223 treff for "Tor-Johan Ekeland"

This article examines the development of conflict mediation in modern society, especially divorce mediation concerning custody and issues related to child care. Based on an analysis of the research literature, it seems that mediation has less chance of succeeding when conflicts are enduring and of high intensity. The author challenges this conclusion, and he suggests that there are «hidden benefits» to be obtained through adapting methodology to the dynamic resident in the conflict. Based on an analysis of diverse methodological approaches to mediation, the author concludes that the approaches vary on two dimensions: degree of structure, and focus on relational or case circumstances. These dimensions are integrated into one model. The model presupposes a flexible approach to mediation where mediators focus on the particular mediation context while taking into account both dimensional axes, depending on the dynamic in the conflict and changes during the mediation process. Implementation of the model is discussed and examples from difficult cases are presented.

In Norwegian local and regional hospitals, research projects that employ qualitative research methodology are increasing. Several public health workers have parallel and sometimes conflicting roles as both researcher and therapist. On this background it is important to reflect upon ethical and methodological dilemmas in the research process. This article identifies several dilemmas in the relationship of the researcher and the informant, and the themes: (a) sensitive subjects (b) closeness and distance and (c) analysis and interpretation. These dilemmas are discussed and illustrated by an ongoing doctoral study that investigates parents' experiences of preterm birth and family interaction during the infant's first year.

This paper presents the findings of a PhD dissertation in health sciences, and is based on three qualitative studies about subjective experiences of recovery from severe mental illness. The findings support the argument that recovery is best seen and dealt with as an integrated part of peoples' everyday lives. Furthermore, that recovery is a process that is both a social and an interactive phenomenon, and which is personal and unique. Participation in ordinary environments and activities seemed by far the most helpful arena for recovery. Contextualising recovery in daily life reveals the impact of trivialities, which in fact should be seen as anything but trivial: the self-evident frequently becomes invisible, whereas the «should-be-obvious» is often not obvious at all.

Respect for human dignity and individual autonomy are essential normative values in health care. Treatment based on informed consent is always the starting point, also in psychiatric health care. However, research shows that patients perceive high levels of coercion in admission to psychiatric care, also when treatment is based on consent. Furthermore, lack of resources appears to be a reason for admitting patients to involuntary rather than voluntary treatment, to ensure that patients receive necessary treatment. These findings give rise to questions as for how to strengthen the value of individual autonomy in psychiatric health care.

The government of Norway has emphasized that client participation should form the basis of services offered by mental health care. Nevertheless, in spite of convincing evidence that client participation is not only politically advisable but also clinically beneficial, professional health care workers seem to lack both knowledge and awareness related to this area of clinical practise. This article explains how client participation can be an important factor contributing to successful outcome in psychotherapy, through focus on the therapeutic alliance, on client factors and on feedback. Challenges related to the implementation of client participation are discussed, and recommendations are made as to how to achieve genuine client participation in mental health care.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mental health and physical activity. A total of 290 high-school students (RR = 45%) completed an electronic questionnaire measuring mental health (HSCL-10, generalized self-efficacy, self-liking) and physical activity. A negative correlation between physical activity and mental health problems (r = –.30), and positive correlations were observed between physical activity and generalized self-efficacy (r = .34), and between physical activity and self-liking (r = .34). The total amount of explained variance was 17% for mental health problems, 14% for generalized self-efficacy and 18% for self-liking based on hierarchical regression analysis results. Physical activity explained 3%, 8% and 8% of mental problems, generalized self-efficacy and self-liking respectively, after controlling for socio-demographic variables and life events. In conclusion, physical activity was associated with fewer mental problems and an increased generalized self-efficacy and self-liking.

Children with serious and/or chronic somatic illness are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress symptoms, PTSD and dissociative symptoms as a consequence of the illness process, hospital stays and painful treatment procedures. This article addresses the central factors that may reduce or prevent traumatic experiences during the hospitalization. Psychological treatment of children who have become traumatized during their somatic illness is discussed and illustrated by clinical examples. For optimal treatment it is vital that paediatric and psychiatric health care services have accurate knowledge about the risk of psychological trauma experiences among children with somatic illness.