Abstract
The Role of Excessive Reassurance Seeking in Depression in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-AnalysisThe interpersonal theory of depression (Coyne, 1976) suggests there will be a positive relationship between high levels of excessive reassurance-seeking (ERS) and depression. This has been supported by previous research, which was last summarised by Starr and Davila (2008), using largely adult samples. This review aimed to add to previous research by investigating whether cross-sectional and prospective associations between ERS and depression are also present in young people. A systematic literature search identified 10 articles (including 9 cross-sectional data sets and 4 prospective data sets), which were synthesised using meta-analysis. A small positive association (0.28) was found between cross-sectional ERS behaviour and levels of depression. Additionally, a small positive association (0.11) was found between prospective ERS behaviour and levels of depression. This suggests that the interpersonal theory of depression can be applied to younger populations, and that ERS behaviours have negative consequences for mental health from a young age. Understanding the link between ERS behaviours and depression may have implications for prevention and early points of intervention.
A Qualitative Study Investigating the Transition between Adult Eating Disorder Inpatient Care and Community Services
High relapse rates and readmissions to hospital suggest that the transition of leaving inpatient services and returning to the community can be difficult for adults with eating disorders. This qualitative study aimed to explore service users’ experiences of leaving a specialist inpatient eating disorder service and returning to community services, and to identify suggestions for ways this transition can be improved. Individual interviews were conducted with eight service users and analysed thematically. Four main themes were identified: reintegration into the “real world”, hospital creates a “safe base”, extreme change in levels of support, and learning from admissions. The clinical implications and suggestions for improving this transition are discussed.
The Impact of a Mental Health Diagnosis on Mental Health Professionals’ Judgments of Colleagues: An Experimental Study
Stigma surrounding mental health problems can lead to a number of negative consequences, including discrimination and difficulties in disclosing or seeking support. This research aimed to experimentally investigate whether mental health professionals (MHPs) with mental health problems experience stigmatised attitudes from other MHPs. 171 MHPs watched a short video of a fictitious new colleague and then rated their suitability for working in their team. Prior to watching the video, they were randomly allocated to one of four conditions which provided written information about the following: 1) personal background information; 2) the addition of a behavioural description of mental health difficulties; 3a) the further addition of a diagnosis of a historical diagnosis of depression or 3b) the further addition of a diagnosis of a historical diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. The results showed no difference between conditions in the judgments that were made about the colleague. This suggests that MHPs do not show stigmatised attitudes towards other MHPs with mental health difficulties. This may suggest a change in attitudes regarding stigma and mental health and have positive implications for MHPs concerning disclosure of mental health difficulties in the workplace.
| Date of Award | 16 Sept 2019 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Cathy Randle-Phillips (Supervisor), Lorna Hogg (Supervisor), James Gregory (Supervisor), Cara Davis (Supervisor), Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis (Supervisor) & Gemma Taylor (Supervisor) |
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