Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a key representative of the so-called the third wave of cognitive-behavioral therapies, which in recent years it has been becoming more and more popular in Poland. The aim of the article is to present the theoretical foundations and practical implications regarding the use of ACT therapy in working with parents of children experiencing bullying. The text presents the theoretical basis of the analyzed approach – the model of psychological flexibility and the main assumptions of therapy which is based on the acceptance of what is beyond control and involvement in activities that give meaning to life and they are close to the values. Parents of children experiencing bullying wave to experience a number of dilemmas regarding the recognition and understanding of their child’s situation, doubts when choosing the right way to respond, strong fear for the health and life of their children, and a number of other emotions, such as anger, sadness or disappointment. The article presents examples of methods and strategies for working with unpleasant emotions, negative thoughts and dilemmas that accompany parents of children experiencing peer violence on a daily basis. All conclusions were also collected from conducted research on the attitudes, dilemmas and emotions of this group of parents and the effectiveness of ACT therapy in working with parents and their children.
Adverse and positive childhood experiences (ACEs and PCEs, respectively) are known to influence various health-related outcomes in adulthood, including eating behaviors. Emotional eating is considered a maladaptive eating style, whereas intuitive eating is perceived as an adaptive one. Understanding how ACEs and PCEs relate to these eating styles could inform targeted interventions. This study investigated the relationship between the types of ACEs and PCEs and eating styles (emotional and intuitive eating) among a national sample of Polish adults (n = 2231). ACEs were assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire and PCEs using the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale. The two eating styles were also assessed: maladaptive (emotional eating) via the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-13) and adaptive (intuitive eating) via the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2). Network analysis revealed that emotional eating was positively associated with three ACEs: sexual abuse, unmet basic needs (e.g., access to food) and a lack of family love. However, emotional eating style was not associated with any PCEs. Intuitive eating was positively associated with three PCEs: comforting beliefs, fun activities, and self-acceptance. Similarly, intuitive eating was not associated with any ACEs. Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with emotional eating and negatively associated with intuitive eating. Our findings suggest that PCEs and ACEs are independent predictors of opposing eating styles in adulthood. The results of this study can contribute to the development of effective interventions to promote the physical and mental well-being of adults.
Whilst much is known about the psychosocial correlates of rape myth beliefs regarding female victims, much less research has investigated factors that underlie male rape myth beliefs. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the role of victim empathy and socio-demographics upon male rape myth beliefs. 303 UK adults aged 18 to 74 (M Age = 31.48) completed the Male Rape Myth Scale (MRMS) and the None-in-Three Victim Responsiveness Assessment (NI3: VRA), alongside assessing socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, education). Results reveal gender and ethnicity differences in affective victim-empathy sub-scales and overall male rape myth beliefs. Regression analyses determined that age, gender, ethnicity, and affective victim-empathy were significant predictors of male rape myth attitudes. The results have important implications for understanding those who are likely to believe falsehoods pertaining to male survivors of sexual victimisation and highlight the need for targeted educational intervention programmes among the UK public, including in their role as jurors.
Sexual offence disclosures are on the rise, thought to be the result of growing numbers of prosecutions brought against well-known public figures and mobilisation of movements such as #MeToo. Despite this, data continue to indicate that most victim-survivors will never report their abuse. This study aimed to explore why women continue to decide not to report sexual assault to the police. Secondary data were collated and analysed, pertaining to survivor accounts of sexual assault, posted in response to a prominent online video entitled ‘Women Tell Us Why They Didn’t Report Their Sexual Assault’. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes regarding why women chose not to report: (1) Lack of faith in the Criminal Justice System (encompassing two sub-themes, no evidence and traumatisation of reporting), (2) Self-blame, and (3) Knowing the perpetrator. Practical applications and reforms concerning empathic police responses and CJS improvements surrounding timeliness, case progression, and conviction rates are discussed.
