This chapter considers the relevance of postcolonialism to the discipline of ‘international relations’ (IR). It argues that postcolonialism advances a powerful critique of traditional approaches to IR (see chapters on realism and liberalism) since it calls into question the discipline’s foundational ontological and epistemological assumptions. In particular, it challenges the dominant assumption that states are the basic units of IR and that we should examine the relations between these units in the context of an anarchical system. Postcolonialism refocuses our attention on the constitutive role played by colonialism in the creation of the modern world and sees international relations as hierarchical rather than anarchical. It sees academic disciplines such as IR – and Western rationalist, humanist and universalist modes of thinking in general – as complicit in reproducing colonial power relations and seeks normatively to resist practices of colonialism in its material and ideational forms, whether political, economic or cultural.

This chapter seeks to promote both awareness and understanding of anxiety-based conditions that many older people experience in acute settings and in evidence-based medical and psychosocial interventions that support recovery.

The chapter begins by exploring and identifying the conditions, difficulties, and circumstances that give rise to anxiety in hospitalised older people. This is followed by a description of common anxiety types, their symptomatic presentation, and ther causes. The chapter goes on to explore those evidence-based medical and psychosocial treatment interventions that promote recovery and adjustment

Starting off substantive engagement with Sun Tzu with a focus on calculation serves a positive purpose. It is a way of emphasizing to contemporary audiences that there is more to Sun Tzu than being tricky or unorthodox – the strands of his way of war that readers, at least Western ones, widely note and often lionize. In present usage, the umbrella term “calculation” is intended to serve as a flexible rubric capable of covering intendedly rational judgments of more than one kind, many intuitive, others more formally structured.

This chapter reflects on the psychological, physical consequences of sexual violence in and beyond Othello—in contemporary times. I argue that the white identity formation process, and allegiance to its ideals, inherently impedes racial equality; the process itself works to reiterate white superiority. This is evident as I apply the intraracial color-line mainly to readings of Iago, the play’s most visible and vocal white other. In conjunction with readings of Othello, I look back at the transatlantic slave trade and examine the trajectory of white violence that has led to Black silence and the de-victimization of Black boys and men, which is one of many reasons psychologists suggest Black males are not always heard, much like Othello, when it comes to their experiences with sexual and non-sexual violence. With historical examples in mind, I return to Shakespeare’s canon to reflect on how early modern texts amplify the “white voice.”

Written by a multidisciplinary team of experienced clinicians, this chapter provides the reader with an initial outline of some of the complex psychological mechanisms which underlie or can give rise to violence, such as trauma, problems with attachment and failure to develop a capacity to mentalise, as well as pointers for a wider review of the literature. This is followed by an overview of the range of current evidence-based psychological interventions and therapies available for the prevention and management of violence. Importantly, whilst their approach may differ, they all make use of the therapeutic relationship as an agent for change. The interventions include anger management, positive behavioural support, mentalisation-based techniques, application of a psychoanalytic perspective, family or systemic therapy, help with work experience, education and addressing substance misuse. This chapter will be of interest to professionals in a variety of settings who would like to find out more about how they can make sense of and try to prevent and reduce violence, as well as to patients, carers and the wider public.

Autonomy is the concept of self-rule, or the ability to control our personal choices. This chapter starts with a discussion of the dubious practice of selling herbal weight-loss products and asks whether regulations should try to protect consumers from making bad choices or if buyers should be solely in control of their own decisions. Advertising can be a challenge to autonomy, especially if it misleads or manipulates by triggering unreflective psychological dynamics, and capitalism relies on consumers being informed and able to make voluntary choices. The challenges posed by internet commerce are also discussed. The morality of workplace restrictions on individuals is examined, as well as the challenges of intrusive psychological testing and reduced barriers between professional and private lives. Whistleblowing is also introduced as emblematic of the tension between individual values and loyalty to a company. The concluding case examines the Wells Fargo banking scandal where customers were unaware of accounts opened in their name and the firm coerced employees to act against their best moral judgment.

Extraordinary reproductive technologies are continuing to evolve for people needing medical assistance to have a child, which are replete with complex psychosocial issues. Optimal patient care involves the collaboration of numerous healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, laboratory scientists, administrative staff, as well as counselors) working together to provide reproductive medical services. This chapter provides a biopsychosocial model for the medical and psychosocial assessment and treatment of individuals and couples seeking reproductive medical assistance. Beginning with an overview of infertility and reproductive physiology/pathophysiology, evaluation and treatment are discussed from a collaborative perspective of medical and psychosocial management. All aspects of reproductive medical care are presented from the lifestyle choices to assisted reproductive technologies including IVF, gamete donation and gestational surrogacy. The complex psychological challenges of patients dealing with significant medical conditions and the consequences of invasive medical procedures, coupled with treatment failures and loss are examined. In addition, a collaborative approach to decision-making in treatment and family building alternatives is discussed. The chapter also serves as a springboard to topics in the second edition of Fertility Counseling covering therapeutic approaches, assessment and preparation in assisted reproduction, addressing the needs of diverse of populations, practice issues, and special topics on pregnancy loss, reproductive trauma and resiliency, postpartum adjustment, and the pregnant therapist.

Forensic mental health is the interface between mental disorder and the courts and embraces a wide range of risk and clinical need assessments related to medical, psychological and social therapies. This chapter describes the nature and purposes of forensic mental health assessments in different settings (community, prison, hospital) and at different stages in mentally disordered offenders’ pathways to recovery (assessments at court, inpatient treatment, imprisonment and transitions to the community). It sets out assessment aims and the methods used to address these; outlines the main forensic mental health diagnostic systems (DSM-V and ICD-10); and overviews the complementary uses of systematic file review, clinical interviews, behavioural observations, psychometric assessments, structured professional judgement tools and mental disorder diagnoses. It illustrates the interplay between all these issues with two composite case studies at two stages of the individual’s progress, namely at court and at the transition from secure care to the community.

Key Learning Points

1. 1. Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) affects between 40 and 60 per cent of critical illness survivors, and manifests as new impairments of cognitive, psychological and/or physical function.

2. 2. Major risk factors for PICS include >72 hours of mechanical ventilation, prolonged ICU delirium, maternal/obstetric critical illness and baseline physical and mental health co-morbidities.

3. 3. The typical service model of follow-up care includes a face-to-face outpatient review approximately 2–3 months following discharge home, with follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months where required.

4. 4. Physical, cognitive, psychological and global clinical outcomes should be evaluated using domain-specific tools and assessments.

5. 5. Critical care recovery clinics provide an important opportunity to reconnect with patients and ‘re-humanise’ the ICU care delivered.

Asthma is increasing in prevalence in school-aged children. Causes for it include psychological triggers such as anxiety, stress, and depression. Interventions that are derived from education and psychology appear promising for symptom reduction. These treatments include written emotional expression, relaxation and guided imagery, gratitude exercises, mindfulness, and yoga, amongst others. This chapter reviews the myriad causes and treatments for childhood asthma.