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Words and sorcery Simon Oxenham and Jon Sutton consider the causes of bad writing in , and its impact

letters 172 eldercare: the new frontier 202 news 184 sweet 206 careers 236 at work 212 reviews 244 masculinity, trauma and ‘shell shock’ 250 Contact The British Psychological Society the psychologist... St Andrews House 48 Princess Road East ...features Leicester LE1 7DR 0116 254 9568 [email protected] www.bps.org.uk

The Psychologist www.thepsychologist.org.uk Words and sorcery www.psychapp.co.uk 198 [email protected] Simon Oxenham and Jon Sutton consider the causes and consequences of bad writing tinyurl.com/thepsychomag in psychology

@psychmag Eldercare: The new frontier of work– balance 202 Lisa Calvano on the psychological impact of Reach 50,000 caring for spouses and parents at very reasonable rates. Display Aaron Hinchcliffe 020 7880 7661 198 Sweet memories 206 [email protected] Michael A. Smith looks at glucose effects on Recruitment (in print and online human performance at www.psychapp.co.uk) Giorgio Romano 020 7880 7556 Managing and coping with sexual identity [email protected] at work 212 Y. Barry Chung, Tiffany K. Chang and February 2015 issue Ciemone S. Rose consider LGBT issues 53,383 dispatched New voices: Are we mindful of how we talk Printed by about mindfulness? Warners Midlands plc 216 on 100 per cent recycled Kate Williams with the latest in our series for paper. Please re-use or recycle. budding writers

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society 226 © Copyright for all published material is held by the British Psychological Society President’s column; conversion therapy 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 , 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 Nathalie Chernoff infringed copyright, we will be pleased, on being satisfied as to the owner’s Interviews Gail Kinman, Mark Sergeant Reviews Emma Norris Viewpoints Catherine Loveday title, to pay an appropriate fee. International panel Vaughan Bell, Uta Frith, Alex Haslam, the psychologist vol 28 no 3 march 2015

the issue ...debates Academic writing can be beautiful. It can be elegant, whimsical, moving, letters 172 funny, passionate, persuasive. But psychologists against austerity; public engagement; the right to be forgotten; mostly it’s not. What we read in anonymous contributors; the fitness to practise process; and more books, journals, yes, even in these pages, often leaves us cold. Why do ...digests many psychologists write so badly? Other scientists have pondered dismissing evidence from psychology; bad managers; the Cyranoid illusion; this question: for example, see how brains respond to corporations; and more from our free Research Digest. Stephen Heard’s call ‘to deliver (and See www.bps.org.uk/digest for more, including episode one of PsychCrunch 192 to value) pleasure along with function in our scientific writing’ (tinyurl.com/pdlfmnf). Amongst ...meets much support for this notion on social media were complaints that interview 220 such attempts had been quashed by an interactive mind: Jon Sutton talks to Andreas Roepstorff () editors – is the academic system careers 236 simply not set up for beauty? we talk to social psychologist Robin Goodwin; hear about the role of Or is there more to it than that? psychological well-being practitioner from Katie Bogart; and Harriet Mills tells On p.198 Simon Oxenham and I us about her work with Triumph Over Phobia discuss the uncomfortable idea that there is some sorcery at play… that one on one 252 obscure writing not only survives but with Peter Venables, Emeritus at the University of York and winner thrives, because it works. We then of the Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award get tips from psychologists who do write well, and seek your views. ...reviews Talking of beauty in prose, see Eye on fiction: A disquieting look at dementia 222 our website for our first poetry Mike Bender provides a critique of Lisa Genova’s novel competition (and so much more). Still Alice, the film adaptation of which is out this month And over on www.bps.org.uk/digest, listen to the new Digest podcast! also 244 Dr Jon Sutton the usual mix of books and other media reviews, Managing Editor @psychmag including The Eichmann Show, The Hard Problem at the National Theatre, a synaesthetic dining experience, Invisibilia, Happy Maps and much more

222 ...looks back Masculinity, trauma and ‘shell shock’ 250 Tracey Loughran delivers a fitting tribute to the men who suffered in the First World War, and more modern conflicts

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170 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 A feast from the Research Digest

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 171 Psychologists against austerity LETTERS

We are concerned about the impact that government ‘austerity’ example, the criteria by which you will you be judging policies are having on the lives of those who use our services. A their policies; and series of reports have demonstrated clear links between I write to local newspapers making similar points. economic policies and , and there is strong evidence that widening gaps between the richest and poorest in In addition, we call on all member networks of the Society society have long-term detrimental effects (Marmot, 2010; (especially the Divisions representing applied psychologists) Wilkinson & Pickett, 2009). Despite this evidence, government to consider developing a non–party political statement policies have had disproportionate effects on the poorest in identifying the problems of current ‘austerity’ policies and society via cuts in welfare benefits and cuts in educational, social proposing criteria by which manifesto commitments will be and healthcare services. judged. It seems to us that the policies of the major political parties In order to support such action we have set up a website – are largely aimed at reducing public expenditure rather than https://psychagainstausterity.wordpress.com – with links to addressing the widely acknowledged causes of the 2008 financial further resources, an opportunity to share experiences, key crisis – poor regulation of the financial sector and an unbalanced issues to address in letters to MPs and candidates, etc. economy – or finding alternative ways of raising revenue (e.g. David Harper countering tax avoidance by large corporations). As a recent University of East London New Economics Foundation (2013) report identifies these with Sally Zlotowitz, Aaron Roberts, Carl Walker, Vanessa Griffin, policies are justified by well-worn narratives that ‘austerity is a Laura McGrath, Edward Mundy, Tamsin Curno, Sam Thompson, Katie necessary evil’ and that society is composed Wood, Mel Wiseman-Lee, Chris Jones, Dilanthi Weerasinghe, Luke of ‘strivers and skivers’. Hendrix, Jonathan Buhagiar, Aayesha Mulla Psychologists who work with the poorest in society know that this rhetoric is inaccurate and blames the victims of the References crisis. We think that the mark of the ‘good society’ is how it Marmot, M. (2010). Fair society, healthy lives: The Marmot Review. London: The Marmot treats the worst off in society. As a result, we feel that we have Review. a responsibility both as professionals and as citizens to speak New Economics Foundation (2013). Framing the economy: The austerity story. London: out against cuts to welfare benefits and to public services and Author. to advocate for fairer economic and social policies to improve Wilkinson, R. & Pickett, K. (2009). The spirit level: Why more equal societies almost always public mental health. do better. London: Allen Lane. We know that many members of the Society and other readers of The Psychologist may share these views but feel they Off the Record, now in its 50th anniversary year, provides free, are powerless. However, there will soon be a general election confidential mental health advice and support to young people in campaign. If we act in a concerted and collective manner our Bristol. As its chief executive, I see increasing numbers of at-risk efforts can have more impact than acting on an individual basis. young people coming through our doors. We propose that readers inform local politicians and their There’s no magic wand for someone experiencing a mental constituents of the damage these policies and narratives are health difficulty save timely access to appropriately resourced having and to advocate on behalf of those marginalised in services. And since we lack the political to ask more society. We suggest they: profound questions about the health of our increasingly unequal I write a brief personalised letter to their MP giving examples socio-economic world and the aetiology of mental ill health more of the detrimental effects of ‘austerity’ policies and specifically, this basic issue of resources seems to advocating for a fairer approach both in terms of policy and me the most urgent place for our politicians to fix their gaze. rhetoric; It’s encouraging to hear leading politicians now talk and pledge I write to electoral candidates making similar points – for openly about mental healthcare. It’s a scandal that it has taken near

THE PSYCHOLOGIST NEEDS YOU! …and much more We rely on your submissions throughout the publication, and in return we help you to get your message across to a large and Letters

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

172 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 letters T IM S ANDERS Easy speaking

Many of us in higher SpeakEzee.org – a searchable education are funded by database of voluntary taxpayers’ money, and so it academic speakers that is understandable why the connects experts with research councils have audiences. It’s an open-access increasingly asked grant system that can allow anyone applicants to include strategies to organise a pop-up lecture to disseminate research so long as they can find a findings (known as ‘pathways reasonably sized group of to impact’). Public engagement fellow enthusiasts and a venue. (PE) activities are also part of Pubs are good as most are the marketing strategies of empty mid-week, but also institutions that seek to student societies and village promote their academics and halls can work well. systemic collapse to achieve this, and when even Minister of State raise awareness. And of On the website, speakers for Care and Support Norman Lamb is able to conclude that course, PE is one way to create a profile page with children’s mental health services ‘are not fit for purpose’ (after generate impact that featured a brief bio, areas of expertise three years under his watch) it is clear we’re about to hit bottom. prominently in the latest REF and a suggested talk for Multiple investigations and reviews have found the same exercise. All the signs indicate a general audience (they can failings, the predictable result of chronic long-term that PE will continue to play also provide a professional underinvestment in the face of growing demand and complexity a critical role in academic life. talk for colleagues trying to (have a read of last year’s Centre For Social Justice report These are all very practical organise departmental (tinyurl.com/kuahap2) and the recently concluded inquiry by the reasons, but I would argue that seminars). If they have a video House of Commons Health Committee (tinyurl.com/qf8ge83) if there is a much more personal example, then there is a show- you want to understand quite how bad things have got). benefit for PE. The typical reel section as well. Organisers Last summer the government established a task force to look professional life of an can search by topic, location at the way in which child and adolescent mental health services academic is one of intermittent and are commissioned, but a quick glance at a few headlines will tell reinforcement that is often availability. you what’s going on. more negative than positive. They can Despite the fact mental health issues represent about a third Papers and grants take ages to then make of our overall burden of disease in the UK and cost us over £100 write, go through review and, a request billion a year, spending on these services accounts for only 13 more often than not, be with further per cent of the total NHS budget (NHS , 2014). Worse, rejected. If we do give a information given half of all mental health problems (excluding seminar on our research to that is either dementia) start before age 15 and three quarters by age 18 colleagues then the accepted or (tinyurl.com/ok9gkwt), it’s hard to understand why only 6 per expectation is that it will be declined by cent of these already limited monies go toward child and critically evaluated which, the speaker. adolescent mental health. These are services that have also had to after all, is what scientists do. Eventually manage cuts of £50 million since 2010 (see tinyurl.com/oqlysg2). In contrast, giving a public the system Finally, it’s worth noting that funding for mental health research talk can be a delightful, will enable represents a mere 5 per cent of overall health research spending positive experience where feedback and comments on (see www.researchmentalhealth.org.uk). the appreciative crowd is both speakers and It is this basic poverty of resources and new learning from genuinely interested in what organisations. which all other challenges flow; both for young people who you have to say and, in With 12m educated experience unbearably long waits for limited treatment options, general, less critical of the to degree level in the UK, and for services with diminished budgets trying to manage the points one might make that SpeakEzee.org could stimulate increasing demand for them. Imagine for one moment if we one would never consider the expansion of pop-up resourced physical health care to the same extent and with the speculating on in a lectures for general audiences. same lack of interest in new or better treatments. professional setting. The Not only would SpeakEzee.org In anticipation of the predictable groans about austerity, talks are often given informal be a positive experience for deficits, and doing more with less – an unprecedented upward settings, such as the backroom both speakers and audiences, redistribution of wealth has taken place since 2008; I humbly of pub, which makes the but speakers will eventually suggest that the arithmetic is simple. atmosphere more relaxed for build up reputations for Dr Simon Newitt obvious reasons. communication that becomes Chief Executive, Off the Record (Bristol) Many voluntary rewarding in terms of www.otrbristol.org.uk organisations cannot possibly professional development and afford professional speaker public recognition. And who Editor’s note: See our opinion article on how austerity is having fees, and yet in my experience knows, maybe an invitation to an impact on researching, teaching and practising psychology many academics would be all give a prestigious lecture on (September 2013) and our special feature on austerity (April too willing to talk about their television. 2014). Visit www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive expertise. With that in mind, Professor Bruce Hood I have just launched University of Bristol

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 173 letters Stopping sex offending I have been so delighted to read the a different matter, and brings some Internet, whether you would be obliged to correspondence in The Psychologist about element of choice with it. This means disclose this to the authorities. There is no working with sex offenders (Hossack, that, here in the UK it is legally possible specific requirement in The Protection of October 2014; Duff, Pilgrim, November; to provide confidential therapy to those Children Act 1978.’ and MacLeod, January 2015). However, who are at risk of offending, or re- This knowledge has enabled the there is one inaccuracy in the offending. In fact there are many organisation StopSO, the Specialist correspondence that I would like to put therapists doing just that, making their Treatment Organisation for the Prevention right, and that was in MacLeod’s letter: own risk assessment and then working of Sexual Offending, to spread in the UK. ‘As I see it, the main stumbling block with the client if they feel able to. StopSO is a not–for-profit organisation, for unconvicted and would-be There is no law that stops someone in that has a network of therapists who are offenders seeking psychological private practice from seeing a client they willing and trained to work with sex support lies in our mandatory know has broken the law around sexual offenders, and welcomes new members reporting laws. These laws bind behaviour. The only time a counsellor or providing they have the appropriate social, medical and mental health psychotherapist is legally required to therapeutic qualifications. StopSO offers professionals into compulsorily breach confidentiality is if a client is training to enable those experienced contacting police if they believe that making money through drug trafficking therapists in private practice who feel a crime has been committed or is (Drug Trafficking Act 1986), you have a ready to engage with this client group, likely to be committed, superseding or a suspicion that they are engaged a way to prepare themselves. Through all confidentiality clauses.’ in terrorist activities (Terrorism Act 2006), StopSO psychologists and if you know someone is unsafe to drive psychotherapists can also access specialist It is true that anyone working for the NHS (Road Traffic Act 1988), or they are supervision where necessary. or social services is under a duty to report money laundering (Money Laundering If we can treat one person successfully suspected child abuse; yet this is not a Regulations 2007). then we may save many people from legal requirement, it is something that Indeed, one colleague wanted to check becoming victims. Good therapeutic employees agree to through their contract this, so contacted the Home Office for intervention for sex offenders is a child of employment. For those practitioners clarification. The reply from the Criminal protection issue! working in private practice there is no Law Policy Unit stated: ‘With regard to Juliet Grayson legal obligation to report. Psychologists your question: If a client confides in you UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and psychotherapists may feel that during the course of therapy that they had ethically they need to report, but that is been viewing child pornography on the

Social and material causes of distress

We welcome the recent debate assumption that the causes of between John Cromby and distress are to be found within Vaughan Bell on whether the person. Just as biological understandings of mental explanations wrongly attribute illness are mired in the past distress to neural or hormonal (January 2015). imbalances, psychological We agree that it’s time to explanations wrongly point do away with the unhelpful to ‘faulty thinking patterns’ assumption that psychological or ‘maladaptive behaviours’ distress is mental illness with as the source of psychological primarily biological causes. suffering. We feel it is important to John Cromby’s argument point out, however, that at no that it’s time to more stage did John Cromby say adequately address the social that biology plays no role in and material causes of distress, psychological distress, only and the structural inequalities that it is often not the primary that give rise to psychological causal influence. Vaughan continue to be the go-to example, the over-prescription suffering, makes perfect sense. Bell’s response appeared as remedies. However, such of cognitive behavioural Thus the call for a more though he had taken John as medications frequently cause therapies – a case convincingly sophisticated approach to denying any role for biology at real mental and physical harm, argued by Peter McKenna and understanding and alleviating all. But as long as we consider including exacerbating rather Keith Laws in a recent psychological distress in the biology to be the fundamental than alleviating distress. Maudsley Debate 21st century is prudent and cause of distress, We also believe that overly (tinyurl.com/kmbp3en) – as a timely. antidepressant and ‘psychologised’ approaches can treatment for distress again Nick Caddick & Martin Willis antipsychotic medications will be equally unhelpful. For reflects the misplaced Loughborough University

174 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 letters

No right to be forgotten for PhDs? NOTICEBOARD

Ten years ago, I was one of a public figure. Google into the illness and none Bipolar Research Study: The several researchers targeted by rejected my request, stating had published in a scientific aim of the study is to understand a small group of cyberbullies. that as I was a professional and journal at that time. Three of more about suicidal thoughts The main bully was convicted that my potential patients and the four were not patients with and feelings in people who under the Harassment Act and clients needed to know. It was, the illness in question. Some experience bipolar disorder. the bullying stopped. I thought in their view, in the public of their ‘evidence’ about me The project involves a 30- it was all over but have interest. I pointed out to them had been fabricated. I sent the minute telephone interview about recently found that colleagues that I didn’t have potential ICO evidence from others who bipolar-related experiences. who Google me now find the patients or clients as I had had been targeted, showing Next, a series of online/posted old posts and without retired. that there had been a questionnaires (maximum 1.5 knowing the context, jump Bing never responded. campaign by individuals who hours). For more information, to conclusions. There’s no The UK regulator, the cared little about accuracy, let please contact the researcher. warning that the URL was part Information Commissioner’s alone . Rebecca Owen of a campaign of harassment Office (ICO), rejected my On their website the ICO University of Manchester and that the author was complaint because I have notes that it will consider links 0161 275 2593 convicted, so those who don’t a PhD, which in their view to comments that constitute rebecca.owen- know me assume that the makes me a professional hate speech, slander, libel or [email protected] criticisms of my engaged in a professional similarly offensive content professionalism were made by debate. Like Google, they felt targeted at the complainant. a rational and well-informed that the public would benefit This was true in my case, but individual. They’ve stopped from being aware of the the fact that the main bully the EU Court’s ruling and we asking me for my opinion, conflicting views amongst was convicted under the therefore don’t have the right and any reputation I had as health professionals. The Harassment Act wasn’t relevant to be forgotten. My case also a competent and honest inaccurate information as harassment is ‘not covered means that we need to be psychologist has been severely about me and my work that by the DPA’ (Data Protection more careful what we write damaged. dominated the posts was Act). I was advised to sue the and say, because the village I asked Google and Bing dismissed as a professional authors under sections 10 and gossips can now spread to remove the links to the disagreement and the authors 14 of the DPA. Independent their bile all over the world posts as they fell under the had a right to freedom of legal advice recommended in a matter of seconds. And European Court ruling and expression as enshrined in I avoid a court case as it was as I learnt to my cost, the later guidelines; that is, they the Human Rights Act. a minefield, and while I had assumption that intelligent were old, defamatory, caused The ‘debate’ was not about been defamed the freedom of people can distinguish distress, allegations were the causes or treatment of an expression argument tends to between fair comment and untrue, most arguments were illness and it was not a protect cyberbullies. cyberbullying may not be irrelevant (they had linked me professional disagreement. The message I wish to valid. to a trial that I was not None of the bullies were convey is that having a PhD in Name and address supplied involved in) and I was not colleagues engaged in research psychology excludes you from

Anonymous contributors

I have just read a piece on your Research would be more reassured if the author was identity of. This person has published in Digest blog that was attributed as: ‘Post named. I am all for ‘disseminating The Psychologist and Digest, on a widely written for the BPS Research Digest by psychological science far and wide’ but it read blog, and even in scientific journal Neuroskeptic, a British neuroscientist who is a central tenet of such science that the articles under this pseudonym. This blogs for Discover Magazine.’ I have no provenance of a finding or an opinion is enables the reader to appraise the work issue with what was said in the piece, attributed. and place it in context as much as a real but I am concerned that this is being Jim Stevenson name would. Increasingly in the published anonymously. It is vital that Emeritus Professor, School of Psychology, ‘blogosphere’ psychologists are, for the reader is able to place the published University of Southampton whatever reason, choosing to write material in the context in which it is anonymously, and we feel that decision written. To appraise a piece, it is helpful Editor’s reply: The Psychologist and should be respected unless there is a good to the reader to know something of the Research Digest policy is that we are reason to avoid it; for example, if there previous work the author has published comfortable publishing anonymous was the sense that an author was choosing and whether there are particular views writers in principle, although each case is to hide behind a cloak of anonymity in held by the writer, on theory for example, judged carefully. In the case that prompted order to express particular views. that might flavour or bias the piece. your letter, the author is a British However, we will revisit the policy at There is then the issue of declared neuroscientist who the Research Digest the next meeting of the Psychologist and conflict of interest, about which the reader editor and I have met and know the Digest Editorial Advisory Committee.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 175 letters Outsider The fitness of the fitness to psychologists The most recent annual ‘fitness to This figure is either highly laudable or I picked up my copy of The Psychologist practise’ report from the Health and Care gives an inaccurate estimate of the actual when it arrived this morning and Professions Council (HCPC) makes state of affairs. randomly opened to page 111 where interesting reading. In 2013–14, there The norms governing a violation of there was an image of an elderly white were 18 allegations about practitioner boundaries in are highly couple. I immediately thought ‘How psychologists that reached the stage of contested and instances are probably best many images of black people appear in having a ‘case to answer’ and were decided on a case-by-case basis by the magazine?’ Then stumbling across therefore considered to be put forward to supervisors or a board of independent Jeune Guishard-Pine’s letter ‘Where have a hearing. Five were discontinued through professional peers. The HCPC’s quasi- all the BAME psychologists gone’ lack of evidence and three led to judicial system is not fit for this purpose. prompted several suspensions of registrants on health It is also expensive: HCPC receives £1.5 musings for me. grounds. Five complaints were found to million annually from practitioner As a former be ‘not well founded’. One registrant was psychologists’ pockets. social worker, suspended for rude and insulting Richard Hallam entering the behaviour and one was suspended for Visiting Professor of Psychology psychology arena inadequate clinical skills. Therefore, only University of Greenwich has been like two were sanctioned for incompetence, stepping into a suggesting that this method of regulation Reference ‘timewarp’ in cannot possibly be an efficient means of Barlow, D.H. (2010). Negative effects from relation to how ensuring that professional standards are psychological treatments. American Psychologist, black and ethnic upheld. 65, 13–19. minority people are According to Barlow (2010), 5–10 (not) represented per cent of therapists leave their clients In response to Richard Hallam, we are in the mainstream in a worse off state than when they writing to address some of the points literature of first entered therapy. In two of the 18 raised in relation to our fitness to practise psychology as a allegations, it was claimed that the (FtP) process. whole. Is it, I ask registrant’s relationship with a client The Health and Care Professions myself, that was inappropriate. In a total of 19,919 Council’s (HCPC) FtP proceedings are psychologists do not view themselves registrants this represents 0.01 per cent. designed to protect the public from those as ‘agents of change’ on a social level compared to (old school) social work practice that had at its core value’s of inclusion and challenging injustice and inequality? As a black woman I have found that POPULATION belonging to a profession where images PRESSURES of myself and issues that speak to my experience are made explicit alongside Graham Pluck’s urgent article on street children issues pertinent to white, middle-class (January 2015) makes the next questions for people gives me a sense of validation and psychologists – Why are they homeless and what inclusion. I am sad to say, unlike my can be done to stop it? Are they part of the experience of being a social worker where problem of with children they do not I could own my professional identity in want or cannot care for? The refugees from a professional home, I have struggled to Africa to Europe seeking jobs, and the people do so since qualifying as a psychologist. daring desert crossings to reach the United What this has meant is I have a sense of States are also part of the problem. apathy about getting involved. In fact Why are there such large families with I have joined the APA black psychology unwanted children or teenagers who cannot get section, which goes some way to jobs? Now that modern medicine and hygiene providing some affirmation despite the prevents high child mortality, large families in poor countries mainly survive, and cultural difference that exists. can help parents by working as children until they seek to become parents too. I can admit in answer to Jeune’s What can be done about political and religious pressures to have large families? question of ‘Who would bother to fill The West sees a problem in Western small families, but the world problem is in in this form?’ that I was certainly one of a population explosion that is greater than can be sustained. China’s solution was those who couldn’t be bothered, for some one-child families, but two-child families seem better for all concerned. of the reasons stated above – not least of This is a question for psychologists to attend to. all the deathly silence that exists within Valerie Yule the profession in relation to these issues. Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia Truth is I feel like an ‘outsider psychologist’. Editor’s note: We do in fact have an article in the pipeline on just this issue. Margaret Jordan CPsychol Clinical Director

176 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 letters practise process whose fitness to practise is impaired. The number of FtP cases that the fund all our statutory functions including, It is not a process for resolving general HCPC manages should be viewed in for example, our registrations and complaints, and it is not designed to context. In 2013–14, we received 157 approvals processes. However, we are very resolve disputes between registrants and cases relating to practitioner mindful of the cost and emotional impact service users, or to punish registrants for psychologists. This equates to 0.79 per on those involved in an FtP hearing. For past or ‘one-off’ minor mistakes that are cent of practitioner psychologist that reason our processes are designed to unlikely to be repeated. registrants being subject to an FtP ensure that only those cases that really So how exactly does our FtP process concern. Practitioner psychologist cases need to go to a final hearing, do. We also work? Any concerns are initially assessed also have a higher rate of case closure on have provision to dispose of certain cases to determine whether they meet our the basis that they did not meet the by consent, whereby the HCPC and the Standard of Acceptance, which sets out Standard of Acceptance when compared registrant can seek to conclude a case a modest and proportionate threshold that with some of our regulated professions without the need (and cost) of a contested allegations must normally meet before they with greater registrant numbers, including hearing by entering into either a voluntary will be investigated by the HCPC. We physiotherapists, radiographers and removal, conditions of practice or caution recognise that employers and managers occupational therapists. Of the cases agreement. Cases can only be disposed of must deal with circumstances of staff referred to our Investigating Committee in this manner with the authorisation of misconduct, lack of competence and ill panel, approximately half record a a Panel of a Practice Committee. health, and that this can include situations decision of ‘no case to answer’ and do not The HCPC is committed to working with our registrants. In many cases, this reach final hearing stage. with employers and others, as well as the can be effectively resolved by the employer 267 final hearings across all professions themselves, to ensure that at the local level. As such, it is unlikely professions concluded in 2013–14 – a they understand our FtP proceedings, that there will be evidence to suggest that small total in comparison to the 322,021 including what should be referred and the registrant’s fitness to practise is professionals on our Register – and only when they should refer it. Along with impaired, and therefore if it is referred 0.06 per cent of registrants were subject to producing more detailed guidance, we are to us we would normally close the case a sanction imposed at a final hearing. This constantly looking at ways of quality without taking any further action. So for small number of cases that reached final assuring the work that we do, as well as example, issues relating to professional hearing stage reflects the fact that the FtP reducing the length of time and cost boundaries can often be managed through process focuses on those registrants where attached to the FtP process. clinical supervision, and would therefore there is strong evidence to suggest that John Barwick not need to be referred to us. Of course their fitness to practise is impaired. Director of Fitness to Practise we would take action if the issue raised It is also important to recognise that Health and Care Professions Council public protection concerns, such as registrant fees are not only used to finance improper relationships with service users. the fitness to practise process, but also to Addressing experiences of brain injury

I read with dismay, coupled these factors can have a control, and attitudes towards be a human universal with some sympathy, Niamh demoralising effect on the and acceptance of disability. independent of the actual Lowe’s experiences at the individual at the very time that These have been formalised in disability itself. The scale hands of neuropsychologists they need optimism and hope. a 55-item questionnaire enables one to evaluate (‘Viewpoints’, February 2015). In the private sector I am known as the Nottingham psychological progress as Having worked as a fortunate to be able to delay Adjustment Scale (NAS), a rehabilitation proceeds and to neuropsychologist for over 15 formal testing until I have got reliable and valid instrument compare the effectiveness of years, I am only too aware of to know the individual and that we developed at the Blind various interventions. Copies the possibility of appearing relatives. In this way I can Mobility Research Unit way of the NAS may be obtained cold, clinical and lacking in form a picture of what the back in the 1990s. by e-mailing me. empathy for a brain-injured person was like before the Although I never imagined Dr Allan Dodds person when conducting an brain injury and how far away for one moment that I myself Bramcote, Nottingham assessment. Formal tests from that premorbid person would employ this research [email protected] present a considerable they currently are. I do, tool in clinical practice, I have challenge to testees, and they however, conduct a wide range found it invaluable in often appear completely of formal tests and always feed addressing the psychological irrelevant to the individual’s back results, together with and emotional factors alluded MORE ONLINE needs. Results are often reassuring explanations and to by Niamh. The scale has withheld and feedback on test realistic hopes for recovery. In been translated into a number Other letters, plus a complete performance is often lacking. addition, I invariably address of languages, and the factor archive, can be accessed at: Testees themselves often know issues such as anxiety, structure has stood up well, www.thepsychologist.org.uk/ that they’re performing poorly depression, low self-esteem, suggesting that the experience debates in spite of encouragement, and self-efficacy, recovery, locus of of acquiring a disability may

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 177 letters

Stubbing out I volunteer at Lancashire Care Foundation negative impact on relationships, giving change; focusing on diet, exercise, alcohol Trust (LCFT) where smoking, or rather, up something that is pleasurable and also and . LCFT plans to conduct ‘not smoking’ is a hot topic! So I was the risk of a deterioration in their mental research into whether training staff in pleased to read the article ‘Stubbing out health (Kerr et al., 2013). Being aware and MECC changes the way they interact with smoking in schizophrenia’ by Theodore informed about the worries clients may clients. If behaviour isn’t changed after Lloyd (January’s 2015), which posed the have about stopping smoking means we training, the study will aim to identify question ‘What can mental health are better placed to provide support. barriers to change. This information professionals do to help people with It isn’t just our clients who feel coupled with what we already know about schizophrenia who smoke?’ anxious at the prospect of stopping the barriers clients face when considering In January LCFT went ‘smoke-free’. smoking. Ratschen et al. (2009) found stopping smoking will hopefully result in A positive change for everyone; especially ward staff were concerned about more helpful and successful interventions. those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia damaging the clinician–patient I hope this goes some way towards an and other serious mental illnesses (SMIs), relationship, dealing with aggression answer to the question Theodore poses. as these individuals have a life expectancy when challenging patients who were Rebecca White that is 15–25 years shorter than the rest of smoking, increased risk of fire due to Manchester the population, due in part to high ‘covert smoking’ and the possible prevalence of smoking (Bradshaw et al., exacerbation of clients’ mental health References 2014). problems. Interestingly, however, none of Bradshaw, T., Davis, E., Stronach, M. et al. (2014). To successfully help people stop the respondents could cite any incidents Helping people with serious mental illness to cut smoking, we must know what barriers to justify their fears. A professional’s own down or stop smoking, Mental Health Practice, 17(6), might present themselves. Some common smoking status might also influence their 14–20. concerns that people with SMI have health-promoting role and cause missed Kerr, S., Woods, C., Knussen, C. et al. (2013). Breaking around quitting smoking are: possible opportunities to engage clients regarding the habit. BMC Public Health, 13, 221. effects on anxiety levels, loss of an smoking cessation (Kerr et al., 2013). Ratschen, E., Britton, J. & McNeill, A. (2009). important coping resource, the fact that Making Every Contact Count (MECC: Implementation of smoke-free policies in mental smoking is strongly linked to socialising – see http://makingeverycontactcount.co.uk) health in-patient settings in England. British people worry that stopping could have a encourages conversations about lifestyle Journal of Psychiatry, 194, 547–551. The label Professor Rita Jordan (Letters, February to ignore our personal experience and I do have concerns that by 2015) replies to my letter published in the the research evidence that social deficits categorising people we risk setting up December issue about the usefulness of are common in people with intellectual a two-tier service for people with the autism label. This is a response to disabilities. Here are a few examples. intellectual disabilities. I have seen in some of the points she makes. Many studies have shown social skills practice some people being given extra Firstly, can I say that it was never my deficits for children and adults with support worker time or better staffed day intention to disrespect her ‘lifetime’s work’ intellectual disability (e.g. Agaliotis & centres because they have an autism or that of any of the many hard-working Kalyva, 2008; Pina et al., 2013). In diagnosis, when others with intellectual researchers in the autism field. I think this another example, Matson et al. (2008) disabilities just as great a need have not research has been very illuminating in carried out an empirical study to compare had access to these services. investigating social and mental processes. symptom patterns in adults with severe A few years ago I said to Lorna Wing My ‘lifetime’s work’ has been as a clinical intellectual disability with or without a at an autism conference: ‘I still don’t psychologist with people with intellectual diagnosis of autism. They did find that the understand what giving someone an disabilities, which is why I confined my adults with autism showed a clear and autism label does for them.’ She replied: ‘If original letter to this group. distinct symptom profile compared with I think the label will help the person get My original letter had questioned matched controls; however, there was a lot better services, I will give it.’ Is this right? whether giving someone who already of overlap between the groups, with many Graham Collins has an intellectual disability label the people without the autism diagnosis also Alfreton, Derbyshire additional label of autism adds anything showing deficits in social behaviours. to our treatment approaches. I still wait To me the issue still is whether this References to be convinced. categorisation of people actually has Agaliotis, I. & Kalyva, E. (2008). Nonverbal social Professor Jordan’s main point is that treatment implications. I fully accept interaction skills of children with learning people on the autistic spectrum lack Professor Jordan’s premise that not disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities ‘instinctive social understanding’, and that everyone learns in the same way, and that 29, 1–10. this is qualitatively different to others with we have to understand the individual’s Matson, J.L., Wilkins, J. & Ancona, M. (2008). Autism in intellectual disabilities. Obviously in the own profile of difficulties, but I think this adults with severe intellectual disability. Journal of constraints of a letter it has not been applies to everyone whether given the Intellectual and Developmental Disability 33(1), 36–42. possible for her to explain this term, but autism label or not. There seems to be Pina, F., Flavia, M., Laura, S. & Luana, S. (2013) what she says seems to imply that others more heterogeneity within the categories Learning disabilities and social problem solving with intellectual disabilities will ‘acquire of autism and intellectual disability that skills. Mediterranean Journal of , naturally’ social behaviours. This seems there are differences between them. 2, 1–23.

178 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 letters Thinking in context Dr Alan Dodds response (Letters, a scientifically precise statement. Skinner goals (e.g. to keep a glass of beer steady February 2015) to our article ‘The frequently made this type of argument. on a swaying ship!), despite the ongoing “strange death of Radical behaviourism’ Had the interviewer asked Skinner if he disturbances in the environment. Because repeats the often cited, but nonetheless ‘thinks’ he would almost certainly would behaviour emerges dynamically, it cannot incorrect view that Skinner was not have replied ‘Yes’ (as all radical be learned in the way that Skinner interested in . So to be behaviourists would, though he probably described; only the parameters of the absolutely clear on this point, in spite of would have also gone on to deconstruct control system that utilise behaviour can various misrepresentations to the contrary, what we mean by thinking too!) be modified. Skinner and radical behaviourism have There is a more interesting debate to Returning to the recent article, always considered thoughts and feelings be had about the use of metaphors in our Brown and Gillard draw the analogy with as important psychological phenomenon theories that is being missed when we Darwinian evolution to explain selection that must be included in any scientific selectively present quotations or anecdotes of behaviour within a lifetime, but they do analysis of the human condition. Watson about Skinner out of their wider context. not extend the analogy to the distinction didn’t, but Skinner did. It’s that simple Freddy Jackson Brown between genotype and phenotype. The really. Asserting the contrary in the face Duncan Gillard phenotype is a complex product of the of the evidence is not likely to add to the Bristol genotype and the environment, thus while quality of any discussion. it determines survival, it cannot be the There is a more interesting issue in Dr Brown and Gillard (‘The “strange death” unit of selection – this is the genotype. Dodds’s response, however, and it relates of radical behaviourism’, January 2015) Similarly, from the PCT perspective to using quotations or anecdotes out of make an excellent case that one should (Mansell et al., in press), behaviour is their broader context. We don’t know the not ignore theoretical approaches, such as a complex product of what the organism interview with Skinner that Dr Dodds behaviourism, merely because many have is attempting to do, and of the features of refers to and do not dispute the words declared them ‘dead’. Yet, one might argue the environment that either permit this used, but we do question the that the assumptions of behaviourism are (e.g. a post on a swaying boat used to he ascribes. One of Skinner’s central still alive and well within contemporary stabilise oneself) or disturb this (e.g. the criticisms of the cognitive theories cognitive approaches. Cognitive movement of the boat). Clearly, none of advanced during his day was that they researchers still subscribe to a model that these features of the environment that frequently took common metaphors and a in the environment leads to define and shape the behaviour as it is turned them into explanatory models. a response, albeit through various happening are passed on within the Consider the metaphor of ‘thoughts going intermediate ‘mental processes’. Maybe organism; yet the systems that utilise through our heads’ that Dr Dodds refers psychologists should pay more these are – these are known as control to. Do thoughts literally go through our to a 50-year-old theory – perceptual systems in PCT. heads? If so, what is actually moving and control theory (PCT) – that has not even Warren Mansell through what? For Skinner phrases like yet been regarded as ‘alive’ by mainstream University of Manchester these were everyday metaphors for psychology, never mind ‘dead’. thinking and not the basis of a scientific PCT proposes that behaviour is the Reference understanding of cognitive processes. process of controlling sensory input Mansell, W., Carey, T.A. & Tai, S.J. (in press). So when asked if thoughts were going within a closed loop. So, when we see Classification of psychopathology and unifying through his head, he may have a ‘response’ following a ‘stimulus’, this theory: The ingredients of a Darwinian paradigm provocatively said ‘No’ because it was just is actually the emergent attempt by the shift in research methodology. Psychopathology a metaphor for the experience and not organism to maintain its desired sensory Review. obituary Barbara Tizard (1926–2015) Barbara Tizard, who has died aged 88, was an eminent or no parental contact, did not usually developmental psychologist, a Fellow of the grow up affectionless or even disturbed. and of the British Psychological Society. In her memoir Home Is A later study on the conversations of Where One Starts From (2010) she explained that her research four-year-old girls with their teachers in was driven by important theoretical questions and the desire to nursery school and their mothers at home challenge ‘widely held beliefs or theories bearing on childcare or (Young Children Learning, 1984) generated education which…were held dogmatically without adequate controversy. Contrary to commonly held evidence’ and to ‘work for human betterment’. beliefs that working-class mothers failed to stimulate children, One of Barbara’s projects, published as Early Childhood it found a relative paucity of talk at school and a rich learning Education (1975), questioned the early theories of John Bowlby environment in the home. Barbara considered that ‘the changes that deprivation of maternal care in the first two years led to that have since occurred in nursery schools are not those we had ‘affectionless psychopathy’. The study followed two-year-olds in hoped for. Instead they resulted from government pressure to residential nurseries until 16 years, comparing those who were introduce literacy and numeracy at an ever earlier stage.’ adopted with those who were not. Results showed that children In the 1980s Barbara was part of an international group spending their first two years in residential nurseries, with little of child psychologists and psychiatrists opposed to nuclear

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 179 letters

weapons and convinced that children would be damaged by the obituaries nuclear threat. Her research found this was not the case. Another of her concerns was with racialisation. She published a paper in Nature in the 1970s showing that there were no differences in Robert G. Andry the IQs of black and white pre-school children. In the 1980s she directed a longitudinal study of black and white children at infant school (Young Children at School in the Inner City, 1988), (1923–2014) and in the 1990s a study of black, white and mixed parentage pupils in London schools (Black, White or Mixed Race?, 1993). Professor Robert Andry had a multifaceted international career After retirement Barbara researched retired academics and found as a clinical and forensic psychologist. that most suffered a marked loss of status on retirement. Following active service in New Guinea in WWII, he Barbara’s achievements were remarkable. She embarked completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Melbourne on her research career in what she describes as the fiercely University. Upon graduation as a clinical psychologist with a competitive, critical, yet very stimulating atmosphere of the special interest in , he held the position of Maudsley Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, while raising a young Psychologist-in-Charge at the Melbourne Court clinic family during a period when there was little sharing of domestic (1949–1953), alongside the post of Secretary (Victoria section) responsibilities and little help from employers or the state. She of the recently established Australian branch of the BPS. worked in a series of part-time positions until she was 50, when In 1953 he moved to England to read for a PhD at the LSE she finally achieved a senior academic position (Reader in under Hermann Mannheim, a leading criminologist. His thesis Education at the Institute of Education, later Professor) and, challenged John Bowlby’s theory of the mother–child relationship following Jack Tizard’s death in 1979, became Director of the as being the main causal factor leading to delinquency, and his Thomas Coram Research Unit (1980–90). research suggested both parents played an influential role. His Julia Brannen thesis was subsequently published under the title of Delinquency Peter Moss and Parental Pathology (Methuen, 1960). This was followed by Ann Phoenix The Short Term Prisoner in 1963 (Stevens & Son). Institute of Education In London, he held a dual appointment as Lecturer in

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Psychology at the Institute of Education and as the Clinical Psychologist-in-Charge at St Thomas’ Hospital. He represented the Michael Humphrey Australian Branch on the Council of the BPS and helped separate the APS from the BPS. While in the UK, Andry played a big part in setting up the British Association of Psychotherapists and acted as (1926–2014) its Chairman between 1968 and 1973. He was also a Fellow of the Group Analytical Society. During this period he acted as a UK clinical psychology lost one of its pioneers recently with the Consultant to UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the UN. death of Michael Humphrey. In the mid-1970s, Andry moved to take up a position as Michael studied psychology and philosophy at Balliol Professor at the University of Montreal with shared duties at Oxford after serving in the RAF for three years. After graduating McGill University. He acted twice as a UN Consultant to the he completed a research degree in supervised Hong Kong Government to advise on setting up psychological and by Oliver Zangwill. Clinical neuropsychology was to remain one rehabilitation services in the Correctional Services Department. In of Michael’s two major interests throughout his career. He then 1982 he moved to a full-time post on the invitation of the Hong worked as an NHS clinical psychologist at the Warneford and Kong government. This proved to be a fruitful period as he set Park Hospitals, starting to work there only a year after May about installing and overseeing all the psychological services and Davidson, in 1951. In 1954 he moved to Reading but returned research projects, rehabilitation programs, staff training and to the Warneford and Park Hospital four years later. administration. On his retirement from the Correctional Services, In 1964 he fulfilled his aspiration to obtain an academic post, he was appointed a visiting Scholar in the Psychology Department first as a research fellow in the Sociology Department at Essex of the Chinese University and an Honorary Professor to the University and then as a lecturer at the Department of Mental Department of Criminology at the University of Hong Kong. Health, University of Bristol. In 1969 he was appointed Senior When he finally retired, he came to live in Sydney. Lecturer in Psychology at St George’s Medical School. In 1977 In 2003 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia, he was appointed Reader in Psychology in recognition of his for ‘Services to International Forensic and Clinical Psychology’. contribution to psychology and the Medical School. Ann Andry Michael was a man of wide interests and skills. His Woollahra, Sydney experience as an NHS clinical psychologist embraced learning disability, adult mental health, child mental health, clinical neuropsychology and what would now be considered . He took a broad perspective on neuropsychology, for example, at a time when most psychologists in the field focused on cognitive deficits alone. He was interested in the rehabilitation of neurological conditions, their impact on the family and psychological adjustment to disability. He inspired his I across I down three PhD students (myself, Andy Tyerman and Glynda Kinsella) to take such a perspective. In addition he guided many clinical trainees at Surrey University through their dissertations. 1 Knee-jerk reticence to concept 2 Hospital department slightly Michael’s other main research interest was infertility and coined then rejected by Skinner unwell suffering decline into adoption. His own PhD was a study of childless marriage as (6,7) disorder (7) a basis for adoption. He and his wife Heather, who was a 8 Old paper measure used by 3 Mould a gel until it's tongue- collaborator in much of this work, adopted two children, Fiona printers frequently (5) shaped (9) and Mark, who together with Heather survive him. 9 Agree ends about plane’s first 4 Kiss female thespian with Michael was an impressive man, and his formidable intellect take off (3) indefinable quality (1,6) was obvious, but, as his daughter has commented, ‘he never left 10 Peg keeps points tight (5) 5 Say, copper bit of kettle (7) those with a lesser intellect feeling out of our depth’. Fiona also 12 Minx devours last of layer cake 6 French art to beat legal ban (5) mentioned Michael’s tendency to raise quite personal issues: one (9) 7 Opening flower is risky business could never take offence or really be embarrassed because he did 13 Celestial body – animated one (7) this with such disarming interest and concern. I remember one with a tail (5) 8 Mostly, race cars zoom around example that occurred when I was helping him teach medical 14 Spring festival in London district to display philosophical law of students. It was around the time when he was disappointed not (7) simplicity (6,5) to be appointed to the newly inaugurated Chair in Psychology at 15 Office worker is in Paris storm (7) 11 Doctor her test with gong's St George’s. He asked me to role-play a psychologist interviewing 17 Apparel let out without end (7) capacity to maintain identity (3,8) him in the role of a deputy bank manager who had failed to be 20 Laboratory glass mostly 16 Cocktail, a small measure served appointed branch manager and was complaining of depression. improved around old city (7) up by lovely lady in a Beatles This role-play was to be conducted in front of the large group of 22 Unknowns keep large amount of song (9) medical students! Typically I was the one who was embarrassed, money (5) 18 Segregate one very much behind not Michael at all. 24 Taking legal action? That's cute schedule (7) Heather speaks of four main strands to his life: people (9) 19 Movie preview of mobile home in (including psychology interests), music (he was a highly talented 25 First name in children's literature America (7) pianist), writing (both academic and fiction) and cricket. left in way (5) 20 Graduate to sit up in afternoon As for the profession of clinical psychology, he was one of 26 Spare time's not certain to for initiation rite (7) the early post-war psychologists, who pre-dated formal clinical produce garland (3) 21 Pursuit may be time to get training. However, through wide-ranging clinical experience and 27 Hibernian flag on hospital (5) opponent to accept one (7) debate with colleagues he helped forge a new profession and 28 Mad Bedlam care last month for 23 Sing lines in outskirts of Yeovil (5) develop the firm basis upon which it has subsequently grown. love delusion man (2,11) Michael Oddy Horsham

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Thinking about thinking machines

The potential for bridging the empathy gap between humans, cleaning and shopping will be the first things to disappear flawed notions of a robot-ruled dystopia and an end to the and eventually they may be able to do our work and create our drudgery of every day life were among the ideas that emerged art for us. She admits that this could result in a dystopian from psychologists who answered this year’s Edge.org question: image of humans becoming ‘zombie consumers in a machine- ‘What do you think about machines that think?’ run world’. A cheerier possibility is that we may have more Scores of psychologists contributed their thoughts. Molly time to spend with our families or learning new skills simply Crockett, Associate Professor at the University of Oxford’s for the joy of it. Department of , asked whether Arnold Trehub (University of Massachusetts) argues that thinking machines could be used to bridge the empathy gap machines cannot think at all. He writes: ‘No machine has a between human individuals. Crockett said the empathy gap is point of view; that is a unique perspective on the worldly most acute in moral dilemmas, writing: ‘Utilitarian ethics referents of its internal symbolic logic.’ He argues that humans stipulates that the basic criterion of morality is maximising the judge the output of ‘thinking machines’ and give our own greatest good for the greatest number – a calculus that requires referents to the symbolic structures spouted by them. the ability to compare welfare, or “utility” across individuals.’ Will thinking machines ever develop a sense of self? This is But the empathy gap makes interpersonal utility comparisons the question posed by Professor of Psychology Jessica L. Tracy difficult, if not impossible. Perhaps, Crockett adds, thinking (University of British Columbia) and Kristin Laurin, Assistant machines could be up to the job of bridging the empathy gap Professor of Organisational Behaviour (Stanford Graduate by quantifying preferences and translating them into a School of Business). They ask whether machines will be ‘common currency’ that can be used across individuals. subject to the same evolutionary forces that made the human Fears of computers running amok are a waste of emotional sense of self adaptive, in learning the need to get along with energy according to , author and Harvard others and attaining status. They start with the assumption Professor. He writes that human-level AI is 15 to 25 years away that machines would, one day, control their own access to and it is bizarre to think that robotics experts will not build resources they need like electricity and internet bandwidth. safeguards against harm into the machines they are creating. They go on to assume that machines that survive in that He asks why an intelligent system would want to disable its environment will be the ones programmed to increase their own safeguards, writing: ‘AI dystopias project a parochial own efficiency or productivity. Those that learn to form alpha-male psychology onto the concept of … It’s alliances in a competitive environment for limited resources telling that many of our techno-prophets don’t entertain the will be most effective. possibility that artificial intelligence will develop along female They suggest that, unlike humans, machines will be able to lines: fully capable of solving problems, but with no desire to access each other’s inner thoughts: ‘There’s no reason that one annihilate innocents or dominate the civilisation.’ machine reading another’s hardware and software wouldn’t Similarly Michael Shermer, psychologist and founding come to know, in exactly the self-knowing sense, what it means publisher of Skeptic magazine, warns against assumptions that to be that other machine… When machines literally share intelligent machines will result in either a horrifying dystopian minds, any self they have would necessarily become collective.’ future or an idealistic utopia. He argues that these prophecies They suggest that self-awareness in machines could be adaptive are based on a flawed analogy between human nature and and could result in them feeling empathy and motivate them to computer nature. He argues that are built into protect rather than harm human beings – a species ‘several humans through evolution, and such emotions will not be built orders of magnitude less intelligent than them’. into machines, thus making fears that machines will become Read all 186 responses, including the thoughts of Susan evil unfounded. Blackmore, Nicholas Humphrey, Christopher Chabris, Alison Other psychologists considered the possibility of a future Gopnik, , and many more at: where machines do our thinking for us. Athena Vouloumanos http://edge.org/annual-question/what-do-you-think-about- ( University) writes that the kind of thinking machines-that-think ER machines do will define future human societies. She predicts I Do you have any thoughts on machines that think? Send your that once machines start thinking properly, inane tasks such as thoughts to [email protected]

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Baring the scars THE KEY TO NATIONAL Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art memories of surgery, as I was SECURITY? Gallery is hosting a photo too young to remember exhibition of adults with anything. Over the years I sort The formation by the British Army of the 2000-strong Brigade 77 has congenital heart disease of forgot about it, as the only made the headlines recently, its future members being referred to as (CHD) baring their scars in reminder I had of having CHD Facebook Warriors and PsyOps. The new brigade, set to be formed on celebration of life, led by was yearly check-ups all of 1 April, will have a particular focus on information, media and psychologist Dr Liza Morton. which passed without the psychological operations. Scarred FOR Life was need for further treatment.’ A spokesperson for the Army said the brigade would be formed to created on behalf of heart In May last year, Burrell respond to the shifting character of modern conflict and will focus on charity The Somerville had a valve replacement. the ‘integration and delivery of non-lethal and non-military effects on Foundation by three friends ‘Thankfully everything went to military operations’. He added: ‘It supports the delivery of information with CHD: Liza Morton (see plan and I now have a new, operations, including psychological operations and deployed media The Psychologist, September more prominent scar on top of operations looking at the traditional and unconventional means of 2013), Caroline Wilson and my old one. I know I'll shaping behaviours through the use of dynamic narratives… 77 Jenny Kumar. The exhibition probably have to get through Brigade will play a key part in enabling the UK to fight in the aims to raise awareness of how at least one operation if not information age.’ the often invisible condition more in the future, my scar However, the plan for restructuring and expanding the Army’s impacts on adult life through reminds me of that. Though it operations is not a new one and was reported last year in British Army participants’ stories. Fashion also reminds me that I had the 2014, an annual publication. This document stated that the Army’s and portrait photographer strength to get through it potential adversaries were increasingly blurring the lines between Kirsty Anderson joined the twice before and I can do it regular and irregular and between military, political, economic and team to transform the again when the time comes. information activities. It adds: ‘At least three nations who operate participants into works of art. Plus, it's still useful to gross large conventional “traditional” armies have now also adopted the Dr Morton told us: ‘The out girls.’ idea is to change the The Somerville Chinese concept of Unrestricted Warfare.’ that scars should Foundation aims to provide The publication says that to succeed in such as environment the be hidden away, and instead practical and emotional Army needed to compete on an equal footing. ‘To do this, we must turn them into a change not only our physical capabilities but our conceptual celebration of life. There is approach, our planning and our execution. This is not to say that the estimated to be over virtual and cognitive domains now produce a “silver bullet” that will 250,000 adults who were mean the end of combat, but that “superiority in the physical born with a heart environment was of little value unless it could be translated into an condition, in the UK. Over advantage in the information environment”.’ half will experience medical A Security Assistance Group (SAG) was to be formed in and social problems at September 2014 through the amalgamation of the current 15 some time in their adult Psychological Operations Group, the Military Stabilisation Support lives. Many can be “cured” Group, the Media Operations Group and the Security Capacity Team. in the first few years of life The annual publication concluded: ‘However, these structures are but others require lifelong merely the start point for a fully integrated capability that will harness follow-up. Advances in a wide range of powers to achieve the desired effects – from cyber heart surgery made in the through to engagement, commercial, financial, stabilisation and last 50 years, combined deception. At the heart of the new structure must be a culture and with patients’ own fighting attitude that is both Defence and civilian orientated.’ spirit, have ensured that Psychologist Dr Vaughan Bell, writing for the blog MindHacks more congenital heart (tinyurl.com/ok4pz2p), said the idea of the brigade was to make patients are surviving longer than ever before.’ information operations a more central part of military doctrine, which Pictured, from the includes electronic warfare and computer hacking, physical force exhibition, is Scott Burrell support, enabling survivors to targeted on information resources, psychological operations – (36), a development scientist take control of their lives and changing belief and behaviour, and behaviour in the theatre of war – who lives in Lanarkshire. He manage their condition. In and media operations. He added: ‘The Daily Express reports that “the had pulmonary stenosis addition to empowering brigade will bring together specialists in media, signalling and corrected when he was three people with CHD and raising psychological operations, with some Special Forces soldiers and years old and an artificial awareness about their unique possibly computer hackers” which seems likely to reflect exactly what pulmonary valve fitted in needs, the campaign hopes to the Army are aiming for in their new plan. From this point of view, you September 2014. ‘I’ve had my raise funds for this work. can see why governments are so keen to hold on to their Snowden- scar as long as I can remember The exhibition runs to 15 era digital monitoring and intervention capabilities. They typically since surgery aged three,’ he March, and is then likely to justify their existence in terms of “breaking terrorist networks” but said. ‘Growing up it was good tour other venues. For they are equally as useful for their role in wider information for impressing other kids and information and stories from operations – targeting groups rather than individuals – now grossing out girls but I never people with CHD, see considered key to national security.’ ER really linked it to any www.scarredforlife.org.uk. JS

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 185 news The civilisation of virtual worlds

Ella Rhodes looks into the future of video gaming For decades the world of video gaming has been viewed by the mass media, and some academics, as a home for gratuitous violence and online bullying. But is this world actually evolving into a place of polite communities? Are the games themselves increasingly appealing to, and fostering the creativity of, those who play them? Writing for Medium.com’s Backchannel (tinyurl.com/kap4bck), Jeremy Hsu outlines the work of Riot Games, creators of the monumentally popular League of Legends, who have been using the knowledge of psychologists to moderate gamers’ attitudes and behaviour to one another. Hsu writes that the company has been testing machine-learning techniques to automatically classify behaviours and swiftly punish or reward players accordingly. League of Legends attracts around 67 million players a month, who are all potential test subjects for Riot Games. The have been developed by Jeffrey ‘Lyte’ Lin, a game designer who also has a PhD in from the University of in . He is the head of Riot’s player behaviour team, more than 30 researchers who devise experiments on competitive League of Legends gamers. Lin began his experimentation with , the idea that exposure to certain afterward – on average, individuals who nothing. The difference in survival games stimuli can subconsciously influence went through a period of restricted chat is that a player can die through simple behaviour. Hsu writes: ‘In one study, saw 20 per cent fewer abuse reports filed inaction – just as you would in real life. called the “Optimus ,” they by other players. The restricted chat Wiles concludes: ‘At the heart of the new tested five categories of messages approach also proved 4 per cent more digital melancholy – wrapped in all that displayed to players in red and blue, effective at improving player behaviour beauty – is primal simplicity, the basic with white serving as a baseline for than the usual punishment method of animal equation: eat, don’t get eaten, keep comparison. Among Western gamers, they temporarily banning toxic players.’ going... Vulnerability imposes a measure found that a red message warning about The online gaming community, then, of passivity – in some situations, for the counterproductive results of negative are perhaps being persuaded to change. instance, the only workable strategy might behaviour – such as, “Teammates perform But how about the games themselves? be to wait for danger to pass, to hide worse if you harass them after a mistake” Will Wiles, writing for Aeon behind a hedge, to stay in the shelter until – led to a bigger drop in players having (tinyurl.com/qjs3yts), asks why survival dawn or nightfall – so the environment a bad attitude toward their teammates games that present the player with scarcity and the atmosphere become more or insulting other players than the same and austerity have grown in popularity important, they are not just a Niagara message displayed in white. A blue over the past two years. He points, in of garish detail to be rushed past.’ message highlighting the benefits of particular, to the game Banished, which Similarly Keith Stuart, writing for positive behaviour also helped reduce asks players to build a village and survive (tinyurl.com/omwt89a), toxic behaviour.’ using very scarce resources. Wiles writes: explores a new generation of games The team has also been trialling ‘Scavenging sells. Starvation sells. Survival whose main themes are creativity and punishment for misbehaving players, sells.’ exploration rather than action and developing a restricted chat mode that Wiles continues, saying that explosions. He describes new game No temporarily limits the amount of messages although diminishing resources, such Man’s Sky: ‘…a vast universe filled with abusive players can type per match. Hsu as ammunition and health, have long been worlds that have been procedurally writes: ‘[It] has led to a noticeable a basic part of games, they do not deplete generated by computer algorithms, and improvement in player behaviour if a gamer should stand around doing it tells you to go out there and explore.’

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Sean Murray, co-founder of the studio of video games and society. Professor psychological benefits of video games behind the game, explains how the Ferguson told me that the social narrative in general: ‘Probably one of the most market for games may be changing, on gaming had been shifting slowly over publicised areas of research is the notion becoming more cerebral. ‘I was in the time, interestingly, mirroring the shift in that action (e.g. violent) games can Arctic for a while, where there’s this sense attitude towards comic books in the promote visuospatial , the types of utter isolation. It’s something games 1950s, which were initially thought to of tasks involved in careers like surgery, just don’t do. Danger in games is always cause delinquency. He explained: ‘It's very engineering, etc. That area has sometimes about explosions. That’s not the danger much a generational issue. Older adults been controversial due to failed most of us experience in real life. Games remain relatively suspicious of video replications, just like the difficult-to- are obsessed with having no breathing games, but younger adults are much less replicate aggression research. But in my space – they never let the player walk so. As the younger folks who grew up own work I've seen some consistent data around and enjoy something… I mean, with gaming age into the “power indicating that video games, both violent games are amazing now, they’re beautiful. structure” of society (politicians, and non-violent, reduce stress. And more But you sit and watch something that scientists, journalists, even just people complex games do seem efficient in looks glorious, and hundreds of people who vote), stoking moral panics about fostering a sense of creativity.’ have worked on it, and you find yourself games is becoming more difficult and Ferguson concluded that, generally, yawning. Then you play something much getting met with more resistance. This is people are coming to change their minds more simple, like , and you have fairly identical to what happened with about video games being the root of all so many more emotions – just because comic books.’ evil or societal violence: ‘I think probably there are lulls, there is sometimes nothing, Ferguson said the rise in popularity of a lot of people are realising it's becoming so when something does happen, it ‘scarcity games’ was part of a more general harder and harder to get traction on surprises you. That’s what real life is like. interest in dystopian books, films and TV blaming video games for societal Anything you see enough of, just becomes shows, he added: ‘I've seen some theories problems. The data just isn’t there. What normal. Games are terrible for that.’ that depictions of scarcity can also go will be interesting will be to see if the Murray is anticipating a new chapter along with periods of strain, such as current generation that grew up with for game design. ‘The kids who grew up during financial downturns. Although games will be able to learn from the with Minecraft will really struggle to relate economies are overall going up, that historical cycles of moral panic and avoid to something like Assassin’s Creed,’ he hasn't always trickled down to the lower doing the same thing with whatever new told The Guardian. ‘They won’t want to be wage earners and unemployed. So themes media the future will bring!’ that guy.’ of scarcity may connect with them in an I Visit tinyurl.com/oxpkjff to see Chris Chris Ferguson (Stetson University) emotional way.’ Ferguson’s article in The Psychologist on is a psychologist specialising in the study He also pointed to some of the video game violence from May 2014

23 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LIVES OF SCIENTISTS

Cognitive neuroscientist Sarah- now many women of , technology, Each interview includes Jayne Blakemore (University science, but they are perhaps engineering and mathematics. 23 questions submitted by College London) has created not as visible as She decided to use teenagers and is aimed as a website aimed at inspiring the men, who it in order to a resource particularly for young people to get involved have the create the secondary school students. with the . The Scientific advantage website Why 23? The site explains that, 23 poses 23 questions to a of exploring amongst other things, we have varied group of scientists about centuries the lives of 23 pairs of chromosomes, and their work, background and of scientific scientists, in a room of 23 people, there’s what inspired them to become history behind their 50 per cent chance that two will involved in their scientific them – it is inspirations, share a birthday (the birthday pursuits. mostly men and how paradox). 'We’re not saying that Professor Blakemore’s lab whose studying there’s anything special about focuses on the development of findings science at the number 23, but it’s certainly the teenage brain (see The make it school or an interesting number!' Psychologist, October 2007), so into the university can An interview will be added she spends much of her time in textbooks. For a long time lead to many each month for the next year. schools with teenagers. She I have been thinking about how different careers. Blakemore and her research said: ‘Something that surprises to raise the visibility of women The current interviewees assistant, Medical student Emily me when I visit schools is that scientists amongst school include psychologists Essi Garrett, have interviewed the the view still seems to prevail students.’ Viding (UCL), Tim Dalgleish scientists, while journalist amongst students that In 2013 Blakemore was (Cambridge) and Tanya Byron, Adam Rutherford has written professors of science must given the Royal Society as well as eminent doctors, them up. ER surely be men! This is Rosalind Franklin Award, which physicists and even science I To see the interviews visit surprising because there are supports the promotion of exhibit curators and journalists. www.thescientific23.com

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 187 news Secure setting report ‘shocking’ Many prison officers and workers in by the results of the study. She said: ‘I’ve of those surveyed (72 per cent), will need secure psychiatric hospitals feel unable worked with people in stressful and to work until they are 68, a prospect that to seek help for psychological problems, emotionally demanding jobs for many seems daunting to many in the job. and the majority feel pressurised to come years, but I was shocked by the results. Kinman said: ‘The government has to work when sick due to fear of I have particular concerns about the high decided that jobs in prisons are not repercussions and loyalty to colleagues. levels of mental health problems: 72 per “unique”. It is argued that the fire service And proposed changes to the pensionable cent achieved scores which were and police should retire at 60 because of age of prison workers mean that many indicative of the need for some the inherent pressures of those jobs, but fear having to continue working under intervention.’ Of the 1682 people prison officer jobs are not deemed to have such conditions until the age of 68. These questioned (85 per cent male) only just those unique characteristics. So people are the results of a psychologist-led survey under one third said they had never been will have to work in the front line of the of more than 1500 such staff, which has harassed at work and prison service until they are 68. now been debated in the House of only 40 per cent never Many older prison officers and their Commons. experience bullying at younger colleagues are extremely The survey was conducted by work. Three concerned about dealing with British Psychological Society Fellow and respondents out of 10 potentially violent young prisoners occupational health psychologist Professor had been physically when they are over 60.’ Gail Kinman, along with University of assaulted by a prisoner Many of the people surveyed felt Bedfordshire colleagues Andrew Clements while seven out of 10 that any support available to them to and Jacqui Hart. It was commissioned by said they regretted deal with assaults or stress was not POA, the trade union for prison, their choice of job. confidential. They also commonly correctional and psychiatric workers. The survey used reported that workplace stress was After results were published, a seminar HSE Management highly stigmatised in their institution was held at the House of Commons, Standards Indicator and could not be discussed openly. chaired by Elfyn Llwyd MP, chair of the Tool to assess members’ of Similarly, many felt guilty for taking time Justice Unions Parliamentary Group. The their job, as well as measures of mental off sick, and 84 per cent said they felt findings of the survey were the subject of health, burnout, work–life conflict and under pressure to come to work while an Early Day Motion and subsequently job satisfaction. Lower than average levels unwell. Kinman said: ‘The fact that debated in the House of Commons, and of well-being were found for all of the workplace stress was not a topic for a meeting of the Justice Parliamentary HSE’s work stressor categories. The discussion in prisons was a thread which Group and the Minister was biggest ‘well-being gaps’ relate to ran through our findings. This means that recommended and agreed by the demands, job control, manager support, support services are either not offered or Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State change management and relationships. not taken up. Almost half of the sample for Justice, Andrew Selous. Due to government pension changes, didn’t even know if there were support Kinman said she had been alarmed prison officers, who made up the majority services available to them.’ ER Mental health heroes

February saw psychology personalities Fiona Phillips Professor Richard Bentall, and Longden was nominated research associate and and Denise Welch. When the recent head of Liverpool’s on the basis of her academic psychosis expert Dr Eleanor addressing the audience, clinical psychology and media work in Longden (Liverpool Mr Clegg emphasised the programme, Professor John highlighting the psychosocial University) invited to attend ‘Cinderella status’ of mental Read, to the recent BPS report causes of mental health the Deputy Prime Minister’s health research and clinical Understanding Psychosis and difficulties (see her article in Mental Health Heroes Awards input in comparison to other Schizophrenia. The Psychologist, August 2013: at Whitehall. The reception healthcare branches. He stated Among the 10 regional tinyurl.com/n4y5t7h), as well was organised by Nick Clegg that psychiatric treatment winners were Kai Moore, as public discussion of her to recognise individuals who must be placed on the same a former Youth MP for West own experiences of trauma have helped, supported or level as physical health, and Sussex who started the ‘Free and psychosis, particularly her inspired those with mental that taboos surrounding Your Mind’ campaign two 2013 TED talk, ‘The Voices in health difficulties. It was held mental health issues must end. years ago; Debbie My Head’ (see the video at to mark Time to Change’s Whilst at the ceremony, Humberstone, founder and tinyurl.com/tedlongd), which ‘Time to Talk’ initiative, which Dr Longden discussed some of coordinator of The Project, has been viewed nearly three encourages people to challenge the work being carried out at a charity in Devon that million times, been translated stigma and speak out about Liverpool University’s Institute supports young people with into 34 languages, and was mental health issues. of Psychology, Health and mental health issues; and named by The Guardian Other attendees included Society. This included Becki Luscombe, a mental newspaper as ‘One of the 20 Professor Louis Appleby, contributions from herself, health campaigner who was Online Talks That Could Norman Lamb, and television Professor Peter Kinderman, given her award posthumously. Change Your Life’. ER

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Laugh and think with TED FUNDING NEWS This month’s TED conference in Vancouver will feature a number of talks from eminent The ESRC invites applications neuroscientists speaking around the theme for its Research Grants. Awards ‘Truth and Dare’. The global Technology, ranging from £200,000 to £2 Entertainment and Design events have gathered million are to enable individuals a vast following with their free online talks and or research teams to undertake draw together a vast array of scientists, anything from a standard thinkers, artists and musicians. research project through to Among those speaking this year will be a large-scale survey.There is neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott considerable flexibility on subject (University College London). Scott is Deputy area, as long as it falls within the Director of the university’s Institute of Cognitive ESRC’s remit. Applications to the Neuroscience, and her research focuses on the neurological basis of communication, including scheme can be submitted at any speech and vocalised . During her time. research into laughter she has made some I tinyurl.com/4o5a3ag unexpected discoveries, including that the one UC Irvine and a recipient of the Troland Award almost guaranteed way to get someone to laugh of the US National Academy of Sciences. ‘To put The Wellcome Trust invites is to show them another person laughing. it simply,’ the TED website says, ‘we actively applications for its Research Professor Scott puts her knowledge to good use create everything we see, and there is no aspect Fellowships scheme. This as an occasional stand-up comedian with UCL’s of reality that does not depend on scheme supports individuals Bright Club. She said: ‘I am surprised, delighted consciousness’. at all stages of their career not and honoured to have this opportunity. I really Another cognitive scientist to speak at in established academic posts, enjoy planning and giving talks, and I sincerely the event will be Laura Schulz (MIT), whose wishing to undertake a period of desire to do this as well as possible.’ developmental behaviour studies are exploring research. The maximum duration Speaking in a session titled ‘What are we how children learn. Schulz is the university’s is three years. The awards are thinking?’ is neuroscientist, and acclaimed lead investigator of the Early Childhood full-time but can be on a part- author of short story collection Sum, David Cognition Lab and her work bridges time basis if personal Eagleman. In a career including research into computational models of cognitive development circumstances require this. time perception, brain plasticity and neurolaw, and behavioural studies in order to understand Fellowships provide research Eagleman has also worked on a six-part TV the origins of inquiry and discovery. She works expenses and a salary, plus series The Brain, which will air in autumn. in play labs, children’s museums, and on appropriate employer's Some of his most recent research looks into a recently launched citizen science website. contributions. The next round technology that bypasses sensory impairments, Schulz has uncovered surprising results, of applications will be in July. including a smartphone-controlled vest that including that before the age of four, children I tinyurl.com/qbyqzco translates sound into patterns of vibration for expect hidden causes when events happen the deaf. probabilistically, use simple experiments to The Experimental Psychology Donald Hoffman, also speaking in the ‘What distinguish causal hypotheses, and trade off Society invites applications for are we thinking?’ session, is a cognitive scientist learning from instruction and exploration. ER its Mid-Career Awards. The who studies how our visual perception guides I TED Vancouver runs 16–20 March. See purpose is to recognise an our everyday reality. He is a faculty member at https://conferences.ted.com/TED2015/ experimental psychologist who is currently active in research and has a distinguished record of a substantial period. Nominees HCPC REGISTRATION RENEWAL REMINDER have typically gained their PhD 15–25 years previously. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration renewal period for practitioner Nominations may be made by psychologists opens on Sunday 1 March 2015 and closes on Sunday 31 May 2015. The HCPC will any Ordinary Member of the write to all registered practitioner psychologists at the beginning of March with information on Society by 1 September each how to renew. year. To renew, registrants must complete a professional declaration and pay a renewal fee no I tinyurl.com/n9wqm42 later than midnight on 31 May. The easiest and quickest way to do this is via the online system. More information, including video guides, is available at www.hcpc-uk.org/renew. For BPS awards and grant A random sample of 2.5 per cent of the profession will also be selected to submit a continuing schemes, see professional development (CPD) profile during this period. Those selected for audit will receive info www.bps.org.uk/awards&grants a separate letter after the renewal notices are sent out. More information, including sample Funding bodies should e-mail profiles, activity types and video guides, is available at www.hcpc-uk.org/registrants/cpd. news to Emma Smith on Registrants can contact the HCPC Registration Department with any queries on renewal or [email protected] the CPD audit process from 1 March, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on 0845 3004 472. for possible inclusion

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 189 news

Is packaging the plain and simple answer?

Government plans for changing the way cigarettes are sold in England are gathering pace – but does the research evidence support the strategy? Jon Sutton speaks to two health psychologists.

Tobacco manufacturers could be forced evidence supplied to the consultation. But it’s not just work conducted in to adopt so-called ‘plain packaging’ in Given the policy relevance of this the laboratory that has shown that plain England as soon as 2016, after Public research, it has been important to packaging might be effective in changing Health Minister Jane Ellison outlined disseminate it to policy makers and other smoking behaviour. Maynard points out the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition interest groups.’ that since being introduced in Australia in government’s move in January. MPs are Dr Maynard points to ‘considerable December 2012, research has found that expected to be given a free vote on the scientific evidence supporting the plain packaging has reduced the appeal of issue before Parliament is dissolved ahead introduction of plain packaging. Two smoking (Wakefield et al., 2013), and cut of this year’s general election campaign, systematic reviews (Moodie et al., 2012, down the prevalence of smokers which begins in April. Wales has already 2013) have shown that plain packaging displaying their packs on tables (Zacher et voted to accept any Westminster reduces the appeal of smoking, al., 2014). She adds: ‘Although it’s still too legislation on the matter. Scotland and particularly among young people, early to determine the effect of plain Northern Ireland are also expected to vote increases the noticeability and packaging on actual smoking rates in the on whether to back the move. But does effectiveness of the health warnings and country, researchers have observed the psychological evidence suggest the prevents smokers from being misled about increased numbers of calls to the stop change will be effective in reducing the relative health risks of smoking. The smoking Quitline in the months after the smoking? research we’ve conducted at the University introduction of plain packaging (Young et The UK government consulted on of Bristol supports this and has found, al., 2014). plain packaging in 2012, and last June using eye-tracking technology, that plain However, not all are convinced that we reported that the Department of packaging increases attention directed plain packaging will have an impact on Health had opened a six-week towards health warnings among non- current smokers. We spoke to Chris consultation and review of the evidence. smokers and non-daily smokers (Maynard Armitage, Professor of Health Psychology Dr Olivia Maynard, a Research Associate et al., 2013; Munafò et al., 2011). This is at the University of Manchester and a at the University of Bristol, is part of the important, as we know that health member of the British Psychological Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group in warnings are key in educating both Society Behaviour Change Advisory the School of Experimental Psychology. smokers and non-smokers about the Group. He pointed out that Moodie and She told us: ‘Our research contributed to health risks of smoking.’ colleagues had actually found that regular

Kenny, P.J. & Markou, A. (2006). 413–419. pictorial warnings on the reverse daily smokers. , 106(8), self-administration acutely activates Moodie, C., Stead, M., Bauld, L. et al. panel of cigarette packs: A repeat 1505–1510. brain reward systems and induces a (2012). Plain tobacco packaging: A cross-sectional study. Tobacco Peterson, D.E., Zeger, S.L., Remington, long-lasting increase in reward systematic review. Available at Control [Advance online publication]. P.L. & Anderson, A.H. (1992). The

references sensitivity. Neuropsychopharmacology, tinyurl.com/kt3u5cl doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2013- effect of state cigarette tax increases 31, 1203–1211. Moodie, C., Angus, K., Stead, M. & Bauld, 050999 on cigarette sales, 1955 to 1988. Maynard, O.M., Munafò, M.R. & L. (2013). Plain tobacco packaging Munafò, M.R., Roberts, N., Bauld, L. & American Journal of Public Health, Leonards, U. (2013). Visual attention research: An update. Available at Leonards, U. (2011). Plain packaging 82(1), 94–96. to health warnings on plain tobacco tinyurl.com/kelpqxc increases visual attention to health Wakefield, M.A., Hayes, L., Durkin, S. & packaging in adolescent smokers Moodie, C., Mackintosh, A.M. & Hastings, warnings on cigarette packs in non- Borland R. (2013). Introduction and non-smokers. Addiction, 108(2), G. (2013). Adolescents’ response to smokers and weekly smokers but not effects of the Australian plain

190 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 news

A BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER?

The Centre for Behaviour Change at University College London has study behavioural theories more quickly. In particular it allows UCL launched a new venture with global health provider Bupa, to develop to advance discoveries in its ‘Grand Challenges’ programme, which applied digital behavioural change initiatives in key health issues. aims to bring disciplines together to address wider societal problems Named the Global Institute for Digital Health Excellence (GLIDHE), and input to practitioners, policy makers, and the public. ‘The the initiative is a bridge between academic and private company initiative allows behavioural science and computer science to work worlds that tests behaviour change theories on a wide scale, and closely together to create what we hope will be the behavioural helps solve major health and well-being issues. science version of the Large Hadron Collider!,’ Professor Michie says. Professor Susan Michie, Director of the UCL Centre of Behaviour ‘The datasets will be huge and complex and the challenges will be Change (see www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change), says, ‘The goal is to methodological, practical and theoretical.’ support people to change behaviour in their everyday lives. This Some of the areas GLIDHE are looking to test initially will involve means that partnerships between academia and organisations that smoking cessation, following positive trials with Robert West, whose can provide field testing at scale is imperative. The concept is not work in developing SmokeFree 28 formed the basis for the first specific to health – it applies to all areas of life where behaviour is GLIDHE project, BupaQuit. GLIDHE will also look at areas of cravings key – for example, environmental sustainability, organisational management and alcohol intake reduction apps, in collaboration with functioning, international conflict, an equitable and just society.’ national health institutions. GLIDHE was developed following research collaborations Two advisory boards, one scientific and one of global between Bupa’s Group Digital Director Alan Payne, UCL Professor of organisations, will systematically identify and prioritise research Health Psychology and Associate of the Centre of Behaviour Change topics; develop, test and evaluate interventions; and deliver the Robert West, and UCL Professor of Computing Science Philip products with a view to maximum take-up. Professor Michie says, Treleaven. Bupa’s vision to work as a global healthcare provider with ‘We will test those models that combine empirical support with behavioural and computing science at its core led to practical utility for our purpose.’ She clearly has big ambitions for the a neat fit with UCL, who will provide the behavioural science input. GLIDHE’s work. ‘I foresee two major impacts. From the perspective This academic rigour is an important element in a time of rapid of a scientific partner, it is to see significant advances in our growth in ‘mobile health applications’. ‘It’s showing up the understanding of behaviour change and in the synergistic advances weaknesses of traditional research methods and we are having to in scientific thinking and practice of working closely with computer create new, much more agile, methods of evaluating interventions, scientists. The second impact is social and health – to engage while still having confidence in the robustness of the findings,’ millions, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, to explains Professor Michie. Alan Payne adds, ‘Bupa’s priority is use products that will improve their health. But we’re even going prevention and reducing the demand on health eco systems. Our beyond narrow definitions of health to encompass well-being, scope includes the use of smartphones and devices to telephone addressing topics such as stress and sleep.’ interventions, allowing us to cross the digital divide and service all demographics at all times.’ I Written for The Psychologist by Eloise Smart, BPS member and For UCL, this ambition, as well as Bupa’s scale (with over 22 blogger at www.littlegreymatters.com. For more on this story million ‘customers’ in 190 countries), allows researchers to test and and other news, see www.thepsychologist.org.uk/reports

smokers were less inclined to quit the chance of smoking uptake. But he (For more on this, see Lynne Dawkins’ smoking in response to packaging added: ‘One concern for the future is article in last May’s issue). in 2011 (after graphic images were whether e-cigarette advertising and/or When asked whether standardised introduced on packaging), compared e-cigarette uptake ultimately turns out packaging should be the priority for the to 2008 (before graphic images were to be a precursor to future cigarette government in its attempts to stop people introduced on packaging). Regarding smoking. Although nicotine consumption from smoking, Professor Armitage told young smokers, Professor Armitage said per se does not appear to be related to The Psychologist: ‘There is a large body of that before advertising bans on smoking, increased risk of cancer, there is some evidence, stretching back quite a few research tended to show that awareness of evidence that nicotine disrupts brain years (e.g. Peterson et al., 1992) advertising and to smoke were reward mechanisms that could increase suggesting that increased taxation will linked and therefore any reduced susceptibility to other drugs (e.g. Kenny reduce both uptake and consumption of exposure to advertising is likely to reduce & Markou, 2006; Yurasek et al., 2013).’ cigarettes. Given that all the regulatory mechanisms are already in place, increased taxation would seem to be a more straightforward way of preventing smoking uptake than developing new packaging policy on adult smokers: A et al. (2013). Smokers report greater rules about packaging.’ cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 3, demand for alcohol on a behavioral Dr Maynard may not disagree with e003175. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013- economic purchase task. Journal of 003175 Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 74(4), this, telling us: ‘Despite the expected Young J.M., Stacey I., Dobbins T.A. et al. 626–634. benefits of plain packaging, it is (2014). Association between tobacco Zacher M., Bayly M., Brennan E. et al. important to remember that it will be plain packaging and Quitline calls: A (2014). Personal tobacco pack display most effective as part of a comprehensive population-based, interrupted time- before and after the introduction of tobacco control strategy that includes series analysis. Medical Journal of plain packaging with larger pictorial other policies, such as access to stop Australia, 200(1), 29–32. health warnings in Australia. Addiction, smoking services, restrictions on sales Yurasek, AM., Murphy, J.G., Clawson, A.H. 109(4), 653–662. to young people and effective taxation.’

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 191 How bad managers inspire People quicker to dismiss team camaraderie DIGEST In Journal of

evidence from psychology An unfair, uncaring manager makes for an uncertain working life, one characterised by stress, absenteeism and poor performance. than neuroscience But new research suggests a silver lining: when the boss is unjust, team members Imagine a politician from your party is in trouble for alleged misdemeanours. He’s come together. been assessed by an expert who says it is likely he has early-stage Alzheimer’s. A multi-institution collaboration led by If this diagnosis is correct, your politician will have to resign, and he’ll be replaced Adam Stoverink presented teams of by a candidate from an opposing party. students with an awkward event. The This was the scenario presented to participants in a new study by Geoffrey Munro students thought they’d been recruited to and Cynthia Munro. A vital twist was that half of the 106 student participants read solve tasks for a cash prize, but they were a version of the story in which the dementia expert based his diagnosis on detailed left twiddling their thumbs while waiting for cognitive tests; the other half read a version in which he used a structural MRI brain an assigned supervisor to show up. When scan. All other story details were matched, such as the expert’s years of experience he eventually did, he gave a sincere apology in the field, and the detail provided for the different techniques he used. to half of the groups, but the rest were Overall, the students found the MRI evidence more convincing than the cognitive fobbed off with a shrug, as he explained, tests. For example, 69.8 per cent of those given the MRI scenario said the evidence the ‘clearly my time is more important than politician had Alzheimer’s was strong and convincing, whereas only 39.6 per cent of yours’. Post-experiment, participants who students given the cognitive tests scenario said the same. MRI data was also seen to were fobbed off rated their supervisor be more objective, valid and reliable. Focusing on just those students in both conditions poorly, but also expressed feeling closer who showed scepticism, over 15 per cent who read the cognitive tests scenario to their team-mates. mentioned the unreliability of the evidence; none of the students given the MRI The evidence suggests the participants scenario cited this reason. were seeking to relieve cognitive In reality, a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s will always be made with cognitive dissonance, the discomfort caused by an tests, with brain scans used to rule out other explanations for any observed test ambiguous situation that doesn’t line up impairments. The researchers said their results are indicative of naive faith in the with their beliefs. One way to do this is to trustworthiness of brain-imaging data. ‘When one seek solidarity with others in the same contrasts the very detailed manuals accompanying position. This was characterised as ‘misery cognitive tests to the absences of formalised operational doesn’t just love any kind of company, it criteria to guide the clinical interpretation of structural loves only miserable company’ by eminent brain MRI in diagnosing disease, the perception that social psychologist on brain MRI is somehow immune to problems of reliability the back of his classic experiment, where becomes even more perplexing,’ they said. people who had volunteered for an electric What about the students with a very strong political shock of unknown severity unanimously identity for whom the diagnostic evidence was therefore chose to wait in a room with others sharing particularly unwelcome? The researchers found that the their fate, rather than people who didn’t. In gap between the perception of MRI and cognitive testing the current study, ambiguity was provoked was largest for this group. This is because, when the through injustice, in the form of a leader students were highly motivated to disbelieve the who didn’t appear to have his team’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, those told about the cognitive interests at heart. As predicted, the greater tests were very dismissive, but those told about the MRI the participants’ unease, the closer they felt In Basic and Applied Social scans showed similar levels of trust to their less to others in the same boat. Psychology partisan peers. The authors said this suggests we Bad situations can generate perverse are more willing to discount unwelcome psychological benefits: in this case, solidarity amongst evidence than we are to discount brain-based evidence. mistreated people. But this is still a silver These new results add to past findings showing people’s bias for neuroscience and lining on a dark cloud: in this paper alone, other ‘hard’ sciences and against psychology. For example, medical students think a follow-up study reports that teams with their psychology lectures are ‘soft and fluffy’; students think psychology is less a rude supervisor squandered more of their important than the other natural sciences; children rate psychological questions precious remaining time trying to make as easier than chemistry or biology questions; and expert testimony supporting an sense of the supervisor’s rudeness, instead insanity defence is seen as less convincing when delivered by a psychologist than of progressing on the tasks. More broadly, a psychiatrist. Another line of research suggests people are particularly influenced such employees would be beset by by images of brain scans, although recent attempts have failed to replicate this finding rumination, doubting and second-guessing [links to all studies can be found on the blog version of this, at tinyurl.com/pedla3x]. , to say nothing of the effects The researchers called for their work to be extended into other contexts, and for of specific acts of injustice against them. the allure of neuroscience to be probed more deeply. ‘The need for the general public And of course, some unjust leaders end up to accurately evaluate the scientific methods used by psychologists is especially playing team members against one another, relevant to real-world situations,’ they said, ‘in which strongly held values, beliefs, counteracting the camaraderie effects. or identification with specific groups renders people particularly likely to discount The lesson for organisations is not to psychological evidence.’ CJ assume that a cohesive team is a credit to their leader; it can be the opposite. AF

192 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 digest

Welcome to the Cyranoid illusion In Journal of Social Psychology

Imagine if the words that radio. The participants in words of the boy, he was came out of your mouth the Cyranoid condition were given more negative ratings. were spoken by another astonished and amused This is in spite of the fact person. Would anyone when told the truth of the the participants failed to notice? This idea was situation. adjust the difficulty of their explored by social A second study went questions in this condition, +DYH psychologist Stanley further. This time, panels presumably so as not to Milgram, famous for his of between three and five patronise the man publicly. studies into obedience, participants interrogated You can begin to see but he never published either a 37-year-old man or how the Cyranoid paradigm his results. a 12-year-old boy about who can illuminate issues to do \RX Milgram called the they are and what they know with social stereotypes hybrid of one person’s body about science, literature, triggered by appearances and another person’s mind, history and current affairs. and words, and the a Cyranoid, after the play For half the participants, differences in people’s Cyrano de Bergerac, in which the man and boy simply responses in terms of their the handsome Christian answered as themselves. private thoughts and public KHDUG« woos a woman using the For the other participants, actions. Another angle is graceful words provided by the boy or man was how a person’s speech is plain-looking Cyrano. Now Cyranoid. If the Cyranoid changed by the fact they are the concept has been boy was present before the speaking through another resurrected by a pair of panel, his answers were fed body. In this case, the man British researchers, Kevin to him by the man; if the and boy were trained to Corti and Alex Gillespie, who Cyranoid man was present, speak as themselves, yet say the approach has huge the words he spoke came the man shortened his potential as a paradigm in from the boy. sentences when speaking social psychology. Amazingly, the through the boy. The boy did The first study was participants in the Cyranoid not increase the length of a proof of concept. Forty conditions were no more his utterances when participants (average age likely to say afterwards that speaking as the man, 30; 22 women) spent 10 they thought their perhaps because of the minutes in conversation interviewee had given difficulty of doing so. with a 26-year-old man, scripted responses, spoken There could also be getting to know him. They words relayed by radio, or practical applications for thought this man was wasn’t speaking his own this technique – for another participant, but in thoughts. No participants instance, imagine helping fact he was working for the raised any spontaneous people with social anxiety. researchers. For half the suspicions about the They could occupy an participants, the man spoke interviewees’ autonomy intimidating situation bodily, freely as himself. For the during the interviews. And but have their words other half, he was a afterwards, when prompted dictated by someone else; The new podcast from Cyranoid and spoke the directly, only one person out or conversely, they could words of a 23-year-old of 17 in each condition (two practise providing the The British woman hidden in an Cyranoid conditions and two speech in such a situation adjacent room. In this normal) believed their while having the relative Psychological Society’s condition, the woman could interviewee’s answers had comfort of speaking their see and hear the man’s been fed to them. words through someone Research Digest interactions, and she fed The Cyranoid set-up else’s body. him what to say live, via the is especially intriguing to ‘Though Milgram did wireless earpiece he was social psychologists not live to see his Cyranoid wearing. because it allows the method come to fruition, Listen via Afterwards, the influence of a person’s the current research participants were asked appearance to be weighed provides ample basis for www.bps.org.uk/digest whether they thought the against the influence of the continued exploration man had spoken his own their words, as spoken by of this intriguing thoughts, or whether his another person. In this methodological paradigm,’ answers were scripted. study, the participants rated the researchers said. Only a tiny minority of the personality and ‘Indeed, the Cyranoid participants in both groups intelligence of the man and method may yet prove to be thought this might be true. boy equally positively when a long overdue addition to None of them thought he’d they spoke as themselves. the social psychologist’s had his words fed to him by Yet when the man spoke the toolkit.’ CJ

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 193 digest

Imagining walking through a doorway triggers increased In Memory

We’ve all had that experience a large, furnished room. The from an array of ten literally seeing a doorway and of going purposefully from one other group wandered round alternatives. The group who’d passing through it. room to another, only to get the same room, but this one imagined passing through a The first experiment wasn’t there and forget why we made was divided in two by drapes, doorway performed worse at without issues – for example, the journey. Four years ago, with a doorway connecting the the task than the first group the doorway group spent more researcher Gabriel Radvansky two separated areas. who didn’t have to go through time imagining their walk than and his colleagues stripped this Next the participants were a doorway. the other group. Lawrence and effect down, showing that the shown an abstract swirly image, This result fits with the Peterson conducted a second simple act of passing through a and asked to remember it as event horizon model, which experiment in which two more doorway induces forgetting. Now they closed their eyes and explains the forgetting effect groups of students were first psychologists at Knox College, imagined walking from the of doorways in terms of the exposed to a basic virtual reality USA, have taken things further, podium to the piano in the room fact that we divide our room on a computer screen. demonstrating that merely they’d just experienced. For the memories into distinct events, One group saw a room with a imagining walking through second group only, this imagined that doorways trigger such partition and doorway; the other a doorway is enough to trigger walk meant passing through the a division, and that more group saw the same room with increased forgetfulness. room’s doorway (but the walk forgetting occurs across event no partition or doorway. Both Zachary Lawrence and was the same distance as the boundaries than within the groups were asked to imagine Daniel Peterson divided 51 other group’s). After imagining same event. The new study making a walk through the students into two groups. One the walk in the room, both shows that this event division scene they’d been shown. This group spent a minute groups had to pick out the effect can occur in our time both groups took the same familiarising themselves with image they’d been shown earlier imagination and doesn't require time to complete their imagined

Our brains respond to corporations as if they are people In Social Neuroscience

The US Supreme Court has an antisocial vignette was cortex previously implicated recently made a number of a freelance gardener or a in predicting mental states rulings that suggest it sees gardening company deciding and discriminating emotion. corporations as having similar to charge an invalid falsely, They argue this is significant rights and responsibilities to for work they didn’t carry out. because past studies have individual human beings, such When David Eagleman, shown deactivations in this as that they have the right to and his colleagues Mark Plitt area when manipulations free speech, and can be exempt and Ricky Savjani, directly present human beings as neutral actions. Previous work from laws that contradict their compared the corporation and dehumanised, so you might has also suggested that we take owner’s religious beliefs. Can a person conditions they found no expect to find a difference in this unethical corporate behaviour new study help us significant differences in brain area when viewing a non-human as a strong predictor of future determine whether the court’s activity. Moreover, compared to a target – but this was not the behaviour but we are more approach is justified? neutral baseline (descriptions of case for corporations. lenient when it comes to people, Forty participants viewed objects not performing a social After viewing each vignette, as to err is human. written vignettes while their action), there were a number of participants were also asked to Can we gain any legal brains were scanned, each common areas of activation in make an evaluation of how they insight from these findings? describing a prosocial, antisocial response to individual people or were feeling – a rating of They could be seen as an or neutral action committed corporations, with Eagleman’s intensity of a menu of feelings endorsement of the extension either by a person or a team particularly interested in including ‘admiration’ or of rights to corporations. On the corporation. An example of an area of the medial prefrontal ‘indignation’ – and this data did other hand, we could argue that point to a difference: humans our brains are simply doing their behaving prosocially were met best to model the active The material in this section is taken from the with stronger approval than intrusions of corporations into Society’s Research Digest blog at were corporations, and our lives, by treating them more www.researchdigest.org.uk/blog, and is written by its misbehaving corporations like people than inanimate editor Dr Christian Jarrett and contributor Dr Alex made participants angrier. objects. But this wouldn’t make Fradera. Visit the blog for full coverage including This sense that corporations this an acceptable situation; in references and links, additional current reports, an are judged more harshly is fact, low tolerance for corporate archive, comment and more. consistent with a finding from actions could suggest that we the imaging data that the resent the people-like status Subscribe to the fortnightly e-mail, friend, follow and superior temporal gyrus, an that corporations already have. more via www.bps.org.uk/digest area that responded differently Ultimately, as a question of how for positive versus negative society ought to be, science can actions, responded in the provide insights, but not ‘negative’ way for corporation’s answers. AF

194 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 digest

DIGEST DIGESTED

Full reports are available at www.bps.org.uk/digest journeys. But again, the group simply imagining such a walk who imagined passing through yields a similar result is even There are two types of envy, psychologists report. The benign variety a doorway performed worse more surprising, particularly is focused on the attainments of the envied. The malicious variety, by when attempting to remember when compared with actually contrast, is focused more on the envied person and combating their an abstract image they’d been walking through doorways.’ superiority. Only malicious envy is associated with feelings of shown before the imagined walk This effect of an imagined schadenfreude when the envied suffer. Cognitive and Emotion (roughly 18 per cent worse, spatial boundary on forgetting which is comparable to the is consistent with a related line Introverts tend to give effect found for actually walking of research that’s shown their extravert team- through a doorway). forgetting increases after mates unfair peer ‘That walking through temporal or other boundaries appraisals – that is, lower a doorway elicits forgetting is are described in narrative text. ratings than non-extravert surprising because it is such It seems real-world influences team-mates who made the a subtle perceptual feature on your memory also apply in same contribution to compared to the rich imagined realms, whether team-performance. environment in which it sits,’ they’re of your own creation Extraverts do not take the researchers said, ‘that or someone else’s. CJ personality into account when rating their peers. Academy of Management Journal

LINK FEAST When people’s cherished beliefs are threatened by hard facts, they shift the justifications for what they belief, turning to unfalsifiable Exporting Trauma: Can the Talking Cure Do More Harm arguments. Psychologists say this can make people’s beliefs Than Good? increasingly hard to challenge. Journal of Personality and Social It's dangerous to assume that other cultures will benefit from Psychology our own Western approaches to psychotherapy, says Anna Leach in the Guardian. A study involving video games has found that people enjoy tinyurl.com/o5gzxnx competitive challenges more when there is a serious risk of losing, T ULLIO as opposed to when victory comes easily. Researchers say this How to Survive a Disaster M. P rewarding power of suspense has largely been neglected by current In a catastrophic event, UGLIA theories of motion. Motivation and Emotion most people fail to do the /G

one thing that would save ETTY Based on in-depth interviews with nine mothers who gave birth I their life, says Michael Bond MAGES through IVF and related medical procedures, researchers in Iran at BBC Future. have proposed the concept of ‘super-mothers’. These women who tinyurl.com/pykqagk conceive with medical help are extra protective and have heightened attachment to their offspring. Journal of Reproductive and Infant How Your Eyes Trick Your Mind Psychology An interactive guide to the history of visual illusions and what they've taught us about the mind. Helping other people tinyurl.com/mzwbtfn makes it easier for us to accept the help we How Real Are Facebook Friendships? need. Researchers The photographer Tanja Hollander found that most of her made the discovery friends on the network were willing to pose for portraits, and by having people they showed her great hospitality, even those she'd never met write hints to help or hadn't seen for years. others solve puzzles. tinyurl.com/pambx99 Doing this made the participants feel Batgirl’s Psychologist better about receiving The amazing story of Andrea Letamendi – the clinical help from others. psychologist whose once-secret love for comic books led Journal of Applied to her being written into one story as Batgirl's therapist. Social Psychology tinyurl.com/osq7la2 A technique that involves applying weak electrical currents to the The Story of Now – Morality brain – transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) – makes no Neuroscientist Molly Crockett discusses the psychology and difference to cognition, at least not after a single session. The claim neuroscience of morality as part of the BBC's experimental comes from a meta-analysis of previous findings and contradicts the and interactive Story of Now project. hype the technique has attracted in the media. Brain Stimulation tinyurl.com/pgl25xh

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 195 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Training Schedule

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 197 without deeper knowledge… ‘using an impressive concept, not to identify a discovery, but to cover over a lack of discovery’ (Billig, 2013). In short, it is,

FEATURE as psychologist and author Steven Pinker says (2014b), ‘prose that is turgid, soggy, Words and sorcery wooden, bloated, clumsy, obscure, unpleasant to read, and impossible to Simon Oxenham and Jon Sutton consider the causes and consequences of understand’. bad writing in psychology That’s as much as we’re going to say about what bad writing is… we’re not here to give examples, to point the finger. (And yes, we’re painfully aware of Muphry’s Law – http://en.wikipedia.org/ ack in 1971 Stanislav Andreski’s have you started to read an article or wiki/Muphry's_law – writing about Social Sciences as Sorcery slammed chapter – yes, in this publication as much writing is a risky business). In any case, Bacademics for their inability to as in more specialist journals and books – you already know what bad writing looks write clearly. There was, he argued, an before becoming hopelessly lost in a like, and you know what it feels like: the ‘abundance of pompous bluff and paucity thicket of writing that is stuffed full of big shudder when you encounter it, the of new ideas’, a use of ‘obfuscating jargon’ nouns and noun phrases, all ‘ontologies’ nagging sense of guilt when you resort to conceal a lack of anything to say. This and ‘epistemologies’? Might you own up to to writing it. So this is not a style guide. was, Andreski argued, another reflection similar failings in You will find little for the of modern society’s ‘advanced stage of your own written linguistic explorer; other cretinization’. work? pioneers, far braver than Fast forward to 2013 and social OK, let’s be “Why do so many we are, chart that territory psychologist Michael Billig’s superb Learn generous: all walks psychologists write badly? (e.g. Pinker, 2014a). to Write Badly: How to Succeed in the of life have their What impact does it have?” Instead, we roam the Social Sciences. Billig, while clearly a fan specialist language. fantasy land, considering of Andreski’s ‘gloriously ill-tempered As Professor Roy why bad writing thrives. Why stuff’, would recoil at his use of Baumeister (Florida State University) do so many psychologists write badly? ‘cretinization’. ‘Here, then, is the centre tells us, ‘[J]argon has a positive function. What impact does it have? And can we of my argument’, Billig writes. ‘The big Psychologists work with concepts that are chart a route out of the mire? concepts which many social scientists are often somewhat familiar to everybody – using – the ifications and the izations – but the everyday terms are used in fuzzy are poorly equipped for describing what and sloppy ways and carry lots of Bamboozling and boasting… people do. By rolling out the big nouns, connotational baggage. Jargon is used Are writers who can’t write simply bad social scientists can avoid describing because it is precise. New terms can be people, lacking in the right stuff? people and their actions. They can write defined carefully, so that writers and American philosopher Brand Blanshard in highly unpopulated ways, creating informed readers share an exact wrote in 1954: ‘Persistently obscure fictional worlds in which their theoretical understanding of what is meant.’ And it writers will usually be found to be things, rather than actual people, appear does at least seem that scientists use less defective human beings.’ According to as major actors.’ jargon in communication with a general Blanshard, to fail to write as clearly as None of us want to live in that audience than when talking with peers possible is simply ‘bad manners’. Michael fictional world: a land of bluff and (although not always less obscure jargon: Billig feels that such a person is ‘like a sorcery, of ivory towers, where maps of see Sharon and Baram-Tsabari, 2014). bully, who tries to humiliate others into misunderstanding leave vast wastelands Simply criticising jargon, therefore, submission’. And Pinker claims that the marked only ‘Here be dragons’. Or do we? misses the point: there’s more to bad most popular explanation outside the prose. We find it in an abstract style, academy for bad writing is ‘the cynical with the individual invisible; it hides in one: Bad writing is a deliberate choice. Beyond jargon shadowy extra syllables (step forward Scholars in the softer fields spout obscure How many conference presentations have ‘methodology’ and ‘utilise’); it’s there in verbiage to hide the fact that they have sailed right over your head? How often the academic terms chained together nothing to say. They dress up the trivial

Andreski, S. (1971). Social sciences as style. Indiana University Press. contemporary neuroscience. Science Sharon, A.J. & Baram-Tsabari, A. (2014). sorcery. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Davies, J. (2012). Academic Communication, 36, 617–645. Measuring mumbo jumbo. Public Baumeister, R., Vohs, K.D. & Funder, D.C. obfuscations – the psychological Oppenheimer, D.M. (2006). Consequences Understanding of Science, 23, 528–546. (2007). Psychology as the science of attraction of postmodern nonsense. of erudite vernacular utilized Sperber, D. (2010). The guru effect. Review

references self-reports and finger movements. Skeptic Magazine, 17, 44–47. irrespective of necessity. Applied of Philosophy and Psychology, 1(4), Perspectives on Psychological Science, Eubanks, P. & Schaeffe,r J. (2008). A kind , 20(2), 139–156. 583–592. 2(4), 396-403. word for bullshit. College Composition Pinker, S. (2014a). The sense of style. Starfield, S. (2004). Word power: Negotiating Billig, M. (2013). Learn to write badly: How and Communication, 59(3), 372–388. London: Allen Lane. success in a first-year sociology to succeed in the social sciences. O’Connor, C. & Joffe H. (2014). Social Pinker, S. (2014b). Why academics stink at essay. In L. Ravelli & R. Ellis (Eds.) Cambridge University Press. representations of brain research writing. The Chronicle of Higher Analysing academic writing (p.72). Blanshard, B. (1954). On philosophical exploring public (dis)engagement with Education. tinyurl.com/writestinks London: Continuum.

198 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 words and sorcery and obvious with the trappings of best simply isn’t that good’. as we become familiar with something, scientific sophistication, hoping to So what exactly is it that the bad we think about it more in terms of the bamboozle their audiences with writer lacks? The obvious answer would use we put it to and less in terms of what highfalutin gobbledygook.’ be education, but this is not the case. As it looks like and what it is made of.’ But are bad writers like an evil Billig says, ‘You have to study long and Pinker cites a paper in which researchers Wizard of Oz, conning their readers with hard to write this badly. That is the used true/false statements, but wrote: elaborate tricks to make themselves seem problem.’ What Billig hints at here is ‘Participants read assertions whose great and powerful? Or are they simply reflected in the Curse of Knowledge, veracity was either affirmed or denied by ‘following orders’, delivering what they which Pinker argues is central to the the subsequent presentation of an think is required by academia? Pinker appallingly opaque standard of assessment word’. In Pinker’s eyes the acknowledges this explanation too, communication that makes up much of researchers fell into the trap of functional saying: ‘People often tell me that academic writing. The Curse of fixity, describing a word by its function, academics have no choice but to write Knowledge has many guises: lack of a rather than in terms the reader can readily badly because the gatekeepers of journals , mind-blindness, ego- interpret. and university presses insist on centralism, , false The solution to the Curse of ponderous language as proof of one’s consensus, illusory transparency, to name Knowledge seems straightforward, and seriousness.’ The former Guardian science a few. Pinker writes: ‘It simply doesn’t is common to many forms of editor Tim Radford agrees, communication: we must

once telling this publication MGM/T consider our audience. Go (see tinyurl.com/radford0503): the extra mile, break down

‘I get the feeling scientists often HE our chunks so that they match K

get rewarded by journal editors OBAL the repertoire of our audience; for dressing up trivia in consider that our expertise C jargonistic language… [Papers] OLLECTION may have caused us to lose don’t have to be written like sight of what the words that. On the 100th anniversary actually mean to others. But of Roentgen’s discovery of X- even if we do begin to see rays it was quite weird seeing through the readers’ eyes, his paper and realising that Pinker explains that fear anyone could understand it.’ can blind us: ‘[I]f our readers But we would argue that do know the lingo, we might the problem is bigger than be insulting their intelligence journal publishing. Academia by spelling it out. We would has changed. With increasing rather run the risk of pressures on their time, confusing them while at least academics produce hastily Are bad writers conning their readers with elaborate tricks to appearing to be sophisticated written works. There is an old make themselves seem great and powerful? than take a chance at belaboring saying ‘easy writing makes hard the obvious while striking them reading’, and founding father psychologist occur to the writer that her readers don’t as naive or condescending.’ said that if there was know what she knows – that they haven’t Could something even deeper be at anything good in his own style of writing, mastered the missing steps that seem too play here? Might that ‘appearance of it was ‘the result of ceaseless toil in obvious to mention, have no way to sophistication’ be rather alluring? rewriting’. visualize a scene that to her is as clear as Billig also warns of a ‘culture of day. And she doesn’t bother to explain the competition and self-promotion’ that is jargon, or spell out the logic, or supply Does bad writing ‘work’? seeping into the content of our academic the necessary detail.’ The fact that bad writing not only writings. ‘This is a culture in which Pinker partially explains the Curse of survives but thrives in a hostile world of success and boasting seem to go hand in Knowledge through the phenomenon of grant applications and peer review might hand. When we write, we are constantly chunking. If the receiver doesn’t possess lead us to believe that writing using boasting about our approaches, our the same ‘chunks’ of information that we jargon and superficially sophisticated concepts, our theories, our ways of doing are using to communicate, then we might language can enhance the perceived social sciences and what these products as well be speaking gobbledygook. Pinker quality of our work. In 2010 social and can achieve. It is boast after boast, but also borrows another concept from cognitive scientist dubbed we scarcely notice that we are writing like cognitive psychology, that of functional this phenomenon the ‘guru effect’: ‘All too academic advertisers and that we are fixity. People typically fail to see that often, what readers do is judge profound training our students to do likewise.’ objects can have uses other than their what they have failed to grasp. Obscurity intended function: given a candle, a book inspires awe’ (see box, over, for more). of matches and a box of thumbtacks and Worse still, the opposite may be true if we …Or blinkered? asked to attach the candle to the wall fail to perform as expected, as Billig Other explanations for bad writing are without it dripping on the floor, it explains: ‘[I]f students and their teachers more forgiving. tells us: might not occur to us to fix the box try to use simple, clear language, rather ‘There are probably hundreds of thousands of thumbtacks to the wall in order to than big specialized concepts and phrases, of social scientists worldwide, and many hold the candle. According to Pinker, then they will risk appearing as if they never really mastered the art of writing. academics face the same problem. were inadequate, untrained and, most Usually they are trying their best to write ‘Expertise can make our thoughts more importantly, as if they did not belong.’ as they think the journals require. Their idiosyncratic and thus harder to share: There is some evidence that this

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 199 words and sorcery

According to Billig: ‘Size really does matter; and the intellectual circles, which specialist professors address The guru effect in their writings, are becoming ever ‘… participating in such a collective process [of interpretation] smaller.’ involves not just an intellectual but also – and more surely – Another nasty side-effect of bad a social benefit, that of belonging, of getting recognition as academic writing in psychology is a person in the know, capable of appreciating the importance the impact on the perception of the of a difficult great thinker. Not participating, on the other hand, discipline among those outside of may involve the cost of being marginalised and of appearing the field. Not too long ago the vast intellectually stale and flat. majority of academic research was ‘Here emerges a collective dynamics typical of intellectual locked up in an ivory tower, only schools and sects, where the obscurity of respected masters is seen by a relatively small community not just a sign of the depth of their thinking, but a proof of their of career academics and … Now sharing their interpretations and impressions with psychologists. If a newspaper picked other admirers, readers find in the admiration, in the trust that up a research story, researchers could other have for the master, reasons to consider their own expect journalists to be satisfied with interpretations as failing to do justice to the genius of the a press release: the public weren’t interpreted text. In turn these readers become disciples and likely to trek down to a university proselytes. Where we had the slow back-and-forth of solitary library to request a copy. Today, an reading between favourable interpretation and increased increasingly educated and confidence in authority, now we have a competition among connected public may expect disciples for an interpretation that best displays the genius of research covered in the news to be the master, an interpretation that, for this purpose, may be just accompanied by a link to the paper as obscure as the thought it is meant to interpret. Thus a thinker itself. And, as Eubanks and Schaeffer is made into a guru and her best disciples in gurus-apprentices.’ (2008) point out, bad writing can Dan Sperber (2010) then be ‘reprinted gleefully in the mainstream press as evidence that the eggheads at our universities are not just process is at play in university teaching we are not all falling victim to a giant case loons but absolute bullshitters… Such and testing. A study of first-year South of pluralistic ignorance. In 2006 Daniel writing is seen as gamesmanship in a African sociology students found that Oppenheimer challenged the ‘prevailing game that is rigged. In the public mind, students were awarded higher marks for wisdom’ that complicated language there is no admirable art or craft to conceptual ‘highly nominalised’ language increased perceived intelligence. He bullshitting an audience of fellow (Starfield, 2004). Incidentally, as Billig adjusted student dissertations using an academics who suspend disbelief so points out, in the very same study the algorithm that simply switched words of willingly.’ author herself uses highly nominalised nine letters or more with the second If the public are having the smell of language such as ‘ideational metafunction’ shortest entry in Microsoft Word’s bullshit wafted under their noses, it’s no and ‘semantic fields’, when ‘content’ and thesaurus. The simplified abstracts were surprise that they don’t like it. According ‘concept’ would do the job. Yet this style rated as more intelligent than the original to O’Connor and Joffe’s (2014) study of of writing has clearly worked for Starfield, versions. Oppenheimer’s acceptance social representations of brain research, who is now editor of the journal English speech for his Ig Nobel prize, which is drawing on interviews with 48 London for Specific Purposes, a journal covering given for ‘Research that makes people residents, the public’s disconnect with academic English. laugh and then think’, neatly sums up his academia can boil over into resentment Cognitive scientist Jim Davies has findings: ‘My research shows that and withdrawal. ‘Where do these people a theory on the pull of obscure writing. conciseness is interpreted as intelligence. come from, that actually understand these ‘I argue that some prefer it because each So thank you.’ things?’, asked one respondent: not her reader has to do so much work to get any world, was the implication. ‘You just, like meaning out of it, and when we have to I say, blind people with science, don’t work hard for something, we really value Falling on barren land you,’ said another. ‘And then it becomes it’ (Davies, 2012, p.45). Davies’s Bad writing becomes a particularly serious a subject that you just don’t understand. conclusion is based on ‘effort problem when scientific work is made With me, I just switch off. I’m not justification’, an idea stemming from inaccessible not only to our peers, but to understanding what you’re talking about Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance. researchers in adjoining fields and to the here, so I just switch off.’ Could it be that in the same way one wider public beyond. Are we creating a Even scientifically trained journalists, might value a group membership after generation of researchers who study the paid to read your work, can react in that being put through an initiation ceremony, same things in similar ways but speak way: they’re only human. As editor of the we place greater worth on works if we are different languages to one another, a Babel British Psychological Society’s Research forced to toil through them? filled with numerous disciplinary voices? If Digest, Dr Christian Jarrett has reported There have been high-profile so, we risk preventing the cross-pollination on the scientific literature for more than examples of obscure writing gaining of ideas and discoveries within the broad a decade. ‘I feel as though I’ve evolved acceptance: in 1996 physicist Alan Sokal ecosystem of psychology. If readers have to a mental machete for wading through successfully submitted an entirely spoof reach for a dictionary – or, worse, tumble thickets of jargon,’ he tells us. ‘Despite article to a postmodernist journal. But into a rabbit hole of successive journal this, there are still instances where the perhaps it is simply that you can fool articles – in order to find the meaning of writing is so dense that I give up, even some of the people some of the time, but a specialist term, our ideas risk getting lost. though the topic of the study might

200 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 words and sorcery sound fantastically intriguing. When the Psychologist, Scientific American Mind and ‘Feel proud if you can delete what has writing is that bad, it can make your head New Scientist can help you hone your taken lots of time to write. It may seem hurt. Conversely, to discover a well- skills. ‘Writing for those outlets generally like a waste of effort, but it’s not. Slow written journal article is a joy. I find forces you to weed out woolly and food is good because you leave out lots myself wanting to thank the authors for wasteful prose, because (a) their of unnecessary stuff that you believed was bringing pleasure to my day. That said, if readership is generally less tolerant of important. When writing, it is amazing the actual science is poor or boring, an obfuscation and evasion and (b) their how the necessary ingredients are eloquent author won’t be enough to format generally places a premium on revealed only after you have also put in convince me to cover the findings.’ a high impact to space ratio.’ some unnecessary ones and then – slowly Others advocate putting the and painstakingly – removed them. personal back at the centre of psychology, Actually, it works best when there is A way forward populating that world in order to move another person to read what you wrote If we want to understand, resist and, away from the science of ‘self-reports and and will discuss it with you. This puts in maybe, change how people are doing finger movements’ (Baumeister et al., some brakes and is an excellent way to things in the academic world and 2007). Professor Elizabeth Loftus tells us: slow down the process. And at the same elsewhere, then we will have to ‘I like to include “stories” in my writing… time it makes it fun.’ dream that we can do things stories of people who were wrongfully differently. We might take note of the convicted based on someone’s faulty verbs – to understand, to resist, to memory, stories of a famous person who Resisting the onslaught change and to dream – and we might misremembered something important We’ve heard from some of the very best hope, but not expect, to find ways to from their past. Stories grab people and psychologists: when the chips are down set these old linguistic servants free make them interested in learning more the top dogs come up smelling of roses. on our pages. (Billig, 2013) about the science behind the story.’ If we can just follow their advice, hit that Writing for an online audience can bullseye, the rest of the dominoes should You may detect a note of pessimism in also help tailor your style. Dr Jarrett says: fall like a house of cards. Checkmate. Billig’s suggestions. Indeed, he feels he is ‘When you write online, you often receive OK, so maybe we’re as guilty of bad ‘whispering in the wind’. The conditions of instant feedback and this can help you writing as anybody. And our clumsy, academia will persist, and the motivation better understand the audience’s idealistic pleading may fall on deaf ears. and awareness necessary for change are perspective and expectations. With online Perhaps we are preaching mainly to the simply not there. ‘Academics today are not writing there is also this sense that you’re new generation. As Billig writes, ‘I can writing in answer to a higher calling,’ he competing for people’s attention. More see young postgraduates struggling to says. ‘We are, to put it bluntly, hacks who than ever, you need to learn to grab their understand what they know they must write for a living… Most social scientists, eye and lure them in. Once there, don’t read. Sometimes, I see their confidence like fishes in water, do not notice what waste their time whatever you do. Any draining away in the face of big words, they are doing. They just keep swimming waffle and they’re just one click away as if they were failing the test that defines through the density of their own prose.’ from the exit.’ whether they are fit to think intellectually. Can we reach a more optimistic Psychologist and blogger Professor I want to tell them to trust their own conclusion? There are psychologists out Dorothy Bishop (University of Oxford) supposed inadequacies, for their failings there who write with intelligence, clarity agrees that writing for social media helps might protect them from the onslaught of and passion. Why not turn to them for an develop a more readable style. She also big words.’ alternative view? tells us that she has had journal referees So our message for students and Professor Alex Haslam, a social comment that the language in her papers anyone else who will listen… take time psychologist at the University of is ‘rather informal’: ‘I am now old enough over your writing: it matters. Don’t drain Queensland, studied English at university, to just reply “I take that as a it of colour. Put yourself and others back and his love of the written word shines compliment”,’ she says. Bishop also gives into the worlds you write about. Above through. ‘I think that an appreciation of us a simple tip for weeding out those all consider your audience and try to the beauty and musicality of words – as tortuous sentences: ‘Just read your work write in smaller words for bigger circles. well as their power – is very important,’ aloud. I do this for most things I publish he tells us. ‘Treat language as if it were a and it helps a lot. I think it was Alan I Simon Oxenham is a science writer based Stradivarius not a sledgehammer.’ Haslam Baddeley who first told me about this, in Bristol: follow @neurobonkers and see also describes writing as a critical vehicle and he proves the method works – his www.BigThink.com/Neurobonkers for thought. ‘Put another way, I often books are far more readable than most.’ I Dr Jon Sutton is Managing Editor of The don’t know exactly what I think until Reading your work back all adds time, Psychologist: [email protected] I have written it, and I use the writing and we’re back again to the pressured and process as a forensic means of honing my competitive conditions of academia. own thinking. For this reason it is critical But some are convinced this is the key. that what one writes is as precise and as ‘To me, good writing is simple writing,’ economical as possible. There’s also a lot Professor Uta Frith (University College to be gained from changing the London) tells us. ‘But simple is not Have your say mysterious into the concrete, and for fast. In fact it is very slow, and it is all Do you think bad writing is a problem in writing in ways that make it clear what about knowing what not to say. psychology? Perhaps you would like to share one’s own perspective and role is (rather Inspired by the Slow Food movement examples of beautifully written journal articles than implying, through omission of these I have tried to argue for slow science. and books in psychology? Send your letters for details, that such things don’t matter).’ Belatedly, I have realised that I need to consideration to [email protected] or According to Haslam, writing for argue also for slow writing.’ connect with us on Twitter @psychmag. more popular publications like The Professor Frith’s advice is this:

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 201 ‘Hello, Lisa. This is Helen. Your mother passed out at church, the paramedics are here and she refuses to go to the

ARTICLE emergency room.’ This call began a two- Eldercare: The new frontier year odyssey that included three hospital stays, major surgery, two stints in a rehabilitation facility, frequent outpatients of work–family balance tests and regular follow-up visits with doctors. In addition to coordinating my Lisa Calvano on the psychological impact of caring for spouses and parents mother’s medical care, I arranged in-home help and home modifications, worked out health insurance issues and managed her In the UK the number of people 65 ork–family balance is a popular finances and household needs while she and older is expected to double by topic in the media, with the was hospitalised. The most difficult role 2050 to 19 million. With an ageing Wdiscussion usually focusing on the was providing emotional support as my population and greater longevity, challenges of having a career and raising mother struggled with the loss of her more family members will need to a family at the same time. However, there independence and, at times, resisted step in as caregivers. The is another issue that should be part of the getting the treatment and help she Chartered Institute of Personnel conversation – eldercare. As lifespans needed. and Development added a question increase around the world and more The call came at a challenging time about the impact of caregiving working adults care for ageing family for me professionally – one week after responsibilities on employee and friends, eldercare is an emerging issue I had completed the first year of my first absences to its 2014 Absence for organisations and their employees. tenure-track academic job. Fortunately Management Report. While the According to a report by Carers UK this happened during the summer when report indicates that caregiving (2013), ‘by 2017 the UK will reach the I had more flexibility, but a couple of has a slight to moderate impact on tipping point for care when the numbers months later I found myself juggling absence, at present few employers of older people needing care will outstrip a demanding job and my mother’s care. have policies in place to support the numbers of working age family As an only child, balancing the two roles caregivers beyond the minimum members currently available to meet that was particularly challenging even with required by law. This article demand’. support from my spouse, extended family explores the relationship between In this article I will discuss the impact and friends. eldercare and work and suggests of eldercare on the health and well-being At a stressful time like this, as only that employers should create of caregivers, explore the relationship an academic would do, I turned to the supportive workplaces that help between employment and eldercare, literature to try to make sense of my employees balance the two roles. explain why working is good for predicament. What I discovered was caregivers and describe how employers a compelling topic that was understudied can play a positive role in helping compared to other work–family issues. employees deal with eldercare As a result, I stumbled into a new and responsibilities. I will begin with a unexpected research area. Studying it How does having eldercare personal story, because it explains what helped me understand my own responsibilities impact caregivers with inspired me to study the intersection of experience and launched a new research jobs? eldercare and work. agenda as I encountered friends and questions questions What can organizations do to help their colleagues who said ‘Me too’. Here are employees cope with the demands of some highlights of what I learned as both eldercare? An eldercare odyssey a researcher and a caregiver. Until she was 85 years old my mother lived on her own and enjoyed good Chast, R. (2014). Can’t we talk about health. I never gave much thought to Effect on caregiver health something more pleasant? New York: what would happen if she could not and well-being Bloomsbury. www.carersuk.org care for herself. As is often the case, my One definition of eldercare is informal resources www.caregiving.org introduction to eldercare began with a care of ageing family and friends that phone call that went something like this: may entail addressing a combination of

Austen, S. & Ong, R. (2014). The effects 218–238. Piktialis, D. (2012). Employer caregiving on work. Washington, DC: of ill health and informal care roles Carers UK (2013). Supporting working perceptions of elder care assistance AARP Public Policy Institute. on the employment retention of mid- carers: The benefits to families, programs. Journal of Workplace George, L.K. & Gwyther, L.P. (1986). life women: Does the workplace business and the economy. London: Behavioral Health, 23(4), 359–379. Caregiver well-being: A

references matter? Journal of Industrial Author. Duxbury, L., Higgins, C. & Smart, R. multidimensional examination of Relations, 55(5), 663–680. Davis, C.G., Nolen Hoeksema, S. & (2011). Elder care and the impact of family caregivers of demented adults. Boise, L. & Neal, M.B. (1996). Family Larson, J. (1998). Making sense of caregiver strain on the health of The Gerontologist, 26, 253–259. responsibilities and absenteeism: loss and benefiting from the employed caregivers. Works, 40(1), Gouin, J., Glaser, R., Beversdofy, W.B. & Employees caring for parents versus experience. Journal of Personality and 29–40. Kiecolt-Glaser, J. (2012). Chronic employees caring for children. Social Psychology, 75, 561–574. Feinberg, L. & Choula, R. (2012). stress, daily stressors, and Journal of Managerial Issues, 8(2), Dembe, A.E., Dugan, E., Mutschler, P. & Understanding the impact of family circulating inflammatory markers.

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physical, psychological, 2012; Schroeder et al., 2012). medical, household and Another finding is that having financial needs (Smith, greater financial resources and 2004). Care recipients stronger informal support systems may live with their positively affects physical and caregivers, remain in psychological outcomes (Pinquart their own homes or live & Sörenson, 2007). Thus, in a residential facility. inequality of outcomes is evidence Examples of typical of a social equity dimension to eldercare responsibilities burdens of eldercare, although the include: providing direct issue is seldom discussed in these care such as bathing and terms. feeding; coordinating medical care; managing medication; arranging in- Balancing caregiving home services; offering and employment emotional support; Because caregiving responsibilities handling finances; and and careers tend to peak around the providing transportation same time – between the ages of 45 to appointments. Eldercare and 64 – another important area of is psychologically distinct inquiry is the effect of eldercare on from childcare because the work (Carers UK, 2013). Although need for care often begins employed caregivers report higher with an unexpected The daily stress of caring for a dementia patient, especially levels of work-family conflict (Zuba emergency and usually a spouse, has been associated with increased depressive & Schneider, 2013) and experience increases over time as the symptoms more stress than non-caregivers care recipient becomes (Keene & Prokos, 2007), there is no more dependent. Eldercare conclusive evidence that the stress of can also generate complex emotions characteristics of caregivers and care eldercare translates into negative work because of the role reversal of children recipients make a difference. For example, outcomes (Zacher et al., 2012). caring for parents, and the surfacing of spouses fare worse than adult children Although research results are unresolved family issues (Smith, 2004). who provide care, and caregivers of ambiguous about the extent to which Research indicates that all types of people with dementia are the most eldercare disrupts work, anyone who caregivers experience more stress than negatively affected of all groups. The daily juggles both roles knows that spillover is non-caregivers (Lee, 1997), but eldercare stress of caring for a dementia patient, inevitable. The most extreme reaction to seems to produce more psychological especially a spouse, has been associated an increase in caregiving responsibilities strain than childcare (Duxbury et al., with increased depressive symptoms, is to reduce work hours permanently or 2011). Indeed, eldercare affects the decreased immune function and elevated drop out of the workforce entirely, leading physical, psychological and economic markers of inflammation (McGuire et al., to a phenomenon known as the ‘caregiver health of caregivers, which is collectively 2002; Gouin et al., 2012). penalty’. This refers to the long-term known as ‘caregiver burden’ (George & While there are various financial impact of lost earnings, Gwyther, 1986). Numerous meta-analyses methodological limitations in the employment-related benefits and pension have revealed how eldercare impacts academic research, and some contributions (Feinberg & Choula, caregiver health and well-being. Vitaliano contradictory results, it is clear that 2012). Again, both academic and public et al. (2003) found that caregivers have certain groups – such as women, ethnic policy research agree that women, a slightly greater risk for health problems minorities and people with lower socio- especially those in low-skilled and low- than non-caregivers. Pinquart and economic status – experience more status jobs, as well as low-income Sörensen (2003) found that four negative outcomes (Pinquart & Sörenson, workers and ethnic minorities, are most dimensions of psychological health – 2003, 2005, 2006). Public policy research likely to reduce their hours or leave the depression, stress, self-efficacy and well- in the United Kingdom, and workforce (e.g. Austen & Ong, 2014; being – are affected more strongly than Canada reaches the same conclusion Feinberg & Choula, 2012). physical health. They also found that the (Carers UK, 2013; Feinberg & Choula, For caregivers who stay in the

Health Psychology, 31, 264–268. members. Journal of Aging and Social the work, family, and health network. empirical studies. Journal of Greenhaus, J.H. & Powell, G.N. (2006). Policy, 23(2), 159–181. American Sociological Review, 79, Occupational Health Psychology, 2(3), When work and family are allies: A Keene, J.R. & Prokos, A.H. (2007). The 485–516. 220–228. theory of work–family enrichment. sandwiched generation: Multiple Kim, J., Ingersoll-Dayton, B. & Kwak, M. Marks, S.R. (1977). Multiple roles and Academy of Management Review, caregiving responsibilities and the (2011). Balancing eldercare and role strain. American Sociological 31(1), 72–92. mismatch between actual and employment: The role of work Review, 42, 921–936. Katz, R., Lowenstein, A., Prilutzky, D. & preferred work hours. Sociological interruptions and supportive McGuire, L., Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K. & Halperin, D. (2011). Employers’ Spectrum, 27(4), 365–387. employers. Journal of Applied Glaser, R. (2002). Depressive knowledge and attitudes regarding Kelly, E.L., Moen, P., Oakes, J.M. et al. Gerontology, 32(3), 347–369. symptoms and lymphocyte organizational policy towards (2014). Changing work and Lee, J.A. (1997). Balancing elder care proliferation in older adults. Journal workers caring for aging family work–family conflict: Evidence from responsibilities and work: Two of , 111, 192–197.

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workforce, being absent from work is According to scarcity theory (Marks, conclude that psychological outcomes also unavoidable. Boise and Neal (1996) 1977), the demands of eldercare and are highly individualised in that ‘some define absenteeism as days missed, work compete for a person’s time and caregivers may find their employment lateness, leaving work early or during the energy, ending in a zero-sum game adds to their stress, whereas others do workday and other interruptions resulting where one role impinges on the other. not; indeed some may find that it from caregiving responsibilities. In contrast, enhancement or enrichment provides respite from caregiving and Absenteeism is an interesting variable to theory says that people with dual roles enhances their well-being’. They also study because employees with children are better off because the benefits of each conclude that someone can feel stressed tend to miss more work than those caring role positively spill over into the other and be productive at the same time, and for elders, even though managers perceive (Greenhaus & Powell, 2006). For what seems to make the most difference eldercare to be particularly disruptive example, work may provide financial is caregivers’ ‘subjective assessment of the (Katz et al., 2011). This may be because resources to arrange outside care, increase effect that caregiving is having on work parents experience regular interruptions, self-esteem, foster a sense of personal performances’. Therefore, how someone whereas eldercare frequently entails brief accomplishment, provide access to social views her ability to juggle eldercare and but intense periods of care (Boise & Neal, support systems outside of family and work may be a more important 1996). Boise and Neal also found that friends and offer respite from caregiving determinant of role conflict than more women caring for elders experienced duties (Utz et al., 2012; Zuba & objective measures of interference. more absenteeism than men, again Schneider, 2013). At the same time, demonstrating the inequality of successfully navigating the challenges outcomes. of caregiving and finding benefit in the Employers can help Although combining work and experience can lead to personal growth, Research shows that having a supportive eldercare does not result in more enhanced relationships and clarification employer may help reduce work–family absenteeism, it may impact productivity of goals (Davis et al., 1998; Parkenham, conflict generally (Kelly et al., 2014) and when employees focus their time and 2005). lessen the psychological strain of attention on care issues during the In an analysis of the scarcity versus eldercare in particular (Zacher & Winter, workday. This phenomenon is known enhancement debate, Reid et al. (2012) 2010). However, most employer work-life as ‘presenteeism’ (Smith, 2004). For integration programs still focus on example, caregivers may worry about childcare (Kim et al., 2011). Thus there is the care recipient, plan what needs to be scope for employers to play a meaningful done at night or spend time on the phone role in helping employees deal with their coordinating care (Zuba & Schneider, eldercare needs, especially at a time when 2013). Since most healthcare providers governments are reducing expenditures and other services are primarily open on health care and social services during business hours, caregivers often (Schroeder et al., 2012). have no choice but to make calls during Employer eldercare assistance takes the day. While they may try to do this three basic forms: compliance with family during lunchtime or breaks, it is likely leave laws; formal programmes and that calls will be returned at other times. services; and informal support from In my own experience, I would make managers and supervisors. Although calls during a long train commute, only family leave laws vary greatly from to have them returned while I was in country to country, careful adherence class or during office hours. to these policies is the minimum that organisations can do to support employees with eldercare needs (Pearce You’re better off if you work & Kuhn, 2009). In countries with weaker While there are challenges to balancing social safety nets, private employers may work and eldercare, employed caregivers be more likely to offer formal eldercare receive psychological benefits from benefits such as information and referrals, working. Within the work–family insurance and financing for care, services literature, there are two schools of such as onsite daycare and respite care, thought on the dual roles of caregiver Women caring for elders experienced paid leave that exceeds the legal mandates and employee (McMillan et al., 2011). more absenteeism than men and work schedule modifications (Yang

McMillan, H.S., Lane Morris, M. & University of Richmond Law Review, older adults: A meta-analysis. The Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Atchley, E.K. (2011). Constructs of the 43(4), 1319–1372. Gerontologist, 45, 90–106. Sciences, 62B, P126–P137. work/life interface. Human Resource Pinquart, M. & Sörensen, S. (2003). Pinquart, M. & Sörensen, S. (2006). Reid. R.C., Stajduhar, K.I. & Chappell, Development Review, 10(1), 6–25. Differences between caregivers and Gender differences in caregiver N.L. (2010). The impact of work Pakenham, K.I. (2005). The positive noncaregivers in psychological health stressors, social resources, and interference on family caregiver impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on and physical health: A meta-analysis. health: An updated meta-analysis. outcomes. Journal of Applied carers. Disability and Rehabilitation, Psychology and Aging, 18(2), 250–267. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Gerontology, 29(3), 267–289. 27(17), 985–997. Pinquart, M. & Sörensen, S. (2005). Sciences, 61B, P33–P45. Schroeder, B., MacDonald, J. & Shamian, Pearce, J.A. & Kuhn, D.R. (2009). Ethnic differences in stressors, Pinquart, M. & Sörensen, S. (2007). J. (2012). Older workers with Managers’ obligations to employees resources, and psychological Correlates of physical health of caregiving responsibilities. Aging with eldercare responsibilities. outcomes of family caregiving for informal caregivers: A meta-analysis. International, 37, 39–56.

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from the research presented in this article. First, certain groups experience a greater caregiver burden, resulting in inequality of health, well-being and economic outcomes. To remedy this, policy makers should recognise and address the social equity dimension of eldercare. Second, perceptions impact the degree to which eldercare affects work outcomes. If people perceive that they are able to cope with the demands of both roles, or if they have personal resources and social support, or if their employers are supportive, then they may experience less stress, strain and work–family conflict. Thus, building individual resiliency is key to positive outcomes. Third, for formal employer support programmes to be effective, employees need to know about them, feel comfortable asking about them and be assured that there will be no penalty for Combining work and eldercare may impact productivity when employees focus their time using them. Thus, education and training and attention on care issues of supervisors and manager is critical to increasing employee awareness and use of eldercare programmes. & Gimm, 2013). However, recent advantage of programmes and services With the engagement of all research in both the United Kingdom (Zacher & Schulz, in press). However, stakeholders, including governments, and United States even when formal private employers, the voluntary sector indicates that formal organisational eldercare and families, eldercare can be addressed employer eldercare services are available proactively before emergencies happen. services are not widely “a supportive employer employees tend not to Just as parents have ‘the talk’ with their available (Carers UK, may help reduce use them (Dembe et al., teenage children about life and the future, 2013; Feinberg & work–family conflict” 2012). This may be due perhaps the time is right for adult Choula, 2012). to employers not children to institute ‘the talk’ when their Of all the formal publicising the services and/or parents and other elders reach a certain employer services mentioned above, encouraging employees to use them or age. This talk would encompass what is employees seem to desire and benefit the employees not knowing or thinking to needed to ensure both the health and most from work schedule modifications, ask about them. Another explanation is safety of the elder and the well-being of such as flexible hours (Dembe et al., that employees, especially women, may the caregiver. As populations age and 2012). Similar to family leave laws, perceive a stigma attached to disclosing more people balance caregiving and work, flexible work arrangements differ from eldercare issues at work and fear negative eldercare must become part of a critical country to country, and also by industry career repercussions (Kim et al., 2011). conversation at home, at work an in the and type of job. For example, control Thus, employers who cultivate a work media. over work hours is available primarily to culture the supports work–family balance professional and managerial employees in are more likely to have employees who the United States (Sweet et al., 2014). feel comfortable disclosing care needs at Lisa Calvano is Assistant Some of the most interesting findings work (Zuba & Schneider, 2013). Professor of Management about employer eldercare support centre at West Chester University, on employee perception. Employees who USA perceive their employer to be supportive Conclusion [email protected] are less likely to experience stress Several conclusions about the relationship regardless of whether they actually take between eldercare and work can be drawn

Smith, P. (2004). Elder care, gender, and employed and nonemployed 41(2), 501–513. demands, strain, and work work. Berkeley Journal of Employment caregivers. Journal of Applied Zacher, H., Jimmieson, N.L., & Winter, G. engagement. Journal of Vocational and Labor Law, 25(2), 351–399. Gerontology, 31(3), 438–461. (2012). Elder-care demands, mental Behavior, 79, 667–680. Sweet, S., Pitt-Catsouphes, M., Besen, E. Vitaliano, P. P., Zhang, J. & Scanlan, J.M. health, and work performance. Zuba, M. & Schneider, U. (2013). What & Golden, L. (2014). Explaining (2003). Is caregiving hazardous for Journal of Occupational Health helps working informal caregivers? organizational variation in flexible one’s physical health? Psychological Psychology, 17(1), 52–64. The role of workplace characteristics work arrangements. Community, Bulletin, 129, 946–972. Zacher, H. & Schulz, H. (in press). in balancing work and adult-care Work & Family, 17(2), 115–141. Yang, Y.T. & Gimm, G. (2013). Caring for Employees’ eldercare demands, responsibilities. Journal of Family and Utz, R.L., Lund, D.A., Caserta, M.S. & elder parents: A comparative strain, and perceived support. Economic Issues, 34, 460–469. Wright, S.D. (2012). The benefits of evaluation of family leave laws. Journal of Managerial Psychology. respite time-use: A comparison of Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, Zacher, H. & Winter, G. (2010). Eldercare

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ARTICLE performance in an ‘inverted-U’ dose- dependent fashion, with memory modulation being most amenable following a glucose dose of approximately Sweet memories 25–50g (pure powdered glucose, which is typically dissolved in water). This is Michael A. Smith looks at glucose effects on human memory performance approximately equivalent to the sugar content of a standard-sized chocolate bar. Early studies found that the ingestion of Glucose is the brain’s primary ack in 2001 Professor Andrew a glucose solution resulted in superior fuel, but what is the effect of Scholey wrote a piece for The performance relative to manipulating blood glucose on BPsychologist on the beneficial a sweetness matched placebo. human memory performance? effects of glucose and oxygen for However, while early studies There is now a large body of human cognitive performance (see found support for the ‘glucose memory evidence suggesting that under tinyurl.com/scholey). At the time, facilitation effect’, the most robust certain conditions, increased levels I was still a year away from starting findings emerged only in the elderly and of glucose in the blood can acutely my undergraduate degree in psychology, individuals with memory deficits. This enhance performance in some and five years off commencing my PhD suggested that glucose effects on memory domains of memory and cognition on the influence of oral glucose ingestion performance are observed only in more generally. Conversely, on memory performance in adolescents. individuals who are not functioning at cognitive impairment has been I hadn’t even considered the idea of their ‘cognitive peak’, in whom there is detected in individuals with studying psychology at university, let substantial ‘room for improvement’ disorders that involve glycaemic alone considered the notion that (Smith, Riby et al., 2011). A further dysregulation, such as diabetes. a substance as ubiquitous as feature of these This cognitive dysfunction has glucose could impact early studies was potential lifestyle implications for profoundly on cognitive that while most individuals living with diabetes. performance! Since Scholey’s “the rate of breakfast investigations article relating to these two skipping in adolescents observed a glucose- ‘fuels for thought’, the was very high” enhancing effect literature reporting beneficial for verbal episodic effects of oxygen has memory (typically Why is glucose most effective as a stagnated somewhat. However, there is involving and of a word cognitive enhancer when task demand now a large body of literature relating to list), studies that investigated the is increased? what is often referred to as the ‘glucose influence of oral glucose on other questions questions What are the implications (with respect memory facilitation effect’. We have cognitive domains reported more to quality of life, for example) of memory developed a reasonably good equivocal effects. This led some authors impairment in chronic conditions such understanding of the conditions under (e.g. Riby & Riby, 2006) to question as diabetes? which glucose ingestion reliably enhances whether the cognitive-enhancement memory performance, and the effects of glucose are mediated by the mechanisms by which glucose influences hippocampus, a brain region that is neurocognitive functioning. intimately involved in subserving verbal Smith, M.A., Riby, L.M., Eekelen, J.A. & Foster, J.K. (2011). Glucose episodic memory performance. In the late 1990s and early 2000s enhancement of human memory: A The ‘glucose memory comprehensive research review of the Professor Jonathan Foster, later my PhD resources glucose memory facilitation effect. facilitation effect’ supervisor, together with his colleague Neuroscience and Biobehavioral The enhancing effects of glucose on Dr Sandra Sünram-Lea, developed a novel Reviews, 35, 770–783. human memory have been investigated paradigm for investigating the influence www.diabetesbrain.com since the 1980s. As the brain’s primary of glucose on verbal episodic memory fuel, it makes perfect sense that glucose performance in healthy young adults,

Benton, D., Ruffin, M.P., Lassel, T. et al. Tournier, I. et al. (2012). Near- 574–582. understand the mechanisms. Current (2003). The delivery rate of dietary infrared imaging of the effects of Ingwersen, J., Defeyter, M.A., Kennedy, Diabetes Reviews, 10, 118–123. carbohydrates affects cognitive glucose ingestion and regulation on D.O. et al. (2007). A low glycaemic Kennedy, D.O. & Scholey, A.B. (2000). performance in both rats and humans. prefrontal activation during dual-task index breakfast cereal preferentially Glucose administration, heart rate

references , 166, 86–90. execution in healthy fasting older prevents children’s cognitive and cognitive performance: effects of Foster, J.K., Lidder, P.G. & Sünram, S.I. adults. Behavioural Brain Research, performance from declining increasing mental effort. (1998). Glucose and memory: 232, 137–147. throughout the morning. Appetite, 49, Psychopharmacology, 149, 63–71. Fractionation of enhancement Horne, P., Barr, R.G., Valiante, G. et al. 240–244. Mahoney, C.R., Taylor, H.A., Kanarek, effects. Psychopharmacology, 137, (2006). Glucose enhances newborn Jones, N., Riby, L.M., Mitchell, R.L. & R.B. & Samuel, P. (2005). Effect of 259–270. memory for spoken words. Smith, M.A. (2014). Type 2 diabetes breakfast composition on cognitive Gagnon, C., Desjardins-Crepeau, L., Developmental Psychobiology, 48, and memory: Using neuroimaging to processes in elementary school

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ensuring that these healthy young memory domains of cognition (Kennedy breakfast clubs). It struck me that there individuals at the prime of their cognitive & Scholey, 2000; Scholey et al., 2001; was a real issue here: if teenagers were capacity would not be able to operate at Scholey et al., 2009). attending school without having eaten their cognitive optimum. Following breakfast, then surely their brains would glucose ingestion, healthy young adults not be in a condition to operate optimally encoded verbally presented word lists, Taking on the teenagers in terms of facilitating learning. This was while concurrently performing hand Much of my own research in this area has a concept that we set out to test. movement sequences as a distractor investigated whether the ‘glucose memory In 2008 we published the first paper task (participants were asked to focus facilitation effect’ extends to healthy to suggest that the ‘glucose memory attention equally on both memorising adolescents. The original rationale for this facilitation effect’ could be extended to the word list and performing the hand programme of work was pragmatic, rather adolescents (Smith & Foster, 2008a). movements). Repeated replications have than theoretically driven. I had been Adolescents were administered a glucose demonstrated that glucose reliably awarded funding to undertake a PhD drink, or an artificial sweetener enhances memory recall when word in the School of Paediatrics and Child (aspartame) placebo drink early in the lists are encoded under such dual-task Health at the University of Western morning, following an overnight fast. conditions (Foster et al., 1998; Sünram- Australia, and thus needed to develop They then encoded a verbally presented Lea et al., 2001, 2002). Foster and a project proposal that included research word list while simultaneously Sünram-Lea conclude, on the basis of in children. While there is some evidence performing hand-movement sequences, these findings, that glucose enhances that the glucose memory facilitation effect followed by immediate and delayed recall verbal episodic memory performance is observable in infants (Horne et al., phases. Glucose enhancement of memory in healthy young adults only under 2006), studies investigating the effect was observed at the ‘long delay’ recall conditions of divided attention (whereby in children and adolescents were limited phases, 20–40 minutes after encoding. even individuals at a stage of the lifespan at that time. Further analyses of these data revealed associated with optimal cognitive While the decision to focus on that the effect was observed only in performance capabilities are not able adolescents began as a pragmatic one, participants with better glucoregulatory to perform at their cognitive peak due a theoretically driven rationale soon efficiency (i.e. those individuals in whom to competing cognitive demands from emerged. I was surprised to discover blood glucose levels returned to baseline the dual-task paradigm). Converging that the rate of breakfast skipping in more quickly). Interestingly, this finding evidence from a range of more recent adolescents was very high (daily breakfast suggests that having elevated blood studies demonstrates that glucose is an consumption has been estimated at less glucose for an extended period may be effective cognitive enhancer in healthy than 40 per cent in boys and less than detrimental to cognitive performance. young adults under conditions of 30 per cent in girls: Timlin et al., 2008; In a subsequent study (Smith, Hii et increased task demand, irrespective of although rates may have since improved al., 2011) we found further evidence for whether the primary task is a memory somewhat as a result of the increasing the glucose memory facilitation effect in task or a task designed to assess non- prevalence and popularity of school a sample of adolescent males, and

children. Physiology & Behavior, 85, hippocampus hypothesis. In S. Scholey, A.B., Sünram-Lea, S.I., Greer, J. and motor control. Journal of Ageing 635–645. Ballesteros (Ed.) Age, cognition and et al. (2009). Glucose administration and Health, 26, 841–859. Parent, M.B., Krebs-Kraft, D.L., Ryan, neuroscience/ Envejecimiento, prior to a divided attention task Smith, M.A. & Foster, J.K. (2008a). J.P. et al. (2011). Glucose Cognición y Neurociencia. Madrid: improves tracking performance but Glucoregulatory and order effects on administration enhances fMRI brain UNED, Varia. not word recognition. verbal episodic memory in healthy activation and connectivity related to Scholey, A.B. (2001). Fuel for thought. The Psychopharmacology, 202, 549–558. adolescents after oral glucose episodic memory encoding for Psychologist, 14, 196–201. Smith, M.A., Else, J.E., Paul, L. et al. administration. Biological Psychology, neutral and emotional stimuli. Scholey, A.B., Harper, S. & Kennedy, D.O. (2014). Functional living in older 79, 209–215. Neuropsychologia, 49, 1052–1066. (2001). Cognitive demand and blood adults with type 2 diabetes: Executive Smith, M.A. & Foster, J.K. (2008b). The Riby, L.M. & Riby, D.M. (2006). Glucose, glucose. Physiology & Behavior, 73, functioning, dual task performance impact of a high versus a low ageing and cognition: The 585–592. and the impact on postural stability glycaemic index breakfast cereal

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additionally observed that glucose only enhanced memory performance in individuals with relatively high self- reported levels of trait anxiety. Intriguingly, those adolescents with high trait anxiety exhibited substantially poorer verbal episodic memory capacity in the placebo condition, but glucose enhanced memory recall in these individuals to a comparable level of performance to those with lower levels of trait anxiety. We concluded that this could be another example of glucose- mediated memory enhancement under conditions whereby there is substantial ‘room for improvement’, as it is reasonably well established that anxiety is associated with memory impairment. Figure 1: Blood glucose concentration subsequent to ingestion of a high versus a low G.I. A further noteworthy finding from this meal (modified from www.nickfitness.com) study was that we additionally tested word recall one week post-encoding fall below baseline during the one- to that relative to a placebo drink (G.I. = 0), (i.e. glucose was administered prior to two-hour period following ingestion of a glucose drink (G.I. = 100, the highest encoding, but not retrieval). Interestingly, a high G.I. meal). By contrast, low G.I. possible G.I.) is associated with the glucose memory facilitation effect (such as porridge) are associated improvements in verbal episodic memory persisted after a one-week delay, with a less pronounced, but more when memory materials are encoded suggesting that glucose enhanced prolonged, increase in blood glucose, under dual-task conditions, it is memory encoding to the extent that items relative to ingestion of a high G.I. meal somewhat problematic from an advocacy were better remembered after a one-week (see Figure 1). point of view. This is because many high delay, relative to placebo. Previous studies in children, G.I. breakfast cereals deliver Given that our rationale for the adolescents and young adults have comparatively high levels of sugar, and programme of work investigating the suggested that low G.I. foods are due to the adverse health effects of sugary glucose memory facilitation effect in associated with enhanced performance diets, it would be inappropriate to suggest adolescents was that adolescents on various cognitive tasks (Benton et al., that breakfast meals high in sugar would frequently skip breakfast, we also 2003; Ingwersen et al., 2007; Mahoney be routinely appropriate. Indeed, research investigated glucose effects on memory et al., 2005). However, in the memory that has supported beneficial effects of when glucose was delivered under more component of each of these studies, low G.I. breakfast meals on attention ecologically valid conditions; specifically, encoding took place under conditions of suggests that the sustained attentional via a breakfast meal. In one study (Smith relatively low cognitive demand. In our demands required for a morning of & Foster, 2008b), we administered either study, we hypothesised that the high G.I. learning at school may require a more a low or a high glycaemic index (G.I.) meal would be associated with enhanced prolonged release of glucose into the meal to adolescents, before they memory performance relative to the low bloodstream – conditions that would be completed a verbal episodic memory task G.I. condition, given the relatively subserved by a low G.I. breakfast meal. under dual-task conditions (as above, increased energy resources required for These findings do nevertheless encoding took place concurrently with encoding under dual-task conditions. demonstrate that when task demands are a secondary hand-movement task). High This is precisely what we found in this exceptionally high, the additional glucose G.I. foods (such as cornflakes or a bagel) study, with enhanced recall being supply to the blood stream delivered by are associated with a very rapid increase observed subsequent to a high G.I meal a high G.I. meal may enhance task in blood glucose during the (cornflakes with semi-skimmed milk), performance. approximately 30 minutes following relative to a low G.I. meal (bran with meal ingestion, followed by an equally semi-skimmed milk). rapid decline (as a result of the insulin While this finding is commensurate Mechanisms of action rebound effect, blood glucose can actually with other findings in this area suggesting So how does glucose actually work to

meal on verbal episodic memory in enhancement of human memory: A Sünram-Lea, S.I., Foster, J.K., Durlach, 387–397. healthy adolescents. Nutritional comprehensive research review of P. & Perez, C. (2001). Glucose Timlin, M.T., Pereira, M.A., Story, M. & Neuroscience, 11, 219–227. the glucose memory facilitation facilitation of cognitive performance Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2008). Smith, M.A., Hii, H.L., Foster, J.K. & van effect. Neuroscience and in healthy young adults. Breakfast eating and weight change Eekelen, J.A. (2011). Glucose Biobehavioral Reviews, 35, 770–783. Psychopharmacology, 157, 46–54. in a 5-year prospective analysis of enhancement of memory is Smith, M.A., Riby, L.M., Sünram-Lea, S.I. Sünram-Lea, S.I., Foster, J.K., Durlach, adolescents. Pediatrics, 121, e638–e645. modulated by trait anxiety in healthy et al. (2009). Glucose modulates P. & Perez, C. (2002). Investigation Yeung, S.E., Fischer, A.L. & Dixon, R.A. adolescent males. Journal of event-related potential components into the significance of task difficulty (2009). Exploring effects of type 2 Psychopharmacol, 25, 60–70. of recollection and familiarity in and divided allocation of resources diabetes on cognitive functioning in Smith, M.A., Riby, L.M., Eekelen, J.A. & healthy adolescents. on the glucose memory facilitation older adults. Neuropsychology, 23, Foster, J.K. (2011). Glucose Psychopharmacology, 205, 11–20. effect. Psychopharmacology, 160, 1–9.

208 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 glucose improve human cognitive performance? 2 diabetes is a condition whereby either observed on the more demanding Animal studies have shed some light on (i) insufficient insulin is produced to attentional control and executive the specific neuroanatomical pathways, metabolise the amount of circulating functioning tasks. Further, we found that suggesting that (i) the observed glucose blood glucose, or (ii) the actions of older adults with Type 2 diabetes were effects may in fact be due to the actions of insulin in metabolising blood glucose relatively poorer at maintaining balance insulin (the hippocampus in particular is aren’t effective (a condition known as when they were required to stand on the densely populated with insulin receptors), insulin resistance). Both of these spot concurrently with a secondary task (ii) glucose increases the synthesis of physiological pathways result in (counting backwards in threes). While specific neurotransmitters, including chronically high blood glucose if the this finding could be suggestive of more hippocampal synthesis of acetylcholine, condition is untreated (usually via global dual-tasking deficits in older adults and (iii) glucose mediates adenosine lifestyle interventions such as dietary with Type 2 diabetes, an interesting triphosphate–sensitive potassium channel modification and exercise in the first extended explanation of this result is that regulation, enabling neurotransmitter instance). It is now well established that problems with dividing attention between release under conditions of increased this chronic illness is associated with two concurrent tasks (such as walking glucose metabolism (Smith, Riby et al., cognitive complications, again most while talking or trying to retain 2011). notably in the domain of verbal episodic information in ) could In addition to this animal work, memory (Jones et al., 2014). partially account for a relatively higher several studies have attempted to It is interesting to note that verbal frequency of falls in older adults with ascertain the validity of the episodic memory may be the domain of Type 2 diabetes. The higher frequency aforementioned ‘hippocampus hypothesis’ cognition that is most affected by Type 2 of falls reported by this population is (i.e. the notion that glucose specifically diabetes, given that this is also the typically attributed to such complications targets the hippocampus in mediating cognitive domain arguably most amenable of diabetes as peripheral neuropathy memory). Neuroimaging studies in to the aforementioned glucose memory (causing sensory loss to the limbs) and humans have largely refuted this idea. facilitation effect. However, an alternative macrovascular problems (affecting blood While there have been some reports of explanation is that the greater number of flow to the extremities). However, our glucose-mediated increases in reported in this domain is findings suggest that cognitive hippocampal activity during memory a mere reflection of the relatively greater complications leading to reduced balance tasks (Parent et al., 2011), other studies interrogation of verbal episodic memory could play a role in mediating the have suggested a role for brain regions effects as such tests are easy to administer. prevalence of falls in older adults with that are not traditionally associated with Indeed, other cognitive deficits, such as Type 2 diabetes, and this finding warrants episodic memory functioning. Following slower processing speed and executive attention in future research. glucose administration, increased right dysfunction have been reported in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activity individuals with Type 2 diabetes (Yeung administration has been detected during et al., 2009). Work by our current Conclusions dual-tasking in older adults (Gagnon et Northumbria University PhD student Over the past decade and a half, we’ve al., 2012). This finding implies that Nicola Jones is investigating memory come a long way in better understanding glucose enhancement of verbal episodic for more complex visual stimuli in older the ‘glucose memory facilitation effect’. memory under conditions of divided adults with Type 2 diabetes, and is In healthy young individuals, oral glucose attention could be subserved via employing the use of EEG to investigate ingestion only reliably enhances memory augmented prefrontal activity. In addition, potential neurocognitive deficits that may performance under conditions of during a recognition memory task be underpinning observed cognitive increased cognitive demand. Glucose preceded by oral glucose ingestion, we impairment in this population. is known to most robustly influence have observed enhanced event-related Together with my Northumbria memory performance when individuals potential (ERP) components that are University colleague Dr Leigh Riby, are not operating at their cognitive peak, associated with both hippocampally recent work in our laboratory has been in situations where the ‘room for mediated and non-hippocampally concerned with investigating performance improvement’ is at its greatest, such as in mediated cognitive processes (Smith et on relatively demanding cognitive tasks individuals with greater levels of anxiety. al., 2009). Taken together, these studies in older adults with Type 2 diabetes. Further, Type 2 diabetes is associated with implicate not only the hippocampus, but Specifically, a recently completed study chronic memory impairment. Both the also other more global brain regions as funded by Diabetes UK (Smith et al., glucose-enhancement effects and Type 2 being intimately involved in the glucose 2014) has considered whether such diabetes appear to be most amenable to memory facilitation effect. cognitive deficits may underlie problems modulation of verbal episodic memory with functional living and postural over other cognitive domains, but ample stability (e.g. maintaining balance and evidence suggests that it may be the When regulation goes wrong walking while talking). We observed a degree of cognitive demand, rather than Given that relatively small, acutely decrease in instrumental functional living the cognitive domain per se, that dictates administered glucose doses can have such capacity (i.e. activities that are not strictly whether the effect will be observed. a drastic influence on brain physiology, necessary for fundamental functioning, which in turn results in observable but that facilitate independent living in cognitive benefits, we might also expect the community, such as using the Michael A. Smith more prolonged modulation of cognitive telephone and managing one’s own is Senior Lecturer in functioning in individuals with finances) in older adults with Type 2 Psychobiology and Health chronically high blood glucose. Indeed, diabetes relative to age-matched controls. Psychology, Northumbria cognitive deficits have been observed in In addition, most robust cognitive effects University disorders involving dysregulated glucose in terms of cognitive impairment in the michael4.smith@northumbr metabolism, such as Type 2 diabetes. Type older adults with Type 2 diabetes were ia.ac.uk

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 209 Freedom, Responsibility and the Meaning of Being

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 211 discriminatory experiences reported by health and social care sector employees in the UK: Hunt et al. (2007) found that

ARTICLE Managing and coping with people encountered homophobic language and derision, and felt that workplaces didn’t prioritise the sexual identity at work prevention of homophobia, in spite of legal protection in the workplace. Y. Barry Chung, Tiffany K. Chang and Ciemone S. Rose consider the issue What impact does this have? One’s of LGBT people in the workplace identity inevitably interacts – either directly or indirectly – with social forces that are incompatible or aversive to that Many , gay, bisexual, and espite increasing legal protection identity, and this may impact upon the transgender (LGBT) workers face from work discrimination, many self-concept and/or psychological discrimination in the workplace. Dlesbian, gay, bisexual, and functioning of an individual (Meyer, What forms does this take and what transgender (LGBT) persons across the 2007). The occurrence of this so-called is the degree of discrimination world still suffer from discrimination and ‘sexual minority stress’, the result of both experienced by LGBT persons? harassment in the workplace. They may overt discrimination as well as micro- Sexual identity management and be denied employment, fired, passed over aggression against LGBT persons (Balsam other coping strategies in the face for promotion, or given less desirable et al., 2011), has been linked to adverse of potential or encountered assignments or compensations because of mental health outcomes for LGBT discrimination raise various issues their sexual orientation or gender identity. persons (Bockting et al., 2013; Lewis, for LGBT persons. How might these While these ‘formal’ discriminations may 2009). Furthermore, sexual minority issues influence LGBT persons’ or may not be protected by governmental stress adds to the general stress that responses to discrimination? And or organisational policies, LGBT persons individuals experience, as a chronic what are the implications for policy also encounter ‘informal’ discriminatory socially based experience (Meyer, 2007). advocacy and career counselling? actions such, as being isolated by co- Meta-analytic research comparing the US, workers, vandalism, heterosexist remarks UK, the Netherlands, and Austria revealed or jokes, or even physical assault (Chung, higher prevalence rates of mental 2001). Furthermore, discriminatory acts disorders for LGB persons than have become more subtle recently, heterosexual persons for depression, causing self-doubts on the part of LGBT anxiety, and suicidal ideation and persons (‘Was it about my LGBT identity attempts, with suicide rates up to three or was I not good enough?’), as well as to four times higher (Lewis, 2009). For challenges in confronting discrimination. LGBT persons of colour, the experience How might sexual or gender identity While protection and equality for of sexual minority stress is further play a role in one’s career development? LGBT persons have improved compounded by experiences of racism What are strategies used by LGBT significantly in the UK due to the (Savage & Harley, 2005).

questions questions persons to cope with work Employment Equality (Sexual discrimination? Orientation) Regulations 2003, this does How can heterosexual allies contribute not necessarily translate into improved Diverse discrimination to a welcoming climate for LGBT experiences for all LGBT persons To understand the various forms and workers? (Warriner, 2008). Interviews in the UK degrees of discrimination against LGBT with 50 lesbian and bisexual women workers, let’s consider some examples. suggested that 58 per cent of them were Take Justin Fashanu, the first (and only) Human Rights Campaign: www.hrc.org ‘out’ to everyone at work (Colgan et al., openly gay UK footballer in the men’s Amnesty International LGBT rights: 2008). The interviewees reported professional league. In 1981, he broke tinyurl.com/ca3x3r3 experiencing heterosexism and sexism, both racial and sexual orientation barriers ILGA Europe: www.ilga-europe.org and most of them had not revealed their when he joined Nottingham Forest as the resources International Gay and Lesbian Human sexual orientation to clients or customers first million-pound black football player. Rights Commission: https://iglhrc.org (including students). Others have It was reported that Fashanu experienced examined the impact of homophobia and homophobia and harassment from his

Balsam, K.F., Molina, Y., Beadnell, B. et American Journal of Public Health, Cavalier, E.S. (2011). Men at sport. Americans. In N. Tewari & A.N. al. (2011). Measuring multiple 103(5), 943–951. Journal of Homosexuality, 58, 626–646. Alvarez (Eds.) Asian American minority stress. Cultural Diversity and Brewster, M.E., Velez, B.L., DeBlaere, C. Chung, Y.B. (2001). Work discrimination psychology: Current perspectives (pp. Ethnic Minority Psychology, 17, 163–174. & Moradi, B. (2012). Transgender and coping strategies. The Career 233–246). New York: Psychology Press.

references Bernstein, M. & Swartwout, P. (2012). individuals’ workplace experiences. Development Quarterly, 50, 33–44. Chung, Y.B., Williams, W. & Dispenza, F. Gay officers in their midst. Journal of Journal of , 59, Chung, Y.B. & Harmon, L.W. (1994). The (2009). Validating work discrimination Homosexuality, 59, 1145–1166. 60–70. career interests and aspirations of and coping strategy models for Bockting, W.O., Miner, M.H., Romine, R.E. Button, S.B. (2004). Identity management gay men. Journal of Vocational sexual minorities. The Career et al. (2013). Stigma, mental health, strategies utilized by lesbian and gay Behavior, 45, 223–239. Development Quarterly, 58, 162–170. and resilience in an online sample of employees. Group & Organization Chung, Y.B. & Singh, A.A. (2009). Lesbian, Clair, J.A., Beatty, J.E. & Maclean, T.L. the US transgender population. Management, 29, 470–494. gay, bisexual, and transgender Asian (2005). Out of sight but not out of

212 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 sexual identity at work

team manager. In 1990, Fashanu came Chris Basiurski, Chair of the Gay Football clear that bigotry is less tolerated out via the news media, allegedly to avert Supporters’ Network, wondered what around issues of race than it is regarding being outed. Less than a decade later, he happens when an ‘out’ player starts heterosexism: consider the outrage in committed suicide after receiving a sexual playing badly. ‘The worry is that fans will response to the racist comments of former assault charge while he was in the US. In start getting on their backs and they may NBA Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling. her 2012 documentary ‘Britain’s Gay lose the confidence of their manager and Another occupation where workers Footballers’, Justin Fashanu’s niece, Amal, it could be connected to their sexuality.’ may perceive a high degree of compared the struggles of being gay in Even in the progressive culture of the UK, heterosexism is the police. A study the league to being black in her uncle’s it seems, individuals continue to have to of officers and civilian respondents in time. In the film, Amal’s father said that manage their sexual identity in the a police department in the Southwestern there would be more of a chance of workplace in order to protect themselves US (Bernstein & Swartwout, 2012) found having a black Pope than finding an from potential negative repercussions. that those who had witnessed more LGB openly gay professional football player. There are more positive examples discrimination at work and those who Today, gay-friendly football teams of athletes in the UK who received had less contact with openly LGB co- provide a community for players, and the favourable responses when they came workers tended to anticipate more Football Association endorses a stance out. British Olympic diver Tom Daley negative consequences for LGB identity toward combating homophobia in expressed how his fans and fellow disclosure. Interestingly, anticipation of football (see tinyurl.com/n5pb899). Yet in colleagues have been very supportive. negative consequence was less related to February 2014’s ‘month of action’, nine of However, Daley’s friends and family were respondents’ homophobia or the Premier League’s 20 teams were not concerned about the ramifications his demographic background (e.g. age, involved, and only 17 from the Football coming out could potentially have on education, marital status, gender or race). League’s 72 clubs planned a ‘visible anti- his career. Daley responded: ‘It doesn’t Such findings highlight the importance homophobia stance’ matter because I am a diver and that’s of opportunities for contact among police (tinyurl.com/kd5xgkg). Professional what I want to do, and that won’t affect officers of different sexual orientations. footballers who may disclose their gay my diving in any way, shape or form’ What about health professions? Are sexual orientation to teammates, still (see tinyurl.com/m3jbyx2). they more welcoming or affirmative to refuse to come out more widely due to This emphasis on sport identity LGBT persons? A study of LGBT their anxiety over potential hostility from over gay identity was also found in physicians suggested that a majority were their fans (see tinyurl.com/p5yo6sv). a study of 10 gay male athletes working open about their sexual orientation at in professional, collegiate, work to various degrees (e.g. 59 per cent and club sport (Cavalier, were out to 90 per cent or more of their 2011). However, half of co-workers, 8 per cent were out to less them perceived their than 10 per cent of the co-workers; workplace as either hostile Eliason et al., 2011). Two thirds worked or unaccepting of sexual in settings with non-discrimination minorities, whereas the policies that included sexual orientation; other half perceived it as however, only 37 per cent reported that either neutral or positive. transgender identity was protected in There has been a flurry of their non-discrimination policy. Some of media attention around these physicians still reported being the emergence of several discriminated against (ranging from 3 per openly LGBT persons in cent being fired, to 10 per cent being major American sport denied patient referrals and 15 per cent teams (e.g. Derrick being harassed by colleagues). Gordon, Jason Collins, Nursing is often considered a more and Michael Sam), but it welcoming profession for gay men may be too early to tell (Chung & Harmon, 1994). Interviews whether this will reduce with lesbian and gay male nursing hostility and increase workers in Sweden (Rondahl et al., 2007) LGBT persons also encounter ‘informal’ discriminatory acceptance in the whole had similar findings as the actions, such as being isolated by co-workers, vandalism, professional athletics aforementioned study of physicians. Most heterosexist remarks or jokes, or even physical assault community. It is certainly interviewees were open about their sexual

mind: Managing invisible social workplace sexual identity disclosure Griffith, K.H. & Hebl, M.R. (2002). The to our philosophy? Sexual orientation identities in the workplace. Academy and management. Group & disclosure dilemma for gay men and and occupation. British Journal of of Management Review, 30, 78–95. Organization Management, 33, 532–565. . Journal of Applied Occupational Therapy, 63, 205–210. Colgan, F., Creegan, C., McKearney, A. & Degges-White, S. & Shoffner, M.F. (2002). Psychology, 87, 1191–1199. Lewis, N.M. (2009). Mental health in sexual Wright, T. (2008). Lesbian workers: Career counseling with lesbian Gusmano, B. (2008). Coming out or not? minorities. Health & Place, 15, Personal strategies amid changing clients. The Career Development Journal of Workplace Rights, 13, 1029–1045. organisational responses to ‘sexual Quarterly, 51, 87–96. 473–496. Meyer, I.H. (2007). Prejudice and minorities’ in UK workplaces. Journal Eliason, M.J., Dibble, S.L. & Robertson, Hunt, R., Cowan, K. & Chamberlain, B. discrimination as social stressors. In of Lesbian Studies, 12, 31–45. P.A. (2011). LGBT physicians’ (2007). Being the gay one. Retrieved I.H. Meyer & M.E. Northridge (Eds.) Croteau, J.M., Anderson, M.Z. & experiences in the workplace. Journal July 6, 2014 tinyurl.com/l7mqfay The health of sexual minorities VanderWal, B.L. (2008). Models of of Homosexuality, 58, 1355–1371. Kingsley, P. & Molineux, M. (2000). True (pp.242–267). New York: Springer.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 213 sexual identity at work A case vignette identity at work, with a minority still manner, without experiencing harassment. All interviewees labelling oneself as ‘Ella’, a 25-year-old advertising agency worker: believed that openness of one’s sexual LGB. I identifies as genderqueer, rather than the gender identity is important for eliminating I Explicitly Out binary, and prefers the gender neutral pronoun ‘hir’. gossip and discrimination, regardless of (labelled Integration I has no intention of undergoing sex reassignment surgery. their own degree of openness. by Button): openly I considers hirself to be pansexual, given hir attraction to Our final example is college identifying as LGB. all individuals along the gender identity continuum. professors. The cultural climate of higher I has not disclosed hir gender identity or sexual orientation education institutes shapes college LGB persons may employ to anyone at work (an advertising agency). students’ perspectives on diversity, respect different sexual identity I is implicitly out at work, and behaves in an honest manner and equality. Sears (2002) surveyed LGB management strategies in such as dressing the way that feels most comfortable to hir. college faculty members and found that the same time frame, I is an excellent worker who always receives impeccable two thirds of them viewed their place of depending on the work annual reviews. However, Ella’s male colleagues often employment as gay-affirming or tolerant. environment (e.g. in make jokes about hir being a lesbian, and use pejorative On the other hand, about 25 per cent different job interviews words such as ‘butch’ and ‘dyke’. On one occasion, experienced their place of employment as or with different co- someone stated in a mocking manner, ‘Why don’t you just hostile or intolerant. Interestingly, public workers). Deciding which come out?’ in front of Ella and several of her colleagues. institutions were perceived as less LGB- strategies to use depends The supervisor ignored this. welcoming than private institutes. on one’s internal psychological processes, Ella has become increasingly frustrated and saddened by cost–benefit analysis of the workplace environment. The culture of the agency is Sexual identity management the possible one where individuals tease one another all in good fun; LGB persons possibly come out at consequences of the atmosphere is that the jokes are acceptable because work due to: (a) honesty and integrity, disclosure, and they are not malicious in nature, but instead are intended (b) desire for closer relationships with environmental support to be amusing and witty. co-workers, or (c) to educate or advocate (Ragins, 2008). Internal Does Ella feel targeted because of perceived sexual for LGB issues (Gusmano, 2008). To cope psychological processes orientation or gender identity? Are these jokes harassment? with possible discrimination, LGB may include sexual If you were Ella’s colleague who had witnessed these persons often need to consider how to identity attitudes and incidents, how could you advocate on Ella’s behalf? manage the disclosure of their sexual development, centrality identity at work, a process called ‘sexual of one’s sexual identity, identity management’ (Button, 2004; and perceived relevance Croteau et al., 2008). Chung (2001) and importance of disclosure. Those who heterosexual alias, and institutional discussed five sexual identity are less affirmative of their LGB identities, support and protection. The interactions management strategies: those who see sexual identity as less among these multiple factors could make I Acting: behaviourally portraying important than their other identities, disclosure decisions complicated and oneself as heterosexual (e.g. bringing or those who consider sexual identity difficult for LGB persons. a date of the other sex to a company as irrelevant to their work, are less likely Less is known about identity party); to come out at work. management strategies for transgender I Passing (or what Button called Possible benefits of disclosure may persons. A study of 263 transgender Counterfeiting): constructing a fake include relief and the freedom to be persons found that identity disclosure heterosexual identity by fabricating oneself; increased self-esteem and is associated with a supportive and less information, e.g. altering the name affirmation; closer interpersonal discriminatory work climate. Those who and gender pronoun of one’s same-sex relationships; opportunities for resources, disclosed also experienced greater job date or partner; support, and mentoring; and being part of satisfaction (Brewster et al., 2012). Geena I Covering (or Avoidance according to organisational and social change. On the Rocero, a transgender model, recently Button): carefully controlling the other hand, the costs could be loss of came out during her TED talk in honour amount of information disclosed to employment, discrimination, harassment, of International Transgender Day of co-workers that may reveal one’s LGB social isolation and physical assault. Visibility. She said, ‘I could no longer live orientation, without lying or Environmental support for identity my truth for and by myself… I am here, fabricating information; disclosure includes successful role models exposed, so that one day there will never I Implicitly Out: behaving in an honest who have come out at work, presence of be a need for a November 20 vigil.’ Although some may believe that identity integration and disclosure are desirable goals that lead to positive outcomes for all LGBT persons (Clair et Ragins, B.R. (2008). Disclosure persons. In D.A. Harley & J.M. Dillard disconnects: Antecedents and (Eds.) Contemporary mental health al., 2005), it is also important to consider consequences of disclosing invisible issues among African Americans cultural differences. Whereas LGBT stigmas across life domains. Academy (pp.91–105). Alexandria, VA: American identities are socially constructed, of Management Review, 33, 194–215. Counseling Association. endorsement and disclosure of such Rondahl, G., Innala, S. & Carlsson, M. Sears, J.T. (2002). The institutional climate identities may not fit people from cultures (2007). To hide or not to hide, that is for lesbian, gay and bisexual without that kind of identity the question. Journal of Homosexuality, education faculty. Journal of construction. Some LGBT people of 52, 211–233. Homosexuality, 43, 11–37. colour may endorse a Western-dominated Savage, T.A. & Harley, D.A. (2005). African Warriner, J. (2008). Confident to come out. LGBT identity, but decide to use different American lesbian, gay, and bisexual Nursing Standard, 22(22), 64. identity management strategies when

214 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 sexual identity at work dealing with their own cultural resources for LGBT employees and support, resources and risk in their community, as well as across family, social/work activities, and provision of potential work options or current work friends, and work relationships (Chung diversity training to address climate issues environment. After examining their career & Singh, 2009). These persons may related to sexual orientation and gender goals, the counsellor can help the client achieve harmony and satisfaction even identity issues. For example, there are determine strategies that fit their self- though they do not fit the Western universities that have LGBT centres for concept, goals and work environment. ideation of fully integrated and disclosed promoting awareness and for supporting The pros and cons for each strategy LGBT identity. LGBT faculty, staff and students. should be discussed, and the client may Moreover, accessibility of gender neutral practise using the strategy with the restrooms is essential for transgender counsellor. For example, if clients decide Coping with work discrimination workers in order to promote an inclusive to be honest with themselves without Based on interviews with LGB workers environment for diverse employees. explicitly revealing their sexual who had experienced work The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) orientation or gender identity, they may discrimination (see Chung et al., 2009), offers several recommendations for practise how to respond to heterosexist we suggest three coping strategies: advocating for the equality of LGBT enquiries and comments (e.g. using I non-assertive methods, such as employees in the workplace (see Covering or Implicitly Out strategies). quitting one’s job, being silent, tinyurl.com/mkaj2ju). First, it suggests The counsellor could help clients identify avoiding sources of discrimination, identifying allies with major decision role models in their personal lives or in self-talk, and overcompensation by makers in the workplace who have the the media in which LGBT persons were working harder; ability to authorise and support new successful in coming out at work. I seeking social support from one’s policies. Another suggestion is to build partner, friends, family, co-workers support with supervisors and the human and professionals. resources department for establishing an Conclusion I confronting discrimination by LGBT employee resource group. These Evidently, LGBT employees are vulnerable addressing various parties (e.g. the recommendations may help to facilitate to daily discrimination in the workplace. offender, supervisor, human resources, dialogues and awareness regarding LGBT Yet there is still a tremendous dearth of media), taking legal action, or issues in the workplace, and encourage institutional policies and laws that protect circumventing policies. the involvement of all employees while and safeguard LGBT persons against the promoting a more inclusive environment. pervasive discrimination they encounter. These three categories of coping strategies As a result, individuals have to apply may be used concurrently, depending on strategies to manage their identities and one’s internal psychological processes; Career counselling to cope with work discrimination. resources, options and policies available; A study of occupational therapists in However, these coping mechanisms may and one’s self-efficacy in executing the England suggested that therapists should not be enough to protect them from the strategies. An example of the third increase their knowledge of LGB cultures, adverse impact of discrimination on their approach would be Jenna Talackova, as well as their understanding of the job prospects or overall well-being. We a transgender model disqualified from the relation between sexual orientation and proposed some implications for advocacy 2012 Miss Universe Canada because she occupation (Kingsley & Molineux, 2000). and career counselling purposes. Together was not born a female. Talackova and her The first step a career counsellor can take we can make a difference. lawyer filed a case against the organisers, is to make their LGBT-affirmative position and eventually, the rules were altered and very explicit (e.g. statements on their she gained permission to compete. websites, marketing outreach to LGBT communities and publications, LGBT- Y. Barry Chung inclusive languages and response options is Professor of Counseling Policy making and advocacy on intake forms, displaying LGBT Psychology at Indiana Legal protection and organisational non- literature in the counselling offices). University Bloomington discrimination policies have a significant Counsellors should avoid heterosexist [email protected] impact on LGBT persons’ career decision languages that presume heterosexual making and personal well-being. For orientation and cisgender identity of their example, the Equality Act 2010 in the clients. Career counsellors should also be UK legally protects gender and sexual mindful of sexual identity-related factors minority groups from direct and indirect that may impact career decision making, Tiffany K. Chang discrimination, harassment and as well as being prepared to help clients is a doctoral student in victimisation. With protective laws and/or navigate the difficult sexual identity counselling psychology at policies, LGBT persons are more likely to management processes and the Indiana University pursue careers based on goodness of fit implications regarding how their outness Bloomington with an occupation, rather than fear of affects their career choices and vice versa [email protected] discrimination and personal safety. They (e.g. Degges-White & Shoffner, 2002). are also more likely to be out at work, When counselling LGBT clients, it is experience less discrimination, and have important to include sexual or gender Ciemone S. Rose better co-worker relationships (Griffith & identity issues appropriately. Avoidance is a doctoral student in Hebl, 2002). or overemphasis on LGBT issues will counselling psychology at An affirmative approach should go hinder counselling effectiveness. Career Indiana University beyond non-discrimination policies, to counsellors may help LGBT clients reflect Bloomington include strategic efforts for diversity, such on their sexual or gender identity [email protected] as showing support and providing development, and assess the level of

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 215 in mindfulness supplemented with psychoeducational elements of CBT to help prevent further relapse. The first Are we mindful of how we randomised controlled trial (RCT) shows that those who participated in the eight- week MBCT programme showed lower talk about mindfulness? relapse rates 12 months later, compared NEW VOICES with those receiving their normal Kate Williams with the latest in our series for budding writers treatment (Teasdale et al., 2000). In fact, (see www.bps.org.uk/newvoices for more information) 37 per cent of the MBCT group met relapse criteria compared with 66 per cent of the treatment-as-usual group. More recently RCTs have shown that MBCT is as effective as antidepressants indfulness dates back 2500 years, Kabat-Zinn developed the first structured in preventing depression and may be originating in Buddhism. Right eight-week course, Mindfulness-based beneficial for those with higher childhood Mnow it is everywhere. People are Stress Reduction (MBSR), for clients trauma (Kuyken et al., 2008; Williams et talking about it as a state of being and experiencing chronic pain (Kabat-Zinn, al., 2013). In terms of mechanisms way of life, writing about it, broadcasting 1982), but you can now embrace underlying MBIs, MBCT has been shown podcasts on it, developing phone-based mindfulness in workplaces (participating to reduce rumination, worry and apps, offering groups and online courses. in ‘mindful lunches’ or ‘mindful walks’), dysfunctional attitudes (Jermann et al., A few years ago, I went to the in schools (to help children with stress 2013; Williams, 2008). Both mindfulness ‘Mindfulness in Society’ conference and general well-being: Kuyken et al., and self-compassion have been reported organised by Bangor University’s Centre 2013) and beyond. To see mindfulness to mediate the effects of MBCT on for Mindfulness Research and Practice. accepted and becoming integrated into depressive outcome (Kuyken et al., There was a vibrant buzz: you would have people’s lives is inspiring, but we need to 2010), and a qualitative study suggested understandably left feeling inspired and be cautious with how we talk about and that MBIs can lead to a greater sense of thinking we should all take up promote mindfulness, particularly so as acceptance and control over symptoms mindfulness practice. Yet I continue to to avoid creating unrealistic expectations of depression (Allen et al., 2009). find a lot of people are unaware of what in those new to mindfulness . Additionally, research shows how mindfulness really is and what it involves. Increasing scientific research output mindfulness practice can alter brain Some may assume it to be religious, has highlighted the growing interest and structure and function in long-term conjuring up images of people chanting. acceptance of mindfulness-based experienced meditators compared with Some believe it to be an alternative or approaches. In the 1980s, only one or two novices, but also following short-term complementary therapy, or that it is at academic papers were published. In the mindfulness interventions of eight or just best relaxation: ‘Your PhD is about 1990s this increased to around 10–15 per four weeks in those new to meditation mindfulness?! That sounds calming, year. In 2013 alone there were 475 (Tang et al., 2012). Studies investigating I could do with some of that.’ publications on mindfulness (Black, MBSR have shown that there are not only Mindfulness has been defined as 2014). mood and well-being gains but also ‘paying attention on purpose, non- One particular field in which MBIs improvements in attention and in judgementally, and in the present have been well researched is in hippocampal and amygdala brain moment’ (Kabat-Zinn, 1982). One way of depression. Despite both psychological structure (Jha et al., 2010; Hölzel et al., achieving this is through formal breathing and pharmacological treatments, many 2010; Hölzel et al., 2011). My own PhD or body-based meditation practices. people continue to relapse into is attempting to identify the Thoughts and feelings are acknowledged depression. Could the beauty of neuropsychological mechanisms through and accepted but not challenged as in mindfulness lie in not only helping people which MBCT works to prevent relapse in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for to get better, but keeping them better? depression, targeting specifically example. Mindfulness-based interventions Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy mechanisms of self-compassion, (MBIs) have been developed for use in (MBCT), developed in 1995 as an rumination and brain structure. both mental and physical health, aimed at adaptation of MBSR (Teasdale et al., Such evidence is exciting and suggests relieving symptoms of stress, depression, 2000), aims to provide people currently that taking up mindfulness practice has anxiety, eating disorders, and more. Jon in remission from depression with skills wide impacts beyond psychological well-

Allen, M., Bromley, A., Kuyken, W. & & Misuse, 49, 487–491. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to effects of mindfulness training on Sonnenberg, S.J. (2009). Participants’ Dimidjian, S. & Hollon, S.D. (2010). How increases in regional brain gray working memory capacity and experiences of mindfulness-based would we know if psychotherapy were matter density. Psychiatry Research, affective experience. Emotion, 10(1), cognitive therapy: ‘It changed me in harmful? American Psychologist, 65, 191, 36–43. 54–64.

references just about every way possible’. 21–33. Jermann, F., Van der Linden, M., Gex- Kabat-Zinn, J. (1982). An outpatient Behavioural and Cognitive Hölzel, B.K., Carmody, J., Evans, K.C. et Fabry, M. et al. (2013). Cognitive program in behavioral medicine for Psychotherapy, 37(4), 413–430. al. (2010). Stress reduction correlates functioning in patients remitted from chronic pain patients based on the Black, D.S. (2014). Mindfulness-based with structural changes in the recurrent depression. Cognitive practice of mindfulness meditation: interventions: An antidote to suffering amygdala. Social Cognitive and Therapy and Research, 37, 1004–1014. Theoretical considerations and in the context of substance use, , 5, 11–17. Jha, A.P., Stanley, E., Kiyonaga, A. et al. preliminary results. General Hospital misuse, and addiction. Substance Use Hölzel, B.K., Carmody, J., Vangel, M. et al. (2010). Examining the protective Psychiatry, 4, 33–47.

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being. However, we must remain cautious of years old that do touch on negative teachers who have an established that we do not talk about mindfulness as experiences or the ‘dark knight of the mindfulness practice, are appropriately a quick fix or, worse, a panacea. Research soul’ (see tinyurl.com/jw4swbk), trained and supervised and are following to date has largely ignored negative side- suggesting there are hardships in UK mindfulness teacher guidelines effects, but one qualitative study reports contemplative practices. Interestingly, (Kuyken et al., 2012) to ensure how MBCT participants expressed whilst in medical studies side-effects continuation of credible and evidence- difficulties when realising MBCT is not would always be considered in RCTs, based courses. a cure-all and reporting feeling that they they have often been neglected in Personally, I have practised could not ‘do’ the mindfulness practice psychotherapy research (Dimidjian & mindfulness meditation for around four successfully (Allen et al., 2009). Such Hollon, 2010), and thus far, in meditation years; it is certainly not easy or a one-off concerns are not uncommon and would research. We remain largely unaware of practice. After all, you are connecting normally be addressed during an MBCT evidence on participants who may be with inner thoughts and feelings you may more vulnerable to undertaking have learned, over many years, to keep meditation practices or those hidden under the surface. My practice has who may experience negative made me more self-aware and connected emotions, paranoia, confusion with my mind, my automatic reactions or a loss of identity – some of and behaviour around others, which has the experiences reported in at times made me feel low or anxious. Britton’s early research. This can This is all a part of the process and is of course all be a natural part of why mindfulness can be so powerful as the meditative process, but, for a therapeutic tool. Whilst mindfulness some, such negative experiences practice for me has been a life-changing can be heightened to an extent decision, it was not a simple, straight line they can become very unwell. So journey and I’m sure I will have ups and there needs to be an awareness downs as I continue to practise. As Jon of undertaking mindfulness Kabat-Zinn said at the mindfulness practices with a suitable level conference, it will not always be easy but of insight and readiness to start ‘you don’t have to like it, you just have to meditation. Meditation may look do it’. There may be some who are more vulnerable or and sound simple, but mindfulness I am a strong believer in MBIs and not at the right stage in their lives to face the practice involves a considerable can see the benefits it can bring. Yet we emotions mindfulness can bring to the forefront amount of active effort – it is quite must remain ‘mindful’ of how we promote a commitment to achieve and and talk about mindfulness to ensure we course, particularly as there is no right maintain the benefits reported above. As carefully promote its use and application way to ‘do’ mindfulness. This highlights psychologists, we need to exercise caution to mental or physical health issues whilst the importance of raising realistic in promoting the use of mindfulness as in the early days of its research. If we can expectations of MBCT throughout the a therapeutic intervention for clients. avoid overstating mindfulness as a gold course, which may also help to ensure As above, there may be some who are standard or panacea, those new to continued practice beyond the eight more vulnerable or not at the right stage mindfulness can start to practise with weeks. Development of mindfulness in their lives to face the emotions realistic expectations, under suitably skills will inevitably require longer than mindfulness can bring to the forefront. qualified courses, and can begin to an eight-week course, but the course is Although there are not currently any experience the wonderful world of well suited to providing a foundation for formally recognised qualifications to teach mindfulness meditation. further development of mindfulness mindfulness, and training pathways are techniques. not yet accredited, we must not forget Recently an emerging area of research that those teaching mindfulness should at Kate Williams is a PhD led by Willoughby Britton at Brown the very least have their own established student in the Neuroscience University has suggested that mindfulness personal practice of mindfulness. and Psychiatry Unit at the practice may not be appropriate for all. Attendance at an eight-week course University of Manchester Whilst scientific research has not yet would not be sufficient for beginning to kate.williams-4 uncovered many negative side-effects teach mindfulness techniques to others. @manchester.ac.uk from meditation, there are texts hundreds We must encourage clients to seek

Kuyken, W., Byford, S., Taylor, R.S. et al. (Eds.) (2012). Mindfulness-based Mechanisms of white matter changes 68(4), 615–623. (2008). Mindfulness-based cognitive cognitive therapy (MBCT): induced by meditation. Proceedings of Williams, J.M.G. (2008). Mindfulness, therapy to prevent relapse in Implementation resources. Retrieved the National Academy of Sciences of depression and modes of mind. recurrent depression. Journal of 25 January 2015 from the United States of America, 109(26), Cognitive Therapy and Research, 32(6), Consulting and Clinical Psychology, tinyurl.com/pvzmofv 10570–10574. 721–733. 76(6), 966–978. Kuyken, W., Weare, K., Ukoumunne, O.C. Teasdale, J.D., Segal, Z.V., Williams, Williams, J.M.G., Crane, C., Barnhofer, T. Kuyken, W., Watkins, E., Holden, E. et al. et al. (2013). Effectiveness of the J.M.G. et al. (2000). Prevention of et al. (2013). Mindfulness-based (2010). How does mindfulness-based mindfulness in schools programme. relapse/recurrence in major cognitive therapy for preventing cognitive therapy work? Behaviour British Journal of Psychiatry, 203, depression by mindfulness-based relapse in recurrent depression. Research and Therapy, 48, 1105–12. 126–131. cognitive therapy. Journal of Journal of Consulting and Clinical Kuyken, W., Crane, R. & Williams, M. Tang, Y-Y., Lu, Q., Fan, M. et al. (2012). Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Psychology, 82(2), 275–286.

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218 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 219 project? You’ve studied fire-walking rituals for example… What my approach brought here was not the specific research topic… we had a brilliant anthropologist, Dimitris Xygalatas, who was interested in the idea INTERVIEW An interactive mind that when people do rituals they don’t do it just for themselves, it somehow creates an effect for the society. The people Our editor Jon Sutton talks to Andreas Roepstorff (Aarhus University) involved are not just the performers, but the community itself. He came up and said could we do some kind of proxy measure of that. We thought we could use fluctuations in heart rate. Ivana Konvalinnka, who came from an ell me about the Interacting subheadings of Cognition, Choice and engineering background, had the TMinds Centre. Communication. The interaction between technical skills to do the measurement The Interacting Minds Centre is the three defines the research topic. and analysis. It was clear when we looked a relatively playful environment at the patterns of activity, you could tell within the Aarhus University structure. … and Cohesion, and the Collective when their partners were doing the fire The university has gone radical aspect? walking, they were spiking similar to each interdisciplinary over the last few years. Yes, we could have gone on! I’ve been in other. But we had no way of quantifying We managed to convince the university another research endeavour when it was it, we had a year of thinking ‘What management that there was an area where organised around columns, so there should we do with the data?’. We came it made sense to collaborate across the would be one topic to be pursued in five across a very creative psychologist, the different faculties, and that we have years by one group of people, and another late Guy van Orden, who worked on a good mix of people who could actually for another group. Instead, as a complex data analysis, and he had the do it. We have core funding for five years coordinating principle, we had an tools that would allow us to do now for our research agenda. overarching heading every academic year. something more quantitative. If anything The first year was about coordination; we I was a kind of catalyst, looking at what And what’s the topic that makes are now in the confusion phase; next year we could do with the data. In that sense it that approach particularly suitable? is scheduled to be about conflict; and was a typical Interacting Minds project – What unites everyone is that people finally cooperation. I expected that would how could we do things we couldn’t do are using different methods to study mirror the development within the centre, otherwise, by doing them together. And the emerging patterns that happen and we are indeed in the confusion phase the topic is all about interaction as well. when people are interacting. The name’s now… I hope we won’t see too many a tribute to the classic Chris and Uta conflicts! From that you found that these rituals Frith paper in Science. There is a core have an impact on the group, in terms of classical anthropology, of sociology… Is that a particularly Danish approach of cohesion and synchronicity, as well we are doing to psychology and to as an impact on the individual in terms experimental science in general? of prosociality? approaches as well, “Around an interesting Not particularly. But at Around an interesting experiment comes but by thinking in experiment comes a Aarhus University over time a whole undergrowth, an ecosystem… the three different ways – whole undergrowth” we have built up such an first fire-walking study was really a wild using the experiment environment. What a lot of shot, completely crazy, somehow we as a method, as an people realised was that we’re managed to get it into a top journal, but aesthetic, as an at the end of the world, not a very then going on with that idea to say there experimental art – you try out novel prestigious university, and we don’t want is something that it does to people, a lot things. And, particularly for me as an to be intellectually what we are of other studies have been built around it. anthropologist, experiments themselves geographically. We have to build So would that shared body experience can be interesting to study. What type of more resources together, to create an translate into prosociality? People’s sociality is an experiment? environment which is interesting to be willingness to donate to some kind of in and interesting to visit. common good was larger for those who So you’ve talked about making people participated as watchers in a high- from different disciplines do very You describe yourself as a ‘long-term intensity ritual rather than a low-intensity concrete research projects, and the tourist in psychology’ – you’ve come ritual. This suggests that there is challenges involved in that. from the anthropological background something about the aroused bodily states Ideally, it’s not just talking. Part of the where presumably the experimental which creates that cohesion. raison d’être of the centre itself is to approach isn’t so common. explore what happens when we make I have a background in biology with a Durkheim talks about rituals in terms such projects in practice. focus in neuroscience, and a background of the ‘electricity generated by their in anthropology as well. So a foot placed closeness’. It’s a kind of ‘meta-centre’? on either side of what you might see as What might be critical is instances of We’re certainly trying to practise what we psychology, but nothing in the middle. bodily pain… if you look at Christianity, a preach! When we wrote the applications lot of the major religions, aspects of pain we had an obsession with Cs. We had the So what does that bring to a specific seem to be a critical aspect. But it’s not

220 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 interview there as an actualisation in most forms environment that one works in. To most of religion. researchers there’s a great degree of sensitivity as to who it is worth spending You write that humans have brains, time with, who is it worth working with? they have experiences, they’re So just as in the Centre there’s this embedded in cultural contexts, somewhat playful relationship between and that somehow these different on the one hand doing research in factors interact with each other. interaction and exploring what is an Does it surprise you that this still interactive framework in the first place, needs saying? I would see that to be basically integral to It does. Particularly coming from my the research process as well, particularly kind of background, it’s surprising that when you work across disciplines. You it has been so hard for psychology to have to be sensitive to the way things are deal with the importance of the being produced along the way. At the end experiences. My first fieldwork in of the day that’s also going to decide psychology was back in 2000 with whether this piece of evidence holds true in London. Tony Jack was or not. We all know the tricks you can do trying to do a project on experiences with statistics. What determines whether in a scanning environment, and it just you trust a finding and talk about it has turned impossible. We basically asked to do with all the other things that went people what it was like to be in the into the making of it, that you know scanner, and that was considered about and that other people know about. incredibly provocative! be loved and have something to play That would be how I would take that with, and there was some neural evidence ‘slow science’ approach… the process of They were just interested in the brain that pointed in the same direction, but doing it is a critical element. scans at the end of it? I don’t think the ‘neuro’ story added Yes. What struck me was that in order anything to what we already know. Where does that take you next in to do these scans, in order to make the terms of your research focus? science, it took an awful lot of interaction You describe the fire-walking study We have quite a few projects that look to make that work. Our crucial as a wild and crazy idea… you seem to at how people produce things together. experiment was a version of the have a few of those, I don’t know if the We try to explore the markers – the rock/paper/scissors task, which was ‘destroying money’ study was yours? physiology, simple movements, patterns looking at social cognition or theory of The idea wasn’t mine but I clearly of communication and shared language… mind. People were playing against an supported it! Christina Becchio was We thought that the index of success opponent, they thought it was somebody interested in these social objects… she would be measures of synchronicity, that on the outside but most of the time it was came up with the idea that if money is the more you synchronise the better it just a computer. For the neural activity the quintessential social object then feels, the better the product. What we we found premedial frontal cortex, but destroying the object would be a way have seen again and again is that if our subjective reports found huge to see remnants of that. She made these anything, markers of synchronisation are differences between playing what they beautiful films of cutting notes into negatively correlated with outcome thought was a person and what they pieces. I had been working with Chris success. For instance, people built LEGO thought was a computer. All of that relied and Uta Frith, and we discovered we cars together, and basically it seems that on the understanding of the situation, had a shared interest in looking at aspects an ability to complementarily organise is and that was all inter-subjectively of social cognition, but not just in the much more important than having mediated. In other words, it became clear passive, in the active. They trained us in synchrony. At least once a certain level of to us that in many of these situations the classical experimental psychology. synchrony is achieved. So we are trying to what we do to each other to provide these understand how we get an idea of the frames of understanding are what set up Uta has talked about this idea of ‘slow type of organisation that is necessary, how the experiment in the first place, but once science’. With slow cooking there’s this we measure that. We’re also looking at the you go out of the scanner that aspect is idea of ‘you are what you eat’, but also social understanding of the task, and we completely absent from the study. ‘you become how you cook’. have found that when there is a perceived I think that’s critical to a research process hierarchical relationship in the So you’re in the middle, trying to as well. How I would translate it is that completion of a task – when there was get anthropologists to think more there has to be a focus on the product, a leader who could tell others what to do experimentally and more in terms the articles that we publish, but at the – then the subjective report of the success of the brain maybe, but then trying end of the day the real interest in most of that collaboration was in fact to get hardened neuroscientists to of us is the ability to set up these kind uncorrelated with how much the stop attaching ‘neuro’ to everything? of creative yet rigid processes – having participants synchronised their hearts. In You wouldn’t necessarily advocate a sensitivity for these processes and how other words, something about the social a ‘neuroanthropology’? they develop seems to be a critical understanding of the task seems to I think that issue is what anthropology element. translate into the actual dynamic. was basically about in the first place. We just saw a talk at this conference on And that can get lost in the pressure Echoing the ideas of complementarity children’s development and the neural of academia and the process of and trust in terms of how you organise perspective, a lot of really nice stories evaluation? your research centre! about how it’s a good thing for a child to Yes, but it’s somehow integral to the Yes, that’s what we’re trying with this.

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 221 values down to their three children. Anna is a successful corporate lawyer, working 80–90 hours a week, and wondering if A disquieting look children can be fitted around career advancement. Their son, Tom, is studying to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Only at dementia their youngest, Lydia, has not followed this road. She has spent time in Europe, Mike Bender provides a critique of Lisa Genova’s novel Still Alice, the film and is now attempting to become a stage

EYE ON FICTION adaptation of which is out this month actress on the West Coast, and refusing, much to her mother’s fury (‘Alice nearly lost her mind,’ p.11), to go to university. Alice’s ability to understand Lydia’s life path is hampered by the fact that her busy s public awareness and concern the National Alzheimer’s Association. schedule (‘swamped by too many urgent about dementia has grown over From her lengthy acknowledgements, it things at the time’) has meant that she Athe last 20 years, publishers have is clear that she aims to give an accurate has never been present to see Lydia act in hurried to provide suitable reading picture of living with increasing cognitive a play (pp.16–17). However, Lydia’s non- material. This has come in a variety of difficulties, and an educative exposition of conventional career path does not mean forms. Early autobiographical accounts the best treatment on offer for the that she does not value career include My Journey into Alzheimer’s Disease condition in America today. advancement. At a family meeting, she (1989) by Rev. Robert Davis; Diana The main location is Boston, is quietly rehearsing her lines (p.103). McGowin’s feisty Living in the Labyrinth Massachusetts, and the events take place Alice is 50 years old when, on a trip (1993); Dancing with Dementia (2005) and between September 2003 and September to give a prestigious lecture at Stanford, Who Will I Be When I Die? (1997) by 2005. (As others have commented, the she experiences word-finding difficulties Christine Boden, one of the founders of deterioration is melodramatically and and misplaces her Blackberry. Her initial Dementia Advocacy and Support Network untypically rapid.) Alice Howland is an self-diagnosis is that these slips are due International; Through the Wilderness of internationally renowned leader in the to her going through the menopause. Alzheimer’s (1999) by Robert Simpson and field of linguistic development and a However, her physician quickly disabuses his wife, Anne; and Alzheimer’s from the tenured professor in psychology at her of this hypothesis when he refers her Inside Out (2007) by Richard Taylor, a Harvard. Both Alice and her husband, to a neuropsychologist, who carries out or psychologist diagnosed with Alzheimer’s John, a research cellular biologist also at authorises a series of cognitive and at 58. There has also been a steady stream Harvard, value themselves primarily as medical procedures, including a lumbar of accounts by relatives, including Iris successful scientists. Work must take puncture, to which no risk is apparently (Murdoch) by John Bayley (1998); John priority over caring for each other. As attached. He then briskly tells her that Suchet’s My Bonnie (his wife) (2010); and early as p.3 (page numbers refer to a 2010 she has (early onset) Alzheimer’s. Before I Forget: A Daughter’s Story (2010) edition), Alice, flying out to Stanford, asks A major theme is how illness is to by Fiona Phillips. John to be home when she gets back. be understood and treated. The body, Dementia has also interested novelists. ‘We haven’t seen each other for a including the brain, is a machine that An early dramatic account of caring for a while. Please try to be home?’ she must function in order to maintain the person becoming increasingly forgetful asked. ‘I know. I’ll try.’ career identity; and if it is not functioning was Margaret Forster’s Have the Men Had optimally, it is the responsibility of the Enough? (1989), while Michael Ignatieff’s The question mark after Alice’s request medical profession to fix it and return it powerful Scar Tissue (1993) is an account tells us, correctly, of the likely outcome. to work. Psychological factors are nearly by a son of his mother’s loss of memory ‘He was in the middle of an irrelevant to this process. What matters and artistic skills. experiment and couldn’t leave it to is what drugs are available or in Lisa Genova’s Still Alice, first published come home. She’d certainly been in development. in 2007, has gained a deserved reputation his shoes innumerable times. That What is noteworthy is the tripartite as a brave fictional attempt at a first-person was what they did. This was who they system: drug companies, doctor and account of the descent into dementia. were. The voice called her a stupid patient. There is not the linear Genova has a PhD in neuroscience from fool.’ (p.19) progression of doctor keeping au fait with Harvard and is an online columnist for Not surprisingly, they have passed these medical developments and explaining these to the patient. Rather, the patient has accessed the claims made by drug companies and then expects the doctor to prescribe accordingly. This unity is nicely Bender, M.P. (2013). You’re worried you (2007). Wadebridge Memory Bank might have Alzheimer’s: What YOU can Group – Three years on. Journal of expressed in the rooms of Alice’s do about it. www.beeswing.biz Dementia Care, 15(3), 16–17. physician, ‘decorated with framed Ansel Bender, M.P. (2014, January). The ethics of Genova, L. (2010). Still Alice. London: Adams [a 1930’s iconic art photographer

references complicity? Clinical Psychology Forum, Simon & Schuster Pocket Books. of the American West] and Issue 253, pp.52–56. Lock, M. (2013). The Alzheimer conundrum: pharmaceutical advertisements’ (p.37). Bender, M.P. & Constance, G. (2005). Entanglements of dementia and aging. There is no suggestion that scientific Wadebridge Memory Bank: A Princeton, NJ: Princeton University advancement might be hindered by the psychoeducation group. Journal of Press. needs of pharmaceutical companies. Dementia Care, 13(1), 28–30. Only conditions that drugs can treat Bender, M.P., Constance, G. & Williams, J. are ‘real’, so that emotional states must be

222 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 eye on fiction mutated into them. Alice has the tragedy attends a departmental presentation, Alice has manifestly only a few months of both her mother and sister being but no staff will sit next to her, some left to live. killed, while being driven by her drunken preferring to stand (p.185). As Alice Still Alice is a disquieting book. father. Her traumatic grief is consistently asks herself ‘What was she if she wasn’t Despite the family’s affluence, its value referred to as ‘depression’ (p.46, p.154) a Harvard professor?’ (p. 96); and the systems and those of her colleagues, along and treated with Prozac. answer from her colleagues, is a non- with the behaviour of the medical Alice goes by herself to her physician person. professionals, make Alice’s predicament and then to two neurological examination In order to get some support, Alice far more lonely and desperate than it sessions. The neurologist tells her that ‘in herself, even when seriously disabled, sets needs to be. the future you’re going to have to bring a up a group for her fellow early dementia The American setting does not family member or somebody who sees sufferers (p.213ff.). Yet, Alice’s need to diminish the relevance the book has you regularly… you may not be the most demonstrate competence continues, as for UK services. Neo-liberal capitalist reliable source of what’s going on’ (p.55). she decides to drop out of the group assumptions, actively encouraged by UK The idea that she might need emotional because her condition has worsened – just as much as by US governments – that you support at this time does not seem to when one might have thought she needed are only as valuable, and your job only as occur to the neurologist for, at the end their support more than ever. (In the permanent, as your last research grant/ of the screening, he tells her bluntly that long-running Memory Bank group in sales/assessment; and that this ‘you fit the criteria of having probable performance is the function of the Alzheimer’s disease’ (p.70). He is individual, not the context in which telling her she has early onset they are operating – means that career dementia, with a rapid decline and status is the only important identity death within a few years – in short marker, in terms of economic, social a death sentence and a terrible dying status and psychological well-being. – without any discussion or support. The need therefore for the consumption She is sent away and told to come of a drug to allow a rapid return to back in six months (p.72). work makes sense in this framework. There is no evidence that the Emotional neglect, caused in large author considers this poor practice, part by career aspirations and work as nor is it taken as such by Alice. It is the major identity, would also be valid noticeable that the doctors invariably for British professional workers; while, ask closed questions, rather than for those in more precarious and badly seeking to explore Alice’s views and paid jobs, the lack of flexibility, both of feelings through open-ended time usage and economic resources, questions. It is not clear that Alice may well result in unwilling neglect is offered any emotional support (Bender, 2013). whatsoever, although she is told of Julianne Moore in the film adaptation Still Alice Government policy, enthusiastically a social worker in the unit who ‘can supported by research groups and help you with resources and support’. Wadebridge, Cornwall [Bender & dementia charities, is that the only way Yet while the neurology practice has Constance, 2005; Bender et al., 2007], forward is through the development of little to offer the sufferer, for her husband, where the decision to discharge could drugs, although there is no clear they have a carer’s group run by two only be made by members themselves, understanding of the disease processes on professional staff (p.136, p.210). we found that members offered continued which to base such developments (Lock, Her university colleagues provide support to each other, across quite sharply 2013). Concurrent with this policy is a little support. In a rather unconvincing varying degrees of cognitive difficulties; lack of funding for the development of scene, Alice feels among friends at the and that the members only stopped ameliorative psychological approaches. departmental Christmas party (‘They attending a few months before their The neglect of support services also were family’, p.51). However, when her deaths.) applies in the UK, where these services, teaching performance suffers, she is It is interesting to see how these never lavish, have been slashed during effectively sacked by the head of themes play out at the end of the book, the last few years (Bender, 2014). department. Students have started when Alice has emotional responses, but The loneliness and despair of complaining and, as he points out, their little ability to recognise family members the Alices of this world cross national parents are paying $40,000 a year (p.182) or verbalise. John, her husband, is offered boundaries and demand the creation (despite the fact that ‘the emphasis in the an important post in New York, which he of value and work systems that permit department tipped heavily toward is determined to take, arguing that Alice is a more caring response from families. research performance, and so a lot of less- now so disorientated that it doesn’t matter We also need a greater willingness among than-optimal teaching was tolerated by which city she is in (p.224). However, psychologists, and other professionals, to both the students and the administration’ neither Alice nor her daughters are willing visibly and vocally object to the cruelty (p.45). Alice is not offered any for her to move, and the book ends with and lack of compassion in the present occupational health support. She informs Lydia, coming East to study, and Anna, provision of services for people with her colleagues of her condition, and they now with newborn twins, helping their cognitive and skills difficulties. briefly call in to commiserate, but none mother. John, as expected, can only give offer support. While she has become limited support, given the demands of his I Mike Bender is a retired consultant clinical irrelevant to her colleagues because of her new post. Tom plays little part in helping psychologist for older adults and author of a non-productivity, it is hard to believe that his mother, being involved in his medical number of books on dementia, most recently they would cold shoulder her in the same studies. Men cannot be expected to stop You're Worried You Might Have Alzheimer’s way if her diagnosis was cancer. Later, she giving their careers priority, even when [email protected]

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224 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 BABCP ACT SIG presents Acceptance and Mindfulness Skills For CBT Therapists Joe Oliver & John Boorman 11th June from 9.30am to 4.30pm , Nu ord House, Brown Street, London W1H 5UL

This workshop is designed for therapists who have some familiarity with mindfulness and acceptance-based CBTs, and would like further develop their skills in using these approaches. Par cipants will learn how to:

• Engage clients in exploring their personal values to drive behaviour change • Decide when and how to use mindfulness in a fl exible, formula on-informed manner • Develop the therapeu c rela onship • Work with thoughts and other experiences using a fl exibility model of CBT

The workshop will be presented from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, and involve case formula on, group role-play, and presenters’ audio/video material of therapy sessions.

Joe and John are both clinical psychologists who are experienced ACT therapists, researchers and trainers. BABCP Members: £90 | Non-members: £120 | Students/ trainees: £45

For further informa on including how to register, please visit: www.babcp.com/Training/Events.aspx or for further informa on [email protected]

CPD Workshops EMDR Training Schedule 2015 Fully accredited EMDR trainings for Psychologists

Teaching Clients to use EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and EMDR-Europe Association (EMDR-E) accredited trainings conducted by Alexandra (Sandi) Richman, Mindfulness Skills Chartered Psychologist. Learn how to integrate this evidence-based With Dr Maggie Stanton & Dr Christine Dunkley therapy into your existing clinical skills. th 20 March 2015 - Cardiff University Richman EMDR Training offer small interactive EMDR trainings th 18 April 2015 - Newcastle University (max 20 participants), incorporating the complete ‘standard’ EMDR training th 8 May 2015 - St Patrick’s College Nr Dublin accredited and approved by EMDRIA/EMDR-Europe plus an Intermediate 15th May 2015 - Stirling University 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 Group Supervision in the complex cases and offers further case consultation. Helping Professions. EMDR 2015 Trainings are as follows: The Supervisory Relationship – (London unless otherwise indicated) Diffi culties and Delights Part 1 (3 day training) With Robin Shohet 29 April - 1 May 2015, 24 - 26 June 2015 (Glasgow), 29 - 31 July 2015 th th 13 + 14 March 2015 - BPS London Part 2 (1 day training) 11 March 2015 (Leicester), 25 March 2015, 7 May 2015, 19 June 2015 Helping Clients who have Part 3 (3 day training) Medically Unexplained Symptoms 12 -14 March 2015 (Leicester), 13-15 May 2015, 9 - 11 September 2015 With Professor Helen Payne For more information contact th 13 May 2015 – BPS London Mary Cullinane, Training Co-ordinator. Tel: 020 7372 3572 Email: [email protected] For details and for our full range of workshops :- stantonltd.co.uk or grayrock.co.uk www.emdr-training.com

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 225 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 t’s hard to overstate how important it is to Advancement in Psychological Science Prize, recognise people’s achievements, and to help the Achievement Against the Odds Award, and Honorary General Secretary Ithem reach their career goals. Over the last Lifetime Career Award. Details of these awards Professor Pam Maras month I’ve had this point reinforced to me a can be found at www.iupsys.net/ number of times in different settings. In terms about/awards/index.html. As a member Honorary Treasurer of recognition, we’ve recently announced several organisation of IUPsyS, the Society is currently Professor Ray Miller recipients of Society awards and also opened preparing nominations for several of these nominations for others. The Professional awards. Chair, Practice Board makes three awards each year In terms of supporting colleagues to develop and the latest winners were announced recently. their careers I recently attended a day in the Membership Standards Board Congratulations go to Emma Donaldson-Feilder, Leadership Foundation for Higher Education’s Dr Mark Forshaw Rachel Lewis and Dr Hamilton Fairfax who women-only ‘Aurora’ programme were the joint recipients of the award for (tinyurl.com/osv87jy), where the message Chair, Practitioner of the Year. Dr Guy Homes’ received coming across loud and clear was how Education and Public the award for Distinguished Contribution to important building and maintaining supportive Engagement Board Psychology in Practice, and networks is, especially, but Professor Catriona Morrison Professor Neil Frude was not only, in the early stages of awarded the 2014 Lifetime “we have committed to a career. I know that for many Chair, Achievement Award. a more coordinated within the Society this is one There are a number of international presence” of the most important Research Board other awards currently open functions of our member Professor Judi Ellis for nominations, and I hope networks, and one that tends to you might consider be very successful, through annual Chair, nominating colleagues for one or more of these conferences and local meetings for example. Professional Practice Board (see www.bps.org.uk/what-we-do/awards-grants/ The Aurora programme extends such networking Dr Ian Gargan awards-grants). The range of work recognised by opportunities by also building in a mentoring Society awards has expanded in recent years scheme that matches up volunteer senior The Society has offices in Belfast, and it was particularly good to see Ian Harrison mentors with those who would like support Cardiff, Glasgow and London, as being given the first award for Technical and advice, often from a completely different Support in in 2014, specialism. I suspect that within the Society well as the main office in awarded jointly by the Society and the we haven’t yet found the best ways of linking Leicester. All enquiries should Association for Technical Staff in Psychology. people across different areas as we might, but be addressed to the Leicester In particular the Research Board’s Lifetime we can keep working to improve that. office (see inside front cover for Achievement Award and the Presidents’ Award Recently, discussions within the Partnership address). for Distinguished Contributions to Psychological and Accreditation Committee, the Ethics Knowledge are both currently inviting Committee and with the Association of Heads nominations with closing dates on 30 April of Psychology Departments have led to the The British Psychological 2015. establishment of a group to develop Society Whilst many members probably already supplementary and good practice guidelines in was founded in 1901, and know about these awards, I’m less sure that the the area of diversity and difference. The group is incorporated by Royal Charter in awards available from the International Union being co-chaired by Mark Forshaw (Chair of the 1965. Its object is ‘to promote the of Psychological Science are so well known. Membership Standards Board) and Kate Bullen advancement and diffusion of As we have committed to a more coordinated (Chair of the Ethics Committee). We are asking international presence recently, it would be them to take forward the Society’s equality and a knowledge of psychology pure excellent to see UK psychologists being diversity work in the short term, with one of the and applied and especially to recognised more on this wider stage, reflecting outputs to be a series of recommendations about promote the efficiency and the genuinely world-leading work that is done areas that need further work, which will then go usefulness of Members of the by psychologists here. Professor Annette the appropriate boards, committees and staff for Society by setting up a high Karmiloff-Smith (nominated by us and Société development. I would hope that some specific Française de Psychologie) was the last UK new ideas (perhaps such as a cross-network standard of professional winner of their ‘Major Advancement in mentoring scheme?) will emerge from these education and knowledge’. Psychological Science’ award in 2012, and discussions to help us support colleagues and Extract from The Charter nominations are now open (until 31 March) members, particularly those who are in the early for their Young Investigator Awards, the Major stages of their careers.

226 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 society Risks of conversion therapy The Society is one of 14 national organisations to sign Dr Moon added: ‘With so many national organisations a Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy, signing up to this document it can only strengthen the way recognising that efforts to try to change or alter sexual forward for real equality. The Memorandum of Understanding orientation through psychological therapies are unethical and sets out a framework for further work in this area. This is an potentially harmful. The Memorandum sets out an agreed important document and I am pleased to have represented the framework to tackle the issues raised by the practice of Society on this working group.’ conversion therapy in the UK. Supported by the Department Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said: ‘We have of Health, the organisations that signed up include professional always been clear that being lesbian, gay or bisexual is not an associations, voluntary regulators, NHS England and illness. Any therapy that claims to change a person’s sexual campaigning groups. They recognise a shared commitment orientation is not just unethical – it’s potentially harmful. to protecting the public from the risks of conversion therapy. I welcome this commitment from NHS England, the Royal Chartered Psychologist Dr Lyndsey Moon, who represented and professional bodies to help tackle any such practice the Society on the Memorandum working group said: ‘I am in the UK.’ delighted that we have been able to build on the clear position the British Psychological Society has taken on this issue over a number of years. The BPS that people of same-sex sexual orientations should be regarded as equal members of society. This includes freedom from harassment or discrimination in any ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEWERS sphere, and a right to protection from therapies that purport to The Society’s Oral History Project (www.bps.org.uk/ohp) is change or ‘convert’ sexual orientation.’ compiling a unique archive of sound recordings of psychologists The Memorandum is not intended to discourage clients with around the UK. The project is going from strength to strength and conflicted feelings around sexuality from seeking help. For anyone needs more volunteer members in all areas of the UK to conduct who is unhappy about their sexual orientation – whether the occasional interview. heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual – there are therapeutic If you are interested in taking part, please contact the Society’s options to help them live more comfortably with it, reduce their Archivist, Mike Maskill, at [email protected] or call him on distress and reach a greater degree of acceptance of their sexual 020 7330 0895. orientation.

Organised by BPS Conferences BPS conferences are committed to ensuring value for money, careful budgeting and sustainability

CONFERENCE DATE VENUE WEBSITE

2015 Faculty for People with Intellectual Disabilities 29 Apr–1 May The Oxford Hotel www.bps.org.uk/fpid2015

Annual Conference 5–7 May ACC, Liverpool www.bps.org.uk/ac2015

Trainee Conference 6 May ACC, Liverpool www.bps.org.uk/trainee2015

Supervision Conference 7 May ACC, Liverpool www.bps.org.uk/supervision2015

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

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

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 227 CHAIR OF THE EDUCATION & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT BOARD 2016–19 Call for nominations Nominations are required for the Chair of the Education & Public Engagement Board to serve in office from 2016 to 2019. The person will serve as Chair Elect following the 2015 Annual General Meeting before becoming Chair following the 2016 Annual General Meeting. The person will be appointed a Trustee of the Society and have a seat on the Board of Trustees. NOMINATIONS Nominations should reach the Society’s office no later than 5pm, 31 March 2015. To ensure validity of nomination you should use a standard nomination form, which give details of the information and signatories required. A short personal statement will also be required.

The candidates will be considered by an Appointments Panel of the Board of Trustees. Any decision will be taken to the 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Society for ratification.

For more information about the Board, its full terms of reference, a job description with indication of time commitments and a nomination form, please contact Kelly Auty (Policy Advisor - Psychology Education); [email protected], 0116 2529554

Psychology in the Pub

ANNUAL Bristol psychology GENERAL Wednesday 11 March 2015 Jan Hernen MEETING 2015 Exeter The Society’s Annual General Meeting will be held How to help the brain at 15.20 on Wednesday 6 May 2015 at the see cancer ACC Liverpool. Wednesday 25 March 2015 Dr William Simpson The Open Meeting will commence immediately Plymouth after the AGM. Advances in clinical approaches to CFS Please submit questions for the Open Meeting in Thursday 19 March 2015 writing addressed to the Honorary General Professor Michael Hyland Secretary by Monday 2 March 2015.

Professor Pam Maras Honorary General Secretary For more information or to notify us that you will be attending visit www.bps.org.uk/southwest-events

228 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 2015 CPD Workshops Professional development opportunities from your learned Society

Introduction to talent management (DOP) 5 March ‘Seen but not seen’: Exploring visible and invisible differences in the therapeutic encounter (Psychotherapy) 9 March New developments in the psychological management of stroke (Cross network) 10 March Expert witness: Using (Workshop 4) 20 March Cognitive assessment of children and young people (Day 1) (Cross network) 25 March Exploring terrorism and extremist behaviour (DFP) 26 March Working successfully in private practice 26 March and authentic well-being (Cross network) 30 March Personality disorder and psychopathy in female offenders (DFP) 7 April Mindfulness and health (DHP) 7 April Adventures in playfulness: Exploring the role of play and creativity in working with children and families (Cross network) 9 April Children and PTSD (Crisis Section) 20 April Understanding and enhancing the social and emotional development in the early years (Cross network) 21 April Complaints against psychologists: Lessons to be learned from HCPC’s ‘fitness to practice’ proceedings (Cross network) 24 April Qualitatively-driven mixed methods research (Cross network) 28 April Cognitive analytic therapy in a forensic setting (DFP) 1 May Introduction to evidence-based and hypnotherapy (Cross network) 7 May Engaging the disengaged: Using motivational interviewing as a tool for young people and adults in education contexts (DECP) 14 May Expert witness: Responsibilities and business (Workshop 1) 14 May Expert witness: Report writing (Workshop 2) 15 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 (DCP) (Manchester) 1 June Working with offenders with intellectual disability in a forensic setting (DFP) 3 June Expert witness: Court room evidence (Workshop 3) 11 June Expert witness: Using psychometrics (Workshop 4) 12 June Peer group supervision: A structured model for facililtation of community working & professional development (Cross network) 15 June Meta-synthesis (QMiP) 16 June

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

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230 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 INPA Italian Network of Psychologists’ Associations

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read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 235 significance. In addition, in a marketplace where students have increased power, social psychology is recognised as an attractive subject for many students and

CAREERS Amplifying a relationship if taught well can help enhance student satisfaction with a course.

with psychology How did you first get interested in psychology? Ian Florance talks to social psychologist Professor Robin Goodwin I am afraid I was a bit of a ‘psychology nerd’ at an early age… I read the collected works of Freud when I was around 16, followed by Jung and Adler soon after. aving studied social psychology, interdisciplinary approach to this topic, Adler made me realise that I was really HRobin Goodwin worked at Keele, working with colleagues from across the interested in social psychology, so I did Bristol and Brunel Universities. social and natural sciences. my undergraduate degree at the He is now Head of Psychology at the In his answers to my e-mailed University of Kent – at that time one of University of Warwick. questions, Robin gives vivid examples the few places you could study social Robin is driven by the question of of the sort of work he does and the psychology as a degree in itself – and was what impact large-scale societal and challenges it poses. fortunate enough to get an ESRC environmental transitions and threats scholarship to carry on my PhD there. have on everyday psychological processes. Social psychologists sometimes He has a particular interest in the ways seem to feel out of place in psychology Tell me a bit about your training. What in which individual differences combine departments. Do you find this and, if did you like and dislike about it? Did with group and cultural variations in so, why do you think that is? you always know what you were going informing responses to these changes In the last decade or so the general to do and what areas you would and threats. He takes a strongly perception has certainly been that social specialise in? What influenced you? psychology has been marginalised in My training was for a traditional British favour of other areas of psychology; most PhD – a very long thesis (> 100,000 notably in recent years, neuropsychology. words) in three volumes, with lots of There have certainly been larger finances studies (seven). Looking back I could available for projects which involve have probably done with a bit more techniques such as fMRI, which do cost intense statistics training, although I did rather more to conduct. Of course, become something of an expert in my money talks in academic departments sub-sub-subfield. as much as anywhere else! Furthermore, the citation impact rates in the natural You’ve worked internationally a lot as a sciences are usually higher than in social visiting professor. Are there differences sciences, and this has further increased between how psychology is regarded, the feeling that social psychologists are taught and organised around the contributing less to a department’s overall world? standing. There are obvious differences. For However I should add that the example, a theory I sometimes use – increasing recognition of the significance social representations theory – is widely of the societal impact of academic used and taught in South America and research (beyond academia) can help continental Europe but rarely covered in redress this balance, as much social North America or the UK. Psychoanalysis psychological thinking has strong too is much more heavily covered in application value. At Warwick, for some continents than others. In some example, I am building networks of countries, Japan is an example, colleagues from a wide variety of arrangements are perhaps a little more disciplines to address issues of global formal than in others. However in terms

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236 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 careers of working arrangements in universities in terms of personal support and CPD threats, looking at the ways in which I suspect that much of the difference is to address these? culture moderates our responses to within as well as between countries. The work can certainly be challenging: contagious disease in particular. I am also There were, for example, many variations I was in Japan on sabbatical at Tokyo working more on psychological responses between the University of Tokyo, where University during the Great East Japan to another major contemporary threat – I spent two months, and the smaller earthquake, living by chance in a climate change. In all this work I aim to Yamaguchi University, where I recently ‘radiation hotspot’ outside of Tokyo bring a strong ‘applied’ angle, showing spent a similar time. following the Fukushima accidents. how interventions can be made to help That was certainly interesting, and a little alleviate a threat or the suffering What are the differences between emotionally taxing although, of course, following a major stressor. psychology now and when you started? I cannot complain as I was fine (unlike Have students attitudes and the 20,000 killed by the tsunami). Indeed, Where do you see your areas of expectations changed? I recently returned to Fukushima for a psychology in 10 years’ time? Where do I think students are not so different, but meeting held by the International Atomic you think it can contribute to society? their expectations have changed a great Energy Authority (IAEA). To be honest it Social psychology broadly has had a deal with the introduction of higher fees. is usually my students and colleagues challenging time in the last decade or so, This does mean that they really expect who have been more on the ‘front line’ as I suggested above. However, with the value for money! Throughout the collecting data than myself – for example, increased focus on applied/translational university system lecturers are more a Japanese student of mine spent time research I feel social psychologists can attentive now to their teaching style and living in Fukushima collecting data from really come into their own, as they can interactions with their students; which, to those affected, other students collecting contribute directly to many major issues be honest, is probably a good thing. In data for us have been living in an area hit facing our society today, and can also addition, we recognise that our role now by a typhoon, etc. work well with others in both different extends to providing ‘aftercare’ to our areas of psychology and other related students once they complete our course, What are your future aims and fields (e.g. medicine) to show how our helping them make a successful transition objectives? social behaviour (our norms, values, etc.) into rewarding graduate jobs. I am currently developing a theoretical interact with the environment and key model which looks in more detail at the aspects of biology (e.g. the characteristics You specialise in working on large- interpersonal implications of large-scale of a particular pathogen). This should scale transitions in society. Can you social changes and threats – this is a then open up the opportunities for give a flavour of some of these theory of ‘relationship amplification’ substantial funding opportunities. In the projects? which, simply put, aims to spell out the area of post-disaster psychology and I obtained my PhD in 1989, the time mechanisms by which intimate psychiatry, major international bodies when the old Soviet Union began to relationships get closer, but more distant (such as IAEA) are increasingly collapse. I met a Russian psychologist at ones can rapidly decline during major recognising the contribution of social a conference who inspired me to study stressors. Much of my work also has a scientists in helping deal with large the impact of changes in Central and strong health emphasis: I am currently population threats, so again I think there Eastern Europe on people’s everyday extending my work on culture and is a lot we can contribute. I am therefore relationships – their friendships, sexual pandemics and other infectious disease optimistic about our contribution! risk taking, marriages, trust in one another, and so on. I conducted several studies on these topics in a number of countries in this region. I also became interested in the interpersonal relations of migrant populations when the changes they go through are more selective – first in a study of Chinese migrants in Exciting job different European countries and more vacancies for CBT recently in a three-wave longitudinal and Psychological Therapists analysis of Poles in the UK. Much of my South East most recent work has been on the Competitive salaries interpersonal impacts and mental health implications of large-scale threats in a society, both natural and human made; terrorist attacks, pandemics, earthquakes, Forensic Psychologist tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes. I in Training Scotland currently have projects working with data £20,270 to £28,604 pro rata from more than 20,000 refugees from the Great East Japan earthquake, Typhoon Haiyan and a longitudinal study of the Senior/Principal relationship implications of the recent South East political tensions in Egypt. Competitive Salary To check the latest jobs please go to Presumably this sort of work is quite emotionally and professionally taxing? wwww.psychapp.co.ukww.psychapp.co.uk What support mechanisms do you need

seek and advertise at www.psychapp.co.uk 237 careers ‘Sometimes, I feel that the psychological well-being practitioner role is undervalued’ Katie Bogart outlines her working life and its contribution to improving access to therapy

recently qualified as a psychological not know who I will be assessing, not a lot of time set aside in the working I well-being practitioner (PWP) after although I do have their basic day if this were to happen. studying for a postgraduate certificate demographics on screen. This does not This means that there is a potential in low-intensity cognitive behavioural give away very much information about to be torn between great empathy for interventions at University College the presenting difficulty. a client that is presenting with sufficient London. I’m working with Wandsworth I have a target of 20 clinical contacts risk to themselves, or someone they care Psychological Therapies & Wellbeing per week, although I have heard that it for, and the concern about the amount of Service, South West London & St can be anything up to 36 depending on time the paperwork and referral making George’s Mental Health Trust. But what where you work. Efficiency is a skill that will take. does a PWP actually do? Here, I give an I have developed throughout this role. In my experience, my empathic stance overview of my clinical duties. There is no time for disorganisation. has always won; I have never resented a First, telephone screenings. I conduct Whilst it is unlikely that you would assess client that has resulted in additional work between four and five a day, which are four clients presenting with imminent afterwards. Of course, this is the way that mainly self-referrals. This means that I do suicide risk within one morning, there is it should be, and I would like to think

vomit audio and it was so rewarding to see the member laughing along, when Helping triumph over phobia previously this task would have been almost intolerable. Harriet Mills is a Data Collection Manager and Assistant Psychologist with the A particular challenge I have faced was Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust moving away from the more directive role of a therapist to the motivational approach hen a colleague asked if I would be The range of difficulties brought to the required of a group leader. Welcoming new Winterested in running a support group groups is varied with emetophobia (fear of members can also be challenging, as you for people with phobias, I was enthusiastic vomit) agoraphobia, claustrophobia, OCD, are engaging individuals in something to find out more. Aware of long NHS waiting hoarding and social anxiety to name just completely new and asking a lot by times, I was keen to get involved in a group a few. Through structured sessions, requesting that they put themselves in that helps provide almost instant access to homework tasks and a supportive situations that support. From my first meeting at TOP environment, members work are very anxiety (Triumph Over Phobia) Kentish Town, I was through their anxieties step by step. provoking. hooked. This UK charity helps individuals The exposure is graded and guided After a recent with phobias, OCD and other anxiety by the individuals' goals and what new member disorders find ways to overcome their fears. they feel comfortable working observed the first The groups follow a self-help model of towards. session and gave cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and Each week we discuss how they a detailed history exposure therapy. Working as an assistant got on with their homework. Rating of their difficulties, psychologist in the NHS I have experience their anxiety before, during and after we explained the using CBT with patients and was interested each task helps us monitor progress. group would focus to transfer these skills to a self-help group. We then help them decide their next on the present. The Often the group leaders are past group step, often reviewing their short- and next session they members. I strongly value the different long-term goals to assist with soon went off topic skills and viewpoints decision making. We and I had to be firm, that my colleague and are also creative in bringing them back to I bring to the sessions, developing ideas for the focus of our discussion. Balancing myself from a “Balancing empathy with exposure within sessions. empathy with structure can be difficult, and therapeutic background structure can be difficult, We have written plays for it can feel uncomfortable being assertive, and my colleague as can being assertive” a member with social but this structure and focus enables bringing experience as anxiety to perform to the members to target a specific problem and an ex-sufferer having group and found recordings achieve their goals. once attended the of vomit sounds to help with Members soon become independent group herself. Our role is to provide a warm emetophobia. If members are struggling with their goals and homework setting, and and encouraging space where we help with what to do next we come up with it is rewarding to see how quickly people members set and monitor goals and work different ideas and they chose what they make progress. Endings can be difficult, through weekly tasks to face their fears. feel ready for. We recently revisited the and part of my role is helping members

238 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 careers

that I will not fall into this pattern of supervision in order to do this thinking at any point in my future career. successfully. However, I do recognise that the structure Whilst this is not an uncommon of an IAPT service can be so rigid that approach for talking therapists, it is sometimes the pressure of targets, client different to how I feel I was trained. The turnover and recovery rates, can be structured, fast training helps you to feel prioritised ahead of the well-being of the prepared to work in your service very people that are sent or refer themselves to quickly. However, I did feel uncomfortable the service. during my first treatment session when After training, I felt somewhat somebody started talking about their confident and equipped to assess a client family history of depression and how it who was experiencing mild to moderate may have influenced them. This wasn’t in symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. my training! I am a PWP, I don’t deal with These were the types of clients I was this, why didn’t the client realise that? expecting to work with during my time As you develop and actively use as a PWP. Interestingly, I found that these supervision, peer support and CPD, were not the only clients that came for Katie Bogart you recognise that it is not normal for a telephone screening. Realistically, there [email protected] a client to mirror every part of the Step 2 are gaps in the healthcare system for treatment booklets. The service that you people with more enduring mental health work in can help you to develop your problems, particularly those that could be in a CMHT and have an excellent confidence when working with clients in diagnosed with a personality disorder. supervisor, so working with more severe the ‘real world’. Fortunately, I have previously worked or complex clients at assessment wasn’t As a PWP, I am aware of how limited too unfamiliar. However, these clients are my skill set is, but I also recognise its promised something that we cannot importance and appropriate place. always provide and that is very difficult Sometimes, I feel that the psychological recognise when it might be time for them to explain to somebody in distress. well-being practitioner role is to start working towards leaving the group. The aim is for a telephone screening undervalued. It is true that we do not see This new role as Group Leader for TOP- to last half an hour, which occasionally those with a long-standing history, UK has expanded my clinical knowledge happens. However, realistically, screenings complex social issues or concerns and experience. Not only has it given me take up to 40 minutes; clients will have regarding risk to self. It would be highly insight into the part clinical psychology can questions to ask you and they will also inappropriate if we did. play outside of the NHS, it has also given have history that needs to be taken into However, when Step 2 interventions me experience with a new clinical account in order for the psychologist we are provided to a suitable client group, population. Watching more experienced speak to afterwards to make a clear they are shown to be incredibly group members share their insight and decision about the most appropriate successful. In my current service, the advice to help the newer members of the treatment for the client. If time is not recovery rate is 63 per cent. Yes, these are group has been valuable; the whole group taken at screening, a client could be more simple cases. Yes, these clients have collaborates and works together. TOP-UK allocated to an inappropriate therapy. This fewer barriers to treatment. But, we are value their volunteers and I have benefited would mean a wait of up to six months to aligning our work with the Improving from training days where evidence-based meet with a therapist who then directs the Access to Psychological Therapies agenda; theories are discussed alongside real-life client somewhere else. So, constraining promoting well-being. I believe that experiences to help our learning. the time of a telephone screening to less should be recognised and respected. Discussions about our own fears and than half an hour is counterproductive for What does the future hold? Being anxieties highlighted for me how we all the service, therapists and most a PWP helps you to gain the key skills have fears and anxieties, but it is how they importantly, the clients. to enable you to work as a clinician. As affect us that can be very different. The key difference that I have noticed a PWP, I use a single therapeutic model I am so pleased to be given this between our training and seeing clients that can only reach a very specific group opportunity to help people help in the real world, is exactly that. You are of clients. This has fuelled my desire to themselves. It has been a pleasure to work seeing a person who has their own life progress further in order to broaden the alongside these individuals and watch them experiences and understanding of their range of clients that I can work with. achieve their goals. It has also been a difficulties. Sometimes the rigid Currently, there is no clear progression valuable learning experience for me; I have framework of a readymade booklet isn’t within the PWP career path aside from already learned so much more about these helpful or compassionate. More often than further training, such as high-intensity difficulties through my time at the group not, you tailor the key skills you have or clinical psychology. This may be why and look forward to continuing my work developed through your training to the there is a deficit in PWPs available to with TOP-UK. person in front of you. Of course, you use work. I At TOP-UK we are keen to spread the word that help is here. If you or someone you know is suffering from a phobia, OCD or other anxiety disorder or if you are interested in finding out more about the To read our archive of careers articles visit charity please get in touch: 01225 422705, [email protected] www.thepsychologist.org.uk/meets www.topuk.org

seek and advertise at www.psychapp.co.uk 239 Advertising with The British Psychological Society

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BIRT is at that the cutting edge of research and offers a continuum of rehabilitation across a range of clinical services for people with acquired If you want to join our Rehabilitation team, you will be qualifi ed as a Clinical brain injury. Psychologist or equivalent, with HCPC registration with proven clinical, appropriately supervised, experience in Neuropsychological assessment The team is led by Dr Camilla Herbert, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist. and rehabilitation. The Trust is committed to the professional development of The role involves direct clinical work and the opportunity to develop clinical psychologists in their application for the QiCN. clinical leadership skills. You will guide and train other clinical staff, including rehabilitation support workers, to maintain high quality, essential Informal visits and contacts are encouraged. Please contact Dr Camilla and constant clinical observations for data collection, which inform our Herbert or Wendy Fletcher, Service Manager diagnostic and formulation processes and clinical outcomes. For an application pack please download the documents from the website Research skills are very much encouraged; current areas of interest include www.thedtgroup.org or contact Wendy Berwick on 01403 799160 cutting edge assistive technologies for cognitive rehabilitation, development of outcome measures to extend to new clinical populations, the clinical Completed applications should be returned to Wendy Berwick at BIRT, effectiveness of therapeutic models such as positive psychology or Kerwin Court, Five Oaks Road, Slinfold, Nr Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0TP or neuroanalysis. Training for the research aspect of the post is supported by our by email on [email protected] research fellow and the Clinical Executive. Regular supervision is provided and there are opportunities to network with other psychologists working Closing Date: 16th March 2015 across the Trust.

240 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 Job Title: Visitors Employer: The Heath and Care Professions Council

Most readers of The Psychologist will know that the HCPC is now their The Health and Care Professions Council profession’s regulator. Tracey Samuel-Smith, HCPC Education Manager, explains: ‘Put simply we were set up to protect the public and to do Regulating health, psychological and social work professionals this, we keep a Register of health and care professionals who meet our Are you interested in being involved with your regulator? standards for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health.’ So why are HCPC seeking practitioner psychologists to become Visitor recruitment Visitors are responsible for visiting and assessing programmes of education Visitors, and what’s involved? Tracey says: ‘Visitors provide professional and training delivered (or proposing to be delivered) by education providers. judgement and expertise to HCPC. They visit and assess existing and They also provide recommendations to the Education and Training proposed education and training programmes delivered by education Committee regarding the approval/on-going approval of programmes. providers.’ Tracey emphasises that Visitors make a real difference to We are seeking HCPC registered practitioner psychologists the work they do: ‘The role will give an individual the opportunity to get from the following divisions to undertake this role: involved with an independent regulator to safeguard the health and • Clinical psychology care of people using our registrants’ services by ensuring education • Counselling psychology • Forensic psychology and training programmes meet our standards.’ You must be registered with the HCPC, have excellent oral and written How much time does it take up? ‘Visitors work for approximately communication skills and have an understanding of the principles of quality five to ten days a year. With pre- and post-visit work, a visit can take assurance in either higher education, further education or in a clinical up three to three and a half days, and there are also monitoring environment.Training will be provided and a fee will be paid as will travel and responsibilities.’ I asked Tracey to sum up what kind of person would accommodation expenses in accordance with the HCPC Partner Expense Policy. make a good Visitor. ‘Visitors do need to be on our Register. They must have an understanding of the principles of quality assurance in a higher The HCPC is committed to equality of opportunity and actively guards against unfair discrimination on any grounds (including sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, race, sex, age or disability). or further education or clinical environment; and of teaching and learning and of assessment in educational and clinical environments; How to apply: For more information and an application form please visit: excellent oral and written communication skills are required as you’ll www.hcpc-uk.org/aboutus/recruitment/partner meet a whole range of stakeholders, and being able to read a lot of Closing date for applications: 29 March 2015 Tentative interview dates: from 14 May 2015 material and identify the core issues is essential. In the end we’re Compulsory training days: TBC looking for people who want to protect the public and develop their For more information about the work of the HCPC visit: www.hcpc-uk.org profession. We’d be delighted to hear from anyone interested.’

To check the latest jobs please go to www.psychapp.co.uk

to advertise please contact: Giorgio Romano, 020 7880 7556, [email protected]

seek and advertise at www.psychapp.co.uk 241 Clinical Psychologist/CBT Therapist – Band 7 Chronic Pain Service Are you an exceptional individual with the skills we are looking for to join our highly specialised team of experts in Chronic Pain Management? This is a valuable opportunity for someone with fl are and enthusiasm with the right qualifi cations/ experience to join our innovative team. We are a multi professional team including Consultant Doctors, pathway between patients and healthcare professionals. Pain Management Psychologist, Specialist Nurses, Specialist The post requires enthusiasm, fl exibility and a passion to support Physiotherapists, HCA and clerical staff based within the Bognor the successful service development for chronic pain patients and Regis area of West Sussex. their families. This post will enable the successful candidate to drive the development of the role of psychology within a well- The Chronic Pain Service is an essential part of the established chronic pain service and is an excellent opportunity musculoskeletal pathway. The service has good links with the to develop your skills in interdisciplinary team working. MSK primary interface service, Physiotherapy, Rheumatology and For an informal discussion /meet the team, please contact Orthopaedics. The Team focuses on ensuring appropriate Nicky Stoddard, Pain Management Psychologist, or treatment is available to patients with persistent pain. This is Tina Hamilton-Shairp, Team Lead on Tel 01243623920 or delivered by an interdisciplinary team through an agreed Email: [email protected]

To apply please go to www.jobs.nhs.uk and search for 150-ACS2387-AD Closing date: 16th March 2015 Interview date: 26th March 2015

Job Title: Clinical Psychologist - Band 7 Employer: Sussex Community NHS Trust

Nicky Stoddard, Lead for each individual patient. GPs. We are also collaborating and into community settings Psychologist for the Chronic Pain All our decisions are genuinely increasingly with the Third such as local council leisure Team, talks about the job team-based and every team Sector in support of our patients’ centres. The outcomes from member’s opinion is given equal long-term self-management. We these programmes are This is a very varied and weight at our clinical meetings. have introduced case consistently good. challenging psychology job. We’ve had to be innovative conferences for our most The team is looking for It requires an understanding of reacting to changes. Financial complex cases, where a range a person with passion, energy the medical aspects of chronic constraints in the NHS and of professionals, the patient and and enthusiasm for collaborative pain conditions and the different social trends have led us to work the GP are involved. Often these working. The successful drug and treatment options in hard in establishing links with meetings are held at the GP candidate will also need to have addition to the complex addiction services, our surgery. We have also moved empathy in equal measure to psychological and social colleagues in mental health our regular Pain Management resilience in a very demanding consequences of chronic illness. services and very importantly Programmes out of the hospital role, where they would also We serve a community that receive generous support from is diverse socially, culturally, the team both formally and economically and across age informally. Clearly a sound groups. We are between the sea knowledge and experience in and the South Downs in an area adult mental health is an with a great climate and lots of essential quality along with cultural activity, particularly in fantastic oral and written Chichester and . communication skills. The team is highly It is a marvellous job for specialised. We are proud of our anyone who is passionate about philosophy of interdisciplinary facilitating a better quality of life working, and our aim is to for those who live with determine the right treatment persistent pain.

242 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 Specialist Clinical Psychologist Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, based in Dorchester Band 8 Salary according to experience Macmillan funded post, fi xed term 42 month contract, 4 days a week Weldmar Hospicecare Trust is a local charity providing high quality palliative care. The post holder will have post graduate doctorate level training in clinical psychology or Head of Psychotherapy equivalent as accredited by the BPS. The successful applicant will be subject to relevant clearance checks. £49,205 - £59,045 For an informal discussion please contact Ruth Burnhill, Director of Nursing on 01305 215300. More information and an application pack is available on website : www.weld-hospice.org.uk/jobs. Take your career to the next level as you take charge Closing date: 13 March Interview date: 24 March of the output and activity of a large team undertaking Weldmar Hospicecare Trust values respects and responds treatment, risk assessment, training and research. to diversity and diff erence of individuals and groups. HMP Grendon provides a specialist treatment facility for offenders with personality disorders and complex needs. Consisting of fi ve discrete therapeutic community units as well as an assessment and preparation unit, Senior Research Associate/Research Associate we have been awarded full accreditation status Clinical Outcomes Solutions is a company with US and UK offi ces, which for our clinical and risk-focused interventions with specializes in developing/ analyzing clinical outcomes assessments; go to www.clinoutsolutions.com for details. offenders. Now we need an established and respected specialist to lead our team. We are looking for a Senior Research Associate/Research Associate to join our team in the UK, Folkestone, Kent. The individual will work directly Resilient and committed, you will be responsible with senior measurement teams on qualitative and quantitative outcomes for all psychotherapists in the establishment and research studies so experience in these research methods would be benefi cial. S/he must have a desire to work on a small team, in a fast-paced, supervise the clinical practice of Therapy Managers client-focused environment. There must be a passion for conducting research and their functions. It’s a chance to make a signifi cant with strong organizational skills. A PhD/Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, statistics or related areas is impact, both by working hands-on with prisoners required with a minimum of 1-3 years research experience. and as part of the Senior Management Team. You Please apply to [email protected] will reduce the risk of harm and re‐offending by undertaking complex treatment intervention with prisoners, conducting or contributing to research, providing consultancy and delivering training for staff and group interventions for prisoners. You’ll come to us with substantial experience of working in a senior therapeutic community role. A qualifi ed and registered clinician with an associated and relevant professional body, such as BACP, BPS BABCP or UKCP, you will have a professional background in psychotherapy, psychology, psychiatry or nursing. Your considerable psychotherapy training and knowledge of psychotherapeutic models will be complemented by a qualifi cation in clinical supervision, ideally for groups and individuals. Above all, you will be committed to using your skills and expertise to make a difference. In return for your hard work in this challenging role, In a recent survey of job advertisers, you will enjoy excellent fl exible benefi ts including your choice of Civil Service pension scheme, plus 80% said they had received a extensive opportunities for further training and development. good response and 70% said they Closing date: 13th March 2015 at 23:59. had fi lled a vacancy as a result of To fi nd out more and apply, visit www.justice.gov.uk/jobs and search for job their ad. reference GN0084, or call 0845 010 3508 quoting the reference number. to advertise please contact: Giorgio Romano, We are committed to 020 7880 7556, promoting the benefi ts [email protected] of a diverse workforce.

seek and advertise at www.psychapp.co.uk 243 You will weep… Eichmann didn’t REVIEWS Watch The Eichmann Show. Watch it if only for the original footage ordinary man governed by mundane concerns. We remember her of the witnesses telling their stories of deportation and the camps. phrase ‘the banality of evil’, which then fused with the work of A man telling his tale. Reliving how he unloaded the corpses of Stanley Milgram and overturned our understanding of how human those who had been gassed. Finding his wife and two children. beings are capable of inflicting great harm on their fellow humans. Laying himself down beside them. Only wanting to be shot himself. We retain the idea that the insignificant bureaucrat becomes a mass If you have tears, then as you watch, you will weep. Eichmann murderer by concentrating so much on the details of the job, that he didn’t weep. The grainy old pictures show him watching. An or she overlooks the consequences. occasional twitch. A smile? Certainly But this view, too, is bound up with film and image and not a tear. representation. At the start of The Eichmann Show we see a photo of In 1961 people around the world Eichmann in his SS uniform: confident and arrogant and powerful. watched this footage. It was the first Looking straight into the lens, a sardonic smile on his lips. That is global televisual event. It irrevocably the picture on the cover of David Cesarani’s 2004 biography, which changed how we saw the Holocaust, explodes the myth of Eichmann as mere pen-pusher. The understood , explained evil. And prosecutors understood the power of imagery well, and for a while The Eichmann Show is less about the considered forcing Eichmann to wear his uniform. But Eichmann Holocaust itself and Eichmann himself and his lawyer were equally conversant with the politics of than about how the trial was televised. representation and made a deliberate decision to adopt a mild and It is about the nature of representation unassertive persona in the way he looked, in the way he stood, in and the struggles that surround it. the way he spoke. It is argued that Arendt bought his act. She left The Eichmann trial involved many early in the trial, well before the witnesses gave their testimony. such struggles on many levels. For Ben Had she stayed perhaps she would have painted a very different Gurion, the Israeli Prime Minister who picture of him and of the human capacity for evil. sanctioned the filming of the trial, the The Eichmann Show points to all these levels of representation, primary aim was to reshape the and to others besides. Is the narrative of the trial to concentrate on relationship between the Holocaust, the victim’s experience or on Eichmann’s (in)humanity? What does The Eichmann the State of Israel and world Jewry. that mean in terms of which, from the various cameras covering the Show For the first time the victims were trial, is to be broadcast? What does it mean in terms of how the shot BBC Two given a global stage on which to tell is framed, how close we zoom in? In part, these are technical their stories. Hitherto, inside Israel as questions of film production. But they are equally critical questions well as outside, they had been ignored in the creation of any narrative and hence our understanding of and even silenced. A proud, young, ourselves and the world we live in. martial state did not want to hear about Jews as victims. What is At one point in the programme, we watch as the television more there was always the suspicion that anyone who had survived crew cover Eichmann’s reaction in the courtroom as images of must have done something disreputable for this to be possible. The the death camps are played. In other words, we are seeing a film victim always had a taint of the perpetrator. about people filming a man’s reaction to film: a representation of But the trial, itself theatrical, held in a theatre and then filmed a representation of the of a representation. Where is for the world, was to obliterate these equivocations. Victims became the real story in all this? There is none, except for the labours of witnesses, pointing to a Nazi criminal in court. The fact that the trial each editor and each level to constrain our attention, construct our was in Jerusalem, and Eichmann was being tried by the Israeli understanding and hence create our reaction. State, constituted the Holocaust as primarily a crime against Jews. There is one final issue to which The Eichmann Show alerts us. It legitimated the Israeli state as a haven for Jews. But more than That is, we often think that science and scientific understanding that, it showed Israelis, Jews and the world, that Israel could proceeds through our academic outputs, our books, papers and protect its people and punish those who attack Jews, wherever they chapters. But the forms of representation that dominate popular may do it. culture – particularly film – are equally important. This, in large part, explains the fury directed at Hannah Arendt Our understanding of the Holocaust (which, as Baumann for her book Eichmann in Jerusalem, which is, perhaps, the conduit argues, hangs over all subsequent social science) was critically through which the trial became so well known across the ensuing informed by the filming of the Eichmann trial. More specifically, half century. This fury was less to do with what Arendt had to say our understanding of the role of obedience in atrocity was informed about Eichmann himself than with what she had to say about the as much by Milgram’s 1965 film Obedience than by his studies in Juderat – the Jewish Councils under the Nazis. These, Arendt themselves. we should learn the lesson. We need to bridge the argued, were complicit with Eichmann and his kind. In effect, Arendt divide between ‘science’ and ‘culture’. If psychology is to thrive we challenged the core representational politics of the trial. She need to find our own ways or re-visioning that which matters to us. portrayed the Zionist establishment as the oppressor rather than Compelling science depends upon us becoming better story tellers. the saviour of Jews. Her words threatened to unravel everything It depends upon us becoming more open to the various modalities that the television pictures were designed to achieve. through which stories are told. But, of course, that’s not why we remember Arendt now – So watch The Eichmann Show. It will be painful. But it will be especially ‘we’ as psychologists. We remember her precisely for worth it. what she did say about Eichmann. We remember her dismay at Eichmann coming into the courtroom. Not a striking, sadistic I Reviewed by Professor Steve Reicher who is at the University of monster governed by exceptional passions. Rather, an insignificant, St Andrews

244 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 reviews

Intangible forces Invisibilia NPR

Invisibilia is a radio show about psychology to the ‘nothing is either good or bad but whilst acknowledging the difficult without claiming to be about psychology. thinking makes it so’ philosophy of cognitive psychological places visited through the It’s about the invisible things that move and behavioural therapy. I’ve often thought that experience of physical illness. motivate our actions, and it makes visible criticism of CBT often ignores the Spiegel and Miller are careful not to give the power that our inner experiences seem constructivist stance of the approach, and us any answers about what works, though to have over us. the breezy interview with Aaron T. Beck I fear they rather mischaracterise the In the first episode, with a warm and featured in the programme gently Freudians and Beckites as arguing the toss self-deprecating style, This American Life’s challenges the stereotypes we may hold of over how meaningful thoughts are. However, Alix Spiegel and Radiolab’s Lulu Miller psychotherapy’s most ubiquitous orientation. their main point stands: that when you walk guides the listener through different We’re then presented with the so-called through a therapist’s door it is not possible theoretical and clinical approaches to modern, which can equally be described as to know everything about their approach. ‘thinking’. If you think that sounds a little the ancient. An elegant explanation of This first programme in the series dry, then notice that thought of yours and mindfulness and third-wave therapies leaves the mental health professions with hear this: the tales of a ‘secret revolution’ shows how they are drawing on Eastern questions about how we can best explain in thought science will excite even if you traditions to teach us to turn into our to those we meet about what to expect in dare to think you know it all already. thoughts and to allow space for them in our therapy. Irvin Yalom, in Existential The first episode begins with an image mind. Staring at thoughts and seeing them Psychotherapy, suggests that the key designed to startle: a man who began to as the ‘invisibilia’ that they are, helps take ingredient in therapy – the therapeutic have intrusive thoughts about brutally away the power they have over us. relationship – is much like the hidden harming his wife. The show does not shy This academic approach to cognition in extras thrown in to the pudding mix in your away from the violence of these thoughts, the show’s first half is then put through the mother’s cooking. Can and should we try and yet by interviewing the man in such wringer by a story that manages to move, to make these ‘invisibilia’ visible? a sincere and curious manner they duck shock and inspire. To share this story in The radio series Invisibilia continues any accusations of sensationalism. This a review would fail to do it justice, however on NPR and each show, covering more entertaining and educative style continues suffice to say that the story of 12-year-old ‘invisible things’ from ideas and emotions, to as Spiegel… or was it Miller… (they admit Martin Pistorius and his mysterious coma beliefs, assumptions and desires is available their voices sound the same to comic effect) will change both the way you think about for download as a podcast. talk us through the changes in theory about thoughts… and the way you think about thoughts across the last century; moving Barney the Dinosaur. Working as a clinical I Reviewed by Dr Nick Hartley who is a from the Freudians interpreting the psychologist across oncology and palliative clinical psychologist working in Newcastle unconscious meaning in our phantasies, care settings, I found this story offers hope upon Tyne

A rounded introduction

Foreign Accent Syndromes: The Stories People Have to Tell Jack Ryalls & Nick Miller

What does it feel like to wake this. Causes, diagnosis and close to them. authors: identifying one day with a foreign accent of severity are shown to all vary Strained themes in experiences and a country you’ve never visited? dramatically between cases, personal and areas for future research. Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) making it extremely difficult to professional Reading this as is arguably commonly treat. Interestingly, cases are relationships someone with an interest misrepresented in both the almost entirely restricted to are shown but little prior knowledge media and public opinion as women, with the authors during in the area, I found this a ‘twilight zone’-type considering both reporting bias adjustment to this new identity. a rounded introduction to transformation. The two expert and differences in brain anatomy However, these changes are also research and experiences of authors of this book seek to as potential factors. shown to motivate, with those FAS. Diagnosed individuals and demystify this complex disorder The diversity of FAS is affected describing fitness and affected families, as well as via two approaches. captured brilliantly by the artistic achievements following psychologists and speech and The first third of the book second, larger section devoted diagnosis. A lack of language workers will gain serves as a scientific overview to vignettes from FAS sufferers understanding of the disorder much from the tales and concise of the aetiology, diversity and and family. Monographs, diaries, in health professionals and research described. treatment research into the poems and art from around the confusions in diagnosis are condition. Although FAS can be globe show a central theme. commonly reported, showing I Psychology Press; 2014; most simply described as the Accent is central to an an evident need for awareness Pb £28.99 use of an accent sounding individual’s identity, and the in texts such as this. Although Reviewed by Emma Norris different to the one an individual swift, dramatic changes to it insightful, I think this section who is a PhD student at previously, habitually used, it is in FAS clearly leave profound would have benefited from some University College London and evidently far more complex than effects on individuals and those concluding comments by the Associate Editor (Reviews)

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 245 reviews

Finding the golden thread of consciousness The Hard Problem Tom Stoppard

In the first scene of Tom understand about human nature Stoppard’s new play The Hard in its light. Problem, the charming but This thread glitters through arrogant neuroscientist is the centre of the work and is the arguing with Hilary, a source of much of the dramatic psychology student about tension, not least as Hilary, in evolutionary biology. ‘Altruism is this National Theatre production, always self-interest,’ says Spike, is brilliantly portrayed by Olivia problem’ of consciousness. push.’ ‘Actually,’ she says ‘it just needs a little working Vinall, whose confident But more frustrating is how sardonically, ‘Bob loves me.’ ‘I’m out.’ In a single line, Spike uncomplicated performance the problem of human nature is confessing… I’m going to give captures the issue at the centre stands out amid a consistently pitched. The self-important Bob a chance to go straight.’ of Stoppard’s latest work: strong cast. The sharp setting Spike says anything non- Hilary’s reframing strikes at the whether pure altruism really and candid performances are scientific is ‘gibberish’, and core of how scientific models exists and what we can certainly enjoyable but the argues we’re just biology and can sometimes simplify human golden thread is often lost amid therefore fundamentally self- nature into numerical dust and layers of sometimes tangential centred. The good-hearted this is really where the play Managing your anxiety and ultimately unnecessary Hilary questions evolution, really hits its mark. neuroscience. doubts the scientific study of At the end of the play, Hilary The SAM App We meet Hilary as a human nature, and thinks that finds herself in her own version University of the student, but most of the action not being able to explain of the Prisoner’s Dilemma when West of England happens when she is a consciousness is evidence for a research assistant admits (Developer) postdoctoral researcher at the the existence of God. falsifying data for a study on Krohl Institute for Brain Science Underneath the scientific- morality that has both their The Self-Help for Anxiety – a privately funded vanity sounding fireworks in the names on it. The assistant Management (SAM for short) app institution built by the dialogue is a fundamentally pre- declares she is motivated by aims to ‘help you understand and condescending hedge-fund guru Enlightenment view of human love and wanted to impress. manage anxiety’. From the Jerry Krohl. The setting is key, nature that equates mystery Hilary unmoved but perspective of someone with and Stoppard has clearly with moral virtue and suggests compassionate, takes experience of mental health apps amassed an impressively wide morality is necessarily responsibility to save her junior, and websites through my knowledge of both the practice mysterious. As a result, the and loses her post. She saves research I believe this is one of and findings of modern cognitive cognitive science turns out to be a fraud in the hope of a better the better ones. The usability science, but it’s also clear he a distraction, where misplaced future. Her final act of humanity aspect is often overlooked in never fully got to grips with its talk of neuroscience actually concerns her lost daughter, favour of replicating an significance and, consequently, obscures the central meaning. another important and touching established intervention. This the play is somewhat awkward In this sense, the play is a lost story arc, but, if you’ll allow me can often lead to low levels of to the trained ear. opportunity to push ethical my own moment of altruism, adherence, especially when there This is a typical and often questions about human conduct I won’t give it all away, for your is minimal therapist contact. The pedantic criticism of plays about up against the genuinely own good, of course. app is easy to use and intuitive, technical subjects, but in profound questions about the There’s probably a brilliant moving the user from Stoppard’s case the work is self raised by modern brain play to be written about brain information about using the app primarily about what defines us research. research, the Copenhagen of to information about their as human, in light of the science The one metaphor of the cognitive science perhaps, but anxiety. The self-help aspect is of human nature, and because play that does work brilliantly Stoppard hasn’t managed it with clear, with the toolkit allowing of this the material often comes is the Prisoner’s Dilemma – the The Hard Problem. He has, tailoring of preferred techniques, off as clunky. It’s not that the classic paradigm in game theory however, written an enjoyable and the concept of tracking descriptions are inaccurate – where two criminals are caught work of theatre and he can anxiety useful. My only concern is allusions to optogenetics, Gödel and know that if they both keep always revise his ideas, we there needs to be more clarity and the computability of quiet they’ll each get away with hope, based on the results of about the function and use of the consciousness, game theory, a light punishment, but if one future experiments. ‘Social Cloud’ for users, especially and cortisol studies of risk in rats and one stays silent, the emphasising that it is an poker players, are all in context rat goes free and the other goes I Reviewed Dr Vaughan Bell unmoderated peer-to-peer – but Stoppard doesn’t really down for a long stretch. Self- who is a Senior Clinical Lecturer network. understand what implications interest says you rat – you can’t at UCL, a clinical psychologist these concepts have either for risk trying to help another if it with South London and Maudsley I http://sam-app.org.uk each other or for his main could send you into the abyss. NHS Foundation Trust, and Reviewed by Aislinn Bergin who contention. Questions about Hilary baulks at the concept blogger with Mind Hacks. The is a postgraduate research student mind and body, consciousness – not at the choices, but the play is currently running at the in the Centre for Psychological and morality are confused at assumptions. ‘You’ve left out National Theatre, and will be Therapies in Primary Care, times, and it’s not clear that everything about Bob and me broadcast to cinemas UK and University of Chester Stoppard really understands the except we’re out for ourselves worldwide (see www.ntlive. true implications of the ‘hard and we’ve got two buttons to nationaltheatre.org.uk).

246 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 reviews

Highly stimulating Perverse Psychology: The Pathologization of Sexual Violence and Transgenderism Jemma Tosh

Perverse Psychology provides rare insights cyber-bulling and distress caused by ‘trolls’ into a hugely underresearched area; yet is particularly provocative and leads readers these are all issues that clinicians may be to consider the novel nature of grooming presented with in a day’s work. Human and abuse that the internet now all too sexuality, gender identity, easily provides. Readers and sexual violence are invited to consider the A most enjoyable route towards divergent sexual role of in populations are discussed supporting transgender Happy Maps (TED talk) from a psychological children in contemporary Daniele Quercia perspective, allowing discussions. This book is readers to fully immerse in almost ahead of its time, Daniele Quercia paints a familiar picture in the complexity of this area. pushing readers to think his TED talk, Happy Maps. So many of us Some of the case outside of the box and take the same route to work every day, studies presented may be hauling them into the 21st possibly using maps on our smartphones, so unusual that clinicians century. without really stopping to think whether a may have never At last, a book that better route exists, a more beautiful route, encountered anything speaks about the even a happier route. Quercia points out that similar previously; however, unspoken, discusses topics with his background as a scientist and this book provides valuable that society would rather engineer his focus has so often been on and necessary insight to brush under the carpet and finding efficiency just as mapping apps give the complex nature of makes sense of the us one simple, short route to our destination. human sexual relationships disorganised evidence- But after taking a detour on his bicycle and atypical sexual . Particularly base. This book serves to instigate one day Quercia found a beautiful, quiet route thought-provoking are the discussions discussion and contemplation. Well written, that only took him a minute or two longer relating to sexual fantasy, including rape well referenced – a highly stimulating read. than his usual, busy, grey route. At the TED and murder role-play, bondage, discipline event in Berlin Quercia said that after this and sado-masochism relationships. I Routledge; 2014; Pb 25.99 experience he became fascinated with the Tosh’s discussion of the contemporary Reviewed by Kirsten Nokling who is a ways in which people can enjoy a city and problem of the role of the internet in relation trainee clinical psychologist for South Wales started to use computer science tools to to these areas and the devastating effects of and Vale NHS Trust, Cardiff University replicate social science. He says: ‘I became captivated by the beauty and genius of traditional social science experiments done by Jane Jacobs, Stanley Milgram, Kevin A practical and open message Lynch. The result of that research has been the creation of new maps, maps where you The Small Big: Small Changes That Spark Big Influence don’t only find the shortest path… but also Steve J. Martin, Noah J. Goldstein & Robert Cialdini the most enjoyable path.’ To create these maps Quercia created a The Small BIG outlines how deceptively small changes can produce crowdsourcing platform game and presented big results when influencing others. Social influence is introduced as thousands of online participants with two the way in which individuals are shaped by the perception and actions contrasting urban scenes and asked them to of others. The title takes a practical perspective, distilling decades of choose which one was more quiet, beautiful research in science into easily digested chapters centring or happy. Quercia later started working for on a single factor of influence. The experience of the three authors, Yahoo Labs and speaks about the all prominent in the field, brings a critical and supportive presence to development of these Happy Maps, with the the bear on the title. potential to create a mapping tool that would Though the individual ‘small BIG changes’ discussed are highly diverse, loosely these return the most enjoyable routes based not follow Cialdini’s six weapons of influence (authority, reciprocity, scarcity, liking, consistency only on aesthetics but also based on smell, and social proof). Real-world examples are drawn, both from the writers’ personal sound, and memories. experiences and further afield, including: changes that lower tax avoidance rates; developing Quercia ends his talk by challenging resilience in the face of failure; and building confident and effective communication skills. the audience to confront some of their daily The Small BIG presents a very engaging and accessible read, providing practical insight habits, concluding: ‘If you think that in a well-supported yet succinct manner. Whilst some may grumble that the book lacks adventure is dangerous, try routine. It’s academic detail, this is insignificant criticism in comparison to the overall practical and open deadly.’ message conveyed and fulfilling reading experience. I View at tinyurl.com/my69okk I Profile Books; 2014; Pb £11.99 Reviewed by Ella Rhodes who is The Reviewed by Rory McDonald who is a writer and researcher at the University of Psychologist’s staff journalist Central Lancashire

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 247 reviews

Clear text on difficult issues The Oxford Handbook of Suicide and Self-Injury Matthew K. Nock

The Oxford Handbook of Suicide biopsychosocial structuring information may be relevant to and Self-Injury is a well- of this section and the clinical groups both in the UK structured and comprehensive variety of different theories and US; however, other sections commentary on this important explored results in an is more pertinent to US topic. It contains detailed informative and populations, such as the impact chapters on systems for defining comprehensive read. of particular socio-cultural and classifying suicide and self- Particular areas of interest contexts and the nature of injury, with interesting are chapters on information access to certain means of self- commentary on the origins and processing and harm. It would therefore be development of current methods psychodynamic approaches necessary to take into account of classification. This section is to suicide. UK guidance, legislation and followed by some excellent From a clinical research in order to match the chapters outlining research perspective, later sections framework to a UK population. detailing how these issues affect on assessment and But overall, this book is a good, different sociodemographic prevention of suicide and clear text on the difficult issue groups across the lifespan. One self-injury, were very in clinical practice. However, as of suicide and self-harm. of the highlights of the book is interesting. These drew on the book is heavily based on US the collection of chapters the information and research research studies and guidelines, I ; 2014; describing different theoretical presented in previous sections the utility for clinicians Hb £115.00 approaches to understanding and provided detailed practising in the UK should be Reviewed by Dr Liane Hubbins suicide and self-injury. The assessment frameworks for use considered. Much of the who is a clinical psychologist

Sensory trickery in the kitchen

Synaesthesia Kitchen Theory

Bringing the synaesthesic experience to the sensations and food dinner table is no mean feat, but that is what textures and tastes. modernist culinary creatives Kitchen Theory Every course was given have aimed to do with their series of seven- an intriguing name course meals which set out to enhance and such as Night Owl’s fool the senses. Synaesthesia, a sensory Eastbourne Grotto or condition that can cause sound to have Believe Nothing of colour and words to have flavours, is What you Hear – each mind-boggling to those of us who don’t one became a sensory have it (see last month’s issue) – but can act in its own right. such an experience really be recreated Each course was through food? accompanied by The setting for chef Jozef Youssef’s atomisers, sounds, experimental meal is the Food Incubator, even a cube covered Maida Hill Place, London, a space designed with different textures for food entrepreneurs who want to try out that could be played their ideas. Guests are seated at a long table with while eating to and given menus in enticing black envelopes examine the effect on but told not to look at them until after the taste. Not only were the flavour research into this neurological phenomenon second course – enhancing the air of combinations and sensory trickery into his menu. Youssef has worked at Helene mystery around this unique dining fascinating, diners were also treated to Darroze at the Connaught, The Dorchester experience. some education on the topic of synaesthesia Hotel and the Fat Duck, and is the author of Without giving too much of the menu’s with the help of Professor Charles Spence of Molecular Gastronomy at Home. content away, each course aimed to Oxford University’s Cross Modal illustrate some of our preconceived ideas Department, who has helped to design the I Reviewed by Ella Rhodes who is The about food, taste, texture and even sounds menu. Psychologist’s staff journalist. The events are we hear while eating. Among other things Spence, along with Sean Day, President being held Thursday to Saturday every the courses illustrate our relationship with of American Synaesthesia Association, and fortnight from now through to June 2015 at colour and taste, the effect of speech sounds Richard E. Cytowic, MD MFA, Neurologist Food Incubator, Maida Hill Place. For more on our perception of food shape and the and author of Wednesday is Indigo Blue, have information and to book visit potential relationship between tactile helped Youssef combine some of the tinyurl.com/nuzb2d5

248 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 reviews

Every contact leaves a trace Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime Val McDermid

Since her heroine P.D. James passed away in November 2014, Val Hill (aka Robson Green), who is variously described as a clinical McDermid seems destined to be crowned Dame of Crime Fiction. psychologist or a psychological profiler. McDermid notes that the However, her latest book is non-fiction. Forensics: The Anatomy of forensic psychologist offers ‘the perfect fantasy figure…someone Crime tells the fascinating, and sometimes gory, who gets to look at people with an analytical and story of the development of a wide range of forensic empathetic eye, but who also gets to be the hero’. techniques. Every major criminal forensic discipline McDermid identifies the first offender profile as likely is covered, including fire-scene investigation, to have been that made for Jack the Ripper; its more pathology, toxicology, fingerprinting, forensic modern incarnation started in the post-war hunt for Nazi anthropology, blood spatter and DNA analysis, and, war criminals. But reliance on any one forensic technique of course, forensic psychology. can be problematic, and the murder of Rachel Nickell on McDermid has researched each area Wimbledon Common in 1992 was a low point in offender extensively, both in terms of its scientific profiling in the UK. The psychologist Paul Britton created development, as well as how individual cases (and a profile of the murderer that led directly to the individuals) have contributed. Perhaps due to her identification of Colin Stagg as the prime suspect, and high profile, she has also obtained interviews with contributed to the ‘honeytrap’ strategy used against him. many of the top scientists in each field. The case was dismissed at court and Stagg received over Some chapters shed light on the historic £700,000 in compensation. Ultimately it was a different development of a discipline, such as the origin of forensic technique – improved DNA analysis – that led to facial reconstruction in ‘Lombrosia’, the long-discredited concept the conviction of the murderer, Robert Napper. that types of criminal face could be identified and categorised (used By the end of this book I’d learnt a lot about forensic science: in court cases in the 19th century). Other chapters give facts that and McDermid’s skill as a storyteller makes this an easily digestible, require a strong stomach: some might feel the need to look away if sometimes gruesome, read. For anyone at all interested in the from parts of the forensic entomology chapter, which throngs with conjunction of science and crime, this is essential reading. the maggots and blowflies used to identify time of death. It’s no surprise that the chapter on forensic psychology is the I Profile; 2014; Pb £18.99 longest. To date, McDermid has written eight books featuring Tony Reviewed by Kate Johnstone who is a postgraduate student at UCL

Learning from the patient’s perspective The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma Bessel van der Kolk

Dr van der Kolk’s epigraph ‘To survivors (at the expert patient considered the reader is he is based in the USA, this does my patients, who kept the score level) and those working with prepared to be more open- not lessen the book’s relevance. and were the textbook’ is almost them. minded towards less familiar This book deserves to be widely a mission The book is split into five and potentially less mainstream read not just for the overview it statement for parts and uses the device of approaches. A key point of this provides of our understanding of a career spent following van der Kolk’s book is this approach; for trauma, or for the outline of one learning from career as a timeline to example, for the patient user the man’s career, but for the insight both his patients weave the history of trauma discussion of mindfulness adds it provides into the patient’s and experts treatment and development another dimension to the self- perspective. outside his own of the field together. help type information currently field who can The use of neuroimaging available. I Allen Lane; 2014; Hb £25.00 offer ways to techniques to examine what While Dr van der Kolk’s Reviewed by Louise Beaton help those happens in the brain during experiences, and the list of who is an Open University affected by flashbacks is intriguing and additional resources, reflect that psychology graduate traumatic events. This is a contributes to our fascinating and comprehensive understanding of both why and look both at what causes trauma how people are affected and what its effects can be, not differently by the same events. For a full list of books available for review and information on just to the survivor, but those The final, and largest, part of the reviewing for The Psychologist, see www.bps.org.uk/books around and involved with them. book focuses on the treatment Send books for potential review to The Psychologist, It isn’t always a comfortable of trauma. This section is again contribute read – the statistics quoted on explored though van der Kolk’s 48 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7DR experiences of trauma are, encounters with each method. frankly, terrifying – and the Because of the groundwork in Our ‘Reviews’ section covers psychology in books, films, plays, cases discussed are a painful the earlier sections and depth TV, radio, apps, exhibitions and more. Seen or heard something necessity to illustrate relevant of coverage in learning to psychological? Get in touch on [email protected] or follow points. However the writing is understand trauma, when @psychmag for suggestions, competitions, offers and more. compelling and pitched both at each technique is raised and

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 249 symptoms, but coped well enough in everyday life to avoid seeing a doctor. These men endured the war, but we do Masculinity, trauma not know how they picked up the threads of their lives. The only indisputable fact is that after 1918, ‘shell-shock’ formed part and ‘shell-shock’ of a new popular understanding of the potential effects of war on men’s bodies Tracey Loughran delivers a fitting tribute to the men who suffered in the First and minds. LOOKING BACK LOOKING World War, and in more modern conflicts Many historians have argued that the experience of mass breakdown in the First World War led to the reconfiguration of ideals of masculine behaviour. The literary historian Samuel n 1914 Britain was the only major tried. Only a few months after war broke Hynes believes that after 1918, war was European power without a system of out, soldiers of several combatant nations imagined in fundamentally new ways. Iconscription in place. Over the next began to manifest strange nervous and The soldier hero was no longer the main two years, the second-largest volunteer mental symptoms. Doctors in all countries actor in popular conceptions of war; now, army in the history of the nation was immediately noted the similarity of these he was accompanied by the coward, the raised (Gregory, 2008). Although the First disorders to well-established diagnostic frightened boy, and the ‘shell-shock’ World War is often remembered as a war categories such as hysteria, neurasthenia, victim (Hynes, 1991). For Elaine of conscripts, 2.5 million men from the and traumatic neurosis. They also debated Showalter, ‘shell-shock’ represented UK enlisted in the armed forces without the unknown effects of high explosive ‘a crisis of masculinity and a trial of the any form of legal compulsion. artillery on the central nervous system. In Victorian masculine ideal’; it was an One hundred years after the outbreak all combatant nations, doctors formulated unconscious protest ‘not only against of the First World War, it is difficult to theories that explained soldiers’ symptoms the war but against the concept of understand what motivated men to fight, as the result of concussion, or invisible “manliness” itself’ (Showalter, 1987, and how they possibly withstood the molecular damage to the nervous system pp.171–2). Other historians have horrors of the trenches. These are complex caused by exposure to repeated shell suggested that the acknowledgement and contested historical questions, but it is blasts. As the war went on, increasingly that any man could break down under clear that deeply embedded ideas of sophisticated psychological theories were sufficient stress ‘forced western society to honourable masculine behaviour guided formulated to explain symptoms as the take note and modify its views on mental the actions of many men. Oscar Wilde’s outcome of a conflict between the instinct illness, human motivation, and other eldest son Cyril was perhaps more worried of self-preservation and the desire to fulfil issues far beyond the immediate problems than most men about how others might one’s duty, or as the result of the attempt of disabled soldiers’ (Feudtner, 1993, judge his ability to live up to masculine to repress memories of war experience. p.409; see also Bogacz, 1989; Stone, ideals, but his explanation of his decision Nowadays, ‘shell-shock’ is most often 1985). From this perspective, ‘shell-shock’ to join up is nonetheless telling. He perceived as a form of psychological revealed the ultimate fragility of the believed that ‘first and foremost, I must be breakdown, equated in the popular human psyche, and undermined the a man. There was to be no cry of decadent mind with the modern construct of bombastic stoicism applied to so many artist, of effeminate aesthete, of weak- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). areas of social life. kneed degenerate.’ He asked ‘nothing We do not know exactly how many However, I argue that although the better to end in honourable battle for my men were diagnosed and treated for ‘shell- experience of 1914–18 did force popular King and Country’ (Sinfield, 1994, p.126). shock’ during the war or in its aftermath: awareness of the potentially traumatic He died in May 1915 at Neuve Chappelle. the number most often quoted for the effects of war, it did not completely The success of the voluntary British Army is between 80,000 and overturn existing conceptions of ideal recruitment campaign represented, at least 200,000 men (Leese, 2002). But even masculinity. This is evident in the desire in part, the triumph of Victorian ideals of these estimates are based only on those of First World War psychologists to manly behaviour. But when we think of formally diagnosed and treated for ‘shell- restore soldiers to self-control and manly this war, we also think about those who shock’. It is likely that many men suffered ‘character’. Doctors used many different could not live up to the exacting demands nightmares, distressing memories of war forms of treatment for ‘shell-shock’ during of this ideal, no matter how hard they experience, and other traumatic the war, and most soldiers were probably

Bogacz, T. (1989). War neurosis and Gregory, A. (2008). The last Great War. the Great War. In M. Micale & P. Women, madness and English culture, cultural change in England, 1914–22. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge Lerner (Eds.) Traumatic pasts: History, 1830 – 1980. London: Virago. Journal of Contemporary History 24, University Press. psychiatry and trauma in the modern age, Sinfield, A. (1994). The Wilde century: 227–256. Hart, B. (1927). Psychopathology: Its 1870– 1930 (pp.205–221). Cambridge: Effeminacy, Oscar Wilde and the Queer

references Eder, M.D. (1917). War-shock: The psycho- development and its place in medicine. Cambridge University Press. Movement. London: Cassell. neuroses in war psychology and London: Cambridge University Press. Leese, P. (2002). Shell shock. Basingstoke: Stone, M. (1985). Shellshock and the treatment. London: William Heinemann. Hynes, S. (1991). A war imagined: The First Palgrave. psychologists. In W.F. Bynum, R. Feudtner, C. (1993). ‘Minds the dead have World War and English culture. New Rivers, W.H.R. (1918, 2 February). An Porter & M. Shepherd (Eds). The ravished’: Shell shock, history, and York: Atheneum. address on the of war anatomy of madness. Volume 1: People the ecology of disease systems. Leese, P. (2001). Why are they not cured? experience. Lancet, 173–177. and ideas (pp.242–271). London and History of Science 31, 377–420. British shellshock treatment during Showalter, E. (1987). The female malady: New York, Tavistock.

250 vol 28 no 3 march 2015 looking back treated using conservative therapies. In a ‘Analytic’ doctors consistently Journalists explained that it was now few institutions, such as Maghull Military described re-education in the language of known that many of those executed had Hospital near Liverpool, and a militarised, masculine ethos of honour, been suffering from ‘shell-shock’. In these Craiglockhart War Hospital in Edinburgh, stoicism, and self-control. The patient’s reports, the psychological injuries suffered some influential doctors developed effort to gain a ‘proper’ understanding of justified the pardon. However, coverage analytic techniques. It was rare for his war experience was depicted as a also implicitly bolstered traditional ideas doctors to employ these kinds of ‘talking confrontation, in which he squared up to of heroism and cowardice. cures’, but these treatments show that his past and mastered it. The doctor had This is nowhere more evident than in even the most sophisticated psychological to make the patient see the impossibility newspaper accounts of the life and death approaches developed to deal with shell- of ‘running away’ from troubling of Private Harry Farr, the test case for the shock’ drew heavily on concepts of self- memories (Rivers, 1918). Doctors did decision to pardon the soldiers. Farr, a control, self-reliance, and strength of not see this form of treatment as the scaffolder from London, joined up on the character. imposition of masculine values on outbreak of war, but developed ‘nervous ‘Analytic’ doctors favoured forms subjects who had rejected these standards. trouble’ and reported sick with nerves of treatment based on analysis and re- They believed they were helping ‘shell- four times between 1915 and 1916. This education. They believed the prolonged shocked’ men to regain the character and included five months in hospital, during strain of war service exhausted the patient self-control that would allow them to live which time he had an uncontrollable and lowered his self-control, which led with themselves after the war. Even the shake so bad he could not hold a pen. him to fixate on an emotional element of most sophisticated treatments for ‘shell- In September 1916 he refused to go back his war experience. The role of the doctor shock’ depended on the reassertion of to the trenches, stating that he could no was to help the patient understand the masculine values. longer stand the explosions of artillery. ‘true significance’ of his history and He was reported as trembling and not condition, and this was achieved in a fit state, but was still executed in through the therapeutic process of re- October 1916 after a peremptory education (‘the process whereby causal court-martial. Newspaper coverage factors, which have been elicited by emphasised that Farr was undoubtedly analysis, are modified or re-arranged, suffering from ‘shell-shock’, and that so that they no longer produce morbid this doubtless applied to many other effects’: Hart, 1927, p.125). The doctor executed soldiers. conducted extended interviews with the The use of Farr’s story in the patient to ascertain the exact nature of media is more ambiguous than it first the incident(s) that had led to appears. Farr was presented as both breakdown. The doctor then helped the victim and hero. As a volunteer, he patient to understand why the had proved his courage; he broke symptoms had occurred, and to guard down not once, but several times; and against their recurrence by imparting he was executed because he refused to understanding of the psychological return to the front, not for actions that processes behind them. As the patient In August 2006 a blanket pardon was issued put his comrades immediately in danger. gained insight into the nature and origin for 306 executed British soldiers Because Farr suffered so much, his case of his symptoms, both the symptoms does not involve confronting our own and the emotional tone connected with Has so much really changed today? attitudes towards heroism, cowardice them would disappear. Rightly or wrongly, the First World War and the demands of war. If Farr is the These doctors displayed considerable is popularly conceived as one of the major exemplar of the ‘shell-shocked’ soldier, empathy for their patients. But they did tragedies of the 20th century. It is very then ‘we’ can remain convinced modern not waver from the belief that the war tempting to look back and think ‘we’ now sensibilities are more alive to such must be fought to the finish, and that know better, and that the legacy of ‘shell- suffering. The truly radical reappraisal ‘shell-shocked’ men must, if possible, be shock’ is an improved understanding of of social and cultural expectations of returned to some form of service (not war trauma. Perhaps this is true in some military masculinity will come when it is necessarily as combatants). Consequently, respects. Certainly, although no one has accepted not just that ‘shell-shocked’ men ‘analytic’ doctors did not reappraise the worked out a definitive way either to could be heroes as well as victims, but fundamental tenets of Victorian and prevent men breaking down or to cure that heroism does not need to be part of Edwardian ideals of masculine character. PTSD, and there are still serious gaps in our discussions of ‘shell-shock’ – when Instead, they reinforced the importance of the provision of psychiatric services for we stop holding the dead up to these living up to the values embodied in this veterans, it is no longer possible for standards at all. Narratives of progress are ideal. The psychoanalyst David Eder governments, militaries and public to consoling, but perhaps our starting point described a case in which hypnotism ignore the existence of traumatic should be not what has changed, but what failed, and he reverted to persuasion: responses to combat. Yet when we talk remains to be done. This is the most Eder’s exhortations prompted ‘a flood of about ‘shell-shock’, we often unwittingly fitting tribute to all the men – heroes, tears’ in the patient, who ‘lay awake all reinforce older ideals of heroism. This is victims, cowards, malingerers – who have that night making up his mind that he shown by newspaper coverage of the tried since 1914 to survive war, in would walk, and the next day the sticks decision, in August 2006, to issue a whatever ways they could. were relinquished, he was cured of the blanket pardon of the 306 British soldiers paraplegia’ (Eder, 1917, pp.72–3). It is executed for desertion, cowardice or other I Tracey Loughran is a Senior Lecturer difficult to conceive of a more literal offences (excluding murder) during the in Medical History at Cardiff demonstration of the belief that patients First World War. For the most part, this University must learn to stand on their own two feet. decision was celebrated in the media. [email protected]

read discuss contribute at www.thepsychologist.org.uk 251 One piece of research that Denmark spawned another influenced my direction high-risk study in Mauritius … with Peter Venables When Aubrey Lewis wanted in which I was to take a major me to do experiments with role and which became my schizophrenics, I said to major research interest. It now ‘go on analysing data myself, ‘You can’t, they are has my colleague Adrian Raine

ONE ON mad and won’t participate’. But as PI. I came across work by David into your later years’ Shakow in which he had One continuing conducted a reaction time disappointment study on patients and obtained As one of the last surviving intriguing results. I replicated members of the first British it and found the same results. Psychological Society Council Yes, you could do experiments formed after the granting of One glimmer that started brother in law – I had married on schizophrenics. At that the Royal Charter exactly 50 your interest in psychology just before the failure – was time the MRC APU in years ago, I am still irritated When I was about 15, in a language teacher, and he put Cambridge was doing work on that the Royal Charter did not 1938, I came across a book, me through a crash course information processing, which mean ‘Royal British called something like Know after which I resat. Without influenced me. However, I did Psychological Society’. Yourself. I remember being him and wifely support, no not want to rely intrigued by the content but university, no psychology. solely on the more by the method it used, measurement of a branching structure, starting One point of decision. overt responses. with a question such as ‘Do My first two years at UCL I started you have many friends? If Yes were with Cyril Burt as Head work using go to page 5, if No page 12’, of Department, followed by psychophysiological and so on until a final a year with Roger Russell methods, an area conclusion. It may have sown (an American behaviourist). where my the first seed of interest. I was immersed first in factor electronic analysis and individual background in the One critical point differences and then learning war came in useful After the war I was theory, awkward bedfellows. in making devices determined to go to university After my finals I decided on to measure and found that it was possible a post at the MRC Social electrodermal to get a grant. I had joined the Psychiatry Unit at the activity. BPS as an attached member Maudsley under Aubrey One happy by-product while in the Navy as a radar Lewis. I was to do research One publication that of research in Mauritius mechanic. I applied to and on chronic schizophrenia – influenced the course Walking along the shore in the was accepted by University an area that determined much of your career evening in the warm tropical College London. However, of my future work. In 1963 I was asked by water with my wife, on the they had a first year where Brendan Maher to contribute way to a friend’s party. you had to take four subjects, One scariest moment to a new series of books he two of which had to be After attending a conference was editing. My chapter on One saddest piece of music, languages. At the end of the in 1972 held by the Soviet ‘Input dysfunction in which is nevertheless a first year I failed in French Psychiatric Association in schizophrenia’ was favourably favourite and was chucked out. My (then) Leningrad, I was in the acknowledged in the US, and Richard Strauss’s Four Last airport to fly home, and was I received many invitations to Songs, particularly the third hauled out of line by a lecture there. This involved me where the violin plays a Peter Venables formidable security guard in much of the work in my haunting phrase to be taken is Emeritus Professor because the entry in my area in US, and so for many up by the soprano. at the University of York passport by the hotel was years I felt more at home with incorrect. When I was their work than in the UK. One outcome of my research eventually cleared and allowed that gives hope of eventual to get on the plane my One person who was critical usefulness colleagues cheered with relief. in what you are now doing The very evident role of One of the people I met in undernutrition as a precursor US was Sarnoff Mednick. to many handicaps, a factor He had initiated a project in which can be dealt with by What has neuroscience ever done for us?; monsters; improbable Denmark on children at risk direct action. research; and much more... for schizophrenia. This was I Contribute: See www.thepsychologist.org.uk/contribute or talk to the a development that I was One piece of advice to editor, Dr Jon Sutton, on [email protected], +44 116 252 9573 interested to follow, as by this psychologists about to retire time work on schizophrenics Get involved in research that is 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 in hospitals was difficult in so productive that you can go rates: see details on inside front cover. view of the medication they on pleasurably analysing data received. This work in into your later years.

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