Peta Stapleton

It is frequently reported clinicians across a range of professional disciplines experience strong negative reactions toward patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). The present study aimed to develop, evaluate, and compare the effectiveness of two different educational programs, based on an etiological framing model. Participants were medical students (N = 41) from an Australian University, who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (biogenetic intervention vs multifactorial intervention… Show more

It is frequently reported clinicians across a range of professional disciplines experience strong negative reactions toward patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). The present study aimed to develop, evaluate, and compare the effectiveness of two different educational programs, based on an etiological framing model. Participants were medical students (N = 41) from an Australian University, who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (biogenetic intervention vs multifactorial intervention vs control). Outcome attitudinal/stigma data were collected pre- and post-intervention, and at eight weeks follow-up. Results indicated intervention participations exhibited significantly lower volitional stigma scores compared to the control group, who exhibited no change in attitudes or stigma. Specifically, intervention participants had significantly lower total ED stigma scores, level of blame, perceptions of AN as a selfish/vain illness, and viewed sufferers’ as less responsible for their illness, at post-intervention. These reductions were maintained at follow-up. Overall, the study provides preliminary evidence brief targeted interventions can assist in reducing levels of volitional stigma toward AN. Show less

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to treat Major Depressive Disorder in an adult population by way of a therapeutic group setting. Adults were assigned to EFT group treatment for a period of eight weeks. Diagnostic assessment was completed immediately pre and post treatment using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. In addition to this, self-report assessments measuring symptomatic evidence of… Show more

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to treat Major Depressive Disorder in an adult population by way of a therapeutic group setting. Adults were assigned to EFT group treatment for a period of eight weeks. Diagnostic assessment was completed immediately pre and post treatment using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. In addition to this, self-report assessments measuring symptomatic evidence of depression were completed by the participants before the treatment, after the treatment and at three month follow-up. Comparisons with a community group were made at pre and post intervention and three month follow-up. The results indicated a change in diagnosis in each of the participants, with data indicating an overall improvement for the treatment group for depressive symptoms. Study implications and limitations are discussed. Show less

With research highlighting the increasing prevalence and severity of body image and eating disturbances in males, particularly athletes and regular gymnasium users, the current study examined body image and eating disturbances in a sample of male gym and non-gym users (N = 180). Based on previous research, it was predicted male gym users would report greater body image disturbance (e.g., body image avoidance and body dissatisfaction) and eating pathology, compared to non-gym users. Results of… Show more

With research highlighting the increasing prevalence and severity of body image and eating disturbances in males, particularly athletes and regular gymnasium users, the current study examined body image and eating disturbances in a sample of male gym and non-gym users (N = 180). Based on previous research, it was predicted male gym users would report greater body image disturbance (e.g., body image avoidance and body dissatisfaction) and eating pathology, compared to non-gym users. Results of the study partially supported hypotheses, revealing body dissatisfaction and eating pathology were significantly increased in male gym users. However, no significant differences were observed in body image avoidance behaviours, though this is likely due to methodological limitations associated with psychometric measures selected. Overall, the study provides preliminary evidence male gym users do experience subclinical eating and body image concerns, with some also experiencing clinically significant symptoms that could be precursors to the later development of an eating disorder. Results of the current study highlight the importance of educating key stakeholders within health and fitness centres, through community-based interventions, to increase awareness regarding male body image and eating disturbances. Show less

The present study aimed to extend previous research investigating the relationships between predictors of food cravings in order to produce some preliminary findings in relation to the variable of sweet food cravings and its relationship to body image avoidance. The sample consisted of 139 university students (36 men and 103 women) at least 18 years old. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed on body image avoidance, trait anxiety and BMI to examine predictors of food cravings.… Show more

The present study aimed to extend previous research investigating the relationships between predictors of food cravings in order to produce some preliminary findings in relation to the variable of sweet food cravings and its relationship to body image avoidance. The sample consisted of 139 university students (36 men and 103 women) at least 18 years old. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed on body image avoidance, trait anxiety and BMI to examine predictors of food cravings. Both body image avoidance and gender separately predicted cravings for sweet foods, with women experiencing more sweet food cravings than men. However, no significant relationship was found between body image avoidance and general food cravings. BMI was not related to trait anxiety. Further implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed. Show less

The objective of this study was to examine food diaries from 89 female overweight and obese adults
participating in a treatment trial for food cravings. For two weeks prior to beginning treatment and for the
duration of the four-week treatment, all participants were required to complete a daily food monitoring
sheet or diary in real-time, indicating all quantities of food/drink eaten throughout a day and whether the
item was a craving item for them. The diaries were examined for… Show more

The objective of this study was to examine food diaries from 89 female overweight and obese adults
participating in a treatment trial for food cravings. For two weeks prior to beginning treatment and for the
duration of the four-week treatment, all participants were required to complete a daily food monitoring
sheet or diary in real-time, indicating all quantities of food/drink eaten throughout a day and whether the
item was a craving item for them. The diaries were examined for narrative statements and categorized with
regard to common content, resulting in seven themes (Physiological; Enjoyment/Celebration; Missing Out;
Reward; Wastage; Emotive and External Environment). Participants also completed a battery of self-report
questionnaires relating to food cravings, eating behaviour and psychological symptoms. Results indicated
that the most common themes recorded included Wastage, Emotive and Reward and the most frequent
number of cravings recorded per day ranged from one to three Show less

Ninety-six overweight or obese adults were randomly allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Waitlist participants crossed over to the EFT group upon completion of wait period. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities, and psychological symptoms were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment and at 12-month follow-up for combined EFT groups. Significant improvements in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving… Show more

Ninety-six overweight or obese adults were randomly allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Waitlist participants crossed over to the EFT group upon completion of wait period. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities, and psychological symptoms were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment and at 12-month follow-up for combined EFT groups. Significant improvements in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving restraint and psychological coping for EFT participants from pretreatment to 12-month follow-up (p<0.05) were reported. The current paper isolates the depression symptom levels of participants, as well as levels of eight other psychological conditions. Significant decreases from pre- to posttreatment were found for depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsivity, paranoid ideation, and somatization (p<0.05). Significant decreases from pretreatment to 12-month follow-up were found for depression, interpersonal sensitivity, psychoticism, and hostility. The results point to the role depression, and other mental health conditions may play in the successful maintenance of weight loss. Show less

Body image related concerns among women are well researched. However, this research has consistently focused on identifying pathological and maladaptive correlates of body image. Body image research has been based on the assumption that a positive body image is merely an absence of or is defined by low levels of a negative body image. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-esteem, self-compassion and intuitive eating in conceptualising body image related… Show more

Body image related concerns among women are well researched. However, this research has consistently focused on identifying pathological and maladaptive correlates of body image. Body image research has been based on the assumption that a positive body image is merely an absence of or is defined by low levels of a negative body image. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-esteem, self-compassion and intuitive eating in conceptualising body image related avoidance behaviours. Female university students (N = 137) completed four measures online: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Compassion Scale of Neff, Intuitive Eating Scale of Tylka, and Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire of Rosen, Srebnik, Satzberg and Wendt. Consistent with previous research, both self-compassion and intuitive eating were found to predict unique variance in avoidance behaviours, over and above the effect of self-esteem. However, contrary to expectations, intuitive eating was not found to be affected by body mass index (BMI). Findings of this study suggest that both self-compassion and intuitive eating are positive correlates of positive body image-related constructs. The findings of this study are discussed in light of clinical interventions, and directions for future research in the body image field that focuses on identifying adaptive self-relating attitudes and eating behaviours that can be modified to promote the development of a positive body image. Show less

The psychological and physical well-being of students is a cause for concern. For the majority of the student population this means substantial changes in healthy behaviours including eating habits. The current research was aimed at investigating integrative eating in 170 Australian university students. Self-awareness and health locus of control were measured in order to assess their relative impact on positive integrative eating practices. The self-report measures included Your Personal Eating… Show more

The psychological and physical well-being of students is a cause for concern. For the majority of the student population this means substantial changes in healthy behaviours including eating habits. The current research was aimed at investigating integrative eating in 170 Australian university students. Self-awareness and health locus of control were measured in order to assess their relative impact on positive integrative eating practices. The self-report measures included Your Personal Eating Style Profile, Forms A and B of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Situational Self-Awareness Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses provided tentative support for the hypothesis that an internal locus of control is a significant predictor of integrative eating total, as opposed to beliefs in powerful others and chance, which were not found to be significant. Private self-awareness was found to be a significant predictor of integrative eating total, after controlling for age, gender, social desirability and health locus of control. An unexpected finding was that awareness of surroundings was also found to be a significant predictor of positive integrative eating. No significant interaction was identified between self-reported private self-awareness and self-reported internal locus of control. Methodological implications of the current investigation and suggestions for future research are discussed. Show less

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) have been gaining strength in the published literature as strategies to reduce arousal symptoms such as anxiety. EFT falls under the umbrella of energy psychology techniques which combine physical or somatic processes with cognitive focus in order to reduce psychological distress. This article discusses the practical application of EFT to smoking cessation, and the associated physical and psychological concerns that can be addressed.

It is frequently reported that clinicians across a range of professional disciplines experience strong negative reactions toward patients with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa (AN). As research consistently demonstrates fear of stigma is the most frequently cited reason explaining why individuals with mental illness do not seek treatment, the current study aimed to develop, evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two differing educational interventions, based on an etiological… Show more

It is frequently reported that clinicians across a range of professional disciplines experience strong negative reactions toward patients with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa (AN). As research consistently demonstrates fear of stigma is the most frequently cited reason explaining why individuals with mental illness do not seek treatment, the current study aimed to develop, evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two differing educational interventions, based on an etiological framing model, against a wait-list control. Participants were fourth-year medicine students randomly assigned to one of three conditions. A three-hour educational workshop was delivered to participants at the beginning of an eight-week clinical rotation. Outcome attitudinal data were collected pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at an eight-week follow-up period. It was hypothesised that both intervention groups would result in more positive attitudes toward AN, compared to the wait-list control, with the biologically-framed intervention resulting in the greatest stigma-reduction effect, consistent with Attribution Theory. Preliminary findings will be discussed. Show less

While it is known that depression and anxiety are associated with poor eating habits, little is known about the relationship between these common psychological disorders, somatisation and poor eating habits. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of depression, anxiety and somatisation on eating habits across gender in university populations. University students (N = 167) participated in the study by completing an internet based survey. No specific gender differences were… Show more

While it is known that depression and anxiety are associated with poor eating habits, little is known about the relationship between these common psychological disorders, somatisation and poor eating habits. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of depression, anxiety and somatisation on eating habits across gender in university populations. University students (N = 167) participated in the study by completing an internet based survey. No specific gender differences were found for depression, anxiety or eating habits scores. However, females had significantly higher somatisation scores. Higher somatisation scores were significantly positively associated with reported depression, reported anxiety and poorer eating habits. Regression analyses showed that, after controlling for demographics including gender, somatisation and depression were predictive of poorer eating habits. Since poor eating habits can influence wellbeing as well as performance, future research should focus on exploring somatisation among university students and within the general population. Show less

The world is facing an epidemic of obesity. As a result, it is vital that the contributing factors of this issue are identified and addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between overall eating style scores in University students with depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems and self-weighing. The present study consisted of 170 participants (73% female). The results indicated that when social desirability, gender and race were controlled for, depression… Show more

The world is facing an epidemic of obesity. As a result, it is vital that the contributing factors of this issue are identified and addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between overall eating style scores in University students with depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems and self-weighing. The present study consisted of 170 participants (73% female). The results indicated that when social desirability, gender and race were controlled for, depression, interpersonal problems, and self-weighing significantly negatively contributed to overall eating style scores. When self-weighing and interpersonal problems were accounted for, anxiety was found to not significantly predict overall eating styles. Depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems and self-weighing accounted for 20% of overall eating style scores. When all other values had been accounted for, depression was the most reliable predictor and accounted for an additional 6% of the variance. Together these findings suggest that depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems and self-weighing play a role in the development of unhealthy eating habits and as a consequence, obesity. Show less

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has been shown to have a lasting effect on food cravings, power over food and restraint ability, and ultimately results in weight loss. This paper discusses the approach utilised in a recent food craving clinical treatment trial (Stapleton, Sheldon, & Porter, 2012; Stapleton, Sheldon, Porter, & Whitty, 2011), and highlights the case of a single participant. Sessions are described in detail and specific recommendations are made for the application of EFT to… Show more

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has been shown to have a lasting effect on food cravings, power over food and restraint ability, and ultimately results in weight loss. This paper discusses the approach utilised in a recent food craving clinical treatment trial (Stapleton, Sheldon, & Porter, 2012; Stapleton, Sheldon, Porter, & Whitty, 2011), and highlights the case of a single participant. Sessions are described in detail and specific recommendations are made for the application of EFT to food cravings in overweight and obese individuals. Show less

This randomised, single-blind, crossover trial tested whether Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) maintained reduced food cravings in participants after 12-months, and updates previously reported 6-month findings. Ninety-six overweight/obese adults were allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed at pre-, post- and 12-month follow-up for collapsed groups. Significant… Show more

This randomised, single-blind, crossover trial tested whether Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) maintained reduced food cravings in participants after 12-months, and updates previously reported 6-month findings. Ninety-six overweight/obese adults were allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed at pre-, post- and 12-month follow-up for collapsed groups. Significant improvements occurred in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving restraint and psychological coping for EFT participants from pre- to 12-months (p<0.05). It appears EFT can result in maintaining reduced cravings over time and impact upon weight and BMI in overweight and obese individuals. Show less

This randomised, clinical trial tested whether The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) reduced food cravings. This study involved 96 overweight or obese adults who were allocated to the EFT treatment or 4-week waitlist condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed pre- and post- a 4-week treatment program (mixed method ANOVA comparative analysis), and at 6-month follow-up (repeated measure ANOVA with group data… Show more

This randomised, clinical trial tested whether The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) reduced food cravings. This study involved 96 overweight or obese adults who were allocated to the EFT treatment or 4-week waitlist condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed pre- and post- a 4-week treatment program (mixed method ANOVA comparative analysis), and at 6-month follow-up (repeated measure ANOVA with group data collapsed). EFT was associated with a significantly greater improvement in food cravings, the subjective power of food and craving restraint than waitlist from pre- to immediately post-test (p < .05). Across collapsed groups, an improvement in food cravings and the subjective power of food after active EFT treatment was maintained at 6 months, and a delayed effect was seen for craving restraint. Although there was a significant reduction in measures of psychological distress immediately after treatment (p < .05), there was no between-group difference. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that EFT can have an immediate effect on reducing food cravings and can result in maintaining reduced cravings over time. Show less

This paper discusses how expert guidance can be best provided in work intensive clinical settings. The adequacy for supporting learning in the clinical practicum for health care disciplines is often complicated by the intensive work practices in healthcare settings. Often, clinicians’ work is so intense that the scope for providing close guidance for students is quite restricted. The case advanced here draws on a range of empirical work to propose how clinician-student interactions might be… Show more

This paper discusses how expert guidance can be best provided in work intensive clinical settings. The adequacy for supporting learning in the clinical practicum for health care disciplines is often complicated by the intensive work practices in healthcare settings. Often, clinicians’ work is so intense that the scope for providing close guidance for students is quite restricted. The case advanced here draws on a range of empirical work to propose how clinician-student interactions might be optimized through the provision of a clinical supervisor to assist clinicians develop collegial relationships and acquire skills in guided learning such as demonstrating and role-modeling. These roles can contribute in essential ways to the development of learning environments where clinicians have the opportunity to facilitate the learning of others as part of their workload, and without being burdened by the requirements of teaching and assessment processes. It differs from other approaches because although clinicians partner students and provide feedback to them, clinicians are not expected to formally assess or award a grade for student performance. Assessment and remedial action, when required, is undertaken by the role of a designated clinical supervisor qualified to perform such activities Show less

AIM:

To assess the impact of an intervention aimed to build capacity of registered nurses to enhance the clinical learning environment for undergraduate nursing students. Workplace learning is vital for the development of skills, attributes and knowledge of student nurses. Registered nurses need to be appropriately prepared to maximise student learning during clinical placement.

BACKGROUND:

The quality of student learning during clinical practicum is largely dependent on… Show more

AIM:

To assess the impact of an intervention aimed to build capacity of registered nurses to enhance the clinical learning environment for undergraduate nursing students. Workplace learning is vital for the development of skills, attributes and knowledge of student nurses. Registered nurses need to be appropriately prepared to maximise student learning during clinical placement.

BACKGROUND:

The quality of student learning during clinical practicum is largely dependent on interactions with ward staff.

DESIGN:

A quasi-experimental design.

METHOD:

Measurement of students' perceptions of the psycho social learning environment during and outside of the intervention period was used to evaluate the capacity building intervention. The capacity building intervention consisted of interactive education in clinical areas over a six-week period for registered nurses in two acute surgical wards.

RESULTS:

First, second and third year students (n = 62) who undertook their clinical practicum in the two surgical wards, before, during and six months after the capacity building intervention assessed the psycho-social learning environment at the time of their clinical practicum. Findings showed that students who undertook their clinical practicum during the intervention period rated the psycho-social clinical learning environment significantly higher than students who undertook their practicum at times outside of the intervention period.

CONCLUSIONS:

An experienced researcher/educator conducting capacity building sessions can effectively assist and support registered nurses to engage with students.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:

Capacity building sessions can improve practice, however, structures and processes that ensure continuation of practice change need to be embedded for improvements to be sustained.
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AIM AND BACKGROUND:

While the importance of morale is well researched in the nursing literature, strategies and interventions are not so prolific. The complexities of interpersonal relationships within the clinical domain, and the critical issues faced by nurses on a daily basis, indicate that morale, job satisfaction and motivation are essential components in improving workplace efficiency, output and communication amongst staff. Drawing on educational, organizational and psychological… Show more

AIM AND BACKGROUND:

While the importance of morale is well researched in the nursing literature, strategies and interventions are not so prolific. The complexities of interpersonal relationships within the clinical domain, and the critical issues faced by nurses on a daily basis, indicate that morale, job satisfaction and motivation are essential components in improving workplace efficiency, output and communication amongst staff. Drawing on educational, organizational and psychological literature, this paper argues that the ability to inspire morale in staff is a fundamental indicator of sound leadership and managerial characteristics.

EVALUATION AND KEY ISSUES:

Four practical concepts that could be implemented in the clinical setting are proposed. These include: role preparation for managers, understanding internal and external motivation, fostering internal motivation in nursing staff, and the importance of attitude when investing in relationships.
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