Family Social Networks Research Articles

Unpaid caregivers' process of collaborating with others during older adult hospital-to-home transitions: A grounded theory study.

Unpaid/family caregivers provide support critical to older adult hospital-to-home transitions, but lack time and preparation. There is limited evidence regarding important collaboration for caregivers during the transition. The objective was to examine caregivers' process of collaborating with others, including other family members, healthcare professionals, and community, social, and professional networks, during older adult hospital-to-home transitions. This study utilized grounded theory methodology. One-on-one interviews were conducted with unpaid/family caregivers of an older adult during a hospital-to-home transition. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Participants (N = 16) relationship to the older adult included: partners (n = 8), friends (n = 4), children (n = 3), and siblings (n = 1). Most were female (n = 14) and living with the older adult (n = 10). A conceptual model was developed which illustrates participants' process through 3 stages: 1) identifying and learning the caregiver role, 2) collaborating with others to provide care and support to the older adult, while supporting themselves, during the hospital-to-home transition, and 3) supporting the older adult's progress in recovering independence or planning to provide long-term care and support. Participants described multiple approaches to collaborating with others: caring on own, caring in network, caring with healthcare professionals, and caring with social and professional networks. Implications include the need to recognize and promote utilization of care networks, as it may help address negative outcomes associated with caregiving. We also identified opportunities to further leverage caregivers' social/professional networks and increase focus on caregiver needs in healthcare encounters.

The relationships among family function, psychological resilience, and social network of patients with chronic disease in the community

This study aimed to examine the relationships among family function, psychological resilience, and social network of patients with chronic disease in the community and to further identify whether psychological resilience played a mediating role in the relationship between family function and social network. A cross-sectional survey including 460 convenient samples of patients with chronic disease in four Chinese communities was conducted using a general characteristics questionnaire, the Family APGAR Index, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Lubben Social Network Scale 6. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson/Spearman correlation, hierarchical multiple regression analysis, and mediation analysis using the PROCESS macro. Family function, psychological resilience, and social network were significantly related. Psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between family function and social network. Interventions designed to enhance family function and psychological resilience may improve social network among patients with chronic disease in the community.

Beyond papers: understanding the making of citizenship in the Foreigners’ Tribunals of Assam

ABSTRACT This paper questions the hyper fixation on papers in producing citizens or proving citizenship, arguing that not papers but the agglomeration of legal, bureaucratic and social processes produce citizenship in Assam’s Foreigners’ Tribunals (FTs). Based on ethnographic fieldwork with members (presiding over cases), lawyers, border police officials and victims of citizenship examination processes, this paper shows that citizenship cannot be easily proved or disproved based on the possession or absence of papers, as the ‘truth’ about one’s citizenship is produced equally outside these courts. One’s citizenship status inside the court depends on a series of procedural, documentary and certificatory correlations accompanied by social performances (testimonies from family and community members). This is contingent on the truth produced outside through the suspicion of being a ‘foreigner’, easily cast in terms of one’s physical appearance, social class, religion and language. Community structures outside courts also enable certain groups to be documented easily, aiding the production of the legal truth required inside for establishing citizenship status. Therefore, the way suspicion is informed and legal technicalities are deployed to generate information and knowledge along with the role of family and community social networks all contribute towards establishing one as a citizen or a ‘foreigner’.

Fraternal Friendships: Brotherhood and Middle-Class Leisure in Nineteenth-Century Ireland

ABSTRACT Using personal correspondence between brothers and cousins, this article explores the leisure pursuits of young men in middle-class rural Ireland. It considers the geography of sociability, contrasting social activities in rural Donegal with their experiences in urban centres, such as, Belfast, Glasgow, and Liverpool. This article argues that tightly-knit family social networks were necessary for the rural middle classes to participate in wider leisure activities and middle-class society. In exploring family correspondence and discussions of parties, the theatre, and sporting spectacles, this article provides insight into middle-class Irish attitudes towards drinking culture, courtship, and sociability.

Examining Perceptions and Attitudes of Prison Visitation on Behavior Change and Recidivism in Nairobi County, Kenya

This study investigates the impact of prison visitation on perceptions, attitudes, behavior change, and recidivism rates among incarcerated individuals. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was gathered through surveys, interviews, and official records from a sample of incarcerated individuals and their visitors. The analysis focused on understanding the role of visitation in shaping attitudes towards rehabilitation and family support and its influence on post-release behavior. Findings reveal a significant correlation between the frequency and quality of visitation and positive behavioral changes among inmates. Inmates who received regular visits reported higher levels of motivation for rehabilitation, improved mental health, and increased feelings of connection with their families and communities. Moreover, visitation played a pivotal role in strengthening family bonds and social support networks, which are crucial factors in successful reintegration post-release. Furthermore, the study explored the perceptions and experiences of both inmates and visitors regarding the visitation process, including logistical challenges, emotional dynamics, and barriers to maintaining contact. Understanding these perspectives is essential for enhancing visitation programs and addressing systemic issues that hinder family engagement in the correctional system. The study also examined recidivism rates among participants and found a notable decrease among those who received frequent and meaningful visitation compared to those who did not. These findings underscore the significance of visitation programs in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry into society. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of fostering supportive relationships through visitation programs to facilitate positive behavior change and reduce recidivism rates among incarcerated individuals. Implementing policies that prioritize and improve access to visitation can contribute to more effective rehabilitation efforts and ultimately lead to safer communities.

The chain mediating effects of self-efficacy and social support on family function and anxiety in male infertility patients.

Infertility, an escalating public health issue, exacerbates psychological distress, especially anxiety, among affected individuals. This study explores the intricate relationships between family function, self-efficacy, and social support in moderating anxiety levels in male infertility patients. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights for crafting effective psychological interventions. This study involved 202 male infertility patients through convenience sampling, employing the Self-Efficacy Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Family Function Scale, and Anxiety Self-Rating Scale for assessment. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with Bootstrap analysis was utilized to explore the relationships among these variables. Analysis of 202 male infertility patients revealed a notable prevalence of anxiety (67.8%), with family function directly and indirectly influencing anxiety levels through self-efficacy and social support. SEM highlighted the mediating roles of self-efficacy and social support between family function and anxiety, demonstrating significant direct (family function on anxiety) and indirect effects (family function to anxiety via social support and self-efficacy). Notably, a chain mediation effect, where family function impacts anxiety through the sequential influence of social support and self-efficacy, accounted for a significant portion of the total effect on anxiety. These findings emphasize the critical role of enhancing family function, self-efficacy, and social support to reduce anxiety among this population. This study underscores the significant impact of family function on the psychological well-being of male infertility patients, with self-efficacy and social support serving as pivotal mediators. Improving these factors could effectively mitigate anxiety, suggesting that interventions targeting family dynamics, self-efficacy enhancement, and social support networks are essential for addressing the psychological distress associated with infertility. Future research should consider these dynamics to develop more comprehensive treatment and intervention strategies aimed at this vulnerable group.

Socio-structural determinants of physical activity behavior in children and adolescents: The importance of social support

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of socio-structural determinants of physical activity (PA) behavior in children and adolescents. We expected that socioeconomic status, social support, and physical environment influence PA directly while socioeconomic status also has an indirect influence via social support and physical environment. Cross-sectional data from the German Motorik-Modul study (MoMo) were used (Wave 2, 2014–2017). The sample consisted of N = 2134 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years. Socioeconomic status, social support, and physical environment were measured by questionnaires. To measure PA, children and adolescents were instructed to wear accelerometers for seven consecutive days. Moderate-to-vigorous activity periods were considered. Path analyses were used to analyze the direct and indirect effects. We calculated two models, one for children (6–10 years) and one for adolescents (11–17 years). Among children (model 1), only social support had a direct effect on PA behavior. In addition, social support influenced the perceived physical environment. Socioeconomic status had an indirect effect on PA via social support. For adolescents (model 2), all assumed relations were significant and in line with the directions expected. Social support had the strongest direct influence on PA behavior. Socioeconomic status had a direct and indirect effect on PA via the physical environment and social support. The study results emphasize the relevance of close, social networks of families and friends as well as social capital, as a source of social support, for PA levels among young age groups.

Social network of families involved in child neglect: building a multidimensional perspective.

Neglect is one of the most frequently reported forms of violence against children and adolescents, although it has rarely been explored in national studies. In this light, the present study aimed to analyze the personal social network of families involved in negligence against children and adolescents. This work takes a qualitative approach, anchored in the Paradigm of Complexity, conducted with twenty families involved in negligence against children and adolescents in a municipality in the countryside of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection took place through minimal maps of the personal social network and semi-structured interviews in January 2021. The networks were limited, with little to no interaction among the different services and sectors, and were predominantly homogeneous. Because they have many weakened ties, they are relatively unsupportive, pointing out difficulties in access to work, education, and health. Due to the characteristics of the network, the complexity of the phenomenon of neglect was identified, in which elements condition and perpetuate experiences of absence and fragility. Interprofessional and intersectoral views and actions are requested and recommended.

Unveiling Complexity: Factors Influencing Women’s Involvement in Crime

This research explores various elements that impact and shape women’s the participation of women in criminal activities. Despite the traditional perception that it is men who mainly commit crimes, in recent years, the active role of women in various legal acts has been increasingly recognized. This paper aims to unfold the complex web of influences that shape women’s pathways to criminal behavior, focusing on both individual and social factors. The study focuses on examining socio-economic factors that have a central influence on women’s involvement in crime. Economic inequalities, limited job opportunities and financial struggles often push women into illegal activities to survive or strengthen their economic influences. Additionally, the paper focusses on the effects of educational background, employment status, and income level on women’s susceptibility to criminal temptations, emphasizing the relationship between economic stability and criminal involvement. Moving towards economic dimensions, this study also examines the psychological factors that contribute to women’s participation in crime. Psychological vulnerabilities resulting from trauma, abuse, mental health disorders and substance abuse create pathways to crime. The research paper also examines the impact of adverse childhood experiences, mental health challenges, and criminal trajectories, shedding light on the co-relation between psychological well-being and criminal propensities. Further, familial and social influences are explored to unfold their role in shaping women’s criminal trajectories. Family dysfunction, exposure to criminal role models, and peer pressure can significantly influence an individual’s likelihood of being engaged in criminal activities. This study explores the complexities of family structures, social networks and community environments and highlights their profound influence on the development of women’s perceptions, choices and behaviors related to crime. Moreover, this study also analyzes legal and systematic factors and emphasizes how institutional biases, discriminatory practices and inadequate support systems influence women’s involvement in crime. The paper critically assesses the role of criminal justice systems, law enforcement practices, and access to legal resources in preventing or promoting women’s criminal behavior. Through a combined analysis of these various factors affecting women’s criminality, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the reasons that affect the women’s involvement in criminal activities. By elucidating these complex factors, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders, can develop more targeted interventions, support systems and policies that address the root causes women’s criminal behavior and reduce the risks associated with their involvement in crime.

Risk Factors for Elder Mistreatment Among Older Korean Americans.

Using data from a sample of older Korean Americans (n = 2,150), we examined the prevalence and associated factors of physical, emotional, and financial mistreatment. Given the importance of contextual factors, we examined the effect of immigration-related (years in the U.S. and acculturation) and interpersonal/community-related (family solidarity, social network, and ethnic community social cohesion) factors in addition to sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. The rate of experiencing physical, emotional, and financial mistreatment during the past year was 3%, 37.9%, and 16.1%, respectively. Younger age and lower family solidarity were common risk factors for emotional and financial mistreatment. The experience of emotional mistreatment was also more likely among females and those with higher level of acculturation, smaller social networks, and lower ethnic community social cohesion. Chronic disease was an additional risk factor for financial mistreatment. The findings suggest targeted prevention and intervention strategies for elder mistreatment.

Perceptions of Chinese women with a history of gestational diabetes regarding health behaviors and related factors: a directed qualitative content analysis

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders during pregnancy and is associated with adverse outcomes in both mothers and their children. After delivery, women who experience GDM are also at higher risk of both subsequent GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than those who do not. Therefore, healthcare providers and public health practitioners need to develop targeted and effective interventions for GDM. In this study, we aimed to explore the perceptions regarding health behaviors and related factors during the inter-pregnancy period among Chinese women with a history of GDM through the lens of the theory of planned behavior (TPB).MethodsBetween December 2021 and September 2022, 16 pregnant Chinese women with a history of GDM were purposively recruited from a tertiary maternity hospital in Shanghai for face-to-face semi-structured interviews. They were asked questions regarding their health behaviors and related factors. The transcribed data were analyzed using a directed qualitative content analysis method based on the theory of TPB.ResultsThe health-related behaviors of the women varied substantially. We identified five domains that influenced women’s behaviors according to TPB constructs and based on the data collected: behavioral attitude (perceived benefits of healthy behaviors and the relationship between experience and attitude towards the oral glucose tolerance testing); subjective norms (influences of significant others and traditional cultural beliefs); perceived behavior control (knowledge of the disease, multiple-role conflict, the impact of COVID-19, an unfriendly external environment and difficulty adhering to healthy diets), incentive mechanisms (self-reward and external incentives); preferences of professional and institutional support (making full use of social media platform and providing continuous health management).ConclusionsThe health-related behaviors of women with a history of GDM were found to be affected by multiple factors. Healthcare professionals are recommended to provide women with sufficient information regarding the disease and to take advantage of the power of the family and other social support networks to improve women’s subjective norms and to promote the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

The impact of family systems and social networks on substance use initiation and recovery among women with substance use disorders.

While social networks influence individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), the mechanisms for such influence are under-explored among women who use drugs. This study triangulates the perspectives of criminal justice professionals, SUD treatment professionals, and women with past and current experiences with substance use to explore these dynamics. We conducted semistructured interviews (N = 42) in 2022 with women with current or past opioid use disorder (n = 20), SUD treatment professionals (n = 12), and criminal justice professionals (n = 10) who work with women with opioid use disorder. Interviews centered around participants' backgrounds, perceived barriers and facilitators to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, and gender-specific issues in MOUD treatment. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and deidentified. We used a four-step qualitative data analysis process to code transcripts. Across these participants' accounts, we identified mechanisms by which women's social networks influenced their opioid use trajectories: intergenerational substance use, family support and strain, intimate partner influence, and peer support and pressure. Overall, the emergent themes in the present study reflect the embedded nature of support within social systems. Women who had access to and engaged with various forms of social support tended to be those who use/used MOUD and self-identified as in recovery. Combining MOUD treatment with psychosocial interventions allows women to heal from trauma, learn effective coping skills, and receive valuable resources to support recovery. Interventions focusing on family resilience and peer recovery support can disrupt the cycle of addiction and promote MOUD treatment success. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychosocial and Support Needs of the Main Caregiver for Adolescents and Young Adults Undergoing Treatment for Cancer.

Family relationships and social networks are critically important to adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, impacting their experience and well-being throughout the cancer trajectory. A cancer diagnosis impacts the development of independence and an adult identity, which can present challenges to psychosocial well-being needs and relationships between caregivers and AYAs. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial and support needs of the main caregivers of AYAs. This is a secondary analysis of the BRIGHTLIGHT caregiver survey, exploring items pertaining to support offered/engaged with, appraisal of helpfulness, and caregivers' emotional and psychological distress experience. Descriptive statistics, a correlational analysis, and a 1-way analysis of variance were conducted. There were 518 caregiver responses (62%). Over half received information about their caregiving needs, with the majority finding this very/fairly helpful. Most (80%) of those who had not received the information would have valued it. High levels of negative emotional and psychological well-being were reported, with 91% feeling depressed or anxious since the AYAs' diagnosis and 41% always/often experiencing these feelings. Total distress was associated with being younger, a parent, female, and unemployed, and earning a below-average income. The needs of caregivers are broad and multidimensional; however, some characteristics were associated with higher distress. When caregiver-specific information was provided by healthcare professionals, it was well received. Healthcare professionals should consider caregivers' needs individually and provide/signpost to support. Caregivers need to be involved in designing and implementing future research, given the heterogeneity of needs identified.

Shifting the perspective on disability

Disabled people may experience physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial problems because of their limitations. There are many sources of social change, one widely recognized is sport. This study aimed to develop more knowledge about the sport as a social inclusion tool by exploring the experiences of athletes in a Paralympic sport in Colombia. The study utilized interviews with ten wheelchair rugby players from the Colombian National Team in 2020. Through the thematic analysis, six themes emerged: Sport as physical and psychological rehabilitation; sport as a promoter of independence; sport as a way of life; Sport as a catalyst for reshaping perceptions of disability within individual, familial, and societal contexts.; sport as a promoter of family and social relationships and social networks and sport as paid work and economic support The results show that sport contributes to social inclusion through the empowerment of athletes personal, social and economic capacities.

Supplemental Material for The Impact of Family Systems and Social Networks on Substance Use Initiation and Recovery Among Women With Substance Use Disorders

Supplemental Material for The Impact of Family Systems and Social Networks on Substance Use Initiation and Recovery Among Women With Substance Use Disorders

Examining the communication work of women whohave tested BRCA-positive: "I feel this responsibility to letpeopleknow".

Inheriting a pathogenic variant in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene considerably increases a woman's risk levels for developing breast and ovarian cancer. In addition to serious physical health implications, women with a BRCA pathogenic variant may face psychosocial challenges, including those related to navigating the often demanding process of communicating about topics regarding BRCA with family and other social network members. Based on in-depth interviews with 24 women who tested BRCA-positive, we found that-consistent with the conceptualization of communication work articulated by Donovan-Kicken etal. (2012) as an extension of the theory of illness trajectories (Corbin & Strauss, 1988)-the labor of communicating about BRCA genetic risk entails (a) duties, (b) challenges, (c) strategies, and (d) shared work. Within each category, our results illuminate particular characteristics of communication work for women who have tested BRCA-positive, which are commonly tied to the profound health consequences that a pathogenic variant may have for them and, potentially, for their genetic relatives. Our findings offer useful theoretical implications regarding communication work in this context. Furthermore, our results yield valuable practical insight for genetic counselors and other health care professionals regarding the struggles that can accompany communication work for women who have tested BRCA-positive as well as the strategies that participants reported using to manage or avoid these challenges.

Perceived social support and characteristics of social networks of families with children with special healthcare needs following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) require more support than the average of their peers. Support systems for CSHCN were particularly affected by pandemic control measures. Perceived social support is a resource for health and wellbeing for CSHCN and their families. Associations of social support, mental health and socioeconomic status (SES) have been described. This study aims to (1) assess perceived social support in families with and without CSHCN; (2) describe structure and types of social networks of families with and without CSHCN; and (3) explore associations between perceived social support, disease complexity, child and caregiver mental health, and SES. This is the third of a sequential series of cross-sectional online surveys conducted among caregivers of children ≤ 18 years in Germany since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, administered between 1st December 2022 and 10 March 2023. The Brief Social Support Scale (BS6) assessed perceived social support. Child and parental mental health were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and WHO-5 Wellbeing index. The CSHCN-Screener identified CSHCN. Descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling assessed associations between perceived social support, parent-reported child mental health problems, disease complexity, caregiver mental wellbeing and SES. The final sample included 381 participants, among them 76.6% (n = 292) CSHCN. 46.2% (n = 176) of caregivers reported moderate, i.e., at least occasional social support. Social support was largely provided by informal social networks consisting of partners, relatives and neighbors/friends. Linear regression modeling revealed associations of lower perceived social support with higher disease complexity of the child, lower caregiver mental wellbeing, lower SES and increasing caregiver age. The results of this study describe inequalities in perceived social support according to disease complexity of the child, caregiver mental health and socioeconomic status. They highlight the importance of social support and support networks as a resource for wellbeing of caregivers and CSHCN. Moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery strategies should focus on low-threshold interventions based in the community to improve social support for families with CSHCN and actively involve caregivers in identifying needs and co-creating new approaches.

The Role of Social Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka

In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature on social entrepreneurship, yet researchers in developing countries have not adequately explored this field. This qualitative study delves into the role of social entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, examining how they operate and the factors influencing their choices. Grounded in social reality and aligned with social constructionist philosophy, the research engaged ten selected social entrepreneurs through interviews and applied thematic analysis to interpret the data. The findings reveal valuable insights into the strategies employed by social entrepreneurs in starting and managing their enterprises. Individual and social factors such as family background, experience, social networks, and religion significantly influence the decision to become a social entrepreneur. The study's developed model bridges subjective experiences of social entrepreneurs with existing literature, contributing to a deeper understanding of how social entrepreneurship is practiced and constructed.

Chronomobility of international students under COVID-19 Australia.

This article investigates the chronomobility of international students in Australia going through COVID-19. Existing literature on international students approaches them largely in two manners: a market or victims. Using Shanti Robertson's chronomobility, the study focuses on international students' coping mechanisms and strategies for their next moves. Drawing from 15 in-depth interviews with international students formally enrolled in Australian institutions in Melbourne, the longest lockdown city during the pandemic, the authors find various ways of short-term coping mechanisms through meditation, physical exercises, virtual escapism and counselling. Furthermore, despite pandemic immobility, students presented a high level of resilience in making future decisions for post-pandemic mobilities. We conclude that family support and social networks are key to realise full potentials of international students as skilled migrants and valued members of society. Our manuscript contributes to the field of migration and mobility by enriching Robertson's concept of chrono-mobility and adding the empirical case study from international students in Australia during the latest pandemic in 2020-2021.

Qualitative Study of Perinatal Mental Health Services: Experiences and Perspectives of Health Workers and Patients

The perinatal period is a transitional period that is vulnerable to changes in women's relationships with partners, family, friends, and wider social networks. This study aims to determine how perinatal mental health services are based on the experiences of health workers and patients. This research is qualitative research with a case study design. The informants in this study were 6 informants, namely 2 health workers and 4 patients with a history of perinatal mental health disorders. The instruments used in this study were structured interview guidelines, interviews were conducted in health facilities and patients' homes. Thematic data analysis using the Collaizi protocol. Qualitative data from this study raised six themes, namely "symptoms of perinatal mental health disorders", "causes of perinatal mental health disorders", "management of mental health disorders", "prevention of perinatal mental health disorders", "barriers to perinatal mental health services", and "support". Pregnant, maternity and postpartum women are vulnerable to mental health problems, especially if a woman is faced with family neglect and lack of husband's support during pregnancy. It is important for health workers, especially midwives, to examine women's problems more comprehensively during antenatal care.