The psychosocial model of recovery has become widely accepted and now underpins most international recovery policies. Despite a dearth in research, existing studies indicate that mental health staff subscribe to biomedical models of recovery in psychosis, with more emphasis on pharmacological, over psychosocial, and interventions. Robust research targeting staff views about recovery in psychosis is needed.

This qualitative study investigated clinicians’ experiences and attitudes towards conducting mental health assessments over the telephone in an IAPT service. Nine participants completed a semi-structured questionnaire and data were evaluated using a Thematic Analysis model. Participants were largely apprehensive about telephone working, but many reported positive experiences. Telephone assessments were felt to be structured, focused and comprehensive, and therapeutic rapport was able to be established. However, concerns persisted around whether risk assessments could be adequately conducted over the telephone. Reports of spontaneous feedback from patients during telephone triage suggested that there was appreciation for this method of assessment and that it increased access to the service. Further research is needed to better understand what, for clinicians, contributes to acceptable assessment of complex and subjective situations, such as risk and feeling states, over the telephone.

Hair whorl direction is a somatic feature that is organized early during neurodevelopment and unlikely to be influenced by social factors. This study aimed to replicate a widely reported association by A. J. S. Klar (2003) between counterclockwise hair whorl direction and homosexuality in men, using more objective methodology. The authors took digital photographs of parietal surface hair whorls from 100 heterosexual men and 100 homosexual men who were predominantly right-handed. These images were rated for clockwise and counterclockwise direction (for which no more than 1 hair whorl was present) by 2 raters unaware of sexual orientation. The authors found no significant difference between heterosexual and homosexual men in hair whorl direction, but the authors did replicate the fraternal birth order effect (more older brothers for homosexual men). Number of older sisters was positively correlated with counterclockwise hair whorls in heterosexual men. These data were discussed in relation to prenatal factors assumed to play a role in the neurodevelopment of male homosexuality.

MBCT may contribute to change in individuals' perceptions and increase self-understanding. The study highlights the importance of measuring change in recovery following MBCT. Findings support the need for person-centred approaches to assessment and monitoring of personal change following therapy. Similar studies using a control group are needed in order to identify whether the changes found are attributable to participation in an MBCT group. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Staff viewed mindfulness groups for psychosis as helpful, not harmful, but were uncertain about their utility. Consistent with previous research, service users viewed mindfulness groups as useful to promote well-being and reduce distress for individuals experiencing psychosis.