Implications For Social Work Practice Research Articles

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

Autonomy in Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery (Web of Science Core Collection).

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.

Hospital social workers and mental health: essential roles during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Hospital social workers play a critical role during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined how hospital social workers describe essential roles and responsibilities in mental health care. In response to an exploratory survey, 97% of participants (N = 225) stated that hospital social workers provide essential services and using inductive content analysis, five essential responsibilities of social work practice emerged: (1) counseling, intervention, and support, (2) suicide and crisis intervention, (3) support for families, (4) clinical case management, and (5) interprofessional collaboration and support. We discuss implications for social work practice in mental health.

During the chaos of war: US adoptions and risks for unaccompanied Ukrainian refugee children

The adoption of Ukrainian children, by US citizens, is examined as the Ukrainian government ceases adoptions of children during the chaos of war. Intercountry adoption dynamics are presented with data from 2021, prior to the conflict in 2022. Then, the situation regarding child rights and the official Ukrainian government position are considered. Implications for guardianship and foster care of unaccompanied refugee minors are presented along with other critical risks to Ukrainian children living in another country. Implications for social work practice are concluded and child rights advocacy is encouraged as a macro intervention.

“I Learned to Bottle Up My Feelings From a Young Age”: A Narrative Analysis of Latina Young People’s Family Mental Health Socialization

Latina young people report high levels of mental health problems and low levels of help-seeking compared with their white peers, but little research has examined factors influencing their mental health views. Inductive analysis of 25 participants’ narratives revealed that Latina young people described three stages in the development of their mental health-related beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors: undergoing a process of family mental health socialization, suffering in silence, and attaining a new perspective. Within each of these phases, participants shared stories that attest to their agency and resilience. This research uncovers a novel theoretical construct, “family mental health socialization,” which elucidates how young people internalize mental health-related beliefs, behaviors, and norms within their cultural and family context. Implications for social work practice include the need for culturally sensitive, family-centered interventions that promote open communication about mental health.

Experiences of leaving “high-cost” religious groups and the concept of the “biographical trajectory”: relevance for social work

ABSTRACT In this article, we make the case for the theoretical and practical usage of the concept of the “biographical trajectory” (Riemann & Schütze, 1991, p. 342; Schütze, 1999) in social work practice with people who have left “high-cost” religious groups. We illustrate this through our analysis of the life stories and biographical trajectories of three individuals who have disaffiliated from either the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) or the Jehovah’s Witnesses. We discuss how their biographical trajectory developed during the time they were members of their specific religious group, and how they are addressing it through their disaffiliation. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

Health and Health Needs of the Elderly in Camps for Internally Displaced People in Nigeria: Implication for Social Work Practice

This article examines the accessibility of healthcare services by the elderly within a camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in Bakassi, Cross River State in Nigeria. Access to healthcare by the elderly within these camps is a primary concern due to age related conditions resulting from displacement and limited resources. This paper stems from a qualitative study that employed a phenomenological research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 40 elderly persons (12 males and 28 females). In contrast, a convenience sampling technique was used to recruit two health workers and two government officials for in-depth interviews. Three themes emerged from the findings: access to healthcare services, healthcare needs, and obstacles to accessing healthcare services. Sub-themes from these themes included psycho-social support, physical health, and a clean environment. The study’s findings revealed that the elderly desire psycho-social support to solve their mental health problems arising from the effects of displacement. The findings of this study suggest that social workers and other officials should lead the way in helping displaced elders with complex healthcare requirements. The government should also completely implement Nigeria’s internal displacement strategy. More research is needed on aging requirements in Nigerian refugee camps.

Black Fathers’ Perspectives About Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress: Results From Focus Groups

Black children in the United States disproportionately experience early childhood adversity and toxic stress, which can lead to long-term negative physical and mental health outcomes. Mothers are traditionally enrolled in intervention programs to help address this while fathers typically are not. This study assessed Black fathers’ perspectives about early childhood adversity and toxic stress to begin to understand this public health concern through their lens. Sixteen self-identified Black fathers watched a six-minute animation about toxic stress, neurodevelopment, and resilience, and engaged in focus group discussions. Fathers identified unique and culture-specific contributors to early childhood adversity and toxic stress, as well as their inherent strengths and needs to help protect children. Implications for social work practice, particularly related to Black father engagement in early childhood prevention and intervention programs, are discussed.

The Sequential Intercept Model and Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) for People with Serious Mental Illness: Implications for Social Work Practice

In the United States, adults with serious mental illness are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. The sequential intercept model is a novel framework that identifies three major stages where interventions for this population can best be utilized: pretrial diversion, post-plea alternative to incarceration (ATI), and community reentry from jail and prison. This paper begins with a review of the literature that supports the application of Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) across these three stages. This paper will also draw on the influences of therapeutic jurisprudence, which holds that the courts can be used to both advance public safety and enhance access to mental health services for justice involved people with serious mental illness. 
 The literature has suggested that patients receiving FACT services have been found to have lower rates of psychiatric hospitalization and criminal justice recidivism in comparison to those who received traditional mental health services. This paper will touch on cutting edge practices to reduce psychiatric hospitalization and criminal justice recidivism rates among people with mental illness that are currently in use. In particular, programs involving law enforcement integration such as ACT-PI teams, co-response teams, and crisis intervention training will be explored. This paper will focus on applications and limitations of FACT across the various stages of the sequential intercept model, with a particular focus of using FACT as a way to reduce racial and gender disparities within the criminal justice system among people with serious mental illness. In light of the broad support the literature highlights for FACT when applied earlier within the criminal justice system, social work practice efforts should accordingly focus on expansion of early access to FACT services. In particular, criminal justice policy efforts should be expanded with respect to utilization of these services at the pretrial diversion and ATI stages, where they are historically underutilized.