Sarah K. O’Connor, Rachna Vanjani, Rachel Cannon, Mary Beth Dawson and Rebecca Perkins
The US prison population has recently reached an all-time high, with women representing the fastest growing subpopulation. Correctional health-care system in the USA remains…
Abstract
Purpose
The US prison population has recently reached an all-time high, with women representing the fastest growing subpopulation. Correctional health-care system in the USA remains fragmented and nonuniform in practice, particularly in women’s health care, with poor transitions between incarceration and release. This study aims to examine the qualitative health-care experiences of women while incarcerated and their transition into the community health-care setting. Additionally, this study also examined the experiences of a subset of women who were pregnant while incarcerated.
Design/methodology/approach
After obtaining institutional review board approval, adult, English-speaking women with a history of incarceration within the past 10 years were interviewed using a semi-structured interview tool. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Findings
The authors completed 21 full interviews and identified six themes that were both the most significant and most novel: “feeling stigmatized and insignificant,” “care as punishment,” “delay in care,” “exceptions to the rule,” “fragmentation of care” and “obstetric trauma and resilience.”
Originality/value
Women face numerous barriers and hardships when accessing basic and reproductive health-care services while incarcerated. This hardship is particularly challenging for women with substance use disorders. The authors were able to describe for the first time, partially through their own words, novel challenges described by women interacting with incarceration health care. Community providers should understand these barriers and challenges so as to effectively reengage women in care upon release and improve the health-care status of this historically marginalized group.
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Alesia Moulton-Perkins, Alexandra Wressle, Nick Grey and Rebecca Sired
Applications for clinical psychology training far outstrip places and relevant work experience is key. Paid opportunities are limited and therefore many choose volunteering, with…
Abstract
Purpose
Applications for clinical psychology training far outstrip places and relevant work experience is key. Paid opportunities are limited and therefore many choose volunteering, with well-connected graduates faring best. To promote equal opportunities a coordinated psychology graduate voluntary internship programme was established in a National Health Service Trust in the South of England. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate intern and supervisor outcomes, equality of access and adherence to governance standards.
Design/methodology/approach
Three cohorts of interns, unappointed applicants and supervisors were surveyed. Between 2013 and 2016, 270 psychology graduates applied, 119 were recruited and 151 either refused a place or were unsuccessful. In total, 91 supervisors provided service-level feedback.
Findings
Interns and applicants were predominantly young, able-bodied white British heterosexual females. Demographic profiles were similar and broadly representative of psychology graduates nationally. While fewer were from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds, proportions were greater than the local population. Participants were more socioeconomically privileged than undergraduates nationally. The scheme was popular and well governed according to interns and supervisors. Post-internship employment prospects were improved, with most interns gaining paid mental health roles like assistant psychologist. Most supervisors commented on the positive contribution made by interns to service outcomes.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on voluntary psychology graduate posts, an area under-researched until now. Our results suggest that a coordinated, transparent approach can benefit both interns and services by minimising exploitation and maximising developmental opportunities for the new graduate. The programme makes an important contribution to addressing inequalities experienced by psychology graduates attempting to enter mental health careers.
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Rebecca Sutton and Paul French
The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon experiences of measuring the influences of the Recovery Academy within Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) NHS Foundation Trust…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon experiences of measuring the influences of the Recovery Academy within Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) NHS Foundation Trust amongst a student population of health professionals. This paper aims to present considerations for future quantitative research surrounding the efficacy of Recovery Colleges such as the Recovery Academy.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper utilised baseline data collected from health professionals as part of a quantitative evaluation of the Recovery Academy. The paper discusses challenges experienced in measuring change amongst this student population within GMMH.
Findings
Health professionals reported positive attitudes towards recovery at baseline presenting challenges in measuring attitudinal change associated with the Recovery Academy. The experiences of conducting research amongst health professionals within GMMH offers insights into the selection and use of self-report measures in Recovery College research; the representativeness of health professional student populations; and models of course attendance within Recovery Colleges.
Originality/value
The existing literature specific to Recovery College influences upon health professionals remains predominantly qualitative and anecdotal. It is important to gather empirical evidence regarding Recovery Colleges to establish their ability to re-orientate health professionals around principles of recovery. This paper therefore offers considerations for future researchers aiming to gather empirical evidence which may facilitate quantitative evaluations of Recovery Colleges such as the Recovery Academy amongst staff populations.
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Rebecca Sutton, Kate Lawrence, Elisabeth Zabel and Paul French
The purpose of this paper is to provide an exploration of Recovery Academy influences upon employment and service use amongst individuals with lived experience of mental health…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an exploration of Recovery Academy influences upon employment and service use amongst individuals with lived experience of mental health difficulties.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilised a questionnaire design over a nine-month period. Participants’ baseline and follow-up data were analysed to explore the influence of course attendance upon employment and service use.
Findings
At follow-up, there was a significant association between participants attending Recovery Academy courses and paid or self-employment (p<0.05). However, there were also no significant differences in service use over time between those who attended courses and those who did not attend any courses.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is required to explore the cost-effectiveness of the Recovery Academy. As participants were all enroled onto the Recovery Academy findings may not be generalisable to other Recovery Colleges. There is a need for more robust research such as a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate multiple Recovery Colleges and establish definitive conclusions as to their economic implications.
Social implications
There may be value in the Recovery Academy as a gateway to employment, speaking to the transformative powers of Recovery Colleges. The Recovery Academy may serve as a vehicle to support service users to obtain paid or self-employment, and thus promote community reintegration.
Originality/value
This paper offers an important contribution to the Recovery College literature, which remains limited in evaluative evidence, particularly regarding associated economic factors, such as employment and service use.
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Michael A. Walton, Richard M. Clerkin, Robert K. Christensen, Laurie E. Paarlberg, Rebecca Nesbit and Mary Tschirhart
The purpose of this paper is to better understand the conditions associated with serving on boards by investigating the factors that distinguish older volunteers who serve on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to better understand the conditions associated with serving on boards by investigating the factors that distinguish older volunteers who serve on nonprofit boards from those who only volunteer programmatically.
Design/methodology/approach
Surveys of 354 residents of Southeastern North Carolina over age 50. Measures include education, wealth, retirement status, public service motivation (PSM), patterns of residential mobility, secular and religious organization meeting attendance, and volunteer activity in the past year. Data were analyzed using a Heckman probit selection model.
Findings
Respondents who have higher levels of education, are retired, or have lived in the community for longer periods are more likely to report board volunteering, but are not any more likely to volunteer programmatically. Those with higher levels of PSM are more likely to report general volunteering, but are not any more likely to volunteer on boards. Two measures reveal divergent findings based on type of volunteering: moving frequently in one’s lifetime and attending weekly religious services are associated with a greater likelihood of programmatic volunteering but a reduced likelihood of serving as a board member.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include self-reported, cross-sectional data, and a geographically restricted American sample that is older, more educated, and more likely to own a second home than average.
Practical implications
In order to better address board member recruitment, nonprofits should consider extending opportunities through strategies targeting retired community newcomers.
Originality/value
This study contributes an analysis of PSM among nonprofit board members, and identifies factors that distinguish programmatic and board volunteers, in order to better understand the conditions associated with board service.
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Patricia Gooding, Rebecca Crook, Melissa Westwood and Sarah Peters
Understanding ways to foster wellbeing in postgraduate-research students (PGRs) requires focus especially with respect to positive relationship formation with supervisory teams…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding ways to foster wellbeing in postgraduate-research students (PGRs) requires focus especially with respect to positive relationship formation with supervisory teams. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore six different ways of nurturing wellbeing; perceptions of positive relationships with supervisory teams; and interactions between these factors.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 155 PGRs completed questionnaires at baseline and six months. The predictor variables were six ways of nurturing wellbeing; the outcome variable was psychological wellbeing appraisals overall; and the moderator variables were positive perceptions of relationships with key staff.
Findings
The most effective ways of nurturing wellbeing were Noticing and Being Aware; Discovering and Learning; Connecting with Others; and Being Healthy and Safe. Over time, Noticing and Being Aware predicted psychological wellbeing appraisals overall. Positive relationships with supervisors, co-supervisors and work peers were associated with wellbeing appraisals. Furthermore, positive relationships with co-supervisors most convincingly strengthened the relationships between wellbeing appraisals and Noticing and Being Healthy cross-sectionally, and Giving longitudinally.
Research limitations/implications
It is concerning that PGRs are often overlooked when developing policies and strategies to combat mental health problems. Rather than simply focusing on diminishing mental health problems, the current work evidences ways of optimizing positive aspects of PGR experiences by actively nurturing wellbeing in tandem with enhancing relationships with supervisory team members. However, such initiatives have to be an investment at institutional, as well as individual levels.
Originality/value
Examining the interactions between nurturing positive wellbeing in PGRs and positive relationships with supervisory team members is under-researched.
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Cathy Street, Ellen Ni Chinseallaigh, Ingrid Holme, Rebecca Appleton, Priya Tah, Helena Tuomainen, Sophie Leijdesdorff, Larissa van Bodegom, Therese van Amelsvoort, Tomislav Franic, Helena Tomljenovic and Fiona McNicholas
This study aims to explore how young people in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands and Croatia, experienced leaving CAMHS and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how young people in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands and Croatia, experienced leaving CAMHS and identified a range of factors impeding optimal discharge or transition to adult mental health services (AMHS).
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews about discharge or transition planning, including what information was provided about their ongoing mental health needs, undertaken with 34 young people aged 17–24, all previous or current attendees of CAMHS. Some interviews included accounts by parents or carers. Data were thematically analysed.
Findings
A number of previously well-documented barriers to a well-delivered discharge or transition were noted. Two issues less frequently reported on were identified and further discussed; they are the provision of an adequately explained, timely and appropriately used diagnosis and post-CAMHS medication management. Overall, planning processes for discharging or transitioning young people from CAMHS are often sub-optimal. Practice with regard to how and when young people are given a diagnosis and arrangements for the continuation of prescribed medication appear to be areas requiring improvement.
Originality/value
Study participants came from a large cohort involving a wide range of different services and health systems in the first pan-European study exploring the CAMHS to adult service interface. Two novel and infrequently discussed issues in the literature about young people’s mental health transitions, diagnosis and medication management were identified in this cohort and worthy of further study.
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Kyle John Lorenzano, Miles Sari, Colin Harrell Storm, Samuel Rhodes and Porismita Borah
Political polarization and incivility manifested itself online throughout the 2016 US presidential election. The purpose of this paper is to understand how features of social…
Abstract
Purpose
Political polarization and incivility manifested itself online throughout the 2016 US presidential election. The purpose of this paper is to understand how features of social media platforms (e.g. reacting, sharing) impacted the online public sphere during the 2016 election.
Design/methodology/approach
After conducting in-depth interviews with politically interested young people and applying deductive coding procedures to transcripts of the interviews, Dahlberg’s (2004) six normative conditions for the public sphere were used to empirically examine this interview data.
Findings
While some participants described strategies for productive political discussion on Social Networking Sites (SNS) and a willingness to use them to discuss politics, many users’ experiences largely fall short of Dahlberg’s (2004) normative criteria for the public sphere.
Research limitations/implications
The period in which these interviews were conducted in could have contributed to a more pessimistic view of political discussion in general.
Practical implications
Scholars and the public should recognize that the affordances of SNS for political discussion are not distributed evenly between different platforms, both for the sake of empirical studies of SNS moving forward and the state of democratic deliberation.
Originality/value
Although previous research has examined online and SNS-based political discussion as it relates to the public sphere, few attempts have been made understand how specific communicative practices or platform-specific features of SNS have contributed to or detracted from a healthy public sphere.
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This article aims to consider the transfer of public health responsibilities to Local Authorities, and implications for promotion of health and wellbeing through partnership. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to consider the transfer of public health responsibilities to Local Authorities, and implications for promotion of health and wellbeing through partnership. The article describes findings of interviews with stakeholders in one London borough.
Design/methodology/approach
Elements of the Partnership Assessment Tool (PAT) provided a framework for semi‐structured interviews.
Findings
A limited history of successful partnership between health and social care was attributed to a focus on partnership structures over behaviours. Transfer of public health responsibilities to the Local Authority was seen as an opportunity to address the wider determinants of health, but a shared vision for health and wellbeing had not been articulated. There appeared to be an expectation that the public health team would operate in a network partnership model.
Research limitations/implications
While the PAT is presented as a complete tool, this project isolated elements of the tool to support development of the interview structure. The project did not include interviews with clinical members of the developing Clinical Commissioning Group, who may have different requirements of the public health function; this is an area for future research.
Practical implications
Recommendations are made to support effective integration of public health responsibilities into Local Authority functions.
Originality/value
This project provides a snapshot of preparations for the transfer of public health responsibilities to the Local Authority in one area. Relevant literature suggests that experiences in this area are not unique and findings and recommendations are likely to be applicable elsewhere.
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Johanna E. Foster and Rebecca Sanford
The purpose of this paper is to apply a feminist perspective to the crisis in prison higher education in the US by exploring whether gender shapes access to on‐site…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to apply a feminist perspective to the crisis in prison higher education in the US by exploring whether gender shapes access to on‐site, non‐occupational college programs in state prisons differently for women than for men.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper utilized a content analysis of official US state departments of correction websites and an email survey of state directors of education.
Findings
Findings show that while both women and men had little access to on‐site, non‐occupational college programming in the 2005‐2006 academic year, women in state prison had slightly greater access than men.
Research limitations/implications
Theoretical implications of the findings include the importance of focusing a gender lens on correctional education programming, as well as the importance of extending analysis beyond gender alone towards an analysis of the intersections of gender, race, and class inequalities on access to prison higher education.
Practical implications
Practical implications include the identification of an emergent educational justice movement in the USA, and the presentation of exploratory data on the current college‐in‐prison programs useful for progressive activists, policymakers, correctional education administrators, equity scholars, and others interested in organizing around democratic access to postsecondary correctional education.
Originality/value
As there is little current research on college‐in‐prison programs in the US, and less on the gendered dimensions of program access, the paper makes an original valuable contribution to several literatures.