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This research explores the self-perceived impact of parental suicide in adolescence, of a father, on his daughter's intimate, heterosexual relationships in adulthood. The aim of the research was to ascertain if, and how, paternal suicide, in a young woman's adolescence, affects her intimate, heterosexual relationships, in adulthood. Four participants who had lost their fathers to suicide between the ages of 10 and 19, were interviewed, and transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings conclude that the majority of participants had experienced difficulties in establishing intimate relationships that fully met their needs. Participants perceived these factors were directly linked to their suicide loss. Four main group experiential themes arose from the data: isolation; connection with self and others; post-traumatic stress; and anxiety and shame. This research raises awareness for counsellors and helping professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the impact, value and limitations of reflective practice groups for Clergy in a Church in Wales diocese. The aim was to explore what reflective practice group participants experience of their groups, to better understand any implications for their delivery. Two focus groups, comprising of participants from two reflective practice groups, were interviewed and the data analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two superordinate themes emerged along with ten subordinate themes. The key findings are that the participants of both groups found them to be a valuable experience and self-defined the impact on their ministries as: creating more reflective clergy; developing greater wisdom; building and gaining affirmed strategies for relationships within their parishes; enabling different perspectives on management expectations; developing self-preservation strategies for coping; improving priestly skills; managing boundaries more appropriately; managing situations in more helpful ways; and discerning what God may be saying in certain situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the experience of deconversion from an Evangelical Christian faith to Atheism in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants and the data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The resulting superordinate themes emerged: Process of Deconversion; Post Deconversion Issues; What Helped and Did Not Help. The findings are supportive of similar research conducted on deconversion but are from the UK, rather than from a largely American, perspective. The underlying reason for deconversion is found to be cognitive dissonance and, as such, deconversion is a rational and intellectual process. Helping professionals need to convey a non-judgemental attitude, being understanding, sympathetic, supportive and kind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little consensus at policy or treatment level as to what defines ‘recovery’ in the alcohol addiction field. Aim: From interviewing a cohort of eight severely alcohol‐dependent people who fulfilled all categories of DSM‐IV and ICD 10 diagnostic criteria and had achieved long‐term recovery (LTR) of between 8 and 48 years, and who are long‐term AA members, a definition of recovery that is inclusive, and achievable, was sought from their lived experiences. Methodology: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. Findings: This research uncovers the processes involved in long‐term recovery, and identifies them as: sober; maintaining sobriety; and recovery. It suggests a move away from the acute model of cure by brief, time‐limited therapy, towards a model of sustained, on‐going and life‐long recovery management, combined with pro‐social aid resources. Individuals need to observe, and hear, the success narratives of others, and the therapeutic conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence need to be strongly experienced by the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]