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No abstract available for this article.     

Cross-generational relationships in rural Jamaica

In keeping with trends in the most affected regions of the world, Jamaican young women are at greater risk of becoming infected with HIV than their male peers. Cross-generational relationships (CGRs), or sexual relationships between younger females and older men, have been reported as contributing to this increased risk. Utilizing a qualitative research design, this study aimed to (1) delineate the context in which CGRs occurred in some rural communities in Jamaica and (2) investigate the sexual risk behaviors that occurred in these relationships. The results indicated that young women engaged in these relationships for three main reasons: economic gain, status, and emotional support. At the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels based on the social ecological model, findings also highlighted various factors which facilitated the occurrence of these relationships in some rural communities, including the transactional nature of the relationships, as well as family knowledge and encouragement. The results also highlighted the occurrence of sexual risk behaviors, such as multiple concurrent partnerships and lack of consistent condom use, which may increase young girls' risk of exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study's findings are consistent with previous research and underscore the challenges faced by intervention planners when promoting safe sex.     

The quest for connection in interpersonal and therapeutic relationships

Objective: This paper focuses on the need for connection as a common core theme at the heart of both close relationships and therapeutic relationships and explores ways to connect these two research domains that have evolved as separate fields of study. Bowlby's attachment theory provides a strong conceptual and empirical base for linking human bonds and bonds in psychotherapy. Method: The growing body of research intersecting attachment and psychotherapy (1980–2014) is documented, and meta-analytic studies on attachment–outcome and attachment–alliance links are highlighted. Results: Five ways of studying attachment as a variable in psychotherapy are underscored: as moderator, as mediator, as outcome, client–therapist attachment match, and as process. By integrating conceptualizations and methods in studying relational narratives of client–therapist dyads (Core Conflictual Relationship Theme), measures of alliance, and client attachment to therapist during psychotherapy, we may discover unique client–therapist relational dances. Conclusions: Future fine-grained studies on how to promote core authentic relational relearning are important to clinicians, supervisors and trainers, who all share the common quest to alleviate interpersonal distress and enhance wellbeing. Directions for advancing research on interpersonal and therapeutic relationships are suggested. Learning from each other, both researchers of close relationships and of psychotherapy relationships can gain a deeper and multidimensional understanding of complex relational processes and outcomes.     

An exploration of nurse-physician perceptions of collaborative behaviour

Interprofessional collaboration is a key element in providing safe, holistic patient care in the acute care setting. Trended data at a community hospital indicated opportunities for improvement in collaboration on micro, meso, and macro levels. The aim of this survey study was to assess the current state of collaboration between frontline nurses and physicians at a non-academic acute care hospital. A convenience sample of participants was recruited with a final respondent sample of 355 nurses and 82 physicians. The results indicated that physicians generally perceived greater collaboration than nurses. Physician ratings did not vary by primary practice area, whereas nurse ratings varied by clinical practice area. Nurse ratings were the lowest in the operating room and the highest in the emergency department. Text-based responses to an open-ended question were analysed by role and coded by two independent research teams. Emergent themes emphasised the importance of rounding, roles, respect, and communication. Despite recognition of the need for improved collaboration and relational behaviours, strategies to improve collaborative practice must be fostered at the meso level by organisational leaders and customised to address micro-level values. At the study site, findings have been used to address and improve collaboration towards the goal of becoming a high reliability organisation.     

A Complex Negotiation: Women's Experiences of Naming and Not Naming Premenstrual Distress in Couple Relationships

ABSTRACT

Recent research has demonstrated the importance of family relationships in women's experience of premenstrual changes, their construction of these changes as “PMS.” However, the discursive process by which women take up the subject position of “PMS” sufferer through the explicit naming of “PMS” to an intimate partner has received little research attention. Drawing on 60 individual interviews with Australian women, conducted between 2004 and 2006, we examined accounts of naming “PMS” in intimate relationships, women's explanations for naming or not naming, their experiences of their partner naming them as premenstrual. The analysis process identified an overarching theme of naming “PMS,” which was made up of three themes: naming to explain; “PMS” becoming the only explanation for distress; “PMS” as not a legitimate explanation for distress. The findings suggest that clinicians need to be aware of women's complex, often ambivalent, experiences of naming “PMS” within their relationships, when working with women, couples, seeking treatment or support for premenstrual distress.     

Modifying a social problem‐solving program with the input of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their staff

Social problem‐solving programs have shown success in reducing aggressive/challenging behaviors among individuals with intellectual disabilities in clinical settings, but have not been adapted for health promotion in community settings. We modified a social problem‐solving program for the community setting of the group home. Multiple sequential methods were used to seek advice from community members on making materials understandable and on intervention delivery. A committee of group home supervisory staff gave advice on content and delivery. Cognitive interviews with individuals with intellectual disabilities and residential staff provided input on content wording and examples. Piloting the program provided experience with content and delivery. The process provides lessons on partnering with vulnerable populations and community stakeholders to develop health programs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:610–623, 2012     

A descriptive examination of the types of relationships formed between children with developmental disability and their closest peers in inclusive school settings

Abstract

Background One of the most commonly cited rationales for inclusive education is to enable the development of quality relationships with typically developing peers. Relatively few researchers have examined the features of the range of relationships that children with developmental disability form in inclusive school settings.

Method Interviews were conducted with 25 children with developmental disability, aged 5 and 12 years, their 3 closest peers, and parents and teachers to examine 6 types of relationships.

Results Behaviours associated with general friendship and acquaintance were the most commonly reported. Few dyads reported high rates of behaviour associated with special treatment, helping, ignoring, or intimate best friend relationships.

Conclusions The relationships of the majority of dyads were characterised by friendship or acceptance, but evidence of more intimate relationships was limited. An important direction for future research is the examination of ways to encourage more intimate relationships.