MEASURING PERCEPTIONS OF THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR WOMEN IN CORPORATE SETTINGS

This study developed a scale to measure individual perceptions of dimensions of the work organization that contribute to a supportive or hostile environment for women. Based on analysis of survey data from 398 respondents working in corporate settings, a scale was developed to measure five dimensions: Dual Standards & Opportunities; Sexist Attitudes & Comments; Informal Socializing; Balancing Work & Personal Obligations; and Remediation Policies & Practices. Women perceived their work environments as significantly more hostile on all five dimensions than did men. Scores on the scale were related to intent to stay with the organization: For both men and women, the friendlier they perceived the work environment for women to be, the longer individuals intended to stay at the company.     

What do psychodynamic therapists make of their reveries in the therapeutic encounter? A constructivist grounded theory study

ABSTRACT

The therapist’s mind can wander to daydreams, fantasies and preoccupations: mental events termed “reveries” in this study. As therapists attend to the current of their thought in the therapeutic encounter, the question of how to approach their reveries can arise. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with nine qualified psychodynamic therapists to investigate therapists’ attitudes to reveries. The research design and analysis followed the principles of Charmaz’s [Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. London: Sage; Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory (2nd ed.). London: Sage] constructivist grounded theory. Results showed that therapists experienced diverse reveries sometimes felt to yield deeper clinical understanding. Reveries were also seen to have a “freeing-up” function for the therapist and patient, and to require mental freedom to operate. Implications for theoretical understanding and recommendations for clinical technique are discussed.     

Mental imagery and fiction

Fictions evoke imagery, and their value consists partly in that achievement. This paper offers analysis of this neglected topic. Section 2 identifies relevant philosophical background. Section 3 offers a working definition of imagery. Section 4 identifies empirical work on visual imagery. Sections 5 and 6 criticize imagery essentialism, through the lens of genuine fictional narratives. This outcome, though, is not wholly critical. The expressed spirit of imagery essentialism is to encourage philosophers to ‘put the image back into the imagination’. The weakened conclusion is that while an image is not essential to imagining, it should be returned to our theories of imagination.