Hartfiel N, Havenhand J, Khalsa SB, Clarke G, Krayer A. The effectiveness of yoga for the improvement of well-being and resilience to stress in the workplace. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2011;37(1):70-76.Objectives Recent research has indicated concern for the degree of stress and emotional well-being among university staff. This study examined the effectiveness of yoga in enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress among university employees.Methods In a randomized controlled trial at a British university, we recruited 48 employees and randomized them into either a yoga or a wait-list control group. The yoga group was offered six weeks of Dru Yoga, comprising one 60-minute class per week. These classes were offered by a certified Dru Yoga instructor at lunchtime from January-March 2008. The wait-list control group received no intervention during this six-week study. Baseline and end-program measurements of self-reported mood and well-being were self-assessed with the Profile of Mood States -Bipolar (POMS-Bi) and the Inventory of Positive Psychological Attitudes (IPPA).Results This six-week yoga intervention resulted in significantly improved POMS-Bi and IPPA scores for the yoga compared to the wait-list control group for seven of eight measures of mood and well-being. In comparison to the wait-list control group at baseline and the end of the program, the yoga group reported marked improvements in feelings of clear-mindedness, composure, elation, energy, and confidence. In addition, the yoga group reported increased life purpose and satisfaction, and feelings of greater self-confidence during stressful situations. ConclusionThese results show that even a short program of yoga is effective for enhancing emotional wellbeing and resilience to stress in the workplace. We suggest that employers should consider offering yoga classes to their employees.Key terms breathing exercise; movement; occupational health; physical activity; positive health; randomized controlled trial; RCT; relaxation. Improving well-being and resilience to stress are key issues facing many organizations (1-2). In the UK alone, 97% of senior human resources professionals believe stress is the biggest threat to the future health of the workforce (3), and estimates suggest 175 million working days are lost each year in the UK due to sickness absence, half of which are stress-related (4). There is also a growing trend toward long-term absences of ≥20 days, due in large part to psychosocial factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression (5).Well-being in the workplace is characterized by employees who perceive themselves to be growing, engaged, and productive and who experience positive emotional states such as pleasure, joy, and energy that help buffer against stress and depression (6-8). Stress has been defined as the inability to cope with a perceived threat to one's mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being (9). Resilience to stress means that employees can respond productively when faced with significant change or pre...

This study explored the use of social comparison appraisals in adolescents' lives with particular reference to enhancement appraisals which can be used to counter threats to the self. Social comparison theory has been increasingly used in quantitative research to understand the processes through which societal messages about appearance influence adolescents' body image. Little is known about the comparison processes used in their daily lives-to whom individuals compare (the target), on what individuals compare (the attribute) and how they compare (comparison appraisal). Based on the analysis of 20 in-depth grounded theory interviews with 12- to 14-year old boys and girls, we suggest that comparison processes are used for the purpose of identity development (core category). Given the opportunity, adolescents spontaneously describe a variety of targets, comparison attributes and comparison appraisals. Peers play an important part in making sense of media images and messages and provide comparison targets themselves. Adolescents are aware of societal standards and pressures and use a range of enhancement appraisals. The positive impact of these might depend on individual characteristics. Findings suggest that enhancement appraisals might have a protective function and should be considered in designing health promotion and prevention programmes.

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The impact of child sexual abuse on the adult self is not yet clearly understood. We explored adult perspectives through the use of narrative interviews (N = 30). Three key themes or views of self were identified in all narratives to varying degrees: the worthless self, the self as unknown and the potential/developing self. Ambivalence and tension were present in all narratives. Individuals are challenged to integrate the sexual abuse experience in a constructive way and develop a more coherent perception of the self while supporting present agency and a positive outlook to the future. This is an on-going process and different views of the self may come to the fore at different times. The narrative method highlighted the dynamic nature of peoples' experiences at the same time recognising that the narratives themselves are in progress. Reactions to disclosure, social support and interpersonal connections are crucial at every turn.

Although the police play an important role for people with mental health problems in the community, little is known about joint working practices between mental health, social care and police services. There is potential for tensions and negative outcomes for people with mental health problems, in particular when the focus is on behaviours that could be interpreted as anti-social. This study explores perceptions about joint working between mental health, social care and police services with regard to anti-social behaviour. We conducted a multi-method sequential qualitative study in the UK collecting data between April 2014 and August 2016. Data were collected from two study sites: 60 narrative police logs of routinely gathered information, and semi-structured interviews and focus groups with professionals from a range of statutory and third sector organisations (N = 55). Data sets were analysed individually, using thematic iterative coding before integrating the findings. We also looked at sequencing and turning points in the police logs. Findings mapped on a continuum of joint working practices, with examples more likely to be away from the policy ideal of partnership working as being central to mainstream activities. Joint working was driven by legal obligations and concerns about risk rather than a focus on the needs of a person with mental health problems. This was complicated by different perceptions of the police role in mental health. Adding anti-social behaviour to this mix intensified challenges as conceptualisation of the nature of the problem and agreeing on best practice and care is open to interpretations and judgements. Of concern is an evident lack of awareness of these issues. There is a need to reflect on joint working practices, including processes and goals, keeping in mind the health and welfare needs of people with mental health problems.

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Purpose -The authors aim to present findings from their research on the implementation of Unified Assessment (UA) policy and the work of care coordinators who oversee the delivery of support to older people with complex needs. Design/methodology/approach -A mixed methods approach included staff interviews (n ¼ 95) and focus groups (n ¼ 3). Findings -The care coordinator role is controversial and the lack of common terminology across health and social care obscures its importance. It is seen as a social care responsibility. Limited ownership amongst healthcare professionals leads to tensions in practice. The challenges of breaking down silo thinking embedded in established professional practices are highlighted as are infrastructural and capacity deficits. Disparities between policy intentions and practice means that UA is failing to meet core objectives relating to the delivery of seamless support. Research limitations/implications -Further research is needed to develop and evaluate evidenceinformed interventions that test solutions to the problems faced in practice and support the delivery of more effective arrangements. Practical implications -Practice development may be supported by: guidelines that are more prescriptive and include a formal role definition; joint training to promote shared understanding of key concepts; investment in administrative and IT infrastructures; and more coordinated direction at strategic level. Originality/value -Over a decade has elapsed since the publication of UA Policy Guidance; however, there is limited published evidence on the effectiveness of UA policy and its translation into practice.