title: Relapse prevention: A critique and proposed reconceptualisation

authors: Thakker, Jo

subjects: relapse prevention

abstract: Relapse prevention (RP) plays a significant role in current treatments and post-treatment approaches to substance abuse problems. It is also widely used in a number of other problem areas, including other addictive behaviours and sexual offending. The widespread use of RP in various fields is due to both its clearly articulated theoretical basis, which has significant face validity, and its transferability into clinical practice. Also, there is a growing (though arguably still modest) body of empirical evidence that demonstrates its efficacy in a range of therapeutic contexts. However, arguably, in terms of both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical application of RP there is room for improvement. This article hypothesises that one of the key weaknesses of RP is that it takes a generally unconstructive approach to the therapeutic process through the use of negative concepts and avoidance goals. It is suggested that a ‘good lives’ framework of psychological wellbeing can provide a means of remedying these weaknesses of the traditional RP model. It is argued that a good lives framework can lead to a more optimistic approach to the prevention of relapse among individuals with substance use problems.

text: Relapse prevention: A critique and proposed reconceptualisation Relapse prevention (RP) plays a significant role in current treatments and post-treatment approaches to substance abuse problems. It is also widely used in a number of other problem areas, including other addictive behaviours and sexual offending. The widespread use of RP in various fields is due to both its clearly articulated theoretical basis, which has significant face validity, and its transferability into clinical practice. Also, there is a growing (though arguably still modest) body of empirical evidence that demonstrates its efficacy in a range of therapeutic contexts. However, arguably, in terms of both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical application of RP there is room for improvement. This article hypothesises that one of the key weaknesses of RP is that it takes a generally unconstructive approach to the therapeutic process through the use of negative concepts and avoidance goals. It is suggested that a ‘good lives’ framework of psychological wellbeing can provide a means of remedying these weaknesses of the traditional RP model. It is argued that a good lives framework can lead to a more optimistic approach to the prevention of relapse among individuals with substance use problems.

year: 2010

title: I want my IoT – end-user developers and the Internet of Things

authors: García Ferrari, Tomás

subjects: End-User Development (EUD)

abstract: The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled seamless data capturing, processing, and analysis from the physical world and remote control of interconnected devices. However, due to complex development processes, its potential remains largely untapped by non-expert users. This thesis investigates technical, conceptual, and practical barriers that limit non-expert end-user developers from creating bespoke IoT projects. 

Based on the premise that simplifying IoT development and providing targeted support can democratise access, this research explores strategies to help end users create and manage IoT projects integrated into their daily lives. To address this, the thesis explores four research areas: the barriers end-user developers encounter when creating custom IoT solutions, the effectiveness of ideation tools in supporting their development process, the challenges involved in assembling and programming IoT systems, and the strategies that enhance effective troubleshooting. 

A review of the literature reveals that, while substantial research has focused on the technical dimensions of IoT, relatively little attention has been given to making these technologies accessible to non-experts. To bridge this gap, the thesis employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, a longitudinal case study, and three user studies to explore the experiences of non-expert users with IoT technologies. The findings highlight that the lack of intuitive tools and resources is a significant barrier to user engagement and project completion. 

The results underscore the importance of user-centred design in developing IoT support tools and demonstrate that non-experts can effectively create and manage IoT projects with appropriate guidance and resources. However, challenges remain, such as enhancing troubleshooting support and developing intuitive interfaces. 

This thesis argues that the future of IoT lies in designing accessible tools and systems for a broader audience, with significant implications for inclusivity and ease of use. Future research should focus on refining these tools, understanding the cognitive processes of end-user development, and exploring new methods for integrating IoT into everyday life. This work contributes to developing a more inclusive IoT ecosystem accessible to all users, regardless of their technical expertise.

text: I want my IoT – end-user developers and the Internet of Things The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled seamless data capturing, processing, and analysis from the physical world and remote control of interconnected devices. However, due to complex development processes, its potential remains largely untapped by non-expert users. This thesis investigates technical, conceptual, and practical barriers that limit non-expert end-user developers from creating bespoke IoT projects. 

Based on the premise that simplifying IoT development and providing targeted support can democratise access, this research explores strategies to help end users create and manage IoT projects integrated into their daily lives. To address this, the thesis explores four research areas: the barriers end-user developers encounter when creating custom IoT solutions, the effectiveness of ideation tools in supporting their development process, the challenges involved in assembling and programming IoT systems, and the strategies that enhance effective troubleshooting. 

A review of the literature reveals that, while substantial research has focused on the technical dimensions of IoT, relatively little attention has been given to making these technologies accessible to non-experts. To bridge this gap, the thesis employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, a longitudinal case study, and three user studies to explore the experiences of non-expert users with IoT technologies. The findings highlight that the lack of intuitive tools and resources is a significant barrier to user engagement and project completion. 

The results underscore the importance of user-centred design in developing IoT support tools and demonstrate that non-experts can effectively create and manage IoT projects with appropriate guidance and resources. However, challenges remain, such as enhancing troubleshooting support and developing intuitive interfaces. 

This thesis argues that the future of IoT lies in designing accessible tools and systems for a broader audience, with significant implications for inclusivity and ease of use. Future research should focus on refining these tools, understanding the cognitive processes of end-user development, and exploring new methods for integrating IoT into everyday life. This work contributes to developing a more inclusive IoT ecosystem accessible to all users, regardless of their technical expertise.

year: 2024

title: Poster Abstracts

authors: Lapsley, Hilary

subjects: Maori

abstract: These are the poster abstracts from the Proceedings of the National Māori Graduates of Psychology Symposium 2002.

text: Poster Abstracts These are the poster abstracts from the Proceedings of the National Māori Graduates of Psychology Symposium 2002.

year: 2003