Psychology
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Item Women’s views and experiences of the perinatal journey during COVID-19 in Ireland: A qualitative study(Dublin Business School, 2022-05) Fenlon, Mary; Hyland, PaulineThe COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes in maternity care access and procedures from the antenatal period to postpartum. Strict maternity restrictions put vulnerable women in the firing line. This qualitative study aims to explore the views and experiences of women’s perinatal journey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach, using purposive sampling for seven women via semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was carried out on the interview transcripts to answer the research questions. Four themes reflecting women’s experiences were developed: Uncertainty, Failed by the System, Isolation & Vulnerability and Advocacy. These themes support the current research on the perinatal & maternity care in Ireland. Overall findings report that women were greatly affected by the maternity restrictions and the lack of partner support significantly impacted their pregnancy experience. It is suggested that a balance between infection control and optimal maternity care for the mother is priority.Item The role of materialism and cynicism on well-being(Dublin Business School, 2023-05) Eksterowicz, Natalia; Gibbons, ChrisThis study investigated the role of materialism and cynicism on well-being (subjective happiness, spirituality, hedonia, eudaimonia, and burnout) in Ireland. Furthermore, spirituality was measured rather than religion. A quantitative mixed correlational, cross-sectional using online survey was utilized to collect data from 103 individuals. Multiple regression revealed that more cynical participants had higher levels of depersonalization; individuals with higher levels of materialism success reported higher levels of depersonalization; emotional exhaustion decreased with age; increased levels of materialism happiness increased emotional exhaustion; and higher materialistic participants were less spiritual. Correlation analysis found that age negatively correlated with materialism happiness; spirituality positively correlated with happiness; and hedonia positively correlated with eudaimonia. Results of a one-way ANOVA found that higher spiritual participants were happier and exhibited higher levels of eudaimonia. Findings could lead to the inclusion of health programs in schools to reduce materialism, the inclusion of spirituality into health care, and fostering eudaimonia.Item Support workers insights into people with intellectual disabilities experiences of gaining employment(Dublin Business School, 2023-05) McGuinness, Nicole; Hyland, PaulineThe aim of this study is to identify the challenges associated with gaining employment for people with an ID. Along with the benefits for people with an intellectual disability and the employer in creating an inclusive work environment. The design of the study is qualitative. Eight participants, 6 female and 2 male, took part in semi-structured online Zoom interviews that were audio recorded. The interviews consisted of four key questions. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. They were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. The data was analysed using Braun & Clarke’s (2006) method of thematic analysis. Six overarching themes emerged, 1.Resources, 2.Recruitment, 3.Education, 4.Relationships, 5.Value, and 6.Funding. Key findings highlighted a need for a revision of government policies on inclusive employment, sustainable funding, adaptions to recruitment processes, increased training for employers and people with an intellectual disability. Recommendations for future research and dissemination of this study are discussed.Item Experiencing services for autism spectrum disorder in Ireland: The viewpoint of parents(Dublin Business School, 2023-05) Chmara, Paulina; Hyland, JohnThe aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with accessing diagnostic and support services for their children and themselves. 9 participants took part in individual semi-structured interviews online. A data-driven approach to thematic analysis rendered 5 major themes (1) Service-Related Struggles, (2) Diagnosis and Treatment Barriers, (3) Other Struggles Faced by Families, (4) Supports Outside of the ‘Therapy Room” and (5) Desired Improvements. Findings of this study point towards flaws within the current ASD-related service provision framework in Ireland. Long waiting lists, poor communication, lack of support from service providers and delays in accessing publicly funded services were identified as a source of frustration and distress. Support groups and other parents were cited as supportive. The need for increased parent support, education the general population and for parents and improvements in the service-access framework were highlighted.Item “First do no harm” the side effect profile of psychotherapeutic treatments(Dublin Business School, 2020) Redyk, Renata; Frazer, PatriciaThe aim of this research is to contribute knowledge to a scarce number of studies on negative effects (NE) in psychotherapy in order to increase awareness of both clinicians and patients along with effectiveness and safety of therapeutic approaches. Ninety-two participants took part in the study by non-random selection. Participants formed a purposive sample and an additional expert sample consisting of people with experience of both psychotherapy and NE. The design is mixed methods including between-groups comparisons using statistical tools of descriptive, non-parametric and regression testing plus short semi-structured interview. Two main measurements on NE and alliance were used: Negative Effects Questionnaire (NEQ) and Agnew Relationship Measure – 5 (ARM-5) by online survey. The results demonstrated that humanistic therapy shows significantly lower level of NE to psychoanalysis which led to the rejection of hypothesis. This is partly consistent with the body of research. CBT almost achieved significance to humanistic, however more research is needed. The childhood-past focus, number of sessions and gender of therapist showed no significant contribution to the development of NE, thus the hypotheses related were accepted. The result did not match the previous studies on those components. The next accepted hypothesis related to therapeutic alliance where the result demonstrated that negative effects decrease when alliance increases confirming a body of research indicating an importance of therapeutic relationship in psychological treatments. The qualitative results pointed to the need of formal explanation of NE to the patients and applying risk prevention plan at the beginning of treatment.