This book explores social constructionism and the language of mental distress. Mental health research has traditionally been dominated by genetic and biomedical explanations that provide only partial explanations. However, process research that utilises qualitative methods has grown in popularity. Situated within this new strand of research, the authors examine and critically assess some of the different contributions that social constructionism has made to the study of mental distress and...

This accessible text supports health practitioners undertaking qualitative research to inform clinical practice, guiding readers through the decision-making process from planning and proposing, through data collection, to dissemination and impact. Qualitative research makes an important contribution to the health evidence base, including improving service provision, practitioner communication, and patient safety, as well as informing policies, generating important knowledge about health, a...

This textbook uniquely highlights the particular complexities of working systemically with couples and families with children. It is designed to be student and practitioner oriented by drawing on real world examples of therapeutic encounters in mental health settings to illustrate how theory can inform practice.Good communication is the cornerstone of good clinical practice and is foundational for building therapeutic alliance. Although therapists and counsellors are often highly s...

Thought-provoking, pertinent and engaging, this book provides an overview of every aspect of carrying out research with children. It is unique in its particular focus on vulnerable groups of children such as those with mental-health problems, physical health problems and learning disabilities, along with young offenders and looked after children.The book helpfully addresses each stage of the research process:-Part I introduces the main elements of doing research with childr...

Can moderated screen time actually have a positive impact on young people’s mental health?With over 30 expert contributors spanning a range of disciplines including psychology, education and communications, as well as young people′s own perspectives, this book dispels some of the myths that surround young people’s use of digital media and covers important topics ranging from safeguarding, to digital citizenship and the fear of missing out.Using reflective activities, practi...

Having a child with autism presents many hard questions: What will my child’s life look like if he or she never gains maturity and independence? How will allowing my child to transition to a group home affect the family? What will happen when I can no longer take care of my child because I’m too old? What will happen if my child outlives me?The good news is that there is hope. If you as a parent become an advocate for your loved one with special needs, you can answer these and many...

Improving Communication in Mental Health Settings draws on empirical studies of real-world settings to demonstrate contemporary practice-based evidence, providing effective strategies for communicating with patients/clients in mental health settings.The book integrates clinical experience and language-based evidence drawn from qualitative research. Drawing on studies that utilize scientific language-based approaches such as discourse and conversation analysis, it focuses o...

Researching child and adolescent mental health can be a daunting task, but with the right practical skills and knowledge your students can transform the way they work with children and young people, giving them a ‘voice’ through their research in the wider community.Michelle O′Reilly and Nikki Parker combine their clinical, academic and research expertise to take your students step-by-step through each stage of the research process. From first inception to data collection and disse...

This distinctive, nuanced book addresses the more complex theoretical issues embedded in the qualitative research paradigm. Adopting a reflective stance that emphasises the role of the researcher it carefully avoids a standardised ‘tick box’ approach to methods.Throughout each chapter, theory is powerfully and persuasively interwoven as its impact on practical topics such as data management and safety in the field is discussed. O′Reilly and Kiyimba bring an authority and clarity to...

Exploring the relationship between ASD and mental health difficulties, this book offers practical guidance to help parents and professionals recognise and handle co-morbid conditions, and dispels the myth that they are just a part of autism.The authors cover a wide range of common mental health problems experienced by children with ASD, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, psychosis, stress, tics and depression, and illustrate these issues...

This book presents a supportive and practical guide for healthcare professionals and trainees in a way that considers a wide spectrum of atypical communication conditions, their impact on everyday healthcare interactions, and the social and cultural contexts in which interactions with atypical communicators take place.A growing number of patients have been reporting atypical capacity for communication, creating unique challenges for healthcare professionals and patients in forming ...

This highly practical resource brings new dimensions to the utility of qualitative data in health research by focusing on naturally occurring data. It examines how naturally occurring data complement interviews and other sources of researcher-generated health data, and takes readers through the steps of identifying, collecting, analyzing, and disseminating these findings in ethical research with real-world relevance. The authors acknowledge the critical importance of evidence-based practic...