ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6831-0978
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Griffith University
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Mental Health | Public Health and Health Services | Health, Clinical And Counselling Psychology
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-11-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-01-2016
DOI: 10.1111/CAMH.12145
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1111/AJPY.12109
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2003
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1155/2016/7109052
Abstract: Background . Motor and nonmotor symptoms negatively influence Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients’ quality of life. Mindfulness interventions have been a recent focus in PD. The present study explores effectiveness of a manualized group mindfulness intervention tailored for PD in improving both motor and neuropsychiatric deficits in PD. Methods . Fourteen PD patients completed an 8-week mindfulness intervention that included 6 sessions. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, PD Cognitive Rating Scale, Unified PD Rating Scale, PD Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45) were administered before and after the intervention. Participants also completed the FFMQ-15 at each session. Gains at postassessment and at 6-month follow-up were compared to baseline using paired t -tests and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests. Results . A significant increase in FFMQ-Observe subscale, a reduction in anxiety, depression, and OQ-45 symptom distress, an increase in PDCRS-Subcortical scores, and an improvement in postural instability, gait, and rigidity motor symptoms were observed at postassessment. Gains for the PDCRS were sustained at follow-up. Conclusion . The mindfulness intervention tailored for PD is associated with reduced anxiety and depression and improved cognitive and motor functioning. A randomised controlled trial using a large s le of PD patients is warranted.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-01-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2013.08.017
Abstract: Personality and cognitive processes are both related to alcohol use and misuse. A recent model of hazardous drinking referred, the 2-CARS model, postulates two major pathways to hazardous drinking. One pathway primarily involves the association between Reward Drive and Positive Outcome Expectancies, the second involves the association between Rash Impulsiveness and Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy. In previous tests of the model, Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy was found to have the most proximal impact on drinking, being directly influenced by Rash Impulsiveness, and indirectly influenced by Reward Drive through Positive Outcome Expectancies. The aim of the current study was to test the 2-CARS model in a larger independent s le. Results found that in iduals with a strong Reward Drive showed higher Positive Outcome Expectancies, while in iduals high in Rash Impulsiveness were more likely to report reduced Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy. The present results also showed a theoretically unexpected pathway with a direct association between Rash Impulsiveness and Positive Outcome Expectancies. However, overall the results support the view that a greater understanding of hazardous drinking can be achieved by investigating the relationship between these personality and cognitive variables.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGALCDEP.2018.08.044
Abstract: There is growing interest in the provision of parenting support to substance misusing parents. This pragmatic, multi-center randomized controlled trial compared an intensive one-to-one parenting program (Parents under Pressure, PuP) with Treatment as Usual (TAU) in the UK. Parents were engaged in community-based substance misuse services and were primary caregivers of children less than 2.5 years of age. The primary outcome was child abuse potential, and secondary outcomes included measures of parental emotional regulation assessed at baseline, 6 and 12-months. A prospective economic evaluation was also conducted. Of 127 eligible parents, 115 met the inclusion criteria, and subsequently parents were randomly assigned to receive PuP (n = 48) or TAU (n = 52). Child abuse potential was significantly improved in those receiving the PuP program while those in TAU showed a deterioration across time in both intent-to-treat (p < 0.03) and per-protocol analyses (p < 0.01). There was also significant reliable change (recovery/improvement) in 30.6% of the PuP group compared with 10.3% of the TAU group (p < 0.02), and deterioration in 3% compared with 18% (p < 0.02). The probability that the program is cost-effective was approximately 51.8% if decision-makers are willing to pay £1000 for a unit improvement in the primary outcome, increasing to 98.0% at a £20,000 cost-effectiveness threshold for this measure. Up to one-third of substance dependent parents of children under 3-years of age can be supported to improve their parenting, using a modular, one-to-one parenting program. Further research is needed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15579
Abstract: Family‐focused interventions can improve family functioning when parents have substance use problems. However, there has been little focus upon potential predictors of change and analysis of mechanisms of change. This study aims to identify mediators and moderators of change in a pragmatic, multi‐site, randomized controlled trial of the Parents under Pressure (PuP) programme, a family‐focused intervention for parents with substance use and other problems, and treatment‐as‐usual (TAU). Secondary analysis of data: multi‐level modelling was used to investigate moderators of treatment outcome mediation was tested with cross‐lagged models. Community‐based family support services in the United Kingdom. Parents ( n = 100) attending community‐based addiction services with children aged 2.5 years or younger. Predictors of the primary outcome, child abuse potential, were: baseline child age and gender, composite family risk score, parental substance use and parental emotional dysregulation. Mediation was tested across three time‐points with the observed variables parental emotion dysregulation and child abuse potential. Increased child age [ Z = 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.01, 0.33] at baseline was associated with greater reductions in child abuse potential for PuP programme participants compared with TAU. Poorer parental emotional regulation ( Z = 2.48, 95% CI = –2.76, −0.32) was associated with greater reductions in child abuse potential for all participants. Parental substance use (either recent use or primary substance of concern) did not alter any treatment effects on child abuse potential. The mediation analysis showed that PuP produced greater improvements in emotional regulation at post‐treatment ( P 0.001) compared with TAU, which predicted lower child abuse potential at 6‐month follow up ( P 0.05). For UK parents enrolled in a family‐focused intervention, baseline measurements of higher child age appear to be associated with greater reductions in child abuse potential at 6‐month follow‐up in PuP participants compared with treatment as usual (TAU). Poorer parental emotional regulation and, potentially, higher family risk, appears to be associated with greater reductions in child abuse potential at 6‐month follow‐up in PuP and TAU. Emotional regulation appeared to act as a mediator as improvements in parental emotional regulation post‐treatment appeared to be associated with greater reductions in child abuse potential at 6‐month follow up. Notably, participation in the PuP programme led to better parental emotional regulation compared with TAU.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-12-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2017.08.011
Abstract: The aim of this study was to test a new theoretical model of cannabis use incorporating biologically-based personality traits and social cognition. This biosocial cognitive theory (bSCT) has robust support in alcohol studies, but has not been applied to cannabis. The model proposes two pathways linking dimensions of impulsivity to cannabis use. The first predicts that the association between Reward Sensitivity (SR) and cannabis use is mediated by positive outcome expectancies. The second predicts that the relationship between Rash Impulsiveness (RI) and cannabis use is mediated by cannabis refusal self-efficacy. An extended version of this model was also tested and included a third pathway linking Punishment Sensitivity (SP) to cannabis use via higher negative outcome expectancies. Participants were 252 18-to-21-year-olds who completed questionnaires assessing cannabis use, personality and social cognition. Theoretical models were tested using structural equation modeling. The bSCT model provided a good fit to the data (CFI=0.95 RMSEA=0.07 SRMR=0.06). Positive cannabis expectancies and refusal self-efficacy partially mediated the association between SR and cannabis use (p<0.05). Cannabis refusal self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between RI and cannabis use (p<0.05). The addition of a third SP pathway did not improve model fit. Consistent with alcohol studies, the association between impulsivity and cannabis use is largely mediated by social cognition. The bSCT may provide novel insights to inform prevention and treatment of problematic cannabis use.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-11-2022
DOI: 10.1002/CL2.1258
Abstract: The consequences for children born with birth defects and developmental disabilities encompassed by foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are profound, affecting all areas of social, behavioural and cognitive functioning. Given the strong evidence for a core deficit in executive functioning, underpinned by impaired self‐regulation skills, there has been a growing focus on the development of interventions that enhance or support the development of executive functions (EFs). The primary objective of this review is to synthesise the evidence for structured psychological interventions that explicitly aim to improve EF in children. The review also sought to ascertain if the effectiveness of interventions were influenced by characteristics of the intervention, participants or type of EF targeted by the intervention. Sixteen databases, 18 grey literature search locations and 9 trial registries were systematically searched to locate eligible studies (up to December 2020). These searches were supplemented with reference harvesting, forward citation searching, hand searches of topic‐relevant journals and contact with experts. Studies were included in the review if they reported on an impact evaluation of a psychological intervention aiming to improve EF in children 3–16 years who either had confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure or a formal diagnosis falling under the umbrella term of FASDs. Eligible study designs included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐experimental designs with either no treatment, wait list control or an alternative treatment as a comparison condition. Single‐group pre‐post designs were also included. Standard methodological procedures expected by the C bell Collaboration were used at all stages of this review. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) were used to estimate intervention effects, which were combined with random effects meta‐analysis (data permitting). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2) and Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non‐Randomised Studies‐Interventions tool (ROBINS‐I). The systematic search identified 3820 unique records. After title/abstract and full‐text screening, 11 eligible studies (reported in 21 eligible documents) were deemed eligible, with a combined 253 participants. Of the 11 studies, 6 were RCTs, 1 was a quasi‐experiment and 4 were single‐group pre‐post intervention designs. All studies were rated as having an overall high or serious risk of bias, with some variation across domains for RCTs. For RCT and quasi‐experimental studies, the overall effect of EF interventions on direct and indirect measures of EF generally favoured the experimental condition, but was not statistically significant. There was no difference between intervention and comparison groups on direct measures of auditory attention ( k = 3 SMD = 0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.06, 1.18), visual attention ( k = 2 SMD = 0.90, 95% CI = −1.41, 3.21), cognitive flexibility ( k = 2 SMD = 0.23, 95% CI = −0.40, 0.86), attentional inhibition ( k = 2 SMD = 0.04, 95% CI = −0.58, 0.65), response inhibition ( k = 3 SMD = 0.47, 95% CI = −0.04, 0.99), or verbal working memory ( k = 1 d = 0.6827 95% CI = −0.0196, 1.385). Significant heterogeneity was found across studies on measures of auditory attention and visual attention, but not for measures of cognitive flexibility, attentional inhibition or response inhibition. Available data prohibited further exploration of heterogeneity. There was no statistical difference between intervention and comparison groups on indirect measures of global executive functioning ( k = 2 SMD = 0.21, 95% CI = −0.40, 0.82), behavioural regulation ( k = 2 SMD = 0.18, 95% CI = −0.43, 0.79), or emotional control ( k = 3 SMD = 0.01, 95% CI = −0.33, 0.36). Effect sizes were positive and not significant for meta‐cognition ( k = 1 SMD = 0.23, 95% CI = −0.72, 1.19), shifting ( k = 2 SMD = 0.04, 95% CI = −0.35, 0.43), initiation ( k = 1 SMD = 0.04, 95% CI = −0.40, 0.49), monitoring ( k = 1 SMD = 0.25, 95% CI = −0.20, 0.70) and organisation of materials ( k = 1 SMD = 0.25, 95% CI = −0.19, 0.70). Effect sizes were negative and not statistically different for effortful control ( k = 1 SMD = −0.53, 95% CI = −1.50, 0.45), inhibition ( k = 2 SMD = −0.08, 95% CI = −0.47, 0.31), working memory ( k = 1 SMD = 0.00, 95% CI = −0.45, 0.44), and planning and organisation ( k = 1 SMD = −0.10, 95% CI = −0.55, 0.34). No statistically significant heterogeneity was found for any of the syntheses of indirect measures of EF. Based on pre‐post single‐group designs, there was evidence for small to medium sized improvements in EF based on direct measures (cognitive flexibility, verbal working memory and visual working memory) and indirect measures (behavioural regulation, shifting, inhibition and meta‐cognition). However, these results must be interpreted with caution due to high risk of bias. This review found limited and uncertain evidence for the effectiveness of interventions for improving executive functioning in children with FASD across 8 direct and 13 indirect measures of EF. The findings are limited by the small number of high‐quality studies that could be synthesised by meta‐analysis and the very small s le sizes for the included studies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-03-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S10578-019-00886-5
Abstract: The quality of caregiving is often compromised when mothers have co-occurring difficulties such as substance misuse and problems associated with extreme emotional dysregulation. These, in turn, are associated with poor child outcomes. The aim of the current study was twofold. First, to investigate the potential differences in risk factors associated with poor child outcome by comparing three groups: substance misusing mothers (Substance Misusing Mothers SMM) mothers matched on demographic characteristics (Matched Comparison Mothers MCM) and mothers recruited from the community (Matched Control Comparison MCC). Second, to investigate the underlying mechanisms which are associated with poor child outcome by testing a mediated moderation model to ascertain (i) whether environmental risk and borderline psychopathology was a mediator between maternal childhood trauma and quality of caregiving and (ii) maternal substance misuse status moderated outcome. There were no significant differences found between the SMM and MCM groups on the key variables, but significant differences on all variables for both SMM and MCM compared to CCM. The moderated mediation analysis found that while there was significant mediation of environmental risk and borderline pathology between maternal childhood trauma and child outcome, this was not moderated by maternal substance abuse status. The importance of environmental-risk as a mechanism leading to reduced caregiving quality suggest treatment programs need to consider targeting these factors in high risk families.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1037/TRA0001136
Abstract: Police officers experience many traumatic events over the course of their career, often resulting in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated psychological distress. Studies have investigated the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing symptoms of PTSD experienced by police officers, but lacking are studies investigating the impact of PTSD on positivity, a construct we define as a latent variable estimated using self-report measures of optimism, gratitude, self-compassion, and mindfulness. The present study carried out a path analysis of a model testing the hypothesis that PTSD would be associated with increased psychological distress and decreased positivity, both of which influence well-being. The model also evaluated associations between constructs that could be modified through interventions to increase well-being-associations between posttraumatic growth, social support, physical activity and psychological distress, positivity, and well-being. Police officers ( The model tested produced fit indices of root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .089 comparative fit index (CFI) = .960 Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = .93 standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .041 and The implication of the results is that interventions aimed at enhancing positivity could be expected to improve well-being in police officers and offering traditional therapies together with positivity enhancing therapies may have additional benefits over either alone. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2011
Publisher: National Institute for Health and Care Research
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.3310/YOWK7214
Abstract: The impact of parental drug use on children is a major public health problem. However, opioid-dependent fathers have been largely ignored in parenting research. To implement and test the feasibility and acceptability of the Parents under Pressure programme (PuP4Dads) for opioid-dependent fathers and their families, and to determine whether or not a full-scale evaluation could be conducted. A mixed-methods feasibility study. Two non-NHS family support services for parents who use drugs in Scotland. Fathers prescribed opioid substitution therapy ( n = 25), their partners ( n = 17) and children, as well as practitioners, supervisors, service managers and referrers. A home-visiting programme, including an integrated theoretical framework, case formulation, collaborative goal-setting and modules designed to improve parenting, the caregiving environment and child welfare. The programme was delivered flexibly over 6 months by accredited practitioners. Feasibility progression criteria included the recruitment target ( n = 24 fathers), acceptability of PuP4Dads, father engagement in the study (including a minimum of 66% of fathers completing PuP and a minimum of 10 fathers completing baseline and post-treatment research interviews), engagement in qualitative interviews (including a minimum of 10 fathers and 90% practitioner uptake and 80% manager uptake), focus groups (with a minimum of 80% referrer uptake), adequate fidelity and no adverse events. The following researcher-administered validated questionnaires were used: the Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory, the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, the Emotional Availability Scale, the Brief Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Conflict Tactics Scale, Treatment Outcome Profile and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version. Other sources included parent-completed service use (an economic measure), social work child protection data, NHS opioid substitution therapy prescription data and practitioner-reported attendance data. We also conducted interviews with fathers ( n = 23), mothers ( n = 14), practitioners ( n = 8), supervisors ( n = 2) and service managers ( n = 7) conducted focus groups with referrers ( n = 28) and held an ‘expert event’ with stakeholders ( n = 39) . The PuP4Dads was successfully delivered within non-NHS settings and was considered acceptable and suitable for the study population. Referrals ( n = 44) resulted in 38 (86%) eligible fathers, of whom 25 (66%) fathers and 17 partners/mothers consented to participate. Most fathers reported no previous parenting support. A total of 248 sessions was delivered to the 20 fathers and 14 mothers who started the intervention. Fourteen fathers (and 10 mothers) completed ≥ 6 sessions and six fathers (and four mothers) completed ≤ 5 sessions. Father and mother attendance rates were equal (mean 71%). Median length of engagement for fathers was 26 weeks and for mothers it was 30 weeks. Twenty-three fathers completed interviews at baseline, 16 fathers completed interviews at follow-up 1 and 13 fathers completed interviews at follow-up 2. Outcome measures were well tolerated however, the suitability of some measures was dependent on family circumstances. The researcher-administered questionnaires had few missing data. The perceived benefits of PuP4Dads reported by parents, practitioners and managers included the following: the therapeutic focus on fathers improved parental emotion regulation, there was improved understanding and responding to child’s needs, there was better multiagency working and the programme was a good fit with practice ‘ethos’ and policy agenda. Learning highlighted the importance of service-wide adoption and implementation support, strategies to improve recruitment and retention of fathers, managing complex needs of both parents concurrently, understanding contextual factors affecting programme delivery and variables affecting intervention engagement and outcomes. Lack of emotional availability and economic (service use) data. A larger evaluation of PuP4Dads is feasible. Further work is required to demonstrate the effectiveness of PuP4Dads and the cost implications. A better understanding is needed of how the intervention works, for whom, under what circumstances and why. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN43209618. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research Vol. 10, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-11-2014
DOI: 10.1111/CFS.12036
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-1993
Abstract: Sexual abuse perpetrated by adolescents is not recognized as a major problem. While there may be similarities between adults and adolescents who perpetrate sexual abuse, adolescent sexual abusers face developmental issues which are different from those of adults. It is argued that the specific needs of the adolescent sexual abuser cannot be fully understood by simply extrapolating knowledge derived from work with adult perpetrators. The purpose of the present paper is to discuss the importance of the developmental issues facing the adolescent perpetrator of sexual abuse and their implications for the assessment and treatment of this group of sexual abusers.
Publisher: The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
Date: 09-02-2017
DOI: 10.1017/CHA.2016.51
Abstract: In this article, the findings of research that had, as one aim, the exploration of the role of decision-making tools and practice frameworks in supporting the decision making of practitioners working with children and families in non-government agencies in Queensland are presented. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 frontline practitioners in three agencies in five different locations. A general finding was that practitioners used a range of different tools and frameworks and found them supportive. The pertinence of these findings is discussed in relation to recent developments in the provision of services for children and families in Queensland, namely the new funding of non-government agencies to provide early intervention supportive services to children and families and the implementation of a single practice framework to guide practice across the sector. Areas for future research in Queensland are identified to further investigate the role of tools in frontline practice with children and families and which may also contribute to debates more broadly about the development and implementation of practice frameworks to support practitioners.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-03-2015
DOI: 10.1002/CAR.2371
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-10-2018
DOI: 10.1002/CAR.2491
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2004
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAT.2006.10.003
Abstract: High rates of child abuse and neglect occur in many families in which either or both parents abuse illicit drugs. This study reports on the results of a randomized controlled trial with families having a parent on methadone maintenance (N = 64), in which an intensive, home-based intervention, the Parents Under Pressure (PUP) program, was compared to standard care. A second brief intervention control group of families received a two-session parenting education intervention. The PUP intervention draws from the ecological model of child development by targeting multiple domains of family functioning including the psychological functioning of in iduals in the family, parent-child relationships, and social contextual factors. Mindfulness skills were included to address parental affect regulation, a significant problem for this group of parents. At 3- and 6-month follow-up, PUP families showed significant reductions in problems across multiple domains of family functioning, including a reduction in child abuse potential, rigid parenting attitudes, and child behavior problems. Families in the brief intervention group showed a modest reduction in child abuse potential but no other changes in family function. There were no improvements found in the standard care group and some significant worsening was observed. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for improved treatment.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1093/BJSW/BCU150
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12077
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-1984
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-02-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-11-2016
DOI: 10.1111/CFS.12108
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2018
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2017
Abstract: The quality of caregiving in mothers with substance abuse problems appears to be compromised. However, ergent findings, methodological variability, and s le characteristics point to the need for research synthesis. A comprehensive systematic search was undertaken. Studies were eligible if they (1) compared substance-misusing mothers with non–substance-misusing mothers, (2) involved children from birth to 3 years, and (3) maternal sensitivity and child responsiveness were measured using observational methodology. A global meta-analysis for maternal sensitivity (n = 24 studies) and child responsiveness (n = 16 studies) on 3433 mother-infant dyads yielded significant population effect sizes and significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses found reduced heterogeneity when the meta-analysis was conducted on studies where groups were matched on key demographic characteristics although the effect size was small, it was still significant for maternal sensitivity but not child responsiveness. Compromised quality of caregiving is found in high-risk, substance-misusing mothers, emphasising the importance of early intervention that draws from attachment-based interventions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1997
DOI: 10.1016/S0145-2134(97)00047-1
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the attitudes of male and female care-workers to perpetrators of sexual and physical assaults. Hypotheses were: (1) that care-workers would rate sexual assaults to be more serious than physical assaults, rate the perpetrators of sexual assaults to be more dangerous and express less sympathy towards them and (2) that female care-workers would rate both types of assault to be more serious, perceive the perpetrators to be more dangerous, and express less sympathy, compared to their male counterparts. Male and female residential care-workers were asked to rate their response to vignettes describing either a physical or sexual assault. Vignettes and accompanying questionnaires were distributed to 60 care-workers ided into four groups according to Gender and Type of Assault. Results supported the hypothesis that sexual assaults are perceived to be more serious than physical assaults and the perpetrators of sexual assaults to be more dangerous. Gender differences in attitudes were also found, with female care-workers perceiving a greater difference between the seriousness of sexual and physical assaults than male care-workers. Female care-workers also rated the perpetrators of either type of assault to be more dangerous than did male care-workers. This study demonstrates that professionals hold different attitudes towards sexual and physical assaults and that gender is an important factor influencing attitudes towards perpetrators of violent assaults. It is of interest and practical importance for future studies to understand the emotional impact and attitudes elicited when working with perpetrators of violence, both in terms of their influence on clinical case work and in determining the personal needs, training, and supervision that should be offered to support professionals engaged in this difficult activity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.RIDD.2017.06.004
Abstract: Growing evidence shows that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) can benefit from interventions, and specifically interventions focused on improving self-regulation. However, novel ways of improving outcomes for children with FASD need further investigation so that programs target not only the in idual child but also the family context, which includes the parent-child relationship. The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an adapted version of the Parents under Pressure (PuP) program that addresses self-regulatory processes, through improving the parent-child relationship and the use of mindfulness-based strategies for both children and parents. This was a mixed methods study. Feasibility was examined by evaluating recruitment, data collection/outcome measures, and intervention procedures. The study used a phenomenological approach to obtain qualitative information from caregivers and a single-case experimental design to evaluate the preliminary participant responses to the intervention. Two out of three families completed treatment. The recruitment and intervention procedures were found to be suitable for and acceptable to the families involved. Some concerns were identified regarding the outcome measures that would need to be addressed in future research. Quantitative and qualitative outcomes were positive. The results provide preliminary support for the feasibility of an adapted version of the PuP program. Thus, offering a potential multi-component option, that aims to improve self-regulatory skills for children with FASD, through focusing on improving the parent-child relationship and incorporating mindfulness-based techniques for both parents and children.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.13747
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-05-2022
DOI: 10.1177/00084174221102726
Abstract: Background. Clinicians and researchers have observed that sensory processing and attachment difficulties frequently co-occur however, little is known about which sensory processing and attachment patterns are interrelated across populations. Purpose. To review evidence of empirical relationships between sensory processing and attachment patterns across the life span. Method. Using the Arksey and O’Malley framework, four databases were searched up to June 2021 for studies that investigated relationships between sensory processing and attachment patterns. Findings. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria: nine considered sensory and attachment patterns in children/adolescents and thirteen in adults. In children, sensory modulation was positively associated with attachment security. In adults, more extreme patterns of sensory modulation (e.g., higher sensory sensitivity) were generally associated with attachment insecurity. Implications. Findings indicate empirical relationships between sensory processing and attachment constructs in children and adults that warrant further investigation. Occupational therapists should consider both sensory processing and attachment patterns when planning interventions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-08-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
Abstract: Parenting is central to children's optimal development and accounts for a substantial proportion of the variance in child outcomes, including up to 40% of child mental health. Parenting is also one of the most modifiable, proximal, and direct factors for preventing and treating a range of children's problems and enhancing wellbeing. To determine the effectiveness of new approaches to parenting intervention, and to evaluate how to optimise reach and uptake, sufficient funding must be allocated for high quality research. We reviewed funding awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Australian Research Council (ARC) for parenting intervention research during 2011-2020. Parenting intervention research received 0.25% of the NHMRC and ARC research budgets. There is a substantial mismatch between the funding of parenting intervention research and the impact of improved parenting on short- and long-term child outcomes. To rectify this, it is critical that Australian Government funding schemes include parenting interventions as priority areas for funding. Changes in allocation of funding to parenting research will support the establishment of evidence for the effective development, implementation and dissemination of parenting interventions to maximise health outcomes for children and their families.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S12671-022-01982-9
Abstract: Despite a large evaluation literature for interventions aiming to improve the lives of families affected by parent substance misuse, very few studies have examined how families change when engaged with treatment. This study examines the interactive process of change in parent psychopathology and mindful parenting during participation in the Parents under Pressure (PuP) program for parents engaged in community addiction services. Parents ( n = 164) provided baseline, mid- and end-treatment measures of parent psychopathology and mindful parenting. Cross-lagged modelling was used to examine therapeutic process of change. Parent psychopathology decreased, and mindful parenting increased from baseline to end-treatment ( p s .001). Less psychopathology at mid-treatment predicted higher levels of overall mindful parenting upon completion of the PuP program ( p = .005). Examination of the mindful parenting dimensions revealed variation in the therapeutic process of change. While higher levels of Non-Judgemental Acceptance of Parental Functioning (NJAPF) at baseline predicted lower psychopathology at mid-treatment ( p = .03), higher levels of Compassion for Child (CC) at baseline predicted greater psychopathology at mid-treatment ( p = 0.004). Higher levels of NJAPF mid-treatment predicted lower psychopathology upon treatment completion ( p = .023), yet higher levels of Emotional Awareness of Child (EAC) at mid-treatment predicted greater psychopathology upon treatment completion ( p = .023). Lower parent psychopathology at mid-treatment predicted higher levels of LFA, EAC, Self-Regulation in Parenting and NJAPF upon completion of the PuP program ( p s .05). The findings highlight the importance of reducing parent psychopathology as a precursor to more mindful parenting and also provide new evidence regarding the way in which variation in mindful parenting dimensions influences the therapeutic process of change.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-06-2022
DOI: 10.1177/03080226221107763
Abstract: A core tenet of occupational therapy is that engagement in meaningful activities is integral for a person’s health and wellbeing. Childhood adversity can have lifelong impacts on physical and mental health however, the effects of childhood experiences are dependent on the presence of susceptibility factors, including sensory processing sensitivity. To date, the effects of childhood adversity and sensory processing sensitivity have not been investigated for meaningful activity engagement. This study seeks to determine whether childhood adversity is related to engagement in meaningful activities in adulthood and whether this relationship is moderated by sensory processing sensitivity. Using convenience snowball s ling, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 328 adults. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires, including the Risky Families Questionnaire, Highly Sensitive Person Scale and Engagement in Meaningful Activities Scale. Correlational analyses found that childhood adversity was related to significantly less meaningful activity engagement in adulthood, but this relationship was not moderated by sensory processing sensitivity. This study showed, for the first time, that a history of childhood adversity is linked to less engagement in meaningful activities in adulthood. While further research is needed, supporting meaningful activity engagement may be necessary for adults who experienced childhood adversity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-04-2021
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/AH060298
Abstract: Objective: The goal of this investigation was to examine the level of notification of child abuse and neglect and the perceived deterrents to reporting by medical practitioners, who are mandated to report their suspicions but might choose not to do so. Design: A random s le of medical practitioners was surveyed. About three hundred medical practitioners were approached through the local Division of General Practice. 91 registered medical practitioners in Queensland, Australia, took part in the study. Results: A quarter of medical practitioners admitted failing to report suspicions, though they were mostly cognisant of their responsibility to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect. Only the belief that the suspected abuse was a single incident and unlikely to happen again predicted non-reporting (?2 [1, N = 89] = 7.60, p .01). No gender, age or parent status differences were found between reporters and non-reporters. Conclusions: Although the rate of non-reporting shows improvement from previous research, it is still at an unacceptable level. The failure to report appears to result not from judgement about the presence or absence of indicators of child abuse and neglect but a threshold that moves in iduals to act on their suspicions. Professional development should focus on some of the fallacies which often influence medical practitioners? decisions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGALCDEP.2018.09.032
Abstract: The bioSocial Cognitive Theory (bSCT) hypothesizes two pathways linking dimensions of impulsivity to substance use. The first predicts that the association between reward sensitivity and substance use is mediated by positive outcome expectancies. The second predicts that the relationship between rash impulsiveness and substance use is mediated by refusal self-efficacy. This model has received empirical support in studies of alcohol use. The present research provides the first application of bSCT to a cannabis treatment population and aims to extend its utility to understanding cannabis use and severity of dependence. 273 patients referred for cannabis treatment completed a clinical assessment that contained measures of interest. A public hospital alcohol and drug clinic. The Sensitivity to Reward Scale, Dysfunctional Impulsivity Scale, Cannabis Expectancy Questionnaire, Cannabis Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and Severity of Dependence Scale-Cannabis were completed, along with measures of cannabis consumption. The bSCT model provided a good fit to the data for cannabis use and severity of dependence outcomes. The association between reward sensitivity and each cannabis outcome was fully mediated by positive cannabis expectancies and cannabis refusal self-efficacy. The relationship between rash impulsiveness and each cannabis outcome was fully mediated by cannabis refusal self-efficacy. Findings support the application of the bSCT model to cannabis use and dependence severity and highlight the important role of social cognitive mechanisms in understanding the association between impulsivity traits and these outcomes. The differential association of impulsivity traits to social cognition may assist targeted treatment efforts.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-02-2023
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.15012
Abstract: Early diagnosis of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) assists in implementing critical early support. The challenge lies in having a diagnostic process that enables valid and reliable assessment of domains of functioning in young children, with the added complexity that many children will also have co‐occurring exposure to childhood adversity that is likely to impact these domains. The aim of this study was to test a diagnostic assessment of FASD in young children using the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD. Ninety‐four children (aged 3 to 7 years) with confirmed or suspected prenatal alcohol exposure were referred to two specialist FASD clinics for assessment in Queensland, Australia. There was a significant risk profile with 68.1% ( n = 64) children having had contact with child protection services, and most children living in kinship ( n = 22, 27.7%) or foster ( n = 36, 40.4%) care. Forty‐one percent of the children were Indigenous Australians. The majority (64.9%, n = 61) of children met criteria for FASD, 30.9% were classified as “At Risk” for FASD ( n = 29), and 4.3% received no FASD diagnosis ( n = 4). Only 4 (4%) children were rated as severe for the brain domain. Over 60% of children ( n = 58) had two or more comorbid diagnoses. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the removal of comorbid diagnoses in the Attention, Affect Regulation, or Adaptive Functioning domains resulted in a change in 7 of 47 cases (15%) to an “At Risk” designation. These results highlight the complexity of presentation and the extent of impairment in the s le. The use of comorbid diagnoses to substantiate a “severe” designation in specific neurodevelopmental domains raises the question of whether there were false‐positive diagnoses. The complexity of determining causal relationships between exposure to PAE and early life adversity on developmental outcomes continues to be a challenge in this young population.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2001
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12862
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-04-2019
DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2018.1461948
Abstract: To explore the differences in baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) between children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and typically developing children (TDC) and to investigate whether children with FASD have the capacity to engage in a brief mindfulness exercise. Participants were 14 children with FASD and 20 TDC. RSA was measured at baseline, during, and following a mindfulness exercise. A mindfulness compliance checklist was completed to ascertain if children could follow the task instructions. Both groups obtained high scores on the mindfulness compliance checklist. There was a trend for children with FASD to have lower baseline RSA compared to TDC. Children in both groups demonstrated an increase in RSA during the mindfulness task. Children with FASD could engage in a mindfulness task, and both groups showed an increase in RSA. Further research is needed to establish whether prolonged mindfulness practice could be beneficial.
Publisher: Portico
Date: 11-04-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-1998
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 13-06-2022
DOI: 10.1177/03080226221089845
Abstract: Autonomic nervous system functioning is theorised to underpin in idual differences in sensory processing, with a small amount of supporting evidence. Despite recognition of the need to measure the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, most studies have measured only one of these systems. This study investigated whether sensory processing patterns are related to autonomic balance for young adults at rest and in response to a sensory-based stressor. In this cross-sectional laboratory study, 100 young adults completed the adolescent/adult sensory profile. Heart rate variability and pre-ejection period were recorded before, during and after a coldpressor task. Relationships between sensory processing patterns and autonomic balance varied by gender. In males, low sensory thresholds were generally related to a state of reciprocal sympathetic activation. In females, low thresholds were associated with greater autonomic reactivity in response to the coldpressor. This study showed, for the first time in young adults, that sensory processing patterns may be linked to patterns of autonomic balance. Therapists should be aware that young men with low sensory thresholds may be more likely than others to exhibit a resting state of sympathetic hyperarousal and further research should investigate whether this impacts their daily functioning and wellbeing.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-11-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.12903
Abstract: In iduals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) can experience profound impairments and long-term adverse outcomes. This systematic review adopts a life span perspective providing an extensive analysis of the available literature. Studies were identified from PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, ERIC, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and gray literature. Two reviewers independently screened the title and abstract of each reference, and the methodological rigor of the included studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Project assessment tool. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, of which the vast majority targeted early to middle childhood. Two studies focused on early intervention in the postnatal period, and 6 studies aimed to improve attention and/or self-regulation in childhood. Three of these provided promising evidence on improving self-regulatory difficulties for children with FASDs. Nine studies focused on improving specific areas of dysfunction. Six studies addressed social skills 3 of these used an adaptation of a well-validated social skills program. Three studies provided promising initial evidence that parents and caregivers could benefit from support with child behavior and a further 4 studies provided education and advocacy for parents/caregivers, teachers, or child welfare workers. The final 2 studies were aimed at supporting parents who were themselves affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. There is growing evidence for interventions that improve outcomes for early to middle childhood. However, a lack of research exists outside of this developmental period. This lack of research is concerning given the potential positive impact of early intervention, for in iduals and, financially, for governments. In addition, the lack of interventions for adolescents and adults further highlights the widening developmental gap and the potential influence of secondary disabilities for this at-risk population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2019
DOI: 10.1002/CL2.1009
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-1995
Start Date: 06-2005
End Date: 11-2007
Amount: $110,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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