Problem Solving Responsibility Research Articles

Framing Responsibility for Depression in News Media: A Content Analysis of Depression Coverage on Sina Weibo

Depression stands as a pivotal health issue, notable both within the medical community and in society at large, and it is a leading contributor to disability. The prevalence of depression is on the rise, with a divergence of views on its cause attribution and solution responsibility for addressing it. It is crucial, therefore, to inform the public about these complexities. Given that news media are pivotal in disseminating health information and significantly shape public perceptions, attitudes, emotions, and the assignment of responsibility, this research employs a quantitative content analysis to assess the prevalence of framing responsibility for both the causes and potential solutions of depression at individual, social network, and societal levels. The results show that solution responsibilities for depression were reported more commonly than the causes. Meanwhile, attribution of responsibility for causes was tended to be at the individual, while solutions were on society. Social network played a major role in attributing both casual and problem-solving responsibilities as an independent level. Further, state-controlled media focused on societal responsible for addressing the issue and emphasized individual-level causal responsibilities more than market-oriented media organizations, which is likely to make societal-level responsibility attribution.

사회복지종사자의 안전을 위한 보호체계 구축사업의 성과 및 발전방안 연구

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the achievements of the “Establishment of a Protective System for the Safety of Social Welfare Practitioners” project, which has been supported by the Community Chest of Korea from 2019 to 2022, and to propose future development strategies for the project. To do this, a mixed research method was employed. Quantitative research utilized data from 1,235 individuals recorded in the performance management records of the project. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0, including descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. Changes in pre-post traumatic growth among social welfare practitioners were analyzed through paired-sample t-tests. Qualitative research involved conducting focus group interviews (FGIs) with 9 project managers to analyze difficulties encountered during project implementation, problem-solving efforts for project execution, project outcomes, and strategies for project sustainability. Data collected through FGIs were analyzed using thematic analysis and N-vivo 9. The results of the quantitative study are as follows: First, among the types of job-related trauma, the proportion of subjects who experienced job-related violence was the highest at 53.2%, followed by 19.8% for other types, 18.5% for vicarious trauma, and 8.6% for loss (death experience). Second, cross-analysis results showed statistically significant differences in gender, age, type of affiliated institution, and type of job-related trauma. Third, as a result of providing various recovery support to social workers who have experienced occupational trauma, positive changes in “post-traumatic growth” were observed when measuring pre- and post-traumatic growth. This change was statistically significant. The qualitative analysis results are as follows : First, there was an improvement in awareness and consciousness among social workers regarding safety and human rights, which had previously not received much attention. There was an increased sense of personal, organizational, and societal responsibility for problem-solving. Second, the framework of protection and safety systems has been established, including the enactment and revision of related regulations and the creation of a safe physical environment in social welfare agencies. Third, the recovery and capacity of social workers have been strengthened. As a development strategy to ensure the sustainability of this project, several tasks have been identified. These include the development of various recovery support services, such as the establishment of safety education and coping training programs, providing continuous education on safety and human rights for social welfare practitioners, fostering relevant professionals, adapting to changes in organizational and community environments, and establishing relevant legal and institutional foundations.

Can policy instruments shape the policy problems they aim to solve? How interest registers redefined conflicts of interest

By analysing the policy process leading to the introduction of interest registers in France and Sweden, this article argues that their use as a policy instrument was crucial for acknowledging and defining conflict of interest as a problem. It challenges rationalist approaches to public policy that focus on how the adoption of policy solutions follows the identification of policy problems, instead, favouring the acknowledgement of how problems and solutions can exist independently. To identify how interest registers became a preferred policy solution, the article traces how policies from the UK and US were integrated in the global anti-corruption toolkit in the 1990s and subsequently adopted in France and Sweden in the 2010s. It uncovers the sequencing of events, and, specifically, the evolution of public discourse on conflicts of interest around the adoption of public interest registers. It shows that interest registers contribute to (re)define the problem of conflict of interest in new contexts of adoption. The sequencing of events suggests that the problem of conflict of interest was rarely used before the instrument’s adoption and, what is important, did not have a clear ‘stabilised’ shared meaning. Interest registers thus give reality to the problem and modify its definition. By establishing which interests are to be declared in standardised forms, interest registers define new ‘risk areas’ for corruption. They also convey the idea that the problem relates to an asymmetry of information between elected officials and voters that can be corrected through transparency measures, shifting the locus of problem-solving responsibility to the public.

Framing responsibility (Health Coverage)

Framing responsibility (Health Coverage)

Individualizing mental health responsibilities on Sina Weibo: a content analysis of depression framing by media organizations and mental health institutions

ABSTRACT Background Depression is a major threat to public health in China. Although many social determinants have been recognized as robust predictors of health outcomes, depression is still widely viewed and framed as a personal health issue that the affected individual is primarily responsible for when it comes to causes and solutions. Research shows that individualizing mental health responsibilities is directly related to stigma formation. While cross-cultural theory and prior research suggest the prevalence of contextual and societal attributions in China, the individualization of the Chinese culture in recent decades may alter the pattern of responsibility attributions for depression. Method How top Chinese media organizations and mental health institutions framed causal and problem-solving responsibilities for depression on Sina Weibo, a popular social networking site, were quantitatively content-analyzed by examining a total of 539 Weibo posts in terms of their featuring of personal and societal causes and solutions for depression. Results Both media organizations and mental health institutions primarily assigned depression responsibilities to the individual (vs. the society). State-controlled media organizations were more inclined to hold individuals responsible for fixing the problem than market-oriented media organizations. Compared to media organizations, mental health institutions paid less attention to depression causal responsibilities at both individual and societal levels. Conclusion Findings support a multi-vocal and balanced framing approach that integrates individual- and society-level attributions of causal and problem-solving responsibilities for depression, so as to help alleviate stigmas, identify structural remedies, and enhance efficacy in depression prevention and treatment at individual, community, and population levels.

Schizophrenia in Chinese and U.S. Online News Media: Exploring Cultural Influence on the Mediated Portrayal of Schizophrenia

ABSTRACTDrawing on the constructionist framing approach, this quantitative content analysis compares online news coverage of schizophrenia in China and the United States in 2015. Incorporating the concept of individualism–collectivism, this study seeks to unveil the effects of culture on the framing of causes, solutions, responsibility attribution, and discourse types. The findings reveal that the link between cultural orientation and the media’s framing of schizophrenia is not simple, as both cross-cultural consistency and differences were observed. In addition, compared to U.S. online media, Chinese online news outlets were more likely to cover schizophrenia episodically, while placing more problem-solving responsibility on society. Moreover, examining stigma and challenge cues, this study also found that schizophrenia was more severely stigmatized in Chinese than in U.S. online news platforms. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Framing responsibility for depression: how U.S. news media attribute causal and problem-solving responsibilities when covering a major public health problem

ABSTRACTThis paper analyzes how major U.S. print and broadcast news media framed depression causal and problem-solving responsibilities at individual and societal levels over the past three decades. Results from the content analysis showed that the media placed more causal and problem-solving responsibilities on individuals than the society. However, references to societal solutions increased moderately over time. Organizational differences emerged in news attribution of responsibilities, as print media presented more individual-level causes while broadcast media focused more on solutions at both individual and societal levels. Additionally, local newspapers put more problem-solving responsibilities on individuals than national newspapers, while a cable news channel allocated more time to the discussion of overall depression responsibilities than network TV. Findings are discussed in the context of cultural orientations, organizational constraints, changing practice and trends in health news reporting, and the broader political/social environment in which the news media operate. Practical implications for health journalism, mental health communication and advocacy, and public health policy-making are discussed.

Who's responsible for depression?

Using content analysis, this study comparatively examines how Chinese and US newspapers framed depression and attributed causal and problem-solving responsibilities at individual and societal levels. The study explores how cultural values and organizational constraints influenced the frame-building process. US newspapers placed more causal and problem-solving responsibilities on the individual than on the society, whereas Chinese newspapers attributed more problem-solving but not causal responsibilities to the society. Compared to US newspapers, Chinese newspapers placed more problem-solving responsibilities on the society and, surprisingly, more causal responsibilities on the individual. Findings are discussed in the context of cultural and organizational influences. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.

Biofuels: a contested response to climate change

Biofuels have received increased attention in recent years as renewable alternatives to fossil fuels in the steadily growing transportation sector. Simultaneously, the impact of biofuel technologies has been highly disputed in public debates, where their introduction is alternately presented as a solution to energy-supply and climate-change problems or as a source of environmental and social difficulties. Through qualitative interviews, this article analyzes the Danish public’s attitudes toward biofuels. Particular attention is given to popular perceptions of risks and uncertainties associated with biofuels and to problem-solving responsibilities in relation to climate change. The study illustrates the complexity of the concerns involved with the issue, indicating a positive attitude toward biofuels when respondents perceive them as beneficial for climate and the environment. However, when introduced to problems associated with biofuels, respondents modified their support, conditioning acceptance on the viability of solutions. They also demanded interventions with respect to the problem of climate change and asked for decision making based on factual knowledge and democratic discussions at global and local levels.

Awareness of Nurses about the Nature and Practice of Collaborative Care in Sacred Heart Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Objectives: To evaluate the awareness of nurses about collaborative care, to identify the effects of collaborative care on patient care outcomes, to evaluate the challenges that may be encountered by nurses in collaborative care, to identify/suggest the favourable factors enhancing collaborative care. Material and Method: Descriptive survey involving 98 registered nurses irrespective of their areas of specialization, age and rank, working in Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Self-developed questionnaire served as tool for data collection. Results: 69.4% of the nurses define collaborative care as the interaction between healthcare professionals to achieve highest care outcomes followed by 14.3% who stated that it implies coordination of activities between nurses and other healthcare professionals. Most nurses believe interdisciplinary/collaborative approach to care enhances quality and safety of care (53.0%), followed by those (28.6%) who stated that it enhances coordination and efficiency of care/ therapeutic regimen. Most nurses do encounter challenge(s) in the practice of collaborative care (83.7%) while 16.3% do not. Out of the nurses who encounter challenges during collaboration (N=82 {83.7%}), majority (56.1%) stated that physicians perceive themselves as primary decision makers and will change treatment plans without consultation. This, by implication, constitutes a major challenge followed by lack of communication (24.4%). Respect for different perspectives and mutual responsibility for problem solving is a favourable factor enhancing purposeful collaborative care (53.1%), followed by direct and open communication (26.5%. Conclusion: The study was conducted aiming to find out the awareness of nurses about the nature and practice of collaborative care. Findings show that 69.4% of the nurses define collaborative care as the interaction between healthcare professionals to achieve highest care outcomes followed by 14.3% who stated that it implies coordination of activities between nurses and other healthcare professionals. By implication, nurses are aware of the nature and practice of collaborative care.

Comparing Static Fading with Adaptive Fading to Independent Problem Solving: The Impact on the Achievement and Attitudes of High School Students Learning Electrical Circuit Analysis

AbstractThis study compared conventional static fading, where the problem solving responsibility of the learner increases at a fixed sequence, with a novel adaptive fading design in which the learner assumes more problem solving responsibility only if her or his previous solution attempt is successful. This study was conducted in the engineering knowledge domain of introductory electrical circuit analysis with high school students. A 2 (static or adaptive fading) X 2 (lower or higher academic ability) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) yielded a significant main effect on retention and transfer performance: with adaptive fading the participants scored significantly higher on retention and transfer than with static fading, while not requiring more learning time or learning material.

Effects of supplier trust on performance of cooperative supplier relationships

This study tests a path analytic model of buyer–supplier relationships, linking the supplier’s level of trust to three categories of inter-firm cooperative behaviors and these behaviors to the buyer’s perception of the relationship’s performance. Data was used from a survey of 164 dyads composed of a purchasing manager and a counterpart in a firm that they identified as their most cooperative suppliers. Higher levels of inter-organizational cooperative behaviors such as shared planning and flexibility in coordinating activities were found to be strongly linked to the supplier’s trust in the buyer firm. However, not all of the types of cooperative behaviors, particularly joint responsibility for problem solving, had significant impacts on the buyer’s perceptions of the relationship’s performance.

Religious Problem-Solving Styles: Three Styles Revisited

As previously found, three styles of religious problem solving were hypothesized. In a sample of 272 male clergy and spouses, factor analysis was used to assess the dimensionality of the Religious ProblemSolving Scale using a short form consisting of 18 of the original 36 items. Factor analysis pointed to a three-factor solution with six items each loading on each factor corresponding to three styles of religious problem solving. These three styles suggest a manner of problem solving in which the individual is in a partnership with God in coping (Collaborative), one in which the individual assumes total responsibility for problem solving (Self-Directing), and one in which the individual abandons responsibility for problem solving, leaving it up to God (Deferring). The study also found high internal consistency among the items forming the three subscales. The study substantiates three distinct scales of religious problem solving and supports a fuller consideration of the religiosity variable in problem solving and coping for clergy. The value of parsimony in scale design or usage in research is implied. A survey of scholarly work on religious attribution theory in the psychology of religion suggested that religion influences the meaning given to many problems and situations (Gorsuch and Smith 1983; Spilka and Schmidt 1993; Pargament, Sullivan, Tyler, and Steele 1982). Earlier research supported the conclusion that religion appeared to provide guidance for the selection of solutions to problems and in providing emotional support (Pargament and Hahn 1986; Pargament 1990). Unidimensional and global indicators such as religious participation, attendance, and beliefs do not capture the complexity and multidimensional nature of religion (Williams 1994). More complex conceptualization of the religiosity variable has been proposed (Schaefer and Gorsuch 1991). More specific dimensions of religiosity are needed to describe its influence when an individual faces times of crisis (Pargament 1995). Consistent with the tenets of religious attribution theory, Pargament, Kendell, Hathaway, Gravengoed, Newman, and Jones (1988) hypothesized three styles of religious problem solving: Deferring, Collaborative and Self-Directing. These styles reflect positions on a continuum of locus of responsibility and level of activity of the individual in the resolution of problems. With the Deferring style, the responsibility for problem solving is focused on God, with the individual remaining relatively inactive in the process. With the Collaborative style, the locus of responsibility is on both the individual and God, with both being active in the problem-solving process. With the Self-Directing style, the responsibility for problem solving is assumed almost exclusively by the individual who plays the active role in the implementation of solutions.

Case Study: Critical Success Factors for Creating Superb Self-Managing Teams at Xerox

To achieve their full potential, self-managing teams need to monitor their own work, assume responsibility for problemsolving, and develop task-appropriate performance strategies. How can team leaders help their teams mature in these skills and grow better and better over time? Conventional wisdom says that brilliant coaching—facilitating meetings well, drawing out the right kinds of conflict, building cohesiveness, and the like-is the magic ingredient. But conventional wisdom is wrong. Basing her conclusions on observations of 43 self-managing teams in the Xerox customer service division, Wageman shows that leaders of the most successful teams gave first priority to getting the teams set up right and arranging organizational support for them. Only then did the leaders turn their attention to coaching, to help teams take advantage of their favorable performance situation. Wageman provides concrete illustrations of the seven factors that most strongly distinguish superb from struggling teams, describes how great leaders get those conditions in place, and provides a new conception of the role of hands-on coaching in promoting team effectiveness.

What Role Do Patients Wish to Play in Treatment Decision Making?

Although current ideology suggests patients should be active participants in decision making about their care, the literature suggests that patients wish to be informed but not involved. To test the hypothesis that most patients want their physicians to take the responsibility for problem solving (PS, identifying the one right answer), but that many want to be involved in decision-making (DM, selecting the most desired bundle of outcomes) tasks. Survey responses from 300 patients undergoing angiogram at a Toronto, Ontario, hospital were analyzed (response rate, 72%). Survey items included scales to measure desire for information and participation, including Autonomy Preference Index, the Krantz Health Opinion Survey, and the Deber-Kraetschmer Problem-Solving Decision-Making Scale measured on a scale from, 1 (doctor only) to 5 (patient only). Patients had a relatively high desire for information. On the Problem-Solving Decision-Making Scale, they overwhelmingly wished the PS tasks to be performed by or shared with the physician (98.4% of the 12 PS scores are between 1 and 3), but wanted to be involved in DM (78% of the 6 DM scores are between 3 and 5). Preference for handing over control to the physician was significantly greater for the vignette involving potential mortality (chest pain) than for the vignettes involving mainly morbidity (urinary problems) or quality of life (fertility). Although patients do not wish to be involved in PS tasks, few wish to hand over DM control to their physician. These findings suggest 2 major roles for clinicians--assisting patients in PS to structure choices and supporting them in making often difficult decisions.

Quality management and HRM in the service industry: some case study evidence

Considers management views on the operation of quality management (QM) strategies in two service sector organizations, financial services and hotel and catering – based on open‐ended interviews with managerial staff. Considers some of the soft/HRM aspects of quality management. Finds that there have been moves towards the more quantifiable measurement of outcomes and tighter management control. Employee empowerment is conceived of as the major defining feature of QM in the two organizations. Both companies have also sought greater flexibility through delayering and through efforts to break down demar‐ cations. QM does not necessarily involve these latter trends. However, a thoroughgoing management commitment to empowering employees to take greater responsibility for problem solving and decision making will tend to go together with at least some reduction in organizational hierarchy.

Social support and cancer: Adult patients' desire for support from family, friends, and health professionals

Examined cancer patients' desire for social support from family, friends, and health professionals upon whom they most depended for support. Before a single interaction with each of these sources, nonhospitalized adult cancer patients (N = 64) completed a questionnaire indicating their desire for support from the source on 11 functional components. Results indicated that emotional and instrumental functions of support were distinct and required separate examination. Distinctiveness of primary sources was manifest by patients' overall preference for tangible aid from family, modeling from friends who had cancer, and open communication and clarification from health professionals. Family and friends were equally preferred sources for dealing with affective reactions to the stressfulness of cancer. All three sources were similarly desired for self-esteem enhancement and for relief from decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities. Finally, patients' perceived prognosis but not the objective severity of their illness was associated with a heightened desire for support, especially for instrumental support functions.

Attributions of Responsibility for Problem Cause and Problem Solution: Their Relationship to Self-Esteem

ABSTRACT The relationship of self-esteem to attribution of responsibility for problem cause and problem solution was studied in a sample of 205 college undergraduates. The results revealed a tendency for self-esteem to be negatively associated with the endorsement of an attribution style that features high responsibility for problem cause but low responsibility for problem solving. This result may be due to the lack of instrumentality and the feelings of failure associated with such an attribution style. The results are also discussed with reference to previous research on self-esteem and attribution of responsibility.

Relationship of femininity, masculinity, and gender to attribution of responsibility

Brickman, Rabinowitz, Karuza, Coates, Cohn, and Kidder (“Models of Helping and Coping,” American Psychologist, 1982, 37, 368–384) have proposed four attributional models defined by two dimensions: responsibility for causes of problems and for solutions to problems. The relationship of femininity masculinity, and gender to the attributtional models was explored in a sample of 205 subjects. Femininity and masculinity were measured with the Interpersonal Disposition Inventory (IDI) and the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ). Subjects also responded to two measures of the attributional models. Findings included a significant association between femininity and low internal attribution of responsibility for problem solving. Results are discussed in terms of sex role and gender differences in help seeking.

Solving Student Problems in the House System

For schools that are too large to give individualized attention to student problems, the house system's team approach to problem-solving responsibility may be the answer. One house organization plan is explained in detail here.