title: Positioning and re-positioning of individual and family relationships in relation to anorexia/bulimia: An auto-ethnographical informed study

authors: Scott, Paula Leigh

subjects: auto-ethnography

abstract: Emerging from a ten-year long struggle with anorexia and bulimia and moving into a post-structuralist, narrative-guided counselling frame has drawn me to thinking about how knowledge shapes life.  Anorexia and bulimia have been and are of growing concern as the glamorisation of thinness persists (Brumberg, 1988, cited in Olsen, 2000, p. 29), and the 'cultural fascination' and 'high profile' of eating disorders continues (Malson, Finn, Treasure, Clarke,  Anderson, 2004, p. 5).  Movements have been made towards an exploration of 'insider' knowledge and meanings around eating disorders, and how eating disorders are discursively produced and regulated. Through this research, which is informed by practices of auto-ethnography and aspects of bibliotherapy and participatory action research, I explore the meanings and experiences that members of my family speak of in relation to anorexia and bulimia.  By utilizing aspects of the research practices of auto-ethnography and participatory action research I attempt to communicate my own story, while at the same time weaving alongside the stories of my family members. 

Malson, H., Finn, D.M., Treasure, J., Clarke, S.,  Anderson, G. (2004). Constructing 'the eating disordered patient': A discourse analysis of accounts of treatment experiences. Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 14, 473-489.
Olsen, M.E. (2004). Listening to the voices of anorexia: The researcher as an  outsider witness . In M.E. Olsen, (Ed.), Feminism, community and communication (pp.25-46). New York: Haworth.

text: Positioning and re-positioning of individual and family relationships in relation to anorexia/bulimia: An auto-ethnographical informed study Emerging from a ten-year long struggle with anorexia and bulimia and moving into a post-structuralist, narrative-guided counselling frame has drawn me to thinking about how knowledge shapes life.  Anorexia and bulimia have been and are of growing concern as the glamorisation of thinness persists (Brumberg, 1988, cited in Olsen, 2000, p. 29), and the 'cultural fascination' and 'high profile' of eating disorders continues (Malson, Finn, Treasure, Clarke,  Anderson, 2004, p. 5).  Movements have been made towards an exploration of 'insider' knowledge and meanings around eating disorders, and how eating disorders are discursively produced and regulated. Through this research, which is informed by practices of auto-ethnography and aspects of bibliotherapy and participatory action research, I explore the meanings and experiences that members of my family speak of in relation to anorexia and bulimia.  By utilizing aspects of the research practices of auto-ethnography and participatory action research I attempt to communicate my own story, while at the same time weaving alongside the stories of my family members. 

Malson, H., Finn, D.M., Treasure, J., Clarke, S.,  Anderson, G. (2004). Constructing 'the eating disordered patient': A discourse analysis of accounts of treatment experiences. Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 14, 473-489.
Olsen, M.E. (2004). Listening to the voices of anorexia: The researcher as an  outsider witness . In M.E. Olsen, (Ed.), Feminism, community and communication (pp.25-46). New York: Haworth.

year: 2010

title: Depression in autobiographical sports writing: A backstage pass into the dark locker room

authors: Shepherd, Caleb

subjects: Depression

abstract: Autobiographical sports writing (ASW) enables authors to provide the general public an insight into their world as an elite athlete. Access to the lives of these athletes is otherwise left to sports media and journalism, which can often skew material for the right headline. This autobiographical insight also allows athletes the opportunity to discuss their battles with depression and mental health without the scrutiny of media and without the risks of giving their competitors an edge. It is important for all autobiographical writers to establish a connection with the reader and recognise that by entering into the field of ASW they are also entering into an unwritten contract that implies their story is truthful. This requires a level of vulnerability and bravery from the writer, particularly with a topic such as depression. The resulting ASW grants the audience a backstage pass into their often dark and confronting ‘locker rooms’. 

This thesis will examine and critically analyse three primary texts from this field: Graeme Obree’s Flying Scotsman, Andre Agassi’s Open and Amanda Beard’s In The Water They Can’t See You Cry. I will undertake a literature-focused consideration of the methods each author uses to craft their narrative. These texts represent individual stories which are unique and set them apart from the vast majority of sports writing. Each author uses specific literary techniques to craft their narratives; which include a combination of first-person narration, present tense, outward expression of internal voice and careful selection of opening scenes. 

This is a creative practice thesis and the critical analysis will be followed by an extract from my own memoir in the same field, The Other Games. The creative component is thematically linked to the critical analysis, examining my personal life as an Olympic rowing coxswain and detailing some of my periodic battles with depression. This section will also incorporate and display some of the literary techniques that bring my chosen texts to life, in particular a carefully selected opening scene and an outward expression of internal voice through italics.

text: Depression in autobiographical sports writing: A backstage pass into the dark locker room Autobiographical sports writing (ASW) enables authors to provide the general public an insight into their world as an elite athlete. Access to the lives of these athletes is otherwise left to sports media and journalism, which can often skew material for the right headline. This autobiographical insight also allows athletes the opportunity to discuss their battles with depression and mental health without the scrutiny of media and without the risks of giving their competitors an edge. It is important for all autobiographical writers to establish a connection with the reader and recognise that by entering into the field of ASW they are also entering into an unwritten contract that implies their story is truthful. This requires a level of vulnerability and bravery from the writer, particularly with a topic such as depression. The resulting ASW grants the audience a backstage pass into their often dark and confronting ‘locker rooms’. 

This thesis will examine and critically analyse three primary texts from this field: Graeme Obree’s Flying Scotsman, Andre Agassi’s Open and Amanda Beard’s In The Water They Can’t See You Cry. I will undertake a literature-focused consideration of the methods each author uses to craft their narrative. These texts represent individual stories which are unique and set them apart from the vast majority of sports writing. Each author uses specific literary techniques to craft their narratives; which include a combination of first-person narration, present tense, outward expression of internal voice and careful selection of opening scenes. 

This is a creative practice thesis and the critical analysis will be followed by an extract from my own memoir in the same field, The Other Games. The creative component is thematically linked to the critical analysis, examining my personal life as an Olympic rowing coxswain and detailing some of my periodic battles with depression. This section will also incorporate and display some of the literary techniques that bring my chosen texts to life, in particular a carefully selected opening scene and an outward expression of internal voice through italics.

year: 2020

title: Ascending the Poutama: Culturally responsive diabetes care for Māori communities

authors: Crosswell, Rebekah Jane

subjects: culturally responsive

abstract: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) significantly impacts Māori populations in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) who experience health disparities including suboptimal disease management.

Aim
To explore culturally responsive approaches to supporting Māori living with T2D from the perspective of healthcare providers.

Methods
Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians from various disciplines (general practitioner, podiatrist, exercise physiologist, three kaiāwhina, dietitian, two pharmacists); five clinicians identify as Māori, four as non-Māori. Kaupapa Māori inductive thematic analysis was used.

Results
Four key themes emerged: empowering patient-centred communication, whānau involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and culturally appropriate analogies.

Discussion
The findings underscore the need for holistic, culturally responsive T2D care that prioritises culturally appropriate communication to improve patient engagement, health outcomes and address Māori health disparities.

text: Ascending the Poutama: Culturally responsive diabetes care for Māori communities Introduction
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) significantly impacts Māori populations in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) who experience health disparities including suboptimal disease management.

Aim
To explore culturally responsive approaches to supporting Māori living with T2D from the perspective of healthcare providers.

Methods
Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians from various disciplines (general practitioner, podiatrist, exercise physiologist, three kaiāwhina, dietitian, two pharmacists); five clinicians identify as Māori, four as non-Māori. Kaupapa Māori inductive thematic analysis was used.

Results
Four key themes emerged: empowering patient-centred communication, whānau involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and culturally appropriate analogies.

Discussion
The findings underscore the need for holistic, culturally responsive T2D care that prioritises culturally appropriate communication to improve patient engagement, health outcomes and address Māori health disparities.

year: 2025