learning theory (Bandura, 1971), McHale et al. (2016) stated that individuals with autistic siblings develop strong empathetic feelings and prosocial behaviours towards them. The current study is the first one to analyse the influence of neurotypical individuals and individuals diagnosed with autism on their siblings’ levels of empathy and pro-social behaviour towards others. One hundred and twenty-three adult participants, with either neurotypical (N = 71) or autistic siblings (N = 52), completed two questionnaires, the Empathy Quotient (Baron-Cohen & Wheelwright, 2004) and the Helping Attitude Scale (Nickell, 1998). As hypothesised, the participants with siblings diagnosed with autism presented higher levels of both empathy and pro-social behaviour towards others.
The hexaflex of assistant psychology
Authors: MacDonald Kirsty
Published: January 2023

This article explores the acceptance and commitment therapy hexaflex in the context of an assistant psychologist aspiring to pursue a career in clinical psychology. The piece aims to highlight the resilience required and challenges that may be faced during this journey. I explore each corner of the hexaflex, often describing my experience becoming ‘stuck’. However, I am able to reflect on the skills I have developed throughout my career and doctorate of clinical psychology application journey, which have allowed me to move towards gaining psychological flexibility and acceptance of my current situation.
Managing risk in qualitative interviews
Authors: Chessell Chloe
Published: January 2023

During my PhD, I have faced challenges navigating the boundaries between my role as a researcher and my previous experience as a clinician. In this article, I have applied Gibb’s (1988) six-stage reflective cycle to explore issues related to the management of risk information (i.e. suicidal ideation, self-harm) which I encountered during my PhD research (specifically when conducting qualitative interviews with parents of children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). On the basis of this reflection, I present an action plan to assist researchers in managing risks that become apparent within research contexts.

Content Acknowledgement

This article includes discussions of sensitive topics such as suicide and self-harm.
10 top tips for completing your postgraduate studies with a learning difference
Authors: Green Jamie I.
Published: January 2023

Entering postgraduate education with a learning difference can be daunting. However, self-imposed expectations, coupled with the uncertainties of how or where to seek support, can lead to anxiety and excess avoidable pressure. From my personal lived experience this article aims to provide some top tips for navigating the world of academia with a learning difference. The advice here is general and may not suit everyone’s circumstance. However, I hope, by sharing some of my story, readers may gain some insight into studying with a learning difference may be like, prompting some to seek support themselves or to better support their peers.
Struggling to help others: A reflection on the impact of Covid-19 on newly graduated psychologists
Authors: Diggikar Tanisha Anil
Published: January 2023

The focus on mental health has increased since the pandemic began. The idea of self-care has been placed on top of any and every hierarchical structure, encouraging people to embrace certain factors of stability. This article is a reflective piece exploring the struggle of a graduate psychologist in finding job opportunities to provide support to others, and how an education in psychology can contribute to the practice of self-care. It further reflects on feelings of self-doubt and the sense of putting theory into practice by showing gratitude to one’s surroundings.
THE IMPACT OF RECEIVING A CRITICAL WEIGHT/SHAPE COMMENT ON FEMALE AESTHETIC ATHLETES’ WELLBEING
Authors: CURRER MATILDA , SCOTT CHARLOTTE
Published: January 2023

This study investigated whether female aesthetic athletes (a subset of athletes including dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters) who recall receiving critical comments about their weight/shape report poorer wellbeing compared to those who do not. Female aesthetic athletes (N= 381) completed measures assessing psychological wellbeing (self-esteem, anxiety), disordered eating and compulsive exercise behaviours/attitudes. Participants who recalled receiving a critical comment about their weight/ shape (N= 251) reported higher levels of disordered eating, compulsive exercise, and anxiety, and lower levels of self-esteem. Greater awareness is needed of the potential negative impact that such critical comments may have on athlete wellbeing.
THE RESURGENCE OF ATTENTION TO SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSION, AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR UNDERSTANDING OF MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Authors: NEWMAN MICHELLE , DENNISS REBECCA
Published: January 2023

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can have life-long implications; however, the term ‘concussion’ is typically viewed as less severe than ‘mild traumatic brain injury’. Sports-related concussion is receiving increased attention from UK Parliament and media; earlier research and in-game protocols addressed single concussive incidents, now attention is shifting towards the consequences of multiple subconcussive events such as repeated ball heading. Other considerations are sex-based differences in symptomology and recovery, as well as the implications of children participating in contact sports. Further research, implementation of policy and protocols, and improved public understanding of concussion are required.
Young femininity in Iceland and its discontents
Authors: Jóhannsdóttir Ásta
Published: January 2023

Despite Iceland’s outstanding performance on global indices measuring gender equality, young women report higher levels of depressive symptoms than young men. This suggests a more complex situation than what appears in public discourse, where Iceland is sometimes referred to as a feminist paradise. This paper attempts to unpack how young women and men define and understand young femininity. The theoretical framework draws on feminist and affect theories. The data were collected between 2012 and 2014, and consist of eighteen semi-structured interviews with young women and men, and group interviews with five young women based on co-operative inquiry. The analysis shows that the young women in the study attach negative affects to their feminine practices, and feel that their bodies do not measure up to acceptable femininity; their bodies are either too much or not enough. Their feelings of anxiety, insecurity and shame are not irrational as they are confirmed by the young men who are quick to shame female bodies that do not fit a the narrow ideal of feminine beauty. Somewhat surprisingly, the widespread image of Iceland as the most equal country in the world does not invite a conversation about the paradoxes women face, and thereby diminishes possibilities for young women to place their experiences in particular contexts.
Exploring athletes’ experience of their injuries: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Hurley Olivia A. , Moran Aidan , Guerin Suzanne
Published: January 2023

Injury is an unfortunate outcome of participation in competitive sport. While sports injuries have attracted considerable research interest in recent years, few authors have investigated athletes’ beliefs about, or experiences of, these potentially traumatic events. As a result of such neglect, at least three important questions remain unresolved in this field. First, what do athletes perceive as the main consequences of their injuries? Second, what practical coping techniques do they use in an attempt to deal with such injuries? Finally, what factors shape athletes’ overall experience of their injuries? This study set out to answer these three questions using a qualitative research design. Twenty-two injured athletes aged 16 to 29 years (M=21.86 years, SD=3.56) took part in one of six focus groups. Overall, the results suggest that athletic injury is experienced in a multifaceted way, with negative and positive perceptions sometimes alternating during the recovery process. Following a discussion of the key results, specific suggestions are provided for further research in this field. For example, the athletes who participated in this study sustained injuries from which they could recover. It is suggested that an investigation in the future should include athletes whose sporting careers have been terminated by injury, in order to establish how such outcomes impact on the athletes’ experiences of injury.
Challenge vs. threat: Investigating the effect of using imagery to manipulate stress appraisal of a dart throwing task
Authors: Williams Sarah , Cumming Jennifer
Published: January 2023

The study aimed to investigate the use of imagery to prompt a challenge or threat appraisal of a dart throwing task, and examine the resulting effect on psychological responses and performance. Seventy participants (30 females, 40 males; Mage=19.33 years, SD=.53) were randomly assigned to either a challenge or threat group. Measures of stress appraisal, anxiety intensity and direction, self-efficacy, perceived control, predicted performance, and actual performance of the dart throwing task were obtained before and after participants received either a challenge or threat imagery script. Following imagery, the threat group perceived the task to be significantly more of a threat and their cognitive anxiety symptoms to be more debilitative towards performance compared to the challenge group. Moreover, they felt significantly less in control than the challenge group and believed they would perform significantly worse. Results, therefore, support using imagery to facilitate adaptive stress-appraisal of an actual situation.
Practice and the process of critical learning: Reflections of an early stage practitioner working in elite youth level rugby league
Authors: Rowley Chris , Earle Keith , Gilbourne David
Published: January 2023

This article provides a reflective account of a year-long sport psychology programme conducted by a neophyte sport psychologist with a group of elite youth-level rugby league players. Written from the perspective of the practitioner, vignettes are offered which portray two key instances from this experience and the personal reflections which followed. These reflections include; the complexities of working around the club’s existing operating schedule, the importance of time spent within the organisation outside of scheduled consultancy sessions and how it can improve the quality of service provided, and also the importance of adapting practices in accordance with the athlete or group of athletes that a practitioner is working with. Additionally, issues are discussed relating to the author’s dual-role as not only a consultant but also a postgraduate researcher aiming to complete a PhD thesis.
Coaching, goal-setting and personality type: What matters?
Authors: Scoular Anne , Linley P. Alex
Published: January 2023

The study subjected two ‘sacred cows’ in coaching, goal-setting, and the use of personality instruments, to empirical testing. In an experimental between-subjects design (N=117) with two conditions, goal-setting and non-goal-setting, coaching occurred under standardised procedures, and both coach and coachee completed the MBTI and NEO-PIR questionnaires and post-coaching evaluations. Outcomes were re-tested at two and eight weeks. Surprisingly, given the extensive research basis for goal-setting, multiple regression analyses showed no significant difference between goal-setting and non-goal-setting conditions. Personality difference was, however, found to be significant.
Exploring the impact of participation in a Leader as Coach programme using the Personal Case Study Approach
Authors: Grant Anthony M. , Hartley Margie
Published: January 2023

Effective coaching skills are an essential part of contemporary leadership. All too frequently organisations invest significant resources into ‘Leader as Coach’ development programmes only to find that, despite initial enthusiasm, coaching skills are not applied back in the workplace. To facilitate such transfer of training we utilised and evaluated a new approach to evaluating and embedding coaching skills, the Personal Case Study Approach (PSCA), and we used this in a large-scale ‘Leader as Coach’ programme for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). This paper presents the theoretical rationale underpinning the PSCA, its practical application and data related to its use in a two-day ‘Leader as Coach’ coaching programme. The data indicates that the coaching programme was effective at enhancing quality of leadership and coaching skills as well as increasing participants’ ability to recognise when to coach and when to delegate. The programme also increased workplace engagement. The PSCA, when used in a ‘Leader as Coach’ programme, appears to be an effective way of enhancing and fostering transfer of training.
Relating to evidence as coaching psychologists: Widening the lens on our approaches to investigation
Authors: Corrie Sarah
Published: January 2023

In order to establish its reputation as a distinct domain of applied psychology, coaching psychology needs to demonstrate that it is underpinned by a cogent evidence-base. However, traditional approaches to defining and categorising evidence may not prove fit for purpose for a form of professional practice that is as diverse as coaching. This article seeks to raise awareness of some critical issues that need to inform evidence-gathering in coaching psychology. Specifically, the case is made for embracing broader, transdisciplinary approaches to enquiry, as well as understanding the political, economic and social agendas that underpin the pursuit of an authorised evidence-base. Consistent with this proposal a framework is described, derived from professional experience, that offers a means of facilitating a personal engagement with both using and gathering evidence and that coaching practitioners can use to reflect upon and critique their work.
A brief primer for those new to coaching research and evidence-based practice
Authors: Grant Anthony M. , O’Connor Sean
Published: January 2023

If coaching is to continue to grow and develop, if we as coaches are to deliver coaching and coaching methodologies that are genuinely effective for our clients, then we need to be au fait with the coaching literature and the body of research that informs effective coaching practice. In short, we need to engage in evidence-based coaching. Not only does such an approach allow us to work in an ethical and professional manner, steering clear of the all-too-frequent fads and foibles evident throughout sections of the coaching and self-development industry, but it helps us as coaches develop on a personal level. By questioning our assumptions, by engaging in constructive and informed self-reflection about our coaching practice, we become more mature, balanced and purposeful professionals. However, this can feel extremely challenging for those new to evidence-based approaches to coaching. This article aims to provide the reader with basic foundational information about the state of play in coaching research and evidence-based practice along with a simple but very useful framework for evaluating the utility of coaching literature. The article concludes with some tips for staying abreast of emerging coaching research.

Keywords:Research; coaching; evidence-based coaching; coach training; coach development.