Egocentric Social Network Analysis Research Articles

When perceived similarity overrides demographic similarity: examining influences on STEM students’ developmental mentor networks

BackgroundWhile dyadic faculty–mentored relationship research currently saturates the mentoring literature, recent developments suggest the need for a broader consideration of a student's mentor network. Research taking a network approach may provide deeper insights into the formation and benefits of mentorship for undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Utilizing Developmental Mentor Network Theory and ego-centric social network analysis, this pre-registered study evaluates how the characteristics of mentees and mentors relate to both the content of support and structure of mentor networks in a large sample of White and Hispanic/Latino(a) STEM undergraduates across 12 universities.ResultsResults were nuanced but showed that perceived psychological similarity with their mentor(s) predicted both dyadic and network average levels of mentor support (i.e., psychosocial, career, role modeling) and relational satisfaction. Furthermore, results point to homophily and engagement in undergraduate research effects on mentor network structures.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of using a network approach to deepen our understanding of the factors (e.g., psychological similarity) that may influence the formation and maintenance of robust and diverse supportive mentoring networks.

Social associations and alcohol consumption in an Australian community sample: An egocentric social network analysis.

This study examined how social associations from a person's social network may be associated with their own alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption behavior was examined among the social networks of 784 survey respondents (54% female, Mage = 35.3 years), using egocentric social network analysis. Participants (egos) were recruited via a panel aggregator and completed an online survey about the frequency of their alcohol consumption and that of the 20 most influential people in their lives (alters). The survey also explored who these alters were (family, friends, work colleagues) and the interrelationships among these alters. Egos who consumed alcohol, or consumed alcohol more frequently, were surrounded by more alters who also drank alcohol and felt closer (had stronger ties) to these alters. These relationships remained statistically significant when controlling for demographic and other variables. The social networks of those who consumed alcohol more frequently were more densely intertwined. Alcohol may serve to initiate social connections and be a "social glue" that reinforces relationships. These strong social associations present a potential barrier to individuals who wish to reduce their alcohol consumption because they have few close social connections who do not drink alcohol (or who do so infrequently), and their highly interconnected social networks make it difficult to socialize only with those who do not drink frequently. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The contribution of strong and weak ties to resilience: The case of small-scale maize farming systems in Mexico

CONTEXTThe relevance of social interactions (social ties) to farming systems' resilience is widely recognized. However, controversies exist around the contribution that farmers interacting with external actors (weak/bridging ties) versus with other farmers (strong/bonding ties) have in their resilience strategies through innovation. Farmers use different strategies to respond to their farming systems and contexts' particularities. Comparing the contribution of both strong and weak ties in different farming systems brings variety in resilience strategies. OBJECTIVETo generate evidence of the complementary contribution of social ties to resilience by comparing indexes associated with strong and weak ties from innovation networks of different farm types. METHODSThis paper applies an ego-centric social network analysis to farm units characterized by a farm typology to compare their strong/bonding and weak/binding ties contribution to innovation networks. It uses data from 29,796 farm units of maize smallholders in different regions from Central and Southern Mexico covering the gradient from commercial to subsistence farming. The analysis estimates two indexes based on actors' similarity/dissimilarity, that are External and Internal and Specialization Indexes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur findings quantify differential contributions of strong versus weak ties to resilience strategies associated with innovation networks among different types of small-scale maize farmers. They demonstrate how differences among five farm types regarding farm resources access, maize production systems and farmers' social attributes influence their innovation networks. A gradient exists between farm types in their innovation network indexes regarding the contribution of strong versus weak ties. Commercial farmers, as the winners of the modernization process, have better access to resources and establish a wider variety of relationships with weak ties. However, interactions with other farmers are essential for technology adoption. In contrast, weak ties represented by institutions have a minor participation in innovation networks of diversified income and subsistence farm units. Strong ties dominate these farm types producing maize for consumption as part of their persistence strategies. Low-mechanized and elder family farm types, affected by geographic remoteness and population ageing processes, represent intermediate points in the gradient of farm resources and network indexes. SIGNIFICANCEJointly farm typology and social network approaches open new avenues to enhance farming system resilience. These approaches show how farmers establish their social interactions for innovation, creating specific combinations of strong and weak ties that are farm type specific. Diverse resilience strategies appear from these combinations involving not only adaptation but also persistence strategies that require further exploration.

Validation of interaction-based egocentric elicitation using ecological momentary assessment with young adults currently or formerly homeless

IntroductionSocial network changes are common as individuals transition from homeless to Supportive Housing. Egocentric approaches to elicit network members have been utilized with young adults experiencing homelessness to better understand such socio-environmental contexts; however, such approaches are subject to recall bias. Momentary measurements of one’s social network via Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) can support in understanding the accuracy of egocentric elicitation methods. ObjectiveTo examine who is elicited using an interaction-based approach in egocentric social network analysis among currently homeless and formerly homeless young adults residing in Supportive Housing and explore which alters are reported in interactions and how often are they reported when egocentric network analysis is embedded in EMA. MethodsThe present study utilizes interaction-based elicitation embedded within Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in two sub-samples: currently homeless young adults (n = 72) and formerly homeless young adults residing in Supportive Housing (n = 118). ResultsMost egos interacted with three of their top five alters, while only 8.9% interacted with all five. Conversely, only 2% of egos reported that they did not interact with any of their top five. Several differences in alter characteristics were identified by housing status. Alters indicated as being more supportive are elicited first and alters elicited first are interacted with the most. ConclusionsEMA findings suggest that a cross-sectional social network survey of top five alters will results in an ordered list, with the most important/frequent alter being named first and trend downward. Results have implications for future study design involving egocentric network analyses. Present findings indicate qualities of alters present and thus, offer plausible “best practices” when utilizing network elicitation methods, particularly interaction-based methods.

INFORMAL CAREGIVING NETWORKS FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA SUPERIMPOSED ON COMPLEX MULTIMORBIDITY

Abstract Informal caregiving research has focused on the primary caregiver and caregiver-patient dyad. Thus, we know little about caregiving beyond the dyadic relationship. This study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of informal caregiving networks for individuals with dementia superimposed on complex multimorbidity. We used egocentric social network analysis to obtain caregiving information of 46 patients with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, 5 chronic conditions on average, and undergoing hemodialysis (4.3 mean years). Most patients (n=35, 77.8%) were Black, 22 (47.8%) male, and mean age of 73.9 years. Starting with the primary family caregiver (FCG), up to 2 additional FCGs were recruited for each patient, totaling 76 FCGs (46 primary, 30 non-primary). Most were a child of the patient (n=39, 51.3%), female (n=57, 75%), and 54.2 years of age. Of the 46 networks, 16 (35%) included only one FCG (singletons). Multimember networks (n=30, 65%) provided longer caregiving than singletons (7.7 vs 3.8 years, p=0.008). Average network size was 2.8, and 26 (54.5%) networks had at least one male caregiver. Among the 30 multimember networks, average size was 3.8, density (proportion of possible ties) was 0.9, and mean degree and maximum degree (number of ties per member to other network members) were 2.5 and 2.8, respectively. Higher mean and maximum degrees were associated with fewer 12-month patient hospitalizations (r=-0.47, p=0.01; r=-0.43, p=0.02, respectively). Including additional caregiver informants significantly increased network size, ties and maximum degree centrality compared to those based on primary caregiver only, allowing for fuller network description.

Volunteer-Based Social Support Structures and Program Exposure Outcomes in an Adolescent Young Adult Palliative Care Peer Support Program.

Objective: To conduct a social network analysis (SNA) of patient-volunteer networks and assess the impact of patient characteristics on network measures. Background: Volunteers play a critical role in providing peer support to adolescent and young adult (AYA) palliative care patients. Streetlight at UF Health is a peer support palliative care program for hospitalized AYAs that aims at forming positive peer relationships through volunteer visits, events, and a virtual online health community. Methods: Data were collected on patient characteristics, hospitalizations, average length of stays (LOS), and volunteer visitation records. Egocentric SNAs were conducted on each patient to calculate network outcomes. Study participants were AYA patients (N = 69), enrolled in the US-based Streetlight program at UF Health Shands Hospital. Results: The LOS was significantly associated with network size (B = 0.583; 95% confidence interval; CI [0.463 to 0.702]). Autoimmune patients had smaller network sizes when controlling for LOS. Total hospital admissions predicted - 0.172 ([- 0.263 to - 0.080]) lower average repeat visits. Higher average repeat visits were predicted for patients who had cancer (B = 0.246 [0.046 to 0.447]) and awaiting organ transplantation (B = 0.370 [0.082 to 0.658]). Although cystic fibrosis patients received more visits (B = 0.364 [0.003 to 0.724]) compared with other illness populations, the network density was lower (B = - 0.580 [1.01 to - 0.155]). Cancer patients had networks with a higher diversity in volunteer repeat visits (B = 0.714 [0.312 to 0.920]). Conclusions: Significant relationships between patient characteristics and network outcomes highlight the differences in social support service delivery among diverse populations. These analyses can be utilized in practice to guide program delivery for high-need patients.

30. Examining and Characterizing Adolescent-Adult Social Networks, Attitudes Towards Violence and Retaliation, and Violence Exposure

Social network-based studies demonstrate that peer connections influence youth violence, yet less is known about the influence of adolescent-adult networks on violence exposure and involvement. This egocentric social network analysis examined adolescent-adult support networks, youths’ and adults’ attitudes towards violence and retaliation (ATVR), and youth violence exposure.

Egocentric Networks and HIV in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Attending Antenatal Care in Lusaka, Zambia

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a disproportionate effect on pregnant and breastfeeding women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study used egocentric social network analysis (SNA) to compare the social and sexual networks of HIV-negative and HIV-positive women attending an antenatal care (ANC) clinic in Lusaka, Zambia. In order to assess risk and protective factors for HIV acquisition and transmission, variables included self (ego) sociodemographic characteristics, main partner characteristics, features of the relationship between ego and her main partner, alter attributes, alter-ego ties, and alter-alter ties. Associations between the independent variables and ego HIV status were identified using bivariate tests. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between predictors and ego HIV status when multiple variables were included in the same model. Overall, 219 participating women (69 HIV-positive, 150 HIV-negative) nominated 1095 alters. Compared to HIV-negative egos, HIV-positive egos were older, had main partners who were more likely to consume alcohol before sex, disclosed their HIV status to fewer alters, had fewer alters with whom they had daily interactions, and had more alters who were HIV-positive or HIV-unknown. Number of alters who were HIV-positive or HIV-unknown and non-disclosure of HIV status were the greatest risks (with the effect of HIV-positive or HIV-unknown being of a slightly greater magnitude than non-disclosure of HIV status), which places breastfeeding women, their partners and their infants at risk of preventable HIV infection.

Reproductive health decision making among nomadic pastoralists in North Eastern Kenya: a qualitative social network analysis

BackgroundTo our knowledge, no studies exist on the influence of nomadic pastoralist women’s networks on their reproductive and sexual health (RSH), including uptake of modern family planning (FP).MethodsUsing name generator questions, we carried out qualitative egocentric social network analysis (SNA) to explore the networks of four women. Networks were analyzed in R, visuals created in Visone and a framework approach used for the qualitative data.ResultsWomen named 10–12 individuals. Husbands were key in RSH decisions and never supported modern FP use. Women were unsure who supported their use of modern FP and we found evidence for a norm against it within their networks.ConclusionsEgocentric SNA proves valuable to exploring RSH reference groups, particularly where there exists little prior research. Pastoralist women’s networks likely change as a result of migration and conflict; however, husbands make RSH decisions and mothers and female neighbors provide key support in broader RSH issues. Interventions to increase awareness of modern FP should engage with women’s wider networks.

Consider the context: An analysis of personal social networks of caregivers of children participating in a paediatric weight management program.

Social networks influence the health and well-being of children and families. This study aimed to identify and understand the social networks of caregivers of children participating in the KidFit Health and Wellness Clinic, a paediatric weight management program. An egocentric social network analysis was used. Caregivers with children enrolled in KidFit participated in semi-structured interviews by completing a personal network map and discussing the individuals in their social networks and their influence on them and their family. Twenty-two caregivers (90.9% mothers) completed the interview. Four structural patterns were identified within the networks: existence of a core, star-shaped network, well-connected network and existence of multiple clusters. Healthcare providers and family had the most influence within the caregivers' networks. With the exception of healthcare providers, individuals who communicated less frequently with caregivers tended to have less influence on caregivers. Internet resources, activity-related resources and social media were the top three services, resources or supports that caregivers reported accessing. It is important that practitioners working with children and families within paediatric settings recognize the unique sociocultural context of each family. Reconceptualising a care model that includes community and incorporates services, supports and resources beyond the clinic could enhance treatment.

Broadening the perspective on youth's systems of support: An ecological examination of supportive peer and adult relationships during adolescence.

This study applies the theory of positive youth development (Lerner et al., 2010) and the youth systems framework (Varga & Zaff, 2018) to the examination of supportive peer and adult relationships across multiple contexts in which youth develop. Results of egocentric social network analysis indicated that high school-aged youth nominated significantly more adults than middle school-aged youth. Peers and adults both acted as important sources of support, although often the types of support they offer differ. Outdegree centrality of peers was a significant predictor of character. The size of a participant's youth system, measured as the number of contexts accessed, along with average closeness in adult relationships, was a significant predictor of contribution. Thematic analysis of interview data identified four themes, aligned with the five actions of developmental relationships, as contributing factors to youth-adultcloseness and youth perceptions of support (Pekel et al., 2018). Implications for youth-adultrelationships are discussed.

Psychosocial factors affecting sleep misperception in middle-aged community-dwelling adults.

Sleep misperception has long been a major issue in the field of insomnia research. Most studies of sleep misperception examine sleep underestimation by comparing the results of polysomnography conducted in a laboratory environment with patients’ sleep diary entries. We aimed to investigate psychosocial characteristics of adults who underestimated or overestimated sleep time in a nonclinical, middle-aged community-dwelling population. We collected one week of sleep data with wrist-worn accelerometers. We used egocentric social network analysis to analyze the effects of psychosocial factors. Among 4,060 study participants, 922 completed the accelerometer substudy. Underestimation was defined as an accelerometer-measured sleep time ≥ 6 h and a subjective sleep time < 6 h. Overestimation was defined as an objective sleep time < 6 h and a subjective sleep time ≥ 6 h. Psychosocial characteristics of the sleep misperception group were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. A total of 47 participants underestimated sleep time, and 420 overestimated sleep time. Regression analysis revealed that women, living with spouse, economic satisfaction, and bridging potential had protective effects against sleep underestimation. Blame from a spouse involved a 3.8-times higher risk of underestimation than the control group (p = 0.002). In men, discussing concerns with a spouse had a protective effect against underestimation (p < 0.001). Economic satisfaction, feeling social network-based intimacy, and support from a spouse were associated with overestimation in women. In men, feeling social network-based intimacy was also associated with overestimation (p < 0.001). We found that social relationship quality was related to sleep overestimation and underestimation. This association was marked in women. Good social relationships may have positive effects on sleep misperception via attenuation of negative emotional reactions and effects on emotional regulation.

Modeling social network influence on hurricane evacuation decision consistency and sharing capacity

Evacuations in major disasters such as hurricanes involve complex decision-making and depend on several interrelated factors. Mass evacuation created traffic gridlocks with hours of added travel time in previous hurricane evacuations. To leverage this, shared mobility as an alternative evacuation strategy can ensure compliance to evacuation orders. Besides, previous evacuation studies examined evacuation decision-making for a given hurricane, however the empirical literature is inconclusive of what governs evacuation decision consistency of previous (evacuated or not) and future (will evacuate or not) hurricanes. As such, the purpose of this study is to explore the influence of personal social networks and day-to-day sharing activity on hurricane evacuation decision consistency and shared evacuation capacity (number of people with whom one will evacuate). By adopting a Personal Network Research Design (PNRD) framework and conducting an online survey of south Florida residents, the evacuation decision consistency of people is modeled using multinomial logistic regression method. An ego-centric social network analysis is also conducted which focuses on the survey respondents (egos) and the people in their close contacts (alters). Shared evacuation capacity is modeled using zero inflated Poisson (ZIP) approach. Tobit regression techniques are used to estimate the influence of day-to-day joint activities on shared evacuation decisions. Results showed that these variables are influenced by similarity in race, religion, marital status, bike ownership, use of social media and day-to-day shared activity. The age and income of people also significantly affect these decisions. The results will help in developing decision support frameworks for evacuation management applications and encourage emergency planners to promote shared evacuations in vulnerable communities.

Action Ethnography of Community Reintegration for Veterans and Military Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundNumerous studies of community reintegration (CR) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been conducted in civilian populations, but research is limited in veteran and military service member populations. Little is known about how knowledge from civilian studies translates into veterans’ experiences and needs. The US Department of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recognizes the distinctive health care needs of post-9/11 veteran and military service members, particularly with TBI, including the need to bridge health and rehabilitation-related services from acute care and inpatient settings to veteran and military service members’ homes and communities to facilitate CR.ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to better understand the experiences of veterans with complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI; their families; and CR workers as veterans and servicemembers transition to and sustain living in communities. This paper describes the rationale, design, and methods used to reach this goal.MethodsThis five-year longitudinal mixed methods study uses both a community-engaged research (CEnR) approach and an ethnographic approach. The sample includes 30 veterans and service members with TBI, 13 family caregivers, 11 CR specialists, 16 key stakeholders, and 82 community events. Interviews and observations are coded and analyzed using hierarchical coding schemes and thematic analysis. Analyses include data from surveys, interviews, and participant observations. Content analysis is used to highlight the complex social context of reintegration and to triangulate quantitative data. Egocentric (personal) social network analysis is used to examine the support system a veteran or service member has in place to facilitate reintegration.ResultsStudy enrollment and data collection are completed. Data analyses are underway.ConclusionsThe results of this study may provide a heightened understanding of environmental factors affecting CR in complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI. Veteran, servicemember and family voices and insights provide VHA clinicians and policy makers with an ecological view of CR that is grounded in the life experiences of veterans, military service members, and families. The results of this study provide a roadmap for designing and testing interventions to maximize CR in a variety of domains. The longitudinal ethnographic approach allows for capturing detailed experiences within the naturalistic context. CEnR allows collaborative assessment of the social context of reintegration with community members.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/14170

New Space and Agile Innovation: Understanding transition to open innovation by examining innovation networks and moments

This paper is building a detailed understanding of the organisational structures and practices in SMEs' knowledge absorption from a network of innovation partners. In particular, it explores the relationship between the openness of innovation process through innovation networks and the development of organisational structures within firms, as well as its linkage to a regional sectoral environment. It proposes a new conceptual tool of “innovation moments”, to synthesise the key theoretical premises of knowledge management, organisational learning and absorptive capacity literatures. In order to study this vital nexus of phenomena, we propose to deploy a novel mixed methods approach of combining quantitative ego-centric Social Network Analysis (Ego-SNA) and qualitative derived narratives of product development experiences via a sensitising concept, to study the emergence and development of the New Space Sector in Scotland. The findings show that the type of the SME – “traditional” versus New Space and upstream versus downstream – is clearly related to the structure of the firms' ego-centric innovation networks and their position in the composite whole network. Furthermore, by using qualitative case study data we show that the firms' typology is also closely related to internal organisational features, in particular flattening hierarchical structures and the formalisation and standardisation within NPD processes. This paper argues that the interlinking of these two elements is poised to describe a cultural shift in the approach to innovation networking and new product development (NPD) process management, understanding of which is a critical element of examining Open Innovation in SMEs.

Seeded word-of-mouth marketing strategy: mapping and analysis of a network of political supporters

Objective: To analyze how a structure-based seeding strategy can improve word-of-mouth marketing efficiency in proportional elections.Methodology: This study is quantitative and qualitative. In the quantitative phase, an egocentric social network analysis (SNA) of a candidate was conducted. Using Bonacich's degree, intermediation and power centralities, the study identified, then interviewed nine seed actors, which through the snowball technique, led to the identification of 31 other interviewees and the formation of a total network of 232 actors. In the qualitative phase, the reasons for supporting ego and alters as well as their preceding characteristics were analyzed using report content analysis.Originality / Relevance: This is a study of the characteristics of the actors along with their centrality in the strategy of seeding, spreading and maintaining the reputation of the political actor, especially candidates for proportional elections.Results: The characteristics of the most central supporters within the network reflect the bonds of trust built and deposited in the candidate, with ideology and friendship being the most prone to a more effective word-of-mouth marketing. The precedents for commitment and perceived value of word-of-mouth propensity were also verified.Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: This study includes the discussion of proportional elections in electoral marketing, highlighting the power of supporters through analysis of social network marketing. It also contributes to the analysis of the characteristics of actors in the effectiveness of seeding strategy in word-of-mouth marketing.Contributions to Management: The candidate may adopt a seeding strategy in his campaign, thereby promoting effectiveness in resource allocation, while allowing the supporter to understand the difference of his role as a supporter.

Exploring the Asthma Network in People with Allergic Rhinitis Utilizing an Egocentric Social Network Analysis.

IntroductionAsthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are chronic respiratory diseases of a united airway. Poor AR control is a risk factor for uncontrolled asthma. We know that people with AR feel confident in making their own treatment choices with over-the-counter therapies, yet only 16% of purchases were the optimal selection. With the high level of poor asthma control and overuse of over-the-counter, short-acting beta-agonists, we must consider whether poor AR self-management behaviours are extended to asthma management in those with both diseases. This study aims to investigate asthma management from the perspective of the patient with asthma and AR and understand the influences behind their asthma management decisions.MethodsThis study utilized a mixed methods approach based on the theoretical and analytical framework of social network theory, including mapping of the asthma network and exploring the roles and influence of those that appear within the network.ResultsTwenty-two people with asthma and allergic rhinitis participated in this study. General practitioners (GPs), pharmacists and respiratory physicians were the most commonly reported influences behind participants’ asthma management decisions. Although non-healthcare professional (HCP) influences appear within the asthma network, they represented a smaller proportion.ConclusionThe asthma network of people with AR is dominated by HCP influences. This network is unique and different to other previously published asthma and AR networks. Further research on the impact of AR on asthma management patient behaviour is required.Electronic Supplementary MaterialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s41030-019-0095-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ego-Centric Social Network Analysis in Marketing of Fish From Cage Culture System In Simalungun District, Indonesia

Aquaculture of Cage Culture is one of the main activities carried out by the community in the village of Haranggaol to fulfill their economic needs. This cultivation business establishes a relationship between traders and cages in terms of marketing their crops. There are 3 egocentric actors in the Haranggaol area. They are collectors (entrepreneurs/farmers who own capital), namely the Rohakinian group, the Siharo group, and the Paimaham group. Through these three egocentric actors, a social network is formed with several alters. Based on the qualitative approach with use Ucinet software, the mapping of their social networks can be seen as follows: alter actors connected to the Rohakinian group are 12 farmers in the group and 2 farmers outside the group with a density of 0.033. There are 27 alter actors connected to the Siharo group, 21 from the group and 6 from outside the group with a density of 0.014. There are 27 alter actors connected to the Paimaham group, namely 36 farmers from their groups and 10 farmers outside the group with a density of 0.005. The social networks that occur between these actors are intertwined due to the existence of kinship relationships, family or close friends who know each other among them. The relationship between family, family or close friends built with mutual trust make this network integrated.

Social influences normalize gambling-related harm among higher risk gamblers.

Background and aimsSocial influences are key drivers of gambling, and can begin in youth through parental modeling and facilitation. Over time, social influence from friends and colleagues also becomes important. Social network analysis provides a method to measure the combined nature of these social influences. This study aimed to compare social influences across gambling risk groups, by examining key characteristics of the social networks, among Australian adults.MethodsA total of 784 respondents (egos) reported their demographics, gambling behavior and gambling risk, as well as those of the 20 most influential people in their lives (alters). Egos also reported the strength of the connection between themselves and each of their alters, and between each pair of alters. Data were analyzed using egocentric social network analysis approaches.ResultsEgos in higher risk groups reported more alters who gamble, including a higher proportion experiencing gambling-related harm. Relationship strength indicated that egos in higher risk groups tended to feel closer to their alters, regardless of whether the alter gambles or not. Network density (interconnectedness between alters) was greater for egos in higher risk groups.Discussion and conclusionsThe findings indicate that both gambling behavior and gambling-related harm are normalized through social connections. Greater interconnectedness in the networks of higher risk gamblers indicates difficulties in reducing or removing these influences. The findings indicate limitations of individualised interventions, and instead highlight the important role of changing norms within society, which can be transmitted throughout these networks.

Help or Hindrance: Female Probationers’ Navigation of Supervision Requirements Through Personal Support Networks

This study integrates egocentric social network analysis techniques and qualitative methods to examine (a) the characteristics of female offenders’ semiregular interaction partners and their provision of resources, (b) the relationship and key resources provided by the “most helpful” and “least helpful” network member, and (c) the characteristics of network members that offenders identify as having negative influence on them. In-person interviews were conducted with 41 female felons who provided information on 436 network members. Findings from the network data suggest that, on average, women possess 10 semiregular interaction partners, networks have a heavy concentration of substance users, and less than half of the network members provide any form of helpful supervision-related resources to the participants. Findings from the qualitative component of the research highlight the helpfulness of networks members who provided transportation, financial assistance, and emotional support. Helpful network members tended to be older, employed, more educated, and closer geographically.