• A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore Chartered Counselling Psychologists experiences of supervision

      Hart, Nicola; Briggs, David John (University of Wolverhampton, 2010)
      This thesis comprises three main sections: a literature review, research report and a critical appraisal of the research process. The literature review is generic across a number of health professions and begins by placing supervision within its historical context followed by an attempt to clarify our current understanding of supervision. The literature relating to effective supervision is presented, with the supervisory working alliance being identified as potentially one of the most important common factors in the change process of supervision (Ellis, 1991). A review of supervision models suggests that they provide a structure for understanding the roles, relationships, responsibilities and processes integral to the practice of supervision. The review attempts to clarify the current state of supervision training, highlighting the lack of attention that has been paid to the process by which individuals learn to become effective supervisees and supervisors. It is concluded that there is a need for further research in the area of training for both supervisees and supervisors. The research report comprises a qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the supervision experiences of six Chartered Counselling Psychologists. The thematic content that emerged indicated a lack of preparation for the role of supervisee and a lack of formal training for the supervisory role. The findings revealed that the participants relied upon self-directed learning, their previous experience and their therapeutic skills to inform their supervisory practice. The findings also highlighted the critical role of the supervisory relationship for both supervisee and supervisor in managing the anxieties generated by this lack of preparation and training as well as in supporting the learning and development of all involved in the relationship. The final section is the researcher’s critical appraisal of the research process.
    • Components and determinants of the shift between the own persona and the clown persona: A hierarchical analysis

      Dionigi, Alberto; Ruch, Willibald; Platt, Tracey (European Journal of Humour Research, 2014)
      Working in health settings as a clown requires the ability to differentiate between the own persona and the clown persona and to stay in the role, despite a variety of challenging situations. This passage requires a cognitive shift that can be interfered with, or facilitated, by several variables. This study aims at operationalising the components involved in the shift and relating them to psychological characteristics and other relevant aspects of the training necessary to become a clinic clown. A preliminary 34-item version of the Clown Shift Questionnaire (CSQ) was developed and administered to a sample of 130 Italian clinic clowns. Relevant information such as sociodemographic characteristics, various aspects related to the training received such as length, issues taught, internship carried out, psychological knowledge, and competences in clowning were collected. Four dimensions in the shifting process were identified: reflective awareness, positive beliefs, interference, and anxiety. These dimensions represent a profile of individual differences that may be used to predict the success of the clown intervention. Reflective awareness positively correlates with the aspects related to the training and the years of clown activity, while positive beliefs is a dimension not related to training. Anxiety is higher among females and younger people and correlates negatively with training aspects and years of activity. Interferences are more frequent among those who received higher psychological knowledge and lead to less satisfaction. Further implications for using the concepts of CSQ in research and in the work of clowns in health settings are discussed. Components and determinants of the shift between the own persona and the clown persona: A hierarchical analysis (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262525608_Components_and_determinants_of_the_shift_between_the_own_persona_and_the_clown_persona_A_hierarchical_analysis [accessed Nov 28 2017].
    • The effects of low and high glycemic index foods on exercise performance and beta-endorphin responses

      Jamurtas, AZ; Tofas, T; Fatouros, I; Nikolaidis, MG; Paschalis, V; Yfanti, C; Raptis, S; Koutedakis, Y; University of Thessaly, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Karies, 42100, Trikala, Greece. ajamurt@pe.uth.gr. (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2011-10-20)
      Τhe aim of this study was to examine the effects of the consumption of foods of various glycemic index values on performance, β-endorphin levels and substrate (fat and carbohydrate) utilization during prolonged exercise. Eight untrained healthy males underwent, in a randomized counterbalanced design, three experimental conditions under which they received carbohydrates (1.5 gr. kg-1 of body weight) of low glycemic index (LGI), high glycemic index (HGI) or placebo. Food was administered 30 min prior to exercise. Subjects cycled for 60 min at an intensity corresponding to 65% of VO2max, which was increased to 90% of VO2max, then they cycled until exhaustion and the time to exhaustion was recorded. Blood was collected prior to food consumption, 15 min prior to exercise, 0, 20, 40, and 60 min into exercise as well as at exhaustion. Blood was analyzed for β-endorphin, glucose, insulin, and lactate. The mean time to exhaustion did not differ between the three conditions (LGI = 3.2 ± 0.9 min; HGI = 2.9 ± 0.9 min; placebo = 2.7 ± 0.7 min). There was a significant interaction in glucose and insulin response (P < 0.05) with HGI exhibiting higher values before exercise. β-endorphin increased significantly (P < 0.05) at the end of exercise without, however, a significant interaction between the three conditions. Rate of perceived exertion, heart rate, ventilation, lactate, respiratory quotient and substrate oxidation rate did not differ between the three conditions. The present study indicates that ingestion of foods of different glycemic index 30 min prior to one hour cycling exercise does not result in significant changes in exercise performance, β-endorphin levels as well as carbohydrate and fat oxidation during exercise. © 2011 Jamurtas et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
    • Factors affecting access to daily oral and dental care among adults with intellectual disabilities

      Chadwick, Darren; Chapman, Melanie; Davies, Gill (Wiley, 2017-10-17)
      Purpose: Accessing oral health care can be more difficult for adults with intellectual disabilities with reports of poorer levels of oral health. This investigation identifies factors influencing engagement in day-to-day oral and dental healthcare for adults with intellectual disabilities. Method: A survey, containing questions about facilitators and barriers to maintaining oral health and hygiene, was completed with adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers (N=372). Results: Data were analysed using thematic network analysis. Two global themes were identified; ‘Personal and lifestyle influences’, mentioned more often as barriers to oral care, included physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioural and affective factors and ‘Social and environmental factors’, mentioned more as facilitators, included caregiver support, equipment and adaptations used and oral hygiene routine. Conclusions: Numerous individual, social and environmental factors influence oral care. A coordinated organisational response is advocated involving collaboration between dental and ID services and training for caregivers and people with intellectual disabilities.
    • Injury occurrence in hip hop dance: An online cross-sectional cohort study of breakers

      Tsiouti, Nefeli; Wyon, Matthew (J.Michael Ryan Publishing Inc., 2021-03-01)
      Breaking is the most physical of the hip hop dance styles, but little research has examined the health and well-being of its participants. Using a cross-sectional recall design a self-report online health and wellbeing survey was open for a 5-month period. 320 adult break dancers (16% professional, 65% student/recreational) with a minimum of 6-months experience completed the survey. The main outcome measures were self-report injury incidence and aetiology and training hours. Respondents (52%) trained between 4-9 hours per week over 3 days; significantly less than theatrical dancers. 71.1% reported a dance-related injury and 44.5% reporting being currently injured at time of survey. Self-reported types of injury were significantly different from other dance genres; the most frequently injured were arms/hands (40.6%), shoulders (35.9%), knees (32.2%), neck (22.8%) and ankles (15.6%). When injured, 29% respondents either took their own preventative steps or continued to dance carefully, 20% sought medical professional help; “yourself” was the most cited influence on returning to dance after injury (47%). The current survey highlighted the potential differences between different dance genres particularly regarding injury incidence and aetiology.
    • Maximal physiological responses to deep and shallow water running.

      Dowzer, Clare N.; Reilly, Thomas; Cable, Nigel T.; Nevill, Alan M. (Taylor & Francis, 1999)
      The maximal physiological responses to treadmill running (TMR), shallow water running (SWR) and deep water running (DWR) while wearing a buoyancy vest were compared in 15 trained male runners. Measurements included oxygen consumption (VO2 max), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and heart rate (HR). Treadmill running elicited VO2 max and HRmax, which were higher than the peaks attained in both water tests (p < 0.01). VO2 peak averaged 83.7 and 75.3% of VO2 max for SWR and DWR respectively. Peak HR for SWR and DWR were 94.1 and 87.2% of the HRmax reached in the TMR. RER responses were similar between the three modalities. The observations suggest that the training stimulus provided by water is still adequate for supplementary training. While SWR is potentially an efficient method of maintaining cardiovascular fitness, it needs to be investigated further to establish if it is a viable technique for the injured athlete to employ.
    • The impact of FNGO services on the performance of micro and small enterprises: empirical evidence from the Volta Region, Ghana

      Atiase, Victor (2018)
      Financial Non-Governmental Organisations (FNGOs) are regulated microfinance institutions (MFIs) that operate with the social welfare logic in the delivery of Microcredit (MC) and Entrepreneurship Training (ET) to the poor in Ghana. The provision of these two capitals (MC and ET) is aimed at supporting the poor to create sustainable Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) which is aimed at generating both skilled and unskilled employment. The major aim of this study is to investigate the impact of MC and ET delivered by FNGOs on the performance of MSEs in Ghana. Theoretically, the study adopts both the Institutional Theory and the Resource-Based View theory as the underlying theoretical frameworks, assuming that institutional and resource factors have a great influence on FNGOs in their delivery of MC and ET to MSEs in Ghana. The research design adopted in undertaking this study is based on the pragmatic research philosophy. Specifically, the mixed strategy with an explanatory triangulation method has been used. The mixed method has been adopted purposely for model testing as well as for exploring various issues on FNGOs and their role in the performance of MSEs. Primary data were collected through a quantitative method using a survey as well as through qualitative interviews. Adopting a stratified random sampling method, a total of 720 self-administered questionnaires were sent out in March 2017 to MSEs in the Volta Region of Ghana to collect primary data. Out of the number sent, 506 questionnaires were retrieved generating a response rate of 70.2%. Also, interviews were conducted with 10 MSEs. A multiple regression model was applied in measuring the impact of MC and ET on the performance of MSEs. The findings suggest that firm characteristics such as gender, managers educational level, industry category and business age correlate positively with employment sales and profitability growth which are statistically significant at 1% level. Secondly, the study also found that both MC and ET factors have a significant impact on MSE performance in the areas of employment, sales and profitability at 1% significant level. The qualitative findings also support the model tested in this study in the sense that the combined approach of both MC and ET have a significant impact on MSE performance in Ghana. This study has made two main contributions. Firstly, the provision of MC by FNGOs can only have the desired impact on the performance of MSEs if it is combined with entrepreneurship training, thereby leading to a sustainable employment, sales and profitability growth. Therefore, by using the 506 MSEs financed by FNGOs in the Volta region of Ghana, this study has for the first time in the Ghanaian microfinance landscape tested an empirical model and came out with meaningful findings for effective integration of ET into microfinance to improve the delivery of financial services to MSEs in Ghana by FNGOs and other socially oriented MFIs. The study has therefore developed a practical framework for ensuring that ET is provided alongside the delivery of MC in order to have the desired impact on the performance of MSEs. The study provided implications for policy and practice for making MC and ET more accessible to MSEs to achieve the desired goal of creating employment. Secondly, even though FNGOs play a very important role in providing entrepreneurial finance to MSEs particularly in developing countries, it has received insufficient research attention. This study has, therefore, added to the scanty research available about FNGOs and their contribution to entrepreneurship development and poverty reduction in developing countries.
    • The Influence of the Boer War (1899 - 1902) on the Tactical Development of the Regular British Army 1902 - 1914

      Buckley, John; Fuller, Howard; Jones, Spencer (University of Wolverhampton, 2009)
      This thesis examines the influence of the Boer War 1899 – 1902 upon tactics and training in the regular British Army 1902 – 1914. The work argues that several key lessons drawn from South Africa became the tactical cornerstones for infantry, artillery and cavalry throughout the pre-First World War period and shaped the performance of the B.E.F. during the early battles of 1914. The experience of combat against well armed opposition in the Boer War prompted the British Army to develop improved tactics in each of the three major service arms. For example, infantry placed new emphasis on dispersion and marksmanship; cavalry improved their dismounted work and reconnaissance skills; and artillery adopted methods of concealment and strove to improve accuracy and co-ordination. Across the army as a whole, the experience of combat lead to an overall downgrading of the importance of drill and obedience, replacing it instead with tactical skill and individual initiative. In addition, the thesis also examines the impact of the Boer War upon overall British Army doctrine and ethos. The process of reform prior to the First World War was marked by wide ranging debates upon the value of the South African experience, and not all lessons drawn from the conflict endured, with tactical restructuring being further complicated by changes of government and financial restrictions. Nevertheless, key lessons such as dispersion, marksmanship, concealment and firepower were ultimately retained and proved to be of great value during initial clashes against the Germans in 1914. Additionally, the Boer War caused the British to place new emphasis upon overall training of the individual, allowing advanced tactical skills to be inculcated more easily than had been possible in earlier years. However, the short duration of the conventional period of the Boer War meant that there was less opportunity to derive operational lessons for future employment. Furthermore, the colonial policing role of the British Army and the likelihood of small scale deployments meant that developing an operational doctrine was of less immediate value than ensuring flexibility and tactical skill. This meant that the British Army took a somewhat skewed developmental path in the 1902 – 1914. The process of reform ultimately produced a highly adaptable force that was tactically skilled, but which was ill-prepared for the operational complications posed by large scale deployment. While the Boer War was the principal factor in driving reform during the 1902 – 1914 period, there were additional influences at work, including examples from the Russo-Japanese War 1904 – 1905 and various ideas drawn from the armies of the continent. However, this thesis argues that while these outside influences contributed to ongoing debate, they did not offer any particular fresh ideas and were therefore of less importance than the Boer War in shaping British Army development.
    • The Russian Open Game: notes on a Westerner’s experience

      Gilbert, K. (University of Wolverhampton, 1998-09)
      The Russian Open Game is a highly structured set of techniques and procedures for managing an intensive group learning situation extending over a number of days. As such, it offers a challenge to assumptions that the “Russian learning style” does not favour the use of participatory techniques in training and organisational development. While there is a growing literature on the reactions of Russian groups to Western training events and methods, there are few records of the reactions of Western participants on Russian events. The paper presents a description of one iteration of the Russian Open Game, held in Kaluga in May 1998. It sets out the key roles and techniques of the method, and examines issues such as openness, participation and conflict as they arise in the game. It concludes that the Game involves a high level of manipulation of events and group dynamics by the leadership, and that it is this role of the leader-as-choreographer rather than leader-as-facilitator which is the principal area of difference between the Russian Open Game and a typical British participatory training or organisational development event.