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ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) transcends cultural, social and economic boundaries, affecting countless individuals globally. Recovery for IPV survivors is supported by their social networks, yet the readiness of these networks is often poorly understood. This perspective paper proposes an extension to existing network‐oriented IPV support models by integrating a focus on the readiness and well‐being of informal supporters towards the goal of enhancing IPV survivor recovery through effective networks. This paper presents the extended social network‐oriented support model, incorporating the Informal Supporter Readiness Inventory. This tool assesses the readiness of informal supporters, incorporating factors, such as normative and individual beliefs about IPV, and context‐specific factors, to enable identification and targeted assistance where needed. Additionally, the proposed model emphasises the importance of supporting the well‐being of informal supporters, who frequently endure elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression. By integrating these elements, the extended social network‐oriented support model is designed to help professional supporters foster resilient and sustainable support networks for IPV survivors, with potential applicability across various healthcare disciplines. The extended model underscores the necessity of assessing and fostering both the readiness and well‐being of informal supporters to enhance the recovery journey for IPV survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, COVID-19 caused a drastic interruption to face-to-face postgraduate psychology placements in Australia, prompting the development of a simulated placement. This pilot project represents a preliminary evaluation of the program by exploring the feasibility of a simulated placement as a novel training modality for competence development in postgraduate psychology training. Students enrolled in a simulated postgraduate psychology placement in 2021 completed an online survey at the end of the placement. Acceptability, perceived competency and experience of the placement were assessed. Chi-square goodness of fit tests were used to evaluate the difference between rates of completion and the length of time it took to complete placement requirements between students enrolled in face-to-face placements in 2019 and 2020, and the simulated placement in 2021. The results showed an increase in proportion of students who completed the simulated placement than previous face-to-face placements and that students were able to complete training and meet competence in shorter time frames. Students reported increased psychological competency and confidence to practice at the completion of the simulated placement. A simulated psychology placement is a novel teaching modality that may be feasible in the development of perceived psychological competence and confidence in postgraduate psychology students. What is already known about this topic: Simulation-based learning has been increasingly utilised in health disciplines to support student development of clinical competencies. Simulation-based learning appears to offer a number of advantages to both students and training institutions, including exposure to low prevalence, high-risk presentations, increased training fidelity, and the ability to monitor and assess student progress. There is limited evidence for the use of simulated placements for competency development in postgraduate psychology students. What this study adds: A sample of postgraduate psychology students enrolled in a fully simulated placement reported increased psychological competency and confidence to practice, and experienced both benefits and challenges associated with the placement, including increased flexibility, opportunity for "safe" skill development, and workload fatigue. The simulated placement was associated with higher rates of placement completion and significantly lower rates of extensions of time required to complete the placement compared to face-to-face placements. A simulated placement was found to be a feasible training modality in professional psychology through the demonstration of practicality, acceptability of the placement, and perceived confidence and competency development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This perspective paper presents a conceptual, theoretical framework of the weather as a determinant of mental health for farmers. This model proposes that the effects of extreme weather events have interacting and cumulative effects for farmers, who are dependent on the land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on the application of the 'one health' approach to address the mental health impacts of extreme weather events, particularly drought in rural Australia. Topics include the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health, the disproportionate impact of extreme weather events on rural communities, and the need for transdisciplinary collaboration to address threats to ecosystems and health.

Objective: This article outlines the development and validation of the Informal Supporter Readiness Inventory (ISRI), based on the model developed by the present authors in (Davies, 2023). This scale assesses the readiness of informal supporters to intervene or provide support in situations of intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods: The research followed a three-phased procedure of item development, scale development, and scale evaluation; adhering to best practice guidelines for psychometric development and validation. This process provided empirical substantiation for the domains of the Model of Informal Supporter Readiness (Davies, 2023). Results: The 57-item ISRI incorporates four primary factors: normative, individual, goodman-emotional, and situational-assessment. These factors demonstrated robust internal consistency and factor structures. Additionally, the ISRI evidenced strong test-retest reliability, and both convergent and divergent validity. Although aligning closely with the Model of Informal Supporter Readiness, the scale revealed a nuanced bifurcation of situational factors into situational-emotional and situational-assessment. Discussion: The ISRI offers an important advancement in IPV research by highlighting the multifaceted nature of informal supporter intervention. The findings have several implications, from tailoring individualised supportive interventions to strengthening support networks and empowering survivors. The present study's findings underscore the potential of adopting a social network-oriented approach to interventions in IPV scenarios. Applications for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop and to validate a measure of cultural responsiveness that would assist mental health practitioners across a range of disciplines, in Australia, to work with Indigenous clients. Aim: The Cultural Responsiveness Assessment Measure (CRAM) was developed to provide a tool for practitioners and students to evaluate their own culturally responsive practice and professional development. Method: Following expert review for face validity the psychometric properties of the measure were assessed quantitatively, from the responses of 400 mental health practitioners. Results: Confirmatory Factor Analysis yielded a nine factor, 36 item instrument that demonstrated strong convergent and discriminant validity as well as test-retest reliability. Conclusions: It is anticipated that the CRAM will have utility as both a learning tool and an assessment measure, for mental health practitioners to ensure that services are culturally responsive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prevalence of distress in cancer patients is established at approximately 50%, yet uptake of psychosocial support is minimal. Objective: This study aimed to understand why clinically distressed oncology patients choose not to access psychosocial support, including whether this differs by geographic location. It also aimed to determine the proportion of rural and metropolitan patients experiencing clinical levels of distress, and of these, the proportion who do not wish to access support. Design: The study used a cross‐sectional design. Two hundred and ninety‐eight Australian cancer patients completed an online survey, including the Distress Thermometer and open‐ended questions about reasons for declining support. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse the data. Findings: More than half (56%) of participants reported experiencing clinically significant levels of distress. Of these, almost half (47%) declined psychosocial support. Content analysis of reasons for declining psychosocial support resulted in six main concepts: I don't need support; I'm using personal resources to cope; negative perceptions and attitudes; life doesn't stop for cancer; I'm focussed on fighting cancer; and systemic barriers. Rural cancer patients most often indicated using personal resources to cope, while metropolitan participants most commonly indicated not needing support. A range of subconcepts were also identified. Perceiving distress as manageable or transient was almost exclusively reported by metropolitan participants, while stigma was almost exclusively reported by rural participants. Discussion: The findings provided greater depth of insight into reasons cancer patients decline psychosocial support and identified several qualitative differences in the reasons provided by metropolitan and rural patients. Recommendations are provided for clinicians, in particular for clinicians who work with rural cancer patients and their supporters. Conclusion: These findings can inform equitable resourcing of psychosocial support in rural areas and the adaptation of psychosocial interventions to be more flexible and responsive to individual needs. This may help increase patient uptake of support, particularly in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To examine psychosocial and well-being concerns throughout the cancer experience, from prediagnosis to survivorship. Whilst most oncology research focuses on patients, the role and experiences of families and caregivers are increasingly recognised as a core component of health service delivery. Moreover, research suggests that geography is an important consideration, with evidence of rural inequities in health service provision and access. Aims. (i) To examine the unique patient and caregiver experiences of rural people in three rural cancer treatment centres in New South Wales (NSW) and (ii) to examine the barriers to rural patients and caregivers accessing psycho-oncological support in NSW. Methods. A convergent parallel mixed-method evaluation of the psychosocial experiences of rural patients and caregivers accessing cancer services through three health services in rural NSW was undertaken (N = 125). Measures of psychological distress as well as quantitative and qualitative barriers data were collected. Results. Approximately, one-third of the participants reported moderate to severe distress. Patients and caregivers reported systemic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and pandemic-specific barriers in accessing quality psychosocial healthcare. Conclusions. These results suggest that cancer patients and caregivers in rural NSW may experience elevated levels of psychological distress and barriers in accessing psychosocial care. The combination of high psychological need for patients and caregivers with reduced availability of psychosocial support services has substantial implications for psychological wellbeing and service provision. Underdetection of psychosocial need and a lack of support services pose a significant challenge for rural people with cancer and for those who care for them; this must be an urgent priority for quality improvement and equitable healthcare provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spirituality of Indigenous Australians is described in this study, showing its distinctness from mainstream religion and its importance for social and emotional wellbeing. Connection and identity in the literature are defining elements in the spirituality of Indigenous people, and this study set out to understand how connections contribute to meaning and healing. Guided by a semi-structured interview, Indigenous spirituality was explored in terms of both meaning and importance. Four primary themes emerged from the interview data which described the importance of connection: to ancestors, family, country, and belief in God. There were also two sub-themes: nature and interior reality. Although spirituality was centred around these primary themes, for many Indigenous Australians, there has been an amalgamation of traditional beliefs with mainstream religion that reflects the history of colonialism. Participants emphasised the importance for mental health practitioners to acknowledge clients' spirituality and to consider its importance within the therapeutic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence suggests that up to 30% of cancer patients may meet the criteria for adjustment disorder. However, no assessment instruments have been validated for use with cancer patients. The Adjustment Disorder New Module (ADNM)-8 and ADNM-4 are brief screening tools for adjustment disorder mapped directly to the new ICD-11 criteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the factor structure and validity of both instruments in an Australian sample of adult oncology patients. Methods: A total of 405 participants with a cancer diagnosis were recruited online from across Australia. Participants reported cancer-specific information, such as time since diagnosis, treatment stage, cancer stage, type of cancer, and the following questionnaires: 8-item Adjustment Disorder New Module (ADNM-8), the World Health Organisation Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and the short form Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The predictiveness of stressors was assessed using multiple regression analysis and the structure of the ADNM-8 and the ADNM-4 was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Six previously tested models were examined, and the results suggested a 2-factor structure reflecting the two ICD-11 diagnostic criteria clusters of preoccupation with the stressor and failure to adapt was a good fit for both scales. The ADNM-4 outperformed the longer version of the scale on numerous fit indices though the ADNM-8 and ADNM-4 were highly correlated. Correlations of both scales with the psychological distress scale, the stress subscale, and the wellbeing index indicated good construct validity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the ADNM-8 and ADNM-4 are useful screening tools for assessing adjustment disorder symptoms in cancer patients. The prompt screening of cancer patients encourages early intervention for those at risk of adaptation difficulties and informs research and clinical decisions regarding appropriate treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) is a 36-item self-report measure of nine emotion regulation strategies, extensively used in research. Despite widespread use, the instrument's factor structure has not been investigated in an Australian sample, and some international scholars have questioned the factorial validity of the English translation. This study examined the CERQ's psychometric properties in an Australian community sample. A sample of 781 Australian adults completed an online questionnaire consisting of demographic information, the CERQ, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the original nine-factor model was not a good fit for the sample data, and a seven-factor model emerged as the best solution. The study investigated the construct validity of the seven-factor model by examining the relationship to self-reported psychological distress (DASS-21). Correlational and regression analysis supported construct validity; however, correlational results for the acceptance subscale suggest conceptual ambiguity. The results demonstrate that a more parsimonious seven-factor model, rather than the proposed nine- and five-factor solutions, was the best fit for our data and suggest the factor structure of the CERQ may vary significantly between samples. What is already known about this topic: The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) is a popular measure of emotion regulation that is used in both research and practice. The CERQ has been validated in other language translations, but there are few studies that examine the psychometric properties of the English translation. The subscales of the CERQ have been grouped into maladaptive and adaptive strategies. What this topic adds: Despite widespread use, this study represents the first known attempt to validate the factor structure of the CERQ in an Australian sample. This study examined multiple possible factor structures of the English translation of the CERQ based on previous research, and a novel seven-factor solution emerged as the best fit for the data. Maladaptive coping strategies were associated with higher levels of psychological distress, although only one of the adaptive strategies was related to lower levels of psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural responsiveness is a term accepted by many as the best descriptor for professionals working with Indigenous clients in cross-cultural situations. This article sets out a guideline and a model of cultural responsiveness that can be adopted by mental health professionals worldwide. This model positions reflexivity at the centre and as the source and force that drives the cultural responsiveness dynamic. Domains of this model were previously identified from the literature and provide a guideline for students and practitioners to learn and to work in ways that are culturally responsive. Implications for the use of this model within teaching and learning contexts as well as within professional practice are discussed. Key points What is already known about this topic: Cultural responsiveness is a fundamental requirement for mental health practitioners working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Cultural responsiveness is a core learning component for students of psychology aspiring to work as mental health practitioners. Reflexivity is an important aspect of the cultural responsiveness dynamic. What this topic adds: A new model of cultural responsiveness that is dimensional and iterative. A model that centres reflexivity as the source and impetus for developing cultural responsiveness. A more defined guideline of cultural responsiveness that assists teaching and learning for institutions, students, and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullying victimisation is well known to be associated with social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder among adolescents. Study 1 reports on a systematic review to examine these relationships. Study 2 employed a survey to investigate the relationship between overt, reputational, and relational bullying with self-endorsement of social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Study 1 consists of a systematic review of the literature published between 2011 and 2021. Multiple sources were used to identify potentially eligible studies using keywords in varying combinations and the PRISMA guidelines were followed. The quality of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal tool. Study 2 collected data through an online questionnaire completed by 338 high-school students aged 12–18 years. Study 1 demonstrated that bullying victimisation research limits anxiety outcomes to social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. Results also demonstrated that overt and covert bullying types are typically not defined. Study 2 found that covert bullying types (reputational and relational) uniquely predicted increased levels of all anxiety subtypes, while overt bullying did not. Relational bullying was the best predictor of all anxiety subtypes, except obsessive-compulsive disorder. These results suggest the need to consider different types of bullying and the need to assess anxiety subtype symptoms more broadly. What is already known about the topic: Bullying-victimisation is associated with social anxiety disorder and general anxiety disorder among adolescents. Previous research has identified three bullying victimisation subtypes; overt, and two covert types being reputational and relational. Covert bullying victimisation is more strongly related to depression and social anxiety symptomology than overt. What this topic adds: Overt bullying victimisation does not predict self-endorsement of generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Covert bullying victimisation predicts separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Subtypes of bullying victimisation demonstrate unique relationships with a range of anxiety disorder symptomology beyond that of generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the extent to which telehealth placements are feasible for developing perceived competence as a psychologist and are an acceptable training modality for provisional psychologists. Fifteen provisional psychologists who undertook a postgraduate placement using telehealth completed an online survey. Acceptability and attitudes towards future telehealth service provision were assessed via Likert scales and open-ended questions. Feasibility was assessed via comparison using Wilcoxon Rank Signed tests of pre- and post-placement self-efficacy using the Psychology Counsellor Self-Efficacy Scale. Open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Participants reported high satisfaction with the telehealth placement. Perceived self-efficacy improved between pre- and post-placement on all competencies except for research. Students reported that a telehealth placement enabled them to improve in all areas, with particular benefits including rapport building, therapeutic questioning, and management of safety and ethical concerns. Challenges of a telehealth placement included assessing mental status, isolation from peers, and technical difficulties. Students reported positive attitudes towards future use of telehealth. Telehealth appears to offer an acceptable, feasible and valuable training experience for developing competence for provisional psychologists. Undertaking a telehealth placement may help prepare clinicians for future use of telehealth, especially in relation to ethics and risk management. What is already known about this topic: (1) Psychologists typically report a reluctance to utilise telehealth and uptake has remained low prior to COVID-19 despite changes in Medicare. (2) Limited training in telehealth, especially around ethical issues and managing risk, is a key barrier to telehealth utilisation amongst psychologists. (3) Only very limited research has examined the use of telehealth placements in tertiary training, despite the need to pivot to telehealth placements during COVID-19. What this topic adds: (1) This study highlights that telehealth placements are both feasible and acceptable for developing competence and skill in trainee psychologists. (2) Telehealth placements equipped provisional psychologists with enhanced skills specific to telehealth service provision including managing ethical and safety concerns online. (3) Provisional psychologists who completed a telehealth placement reported an intention to utilise telehealth in future service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: An analysis of the literature was conducted to clearly define the meaning of cultural responsiveness as it applies to the work of mental health practitioners who engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Method: This concept analysis utilised Rogers' (2000) protocol, seeking to understand the key terms defining cultural responsiveness. A search of databases yielded a sample of 13 articles for analysis after screening and quality assessment. Results: Five major themes emerged, which were considered definitive of cultural responsiveness: Knowledge, Inclusive Relationships, Cultural Respect, Social Justice/ Human Rights, and Self-Reflection. Conclusion: These themes are presented as core values or components of culturally responsive mental health services with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. The implications for practitioner professional development and the education of students within mental health disciplines are also discussed. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Cultural responsiveness is a fundamental requirement for mental health practitioners working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Cultural responsiveness is a core learning component for students of psychology aspiring to work as mental health practitioners. Cultural responsiveness is not clearly defined within the literature. What this topic adds: Cultural responsiveness is a recursive dynamic which differs from past linear models. Cultural responsiveness is a more embracing term than previous terms and consists of overlapping features, including knowledge, inclusive relationships, cultural respect, social justice and self-reflection. Cultural responsiveness elicits a personal response from practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the psychological wellbeing of people with cancer is a key component of assessment and intervention in quality cancer care. However, the unique experiences of rural cancer populations are less often explored than those from urban centres. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of Australian studies that compared the psychological wellbeing experiences of people with cancer from rural and urban locations. Five databases were searched, and 19 studies, involving 16,947 participants, assessing and comparing the psychological wellbeing of rural and urban populations with cancer were included. The analysis indicated that Australian rural cancer populations have greater odds of worse psychological wellbeing than those from urban areas (OR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.01, 2.35], p = 0.044). This disparity remains when cancer types are analysed separately, with a slightly smaller odds ratio for rural people with breast cancer (OR = 1.29, 95%CI [1.01, 1.64], p = 0.046) and a slightly larger odds ratio when cancers excluding breast cancer were reviewed (OR = 1.78, 95% CI [1.59, 2.01], p = <.001). Significant heterogeneity was found. Despite increasing emphasis in Australia on psychological wellbeing throughout the cancer journey, there remain significant disparities whereby rural people experience greater impacts upon their psychological wellbeing. The wellbeing of Australian rural populations with cancer remains an area in which clinical and political focus is imperative. Whilst screening is a necessary first step, additional clinical implications for improving rural access to appropriately skilled health professionals who provide oncology-specific assessment and intervention are suggested. What is already known: Cancer is a major public health issue, and its psychosocial impacts are substantial, not just on patients but on their families and the broader community. The prevalence of clinically significant psychological distress is higher amongst people with cancer than the general population. However, identification, treatment, and provision of psychological support is inconsistent across services and geographical areas, and notably lacking in rural areas. Disparities in screening, assessment and intervention for psychological wellbeing in people with cancer remain, despite the fact that systematic application of screening, appropriate referral, and intervention can improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs associated with inpatient and outpatient cancer care. What this paper adds: This article extends outcomes from previous systematic reviews and analyses from Australia and internationally with the addition of meta-analytic methods. It was specifically designed to solely focus on Australian cancer populations. The results suggest that Australian rural populations with cancer may have anywhere from 30% to 70% greater odds of experiencing poorer psychological wellbeing than those from urban areas. This paper highlights ongoing disparities in rural psycho-oncology that may be impacting wellbeing outcomes from rural people in Australia, and urges psychologists, other health professionals, and policy-makers to proactively address these inequities with improved screening, assessment and intervention for their rural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the baseline prevalence of general psychological distress reported by students in a regional Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institute in Australia. In addition, the relationship between psychological distress, emotion-focused coping and academic success at the end of one semester of study was explored. Three hundred and four participants (M = 32.00, SD = 13.12) completed measures of psychological distress (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, 21 item) and emotion-focused coping (Coping in Stressful Situations Checklist). Academic success (i.e., module completion rate at the end of the semester) was also quantified. Consistent with university samples, the results suggest that TAFE students have higher levels of psychological distress when compared with normative data. Participants with higher levels of distress also reported applying emotion-focused coping strategies, and had reduced academic success at the end of the semester. The relationship between distress and academic success was mediated by emotion-focused coping. This study serves to increase awareness about the possibility of an elevated prevalence of psychological distress in vocational TAFE students, their self-reported use of maladaptive emotion-focused coping strategies, and the relationship with academic outcomes. The findings also suggest potential targets for intervention with this population. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) Recent research indicates that Australian tertiary students have a higher prevalence of psychological distress than the general population. (2) Psychological distress has been found to be associated with poorer academic outcomes and the application of less adaptive coping strategies. (3) The majority of research has been conducted using university samples, and minimal research has been undertaken in the Vocational Education and Training sector, despite its prominence in Australian post-secondary education. What this study adds: (1) Consistent with research conducted in university samples, this study indicated that a sample of TAFE students reported higher levels of psychological distress when compared with normative data. (2) Higher levels of distress were associated with the application of emotion-focused coping strategies, as well as reduced academic success at the end of the semester. (3) The relationship between psychological distress and academic success was mediated by emotion-focused coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recent research has identified three distinct types of bullying‐victimisation; overt, reputational, and relational. While bullying‐victimisation as a single construct is known to be associated with depression among adolescents, this relationship is unclear when applied to distinct types. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between overt, reputational, and relational types of bullying‐victimisation and depressive symptomology among adolescents. Further, the cognitive coping strategy "positive reappraisal" is explored as a moderating factor in these relationships. Method: Data were collected through online surveys completed by 338 adolescents aged 12–18 years. Data were analysed through multiple regression and moderation analysis. Results: It was found that bullying as a single construct predicted levels of depression. As unique constructs, reputational and relational bullying‐victimisation were demonstrated to be associated with depression symptomology while overt bullying‐victimisation was not. Positive reappraisal was found to moderate the relationships between reputational and relational bullying‐victimisation and depression, but not between overt bullying‐victimisation and depression. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering subtypes of bullying‐victimisation in future research regarding adolescent's mental health. That positive reappraisal was found to be helpful in reducing depressive symptomology among adolescent bullying victims suggests investigation of other cognitive coping strategies is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This perspective paper presents a discussion around the issues of sexual violence (SV) in rural and remote areas and the associated discourses of shame. The authors propose that shame of SV adds additional trauma to survivors, further impacting survivors' mental health which may be exacerbated in rural areas. Shame is a complex emotion that can result in increased feelings of guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment. Shame has been identified as an underlying risk factor and a mechanism for post‐assault mental health problems. We propose it can be particularly pronounced for women subjected to sexual assault in rural or remote areas. This paper will explore the link between SV and shame, explain how shame attached to SV may be used as an informal social control mechanism for women, particularly in rural and remote areas, and discuss the role of health practitioners, particularly mental health nurses, who play a key role in supporting people impacted by SV. SV is an insidious social phenomenon that can have profound consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Addressing shame and stigma is a crucial component of supporting survivors of SV in rural and remote areas. There is a need for targeted community‐led interventions and responsive support services to address the complex and multifaceted issues contributing to SV in rural and remote communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Design Methods Results Conclusion Patient or Public Contribution Impact This study aimed to gain a better understanding of nursing/midwifery students' perspectives on a pedagogy of caring and online learning during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition, it aimed to determine if the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted students' perceptions and experience of online learning and students' desire to enter the nursing/midwifery workforce.Mixed methods.A multi‐centre cross‐sectional survey of Australian nursing and midwifery students was undertaken to explore students’ experience of learning during the COVID‐19 pandemic.There are several key findings from this study that may be relevant for the future delivery of undergraduate health education, students transitioning to practice and healthcare workforce retention. The study found that although students were somewhat satisfied with online learning during COVID‐19, students reported significant issues with knowledge/skill acquisition and barriers to the learning process. The students reported feeling less prepared for practice and identified how clinical staff were unable to provide additional guidance and support due to increased workloads and stress. The textual responses of participants highlighted that connection/disconnection, empathy and engagement/disengagement had an impact on learning during COVID‐19.Connection, engagement and isolation were key factors that impacted nursing students’ online learning experiences. In addition, graduates entering the workforce felt less prepared for entry into practice due to changes in education delivery during COVID‐19 that they perceived impacted their level of clinical skills, confidence and ability to practice as new graduate nurses/midwives.Not applicable. Attention must be given to the transition of new graduate nurses and midwives whose education was impacted by pandemic restrictions, to support their professional career development and to ensure retention of future healthcare workforce. Connection, engagement and isolation were key factors that impacted nursing students' online learning experiences. Educators should consider how connection and engagement can be actively embedded in the online learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recovery concepts were conceived by, and for, people living with mental health issues. Practitioners are key in translating recovery principles into action. Therefore, practitioners' perceptions should be routinely assessed to facilitate in-service training, professional development, and curriculum redesign. Aim: To explore practitioners' and trainees' current perspectives regarding the concept of recovery. Methods: The study used a qualitative exploratory design with in-depth interviews to explore ten fully trained practitioners and eight trainees' perspectives on recovery. Results: The findings revealed a shared understanding of recovery among practitioners and trainees. Many responses explained recovery as a process involving internal and external conditions, however, some revealed medically oriented perspectives and/or were unclear about recovery terminologies. Conclusions: There is convergence and growing acceptance of the recovery practice principles among practitioners and trainees. However, the results suggest that the recovery principles/terminologies have not yet been universally adopted. Implications for practice and research: Continuous training on recovery principles is needed, incorporating emerging terminologies and principles. Also, education providers are encouraged to continue to review their training to incorporate emerging issues and trends in recovery-oriented practice. Finally, research is needed to enhance the development and delivery of recovery-focused practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Exposure to traumatic and/or violent events is an inherent part of the first responder role, which increases the risk of developing acute and chronic mental health symptoms and conditions. Suicidality for Australian first responders have recently increased with prevalence considered much higher compared with the general population. To inform specific recommendations for Australian first responders, there is a need to establish what evidence is available regarding these issues within the Australian context. The aim of this scoping review was to explore the impacts of trauma on the mental health of Australian first responders, the strategies recommended to address these issues and any unique needs in rural contexts. A scoping review was undertaken following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Peer‐reviewed articles on Australian first responder mental health from seven databases were screened for inclusion. This review highlights that despite available evidence on the types of traumas and adverse mental health outcomes experienced, less evidence exists pertaining to intervention effectiveness. There are major gaps in evidence within rural and remote contexts which hinders effective planning and delivery of support for rural and regional first responders. Clinicians such as mental health nurses, particularly in rural areas, need to be aware of these gaps which impact planning and delivery of support and are in prime position to ensure screening, interventions and strategies are used and evaluated to determine their suitability for rural first responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although ubiquitous in numerous nightlife cultures, poker-machines present a high risk for problematic use and addiction. Previous research has demonstrated that gambling cues (e.g., flashing lights) can activate gambling urges in poker-machine gamblers. However, the processes that contribute to the maintenance of cue-reactive urges to gamble remain unclear. Consequently, the present study explored whether positive schizotypy predicted gambling urge, and whether cue-reactive altered state of awareness, cue-reactive altered time sense, and cue-reactive absorption mediated this relationship. Seventy adults aged between 19 and 68 (M = 48.86, SD = 12.82) participated in an online cue-reactivity experiment. Participants first completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index and the Unusual Experiences subscale of the Short Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences. Subsequently, at three time points (i.e., baseline, directly after a neutral cue, and directly after a gambling cue) participants completed the Altered State of Awareness, Altered Time Sense, and Absorption subscales of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory and a visual analogue scale measuring cue-reactive urge to gamble. It was found that positive schizotypy was significantly positively correlated with cue-reactive urge to gamble. Additionally, cue-reactive altered state of awareness, cue-reactive altered time sense, and cue-reactive absorption mediated this relationship. The theoretical, clinical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented which discusses technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) and its impact on mental health, particularly among victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). It mentions the use of various technologies for stalking, harassment, and control in IPV situations, emphasizing the severe mental health consequences, such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and even suicidal behavior, that victims may experience due to TFA.