Search results
-
Links between monster imagery and post-traumatic stress explored in new paper
A new paper by Jenny Hamilton, Programme Leader for Counselling and the MSc Mental Health, Wellbeing & Resilience at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), is exploring the relationship between monster imagery and post-traumatic stress. Monsters are considered as symbol and metaphor for unspoken or unprocessed personal and cultural trauma, that may represent underlying, unacknowledged fears. The paper develops Jenny’s academic and counselling work in the area of film therapy and discusses how encounters with the monster onscreen, in mental imagery, dreams or metaphor, may be allegorical to the individual’s internal struggle with post-traumatic stress. The paper particularly explores how monsters represent fears surrounding cancer and terminal illness in movies such as A Monster Calls and The Shallows. It is proposed that trauma experience confronts us with our mortality and fragility, bringing us into contact with the sense of ‘abject’ horror represented by monster imagery, when faced with existential threats that may render the everyday meaningless. Speaking after publication Jenny discussed some of the papers themes: “Our fascination with monsters may be linked to an adaptive evolutionary drive to symbolise experience into awareness for processing and meaning making. These initial imaged representations of fear states may begin a process of psychological integration of difficult experiences. In this way monsters may actually play a complex role in a human struggle to come to terms with overwhelming events. Onscreen monsters may allow us to face our fears and survive.” The themes discussed in the paper are relevant to academics and students in different disciplines, from literature, film and media studies to counselling and psychology. It has been published online in the journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications is available through open access as part of a wider journal collection of articles ‘Monsters: interdisciplinary explorations of monstrosity’. You can find it by clicking here. To find out how you can create your own successes in our collaborative learning community, visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
Applying Self Determination Theory to Childhood Feeding Challenges Explored by PhD student
A paper by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) final year PhD student, Jo Cormack, on an application of Self Determination Theory (SDT) has been recognised as among the most requested and downloaded article in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior for the quarter. Co-authored by Dr Katja Rowell (American medical doctor and child feeding expert) and BGU Lecturer in Psychology, Dr Gianina Postavaru, the paper applies SDT to childhood feeding challenges, in particular exploring how the 'basic needs' proposed by SDT - autonomy, relatedness and competence - can provide a framework for a responsive approach to child feeding. Speaking after receiving the accolade, Jo explained why the paper was gaining such a high level of attention: “The paper has generated a lot of interest among clinicians working with paediatric feeding problems (also known as 'extreme picky eating' or 'selective eating'). This is in part because the concepts of responsive feeding and responsive feeding therapy are currently gaining traction in the field, as practitioners explore alternatives to more pressuring and coercive strategies and therapeutic approaches to managing feeding difficulties.” You can read more about Jo's work with 'picky eating' at www.jocormack.com The full citation for the article is below: Cormack, J., Rowell, K., & Postăvaru, G. I. (2020). Self-Determination Theory as a Theoretical Framework for a Responsive Approach to Child Feeding. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 52(6), 646-651. For more information on the doctoral programmes at BGU, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team. -
‘Rare insight’ into sexual crime and intellectual functioning explored by BGU academic
Helen Swaby, Lecturer on the undergraduate Counselling programme and MSc Mental Health, Wellbeing and Resilience has recently published a book titled “Sexual Crime and Intellectual Functioning”. Co-edited with colleagues from Nottingham Trent University and led by Kerensa Hocken, who is a registered Forensic Psychologist in HMPPS Midlands Psychology Service, the book draws on expertise from clinical practice and applied research. The book is part of a series, with each volume exploring a specific field of research within the area of sexual crime. Thus far, this has included sexual crime and prevention, religion, experience of imprisonment, Circles of Support and Accountability and trauma. Speaking following publication Helen discussed the themes explored in the book along with who might find it a useful resource: “This book explores the theoretical and historical background to the interest in links between sexual offending and intellectual functioning as well as the assessment of intellectual functioning in prison. Interventions for low intellectual functioning, autistic spectrum and personality disorder are explored and the book offers a rare insight into the phenomenon of high IQ and sexual offending - a much neglected aspect of the sexual crime literature. It further offers an extraordinary insight into the experiences of a person of superior IQ in the criminal justice system for a sexual offence. The book is relevant not only to psychologists, criminologists, social workers and students, but also to practitioners, researchers and the general public with an interest in learning about sexual offending and intellectual functioning.” You can get your copy of the book by clicking here.. To find out how you can create your own successes in our collaborative learning community, visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
New article highlights fathers' experiences of caring for a child with a life-limiting illness
Academics from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) have worked with colleagues in the NHS to publish an article highlighting fathers' experiences of caring for a child with a life-limiting illness. The article, ‘A meta-ethnographic study of fathers’ experiences of caring for a child with a life-limiting illness’, systematically explores the literature on fathers’ experiences of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition. Using a meta-ethnographic approach, the study synthesised qualitative evidence to shed light on fathers’ experiences, as the often-forgotten parent in a field of research that has predominantly focussed on the mothers’ narrative. Findings revealed that fathers’ caregiving experiences are still shaped by assumptions about masculinity and fatherhood within medical care institutions, and they often feel disconnected from and side-lined by health professionals. Fathers’ responsibilities in caring for their ill children and supporting the family unit as a whole are often under-represented in paediatric palliative care research and clinical settings, and this study highlighted the multitude of difficult emotions and devastation that fathers experience at their child’s circumstances. Led by Gianina Postavaru, who is a Lecturer in Psychology and has a background in health psychology, the study highlighted a number of important findings that can inform the types and frequency of support that health professionals provide during the illness journey. These findings will be presented at two conferences this year: 2021 Qualitative Health Research Network Conference, University College London (17-19 March) and Chronic Living quality, vitality and health in the 21st century: an international conference, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, 23-25 April. Findings will also be disseminated to the Bereavement and Loss subgroup, as part of the NHS CHAIN on 28th January. Gianina has also been invited by Kasia Figiel, the Senior Commissioning Editor for SAGE Research Methods (SAGE Publishing) to contribute a filmed dissemination of the research on 12th January 2021. Co-authors of the article included Helen Swaby, Lecturer for the undergraduate Counselling Programmes and MSc Mental Health, Wellbeing and Resilience at BGU and Dr Rabbi Swaby, Paediatric Registrar, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The full article is available to access by clicking here. To find out how you can create your own successes in our collaborative learning community, visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
"By choosing BGU you are doing more than just a degree, you are setting yourself up for life" - How studying at BGU started Jake's career in sport
I came to Bishop Grosseteste with the ambition of becoming a PE Teacher. BGU helped me achieve everything, and more, than I could have ever hoped for. During my three years studying Education Studies and Sport, I was able to gain my first experiences of what it would take to become a teacher. I was able to work in a variety of settings including a secondary school PE Department along with Primary and UTC college environments. The secondary placement in particular, reaffirmed to me that I was right in wanting to be a PE Teacher and chase my dream career. I was able to work alongside the entire PE department, assisting in delivering lessons, running extra-curricular clubs and gaining experience across different Key Stages. The modules allowed me to learn about educational philosophies and different pedagogical approaches to teaching, which allowed me to form my own style of teaching. The wealth of experience the lecturers have meant you could be challenged but also challenge them on contemporary issues and have a high-level discussion about what is happening in the world of sport and education. I was able to achieve a first-class honours degree and I felt like I earnt my degree as the level of scrutiny and academic rigor made sure you get what you put into each assessment. My favourite module though was when I got to complete my dissertation. I used my dissertation as preparation for my PGCE at Loughborough University. I was able to interview many PE teachers across the country about the feasibility of a Models-Based Practice being adopted in a PE curriculum. Rafe Elliot, my sport lecturer was always there to give me advice and support throughout. To this day, my dissertation is my proudest piece of work. -
BGU present Students’ Union with grant for sports and societies
A grant for £5,000 has been awarded from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU Lincoln) to the Students’ Union (SU) to support their clubs and societies. Clubs and societies can apply for funding to cover their running costs such as equipment, kits, travel, and enhance the experience for their members. The SU currently have sports teams for badminton, cheer , dance, men’s football, men’s and women’s rugby and netball, and four societies for creative writing, gaming, performing arts and psychology, although more societies can be adopted if enough interest is shown in running them. The cheque-giving ceremony was attended by Dr Rob Boast, representing BGU Lincoln, and Erin Bell, Kaylee Hempenstall, Michael O'Donoghue and Jacquie Hough from the Students’ Union. Dr Rob Boast, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students), said: “I’m delighted to present the Student’s Union with £5,000 on behalf of the University to support their sports clubs and societies.” “The Students’ Union is run by the students, for students and the University recognises that they play an important role in enhancing the experience of those studying here, and I hope this grant allows SU clubs and societies to thrive.” Erin Bell, Students’ Union President, said: “Sports clubs and societies are a key part of the SU and provide a range of exciting events and opportunities for students, in addition to their course.” “Sports and societies provide a fun way for students to meet new people, learn or improve new skills and the chance to take part in physical team activities at all levels, from beginners to competition standards.” “This grant will allow our clubs and societies to expand their offering further and only enhances what they can provide to students. If you are interested in learning more about any aspects of the Student’s Union, please pop in and chat to one of the team.” Find out more about the Students’ Union, their clubs and societies and additional student advice and support at: www.bgsu.co.uk -
BGU English staff and students at the Yorkshire Festival of Story Review
Have you ever stopped to think about where your favourite stories originate? Why do human beings continue to tell the same stories over and over again? -
Second issue of Solertia is out now
Solertia is Bishop Grosseteste University’s newly launched student journal that showcases research undertaken by our undergraduate and postgraduate students. -
Bishop Grosseteste University’s results in Research Excellence Framework 2021
BGU is committed to supporting excellent research in all its forms. Research and knowledge exchange at the University also achieves impact in its local and regional communities, as well as nationally and internationally, it underpins its doctoral programme provision, and engages students in research-informed learning and teaching. BGU’s submission to REF 2021 reflects a period of significant growth in its research and knowledge exchange. Two more Units of Assessment have been added to the three that were returned in REF 2014, there has been a four-fold increase in the number of staff submitted, a near three-fold increase in the number of outputs, and a four-fold increase in research income. The University submitted work reflecting established fields of research expertise in Education, English Language and Literature, and History, and made its first entries in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience and in Theology and Religious Studies. The results include published outputs of world-leading quality and acknowledge fields of internationally excellent public impact, and a rich, vibrant, and diverse research environment and culture. Vice-Chancellor, Revd Canon Professor Peter Neil, said: “These results mark an important milestone in BGU’s development as a provider with a reputation for excellence in research and knowledge exchange. “We have embraced the spirit of inclusivity in the REF and reflected research activity and interests across the whole of the institution. This successful outcome emphasises the breadth of our research, includes outputs which are regarded as internationally excellent and highlights our public impact with local, regional and international reach. “I am extremely grateful to colleagues for all their hard work in expanding and enhancing research at BGU over the last seven years. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of our external partners in supporting many areas of our research.” -
Work of 20th Century philosopher John Macmurrary to be digitised in LORIC Project
The Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre (LORIC) is working in collaboration with the John Macmurray Fellowship on a Research England funded on an archive digitisation project.
Explore BGU
Browse our wide range of degree courses and find the perfect one for you.
Open days are the best way to find out what BGU has to offer.
Download your copy of our prospectus to find out more about life at BGU.