Rachael Sharman

Introduction: This study investigated the nature and scope of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) content on a popular microblogging website Tumblr; as well a preliminary investigation of the motivations for interacting with NSSI content on Tumblr. Methods: Content analysis of 150 self-injury posts resulted in the identification of themes: melancholic, emotional expression, descriptions of cutting and self-injury. This was followed by notable frequencies of encouraging, supportive, and information providing content. Results: Motivation for website interaction was examined through a survey of 4 male, 27 female, and 5 other gender participants. 'Reflects state of mind' was the most reported motivation for interaction with negative content. Content discussing emotional expression appears uniquely popular on Tumblr. Conclusions: Content on Tumblr that is categorised as NSSI-related consists of posts that are both concerning and encouraging. High frequencies of information, supportive, and encouraging content suggests that an effective informal support system may be available via this community. However, in the same instance, large amounts of negative, emotional, and potentially triggering content may be detrimental to those considering or already engaging in NSSI behaviour. Social contagion theory suggests that the easy accessibility to such content may be potentially harmful. Tumblr users appear to be motivated by personal reflection and attempts to communicatewith negative content. Further research is necessary to determine this motivation in more detail.

Background: A traumatic birth experience is associated with postpartum mental health disorders such as PTSD, and difficulties in mother-baby bonding. The actions and interactions of care providers can have a significant influence on womens experience of birth trauma. In order to inform care that promotes optimal emotional and psychological outcomes, care providers need to understand the causes of childbirth trauma from the perspective of women. Aim: The aim of this study was to capture womens descriptions of their traumatic childbirth. Method: Data was gathered via an online survey of 748 women who experienced a traumatic birth. The women responded in their own words to the question describe the birth trauma experience, and what you found traumatisin. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out using a six stage process described by Braun and Clarke (2006). Ethical approval for the study was gained via the University of the Sunshine Coast Human Research Ethics Committee (USC Ethics Approval No. Results The majority of participants (66.7%) described care provider actions and interactions as the traumatic element of their birth experience. Three themes were identified from the data: I was invisible and my consent and I was violated. Conclusion: Women's descriptions of traumatic childbirth revealed that the actions and interactions of care providers contributed to their experience of trauma.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that causes altered biochemistry, resulting in downstream neurotransmitter dysregulation. Left untreated, this will result in severe intellectual disability and substantial white matter loss in the developing brain. Treatment via medically prescribed diet has seen this population develop normally in terms of standard IQ scores. However, children with early and continuously treated PKU remain at elevated risk of developing executive function (EF) impairments. Over 10 years ago, Diamond first proposed these residual impairments may result from a low dopamine environment in the developing brain, caused by a high phenylalanine to tyrosine (phe:tyr) ratio. Few experimental studies have followed up this hypothesis, as the research agenda remains focussed on phenylalanine-only measures. Further, the routine screening of tyrosine levels in these patients is highly variable. This study aimed to analyse children's EF development longitudinally against their lifetime biochemistry to ascertain which biochemical markers were most strongly associated with poor EF across two critical time points in development (early childhood and early adolescence). 17 children with PKU were assessed in 2002 on a battery of neuropsychological tests. In 2009 these children were reassessed on a select number of tests that have since been shown to be particularly sensitive in detecting EF deficits in this population. In the 2009 study, parents also filled out two questionnaires assessing EF and mood (the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function and Children's Depression Inventory); questionnaire data related to both children with PKU and their siblings in 2009 to allow for a between groups comparison. Both phenylalanine and phe:tyr ratio were shown to be associated with global impairments. A high phe:tyr ratio (a precursor to dopamine impairment) was more strongly associated with the residual EF deficits that remain problematic for this population. Current treatment for PKU centres around phenylalanine control; there may be another mechanism via the phe:tyr ratio leading to dopamine deficiencies that better accounts for residual EF deficits in this population. Future treatment may need to incorporate phe:tyr control to protect the developing brain. This research furthers our understanding of the possible dopaminergic basis of EF development.