The purpose of this study is to illustrate, analyze and discuss how a group of Swedish-born adolescents of non-Swedish descent identify themselves in relation to personal experiences of belonging and loyalty. I have chosen a qualitative research methodology in the form of one group interview and two individual interviews. The result of the study shows that the group of Swedish-born adolescents of non-Swedish descent identify themselvs with one or more nation-states in different ways depending on different concept metaphors that underlie the concept of nation in different national discourses.

The exegesis will elaborate on the research process undertaken this year to write a fictional draft novel. The creative work is a young adult fantasy novel, and is part one of what will eventually be a three part series. At this stage, its working title is Phaze One. The introduction of the exegesis discusses what may possibly be the attraction of the fantasy genre to many writers; especially in light of what some critics refer to as the ‘light-weight genre’, and why fantasy has attracted me. There is an overview of Phaze One and why I have chosen to write part one of a three part series. The landscape of contemporary young adult fantasy, as well as, the categories of science fiction and fantasy literature and how they overlap will be discussed, with reference to academic literature. I will also discuss the relevance of mythic conventions and archetypes common in fantasy, and how these conventions have been adapted to the novel. Thus, positioning the creative work within its wider context. The exegesis includes reference to various writers who were relevant to the creative process; however, significant reference will be to the young adult fantasy writer Garth Nix and his ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ series. Various fantasy elements within the work will be discussed, as well as, the ideas for some settings, and the integration of Campbell’s ‘Heroes Journey’ in the novel.

The exegesis will elaborate on the research process undertaken this year to write a fictional draft novel. The creative work is a young adult fantasy novel, and is part one of what will eventually be a three part series. At this stage, its working title is Phaze One. The introduction of the exegesis discusses what may possibly be the attraction of the fantasy genre to many writers; especially in light of what some critics refer to as the ‘light-weight genre’, and why fantasy has attracted me. There is an overview of Phaze One and why I have chosen to write part one of a three part series. The landscape of contemporary young adult fantasy, as well as, the categories of science fiction and fantasy literature and how they overlap will be discussed, with reference to academic literature. I will also discuss the relevance of mythic conventions and archetypes common in fantasy, and how these conventions have been adapted to the novel. Thus, positioning the creative work within its wider context. The exegesis includes reference to various writers who were relevant to the creative process; however, significant reference will be to the young adult fantasy writer Garth Nix and his ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ series. Various fantasy elements within the work will be discussed, as well as, the ideas for some settings, and the integration of Campbell’s ‘Heroes Journey’ in the novel.

The overall aims of the current thesis were to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a brief motivational and cognitive-behavioural intervention in reducing cannabis use and cannabis related problems among Australian adolescent cannabis users: the Adolescent Cannabis Check-up. In addition it was intended to develop and psychometrically assess instruments to measure cannabis problems and cannabis dependence among adolescent cannabis users. The thesis is presented as a series of four related studies. Study 1 consists of an uncontrolled feasibility study of a brief (2-3 session) motivational intervention designed for adolescent cannabis users. Included in the intervention model was a separate session for concerned parents. The data analysis for this study was conducted in a pre-test post-test design and demonstrated that participation in the intervention was associated with improved outcomes. The intervention was shown to be feasible and acceptable to participants. Study 2 comprises an assessment of the psychometric performance of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) in a population of adolescent cannabis users. Study 3 describes the development and psychometric testing of a novel assessment instrument designed to measure cannabis-related problems (other than dependence) among young people. Finally, Study 4 is a randomised controlled trial of the Adolescent Cannabis Check-up intervention, which builds on the feasibility study and incorporates the assessment instruments that were evaluated as valid and reliable in Studies 2 and 3. As hypothesised, significandy greater reductions in cannabis use and symptoms of cannabis dependence were found in the intervention group compared with the delayed treatment control group, which provides evidence for the efficacy of the intervention. The study presents a unique contribution to the intervention literature and demonstrates the potential to reduce the harms associated with cannabis use among young people.

Context: Young women are at high risk of weight gain but there has been limited knowledge on weight management in this group. Hyperandrogenemia and menstrual abnormalities are common co-morbidities of obesity in young women but their associations with food cravings are not known. Metformin has been shown to reduce body weight and improve metabolic outcomes in older adults but its effects on healthy overweight and obese young women have not been investigated. Quantitative lifestyle advice has been shown to be effective in inducing weight loss but its psychological effects on young women have not been extensively studied. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of metformin, quantitative lifestyle advice and internet-based intervention on weight management in young. Methods: In the first 12-weeks, 203 overweight and obese young women (BMI 33.3±0.3 kg/m² , age 28±0.3 years; age range:17-37) were randomized to one of three treatment arms to receive metformin (Diabex XR 1500mg a day) plus qualitative lifestyle advice (M-QL), placebo plus qualitative lifestyle advice (P-QL) or a structured lifestyle program (L-QT). L-QT consisted of an energy restricted diet with quantitative lifestyle advice (6000KJ; 40% protein, 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat), structured exercise program, and behavioural therapy. From weeks 13 to 48, all participants were placed on the structured lifestyle program conducted through a website. Outcome measures include body weight, fasting lipids, insulin, glucose, psychological distress, self-esteem, food cravings, energy intake and physical activity. Primary analyses were conducted using linear mixed models. Results: At baseline, psychological distress and hyperandrogenemia were associated with increased food cravings (P<0.01). At 12-weeks, L-QT group had greater weight loss (-4.2±0.4 kg) compared to M-QL (-1.0±0.4 kg) and P-QL groups (-0.2±0.3 kg) (P<0.001). Attrition at week 12 was high particularly in L-QT group, ie 48% (28/59) for L-QT group, 34% (22/65) for M-QL group and 29% (23/79) for P-QL group (P=0.08). Baseline psychological distress and food cravings predicted attrition at week 12. At week 12, L-QT group had significantly greater improvements in psychological distress (-3.0+0.9 vs -0.84+0.52, P=0.013) and self-esteem (3.2±0.8 vs -0.04±0.4, P<0.001) compared to the M-QL and P-QL groups. At 48 weeks, both QT and QL groups maintained significant weight loss (-4.8±0.1 kg vs -1.3±0.4 kg respectively, P=0.0005). Weight changes from week 13 to 48 were similar between the groups (P>0.05). Attrition was similarly high in both groups by week 48 (78%; 159/203) (P=0.003). Being married or having children predicted attrition at week 48. Conclusions: A structured lifestyle intervention program was more effective than metformin in achieving weight loss in young women. Quantitative lifestyle advice produced greater improvements in psychological outcomes compared to qualitative lifestyle advice. Internet-based weight loss program was effective in maintaining weight loss in young women independent of initial weight loss. High attrition rates were seen throughout the study, particularly among those who had greater psychological distress or food cravings, and those who were married or had children. Strategies on managing issues relating to psychological distress, food cravings and family responsibilities may allow better tailoring of weight management programs for this group. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1523605 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, 2009

The exegesis will elaborate on the research process undertaken this year to write a fictional draft novel. The creative work is a young adult fantasy novel, and is part one of what will eventually be a three part series. At this stage, its working title is Phaze One. The introduction of the exegesis discusses what may possibly be the attraction of the fantasy genre to many writers; especially in light of what some critics refer to as the ‘light-weight genre’, and why fantasy has attracted me. There is an overview of Phaze One and why I have chosen to write part one of a three part series. The landscape of contemporary young adult fantasy, as well as, the categories of science fiction and fantasy literature and how they overlap will be discussed, with reference to academic literature. I will also discuss the relevance of mythic conventions and archetypes common in fantasy, and how these conventions have been adapted to the novel. Thus, positioning the creative work within its wider context. The exegesis includes reference to various writers who were relevant to the creative process; however, significant reference will be to the young adult fantasy writer Garth Nix and his ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ series. Various fantasy elements within the work will be discussed, as well as, the ideas for some settings, and the integration of Campbell’s ‘Heroes Journey’ in the novel.

Thesis (M.A.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Department of English, General Literature and Rhetoric, 2006.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Department of Psychology, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2009. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iii, 41 p. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 22-25).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-149).