An investigation of the relationship between impaired control over gambling, coping strategies, and demographic variables was conducted by surveying female poker machine players (N = 163) in their gaming venues. Metropolitan (n = 14) and regional (n = 6) gaming venues in Victoria, Australia participated. Control over gambling was measured using the Impaired Control Over Gambling Scale (Baron & Dickerson, 1994). Coping strategies were measured using (Folkman et al., 1986) adaptation of the Revised Ways of Coping Checklist (Vitaliano et al., 1985). MANOVA supported the hypothesis that the lower the control over gambling the greater the reliance on emotion-focused coping (blamed self, wishful thinking, avoidance) with F = 9.92, 13.35, 14.04 respectively, all significant at p <.001. MANOVA failed to supported the hypothesis that problem-focused strategies (problem focus, seek social support) would be significantly related to control over gambling with F =.82 and.21 respectively. Control over gambling was not related to age, employment, relationship status, education, or distress from significant life events, further supporting the relationship between control and coping strategies. Ways in which coping styles might be related to pathological gambling are discussed.

Background:Breaking bad news to patients may be required in service provision to stroke survivors. While challenging, it may be critical to the retention of optimism and participation in rehabilitation.Objectives:To explore the experience of stroke survivors when receiving bad news (RBN) from medical practitioners.Methods:Data were obtained via 1:1 interviews conducted at stroke support groups with survivors at least 12 months into recovery and subsequently transcribed for thematic analysis and coded using NVivo.Results:Eight of 10 participants experienced RBN, and 2 participants did not. The themes of being “lucky to be alive” and waiting for “delayed information” were expressed by all participants early in the interviews. Three sub-themes emerged and were labelled alliance, dissent, and dissatisfaction, each with a further 3 contextual themes. The perception of RBN was marked amongst the dissent and dissatisfaction groups, with the latter reporting negative implications for their rehabilitation as well as negative emotions, such as anger and anxiety. The perception of a poor-quality relationship with medical practitioners was said to impede rehabilitation and recovery processes. The dissent group was characterized by initial disbelief after RBN and consequently poorer long-term outcomes, whilst the Alliance group experienced very good quality of care due to existing personal knowledge and therefore did not perceive RBN during their early medical meetings.Conclusions:In the period soon after their stroke, survivors required their medical practitioners to not only communicate knowledge and information, but also needed validation of their hopes and fears for the future from an empathically attuned clinician.

The prostate cancer nurse co-ordinator (PCNC) is a relatively new role in Australia. Although a post graduate prostate cancer nursing specialist training course has been established, within the clinical setting the role is still poorly defined and understood. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and experiences of PCNCs regarding: (i) the challenges of their role, and (ii) the interaction of job demands and job resources in determining the impact of their role on their level of work-related stress and delivery of care, using the job-demands and resources (JD-R) model. Qualitative study was designed involving thematic analysis of telephone interviews with PCNCs. Structured interviews were conducted with 15 PCNCs recruited through the Australian and New Zealand Urological Nurses' Society membership. Interview structure was guided by The JD-R model. Respondents reported a wide range of role descriptions and activities, reflecting a lack of clarity in role definition. They also reported high demands in an environment of limited resources. However, at least in part, these stressors were mediated by high levels of job satisfaction and reward from high levels of patient care. These findings highlight the need for clear role definition and implementation of guidelines to establish case-loads. To facilitate role clarity and a sustainable, professionally trained workforce, adequate training and competency are essential. Organizational autonomy through the implementation of nurse-led clinics might further enhance the role.

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