Conference Agenda

The sheer diversity and complexity of sexuality are often inadequately considered in existing scientific definitions and concepts. We aimed to develop a more encompassing understanding of the characteristics and multifaceted nature of sexuality. In a qualitative interview study, we interviewed ten experts in the field of (women's) sexuality from various backgrounds. Data were analyzed using Thematic Analysis. The experts gave rich accounts of their understanding beyond the current notion of sexual functioning. Women's sexuality was generally described as a multidimensional phenomenon. The intensity of its experience seems to be linked to the ability to create mindful contact with oneself, with one’s partner, and the rest of the world. Based on these expert insights, we developed the Connection- versus Outcome-orientation Model of Sexual Experiences (COMOS). This model contrasts with the apparent societal and medical focus on goal orientation with regard to sexuality, which favors mindfulness in the perception of sensuality, emotions and in the interaction with a partner. The COMOS is not restricted to a single gender identity but may be used for women's and men's sexual experiences alike. Recently, we developed and validated a questionnaire (COMOS-Q), based on the COMOS, to further the integration of connection-oriented sexuality into research and clinical practice.

The study explores how the therapeutic system (clients and co-therapists) of a systemic couple therapy uses the impulses of the Reflecting Team, formed by the co-therapists and performed at the end of each session. This therapy process investigation is part of the naturalistic research project Relational Mind in Events of Change in Multiactor Theapeutic Dialogues, studying interaction and meaning construction in couple therapy sessions. Data from video-recorded systemic couple therapy with seven sessions is analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

The results of the study show that impulses of the Reflecting Team are continuously used in the further course of the therapy. Perceptions, reflections and suggestions as well as keywords and metaphors of the Reflecting Team are related to more abstract topics of "building trust", "clarifying concerns and assignments", "summarizing information and structures of the system", and "welcoming and accompanying change". Overall, impulses of the Reflecting Team influence the arrangement of therapy sessions, can support the therapeutic conversation and thus emphasize the potential of the Reflecting Team in systemic couple therapy.

Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) is a system of philosophical assumptions and scientific values encompassing psychotherapies which develop from behaviorism, with a common sensitivity to historical and cultural context (e.g., Acceptance Commitment Therapy or Relational Frame Theory). CBS is gradually disseminating in Low-and-Middle Income Countries (LMIC).

Our research aims to identify the main strategies and obstacles in the dissemination of CBS. We conducted 16 interviews with professionals from eleven LMIC countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe where the dissemination of CBS is taking place. The data include approximately 16 hours of interviews, which were transcribed into about 100,000 words. Our thematic analysis of the transcripts relied on the Qualitative Software tool MaxQDA.

The findings reveal that the main strategies for the dissemination of CBS are: public events, training university students, dissemination in social media, and program evaluation research. The main obstacles to CBS dissemination are lack of financial support, language barriers and regulations and certification related to psychologists and psychiatrists.

The results suggest that context sensitivity and appropriateness are vital factors in the successful dissemination of CBS. Further research is needed to explore these findings in other countries and among a larger sample of participants.

Successful initiatives to move away from coercion in mental health care require transformational organisational changes informed by research. However, research within this area is limited and fragmented, and there is lack of knowledge about the processes underlying the use of coercive measures. Being subjected to coercive measures, such as seclusion and restraint, is intrusive and can lead to negative psychological consequences for all involved. This study was conducted by a multi-national transdisciplinary team of mental health professionals and researchers, as part of the FOSTREN (Fostering and Strengthening Approaches to Reducing Coercion in European Mental Health Services) COST Initiative. A systematic review and meta-ethnography was used to synthesize findings from qualitative studies that examined service users’, staff’ and relatives’ experiences of recovery from being exposed to coercive measures in mental health care settings. In this presentation we will describe the process of designing and conducting the meta-ethnographic research. We will discuss the challenges of doing meta-ethnography in this emerging field in a collaborative way across professions and countries. Finally, we will point to the contribution of this mode of research for progressive mental health care and we will formulate recommendations for good research practices.