The current study aimed to explore men's experience of the UK Criminal Justice System (CJS) following female-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV). Unstructured face-toface and Skype interviews were conducted with six men aged between 40-65 years. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Due to the method of analysis and the sensitive nature of the research, the researcher engaged in a process of reflexivity. Four main themes were identified, including 'Guilty until Proven Innocent: Victim Cast as Perpetrator'; 'Masculine Identity'; 'Psychological Impact' and 'Light at the End of the Tunnel'. Themes were discussed and illustrated with direct quotes drawn from the transcripts. Directions for future research, criminal justice interventions and therapeutic interventions were discussed.

Psychosocial adjustment to living with a chronic condition was explored in this grounded theory study, focusing on type 2 diabetes. Despite a range of relevant theories, there is limited understanding of the process of adjustment. The study aimed to address this issue. That was achieved through collecting and analysing personal narratives using individual interviews and focus groups. This allowed for the development of a normative integrative model of adjustment to chronic conditions based on biopsychosocial principles. The integrative model of adjustment to chronic condition has the potential to lead to improved understanding of adjustment processes.

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BackgroundWorking with people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often viewed as challenging, especially when there is a high risk of suicide or self-harm. This study aimed to provide insight into the lived experience of clinicians working with these service users within community mental health teams.MethodUnstructured interviews were conducted with four participants from two multidisciplinary teams within the same NHS trust. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.FindingsThree superordinate themes were identified. (1) All participants emphasised the stressful nature of their role, describing its emotional impact and contributory factors, including organisational and relational issues. (2) Coping strategies were evident, which may not always have been within the participants’ awareness. (3) The task of balancing seemingly opposing possibilities was identified, paralleling the need for people with BPD to resolve dichotomous thinking.ConclusionsThere is a role for counselling psychologists in helping clinicians working within multidisciplinary teams to develop a deeper understanding of their responses through training and supervision. This could in turn enhance the care provided.