the psychologist vol 28 no 5 may 2015 www.thepsychologist.org.uk

The political animal A special feature on the eve of the United Kingdom General Election

letters 338 back to the ballot box 360 new President 380 becoming an MP 364 authorial identity 384 developing strong and diverse leaders 368 careers 408 the age of celebrity politics 372 Contact The British Psychological Society the psychologist... 48 Princess Road East Leicester LE1 7DR ...features 0116 254 9568 [email protected] www.bps.org.uk

The Psychologist www.thepsychologist.org.uk www.psychapp.co.uk Back to the ballot box 360 [email protected] Our journalist Ella Rhodes meets researchers in psychology and politics in search of answers tinyurl.com/thepsychomag to voter apathy

@psychmag Becoming an MP 364 Helena Cooper-Thomas considers the Advertising transition into the role, and how this compares Reach 50,000 psychologists at very reasonable rates. with other workplaces Display Aaron Hinchcliffe 020 7880 7661 Developing strong and diverse political 368 [email protected] leaders Recruitment (in print and online Jo Silvester and Madeleine Wyatt look at at www.psychapp.co.uk) the issue of training for politicians, and its Giorgio Romano 020 7880 7556 relationship with work psychology [email protected] The age of celebrity politics 372 April 2015 issue Sharon Coen considers psychology’s role in 45,232 dispatched a modern phenomenon Printed by 354 Warners Midlands plc on 100 per cent recycled paper. Please re-use or recycle. New voices: The ‘minority’ man? 376 Jessica McCarrick with the latest in our series ISSN 0952-8229 for budding writers Cover 10 Downing Street, the official Teach and learn: In search of an authorial residence of the First Lord of the identity 384 Treasury, a role usually held by James Elander looks beyond plagiarism the Prime Minister

© Copyright for all published material is 384 held by the British Psychological Society unless specifically stated otherwise. As the Society is a party to the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) agreement, articles in The The Psychologist is the monthly publication of The British Psychological Society. It provides a forum for Psychologist may be copied by libraries and other organisations under the communication, discussion and controversy among all members of the Society, and aims to fulfil the main object terms of their own CLA licences of the Royal Charter, ‘to promote the advancement and diffusion of a knowledge of psychology pure and applied’. (www.cla.co.uk). Permission must be obtained from the British Psychological Society for any other use beyond fair dealing authorised by copyright legislation. For further information Managing Editor Jon Sutton Journalist Ella Rhodes about copyright and obtaining Assistant Editor Peter Dillon-Hooper Editorial Assistant Debbie Gordon permissions, e-mail Production Mike Thompson Research Digest Christian Jarrett (editor), Alex Fradera [email protected]. The publishers have endeavoured to Associate Editors Articles Michael Burnett, Paul Curran, Harriet Gross, Rebecca Knibb, Charlie Lewis, trace the copyright holders of all Wendy Morgan, Paul Redford, Mark Wetherell, Jill Wilkinson illustrations. If we have unwittingly Conferences Alana James History of Psychology Nathalie Chernoff infringed copyright, we will be pleased, on being satisfied as to the owner’s Interviews Gail Kinman Reviews Emma Norris Viewpoints Catherine Loveday title, to pay an appropriate fee. International panel Vaughan Bell, Uta Frith, Alex Haslam, Elizabeth Loftus the psychologist vol 28 no 5 may 2015

the issue ...digests Amongst a glut of political coverage on the eve of the UK General an election special on the psychology of voting, from our free Research Digest Election, I hope you will stomach our (see www.researchdigest.org.uk/blog) 354 own feast. The authors make some fascinating links across the discipline to shed some light on how ...debates to get voters to the ballot box, what letters 338 happens when they are there, how in defence of inferential statistics; training costs; when is a Dr not a Dr?; autism; we can support and develop data analysis in sport; words and sorcery; and more politicians, and the influence of our celebrity culture on politics. ...reports The pieces are not ‘politically charged’, but writing in The news 348 Psychologist can be and has been. is science broken?; the Germanwings crash; Big Bang; breastfeeding; and more Although I try hard to keep my own politics out of the publication (yet society 390 over the years readers have labelled Dorothy Miell’s final President’s column; Spearman Medal and Outstanding me as everything from ‘war- Contributions through Doctoral Research Award winners; an introduction to the mongering neo-con’ to ‘bleeding Psychobiology Section; and more heart liberal’!), I am more than happy to receive ‘political’ pieces if ...meets they are backed by evidence and relevant to our audience. At a Society interview 380 conference once I listened to Steve from civvy street to theatre of war: our editor Jon Sutton talks to incoming Society Reicher, one of the most passionate President Jamie Hacker Hughes, Military and Veteran Specialist and Visiting and political psychologists I know, Professor at Anglia Ruskin University rail against the ‘rhetoric of careers 408 tediousness’ which affects much of we meet Robert Williams, the ‘flying psychologist’, and clinical psychologist psychology. Political debate is rarely Jane McCartney tedious, so it will always find a place in our pages. one on one 428 Dr Jon Sutton with Sonia Livingstone, Professor of Social Psychology at the London School of Managing Editor @psychmag Economics ...reviews

Life After Suicide, Louis Theroux, Chappie, and much more 418 ...looks back Filming trauma 424 Edgar Jones explores the making of an innovative film designed to show the treatment of soldiers suffering from shell shock

Three years ago The Psychologist and Digest Go to www.thepsychologist.org.uk Editorial Advisory Committee for our archive, Big picture centre-page pull-out Catherine Loveday (Chair), Phil Banyard, including a special Are prisoners calmer when their Olivia Craig, Helen Galliard, Harriet Gross, feature on replication cells are pink? Image from research Rowena Hill, Stephen McGlynn, Tony (also available in by Oliver Genschow. Words by Wainwright, Peter Wright digital edition at Christian Jarrett for our Research tinyurl.com/psycho0512) Digest

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk In defence of inferential statistics LETTERS

In February Basic and Applied Social Psychology (an American population mean or effect size), and the variability or precision Psychological Association journal) announced that it was of that estimate. As Smith and Morris (in press) point out, when banning the reporting of null hypothesis significance testing we know both an effect size and its CI we can make a much procedures (NHSTP) and more useful interpretation of the confidence intervals (CI) results of our research than when

(Trafimow & Marks, 2015). We T we have an effect size alone. We IM

are writing to express our hope S know of no alternative to standard that the journals published by the ANDERS errors in some form, such as CIs, British Psychological Society will for describing the likely variability not be lured into similarly in our effect size if we repeat our banning CIs and distancing research. Given the relatively small psychology from medical research sample sizes of much psychology in which CIs are routinely research, the CIs of the effect sizes employed. We believe that CIs can be disconcertingly large and offer an as yet undeveloped but remind researchers that a simple potentially very valuable tool for effect size, or other point estimate, psychologists to interpret their can suggest a precision that is not data (see e.g. Smith & Morris, in justified. Failure to report this press). Any ban that involves variability does not make it go throwing out the CI baby with the away but does expose those NHSTP bathwater should be following up the research to avoided. dangers of misinterpretation. Trafimow and Marks (2015) Trafimow and Marks’s (2015) condemn CIs because, they say, ‘A solution to the banning of NHSTP 95% confidence interval does not and CIs is to require bigger sample indicate that the parameter of sizes and the reporting of descriptive interest has a 95% probability of being within the interval. statistics with frequency and distributional data. In general, such Rather, it means merely that if an infinite number of samples information is welcome. However, the reason for the original were taken and confidence intervals computed, 95% of the development of NHSTP was that it is always necessary to decide confidence intervals would capture the population parameter.’ whether or not to act in the future as if a real effect is likely. CIs It is true, as Cumming (2012) points out (p.79), that a 95 per of effect sizes give good guidance to such decisions, but it is not cent confidence interval refers to the whole process of taking clear upon what evidence these fundamental decisions will be a sample and calculating a CI, 95 per cent of which will capture based if CIs and NHSTP are banned. the population mean. However, it follows that the 95 per cent Another issue with demands for larger samples is that CIs that you calculate will most likely capture the population psychology researchers are inevitably faced with limitations parameter. through cost and time upon the number of participants that they The great value of CIs is that they provide valuable can test. Resources devoted to doubling sample sizes for one probabilistic information about the true location of the study are not then available for new research questions. If the population mean. NHSTP deals with the normally uninteresting original sample size was, in fact, sufficient, there is a serious null hypothesis: the probability of the data if the difference or ethical and practical question of whether an unnecessary relationship is zero, or some other specific value. CIs help us increase in sample sizes will do more harm than good to the conceptualise the plausible locations of the parameter (e.g. future of psychology. How will one decide if the sample is large

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contribute diverse audience. These pages are central to The Psychologist’s role as a forum for communication, discussion and controversy among all ‘Reach the largest, most diverse audience of psychologists in the UK members of the Society, and we welcome your contributions. (as well as many others around the world); work with a wonderfully Send e-mails marked ‘Letter for publication’ to [email protected]; supportive editorial team; submit thought pieces, reviews, interviews, or write to the Leicester office. analytic work, and a whole lot more. Start writing for The Psychologist now before you think of something else infinitely less important to do!’ Letters over 500 words are less likely to be published. Robert Sternberg, Oklahoma State University The editor reserves the right to edit or publish extracts from letters. Letters to the editor are not normally For details of all the available options, plus our policies and acknowledged, and space does not permit the what to do if you feel these have not been followed, see publication of every letter received. www.thepsychologist.org.uk/contribute

338 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 letters enough? Given that the purpose of larger samples is to increase the precision of the estimates, reporting that precision should Increased training costs be required, rather than forbidden. Until there are alternative and generally accepted means of answering the question ‘Could the effects have arisen by chance?’, we recommend reporting I was appalled to learn example, over the course of CIs and, where researchers find them helpful, NHSTP. recently that our Society has a two-year project the cost of Peter Morris, Catherine Fritz, Graham Smith, Amar Cherchar, hugely increased fees for the an Agenda for Change band 6 Robin Crockett, Chris Roe, Roz Collings, Kimberley Hill, David Health Psychology Stage 2 trainee health psychologist Saunders, Martin Anderson and Lucy Atkinson qualification to a flat rate of with only seven hours of 8A University of Northampton £5995. Previously completing workplace and coordinating in two years cost £2421, three supervision per month (in References years cost £3154, and four reality considerably more is Cumming, G. (2012). Understanding the new statistics: Effect sizes, confidence intervals, years cost £3888. As the provided) is about £76K. and meta-analysis. New York: Routledge. average completion time is For an additional £4K an Smith, G.D. & Morris, P.E. (in press). Building confidence in confidence intervals. The three years, this represents a organisation could employ Psychologist. mean increase in fees of 90 per a full-time, qualified band 8A Trafimow, D. & Marks, M. (2015). [Editorial]. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 31. cent at a time when inflation who would arrive with greater doi:10.1080/01973533.2015.1012991 rates are negligible. The skills and considerable lower service provided for this fee is supervisory needs. Editor’s note: Graham Smith and Peter Morris’s article ‘Building minimal and consists of tasks Moreover, at an individual confidence in confidence intervals’ is scheduled to appear in The such as ratification of training level, a single fee will not Psychologist in June. plans and arranging the reflect accrued costs and examination. Trainees will still penalises people who complete I’ve recently read of the abolition of p-values by the journal need to pay additional and more quickly. Whilst some Basic and Applied Social Psychology (BASP) (Woolston, 2015). considerable supervision costs. may find it beneficial to have Whilst there are clearly issues with the misrepresentation or I have been offered a range access to University of London misunderstanding of what p-values mean, it seems a little radical of explanations. These have resources, others can access to eradicate them altogether. Unfortunately even within the included the fact that trainees their local university or alma intellectual arena where we are encouraged to apply more scope have been previously mater either free of charge or and think less in terms of black and white, there still exists a encouraged to complete their for a small fee of about £30 bivalent division of opinion on null hypothesis significance training quickly to avoid per annum, and NHS testing (NHST). The fact is that NHST is not a bivalent issue and annual fees; that fixed fees is employees have access to therefore the energy expended on only arguing either way is the fairest approach; that fee considerable library resources. wasted. rises ensure sustainability of One of the most striking Contrary to that which is often implied – at least within the qualifications, and that the aspects of my communication social sciences – the p-value doesn’t exist as an instruction to BPS will now facilitate access with our organisation about accept or reject the null hypothesis, but rather advises us on how to online journals and e-books this has been the lack of seriously to take the data that we have analysed. Yes, the p-value via the University of London. openness, transparency and tells us how likely our data is to occur under the null hypothesis, I have significant concerns lack of debate about such but it is not statistically strong enough to stand as a lone witness about the decision of the a fundamental issue. For to the alternative hypothesis – It stands or falls conditionally on Trustees. Most importantly, example, I requested details associated variables (e.g. effect size, sample size). Elimination of I feel the likely outcome is about training costs and was the p-value from BASP is a prime example of bivalent, simplistic simply that fewer psychology informed that this is thinking. Although I feel that I’m merely stating the obvious graduates will pursue a career confidential information. This here, would it not be far better to insist that articles must feature in applied psychology in those seems odd because one way or sampling statistics, effect sizes and confident intervals alongside areas that do not receive another, the Trustees represent p-values; moreover why not insist on a lower alpha value, say public funding and where the membership and this is < .01? career opportunities are less hardly commercially sensitive A ‘smear campaign’ against the p-value implies that use of the certain post-qualification. This information. statistic has been noted as problematic and the knee-jerk reaction is hardly an ideal outcome for If as an organisation we is ‘Let’s get as far away from this as possible’. This isn’t the logical, a charity that aims to promote subsidise anything, then my measured approach that we should expect from those we rely on and develop our profession. view is that it should be our to publish our studies and review our submissions, but more The new cost will probably early career colleagues, but comparable to the spin-doctor response that is often so glaringly prove prohibitive to individuals instead we seem to be using obvious within the political arena! Given that most brain-related and to organisations keen to them to generate resource. research seems to suggest that the most efficient and powerful pay fees, as £6K means Dr Andrew Keen result is derived from a combination of several elements working creating trainee posts will Consultant Health Psychologist together toward a common goal, it seems surprising that we have become less attractive. For NHS Grampian missed this analogic lesson when addressing our use of statistical analyses – why not argue for all ways, used together, correctly? Lee Barber Jane Smith, BPS Director of Qualifications and Standards, replies: University of Reading The move to a new, single-fee structure for the Society’s suite of Stage 2 qualifications has been controversial. There are two Reference related issues. Woolston, C. (2015). Psychology journal bans P values. Nature, 519(7541), 9. First, for many years our qualifications have been charged on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis, with candidates paying an enrolment fee,

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 339 letters

an annual maintenance fee for each subsequent year on the than they would have done under the previous system. programme, a fee each time they submitted work for assessment The Trustees explicitly considered the policy of requiring and a fee for any required reassessments. This meant that qualifications to be self-supporting. It decided that qualifications candidates never knew how much it would cost them to are offered as an individual member service and as such it would complete a qualification, especially as fees were revised each year not be within the Society’s charitable objective to subsidise them in line with inflation. It also encouraged candidates to complete from other sources of income. However, for those candidates in their training as quickly as possible to avoid paying annual fees. difficult financial circumstances, the Society can – and does – Indeed, there were examples of people wishing to submit for offer significant discounts on its fees, taking individual assessment but being unable to do so because of the associated circumstances into account. We have also ensured that costs. Unlike universities, we do not have a fixed ‘course’ length candidates can spread the cost of the qualification over several and we do not differentiate between full- and part-time students, years, to avoid the need for a large up-front payment. as this is impossible to do with work-based learning The new structure is therefore designed to ensure that each programmes. A single, fixed fee with an open end date therefore qualification is sustainable and that the costs of completing a seems the fairest approach to take. qualification are more transparent to candidates and employers at Second, our fees policy has always been to ensure that the the point of enrolment. The new system will also be significantly qualifications cover their costs. Over the years, with changes less bureaucratic than the old, which required multiple invoices in the structure of our qualifications and in the number of over the course of a candidate’s enrolment. Freeing up staff time candidates on each qualification (especially as the number of will allow us to focus on further improving the service we alternative programmes offered by universities has increased), provide to candidates. We have made strides in recent years with it was no longer the case that each qualification was sustainable the introduction of supervisor and candidate workshops, online in its own right. When moving to the new structure, the fee for forums for candidates and, more recently, a new service enabling each qualification was calculated to ensure that it covered the candidates to access academic resources through the University full costs of delivery for that qualification. This has led to a re- of London’s Senate House library, but there is much more we can balancing between qualifications and, in the case of Health and will do in the future. Psychology, does mean that new candidates are paying more Tattoo regret Waiting with the herd of parents at the feeling more attractive, but what school gates, I overheard a discussion happens when the eyes are drawn to about painful and expensive tattoo skin that is no longer youthful or to removal. The conversation spread like a body no longer in shape? a contagious therapy session, more The blandest of walls and ugliest wounded men and women came of buildings are more likely to be a forward; and scars were being shared. magnet for graffiti than the chiselled It wasn’t the first time I’d heard people ornate stone of an ancient church or in their thirties and forties discussing temple. It is rare too for Mother ‘tattoo regret’, an area that requires Nature’s designs to be attacked. Nobody more investigation. thinks trees require added art. It is also Tattoo removal may be a booming rare to attack pets with a spray can; we industry, yet so still is tattooing, seem happy with how evolution intended particularly with under 25s. More young about perceptions of employers and them. Yet our own bodies do not appear people than ever are having tattoos. colleagues; others were disappointed with safe from artistic modification. Maybe Tattoo regret looks certain to rise in the art they’d chosen, which had often when we fail to see any beauty or worth correlation. dated. Fashion is impermanent; the idea we feel the design could be improved. Getting a tattoo that you later regret of a fashionable tattoo is a paradox. For many people a tattoo is a may just be part of being young. The Whether it be a dolphin on the shoulder, youthful demonstration of self-expression prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain barbed wire around the triceps, or a full that they stand by throughout their lives. responsible for planning ahead and risk tattooed sleeve, either fashion or your For others, tattoo regret can be the taking (Blakemore & Mills, 2014), is not own psyche moves on. symptom of psychological progress, as fully developed until around 25-years- There seems to be more than a hint of life experience develops identity and self- old, so behaviour later viewed as foolish self-dissatisfaction inspiring many tattoos. worth. Few events affect this more than or risky can be considered typical. And, Statistically, people with tattoos are more becoming a parent. Perhaps this is the of course, the influence of celebrity is likely to have self-harmed (Stirn & Hinz, true age of tattoo regret. significant on this age group; a tattoo 2008), often saying they had previously Peter Sear offers the opportunity to mimic, to had a bad relationship with their body Theydon Bois, Essex belong; therefore, become cool too. or that a tattoo was a way of getting over Young people are merely pursuing Carl a negative event. References Rogers’ ‘ideal self.’ For those seeking attention tattoos Blakemore, SJ. & Mills, K. (2014). Is adolescence a I asked some of the parents for their certainly induce reaction, be it praise or sensitive period for sociocultural processing? reasons for removal. Some were thinking disdain; drawing the eye to youthful skin, Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 187–207 about the example to their children; often erotic areas of the body. But is Stirn, A. & Hinz, A. (2008). Tattoos, body piercings, and others no longer liked tattoos and were attracting attention, the same as being self-injury: Is there a connection? Psychotherapy fed up with covering up; some worried attractive? People with new tattoos report Research, 18(3), 326–333.

340 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 letters

Consciousness complexity FORUM SURVIVAL GUIDE Anyone who has a PhD will remember that first moment when I should start by saying that empirical criteria for theory someone addresses you as Dr. Although you have spent years of I am extremely sympathetic building (Osman 2004; 2010, your life earning that doctorate, it comes as an initial shock. After to Jessica Bockler’s view, as 2013, 2014). In fact, the a while, though, it becomes not only familiar but expected. Indeed, presented in her letter ‘A replication crisis in psychology you may feel demoted if somebody refers to you as Ms or Mr. For misleading juxtaposition’ indicates just how significant many academics, the next moment of joyous transition is when you (April 2015). There are many a problem we face in make it to the pinnacle of being called Professor. unnecessary lines being drawn establishing our empirical Last year, Dr Tom Hartley of the University of York carried out in psychological research, and foundations, particularly with a fascinating little survey of modes of academic address in e-mail the most popular one made regard to the involvement of (see https://thermaltoy.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/dr-who-or- between the conscious and the unconscious in our professor-who-on-academic-email-etiquette/). This was initially the unconscious is, on closer cognition. stimulated by a discussion on Twitter about whether it was inspection, only feebly This appropriate for a potential PhD applicant to start an e-mail to a UK supported in empirical doesn’t rule Professor with ‘Hey Rebecca!’. The general view was that it was not. evidence. So, there may in fact out a place ARTICL Does our unconscious rule? Though I have to say it is better than ‘Esteemed Madam Mrs Magda Osman refocuses our view on the evidence Who is ‘in control’? H achieve more ‘agency’? Is any ‘freedom to choose’ thatow we do havewe be a touch of the argumentum for the illusory? Such debates run througho the Nobel uPrize-winningt bests w here are many Big Ideas that place Professor Dorothy’, which was how one recent e-mail started. It is ellers, in Daniel Kahneman. This popular a heavy emphasis on shifting the cluding Tresponsibility of control away from view – that much of what we orkdo of the conscious individual to our is shaped by unconscio unconscious selves. These include: that we can’t access or reliably I control – has impacted onus many thinking Thinking hard is bad; Thinking psychologists across different intuitively is good. ad hominem in Bockler’s letter, unconscious I Unconscious thinking is bad; domains. Thinking consciously is better. k The aim of this article is to I challenge this view, and to propose Our brains are controlling us; We easy to laugh at these things, but the sad part is that the sender so an unpopular al don’t have conscious control of tha pre ourselves. dominately consciousternat of, or can acro ive: We are ecover conscious access to, the These Big Ideas have filtered to ev tentions behind our actions. into the public domain through and t popular science books, such as delibe for the following reasons. or dual- Risk (Gardner, 2008), Charge (Gladwell,(Gazzaniga, 2007), 2011),Who’s in “What exactly i clearly has nobody to tell them about appropriate modes of address. Illusion decision making (Hood (2012),The Self Blink e do people most readily accept Fast and Slow is no good defini l and responsibility over their Decisive Moment(Kahneman,Thinking, 2011), s? Nudge (Thaler & (Lehrer,Sunstein, 2009) 2008). and Along cisms around evidence for the with the fact that at least two of the ideasThe are in contradiction, the other problem is I too have been arguing process ious have implications for showed tha that the big ideas are often supported by ent interventions such as of informati the same cited evidence from a few key ? account to m psychological studies. This issue will be However, Tom’s survey turned up another intriguing fact of better off not ases be brought under the main focus of my critical discussion. more complex on your memo Thinking hard is bad; Thinking The advantage is that it doesn’t intuitively is good attention, whic that the modern distinctions theories, 14). Future-minded: The There are many areas of psychology – This also me f agency and control. including judgement and decision of informati Palgrave-Macmillan. making, and reasoning – that have shown we have e which I had been unaware, concerning UK vs. US differences. It that when it comes to complex decisions different that require us to pay attention to a lot of require information, or pay attention to particular proce types of information that might be (Kah

dings on a being drawn between only that as consci s turns out that in the UK, once you are a Professor you expect that conscious and unconscious they are title to be used in formal communications. In the US, though, mechanisms in the domain of currently ‘Professor’ has the connotation that you are a student addressing reasoning, judgement, decision conceptualised, they fall short a teacher, and the title ‘Dr’ is deemed more appropriate for a senior making, learning and problem of standards the community member of a university, recognising their academic qualification. solving reflect a false has set. To end, yet again, in It is fascinating how much is bound up with this terminology. dichotomy (Osman, 2004, absolutely agreement with Until I read Tom’s post, I had been puzzled when I got e-mails from 2010, 2013, 2014). Not only Bockler’s view, what we do face the US, starting ‘Dear Dr Bishop’. I tended to assume they just did does the distinction is a dynamic and complex not know my proper title. No doubt my e-mails in the other direction misrepresent the rich range of world, and the nature of our to ‘Dr Professor X’, had elicited similar bafflement at my crassness. phenomena that psychologists cognition is in turn complex Gender can make these issues all the more complicated. One of study by boxing them into and dynamic. The interplay Tom’s respondents commented: ‘I am happy with being called Ms, category X or Y, the dual- between the environment we though it suggests a lack of research into my real title, but I get very process framework that is are in and how we act and annoyed at being called Miss or Mrs because it seems to me to be built around it can only offer react to it is where a form of disrespect for my hard won qualifications. In some cases, a neat and enormously broad psychologists have often when done by men of a certain age, I suspect it is deliberate classification system that looked in order to best denigration, as if they cannot cope with the idea of a female full describes differences, but not understand human behaviour professor.’ much more than that. This (Osman, 2010, 2014). This issue came to a head recently when people on Twitter clearly is a limitation, since Throughout the history of noticed a piece in the Wall Street Journal (tinyurl.com/pm2uyoe) by while theory is designed to psychology this is where the Raymond Tallis reviewing books by Susan Greenfield and Norman offer descriptions and most significant advances in Doidge. Susan Greenfield (who is Dr, Professor and Baroness) was explanations – which dual- theory and practice have been referred to as ‘Ms’ Greenfield whereas Doidge (who is Dr and process frameworks do – made. Professor) was referred to as Dr Doidge. People leapt upon Tallis, crucially theory should Magda Osman assuming he was being sexist. They should have noticed, though, generate new predictions Queen Mary University that he himself (both a Dr and a Professor) was referred to in the –which dual-process piece as ‘Mr Tallis’. Unfortunately, as he explained, it is a weird frameworks struggle to do. References stylistic convention of the Wall Street Journal to restrict the title ‘Dr’ As to the empirical side of Osman, M. (2004). An evaluation of dual to MDs, so even a UK medic doesn’t qualify. things, is there still a role for process theories of reasoning. I was irritated enough to write to the editor concerned to ask that the unconscious in reasoning, Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 11, they reconsider this convention. For anyone with a PhD to be referred judgement, decision making, 998–1010. to as Mr or Ms in an article seems to reflect at best ignorance in the learning and problem solving. Osman, M. (2010). Controlling writer, and at worst deliberate insult. This problem is compounded What I have been arguing here uncertainty. Psychological Bulletin, if titles are recognised for some individuals but not others. The is that we need to return to 136, 65–86. response I got did not give me any optimism that the venerable Wall basics by considered the Osman, M. (2013). A case study: Dual- Street Journal will reconsider its policy; they seem to regard reliability and validity of the process theories of higher cognition tradition as more important than clarity and avoidance of offence. methods used to examine the – Commentary on Evans & unconscious in cognition. Stanovich (2013). Perspectives on Dorothy Bishop is Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology and Thus far what we have is a Psychological Science, 8, 248–252. a Wellcome Principal Research Fellow at the Department of considerable body of research Osman, M. (2014). Future-minded: The Experimental Psychology in Oxford. This column aims to prompt that either fails to meet one or psychology of agency and control. debate about surviving and thriving in academia and research. both of these essential London: Palgrave-Macmillan.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 341 letters

What has neuroscience FORUM SPORTING LIFE Stumped by the big numbers done for psychotherapy? England’s exit at the group stages of the recent Cricket World Cup has reopened speculation about the organisational aspects of I want to thank Jon Roiser for psychosocial experiences. effective teams. It has been mooted that playing for England in a demonstrating the promise Assuming that the consequent climate of constant screening and data analysis places unsustainable that neuroscience holds for emotional conflicts underlie demands on players and curbs individual flair. While it is difficult to mental health practice (‘What symptoms that are adaptations comment on any particular team from the sidelines, the possible has neuroscience ever done for to these conflicts, can we side-effects of micro-management in modern sport are worth us?’, April 2015). However, reshape or even erase conflicts exploring. I feel that more could be said to ease a client’s suffering? The pertinent question, given that the number of support staff about what neuroscience offers Bruce Ecker and colleagues in most professional sports teams has increased vastly in the last psychotherapy given the large claim to have achieved this by decade, is whether the merits of such an approach outweigh the proportion of readership either applying the principles of potential issues. It is undeniable that the sport science era has personally or professionally reconsolidation to greatly enhanced sport physiologically and technically; so why might involved in this. psychotherapy. players be disgruntled? Jon argued that in order Reconsolidation describes Increasing support staff (e.g. technical coaches, strength and to enhance the treatment of how consolidated, or stable, conditioning experts, data-analysts) may be problematic for many mental health problems, we memories can be modified reasons. As in all working environments, disagreement with need to understand the neural during their reactivation management is the principal source of unhappiness. Put simply, the basis of symptoms. He referred (Tronson & Taylor, 2007). By greater number of staff increases the likelihood of this. Secondly, to the neural circuits identifying and experiencing needing to impress a wider circle of coaches can increase pressure underlying symptoms as the implicit memory or on players. Apart from being observed more, it increases the number proximal mechanisms because conflict-driving symptoms and of professional interactions in a day and thus emotional labour. they directly cause symptoms. concurrently experiencing Thirdly, staff may compete for time and attention – which can At the other end of the something that sharply frustrate players. Finally, repeated exposure to coaches can spectrum, distal mechanisms, contradicts the memory’s exaggerate the possible pitfalls present in all learning environments, such as personality and expectations, we can overwrite namely, habituation or dependence. upbringing, indirectly shape the conflicting memory with It is often posited that discontent amongst athletes stems from symptoms. This view is an adaptive one (Ecker et al., the modern preoccupation with data. The concept, ‘you can’t manage undoubtedly useful as it 2012). Repeating this it if you can’t measure it’ is as prevalent in sport as it is in the likes of integrates neurobiological procedure is argued to deliver business and education. Data per se is not a problem – athletes have and psychosocial frameworks. profound cessation of always collected information about opponents (Jardine apparently However, by specifying the symptoms. Despite several studied footage of Bradman prior to the ‘Bodyline’ series in 1932). neural circuits underpinning laboratory studies in humans The issue is that, if not used skilfully, it can lead to a form of symptoms, we remain at a demonstrating the erasure of premeditation that contravenes the moment-by-moment decision descriptive level, which may fear learning, clinical trials are making required in sport. Leadership in action (i.e. tactical flexibility not further psychotherapies. needed to assess the validity in performance) is a facet of sport that must continue to be valued, or What difference does it and utility of this approach. our athletes’ development as people and performers will be stunted. make knowing that fixated Of course, both the neural A further issue regarding data usage relates to flow and peak thinking and stereotyped mechanisms that relate to performance. Literature suggests that such experiences are derived actions are represented by symptoms and those that drive from joy, freedom of expression, and clarity (absence?) of thought. cortico-basal ganglia circuits them need therapeutic Data could certainly assist this clarity, but without care it might also in obsessive-compulsive intervention: residual proximal obfuscate. disorders? The target of mechanisms may ignite newly As part of support staff, psychologists must emphasise that exposure interventions developed conflicts. However, athletes are not machines. Management that does not consider the remains the same. We thus there is no reason why distal wider psychological issues of mental fatigue, individual differences, need to go beyond the ‘How’ mechanisms are not flow and empowerment is fatally flawed. Athletes won’t be stimulated and ask ‘Why?’ Imagine a car represented by neural circuits, by the environment and, in time, will be found wanting in competition. breaking down due to over- given that ‘the brain is the revving. We could change the interface at which genetic and Questions: damaged parts of the engine environmental influences How has the sport psychologist’s role at the elite level changed (neural circuits) but we would interact’. over the past decade due to the growing role of data analysts? neglect the underlying cause: Matthew Constantinou Have sport psychologists noticed a decrease in athlete enjoyment the driver’s over-revving habit University College London in the modern era due to increasing sport science demands? (underlying emotional Have psychologists felt pressured to produce data in such conflict). References environments, where observation and interaction might be more So should mental health Ecker, B., Ticic, R. & Hulley, L. (2012). effective? professionals still care about Unlocking the emotional brain. New neuroscience? I argue that we York: Routledge. Alastair Storie is a former professional cricketer and a Chartered can advance psychotherapy by Tronson, N.C. & Taylor, J.R. (2007). Psychologist and runs the company Performer Consulting. Share understanding how the brain Molecular mechanisms of memory your views on this and other sport psychology issues – internalises distal mechanisms, reconsolidation. Nature Reviews e-mail [email protected]. particularly negative Neuroscience, 8, 262–275.

342 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 letters

A straightforward interview NOTICEBOARD

How refreshing to read the interview with My favourite part of the interview was the I am a postgraduate student at Sergio Della Sala and his straightforward assertion that ‘playing computer games…won’t Coventry University and am responses (April 2015). As a wannabe do us any better than seeing currently completing my neuropsychologist I often come across friends, enjoying a walk or doing empirical research for my MSc. references to, ‘use it or you’ll lose it’ crosswords’ – indeed, one of my In order to do this I need to and comments such as ‘listening to most effective clinical recruit participants to engage in Mozart will improve cognitive interventions was giving a former the study. My research aims to functioning’ in both my clinical work acquired brain-injury patient understand the experience of and social life when my area of work is permission to stop daily brain- psychologists who are employed revealed. Only the other day I gently training practice! This game, as expert witnesses in terms of disputed an article saved for me from prescribed by a well-meaning case how they feel they are viewed as one of the Sunday papers. I don’t manager, had been increasing her a source of evidence. The study pretend to have an in-depth knowledge anxiety and providing a stark daily would involve a telephone of neuroscience and the workings of dose of failure, neither of which was interview. If you are interested in the brain, but Della Sala helpfully reminded that conducive to her rehabilitation. taking part, please contact me. it is, of course, complex and ‘discussions about Dr Hayley Entwistle Nicola Maguire the functioning of the mind [can’t be] reduced Principal Clinical Psychologist [email protected] to slogans or simplistic concepts’. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Autism confusion

I am confused by two must also display restricted diagnoses for a condition recent letters (April 2015) or repetitive behaviours or with no determinate about the importance or interests to justify an ASD biomarkers. One can ask otherwise of an autism diagnosis: so apparently whether it is right that diagnosis. Both Professor this is what is really services be allocated this Rita Jordan (also Letters, distinct about autism. way, particularly when it February 2015) and Dr Either complex social seems so difficult to Waseem Alladin seem to deficits are not uniquely specify what exactly EDUCATIONAL agree that service provision characteristic of autism or constitutes the unique should be based on the DSM has got it wrong. features of autism. Whilst IMBALANCE individual need, a view However, Professor it may be commendable substantially similar to Jordan questions the for advocacy groups to As educational psychology trainers that expressed by Graham reliance by diagnostic campaign for dedicated in Newcastle, we have noticed over Collins (Letters, December systems on behavioural services, this has surely the years that there is a significant 2014 and March 2015), symptoms, arguing that contributed to widening demographic imbalance in our with whom both we should somehow go the boundaries of autism applicants and in those who nevertheless take issue. beyond these in and the so-called ‘autism undertake the programme. This is Dr Alladin also argues that considering autism. But epidemic’. This perhaps shown most starkly for us in the a diagnosis is an important how could we devise a exemplifies Hacking’s preponderance of white females precursor to treatment reliable diagnostic system (2015) argument that among those interviewed and planning. In contrast, without using behavioural activists have even shaped entering the programme and then Professor Jordan states indicators? How else could our understanding of the profession. We are intrigued and that ‘diagnosis is a poor we ever agree about the autism. Where is the somewhat puzzled as to why this is determiner of services’. unique social deficits of difference between having so, and wonder if any demographic So what exactly does an autism, or even whether autism and having a imbalance has been noted autism diagnosis add? there are any? diagnosis of autism? elsewhere across the discipline. Both evidently agree Yet diagnosis Dr Richard Hassall We would be interested to hear that complex social deficits apparently does matter. CPsychol of others’ experience and thoughts are distinctive of autism. I know from my own Department of Philosophy on the matter – is it a concern for Dr Alladin also cites DSM- clinical experience that University of Sheffield others? 5 as a diagnostic guide. valuable support services Billy Peters, Dave Lumsdon, However, DSM-5 specifies may be reserved for Reference Richard Parker, Simon Gibbs two possible and distinct children with a formal Hacking, I. (2015). On the ratio of and Richard Parker diagnoses in this context – diagnosis, while others science to activism in the Programme Team ‘autism spectrum disorder’ with equal needs often shaping of autism. In Doctorate in Applied Educational and ‘social-communication miss out. There will K.S.Kendler & J. Parnas (Eds.) Psychology disorder’. The DSM is inevitably be pressure, Philosophical issues in Newcastle University explicit about the often from parents, for psychiatry III. Oxford: Oxford difference: the individual clinicians to assign University Press.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 343 letters

the psychologist vol 28 no 3 march 2015 www.thepsychologist.org.uk Sorcery with words

I have read with much interest the article building a logic and objective ‘Words and sorcery’ by Simon Oxenham argument. Sometimes, even reading and Jon Sutton (March 2015). I believe badly written articles might be an that writing is a talent and for those who effective technique to understand need to learn how to do it, the process is what we, as students, have to avoid long, tough and made up of several trails doing. and exercises. As an undergraduate Here, I would like to share student, the aim of our essays, lab reports some articles and books that I find and coursework is generally to convey fascinating and wonderfully written. a clear, concise, coherent message about It is hard to choose only few Words and a certain topic with a critical point of papers among all those that have sorcery Simon Oxenham and Jon Sutton consider the causes of bad writing view. It is also important to explain the been published in these years, and in psychology, and its impact main concepts through the use of an therefore I have selected my own

letters 172 eldercare: the new frontier 202 accurate style and to define jargon and favourites. The article ‘The news 184 sweet memories 206 careers 236 sexual identity at work 212 psychology terms as well. construction of autobiographical reviews 244 masculinity, trauma and ‘shell shock’ 250 The suggestions and tips that I have memories in the self-memory system’ read in Oxenham and Sutton’s article are by Conway and Pleydell-Pearce in extremely useful, and I have noticed some Psychological Review (2000) is a similarities with what our professors brilliant work; Loftus and Palmer’s 1974 memory’ about false memories and how taught us – taking time to construct your study in the Journal of Verbal Learning and they can be formed is fascinating, and work, thorough researching references Verbal Behaviour ‘Reconstruction of I remember I enjoyed reading it when that may help us to better understand automobile destruction: An example of I had to do a lab report related to this the topic we have to write about, and the interaction between language and concept; then, Kapur et al.’s 2005 paper

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344 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 letters

in Schizophrenia Research ‘From dopamine Thank you for including my response gets out of hand, but that’s how I like it, to salience to psychosis – linked biology, alongside the three other responses (April it’s how I’ve ghosted some of my best pharmacology and phenomenology of 2015) to your article ‘Words and sorcery’ creations.’ psychosis’ is in my own opinion a (March 2015). I particularly enjoyed the Is this what you had in mind when hallmark in the schizophrenia research response from James Hartley, especially you wrote the title? Would you accept field – it is written in such a way that when I discovered that my response’s the ‘ghosted creations’ of we mere the major complex concepts are clearly Flesch count (46.3) was within a psychologists? explained and can be understood also smidgeon of his (47.8). Will you warn Joshua Fox by non-professional individuals. future contributors ‘Under 30 not Hailsham, East Sussex Finally, in terms of books, The Man admitted’? Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (1985) A further thought: What a pity you Editor Jon Sutton, co-author of the article, and Musicophilia (2007) by Oliver Sack did not quote the opening paragraph of replies: I wish I could say that link was are both masterpieces that I would Karl Wiggins’s poetry collection Words Are deliberate, but I wasn’t aware of that recommend to everyone. Sacks’s books Our Sorcery (2014): piece! Instead, I chose the headline based are a journey into the fragile human ‘Words are the writer’s sorcery, our on my desire for a painfully extended mind, and through his style he enables dark arts and our sleight of hand. They’re metaphor about fantasy lands, and for the reader to understand the processes our enchantment and our temptation. the anagram of ‘sword’ as in ‘sword and and implications underlying neurological Words flow around my brain, pulsating sorcery’. The point in the article about and clinical disorders in a clear, engaging and swimming, knocking into one falling on barren land is apt, given that and touching way. another until I can finally ambush even the Assistant Editor didn’t pick up Sarah Pisani them and leak them out onto the page. on that until about a month after Psychology undergraduate This, believe it or not, is how I write. publication. City University London Sometimes I overindulge myself and it

I across I down

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 347 NEWS

A lively debate was held at London’s Senate House in March manuscript that includes the introduction and method from with panellists from neuroscience and psychology discussing the original submission, results separated into two sections (the the question: is science broken? If so, how can we fix it? analyses mentioned in first manuscript, plus any extra analyses The discussion covered the replication crisis along with the authors came up with after the provisional acceptance), and areas of concern regarding statistics and larger, more general a discussion. This goes to stage two review and if the authors problems. The session began by considering the pre- followed the pre-approved protocol, and have conclusions registration of studies, with Chris Chambers (Cardiff justified by data, the manuscript will be published. University) explaining the potential. The standard system, Chambers then discussed 25 questions he is often asked whereby an academic completes research then submits their about registered reports. These included the common concern findings to a journal, can lead to several types of bias, he said. of how does one know if registered reports are suitable for As one member of a very large team who had been contributing a given field. He said any area where at least part is involved to the development of registered reports in journals including with deductive hypothesis-driven research can potentially Cortex, Chambers said the first question he asks of audiences benefit if any problems exist such as publishing bias, is this: If your aim is to do good science, what part of a significance chasing, post-hoc hypothesising, low power, lack scientific study should be beyond your control? ‘The answer of replication and data sharing. Although not all of these you typically get is results,’ Chambers reported. The next problems are solved by pre-registration, Chambers feels it can question is: In the interests of advancing your career what part be helpful to incentivise transparent practices across a number of a study do you think is most important for publishing in of different areas. high-impact journals? ‘Again, it’s the results.’ Following a break each of the panellists gave a brief talk This leads Chambers to conclude: ‘The incentives that drive around the central debate. Dorothy Bishop, Professor of science and individual scientists are in opposition, and I think Developmental Neuropsychology at the University of Oxford, if we’re going to tackle this issue we should recognise the said she believed that science was broken, but had hope that incentive problem we have.’ Chambers said this incentive issue it could be fixed. Professor Bishop said science has more of can lead to publication biases within journals, significance a problem than it had in the past. Now, she said, we are able chasing, hypothesising after results are known, or changing to gather huge multivariate data sets and perform complicated hypotheses to fit results. He also said there was no incentive statistics on them. She added: ‘It really comes down to the to share data, that the whole field was encumbered by a lack problem being that you have people presenting exploratory of statistical power. In the current incentive structure it makes analyses as if they were hypothesis testing… I started to more sense to publish large numbers of acceptable papers realise what a big issue this was when I realised I wasn’t rather than a small number that are based on studies with large believing a lot of literature I was reading.’ samples and high power. In addition, Chambers said, Bishop said her concerns began while looking into academics often do not see replication as worthy of their time. conducting EEG research. While reading the literature she Chambers suggested that authors could adopt a philosophy realised the amount of potential measurements one can take where what gives hypothesis testing its scientific value is the from EEG or ERP data. ‘I saw there was so much flexibility importance of the question being asked and the quality of the anyone who did anything with this method would find methodology, not the results it produces. He then went on to something.’ The use of four-way analysis of variance explain the process of registered reports. In this structure particularly concerned her and as a result she carried out authors submit a stage one manuscript including an several ANOVAs on a large set of random numbers and found introduction, proposed methods and detailed analysis, and several apparent ‘effects’. pilot data of possible. This article then goes to a stage one peer She said she was amazed to find that virtually 75 per cent review where reviewers address whether the hypotheses are of the runs she performed on her data would come up with well-founded, the methods and analysis feasible and detailed some effect. Bishop added: ‘In analysis of variance you are enough that someone else could reproduce the experiment controlling for the number of levels at any one factor, but directly. Is it a well-powered study with quality controls and you’re not adjusting for the number of comparisons you are manipulation tests included? If these requirements are met the doing… If I made an a priori prediction that there was going to journal offers in-principle acceptance, regardless of the study be a group-by-task interaction only once in all of those 15 runs outcome. would I get a false positive. But if you’re not predicting in Authors then do the research and submit a stage two advance and hypothesising after looking at the data you’re

348 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 news

going to find something that looks like an effect.’ Neuroskeptic, a neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry researcher and blogger, gave a personal BIG BANG SCIENCE FAIR perspective on problems with science, speaking of the As tens of thousands of children and teenagers flooded into events that led him to lose faith in the research in the field. Birmingham’s NEC for the Big Bang science fair, the British He said that as undergraduate students people are taught to Psychological Society and representatives from several universities do statistics in a very particular way, but once a person were on hand to inspire an interest in psychology. The Society’s Mind begins PhD research things change vastly. After gathering Mysteries stand amazed the youngsters with its live demonstrations. some results for his PhD research, Neuroskeptic found he The University of Nottingham were among the guests at the had one significant result out of seven tasks performed by stand, and Roger Newport was causing gasps and shrieks among his participants. He said: ‘I thought back to my willing participants using his specially designed equipment that undergraduate days and thought “What if you do a distorts how people perceive their own bodies. Volunteers place their Bonferroni correction across all the tasks?”. I got the idea hands beneath a monitor screen that seems to give the person an that I’d suggest this to my supervisor but don’t think I ever image of their hands on the table, but using a delay in the visual did, I realised that just wasn’t how it was done. I was very feedback given to the person and subtle psychological manipulation surprised by this. I learned as an undergraduate you do a Dr Newport can make it seem as if a person’s finger is being Bonferroni correction if you have multiple tasks. I started to stretched or as if one of their hands has disappeared entirely. wonder if we aren’t doing this who else isn’t doing it? I He said: ‘The machine helps us to show people how they know began to lose faith in research in the field.’ what shape their body is, it demonstrates that the body they perceive Neuroskeptic said he wondered whether there was a good to have is made up of sensory inputs, and this shows how these are reason that multiple comparisons correction was not used. He all put together. The reactions are mixed, it ranges from squealing to added: ‘I still don’t think there’s a good reason we can’t do that. hysterical laughter, most people describe it as “weird”. But in quite We have come to the tacit decision to accept methods which a few children it really prompts we would never teach undergraduates were a statistically good discussion from how it works to the idea, but we decide that we’re happy to do them ourselves. psychological theory behind it.’ That’s how I got on the road to blogging about these issues.’ Kevin Silber was also demonstrating Sophie Scott, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience visual perception experiments, on behalf (University College London), gave a more general discussion of the University of Derby. Using prism about how people become involved in science and the legacy goggles Dr Silber showed how difficult it left by scientists. Scott said that she did not believe that is to use inverted visual information to scientific change or progress was something you see with one trace around drawings or even write or two papers. She said that it was useful and humbling to your own name. consider where one’s own research would be in 100 years. Students from the University of Leicester, along with lecturer She said it was useful to move away from thinking about Dr Caren Frosch, were demonstrating a physical illusion. Volunteers processing single papers and look at some of the bigger issues. were given a large object and asked to choose one of a number of She added: ‘Some of the assumptions we make in psychology smaller objects that weighed the same, usually underestimating the are horrific. We all have unconscious biases, but what we weight. Frosch said this was caused by an illusion that bigger things could do is look at how that’s influencing the science we do. are perceived as heavier, thus most people choose a smaller Because it is, whether you think it is or not.’ matching object thinking it weighed about the same. They also Scott said that scientists tend to look at a scientific issue or demonstrated optical illusions including an explanation of ‘the dress’ question within a framework of what can be studied. ‘If I look illusion, which exploded on social media after people perceived the into the study of language, most of the research is on reading same picture of the same dress as either being blue and black or written words, there’s less on listening to speech because that’s white and gold. hard, there’s less on speech production and least of all on Warwick University PhD student Zorana Zupan was writing because that’s even harder.’ On whether science was demonstrating the galvanic skin response and pulse rate to show that broken, she concluded: ‘I think it’s interesting to answer these psychological reactions also have physical manifestations. As well as questions, but I’d be concerned if we focused too much on electrodermal activity Zupan was measuring heart rate, further process, because that leads to you focusing on individual explaining how psychology can be measured in an objective way. She papers… the bigger picture will tell you where things are said: ‘So far the children have been really interested in what we’re going. Rather than focusing on what’s wrong and what’s right, doing. We’re also showing people a diagram of the brain and look at what’s going to last and what’s meaningful.’ explaining the functions of the various different regions, which has Sam Schwarzkopf, Research Fellow in Experimental fascinated a lot of the people here.’ Psychology (University College London), bucked the trend of BPS Psychology Education Policy Advisor Kelly Auty said the Big the event by suggesting that science was working better than Bang fair was a great opportunity for the Society to give young people ever before. He said in the history of science there had always and their teachers and families a hands-on experience of psychology. been irreproducible results, political obstacles, other academics ‘Many people think they know what psychology is and are really scooping ideas and publication bias. Dr Schwarzkopf said we surprised when they come to the stand to find out about psychological should be focusing on science that gives equal weight to phenomena and how they might be used in real-life research. This exploration and replication. He said that all the talk about pre- year, we also took part in the Maths Counts initiative, explaining why registration and replication looks at the symptoms rather than numeracy is important for psychologists. It has been a great the root cause. He concluded: ‘Science is a process that’s experience, and our volunteers have all stepped up in making sure constantly evolving and it’s better than it ever has been, it’s visitors to the stand come away with a really positive experience of more open and more transparent, and there are ways of psychology, have learnt a bit of psychological science and have had communicating science which weren’t even around 10 years a great time.’ ER ago. That doesn’t mean science is perfect – we should be asking how can we make science even better than it is.’ ER

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 349 news The Germanwings crash

On 24 March Germanwings Flight 9525 Professor Wessely told the newspaper crashed into the French Alps, instantly that he had dealt with pilots who suffered killing all 150 passengers and crew. As it with depression, that once recovered they was revealed that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz are still monitored, and that two of those caused the crash intentionally after he worked with went on to have very locking his fellow pilot out of the cockpit, successful careers. He continued: ‘Why mental health issues quickly took centre should they not? What does cause trouble stage. Tabloid newspapers reacted with is saying that if you have ever had a brash headlines full of blame and bile, history of depression then you should not suggesting a causal link between be allowed to do whatever. That is wrong, depression and being a danger to the lives as much as saying that people with a of others. ‘Why on earth was he allowed history of broken arms shouldn’t be to fly?’, asked the front page of the Daily allowed to do something.’ Mail. But in amongst the heat and He added: ‘We are all concerned. intolerance, was there any light and There are two reasons why: there isn’t genuine insight to be found? a link between depression and aggressive Despite an increasing public suicide, if that is what this is. There isn’t discussion around mental health and normally such a link. And second, stigma, a large-scale disaster still seems to because of some of the ridiculous things bring out the ugly side of the media, with that are said. Piers Morgan said that it the complexities of mental illness glossed was a disgrace that a man with acute over. A candid column published in The depression was allowed to fly. Well, they Guardian (tinyurl.com/ohhpu7u) by are not allowed to fly. There may have novelist and journalist Matt Haig outlines been some fault in the procedures that in destructive ways through acting on examples of this stigma as well as his own let this happen, but they are not allowed suicidal and homicidal thoughts. He added: struggles with depression. He points to to fly.’ ‘The regulatory authorities will probably several tabloid newspapers who jumped Ruby Wax, the TV personality increase psychological testing for air crew, the gun in linking depression with who has psychotherapy and counselling although it is unlikely that this will help violence and murder – before the full facts training, also added her voice to anti- to identify those at risk of unusual and were even available. He wrote: ‘Even when stigma commentators. Wax, who has extreme acts of violence. But these it did emerge that Lubitz had a history of spoken openly about her own depression, measures, as every therapist will depression and had been to see a doctor, wrote in the Huffington Post understand, will not help us to access and does this mean all people with depression (tinyurl.com/obz2h68) that she had been understand the psyche of a pilot and most are an automatic risk to public safety? on Sydney’s version of Question Time, Q especially one who is committed to acts of You’d think so, given some of the media and A, and was asked whether all pilots such destruction.’ In hindsight, he added, it output that followed.’ should be examined for mental illness. was doubtful that this outcome could have Haig makes the point that outlandish She wrote: ‘That's a question that could been predicted: ‘Regulatory authorities will headlines from certain newspapers create bring the stigma right back into fashion to come to terms with something many of us a culture of silence, in which people feel a the point of burning us at the stake again.’ have always known: there are individuals need to hide their illnesses. He added: ‘For Wax went on to criticise the relative lack who wrestle with destructive forces in their instance, imagine if you were a pilot who of research into cures for mental illness minds and some – thankfully very few – was suddenly suffering a bout of depression compared with physical illness. have access to jobs and responsibilities that and you wanted to explain this to your Chartered Psychologist Professor can wreak havoc unless they are identified employers and ask for some time off to Robert Bor (see tinyurl.com/prebwej), and selected out of their roles, or at the recover. I imagine that such an admission told The Psychologist that in his 25 years very least helped to manage their would be harder to make today than it in the aviation sector he had become destructive urges.’ would have been before this press coverage.’ familiar with the mental health issues It was striking how little of the As mentioned by Haig, some tabloid that affect pilots, as well as being involved coverage dealt with this pertinent issue – newspapers made the suggestion that with pilot selections and mental health murder-suicide. One article that did was depressed pilots should not be allowed to assessments. Bor said a question that by Erica Goode in the New York Times fly at all. In an interview with the Observer would be on all of our minds was whether (tinyurl.com/m96farl). She wrote that (tinyurl.com/otduwk2) Professor Simon such an event could have been prevented. ‘studies over the last decades have begun Wessely (President of the Royal College of ‘Theoretically, yes, if every pilot was to piece together characteristics that many Psychiatrists) pointed out that pilots with subjected to an extensive psychological who carry out such violence seem to acute depression are not, in fact, allowed assessment. But of course the real answer share, among them a towering narcissism, to fly. The report states that pilots are is no, because it is inconceivable that such a strong sense of grievance and a desire allowed to fly for commercial airlines a assessments could ever be undertaken on for infamy’. Adam Lankford, an associate minimum of four weeks after symptoms a mass scale.’ professor of criminal justice at the of depression have been resolved or when Professor Bor said that regulatory University of Alabama, commented that in they are free of symptoms but taking authorities would now closely address the his research on mass killers who also took approved antidepressants. immediate antecedents to pilots behaving their own lives, he has found ‘a significant

350 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 DPA/P news RESS A SSOCIATION I MAGES

coming up is family stresses, relationship stress, work stresses, financial stresses.’ In several cases, Goode notes, ‘the pilots, all men, seemed to be acting on grievances.’ The British Psychological Society released a statement in the aftermath of the crash (tinyurl.com/o4aprfd), with President Elect Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes, referring to the calls for psychological testing and monitoring of pilots following the crash. He added: ‘Many people associated with the industry have said that lessons need to be learned and, of course, this could help the bereaved families feel that steps are being taken to prevent these types of rare incidents happening in the future. The British Psychological Society is ready and willing to participate in any of those discussions to give expert support as appropriate. For example, helping to consider whether a greater focus on psychological testing and psychological wellbeing is desirable.’ number of cases where they mention dead end,’ he said, adding, ‘There’s Professor Dorothy Miell, President a desire for fame, glory or attention as something fundamentally different here, of the Society, added to this statement by a motive’. Depression is not the key: aside and apart from the depression, and asking that the debate in the media not ‘People want an easily graspable handle to that’s where we need to look.’ add to the stigma surrounding mental help understand this, to blame something The New York Times piece goes on to health problems by making assumptions or scapegoat,’ commented Dr James L. discuss a study of aircraft suicides by Dr about the risks posed by those who Knoll, Director of Forensic Psychiatry at Hatters Friedman and Dr Chris Kenedi, experience depression. Will those who the State University of New York Upstate a psychiatrist at Duke. ‘Not all of them write the headlines listen, or will the next Medical University. had a history of mental illness,’ Dr Hatters human disaster bring the same regrettable To zero in on depression is ‘a low-yield Friedman said of the pilots. ‘What keeps focus? ER

SUSTAINABLE MENTAL HEALTH PROVISION

A new report published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists claims carers to manage their mental health, eliminate wasteful activity a sustainable approach to health care can provide an answer to some and make use of low-carbon alternatives. of the current challenges in mental health. The authors outline how Dr Daniel Maughan, the lead author of the report and Royal climate change could affect mental health services, and make College of Psychiatrists Sustainability Fellow, said a change in recommendations for building more sustainable mental health culture and practice was needed. He added: ‘Sustainable services in the NHS. psychiatrists need to develop a further role of stewardship, not only The Sustainability in Psychiatry report (http://tinyurl.com/ojaaytp) of the resources they are using but of the NHS as a whole and the suggests that, although the World Health Organization has effects that the NHS has at large. Reducing over-medication, recognised climate change to be the greatest threat to human health adopting a recovery approach, exploiting the therapeutic value of this century, healthcare services have been slow to recognise this. natural settings and nurturing support networks can all improve It also points out that the NHS is the single largest emitter of patient care while reducing economic and environmental costs.' greenhouse gases in the UK public sector with a carbon footprint of Produced with the support of the Centre for Sustainable 25 million tonnes in 2012 (the most recent data); and as buildings Healthcare, the report lays the foundation for developing sustainable and direct energy-use only account for 17 per cent, reducing this practices in mental health in the UK and suggests every psychiatrist will mean a significant change in clinical practices. should review the sustainability of their clinical practice. Among its A sustainable mental healthcare system, the report says, will still recommendations the report suggests that psychiatrists could use need to provide high-value care in spite of environmental, economic video assessments, use public transport when carrying out home and social constraints. It sets out the aims of such a healthcare assessments and ensure only necessary medications are supplied system – to prevent mental illness, empower patients, staff and to patients to avoid wastage. ER

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 351 news Is breast best for intelligence?

A longitudinal study in Brazil hit the Olander, Lecturer in Maternal and Child But what can health professionals do headlines recently with its findings on Health at City University London, said to encourage women to try to breastfeed? the positive impact of breastfeeding on that breastfeeding education can have an ‘I think we have to ensure all women cognition. But what was the real message effect on initiation of breastfeeding. She intend to attempt breastfeeding,’ Olander of the research, particularly for the quarter explained: ‘This evidence comes from a, said. ‘For this, midwives play a key role. of mothers do not attempt to breastfeed? now somewhat old, Cochrane review, and They need to promote the advantages of The study, published in The Lancet the education described includes formal breastfeeding, but also understand the (tinyurl.com/m4rkfka), followed almost and informal sessions, needs-based or women’s individual circumstances to 3500 babies from 1982, from a variety of one-to-one support. It is also clear from provide woman-centred care, as well as socioeconomic backgrounds. In Brazil health psychology literature that show women how to breastfeed. That there is no social pattern for breastfeeding breastfeeding intention and attitude said, this assumes midwives and maternity – mothers from all backgrounds are towards breastfeeding can also predict support workers have time and feel they equally likely to breastfeed. The the actual behaviour shortly after birth.’ are able to care for women in a researchers – led by Professor Cesar Dr Olander went on to say this leads compassionate manner, which is not Victora – found that, compared with those to the question of why some women do always the case, as evidenced by a very recent London study by Hunter, Magill- Cuerden and McCourt.’ Postdoctoral Fellow in Cognitive Ageing at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Stuart Ritchie, spoke about the study as a whole. He told us that intelligence was strongly heritable, and any study that attempts to look at parental effects on intelligence should control for this. He added: ‘To get around this problem, you can do one of two things; control for parental levels of intelligence, or compare siblings or twins within the same family to control for genetics. The authors of this study didn’t do either of these things in the paper, so we can’t know whether or not the apparent effect of breastfeeding on intelligence is just due to smarter parents tending to breastfeed more, for whatever reason.’ Ritchie pointed to other studies that have used the correct controls and found no effect of breastfeeding, or at most a very small one. He concluded: ‘There might be two arguments against my point above. First, the study does control for parental education, which we know is linked to parental intelligence. who were breastfed for less than one not intend to initiate breastfeeding. ‘This But the problem is we know they’re not month, those who were breastfed for 12 seems to depend on who they are, for exactly the same thing (and only correlate months or more had higher IQ, more example the issue of embarrassment can moderately). Second, there isn’t a years of education and higher monthly be an important factor for why adolescent socioeconomic gradient of breastfeeding incomes. mothers do not intend to breastfeed, while in Brazil like there is in the US or the UK: If these results are correct, women research has shown for Bangladeshi that is, richer parents don’t tend to who do not intend to breastfeed should women living in East London, cultural breastfeed any more or less. But again, perhaps be encouraged to try, not only factors played an important role in parental socioeconomic status is only because of the health benefits associated breastfeeding initiation.’ Olander said moderately correlated with parental with breastfeeding but also for the occasionally things can happen that sway intelligence, so without that crucial potential cognitive benefit and impact on women away from initiating breastfeeding: control for parental intelligence, we life outcomes. So how can psychology ‘A recent example from Scotland is where simply can’t draw any conclusions about help mothers through the (often obese women report that due to birth whether breastfeeding has any effect.’ demanding) process of breastfeeding, and complications such as caesarean section So, the jury is still out on whether were the conclusions drawn justified in they struggled with breastfeeding, breastfeeding has an effect on intelligence. any case? commenting that they could not As Dr Ritchie concluded: ‘…with this Health psychology researcher Ellinor remember their first breastfeed,’ she said. study design, we can’t really know.’ ER

352 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 news

GOODBYE HEADCLUTCHER Mental health charities Rethink and Mind have released a new set of free stock images to be used to illustrate mental health stories in the media. The groups’ Get the Picture campaign is aiming to sway news outlets away from using so-called headclutcher pictures which show people sitting alone, head in hands. The say that such photos further stigmatise mental illness and lead to stereotypes about those suffering with mental health problems. They asked 2000 of their supporters for their views and 80 per cent said that headclutcher pictures do not show how it feels to have Neuroscientist Dr Kris De Aronson and Dr Carol Tavris In addition to the a mental health problem. Meyer (King’s College (University of California, Santa personal accounts and I For more information and to London) and filmmaker Cruz) and neuroscientists academic contributions, one download the pictures visit Sheila Marshall are putting Professor Mark Cohen and Dr of the believers also takes part tinyurl.com/qjqlwus the finishing touches to Pamela Douglas (University of in an fMRI study about belief. Right Between Your Ears, California, Los Angeles). De Meyer said: ‘Together these BURNING MAN a documentary about how De Meyer said: ‘Psychology perspectives give a unique we can become convinced has much to say about the insight into the nature of A University of Oxford psychologist that we are right, even when nature of our convictions, and belief, and turn it from a story has been given a two-year grant we are completely wrong. how we cope with the about “them” and “their” to prosocial experiences’ at the In the spirit of social consequences of our actions. beliefs into a story of how annual Burning Man festival, held psychologist Leon Festinger’s Yet it has fascinated me for a we believe.’ ER in the Nevada desert. Molly classic study in cognitive long time how little impact this I A crowdfunding campaign Crockett has been awarded the dissonance, De Meyer and knowledge has on resolving to cover the final part of grant by the Templeton Marshall spent six weeks in the our increasingly polarised the post-production costs, Foundation. Her project is US with a group of ‘end-time public debates and conflicts. with the opportunity to associated with the Experience believers’ before, during and Working with filmmaker preorder the DVD, is running Project, a $4.8m three-year after their failed prophecy. The Sheila Marshall stimulated me until 21 May 2015. To find initiative at the University of film weaves personal stories to step out of a purely out more about the campaign Notre Dame and the University of together with interviews with academic role, and to try to and to watch the trailer of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The experts, including social engage a wider audience with the film visit project explores the nature and psychologists Professor Elliot these psychological insights.’ www.rightbetween.com. philosophical implications of lived experiences that transform our epistemic perspectives. KING’S FUNDING Social psychology leading The Higher Education Funding Council for England has pledged £10m towards a hub for Neuropsychiatry Imaging the way Research and Therapeutics at the Institute of Psychiatry, A psychology journal has become the first in accepted papers will then be published, Psychology & Neuroscience at any area of science to exclusively publish pre- regardless of results, as long as studies are King’s College London. King’s registered papers, or registered reports. conducted and results analysed as agreed in is among seven institutions to Comprehensive Results in Social Psychology is the pre-registered proposal. receive funding totalling £100m. now accepting its first submissions. Articles which are accepted for publication The money will fund equipment Instead of the usual post-experiment and this year will be available to download for free that will be used in advancing results submission, authors submit their research online throughout the course of 2015 and print therapies for patients with proposals to the journal, which are reviewed and publication of the journal will begin in 2016. ER neurological and psychiatric accepted on the basis of its ‘substantive I For more information on submitting papers to disorders. contribution and proposed methodology’. All the journal visit tinyurl.com/k8motat

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 353 DIGEST

The psychology of voting, digested

Christian Jarrett brings us a round-up of psephological research from the Research Digest blog

The UK General Election is upon us and at multiple pairs of unfamiliar French Candidate personality the political parties are doing all they can political candidates and in each case to Journalists are often criticised for focusing to attract our votes. Psychology tells us select the one who looked most competent. overly on politicians’ personalities rather that not only are the parties competing Most of the time, the candidate selected than the ‘real issues’ – in the current with each other, they also have to contend by students as looking the most election campaign, just look at the media with the foibles of human nature. Many of competent was also the one who’d had commentary on opposition leader Ed us like to think that we vote according to real-life electoral success, the implication Miliband. Psychology research suggests sound reason, perhaps for the good of the being that voters too had been swayed by candidates’ perceived traits are relevant, country, our own family’s best interests, or the candidates’ appearance (there’s little at least in the sense that they are related by selecting the most fair and competent evidence that appearance and competence to the way we vote. A study from 2007 candidate. In fact, there’s evidence that our actually correlate). Unsurprisingly, being by Gian Caprara and colleagues found votes are frequently influenced by more attractive also helps win votes (see Niclas that we tend to vote for politicians who superficial factors, from a candidate’s Berggren’s 2010 study ‘The looks of a we think have similar personalities to looks to the weather on election day. Here winner’), especially in war time (see the ourselves – for instance, prior to the we digest the psychology of psephology, 2012 study led by Anthony Little: in peace 2004 US presidential election, people running down the evidence for 10 factors time, looking trustworthy is more of an who thought John Kerry shared their that affect people’s behaviour in the ballot advantage). Other researchers, such as traits were more likely to vote for him in box. Casey Klofstad and Cara Tigue, have the election, whereas people who thought found that we’re more likely to vote for they were like George W. Bush tended to male and female candidates with deeper vote in his favour. A similar effect has Candidate appearance voices. Meanwhile, according to a study been found in the context of Italian and It would be reassuring to think that the by Beth Miller and Jennifer Lundgren, Spanish politics (research led by Michele electorate choose who to vote for based obesity is a disadvantage for female Vecchione). Meanwhile, in a study on the candidates’ track records and candidates, but may help male candidates. published last year by Markus future policy promises. In truth, many And Gabriel Lenz and Chappell Lawson’s Koppensteiner and Pia Stephan, students of us are swayed simply by the way that paper ‘Looking the part’ found that people said they would be more willing to vote politicians look. Consider a 2009 study, ignorant about politics are more swayed for politicians whom they considered to led by John Antonakis and published in by politicians’ appearance, especially if the be more open-minded, friendly and Science, that asked Swiss students to look politician has had plenty of TV exposure. emotionally stable (the politicians’ extraversion and conscientiousness were not related to the students’ voting The material in this section is taken from the Society’s Research Digest blog, intentions). and is written by its editor Dr Christian Jarrett.

Visit the blog for full coverage including references and links, additional The polling station current reports, an archive, comment, our brand new podcast, and more. You A growing body of evidence suggests that can also subscribe to the free fortnightly e-mail, friend, follow and more. the places we go to vote, influence the way we vote. For example, in 2008, US www.bps.org.uk/digest researchers Jonah Berger, Marc Meredith and S. Christian Wheeler reported that people who voted at a polling station housed in a school were more likely to back a bill proposing more funding for

354 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 P HILIP W

OLMUTH digest / REPORTDIGITAL difference to turnout). There are also having a daughter, people’s political some more intriguing meteorological attitudes were more likely to swing to . C

. effects on voting. For instance, based on the left, and vice versa after having UK evidence that people’s attitudes towards a son. The researchers think this happens climate change are influenced by the local because having a daughter increases weather (higher temperatures increase awareness of issues facing women, such belief in man-made global warming), the as pay discrimination, and increases UK’s Green Party might wish for a heat sympathy for the typically greater desire wave to strike at election time. Yet, in among women for investment in public Alexander Cohen’s paper ‘The services. Note this is a contentious area: photosynthetic President: Converting a Europe-wide study by Byungkyu Lee sunshine into popularity’, local sunshine and Dalton Conley published last year was also found to increase approval failed to replicate this finding, while ratings for US President George W. Bush a US study by Dalton Conley and Emily when he was in office, so perhaps Prime Rauscher found daughters increased Minister Cameron would also benefit from parents’ support for the (right-wing) a sunny spell. But consider too how poor Republican party. weather affects people’s risk aversion. Of course, parents also influence their A study presented in 2013 by Anna Bassi children’s political persuasions: there’s showed that people are less likely to vote evidence from Crystal D. Oberle at Texas for risky candidates when the weather is State University that sons are affected by poor. A key feature of this General both parents, but daughters only by their Election is said to be the rise of minor mothers. The effects of parents on education; and a 2010 study by Abraham parties and untested candidates. Perhaps children’s voting is both sociocultural and Rutchick found voting in a church (rather the major parties should start their rain genetic. We’re also influenced by our than school or other location) boosted dances? siblings, especially our elder siblings. Just support for a conservative candidate. as the British analysis showed daughters Sometimes these priming effects are less increase parents’ left-wing sympathies, a predictable: a study published last year Shark attacks, sports and storms 2011 US study from Iowa State University by Ben Pryor and colleagues at Oklahoma Following a dramatic series of shark found that so too does having an older State University found that voters at attacks in New Jersey in 1916, voters sister. a polling station in a church were more punished the incumbent President likely to support the introduction of Woodrow Wilson (according to an same-sex marriage: possibly the religious analysis published in 2012 by Christopher Scandals symbolism reminded them that the Achen and Larry Bartels). This is just one An analysis by Andrew Eggers and arguments against such marriages are example of how the electorate tends to Alexander Fisher of the last UK General faith-based, which only served to increase blame governing parties for unwelcome Election in 2010 found that voters their support for the proposal. There’s events, even if those events are beyond punished candidates who’d been found even evidence that an uneven flooring the politicians’ control. out by the expenses scandal – but the could affect us: in research by Daniel The converse is that incumbent effect was modest and less than expected. Oppenheimer and Thomas Trail at politicians gain from positive A study of local Spanish politics, led by Princeton University, people leaning to circumstances. For instance, a 2010 US Elena Costas-Pérez, also found that voters the left (because of missing wheels on a study led by Andrew Healy found that the punished politicians caught up in chair) were found to be more sympathetic incumbent President benefited from extra corruption scandals, but the extent towards left-wing political attitudes (and votes in districts that had enjoyed football depended on media coverage and whether vice versa if a wheel was missing on the and basketball wins in the days leading up charges were brought. According to right). A similar finding was obtained to an election. research led by Yosef Bhatti, voters’ more recently by Katinka Dijkstra and Of course, the effects of uncontrollable responses to scandals tends to be highly colleagues using a wonky Wii balance events are not always predictable and may partisan – that is, we’re lenient when the board. A somewhat related and intriguing depend on how politicians are seen to transgressing politician is from the party line of research, led by Alan Gerber at Yale respond. When Hurricane Sandy struck we support (and vice versa). Timing is University, finds that many people suspect in the days before the 2012 presidential important: a study from last year by Dona- their ballot choice is not truly secret and election, this apparently increased local Gene Mitchell of the University of this influences them to vote according votes for the incumbent, President Obama Nebraska found that scandals that break social pressures, such as to conform with (see Yamil Velez and David Martin’s paper, later in an election campaign may be less their declared affiliations. ‘Sandy the Rainmaker: The electoral harmful because voters have acquired impact of a super storm’). policy information by then. A drip, drip of new scandal information sustains its Rain and sunshine damaging effects. The grammar used in Evidence from the USA, Spain and the Daughters and sisters reports also makes a difference: the Netherlands suggests that for each extra How we vote could depend on the gender imperfect tense ‘was fiddling his expenses’ inch of rainfall on voting day, turnout of our children. That’s according to a is more damaging than ‘fiddled’ (found reduces by around one per cent. longitudinal analysis of British citizens Caitlin Fausey and Teenie Matlock). Some Conversely, sunny weather and higher published in 2010 by Andrew Oswald commentators warn that political scandals temperatures increase turnout (but not (University of Warwick) and Nattavudh distract us from real issues, but a 2010 in Sweden where poor weather made no Powdthavee (University of York) – after study by Beth Miller at the University of

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 355 digest

Missouri-Kansas City found that when increased support for the country’s a politician is caught up in a scandal, this opposition left-wing party in the election actually improves our memory for their that came days later). Meanwhile, research policies – this is consistent with an from Gordon Hodson and Kimberly associative memory account, in which the Costello shows that people who are more salience of the scandal boosts our memory prone to disgust (for example, they dislike for other information related to the sitting on a bus seat left warm by a politician. stranger) are more likely to hold right- +DYH wing conservative views. Voter emotions When we’re feeling happy with life, we’re Negative campaigns more likely to vote for the ruling party, so Political parties spend enormous amounts says an analysis by Federica Liberini from on advertising: a 2011 study led by Alan \RX 2014 which controlled for the influence Gerber on television ads found the effects people’s economic circumstances. A lab on voting preferences to be strong, but study led by Michael Parker (and one short-lived. Ads with moody music and from Nicholas Valentino and colleagues) lighting are more effective (according to found that when we’re angry we pay less research by Ted Brader at the University attention to details about candidates; of Michigan). What about negative KHDUG« when we’re fearful, by contrast, we campaigns? In the current UK General scrutinise information more carefully, Election campaign, the incumbent Tory arguably making us more informed voters defence secretary recently made an attack (but see Jonathan McDonald Ladd and on the character of the leader of the Gabriel S. Lenz’s ‘Does anxiety improve opposition and was widely criticised for voters’ decision making?’ for a critique). doing so. This largely fits the findings Israeli research (by Anna Getmansky and from Luciana Carraro and colleagues’ Thomas Zeitzoff) finds that living in fear 2010 lab study on negative campaigns – of rocket attacks increases people’s politicians who made negative statements support for right-wing parties (although about their opponents suffered a backlash, note, there’s evidence from José G. while the target of the attack was Montalvo that terrorist attacks in Madrid unaffected. It’s worth noting though that

LINK FEAST

Why Some People Have Trouble Telling Left From Right (and Why It’s So Important) tinyurl.com/p2u7rsv ‘A significant proportion of our population has difficulty in telling right from left,’ says Gerard Gormley, including, worryingly, medical students (The Conversation).

Rethinking the Brain tinyurl.com/nhhmsr8 The new podcast from The Human Brain Project’s aim to simulate the entire human brain is unrealistic – The British one of the conclusions of a damning report (coverage from Nature). Psychological Society’s What Spending a Year in Space Does to Your Mind tinyurl.com/pspqzxk Research Digest ‘It's stressful, but transcendental too,’ says Francie Diep at Pacific Standard. The Psychology of the Executioner tinyurl.com/nbewe4c Listen via A look inside the minds of those who have participated in firing squads and lethal injections. www.bps.org.uk/digest Does Sport Make Us Happy? www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/31963832 It can do, if you keep your expectations in check, says the BBC’s chief sports writer Tom Fordyce.

How Teenage Brains Are Different tinyurl.com/ohlwmj7 Useful summary of the science and its legal implications, from The Economist.

356 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 digest based on voters’ subconscious attitudes, the target of the attack did suffer a loss in standing (as did the politician making the DIGEST DIGESTED attack). A 2007 meta-analysis by Richard Full reports are available at www.bps.org.uk/digest Lau’s team found that negative campaigns don’t adversely affect voter turnout, but Scientists who score higher on trait conscientiousness, and those who are competitive, are they do reduce trust in politics and lower more likely to conduct ‘deep research’ within a specialist domain. By contrast, those more public mood. A recent study from Jörg motivated by learning than achievement are disposed towards interdisciplinary research. Matthes and Franziska Marquart at the The finding comes from an analysis of scientists involved in diabetes research. PNAS University of Vienna recently found that watching adverts that are congruent with Psychologists have used our political beliefs makes us more likely a classic magic trick to study to vote; watching an ad that clashes with the illusion of free choice. our views has little effect. Participants were ‘forced’ to pick a specific card via a riffling ‘It’s the economy, stupid’ … technique that only allowed enough time to view one card. …this apparently was Bill Clinton’s Despite their choice being campaign mantra back in the 1990s. constrained in this way, most With the British economy showing signs participants felt they’d chosen of recovery, today’s incumbent Tory party freely and many confabulated will be hoping that Bill Clinton was reasons for why they’d made the correct – that ultimately, if the economy choice they did. Consciousness is doing well, people will reward the and Cognition ruling party. However, research from Ron Johnston and his colleagues at Bristol Team performance is disproportionately influenced by the behaviour of the group’s stand-out University suggests that this is not the member, or what researcher Ning Li calls the ‘extra-miler’. The only time this isn’t the case case: for example, non-Tory voters who is if other team members don’t have contact with the extra-miler. Journal of Applied were financially comfortable at the time Psychology of the 1997 General Election did not reward the incumbent Tory party at that Modern psychology textbooks tend to provide even more biased reports of Asch’s seminal time by switching allegiance (and ditto studies into conformity and dissent than older textbooks. The books provide plenty of stats in 2001 when previously non-Labour on conformity but rarely mention the proportion of participants who consistently dissented supporters in a good financial position from majority opinion. Teaching of Psychology failed to switch to voting Labour). These results might be explained in In-depth interviews with part by most people’s partisanship (and professionals from a range of ‘motivated reasoning’) – when things go industries have revealed just how well under our preferred party, we credit important it is for employees to the party, but if things go well under be able to personalise their a party we oppose, then we don’t. That workspaces. Doing so serves said, there is evidence that sudden a number of functions, including increases in people’s personal wealth fostering shared identity with does influence their voting tendencies – colleagues and advertising one’s winning the lottery makes it more likely traits, such as trustworthiness. that people will vote Republican, says a Academy of Management Journal US study by Erik Peterson, and a UK one from Powdthavee and Oswald, and more People can tell the difference between object descriptions written by someone from memory likely that they’ll support this incumbent and those written from their imagination. However, researchers aren’t sure what cues party, says Spanish research led by people use to make this distinction. The 40 dimensions they looked at revealed few Manuel Bagues. A UK paper by Andrew differences between imagined and recalled accounts. Memory Aitken found that as housing prices increase (to the benefit of home owners, Different mental abilities peak at in terms of the wealth they have invested different times of life. After analysing in their property), so too do intentions to large numbers of people’s vote for the Tory party. performance online, researchers I For a fully referenced and hyperlinked report, for example, that the ability version of this piece, see to recognise emotional facial http://digest.bps.org.uk/2015/04/the- expressions peaks between the ages psychology-of-voting-digested.html. of 40 to 60, whereas visual working There you will find a daily blog featuring memory peaks at 25. The findings the latest research, a 10-year archive, counter the idea that cognition our new podcast and much more. declines inexorably from an early age. Follow the Research Digest on Twitter Psychological Science @ResearchDigest, or find us on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr and more.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 357 Post-Qualification Doctoral Programmes  -RLQW3URJUDPPHVZLWK0LGGOHVH[8QLYHUVLW\

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 359 as bad as each other”, and that electoral choice is therefore illusory.’ What can politicians do about this? Reicher refers to the use of symbolic

FEATURE politics in order to make oneself seem distinctive: the Labour Party targets the Back to the ballot box non-doms to position themselves as the party of ‘working people’ against the rich; Our journalist Ella Rhodes meets researchers in psychology and politics the Conservatives target inheritance tax to in search of answers to voter apathy position themselves as the party of aspirational workers against welfare dependants. But at the same time, Reicher stresses, both parties are, if anything, even more afraid of seeming distinctive. ‘So the hen most people think of a registration, and trials of voting on the Labour Party use their manifesto launch to healthy democracy they imagine, internet. But are these merely sticking emphasise that they won’t tax or borrow Win Abraham Lincoln’s phrase, a plasters for our ailing democracy? Can more and the Conservatives use theirs to government ‘of the people, by the people, psychology get at the underlying causes make pledges on childcare and the NHS,’ for the people’. But that is only possible if of engagement – or disengagement – with says Reicher. ‘In this era of political cross- the people get involved, and right now, it politics? I spoke to several psychologists dressing, to cite the BBC’s Nick Robinson, seems, more and more of us are sick and and political scientists for a variety of it gets harder and harder to tell political tired of politics. On the eve of every perspectives on these questions. parties apart. It gets easier and easier to general election we hear murmurs about see all politicians as a single category – voter apathy, and this time around they and, what is more, a category that is neither seem to have grown louder. Comedian- From the global to the personal “of the people” nor “for the people”.’ turned-revolutionary Russell Brand, who Perhaps the main thing pushing people was placed fourth in Prospect’s list of the towards the polling station is the prospect world’s most prominent thinkers, recently of effecting real change in an area of Trust between citizens and declared politics as ‘dead’. significance to them (although this could politicians The problem of low turnout in be as much something that affects a group This illusion of choice and the shape- elections is an international one, with the with which they identify or their family as shifting tactics used by political parties US mid-term elections in 2014 witnessing something which impacts them may go some way towards explaining what has been called ‘the least personally). This could explain the high why politics and politicians are seen in representative election in modern turnout in the Scottish referendum, and strikingly negative terms. Across Europe American history’ (tinyurl.com/obejjwv). the large numbers who swept the ‘anti- in general, only 24 per cent of people say And not only has turnout declined over austerity’ party to power in Greece. And they trust their national government and recent years, it’s also becoming this prospect may diminish as our personal only 14 per cent say they trust political increasingly unequal as younger and less worlds expand. parties. Not surprisingly, things are affluent citizens remove themselves from Social psychologist Professor Steve particularly bleak in the crisis-hit the electoral process (tinyurl.com/ofhssjj). Reicher (University of St Andrews) points countries. In Spain, for instance, the Yet political engagement is possible: to large-scale structural processes that may figures are 11 per cent and 8 per cent consider the 85 per cent turnout in have contributed to a disillusionment with respectively. But things are not much better the Scottish independence referendum, politics. ‘Globalisation, the rising power in the UK where 31 per cent trust the a figure so high that it led the Russian of international corporations and of national government, and 20 per cent authorities to make accusations of transnational bodies like the EC gives trust political parties (figures from ‘North Korean’ style irregularities! a growing sense that politicians can no Eurobarometer 2013/14). In the UK, MPs have endorsed longer affect the things which govern our Some, even MPs themselves, lay the proposals from the Political and lives. The end of the Soviet Union, the blame for this squarely at the door of Constitutional Reform Committee, aimed narrowing of ideological alternatives, and individual politicians. Speaking to The at bringing us to the ballot box. These the feeling that all politicians are the same Guardian (see tinyurl.com/mkyqc23), include making the day of each general (and generally not in a good way) has Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said election a national holiday, automatic increased the perception that “they are all Nick Clegg’s reversal on tuition fees is

Garrett, R.K. (2009). Echo chambers confirmation bias versus informational doi:10.15195/v1.a1 of new technologies. New York: Peter online? Politically motivated selective utility. Communication Research, 39(2), Moir, J. (2010) The language of political Lang. exposure among internet news users. 170–193. opinion: Discourse, rhetoric and voting Moir, J. (2013b) Presenting politics: Journal of Computer-Mediated Knobloch-Westerwick, S., & Meng, J. behaviour. In U. Okulska & P. Cap Persuasion and performance across

references Communication, 14(2), 265–285. (2011). Reinforcement of the political (Eds.) Perspectives in politics and genres of political communication. In. Graf, J. & Aday, S. (2008). Selective self through selective exposure to discourse. Amsterdam: John C. Piotr & U. Okulska (Eds.) Analyzing attention to online political information. political messages. Journal of Benjamins. genres in political communication: Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Communication,61(2), 349–368. Moir, J. (2013a). Mediating politics in Theory and practice. Amsterdam: John Media, 52(1), 86–100. Lewis, K., Gray, K. & Meierhenrich, J. Scotland: Information and ideology. In Benjamins. Knobloch-Westerwick, S. & Kleinman, S.B. (2014). The structure of online activism. B. Dobek-Ostrowska & J. Garlicki Towner, T.L. (2013). All political (2012). Preelection selective exposure Sociological Science, 1, 1–9. (Eds.) Political communication in the era participation is socially networked?

360 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 political engagement J ESS indicating guilt. Rather, the majority of H

URD MPs responded with justifications and /

REPORTDIGITAL denials (56 per cent and 49 per cent, respectively). This is troubling from a trust perspective, says Dr Gillespie, and is likely to be a key factor in voter apathy. . CO

. Gillespie also points out that in the UK age of the internet and globalisation, mistakes become known quickly and widely, and the failures of politicians have more currency than the good news stories. ‘So politicians feel more nervous about what they say and might come across as evasive. It’s challenging for politicians to maintain a broad base of trust given some of these changes to politics. They may also feel they are not free to say what they believe or stand for because of pressure to maintain the party line.’

A psychoanalytic approach There may be another reason why ‘over-promising and under-delivering’ is particularly damaging to political engagement. Political theorist Professor James Martin (Goldsmiths, University of London) uses psychoanalytical ideas in his research into political speech, and he argues that ‘Political behaviour is often not Political engagement is possible: consider the 85 per cent turnout in the Scottish very rational at all – what grips us independence referendum instinctively may be any number of things that speak to an unacknowledged sense of responsible for much of the cynicism Competence (Do they have the hurt or anger, loss or potential fulfilment.’ about British politics today. ‘What I can’t knowledge, skills and abilities to Engagement becomes an expression of an forgive is that it was always difficult as an competently perform their role?). individual’s sense of self and their MP to say, “Trust me”, but you can’t say it Gillespie said: ‘Distrust in politicians subconscious desires. ‘Sometimes people at all now.’ frequently stems from a perceived lack don’t explicitly know why they believe I asked trust researcher Dr Nicole of integrity, particularly not following what they do, they feel it as a gut instinct, Gillespie (University of Queensland) why through on pre-election promises, and it “calls” to them and they respond by Clegg in particular appears ‘tainted’. She distrust in government identifying.’ pointed out that ‘education fees are a very typically stems from the Professor Martin deep-rooted and important issue to much perception that they are “politics and believes that as older of the British public.’ According to the unable to deliver to politicians are seen identifications with research, this question – Do politicians expectation. Over-promising in strikingly political parties subside, adhere to values and principles important and under-delivering is a negative terms” we find we simply to the trustor? – relates to Integrity, one guaranteed way to erode the cannot tell, as of the three key dimensions people assess trust and confidence of the commentators and analysts, trustworthiness on. The others are public. Politicians need to better manage what might happen in elections: ‘…the Benevolence (Do they have genuine care the public’s expectations about what they public’s dissatisfaction at politics does not and concern for their constituency?), and can and can’t deliver.’ supply an obvious location for investment Gillespie added that people and but rather, many. We tend to think it a leaders can recover from a broken sign of trouble that we can’t predict what promise if there’s an external cause or will happen in an election. But in many uncontrollable change that has led to ways this is simply a truth about our own New media and the 2012 election. Social Science Computer Review. 31(5), 527–541. the breaking of that promise. However, psyches – it is not automatic what it is Zhang, W., Seltzer, T. & Bichard, S.L. (2013). in a study following the UK MP expenses that will grab our attention and call up Two sides of the coin assessing the scandal, Dr Gillespie and her colleagues our allegiance.’ influence of social network site use were surprised to find that of the 478 MPs Martin also pointed to issues that during the 2012 US Presidential that had an expense-related allegation cause anger and hostility in leading campaign. Social Science Computer against them, less than 5 per cent people to engage with politics. He said: Review, 31(5), 542–551. acknowledged their transgression and ‘Hostility to immigration, for example, apologised for it. This is despite the fact is a persistent, unresolved sore in British that 66 per cent of MPs with allegations culture that gathers around it a surprising had subsequent published evidence amount of anger and prejudice that

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 361 political engagement

certainly motivates people to come out force behind a party’s success at a general examined performative aspects such as onto the streets and to validate all sorts of election, but could the personalised, the use of metaphors, three-part lists, hostile political argument. The important piecemeal approach of mainstream news intonation of voice, and so on. News point here, however, is less the merits of programmes and newspapers actually be websites and the use of Twitter or the issue and how it might practically be detrimental to engagement? YouTube videos by politicians creates a resolved than what grievances are James Moir, a sociologist and member new arena of performance for politician, invested in it, how some people manage of the International Society for Political one in which there is a blend of both the to hook their desires, their fears and Psychology (Abertay University), argues formal and informal. Does it work? ‘Well, aspirations, in this rather than in that there is a widely held view, largely that’s the question,’ says Moir. ‘It did for anything else.’ disseminated through the media, that Obama in his two presidential campaigns, Has the immigration question voters should have opinions about where his Twitter machine went into become, in Freud’s terminology, a political matters, or indeed the political overdrive and where he was able to fixation? ‘It is a symptom that substitutes process itself (Moir, 2010). Dr Moir says: connect with younger voters. This sense for all sorts of desires and ‘This individualises the political process of being in touch with politicians and the disappointments,’ Professor Martin says, and reduces it to a matter of intra-psychic idea of their human, authentic side is now ‘not least the failing of established politics cognitions and perceptions rather than much more of an issue – the politics of to evenly spread wealth and opportunity. dealing with “big” ideological issues. personality in a new guise over, yet again, It serves as a point of emotional eruption Basically what I have argued is that we actual political commitment. Having said to activate people’s sense of grievance, not are surveyed and opinion polled out, so this, the recent referendum in Scotland simply as a genuine problem awaiting to speak… “big” politics has given way showed that it is possible to engage the solution. So in some ways, it is the failure to a minutia of issue-by-issue concerns – public in “big” political debate, but of to shift political ground that leads to a little like a shopping basket approach. course this was a big one-off issue. Will some issues becoming sources of The media are saturating us with this and performance win out again in the motivation and stimulants to so to my thinking it is no wonder that it forthcoming general election?’ participation.’ has become carnivalesque and something of a turn-off for many.’ In his other work (Moir 2013a, The outsider ‘It has become carnivalesque’ 2013b), Moir focuses on the idea of Some politicians find this performance Not all are convinced that appealing to the political communication as performance, easier than others. In particular, those who hopes and fears of individuals is the most echoing Marshall McLuhan’s famous initially appear to be the underdogs of the constructive way to hook people into saying ‘the medium is the message’. He political world often go on to capture the politics. The media is so often the driving points to a research tradition that has attention of large swathes of the population. Consider the oppositional

T views of Russell Brand, or the IMM burgeoning popularity of UKIP’s S ONNENSCHEIN Nigel Farage (for an analysis of UKIP’s rise, see Robert Ford and Matthew Goodwin’s Revolt on the /

REPORTDIGITAL Right). Politics researcher Tereza Capelos (University of Surrey) points me to a study in the US that . CO .

UK found people hated Congress but tended to love congressmen. She said people tend to have a negative relationship with the political system as a whole, thinking it impenetrable or inconsequential. ‘But if you delve a little deeper you find these people aren’t that cynical, but that cynicism is the norm. So anyone who can portray themselves as an outsider to the political system has a benefit because they don’t have that stain of all that negative general stuff that goes with being an in-the-system politician.’ (Consider Nigel Farage’s approach in the televised leaders’ debate: ‘I warned you at the beginning, they are all the same. They don’t understand the thoughts and aspirations of ordinary people.’) Capelos said there was another psychological system at play in these Does the voting process itself impact upon political engagement? See also our Research Digest cases. Once a political party has been in round-up on the psychology of politics on pp.354–357 government for a while, the honeymoon

362 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 political engagement period of hope and election promises is over and people start to become critical ‘Campaigning, working in local politics, it’s all driven by of the party’s record in delivering policy. the same thing, to try and improve the society and world ‘Governments after their first term never in which they live. There are a very small number of score as highly on opinion polls as when people who do it because they want to gain a certain they’re elected. When a party becomes status in society, but I think that’s very much an exception. incumbent it gets negative flak from ‘If people see a government that’s frozen or unable to voters and usually loses voters, the act in actually improving the world, and see problems opposition get more voters, that’s why existing that the political structure doesn’t really address democracy works.’ In the run-up to properly, they lose confidence in the idea that politics can an election, ‘outsiders can rely on that make a change. The more you’re able to bring people into distant hope… they don’t have expertise your confidence – to explain what the problems are, what or a demonstrated ability, they can you’re trying to do, where you’ve failed and where you portray themselves as they wish. Anyone haven’t – the more genuine that exchange is, the more who comes in as an outsider doesn’t have people have confidence. the stain of the political system that so ‘In my experience working at the University of East many people feel negatively about.’ Anglia, many young people are deeply interested in Outsiders may look to draw attention Charles Clarke, British Labour politics. I don’t think it’s true that young people are to that stain, to play on the negative politician and Visiting Professor intrinsically less interested in politics and the welfare of emotions of the electorate. But Capelos of Politics at the University of society, it’s that politics doesn’t always make itself easily warns that although ‘negative sells’, at the East Anglia accessible to them.’ same time it makes people disengage politically: ‘They feel alienated and that they’ve had enough of politics. Media and working-class participants, who are political information they agree with portrayals of politics and politicians generally disengaged from the electoral (Garrett, 2009; Graf & Adday, 2008; which are more edgy and negative can process.’ Knobloch-Westerwick & Kleinman, 2012; alienate the electorate in the long run On the opposing side, some studies Knobloch-Westerwick & Meng, 2011). but in some environments it can inspire suggest that social media only helps However, Leyva added: ‘The results also political movements, such as the use to increase benign online political show that participants will in the second of social media in the various political engagement, such as clicking ‘Like’ on instance select content with dissonant uprisings in the Middle East.’ a Facebook post. Leyva adds: ‘A study information, albeit they will spend less last year by Lewis and colleagues on time reading it. Although this research is the impact of Facebook on online still developing, it thus far suggests that An inconsequential illusion mobilisation and commitment to the people will not automatically avoid of participation? Save Darfur cause, which at its height content with dissonant information.’ This use of social media, blending the listed 1.2 million members, found that formal and informal, is a relatively new Facebook created an inconsequential arena for politics. This year in February illusion of active political participation Time for you to engage the networking giant Facebook reminded that quickly diffused. In other words, in How do we reverse political its users to register to vote, potentially this case, Facebook did not function as disengagement? Half of political science reaching out to millions of young people an effective tool for generating dedicated and much of psychology is devoted to this throughout the UK. But with an estimated and sustained political engagement even question, so we could never expect to get 1 million people dropping off the electoral at the online level.’ to the bottom of it in a brief article. But roll over the past year, many of them Leyva admits that this more sceptical our readers have shown a willingness to young people and students, does social and critical literature is ‘rife with the engage politically over the years, for media engagement translate to actual votes same theoretical, conceptual and example with repeated discussions in and political action? methodological limitations as its these pages over the impact of austerity Political psychologist Rodolfo Leyva optimistic twin – for example, non- measures. So we hope the perspectives (Middlesex University) says the literature representative samples, rigid and presented here will serve as a bridge to on social media and political engagement simplistic conceptions of political other sources, and a spark for further gives a polarised view on the topic. The engagement, and/or reliance on self- discussion and debate. For example, more optimistic side claims that social reported measures’. But she concludes does the voting process itself impact media, including blogging, content that she does share the concern ‘that upon political engagement? Is the selection sharing and social networking, are social media may be socialising and process producing an unrepresentative helping to reverse inequalities observed habituating emerging adults into forgoing bunch of MPs we then struggle to identify in voting participation. ‘These studies meaningful offline political engagement with? Might the era of ‘rainbow coalitions’ suggest that social media are enabling in favour of relatively banal online simply be too complex for the average a greater number of people to be exposed political actions’. person on the street to engage with? to more political information and to An even bigger worry is that online, We would like to hear from you on all actively participate in political people can modify their user settings to these angles and any others – e-mail discussions, which is leading to a rise only read stories that confirm and [email protected] or comment in formal political and civic engagement. conform to their political predispositions. on the online version of this article via This is shown in the 2013 study by Some research has investigated this www.thepsychologist.org.uk. Towner and another in the same year potential source of political fragmentation by Zhang [et al.], that the effect is and intolerance, finding that people do I Ella Rhodes is staff journalist for The particularly seen among young people indeed select and pay more attention to Psychologist. [email protected]

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 363 party whips are extremely knowledgeable about how Parliament works and are a potential resource. Whips are responsible

ARTICLE for party discipline, in particular managing voting, and in their aim of maintaining party cohesion they may try Becoming an MP to influence new MPs using reward (such as information or help) and punishment Helena Cooper-Thomas considers the transition into the role, and how this (e.g. allocation of portfolio work that is compares with other workplaces more laborious or lower profile). In our UK research, one experienced MP highlighted the contrast in whips’ Politics fascinates us. What ewcomers to any role have to treatment of new MPs from the campaign politicians do – both in their public manage a transition, and how they trail to entering Parliament, stating ‘Up to and private lives – fills media Ndo this is a fascinating topic for us that point they [new MPs] will have columns and is the subject of psychologists. Members of Parliament received nothing but goodies from the everyday conversation. Yet how surely have one of the swiftest transitions Party – now they begin to feel the power much do we know about the role of in being expected to perform their role and the teeth of the Party’. Colleagues of an MP? And more importantly, how competently, and under intense scrutiny. new MPs may prove similarly do politicians themselves figure out From day one, everything they say in the unpredictable: an experienced UK MP how to be an MP? House is recorded for posterity and remarked: ‘No one their actions at select committee are should pander to the visible to the media and public. “new MPs need needs of new MPs.’ They are expected to engage with to be proactive Echoing this, a new the media and the public, but only MP observed: ‘It took in ways that benefit their party, and to fathom out me 12 months What role should colleagues ideally play not too little or too much. And even the role” learning who I could in new employee adjustment? politicians in their own party are trust, learning that Who is in the best position to evaluate both colleagues and rivals. How do you’re being told things

questions questions MP performance? Whips, colleagues, they manage all this? that are useful to others – not you – that the media or the public? you’re being used.’ Unsurprisingly, in the As psychologists, our knowledge should ultimate of political environments, new be based on good research evidence. The power and teeth of the party MPs must learn to manoeuvre carefully Can we trust the media to provide While there are constant improvements in and keep their wits about them. trustworthy evidence? the formal training provided to politicians (Rush & Giddings, 2011), much of the requisite knowledge can only be learned New employee adjustment informally. My interview research with Interviews with UK MPs reveal a Bauer, T.N., Bodner, T., Erdogan, B. et UK MPs, along with Jo Silvester (Silvester fascinating glimpse of the complex al. (2007). Newcomer adjustment during organizational socialization. & Cooper-Thomas, 2012), revealed two environment that new MPs enter and Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(3), main channels for newcomer adjustment: the need for them to proceed cautiously, resources 707–721. the new MP themselves acting and yet bravely. This contrasts with the long Cooper-Thomas, H.D. & Silvester, J. reflecting on their experiences, and history of research on what is known as (2014). Ideas and advice to accelerate support or learning provided by organisational socialisation, that is, the the transition for new MPs entering experienced colleagues. process of getting new employees up to New Zealand’s House of As a resource themselves, new MPs speed in their roles (Van Maanen & Representatives. Available at need to be proactive to fathom out the Schein, 1979). tinyurl.com/kaa5wkl Saks, A.M., Uggerslev, K.L. & Fassina, role. As one UK MP noted in reflecting Historically, organisational N.E. (2007). Socialization tactics and on their experiences, you have to ‘be socialisation research has investigated newcomer adjustment. Journal of motivated enough to put yourself through highly structured contexts, including Vocational Behavior, 70(3), 413–446. an apprenticeship of your own making’. recruits starting in the police, military, With regard to assistance from colleagues, healthcare, accountancy and other

Bauer, T.N., Bodner, T., Erdogan, B. et al. Journal of Occupational & Stadler, M.J. & Saks, A.M. (2014). The Representatives. Available at (2007). Newcomer adjustment during Organizational Psychology, 75(4), relative importance of proactive tinyurl.com/kaa5wkl organizational socialization. Journal 423–437. behaviors and outcomes for Kammeyer-Mueller, J.D., Simon, L.S. & of Applied Psychology, 92(3), 707–721. Cooper-Thomas, H.D. & Burke, S.E. predicting newcomer learning, well- Rich, B.L. (2012). The psychic cost of

references Bauer, T.N. & Green, S.G. (1998). Testing (2012). Newcomer proactive being, and work engagement. doing wrong: Ethical conflict, the combined effects of newcomer behavior: Can there be too much of a Journal of Vocational Behavior, 84, divestiture socialization, and information seeking and manager good thing? In C.R. Wanberg (Ed.) 318–331. emotional exhaustion. Journal of behavior on socialization. Journal of The Oxford handbook of organizational Cooper-Thomas, H.D. & Silvester, J. Management, 38(3), 784–808. Applied Psychology, 83(1), 72–83. socialization (pp.56–77). Oxford: (2014). Ideas and advice to accelerate Kammeyer-Mueller, J.D., Wanberg, C.R., Cooper-Thomas, H.D. & Anderson, N. Oxford University Press. the transition for new MPs entering Rubenstein, A. & Song, Z. (2013). (2002). Newcomer adjustment. Cooper-Thomas, H.D., Paterson, N.L., New Zealand’s House of Support, undermining, and

364 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 new MPs

Advice for new employees

In any new role, whether starting as an MP, psychologist or PhD student, there are various paradoxes to resolve. Here are some evidence-based suggestions. 1. Investing effort early on to build good relationships with colleagues can save time later. Accept and offer social invitations to go for coffee or lunch so that you can learn through your colleagues, and in particular, get access to the ‘hidden’ information about how things are done. Try to establish a broad network of relationships – experienced colleagues know how things really work, whereas newer colleagues may have recently acquired solutions to problems that you are about to face. 2. Ask questions. People expect newcomers to have some knowledge gaps that they need to fill. You will look more foolish if you ask later. 3. Choose effective role models. These may vary across the different parts of your job – one colleague may be particularly good at public speaking; another may be good at liaising with stakeholders. Observe what works well and adopt similar strategies where these suit. 4. Be brave and get on with the ‘doing’ part of the role. Everyone makes mistakes, and colleagues are more likely to overlook these when you are new. Accept that you will sometimes slip up, hope that it will not be too public, and get going.

professional services (e.g. Bauer & Green, workers entering similar roles. Newcomers to learn about their role, team and 1998; Cooper-Thomas & Anderson, must take responsibility for their own the organisation more broadly. For 2002). Meta-analyses confirm that adjustment in many settings, including newcomers, having supportive colleagues newcomers whose organisation provides politics. is associated with higher levels of a structured socialisation process report In line with this, researchers have proactive behaviour and positive attitudes better outcomes (Bauer et al., 2007; Saks increasingly focused on what newcomers more broadly (Kammeyer-Mueller et al., et al., 2007). These include more can achieve through their own proactive 2013; Nifadkar et al., 2012). immediate outcomes of self-efficacy, role behaviours. These behaviours include However, there is a potential dark clarity, and perceived social integration seeking information and feedback, side to colleagues’ behaviours towards and fit, as well as more distal attitudinal socialising with colleagues, networking, newcomers. Recent research conducted outcomes of job satisfaction, role modelling off senior colleagues and in law firms, call centres, and universities organisational commitment, job developing a good working relationship (investigating non-faculty staff) found performance and intent to stay. Hence with one’s manager. When newcomers that senior colleagues can be verbally the traditional focus has been on how behave more proactively, they report more aggressive, undermining and can organisations have delivered learning, learning and understanding of their role, sometimes pressure newcomers to behave via experienced colleagues, that enables more positive attitudes including job against their values. In turn, newcomers newcomers to rapidly integrate into the satisfaction and work engagement, and provide less help to colleagues, organisation, perform their role and think greater well-being (Cooper-Thomas & experience higher ethical conflict and and behave like their experienced Burke, 2012; Cooper-Thomas et al., 2014; emotional exhaustion, perform less well colleagues (Thomas & Anderson, 1998). Saks et al., 2011). and are more likely to quit (Kammeyer- Mueller et al., 2012; Kammeyer-Mueller The importance of proactive behaviour The role of colleagues et al., 2013; Nifadkar et al., 2012). With the rise of the service economy, Alongside newcomer proactive behaviour, fewer organisations recruit newcomers newcomers’ colleagues play an important as a cohort to perform a single role in role in newcomer adjustment. In The other side of the world a prescribed manner. Moreover most constructive work environments, The combination of our initial research newcomers enter organisations with work colleagues both act as a resource for with UK MPs, the increasing prevalence experience. Consequently, organisations proactive behaviour – for example, of individualised newcomer adjustment have less reason to offer structured answering questions or providing a role paths plus the emerging evidence of training programmes that shape neophyte model – and actively support newcomers negative collegial behaviours suggested

newcomer socialization: Fitting in the ropes or determining behaviour? Thomas, H.D. (2011). The neglected socialization and transition into during the first 90 days. Academy of Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. role of proactive behavior and Parliament: The case of new M.P.s. Management Journal, 56, 1104–1124. Saks, A.M. & Gruman, J.A. (2012). outcomes in newcomer socialization. In H.D. Cooper-Thomas (Chair), Nifadkar, S., Tsui, A.S. & Ashforth, B.E. Getting newcomers on-board: A Journal of Vocational Behavior, 79, Organizational socialization: The roles (2012). The way you make me feel review of socialization practices and 36–46. of newcomers, insiders, and the and behave: Supervisor-triggered introduction to socialization Saks, A.M., Uggerslev, K.L. & Fassina, organization. Symposium conducted newcomer affect and approach- resources theory. In C.R. Wanberg N.E. (2007). Socialization tactics and at the 3rd Biennial Institute of Work avoidance behavior. Academy of (Ed.) The Oxford handbook of newcomer adjustment. Journal of Psychology International Conference, Management Journal, 55, 1146–1168. organizational socialization (pp.27–55). Vocational Behavior, 70(3), 413–446. Sheffield. Rush, M. & Giddings, P. (2011). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Silvester, J. & Cooper-Thomas, H.D. Thomas, H.D.C. & Anderson, N. (1998). Parliamentary socialisation: Learning Saks, A.M., Gruman, J.A. & Cooper- (2012, June). Organizational Changes in newcomers'

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 365 new MPs

there was much more to be learned having a go, known as experimenting or from investigating the experiences trial and error in the research literature. of new politicians. More Some new MPs reported that they were specifically, although most advised by more experienced MPs to have politicians start as part of a post- a go and just get on with it, while others election cohort, there is no felt that MPs were defined by their structured apprenticeship. The actions, hence it was critical to get on reality is that they have to hit the with doing. According to one new MP ground running and be competent ‘when you’re new you can get away with in their role from day one, or at a few things and you’ll learn’. Indeed, least appear so. This individualised, New Zealand parliament building because much of the informal etiquette is self-motivated transition is the not written down anywhere, such as reality for many newcomers across behaviour in the House, much learning roles and industries nowadays, and Balancing the roles of competent occurred through coming up against the therefore it is important to understand versus novice politician rules, sometimes by mistakenly and subsequently optimise the process New MPs need to look competent transgressing them. In line with this, for the benefit of both newcomers and immediately to confirm to the public and small errors were common: during my organisations. Additionally, given our their own political party that they selected interviews with new MPs, when I asked if glimpse of the highly negative behaviours well. In other words, they need to be an they would do anything differently if they from new UK MPs’ political colleagues, MP from day one. While many new MPs were new again, almost all had something we considered that the partisan context emphasised the importance of listening they would change, however small. of politics could be especially revealing and watching how others acted in order for understanding the negative to learn, often they did not have the Working alongside yet competing with experiences of newcomer politicians. luxury of time. As an example, one MP colleagues Our recent research was conducted said that following your ‘maiden’ speech Politics is all about relationships, hence in New Zealand (NZ), which has a single in the House (the debating chamber), ‘the new MPs need to establish rapport with House of Representatives (commonly next day you could be put in the House colleagues in order to learn and be called ‘Parliament’) and mixed member and speaking on a bill you know absolutely successful. While new MPs need help proportional voting. This means that nothing about, that you’ve no experience from colleagues to figure things out, parties have both electorate and list of, and don’t know why it’s there’. alongside this experienced politicians are politicians, and each voter has two votes New MPs needed to act in order to careful about who to help – they do not – one for their preferred political party fulfil their role, but every action could want to be associated with new MPs who and one for their preferred electorate MP. reveal either competence or naivety. Two are needy or fail to adjust, and they may We studied new MPs entering the 50th types of proactive behaviour illustrate limit their assistance to new MPs who Parliament in 2011. Of 121 MPs, we these tensions. The first of these look too competent as this could interviewed 23 of 28 new MPs across four behaviours is asking questions. While accelerate these new MPs becoming political parties. asking questions might allow MPs to gain competitors for positions and perks A report on this research (see the specific information required, this was such as preferred portfolios, chairs of tinyurl.com/kaa5wkl) was written for not guaranteed, and even asking a committees, or delegations overseas. participant new MPs, future new MPs and question reveals ignorance; yet speaking Hence one new MP identified the caucus those responsible for helping new MPs to without knowing an issue well is environment as particularly demanding: adjust (e.g. civil servants, party whips; extremely risky. ‘If you don’t know ‘You go in there and you’re colleagues and Cooper-Thomas & Silvester, 2014). Here something you don’t necessarily want to friends but you’re also rivals. And so it’s we focus on the paradoxes that new MPs admit it, depending on what the issue is. not unique I mean, most workforces are have to navigate, identifying three …there is that tension, you don’t want to like that as well, and there’s an element to particularly tricky issues: look stupid by being ignorant but equally it, but the rivalry I suppose is a little bit I balancing the roles of competent you can show great ignorance by having more intense.’ As this new MP notes, this versus novice politician; not actually engaged with people, and rivalry is not unique – in any team, I working alongside yet competing with you can put your foot right in it.’ members may be competing for perks, colleagues; and A second proactive behaviour resources or the next promotion. I being present but not dominant in the mentioned by new MPs was the Professional (and sometimes amateur) media. importance of just getting on with it and sports teams provide another clear example of this where players compete to be picked for matches. But the intensity of the competition seems unique to politics. Within political parties there psychological contracts during Weinberg, A. (2012). Should the job of organizational socialization: A study national politician carry a is a constant comparison and vying for of recruits entering the British Army. government health warning? The opportunities: ‘It’s quite a fiercely Journal of Organizational Behavior, 19, impact of psychological strain on competitive environment, we’re 745–767. politicians. In A. Weinberg (Ed.) The competing for resources… for media Van Maanen, J. & Schein, E.H. (1979). psychology of politicians (pp.123–142). attention… for questions… when the Toward a theory of organizational Cambridge: Cambridge University House is sitting.’ socialization. In B.M. Staw (Ed.) Press. Yet in spite of this rivalry, new MPs Research in organizational behavior recommended some level of cautious (Vol. 1, pp.209–264). Greenwich, CT: trust with colleagues. While noting ‘look JAI Press. it’s politics, you’re not necessarily trusting

366 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 new MPs everyone 100 per cent’, new MPs affirmed Minister to be in the news, and the there is no one right way to provide a the value of having colleagues to talk Ministers, not backbenchers getting in service. It also meshes with the potential with. Several new MPs suggested this the way. But at the same time, if after obsolescence of structured organisational should be a single person: ‘Find three years you haven’t been seen to do socialisation programmes and the need somebody – go off your gut who that anything… or been in the news, then the for more flexible provision of resources person is … I’m not saying that you trust public will say, “Well who is this turkey, for adjustment (Saks & Gruman, 2012). them with your secrets, I’m just saying what has he been doing?” So again, there’s In politics as in many other that they are a person that you can go to a fine line to being… not getting in the environments, there is no one clear route to bounce ideas off. Because at the end of way, but being sufficiently visible. And to success and no rule book covering all the day this is not an environment of any direction you go, it’s all a tricky eventualities. This confirms how important trust.’ In line with this, new MPs reported balancing act, trying to get the right line.’ it is for newcomers to figure it out for that much of their learning was through themselves, while also weighing up advice informal conversations, both within and from experienced colleagues. As one MP across political parties. Examples of when Insights from New Zealand MPs observed with regard to learning about such conversations took place between As noted above, this research with MPs the informal aspects of how Parliament MPs included casual chats on evenings new to NZ’s Parliament was motivated worked: ‘It’s an absolute mystery in some when Parliament was in session, visits to both by the increasing prevalence of respects. For example around promotion, electorates, and on overseas delegations. individualised newcomer adjustment when a Minister resigns, or someone like paths and the emerging evidence of that, that leads to somebody replacing Being present but not dominant in negative collegial behaviours across them and that leads to a reshuffle the media various industries, including our own amongst the chairmen, select committees The third area of paradox facing new research in UK politics. Firstly, with and so forth. Whether to lobby openly MPs was how to manage the tensions of regard to negative behaviours, while new for a job or just to be quiet and let your needing personally to have a sufficient NZ MPs commonly noted a lack of trust, experience tell the story, you know there’s media presence so that the public could we were surprised to find no hints of the endless theories from different people and see you being effective as an MP, while manipulative behaviour evident in our people will tell you the opposite thing. allowing senior politicians to have a UK MP research. There was slim evidence What works and what doesn’t work… greater public profile for the overall for false information, with one new there’s no… [laugh]… there’s no set rule.’ benefit of the party. There were risks of MP commenting: ‘Oh, yeah you get This reveals the complexities of becoming too little or too much media presence. bullshit from some of the opposition and being an MP, and the need for Too few column inches and you were MPs, basically trying to feed you false individual politicians to navigate their invisible and could lose opportunities and information but it’s fairly obvious.’ A own path. New employees in other even fail to be reselected by your party. handful of MPs had also been unpleasantly contexts face many of these same Too many column inches and you could surprised by what they saw as vicious and conundrums of how to be successful, be seen as overstepping the mark by unnecessary attacks on them in the House and similarly must deal with conflicting senior politicians, and in that way stymie or other public forums, but viewed this as advice and figure out which proactive your career. petty oppositional politics, making behaviours work for them. Hence while The case of a junior MP working personal attacks to try and damage the research with new politicians is within a portfolio illustrates this opposition party. Overall, there was not fascinating as an extreme environment, conundrum. Junior MPs are often the same undercurrent of manipulation it is useful also for the insights it provides assigned preparatory work on an issue as in the UK interviews. for newcomers in general. within their portfolio. They then brief When I asked about this, several a senior MP who presents the issue new MPs suggested that because NZ’s publicly. One new MP talked about her Parliament has so few MPs overall, and Concluding thoughts media experience with regard to a everyone knows each other, MPs could Being an MP is hard work (Weinberg, particular issue that she had worked not risk spreading malicious information 2012), but becoming an MP is arguably extremely hard on and was passionate or being underhand because they would harder. For myself, before starting about: ‘I’m the portfolio spokesperson, quickly be found out and tarnish their research in politics, my knowledge of but we kicked that upstairs to the leader, reputation. Indeed, related to this, many MPs was through the lens of the media. because one it raises their profile but it new MPs reported being surprised at how Interviewing new MPs and frankly also gives it [the portfolio] extra mana collegial inter-party relations were, and discussing the highs and lows of their [mana is Maori meaning power or status] noted how this enabled NZ’s Parliament newcomer experiences gave me an with the media as well’. Yet this same MP to run more smoothly (the exception unexpected appreciation and respect for noted the consequent harm from her lack being aggressive debates in the House). what they put themselves through. Of all of presence in the media, with a Secondly, picking up on the idea of newcomer adjustment processes, the path prominent blogger calling her invisible, individualised socialisation, MPs noted of new MPs is one of the most complex and her frustration that she could not that there were many ways to be an MP. and fascinating. defend herself because her work on the Some chose to prioritise the role of portfolio was indeed concealed. legislator, others worked primarily as While the previous example is from a problem solver within their electorate, Helena Cooper-Thomas an opposition MP, the same quandary while others campaigned for progress on is Senior Lecturer in the faces government MPs: ‘As a government specific portfolios, such as the economy, School of Psychology at the backbencher, on the one hand, basically health or transport. These were all University of Auckland if you’re in the news you’re in trouble, acceptable ways of being successful in h.cooper-thomas@ is the basic mantra for a government the role. Equally, this may be true in auckland.ac.nz backbencher. They want the Prime many service roles nowadays, whereby

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 367 development needs to arrogance, hubris or self-interest – there may be legitimate reasons for being wary about introducing

ARTICLE Developing strong and training to politics. Furthermore, we argue that while developing ‘good politicians’ is both a fascinating and diverse political leaders important challenge, it also prompts questions about some of the underlying Jo Silvester and Madeleine Wyatt look at the issue of training for politicians, assumptions of work and performance and its relationship with work psychology that can limit the application of work psychology in senior, more ambiguous work roles. In short, we propose that In 1882 Robert Louis Stevenson trong and fair leadership is vital in politics and psychology have much to commented that ‘Politics is perhaps a democracy. Psychologists know learn from each other. the only profession for which no Sa considerable amount about preparation is deemed necessary’, developing people in their jobs in order and today it seems that his to give the best chance of this (cf. Common sources of resistance comments still hold. Despite a Aguinas & Kraiger, 2009), yet we have When we began working with politicians wealth of understanding in work had remarkably little to say about some of and political parties just over a decade psychology about how to train and the most important questions relating to ago, we were surprised by the lack of support people in work roles, very democratic leadership. What do we mean training for political roles, as well as a few efforts have been made to by good political performance? How can general resistance to the idea of formal apply this knowledge to political we support and encourage aspiring development for politicians. Over the work. politicians? How can we develop strong course of several projects we were able to Can we explain this lack of and diverse political talent? While capture the views of MPs, parliamentary support and development for new political scientists and the media are all candidates and local councillors, and and existing politicians? And could too ready to debate whether or not MPs three common sources of resistance such provision be potentially should have second towards training and problematic precisely because it jobs, or whether too development emerged. challenges many of our taken-for- many new politicians “…we were surprised The first view is that granted assumptions about the enter Parliament with by the lack of training politicians simply don’t need nature of work and learning? no experience of the training or development. This workplace beyond for political roles…” might look like arrogance being a political intern (i.e. ‘I am elected by the people, or researcher for a MP, so why do I need training?’). But the voices of work psychologists remain unlike other professionals political conspicuous by their absence. candidates are not expected to possess In this article we argue that work a specific body of knowledge or skills. psychology as a discipline has much to We do not insist that our politicians pass Could training for politicians do more contribute to these debates, and to more certain exams in order to be elected. In harm than good? fundamental questions about the nature fact, the very nature of democratic What can psychologists learn from and importance of political work. We process means that we assume elected

questions questions politics and politicians? focus in particular on the question of representatives should be able to rely on why, compared with the considerable the knowledge and expertise they have efforts and monies devoted to developing already acquired outside politics to help Inter-Parliamentary Union: www.ipu.org public- and private-sector leaders, so little them perform their political roles. And Politician personality, Machiavellianism, formal support and development is where they lack certain knowledge or and political skill: available for aspiring and incumbent expertise, politicians are able to rely on tinyurl.com/nr3bmma politicians. We suggest that while it might the support of appointed officials, such as resources BAME leaders’ career experience: be easy to blame this lack of training on civil servants or local government officers, tinyurl.com/njlwozd politicians themselves – to ascribe the to help them make sense of political apparent reluctance to admit or address procedures and technical areas. However,

Aguinas, H. & Kraiger, K. (2009). Benefits 14, 93–105. Harvard Business Review, 85, 62–71. Routledge/Taylor and Francis. of training and development for Doldor, E. (2013). Organizational politics: Ferris, G. & Judge, T. (1991). Personnel/ Fox, R. & Korris, M. (2012). A fresh start? individuals and teams, organizations The missing link to women’s human resources management: A The orientation and induction of new and society. Annual Review of progression into managerial roles. In political influence perspective. MPs at Westminster following the

references Psychology, 60, 451–474. S. Vinnicombe, R.J. Burker, S. Journal of Management, 17, 447–488. 2010 general election. Parliamentary Blass, F.R., Brouer, R.L., Perrewé, P.L. & Blacke-Beard & L.L. Moore (Eds.) Ferris, G.R., Treadway, D.C., Brouer, R.L., Affairs, 65, 559–575. Ferris, G.R. (2007). Politics Handbook of research on promoting & Munyon, T.P. (2012). Political skill Gerth, H.H. & Mills, C.W. (Eds.) (1946). understanding and networking ability women’s careers (pp.196–211). in the organizational sciences. In G.R From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology. as a function of mentoring: The roles Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Ferris & D.C. Treadway (Eds.) Politics New York: Oxford University Press. of gender and race. Journal of Eagly, A.H. & Carli, L.L. (2007). Women in organizations: Theory and research Keep, M. (2010). Characteristics of the new Leadership & Organizational Studies, and the labyrinth of leadership. implications (pp.487–528). New York: House of Commons. Available at

368 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 J political leadership ESS H URD / REPORTDIGITAL as Weber argues, relying on the who has the right to determine or define expertise of employed officers or civil the content and performance of political roles. Ferris and Judge (1991) point out

servants is also problematic, because . CO .

a lack of knowledge can leave UK that human resource management politicians ‘in the position of the systems such as training and “dilettante” who stands opposite the development are political systems in “expert”’ (Weber, cited in Gerth & their own right because they exist to Mills, 1946, p.232), or at the very perpetuate managers’ control over least less powerful than the trained employees. Formal training in politics officials who manage the could legitimise certain types and areas administration. Arguably, therefore, of knowledge, and imply a ‘higher order’ politicians still need to know enough with the power to determine the actions to be able to evaluate the information of elected representatives. they are given, and to challenge King (1981) argues that politicians decisions effectively if required. are not professionals, because they are The second view is that practical not expected to possess a distinct body challenges make it difficult to provide of technical knowledge when they are or engage in training and elected – nor are they required to develop development: usually insufficient one once in office. Not only does this time, or a lack of available resources mean that politicians have the legitimate to support training activities. Of the people, by the people, for the people? power to determine for themselves what Certainly political roles can require a and how they should learn, it also means 24/7 commitment from MPs, who need that political roles can be open to to split their time between Westminster a growing dialogue about the need to individuals from all backgrounds who and their local constituencies (Weinberg support new politicians (see Cooper- possess diverse knowledge and skills & Cooper, 2003). However, with 180 of Thomas, this issue, p.364; Fox & Korris, acquired via education, work or life the current 650 British MPs declaring 2012; Steinack, 2012), limited public experience. Put simply, formal training second jobs that generate total earnings awareness about the nature and and development challenges Abraham of more than £7.4 million (according to challenges of political work remains an Lincoln’s basic premise of democracy the Financial Times, 23 February 2015), important barrier to the introduction of that government should be ‘of the people, it does seem that time could well be found development activities. by the people, for the people’. if the motivation was there to do so. The The third reason for resisting training Of course, this also raises an practical challenge is probably more relates to the belief that the introduction important question for work difficult for local politicians who, unlike of training and development poses a psychologists: if much of our discipline MPs, are not usually paid for their roles, threat to democratic process. At first this is devoted to creating systems to select, and by volunteering their time often appears to reflect hubris on the part of assess and develop employees that are struggle to maintain a balance between politicians (i.e. ‘I’m elected, so who are based on prescribed managerial norms the demands of paid employment, family you to tell me I need training?’) But on and needs, and that therefore help to commitments, and council duties. closer inspection such resistance reflects strengthen managerial power and Potentially more problematic, albeit an underlying narrative about the need to authority – does this make the discipline less discussed, are public attitudes navigate a complex, ambiguous, contested inherently undemocratic? More towards spending money on training environment, where power is the specifically, do work psychologists pay and development for politicians. This is currency of success and politics the work insufficient attention to the pluralistic and frequently attacked in the press as an by which this currency is won or lost. potentially conflicting needs and views of unnecessary, self-indulgent and self- Thus resistance to training and different groups within the workplace? serving expense on the part of elected development for politicians derives in leaders who may be in their role for part from the belief that such formal relatively short periods of time, with no activities undermine the legitimate right The challenge of inclusion guarantee of re-election. Training may of elected representatives to determine While there may be persuasive arguments also be seen as a Machiavellian means for how they will enact their roles and as to why formal training for aspiring or politicians to increase their power over represent the needs and views of their incumbent politicians should be treated others (Searing, 1995). Therefore, despite constituents. It’s a power struggle, about with caution, the real challenge lies in

tinyurl.com/otzqqed Mann, S. (1995). Politics and power in Silvester, J. (2012). Recruiting politicians: Silvester, J. & Menges, C. (2011). The King, A. (1981). The rise of the career organizations: Why women lose out. Designing competency-based political mentoring toolkit. London: politician in Britain – and its Leadership and Organization selection for UK Parliamentary ESRC/City University London. consequences. British Journal of Development Journal, 16, 9–15. candidates. In A. Weinberg (Ed.) The Silvester, J. & Spicer, A. (2014). Leading a Political Science, 11, 249–285. Searing, D.D. (1995). The psychology of psychology of politicians (pp.21–38). legislature: A report on findings. Korris, M. (2014). Political professional political authority. Political Cambridge: Cambridge University Written evidence submitted to the development. In J. Silvester (Ed.) Psychology, 16, 677–696. Press. House of Commons Governance Power, personalities and principles: Shepherd-Robinson, L. & Lovenduski, J. Silvester, J. & Dykes, C. (2007). Selecting Committee. Available at Improving political leadership. London: (2002). Women and candidate selection political candidates. Journal of tinyurl.com/mr3abfu Cass Business School. Available at in British political parties. London: Occupational and Organizational Silvester, J. & Wyatt, M. (in press). at tinyurl.com/oxpnxjr The Fawcett Society. Psychology, 80, 11–25. Political effectiveness at work. In C.

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identifying an alternative to the current increases the likelihood of unfair related and technical skills without situation. At present a lack of formal discrimination, and reduces access to paying sufficient attention to the tacit or development means that new politicians the information and political knowledge more secretive knowledge that individuals must rely overwhelmingly on informal necessary to gain power and influence (cf. need to navigate their environments strategies to learn about their roles; yet Eagly & Carli, 2007). We see this happen successfully (Doldor, 2013). some MPs have significant advantage with minority groups in other work There is clearly a need to address the over others when it comes to acquiring settings: for example, senior black and lack of diversity in politics. After the last knowledge. As shown in Cooper-Thomas’s minority ethnic leaders in a government general election black and minority ethnic article (this issue, p.364), new MPs are department described finding it more individuals comprised 4 per cent and socialised by sitting MPs and civil difficult to develop the knowledge and women 23 per cent of MPs (and just four servants. However, some new MPs will skills required for leadership positions of the 23 cabinet ministers) in the House have gained insider knowledge of (Wyatt & Silvester, 2015). The of Commons (Keep, 2010), a figure that Parliament and possible ‘routes to power’ information required to navigate the placed the UK 60th in the world in terms before they were elected, because they labyrinth of complex paths to power of female parliamentary representation, have served as interns, research assistants is selectively passed via developmental according to the Inter-Parliamentary or supporters of sitting MPs. Those who relationships, informal interactions with Union. The Equality and Human Rights lack access to mentors, sponsors and network contacts Commission estimates that it will take as insiders must who are usually white males. It can be many as 14 elections to achieve gender J

ESS rely on their difficult for women and minority groups parity at national level. Similar figures are

H own efforts to to gain access to these groups and thus to found at local level where 32 per cent of URD make sense of, learn the ‘rules of the game’. elected councillors are women. As formal / REPORTDIGITAL and decode, Work psychologists therefore development activities equalise access to observable frequently introduce formal structured task-related, technical skills and implicit actions of assessment procedures to ensure fairness, knowledge, they should also increase the . CO significant by focusing decisions on job-related speed at which new MPs (particularly . UK others. Not competences and skills rather than on those from non-traditional backgrounds) only is this whether an individual is known by make the transition into Parliament. process likely significant others. In politics, however, Formal development is therefore a to take power and influence is both achieved strategy that should be pursued. considerably and enacted through relationships. Thus In fact, significant efforts were made It will take as many as 14 longer, it is also patronage (i.e. being a ‘favoured son or to respond to the need for more formal elections to achieve gender much more daughter’: Shepherd-Robinson & provision of political development in local parity at national level likely to lead Lovenduski, 2002) can significantly government following the election of a to embarrassing increase the likelihood that an individual Labour government in 1997. Facilitated mistakes that can reduce the likelihood of will be chosen as a candidate for a by establishment of the Improvement and being perceived as competent and constituency. Similarly, once they enter Development Agency (more recently the promoted to significant roles within Parliament, patronage also helps to ensure Local Government Association), Parliament. certain new MPs have access to councillor development activities were Thus a key problem with these information that makes it easier for them initiated, such as the Next Generation for procedures is that, as we see in other to navigate the perplexing parliamentary Talented Councillors programme, which organisational contexts, learning depends environment. Yet this also means that aims to train and develop councillors in on gatekeepers willing to share their those who have the power to offer the workings of government and support knowledge and understanding (Blass et patronage, and who control what them to progress in their political careers. al., 2007; Mann, 1995). Those with less information can be divulged to whom, A number of other initiatives were also privileged access lose out and are are likely to be more resistant to formal introduced, such as toolkits and peer overtaken by those who have already development systems because these mentoring to support development of developed networks. Not only does this undermine their ability (i.e. power) political skills amongst councillors slow learning down, it poses significant to influence. Formal development may (Silvester & Menges, 2011). Although risks for diversity and inclusion (Silvester therefore serve to level the playing field. advances were made in promoting the & Wyatt, in press). However, it may still not succeed in need for training and development, many There is plenty of evidence that improving diversity and inclusion if it of these efforts suffered in cuts after the informal ambiguity in the workplace focuses exclusively on explicit, task- financial crisis in 2008.

Viswesvaran, D.S. Ones, N. Psychology, 87, 258–279. Reflections on the labyrinth: Anderson & H.K. Sinangil (Eds.) Steinack, K. (2012). Between apathy and Investigating black and minority Handbook of industrial work and enthusiasm: An international ethnic leaders’ career experiences. organizational psychology, Volume 3. comparison of MPs attitudes Human Relations. doi: London: Sage. towards parliamentary training. 10.1177/0018726714550890 Silvester, J., Wyatt, M. & Randall, R. Parliamentary Affairs, 65, 541–558. (2014). Politician personality, Weinberg, A. & Cooper, C.L. (2003). Machiavellianism and political skill Stress among national politicians as predictors of performance elected to Parliament for the first ratings in political roles. Journal of time. Stress and Health, 19, 111–117. Occupational and Organizational Wyatt, M. & Silvester, J. (2015).

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Therefore, despite lack of need and need a broad understanding of managers) ‘own’ feedback, can reduce the threat to democratic process being how government works (including the perceived threat to the democratic cited as reasons for not engaging in constitutional procedures) and how to process. Equally important is the need training and development, there clearly work effectively in their local political for much greater public awareness of the is a case for greater provision of formal context. Arguably, politicians also need demands, challenges and importance of development for politicians, which may to be able to deal with competing groups, political roles; as well as more recognition act as a mechanism to enhance the conflicted interests, and powerful of the need for funding and support for fairness and diversity of the democratic lobbyists, and be able to navigate their formal training and development. process. Korris (2014) argues that party environment and achieve their objectives. However, we also argue that there is leaders need to insist that their new MPs So political development poses a a critical need for work psychologists to make time to train, oppose the training- fascinating challenge; how would we recognise and understand the inherently resistant culture, and to stand up to the address it? political nature of learning and media. Yet there remains the practical Firstly, we believe that it is development and work more generally. challenge of how to identify the areas important to improve inclusive learning This might include embedding power of knowledge and skill required by opportunities for aspiring politicians who and politics as core knowledge areas for politicians in general and design learning lack access to informal sources of professional training in work psychology. activities that accommodate a much information and learning about political By relinquishing the widely subscribed broader range of knowledge, skills and roles. To do so much could be learned assumption that there is a single abilities than typically found in an from existing shadowing schemes and ‘objective’ view of work performance, for employee group (Silvester, 2012; Silvester leadership programmes like those offered example, it becomes possible to recognise & Dykes, 2007). by Operation Black Vote, an organisation that politicians (as well as senior that aims to enhance ethnic minority professionals in other fields) require the political engagement and skills. Secondly, freedom to shape and communicate their Practical next steps we argue that the political parties need to own personal definitions of what good There appears to be growing recognition recognise the importance of development performance looks like in their roles. that new MPs in particular need more and commit to supporting learning Finally, there is a need for more focus support. In their review of British MPs opportunities for new and aspiring on what business leaders can learn from entering Parliament for the first time in politicians. These might involve widening politicians. While research into the 2010, Fox and Korris (2012) found that participation in schemes such as the political skill of managers is burgeoning while most knew a lot about being a Political Mentoring Programme, launched (Ferris et al., 2012), for example, constituency MP from their time by the Local Government Group in 2006 relatively little draws explicit links with campaigning as parliamentary candidates, (see Silvester & Menges, 2011), and the politicians and political work. It is not few had thought much beyond the point introduction of formal induction or on- just politicians who need to navigate of being elected; either because they had boarding programmes for politicians at complex environments, manage opposing been too busy campaigning or for fear of local and national level. views and mobilise coalitions of support, tempting fate (or appearing hubristic) by We also believe that there is a need to and we might learn a great deal from assuming they would win. A recent BBC build broader awareness of the knowledge politicians that is pertinent to the political ‘fly-on-the-wall’ programme, which and skills that are important for political nature of senior organisational positions. followed those who work in the British roles and to improve cross-party (and Politics reminds us that knowledge is Houses of Parliament, provided an potentially non-party) access to activities power and that those who hold or control excellent insight into the realities of that can support their development. access to knowledge also have the political workings that appear, on the Although existing work in local potential to change the balance of power, one hand, as steeped in ritual, history government has identified core and to determine who else can achieve and tradition, and on the other, as competences for councillor roles (see power and influence. We remain nothing less than a shambolic collection tinyurl.com/qdbelt8) more work needs to convinced that the field of psychology as of ad hoc and often unnecessary be done to embed these into learning and a whole has much to offer the political practices. It is easy to understand why training activities and to support their domain, but it is equally important that there are calls for the professionalisation continual evaluation and implementation. work psychologists recognise their own of Parliament, including the introduction It is also important to recognise and roles as political actors in the workplace. of modern business practices reminiscent protect the legitimate right that of ‘customer service’ and ‘efficiency’. Yet politicians have to choose to engage (or Parliament is not a business and care not) in development. This means that Jo Silvester must be taken to understand the unique greater effort should be placed on helping is at Cass Business School, nature of work within a legislature in politicians and aspiring politicians to City University London order to understand how to modernise understand how and why learning can [email protected] practices whilst preserving tradition and enhance their democratic power rather respecting democratic process (Silvester than diminish it. To facilitate politician- & Spicer, 2014). led development more use could be made Most importantly, if formal of feedback provided via 360-degree development opportunities are to review procedures that allow politicians Madeleine Wyatt be offered, care needs to be taken to to identify potential raters and where is at Kent Business School, determine what and how politicians feedback can remain anonymous and University of Kent need to learn. It may not be possible confidential (see Silvester et al., 2014). [email protected] or desirable for new politicians to have Although the act of providing feedback equivalent technical knowledge in areas remains inherently political, this type of like finance or operations, but they will method, where politicians (rather than

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 371 dramaturgical one and by spectacle, while political actors employed symbols and rituals for public consumption via the

ARTICLE media. New or old, there is little doubt therefore that this process has been facilitated by the ever-increasing role The age of celebrity politics played by the media in political debate. For decades, communications scholars Sharon Coen considers psychology’s role in a modern phenomenon have argued that the media (in particular, TV and, later, the internet) constitute the new ‘public sphere’, the place where From celebrity candidates and or some time now, scholars and the issues relevant to citizenship and society aspiring singing Prime Ministers to public alike have bemoaned a sharp at large are debated and elaborated. candidates becoming the focus of Fchange in the way politics is lived by Political reporting in the news media is gossip magazines, the boundaries citizens (especially in the Western increasingly ‘personalised’, presenting between celebrity and politics are democracies). With politicians of all hues issues as personal opinions of a single becoming increasingly blurred. generally sharing a liberal market politician rather than ideological or party- With the National Elections consensus, it can be hard to distinguish driven. Similarly, the acceptance or approaching, this article reflects on between the various manifestos. As the rejection of a political argument is the phenomenon of personalisation author Keith Sutherland put it in 2004, increasingly attributed to the person of politics and its possible effects ‘The party’s over’. With the prominence making the argument rather than the on the democratic process. In of political ideology ideological standpoint particular, we focus on how social, receding, individual the argument is built political and media psychology can personalities come to upon. Thus, in the UK, contribute to explaining the the fore. “Political reporting in the we are no longer talking phenomenon and its impact on This phenomenon news media is increasingly about what ‘Labour’, voters’ attitudes and behaviours. is well captured by the ‘personalised’” ‘Liberal Democrats’ or concept of audience ‘Conservatives’ propose, democracy, proposed we are debating what by Manin (1995, English edition 1997). Miliband, Clegg or Cameron say What are the psychological processes De Beus (2011) describes a shift, over the (although not all agree on this trend, e.g. involved in the formation of political last 20 or so years, away from traditional Vliegenthart et al., 2011). judgements concerning candidates? parties’ democracy. The political party was This shift towards the personalisation questions questions What are the psychological the dominant actor in the field of politics, of politics is accompanied by an underpinnings of political engagement? the party programme the leading increasing scrutiny of the private lives principle, and competence the virtue for and affairs of politicians, rather than What role do the media play in which politicians strived and with which their institutional successes and failures. promoting and/or hindering political they legitimised their politics. Instead, we Van Aelst et al. (2012) highlighted this engagement?? now have audience democracy, in which tendency towards ‘privatisation’ (i.e. personalities are favoured over the party, a focus on the politician as a private performance over the programme and individual as opposed to a politician as Caprara, G.V. (2007). The personalization of authenticity over competence. a public official) and ‘personalisation’ modern politics. European Review, 15, Of course, some would argue there (a progressive shift towards focusing on 151–164. has been superficiality on the political non-politically relevant traits). They Giles, D. (2000). Illusions of immortality: A

resources stage going back much more than 20 distinguish this from the shift towards psychology of fame and celebrity. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. years. Indeed, De Beus notes that ‘individualisation’ (coverage of individuals Wheeler, M. (2012). The democratic worth of audience democracy resonates with as opposed to institutions). celebrity politics in an era of late modernity. Edelman’s notion of symbolic politics Individualisation itself can be considered British Journal of Politics and International from 1967. He claimed that the in terms of a general increase in the Relations, 14(3), 407–422. instrumental dimension of politics visibility of individual political was gradually being replaced by a representatives in the media, and in terms

Antonakis, J. & Dalgas, O. (2009). model of political preference. Cislak, A. & Wojciszke, B. (2008). Agency De Beus, J. (2011). Audience democracy: Predicting elections: Child's play! American Psychologist, 59(7), 581. and communion are inferred from An emerging pattern in postmodern Science, 323(5918), 1183. Catellani, P. (2011). Psicologia politica. actions serving interests of self or political communication. In K. Brants Bless, H. & Schwarz, N. (1998). Context Bologna: Il Mulino. others. European Journal of Social & K. Voltmer (Eds.) Political

references effects in political judgement: Chaiken, S., Liberman, A. & Eagly, A.H. Psychology, 38(7), 1103–1110. communication in postmodern assimilation and contrast as a (1989). Heuristic and systematic Coen, S. (in press). Non verbal democracy: Challenging the primacy of function of categorization processes. processing within and beyond the communication. In International politics (pp.19–38). Houndmills: European Journal of Social Psychology, persuasion context. In J.S. Uleman & Encyclopedia of Political Palgrave Macmillan. 28(2), 159–172. J.A. Bargh (Eds.) Unintended thought Communication. London: Wiley- Dibble, J.L. & Rosaen, S.F. (2011). Caprara, G.V., & Zimbardo, P.G. (2004). (pp. 212–252). New York: Guilford Blackwell and International Parasocial interaction as more than Personalizing politics: A congruency Press. Communication Association. friendship: Evidence for parasocial

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of the concentration of media attention modern media (at the time, radio, TV who match their own personality on political personalities who occupy and press) encourage the establishment characteristics and sets of values (Caprara leadership roles, such as party leaders of PSIs by ‘coaching the audience’ into & Zimbardo, 2004), and extraversion and or presidents. believing they are somehow part of the sociability also play a role (see Mazzoleni Virtually all of this reporting and events portrayed. (For a recent replication & Sfardini, 2009). By providing further communication is mediated, and and extension, see Hartmann and information on such traits and delivered in a ‘one-to-many’ direction. Goldhoorn, 2011.) characteristics across a variety of media – As citizens, we rarely have a chance to Nowadays, the internet and social Twitter, radio interviews, live televised interact directly with our aspiring – or networking platforms such as Twitter and debates and more – politicians are actual – political representatives. New Facebook offer new opportunities for supplying a rich vein of evaluative technologies and the internet have parasocial interaction between politicians information. Of course, this information introduced an element of interactivity, and voters. This creates anomalies for may or may not be relevant to the task in which some argue can significantly alter parasocial interaction itself, for example hand. the relationship between politics, when politicians respond directly to politicians and the public, but even in tweets from the public. These changes this case it is safe to say that the need to be further explored by Heroes and villains relationship citizens establish with psychologists interested in both media With the growing focus on individuals politicians is mostly parasocial. and political communication in order to rather than ideas or institutions, and with understand their impact. the rising interest in the private aspects of While a significant proportion of politicians’ lives, the boundaries between Parasocial interaction scholars conceptualise PSIs as inherently ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ news are becoming Parasocial interactions (PSI: see Giles, positive (such as forms of mediated increasingly blurred, and so are those 2002) are relationships that the public ‘friendship’), others suggest that PSIs are between institutional figures and establishes with characters in the media. a much wider phenomenon, and that celebrities within the public realm. Thus, These can be real or fictional characters: people also establish them with media we see politicians portrayed as heroes or for example, the public can establish PSIs characters they dislike (e.g. Dibble & villains, in line with the classical with characters in a movie or in soap Rosaen, 2011). Importantly, research in melodramatic narrative (see Mancini & operas, or with actors, musicians, famous this area seems to suggest that there are Swanson, 1996), and the emergence of sportsmen and sportswomen. Horton and substantial parallels between social and a ‘celebrity’ politician. Wohl (1956) first illustrated this parasocial interaction: perceived similarity According to Street (2004) there are phenomenon in detail, arguing that the and attraction are examples of factors that two types of ‘celebrity’ politicians: the are important in the first, a person who achieved a celebrity establishment of both real- status prior to entering the political scene G

ETTY life friendships and PSIs. (examples could be the US actor Arnold

I Similarly, political Schwarzenegger or the Italian comedian MAGES psychologists have tried to Beppe Grillo), the second, a ‘professional’ identify the role played by politician who, either by association or individual traits and adopting the appropriate communication characteristics in the styles and avenues (e.g. Tony Blair posing success of political with the England football team) assumes candidates. Appearance, celebrity status. A third possible type gender and demographic could be a ‘professional’ politician who, characteristics are all by no will of their own, achieves relevant to voting choices ‘celebrity’ status by being a target of (e.g. for an overview, see gossip and tabloid attention (often the Catellani, 2011), and case with women in politics: see Mazzoni evaluations of politicians’ & Ciaglia, 2013). How can research in morality and leadership psychology help us to understand each appear particularly type of celebrity politician? important (e.g. Cislak & The history of politics is populated by The history of politics is populated by illustrious Wojciszke, 2008). Voters tend illustrious examples of celebrity figures examples of celebrity figures achieving success to favour political candidates achieving success: consider the actors

interactions with disliked media psychology, 4(3), 279–305. Press coverage of women candidates modern democracy: An international figures. Journal of Media Psychology: Hartmann, T. & Goldhoorn, C. (2011). for statewide office. Journal of study of innovation in electoral Theories, Methods, and Applications, Horton and Wohl revisited: Exploring Politics, 56(1), 154–173. campaigning and their consequences 23(3), 122. viewers' experience of parasocial Koppensteiner, M. & Grammer, K. (2010). (pp.1–26). New York: Praeger. Erdogan, B.Z. (1999). Celebrity interaction. Journal of Motion patterns in political speech Manin, B. (1997). The principles of endorsement: A literature review. Communication, 61(6), 1104–1121. and their influence on personality representative government. Cambridge: Journal of Marketing Management, 15, Horton, D. & Wohl, R.R. (1956). Mass ratings. Journal of Research in Cambridge University Press. 291–314. communication and para-social Personality, 44(3), 374–379. Mazzoleni, G. & Sfardini, A. (2009) Politica Giles, D.C. (2002). Parasocial interaction: interaction: Observations on intimacy Mancini, P. & Swanson, D.L. (1996). pop. Da 'Porta a porta' a 'L'isola dei A review of the literature and a at a distance, Psychiatry 19, 215–229. Introduction. In D.L. Swanson & P. famosi'. Bologna: Il Mulino. model for future research. Media Kahn, K.F. (1994). The distorted mirror: Mancini (Eds.) Politics, media and Mazzoni, M. & Ciaglia, A. (2013). An

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 373 celebrity politics

Clint Eastwood, Arnold Schwarzenegger Studies (e.g. Bless & Schwarz, 1998; ‘sponsor’ a candidate, or attend political and Ronald Reagan, the last of whom of Schwarz & Bless, 1992) have shown how rallies and events. At the same time, course reached the highest office. More exposure to scandals can lead to both politicians often endorse and/or attend recently, a young political activist won the assimilation and contrast effects: on the non-political events, such as sports, BBC talent show The Voice UK: one hand, when reminded of politicians entertainment and arts. In the UK it is throughout the show, he was claiming he involved in scandal, participants tended not uncommon to see politicians partake aspires to become ‘the first singing black to report decreased levels of trust in the in comedy, reality TV or talent shows (for Prime Minister’ in the UK. Achieving general social category of politicians, but an example in the Italian context, see celebrity status in other domains seems they also reported heightened levels of Mazzoleni and Sfardini, 2009). therefore to be a viable pathway for trust in individual politicians (not Once again, psychological research aspiring politicians. Why is this? associated with scandals). These studies can help us to understand this Above all, celebrity status guarantees suggest that coverage of scandals led to a phenomenon. Advertisers have long visibility, and therefore familiarity. ‘vicious cycle’ by shaking the public’s trust understood how associating a product Parasocial interactions (PSIs) offer an in politics and ‘forcing’ individual with a liked celebrity boosts sales of the explanation here, how they arise from politicians to stand out from the crowd product via a series of psychological an illusion of familiarity with mediated and seek individual (non-scandal-related) processes. For example, according to the characters. Getting to know a candidate coverage to counteract its negative effects. elaboration likelihood model (Petty & through their presence in the media – Another phenomenon worthy of our Cacioppo, 1986) and the regardless of the context – can foster a consideration is political endorsement by heuristic/systematic model of persuasion sense of acquaintance with the candidate. celebrities. This is a growing (Chaiken et al., 1989), ‘liking’ the person This can lead to the establishment of phenomenon, not only in the US, where who delivers the persuasive message PSIs, which, when positive, can promote there is a long history of endorsements by induces heuristic rather than systematic a sense of intimacy and trust. VIPs of political candidates, but also in processing of its content. The qualities Also, celebrities are often Europe. Celebrities are often invited to attributed to the celebrity – such as deemed attractive, and actors likeability, attractiveness, are trained on how to best trustworthiness, success – can G

deliver a message through ETTY transfer to the product (see Erdogan,

both verbal and non-verbal I 1999, for a review). We might argue cues in front of a camera. It is MAGES that political candidates in the therefore not surprising they mediated world are similar to ‘brands’ can deliver a more convincing or ‘products’, ‘sold’ to the audience via performance: indeed, research techniques borrowed from has shown that Reagan’s persuasion, advertisement and physical attractiveness and marketing. expressiveness were important factors in explaining his success in a A double-edged sword televised debate (Patterson et As in advertising, exposure is al., 1992). everything. Presence in the media What about politicians becomes paramount in the race to who become ‘celebrities’? election: a candidate who is absent Political scandals and details from the spotlight does not stand of candidates’ private lives are a chance. Borrowing the expression covered not only in of the famous book by Anne Philips mainstream news, but also (which deals with representation of gossip magazines and shows women in minority in the political (for an example in the Italian world), mediated political context, see Mazzoni and communication could be seen as Ciaglia, 2014). Can moving from a politics of ideas to a psychology predict the likely politics of presence. To give a consequences of exposure to concrete example, Mazzoni and Ciaglia news coverage of scandals? Exposure is everything (2013) suggest that part of the reason

incomplete transition? How Italian Burger, G.K. & Powell, J.L. (1992). Schaller, M. (1997). The psychological Street, J. (2004). Celebrity politicians: politicians manage the Verbal and nonverbal modality consequences of fame: Three tests Popular culture and political celebritisation of politics. Celebrity effects on impressions of political of the self-consciousness representation. British Journal of Studies, 5(1–2), 93–106. candidates: Analysis from the 1984 hypothesis. Journal of Personality, Politics and International Relations, Mazzoni, M. & Ciaglia, A. (2014). How presidential debates. Communication 65(2), 291–309. 6(4), 435-452 Italian politics goes popular: Monographs, 59, 231–242. Schwarz, N. & Bless, H. (1992). Sutherland, K. (2004). The party's over: Evidence from an empirical Petty, R.E. & Cacioppo, J.T. (1986). The Assimilation and contrast effects in Blueprint for a very English analysis of gossip magazines and elaboration likelihood model of attitude measurement: An revolution. Exeter: Imprint TV shows. International Journal of persuasion. Advances in inclusion/exclusion model. Academic. Cultural Studies, 17(4), 381–398. Experimental Social Psychology, 19, Advances in Consumer Todorov, A., Mandisodza, A.N., Goren, Patterson, M.L., Churchill, M.E., 123–205. Research,19(1), 72– 77. A. & Hall, C.C. (2005). Inferences of

374 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 celebrity politics P behind the failure of the centre- AUL

left political party in Italy to W attract votes lies in its refusal to OLMUTH Presentation vs.

engage more extensively with / REPORTDIGITAL the media. Whether by choice or by political principles force, politicians find themselves . under this spotlight. Once there, CO The increasing focus on single individuals in mediated . UK an increasing focus on private political communication and the extended TV coverage lives as well as professional given to individual politicians renders non-verbal conduct, combined with the aspects of political communication particularly relevant growing scepticism concerning in people’s voting preferences and evaluations of parties and political systems, candidates (see e.g. Coen, in press). For example, might lead to a shift in the way Todorov et al. (2005) have shown that voters’s citizens make decisions estimations of competence based on snap-judgements concerning their support of of candidates’ faces are predictive of voting preferences, political candidates – away from while Koppersteiner and Grammer (2010) showed how the issues, values and ideas motion patterns displayed by politicians during brought forward by candidates speeches are predictive of viewers’ evaluations of and parties, and towards evaluations based on personal their personality (and thus of voters’ preferences). characteristics of the single In a very interesting study, Antonakis and Dalgas politician. (2009) were able to identify election outcomes based On the one hand, this on children’s preferences concerning candidates’ personalisation and appearance. It comes therefore as no surprise that celebritisation of politics can be Ed Miliband felt it necessary to defend himself from seen as a positive move towards attacks concerning his appearance in photos by shifting restoring citizens’ engagement the focus on principles rather than looks (The Guardian, with politics: politicians are seen 25 July 2014). as individuals, some admired, some disliked, but they have become part of people’s everyday lives leaders by political psychologists: see celebrity status might have a significant and entered their homes in one way or Catellani, 2011) might be orthogonal to – impact on work-related stress and the other. Their ‘celebrity’ status gives for example – conjugal loyalty or driving work–life balance of politicians. Being them prominence but also brings them habits. Secondly, focusing on the a celebrity, while having advantages, has ‘back to the people’: it is easier to relate individual politician might lose sight of also significant negative consequences to people than to abstract ideas or the fact that political decisions are made (see Schaller, 1997): inflated expectations institutions. The opportunities offered by at collegial level: a prominent example concerning performance at work, social networking sites and the internet in could be US President Barack Obama, constantly being the object of discussion general to interact directly with politician who was hailed as a hero and a promoter and evaluation, having to protect one’s and with news providers and the wider of change when he was first elected in privacy and that of loved ones… all can public (e.g. by posting comments on the 2009 and took a significant hit in support negatively impact the politicians’ well- articles or blogging) can be also seen as when he struggled in passing his being and their ability to perform (see important ways in which the citizen can healthcare bill in Congress. In democratic Weinberg, 2011, for an analysis of work- engage in the public debate. systems, there is little that single related stress factors in politicians). On the other hand, though, it is individuals can do on their own. To conclude, psychological research unclear how judgements grounded on the Therefore, representing politics as a and evidence can contribute to personality or private conduct of a single horserace among good/bad individuals understanding the antecedents and individual can be predictive of political rather than a collective process is consequences of the progressive shift ability and efficacy. Firstly, the dimensions misrepresenting the reality of the political towards a celebritisation of politics, of leadership and competence (identified process. and the role old and new media play as crucial in the evaluation of political Finally, it is worth mentioning that in fostering this process. On this basis, psychology can provide important suggestions and consideration on how this phenomenon impacts the democratic process and how best to safeguard the competence from faces predict political news coverage: election outcomes. Science, Personalization, conflict and public interest. 308(5728), 1623–1626. negativity in British and Dutch Van Aelst, P., Sheafer, T., & Stanyer, J. newspapers. In K. Brants & K. (2012). The personalization of Voltmer (Eds.) Political communication Sharon Coen mediated political communication: A in postmodern democracy: Challenging is Senior Lecturer in review of concepts, the primacy of politics (pp.92–110). Psychology at the University operationalizations and key findings. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan. of Salford Journalism, 13(2), 203–220. Weinberg, A. (Ed.). (2011). The psychology [email protected] Vliegenthart, R., Boomgaarden, H.G. & of politicians. Cambridge: Cambridge Boumans, J.W. (2011). Changes in University Press.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 375 experiences of men who have lived through it. After two years at this placement, which provided support for men in an area where no equivocal service is available, the funding was sadly cut and it has now ceased to exist. This The ‘minority’ man? experience, as well as the many stories of NEW VOICES female-perpetrated partner violence that Jessica McCarrick with the latest in our series for budding writers I have heard through my research and (see www.bps.org.uk/newvoices for more information) practice, added to my drive to promote the voice of male survivors. Ultimately, my ambition is to influence societal beliefs about IPV towards a balanced, gender-informed stance. hat do you think of when you therapy and support to both male The emphasis upon female survivors hear the term ‘intimate partner and female survivors. This placement within academic literature and the media Wviolence’? Is it an image of an developed my personal understanding is indicative of over 40 years of aggressive, controlling perpetrator and a of intimate partner violence (IPV) as campaigning for women’s rights to fearful, submissive victim? Is that image a human issue rather than a gender support in IPV situations. Pizzey et al. of a female perpetrator and their fearful issue. Learning about the plight of male (2000) make reference to the ‘ultra male partner? For many, the more survivors and the added stigma they face feminists’ who aspired to define women prominent image would be of an planted the seed for my doctoral research. as a victim group oppressed by men. After aggressive male perpetrator and their Over the following three years I immersed Erin Pizzey announced in a lecture that victimised female partner (Dutton & myself in the literature of IPV and the 62 per cent of the women seeking refuge White, 2013). This view highlights the influence of gender stereotypes within society, as well as media coverage and an emphasis within domestic violence research of female survivors. In 2011 I embarked upon my first year of training in counselling psychology and was, as many trainees may identify, faced with the first hurdle of the doctorate – securing my first placement. This led me to a local charity that provided services to female survivors of domestic violence. Here I began a domestic violence training course, heavily influenced by the feminist model. Although this training provided insight into the different types of abuse within families and intimate relationships, I couldn’t help thinking it seemed a rather biased approach, with men predominantly painted as the aggressive, controlling perpetrators. As happenstance would have it, the funding for placement opportunities at this service ran out and I found myself in another service, What the statistics can’t demonstrate is the shame and emasculation that ultimately prevents which, quite significantly, provided countless men from reporting intimate partner violence

Archer, J. (2000). Sex differences in Consultation on the draft scope. British victims of domestic violence. New victims of marital violence. The aggression between heterosexual Psychological Society response to the Male Studies: An International Journal, Journal of Men’s Studies, 3(2), partners: A meta-analytic review. National Institute for Health and 2(1), 5–17. 137–159. Psychological Bulletin, 126(5), 651–680. Clinical Excellence. Leicester: Author. Follingstad, D.R., DeHart, D.D. & Green, George, M.J. (2007). The ‘Great Taboo’

references Addis, M.E. & Mahalik, J.R. (2003). Men, Crown Prosecution Service (2011). E.P. (2004). Psychologists’ judgments and the role of patriarchy in husband masculinity, and the contexts of help Domestic violence: The facts, the of psychologically aggressive actions and wife abuse. International Journal seeking. American psychologist, 58(1), issues, the future - Speech by the when perpetrated by a husband of Men's Health, 6(1), 7–21. 5–14. Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir versus a wife. Violence and Victims, George, M.J. & Yarwood, D.J. (2004). Male British Psychological Society (2011). Starmer QC. Retrieved 31 March 2015 19(4), 435–452. Domestic Violence Victims Survey 2001: Preventing and reducing domestic from tinyurl.com/65nbkxh George, M.J. (1994). Riding the donkey Main findings. Retrieved 31 March violence between intimate partners: Dutton, D.G. & White, K.R. (2013). Male backwards: Men as the unacceptable 2015 from www.dewar4research.org/

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in the shelter were as violent as their 2011; NICE, 2011). In this response, Stereotypes of male aggression have some male partners, she was condemned by the BPS have rightly highlighted that grounding, with a meta-analysis finding the ultra-feminist movement (Pizzey et domestic violence affects men and women men were more likely to inflict an injury al, 2000). Indeed, the notion that women across the lifespan. Subsequently the than women in intimate, heterosexual could also be perpetrators was so published NICE recommendations for relationships (Archer, 2000). However, controversial that early researchers domestic violence (NICE, 2014) refer to this study also found that women were discussing this received death threats both men and women. However, how will slightly more likely to use one or more (Straus, 1999). The aggressive dynamics this translate within a society that, for 40 acts of physical aggression than men. playing out between researchers and years, has predominantly cast men as the Additionally, more recent research has campaigners appear to be a repetition of sole perpetrators of domestic violence? examined more closely the differences the aggressive relationship dynamics of The current article seeks to understand between male and female aggression. the very subjects they were campaigning the reasons underpinning the overarching Where boys are more likely to engage for. Thus, early research into IPV societal beliefs around gender and IPV in overt aggressive behaviours such as indicated a clear, controversial split and why male victims are evidently a physical or verbal assault, girls have between those believing it to be a gender viewed as ‘the minority man’. Finally, been shown to display forms of indirect issue, with men being the dominant as a big believer in ‘actions speak louder aggression, such as gossip (Hess & aggressors, and those believing it to occur than words’ I shall also point towards Hagen, 2006). more equivalently between the sexes. some recommendations for how we, as Gender biases are highly influential Recently there has been media a society, should address this plight. in affecting people’s perceptions of the coverage on ‘police failings’ in IPV severity of IPV. A large-scale study situations, highlighting poor leadership (Sorenson & Taylor, 2005) found that acts and direction and insufficient victim care. Effects of gender roles and were more likely to be perceived as However, what is striking in the media stereotyping abusive if they were executed by men. coverage of this issue is the emphasis The overarching societal belief of what it Qualitative research that examined the upon female victims, with very little means to be male or female is influenced experiences of counsellors working with mention of male victims, only to state by gender stereotypes. Addis and Mahalik male survivors of female-perpetrated IPV they are in the minority. Indeed, (2003) refer to the emotional stoicism (Hogan et al., 2012) also reported a lack research in the northeast of England and toughness that is applauded as a of recognition within society that men can reported that the majority of IPV positive aspect of masculinity. Steinmetz also be affected by IPV. In this study the perpetrators recorded by the police (1978) highlights the culturally lack of recognition influenced the client’s were male and their victims prescribed norms ascribed to gender, willingness to identify themselves as predominantly female (Hester, 2013). making reference to comics in which victims/survivors of IPV. Additionally, So while it is true that the statistics husbands deviate from their norm of research by Follingstad et al. (2004) suggest that male victims are in the being strong, assertive and intelligent, highlighted that this gender bias is also minority, it is in my nature as a thus making their wives justified in true of psychologists, with rates of a counselling psychologist to seek the chastising their them for not living up to husband’s behaviours being judged as story behind their face value. What their ascribed gender role. These gender- more psychologically abusive and severe the statistics can’t demonstrate is the role stereotypes are so entrenched that, than the wife’s use of the same actions. shame and emasculation (McCarrick, historically, when people deviate from Thus, even psychologists, with their focus Davis-McCabe & Hirst-Winthrop, in them there has been a price to pay. This on the study of human behaviour, are not press) that ultimately prevents has been documented historically by immune from gender biases, indicating countless men from reporting IPV. making men who were victimised by their the need for further research and Although I believe there is still wives into the objects of ridicule, with a promoting awareness of men’s experiences a way to go in promoting the voice of medieval European practice called of IPV. The inclusion of male survivors, my ambition has been charivari, which involved riding the male a taught workshop on doctoral training supported recently by media coverage, victim of IPV on a donkey around town programmes, or as part of qualified such as an advertising campaign and punching his genitals (George, 1994). psychologists’ continuing professional promoting male survivors by Essex Dutton and White (2013) make development, addressing the experiences Police aired during last year’s World reference to the stereotype underlying of male and female survivors would be Cup matches. The BPS has also written ‘domestic violence’ of a bullying, helpful in order to begin to address this a response to the NICE draft consultation domineering man who intimidates and bias. Thinking about local domestic on preventing and reducing IPV (BPS, assaults their non-violent female partner. violence services, it is my view, as a

DOCS/mdv.pdf Criminology, 10(5), 623–637. intimate partner violence. Journal of care and the organisations they work Hess, N.H. & Hagen, E.H. (2006). Sex Hogan, K.F., Hegarty, J.R., Ward, T. & Family Violence. with can respond effectively. NICE differences in indirect aggression: Dodd, L.J. (2012). Counsellors’ National Institute for Health and Clinical public health guidance 50. Retrieved Psychological evidence from young experiences of working with male Excellence. (2011). Preventing and 1 April 2015 from tinyurl.com/q4fcb7b adults. Evolution and Human Behavior, victims of female-perpetrated reducing domestic violence between Pizzey, E. (2000). From the personal to the 27(3), 231–245. domestic abuse. Counselling & intimate partners. Draft scope for political. In Pizzey, E., Shackleton, J. Hester, M. (2013). Who does what to Psychotherapy Research, 12(1), 44–52. consultation. Retrieved 1 April 2015 R. & Urwin, P. (Eds.) Women or men – whom? Gender and domestic violence McCarrick, J., Davis-McCabe, C & Hirst- from tinyurl.com/pxnllhb who are the victims? (pp.23–35). perpetrators: Gender and domestic Winthrop, S. (in press). Men's National Institute for Health and Clinical London: Institute for the Study of Civil violence perpetrators in English experiences of the UK criminal justice Excellence. (2014). Domestic violence Society. police records. European Journal of system following female-perpetrated and abuse: How health services, social Pizzey, E., Shackleton, J. R. & Urwin, P.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 377 new voices

counselling psychologist, that services that George (2007) argued that prejudice experienced in my training, with the support men should be nationally funded against men is extreme and has led to loss of funding at the domestic violence and made available, just as society has for underreporting by the police, with more charity, leading to its closure. Research female survivors. Services tailored to men men being put into the CJS if has found that men are often left would allow a safe space to explore and countercharges are made against them. traumatised by their experiences of IPV, process their feelings of rage and loss and Sorenson and Taylor (2005) also reported which is perpetuated by negative work through their post-traumatic stress that respondents judged the same experiences within the CJS, such as being symptoms in a containing therapeutic behaviour when performed by a treated like a guilty perpetrator or environment. Group interventions man as actionable, in that it feeling dismissed by the police overseen by a skilled professional where should be illegal, but not (McCarrick et al, in press). When men can share their experiences and thus when it was performed by a there was a positive experience of lower their sense of isolation and woman. Thus it is highly a police member, one who stigmatisation may also be beneficial. In likely that police and other offered advice about support order for such services to develop, the CJS services for example, this issue of IPV towards men needs to be professionals appeared to reduce the made more public in order for services to are influenced negative psychological impact be provided with funding. By providing by these gender of being arrested under false therapeutic services where men have the biases. In order charges. These findings point experience of being heard and validated, for criminal towards the necessity of setting it is likely that men will be less likely to justice to take up psycho-educational workshops remain in abusive relationships and thus place, there needs for CJS professionals in order to less police intervention will be needed. to be a perpetrator provide an understanding of the and a victim, hence emotional experience of men and it is not surprising encourage a more balanced, gender- Intimate partner violence and that mutually violent informed perspective of IPV. the criminal justice system couples are divided in this way The criminal justice system (CJS) aims via police intervention (Dutton & White, to reduce the prevalence of domestic 2013). Within my research (McCarrick et Conclusions violence and ultimately bring about al., in press) the predominant experience Forty years of feminist campaigning and justice. However, the traditional feminist is of men being arrested under false the influence of gender stereotypes have view of IPV is still dominant at levels as charges of IPV and their disclosures of had a major impact on how society views high as the Crown Prosecution Service. victimisation not being taken seriously, IPV. The argument in this article is that The Director of Public Prosecutions (CPS, despite having evidence. both genders can affected by partner 2011) made a speech, available on the Ultimately, the societal view impacts violence, but currently there exist a CPS website, referring solely to female upon the way authorities deal with number of biases in addressing this. victims, with no mention of male victims. domestic situations, with findings Campaigners and researchers made waves In a review of the literature of the signifying discrimination against men, in the 1970s, which had a positive impact effectiveness of protection orders issued which in turn impacts on the likelihood and improved service provision for in incidents of intimate partner violence, of men seeking support (Hogan et al, women. I argue that it is time to do the Russell (2012) reported that men were 2012). Taking this into account, there same for men. More media coverage less likely to receive a protection order appears to be an influence at a top level, addressing the IPV experiences of both than women, and female perpetrators with the government not sufficiently men and women is needed in order to who had violated their protection orders recognising male survivors and at a educate people about this issue. were less likely to be convicted and grassroots level, with research displaying Promoting awareness of the plight of male arrested than male perpetrators. This that men who do seek support from the survivors may encourage men to report further suggests reluctance by the CJS police or social services are sometimes abuse and feel assured that they will be to take the claims of men seriously. It ignored (George & Yarwood, 2004). taken seriously. appears that the gender paradigm has Additionally, the gender stereotypes As a final note, I would like to add a heavy influence within the legal system within society appear to impact on service that intimate partner violence is an issue and the focus upon CJS statistics provisions, with Pizzey (2000) making that affects men and women within both underestimates the rate and severity of reference to the lack of funding for men’s heterosexual and homosexual female-perpetrated IPV towards men. groups. Indeed, this is something I have relationships, and I would like to see increased funding to improve service provision and development in order to support all people affected by this issue.

(Eds.) (2000). Women or men – who sample. Psychology of Women are the victims? London: Institute for Quarterly, 29(1), 79–96. the Study of Civil Society. Steinmetz, S. (1978). The battered husband Russell, B.L. (2012). Effectiveness, victim syndrome. Victimology, 2, 499–509. safety, characteristics and Straus, M.A. (1999). The controversy over Dr Jessica McCarrick is a enforcement of protection order. domestic violence by women: A Chartered Psychologist and Partner Abuse, 3(4), 531–552. methodological, theoretical and Senior Lecturer in Counselling Sorenson, S.B. & Taylor, C.A. (2005). sociology of science analysis. In X.B. Psychology at Teesside Female aggression toward male Arriaga & S. Oskamp (Eds.) Violence University intimate partners: An examination of in intimate relationships (pp.17–44). [email protected] social norms in a community-based Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 379 the two, as it often is, but the rigours of deployment – particularly repeated and prolonged tours where there is daily or From civvy street near daily exposure to death and injury (and this has certainly been the case in Afghanistan) – absolutely take their toll, INTERVIEW to theatre of war however prepared and resilient the individual concerned. Jon Sutton talks to Jamie Hacker Hughes, incoming Society President, Military and Veteran Specialist and Visiting Professor at Anglia Ruskin University There’s also the question of whether it is the service that’s the issue, or the coming back to ‘civvy street’. I note your paper on deployment in Iraq actually being associated with improved mental health. ow did your own military service on whom the care of veterans falls when The paper that I wrote about how going Hinfluence your later career and they leave the services, know very little to war can be good for you followed a philosophy? about what a veteran is, what experiences group of specially selected, highly trained, I served as an army officer on a short they have had, and what their needs are. highly motivated soldiers (paratroopers) service commission with The Queen’s on their first deployment to Iraq in 2003. Dragoon Guards, in England, Germany In 2010 the Coalition’s ‘programme for They went to carry out tasks that they (during the ‘Cold War’) and Northern government’ promised extra support had been specifically trained for, carried Ireland (at the time of the H-block riots for veterans’ mental health needs. Are them out successfully, with minimum loss and Bobby Sands’ hunger strike). I didn’t they delivering on that promise? of life and limb and returned to the UK know it at the time, but it was the best Partially. Yes, there is extra funding for relatively quickly, and yes, their scores on possible preparation I could have had for Combat Stress Community Mental Health pen and paper measures indicated that my later life as a military psychologist. Nurses and a 24-hour helpline, and there their mental health had improved over From the moment I graduated from is some specialist commissioning funding their deployment. But that is, sadly, not University College London in 1990 I was for a residential Combat Stress pilot the norm, and our research indicates that knocking on the army’s door telling them treatment programme too. But when it troops exposed to danger on a regular that they needed to put psychologists into comes to delivering equity and parity of basis suffer the consequences, especially if uniform (the last uniformed psychologists NHS and local authority veteran mental they are young, junior and inexperienced. served in World War II). I’m delighted health and support services, we’ve still got Coming back to ‘civvy street’ is indeed that, nearly 25 years later, in April last a long, long way to go. Veterans, in theory, a huge problem. I found it difficult enough year, Captain Duncan Precious became get priority treatment in primary care (but returning from Belfast to Birmingham in the first-ever clinical psychologist to be seldom do in practice) and do not get any 1981 after less than five years’ service. commissioned into the British Army [see preferential treatment in secondary care, For people who have given 22 plus years tinyurl.com/captdpr]. where it is needed. There of service the necessary adjustments are I’m absolutely is widespread agreement immense. You are leaving behind not just convinced about the that the Armed Forces a job, but a way of life where everything role that psychology “It’s going to be a heck of Covenant is not delivering is provided – food, entertainment, pay, and psychologists have a year, but I’m going to what it could or should. clothing, accommodation – and where to play in defence. give it my best shot” your whole social network is based. It’s To what extent can you a huge wrench. What’s the extent of determine – and to what the problem with extent is it important – Alcohol must play a part… I have read veterans’ mental health? whether it is service that causes soldiers’ accounts describing life as 'It’s big. Our research tells us that up mental health problems, or that those ‘a bunch of lads’ playing ‘the ultimate to 20 per cent of veterans suffer from attracted to the armed forces may be extreme sport’, ‘drinking and drinking psychological health problems. That’s over predisposed to such issues? and drinking and having a laugh’. half a million people from an estimated That’s a good question and, as It’s true that drinking huge amounts of three million veterans according to the psychologists, we know a good deal about alcohol has been considered as normal for British Legion. A worryingly large predisposing and vulnerability factors, far too long and, in many cases, is number, given that service personnel start provoking factors and precipitating expected and forms part of initiation out as fit, healthy and selected through factors. It’s true that the armed forces, rituals, rites of passage, celebrations and rigorous training. Veterans are also particularly the army and particularly the commiserations. The MoD and the three strongly represented in the criminal ‘teeth arms’ such as infantry, traditionally individual services – Navy, Army and Air justice system and in the homeless recruit from areas of high unemployment Force – are finally beginning to get the population. And the tragic thing is that and social deprivation when individuals message; things are changing slowly. there is no one person in the Westminster may be seeking to leave behind abusive When I was a young cavalry officer, a gin government who’s coordinating all this. It and difficult pasts in the search for a and tonic before lunch was common on falls between several stools of the Ministry better future, let alone a wage. At the weekdays in the mess. That’s almost of Defence, the Department of Health, the same time, many parts of the forces unheard of nowadays. Department of Justice, and so on. And the recruit robust, balanced individuals to other problem is that the vast majority of train for some of the more demanding Are veterans more receptive to some people in the NHS and the Third Sector, roles. So, of course, it’s a combination of forms of mental health intervention

380 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 interview than others? I note you use EMDR, And perhaps input doesn’t have to be learn more about God. which has often been controversial. ‘formal’ psychology – is there a role for With regard to my work with the I do use EMDR, and when I first heard innovative therapies such as military, I very much believe in the ‘just of it 20 years ago I was hugely sceptical... gardening, running, et cetera? war’ philosophy and that it is, sadly, until I started using it. I’ve been using it Of course. Perhaps running isn’t that necessary to have an armed force ever since, and it’s a most remarkable innovative after all though. It’s one of available to use as a last resort to prevent form of therapy and, in my experience, the things that all military people do, and terror or tyranny. I really felt that when much more powerful than the CBT in they are very good at knowing when they I was a soldier in the Cold War. The which I had been trained in initially – need to go for a long therapeutic run or presence of very large numbers of although it is my view that EMDR is, to ‘beast’ themselves in the gym. When conventionally armed troops in Germany in fact, a particular type of cognitive deployed out in theatre, in an alcohol-free was a real deterrent to any conflict, and behavioural intervention rather than environment, ‘fizz’, as physical training is I am pleased to have played my very something completely different. The known, is incredibly popular as people small part in all that. military and veterans respond extremely engage in ‘Op Massive’ in the gym in well to EMDR because you don’t have to Do your own personal and professional speak if you don’t want to, and it is interests chime with your priorities particularly effective for the treatment of for the next year, as incoming trauma where flashbacks and nightmares President of the British Psychological predominate, although it can also be very Society? effective in more complex cases where In much the same way as I’ve been shame and guilt are involved. The MoD fighting over the last quarter of a century love it too because it’s a NICE-approved for a resurgence in military psychology, intervention for the treatment of trauma, I’m going to use my term as President to along with trauma-focused CBT. seek a higher profile for the profession, a stronger voice for psychology and greater Some years back we discussed a influence on policy and practice. But I’d special issue of The Psychologist on also like to see better access, equality and military health, but it was scuppered transparency for our Society too. when colleagues in the MoD raised concerns about how it would be What do you think is holding us back received. Is this still an issue that from having this profile, voice and prevents psychologists in the area influence?’ sharing their good practice? Perhaps it just hasn’t been seen as a No. Not at all. Things have moved on priority. But I know, from what several massively and there is now a proposal to order to return to the UK with a muscle- members of the Society have said to me form a Military and Defence Psychology bound, honed, tanned body to impress since I was elected as President Elect, Section in the British Psychological their partners with. Gardening, though, that they would like the BPS to be more Society, which would be a real result after is, actually, really beneficial as well. I’m prominent, not only in the media but such a long campaign to have one. Just in mainly involved in veteran psychological having a real voice and influence on time, too, as we celebrate a century of health and social care research and policy and legislation. This is all now in military psychology in the UK in 2015. delivery these days and am a supporter the Strategic Plan and we have the Military and defence psychologists, of all of two charities that have projects up and necessary mechanisms to underpin it. hues, are often right at the cutting edge down the country where veterans work We just need to be a lot more reactive, of practice, as you would expect, and the alongside horticultural therapists. I’ve and much quicker at reacting too, telling formation of a Section, amongst other seen them at work and am a big fan. people what we, as psychologists, know things, would really help in the about an issue in question and promotion of our area of work. I know you’re a religious man. Do you demonstrating what psychology has to ever find it hard to reconcile this with offer in the area. And, of course, this will Presumably psychologists of many your military involvement and scientific require a lot of proactivity and planning different persuasions have a role beliefs? and targeted communication too. I see the to play in veterans’ mental health. I am. I happen to be a Christian and Society’s Boards as having a crucial role, You’re absolutely right. When I was an Anglican Franciscan Tertiary (that is as well as our policy advice and press appointed head of clinical psychology to say a lay member of a religious order team and, of course, The Psychologist. for the MoD, we expanded the service within the Church of England), but to include counselling psychologists and I really do believe that everybody has Sounds like you’ve got your work cut health psychologists in addition to the a spiritual side to them regardless of out! How are you going to find any time clinical, forensic and neuropsychologists whether they have a faith or not, and that for yourself? that we already had. And there are huge the ‘spiritual’ in ‘biopsychosociospiritual’ I’m ruthless about the way in which I numbers of occupational and research is an extremely important, and often handle e-mails and social media and have psychologists in the MoD too – in the forgotten, component. No, I don’t find it very firm boundaries. Downtime, alone or Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air difficult to reconcile my faith with my with family and friends, is incredibly Force, in MoD Main Building and in the scientific beliefs at all. I’m not a important. I find running and singing and various research and training fundamentalist and I am absolutely sure playing music really restorative and enjoy establishments. It’s absolutely fascinating that the God that I believe in works learning foreign languages for fun too. It’s and highly rewarding work, and I would through science and that science provides going to be a heck of a year, but I’m going commend it to anyone. a way in which we can, perhaps, also to give it my best shot.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 381 PPOSTGRADUATEOSTGRADUAATTE TTRAININGRAINING            PPSYCHOLOGICALSYCHOLOGICAL TRTREATMENTEAATTMENT BBABCPABCP aaccreditedccredited atat LevelLevel 1

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382 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 Division of Forensic Psychology 24th Annual Conference Manchester Metropolitan University 1–3 July 2015

Early bird rates available until 7 May 2015 All rates will increase by £15 after this date

PROGRAMME A draft programme is now available to view online

Keynote Speakers Professor Don Grubin, Newcastle University Professor Gabrielle Salfati, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York Professor Andrew Silke, University of East London Professor Douglas Boer, University of Canberra, Australia

Invited Symposiums Dr Gavin Oxburgh, International Investigative Interviewing Research Group (iIIRG) Dr Tammi Walker, University of Manchester

Workshop Dr Caroline Logan, Greater Manchester West MH NHS Foundation Trust & University of Manchester

For detailed conference information, please visit www.bps.org.uk/dfp2015

Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)116 252 9555

‘big picture’ pull-out www.thepsychologist.org.uk i BIG PICTURE prisoners. in thebeliefthatdoingsohasacalmingeffect on the Western world are paintingtheircells pink, 1970s and80s,anincreasing number ofjailsin On thebackofresearch first publishedinthe arrival inthecells andafterthree days. a grey floor. Aggression ratings were taken on cells ofidenticalsize,butpaintedwhite,with walls andceiling. Theotherhalfwere placed in to cells paintedentirely pink,across thefloor, regulations. Halfofthemwere randomly assigned detention aspunishmentfor violatingprison Switzerland, whowere placed intospecial the aggressive behaviourof59male prisoners in pink cell claim.They trained guards tomeasure the first carefully controlled systematic test ofthe Oliver Genschow atGhentUniversity hasprovided designed. Butnow ateamofpsychologists led by when theircells are pink? Are prisoners calmer our Research Digest: seewww.bps.org.uk/digest Image from research by Unfortunately, thisearly research was poorly The prisoners showed reduced aggression at Oliver Genschow . Words byChristian Jarrett for humiliation.’ perceived manhoodand/orcausefeelings of counter-productive: ‘Itmayattackinmates’ prisoners inpinkdetentioncells could even be effect’. However, they speculatethatplacing a fieldstudy, itmightbetooless todetectasmall ‘Although 59participantsisquitealot for such finding aneffect mightbethesample size. pink, althoughthey admitthatonereason for not question thewisdomofpaintingprisoners’ cells aggression. or just thosewhostarted offwithhigher those prisoners whostarted offlow inaggression, was found whenanalysis wasrestricted tojust differently coloured cells. Thesamenullresult emotions orbehaviour)between prisoners inthe a difference inaggression levels (intermsof arrival, butcrucially, atnotimewasthere the endofthree days,compared withattheir Genschow andhisteamsaidtheirresults www.thepsychologist.org.uk 4th Annual Military Psychology Conference Resilience Through Change The Ark Conference Centre, Basingstoke Tuesday 3 November 2015 Professor Sir Simon Wessely Director King’s College London’s Centre for Military Health Research; President, Royal Institute of Psychiatrists Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes Director, Institute for Veterans and Families Studies, Anglia Ruskin University; President Elect, British Psychological Society Second call for posters and papers (Deadline: Monday 13 July 2015) In 2014, conference delegates were asked: (a) what gaps in our knowledge and understanding can research address?; and (b) how can the research presented be applied in practice? Responses to these questions can be found on the conference website (see below) and should be taken in to account when submitting a paper/poster abstract. Our focus will be cross-disciplinary and will be of interest to clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, health and occupational psychologists, as well as military personnel and civilians working closely with the military (past and present), and their families. Our aim is also to bring together expertise from different professions. Perhaps you work with the emergency services? Or do you work in HR developing strategies for enabling employers to deal with the impact in the workplace of supporting reservist colleagues? If you are interested in presenting a paper, or poster at the conference then please make your submission via the event website (below).

This event is organised by BPS Wessex Branch and administered by KC Jones conference&events Ltd, 01332 227775.

For further information, please go to: www.kc-jones.co.uk/military2015

iv vol 28 no 5 may 2015 MSc Business Psychology & MSc Occupational Psychology

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 383 started doing projects as well, because it feels like it is your own work.’ In search of an authorial (Pittam et al., 2009, p.156.) Students also explained the conflict they experienced between evidencing their identity work with references and giving their own analysis or evaluation: I ‘I understand that we need backup James Elander looks beyond plagiarism TEACH & LEARN TEACH from some scientific research... but still I can’t help thinking that I am editing everything, not putting my idea or opinion... or something new.’ I ‘…to try and get the opinions and lagiarism happens so quickly and the answer to that is authorship, and if facts sorted out rather than, well I’ve easily in these days of ‘cut and authorship is the desired outcome, what got loads of ideas, and suddenly it’s Ppaste’, multiple deadlines and are the behavioural or psychological not even science-based.’ pressure to produce excellent work. Some characteristics needed for students to (Pittam et al., 2009, pp.156–157.) students pay a high price – a survey of 93 achieve that? To qualify genuinely as the UK higher education institutions authors of their written work, students We developed a workshop intervention to identified 9229 formally recorded cases must understand the role of an author, help students understand the concept of of plagiarism in one academic year, which and must be able to identify with that authorship, identify more with the role of resulted in 2192 formal warnings, 2372 role. That reflection was the starting point an author, and approach their assignments having to be resubmitted for for several projects with different groups assignments in ways that helped them reduced or capped marks, and 143 of colleagues to help students not to qualify fully as the authors of their work. student expulsions (Tennant & Duggan, plagiarise. This consisted of a flexible framework of 2008). Many more students than that are The process began with focus groups concepts, activities and materials for at risk, for in one UK study 46 per cent to explore psychology students’ views exercises, which could be adapted for use of undergraduates reported that they had about authorship. These confirmed the with large or small groups. plagiarised an entire paragraph in their need for students to see themselves more Some parts of this were motivational assignments (Bennett, 2005). as the authors of their university or attitudinal, aiming to encourage and Universities therefore need active assignments. For example: inspire students to see themselves more as strategies to help students learn not to I ‘It seems a bit grand to describe authors, and to regard their university plagiarise, and one approach focuses on yourself as an author… it’s just not improving their ‘authorial identity’. This a word that I would associate with is increasingly being used to help students myself so much unless I wrote a book. to understand the values of integrity and I just thought of myself as a student transparency associated with academic writing an essay.’ writing, and to write assignments without I ‘You think of an author as a plagiarising. professional person who writes a My interest in this began when I sat book, not us.’ in on a first-year induction session about I ‘We’re just picking out what everyone plagiarism. It struck me that there was not else has done and trying to put it in much positive advice about what to do to some kind of order.’ avoid plagiarism. The emotional tone was (Pittam et al., 2009, p.156.) also negative, focusing on the dire consequences of being caught There were more positive views, however, plagiarising. As I listened, I began and some of these indicated the types of thinking about how anti-plagiarism assignment that could help students see messages could be framed in a more themselves more as authors: positive, uplifting way. I asked myself, I ‘Now I’m starting to think that we are what is the opposite of plagiarism? Surely authors... it might be since we’ve

Ballantine, J., Guo, X. & Larres, P.M. plagiarism. Accounting Education: An pedagogy. Unpublished PhD intervention to improve further (2015). Psychometric evaluation of International Journal, 21, 289–306. dissertation, University of Derby. education students' understanding of the Student Authorship Bennett, R. (2005). Factors associated Elander, J., Pittam, G., Lusher, J. et al. higher education assessment Questionnaire: A confirmatory factor with student plagiarism in a post- (2010). Evaluation of an intervention criteria: Three studies. Journal of

references analysis approach. Studies in Higher 1992 university. Assessment and to help students avoid unintentional Further and Higher Education, 33, Education, 40, 569–609. Evaluation in Higher Education, 30, plagiarism by improving their 359–380. Ballantine, J. & Larres, P.M. (2012). 137–162. authorial identity. Assessment and Kinder, J. & Elander, J. (2012). Dyslexia, Perceptions of authorial identity in Cheung, K.Y.F. (2014). Understanding the Evaluation in Higher Education, 35, authorial identity, and approaches to academic writing among authorial writer: A mixed methods 157–171. learning and writing: A mixed undergraduate accounting students: approach to the psychology of authorial Jessen, A. & Elander, J. (2009). methods study. British Journal of Implications for unintentional identity in relation to plagiarism Development and evaluation of an Educational Psychology, 82, 289–307.

384 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 teach and learn

assignments as pieces of work that known psychiatrist and psychologist who turned to university assignments and merited authorship. For example, we had been accused of plagiarism. Persaud discussed the role of the author and the asked students about their favourite had got into trouble after copying from risk of plagiarism in essays, critical authors, and looked at statements from previously published work in his books reviews, problem-based learning reports, well-known authors about the act of and articles. As a result he had been research project reports, and groupwork writing and the role of the author. found guilty of bringing his profession assignments. For each of these there are The workshop then considered how into disrepute, and was suspended from specific lessons about how to approach a writer qualifies as the author of their practice. The explanations he gave in them in an authorial way. This part was written work. This part centred on the mitigation – like the stress he was under designed to be adapted so that the ‘authorial decisions’ that enable a writer at the time, the multiple deadlines he was presenter could bring the discussion to take the role of author. These include working to, and the word-processing round to the students’ current assignment decisions about: errors and other mistakes that led to or the coursework for the module in I what the message of the writing is; references being left out of his work – which the workshop took place. Students I what material to use as evidence; were just like the excuses offered by could then apply the concepts and I how to interpret the material or students accused of plagiarism. Even principles they had been discussing to evidence; successful, high-achieving professionals a real writing task of their own. I how much importance or emphasis can get into hot water by not giving A before-and-after evaluation using to put on different parts; enough care and attention to their the Student Authorship Questionnaire I what words to use and what tone to authorial roles. showed that the workshops improved adopt; and The essence of this part was to have students’ understanding of authorship, I what conclusions to reach. a more light-hearted look at plagiarism, knowledge about how to avoid in a way that takes the threatening focus plagiarism, and confidence in writing, and To help students understand the authorial away from students, and puts the that the impact was greater among first- decision process, we designed exercises spotlight on professional academics. year students than second- or third-years where examples of writing were We even had an example of a plagiarism or master’s students (Elander et al., 2010). deconstructed to analyse the decisions expert who produced a report about When students were asked afterwards that led to those pieces ending up the way plagiarism that caused him to be accused about the workshops, 86 per cent agreed they did. For example, what decisions did of plagiarism. That controversy centred they helped them understand how to the writer of a magazine article make that on how material from another source was avoid plagiarism, and 66 per cent agreed were different from those made by the presented in the document, and the case they helped them write better psychology writer of a textbook chapter on the same illustrated what heated views there are assignments. Focus groups after the subject? about plagiarism, and how careful all of sessions suggested that at least some We also presented examples, from us should be about how we present our students had taken the authorship inside and outside written work and source material. messages to heart: academic life, where Another useful example was the I ‘I actually did come away with a much well-known public Labour government’s ‘dodgy dossier’ greater sense that you really should figures had got into of 2003 on Iraq’s weapons of mass move things on a bit and not be afraid trouble because of destruction, which proved too similar to put more of your ideas and plagiarism. This put for coincidence to a PhD thesis published understanding about where you think authorship and online the previous year. More recently research is heading or any other sort plagiarism in a wider I have illustrated talks and workshops of ideas.’ context, as issues that with examples like the case of Saif I ‘I like the way that you were are not confined to Gaddafi, son of the former Libyan encouraged to think about what you university students dictator, who was accused of plagiarising were going to say, which for some but also affect much his PhD thesis at a UK university, or the reason hadn’t really dawned on me… more experienced US Senator Paul Rand, who gave a speech so you are really in the driving seat, writers of different in 2013 at a university in the United and then take from sources to support kinds. States and was soon accused of copying your own perspective. So you’ve got The case of Raj part of it from Wikipedia. Once I started a standpoint right from the start.’ Persaud was a helpful looking out for them, I realised there are (Elander et al., 2010, p.166.) example, and not just quite a lot of useful examples! because he was a well- In the last part of the workshop we However, only 52 per cent of the students in the workshops agreed they had saved them from having to ask for advice or support about writing psychology assignments, and only 40 per cent agreed Maguire, M., Reynolds, A.E. & Delahunt, 153–170. B. (2013). Self-efficacy in academic Tennant, P. & Duggan, F. (2008). Academic they helped them enjoy writing reading and writing, authorial identity Misconduct Benchmarking Research psychology assignments (Elander et al., and learning strategies in first-year Project: Part II. The recorded incidence 2010). So even if the workshops changed students. All Ireland Journal of of student plagiarism and the penalties some attitudes about authorship and Teaching and Learning in Higher applied. Higher Education Academy plagiarism, they by no means provided a Education 5(1), 1111–1117. and JISC report. Retrieved 9 March complete answer to all students’ concerns Pittam, G., Elander, J., Lusher, J., et al. 2015 from tinyurl.com/paxo9b7 about academic writing. (2009). Student beliefs and attitudes The general approach was also about authorial identity in academic received quite enthusiastically, and before writing. Studies in Higher Education, 34, long many educators and researchers

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 385 teach and learn

around the world had been in touch measurement of authorial identity, and university, because they misunderstand asking to use the workshop materials or the development of a psychological model the nature of things like argument, the questionnaire, or both, including of authorial identity (Cheung, 2014). evaluation and analysis, while at the researchers and practitioners in Bulgaria, We hope the work on authorial same time overestimating their ability to Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Taiwan, identity as a psychological phenomenon perform those complex skills (Jessen & the UK and the USA (the materials and can lead to more effective interventions Elander, 2009). Improving students’ the questionnaire are available at and teaching methods to help students authorial identity might help them to tinyurl.com/l7q6k6o). improve their understand and demonstrate academic Julianne Kinder applied the authorial identity. argument, evaluation and analysis, which concept of authorial identity to “initiatives could also For example, one could help improve their learning and the ways dyslexic students help students adjust application could achievement at university, as well as approach academic writing, quickly to learning and be to tackle the reducing plagiarism. Workshops for showing that dyslexic students writing at university” problems faced by students before they begin university had less strong authorial overseas and can help to correct some misconceptions identities than non-dyslexic international about writing at university (Jessen & students (Kinder & Elander, students, for whom Elander, 2009), so it is possible that pre- 2012), and other researchers published cultural factors or prior learning university authorial identity initiatives reports of authorial identity among experiences are sometimes an additional could also help students adjust quickly students in accountancy (Ballantine & obstacle to developing a stronger to learning and writing at university. Larres, 2012) and nursing, midwifery and authorial identity. Perhaps different or Authorial identity provides a very health (Maguire et al., 2013). However, specialised pedagogic interventions could positive and satisfying focus for pedagogic many outstanding issues remain. One of be developed to help those students avoid work to help students improve their the key issues is the absence of a valid plagiarism by adopting more authorial writing and avoid plagiarism. It can be and reliable measure of authorial identity, roles in their writing. applied in many ways to different aspects for the Student Authorship Questionnaire Another application could be to of student writing development, and it developed by Pittam et al. (2009) was improve the development of students’ involves a very psychological approach shown to have serious psychometric academic writing in the transition to to plagiarism prevention. limitations (Ballantine et al., 2015). This higher education. Pre-university students was addressed by Kevin Cheung, whose often have inaccurate expectations about I James Elander is at the University of Derby PhD research focused on the nature and what is required in academic writing at [email protected]

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386 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 Treating PTSD in DBT with High Risk Clients

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 387 Your psychologist Your choice

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388 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 GIVE YOURSELF THE POSTGRADUATE EDGE

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 389 President’s column SOCIETY President Dorothy Miell Professor Dorothy Miell Contact Dorothy Miell via the Society’s Leicester office, President Elect or e-mail: [email protected] Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes

Vice President Dr Richard Mallows he whole of the UK is in countdown mode we work with. Funding and policies for to 7 May, and I have to keep reminding education (from pre-school to postgraduate) Honorary General Secretary Tmyself that the obsession with major and science, for health including mental health Professor Pam Maras changes looming on that date is not about our services, for the criminal justice system and own leadership processes, since the last days of employment legislation are all key battlegrounds Honorary Treasurer my presidential term are on almost the same for the parties and areas that psychologists are Professor Ray Miller schedule! We hold the Society AGM during our heavily involved in and so likely to be affected Annual Conference (in Liverpool ACC, 5– 8 by proposed changes. It is incredibly important Chair, May) and that’s when I will formally hand over that we campaign to ensure that those who we to the next President, Professor Jamie Hacker work to support, often the least able to speak Membership Standards Board Hughes. At the AGM for themselves, have Dr Mark Forshaw on 6 May we also services not just protected announce the outcome but improved, and that our Chair, of our own elections research is supported to Education and Public for the next President uncover new and more Engagement Board Elect (i.e. who will effective ways of changing Professor Catriona Morrison serve as President in society for the better. Often 2016/17) and it is the this involves working with Chair, point at which other other professions and new members of the disciplines to enable voices Research Board Board of Trustees take to be heard and expertise to Professor Judi Ellis up their roles, be listened to, and I’ve been including our new really heartened to see the Chair, Honorary General increased media profile for Professional Practice Board Secretary, Dr Carole issues with clear Dr Ian Gargan Allan. psychological relevance in Of course the recent weeks (such as The Society has offices in Belfast, transition within through the ‘We Need To Cardiff, Glasgow and London, as the Society is less Talk’ coalition, or the new disruptive than any The outcome of the general election is BPS Impact web portal well as the main office in potential general likely to be hugely important for us as (www.bps.org.uk/impact) Leicester. All enquiries should election outcome, since psychologists explaining some of the amazing be addressed to the Leicester our Presidential Team outcomes of UK psychological office (see inside front cover for work very closely with research). Psychologists are address). each other as well as with the staff of the also of course involved in the electoral process Society to ensure a degree of continuity. Jamie itself through offering an understanding of some and I have worked together for a year now of the many factors affecting voters’ decision- The British Psychological (along of course with Richard Mallows, our making processes, as well as in the work on Society Vice President until May), which gives more of opinion polling and analysis of voting was founded in 1901, and a sense of a rolling three-year agenda for each intentions, and in these areas as well the incorporated by Royal Charter in member of the team. I have focused over the expertise of our colleagues is gaining greater 1965. Its object is ‘to promote the last two years on developing and beginning to visibility. advancement and diffusion of implement the Society’s new strategic plan as As I look back on my presidential year, well as seeing through a review of our apart from the frustrations about not having a knowledge of psychology pure governance processes (begun by Richard), and been able to get things changed that I’d hoped and applied and especially to Jamie is already well into the Member Network to, especially those issues and processes that promote the efficiency and Review which he has been leading and will need so many of us have wanted to see improve for usefulness of Members of the to see through to implementation in the coming so long, I think the most positive aspects will Society by setting up a high year(s). be memories of the many individual members The outcome of the general election is likely I have met. I’m delighted how often members standard of professional to be hugely important for us as psychologists, talk to me about their phenomenal enthusiasm education and knowledge’. given that the various parties are all for their engagement with various parts of the Extract from The Charter campaigning on issues that centrally affect profession, the discipline and the Society, and various aspects of our profession and the people about how keen they are for all these aspects to

390 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 society

Spearman Medal 2015 Dr Iroise Dumontheil

A psychologist who has investigated a region of the brain at the postdoctoral positions at the Medical Research Council’s Cognition crossroads of executive control and social cognition has been and Brain Science Unit in Cambridge and UCL, except for a year awarded the Society’s Spearman Medal. spent at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. The Medal is given each year to a psychologist who has published Her research continues to focus on the development of the brain outstanding work within eight years of in adolescence, but she is also interested completing a PhD. This year’s winner is in whether psychology and cognitive Dr Iroise Dumontheil, from the neuroscience research can inform Department of Psychological Sciences education, and whether appropriate at Birkbeck, University of London. training intervention (such as mindfulness Dr Dumontheil’s research examines meditation training) can improve people’s social cognition and executive functions ability to regulate their emotions and focus in adulthood and their development their attention. during adolescence. She is particularly Dr Dumontheil said: ‘I am extremely interested in the role played by the pleased and honoured to have been rostral prefrontal cortex, the most awarded the Spearman Medal. I feel very anterior part of the brain, located just lucky to have been able to do my doctoral behind the forehead, which supports and postdoctoral research in great both social functions, such as research departments and would like to understanding other people’s intentions thank my supervisors and mentors over ('mindreading'), and complex executive the years: Professors Alain Berthoz, Paul functions, such as remembering to do Burgess, John Duncan and Torkel something later. She has been using in Klingberg, and in particular Professor her research behavioural methods, Sarah-Jayne Blakemore who nominated such as asking people to perform tasks me for this award. on a computer, but also neuroimaging ‘As a lecturer at Birkbeck, I am currently and the study of common genetic Dr Iroise Dumontheil involved in a project, investigating the effect of variants. mobile phones on adolescent cognition (with a Dr Dumontheil obtained her team at Imperial College) and whether training doctorate from University Paris VI, children to 'stop and think' may help their although she did some of the research at UCL’s Institute of Cognitive performance in maths and science (with other researchers at Neuroscience. She has since worked mainly in Britain, with Birkbeck and the Institute of Education).’

flourish and develop. At times when things long-awaited target of 50,000 members, and professional skills of our members. get tough – when progress seems slow or and rather fittingly in the 50th 3. Maximise the impact of psychology on people show their rather more difficult anniversary year of the granting of our public policy. sides – it’s that enthusiasm that has kept Royal Charter. We’ll be celebrating both 4. Increase the visibility of psychology me going. at the Annual Conference in Liverpool. and raise public awareness of its In conversation with the partner of It’s also been good to see some of our contribution to society. a colleague of mine it was so good to hear international ambitions being realised, 5. Attract new members and broaden our of her commitment to both the discipline with the first accreditation visits to membership base. and profession and her great interest in international universities offering 6. Develop our organisation to support the Society and its work, despite her not psychology degrees in association with change. being actively involved in any of its UK institutions. Extending both our formal structures. I’m aware that membership reach and the support we The first five are about what we want to sometimes we don't engage enough with can give to build professional capacity in do, but we may get nowhere with them those members who aren’t part of the psychology makes such an endeavour unless we ensure the final one is achieved, representative structures of the Society really worthwhile, and the membership and I remain very committed in my vice and perhaps it’s time we reminded staff and accrediting teams have done a presidential year to work with the staff of ourselves about how important the great job over the last year to make this the Society and the Trustees to ensure that Society pages of this publication are for possible. the organisation is structured, managed that wider group – thank you, Joyce, for While there’s a long way to go with and resourced appropriately. I’ll also reminding me of this through our the implementation of the Strategic Plan, ensure that progress is monitored and conversations and perhaps we can find I think that it was a major step forward to reported on regularly, both to the Board ways to do more to use these pages to have agreed on our priority areas: of Trustees and to members. boost our dialogue with such members. 1. Promote the advancement of the So as I sign off, determined to keep It is of course the combined force of knowledge base of psychology and its pushing for improvements through all our members that gives the Society its practice through support for research, working with the new Presidential Team, power and influence, and so it was education and professional training. I’d like to thank you all for your support particularly gratifying to finally reach our 2. Develop the psychological knowledge over the last year.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 391 society Psychobiology – where mind meets matter Members of the Society’s Psychobiology Section introduce the field and their network

Psychology is the science of mind, but sexual intercourse partners was someone in any real sense a mind cannot exist they had just met for the first time, without a body in which to reside. showed a greater increase in the stress Studying relations between mind and hormone cortisol during a laboratory body can greatly inform our stress test (Harrison et al., 2014). In this understanding of psychology – which is case, observing interaction between a where psychobiology comes in. psychological variable (sexual risk taking) Psychobiology describes the interaction and a biological one (the cortisol stress between biological systems and behaviour. response) furthers the psychological Psychobiologists research how cognition understanding of behaviour pertinent to (what we are thinking) and mood (how sexual health. It appears that sexual risk we are feeling) combine with biological takers have some awareness of the events. Striving to understand how dangers posed by their behaviour. psychological and biological connections The same team has recently developed shape the human experience provides a novel ‘real-life’ stress-inducing procedure psychobiology with a unique perspective based on skydiving. They have shown that www.bps.org.uk/events/conferences/ in psychology. repeated exposure to this potentially life- psychobiology-section-annual-scientific- Psychobiology research covers topics threatening stressor does not lead to a meeting-2015 for further details). As well such as how psychological stressors like reduction in the physiological stress as academic papers on varied topics from exams can lead to heart palpitations, or response indicated by cortisol as is often mindfulness (e.g. Lomas et al., 2014) to how foods, such as oily fish, or drugs, seen in stressors administered in the underwater helicopter evacuation such as alcohol, can impact on the brain laboratory (Hare et al., 2013). This finding (Robinson et al., 2008) and from herbal and behaviour. To give a more detailed indicates that it is still necessary to mount supplements (Jackson et al., 2012) to example, a recent psychobiology study a biological response to a potentially life- swearing and pain tolerance (Stephens & showed how sexual risk takers, defined as threatening stressor, no matter how many Umland, 2011), the enduring and popular individuals for whom one of their last two times we have encountered it. highlights of our Annual Scientific Meetings are the evening lectures provided by eminent guest speakers Great science, great view from the world of psychobiology. The academic discipline of In 2014 the best-selling author, TV THE BPS psychobiology is represented within presenter and academic Sir Colin the Society by the Psychobiology Blakemore (University of London) gave PSYCHOBIOLOGY Section (see the Section website at a talk entitled ‘What’s so special about the www.bps.org.uk/psychobiology). The human brain?’. Colin provided fascinating SECTION Section provides a forum for discussion insights into the similarities and and collaboration in research on differences between the brains of humans CONTRIBUTORS psychobiological topics via our flagship and animals. In 2013 Professor Sophie event, the Psychobiology Section Annual Scott (UCL) gave an entertaining and Richard Stephens Senior Psychology Lecturer Scientific Meeting, and by regular thought-provoking talk on the at Keele University and Chair of the symposia at other psychology meetings neuroscience of laughter. Sophie’s public Psychobiology Section such as the BPS Annual Conference. In so profile is well illustrated by her Michael Smith Senior Lecturer in doing the Psychobiology Section fulfils the appearance on BBC Radio 4’s The Life Psychobiology and Health Psychology at learned society function of the BPS for Scientific (tinyurl.com/pmg2tox). She Northumbria University and Treasurer of the this area of psychology. explained the important social role of Psychobiology Section Our Annual Scientific Meeting is held laughter, whereby if one person is Sarita Robinson Senior Psychology Lecturer in the first week of September each year, laughing then others are likely to join in, at University of Central Lancashire and and for several years it has been held in and also that laughter is not unique to Committee Member of the Psychobiology the beautiful surroundings of the Low humans because rats have been shown Section Wood Hotel on the shores of Lake to laugh in response to being tickled. Trudi Edginton a cognitive neuroscientist at Windermere in the Lake District. The Professor David Nutt presented University of Westminster and Committee meeting is open to anybody with an a fascinating evening lecture in 2013 Member of the Psychobiology Section interest in psychobiology and provides arguing that banned drugs such as Philippa Jackson Postdoctoral Research a great opportunity to showcase research cannabis, Ecstasy and LSD could be put Fellow at Northumbria University and is findings and for researchers to benefit to good therapeutic uses if only politicians Webmaster of the Psychobiology Section from insights and suggestions from were willing to sanction it. The talk, experienced investigators (see which was strongly evidence-based,

392 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 society

cohort were very complimentary and have between the neuroanatomy of memory certainly helped to increase my confidence and key historical events. regarding research and presenting in the In 2015, thanks to the support of a future.’ Over recent years the winning BPS International Conference Symposium undergraduate submissions have covered Scheme grant, the Psychobiology Section topics such as noradrenergic modulation is hosting a symposium at the European of arousal in rats, state aggression Congress of Psychology at University of manipulation and pain tolerance, socio- Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy, 7–10 July sexual orientation and olfactory sensitivity 2015. The title of the symposium will be to human pheromones, and the effects of ‘The Psychobiology of Stress’, and some of acute flavanol consumption on dark our most talented stress researchers will adaptation and high frequency sound be presenting their latest findings. detection. Postgraduate students can apply for two free places at the Annual Scientific To old friends and new Meeting. Sponsored by the Psychobiology acquaintances Section, these cover registration and So that’s been a very quick introduction accommodation costs for students, which to psychobiology and the work of the would usually total £300 for the full Psychobiology Section. Please check out three-day meeting (for details, see the website for details of how to become www.bps.org.uk/psychobiology/postgrad). a member of the Section (it costs just £10 In addition, there is a special postgraduate per year for Society members) and how package allowing attendance on the to register for the next Psychobiology afternoon of Thursday 3 September and Section Annual Scientific Meeting. We morning of Friday 4 September including have some fantastic guest speakers lined provided food for thought and lively student workshop, poster presentation, up, not least Professor Michael Maier discussion – staples of the Psychobiology keynote speaker, scientific talks and ‘meet (London School of Psychiatry), curator of Annual Scientific Meeting. Professor Nutt the experts lunch’ at the discounted rate the Corsellis Brain Collection – one of the has since presented these views on of £62.40. This is a first-rate opportunity largest collections of its kind in the world, Channel 4 television and was the winner for postgraduate students to develop comprising more than 6000 specimens, of the 2013 John Maddox Prize in confidence in the art of academic including cases of Parkinson’s disease, recognition of courage in promoting presenting and networking. Creutzfeldt Jacob disease and depression. science and evidence on a matter of public Each year at the Annual Scientific interest, despite facing difficulty and Meeting we look forward to welcoming hostility in doing so. Catch us on tour old friends and making new Regular attendees will attest to how As well as its own Annual Scientific acquaintances. Our meeting slogan does well the Psychobiology Section Annual Meeting, the Psychobiology Section hosts not exaggerate – on the shores of Lake Scientific Meeting facilitates networking a symposium each year at other academic Windermere the science really is as good and developing collaborative research with conferences. In 2014 the Section as the view. enthusiastic and friendly colleagues, as organised, jointly with the Cognitive well as allowing delegates to keep up to Section, a symposium at the Society’s date with the latest developments in Annual Conference in Birmingham. References psychobiology. The title of the symposium was ‘New Hare, O.A., Wetherell, M.A. & Smith, M.A. (2013). State Directions in Cognitive Neuroscience’ anxiety and cortisol reactivity to skydiving in novice and the keynote speaker was Professor versus experienced skydivers. Physiology & Behavior, 118, 40–44. Young doctors John Aggleton of Cardiff University. John Harrison, C., Ratcliffe, J.M., Mitchell, M. & Smith, M.A. The Psychobiology Section is committed is considered among the most eminent (2014). Cortisol reactivity to psychosocial stress is to supporting young scientists. Final-year cognitive neuroscientists in the world, greater in sexual risk takers. Health Psychology and undergraduate students whose third-year and is a Fellow of the Royal Society. He Behavioral Medicine, 2, 221–230. project involved research in any area of has made an outstanding contribution to Jackson, P.A., Reay, J.L., Scholey, A.B. & Kennedy, D.O. psychobiology are encouraged to enter our understanding of the neural basis of (2012). DHA-rich fish oil modulates the cerebral the annual Undergraduate Project Prize memory. John’s keynote was on the topic hemodynamic response to cognitive tasks in sponsored by Salimetrics (it’s easy and of ‘memory beyond the hippocampus’. healthy young adults. Biological Psychology, 89, 183–190. free to enter – details at www.bps.org.uk/ He referred to anatomical, behavioural Lomas, T., Ridge, D.T., Cartwright, T. & Edginton, T.L. psychobiology/undergradprize – deadline and clinical evidence to suggest that (2014). Engagement with meditation as a positive is 10 July 2015). The winner receives conceptualisations of memory should health trajectory: Divergent narratives of progress complimentary registration and not place the hippocampus at the top of in male meditators. Psychology & Health, 29, accommodation for the Annual Scientific a neuroanatomical hierarchy, but should 218–236. Meeting and they are asked to present instead view memory as being mediated Robinson, S.J., Sunram-Lea, S., Leach, J. & Owen- their research to the meeting. This may by a vast extended-hippocampal network. Lynch P.J. (2008). The effects of exposure to an seem a daunting prospect, but it is a very The talk outlined a number of very acute naturalistic stressor on working memory, friendly and supportive meeting and all impressive studies conducted by John state anxiety and salivary cortisol concentration. International Journal on the Biology of Stress, 11, winners have reported finding the and his colleagues, and highlighted John’s 115–124. experience extremely positive and clear passion for both the cognitive Stephens, R. & Umland, C. (2011). Swearing as a beneficial. For example, winner Jennifer neuroscience of memory and history, response to pain – effect of daily swearing Fisk commented: ‘The Psychobiology as John drew some very witty parallels frequency. Journal of Pain, 12, 1274–1281.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 393 society

Young people’s mental Future in mind Promoting, protecting and improving our children and young people’s mental health health plan welcomed and wellbeing The Society has welcomed the working in the field. The reducing stigma. announcement of a five-year Society commends the I Emphasis on both the plan for a complete overhaul accurate and succinct account existing evidence base and of mental health services for of the current problems in the need to expand this. children and young people in mental health provision for Academic and applied England contained in a new children, young people and psychologists have always report Future in Mind: families. The evidence from been at the forefront of Promoting, Protecting and our members shows that these research to increase flexibility and would Improving Our Children and have now reached crisis point. understanding of child support the development Young People’s Mental Health The report contains a powerful development and the wider of services covering young and Wellbeing. The report by summary of the social, social and economic people aged up to 25 the Department of Health’s psychological and economic impacts on children and according to their needs. Children and Young People’s costs of the current lack of families. They have I An increased focus on the Mental Health and Wellbeing provision, and the arguments consistently led on the needs of children and young Taskforce found that many for change are very welcome.’ strategies for enhancing people with physical health young people are not able to Among the report’s many children’s resilience and problems and how physical access the help they need. recommendations, the Society life chances and on ways in and psychological health are Chair of the Division of particularly welcomes: which they can be helped connected. This cannot just Clinical Psychology‘s Faculty I Promoting resilience, when problems arise. be addressed through of Children and Young People prevention and early I Recognising the importance service provision but needs Julia Faulconbridge, the intervention. In addition of schools. The school to be tackled by reducing Society’s representative on the to the strengthening of environment can be inequality and taskforce, said: ‘The taskforce specialist provision where harmful to young people, disadvantage at a societal successfully engaged children, needed, the report places but it can become the level rather than just trying young people and parents a significant emphasis on place where they gain most to ameliorate their throughout and harnessed the the reintroduction and support. Schools are very damaging effects. knowledge and drive of a wide enhancement of provision complex environments, range of people who have for prevention and early and significant work needs Julia continued: ‘The problems frontline experience of intervention, which has to be undertaken in described in the report have been consistently training and support been recognised by families highlighted by our provision to enable them and those working with them membership as having all to take on a whole- for many years and have now been lost over recent years. school approach to reached crisis point. Therefore SOCIETY NOTICES I Remodelling of provision to psychological wellbeing. the Society supports the North East of England Branch fit the needs of children, Schools are working daily taskforce’s recommendations event, York p.347 young people and parents with children and young and hopes that these are Psychology in the Pub p.359 with integrated people with severe and implemented carefully by the Division of Clinical Psychology commissioning and complex mental health next government with energy annual conference p.358 provision across all settings. problems as well as those and commitment. The recent Division of Forensic Psychology This will improve the in the early stages of announcement of additional funding is a welcome step annual conference p.i quality and quantity of difficulties. It is vital that provision, removing waste there is access to rapid towards this. Wessex & Wight Branch Military caused by uncoordinated high-quality psychological ‘In addition, the Faculty Conference p.iv services, reducing gaps and assessment and that will be launching a set of BPS conferences and events increasing the chances that students are then given the papers in October this year p.396 children and young people most appropriate, entitled “What does good Postdoctoral/Postgraduate are seen in the right place evidence-based provision look like in psychological Study Visits Schemes p.397 first time. This means that in or out of school in an services for children, young CPD workshops See p.399 priority needs to be given integrated pathway that people and families”. These Division of Health Psychology to high-quality assessment includes their families. will lay out the evidence and annual conference p.400 and formulation at an early I The recognition that current recommendations for the Research Seminars Competition stage in the pathways to age of transition around the provision of good See p.402 ensure the best starting 18th birthday is damaging multidisciplinary psychological 5th European Congress of point for intervention, to many young people in services across all settings in Coaching Psychology p.404 using the evidence base need of services. It is which children young people Division of Coaching Psychology and what is available in the inappropriate in both and parents are seen to act as 21st anniversary conference locality. developmental and social a guide to commissioners and p.408 I Creating a public awareness terms. The Society service providers in the campaign with a focus on supports the call for transformation process.’

394 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 society Become an Associate Fellow The title Associate Fellow (AFBPsS) is one of the following conditions since first time equivalent); or awarded by the Society in recognition of becoming eligible for Graduate I Published psychological works or several years’ experience and contribution membership: exercised specialised psychological to the field of psychology. Becoming an I Achieved eligibility for full knowledge of Associate Fellow is a valuable way for membership of one of the Society’s a standard not less than in 1 or 2 members to demonstrate years of Divisions and been successfully above. experience, competence and reputation in engaged in the professional the field of psychology. Only Associate application of a specialised knowledge If you would like to become an Associate Fellows can use the designation AFBPsS. of psychology for at least two calendar Fellow, you can find the application form This professional title tells employers, years full-time (or its part-time and further information about the award clients and peers across all sectors, equivalent); or at www.bps.org.uk/associatefellow. nationally and internationally, that an I Possess a research qualification in Applicants must normally be engaged in individual has contributed to the field of psychology and been engaged in the work of a psychological nature at the time psychology through the application of application, discovery, development or of the application. If you have any specialist knowledge. dissemination of psychological questions please contact the Membership The Associate Fellow award is knowledge or practice for an aggregate Team on 0116 252 9911, or e-mail available to members who have satisfied of at least four years full-time (or part- [email protected].

Doctoral Award AFTER THE REFERENDUM Research on the psychological stress experienced by sport performers and on autism and social cognition has won two Professor Steve Reicher’s talk on the psychology of the Scottish early-career researchers this year’s Award for Outstanding Referendum at the British Psychological Society Division of Doctoral Research Contributions to Psychology. Dr Rachel Occupational Psychology 2015 Annual Conference had to be Arnold, who completed a PhD at Loughborough University, cancelled due to bad weather in Scotland through the night of 8 and Dr Lauren Marsh, who completed a PhD at the University January 2015. DOP-Scotland’s Dr Renée Bleau subsequently visited of Nottingham, share the honour. the University of St Andrews to hear his analysis, and you can view This annual award is made by the Society’s Research Board to the video at tinyurl.com/p65c42o. recognise outstanding contributions to psychological knowledge Professor Reicher has published widely in the field of social made in the course of completing a doctorate in psychology. psychology, with some of his work being highly relevant for the field Candidates are judged on the basis of one or two published of occupational psychology. He is a recent co-author (2011) with S.A. articles reporting the research they carried out for their degree. Haslam and M.J. Platow, Each of the winners will receive a £500 prize and be invited of The New Psychology of Leadership: Identity Influence and Power, to deliver a lecture based on their research at the Society's and in 2001 co-authored, with Nick Hopkins, Self and Nation. His Annual Conference next year. comments before the referendum appeared in our June issue: Dr Rachel Arnold’s first paper synthesised more than 20 years tinyurl.com/nrvxz47 of psychology research to identify and classify the many different organisational stressors that sport performers encounter. Her second paper developed and validated a new indicator to measure those demands: the Organizational Stressor Indicator for Sports Performers (OSI-SP). Society vacancies Dr Arnold is now a lecturer in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Bath. Dr Lauren Marsh’s first paper provided evidence that Research Board children with autism, unlike neurotypical children, do not copy Postdoctoral Representative unnecessary actions when asked to complete a task by copying an adult. The second looks at mechanisms in the brain that allow See advert p.387 us to understand rational and irrational actions by other people. Contact [email protected] Dr Marsh is currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at Liz Beech the University of Bristol in the Bristol Cognitive Development Closing date 5 June 2015 Centre. She is conducting research into how children think about ownership and possession and how this relates to their Qualifications Office developing sense of self. Professor Dorothy Miell, Society President, said: ‘We were Assessors for the Qualification in Educational delighted to make awards to two such strong candidates. In both Psychology (Scotland) (Stage 2) cases their work not only evidences outstanding research skills but also has clear applications and value for groups in society. See advert p.405 The Society is delighted to see such strong examples of excellent Contact Nigel Atter [email protected], 0116 252 9904 work being done by the next generation of researchers in psychology. I wish them all the best for their future careers.’ Closing date 23 June 2015

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 395 Organised by BPS Conferences BPS conferences are committed to ensuring value for money, careful budgeting and sustainability

CONFERENCE DATE VENUE WEBSITE

2015 Division of Forensic Psychology 1–3 July Manchester Metropolitan University www.bps.org.uk/dfp2015

Psychology of Women Section 8–10 July Cumberland Lodge, Windwor www.bps.org.uk/pows2015

Division of Counselling Psychology 10–11 July Majestic Hotel, Harrogate www.bps.org.uk/dcop2015

Qualitative Methods in Psychology Section 2–4 September Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge www.bps.org.uk/qmip2015

Developmental Section & Social Section 9–11 September The Palace Hotel, Manchester www.bps.org.uk/devsoc2015

Division of Health Psychology 16–18 September Radisson Blu Portman, London www.bps.org.uk/dhp2015

Children and Young People 6–7 October Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC www.bps.org.uk/cyp2015

Division of Clinical Psychology 2–4 December Radisson Blu Portman, London www.bps.org.uk/dcp2015

Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology 14–15 December The Queens Hotel, Leeds www.bps.org.uk/dsep2015

Division of Occupational Psychology 6–8 January East Midlands Conference Centre, Notts www.bps.org.uk/dop2016 2016

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396 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 Calling all Postdoctorates and Postgraduates... FUNDING FOR STUDY VISITS

The Postdoctoral Study Visit grant scheme provides funding for UK based psychology Postdoctoral researchers and lecturers to undertake research study visits in the UK, Europe and internationally. These are offered alongside the Society’s Postgraduate Study Visit Scheme which provides grants to support research students who are registered for a doctoral degree in psychology at a UK university to acquire skills directly relevant to their research training above and beyond that required for the completion of the doctoral degree. Six grants will be available under each Scheme, two in each of the following categories: G Up to £250 for a visit to an institution in the UK G Up to £400 for a visit to an institution in Europe G Up to £600 for a visit to an institution elsewhere in the world The closing date for applications is 1 July 2015.

For further information, the full eligibility criteria and an application form please contact [email protected] Note: The schemes do not provide funding for conference attendance or to present conference papers.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 397 The British Psychological Society Promoting excellence in psychology 2016 Professional Development Programme Call for workshops

Do you have expertise in the latest skills and research in psychology? We are looking for people to run high quality CPD events on the latest thinking in psychology. Workshops proposals are sought in the following areas:

Academia, Research & Teaching in Psychology Psychology of Education Clinical Psychology Psychology of Sexuality Coaching Psychology Psychology of Women Cognitive Psychology Psychotherapy Community Psychology Qualitative Methods in Psychology Consciousness & Experiential Psychology Social Psychology Counselling Psychology Sport & Exercise Psychology Crisis, Disaster & Trauma Psychology Transpersonal Psychology Developmental Psychology Educational & Child Psychology The Society’s annual Professional Development Forensic Psychology workshop programme is organised by the Professional Health Psychology Development Centre in conjunction with our member History & Philosophy of Psychology networks. If you are interested in offering workshops Independent Practice or training events please complete a proposal form Mathematical, Statistical & Computing Psychology and email it with accompanying documentation to Occupational Psychology [email protected] by 17:00 1 June 2015. Neuropsychology Psychobiology The submission process and relevant forms can be Psychology & Social Care found on our website: www.bps.org.uk/cpd.

Follow us on Twitter: @BPSLearning #BPScpd www.bps.org.uk/learningcentre

398 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 2015 CPD Workshops Professional development opportunities from your learned Society

Introduction to evidence-based hypnosis and hypnotherapy (Cross network) 7 May Approaches to assessing early parent-child relationships (Manchester) (DCP Perinatal Faculty) 12 May Engaging the disengaged: Using motivational interviewing as a tool for young people and adults in education contexts (DECP) 14 May Sharing best practice of diagnosing and assessing adults with neuro-diversity in the workplace (DOP) 18 May Behaviour management in a trauma context (Developmental Section) 19 May Self-publishing: How can psychologists harness the opportunities? (SGIP) 21 May Essential neuro-linguistic skills for coaching psychologists (SGCP) 27 May Parenting across cultures (Manchester) (DCP) 1 June Working with offenders with intellectual disability in a forensic setting (DFP) 3 June Peer group supervision: A structured model for facilitation of community working & professional development (Cross network) 15 June Meta-synthesis (QMiP) 16 June Cognitive assessment of children and young people (Day 1) Glasgow (Cross network) 18 June Working successfully in private practice 25 June Self-compositioning coaching: A method for leadership development (Cross network) 26 June Cognitive assessment of children and young people (Day 2) Leeds (Cross network) 1 July Co-creating change through dialogue (DOP) 6 July Advanced supervision skills (DCP) 10 July Working with gender and sexual minorities in therapy (Sexualities) 20 July

From ‘ice-breakers’ to creating connections to farewells: An experiential workshop to increase your skills and 30 July confidence in group facilitation (DFP)

Expert witness: Responsibilities and business (Workshop 1) 3 September Expert witness: Report writing (Workshop 2) 4 September Overcoming resistance to change using process consultation (Cross network) 8 September Working successfully in private practice 10 September Engaging effectively with the supervision and reflective practice process (Cross network) 23 September Working with refugees and asylum seekers (Cross network) 28 September An introduction to sleep: Psychobehavioural assessment and treatment strategies for people with insomnia (Cross network) 2 October Pluralism in qualitative research (Cross network) 6 October Person-centred planning: A practical introduction for psychologists (Cross network) 6 October Supervision skills: Essentials of supervision (Workshop 1) 16 October

For more information on these CPD events and many more visit www.bps.org.uk/findcpd.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 399 Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference 16–18 September 2015 Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, London Conference Bursary Application Deadline – 24 June The DHP will be offering the following bursaries to attend their Annual Conference in London. • Up to 8 student bursaries are available that will cover early-bird non-residential three-day registration to the DHP Annual Conference and up to £200 towards accommodation and travel • Up to 4 bursaries for DHP members are available that will cover early bird non-residential three-day registration and up to £200 towards accommodation and travel. Late Poster Submission Deadline – 3 June The Conference Committee welcomes the following submissions: Late Posters, Health Psychology in Action Posters and Works in Progress Posters.

www.bps.org.uk/dhp2015 @divhealthpsych #dhpconf

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400 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 Research. Digested. Free.

www.bps.org.uk/digest

‘Easy to access and free, and a mine of useful information for my work: what more could I want? I only wish I’d found this years ago!’ Dr Jennifer Wild, Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Senior Lecturer, Institute of Psychiatry ‘The selection of papers suits my eclectic mind perfectly, and the quality and clarity of the synopses is uniformly excellent.’ Professor Guy Claxton, University of Bristol

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 401 The only series of books to be approved by the British Psychological Society. Visit our website to find books for the practitioner, the academic, the instructor and the student, including:

U BPS Textbooks in Psychology, with supporting Online Resources U BPS Student Guides

What’s more, as a member you will qualify for a discount: 20% BPS member discount on all titles 30% BPS student member discount on all titles

Go to: www.psychsource.bps.org.uk now to find out more.

RESEARCH SEMINARS COMPETITION 2015

The Research Board invites submissions

Aim – to enable a minimum of two institutions in co-operation with each other to hold a series of at least three scientific seminars, involving a minimum of 10 people, within a period of about two years. Grants – four grants are available, each worth up to £3000, to meet the travelling and accommodation expenses of those attending the seminars. Institutions should be able to arrange and meet the costs of the rooms. Criteria – the seminars should have tangible goals, explicitly focused upon extending and developing the understanding of psychological processes in any field of scientific psychology. Applications – As a minimum of two institutions will be involved, submissions should be made by a primary applicant and a co-applicant, at least one of whom should be a Society member. For further details and an application form please contact [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 1 July 2015.

402 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for Psychosis: A Mindful Approach to Recovery Joe Oliver & Emma O’Donoghue 7th & 8th September, 2015 University of London, Nutford House, London, W1H 5UL

Do you work with clients who experience distressing psychosis? Wondering how ACT - Connect… and mindfulness in general - can help? Want to help your clients more eff ectively manage distressing symptoms so they can lead full, rich and meaningful lives? In this two-day, experiential workshop, Joe and Emma will introduce the core skills and knowledge to help people recover from psychosis, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Psychosis (ACTp). ACTp is a powerful behavioural approach that incorporates acceptance and mindfulness techniques to help people to disentangle from diffi cult thoughts, feelings or distressing experiences in order to engage in behaviours that are guided by personal values. The workshop will draw on the presenters’ substantial experience using ACTp across a variety of settings and involve ACTp case formulation, group role-play and presenter’s audio/video material of therapy sessions.

In this workshop you will: • Understand how the problems of psychosis can be conceptualised using the ACT model • Understand how ACTp can be a pragmatic treatment for people with early and established psychosis as well as carers of people with psychosis • Learn how to use ACT metaphors and exercises adapted for treatment of psychosis …with • Learn key skills in facilitating ACTp in individual and group-based settings The Psychologist You will receive: and the Society’s • The full manual used in the “ACT for Life” and “ACT for Recovery” group interventions for psychosis trials. free Research About the presenters Digest service for Joe and Emma are both clinical psychologists who are experienced ACT therapists, researchers and more psychological trainers. Their research group has recently completed two trials on ACT groups for service users and news and analysis carers in psychosis settings. Joe is co-editor of the textbook, “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness for Psychosis” and the new ACT self help book, “ACTivate Your Life”. tinyurl.com/thepsychomag and Registration fees Follow us at Super early bird - £199 (Registrations and payment received up to 1st June 2015) www.facebook.com/researchdigest Early bird - £210 (6th July) | Standard rate £239 (7th September) For more information on how to register, go to: www.twitter.com/psychmag and www.contextualconsulting.co.uk www.twitter.com/researchdigest

NENEWW MMScSc WorkWork PsychologyPssyyycchologgyy anandd AtAtL Loughborough,oughborough, wwe’ree’re ppassionateassionate aboutabout ddevelopingeveloping well-rounded,well-rounded, highlyhighly eemployablemployable graduatesgraduates whowho areare readyready toto makemake a difference.difference. M MScSc BusinessBusiness PPsychologyssyyycchology TakeTTaake youryour careercareer toto thethe nextnext levellevel thisthis September.September. S Startingtartingg SeptemberSeptember 22015015

MSc WORK PSYCHOLOGY For students with a BPS-accredited undergraduate Psychology degree who wish to develop a career as an Occupational Psychologist. We are currently seeking BPS Accreditation for this programme for the September 2015 intake.

MSc BUSINESS PSYCHOLOGY This course is for students without a BPS-accredited psychology degree.

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 403 SGCP 5th European Congress of Coaching Psychology 2015 SAVE THE DATE 10-11 December 2015 Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, London

This event is organised by the BPS Special Group in Coaching Psychology and administered by KC Jones conference&events Ltd, 01332 224501

Further information will be available shortly, please visit the website: www.sgcp.eu

Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy*

“ There is a plethora of research suggesting that combining cognitive-behavioural therapy with hypnosis is therapeutic for a variety of psychological, behavioural, and medical disorders” (Gracie & Hardy, Int Journal of Clinical & Exp Hypnosis, 2007)

“An excellent, Certifi cate in Evidence-Based well-informed and This diploma course gives you the Hypnotherapy* broad basis for opportunity to learn the theory and (Stage 1 of the 3-part Diploma training) practising cognitive- clinical skills to integrate hypnotherapy • 4th - 10th July 2015, London behavioural into an existing practice – or start a • 12th - 18th September 2015, London practice focused on cognitive behavioural • 28th Nov - 4th December, 2015 London hypnotherapy in a hypnotherapy (CBH) professional and effective manner. • Fully accredited, externally verifi ed diploma CPD Workshops I highly recommend it.” • Fast track training – three 7-day stages CBH for Insomnia: 6th June 2015, London • Modern evidence-based approach Multi-component CBH for Smoking Cessation: • An integration of CBT, Mindfulness & 18th - 19th July 2015, London – Professor Karen Carr PhD, Professor of Psychology at Hypnosis Cranfi eld University. Next diploma starts: July 2015, September 2015, or November 2015 0207 112 9040 * BPS Learning Centre approved Discount for BPS Members www.ukhypnosis.com

404 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 Assessors needed for the Qualification in Educational Psychology (Scotland) (Stage 2) We are looking for a number of experienced Chartered Psychologists and full members of the SDEP who are Registered with the HCPC as an Educational Psychologist, to join our team of assessors. For further details please see http://www.bps.org.uk/system/files/Public%20files/assessor_advert_qep_v2.pdf Please complete a Statement of Interest form, taking care to evidence each of the criteria listed in the person specification. You may also enclose your CV to provide further information in support of your application. For further information and a Statement of Interest form, please contact the Society’s Qualification Office on 0116 252 9904 or Nigel Atter ([email protected]). The deadline for applications is 23 June 2015. There will be a training day for new assessors on 25 September 2015.

EMDR Training Schedule 2015 Fully accredited EMDR trainings for Psychologists EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and EMDR-Europe Association (EMDR-E) accredited trainings conducted by Alexandra (Sandi) Richman, Chartered Psychologist. Learn how to integrate this evidence-based therapy into your existing clinical skills. Richman EMDR Training offer small interactive EMDR trainings (max 20 participants), incorporating the complete ‘standard’ EMDR training accredited and approved by EMDRIA/EMDR-Europe plus an Intermediate workshop between Part I and Part 3 training. After Part I participants are able to practice EMDR and Part 2 revises the protocol and offers supervision of case material. Part 3 training teaches EMDR with more Kinnell Corporate Ltd introduce complex cases and offers further case consultation. their new specialist insurance for EMDR 2015 Trainings are as follows: (London unless otherwise indicated) those working in the talking and Part 1 (3 day training) listening therapies! 24 - 26 June 2015 (Glasgow), 29 - 31 July 2015, 16 - 18 September 2015, 21 - 23 October 2015 (Leicester), 2 - 4 December 2015 Medical Professional Liability insurance for psychologists, counsellors and those working in the talking and listening Part 2 (1 day training) therapies is available from Kinnell Corporate Ltd insurance 7 May 2015, 19 June 2015, 3 September 2015, 30 September 2015, brokers. 14 October 2015 (Glasgow), 4 November 2015 Choose the levels of cover that you require. Part 3 (3 day training) 13-15 May 2015, 9 - 11 September 2015, 15 - 17 October 2015 (Glasgow), Visit our website for a quote www.kinnellcorporate.co.uk 18 - 20 November 2015 or call on 0845 3032890. For more information contact Mary Cullinane, Training Co-ordinator. Kinnell Corporate Limited. Registered in England No. 5314336. Registered Offi ce: 14 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 0NE Tel: 020 7372 3572 Email: [email protected] Kinnell Corporate Limited is authorised and regulated by the www.emdr-training.com Financial Conduct Authority

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 405 POSTGRADUATE A New and Exciting Programme! ATTENDED MSc FORENSIC STUDY

An in-depth experience, PSYCHOLOGY using a scientist-practitioner approach, of the different parts of the offending and Starts September… victim pathways and of the Gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in investigative process, from forensic psychology practice pre-trial/pre-conviction, to through-care/after-care and
The course covers the curriculum required for a British Psychological Society (BPS) restorative justice accredited MSc in Forensic Psychology – thereby accounting for Stage 1 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology – BPS accreditation is currently being applied for

Campus based:
Scholarship funding – £10k awards for eligible UK PG taught course students* *Subject to eligibility – please visit our website for full details 12 months full time 24 months part time More information at: www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate Enquiries: [email protected] 0191 208 7925 / +44 191 208 7925

MSc Behaviour Change MSc Health Psychology

QualifyQualify with a pioneeringpioneering masters degreedegree and feel Accredited by the British Psychological Society, empoweredempowered to makemake a differencedifference inin your workplaceworkplace providing Stage One training in Health Psychology

This course was revised in 2014/15 to reflect the new Inspire and support behaviour change in the stage one standards and received six commendations context of Health and Wellbeing, Occupational from the BPS in November 2014 Health and Safety, and Environment and Conservation

Attend the Midlands Health Psychology Network conference as part of your ‘professional skills in health FFlexibleFleexxibleibb and innovainnovativen v v waysy ys of workworking orkinkinng ttoo psychology’ module supportupp your otheroth commitmentsmmitmmi mmmittmemeenntss

For more information, please contact, For more information, please contact, Dr Sigrid Lipka: [email protected] Dr Vicki Staples: [email protected]

College of Life & Natural Sciences

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406 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 the the psychologist psychologist vol 28 no 1 january 2015 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 www.thepsychologist.org.uk www.thepsychologist.org.uk

vol 28 no 2 psychologistthe february 2015 www.thepsychologist.org.uk

The ‘street children’ of Latin Words and America sorcery Simon Oxenham and Jon Sutton Graham Pluck with a story of consider the causes of bad writing challenge and survival for millions in psychology, and its impact

letters 2 radical behaviourism 24 letters 172 eldercare: the new frontier 202 news 8 mindfulness in psychology 28 news 184 sweet memories 206 interview 40 mental illness – head to head debate 34 careers 236 sexual identity at work 212 reviews 66 looking back: Asch’s line studies 72 reviews 244 masculinity, trauma and ‘shell shock’ 250

The surprising world of synaesthesia Jack Dutton investigates letters news 78 careers looking back 90 how relationships help us to age well 148 does our unconscious rule? 166 interview: Robin Dunbar viewpoints: ‘let down by psychology’

114 110 126 the 128 psychologist

www.thepsychologist.org.uk www.twitter.com/psychmag

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 407 Positive approaches: Challenging contexts Celebrating the 21st Anniversary of the Division of Counselling Psychology

10–11 July 2015, Majestic Hotel, Harrogate

Visit our website for details of keynote speakers and programme highlights from our packed schedule. From interactive poster sessions to the Exhibition Zone, there’s something for everyone. Download the full conference programme online for more information.

Early bird rates Available up to 27 May 2015.

www.bps.org.uk/dcop2015 #dcopconf

& the Reflections Research Centre Conference Would you like to work as an Tensions in Handling EXPERT WITNESS? Sexuality and Sexual Attraction in the Consulting Room Do you have a minimum of 5 years post-qualifying experience and are looking for additional work ? Saturday 13 June 2015 Regent’s University London We are interested in hearing from Psychologists who would like to carry out assessments in private and public family law proceedings. Keynote Speaker: Dr Markus Bidell Training, mentoring and support is available. Fulbright Scholar and City University, New York

Treating transgressors: the psychological professions Please send your CV to Kate: and LGBT issues [email protected]

Speakers: Dr Michael Worrell, Dr Desa Markovic, Dr Meg Barker, Christina Richards

www.psychassessments.co.uk Register online at www.regents.ac.uk/sexuality

408 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 www.ulster.ac.uk

Ulster University is offering Postgraduate programmes in the School of Psychology in the following: • Health Psychology (MSc) – Distance learning This one year full-time or two year part-time BPS accredited MSc programme, delivered by distance learning will provide students with competencies in applying psychology professionally and ethically to health, illness and health care. As such, it provides the first stage of professional training to become a registered health psychologist. Applicants should normally hold at least an upper second class honours degree in Psychology which confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Northern Ireland fees apply: £4995 full-time. For further information please contact: Dr Liz Simpson, E: [email protected] • Applied Psychology (MSc) – Mental Health and Psychological Therapies This one year full-time or two year part-time MSc programme delivered on the Magee campus provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas of applied psychology related to mental health practice and research. Applicants should normally hold at least an upper second class honours degree in Psychology, which confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Northern Ireland fees apply: £4995 full-time. Placement modules will have an additional fee. For further information please contact: Dr Donal McAteer, E: [email protected] • MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis This two year part-time MSc programme is delivered on the Coleraine campus. Its broad aim is to give students the opportunity to develop their theoretical and conceptual knowledge in behaviour analysis and is designed for professionals who work (or intend to work) in the caring professions. Applicants should have a second class degree in psychology or related subject. An interview is also part of the selection process. Northern Ireland fees apply: £5494 part-time over 2 years. For further information please contact: Dr Stephen Gallagher, E: [email protected] • Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (PgCert) – AFT Foundation Level Training This one year part-time Postgraduate Certificate programme, delivered on the Magee Campus, provides an introduction to systemic ideas and their relevance in helping us gain a better understanding of individuals, families and the systems in which we function. The programme is fully accredited with AFT for its Foundation Level training in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. Applicants should hold a degree or equivalent (either an existing health and social care qualification, or have completed a psychology degree), or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior learning. In addition, applicants should have an opportunity to apply systemic ideas to a current work setting, either voluntary or paid – applicants must arrange this for themselves. Northern Ireland fees apply: £1665 part-time. For further information please contact: Prof Gerry Cunningham, E: [email protected]

For further information see: www.ulster.ac.uk Applications can be made at: www.ulster.ac.uk/applyonline Preferred date for applications: 31 May 2015 but applications may be considered after this date.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 409 travel around Australia, and this journey led me up through the centre of the continent (Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs) and then around the Western

CAREERS Australian coast to Perth, back across the Nullarbor to Adelaide and eventually returning to Melbourne. This trip opened The flying psychologist my eyes to the wonderful Australian outback and the potential for life and Robert Williams describes how his career literally took off in Australia work outside the major metropolitan centres along the eastern seaboard. When I returned I recontacted the Victorian psychology people, letting them obert Williams, a UK-trained returned to attend university in the UK know that I was now here and could we Rclinical psychologist, reflects on and, as it turned out, to spend 12 years in meet up. To my surprise a voice at the nearly 20 years of mental health London, nine of which were taken up end of the line said – ‘thank goodness service delivery with the Royal Flying with preparing for and completing clinical you are here – there is a vacant job up in Doctor Service of Australia psychology training. Family connections, Beechworth which we haven’t been able I trained as a clinical psychologist in a warmer climate and a desire to seek out to fill for 15 months!’ London, completing my training in 1985. new challenges in psychology led me to Beechworth is about three hours’ I was fortunate to participate in an in- apply to emigrate a second time to drive north of Melbourne and is an old service training scheme with plenty of Australia. gold mining town steeped in history – practical experience. This was to serve At my leaving party in 1986, a part of Ned Kelly country. I worked as the me well in taking on psychology roles in psychology colleague gave a farewell only psychologist in Beechworth and the isolated locations. Similarly my training speech and remarked that I was heading surrounding region for three years. The was eclectic in nature, and this provided off to Australia to become a flying work was challenging and rewarding and me with a diverse set of psychology tools psychologist! It was meant as a joke but gave me a taste of the benefits of working to draw on when working with a wide a seed was sown, an ambition formed. in more rural areas of Australia. range of people, age groups and Following a 12-month stint in presenting problems. Melbourne I applied for a senior I had emigrated previously to Rural and remote psychology position in Alice Springs, Australia as a teenager in 1969 but When contacting the Victorian state starting there in 1993. This job extended psychology representatives, my growing specialisation in rural and prior to emigrating, I received remote psychology, exposed me to a less than encouraging working with Aboriginal clients and the response. Put in a huge challenges that this work entails. straightforward Aussie manner, I also flew to a fortnightly outreach clinic the suggestion was that I in Tennant Creek, a remote township shouldn’t bother to come to 500km north along the ‘Track’. This was Australia due to an oversupply my first taste of flying in a light aircraft. of psychologists – at least in Then an advertised job caught my Melbourne. eye – ‘Seeking a clinical psychologist to However, for the conduct a 12 month study to assess the overriding reasons I’ve feasibility of providing mental health mentioned, I was going services in conjunction with the Royal anyway. I arrived in June 1986 Flying Doctor Service’. Location: Cairns, and enjoyed the reunion with in far north Queensland. my family – parents and three siblings and their new families – catching up on 12 years Introduction to the RFDS away from home. The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) I took the opportunity to has been in operation since 1927,

Have you taken a look at our relaunched For other Society careers resources, see website, www.thepsychologist.bps.org.uk? www.bps.org.uk/careers.

If you click on the ‘…meets’ tab across the For the latest jobs, visit top, you will find an archive of all our more www.psychapp.co.uk. Society members can

careers online careers personal pieces, including our ‘Careers’ sign up for suitable e-mail and RSS alerts. pages. Alternatively, just search ‘careers’ Recruiters can post online from just £750, with our new and improved site search. The and at no extra cost when placing an ad in archive is now complete – back to 1988. print. For more information, see p.414.

410 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 careers providing emergency and primary health The feasibility study, as well as carried out in a room in the clinic, at a care services across Australia. Today it assessing mental health service needs, was patient’s home or sometimes side-by-side operates over 60 aircraft from 23 bases to consider mental health training needs leaning over a fence. Presenting problems and employs more than 1000 staff to of RFDS and remote area generalist health were extremely varied, ranging from deliver a wide range of health services. staff, and support needs of health staff a child with a behaviour problem to The RFDS is a federated organisation exposed to trauma, as well as taking a request to make a differential diagnosis composed of a small coordinating advantage of my clinical training to between dementia and depression in an National Office in Sydney and five provide professional supervision to Cairns elderly patient. Referrals were made by operating divisions providing health psychologists. a remote area nurse if in existence or by services via small aircraft – Queensland The report was titled ‘Breaking the the RFDS GP. Other members of the Section, South Eastern Section, Victorian Mind Barrier’, and it found that the mental health team could join flights – Section, Central Operations and Western provision of mental health services was we employed a social worker and Operations. A small Tasmanian Section feasible provided alongside the regular occupational therapist. The area serves a primarily fundraising role. RFDS primary health care GP and nursing psychiatrist also accompanied RFDS In the early 1990s the RFDS services. A number of patients were seen flights on occasion. commissioned an extensive review of its during the feasibility study with What is perhaps surprising is that the operations nationally, and the resulting commonly presenting mental health RFDS hadn’t employed mental health staff report ‘The Best for the Bush’ heralded issues, such as depression, anxiety, drug earlier. The Best for the Bush was one of a new era for the service with and alcohol problems and relationship the first reviews to extensively interview recommendations that it continue its difficulties. Treatment could be provided people who lived in remote areas, and it well-known emergency role but expand on regular clinic visits to remote locations called for submissions from a wide range its range of primary health care services and, if infrequent, supplemented by of external stakeholders. This in-depth to include mental health, health telephone and (as the technology community consultation perhaps raised promotion and the employment of matured) videoconference sessions. mental health for the first time, and this Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff training was conducted, which was supported by external government health staff. mainly focused on identification of reviews that highlighted the growing In 1995 the Australian mental health problems in the medical recognition of the need to address mental Commonwealth government funded consultation, sometimes by simply asking health issues and in particular to improve a number of ‘projects of national the question ‘How are things at home?’, service access to rural and remote significance’, and one of these involved thereby allowing mention of current residents. assessing the feasibility of providing stressors and any impacts on mental The result was that I became the first mental health services in conjunction wellbeing. Other practitioner skills ‘Flying Psychologist’ to be employed by with the RFDS. I conducted this 12- included learning how to provide a the RFDS, taking up the position in 1996. month project, which involved assessing rationale to patients for a CBT approach Over a period of four years I provided the need for mental health services in the to depression to facilitate referral to a clinical psychology services to remote remote communities served by the Cairns psychologist. communities served by the Cairns RFDS RFDS base. Staff who worked remotely, including base. Initially this was primarily in the The project was commissioned RFDS staff, often encountered stressful non-indigenous communities. There were because of rising concerns about the situations, particularly related to common mental health problems such as mental health effects of a continuing traumatic events, and part of the project depression, anxiety and drug and alcohol severe drought, with a consequent involved devising a critical incident stress abuse; various stress-related issues; and alarming increase in rural suicides. debriefing programme geared to the RFDS some serious mental health conditions, There were also high levels of trauma in context. The field has now changed, and where I either facilitated referral to a Aboriginal communities, often fuelled by a less direct interventionist approach psychiatrist or provided support upon high levels of alcohol abuse and extreme would be taken. discharge from hospital. social disadvantage. The report recommended that the Training of rural and remote area The vast area served by Cairns RFDS RFDS should employ a psychologist on a health professionals, including RFDS base includes remote communities full-time basis to provide clinical, training staff, got under way with the use of face- stretching up into Cape York Peninsula, and support services required in response to-face teaching sessions and via those dotted west of the Atherton to the demonstrated mental health needs. videoconferencing, and culminated in Tablelands towards the Gulf of the production of an interactive CD-ROM Carpentaria and remote properties and ‘Psychological First Aid Kit’. This enabled mine sites south of the main highway RFDS psychology role staff to access training material outside between Townsville and Mount Isa. The Following the feasibility study the RFDS the ‘classroom’, even working through types of remote locations vary in the Queensland Section sought to obtain the CD-ROM whilst in-flight. A critical Australian outback, including pastoral funding to employ a psychologist, and incident stress debriefing programme stations/properties, rural support towns, I was keen to stay on with the service. was set up for RFDS exposed to traumatic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander I had found the work with RFDS to be incidents. communities, mining towns, tourist stimulating and challenging as well as During this time applications were resorts and national parks. The size of varied. It was a unique way to spend a also made for further government funding the communities also varies, ranging from working day, which required an early start to expand mental health programmes a few dozen to around 1000. The RFDS around 7am, flying for a couple of hours within the RFDS. From 2000 to 2007 provides regular and emergency services by light aircraft to our first destination, expansion of RFDS mental health to all of these, with visit frequency being catching up with the locals over a cup programmes occurred, as well as determined by population size and degree of tea and then seeing any patients who commencement of general health of health problems. needed to be seen. Counselling was promotion sessions in remote

seek and advertise at www.psychapp.co.uk 411 careers

communities and the employment of Aboriginal community, and holding staff focusing on child and adolescent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. a men’s health night at the local pub. mental health issues). I moved into In relation to the latter it became clear These activities introduced mental health a team management role, appointing early on that to maximise the in a less threatening way and facilitated and supervising staff and conducted effectiveness of psychology services to referrals. some additional projects, such as the Indigenous patients it was of great benefit Commonwealth and state funding production of a second interactive CD- to employ and/or train Indigenous people enabled the expansion of mental health ROM, this one aimed at increasing mental in mental health skills. This initiative was services in Cairns as well as in other health literacy in the general population. very successful, providing cultural RFDS Queensland bases (e.g. Mt Isa). My position title became Manager of awareness training for RFDS staff and The mental health staff in RFDS Allied Health Services and included facilitating acceptance of the services in Queensland went from one to 20-plus mental health, health promotion and Aboriginal communities. Stigma was staff over this period. This enabled a more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander further tackled through the use of indirect focused and regular service to a particular health. I relocated to Brisbane, where activities; for example, a fishing set of communities as well as some degree the head office of the RFDS Queensland competition for men and boys in an of specialisation (e.g. the appointment of section resides.

A mission to educate

Ian Florance talks to clinical psychologist Jane McCartney about her book, her background and her media work

ane McCartney has just written her first from tending bars and working as Jbook Stop Overeating: The 28-Day Plan to a croupier and you see all human End Emotional Eating for Good. Look her up life. At one stage I worked as a page in Google and you’ll find an impressive list planner and reporter for a local of academic achievements (on her Dr Jane paper: when asked exactly why I was website) as well as a variety of other doing the job I answered “to see mentions: articles about her book in the what makes people tick”. Anyone Telegraph, Independent and Mail; quotations who is training as a psychologist or on issues as varied as weight loss, romance is thinking of studying it will benefit and cleaning; her own pieces for magazines from any job they take. Second, one and newspapers. She is a Chartered of my flatmates was on a placement Psychologist, has worked for the NHS for 11 in a college in Essex. That influenced years and in her own private practice for me. The start of my qualification journey On a journey to work it out nine. Given this huge amount of activity, it’s was an A-level at night school.’ Jane started working in the NHS in 2003 not surprising that we had difficulty setting To cut a long story short, Jane took and still has a role there. ‘My first NHS up a phone interview. a degree in psychology at the University position after qualifying was in an We started with her book. Why had she of Kent before taking PG Dips, an MA and adolescent unit, which was very trying as written about that topic in particular? a PG/Dip at London Guildhall and I have children. In that situation it’s very ‘A lot of people present with problems Metropolitan Universities. She was awarded difficult for any worker to keep the correct associated with overeating. Around a her Doctorate in Clinical Sciences by the emotional distance. In my NHS work I quarter of the UK population are obese and University of Kent in 2010. describe myself as a general psychologist, there’s a lot written about eating problems, As is often the case in these interviews, not a syndrome, population or approach- but very little of that is written from a true Jane’s story is as much about personal specific practitioner. I address what psychological perspective. Put that together experience as it is about intellectual presents, and get clients to think about the with the fact that I’m a former overeater achievement. ‘When I did my degree in syndromes.’ She has one very specific wish myself and I felt I was in a good position applied psychology the two topics that for the service. ‘Many GPs are very to write something that genuinely helped, grabbed my attention were Jung and psychologically minded and do very good combining knowledge and experience. behaviourism. And, despite my less than work. But some aren’t and therefore don’t. It’s not a trivial problem either for the stellar school career, I’m very determined. They fill in their checklists, apply a label, overeaters and their families or for the Once I start something I finish it, and prescribe a drug and recommend just CBT- country, given the costs involved in, say, that took me through the 16-year journey based services. There’s an element of clock treating related conditions like diabetes.’ between starting a BA and achieving a watching to get on to the next patient. All of Jane’s school achievements didn’t bode doctorate.’ these things – pharmaceutical treatment, well for a career. ‘I left with a sorry set of Jane is enthusiastic about her doctorate CBT, identification of specific syndromes – qualifications. I ended up living on my own in clinical science. ‘Clinical science courses have their critical place but a more at 16 and had to work to keep the wolf from tend to be less restricted than psychology psychological approach to this would help. the door. But I suppose two things spurred ones. I worked on aspects of postnatal and When clients say “I’ve never thought of it me on. First, I’d always been good at post-traumatic conditions and had a like that before” it means they’re on a working people out. I did every sort of job marvellous supervisor, Dr Georgia Lepper.’ journey to working out what’s going on. It’s

412 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 careers

In 2007 I applied for the post of (emergency, GP clinics, medical chests Operations are looking at developing National Health Programme Manager at and telehealth consultations) and Rural services. Longreach base, established RFDS National Office in Sydney, Women’s GP Service. solely to provide mental health services, is relocating to a not so rural and remote still operational after 10 years, and office near Circular Quay! Soon after services are well established in Cairns, Mt arriving I was successful in applying for The future Isa, Broken Hill and Alice Springs. It is further Commonwealth funding to I finished up with the RFDS in August expected that the flying mental health commence mental health services to 2013 after an 18-year association with the workers will continue to be a part of remote communities around Broken Hill service in various roles. Mental health RFDS well into the future. and southeast of Alice Springs. As well as services are now an integral part of the contract management for these new health service mix in Queensland Section, I Robert has now returned to the UK and is a mental health services my National Office South Eastern Section and Central Registered Clinical Psychologist based in role broadened to include coordinating Operations. Victorian Section and Western London. [email protected] the health component of the federally funded Traditional Services contract

my favourite quotation.’ Jane started her private practice in 2005 Graduate Trainee ABA and, not being one to rest on her laurels, Tutors & Learning & started media work. ‘As I mentioned I’d Behavour Specialist worked on a local paper. I’d also been a Opportunities researcher for a TV company. So, when I saw London a piece in The Psychologist about a BPS media Competitive salary & benefi ts panel. I am now on the permanent list of commentators for certain programmes and I’ve appeared on This Morning, Sky News and BBC World TV as well as being interviewed in a lot of national papers.’ Many professionals are suspicious or critical of such activities. Two Mentors/ ‘You have to stay within your boundaries even if Psychologists there’s pressure to comment on areas outside Various locations them. I’ve refused to comment on certain Negotiable salary issues on air for that very reason. We also need to educate programme editors to stop using people who aren’t qualified. They muddy Occupational the water and, at their worst, give a totally Psychologist erroneous view of what psychological science Traineeships says and psychological practice does. That’s South East why psychologists should get involved in public £32,000 pa & benefi ts package discussions, with other areas of activity and, of course, writing.’ So, another book is on the cards? ‘Maybe next year. At the moment we’re developing a website linked to the overeating book.’ It’s at www.stopovereating.co.uk. Psychologist Member There’s obviously a link between Jane’s Appointment desire to educate other health workers in Scotland psychology, her approach to client work (in Competitive salary which she helps clients to think about their issues) and her aims in writing books and appearing on the media. She is a psychological educator trying to improve general psychological literacy and input psychological To check the latest jobs please go to understanding into adjacent practices. It sounds like a busy job, so I was glad we wwww.psychapp.co.ukww.psychapp.co.uk found time to talk.

seek and advertise at www.psychapp.co.uk 413 Advertising with The British Psychological Society

Reach 48,000 readers as part of the publication for psychologists - a large, prime, well-qualified audience. Advertising is also now available on the Society’s award-winning Research Digest blog DISPLAY ADVERT APPOINTMENT PUBLISHING DATE DEADLINE SECTION DEADLINE at www.researchdigest.org.uk/blog. There are also other online options, including the ‘featured job’ at www.psychapp.co.uk. Jun 6 May 13 May 28 May Jul 3 Jun 10 Jun 25 Jun All recruiters in the print edition of The Psychologist get their vacancy 8 Jul 15 Jul 30 Jul posted online at www.psychapp.co.uk at no extra cost. Members can Aug then search by job type and geographical area, and then view full APPOINTMENT SECTION details online or via RSS feeds and e-mail alerts. DISPLAY RATE (WITH FREE ONLINE AD)

Job advertising is also available online-only at any time, Full page £1645 £3000 from just £750 Half (horizontal/vertical) £875 £1800 Advertising contact: Quarter (h/v) £545 £1200 Giorgio Romano Senior Sales Executive Eighth (h/v) £325 £650 +44 20 7880 7556 [email protected] 40% extra: 25% extra. Please contact us for ad sizes, and then send your Outside back cover Inside back cover ad by email to [email protected]

UniversityCentre for Wellbeing of Surrey Full-time Clinical Counsellor/ Counselling Psychologist/ Psychotherapist Psychologist £30,434-£37,394 (28.8 Hours per week pro rata) Attractive salary dependent on experience and qualifi cations Near Stirling, Scotland We are seeking to recruit a registered or accredited therapist (BACP, UKCP or BPS) to join our established team working with students and staff with complex and wide ranging issues. You Manor Hall Centre for Trauma specialises in the assessment and treatment will need to be experienced in short and medium term counselling and able to work with crisis presentations. We are looking for an integrative practitioner trained in CBT or other brief of psychological trauma, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), modalities. Experience in working with Eating Disorders and Groups would be desirable. complex trauma and dissociative disorders, personality and mood disorders Team work is an essential aspect of our practice and a high level of personal initiative is also as well as problems associated with attachment and loss. We offer day required. Flexible working arrangements can be considered. patient, inpatient, outpatient, and respite care services in a tranquil setting Further information on our work can be found at www.surrey.ac.uk/wellbeing located in central Scotland for adult males and females over the age of Closing date 11th May 2015 eighteen. We are now looking for an experienced Clinical Psychologist to join our multi-disciplinary team

The role would be ideally suited to a clinician who has experience working with people with a history of trauma, and who understands and knows Senior Clinical Psychologist – how to work with dissociation. Ideally we are looking for someone who is trained in trauma-focussed therapies including EMDR, trauma-focussed Specialist (Autism) CBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Comprehensive Resource Model, Th e Lorna Wing Centre for Autism, Bromley although we are also interested in applicants who are willing to train in more 3 days per week Fixed Term 9 months (with opportunities for renewal) therapeutic modalities that will increase their knowledge and understanding Salary: £40,201 - £48,500 pro rata of trauma and traumatic reactions. The successful candidate will have the Closing Date: 29/05/2015 opportunity to develop skills whilst making an informed and enthusiastic Th e Lorna Wing Centre is a specialist training and diagnostic centre for children, young contribution to the development of our work and knowledge base in this people and adults with autism, particularly focusing on complex presentations. challenging fi eld. Th e centre builds on seminal work carried out by Dr Lorna Wing and Dr Judith Gould in developing work in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders using a dimensional Informal enquiries welcome: Contact Dawn Harris approach to understanding autism. or Colin Howard, Consultant Psychologist/ An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Psychologist with skills and knowledge in Executive Director on 01786 843002. working with people with autism. Or send CV and covering letter to : please contact Dr Laura Cockburn, Manager, Lorna Wing Centre for Autism [email protected] [email protected] Closing Date: 21st May 2015 www.autism.org.uk/lwc

414 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 ,$373RVWJUDGXDWH 'LSORPDLQ&%7

Are you a qualifi ed Clinical or Counselling Psychologist? Have you considered training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and getting paid to do it? With the IAPT postgraduate diploma you could be taught by some of the leading CBT experts in the fi eld and become an accredited CBT therapist.

The London PG Diploma in CBT is a one year full-time course based at either King’s College London or Royal Holloway. This course is currently part of the Department of Health’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative. Trainees on the course will work in IAPT services whilst being trained in evidence-based CBT for adults with depression and anxiety disorders.

Please visit the King’s College London (www.tinyurl.com/ cbtcourse) or Royal Holloway (www.nwlcbttraining.net) website for more information and to apply. The application process opens in May, with interviews taking place in June 2015.

DOCTORATE IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY 2015-16 The professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Content: This is a full time programme and we aim to recruit 9-12 trainees annually. The core elements of the programme are as follows: • Theoretical knowledge - with a core focus on developing pluralisitc therapeutic To check the latest practice (with a focus on humanistic counselling in year jobs please go to one and CBT in year two). • Research skills - researching www.psychapp.co.uk practice and a thesis • Therapeutic practice • Personal development through Giving evidence can be the hardest thing. personal therapy It’s even harder when you struggle to communicate. Your training will be situated in the As a Registered Intermediary, you’re there to make sure Manchester Institute of Education to advertise please where you will join a vibrant vulnerable witnesses have a voice. Whether in a criminal learning community of researchers contact: Giorgio Romano, investigation or at trial, you can assist them in giving their and practitioners. 020 7880 7556, best evidence by ensuring they understand the questions Deadline for applications: 26th May and can communicate their answers. Find out more and Interview dates: 9th and 10th June giorgio.romano@ www.manchester.ac.uk redactive.co.uk apply at www.ri-appointments.com/pa [email protected] +44 (0) 161 275 8477

seek and advertise at www.psychapp.co.uk 415 No ordinary career - no ordinary company

Consultant Clinical Psychologist Clinical Services, Adult Services, Doncaster yrpAnsnFnr@p G q `    Established in 1975, the Hesley Group provides flexible, specialist residential services and schools. We aim to offer the best possible care, education and vocational opportunities for young people and adults, often with autism, who have a learning disability and complex needs including behaviour which may challenge. We have an established team of clinicians including psychology, speech and language therapy, applied behaviour analysts, occupational therapists and therapy assistants. Our team of psychologists make a key contribution to our capacity to provide To check the latest effective person-centred positive behaviour support for our clients by working with other members of our multi-disciplinary team to provide therapeutic input to clients and consultancy to staff, and jobs please go to provision of training for support staff. Due to the development of our Psychology provision, an exciting opportunity has now arisen for a Consultant Clinical Psychologist www.psychapp.co.uk to work within our adult services. This post offers an opportunity to contribute to this expanding service area and have a real impact on the lives and outcomes for the people who use the service. You will be an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team, supporting people who use our services to increase their independence and achieve their personal goals. You will possess a high level of expertise in work with adults with severe learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders, and will have completed significant relevant postgraduate training and/or contributed to the knowledge base in this field. You should have substantial experience of managing and developing Clinical Psychology and/or Positive Behaviour Support services. You will have demonstrable interest and/or experience in planning to advertise please contact: and contributing to training and post qualification development for Giorgio Romano, members of both your own and other professions. In return, we offer a commitment to regular supervision, 020 7880 7556, outstanding Continuing Professional Development via opportunities [email protected] for internal and external training, mentoring and both clinical and peer supervision. For an informal discussion/visit, please contact Anna Backhouse, Head of Therapeutic Services, on 01302 866906. For more information on any of our vacancies or to apply online, visit our website at 555@
*#7%0-3.@!-@3)G!-,2#,2G!300#,2Q4 ! ,!'#1 Alternatively, for an application pack please email: 0#!03'2+#,2:
*#7%0-3.@!-@3) stating your full name and address or telephone 01302 861666 quoting 0#$@ GkoGGlp@ Closing date for receipt of all applications: ,--,Amm," 7mklp@ Online applications submitted after 12pm (noon) on the closing date will be rejected by the system. Hesley Group is an Equal Opportunities employer. This post is subject to an enhanced level disclosure and barring check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

416 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 1 .-#/  #+ -)+ +"

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seek and advertise at www.psychapp.co.uk 417 Kick-starting a debate around suicide REVIEWS

I am proud to have played a small role in the BBC One suicide on others, being the so-called ‘expert’, rather than to talk documentary Life After Suicide, which aired in March. It was a about its effect on me. powerful programme, tackling an important topic. The bravery However, the most difficult part about working on the of those bereaved by suicide who shared their loss was poignant programme came the Friday before its broadcast, when I and heartbreaking, but vital. Angela Samata, the presenter, lost unexpectedly received a preview copy of the final cut. It was her partner Mark to suicide 11 years ago. The programme difficult because Friday is the birthday of a very close friend of tracked her journey across the country meeting others who have mine who took her own life six years ago. I was devastated by been similarly bereaved, as Angela attempted to understand why her death and it has affected me much more than I like to admit people die by suicide, to (together with the death, challenge the stigma around almost four years ago, of the suicide and to explore the man who got me involved in impact of suicide on those suicide research 20 years left behind. She was simply ago in Belfast). This outstanding; sensitively coincidence was particularly navigating the viewer through poignant, especially as it the lives of those so deeply was the impact of her death affected by suicide as well as that I had mentioned in the telling us her own very moving documentary. It’s story. remarkable how these My involvement with the coincidences happen. programme began some 14 Despite the programme months earlier, following an being first broadcast late on e-mail from a BBC producer a Tuesday (10.45pm in who was researching a England, and even later in potential programme, which Scotland at 11.40pm), the she described as ‘a sensitive response during and thought-provoking transmission was really documentary about suicide’. positive: #LifeAfterSuicide I was impressed by her was the top trending knowledge of the topic (and hashtag in the UK on that she had read some of my Tuesday night and the work!) and her awareness of feedback from social, radio the unique challenges inherent and print media since has in producing such a film – so been overwhelmingly I agreed to help. More than positive (with many people a year later, after numerous Professor Rory O'Connor (University of Glasgow) wishing that the BBC had telephone and Skype calls, talks about his involvement in the BBC One broadcast it in prime time). a meeting in London with the programme Life After Suicide. The programme seemed to director and producer and resonate with large a day’s filming in Glasgow, the numbers of people, both day of transmission had arrived. Angela and I were in Salford those directly affected by suicide and those with no experience. the night before the broadcast as we were appearing on BBC For my part, I found working with the BBC on this project Breakfast and on Radio 5 Live the following morning to discuss really rewarding – sensitively handled from start to finish – and I the film. That evening, we talked about how important we would encourage others to do so should they get the opportunity. thought the film was, how we hoped it would start a national I also hope that the programme has kick-started a debate around conversation about suicide, about its complex causes and the suicide and is another small step in ensuring that suicide devastating effect it has on loved ones – but we were also research and prevention are prioritised. We need to do so much apprehensive, hoping, but not knowing how it would be received. more to tackle the 6000 deaths by suicide in the UK each year, Although my main contribution to the programme was and I would urge men, in particular, to talk to loved ones about professional (providing background information on suicide, how they’re feeling; it is not a sign of weakness to reach out. talking about my research into the psychology of suicidal If you are affected by suicide or you are worried about behaviour and helping Angela understand why people take their someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 08457 90 90 90 (UK). own lives), during filming I was asked about my own personal They are also available by e-mail [email protected] experience of bereavement by suicide. I found this really difficult and I was initially reluctant to do so, but I was persuaded by the View this item online for further reading from our archive: director to talk about it – and I am pleased that I did and that a Professor O’Connor on suicidal behaviour (with the late Noel small piece of this conversation was included in the programme. Sheehy), on responsible reporting of suicide, and an interview with For me, it has always been much easier to talk about the effect of him. Also, ‘Psychologist suicide: Practising what we preach’.

418 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 reviews

Nailing the fundamentals Listen! Say Yes! Commit! Improvisation for Communication, Creativity, Teamworking and Leadership at Work Harry Puckering & Julia E. Knight

Listen! Say Yes! Commit!, written by trying them yourself, although in some and communication, and the referencing is Chartered Psychologist Julia E. Knight cases you might be looking at each other good if a little spotty in places. I applaud the and her colleague Harry Puckering, is an funny and wondering ‘Is this it?’ – a authors for not over-stretching the introduction to theatrical improvisation challenge in translating dynamic, often connections, but still being able to draw my specifically promoting it as a tool for use at spatial processes onto the page. There is attention to research I hadn’t been aware of. work. As a Chartered Psych, and long-time the odd diagram, hand-drawn and with Ultimately, this book is aimed at people improviser myself, I decided to dive in and a character that complements the self- unfamiliar with improvisation who want to get to grips with their take. published nature of this book. get a handle on how this might liven up an This isn't the first book to take a more Harry and Julia nail the fundamentals awayday, or introduce some fun habits for psychological approach towards the artform of why this stuff matters: it teaches team meetings or brainstorming sessions. – see for example Clayton D. Drinko's collaboration over competition, ‘holding on To my mind it succeeds admirably, providing Theatrical Improvisation, Consciousness, and and letting go’, meaning building on what is an evidence base while managing to remain Cognition (2013, Palgrave Macmillan) – but there but having the flexibility to turn when informal and engaging. it's certainly the most accessible, giving a circumstances demand it, and the formation mix of reasons why to practise improvisation of trust through laughter and shared I Lulu.com; 2015; Pb £12.50 and exercises to get you started. On the endeavour. Reviewed by Alex Fradera who is a whole most of these exercises are explained The book contains links to the academic freelance writer and regular contributor to clearly enough that you could have a stab at literature, mainly to models of leadership the Research Digest

Informative and interesting Exactly what’s needed Control the Controller: Understanding and Resolving Dementia: The Video Game Addiction One-Stop Guide Ciaran O’Connor June Andrews

Video game addiction (known as video game developers, with its In this book Professor Andrews VDA) is often portrayed within raison d'être being to help its brings together science, media as the cause of various readers understand the practice and lived experience incidents. In Control the addiction from the point of view of dementia into an invaluable Controller Ciaran O’Connor of the gamer. It is well resource providing clear takes a fresh attitude to this structured and discusses the answers and practical solutions subject and offers a damage, signs, causes and to the questions and challenges multidimensional approach possible interventions of VDA, dementia brings. The book is through having including a blend punctuated with insightful experience as a of CBT and quotations from people with professionals and would have video game mindfulness dementia, friends, families and known I was not alone in feeling designer, techniques, carers who tell it like it is. confused, invisible or frustrated. psychotherapist and alongside In a very accessible, down- For someone who may well get a self-professed acknowledging to-earth and human style, dementia, the book has given ‘hardcore gamer’. the pleasurable Professor Andrews outlines me clarity, information and Interestingly, side of video what you need to know and do options for planning ahead to although internet games, which to stay well as long as possible. manage my future if I do get a video game creates an There’s invaluable advice about diagnosis. Professionally, I’ll be addiction is empathetic tone. avoiding hospital admissions, using the book in my work with mentioned within Overall, it dealing with professionals and dementia-friendly communities. the DSM-5, it is not was engaging planning ahead if you have The book is great for opening recognised as a and having no dementia. The sections on the difficult conversations about mental disorder in prior knowledge social care systems are less dementia and challenging the its own right and of VDA it was clear, but this reflects the stigma and secrecy that make there are no standardised both informative for me as a diversity and complexity of living with dementia even diagnostic criteria. clinician and interesting as a services. The system is far too worse. Consequently, O’Connor has member of Generation Y. complex. Dementia: The One-Stop scope to apply his multifaceted I wish I’d had this book on Guide is, as John Humphrys experience to explore the I Free Publishing; 2014; my caring journey. I would have says on the cover, ‘Exactly interaction between video Pb £12.99 planned ahead; I’d have what’s needed’. games and addiction. Reviewed by Elizabeth Dewey practical ideas to help my The book is principally who is an assistant psychologist parents live independently for I Profile Books; 2015; Pb £9.99 a self-help guide written for with the Glasgow Pain longer with much less stress on Reviewed by Sue Northrop addicts, their loved ones, Management Programme, NHS us all. I’d have had more who is a psychologist in East healthcare professionals and Greater Glasgow and Clyde confidence dealing with Lothian

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 419 reviews

Reclaiming the human De-Medicalizing Misery II: Society, Politics and the Mental Health Industry Ewen Speed, Joanna Moncrieff & Mark Rapley (Eds.)

The first volume of De- in ordinary, meaningful terms. might develop a technical fix may Medicalizing Misery was Yet the myth of biologically mental disorder have peaked. published in 2011 and was based mental illness still in the future! So This book written by an impressive cast of defines our present. we still live in an rethinks madness leading mental health experts, This new multi-author (20 age when and distress, who together challenged the so authors) work derives from a feelings of misery, stress, reclaiming them as human, not called ‘simplistic and series of conferences arranged confusion and fear are likely to medical, experiences, and tries pessimistic’ biological model of by the Critical Psychiatry be understood as conditions that to suggest alternatives that human distress. This model has, Network, the Hearing Voices require medical-type better represent the complex, with support from the Network and the School of interventions. socially and historically situated pharmaceutical industry, Psychology at the University of Several contributions in this nature of human suffering. It is dominated the mental health East London. Their roots lie in book analyse the process by required reading for all who are field for a long period. The the anti-psychiatry movement of which psychiatric labelling and wrestling with the one- medicalisation of distress the 1960s and 1970s. Since the treatment colonises ever more dimensional way of looking at enables the mental health publication of the first volume corners of modern human life, mental health and pathways professions to manage the the medicalisation of ordinary while others suggest alternative of care. human suffering that they are human experience nevertheless ways of conceptualising human confronted with while knowing has continued apace and the use distress and its origins. The I Palgrave Macmillan; 2014; there is little that they can do to of drugs for mental health criticism that DSM-5 has Pb £19.99 help. But the medicalisation of problems has continued to rise. received is for the authors a sign Reviewed by Dr Giovanni misery and madness also Nowadays we even can diagnose of hope, for it is seen as a sign Timmermans who is a clinical renders people unable to and treat people on the basis of that the vision that brain psychologist working in comprehend their experiences there being a possibility they disorders require quick healthcare in the Netherlands

Uniquely placed Bringing Buddhism into the clinic Working with Emotion in Contemplative Psychotherapy Essentials: Enriching Your Practice with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Buddhist Psychology Techniques for Clinical Practice Karen Kissel Wegela Nathan C. Thoma & Dean Mckay (Eds.) The past decade has seen the NHS slowly but surely opening its medicalised iron gates to the influx of Eastern spiritual practices. Within psychology, this influence has taken its This book covers a broad range of topics that form in third-wave therapies (e.g. ACT, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy). This encompass both traditional and non-traditional growing interest is reflected in the recent exponential rise in mindfulness papers approaches to cognitive behavioural therapy. published. The release of this new book by Karen Kissel Wegela seems therefore very This includes useful discussion on compassion, timely. mindfulness, image rescripting and relational Wegela – a private practice American psychologist – draws on her knowledge of techniques. The book is uniquely placed in the Buddhism to offer psychotherapeutic ways of working which honour Buddhist traditions CBT literature in its focus on emotion as the from a more secular viewpoint, in other words, without the need to worship any big gold central theme in the therapeutic process. Buddha statues (an audible sigh of relief from the NHS purse-string holders). It is well structured, taking the reader on Although, unsurprisingly, mindfulness is an imperative feature of the book, it also a journey through a wide variety of emotions discusses fostering compassion and insight to oneself and others, alongside recognising followed by techniques that are relevant to what Wegala terms as ‘Brilliant Sanity’, or fundamental goodness, in our clients, as particular diagnoses. This includes significant opposed to the more familiar script of psychopathology. This book shines by suggesting contributions from leading clinicians discussing a myriad ways to cultivate competencies in this area, offering scripts for practical their respective areas of expertise. At the end of exercises and even a final chapter detailing a clear ‘Mandala’ visual model to use with each chapter, the reader is also signposted to clients and supervisors. further resources that may be useful. Although Interestingly, Wegela stresses the importance of the clinician’s own personal many techniques are discussed throughout the meditation practice, similar to the importance of personal therapy in psychology book, the authors take a holistic and evidence- training, something which may be missing in current mindfulness clinical practices. based approach to therapy. Each chapter My only gripe with this way of working would be the difference in the duration of skilfully educates the reader on techniques therapy (sometimes one to two years) with Wegela’s clients vs. NHS time-limited whilst presenting a solid research base which psychology sessions, possibly indicating the lengthy process of this work. Nonetheless, has informed the therapeutic process. these competencies can certainly be used as an adjunct to the more traditional This book will be of relevance and interest techniques to develop an individual therapeutic style. to clinicians and CBT practitioners of all levels With compassion being a hot topic in the NHS currently, I would surely recommend of experience. this book.

I Guilford Press; 2014; Hb £36.99 I Norton; 2014; Hb £20.90 Reviewed by Nathan Walker who is a Reviewed by Eleanor Parker who is a clinical psychologist with Barnet, Enfield and Counsellor at Doncaster College Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust

420 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 reviews

A little too two-dimensional Chappie Neill Blomkamp (Director)

Those film-goers that are enthusiastic about new, artificial life form. Chappie robots should probably buy popcorn in bulk, (Copley) is re-born into a state of because we’ll all be making several trips to complete naivety, having to learn the cinema this year. We’ve already had everything like an infant, and what Ex_Machina and Big Hero 6. We have follows is a story about the Avengers: Age of Ultron and Terminator: struggle to ‘raise’ Chappie as you Genisys to come. would any child. (Chappie rather And now we have Neill Blomkamp's quickly grows into an annoying Chappie. Blomkamp is developing a teenager, complete with irrational reputation as a science-fiction director of mood swings and a compulsive note, having already helmed the excellent defiance of authority.) District 9 and perhaps slightly less excellent Blomkamp regards human Elysium (though the director himself admits nature from the ‘blank slate’ idea that he should have done better with that that violence is something we one). Blomkamp has now been offered the come to learn, rather than Grand Prize of sci-fi cinema, a chance to sit something innate with which we in the chair for the Alien reboot, so Chappie are born. His robot is a vehicle is a film that, despite a silly name, is through which he explores these demanding to be taken seriously. ideas, and on that level – as a fable I have to admit to approaching this film or an allegory – the film works with certain trepidation, watching in the very effectively as an entertaining trailer a naive robot learning to be down with way to look at lofty questions da kids and walk like a gangsta. But I about human violence. decided to give Blomkamp the benefit of the And that’s fine – a good doubt, the magnanimity granted in no small science fiction film will always say part on the film’s terrific cast (including the much more about human beings compelling Sharlto Copley), but also than it does about aliens or because of Blomkamp’s previous sentient robots or robots or endeavours: from a roboticist’s perspective, wizards or any of that lot who, let’s Blomkamp has a history of making be honest, might not even exist. that can be written into a .dat file. dystopian not-so-much fantasies that pose So Blomkamp probably isn’t really trying Often, in science-fiction, asking very interesting questions about how we to say profound things about AI and robots. questions about the plausibility of the fiction imagine ourselves getting along with But then you do not expect Aesop’s fables to is a sign that something else is wrong, that intelligent, mechanised creatures that provide profound insights into the nature of you are not being sufficiently carried away increasingly play a part in our everyday lives. talking foxes. with the story to suspend your disbelief. And Blomkamp is undoubtedly committed to However, some films have managed you don’t suddenly declare in a fable, ‘Hey! making popular, action-filled sci-fi films that better to ask some deeply intriguing A fox can’t talk!’ But Chappie does not pose are nevertheless a vehicle for big ideas, and questions about AI. Ex_Machina, for complex, or even clear, questions about AI, Chappie is no different. Structurally and example, is first and foremost a story and you wonder if it needed to be a story thematically, Chappie is very similar to about crises of masculinity, and about the about robots at all. District 9: we watch a story unfold of naive relationship between master and slave, but (Ironically, perhaps, the insentient, recklessness transformed into redemption, nevertheless forces us to look seriously at less intelligent robots of Elysium are more innocence corrupted by violence. (To say that the issue of artificial intelligence. intriguing in what they suggest about the Chappie is structurally and thematically very Ex_Machina succeeds where Chappie fails for future shape of human–robot interactions.) similar to Elysium as well might imply that two reasons. First, the artificial intelligence Chappie is a fine film, and an Blomkamp, for all the hype, is already in Ex_Machina is allowed more room to, erm, entertaining allegory on human violence. running out of ideas, but for now we can still breathe. You do not look at Alicia Vikander’s But the questions posed by Chappie himself try to convince ourselves that this is the biomechanical face and think that she is are negligible, and so the film feels a little mark of an auteur rather than creative merely a symbol. You are watching a too two-dimensional, because without draught.) plausible, artificial intelligence emerge from saying much interesting about AI, the film is Like District 9, Chappie is set in the wires and gears. left with the rather prosaic point that Blomkamp’s native Johannesburg of the Which leads to the second problem with ‘violence begets violence’. More science not-too distant future, where a small army Chappie: the robot’s birth is so miraculous would have helped this fiction of completely automated, humanoid robots that you cannot really credit that he is immeasurably. But here’s hoping Blomkamp work with the human police to battle the anything other than a symbol of something lets rip with radically less-credible themes extreme violence that threatens to engulf else. Loath though I am to criticise sci-fi on in Alien. the city. When one of the police robots is the grounds of plausibility, there are a stolen by a small gang, the robots’ creator, number of obvious problems with the I Reviewed by Dr Michael Szollosy who is Deon (Dev Patel), must reprogramme the science in Chappie. Massive intelligence a Research Fellow in the Department of damaged robot with his new does not equate to emotional self- Psychology, University of Sheffield, and ‘consciousness.dat’ file, giving birth to a awareness. Consciousness is not something a faculty member of Sheffield Robotics

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 421 reviews

Remoteness and rapport Using Skype in Qualitative Interviews with Young People National Centre for Research Methods

In this audio slideshow, Dr Susie computers means that friends. This absence in remote depends on the individual Weller (London South Bank participants can be interviewed interviewing arguably provides participants’ acceptability University) discusses at times and locations less understanding of the and perceived reliability of the methodological considerations convenient to them. It also participant’s background and technology. Susie reflects from behind her NCRM-funded allows widening participation to may reduce rapport. Issues with her own work that it is hence project ‘The potential of those in isolated environments unstable internet connections important to provide a variety of video telephony in qualitative in the UK and abroad, with may also provide a frustrating interview options. She describes longitudinal research: A savings in time and money for experience, whilst poor audio how many participants still participatory and interactionist the research team. However, or visual quality may impede preferred telephone rather than approach to assessing these factors pose some observations of body language online interviews, for reasons of remoteness and rapport’ (quite important methodological and and facial expressions. The shyness and security. a mouthful!). Discussion is ethical questions. An honest suitability of such techniques The presentation ends with framed around Susie’s reflection of the potentials and for sensitive topics is also 10 top tips to consider in the experiences of trialling Skype pitfalls is provided to help questioned. Although the appraisal of remote interviewing and FaceTime technologies as answer these. researcher may be less able to techniques. What is emphasised a ‘remote mode of interviewing’ Firstly, how does the give appropriate comfort during here is the need for a full in this longitudinal qualitative distance of the digital the discussion of difficult evaluation of these tools and study with young adults. With interview affect the experiences; individuals may be ethical considerations alongside young people increasingly researcher–participant happy to disclose more in this each specific project’s aims and immersed in internet-related relationship? It is arguably informal setting. This extra objectives. Such methodologies apps and environments, it is difficult to build rapport from disclosure has knock-on ethical must be used only if suitable for proposed that researchers remote interviewing alone. Susie considerations. Does the the research in hand, not purely should aim to trial related provides practical advice on informal, remote nature allow to be fashionable and tech- research methods to capture the building relationships prior to participants to be fully savvy. interest of these ‘digital natives’. the interview, via e-mail conscious of the data they are Unlike telephone calling, Skype exchanges and using such generating at all times? I The slideshow is on the NCRM’s allows both audio and visual techniques as part of wider Secondly, is Skype really that YouTube channel at data to be synchronously longitudinal work. Much can ubiquitous in young people? It is tinyurl.com/ond2tl6 exchanged and collected in real be gained from face-to-face important not to assume that all Reviewed by Emma Norris time. The ubiquity of this free, interviews in travelling around young people are happy to use who is a PhD student at simple-to-use software on the areas of participants’ homes such methods to disclose University College London and smartphones, tablets and and meeting their family and personal information. Uptake Associate Editor (Reviews)

Tracing our roots History of Psychology 101 David C. Devonis

The novelist Michael Crichton wrote that if you don’t separate, watching through a one-way mirror, but that know your own history ‘you are a leaf that doesn’t know psychology and society are threads woven together in it is part of a tree’. Regular ‘Looking back’ articles in The the same tapestry. Key theories and ‘big names’ fit into Psychologist and history of psychology content in BPS- a story that makes sense, and become more human accredited courses show the interest in psychology’s than legend. I found the focus on the 20th century more history, but some textbooks can be heavy-going. Fresh interesting, and many books neglect psychology’s story winds are blowing with this small book, which – as if to from the 1970s to now. The writing style is clear and prove it is from a different mould – won the American direct; I found myself looking forward to each chapter. Library Association’s 2014 award for Outstanding Academic Title. However, the American focus is a weakness for readers in the UK: Unusually, it starts at the 1920s and each chapter tells a decade American social, political and historical events are emphasised, and up to the 1990s and 2000s. Each weaves developments and figures psychology outside the USA hardly mentioned. Yet the book is still in psychology into a fast-moving story with that decade’s social, relevant, because much of the theory and research we rely on in the historical and political movements. Each covers trends in science UK is part of 20th-century American psychology, or has roots in it. and practice. As is common in the history of psychology now, its This is not a book high on detail, but one that gives an epic, big- emphasis isn’t so much on ‘great men’ as on the influence of the picture tour of the past 90 years of American psychology. Overall, zeitgeist – the changing spirit of the age. To show life for despite its American focus, this is a highly informative book that psychologists at the time, stories based around a fictional family would benefit students, psychologists and aspiring psychologists. round off each chapter, with each generation involved with We all need to know how the jigsaw pieces of our discipline’s story psychology. Even more unusually, the book is detailed about fit together, and how our ‘leaf’ fits into the ‘tree’ that grew us. psychology in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. The story leaves off in the late 2000s – ‘unfinished’, as Devonis writes. I Springer; 2014; Pb £25.50 This book’s great strength is the way it weaves psychology Reviewed by Dr Francis Quinn who is Lecturer in Psychology at between events and trends in society. It shows that psychology isn’t Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

422 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 reviews

Positive messages By Reason of Insanity BBC Two

I confess to being a tad dubious when sitting mainstream media: as victims of their necessary in those striving for a better life, down to watch Louis Theroux’s most recent illness. or hoping for a new beginning. Another ‘access-based documentary’, exploring Theroux’s trademark interview positive aspect, similarly unusual in Ohio’s psychiatric hospitals and the patients technique, direct and to the point, works mainstream media, is Theroux’s portrayal of who reside in them. The documentary surprisingly well, for the most part, with the hospitals and staff; the centres appear focuses on patients who have been ruled patients unafraid to speak frankly about to be happy, positive and hopeful places, ‘not guilty by reason of insanity’; many were their experiences, one patient telling and the genuine care and compassion of admitted into psychiatric care following Theroux he enjoyed being asked new and their staff members is obvious. serious crimes, and so the ethical different questions, and that it’s healthy to Although some of my initial concerns implications of a documentary concerning talk to people from outside of the hospital. remain – the bluntness of some interviews, such sensitive issues were very much on my At other times, however, interviews felt for example, or confidentiality concerns mind when I began watching By Reason of heavy handed, and on a few occasions I about the discussion of patient histories – Insanity. found myself bristling at Theroux’s laughter, individuals are, in general, treated with Although not the first time Theroux has or insensitive pushing of an issue on a respect and sensitivity. Credit must be given focused on mental health, in my mind the clearly uncomfortable patient. to Theroux for presenting mental illness filmmaker is associated with his Weird Despite these few and fleeting and psychiatric institutions in such a fresh Weekends series, taking an often moments, I thoroughly enjoyed By Reason and positive light, but the true magic of By sensational and comical look at American of Insanity. Theroux's conversations with Reason of Insanity comes not from the subcultures. However, as patients were patients, discussing past events and future filmmaker, but from the patients he talks to. interviewed, often with their psychologists hopes, were profoundly moving, and I found Their honesty, stories, hopes and fears or other hospital staff present, many of my myself growing fond of many of the patients show a touching, human side of mental apprehensions began to dissipate. involved. This is indeed Theroux's greatest illness, all too often neglected in the media Individuals who had committed serious accomplishment; to show that behind the and therefore unseen by the general public. crimes whilst in the thrall of mental illness headlines of crimes committed are human were allowed to speak as human beings, beings, suffering with illness but displaying I Reviewed by Tom Holliman who is a and presented in a way not often seen in resolve, hope and all the other qualities student at Anglia Ruskin University

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 423 convention of medical film: patients or body parts depicted against a plain background. These sequences were used to illustrate his lectures at Guy’s Hospital. As his knowledge of the medium developed, Hurst included shots of Filming trauma soldiers before and after treatment to demonstrate the effectiveness of his Edgar Jones explores the making of an innovative film designed to show the interventions (Shephard, 2000). Inter- LOOKING BACK LOOKING treatment of soldiers suffering from shell shock titles were used to provide patient histories and diagnostic terms, and most importantly to record the speed of cure. For example, Private Richards, shown with an abnormal gait at 2pm, was hell shock, the iconic illness of the National Hospital in Queen’s Square and described as ‘cured’ by 3pm. Private First World War, has found an Hurst at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Bradshaw who had suffered from Senduring place in British culture. Netley secured funding. The illustrations functional paraplegia for 18 months, The most dramatic representation of shell in his textbook, War Neuroses and Shell was ‘cured after a quarter of an hour’s shock comes from the film War Neuroses, Shock, suggest that Frederick Mott at the suggestion and re-education’. Similarly, made by Arthur Hurst in 1917–18 Maudsley neurological wing may also a ‘hysterical contracture of [the] hand (tinyurl.com/pm3zxqo: see also Jones, have commissioned a film of patients. persisting 35 months after [a] wound 2012). His depiction of the disorder Pathé cameramen, based at their Wardour near elbow’ was apparently ‘cured after through bizarre or disturbing movement Street Studios, were contracted to shoot half an hour’s treatment’. In August 1918 disorders is repeatedly shown in television the films, though the subject matter and Hurst and his deputy J.L.M. Symns documentaries. So established have these editing remained in the hands of the declared in the Lancet, ‘we are now images become that it is difficult to clinicians. disappointed if complete recovery does conceive of shell shock in terms other At first, Hurst followed the pre-war not occur within 24 hours of than distressing gaits, facial spasm and uncontrollable tremor. Yet recent research of random samples of case notes and war British Pathé pension files showed that these presentations were untypical of the disorder (Jones & Wessely, 2005). Shell shock was characterised by an inability to function, fatigue, bodily aches and pains, together with cognitive deficits, nightmares and difficulty sleeping. So what were Hurst’s motives in making the film and the treatment claims?

The making of a film In the aftermath of the battle of the Somme, shell shock became a medical emergency. The scale of psychiatric casualties was such that it threatened to undermine the fighting strength of the British Expeditionary Force. In 1916 the Medical Research Committee (MRC) offered grants to doctors to film the disorder to aid research and promote successful treatments. Doctors at the Private Richards, shown with an abnormal gait at 2pm, was described as ‘cured’ by 3pm

Douthwaite, A.H. (1971). Selected writings Arnold. 345–373. In A.F. Hurst (Ed.) Medical diseases of of Sir Arthur Hurst. Medical History, Hurst, A.F. & Symns, J.L.M. (1918). The London, W.S. (1919). Seale Hayne Military war (pp.149–174). London: Edward 15(3), 314. rapid cure of hysterical symptoms in Hospital, the wonders of neurology. Arnold. Hurst, A.F. (1939). Treatment of soldiers. Lancet, 2, 139–141. War Pensions Gazette, 27, 335–336. Tippet, J.A. (1939). Psychological

references psychological casualties during war. Jones, E. & Wessely, S. (2005). War Lumsden, T. (1918). Treatment of war casualties in war. British Medical British Medical Journal, 2, 663. syndromes: The impact of culture on neuroses. Lancet, 2, 219. Journal, 2, 742. Hurst, A.F. (1941). Obituary T.A. Ross. medically unexplained symptoms. Mott, F.W. (1918). War psycho-neurosis (I). Shephard, B. (2000). A war of nerves. British Medical Journal, 1, 463–464. Medical History, 49, 55–78. Neurasthenia. Lancet, 1, 127–129. London: Jonathan Cape. Hurst, A.F. (1949). A twentieth century Jones, E. (2012). War Neuroses and Arthur Ross, T.A. (1941). Lectures on war Wright, M.B. (1939). Treatment of physician, being the reminiscences of Hurst. Journal of the History of neuroses. London: Edward Arnold. psychological casualties during war. Sir Arthur Hurst. London: Edward Medicine and Allied Sciences, 67(3), Ross, T.A. (1944). Anxiety neuroses of war. British Medical Journal, 2, 615–617.

424 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 looking back commencing treatment, even in cases particularly concerned and visited Hurst must not say he said so’ (Ross, 1944, which have been in other hospitals for at Seale Hayne. Myers thought that 169). By this time, the difficulty of over a year’ (Hurst & Symns, 1918, Hurst’s team of doctors lacked clinical returning chronic cases to full duty had p.140). understanding and recommended that been recognised and it was considered When Hurst transferred his patients Captain R.G. Gordon, a physician who better to discharge them to productive from the shell-shock wards at Netley to had worked at Maghull, be transferred employment and free their beds for the a newly built agricultural college at Seale there to give weekly lectures on wounded. Interestingly, Ross’s account Hayne, near Newton Abbot, not only did psychological medicine. comes from a chapter in Hurst’s textbook, he have greater autonomy but also wider So how was the film made? Recent Medical Diseases of War. A likely opportunities to demonstrate the study has shown that some of the before- explanation, therefore, is that Hurst was effectiveness of his methods. Recovered and-after sequences involved re- also offering to discharge soldiers if they soldiers were filmed undertaking enactment of symptoms (Jones, 2012). said they felt better. Ross assured service occupational therapy: cultivating fields, Sergeant Bissett, for example, was shown, patients that if they recovered ‘it was 100 picking fruit, looking after cattle and according to the caption in September to 1 that they would get out [of the poultry, basket making 1917, bent over, only able army]. In marked contrast with previous and firing pottery in a to hobble with the aid of cases, where I had not been able to say kiln. Having been the “…in the case of functional two sticks. In the next this, my arguments were grasped with director and producer nervous disorders, ‘cures scene, dated November ease and these patients soon got well’ of the film, Hurst shot were the result of faith 1917, he was shown (Ross, 1941, p.71). Writing an obituary a final sequence and hope’” walking almost normally. for Ross, Hurst argued that a doctor had entitled ‘the Battle of However, the background to convey a sense of conviction when Seale Hayne’, in which to both shots showed an proposing a treatment because, in the his patients paraded in identical group of nurses and case of functional nervous disorders, battledress with weapons and took part column of smoke coming out of the ‘cures were the result of faith and hope’ in mock combat complete with smoke chimneys of the distant huts. This (Hurst, 1941, p.463). bombs and a stretcher party. What had demonstrates that both episodes were begun as illustrative material for lectures filmed at the same time: Bissett had been ended as a mini movie designed to show asked to re-enact his movement disorder Impact of War Neuroses the rehabilitation of shell-shocked for the camera. War Neuroses exercised a lasting impact – servicemen. Hurst was consistently vague in his not only on representations of shell publications about treatments. A visit shock, but also raising expectations about made by William London for the War the outcomes of treatment. The film Controversy Pensions Gazette in 1919 was no less appeared to provide conclusive evidence By autumn 1917, when Hurst began illuminating. Apart from reporting the that Hurst’s interventions worked. On the to experiment with the use of film, rapid cure of soldiers who were mute or outbreak of the Second World War and considerable research had been conducted paralysed, nothing specific was written the prospect of an epidemic of psychiatric into shell shock and its treatment. Two about the nature of the treatment. Whilst casualties, some doctors suggested that centres of excellence existed: the the mystery can never be fully solved, the film be shown again to avoid the Maudsley led by Frederick Mott and there is telling evidence. The timing of chronic invalidity of the First World War. Maghull Red Cross Military Hospital the ‘cures’ in 1917–18 may explain why However, Maurice Wright challenged the under R.G. Rows. Mott favoured a some cases of chronic invalidity improved value of rapid methods arguing that they science-based approach, whereas Maghull or recovered. ‘The best tonic’, Mott led to ‘very frequent relapses’ (Wright, doctors drew inspiration from observed, could be offered from late 1917 1939, p.615). This prompted Hurst to anthropology and psychological texts. and was the assurance on admission that write to the British Medical Journal in Each hospital had several years of ‘under the new system of [medical] September to defend his claims: ‘our accumulated expertise, and their doctors categories they cannot be found fit for psychotherapy consisted of simple were agreed that chronic or severe cases service for six months, and probably that explanation, persuasion and re-education, invalided to the UK were difficult to treat. they [shell-shocked patients] will not be and it almost invariably resulted in the When Hurst published claims of dramatic sent on general service again’ (Mott, complete disappearance at a single sitting cures supported by film appearing to 1918, p.128). However, the assurance of the hysterical symptoms even when show their complete recovery, that the invalided soldier was unlikely they had been present for a year or more’ experienced shell-shock doctors were to return to front-line service was (Hurst, 1939, 663). Dr John Tippet, who taken aback. Hurst himself was a general increasingly broken as manpower had worked as a psychotherapist at physician with a pre-war interest in demands took precedence over individual specialist units set up by the Ministry neurology and so was considered soldiers’ well-being. of Pensions immediately after the war, something of a newcomer to the field. As hospitalised servicemen questioned the permanence of rapid cures How could he have achieved these increasingly doubted the promises made for chronic patients: ‘I worked in four remarkable results? Thomas Lumsden to them, the authorities surreptitiously different “shell-shock” hospitals, and wrote to the Lancet in August 1918 to introduced a further regulatory change relapsed Seale Hayne patients were suggest that a follow-up study be in spring 1918. Captain T.A. Ross, who admitted to all of them, and were undertaken at six months and a year to worked at Springfield War Hospital in generally found to have no insight into establish whether the cures really were Wandsworth, recalled the visit of a their condition’ (Tippet, 1939, p.742). permanent (Lumsden, 1918). Charles medical general to the shell-shock wards. Persuasion and re-education were Myers, appointed by the War Office to The officer authorised Ross to discharge standard treatments practised throughout oversee the management of psychiatric from the army as many functional the UK, but Hurst never provided an patients in UK military hospitals, was nervous cases as he could, ‘though we explanation as to why he was successful

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 425 looking back

where others failed. Furthermore, he Hurst’s patients to establish how After the war, Hurst returned to Guy’s made no mention of the film in his 1949 permanent the cures were. Whether this Hospital where he built up a reputation as autobiography. research was completed remains unclear, a gastroenterologist. Although a talented As well as funding War Neuroses, in but the fact that no follow-up study was and charismatic physician, a long-time 1918 the MRC provided clerical published fuelled the controversy colleague, Arthur Douthwaite, observed assistance to explore the ‘after-histories’ of surrounding the claims. one flaw in his personality: ‘his brilliant and versatile mind did not, however, include the power of critical appraisal of British Pathé his sometimes hastily conceived theories’ (Douthwaite, 1971, p.314). Hurst had been precociously successful before the First World War and was aged 37 when put in charge of the neurology wards at Netley. Finding himself working on an important and high-profile disorder, his entrepreneurial flair was engaged, and once he had transferred to Seale Hayne there was no one to apply caution to his clinical ambition. However, Hurst may have learned a lesson from the shell- shock episode as the treatment programmes he offered for peptic ulcer during the Second World War had a more measured and achievable quality.

I Professor Edgar Jones is at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. Bissett had been asked to re-enact his movement disorder for the camera [email protected]

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 427 moment of revelation. My PhD World Service, which often then centred on research with forms the backdrop to getting … with Sonia Livingstone people about why they up and going to sleep. It has enjoyed soaps, exploring how many merits, but one they used them as an programme really catches my opportunity for interpretation, imagination every time I hear ‘have and appreciate World Have Your Say

ONE ON moral reflection and shared it – . It’s deliberation. And I have tried partly because it’s expressed as one’s luxuries’ to attend to and prioritise the an injunction (come on world, experiences of voices of tell us what you think!), partly ‘ordinary people’ ever since. the very idea that anyone anywhere might actually call One regret in and express an opinion Of course I make mistakes, (yes, I know the programme is One place meanings – in my mind. and there’s many things produced, but still), and partly I’m tempted to name the I suggest there’s an Alice quote I could have done differently, because it simply yet Cornish village where I go for every occasion and these doubtless better. But I don’t imaginatively captures the idea most years to clear my head, tend to find their way into my see the point of dwelling on of what I have written about as reset my balance and published work. Favourites – what they might have been. the increasing ‘mediation of remember what I value – ‘You are old, Father William’ I do periodically imagine everything’ – the world is all I first went with my family (an appreciation of the myself retired (oddly, sitting mediated and the media can when I was nine and now, madness of age), ‘When I use on an American front porch capture the deliberative decades on, I take my own a word … it means just what watching the world go by) potential of the world. Maybe. family there and everyone I choose it to mean – neither and wondering – did loves it. But in truth, the one more nor less’ (Humpty I make good place is my study at home. It’s Dumpty – often relevant!), decisions, did I do small, it’s arranged exactly ‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ the right thing? how I like it, it looks out onto (ditto), ‘Off with their heads!’ I hope I will think my garden, and it’s mine. It’s (Queen of Hearts – from my I did. where I think, write and days as Head of Department) dream. Virginia Woolf’s and ‘“Do cats eat bats? Do cats One visit recognition of the importance eat bats?” … and sometimes, When I finished of a room of one’s own is so “Do bats eat cats?” for, you my PhD I won a true. see, as she couldn’t answer scholarship to study either question, it didn’t much with anyone One children’s book matter which way she put it’ anywhere, as long as This one is easy – Alice in (a sentiment with which I am it wasn’t in the UK or Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. often in tune!). US. As a non-linguist, My dad read me from this that was a challenge (and many other books) when One revelation but it turned out I was little, referring also to Ah well, this is a bit brilliantly. I went to The Annotated Alice (Martin embarrassing. I was brought visit Elihu Katz in Gardner). So I often have its up as a middle-class child of Jerusalem – a pioneer My PhD research was about why people wonderful aphorisms – and academic parents. I read in taking social enjoyed soaps their deeper philosophical Middlemarch before I watched psychology into the television. I could talk to a interdisciplinary domain of One album / one luxury poet fleeing the Soviet media and communications, I’ve combined these two, since Sonia Livingstone invasion of Czechoslovakia a scholar committed to public they take us into the territory is Professor of Social but not to my neighbours on values in research, media and of Desert Island Discs. It’s many Psychology in the my own street. But until my society, a man who loves the people’s fantasy, and in odd Department of Media life-partner challenged me to collaborative process of moments I do try to get my and Communications, watch a soap opera ‘because imagination, deliberation and music into a playlist of eight. London School of that’s what ordinary people do debate. It was a wonderful few But I’d be so unpopular – Economics and value’, I had no real idea months – I wrote my first Mozart, Brahms and Verdi [email protected] how people lived. It was a book, made research contacts Requiems, Beethoven late that lasted through my career, quartets, Chopin nocturnes, and gained the support, Schubert songs, Russian folk energy and inspiration to songs and the Beatles (any). A neurosurgeon’s view of psychology and the brain, and much more... drive me forward in those This tells my story, but would I Contribute: reach 50,000 colleagues, with something to suit all. See difficult years of early career, anyone listen? The luxury is juggling family and work, ever changing (my cat? my www.thepsychologist.org.uk/contribute or talk to the editor, Dr Jon Pride and Prejudice Sutton, on [email protected], +44 116 252 9573 finding an intellectual laptop? ?) so direction. perhaps the point is always to coming soon coming I Comment: email the editor, the Leicester office, or tweet @psychmag. I To advertise: Reach a large and professional audience at bargain have and appreciate one’s rates: see details on inside front cover. One radio show luxuries, whatever they are at I am a big fan of the BBC’s the moment.

428 vol 28 no 5 may 2015 Masters/PG Diploma in Clinical and Applied Paediatric Neuropsychology Applications are now invited for entry to our training programme in October 2015 delivered by University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. The Masters in Applied Paediatric Neuropsychology is open to all professional psychologists and psychology graduates. For the first time this year, this programme will also be available as a Post-graduate Diploma course allowing a greater number of entries onto this competitive course. The Masters/PG Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychology is open to Clinical Psychologists and Educational Psychologists. To make an application to the programme, view our free on-line lectures or to enrol on one of our short CPD/Taster courses please visit our website: www.ucl.ac.uk/neuropsych Programme Director: Dr. Peter Rankin The Association for Psychological Therapies

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