The Positives of Caregiving: Mothers’ Experiences Caregiving for a Child With Autism

Most research in the field of autism focuses on the medical and psychological characteristics of the disability. Research that focuses on caregiving emphasizes the stresses and pathological features associated with having a child with autism. As such, the more positive aspects of caregiving have been left in abeyance, portraying caregiving and autism as characterized by only negative experiences, prognoses, and outcomes. Based on mothers’ reflections, this article reports on some of the positives of caregiving. The findings provide a glimpse into a seldom studied side of caregiving—events and experiences appraised by mothers in a positive and sometimes joyous light—and the impact they have on mothers’ experiences. Furthermore, practical implications for social service professionals and families are discussed.

Teenagers' Perceptions and Experiences of Belfast as a Divided City

In this ‘research project’ case study, we provide an empirical example of how quantitative and qualitative methods were combined within a single study and discuss some of the strengths and weaknesses of our combined methodology which included questionnaires, photo-prompts and focus-group interviews. Our intention in using mixed methods was to enhance understandings of the meanings of space, place and territory on the everyday lives of young people growing up in Belfast. How do young people negotiate space in politically divided cities such as Belfast? Is territory important, and if so, why is it important? How do we construct an appropriate and relevant study design that can not only describe, but explain what place, space and territory mean to young people, and more importantly, how it impacts on their everyday lives? How useful is it to apply a mixed-methods approach to finding answers to these questions? We explain why and how we used a mixed-methods approach and illuminate some of the issues we encountered. We demonstrate how mixed methods can provide not just complementary but also new insights into the topic under investigation. We hope that the case study encourages you to experiment, or at least consider, the potential of using mixed methods.

Enquiring about traumatic experiences in psychosis: A comparison of case notes and self-report questionnaires

Purpose: Studies have found an association between a history of trauma and the presence of psychotic symptoms. Despite the research evidence it appears to be the case that many clinicians are not routinely asking about traumatic experiences. This study aims to ascertain the level of agreement between rates of self-reported trauma and that which is recorded in case notes.

Methods: The study population was drawn from all individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of psychosis, residing within a defined catchment area. Rates of childhood trauma, lifetime trauma and trauma related to the Troubles in Northern Ireland recorded in participants’ case notes were compared to their responses on self-report questionnaires: THQ, CTQ and TREQ.

Results: Relatively high levels of trauma were reported by participants on the self-report measures that were administered. The rates of trauma recorded in case note records were similar to that found in other studies. Also in line with other research were poor levels of agreement between self-report and case note data.

Conclusion: High levels of lifetime, childhood and trauma related to the Troubles in Northern Ireland were found when the individuals in the sample were directly assessed for the purposes of this study. In contrast much lower rates were recorded in patient notes on routine clinical assessment. The results suggest that clinicians do not routinely enquire about trauma histories with this population and as a result, case notes underestimate trauma prevalence.

Out on the Inside: The Rights, Experiences and Needs of LGBT People in Prison

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people have long been a ‘hidden’ or overlooked population in prisons. In recent years, however, international research and policy has begun to focus on the experiences and needs of this group. This research has revealed a range of issues that affect LGBT individuals in prison. This includes heteronormativity, homophobia and transphobia both within and outside prison, the threat of physical and sexual violence within prison, institutional discrimination and neglect, health needs, and social isolation. Based on a review of international literature and primary research with representatives from the LGBT and criminal justice sectors, prisoners and former prisoners, this report represents the first study of the needs and experiences of LGBT prisoners within the Irish context.

Driving high energy ion beams with light pressure

State-of-the-art high power lasers can exert immense pressure on thin foils which can be used to accelerate energetic ion beams efficiently at the laser plasma interface.