In this series on psychological foundations from an applied psychological perspective, we focus this time on shame, guilt and sin. Shame, guilt and sin share that all three are strong motivators for behavioural change. However, we can respond to them in very different ways. In this article it is argued that original sin is a variant of guilt and misfortune, that seems unfair: how can a new born child be blamed for being born in an unbalanced world? Denial is a common reaction to original sin, while this form of guilt plays a major role in our technological ostrich policy.
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In this series on psychological foundations from an applied psychological perspective, we focus this time on shame, guilt and sin. Shame, guilt and sin share that all three are strong motivators for behavioural change. However, we can respond to them in very different ways. In this article it is argued that original sin is a variant of guilt and misfortune, that seems unfair: how can a new born child be blamed for being born in an unbalanced world? Denial is a common reaction to original sin, while this form of guilt plays a major role in our technological ostrich policy.
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From January 2011 until December 2012, forty Family Group Conferences (FGCs) will be studied in the public mental health care (PMHC) setting in the province of Groningen, the Netherlands. Research should yield an answer to whether FGCs are valuable for clients in PMHC as a means to generate social support, to prevent coercion and to elevate the work of professionals. The present study reports on two case studies in which shame and fear of rejection are designated as main causes for clients to avoid contact with their social network, resulting in isolated and marginalised living circumstances. Shame, on the other hand, is also a powerful engine in preventing clients from relapse into marginalised circumstances for which one needs to feel ashamed again. An FGC offers a forum where clients are able to discuss their shameful feelings with their social network; it generates support and helps breaking through vicious circles of marginalisation and social isolation. Findings of these case studies confirm an assumption from a previous study that a limited or broken social network is not a contraindication, but a reason for organising FGCs.
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For delayed and long-term students, the education process is often a lonely journey. The main conclusion of this research is that learning should not be an individual process of the student connected to one lecturer, but rather a community where learning is a collective journey. The social interaction between lecturers, groups of delayed students and other actors is an important engine for arriving at the new knowledge, insights and expertise that are important to reach their final level. This calls for the design of social structures and the collaboration mechanism that enable the bonding of all members in the community. By making use of this added value, new opportunities for the individual are created that can lead to study success. Another important conclusion is that in the design and development of learning communities, sufficient attention must be paid to cultural characteristics. Students who delay are faced with a loss of self-efficacy and feelings of shame and guilt. A learning community for delayed students requires a culture in which students can turn this experience into an experience of self-confidence, hope and optimism. This requires that the education system pays attention to language use, symbols and rituals to realise this turn. The model ‘Building blocks of a learning environment for long-term students’ contains elements that contribute to the study success of delayed and long-term students. It is the challenge for every education programme to use it in an appropriate way within its own educational context. Each department will have to explore for themselves how these elements can be translated into the actions, language, symbols and rituals that are suitable for their own target group.
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Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the functioning of people with lipoedema from their perspective. Methods: This was a qualitative study following a phenomenological perspective using individual in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of 13 Dutch people with lipoedema. The data were analysed by using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Results: Two overarching group experiential themes (GETs) were identified: (1) “physical complaints are only a part of their problems”, and (2) “longing for improved appearance and functioning”. The GETs were composed of the following subordinate GETs: “disproportionate functioning of the lower body”, “navigating daily life with lipoedema”, “coping with uncertainty”, “the toll of shame and stigmatization”, “consequences of a very negative self-image”, “desire for change and improved appearance and functioning”, and “an ongoing journey of acceptance”. Conclusions: Participants experience that physical complaints affect daily activities, but with adequate adaptability, participation issues are relatively limited. Instead, shame about their appearance and (fear of) stigmatization mainly leads to social avoidance. Additionally, participants long for freedom to do what they want, wear what they want, and desire a different appearance. Therefore, the experienced level of acceptance of the condition is context- and situation-dependent and not straightforward, which is complicated by the burden of knowing that the condition is chronic.
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Dit is een overzicht van methodieken, tools en handvatten om seksualiteit bespreekbaar te maken met jongeren.
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PURPOSE: This study investigates self-injury fromthe perspective of patients with anorexia nervosa. DESIGN AND METHODS: A phenomenological design was used. Twelve patients participated. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide. FINDINGS: Participants display self-injurious behavior predominantly in situations when they are forced to eat. They are terrified of gaining weight and use selfinjurious behavior to copewith their anxiety. Self-injury is envisioned as a technique to regain control of their own eating pattern without bothering anyone. They feel shame for not controlling their emotions more constructively. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals should systematically observe signals and explore less harmful strategies that help to regulate overwhelming feelings
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Fietsendiefstal stond jarenlang boven aan de lijst van meest voorkomende misdrijven. Inmiddels staat cybercrime op 1. En dan gaat het niet alleen om de spectaculaire hacks die de voorpagina’s van de krant halen, maar ook om de talloze, vaak lokaal gepleegde, zogenaamde ‘kleine’ cyberdelicten. Klein, maar met enorm veel impact weet criminoloog en onderzoeker Rutger Leukfeldt.
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The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O; laughing gas) has largely expanded in recent years. Although incidental use of nitrous oxide hardly causes any health damage, problematic or heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious adverse effects. Amsterdam care centres noticed that Moroccan–Dutch young adults reported neurological symptoms, including severe paralysis, as a result of problematic nitrous oxide use. In this qualitative exploratory study, thirteen young adult Moroccan–Dutch excessive nitrous oxide users were interviewed. The determinants of problematic nitrous oxide use in this ethnic group are discussed, including their low treatment demand with respect to nitrous oxide abuse related medical–psychological problems. Motives for using nitrous oxide are to relieve boredom, to seek out relaxation with friends and to suppress psychosocial stress and negative thoughts. Other motives are depression, discrimination and conflict with friends or parents. The taboo culture surrounding substance use—mistrust, shame and macho culture—frustrates timely medical/psychological treatment of Moroccan–Dutch problematic nitrous oxide users. It is recommended to use influencers in media campaigns with the aim to decrease the risks of heavy nitrous oxide use and improve treatment access. Outreach youth workers can also play an important role in motivating socially isolated users to seek medical and or psychological help.
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