Implications For Social Work Practice Research Articles

Addressing loneliness in older adults: predictors, protective factors, and implications for social work practice

ABSTRACT Loneliness significantly impacts the mental well-being of older adults, prompting an examination of psychological predictors and buffering factors associated with it in this demographic. A cross-sectional study involving 246 community-dwelling older adults was conducted. The UCLA Loneliness Scale identified predictors of loneliness, including negative mood, hopelessness (negative future expectations and loss of motivation), and despair. Buffering factors included ego-integrity, personal growth, and purpose in life. Regression analysis revealed that negative mood, negative future expectations, and despair increased loneliness, with negative mood showing a strong association. Conversely, ego-integrity, personal growth, and purpose in life reduced loneliness. The study underscores the complex interplay of psychological factors shaping loneliness in older adults, highlighting the importance of addressing both risk and protective factors. Social work practitioners in healthcare settings can play a pivotal role in addressing loneliness among older adults by leveraging these factors.

Assessing the Human-Wildlife Conundrum in Zimbabwe: Implications for Social Work Practice

Human-wildlife conflict is a global crisis that has significantly impacted the local livelihoods of the rural populace of the world. This study aimed to examine the consequences and effects of human-wildlife conflict in Mbire District, Ward 1, Zimbabwe. This paper analysed a range of issues, including human-wildlife conflict, poaching, habitat loss, and socio-economic impacts, all of which intertwine to create a complex web of challenges with severe consequences for both humans and wildlife alike. The study was informed by the Musha/Nyumba and social conflict theories. The research used the qualitative method, where structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. Data was gathered from a sample of thirty participants and three key informants who were purposively selected to participate in the study. The study utilized a case-study research design. Data collected from the interviews were analysed to identify categories, emerging themes, and areas of agreement or disagreement in relation to the research questions. The study revealed that the consequences of human-wildlife conflicts include competition for resources, threats to human safety, crop and livestock damage, conservation concerns, and disruption of ecosystem balance. The paper concluded that human-wildlife conflict is a serious global threat to sustainable development, food security, wildlife conservation, and health, a concern that is negatively affecting people, wildlife, and the achievement of sustainable development goals. Evidence-based recommendations were provided to policymakers and stakeholders, including education initiatives, compensation and insurance schemes, land use planning, community engagement, and the development of early warning systems. This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the economics of human-wildlife conflict and the contribution of wildlife to local livelihoods. Keywords: Human-Wildlife, Conflict, Wildlife, Zimbabwe

Experiencing COVID-19 on the spectrum: perceptions of healthcare access among autistic adults during a global pandemic and implications for social workers

ABSTRACT The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) required substantial changes in socialization to mitigate the spread of the virus. Stay-at-home and social distancing mandates required changes in work, school, and healthcare access for autistic adults. This qualitative online netnographic study utilized a public online forum to examine 1,102 posts detailing the experiences of COVID-19 by autistic adults from March 2020 to December 2020. We found two main themes related to seeking behavioral health services and seeking support related to service delays and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for social work practice and supporting autistic people in navigating healthcare access are discussed.

Views of Intermarried Couples: Implications for Social Work Practice.

Intermarriage, defined here as the marriage between people of different races or different ethnicities, is on the rise in the United States, with one in six newlyweds intermarrying. While public opinion approval of interracial marriage is at an all-time high, racial and ethnic hate crimes are also on the rise, which can affect spouses differently based on their identity. Drawing on a 2022 Qualtrics sample of 287 spouses who intermarried and have children, authors of this article sought to learn what is related to their holding a positive view of intermarriage. Talking openly with one's spouse about differences, children initiating discussions about race, and being consciously aware of the interracial or interethnic aspect of the marriage were predictors. Implications for social work practice, which are predicated on the ability to have open communication between family members and the social worker's comfort with their own racial identity, are included for this growing population of intermarried couples.

Meditation and Empowerment of Female Trauma Survivors with Co-Occurring Disorders: Implications for Social Work Practice

Abstract The addition of an empowerment perspective to treatment of female trauma survivors with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns has been found to be beneficial. Meditation is a mental health intervention that has the potential for increasing feelings of empowerment amongst this population. This qualitative study explores the experiences of female trauma survivors with co-occurring disorders engaging in a meditation intervention and its impact on their feelings of empowerment. Grounded theory approaches were used to analyse in-depth interviews with participants (N = 32). Results from analysis of the data show the process through which meditation allowed the women to gain empowerment in order to develop skills to heal on their own. This study provides evidence of the use of meditation as a viable strength-based intervention for social workers in order to increase feelings of empowerment amongst female trauma survivors of interpersonal violence with co-occurring disorders. Future research should expand understanding of this empowerment pathway by exploring the impact of meditation within other populations with high levels of trauma.

The Process of Leaving a Domestic Violence Shelter for Mothers and Children

ABSTRACTDomestic violence (DV) shelters provide a safe place for women and children; however, they are only intended to be a temporary solution until residents can find a safe place of their own. In Sweden, the social services are responsible for helping and supporting victims of DV to get away from the violence, which can include everything from practical help and housing to emotional support. The present article aims to investigate mothers' descriptions of leaving a DV shelter where they were staying with their children. Interviews with 13 mothers of children aged 0–6 years are analysed using thematic analysis. The results show that the process of leaving a DV shelter begins almost as soon as the mother and her children arrive, as it can take quite some time to find a new safe place and to mentally prepare for the move. Additionally, it takes a lot of effort to plan for life outside the shelter. This involves hardship for the mothers and children, meaning that they need support from both shelter staff and social services. Implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.

The power of faith in Israeli Druze parents of children with disabilities across the lifespan

ABSTRACT This study addresses the underexplored topic of parenthood for children with disabilities within the Druze community in Israel. While existing research predominantly focuses on Western cultures, this qualitative investigation involves 21 Israeli Druze parents across different age groups. Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews revealed three key themes: Challenges and strengths, Parents’ faith-based narratives, and The empowering role of religious faith. Notably, age-related distinctions emerged in experiences of loneliness and social support. The implications for social work practice and policy, and future research are discussed, emphasizing the significance of considering cultural and faith-based dynamics in supporting parents of children with disabilities.

“Semester Marriages” and the Unintended Psycho-Social Challenges within Institutions of Higher Learning: Implications for Social Work Practice

The sexual economy prevalent within universities, as well as how young people perceive, interpret, and experience their sexuality, present complex dynamics, which, if not handled with great emotional intelligence, may disrupt their educational aspirations. This paper investigates the psycho-social implications of “semester marriages” within institutions of higher learning. Guided by principles of the qualitative approach and the theory of planned action, the paper disinterred that students experienced intense regret and guilt as a result of backstreet abortions. Soul-tie complications emanating from sharing the “wife-husband” bond also made it difficult for some students to move on after a breakup, leading to disruptions in their educational focus. In extreme cases, such an inability to deal with the adverse effects of “semester marriages” culminated in crimes of passion. The paper desists from pathologizing the “semester marriages” phenomenon and advocates for the strengthening of psycho-social support modalities within university settings to increase the accessibility and visibility of therapeutic services through a school social work model. Furthermore, universities, in partnership with other relevant stakeholders, are urged to prioritize sexual and reproductive education and services among the youth as provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe of 2013 to impart life skills that can equip students to make informed sexual and reproductive decisions.

Treating drunk driving: Burmese refugees’ alcohol misuse and its implications for social work practice and education

ABSTRACT An alarming number of DUI/DWI arrests of Burmese refugees stirred public concerns in a Midwestern city. Unfortunately, the community’s responses to the crisis came to an end after years of effort to make a change. The study seeks to explain why this occurred and uses this case to reflect on refugee research and social work practice. This article analyzes how the ineffectiveness in three social institutions – the criminal justice system, the mental health care system, and Burmese churches – led to the failure to correct alcohol misuse behavior among the Burmese. Burmese offenders’ language barriers and unfamiliarity with the criminal justice system led to their quick conviction. Once entering court-ordered therapy, their cultural differences in perceiving mental illness and their lack of language proficiency minimized the intended benefit of alcohol addiction treatment. Furthermore, Burmese pastors normalized drinking as part of Burmese culture, which underestimates the indication of excessive drinking for potential mental health issues. Drawing from the findings, the article discusses the impact of excessive drinking on refugees’ social integration and the implications for social work practice and education.

Special Issue: Navigating Trauma with Children, Youth and Families: Implications for Social Work Practice

Special Issue: Navigating Trauma with Children, Youth and Families: Implications for Social Work Practice

The Public’s Attitudes towards Social Workers: The Role of Values, Opinions of Others and Personal Experience

Abstract The present study investigates the psychological factors affecting the public’s attitudes towards social workers. The study was based on the theory of human values and aimed to investigate the role of personal motivational goals reflected in values on attitudes towards social workers. In addition, we tested the contact hypothesis in the context of social work. The study was conducted in Israel using a stratified representative sample that included individuals who had no contact with social workers during the last 3 years (n = 303) and those with such contact (n = 220). In the inexperienced population, values affected the perception of social workers indirectly through the opinions of others. In the experienced population, personal experience with social workers affected their perception and support of their struggle. Finally, a higher preference for self-transcendence vs. self-enhancement values was associated with stronger support of the social workers’ struggle to improve their working conditions in both the experienced and inexperienced populations. The results of the present study advance the theory of human values and the contact hypothesis in the context of social work. In addition, they have important implications for social work practice, permitting social workers to understand their clients better.

Psychological resilience and mental health among older Tekun men in long-term care facilities in rural China

ABSTRACT This study examines age differences in the association of psychological resilience with mental health among older Tekun (socially and economically vulnerable) men. It analyzed the 2019 data from 718 Tekun men (≥60 years) residing in rural long-term care (LTC) facilities in Anhui Province, China. Results indicated that the oldest-old (≥80 years) reported significantly lower levels of psychological resilience than the other age groups (the young-old: 60–69 years and the middle-old: 70–79 years). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed a significant negative association between psychological resilience and poor mental health among the middle-old (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98) and the oldest-old (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.98) groups. Psychological resilience plays a more crucial role in maintaining mental health among the oldest-old participants compared to the young-old and middle-old participants. Implications for social work practice were discussed.

Examining the relationships between religiosity and E-cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking among college students in Vietnam

ABSTRACT Alcohol and e-cigarette use are prevalent among college students in Vietnam. Due to the negative impact that both can have on health and academic performance, these trends are concerning. While previous research has supported the role that religiosity may serve as a protective factor against substance use in many studies, there continues to be limited information on the relationship between religiosity and substance use among the Vietnamese population. The current study aims to expand research findings examining the relationships between religiosity characterized by Buddhism and alcohol drinking and e-cigarette smoking among college students in Vietnam, controlling for age, sex, and peer substance use. Two binary logistic regression analyses were conducted, using a sample of 263 college students aged between 18 to 24 from a private university in a large city in the country. The findings of the study suggested that religiosity characterized by Buddhism had no deterrent impact on e-cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking among the sample, which is in contrast with the current research findings based on Judeo-Christian and Muslim religions. Possible explanations and implications for social work practice in Vietnam are discussed.

Autonomy in Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery (CINAHL).

Abstract Purpose: This study has two aims: the first is to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of autonomy informed by lived experience data from peer-reviewed studies in the Eating Disorder literature; the second is to examine how experiences of autonomy influence treatment and recovery. Background: Eating Disorders are of significant concern, affecting approximately 9% of the global population and have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder (Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales and Nielsen 2011). Even the most effective interventions fail to benefit a substantial number of people, with a projected trajectory of enduring disability in 20-30% of Eating Disorder cases internationally (Strand 2021: 19). On average, recovery from an Eating Disorder lasts from one to six years (Butterfly Foundation 2015: 16). Despite these concerning statistics, current understandings of autonomy are individualistic, with treatment practices exerting external control and influence, rather than supporting autonomy. Furthermore, the absence of trauma acknowledgment likely affects how people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and their treatment providers, negotiate treatment and recovery goals. Research Design: A rapid evidence assessment was conducted to answer the research question: How do we understand the autonomy of people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and what does this mean for their treatment and recovery?. A systematic search of five electronic databases, the International Journal of Eating Disorders, and topic-specific grey literature from 2000-2021 was undertaken. Twenty articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken to inform the key findings and discussion. Findings and Discussion: The researcher identified four central themes: Self versus Eating Disorder, Self in Treatment, Self in Recovery, and Others in Relation to Self. These themes enabled rich re-conceptualisation of autonomy, identifying a recursive Lack of Autonomy Loop affecting many clients currently being treated for Eating Disorders, and under-researched aspects of autonomy including relational factors and the absence of trauma-informed approaches for (re) establishing autonomy. Conclusion: Research findings illuminate the shortcomings of current treatment models, provide options for alternate models, generate implications for social work practice and offer direction for future research and necessary policy change.

Autonomy in Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery (APA PsycArticles).

Abstract Purpose: This study has two aims: the first is to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of autonomy informed by lived experience data from peer-reviewed studies in the Eating Disorder literature; the second is to examine how experiences of autonomy influence treatment and recovery. Background: Eating Disorders are of significant concern, affecting approximately 9% of the global population and have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder (Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales and Nielsen 2011). Even the most effective interventions fail to benefit a substantial number of people, with a projected trajectory of enduring disability in 20-30% of Eating Disorder cases internationally (Strand 2021: 19). On average, recovery from an Eating Disorder lasts from one to six years (Butterfly Foundation 2015: 16). Despite these concerning statistics, current understandings of autonomy are individualistic, with treatment practices exerting external control and influence, rather than supporting autonomy. Furthermore, the absence of trauma acknowledgment likely affects how people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and their treatment providers, negotiate treatment and recovery goals. Research Design: A rapid evidence assessment was conducted to answer the research question: How do we understand the autonomy of people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and what does this mean for their treatment and recovery?. A systematic search of five electronic databases, the International Journal of Eating Disorders, and topic-specific grey literature from 2000-2021 was undertaken. Twenty articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken to inform the key findings and discussion. Findings and Discussion: The researcher identified four central themes: Self versus Eating Disorder, Self in Treatment, Self in Recovery, and Others in Relation to Self. These themes enabled rich re-conceptualisation of autonomy, identifying a recursive Lack of Autonomy Loop affecting many clients currently being treated for Eating Disorders, and under-researched aspects of autonomy including relational factors and the absence of trauma-informed approaches for (re) establishing autonomy. Conclusion: Research findings illuminate the shortcomings of current treatment models, provide options for alternate models, generate implications for social work practice and offer direction for future research and necessary policy change.

Autonomy in Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery (Nursing and Allied Health Database).

Abstract Purpose: This study has two aims: the first is to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of autonomy informed by lived experience data from peer-reviewed studies in the Eating Disorder literature; the second is to examine how experiences of autonomy influence treatment and recovery. Background: Eating Disorders are of significant concern, affecting approximately 9% of the global population and have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder (Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales and Nielsen 2011). Even the most effective interventions fail to benefit a substantial number of people, with a projected trajectory of enduring disability in 20-30% of Eating Disorder cases internationally (Strand 2021: 19). On average, recovery from an Eating Disorder lasts from one to six years (Butterfly Foundation 2015: 16). Despite these concerning statistics, current understandings of autonomy are individualistic, with treatment practices exerting external control and influence, rather than supporting autonomy. Furthermore, the absence of trauma acknowledgment likely affects how people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and their treatment providers, negotiate treatment and recovery goals. Research Design: A rapid evidence assessment was conducted to answer the research question: How do we understand the autonomy of people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and what does this mean for their treatment and recovery?. A systematic search of five electronic databases, the International Journal of Eating Disorders, and topic-specific grey literature from 2000-2021 was undertaken. Twenty articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken to inform the key findings and discussion. Findings and Discussion: The researcher identified four central themes: Self versus Eating Disorder, Self in Treatment, Self in Recovery, and Others in Relation to Self. These themes enabled rich re-conceptualisation of autonomy, identifying a recursive Lack of Autonomy Loop affecting many clients currently being treated for Eating Disorders, and under-researched aspects of autonomy including relational factors and the absence of trauma-informed approaches for (re) establishing autonomy. Conclusion: Research findings illuminate the shortcomings of current treatment models, provide options for alternate models, generate implications for social work practice and offer direction for future research and necessary policy change.

Autonomy in Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery (JSTOR).

Abstract Purpose: This study has two aims: the first is to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of autonomy informed by lived experience data from peer-reviewed studies in the Eating Disorder literature; the second is to examine how experiences of autonomy influence treatment and recovery. Background: Eating Disorders are of significant concern, affecting approximately 9% of the global population and have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder (Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales and Nielsen 2011). Even the most effective interventions fail to benefit a substantial number of people, with a projected trajectory of enduring disability in 20-30% of Eating Disorder cases internationally (Strand 2021: 19). On average, recovery from an Eating Disorder lasts from one to six years (Butterfly Foundation 2015: 16). Despite these concerning statistics, current understandings of autonomy are individualistic, with treatment practices exerting external control and influence, rather than supporting autonomy. Furthermore, the absence of trauma acknowledgment likely affects how people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and their treatment providers, negotiate treatment and recovery goals. Research Design: A rapid evidence assessment was conducted to answer the research question: How do we understand the autonomy of people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and what does this mean for their treatment and recovery?. A systematic search of five electronic databases, the International Journal of Eating Disorders, and topic-specific grey literature from 2000-2021 was undertaken. Twenty articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken to inform the key findings and discussion. Findings and Discussion: The researcher identified four central themes: Self versus Eating Disorder, Self in Treatment, Self in Recovery, and Others in Relation to Self. These themes enabled rich re-conceptualisation of autonomy, identifying a recursive Lack of Autonomy Loop affecting many clients currently being treated for Eating Disorders, and under-researched aspects of autonomy including relational factors and the absence of trauma-informed approaches for (re) establishing autonomy. Conclusion: Research findings illuminate the shortcomings of current treatment models, provide options for alternate models, generate implications for social work practice and offer direction for future research and necessary policy change.

Autonomy in Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery (Scopus).

Abstract Purpose: This study has two aims: the first is to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of autonomy informed by lived experience data from peer-reviewed studies in the Eating Disorder literature; the second is to examine how experiences of autonomy influence treatment and recovery. Background: Eating Disorders are of significant concern, affecting approximately 9% of the global population and have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder (Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales and Nielsen 2011). Even the most effective interventions fail to benefit a substantial number of people, with a projected trajectory of enduring disability in 20-30% of Eating Disorder cases internationally (Strand 2021: 19). On average, recovery from an Eating Disorder lasts from one to six years (Butterfly Foundation 2015: 16). Despite these concerning statistics, current understandings of autonomy are individualistic, with treatment practices exerting external control and influence, rather than supporting autonomy. Furthermore, the absence of trauma acknowledgment likely affects how people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and their treatment providers, negotiate treatment and recovery goals. Research Design: A rapid evidence assessment was conducted to answer the research question: How do we understand the autonomy of people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and what does this mean for their treatment and recovery?. A systematic search of five electronic databases, the International Journal of Eating Disorders, and topic-specific grey literature from 2000-2021 was undertaken. Twenty articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken to inform the key findings and discussion. Findings and Discussion: The researcher identified four central themes: Self versus Eating Disorder, Self in Treatment, Self in Recovery, and Others in Relation to Self. These themes enabled rich re-conceptualisation of autonomy, identifying a recursive Lack of Autonomy Loop affecting many clients currently being treated for Eating Disorders, and under-researched aspects of autonomy including relational factors and the absence of trauma-informed approaches for (re) establishing autonomy. Conclusion: Research findings illuminate the shortcomings of current treatment models, provide options for alternate models, generate implications for social work practice and offer direction for future research and necessary policy change.

Autonomy in Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery (Emerald Full Text).

Abstract Purpose: This study has two aims: the first is to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of autonomy informed by lived experience data from peer-reviewed studies in the Eating Disorder literature; the second is to examine how experiences of autonomy influence treatment and recovery. Background: Eating Disorders are of significant concern, affecting approximately 9% of the global population and have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder (Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales and Nielsen 2011). Even the most effective interventions fail to benefit a substantial number of people, with a projected trajectory of enduring disability in 20-30% of Eating Disorder cases internationally (Strand 2021: 19). On average, recovery from an Eating Disorder lasts from one to six years (Butterfly Foundation 2015: 16). Despite these concerning statistics, current understandings of autonomy are individualistic, with treatment practices exerting external control and influence, rather than supporting autonomy. Furthermore, the absence of trauma acknowledgment likely affects how people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and their treatment providers, negotiate treatment and recovery goals. Research Design: A rapid evidence assessment was conducted to answer the research question: How do we understand the autonomy of people with lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and what does this mean for their treatment and recovery?. A systematic search of five electronic databases, the International Journal of Eating Disorders, and topic-specific grey literature from 2000-2021 was undertaken. Twenty articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken to inform the key findings and discussion. Findings and Discussion: The researcher identified four central themes: Self versus Eating Disorder, Self in Treatment, Self in Recovery, and Others in Relation to Self. These themes enabled rich re-conceptualisation of autonomy, identifying a recursive Lack of Autonomy Loop affecting many clients currently being treated for Eating Disorders, and under-researched aspects of autonomy including relational factors and the absence of trauma-informed approaches for (re) establishing autonomy. Conclusion: Research findings illuminate the shortcomings of current treatment models, provide options for alternate models, generate implications for social work practice and offer direction for future research and necessary policy change.

The Long Road to Recovery: An Investigation into the Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults in India who Survived Covid-19 and its Implications for Social Work Practice

The Long Road to Recovery: An Investigation into the Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults in India who Survived Covid-19 and its Implications for Social Work Practice