ABSTRACT
The use of telepsychology has become increasingly prevalent in the professional practice of psychology worldwide, particularly so in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Counselling psychology adopts a pluralistic epistemology that values the diversity of perspectives and takes a critical approach to research, theory and intervention, including recognition of the importance of debating the issues and understanding alternative views on telepsychology integration into the clinical practice. The current study sought to explore New Zealand counselling psychologists' views and experiences of using telepsychology. Thematic analysis of seven semi-structured interviews with counselling psychologists identified themes around the perceived benefits and limitations of telepsychology, the fit of this approach with counselling psychology, telepsychology as an adjunct, and the need for training. Findings from this study have contributed to the knowledge base on the use of telepsychology amongst psychologists and in particular counselling psychology.
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Family homelessness has been characterised as a hidden crisis with 121,340 children living in temporary accommodation in England in March 2021. There is limited literature and, therefore, understanding of emotional wellbeing in school-aged children and young people who are experiencing family homelessness. This study adopts an original approach to explore the perspectives of: children and others in their ecological system, also highlighting a social justice focus for counselling psychology. Methodology and methods: Fourteen qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with: school-aged children, parents, and educators with experience of, or supporting, family homelessness. The data were analysed in two reflexive thematic analyses. Ecological, intersectional and social justice lenses were used in synthesis. Analysis: The analysis of the parent and child data generated three themes: 1) Unsafe, unfit, and unsuitable accommodation, no place for a child;2) Four school moves in two years, the implications for the child in school;and 3) Living a life on hold, family homelessness perceived as a trauma. The analysis of the educator data also generated three themes: 1) A kaleidoscope, homelessness as a shock to the child and their family system;2) Learning in limbo, emotional wellbeing in education;and 3) The school as an anchor, a point of stability for the child and family. Discussion: The findings conceptualise family homelessness as a shock to the childa s ecological system, which affects their emotional wellbeing and education. They identify welfare austerity and COVID-19 as chronosystem stressors, which amplify precarity. The findings highlight pivotal roles for the family system and the school as points of stability in the childa s ecological system, and the school in connecting the childa s mesosystem. Potential implications for counselling psychology, education, policy, limitations and suggestions for further research are considered. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Orientation: Regulations for the industrial psychology profession state that short-term counselling may be provided to employees in the workplace. It is therefore necessary to be equipped with the required skills to assist employees especially to cope in the changing world of work. Research purpose: The general objective of this research study was to explore the role of industrial psychologists as workplace counsellors in the changing world of work. Motivation for the study: In light of recent changes in the world due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there seems to be a strong motivation to explore the importance of workplace counselling with regard to the changing nature of work. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative descriptive research strategy was utilised, with homogeneous sampling of 22 industrial psychology practitioners ( n = 22). Main findings: The results showed that workplace counselling as an intervention provides the support employees need to adapt to changes in the workplace. Technological advances have a major impact on the manner in which people work, and therefore employees need the support to cope with these changes. Counselling from an industrial psychology practitioner could provide this type of support. Practical/managerial implications: Industrial psychology practitioners in the role of counsellors in an organisation play a major part in helping employees with accepting and coping with the changes and challenges presented by the implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Contribution/value-add: This study could contribute by providing organisations with valuable feedback on how to address challenges presented by the changing nature of work, specifically the importance of the role of workplace counselling provided by industrial psychology practitioners.
ABSTRACT
STUDY QUESTION: What are appraisals, coping strategies and emotional reactions of patients to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fertility clinic closures? SUMMARY ANSWER: Clinic closure was appraised as stressful due to uncertainty and threat to the attainability of the parenthood goal but patients were able to cope using strategies that fit the uncertainty of the situation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Psychological research on COVID-19 suggests that people are more anxious than historical norms and moderately to extremely upset about fertility treatment cancellation owing to COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The study was of cross-sectional design, comprising a mixed-methods, English language, anonymous, online survey posted from April 9 to 21 to social media. Eligibility criteria were being affected by COVID-19 fertility clinic closure, 18 years of age or older and able to complete the survey in English. In total, 946 people clicked on the survey link, 76 did not consent, 420 started but did not complete the survey and 450 completed (48% completion, 446 women, four men). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Overall 74.7% (n = 336) of respondents were residents in the UK with an average age of 33.6 years (SD = 4.4) and average years trying to conceive, 3.5 years (SD = 2.22). The survey comprised quantitative questions about the intensity of cognitive appraisals and emotions about clinic closure, and ability to cope with clinic closure. Open-text questions covered their understanding of COVID-19 and its effect on reproductive health and fertility plans, concerns and perceived benefits of clinic closure, and knowledge about closure. Sociodemographic information was collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used on quantitative data. Thematic qualitative analysis (inductive coding) was performed on the textual data from each question. Deductive coding grouped themes from each question into meta-themes related to cognitive stress and coping theory. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Most patients (81.6%, n = 367) had tests or treatments postponed, with these being self (41.3%, n = 186) or publicly (46.4%, n = 209) funded. Patients appraised fertility clinic closure as having potential for a more negative than positive impact on their lives, and to be very or extremely uncontrollable and stressful (P ≤ 0.001). Most reported a slight to moderate ability to cope with closure. Data saturation was achieved with all open-text questions, with 33 broad themes identified and four meta-themes linked to components of the cognitive stress and coping theory. First, participants understood clinic closure was precautionary due to unknown effects of COVID-19 but some felt clinic closure was unfair relative to advice about getting pregnant given to the public. Second, closure was appraised as a threat to attainability of the parenthood goal largely due to uncertainty of the situation (e.g. re-opening, effect of delay) and intensification of pre-existing hardships of fertility problems (e.g. long time waiting for treatment, history of failed treatment). Third, closure taxed personal coping resources but most were able to cope using thought-management (e.g. distraction, focusing on positives), getting mentally and physically fit for next treatments, strengthening their social network, and keeping up-to-date. Finally, participants reported more negative than positive emotions (P ≤ 0.001) and, almost all participants reported stress, worry and frustration at the situation, while some expressed anger and resentment at the unfairness of the situation. Overall, 11.8% were not at all able to cope, with reports of intense feelings of hopelessness and deteriorating well-being and mental health. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The survey captures patient reactions at a specific point in time, during lockdown and before clinics announced re-opening. Participants were self-selected (e.g. UK residents, women, 48% starting but not completing the survey), which may affect generalisability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Fertility stakeholders (e.g. clinics, patient support groups, regulators, professional societies) need to work together to address the great uncertainty from COVID-19. This goal can be met proactively by setting up transparent processes for COVID-19 eventualities and signposting to information and coping resources. Future psychological research priorities should be on identifying patients at risk of distress with standardised measures and developing digital technologies appropriate for the realities of fertility care under COVID-19. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): University funded research. Outside of the submitted work, Prof. J.B. reports personal fees from Merck KGaA, Merck AB, Theramex, Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S; grants from Merck Serono Ltd; and that she is co-developer of the Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) and MediEmo apps. Outside of the submitted work, Dr R.M. reports personal or consultancy fees from Manchester Fertility, Gedeon Richter, Ferring and Merck. Outside of the submitted work, Dr S.G. reports consultancy fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S, Access Fertility and SONA-Pharm LLC, and grants from Merck Serono Ltd. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.