<p> Previously, a worker one set of skills for an occupational lifetime. In today's environment, the need for constant skill changes have created difficulties for individuals who must unlearn, store and use knowledge in new processes to update the old. Today's workers must keep pace with changes to maintain competency. The amount of wasted time, additional energy and resources required continues to increase when actions are not updated through unlearning. Confusion regarding unlearning remains a persistent problem because a clear definition does not exist. This study: 1) investigated and collected descriptive unlearning characteristics; 2) proposed a theory to define unlearning. Study results: Ninety-three interviews with 31 participants were conducted. The participants' responses were categorized into unlearning experiences and perceptions. One Hundred-Seven participant quotations referred to <i>Experimentation </i> in unlearning of their Windows-based system or application. <i> Experimentation</i> was divided into Subcategories: 1) <i>Unstructured Experimentation,</i> 2) <i>Structured Experimentation,</i> and, 3) <i>Resource-Based Experimentation.</i> Employee perceptions were identified as category with subcategories of <i>Incompetence and Competence.</i> The third category, <i>factors,</i> suggests participant unlearn with, <i>availability of support, time constraints </i> and <i>opportunities for experimentation.</i> This definition was proposed: <i>Unlearning is the process of using experimentation and available resources to promote the disuse of previous actions.</i> Additionally, to propose a new theory of the unlearning process, the force-field theory was used as a basis for this new unlearning theory. From the study results, organizations can develop effective employees to maintain a competitive advantage. </p>

Thesis (PH.D.) -- Syracuse University, 2007. / "Publication number AAT 3266293"

<p> This dissertation uses mythological studies, psychological ideas and sociological techniques to introduce the reader to the thesis that tabletop role-playing game (TRPG) characters are intricate, semi-independent personae of their players, who have the potential to be equal in influence to an individual&rsquo;s other expressions of personality (e.g. employee, parent, friend, etc). TRPG characters, like all aspects of personality, exist at the junction of mythical, psychological, and sociological forces. Unlike other personae, TRPG characters exist within alternative realities deliberately crafted from heroic mythology, which feature group-centered behavior at their core. </p><p> By examining differences between character and player perspectives, especially the group based norm of heroism common across many kinds of TRPGs, the importance of studying TRPG characters as personae in their own right is emphasized. The dissertation concludes with ways for TRPG scholars to increase emphasis on TRPG character studies, and with ways for non-TRPG studies to benefit from an increased emphasis on personae play as an important aspect of psychosocial growth, especially with regard to how heroism is understood in American culture. </p>

Background. Recent studies on verbal immediate serial recall (Darling & Havelka, 2010; Darling et al., 2012, 2014; Allen et al., 2015) show evidence of the integration of information from verbal and visuo-spatial short term memory with long-term memory representations. This so-called ‗visuo-spatial bootstrapping‘ (VSB) pattern, in which verbal serial recall is improved when the information is arranged in a familiar spatially distributed pattern, such as a telephone keypad, is consistent with the existence within working memory of an episodic buffer. Objective. The general purpose was to investigate the structure of working memory, and in particular the relationship between verbal and visuo-spatial working memory. Specifically, this thesis aimed to determine the contribution of the central executive and the implications of the VSB paradigm in younger and older adults and patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Materials and Methods. The first study explored the role of the central executive. The VSB task with digit sequences, visually presented both in single and in a typical keypad display, was administered under conditions of verbal and central executive load. In the second study VSB was investigated in older and younger adults using three conditions: single digit display, typical and random keypad. In the third study, examining performance in VSB in a typical elderly sample compared with people with MCI. Each participant was assessed with a neuropsychological battery of tests and the VSB task composed by single digit and typical keypad display. Results and Conclusion. Central executive load demonstrated to have a negative effect on digit recall performance without affecting the bootstrapping effect. VSB does not need to recruit executive resources. No difference was observed in the bootstrapping pattern as a consequence of age and cognitive difficulties and the beneficial impact of additional visual information was comparable for MCI, older and younger participants.

Background and purpose: The incidence of stroke is projected to increase worldwide and reduction of risk of the first stroke is therefore important. First stroke in young women often poses a diagnostic challenge but it has been suggested the risk is associated with hightened exposure to domestic abuse. This UK study was conducted to determine the incidence and examine the predisposing risk factors for early stroke in young women suffering domestic violence. The effect of a range of psychosocial variables and health behaviours on the incidence of strokes in young women in an abusive relationship is assessed. Methods: A cross-sectional survey collected information by self-report questionnaires on 237 women aged 18-56 exposed to domestic violence. The survey instrument measured the negative consequences of abuse and comprised demographic information, health status assessment, physical health illnesses and history of abuse. The GHQ-12 a stress measure was employed to gauge the effects of exposure to threatening life events. Correlational analyses and factor analysis were performed. Data was matched for women aged 20-44 with the average annual incidence rates of risk of first stroke in young women according to the Oxford Vascular stroke project register Results and conclusions: Unsurprisingly, a high incidence of depression was found in this study even when the majority of women were on medication. A number of high-risk behaviours were also associated with strangulation, alongside the physical trauma. The incidence of first stroke found in the study was 5 cases classified as 3 ischemic and 2 hemorrhagic strokes, such a high frequency has not previously been described in the research literature. According to Oxford data the incidence of stroke among women aged 20-44 in the UK is 0.14/1000 per year. Stroke sub-type incidence rates were found to be 10 fold increased risk for ischemic and 15 fold increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke compared with the matched control. Trauma was found to be the most common predisposing factor to stroke other reported risk factors to increase the risk of stroke included poor health profile, migraine, and heavy alcohol consumption. These incidence rates may be underestimates as a consequence of women not attending for medical care, hence tragically managing stroke-related symptoms in the home. However, due to the small numbers of stroke victims the results must be viewed with caution.

Anorexia has often been theorised as a way of obtaining a sense of control and a sense of identity. Previous research has identified the positive functions anorexia plays for those who experience it. Healthcare professionals perceive anorexia as something to be treated whilst those experiencing it are often ambivalent and see it as something to maintain. Those who feel misunderstood in their offline environment can turn to the physically anonymous environment of the internet to discuss their experiences and opinions. The aims of the research were (1) to determine the understandings of anorexia, recovery and treatment through participants’ lived experiences, and (2) to identify how participants’ understandings affected pathways to and through treatment. An online phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of those recruited through online resources for anorexia. Data was collected using online focus groups and e-mail interviews and was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated a strong theme of maintenance of anorexia due to its egosyntonic and functional role. Anorexia was initially perceived as a solution to problems or crises but over time it became problematic. Nonetheless, strong psychosocial mechanisms such as feelings of ambivalence, an ‘anorexic voice’ and a sense of feeling addicted to anorexia affected its maintenance. Recovery required the acceptance of anorexia as a problem. Recovery was interpreted as a sense of living rather than existing and required four main factors: self-acceptance, acceptance of and from others, the development of alternative, healthy behaviours and the ability to manage residual anorexic cognitions. Implications for treatment are discussed. Online communication is considered a safe environment due to its physical anonymity, allowing people to feel more comfortable disclosing views and experiences that may be stigmatised or uncomfortable to discuss in an offline situation. Future research should utilise the internet in conducting studies with people with body image issues.

Teachers report that advanced knowledge of the day’s activities can considerably lessen anxiety for children with autism, especially if this information is highly visual in its presentation. Teaching children with autism often follows a highly structured approach including use of visual planning aids, such as symbolic timetables (Gillberg & Coleman, 2000; Mesibov, Browder, & Kirkland, 2002). Children with autism have been noted to be skilled at using computers and it has been suggested that the computer presents an ideal resource for both educational and recreational use (Attwood, 1998; Higgins & Boone, 1996; D. Moore, 1998; Murray, 1997). However, in spite of widespread use of visual timetables in schools by children with autism, there is little evidence of research being conducted in the area of computerised timetabling for this population. The overall aim of this particular study was to develop an interactive, computer-based timetable and to explore and assess the practical value for children with autism. The research was of an ethnographic nature and involved a case study approach. The development of the interactive timetable followed a user-centred design. Participating children attended a language and communication class attached to a mainstream primary school in Scotland. Seven males aged between six and nine years of age were involved, with four of the children able to participate in the final evaluations of the interactive timetable. Other participants included special needs teachers, nursery nurses, speech and language therapists, and parents of participating children. Examination of a symbolic timetable identified several important issues relevant to the design of an interactive timetable, whilst consideration of parental and educationalist views, gathered through interview, highlighted both benefits and concerns. By extending use to the home environment, the interactive timetable was considered to facilitate communication between child and parent. Concerns regarding access, size and position, user ability, and availability of resources were identified. Although findings were inconclusive, it was possible to communicate timetable information in a computer-based form and furthermore, the children appeared to enjoy using the timetable. Whilst the setting for this study was a single language and communication class attached to a mainstream primary school, this research has implications for a wider debate. The study found generally that the prospect of using information and communication technology to display an interactive timetable which was accessible both at school and at home, offered numerous possibilities for children with autism and their families.

Background: Although Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is acknowledged to have an impact on families as a whole, few studies have investigated psychosocial aspects. Investigation of fathers in paediatric psychology literature is also neglected, and available DMD studies focus on maternal adjustment. This study addresses calls for both, research within the area of DMD and inclusion of fathers. Aims: The overall aim was to investigate psychosocial adjustment, and experiences, of fathers of sons with DMD by studying associations between paternal adjustment and: •boys’ functioning (physical and psychological) •perceived paternal involvement in condition management •perception of support •fathers’ experiences of parenting a son with DMD. Methods: A mixed methods approach, incorporating questionnaires evaluating level of boys’ functional ability (Functional Disability Inventory) and psychiatric adjustment (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire); paternal involvement in condition management (Dads Active Disease Support Scale); paternal ratings of satisfaction, and paternal adjustment (General Health Questionnaire), was used. In-depth interviews were also undertaken, and written accounts of experiences and views recorded. Results: 50 fathers completed questionnaires and 48 provided written accounts, with a cohort of 15 participating in interviews. Paternal adjustment was comparable to that of mothers, as noted in previous studies, with 38% above cut off for risk of psychological problems. Predictors of paternal adjustment were boys’ psychosocial adjustment, perceived amount of involvement in condition management and perceived support from friends. Themes emerging from the qualitative strand were 1) loss and acceptance; 2) support versus isolation; 3) the fight for resources and 4) race against time. Conclusion: Findings emphasise the need for bio-psychosocial interventions, acknowledging fathers’ needs, role, and involvement in their child’s condition. Alongside consideration of the family, the psychosocial impact for fathers should be acknowledged as being equally important to dealing with physical issues surrounding DMD. Professional awareness is needed of the emotional implications, and issues fathers face.

This research investigated whether there might be benefit from encouraging early self management in an episode of non-specific low back – a common and costly condition in the U.K. It aimed to address a lack of research evidence on interventions to improve current, Step 1 of primary care management for back pain. A self help, audio programme, to give information and reassurance about non-specific back pain and skills training in some components of cognitive behavioural pain management, could be used independently at home. Self help could widen access to early, cognitive behavioural based treatment, might offer an inexpensive and practicable means of intervention delivery in busy GP practices and would accord with government policy of encouraging increased self management by NHS patients. Pilot evaluation: The face validity of two, self help, audio CD programmes for use at home, “Using Relaxation Skills” and “Using Thinking Skills”, was assessed by six primary care patients with nonspecific, acute low back pain. Participants in the pilot evaluation expressed some satisfaction with both self help programmes and found them helpful. The audio CD with a focus on progressive muscular relaxation, “Using Relaxation Skills”, was more popular. Pragmatic randomised controlled trial of self help CD effectiveness: The primary objective was to demonstrate whether using a three week, self help programme at home showed benefits with respect to back pain specific functioning as measured by the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). Forty four members of the public with a current episode of back pain lasting between two and nine weeks were randomised to a CD intervention arm or a control arm. Back pain specific functioning, self reported pain intensity and general health and well being in physical and mental domains were assessed at baseline and at one and six months' follow up. Data analysis conducted using a mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance demonstrated significant improvement across all measures over time for all participants. Compared to controls, those using a self help, audio CD showed significantly improved scores on the RDQ at six months [F =6.673, p=.013], although the magnitude of the mean group difference was small (partial eta squared=.137). It is concluded that a three week, home based self help programme delivered by audio CD can improve functional outcomes in the short to medium term in early, non-specific low back pain. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of self help for back pain: The study aimed to explore possible reasons for the slow uptake by the public of a free, self help CD for early back pain. Nine people with non-specific low back pain were interviewed by email to explore their experiences of using self help for managing pain. An IPA analysis revealed four, major themes: taking control, social comparisons, ongoing learning and “with hindsight”. The findings suggest that turning to self help for back pain may be a developmental process over time, related to the variable course of back pain symptoms. Interviewees wished with hindsight they had been directed towards self management in the initial stages of back pain. At the time of first consulting a GP, they had hoped for a medical “cure”. The findings indicated that slow recruitment into a self help intervention for early low back pain may reflect a lack of perceived need for any intervention in the initial phase of the condition, with implications for the likely uptake of an early, self help intervention.

The aim of this study is to increase understanding about the causes of dysphoria, depression and anxiety by identifying the psychological factors that predict the development or protect the individual from developing mental health problems. A quantitative study, it is conducted over a period of a year and utilises a 3 wave observational longitudinal cohort design to investigate the relationship between the psychological variables and processes leading to mental health or ill health in a community group of female undergraduate students (N=183). Data is collected at 6 montly intervals for a period of a year from 183 female students. The participants are first year undergraduate students at a college of higher education. Characteristics from the students are collected using a battery of paper and pencil self report questionnaires in a group administration for the first wave of data and two postal questionnaires for follow up. Conceptual models are developed and tested statistically using structural equation modelling to explore the relationship between the elements identified for each model retrospectively and prospectively over a period of 12 months. Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses are conducted for anxiety and depression separately. The elements of the models include positive and negative life events and protective and vulnerability factors for depression and dysphoria. Results from the cross-sectional and logitudinal analysis demonstrate that psychological factors have a significant effect on the development of depression and anxiety, with illness provoking factors explaining between 33-55% of the variance of depression in longitudinal analyses and 59-42% of the variance in cross-sectional analyses. They explain 45-57% of the variance in anxiety in longitudinal analyses and 28-50% in cross-sectional analyses. Health enhancing factors explain 18-19% of the variance in deprssion in longitudinal analyses and 47-49% of the variance in cross-sectional analyses. They explain 15-20% of the variance in anxiety in longitudinal analyses and 12-=20% of the variance in cross-sectional analyses. Health enhancing and illness provoking characteristics for depression and anxiety are identified in this study. They include enduring personality characteristics, cognitive styles and coping strategies and act as predictors for mental health outcomes or mediate or moderate the relationship between predictors and mental health outcomes.