Individual Differences in Children’s Paths to Arithmetical Development

Cross-sectional and longitudinal data consistently indicate that mathematical difficulties are more prevalent in older than in younger children (e.g. Department of Education, 2011). Children’s trajectories can take a variety of shapes such as linear, flat, curvilinear and uneven, and shape has been found to vary within children and across tasks (J Jordan et al. 2009). There has been an increase in the use of statistical methods which are specifically designed to study development, and this has greatly improved our understanding of children’s mathematical development. However, the effects of many cognitive and social variables (e.g. working memory and verbal ability) on mathematical development are unclear. It is likely that greater consistency between studies will be achieved by adopting a componential approach to study mathematics, rather than treating mathematics as a unitary concept.

Would older adults turn to community support services for help to maintain their independence?

The purpose of this article is to determine whether middle-aged and older adults would identify community support services (CSSs) as a source of assistance for difficulties with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Furthermore, we determine factors related to the identification of home health and CSSs. Telephone interviews were conducted with 768 adults aged 50 and older. Respondents were presented with a vignette describing a situation where loss of independence is threatened. They were asked what they would do in that situation. Although less than 20% mentioned CSSs, nearly 50% mentioned either a home health or CSS. Findings suggest those less likely to mention a home health or CSS include men, older adults, and the foreign born. In addition, those with less education, functional health limitations, no social support, and a lack of knowledge of where to find information about CSSs mentioned home health or CSSs less often. © The Author(s) 2010.

City visioning and the turn to community:The case of Derry/Londonderry

In the 1980s, urban re-imaging and place marketing were vital elements in the strategies of post-industrial cities aiming to redefine their role, make themselves more competitive and attract global investment and tourists. By the early 1990s, the questionable effects of trickle-down economics on deprived housing estates and the rediscovery of the 'community' as a social partner shifted both the substance and process of vision exercises. This paper examines the experience of building an input into a city vision that aimed to address social and ethno-religious segregation in Derry/Londonderry. Designing a consensus statement for a city that cannot agree its name, was wrecked by bloody violence and has its hinterland fractured by a contested international border, is a difficult and delicate process. The city had a population of 105 800 people in 1998, but is divided by the river Foyle between the mainly Catholic Cityside (to the north and west) and the mainly Protestant Waterside (to the south and east). The analysis connects with the literature on urban policy that emphasises the importance of argumentation and democratic debate in strategic planning and local regeneration (Forester, 1989; Healey, 1996). The paper concludes by arguing that strategies for 'listening' would help to shape a vision that could mobilise community interests around some common urban regional issues and help to promote social and ethno-religious polarisation as mainstream policy concerns.

An archaeological approach to the development of the late medieval peasant house

Archaeological excavation has provided an alternative source of evidence for the development of the late medieval peasant house. It is argued that whilst there was a significant change in building techniques in the decades around 1200 with the adoption of ground-set timbers, the most important factor which led to the survival of houses was a fall in real wages during the thirteenth century. This encouraged peasants to repair existing buildings, rather than replace them with new ones. Alternative traditions of building are also investigated. Stone construction was adopted in a number of areas of England, but in spite of the durability of the material, few medieval peasant buildings of this type have survived in use because of the failure to use lime mortar. Decisions about whether to invest in a building’s renovation will depend on the capital initially expended upon it. This interpretation is considered against the data from the fifteenth century and found to conform satisfactorily. Its implications are considered for the period between 1200 and 1350. Data collected from archaeological excavations combined with the results of dendrochronology on a growing number of closely dated standing buildings suggest that there was a significant ‘cull’ of houses in the period after 1350 as new dwellings were constructed.

Does childhood bullying lead to the development of psychotic symptoms? A meta-analysis and review of prospective studies

Purpose: Researchers have demonstrated associations between trauma and psychosis. Childhood trauma, in particular, appears to be an important determinant. Recently, bullying has become considered a traumatic experience in its own right. This review aims to analyse research with prospective designs, which will enable conclusions about whether or not bullying causes psychosis.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out independently by two reviewers. Eligibility and quality assessment criteria were applied. A meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were then completed.

Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Four used data from the same large database, and were combined as one. The majority provided confirmation that bullying appears to cause later development of psychosis. A meta-analysis yielded an unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.148 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.140–4.044].

Conclusions: The studies reviewed here suggest that bullying does predict the later development of psychotic symptoms. What is lacking from the literature is adequate investigation into other potential mediating factors. The current review highlights the significant role of bullying within this complex interaction. Potential mediating variables are explored, including a dose–response effect for the severity and frequency of victimization. Suggestions for targeting intervention are also suggested alongside clinical implications and recommendations for future research.