Publications (28) View all
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Article: How Partners Talk in Times of Stress: A Process Analysis Approach.
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ABSTRACT: The authors take the study of social support to a microlevel of analysis as they examine partners' responses during conversations of helping interactions. Using a narrative approach, they untangle partners' communication processes as they cope with serious stresses, including breast cancer and the transition to parenthood. Their study provides a unique dimension to this volume, in that the analysis focuses intensively on conversational analysis and has direct application to preventive therapy for couples. In their role as therapist researchers, the authors extend more conventional narrative approaches to what they describe as a tape-assisted recall method in which the partners are asked to review their own conversations and identify moments of empathy and lack of empathy and provide alternatives for communication. This communication analysis is embedded in a broader discussion of why social support is important for couples under stress, how this particular approach fills some gaps in the communication and psychotherapy literatures, and how an understanding of empathy and support needs to recognize the full range of formal and informal support. It is interesting to note that the research procedures in themselves seem to have therapeutic benefits to the couples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)10/2012; -
Article: Telephone peer support for women with gynaecological cancer: benefits and challenges for supporters.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: Despite the prevalence of one-to-one peer support programmes for people with cancer, little research has examined its impact on the supporters themselves. This qualitative study examined a telephone-delivered one-to-one peer support intervention for women with gynaecological cancer, focussing on supporters' subjective experiences of benefits or costs to themselves and challenges arising in the support process. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews (N = 24) were conducted with 16 women who provided peer support for 24 patients. Transcripts were analysed thematically using the Framework approach. RESULTS: Participants described significant personal benefits of providing support, including enhanced self-esteem and well-being, and gaining a new perspective and closure on their cancer experience. They experienced no adverse consequences, but several challenges arose, for example, finding a balance between emotional involvement and detachment, and supporting someone with a poor prognosis or high levels of negative emotion. Their accounts indicated resourcefulness in managing the challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Providing peer support has a valuable role to play in cancer survivorship; it can facilitate the final stages of moving away from the role of patient and help to promote a more confident post-cancer sense of self. However, readiness to provide support and the availability of backup from health-care professionals appear essential. The findings have implications for the selection, training and supervision of peer supporters. Future studies should routinely measure outcomes for peer supporters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Psycho-Oncology 05/2012; · 3.34 Impact Factor -
Article: High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Disorder: Utility and Meaning for Families
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ABSTRACT: We used framework analysis to investigate the utility of pervasive developmental disorder diagnoses, interviewing young people (aged 9–16 years) with high-functioning autistic disorder (AD) and Asperger’s disorder (AsD), and their parents. Twenty two participants from ten families described both gains and costs resulting from diagnosis. Perceived advantages of AD and AsD diagnosis were increased understanding and practical support, and parental empowerment. Disadvantages included the effects of stigma and concerns about validity. Participants tended to consider AsD and AD as interchangeable terms. Findings suggest that the utility of AD and AsD depends upon both their validity and how these diagnoses are received in their cultural, economic and legislative context. Improvement of post-diagnostic services will improve the utility of AD and AsD. KeywordsAutistic disorder–Asperger’s disorder–Utility–Qualitative research–Framework analysisJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 04/2012; 42(2):230-243. · 3.34 Impact Factor -
Article: Telephone peer support for women with gynaecological cancer: recipients' perspectives.
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ABSTRACT: Peer support is much valued by cancer patients. Previous research has focused on support groups, typically for women with breast cancer; little has addressed one-to-one support. This qualitative study examined a telephone-delivered one-to-one peer support intervention for women with gynaecological cancer, focusing on recipients' experiences of process and outcome. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 women recently treated for gynaecological cancer who had received peer support for up to a 3-month period. Transcripts were analysed thematically using the 'Framework' approach. Six key components of the peer support process were identified: an emotional bond, empathy, talking openly, reciprocity, information and guidance, and humour. Their importance was highlighted by cases in which they were absent or problematic. Participants described several benefits, for example hope and confidence, making sense of the illness experience and rebuilding one's life. However, one-third reported limited or no benefits, although there was no evidence of adverse outcomes. One-to-one telephone peer support shares common features with support groups but is uniquely dependent on an effective working relationship between the support provider and recipient. Peer support can address the disease- and treatment-specific concerns of women with gynaecological cancer, as well as the adaptive tasks of recovery faced by cancer survivors. Further research needs to examine who is more or less likely to benefit from one-to-one peer support and which parameters of the intervention, such as duration and matching, influence its effectiveness. Patient-relevant outcomes should be included in future controlled trials. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Psycho-Oncology 07/2011; 21(10):1082-90. · 3.34 Impact Factor -
Article: Befriending for mental health problems: processes of helping.
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ABSTRACT: One avenue for addressing the social consequences of mental health problems is through befriending, a supportive relationship in which one-to-one companionship is provided on a regular basis. Although there is some evidence that befriending can improve psychological and social functioning, little is known about how it works. This qualitative study aimed to understand the helping processes occurring in befriending relationships, from the perspectives of both befriendees and befrienders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually and jointly with eight befriendees and their corresponding befrienders. Thematic analysis was carried out on the data set of 23 interviews. The analysis generated nine themes concerning qualities of the relationship valued by befriendees and befrienders (e.g., empathy and mutuality), processes of making meaning (e.g., considering alternative perspectives), and how change was effected in befriendees' lives (e.g., learning how to have healthier relationships with others). The accounts emphasized the importance of the quality of the relationship itself, and highlighted aspects of the relationship that were sometimes difficult to negotiate. The findings suggest that befriending shares commonalities with other types of psychological help. However, it is also characterized by some particular challenges, such as establishing an empathic relationship and managing boundaries and endings.Psychology and psychotherapy. 06/2011; 84(2):151-69.
