bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lived experience and discursive context: A twin focus
Authors: Colahan Matthew , Tunariu Aneta , Dell Pippa
Published: January 2023

In this paper we discuss the methodological framework of the first author’s PhD thesis in order to expose the thinking underpinning a dual focus methodology for a research programme which sets out to explore both the lived experience, and the socially constructed nature of ‘satisfaction’ in long-term, heterosexual relationships. The proposal is that these two distinct exploratory foci can be addressed by conducting two distinct qualitative analyses on a single body of narrative data generated via interviews with 12 people from the general population; using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and then using Focauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA). This approach presents a theoretical challenge as the two methodologies are grounded within different epistemologies. We propose that by adopting a critical realist position at the thesis level, rather than at the individual empirical level of the research, the epistemological assumptions of both methodologies can be maintained and the two foci can yield analytic insights alongside one another. By drawing on established hermeneutic theory, we propose that the interpretative stories generated from this dual focus approach can come together in potentially complementary ways and ‘bridg[e] the classical dichotomy between distanced explanation and close understanding’ (Alvesson & Skoldberg, 2009, p.130) associated with IPA and FDA respectively. The current paper will present and discuss the proposed dual focus approach, addressing the benefits and challenges of conducting both an IPA and an FDA on the same data set. It will conclude by outlining pragmatic suggestions for undertaking a dual focus analysis, including managing the interview structure and process, and the phases of analysis. The intention is to contribute to the growing preoccupation within the field of qualitative research about the limitations of an exclusive focus on the role of language in shaping realities and experience (e.g. Willig, 2007).
‘You don’t know what’s around the corner’: A qualitative study of professional footballers in England facing career transition
Authors: Brownrigg Andrew , Burr Viv , Locke Abigail , Bridger Alex
Published: January 2023

Career transition in sport is a rapidly growing area within the field of sport psychology. Interest in this area has been fuelled by the need for an increased number of professional athletes seeking support and assistance during transition from sport. However, whilst research in this field has focused in on a wide range of sports, specific research on retirement in professional football has been limited. Because of this it is argued that current research may fail to consider specific issues associated with the transition from professional football. Therefore, in an attempt to add to the existing body of research, the current study aimed to provide an in-depth insight into how professional footballers understand their ‘lived-world’ during exit from their sport. A total of eight former professional footballers, who were at the time experiencing the possibility of career-transition, were interviewed in two separate focus group discussions. The interviews were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The key findings from the research show that a lack of control over their lives, lack of pre-planning and preparation for retirement as well as support and ability to seek it led professional footballers to experience heightened levels of anxiety, uncertainty and fear for their futures, and an unexpected sense of rejection during career transition. These findings have implications for support organisations and those interested in the life-long welfare of professional footballers. It is proposed that an emphasis on pre-planning and preparation, provisions of support and encouraging help-seeking may aid professional footballers during the process out of their sport.
Reflections of using online discussion forums as a data collection tool
Authors: Goodlad Katie
Published: January 2023

This paper reflects on the use of online discussion forums as a method of data collection. This is a relatively new medium for collecting data and has a range of benefits. These include: the ability to explore sensitive and taboo subjects without explicitly asking participants to discuss these topics; access to a wider range of participants; a richer dataset; and a more accurate account of the research. This method was used in a study exploring the functions of online self–harm discussion forums in terms of whether they help or hinder recovery. A number of complex ethical and methodological issues were encountered, including the amount of data generated, different types of forums, and the use of symbols. Despite these issues, online discussion forums offer an excellent source of relevant, in–depth data, adding to the range of data–collection tools available.
Expert work and a blunt tool: Understanding risk assessment in complex organisations
Authors: Macrae Carl
Published: January 2023

Risk management has become a central function in many organisations, particularly those that are involved in complex and hazardous activities such as airlines, hospitals and nuclear power stations. As a discipline, psychology has engaged with a broad range of issues relating to the management of safety and risk in organisations and has often employed qualitative and naturalistic methods to do so. The focus of this work has typically been on ‘front–line’ activities in organisations. The activities of actually assessing and managing risk have received less scrutiny. This paper examines how expert risk managers in airlines understand and use one of the most common tools of risk assessment, and suggests that qualitative methods can reveal considerable gaps between the beliefs and understandings of risk managers and the design of common risk management tools.
Real world research: Epistemology matters
Authors: Matthews Jeff
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an argument in favour of using epistemological decisions to guide research decisions, with particular reference to critical realism, mixed methods, qualitative data analysis and real world research.
Re–examining the epistemological foundations of quantitative psychology: Pluralism, not positivism
Authors: Robinson Oliver
Published: January 2023

There is a frequently cited epistemological link made in contemporary qualitative psychology between quantitative methods and positivism. In fact, quantitative methods are based on a pluralist hybrid of philosophies, none of which are positivist. This eclectic philosophical mix provides a more fertile soil for hybridisation with qualitative techniques within mixed methods research than is commonly appreciated.
The careful stone-turner: Thinking about ethical tensions arising in an autoethnography of childhood emotional neglect
Authors: Blanchard Angela
Published: January 2023

Autoethnographic research combines elements of autobiography and ethnography, and examines a phenomenon or experience in its social and historical contexts. My research aim is to increase understanding of childhood emotional neglect using autoethnography to bridge the gap between an objective, third person account and subjective, autobiographical account. This methodology fits better with some approaches to psychology than others. Privileging the subjective experience of the individual, autoethnography is not a methodology for those with a positivist or experimental leaning; however, it is a good fit for those who see the world through a more constructivist, social psychology lens. This article explores three ethical considerations: tensions between the requirements of the ethical review panel and the chosen methodology; the question of additional members of the same family taking part; and the duty of researcher self-care in sensitive research.
Exploring the changing identities, perceptions of AA and stigmatisation experienced by recovering alcoholics in the UK
Authors: Jackson Laura , Lopez Barbara
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to explore two main areas of recovery from alcohol addiction: identity, and perceptions of aftercare. Seven participants recovering from alcoholism took part in semi-structured interviews in order to gain a balanced perception of aftercare. Four participants were users of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and three were not. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), revealing four salient themes which serve as markers for the current problems and issues surrounding recovery from addiction: emergence of solidified identity through group membership role, surrendering one’s control, the requirement of total commitment for achievement in aftercare and anonymity as a barrier to stigma reduction. This shortened article will focus on and discuss the anonymity of AA as a barrier to stigma reduction. Applications of the findings include the potential development of new types of recovery groups to accommodate for the socially anxious or those with high internal control, and to re-evaluate the ‘anonymous’ approach and insular network adopted by AA.
Multimodality, visual methods and lived experience
Authors: Reavey Paula , Langer Susanne , Bailey-Rodriguez Deborah
Published: January 2023

Paula Reavey is Professor of Psychology and Mental Health at London South Bank University. This interview took place at the Qualitative Methods in Psychology (QMiP) and History & Philosophy of Psychology (HPP) joint 2019 conference at Cardiff Metropolitan University, where Paula led a workshop on visual methods and delivered a keynote speech. Best known for her pathbreaking work on visual methods and multimodality (Reavey, 2011), she has also distinguished herself with her innovative, interdisciplinary work in the field of mental health, space and embodiment. Susanne Langer (Senior Lecturer in Psychology, MMU) and Deborah Bailey-Rodriguez (Lecturer in Psychology, Middlesex University), who are both associate editors of the QMiP Bulletin asked the questions.
The pursuit of fame and profit in YouTube celebrity vloggers
Authors: Bates Hannah
Published: January 2023

This undergraduate research involved a Thematic Analysis of three vlogs each from three YouTube celebrity vloggers to explore how these individuals attempt to create and maintain audience interest. This is of interest to study because the demotic turn of celebrity culture (more ‘ordinary’ individuals gaining celebrity status) means YouTube celebrity vloggers, unlike traditional achieved status celebrities, maintain success through their personalities rather than achieved talents or hobbies such as sports, singing or dancing. This research found YouTube celebrities created and maintained interest through flaming, reference to taboo topics (both of which transgressed social norms) and adventurous content. Overall, there was an overarching theme of rebellious self-presentation which maintains interest because it engenders community and reduces social distance which has problematic consequences for child audiences who could imitate such behaviours which may be considered age-inappropriate or even immoral.
Ethical considerations in post-GDPR social media-based research
Authors: Granger Joshua , Branney Peter , Sullivan Paul , McDermott Steven
Published: January 2023

With the number of social media users being recently estimated to be around 3.96 billion, social media sites present a vast pool of potential participants and data for researchers. Reflecting the growth of this technology and volume of data, data protection laws have been updated across the European Union (EU) and apply to the movement of data in and out of the EU. This article discusses how to approach ethical considerations in light of these new laws and the ethos they represent. We provide this in the context of collecting Twitter data for a pilot study and discuss the considerations in line with legal and ethical guidelines. Our decided approach is offered as an example of the outcome of such considerations. It is clear from this discussion that any approach to ethics, particularly where social media is concerned, requires a reflective and tailored approach.
Sport Psychology and Olympism: How research on learning transferable life skills through sport can help the Olympic ideal become a reality
Authors: Cross Jeremy A. , Jones Martin I.
Published: January 2023

The philosophy of Olympism – the original idea behind the Games –is that sport has the ability to make a significant positive impact on the psychosocial development of young people across the globe. This article highlights how this same idea underpins research on transferable life skills through sport and therefore argues that this more recent area of personal excellence sport psychology research has much to offer the practical implementation of the Olympic ideals. A brief review of the life skills literature reveals that we are only now beginning to answer the question of what factors facilitate development, and subsequent transfer into other life domains, of the more positive skills and behaviours that can be learnt through sport.
The Final MOT: An Assessor’s reflections on the Oral Assessment Interview of the Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Authors: Harwood Chris
Published: January 2023

In this article I will provide an insight into the Oral Assessment Interview (OAI) from an Assessor’s perspective. My overall aim is to help young practitioners feel more confident and ready to engage with the OAI by detailing the processes that are involved and by emphasising the importance of reflecting on each key role before the interview itself. I will first outline at a more general level the value and expectations of the OAI, before discussing some of the more specific considerations that we have when conducting a viva.
Culture change in elite sport performance teams: Outlining an important and unique construct
Authors: Cruickshank Andrew , Collins Dave
Published: January 2023

Reflecting culture’s governance of pan-individual perception, behaviour, and performance (Krane & Baird, 2005), recent work has begun to explore how high performing cultures can be created and sustained in elite sport performance teams (cf. Collins & Cruickshank, 2012; Cruickshank & Collins 2012a; Cruickshank & Collins, 2012b; Cruickshank, Collins & Minten, 2013a; Fletcher & Arnold, 2011; Lee, Shaw & Chesterfield, 2009). However, as this culture change process is still establishing itself in academic and professional spheres, there is a need to clarify and underline the construct’s explicit focus, nature, and value. Accordingly, this paper provides a synopsis of elite team culture change’s unique conceptual underpinnings, including its demarcation from current constructs in group dynamics (cf. Beauchamp & Eys, 2008) and organisational sport psychology (cf. Fletcher & Wagstaff, 2009), before also summarising the key theoretical and applied implications to emerge from its study to date. Finally, to stimulate the continued and optimal development of research and practice in this bespoke area, some notable future challenges are also identified.
Dodging the bullets: Personal reflections on common issues in sport psychology consultancy
Authors: Earle Keith , Earle Fiona
Published: January 2023

The following article outlines a series of ‘bullets’ that every sport psychologist working in this unique setting may wish to consider. My observations are based on issues I have faced during my many years of experience as a sport psychology consultant working in rugby league; however, a number of key areas in the paper centre around my time spent with a Super League club. The background to this consultancy experience started with an email from the club’s Chairman stating that the coach required some ‘assistance’. After meeting the Chairman and the coach it was agreed that I was to be given a relatively free role within the club to help improve the support for players and coaches.
Developing equestrian training quality and self-efficacy using cognitive-specific imagery
Authors: Davies Jo , Boxall Stacey , Szekeres Zsofia , Greenlees Iain
Published: January 2023

The present study examined the effect of a cognitive-specific (CS) imagery intervention on equestrian training quality and self-efficacy within a naturalistic environment. Three female amateur dressage riders participated in a single-subject, multiple-baseline-across-individuals design. Throughout the study, participants rated their self-efficacy to perform a target skill prior to training and recorded a self-rated performance score following training. The baseline phase comprised of either six, seven, or eight training sessions, after which participants received a 90-minute CS imagery intervention session. Throughout the subsequent intervention phase, participants completed imagery script practice and an imagery logbook. Visual inspection revealed partial support for the efficacy of the intervention. Substantial post-intervention increases were evident in target skill self-efficacy for all three participants and in performance quality for two participants. This study provides an applied example of integrating CS imagery within a naturalistic practice environment to improve the quality of training episodes. Raising training quality in turn has important practical implications for athletes’ competitive performance improvement (Cote et al., 2007).
Research Note: The relationship between fear of failure and self-talk in winning and losing situations
Authors: Pitt Tim , Wolfson Sandy , Moss Mark
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between fear of failure and self-talk characteristics of elite academy football players in winning and losing situations. Fear of failure was associated with the use of more negative yet less frequent self-talk in losing situations only. Implications for coaches and sport psychologists working in academy football are considered.
An investigation into athletes’ intrusive visual imagery
Authors: Parker John K. , Jones Martin I. , Lovell Geoff P.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between athletes’ (N=209) intrusive visual imagery and vividness of visual imagery ability. The study also examined athletes’ differences in level of intrusive visual imagery according to competitive level (recreational, university, county, and national). A Pearson bivariate correlation indicated participants intrusive visual imagery and vividness of visual imagery ability self-report scores were not significantly correlated (r=.07, p=.32). Competitive level differences amongst participants did not factor in the level of intrusive visual imagery reported. The findings indicated that some athletes experience intrusive visual imagery but there is a requirement to progress research regarding involuntary imagery processes within athletic populations.
Life after sport? Examining life skill transfer following withdrawal from sport and compulsory physical education
Authors: Hayball Felicity , Jones Martin I.
Published: January 2023

Researchers have found convincing data to suggest sport is a suitable environment for adolescents to develop intrapersonal and interpersonal life skills. However, there is little evidence suggesting that young females transfer skills learned in sport into other life domains. The aims of this study were to explore whether young women who have withdrawn from sport believe they have developed life skills and to explore the process of transferability across life domains. We employed a qualitative descriptive methodology and collected semi-structured interview data from eight females who had recently withdrawn from the sport. The analysis comprised an inductive and deductive approach and culminated in 61 basic codes and three higher order themes that linked to the study objectives. Results showed that participants believed that they had developed life skills, and life skills were maintained after withdrawal from their sport. The factors that contributed to the perceived transfer of life skills from sport to another life domain comprised an experience in their sport that were memorable, experiential learning, appraisal of the event(s) as valuable, and awareness of the usefulness of the skill outside of sport. Findings add support to existing life skills research while adding insight into the process of perceived transfer of life skills from sport to another life domain in a population of female former sports participants.
Case Study 4: A case study of cognitive behaviour therapy in tennis
Authors: Cunliffe Matt , Hemmings Brian
Published: January 2023

This case study describes the application of cognitive behaviour therapy to the sport psychology service to an individual tennis player (Melissa) in the final stages of the QSEP training process. The client was seeking assistance due to depreciation in performance over the past few months, post injury. The client’s mother initially approached the consultant and she was very proactive in her development across the support program. The main aim of this support was to enhance performance and wellbeing in tennis whilst adhering to the protocols within cognitive behaviour therapy. The report offers an overview of the theoretical and philosophical decisions made, a variety interventions selected, and a reflection and evaluation of the support service.
Parental involvement in young footballers’ development: A comparison of the opinions of children and their parents
Authors: Goodman Matt , James Ian Andrew
Published: January 2023

Hitherto, much of the work on parental involvement in youth sport has focused on the role and behaviour of the parent. The present study took a more dynamic, interactive approach, examining the views of both parents and their children and comparing child and parent ratings of parental involvement in youth football. Parallel forms of a questionnaire recording parental behaviours, including praise and criticism of performances, were employed.

Thirty-four parent-child dyads (N= 68 participants) were recruited from a football league in the North East of England. The children’s ages ranged from 8–15 years. A version of the Parental Involvement Sport Questionnaire was administered to the participants, and comparisons made between the parents and children. The degree to which parental involvement was perceived to be ‘helpful’ was also assessed by the children.

A number of significant findings were obtained, such as the children rated their parents to be more directive than the parents believed themselves to be. In particular, the children rated their parents as being more likely to tell them: (i) what they did badly in a match; (ii) what they needed to work on; and (iii) how to improve their techniques. In general the children rated their parents’ involvement as being helpful. Nonetheless, negative emotional responses by the parents following matches were identified as being particularly unhelpful. The study provides insight into the dynamics of parental involvement, highlighting specific areas requiring further investigation. It also demonstrates the importance of examining the impact, alongside the frequency ratings, of parental involvement behaviours.
Golfer’s perspectives: The role of the caddy in facilitating a golfer’s psychological performance
Authors: McNeill Eoghan , Meade Mary Margaret
Published: January 2023

Golf performance has been typically explored from the viewpoint of the performer without cognisance of those who interact with the golfer. The golfer-caddy relationship, because of its uniqueness and the potential for the caddy to influence the golfer’s performance, is worthy of investigation. There is a necessity for a systematic exploratory approach to understanding how caddies facilitate the psychological performance of golfers. The practical role of the caddy is generally well defined but there is a significant gap in our understanding of how the caddy can facilitate the golfer psychologically. Qualitative design is suitable because it allows us to study the ways individuals make sense of and understand their world (Brocki & Weardon, 2006). Six Irish PGA professional golfers were recruited for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants to identify the ways in which a caddy facilitates a golfer’s psychological performance. An interpretational analysis of the data revealed a model demonstrating the ways in which caddies facilitate golfer’s psychological performance.
The 6th International Conference on Self-Determination Theory: A review and emerging themes
Authors: Hodge Alex
Published: January 2023

The 6th International Conference on Self-Determination Theory (SDT: Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2000) was held from 2–5 June, 2016, in Victoria, British Colombia, Canada. The conference was organised by the Universities of Victoria, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and attracted more than 400 attendees, from varying academic disciplines. This review highlights major themes of the conference, including: 1) challenges to the triad of basic psychological needs; 2) a focus on further examination of need thwarting, frustration and satisfaction; and 3) practical applications and interventions using SDT. All of these themes are tied to sport, exercise science and behaviour management. Future directions for research, both applying and advancing SDT, are discussed.
On the sidelines: An athlete’s perspective of injury recovery
Authors: Lattimore Diana
Published: January 2023

Experiencing an injury is one of the most traumatic things to happen to an athlete, yet no athlete is immune to injury despite experience or ability. Injury impacts health on a physical level, but also on a mental and social level; therefore, the overall wellbeing of the athlete is likely compromised. Physical recovery is only part of the recovery process; without successful emotional rehabilitation, total recovery is incomplete. Therefore, understanding the emotional aspects of recovery is crucial to an effective transition back to the playing field. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine the facets of injury and its toll on the athlete to gain an understanding of the psychological recovery process and overall athlete wellbeing while undergoing physiotherapy for an injury. Qualitative inquiry with purposeful sampling was used for analysis. Results provide a detailed perspective of the athlete’s experience with 12 categories emerging as part of the recovery process. Furthermore, some unexpected advantages surfaced towards the end of recovery including gaining a new perspective, increasing mental toughness, self-efficacy, and personal motivation.
Riding out the storm: The challenges faced and strategies used when balancing teaching commitments and a PhD
Authors: Heaviside Helen J. , Staff Helen R. , Donnan Kate J.
Published: January 2023

Neophyte academics appear to be susceptible to occupational stress and there is an increasing need to explore the mental health of individuals in the early stages of an academic career. In this article we present the reflections of three sport and exercise psychology PhD students. The reflections capture the challenges that these individuals have faced as neophyte academics and outline the strategies they have used to manage and meet these demands.
Case study – Acceptance commitment therapy for a youth athlete: From rumination and guilt to meaning and purpose
Authors: Feary Alex
Published: January 2023

This papers presents a case study describing the use of acceptance commitment therapy and its perceived efficacy with a 15-year old male athlete. Following a case conceptualisation, presenting needs are identified associated with feelings of guilt and unhelpful ruminations in life-domains unrelated to performance and an outline of an acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) intervention is provided. Finally, reflections on the perceived efficacy of this intervention are provided.
Parent-athlete relationships: A central but underexamined consideration within sport psychology
Authors: Rouquette Olivier Y. , Knight Camilla J. , Lovett Victoria E. , Heuzé Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2023

Parent-athlete relationships are central to athletes’ optimal wellbeing and experiences in sport. Nonetheless, despite being considered within numerous theories and models, parent-athlete relationships are often only studied implicitly. Thus, the purpose of this review is to critically examine theory and research pertaining to parent-athlete relationships in youth sport and provide suggestions regarding how to move this area of research forwards. Specifically, a review of the family-systems theory, the bioecological model, competence motivation theory, expectancy-value theory, self-determination theory, achievement goal theory, parenting styles, and attachment theory is provided. Subsequently, arguments for the potential benefit of utilising Reis at al.’s (2004) construct of responsiveness (i.e. how people in a relationship attend and support each other’s needs and goals) to improve understanding of parent-athlete relationships are presented. Finally, a model for studying parent-athlete relationships based on Feeney and Collins’ (2015) thriving through relationships is suggested. We believe that this model may be useful for integrating key elements of existing theories as they pertain to parent-athlete relationships while also providing fruitful avenues for more in-depth and explicit examinations of parent-athlete relationships within youth sport.
The impact of injury and physical pain on depressive symptoms in student athletes
Authors: Walker Daniel , Marchant David
Published: January 2023

The present study aimed to explore the prevalence rates of depressive symptoms among student athletes whilst assessing a possible link between injury, physical pain and elevated depressive symptoms. Comorbid state-trait anxiety was also of interest. Depression scores were measured using the CESD whereby state-trait anxiety were recorded by STAI. Following analysis of 111 participants, it was found that 51% of student athletes were displaying depressive symptoms. An independent samples t-test revealed that those displaying depressive symptoms reported significantly higher scores of physical pain, suggesting a possible link between pain and depressed mood. The same analysis technique found no difference in depression scores in those that reported injury in the past 12 months compared with participants with no injury history. However, non-injured student athletes displayed significantly higher state-anxiety scores, potentially due to continuing participation despite unrecognised overuse injuries. A strong positive correlation was established between CESD and STAI scores, providing further evidence for the comorbidity of depression and anxiety disorders.
Man seeks Man: Gay men’s profiles on a dating website as subject production
Authors: Brennan Toni , Hegarty Peter
Published: January 2023

In this study, informed by social constructionist approaches to self and identity and LGBTQ psychology, 300 profiles posted by gay men on the dating websitewww.gaydar.co.ukwere analysed in terms of the narrative and interpretative resources used to construct an online gay identity. The analysis found evidence of a very active engagement with communication technology, with several profiles inviting the viewer to chat or send a message or photographs. Many profile owners professed to be ‘genuine’, distancing themselves from the alleged shallowness of the majority of other website members. A widely used discursive device for constructing the self and the type of person(s) sought was the expression ‘straight acting’, with an attendant rejection of camp and derogation of a ‘visibly gay’ style – a concerning finding that points to the policing of (self) presentation along exclusionary lines. While many profiles celebrated the site as a locus of new possibilities for sexual expression, website users mainly looking for a relationship constructed the website’s perceived emphasis on sex as commodification. As this was an exploratory study, future research could consider more websites, specialised (e.g. fetish) sites and emphasise their photographic/multimedia and interactive possibilities.
‘Holding Breath’: An analysis of gay men’s schoolday’s memories
Authors: Beattie Michael , Evans Tony
Published: January 2023

Gay adolescent males usually come to terms with their sexuality within the context of a ‘heteronormative’ (Hegarty, 2007) school environment situated within a wider society that is often biased towards recognising the normality of heterosexuality. This research applies a Foucauldian discourse analytic methodology to six adult gay men’s schoolday’s recollections to uncover the ways in which they made sense of their place in the world as they grew up. It uncovers a dominant subject position – ‘Holding Breath’ – where parts of the self, believed to be unappealing to the heteronormative majority, were actively repressed. The research considers the price this exacted and how that price continues to be paid by gay adolescents today. It further considers implications for therapeutic practice and diversity enhancing initiatives in schools.
Challenging Queerphobic Practice: Protesting Professor Ken Zucker’s ‘Prevention’ of Gender Diversity
Authors: Tosh Jemma
Published: January 2023

Division of Clinical Psychology Annual Conference, 1–3 December 2010, The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, Salford, Manchester M3 5LH
Intimate Partner Violence within the LGBT community: What is the UK situation?
Authors: Head Sarah , Milton Martin
Published: January 2023

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is known to occur within lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) relationships. The aim of this paper is to examine and consolidate the literature and empirical base in order to provide information about the current LGBT IPV situation in the UK. This review initially draws on the international literature to provide a theoretical explanation of IPV, and then focuses on the material, research projects and developments conducted within the UK. This paper aims to inform clinical practice and service development for LGBT groups, and identifies the perceived gaps in knowledge.
‘Let’s talk about sex’: A post-structuralist discourse analysis into the meanings and experiences of anal sex for gay men
Authors: Gillibrand Rachel , Turner Kevin
Published: January 2023

Using a post-structuralist discourse analytic approach this paper investigates the lived in experiences and meanings of anal sex amongst seven gay men. Findings indicate the role of discourse in constructing gay men’s understanding of sexual experiences. These men offered varying perspectives on their expectations of anal sex within casual and committed relationships. Sex did not have fixed meanings based on heterosexual dichotomies but was socially constructed through sexual experiences providing opportunities for negotiation and unfolding of meaning. The men had complex risk management strategies in weighing up the need for protection from STIs but embracing the need for intimacy and trust. This study provides an important insight into some gay men’s sexual practices that can be incorporated into targeted health promotion campaigns.
Heteronormativity and the Israeli healthcare experience: A qualitative study of LGBTQ individuals
Authors: Kuperman Pora , Sznitman Sharon
Published: January 2023

General health disparities have been found in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community which extend beyond conditions directly associated with sexual health. It is posited that stigma can create a continuous strain that negatively impacts health. This study set out to examine both the routine practices within healthcare which may contribute to experienced stigma within the LGBTQ population and whether and how religion affects the presence of stigma for LGBTQ individuals in meetings with the healthcare system. As such, 16 individuals who self-identify as LGBTQ were recruited via word-of-mouth and snowball sampling and then asked open-ended questions regarding their experiences of stigma and the Israeli healthcare system. Analysis revealed three main themes related to stigma and healthcare experiences: heteronormativity in healthcare settings, Hebrew as a gendered language, and religion as exacerbating heteronormative assumptions. The conclusion includes recommendations for interventions aimed at the reduction of social stigma for LGBTQ individuals as a way of reducing health disparities.
Young people’s experiences of negotiating health care services in relation to sexual and gender identities: A communitybased approach to service improvement
Authors: Easpaig Bróna Nic Giolla , Fox Rachael
Published: January 2023

LGBTIQ young people experience intersecting forms of disadvantage concerning youth status and sexual and/or gender identity, contributing to poorer wellbeing. The paper presents a research project with a youth mental health service, youth reference group and researchers to improve services to this community in Australia. An online survey was designed to learn about their views on service access, experiences and improvements to inform the development of training programmes for health care professionals. Thematic analysis of surveys (N=101) highlights the salience of: services’ visible commitment to LGBTIQ communities; how the relevance of sexuality and/or gender to service interaction is negotiated; and the heteronormative and cisnormative shaping of health care interactions. Implications for health-enabling contexts are reflected upon from a community health psychology perspective.
When is a bisexual really bisexual? Testing the ‘one and done’ rule of male same-sex behaviour
Authors: Joye Swan D. , Habibi Shani
Published: January 2023

We conducted a replication of our previous research on female bisexuality using a male target to identify when heterosexual participants would label a man bisexual or heterosexual based on his engaging in either same-sex or cross-sex sexual behaviours or emotions. Whereas, in our previous research we found that it took very intimate or repeated sexual behaviour before participants would label a historically heterosexual woman bisexual, we found that a man was labelled bisexual for almost all same-sex sexual behaviours and emotions. In a second study, we found that historically heterosexual males were rated higher on a sexual continuum (1=heterosexual; 10=gay/lesbian) than females for the identical same-sex sexual behaviours suggesting confirmation of the ‘one and done’ rule. However, the mean ratings for both sexes fell within the bisexual range. The findings are discussed in relation to a more nuanced understanding of the one and done rule, specifically, and in terms of bisexual erasure in general.
Transitioning together: Narratives of sexuality and intimacy by partners of trans people
Authors: Twist Jos
Published: January 2023

Research into trans people’s sexuality is growing, yet research into the sexuality of cisgender partners, in the context of their partners’ transition, is sparse. This project presents an in-depth narrative analysis of six cisgender women partnered with trans and non-binary identified individuals. The participants ranged between 35 and 71 years old, were all UK residents and held a range of sexual identities. The findings are presented through the collective narratives the participants told. The main story plot that emerged was ‘the quest to stay together’ which is told through sub plots of identity, the body and invisibility. The analysis includes the ways in which narrators drew on, and/or challenged, social discourses of gender and sexuality and also performative aspects of identity. Clinical implications include the importance of therapists enquiring about what a sexual identity means for the individual and the value of addressing the topics of loss and invisibility in therapeutic work with this client group.
Is homonationalism influencing public opinion? Experimental and survey evidence from the UK and Romania
Authors: Bartos Sebastian E. , Fife-Schaw Chris , Hegarty Peter
Published: January 2023

Homonationalism is a proposed value configuration that promotes both accepting gay people and prejudice towards immigrants and ethnic minorities. This value configuration contrasts with the widely supported theory that all prejudices are positively related, and are explained by underlying causes such as authoritarianism. Although homonationalism has received attention in qualitative research on mass-media and political discourse, this is the first quantitative exploration of the concept. We used data from a society likely to be high on homonationalism (UK), and one likely to be low (Romania). None of our results were consistent with homonationalism, either in an experiment conducted with students (Study 1, N = 110), or in a secondary analysis of data from the same two countries (Study 2, N = 2638). Ethnic prejudice and homophobia were positively related, while homonationalism was negatively related to homophobia and authoritarianism. Homonationalism has little utility as a construct for understanding public opinion at this point in time, and research investigating it at other levels of analysis may be more fruitful.
Reflections on an ‘exploring social transitions’ group run for service users assigned male at birth at a gender identity clinic
Authors: Wood Eileen S. , Cotton Suellen
Published: January 2023

In this paper we will reflect on an ‘exploring social transitions’ group, which was run for the first time for service users assigned male at birth. The group aimed to allow service users to explore their gender identity in a safe and supportive space with others who were also exploring their gender identity. The peer support aspect of the group was particularly important in terms of validating a range of gender identities and expressions that may not conform to dominant narratives seen in the media.
The truth that’s denied: Psychotherapy with LGBTIQ+ clients who identify as intersex
Authors: Czyzselska Jane
Published: January 2023

There is an absence of literature about people with variations in sex characteristics in the UK. This leaves therapists ignorant of this client group. Since 2013, normalising genital surgery performed on babies born with developmental differences has been described as a human rights violation, and the psychosocial justifications for this surgery is now contested. This paper expands awareness so that psychotherapists will be better informed about the damage, both psychological and physical, which results from the pathologisation of those with what is also referred to as ‘intersex’ variations. Further it identifies how therapists can support this group. The paper presents the findings of a qualitative analysis of four interviews with clients identifying as LGBTIQ+ and intersex, focusing on their experiences of therapy. The findings demonstrate a significant mistrust of therapists and clinicians in general. They raise the possibilities that therapists may develop vicarious trauma, and that therapists’ lack of knowledge prevents exploration at depth of these clients’ gender, biology and sexuality. As a result of the imposition of normative sex and gender categories through institutional treatment practices, the bodily integrity and autonomy of this client group has been severely and repeatedly compromised. It is therefore vital that adequate therapy – and therapeutic training – is provided.
What mental health supports do people with intersex variations want, and when? Person-centred trauma-informed lifecycle care
Authors: Sanders Caroline , Usipuik Megan , Crawford Leigh , Koopmans Erica , Todd Nicole , Jones Tiffany
Published: January 2023

Several large-scale surveys around the world show the most frequently reported mental health diagnoses among people with intersex variations include depression, anxiety and PTSD. Wellbeing risks are also high, with individuals with intersex variations citing suicidal thoughts or attempts across their life-course – specifically on the basis of issues related to having congenital sex variations. The population mostly attributed their wellbeing risks to negative social responses from others, difficulties around having undergone interventions, or issues around gender/identity. In the Canadian context, there is a lack of formalised, charitable Canadian wide intersex networks, advocacy groups, universal mental health care approaches, or provincial signposting to services similar to those developed elsewhere. Using a life-cycle lens, a group of international researchers came together in this collaborative Canadian study to explore health care transitions that people with intersex variations might need or desire, at various stages of their life. A key finding from this ongoing study is that transition phases have the capacity to be especially difficult in the context of mental health, such that integrating person-centred and trauma-informed approaches into care with this population is both wanted and needed. This paper specifically takes a case study approach which analyses data from two participants who identified three major themes regarding mental health impacts: ‘worth, mastery, and adequacy’, ‘isolation and inferiority’, and ‘identity and integrity’. The fourth and final theme drew on integrated medicine to celebrate emerging ‘resilience and generativity’; a positive experience that had emancipatory benefits across the lifespan.
A service evaluation of an improving confidence group for trans women using cognitive behavioural therapy and speech and language therapy interventions
Authors: Wood Eileen , Cotton Suellen , Grebert Rhiannon
Published: January 2023

A group was developed to support trans women attending a GIC (Gender Identity Clinic) to improve their self-esteem, and confidence in using their target feminine voice. Psychology and SLT (speech and language therapy) teams collaborated utilising Fennell’s (1997) Cognitive Model of Low Self-Esteem and SLT interventions. The RSES (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: Rosenberg, 1965) was used to measure self-esteem pre and post group. Participants’ scores on the RSES were significantly higher after the group (p < .01), indicating an improvement in self-esteem. A specifically designed feedback form indicated improved confidence with using feminine voice post group. It was concluded that participants made effective use of the psychological and SLT strategies to improve self-esteem, and confidence with their voice.