title: Examining Cigarette and Craving Rates Using ACT-Based (2Morrow Quit™) and Mindfulness-Based (Craving to Quit®) Mobile Health Applications

authors: Tan, Rachel

abstract: There has been a growing number of mobile health (mHealth) smartphone applications (apps) that target smoking cessation. There is concern that many smartphone apps for smoking cessation lack evidence-based practices, which harms the apps’ efficacy and effectiveness. Two evidence-based mHealth apps that target smoking cessation are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based 2Morrow Quit™ (2Q) and mindfulness-based Craving to Quit® (CTQ). 2Q is based on the ACT framework that teaches strategies to increase acceptance and reduce experiential avoidance, while making values-guided committed behaviour changes. CTQ is based on mindfulness training (MT) that teaches techniques to decouple the link between craving and smoking, established by associative and reinforcing processes. This study’s purpose was to examine the effectiveness of 2Q and CTQ using a single-subject A1-B-A2-A3 design with a broad recruitment strategy that included anyone worldwide. There were two main areas explored: (1) to examine if ACT-based 2Q would reduce cigarette intake and cravings to smoke when compared to CTQ; and (2) to examine if having greater acceptance and commitment during post-intervention would predict better smoking outcomes (i.e., reduced cigarette consumption, reduced cravings, or quit smoking) when compared to CTQ. There was evidence of a small reduction in cigarette consumption for both intervention groups but was not statistically significant. There was limited evidence that both interventions were effective in reducing cravings to smoke because of observed differences, and no statistical significance found. There was limited evidence that higher acceptance and commitment levels predicted better smoking outcomes. It is speculated that 2Q is more engaging than CTQ; however, in terms of effectiveness, it is necessary to replicate this study with a larger sample size to produce adequate statistical power.

text: Examining Cigarette and Craving Rates Using ACT-Based (2Morrow Quit™) and Mindfulness-Based (Craving to Quit®) Mobile Health Applications There has been a growing number of mobile health (mHealth) smartphone applications (apps) that target smoking cessation. There is concern that many smartphone apps for smoking cessation lack evidence-based practices, which harms the apps’ efficacy and effectiveness. Two evidence-based mHealth apps that target smoking cessation are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based 2Morrow Quit™ (2Q) and mindfulness-based Craving to Quit® (CTQ). 2Q is based on the ACT framework that teaches strategies to increase acceptance and reduce experiential avoidance, while making values-guided committed behaviour changes. CTQ is based on mindfulness training (MT) that teaches techniques to decouple the link between craving and smoking, established by associative and reinforcing processes. This study’s purpose was to examine the effectiveness of 2Q and CTQ using a single-subject A1-B-A2-A3 design with a broad recruitment strategy that included anyone worldwide. There were two main areas explored: (1) to examine if ACT-based 2Q would reduce cigarette intake and cravings to smoke when compared to CTQ; and (2) to examine if having greater acceptance and commitment during post-intervention would predict better smoking outcomes (i.e., reduced cigarette consumption, reduced cravings, or quit smoking) when compared to CTQ. There was evidence of a small reduction in cigarette consumption for both intervention groups but was not statistically significant. There was limited evidence that both interventions were effective in reducing cravings to smoke because of observed differences, and no statistical significance found. There was limited evidence that higher acceptance and commitment levels predicted better smoking outcomes. It is speculated that 2Q is more engaging than CTQ; however, in terms of effectiveness, it is necessary to replicate this study with a larger sample size to produce adequate statistical power.

year: 2019

title: Social policy approaches to Hurricane Katrina and the Christchurch Earthquakes

authors: Al-Shamri, Faisal Ali Ahmed

subjects: natural disasters

abstract: Using secondary sources, the purpose of this thesis is to compare the two disasters – Hurricane Katrina in the United States and the two Christchurch Earthquakes in New Zealand and show how the countries managed the aftermath of each of the disasters. The thesis explores Esping-Andersen’s concept of welfare typologies and shows where New Zealand and the United States fit into his framework. The thesis also reviewed some critiques to Esping-Andersen’s typology.  It details the events of the disasters and how the respective governments responded given their social policy approaches.

text: Social policy approaches to Hurricane Katrina and the Christchurch Earthquakes Using secondary sources, the purpose of this thesis is to compare the two disasters – Hurricane Katrina in the United States and the two Christchurch Earthquakes in New Zealand and show how the countries managed the aftermath of each of the disasters. The thesis explores Esping-Andersen’s concept of welfare typologies and shows where New Zealand and the United States fit into his framework. The thesis also reviewed some critiques to Esping-Andersen’s typology.  It details the events of the disasters and how the respective governments responded given their social policy approaches.

year: 2012

title: Whangai: remembering, understanding and experiencing

authors: McRae, Karyn Okeroa

subjects: adoption

abstract: The Māori customary practice of whangai is often equated with adoption or foster care.
There are, however, significant differences between the institutions. Adoption or foster care, tends to be mainly focused on the interests of the child. The institution of whangai, while being cognizant of the interests of the child, is weighted more towards establishing, nurturing and cementing relationships between individuals, families and broader relational networks. In this paper we draw on the lived experiences of six people who have been raised as whangai and/or have raised whangai. We were interested in their understanding of the cultural concept of whangai, how the customary practice of whangai has changed over time, and their projected thoughts on future generations’ experience of whangai. Findings suggest that the institution of whangai remains as a strong vehicle for both the care of children and for the nurturing of whangai kinship relationships. While participants recognised that contemporary Māori social environments have contributed toward multiple manifestations of whangai, most felt it to be an institution that will be valued and carried into the future.

text: Whangai: remembering, understanding and experiencing The Māori customary practice of whangai is often equated with adoption or foster care.
There are, however, significant differences between the institutions. Adoption or foster care, tends to be mainly focused on the interests of the child. The institution of whangai, while being cognizant of the interests of the child, is weighted more towards establishing, nurturing and cementing relationships between individuals, families and broader relational networks. In this paper we draw on the lived experiences of six people who have been raised as whangai and/or have raised whangai. We were interested in their understanding of the cultural concept of whangai, how the customary practice of whangai has changed over time, and their projected thoughts on future generations’ experience of whangai. Findings suggest that the institution of whangai remains as a strong vehicle for both the care of children and for the nurturing of whangai kinship relationships. While participants recognised that contemporary Māori social environments have contributed toward multiple manifestations of whangai, most felt it to be an institution that will be valued and carried into the future.

year: 2006