Tag Archives: Published article

An Ecosystemic Perspective on Trauma, Risk and Resilience in Autistic Children and Young People Attending Mainstream Schools (2025)

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Authors: Katy Bignold and Henry Wood-Downie
Published: 2025
Publication: Educational Psychology Research and Practice

This essay explores how use of an ecological systems model of resilience (Ungar & Theron, 2020) can help schools to minimise the risks and mitigate the impact of trauma in autistic children and young people. Autistic children and young people are at higher risk of experiencing adversity and trauma than the general population and may encounter, experience and process trauma differently to their neurotypical peers. Given the rising number of autistic children attending mainstream schools, it is vital that education professionals understand how schools can support through reducing risk and increasing resilience. The essay discusses risk and resilience with reference to the research literature. Neurodiversity-affirming practices and trauma-informed relational approaches are identified as improving children’s quality of life, helping them achieve personally important goals, and promoting connection and belonging, which is important for resilience. Interventions and approaches to help autistic children develop emotional regulation, self-efficacy skills, self-understanding and self-esteem will also contribute to resilience when delivered from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. Limitations in the current literature are acknowledged. Further research is urgently needed to explore the views and experiences of autistic people, and to evaluate school-based, trauma-informed, relational and neurodiversity-affirming approaches to building resilience in autistic children and young people. Research in both of these areas will be vital to inform the development of policy and practice at all levels of the ecosystem and improve outcomes for autistic children and young people.

Bignold, K. and Wood-Downie, H. (2025). An Ecosystemic Perspective on Trauma, Risk and Resilience in Autistic Children and Young People Attending Mainstream Schools. Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 11(2). https://doi.org/10.15123/61d7-jm30

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Understanding anxiety in autistic adolescents: The predictive role of interoceptive beliefs and insight (2026)

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Authors: Lauren Craik, Lisa Quadt, Matt Garner and Gaby Pfeifer
Published: 2026
Publication: Research in Autism

It is well-established that anxiety and sensory differences are common among autistic adolescents. Interoception has been increasingly studied in relation to anxiety, with alexithymia also considered due to its role in emotional processing and its higher prevalence in autistic populations. This study examined the relationships between interoception, alexithymia, and anxiety in 37 autistic adolescents. Participants completed questionnaires assessing autism traits, anxiety, alexithymia, and interoceptive beliefs, along with cardiac interoception tasks measuring interoceptive accuracy and insight. Correlation, regression, and moderated mediation analyses were conducted. Interoceptive beliefs reflecting autonomic reactivity (BPQ-ANSR) significantly predicted anxiety and remained the only interoceptive variable associated with anxiety in regression models. Interoceptive insight and heartbeat counting accuracy were both associated with alexithymia, although alexithymia did not predict anxiety and did not mediate the interoception–anxiety relationship. Moderated mediation analyses showed that autism traits amplified the direct effect of interoceptive beliefs on anxiety. These findings highlight the importance of considering subjective interoceptive beliefs, particularly those perceived as distressing, rather than focusing solely on objective accuracy. They further suggest that interoceptive-affective mismatches may initially manifest as alexithymia during adolescence, potentially serving as a precursor to later anxiety.

Lay summary

Autistic adolescents that reported greater attention to feelings from their autonomic nervous system (the system that controls processes in the body such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and breathing), but not generally from their bodies, also reported being more anxious. The other factors explored, namely participants’ accuracy at detecting their internal bodily signals and their reported difficulty identifying and understanding their emotions (alexithymia), were not associated with anxiety. However, adolescents who were more accurate at detecting their heartbeats, or more aware of their bodily signals, tended to report greater difficulty identifying and describing their emotions. While alexithymia was not linked to anxiety in this age group, these difficulties may play a role in emotional development and could contribute to anxiety later in life. We also found that autistic traits strengthened the link between distressing bodily sensations and anxiety.

Craik, L., Quadt, L., Garner, M. and Pfeifer, G. (2026). Understanding anxiety in autistic adolescents: The predictive role of interoceptive beliefs and insight. Research in Autism. 132 (2026) 202860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202860

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Exploring autistic females’ experiences of diagnosis in adolescence: What difficulties are faced during the post-diagnosis period and what support could be provided? (2025)

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Authors: Carla Tromans and Henry Wood-Downie
Published: 2025
Publication: Educational Psychology Research and Practice

Autism is increasingly recognised as under-diagnosed in females due to different symptom presentations. As a result, many females are not diagnosed until adolescence, a period that can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals. A new diagnosis may further challenge emotional wellbeing. Therefore, this narrative review explores the experiences of autistic girls diagnosed during adolescence, focusing on understanding the difficulties they face post-diagnosis. The research suggests that these difficulties occur at multiple levels: individual struggles with self-identity exist within a wider context of unhelpful treatment from others; stereotypical perceptions; and societal structures, policies and resources that do not provide adequate support. The review situates these difficulties within an ecological framework, highlighting how external factors influence individual experiences. Possible support strategies are explored within this framework. It is argued that wider change is needed to government policy, practices, and funding to prioritise development of societal infrastructures to better support autistic females.

Tromans, C. and Wood-Downie, H. 2025. Exploring autistic females’ experiences of diagnosis in adolescence: What difficulties are faced during the post-diagnosis period and what support could be provided? Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 11 (1), pp. 1-13. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.8z3zv

 

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The effectiveness of Nurture Groups at supporting social and emotional outcomes: a systematic review (2025)

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Authors: Bethan Jones, Henry Wood-Downie and Dennis Golm
Published: 2025
Publication: Children and Youth Services Review

Background Nurture Groups are a school-based attachment-focused intervention for young people with social and emotional, or mental health needs who may have experienced adversity. The aim of the current review was to systematically evaluate the evidence for Nurture group provision to improve social and emotional outcomes in children and young people across primary and secondary school settings.
Methods Studies were included if they had been published in a peer-reviewed journal, participants were children and young people of school age, the study design was quantitative, evaluating the effectiveness of a Nurture Group intervention and had at least one outcome measure related to social and emotional outcomes. Screening was conducted by the first author and a voluntary research assistant. Conflicts were resolved via discussion. A systematic search across six databases identified 14 studies for inclusion.
Results Findings suggest that Nurture Group provision is, overall, effective at improving pupils’ social and emotional outcomes. However, improvements were not found consistently across both sections of the Boxall Profile, the primary tool used to measure progress within Nurture Groups. Differential effects were also found in relation to some pupil-level characteristics, namely age, baseline score, and gender.
Discussion The findings highlighted the need to conduct further research to examine such factors, as well as to explore the possible mechanisms for change underlying Nurture Group provision.

Jones, B., Wood-Downie, H. & Golm, D. (2025). The effectiveness of Nurture Groups at supporting social and emotional outcomes: a systematic review. Children and Youth Services Review, 173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108278

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Ghosts within the educational machine: Are hidden young carers going with their needs unmet? (2024)

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Authors: Luisa Iacomelli and Cora Sargeant
Published: 2024
Publication: DECP Debate

Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health is a top priority for the Department of Education (DfE). Young carers (YCs) are a particularly vulnerable group in the community who are at increased risk of poor emotional wellbeing and absenteeism (Becker & Sempik, 2019; Kaiser & Schulze, 2015; Robison et al., 2020). In the UK, there is a statutory duty to identify these children, assess their needs and appropriately support them (DfE, 2014; Pickup, 2021). Several factors make it increasingly difficult to recognise YCs; these children are hidden, akin to ‘ghosts’ in the education system, with needs that become magnified by their invisibility. Research in the field highlights that intervention could be similarly effective for YCs and for children experiencing Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA), with successful intervention focusing on providing emotional support, tailored support plans, building trusting adult relationships and a sense of belonging at school (Chian, 2022; Seddon, 2024; Woolfson et al., 2006). Several implications are explored, and various recommendations are made for educational psychologists’ involvement, such as working on both a systemic and individual level to advocate for the YC. Gaining the voice of YCs is crucial to knowing how best to support them, and subsequently evoking change within educational policy.

Iacomelli, L. & Sargeant, C. (2024). Ghosts within the educational machine: Are hidden young carers going with their needs unmet?. DECP Debate, 189, 6-13. https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsdeb/1/189/6

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Adolescent Masculinity and Homophobic-Name-Calling: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2025)

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Authors: Ffion Davies, Cora Sargeant & Sarah Wright
Published: 2025
Publication: Educational and Child Psychology

Aims. Homophobic name-calling continues to be common in some schools and friendship groups and is often perceived as innocuous ‘banter’ among friends rather than homophobic bullying. Research suggests that homophobic-name-calling in adolescent friendship groups is used to police masculinity rather than sexuality and is used to enforce conformity to traditional gender norms. This paper seeks to further explore this phenomenon.
Method. This review is the first to quantitatively measure the relationship between masculinity and homophobic-name-calling in adolescents using a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis.
Findings. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between masculinity and homophobic-name-calling. Findings from the narrative synthesis indicate that several factors interact within this relationship, including peer groups and bullying.
Limitations. This is a comparatively small meta-analysis, due to the limited quantitative research in this field. Further, all but one of the studies included were conducted in the USA therefore it may be difficult to generalise findings.
Conclusions. Findings from this meta-analysis and narrative synthesise suggest there are two functions of homophobic-name-calling; the first being banter within peer groups and the second as a direct form of homophobic bullying. Importantly, both functions of homophobic-name-calling are rooted in the policing of masculinity.

Davies, F., Wright, S. & Sargeant, C. (2025). Adolescent Masculinity and Homophobic-Name-Calling: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Educational and Child Psychology, 42(2), 102-119. https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsecp.2025.42.2.102

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Times Tables Rock Stars: An Academic Critique (2024)

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Authors: Julia Thomson and Sarah Wright
Published: 2024
Publication: DECP Debate

Times Tables Rock Stars has become a popular digital intervention used in schools across the world. Through a mobile phone and tablet app schools can set homework and competitions in their school to encourage children to practice their times tables both during and outside of school. The app uses colourful characters and gamified incentives, such as the opportunity to earn coins, to engage pupils and keep them motivated in their times tables practice. In England Times Tables Rock Stars is marketed to primary schools in the context of the now statutory multiplication tables check (MTC) for pupils at the end of year four. Schools who sign up are able to access specific support in relation to the MTC, including a game within the app which mirrors the format of the MTC test. However, as yet there have not been any formal research studies exploring the effectiveness of Times Tables Rock Stars. Therefore, the following critique explores other research into similar digital interventions to start to address the question of whether Times Tables Rock Stars could be a useful intervention for increasing pupils’ multiplication tables fluency.

Thomson. J. & Wright, S. (2024). Times Tables Rock Stars: An Academic Critique. DECP Debate, 189, 14-25. https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsdeb.2024.1.189.14

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How can nature connectedness and behaviours for learning be deliberately developed in children, adolescents and young adults? A systematic literature review (2025)

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Authors: Nicole M. Harris, Brettany Hartwell, Louisa Thomas and Marcus Grace
Published: 2025
Publication: Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Background. Nature sustains lives, enhances well-being and benefits human populations in many ways. In a world dominated by human technology, the task of effectively reconnecting to and caring for nature is both urgent and vital. Evidence shows that many children and young people (CYP) feel increasingly disconnected from nature Schools and other settings could play a crucial role in promoting time spent in nature, potentially fostering nature connectedness (NC) and improving behaviours for learning (BFL).
Method. A systematic literature review was conducted to explore how NC can be developed in CYP through nature-based interventions and investigate their impact on BFL. Studies from settings working with CYP aged 0 to 29 were included, utilising quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
Results. A total of 22 studies from 2009–2023 were identified from ERIC, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Most were quantitative studies (n = 13) from the global north (n = 19), involving primary or secondary school-aged CYP. A variety of nature-based interventions were assessed, including hiking, surfing, gardening, and art-in-nature activities.
Conclusions. The review highlights numerous ways to develop NC in CYP, with many associated benefits for BFL. Areas of impact include social skills, self-regulation, attention, motivation, independence, and problem-solving. Effective activities included walking and reflecting in nature, sensory connections, and creative activities. Many of the interventions reviewed were not carried out by schools, nor did they take place on their grounds, perhaps due to limited access to green space and nature on their school site. This highlights a significant gap in the literature. Given the large range of interventions, ages of participants, and quality of the included studies, it is not possible to draw specific conclusions about the type of activities that may work best for specific age groups or types of setting.

Harris, N. M., Hartwell, B., Thomas, L. & Grace, M. (2025). How can nature connectedness and behaviours for learning be deliberately developed in children, adolescents and young adults? A systematic literature review Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 30(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12774

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Voices Unheard: How School Shapes Mental Health for Gender and Neurodiverse Youth (2025)

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Authors: Abigail Vines, Cora Sargeant and Sarah Wright
Published: 2025
Publication: Neurodiversity

Gender-diverse youth report significantly poorer mental health outcomes than other youth populations. Neurodiverse youth also report poorer mental health outcomes than their neurotypical peers. Research shows that school experience impacts these outcomes. However, this research has yet to explore how belonging to both populations affects mental health, particularly in school. Thus, this study sought to explore people’s experiences of being neuro- and gender diverse in school, and how these experiences impacted their mental health. This study also looked at what schools could do to support the mental health of this population. Interviews/focus groups were conducted with 12 people aged between 16 and 19 attending sixth forms, colleges, and universities across England. This age range was selected so that participants could reflect on their recent experiences of school. Reflexive thematic analysis developed four themes. Participants acknowledged that their school experiences were turbulent, because of the way others treated them, due to their identities. Participants did not feel understood and in turn, did not receive enough consistent and appropriate support, which negatively impacted mental health. However, participants also noted that understanding teachers, bespoke support, and representation all improved their mental health at school. Implications for educational professionals are also discussed.

Vines, A., Sargeant, C. & Wright, S. (2025). Voices Unheard: How School Shapes Mental Health for Gender and Neurodiverse Youth Neurodiversity, 3. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330251346881

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‘They’ll Know Loads More About Me’. Facilitating Self-Expression Through Digital Storytelling to Support Educational Transitions (2025)

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Authors: Sophie Brinsmead, Carys Deeley, Jessica Millington, Laura Pardoe, Hanna Kovshoff and Henry Wood-Downie
Published: 2025
Publication: European Journal of Education

The views of children with special educational needs and disabilities are frequently left out of educational decision-making processes. In recent years, researchers have sought to employ creative methods to facilitate children’s voices in areas of importance.One such area is transitions between educational settings, a significant time that has the potential for positive outcomes. One creative method of exploring children’s views of transitions is Digital Stories, a strength-based video methodology. The aim of this research was to explore ways that Digital Stories can be used to facilitate children’s voices at a time of transition. Interviews were conducted with three children and two members of staff at a pupil inclusion centre after they had co-created Digital Stories. The research provided a new contribution to the literature on Digital Stories by exploring children’s views of the process. Codebook thematic analysis resulted in four main themes: child as expert, self-expression, positive reflections and looking forward. Overall, children and staff were positive about the process of creating Digital Stories to support transition to new educational settings. Limitations, directions for future research and implications for professionals are discussed.

Brinsmead, S., Deeley, C., Millington, J., Pardoe, L., Kovshoff, H. & Wood-Downie, H. (2025). ‘They’ll Know Loads More About Me’. Facilitating Self-Expression Through Digital Storytelling to Support Educational Transitions European Journal of Education, 60(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.70058

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‘A Professional Obligation’ Exploring Current Practices of Educational Psychologists with gender diverse children and young people in the UK (2025)

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Authors: Gracie New-Brown, Sarah Wright and Cora Sargeant
Published: 2025
Publication: Educational and Child Psychology

Aims: The current study aimed to answer three research questions exploring what EP and trainee EPs (TEPs) are doing in their work with gender diverse CYP, what informs their practice, and what should be included in guidance moving forwards to support their practice. Method/Rationale: Educational psychologists (EPs) are ideally situated to support schools and school staff in their work with gender diverse children and young people but lack professional guidance informing this work, risking a diversity of approaches. Using a vignette as part of an online survey, the current study aimed to explore what EP and trainee EPs (TEPs) are doing in their work with gender diverse CYP, what informs their practice, and what should be included in guidance moving forwards to support their practice. Findings: Qualitative data from 75 EP/TEPs, were analysed using thematic analysis. The themes highlighted the large disparities in current EP practice with gender diverse CYP and the sense of uncertainty many have in this work, though their actions were informed by similar ideas such as psychology, research, and legislation. Limitations: The use of a vignette and self-selection inherent in a broad survey of this nature might have yielded a somewhat unrepresentative sample of EPs. Conclusions: The current study emphasises the considerable variation in practices adopted by EPs when working with gender diverse CYP and amplifies calls for professional guidance for EPs working with this community.

New-Brown, G., Wright, S., & Sargeant, C. (2025). ‘A professional obligation’: Exploring current practices of educational psychologists with gender diverse children and young people in the UK. Educational and Child Psychology, 42(1): 29-45. https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsecp/42/1/29

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An Exploration of Intersectionality and School Belonging in the Permanent Exclusion of Black Caribbean Boys in Schools in England: Implications for Educational Psychologists (2024)

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Authors: Anna Burnett and Henry Wood-Downie
Published: 2024
Publication: Educational and Child Psychology

Aims: Disproportionately high exclusion rates of Black Caribbean Boys (BCBs) in England are considered from a school belonging perspective, particularly as mediated through teacher relations. The vulnerabilities of this group are considered, with intersectionality suggested as a critical concept. Method/Rationale: BCBs are permanently excluded from schools in England at a rate three times higher than the general population. Permanent exclusion has been linked to a range of negative personal and socio-economic consequences, highlighting the need to address this disparity. School belonging mediates negative peer and parental influences and may be linked to school exclusion for some groups. Literature is reviewed considering belonging, linking belonginess threats to both pro-social and anti-social behaviour. The multi-dimensional nature of school belonging is noted. School belonging literature is reviewed, establishing the vital importance of teacher relationships. Evidence regarding BCB’s relationships with their teachers, often characterised by low expectations, differential treatment and racial bias, is considered. Findings: It is argued that these negative relational influences constitute belonginess threats for BCBs. It is hypothesised that these, along with increased belongingness sensitivity amongst some BCBs, can drive increased anti-social behaviour, in some cases leading to school exclusion. Limitations: This is a theoretical paper and further empirical research is needed into what constitutes school belonging for BCBs, whose lives are often impacted by various intersecting inequalities. Conclusions: Initiatives aiming to increase school belonging amongst BCBs, by improving their relationships with teachers, are suggested as a way of decreasing exclusions. A role for Educational Psychologists in supporting schools with evidence-based approaches to enhancing school belonging for this group is suggested.

Burnett, A., & Wood-Downie, H. (2024). An Exploration of Intersectionality and School Belonging in the Permanent Exclusion of Black Caribbean Boys in Schools in England: Implications for Educational Psychologists. Educational and Child Psychology, 41(2), 17-29.https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsecp.2024.41.2.17

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Navigating the landscape: Roles, perspectives, and experiences of psychologists supporting gender diverse children and young people in school settings (2023)

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Authors: Gracie New-Brown, Cora Sargeant and Sarah Wright
Published: 2023
Publication: International Journal of Transgender Health

Purpose. This review aimed to explore and synthesize the perspectives and experiences of school-based psychological professionals providing support to gender diverse CYP across the world, to foreground the voices of those with relevant experience and support future practice. Methods. A systematic review of five databases (PsychINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, SCOPUS and PROQUEST dissertations and theses) was performed between September and November 2022. Articles were included if they contained qualitative, primary research data representing the voice of at least one school-based psychological professional with experience working with gender diverse children and young people. Articles were excluded if they did not contain primary research data, were quantitative, related to non-school based psychologists or focussed on participant views in the absence of direct experience working with gender diverse pupils. Articles were thematically summarized and organized into a data extraction table. Results. Eighteen studies were identified for review, including 11 studies based in the USA, five in the UK, one in Australia and one in Cyprus. The voices of school-based professionals, including school counselors, school psychologists, trainee and qualified educational psychologists, were represented. The themes created highlighted the importance of the environment in which psychologists were working, the reliance on their own views and values to guide their work in the absence of clear guidance, the role psychologists saw they had to advocate for gender diverse CYP, as well as barriers and systems they were fighting against. Conclusion. The review highlighted the need for psychologists to advocate for gender diverse children and young people, in an often non-inclusive environment where there was a need to work systemically with schools. Future research is needed to explore young people’s experiences of the support that they are receiving and would like to receive.

New-Brown, G., Sargeant, C., & Wright, S. (2023). Navigating the landscape: Roles, perspectives, and experiences of psychologists supporting gender diverse children and young people in school settings. International Journal of Transgender Health, 25(1), 102–122. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2023.2291712

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Supporting behaviour and emotions in school: an exploration into school staff perspectives on the journey from punitive approaches to relational-based approaches (2024)

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Authors: Rebecca Jones, Jana Kreppner, Fiona Marsh and Brettany Hartwell
Published: 2024
Publication: Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

There are conflicting theories about the best ways to support behaviour in schools. This paper captures the perspectives of UK primary school staff regarding the advantages and disadvantages of different behaviour support approaches, in addition to exploring the facilitators and barriers to adopting relational-based approaches. Virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 school staff across three mainstream primary schools. A reflexive thematic analysis identified nine themes. Participants commented on the approaches’ flexibility, familiarity, positive long-term behaviour change and emotional wellbeing and relationships. Key facilitators to adopting relational-based approaches included: whole-school training and understanding; quality and type of training; and working together and feeling supported. Key barriers included: changing perspectives; ease of implementation and familiarity; scarcity of resources; and persevering in the face of difficulties. Themes are discussed in light of psychological research and implications for educational practitioners and future research are considered.

Jones, R., Kreppner, J., Marsh, F., & Hartwell, B. (2024) Supporting behaviour and emotions in school: an exploration into school staff perspectives on the journey from punitive approaches to relational-based approaches. Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 29(1–2), 82–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2024.2354021

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What role should schools play in the prevention of disordered eating in children and young people? (2024)

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Authors: Emma Woozley and Cora Sargeant
Published: 2024
Publication: DECP Debate

Whilst clinical eating disorders are relatively uncommon in children and young people, a much larger proportion are thought to experience subclinical difficulties with eating, termed ‘disordered eating’. Given that the issue is so widespread and many young people experiencing disordered eating do not meet the criteria for specialist eating disorder services, schools have a responsibility to work systemically to reduce the prevalence of these difficulties. Educators may be able to use some of the risk factors for disordered eating, including body dissatisfaction, parental pressure to lose weight, peer influence and internalisation of food rules, to inform preventative strategies. These strategies may include, but not be limited to, implementing curriculum changes such as teaching about body image and nutrition education in developmentally appropriate ways, as well as considering whole-school policy changes such as specifying weight-related victimisation in the school’s anti-bullying policy and deliberating the school’s involvement in national child weighing schemes. Taken together, schools have the potential to play a critical role in reducing disordered eating in children and young people. Educational psychologists are well-positioned to raise educators’ awareness of disordered eating and support senior leadership teams implement these preventative strategies in an evidence-informed way as well as considering the role disordered eating might play in their own casework.

Woozley, E. & Sargent, C.. (2024). What role should schools play in the prevention of disordered eating in children and young people? DECP Debate, 188, 9-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsdeb.2024.1.188.9

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What do measures of gender identity tell us about gender identity over time? (2024)

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Authors: Ellena Fisher, Sarah Wright and Cora Sargeant
Published: 2024
Publication: British Journal of Developmental Psychology

Gender identity is a multifaceted concept and is represented by a wide range of measures and constructs including both self-report and researcher observations of preferences and behaviours. However, despite their similar theoretical underpinning, gender identity measures are rarely found to correlate with one another, and contrasting patterns and trajectories are often found for each construct (Egan & Perry, Developmental Psychology, 37, 2001, 451). Therefore, this systematic review aimed to present a review of the longitudinal research evidence surrounding gender identity development in the absence of formal intervention. Using a systematic search strategy, 21 studies were identified. Narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the data collected in these studies and trajectories were explored for (1) self-identification measures of gender identity, (2) clothing preferences, (3) peer preferences, and (4) object/activity preferences. Overall, the results of this systematic review are consistent with wider research suggesting that distinct developmental patterns can be observed when using different constructs and measures of gender identity.

Fisher, E., Wright, S., & Sargeant, C. (2024) What do measures of gender identity tell us about gender identity over time? British Journal of Developmental Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1111/bjdp.12491

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Using Digital Stories for assessments and transition planning for autistic pre-school children (2021)

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Authors: Henry Wood-Downie, Verity Ward, Kathryn Ivil, Hanna Kovshoff and Sarah Parsons
Published: 2021
Publication: Educational and Child Psychology

Aims: ‘I am…’ Digital Stories are short videos designed to provide a holistic, strengths-based representation of the child through enabling them to contribute their perspectives to transition planning. Digital Stories have potential during periods in which professionals are unable to physically visit settings or spend time getting to know a child. This paper describes the use of Digital Stories in two contexts: (1) being shown at the beginning of person-centred planning meetings focusing on the transition to primary school; and (2) as a tool to support educational psychologists conducting Education, Health, and Care Needs Assessments for preschool children during Covid-19. Method: Data was collected via seven semi-structured interviews, 15 feedback forms, and videos of four meetings. Participants comprised six parents/carers, five nursery practitioners, three school staff members, and six educational psychologists. Thematic analysis resulted in five main themes: thinking differently; a wider conversation; more than words; seeing what they see; and potential barriers to making Digital Stories. Limitations: Children were not able to make their own Digital Stories, which could have influenced their representation within the videos, transition meetings and assessments. However, children’s body worn camera footage was included, enabling a perspective on their interactions and preferences that was closer to the child’s worldview than other observational methods. Conclusions: Digital Stories have a variety of benefits to practice, including being useful to educational psychologists during assessments, and have the potential to facilitate successful transitions from nursery to primary school.

Wood-Downie, H., Ward, V., Ivil, K., Kovshoff, H. & Parsons, S. (2021) Using Digital Stories for assessments and transition planning for autistic pre-school children. Educational and Child Psychology, 38(3), https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsecp.2021.38.3.62

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A Meta-Analysis Investigating the Association Between Metacognition and Math Performance in Adolescence (2022)

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Authors: Gemma Muncer, Philip A. Higham, Corentin J. Gosling, Samuele Cortese, Henry Wood-Downie and Julie A. Hadwin
Published: 2022
Publication: Educational Psychology Review

Poor math and numeracy skills are associated with a range of adverse outcomes, including reduced employability and poorer physical and mental health. Research has increasingly focused on understanding factors associated with the improvement of math skills in school. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis investigated the association between metacognition and math performance in adolescence (11–16-year-olds). A systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature (to 04.01.2020) highlighted 31 studies. The quantitative synthesis of 74 effect sizes from 29 of these studies (30 independent populations) indicated a significantly positive correlation between metacognition and math performance in adolescence (r = .37, 95% CI = [.29, .44], p < .001). There was significant heterogeneity between studies. Consideration of online (versus offline) measures of metacognition and more complex (versus simple) measures of math performance, and their combination, was associated with larger effect sizes; however, heterogeneity remained high for all analyses.

Muncer, G., Higham, P.A., Gosling, C.J. Cortese, S., Wood-Downie, H. & Hadwin, J. A. (2022) A Meta-Analysis Investigating the Association Between Metacognition and Math Performance in Adolescence. Educational Psychology Review, 34, 301–334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09620-x

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A systematic review and meta-analysis of sex differences in narrow constructs of restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests in autistic children, adolescents, and adults (2023)

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Authors: Hannah Edwards, Sarah Wright, Cora Sargeant, Samuele Cortese and Henry Wood-Downie
Published: 2023
Publication: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Background: Evidence that autism often manifests differently between males and females is growing, particularly in terms of social interaction and communication, but it is unclear if there are sex differences in restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests (RRBIs) when rigorously focusing on the narrow construct level (i.e., stereotyped behaviour, restricted interests, insistence on sameness, and/or sensory experiences). Methods: We conducted a systematic review and four random effects meta-analyses investigating sex differences in narrow construct measures of RRBIs in autistic children, adolescents, and adults (Prospero registration ID: CRD42021254221). Study quality was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results: Forty-six studies were narratively synthesised and 25 of these were included in four random effects meta-analyses. Results found that autistic males had significantly higher levels of stereotyped behaviours (SMD = 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.09, 0.33], p < .001) and restricted interests (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI [0.07, 0.29], p < .001) compared to autistic females. In contrast, there were no significant sex differences for sensory experiences (SMD = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.27, 0.09], p = .32) and insistence on sameness (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI [−0.03, 0.05], p = .68). The findings from the narrative synthesis were generally consistent with those from the meta-analyses and also found qualitative sex differences in the way RRBIs manifest. Conclusions: Our findings show significant differences in narrowly defined RRBIs in males and females. Practitioners need to be aware of such differences, which could be contributing to the under-recognition of autism in females and may not be captured by current diagnostic instruments.

Edwards, H., Wright, S., Sargeant, C., Cortese, S. & Wood-Downie, H. (2023) Research Review: A systematic review and meta-analysis of sex differences in narrow constructs of restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests in autistic children, adolescents, and adults. J Child Psychol Psychiatr, 65: 4-17. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13855

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Punitive behaviour management policies and practices in secondary schools: A systematic review of children and young people’s perceptions and experiences (2023)

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Authors: Rebecca Jones, Jana Kreppner, Fiona Marsh and Brettany Hartwell
Published: 2023
Publication: Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

Traditional in-school approaches focus on using consequences for managing pupil behaviour. Within published literature, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness and negative impact of punitive approaches. This systematic synthesis explores the perspectives of children and young people (CYP) in secondary schools on in-school punitive behaviour management policies and practices. Papers are evaluated using an adapted version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2019) and study findings are analysed using thematic synthesis. The findings highlight CYP’s thoughts on the fairness and consistency of punitive consequences, the impact of these on academic development and emotional wellbeing, and the limited long-term effectiveness of such approaches. CYP explain their need to feel listened to, understood and supported with their behaviour and emotions. Implications of these views for school staff, educational professionals and education policy makers are outlined.

Jones, R., Kreppner, J., Marsh, F. & Hartwell, B. (2023) Punitive behaviour management policies and practices in secondary schools: A systematic review of children and young people’s perceptions and experiences, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 28:2-3, 182-197, DOI: 10.1080/13632752.2023.2255403

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Exploring the impact of gender identity and stereotypes on secondary pupils’ computer science enrolment interest (2023)

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Authors: Eleanor Beck, Cora Sargeant and Sarah Wright
Published: 2023
Publication: International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology

There is an underrepresentation of women working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries. Initiatives to encourage greater diversity in STEM have been less successful in computer science. This research investigates whether identification with gender stereotypes (defined as the extent to which one identifies with stereotypical masculine or feminine traits) and other factors predict enrolment interest in computer science and whether stereotypical cues impact on these relationships. British secondary school students were shown either a stereotypical or a non-stereotypical computer science classroom and completed measures assessing their identification with gender stereotypes, enrolment interest, belonging, stereotype threat, self-efficacy and utility value. Femininity significantly predicted lower enrolment interest and this relationship appeared to be mediated by stereotype threat. This study extends previous research by showing that young peoples’ identification with gender stereotypes predicts enrolment interest to some degree. We highlight the need to challenge persistent stereotypes regarding who best ‘fits’ computer science.

Beck, E., Sargeant, C. & Wright, S. (2023) Exploring the impact of gender identity and stereotypes on secondary pupils’ computer science enrolment interest (2023). International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology, 15(1), 48–71.

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“If You’re Not Yourself, Who are You Going to be?” an Exploration of Gender and Sexuality Diverse Pupils Experiences of Visibility Management in School: A Systematic Literature Review (2023)

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Authors: Cleo Timney, Sarah Wright, and Cora Sargeant
Published: 2023
Publication: Journal of Homosexuality

Like all young people (YP), those who are gender and sexuality diverse (GSD) spend their youth exploring and discovering their identities; but unlike their peers, they must consider whether, how, and when to disclose their GSD identity to others in a dynamic process of visibility management (VM). At school, GSD YP actively test social reactions, interpret attitudes, and assess safety, ultimately seeking belonging as their authentic selves. Our systematic review explored findings from 16 qualitative studies capturing GSD YPs experiences of managing visibility in schools internationally. Data were thematically synthesized, and seven themes were constructed. The process of visibility management is fluid, a negotiation with social norms that GSD YP’s very existence transgresses. YP search for, and through activism actively shape, accepting environments in which they can safely be their authentic selves. GSD YP are actively asking school staff for help in creating open communities where all YP can find a place to belong, to fight to be visible. We offer some suggestions for how we might begin.

Timney, C., Wright, S. & Sargeant, C. (2023) “If You’re Not Yourself, Who are You Going to be?” an Exploration of Gender and Sexuality Diverse Pupils Experiences of Visibility Management in School: A Systematic Literature Review (2023). Journal of Homosexuality, DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2246616

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Precision Teaching for maths: An academic critique (2023)

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Authors: Nicole Harris and Sarah Wright
Published: 2023
Publication: DECP Debate

This critique briefly summarises the evolution of the Precision Teaching (PT) approach, exploring what PT is, who it can be used with and its theoretical underpinnings. The results of a systematic literature search exploring the question ‘Is Precision Teaching effective at improving maths skills in school aged children and
young people?’ are then discussed. Based on the five publications reviewed, the interventions that involved PT generally showed greater performance gains than the control or comparison group. Given the highly specific conditions of these interventions however, it is not possible to generalise the intervention effects beyond these studies. It must therefore be concluded that based on these five papers, it is not possible to say whether PT is an effective way to support maths skills. The implications for professional practice suggest a need to establish an evidence base, built around formalised and structured evaluations of PT, that use a control or comparison group. It is suggested that more teachers be involved in this process rather than it being the role of academics. This would enable teachers and Educational Psychologists to speak with more certainty of the efficacy of PT at improving maths skills in school aged children and young people.

This is a pre-publication version of the following article:

Harris, N. & Wright, S. (2023) Precision Teaching for maths: An academic critique (2023). DECP Debate, 186, 6-17. DOI: 10.53841/bpsdeb.2023.1.186.6

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How to tackle poor teacher wellbeing for primary school teachers in England? Strategies to enhance teacher wellbeing and work conditions in teaching practice. (2023)

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Authors: Sukhjagat Brar and Cora Sargeant
Published: 2023
Publication: DECP Debate

This paper draws on Positive Psychology (Seligman, 2010) and attention to the Finnish context to explore ways of improving teacher wellbeing among primary schools in England.

This is a pre-publication version of the following article:

Brar, S. & Sargeant, C. (2023) How to tackle poor teacher wellbeing for primary school teachers in England? Strategies to enhance teacher wellbeing and work conditions in teaching practice. DECP Debate, 185, 7-14. DOI: 10.53841/bpsdeb.2023.1.185.7

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Does Reading Aloud to a Dog Improve Children’s Reading Outcomes? An Academic Critique (2023)

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Authors: Jenny Gu and Sarah Wright
Published: 2023
Publication: DECP Debate

Educators are increasingly seeking innovative interventions to improve children’s reading skills through enhancing their reading enjoyment, motivation, and frequency. One such approach is through canine-assisted reading interventions in schools, which involve children reading aloud to therapy dogs and their handlers. The popularity of this approach is growing, with the development and delivery of numerous programmes and organisations worldwide. Given increasing interest in canine-assisted reading programmes in schools, there is a need to subject these interventions to scientific scrutiny, to evaluate the extent to which they are grounded in psychological theory, determine their efficacy for improving reading outcomes, and inform their implementation. In this critique, an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of reading aloud to dogs is first presented. Intervention effects are explained in terms of attachment theory, attentional control theory, and self-determination theory. The current critique also includes the first systematic review examining the effects of school-based canine-assisted interventions, compared to control conditions, on children’s reading outcomes. Findings from nine controlled studies are discussed. Currently, there is mixed and limited evidence for the efficacy of school-based canine-assisted reading interventions, compared to control conditions, on children’s reading skills, attainment, and attitude. Implications for practice and intervention implementation are considered.

This is a pre-publication version of the following article:

Gu, J. & Wright, S. (2023) Does Reading Aloud to a Dog Improve Children’s Reading Outcomes? An Academic Critique DECP Debate, 185, 22-41. DOI: 10.53841/bpsdeb.2023.1.185.22

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Teachers’ beliefs: How they shape the support offered to trans-spectrum young people (2023)

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Authors: Beckett Markland, Cora Sargeant and Sarah Wright
Published: 2023
Publication: Teaching and Teacher Education

Focus groups and an individual interview were carried out with 15 secondary school teachers in South East England, exploring their beliefs regarding gender identity and how this influences the support offered to trans-spectrum young people. Through a process of reflexive thematic analysis, six themes were developed, indicating that lack of confidence, fears of community resistance and implicitly held views of gender identity underscored a hesitancy in teachers’ practice. However, teachers expressed a strong desire to develop their knowledge and through reflection within their focus group or interview, began to construct ideas of how to be inclusive in their work.

Click here to visit the web page from which this edition of the journal can be downloaded (open access).

Markland, B., Sargeant, C., & Wright, S. (2023) Teachers’ beliefs: How they shape the support offered to trans-spectrum young people. Teaching and Teacher Education, 124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104019

What can Teachers do to Challenge Heteronormativity? A Systematic Literature Review (2022)

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Authors: : Beckett Markland, Cora Sargeant and Sarah Wright
Published: 2022
Publication: Psychology of Sexualities Review

Research indicates there is a gap between teachers’ positive beliefs about LGBTQ+ inclusive education and how they demonstrate this in practice. Teachers often feel limited in their capacity to implement inclusive practices, constrained by dominant heteronormative narratives in schools. Through a three-stage thematic synthesis approach, a review was conducted to explore: what can teachers do to challenge heteronormativity? The developed themes indicate that teachers can work strategically within their community context, integrate non-normative representations throughout the curriculum, role model inclusivity and acts of social justice, and facilitate a co-constructive learning environment. These themes are discussed in the context of facilitators and barriers around LGBTQ+ inclusive education, leading to a discussion of implications relevant to educators across a range of settings.

This is a pre-publication version of the following article:

Markland, B., Sargeant, C. & Wright, S. (2022) What can Teachers do to Challenge Heteronormativity? A Systematic Literature Review. Psychology of Sexualities Review, 13(1), 43-68.

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How the implementation of a secondary school nurture group relates to whole-school approaches and ethos: a case study (2022)

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Authors: Karen O’Farrell, Larissa Cunningham, Brettany Hartwell and Jana Kreppner
Published: 2022
Publication: The International Journal of Nurture in Education

Nurture Groups (NGs) have been widely implemented with vulnerable young people in mainstream primary schools to support the development of secure relationships and so promote a sense of wellbeing and readiness for learning. Success of the intervention within the primary school environment has led to increasing interest in the applicability of NGs to secondary schools. Within this single-school case study, the experiences and perceptions of NG and non-NG pupils and school staff were explored through individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Thematic analysis of the data produced three main themes and nine subthemes, developed across the three stakeholder groups. Findings suggested that the successful implementation of secondary NGs is related to whole-school approaches and ethos. Secondary NGs can provide extensive support for vulnerable pupils and support a positive approach to whole-school wellbeing. Recommendations for developing secondary NG practice include: embedding NG practice into whole-school culture, adopting a more flexible approach to how NGs are organised and how they operate, and considering the particular needs of Year 11 pupils

Click here to visit the web page from which this edition of the journal can be downloaded (open access).

O’Farrell, K., Cunningham, L., Hartwell, B. & Kreppner, J. (2022) How the implementation of a secondary school nurture group relates to whole-school approaches and ethos: a case study. The International Journal of Nurture in Education, 8, 48-66.

Flipped learning in secondary school mathematics- is it worth the flip? (2021)

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Authors: Hannah Edwards and Sarah Wright
Published: 2021
Publication: DECP Debate

There is a growing argument that the traditional method of teaching maths is ineffective at developing fluent and adaptive mathematical skills (Boaler et al., 2015; Weiss & Pasley, 2004), resulting in disengaged and dissatisfied students (Boaler et al., 2015; Brown et al., 2008; Clark, 2015; Nardi & Steward, 2003). Flipped learning provides an alternative pedagogy, whereby digital instructional content is digested by students before lessons, freeing-up in-class time for more engagement with teachers and peers on real-life maths problems, promoting higher-level thinking skills (Bergmann & Sams, 2012). In this critique, theories underpinning flipped learning are described and a systematic search of the evidence-base exploring the effectiveness of flipped learning as a maths pedagogy for students aged 11-16 years is conducted and reviewed. Implications for using flipped learning in educational practice are discussed, including implications following the COVID-19 pandemic. With education experiencing unprecedented challenges since 2020 due to national lockdowns, increased student and teacher self-isolation, and reduced time in the classroom, the potential of flipped learning is considered as an alternative or additional supplement to traditional maths teaching.

This is a pre-publication version of the following article:

Edwards, H. & Wright, S. (2021) Flipped learning in secondary school mathematics- is it worth the flip? DECP Debate, 179, 7-15.

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Tree of Life: A Tool for Therapeutic Growth? (2021)

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Author: Husna Kasmani
Published: 2021
Publication: Educational Psychology Research and Practice

This paper presents a review of the Tree of Life (ToL) — a strengths-based tool rooted in narrative therapy — as an intervention for children and young people (CYP). Originally developed to support vulnerable young people in Zimbabwe, ToL is now used to support children and adults in many countries and contexts across the world. This paper discusses key aspects of the tool, evaluates the evidence base of ToL with young people, shares the views of CYP and parents, and suggests implications for schools and educational psychology practice in the UK.

Kasmani, H. 2021. Tree of Life: A Tool for Therapeutic Growth? Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 7 (1), pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.899yx

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