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An editorial is presented on the possible implications of personalization for adult care social workers. It outlines the considerable relevance for social work for the foreseeable future. An overview of the how similar personalization policy agendas in England and the Italian region of Lombardy are translated into practice is presented.

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Previous research has shown that there is a small but significant cumulative private school advantage in terms of educational attainment in Britain. However, research on how school type influences non-educational outcomes is more scarcer. This paper aims to identify the extent to which school type influences satisfaction with life and mental health from adolescence to early adulthood. Using Next Steps, a longitudinal study of young people in England born in 1989/90, the authors use multiple variable regression analyses to address the research questions. They find that for this cohort there is no evidence of a difference for mental health and life satisfaction by school type for either men or women in adolescence or early adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to examine the contribution that Outdoor Learning Development (LDO) makes to a university postgraduate programme in Human Resource Development for international students with work experience. It establishes the rationale for LDO inclusion based on notable research contributions and differentiates the role and format of this event from conventional outdoor management development programmes through a focus on self-organized learning. The progression from individual learning to intra-group learning over the three days of the event is based on the interplay of action, theoretical inputs and self-evaluation. An emphasis is placed on purposeful conversation for shared learning, systems thinking and personal responsibility for seeking collaboration – essential elements in the life of real organizations. Individual reflective capability and group conversational processes for enhanced learning skills are stimulated in follow-up discussion after LDO with video input on key incidents. The learning achieved is generally observed to be beyond what conventional classroom activities can offer and sets in motion new thinking to consolidate and apply academic knowledge across the whole programme, providing a stimulus to career development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article draws attention to the ethical complexity researchers may be confronted with during fieldwork should an adult participant with intellectual disabilities disclose that harm or an illegal activity is occurring or has occurred in the past. The need to gain ethical approval and the positioning of people with intellectual disabilities as vulnerable within ethics review procedures can result in the adoption of paternalistic approaches as researchers are encouraged to break confidentiality to report concerns to other professionals. Whilst this may fulfil a researcher's duty to ensure no harm occurs to participants, if it takes place against the participant's wishes it may also violate participant autonomy, reinforce unequal relations of power, and may unwittingly contribute to subsequent harm occurring. Whilst the article begins from our experience as two UK-based researchers working with people with intellectual disabilities, it draws on existing literature and guidelines to expose the ethical tensions which may be encountered. It is intended that the paper acts as a starting point for researchers wishing to reflect on their practice and ethical decision-making, whilst contributing to wider debates on the position of people with intellectual disabilities within society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexting has generated considerable public and professional interest with concerns centring on young people, and potential harms to mental and sexual health. Little research thus far has explored the practice among adults and none has focused on the cultural norms relating to the emotional experience of sexting across different ages and genders. We conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of adults aged 18-59 years in Britain on the role of digital technologies in participants' sexual lives. In this paper, we draw on the accounts of 34 people with experience of sexting. We identified three main themes in participants' accounts related to the emotional aspects of sexting: (1) trust, (2) desire/intimacy and (3) shame. Under each theme, we identified motivations, 'feeling rules', and examples of 'emotion work' relating to the self, the other and the dyad. We conclude that there are shared cultural norms that constitute what appropriate sexting should feel like. Interventions aiming to minimise harms arising from sexting need to build on commonly held cultural conventions regarding the 'rules of the game' concerning feelings as well as behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite anecdotal evidence that the out of pocket costs of OCD can be substantial in some cases, there is no evidence on how many people they affect, or the magnitude of these costs. This paper explores the type and quantity of out of pocket expenses reported by a large sample of adults with OCD. Data on out of pocket expenses were collected from participants taking part in the OCTET multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Participants were aged 18+, meeting DSM-IV criteria for OCD, and scoring 16+ on the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Individual-level resource use data including a description and estimated cost of out of pocket expenses were measured using an adapted version of the Adult Service Use Schedule (AD-SUS): a questionnaire used to collect data on resource use. Forty-five percent (208/465) reported out of pocket expenses due to their OCD. The mean cost of out of pocket expenses was £19.19 per week (SD £27.56 SD), range £0.06–£224.00. Future economic evaluations involving participants with OCD should include out of pocket expenses, but careful consideration of alternative approaches to the collection and costing of this data is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In celebration of its centenary, The Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust hosted a series of lectures. This paper has evolved from a lecture on trauma work within the Trust shared with Graham Music. The history and theoretical developments of clinical work with adult patients in the Tavistock Trauma Service are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UK law prohibits direct marketing of gambling to children. However, our data, gathered between 2018 and 2020, demonstrate that gambling logos occur frequently in football-related products and media consumed by children. This is a pressing issue for policymakers because research suggests that although children engage with football as spectators, they engage more often through readily available material culture. Discussions in the media about sponsorship of football teams by gambling companies have focused on the exposure of children to advertisements during live broadcasts. Analysing visible gambling sponsorship in children's media, this paper shows how a single gambling logo on a player's shirt is refracted many times through collectable cards, football magazines and the mediatized 'play' of a child fan's world. It concludes that discussions around gambling advertising and its impact on children should be informed by an awareness of how children, as opposed to adults, engage with football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication is fundamental to mental health services for every patient, caregiver and clinician interaction. Without adequate communication skills, the aspiration to inclusion, engagement and recovery is likely to fail. Speech and language therapists provide specialist knowledge directly with patients, and indirectly via clinicians and caregivers. The objective of this study was to explore current UK provision and practice of speech and language therapists supporting working age adults with mental health conditions. A ten question online survey was shared on social media and sent to a network of speech and language therapists interested in mental health services in September 2019. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics supported by free text survey responses. From survey closing in March 2020, 96 responses were received from across the four UK nations describing widely varying services. Respondents reported concerning gaps in SLT provision, other professions not understanding the SLT role, but over 75% of respondents reported multidisciplinary ways of working. Risks associated with communication impairment are often overlooked. The understanding of mental health professionals about the role of speech and language therapists is patchy. Highlighting awareness amongst the mental health workforce about communication impairment will improve access to treatment and care for all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) To identify if adults with uncorrectable sight loss would increase their physical activity (PA) following advice from general healthcare, eyecare or sight loss service professionals. (2) To identify what resources could be provided alongside advice from a professional to facilitate PA. Survey data from 100 UK adults with uncorrectable sight loss were analysed. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine the association between participant characteristics, and the likelihood that participants would increase PA if advised to by different professionals. Most of our sample would increase their PA if advised to by a general practitioner (GP) (n = 78), ophthalmologist or optometrist (n = 70) or a low vision rehabilitation officer (n = 75). Thirty-one participants would increase their PA if advised to by a dispensing optician. Participants with a history of anxiety and depression were less likely to report they would increase their PA based on advice from a GP (p = 0.002). Sight loss specific and community-based PA groups, exercise specialist support, a sighted guide, and a travel plan, were considered by most participants to be useful facilitators of PA. The results suggest eyecare and sight loss service professionals could facilitate increases in PA among adults with sight loss. Physical activity levels among populations with sight loss are critically low, and inactivity increases the risk of chronic conditions and premature mortality within these populations. GPs, optometrists, ophthalmologists, or low vision rehabilitation officers could play a pivotal role in increasing physical activity levels among people with sight loss, by providing physical activity advice during consultations. Professionals advising people about physical activity should have the knowledge, and opportunity, to refer people with sight loss to accessible physical activity groups or services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses prospective data spanning 27 years (1991–2018) to explore the relationship between economic precariousness and transitions to first co-residential partnership among Britons aged 18–34 across three dimensions: age, historical time, and sex. Economic precariousness is measured using eight objective and subjective indicators, including income, employment, housing, and financial perceptions. Our results show that economic precariousness has a strong negative relationship with entering the first co-residential partnership among those aged 20–30, but the pattern is less clear among the youngest and oldest. Objective measures are easier to interpret than subjective measures. Historical analyses suggest that not being employed decreases the probability of union formation more in recessionary periods than in non-recessionary ones. Among working women, low labour income started to be a predictor of union formation in the most recent periods. Labour income is the only indicator presenting trends in line with our hypotheses across all dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to describe how and why adults with CP living in the UK and Ireland accessed and used physiotherapy services; to describe the type of physiotherapy accessed and satisfaction with physiotherapy services and to examine the associations between relevant factors. A cross-sectional semi-structured online survey was employed. Participants were adults with CP aged 18 and above living in the UK and Ireland; able to complete an online questionnaire in English independently or with technical or physical assistance. Data were collected from April 2019 to February 2020. Participants (n = 162) were aged 18–74 years. The majority were female (75%) and lived in the UK (83%). Ninety percent of participants reported a need for physiotherapy but only 35% received physiotherapy services. The most common reason for visiting physiotherapy was mobility decline (62%). Satisfaction with the availability and quality of physiotherapy services were 21% and 27%, respectively. Adults with scoliosis and mobility decline were less likely to report that they received the physiotherapy they needed. Adults with CP did not receive the physiotherapy services that they perceived they needed. There is a need to develop physiotherapy services in collaboration with people living with CP. Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) needed physiotherapy services, but were not receiving the physiotherapy services that they perceive they needed. Adults were not satisfied with the availability or quality of physiotherapy services received. Adults with scoliosis and mobility decline were less likely to report that they received the physiotherapy they needed. There is a need to develop physiotherapy services from a life-span perspective for adults living with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age influences the experience of widowhood and the likelihood of adverse outcomes. This review synthesizes 13 qualitative studies that explored adjustment following the death of a partner at a younger age, within a Western-cultural context. Thematic synthesis identified six analytical themes: unique challenges; identity changes; levels of distress; coping; support; and adapting following the loss. Bereavement challenges younger widow(er)'s life expectations, identity, and friendships. Social support, faith, and access to age-specific support may facilitate positive adjustment. The findings inform the development of effective interventions to support positive adjustment in younger widowhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on migrants' occupational agency in the UK labour market. In particular, the article explores the experience of Latvian migrant workers who together with other Baltic and Central European migrants have filled the low-skilled and low-paid employment sectors in the UK. The article follows a realist approach that provides different conceptual layers to better explain occupational agency. Drawing on survey data and semi-structured interviews, the article demonstrates how Latvians have exercised their occupational agency over the past decade, building relations with co-workers and UK employers. It is argued that Latvians' position taking in the workplace and occupational mobility are directed by various forms of capital that are embedded in a transnational social field. The emergent structural properties of employment field guide migrants' trajectories towards the accumulation of particular capital. Eventually, as this article also argues, such structural conditioning impinges on migrants' personality traits and motivations that either foster or constrain transformative agency in the UK employment field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex migration and life course trajectories entangle in the youth mobilities of increasing numbers of educated, middle-class Chinese migrants to the UK. This article argues that intersections between individual and institutional framings of time shape temporary migrants' experiences and rhythms of transnational marriage formation. Drawing on data from in-depth interviews with 51 informants, this article examines how migrants' desire for, timing of and decisions relating to transnational marriage are shaped by the interlocking forces of time and timing embedded in intersectional visa regime, marital institution and gender order. The British visa regime determines the duration of time that a temporary migrant is allowed to stay; the institution of marriage prescribes a socially expected time to marry; and the Chinese state's gender discourse stigmatises women's late marriage. Unpacking this intersection, this research seeks to advance understanding of the complex relations between various socially constructed modalities of time in producing specific experiences for migrants, who may experience an accelerated and decelerated sense of time during the process of transnational marriage negotiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years significant research attention has focused on the problem of student violence in schools and, to a lesser extent, on its relationship to gender-based violence. However, student violence towards teaching assistants has not been studied, despite evidence suggesting that teaching assistants are at significantly more risk from student violence than other staff members. In this article, we draw on data from 16 in-depth interviews with teaching assistants who have experienced student violence. We conclude that violence towards teaching assistants is ignored, in both research and in schools, precisely because of the feminized and under-valued nature of the role, and argue that the continual victimization of teaching assistants diminishes their status further. We highlight its parallels with gender-based violence and argue that applying such a framework is key to recognizing the personal and social harms that this violence causes and the organizational responses that leaves teaching assistants particularly vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the physical activity of adults with progressive muscle diseases is important to inform clinical practice, for activity recommendations and for outcomes meaningful to participants in clinical trials. Despite its wide use, the measurement properties of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) have not been established in a muscle disease population. The sample of 103 adults with progressive muscle diseases included independently mobile participants and wheelchair users. Their home-based activity measured by the IPAQ was compared to simultaneous weeks of accelerometer activity data collected remotely in a longitudinal, measure evaluation study. Validity, reliability, and responsiveness were evaluated for the IPAQ alone, and for the IPAQ used in conjunction with a smart activity monitor. The IPAQ did not demonstrate satisfactory criterion validity, reliability or responsiveness and it systematically overestimated moderate and vigorous physical activity time by 161 minutes per week. Measurement properties of the IPAQ were improved when it was used in combination with a smart activity monitor. The IPAQ did not have satisfactory measurement properties compared to accelerometry in adults with progressive muscle disease. Combining self-report and objective activity measures might improve the accuracy of physical activity assessment in this and other comparable populations. Physical activity is a meaningful health outcome for adults with progressive muscle diseases, for whom precise activity quantification is important because of the potential for activity-related disease exacerbation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) had unsatisfactory measurement properties compared to accelerometry; however, these were improved by adjunctive smart activity monitoring. Objective or combined physical activity measurement is recommended over self-report alone for clinical assessment of physical activity as part of rehabilitation and self-management programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are significant pressures and quality issues in acute adult mental health services in the UK To understand the contribution of psychologists in acute services to patient care and service quality. Forty-nine psychologists with experience in Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services, Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Teams and Liaison Mental Health Services responded to a questionnaire-based survey. The first theme "Direct interventions" identified the value of psychological assessment, formulation and adapted brief interventions. The second theme "Indirect Interventions", viewed psychology as an integral part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team, enabling psychologically informed care, increasing psychological skills in the workforce and supporting staff wellbeing. The third theme outlined a lack of psychological resources in services and limited understanding about their potential benefits. The potential of increased resources to promote psychologically informed cultures, staff wellbeing, and improve patient choice through greater access to psychological treatments was noted. This is the largest UK study of psychologists within acute mental health care, identifying benefits for patients and services. Further research is needed on the impact of psychological interventions on patient outcomes and workforce wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mature students transitioning into their first year of higher education face many difficulties that affect their motivation, participation and success. Their feelings of being disconnected from their peers and from their institutions are among the key barriers to the successful completion of their courses. Encouraging online student engagement among mature students to establish social connection with their instructors and peers can reduce their isolation and enhance their 'sense of belonging'. During the academic year 2020/2021, the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) at the University of Leeds in the UK, decided to pilot an online chat platform 'Differ' including a chatbot 'Bo' after it had seen a decline in the use of programme Facebook groups. To promote student engagement and monitor the Differ online communities, sixteen digital student mentors were recruited and trained. During the pilot, feedback was collected from students and student mentors. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to boost robustness through triangulation. Several forms of data collection methods were used: a mentimeter, an online survey, three focus group sessions and a semi-structured interview. This study sheds light on the different aspects of creating student-led online communities and provides recommendations on how to improve the uptake of students in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dearth of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) is a global problem. Integrating CAMHS in primary care has been offered as a solution. We sampled integrated care perspectives from colleagues around the world. Our findings include various models of integrated care namely: the stepped care model in Australia; shared care in the United Kingdom (UK) and Spain; school-based collaborative care in Qatar, Singapore and the state of Texas in the US; collaborative care in Canada, Brazil, US, and Uruguay; coordinated care in the US; and, developing collaborative care models in low-resource settings, like Kenya and Micronesia. These findings provide insights into training initiatives necessary to build CAMHS workforce capacity using integrated care models, each with the ultimate goal of improving access to care. Despite variations and progress in implementing integrated care models internationally, common challenges exist: funding within complex healthcare systems, limited training mechanisms, and geopolitical/policy issues. Supportive healthcare policy, robust training initiatives, ongoing quality improvement and measurement of outcomes across programs would provide data-driven support for the expansion of integrated care and ensure its sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the theoretical perspective of ecological dynamics, skilful behaviour in performance contexts like sport and education is predicted on the establishment of a functional relationship between an individual and the environment. The strength of this functional relationship is shaped over time by everyday behaviours, values, and customs (sociocultural practices) within a specific sport organisation. A growing body of research seeks to identify these influential sociocultural practices that emerge and exist in sport cultures and organisations. However, little is known from an ecological realism perspective how these practices affect an athlete's engagement with opportunities offered by the environment (e.g. affordances). In this study, we draw on ethnographic data and theoretical tenets of James Gibson's ecological psychology to identify how the sociocultural practices of a British rugby league football academy might shape an athlete's engagement with affordances. Findings revealed that masculinity and disciplined behaviours were the dominant sociocultural practices, instrumental in developing beliefs, values, and customs of athlete development practices. An ecological realism analysis of the data suggested that cultural pressures meant that key actors ignored the potential for development and learning of athletes' self-organisation tendencies, and inhibited individuals' capacities to respond to opportunities for action offered in many traditional practice designs. We conclude by discussing implications for sport practitioners that promote 'affordance-regulated' practice designs to enhance athlete-environment interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study investigates the relationship between elite sport performance and sportive nationalism in Great Britain. We utilise the Taking Part Survey (TPS), which gathers data from a representative sample of around 10,000 adults aged 16 and over residing in England each year. Between July 2011 and March 2016, the TPS included a question to identify the components of national pride in Great Britain. We examined 'British sporting achievements' as one of 12 domains that made people in England feel most proud of the country (Great Britain). The determinants of sportive nationalism were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Associations between monthly variations in sportive nationalism (57 data points) and specific events that might influence its level were explored. Sportive nationalism was shown by only a small minority of the sample and was typically of a lesser magnitude compared with other more stable factors such as the British countryside, its history and health service. Certain population segments were more inclined to be sportive nationalists such as those who participated in sport or followed it online. Changes in sportive nationalism were seen to coincide with the performances of British athletes and teams, albeit these were temporary in nature. Our study provides limited evidence to justify government investment in elite sport on the grounds of success generating national pride. A wide range of events might influence sportive nationalism and reductions in this domain of national pride may be associated with both perceived failure and a general waning effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slugs and snails are agricultural pests usually controlled by chemical bait pellets however an alternative method is the commercially produced malacopathogenic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, which is sold across northern Europe. P. hermaphrodita can kill several slug species but is unable to affect larger pestiferous snails. Therefore, we examined whether the closely related species Phasmarhabditis californica, isolated from the U.K. could kill neonate or adult common garden snails (Cornu aspersum). In our first experiment, neonate C. aspersum were exposed to 1000 nematodes per tube containing three strains of P. californica (designated DMG0017, DMG0018 or DMG0019) (as well as the commercial formulation of P. hermaphrodita DMG0001) and feeding inhibition and survival were monitored over 14 days. All nematodes apart from P. californica (DMG0017) killed the snails and caused feeding inhibition. In a follow up experiment we exposed adult C. aspersum to two doses (30 and 90 nematodes per cm2) of P. californica (DMG0019) and P. hermaphrodita (DMG0001) and monitored survival, feeding inhibition and changes in weight over 21 days. Neither nematode species affected survival, feeding inhibition or weight of the adult snails. In summary, P. californica (DMG0018 and DMG0019) are as pathogenic as P. hermaphrodita (DMG0001) and could be used to target neonate snails, however, the use of malacopathogenic nematodes to control large adult snails continues to be problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender diverse individuals who do not conform to society's binary gender expectations are more likely to experience difficulties in acceptance and in recognition of gender, compared to binary-identifying transgender people. This may accentuate the feeling that their gender identity is not socially recognized or validated. This study aimed to investigate psychological functioning among gender diverse adolescents and adults who identify beyond the binary gender spectrum. In both study populations, 589 clinically-referred gender diverse adolescents from the UK (n = 438 birth-assigned females and n = 151 birth-assigned males), and 632 clinically-referred gender diverse adults from the Netherlands (n = 278 birth-assigned females and n = 354birth-assigned males), we found that a higher degree of psychological problems was predicted by identifying more strongly with a non-binary identity. For adolescents, more psychological problems were related to having a non-binary gender identity and being assigned female at birth. In the adult population, experiencing psychological difficulties was also significantly related to having a stronger non-binary identity and having a younger age. Clinicians working with gender diverse people should be aware that applicants for physical interventions might have a broader range of gender identities than a binary transgender one, and that people with a non-binary gender identity may, for various reasons, be particularly vulnerable to psychological difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burden of pneumococcal disease in older UK adults remains substantial. Higher valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are currently in development with adult formulations for two of these anticipated to become available in 2022. This article collates and reviews relevant candidate data now available that may be used to support cost effectiveness assessments of vaccinating immunocompetent UK adults aged ≥65-years with PCVs. This article uses published data from surveillance systems, randomized controlled trials and observational studies. It focuses on local data from the UK but where these are either limited or not available relevant global data are considered. The body of relevant data now available suggests the UK is well placed to assess the cost effectiveness of vaccinating immunocompetent ≥65-year olds with new generation higher valency PCVs. Recent contemporary data provide important new and robust insights into the epidemiology of pneumococcal disease in older UK adults and help to address much of the uncertainty and data gaps associated with previous analyses. Using these data to make informed decisions about use of new higher valency PCVs for routine use in older adults will be important for public health in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By examining on-course pedagogical practices, recent research has sought to inform the development of National Governing Body (NGB) coach education courses. Coach education programmes are, however, social constructs, and are influenced by policies and socio-economic factors. To inform future provision, there is a need to understand the construction of policy and the influences affecting course design. This study examined how the English Football Association (FA) redeveloped their coach education policy in 2016. The 2016 changes are pertinent because calls for educational provision to be informed by social constructivism have been made. The FA's coach education policy (2016) claim to be informed by such a philosophical stance. This study, therefore, reports on what policy was created, and how it had been disseminated within the organisation. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted with 14 participants (staff members with different roles within the FA) across two separate points in time, 12 months apart. A thematic analysis identified three key themes: (1) Three Elements of Curriculum/Course Design (A learning strategy informed by social constructivism; a body of content for courses; a coaching competency framework and qualification specification); (2) Recontextualisation of the policy and some confusion during dissemination; and (3) A restricted code when disseminating policy. The significance of these findings extends beyond the case presented and policy makers who seek to inform course design with learning theory may wish to offer elaboration throughout the workforce via text and discourse. Future research should build on these findings and consider how knowledge is selected and legitimised by policy makers, and how coach developers implement recontextualised policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]