Papers
Public relations review, Mar 1, 2024
This article presents the findings of empirical research on the experiences of senior National He... more This article presents the findings of empirical research on the experiences of senior National Health Service communication practitioners in England during the Covid-19 pandemic, viewed through the prism of their emotional responses. Using narrative interviews with 15 senior communicators, the study discovered that contextual factors elicited the strongest emotional reactions, rather than dealing with the health crisis itself. Five common contextual factors were identified: 'command and control', working from home, social media, technology, and professional recognition. Linked to these factors were a range of emotions which can be clustered into eight main categories: stress and anxiety, guilt, frustration and anger, inadequacy, isolation, pride, excitement and a growing sense of confidence. The findings lead to a conclusion that internal contextual factors rather than the challenges posed by the progress of the disease itself determined the most significant elements of the experience of these practitioners. The study also identified the sources of personal support for communicators and their own recommendations for policy changes. The study concludes that health communicators were hindered by the environment in which they undertook their duties. Necessary policy changes will assist in ensuring this professional group can perform more optimally during major health crises in the future.
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The qualitative report, Mar 6, 2018
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Public Relations Review, 2024
This article presents the findings of empirical research on the experiences of senior National He... more This article presents the findings of empirical research on the experiences of senior National Health Service communication practitioners in England during the Covid-19 pandemic, viewed through the prism of their emotional responses. Using narrative interviews with 15 senior communicators, the study discovered that contextual factors elicited the strongest emotional reactions, rather than dealing with the health crisis itself. Five common contextual factors were identified: 'command and control', working from home, social media, technology, and professional recognition. Linked to these factors were a range of emotions which can be clustered into eight main categories: stress and anxiety, guilt, frustration and anger, inadequacy, isolation, pride, excitement and a growing sense of confidence. The findings lead to a conclusion that internal contextual factors rather than the challenges posed by the progress of the disease itself determined the most significant elements of the experience of these practitioners. The study also identified the sources of personal support for communicators and their own recommendations for policy changes. The study concludes that health communicators were hindered by the environment in which they undertook their duties. Necessary policy changes will assist in ensuring this professional group can perform more optimally during major health crises in the future.
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The Qualitative Report, Mar 6, 2018
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The Qualitative Report, 2018
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Conference Presentation Recordings
ISQOLS Webinar, 2020
The aim of research is to investigate whether an intervention programme encourages ‘non-active’ a... more The aim of research is to investigate whether an intervention programme encourages ‘non-active’ adults to participate in regular sport and/or physical activity in relation to their character strengths. Character strengths are what are unique and authentic to everyone, such as love, gratitude and appreciation of beauty, and as a result, it is these that will encourage participation in activities that are found to be enjoyable and could lead to flow experiences. Such activities can therefore help to lead to greater health, well-being and eudaimonic happiness.
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Presentation at the Meditation Society, University of Northampton, April 2019
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Conference Presentations
Paranormal phenomena are very much a part of society, that is evident by the number of studies an... more Paranormal phenomena are very much a part of society, that is evident by the number of studies and research that has been carried out over the years across different disciplines, but predominantly within psychology and parapsychology. Very little has been carried out from a sociological perspective, for as stated by Castro, Burrows and Woofitt (2013), paranormal experiences are not something that sociologists concern themselves with, and if they do, the focus tends to be on social and cultural factors (Irwin, 2009).
Moreover, there is little empirical research that exists that looks at the researchers themselves and their own experiences and beliefs whilst carrying out their investigations. Some researchers may write about their experiences as part of their investigations, but this is a largely reflexive account, rather than based on empirical research.
From a social world theory perspective, the aim of research was to explore in-depth the community of paranormal investigators, those actively investigating over a set period.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and participant observation, the aim of research was to:
- Explore the experiences of investigators of paranormal phenomena and their reasons for doing so. For example, was this the result of their own experiences that they have had, such as early childhood experiences.
- What they make of such experiences
- To provide a ‘voice’ to those interested and who experience such phenomena.
Key findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
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Participation and equal opportunities for women and girls continues to grow in many sports, inclu... more Participation and equal opportunities for women and girls continues to grow in many sports, including those sports such as cricket, football, and rugby, which conventionally have been seen as being firmly rooted within the male domain (Lake, 2012). Yet, sports remain gendered and stereotypical. The gendered division in sport is even more apparent when looking at coaching in sport, where coaching opportunities are limited in women’s sports and mostly absent in men’s sports (Walker and Bopp, 2011). Coaches are still vastly under-represented, and the coaching profession is a white male-dominated occupation in which women are marginalised, bullied, harassed, and excluded (Norman and Rankin-Wright, 2018).
Previous research carried out by Wolski (unpublished) which looked at the experiences of female tennis coaches found that coaches continue to experience sexism, and discrimination within their professions. Key themes identified were stereotyping, the lack of role models and feeling excluded from the Boys’ Club. Current research builds on this, to explore the experiences of female coaches in other sports in different countries, particularly those sports that have traditionally been seen as male-dominated, for example, cricket and rugby.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
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46th SPR International Annual Conference, 2023
Paranormal phenomena are very much a part of society, that is evident by the number of studies an... more Paranormal phenomena are very much a part of society, that is evident by the number of studies and research that has been carried out over the years across different disciplines, but predominantly within psychology and parapsychology. Very little has been carried out from a sociological perspective, for as stated by Castro, Burrows and Woofitt (2013), paranormal experiences are not something that sociologists concern themselves with, and if they do, the focus tends to be on social and cultural factors (Irwin, 2009).
Moreover, there is little empirical research that exists that looks at the researchers themselves and their own experiences and beliefs whilst carrying out their investigations. Some researchers may write about their experiences as part of their investigations, but this is a largely reflexive account, rather than based on empirical research.
From a social world theory perspective, the aim of research was to explore in-depth the community of paranormal investigators, those actively investigating over a set period of time.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and participant observation, the aim of research was to:
- Explore the experiences of investigators of paranormal phenomena and their reasons for doing so. For example, was this the result of their own experiences that they have had, such as early childhood experiences.
o What they make of such experiences
- To provide a ‘voice’ to those interested and who experience such phenomena. Research has shown that for some, such experiences are common, that to them the paranormal is ‘normal’ (Greeley, 1991, cited in Murray and Wooffitt, 2010).
The questionnaire was distributed through different social media channels to researchers actively investigating any type of paranormal phenomena. Semi-structured interviews were then carried out with those who had expressed an interest after completing the questionnaire, and this was to obtain a more in-depth understanding of researcher’s experiences. Finally, the researcher joined in several formal investigations as a participant observer, to fully understand, experience, and document the process and what is involved.
Key findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
References
Castro, M., Burrows, R., & Woofitt, R, (2013) ‘The Paranormal is (Still) Normal: The Sociological Implications of a Survey of Paranormal Experiences in Great Britain’. Sociological Research Online 19 (3), 16. DOI: 10.5153/sro.3355
Irwin, H.J. (2009) The Psychology of Paranormal Belief: A Researcher’s Handbook University of Hertfordshire Press
Murray, C.D. & Wooffitt, R., (2010) ‘Anomalous Experience and Qualitative Research: An Introduction to the Special Issue’, Qualitative Research in Psychology 7:1, 1-4, DOI: 10.1080/14780880903304535
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THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL SPORT & DISCRIMINATION CONFERENCE Erasmus University, Rotterdam, 2023
Since the early 1980s, sports participation for women and girls continues to grow, which includes... more Since the early 1980s, sports participation for women and girls continues to grow, which includes those sports traditionally seen as being a preserve of the male, such as cricket, football, and rugby (Lake, 2012). Increased participation is partly the result of equal rights legislation, but also an increase in the media coverage of women’s sports, such as the 2015 Women’s World Cup which received a significant amount of positive print media coverage, and therefore suggests, as discussed by Petty and Pope (2019, p486), that there is a ‘new age of media coverage’ on women’s sports. Campaigns led by charities such as ‘Women in Sport’, first developed in 1984, and the WTCA (Women’s Tennis Coaching Association), founded in 2015, are making an increasing impact globally, with an overall goal to provide equal opportunities for women in the sporting world. Yet, despite these developments, sports remain gendered and stereotypical.
The gendered division in sport is even more apparent when looking at coaching in sport, where coaching opportunities are limited in women’s sports and mostly absent in men’s sports (Walker and Bopp, 2011). Coaches are still vastly under-represented, and the coaching profession is a white male-dominated occupation in which women are marginalised, bullied, harassed, and excluded (Norman and Rankin-Wright, 2018).
Previous research carried out by Wolski (unpublished), which looked at the experiences of female tennis coaches found that coaches continue to experience sexism, and discrimination within their professions. Key themes identified were stereotyping, the lack of role models and feeling excluded from the Boys’ Club.
Forthcoming research seeks to build on this research and explore the experiences of female coaches in other sports, such as those more specifically traditionally seen as male-dominated, for example, cricket and rugby. Findings to date will be presented at the conference.
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ISQOLS Conference 2021
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ISQOLS Virtual Conference, 2021
Healthcare systems globally face substantial challenges. As people live longer, the number of pat... more Healthcare systems globally face substantial challenges. As people live longer, the number of patients with chronic conditions continues to rise. This increases the burden on healthcare systems (Rademakers et al. 2016). In the UK National Health Service (NHS), for example, an estimated 30% of those with long-term conditions account for 70% of spending (De Silva, 2011).
Consequently, since 1999 Health Policy in England has promoted ‘self-care support’ to reduce costs and improve patient quality of life (UK Department of Health [UKDH], 1999). Evidence suggests that many patients are willing to take greater personal responsibility. For example, a 2005 UKDH survey found that of 56% reporting at least one chronic condition, 48% were interested in playing a more active role. However, barriers preventing self-care include time (18%), money (14%), and lack of information and knowledge (8%) (UKDH, 2005). These factors are exacerbated by low healthcare skills, levels of personal motivation and self-confidence, and a lack of social support (Vallis, 2009).
Contextually, the UK also lacks a single digital infrastructure through which patients may access personalised NHS-accredited support programs. Consequently, available support services are often underutilised while, conversely, core NHS services remain overstretched, an issue severely compounded in 2020-21 by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK’s Digiatrics offers one response to this challenge. The Digiatrics W:ISH (Wellness Interactive Support Hub) is a partly social media-based IT platform driven by individuals’ own NHS data from their Electronic Health Records (EHR). W:ISH commenced NHS trials in February 2021. Using a longitudinal, mixed methods approach, this research focuses on the W:ISH effects among the most vulnerable population segments (65+) and aims to identify:
1. To what extent, and with what degree of cost-effectiveness, social interaction technologies (SIT or social media) and digital media on W:ISH moderate patient behaviour (e.g., medication self-management, physical fitness regime) towards desired health outcomes (e.g., mitigating and reducing the incidence/scale of obesity)?
2. Which types of content and messaging on W:ISH enable the most positive effects?
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Conference Presentation ISQOLS 2020 Virtual Conference
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Poster presented at the 7th International Congress of Coaching Psychology, London 2017.
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Conference Presentation at the 43rd SPR International Annual Conference, 20-22 Sept, Leicester
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Moreover, there is little empirical research that exists that looks at the researchers themselves and their own experiences and beliefs whilst carrying out their investigations. Some researchers may write about their experiences as part of their investigations, but this is a largely reflexive account, rather than based on empirical research.
From a social world theory perspective, the aim of research was to explore in-depth the community of paranormal investigators, those actively investigating over a set period.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and participant observation, the aim of research was to:
- Explore the experiences of investigators of paranormal phenomena and their reasons for doing so. For example, was this the result of their own experiences that they have had, such as early childhood experiences.
- What they make of such experiences
- To provide a ‘voice’ to those interested and who experience such phenomena.
Key findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
Previous research carried out by Wolski (unpublished) which looked at the experiences of female tennis coaches found that coaches continue to experience sexism, and discrimination within their professions. Key themes identified were stereotyping, the lack of role models and feeling excluded from the Boys’ Club. Current research builds on this, to explore the experiences of female coaches in other sports in different countries, particularly those sports that have traditionally been seen as male-dominated, for example, cricket and rugby.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
Moreover, there is little empirical research that exists that looks at the researchers themselves and their own experiences and beliefs whilst carrying out their investigations. Some researchers may write about their experiences as part of their investigations, but this is a largely reflexive account, rather than based on empirical research.
From a social world theory perspective, the aim of research was to explore in-depth the community of paranormal investigators, those actively investigating over a set period of time.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and participant observation, the aim of research was to:
- Explore the experiences of investigators of paranormal phenomena and their reasons for doing so. For example, was this the result of their own experiences that they have had, such as early childhood experiences.
o What they make of such experiences
- To provide a ‘voice’ to those interested and who experience such phenomena. Research has shown that for some, such experiences are common, that to them the paranormal is ‘normal’ (Greeley, 1991, cited in Murray and Wooffitt, 2010).
The questionnaire was distributed through different social media channels to researchers actively investigating any type of paranormal phenomena. Semi-structured interviews were then carried out with those who had expressed an interest after completing the questionnaire, and this was to obtain a more in-depth understanding of researcher’s experiences. Finally, the researcher joined in several formal investigations as a participant observer, to fully understand, experience, and document the process and what is involved.
Key findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
References
Castro, M., Burrows, R., & Woofitt, R, (2013) ‘The Paranormal is (Still) Normal: The Sociological Implications of a Survey of Paranormal Experiences in Great Britain’. Sociological Research Online 19 (3), 16. DOI: 10.5153/sro.3355
Irwin, H.J. (2009) The Psychology of Paranormal Belief: A Researcher’s Handbook University of Hertfordshire Press
Murray, C.D. & Wooffitt, R., (2010) ‘Anomalous Experience and Qualitative Research: An Introduction to the Special Issue’, Qualitative Research in Psychology 7:1, 1-4, DOI: 10.1080/14780880903304535
The gendered division in sport is even more apparent when looking at coaching in sport, where coaching opportunities are limited in women’s sports and mostly absent in men’s sports (Walker and Bopp, 2011). Coaches are still vastly under-represented, and the coaching profession is a white male-dominated occupation in which women are marginalised, bullied, harassed, and excluded (Norman and Rankin-Wright, 2018).
Previous research carried out by Wolski (unpublished), which looked at the experiences of female tennis coaches found that coaches continue to experience sexism, and discrimination within their professions. Key themes identified were stereotyping, the lack of role models and feeling excluded from the Boys’ Club.
Forthcoming research seeks to build on this research and explore the experiences of female coaches in other sports, such as those more specifically traditionally seen as male-dominated, for example, cricket and rugby. Findings to date will be presented at the conference.
Consequently, since 1999 Health Policy in England has promoted ‘self-care support’ to reduce costs and improve patient quality of life (UK Department of Health [UKDH], 1999). Evidence suggests that many patients are willing to take greater personal responsibility. For example, a 2005 UKDH survey found that of 56% reporting at least one chronic condition, 48% were interested in playing a more active role. However, barriers preventing self-care include time (18%), money (14%), and lack of information and knowledge (8%) (UKDH, 2005). These factors are exacerbated by low healthcare skills, levels of personal motivation and self-confidence, and a lack of social support (Vallis, 2009).
Contextually, the UK also lacks a single digital infrastructure through which patients may access personalised NHS-accredited support programs. Consequently, available support services are often underutilised while, conversely, core NHS services remain overstretched, an issue severely compounded in 2020-21 by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK’s Digiatrics offers one response to this challenge. The Digiatrics W:ISH (Wellness Interactive Support Hub) is a partly social media-based IT platform driven by individuals’ own NHS data from their Electronic Health Records (EHR). W:ISH commenced NHS trials in February 2021. Using a longitudinal, mixed methods approach, this research focuses on the W:ISH effects among the most vulnerable population segments (65+) and aims to identify:
1. To what extent, and with what degree of cost-effectiveness, social interaction technologies (SIT or social media) and digital media on W:ISH moderate patient behaviour (e.g., medication self-management, physical fitness regime) towards desired health outcomes (e.g., mitigating and reducing the incidence/scale of obesity)?
2. Which types of content and messaging on W:ISH enable the most positive effects?
Moreover, there is little empirical research that exists that looks at the researchers themselves and their own experiences and beliefs whilst carrying out their investigations. Some researchers may write about their experiences as part of their investigations, but this is a largely reflexive account, rather than based on empirical research.
From a social world theory perspective, the aim of research was to explore in-depth the community of paranormal investigators, those actively investigating over a set period.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and participant observation, the aim of research was to:
- Explore the experiences of investigators of paranormal phenomena and their reasons for doing so. For example, was this the result of their own experiences that they have had, such as early childhood experiences.
- What they make of such experiences
- To provide a ‘voice’ to those interested and who experience such phenomena.
Key findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
Previous research carried out by Wolski (unpublished) which looked at the experiences of female tennis coaches found that coaches continue to experience sexism, and discrimination within their professions. Key themes identified were stereotyping, the lack of role models and feeling excluded from the Boys’ Club. Current research builds on this, to explore the experiences of female coaches in other sports in different countries, particularly those sports that have traditionally been seen as male-dominated, for example, cricket and rugby.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
Moreover, there is little empirical research that exists that looks at the researchers themselves and their own experiences and beliefs whilst carrying out their investigations. Some researchers may write about their experiences as part of their investigations, but this is a largely reflexive account, rather than based on empirical research.
From a social world theory perspective, the aim of research was to explore in-depth the community of paranormal investigators, those actively investigating over a set period of time.
Using a mixed methods approach, comprising of a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and participant observation, the aim of research was to:
- Explore the experiences of investigators of paranormal phenomena and their reasons for doing so. For example, was this the result of their own experiences that they have had, such as early childhood experiences.
o What they make of such experiences
- To provide a ‘voice’ to those interested and who experience such phenomena. Research has shown that for some, such experiences are common, that to them the paranormal is ‘normal’ (Greeley, 1991, cited in Murray and Wooffitt, 2010).
The questionnaire was distributed through different social media channels to researchers actively investigating any type of paranormal phenomena. Semi-structured interviews were then carried out with those who had expressed an interest after completing the questionnaire, and this was to obtain a more in-depth understanding of researcher’s experiences. Finally, the researcher joined in several formal investigations as a participant observer, to fully understand, experience, and document the process and what is involved.
Key findings from the research will be presented at the conference.
References
Castro, M., Burrows, R., & Woofitt, R, (2013) ‘The Paranormal is (Still) Normal: The Sociological Implications of a Survey of Paranormal Experiences in Great Britain’. Sociological Research Online 19 (3), 16. DOI: 10.5153/sro.3355
Irwin, H.J. (2009) The Psychology of Paranormal Belief: A Researcher’s Handbook University of Hertfordshire Press
Murray, C.D. & Wooffitt, R., (2010) ‘Anomalous Experience and Qualitative Research: An Introduction to the Special Issue’, Qualitative Research in Psychology 7:1, 1-4, DOI: 10.1080/14780880903304535
The gendered division in sport is even more apparent when looking at coaching in sport, where coaching opportunities are limited in women’s sports and mostly absent in men’s sports (Walker and Bopp, 2011). Coaches are still vastly under-represented, and the coaching profession is a white male-dominated occupation in which women are marginalised, bullied, harassed, and excluded (Norman and Rankin-Wright, 2018).
Previous research carried out by Wolski (unpublished), which looked at the experiences of female tennis coaches found that coaches continue to experience sexism, and discrimination within their professions. Key themes identified were stereotyping, the lack of role models and feeling excluded from the Boys’ Club.
Forthcoming research seeks to build on this research and explore the experiences of female coaches in other sports, such as those more specifically traditionally seen as male-dominated, for example, cricket and rugby. Findings to date will be presented at the conference.
Consequently, since 1999 Health Policy in England has promoted ‘self-care support’ to reduce costs and improve patient quality of life (UK Department of Health [UKDH], 1999). Evidence suggests that many patients are willing to take greater personal responsibility. For example, a 2005 UKDH survey found that of 56% reporting at least one chronic condition, 48% were interested in playing a more active role. However, barriers preventing self-care include time (18%), money (14%), and lack of information and knowledge (8%) (UKDH, 2005). These factors are exacerbated by low healthcare skills, levels of personal motivation and self-confidence, and a lack of social support (Vallis, 2009).
Contextually, the UK also lacks a single digital infrastructure through which patients may access personalised NHS-accredited support programs. Consequently, available support services are often underutilised while, conversely, core NHS services remain overstretched, an issue severely compounded in 2020-21 by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK’s Digiatrics offers one response to this challenge. The Digiatrics W:ISH (Wellness Interactive Support Hub) is a partly social media-based IT platform driven by individuals’ own NHS data from their Electronic Health Records (EHR). W:ISH commenced NHS trials in February 2021. Using a longitudinal, mixed methods approach, this research focuses on the W:ISH effects among the most vulnerable population segments (65+) and aims to identify:
1. To what extent, and with what degree of cost-effectiveness, social interaction technologies (SIT or social media) and digital media on W:ISH moderate patient behaviour (e.g., medication self-management, physical fitness regime) towards desired health outcomes (e.g., mitigating and reducing the incidence/scale of obesity)?
2. Which types of content and messaging on W:ISH enable the most positive effects?
Meditation Conference, University of Northampton, 23rd February 2019
Poster Presentation at the 8th International Congress of Coaching Psychology, London, October 2018.
Sport and Discrimination Conference 2018, Oxford Brookes University, September 2018
The 4th Approaches to Inequalities Conference: Shades of Grey, University of Northampton, September 2018