Social Work Practice Research Research Articles

The Emergence of Social Work Practice Research in the Peoples’ Republic of China

Objective: In China where social work is a fledgling profession, practice research is still a novelty. This article aims to provide an overview of the development of social work practice research in mainland China. Methods: This review analyzes the content of 206 Chinese journal articles published in the Peoples’ Republic of China since 1915 using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, with a focus on the question “who published what?” Results: The first social work practice research was published in 1999 and it has been increasing in recent years in China. They are predominantly conducted by academics and the collaboration between academics and practitioners is rare and can be further promoted. Conclusions: Practice research could be stepped up to build a distinctive professional knowledge base for social work in China considering its unique geographical, cultural, socioeconomic, and political contexts.

Gendered violence in natural disasters: Learning from New Orleans, Haiti and Christchurch

Why are women so vulnerable to violence and death as a result of disaster compared with men? This article investigates how global environmental forces in the form of natural disasters from floods, droughts and famines to earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes affect women and men differently. Disasters are known to have direct and indirect impacts on gender-based violence particularly against women and girls, revealing a pattern of heightened violence and vulnerability in their aftermath. These gendered impacts are directly relevant to social work theory, practice and advocacy, which seek to promote social wellbeing and to prevent violence in homes and communities during and in the aftermath of disasters. The article argues that women’s unequal economic and social status relative to men before a disaster strikes determines the extent of their vulnerability to violence during and after a crisis. If gender-based violence and women’s particular needs are not addressed in disaster preparedness, disaster recovery plans and humanitarian assistance, then women and girls’ vulnerability will increase. The article offers some lessons based on primary research of responses to the 2010-2011 Christchurch earthquakes against the backdrop of what we know about the responses to an earthquake of similar magnitude in Haiti in 2009. It draws implications from this research for social work theory, practice and advocacy, highlighting the importance of ensuring that future disaster planning and decision making is gender-sensitive.

Good kids with ties to “deviant” peers: network strategies used by African American and Latino young men in violent neighborhoods

Adolescence can be a precarious time for young men of color growing in low-income neighborhoods with high rates of violence. For young men in those neighborhoods this may mean developing a suite of coping strategies that help them successfully navigate their neighborhood and school. Those strategies may include developing social ties with neighborhood residents that are engaged in “deviant” behavior. The aim of this paper study is to leverage the concept of resiliency to examine how social ties to the neighborhood-based “deviant” peers operate as protective factors. To answer this question we use qualitative data from African American and Latino boys and young men from neighborhoods in Chicago and Waukegan, IL who are between the ages of 14–25. Themes emerged that highlight short term positive impacts of social ties with “deviant” peers vs long term consequences. Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed.

'Living to tell the tale' — Narratives of Surviving Cancer and the Social Work Response

This article draws on themes derived from research conducted as part of my doctoral study with eighteen individuals who were living with cancer, in which they were invited to explore the ways in which they experienced the world around them, how it had affected their sense of self and their relationships with others and whether and in what ways it had given them a different perspective on the present and the future. This research developed from my practice as a Social Worker in Palliative Care, during which time I became fascinated by the different reactions and responses which individual people displayed to a diagnosis of life-threatening illness, and how these changed during the trajectory of the illness, and specifically, in people living with a diagnosis of cancer, which did not always result in death. Drawing on interviews with cancer ‘survivors’, the concepts of biographical disruption, liminality and survivorship are explored as a means of understanding the reality of living with cancer. Finally there is a discussion of the implications of the research for contemporary social work practice.

Police encounters among a community sample of children and youth accessing mental health services

ABSTRACTGenerally, within the Canadian context, scholarship on police encounters with persons living with mental illness has focused on the experiences of adults and not children and youth. In this article, we present preliminary work of a secondary data analysis of intake statistics collected over a 5-year period (2009–2014) and a thematic content analysis of qualitative intake notes collected over a 2-year period (2009–2011) about police involvement among a community sample of children and youth accessing mental health services. Of 8,920 intakes completed, 1,449 children and youth, birth to 24 years old, had had police involvement at the time of accessing mental health services. Over the 5 years, the average number of young people with police involvement at the time of accessing mental health services was 16%, or one in six children and youth. Analysis of the qualitative intake notes revealed two main reasons for police involvement: (1) support in the home for a distressed child, and (2) concerns about a child’s conduct and behaviors in the community. The implications for social work practice and future research are discussed.

Exploring Motivations, Awareness of Side Effects, and Attitudes among Potential Egg Donors.

This research study surveyed prospective egg donors at orientation to (a) understand women's motivations to donate eggs, (b) assess awareness and knowledge of egg donation prior to entry into the egg donation program, and (c) explore attitudes toward egg donation. Ninety-two women completed the questionnaire at one fertility clinic located in the Midwest between August 2011 and August 2012. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as textual analysis were used to analyze the data. Three themes emerged regarding participant motivations: (1) altruistic, (2) financial, and (3) desire to pass on genetic material. The majority of participants were unconcerned with potential physical and psychological side effects; however, differences emerged based on motherhood status and educational level. Although potential donors felt recipients should receive some information about the donor, they tended to value privacy regarding information giving to resultant offspring. This research study has implications for social work practice, policy, and future research. It is crucial that women receive adequate procedural and side effect information prior to engaging in egg donation.

Exploring Challenges Faced by Students as they Transition to Social Justice Work in the “Real World”: Implications for Social Work

For students who are actively engaged in social justice efforts on their college/university campuses, the transition from a relatively easy platform for engagement to the “real world” can pose significant challenges and create new realities for negotiation. Little is known, however, about the nature of these transitions into post-graduate social justice experiences. Drawing on an open-ended survey of recent graduates (92 respondents, 50% response rate) from a social justice minor in a school of social work, we explore the ways in which respondents described their transitions into social justice work, focusing on a set of key challenges that emerged from our analysis and reflecting on the implications of these challenges for social work practice and future research. Understanding some of the challenges in making this transition will help social work and non-profit administrators to better support this population’s future volunteer, service, and employment needs.

Teaching qualitative research and participatory practices in neoliberal times

Dialogue between those interested or engaged in qualitative research and practitioners is essential if practice is to respond effectively to the increasing needs of service users. However, this statement is underpinned by two linked assumptions – that the world of the practitioner and that of the researcher are separate, and that there is a policy audience receptive to qualitatively informed professional practice. This paper begins by questioning these assumptions, recognising that neoliberal managerialism remains dominant and is resistant to qualitatively inspired practice, determined that practitioners are ‘siloed’ into skills or competence-based approaches in the name of accountability, value for money and ‘outcomes’ consistent with neoliberal ideology. We emphasise the shared values and commitments between social work practice and social work research which include the recognition that people may be encouraged to understand and transform their world through the constant interaction of theory and practice, a view we promote through our teaching. For example, social justice and other social work values are highlighted through participatory, anti-oppressive and feminist research and emphasised though critical, emancipatory approaches to research questions. We include recent vignettes, demonstrating this approach, in which students have used innovative research approaches, which have provided the possibility of fully integrating research into on-going practice. Feedback from students and practitioners concludes that this becomes possible if research teaching encourages partnership between students, practitioners, service users and organisations.

Study for Ensuring the Science of Social Work Based on Structure-constructivism――Making Social Work Practice Research Scientific by Considering Qualitative Research――

Study for Ensuring the Science of Social Work Based on Structure-constructivism――Making Social Work Practice Research Scientific by Considering Qualitative Research――

Teaching Social Work Practice Research to Enhance Research-Minded Expertise

ABSTRACTThe emphasis on student cognitive knowledge and expertise in social work education has been shifting more toward reflective learning that features learning networks and dialogical interaction. In the context of innovative knowledge communities for promoting social work expertise, educators have become facilitators of learning that is expanding beyond the boundaries of academia. This article features a case study of the practice research module at the University of Helsinki, Finland, which is based on a partnership with agencies and the University of Helsinki research unit of the Heikki Waris Institute. The aim is to promote new pedagogical thinking about how to explore the complexities of professional competences by actively taking into account the cultural and practical dimensions of work life. Research-minded expertise requires not only lectures or textbooks but also ongoing interaction among service organizations, service practitioners, service users, and researchers.

The Impact of Electronic Communication and Social Media on Child Welfare Practice

One hundred and thirty-six child welfare workers completed an online survey examining their experiences regarding the impact that electronic communication and social media use has had on their practice with youth and families. Workers reported e-mail and text message use have made work with youth easier, yet distinct difficulties have emerged for practitioners in relation to electronic communication and social media use. New elements have also emerged including issues with harassment and the ethics related to monitoring clients' online activities. Comparisons with a previous study conducted by Finn indicate that the use of technology within social work practice has evolved over time. Implications for social work practice and future research are also discussed.

Social work practice research innovation, implementation and implications: A case of ‘Cooperative Grounded Inquiry’ with formerly abused women in Hong Kong

There is a notable ethical, epistemological and practical need to recognize formerly abused women’s central role in developing domestic violence services and related knowledge. For achieving social work professional accountability, methodological innovations that facilitate participation of different stakeholders in domestic violence services are required. Instead of polarizing domestic violence service providers and users, this article aims at providing deeper thoughts on methodological innovation that can facilitate coparticipation and partnership in domestic violence social work practice research. I propose a rigorous merging of Cooperative Inquiry and Grounded Theory Methodology to produce a Cooperative Grounded Inquiry which can cast light onto the promotion of participation and knowledge making in domestic violence social work services. This methodology was applied in working with formerly abused women in Hong Kong and has generated useful working principles for further application of the methodology.

Academic Practitioner Partnerships: A Model for Collaborative Practice Research in Social Work

Academic practitioner collaborations can further the practice research agenda of social work departments in a health setting. This article describes the development of a formalised partnership, located in an oncology social work department, which was grounded in a systemic mentoring approach that responded to the expressed needs of social workers to develop skills in research design and implementation. The systemic model promoted the development of a practice research culture and opportunities for social workers to participate in research at multiple levels. Practice research focused on the contribution of social work practice research to improved outcomes for patients and the hospital service. The partnership has supported the development of a range of clinically relevant research studies and the growing motivation and confidence among social work staff to participate in a wider research agenda.

Practice Evaluation Strategies Among Clinical Social Workers

Objectives: Practice evaluation strategies range in style from the formal-analytic tools of single-subject designs, rapid assessment instruments, algorithmic steps in evidence-based practice, and computer software applications, to the informal-interactive tools of clinical supervision, consultation with colleagues, use of client feedback, and clinical experience. The purpose of this study was to provide practice researchers in social work with a more complete understanding of how and why social workers evaluate their practice the way they do. Methods: Questions about practice evaluation strategies were posed to 12 licensed clinical social workers in a 3-hour focus group. Findings: Drawing on advances in the cognitive and social neurosciences, the study identified among clinical social workers an informal-interactive tool preference that displays itself as a cognitively necessary, sufficient, and stand-alone preference that required neither the supplementation nor balance of formal-analytic tools. Conclusions: New directions in social work practice research are required and delineated.

Use of Evidence-Based Practice and Barriers to Utilize Research in Rural Social Work Practice

In this study the author explores the level of use of evidence-based practice and the extent of barriers to research utilization in rural practice settings. Ninety-one social work field instructors from the rural areas of Southeast Ohio reported moderate use of evidence-based practice in their treatment process. The majority of field instructors also identified significant barriers to research utilization in practice. In addition, the use of evidence-based practice was associated with barriers to utilize research in the areas of field instructors' characteristics, organizational settings and limits, and communication. Implications include suggestions for enhancing evidence-based practice in rural settings.

Relational Aggression in School Settings: Definition, Development, Strategies, and Implications

Relational aggression (RA) is a nonphysical form of aggression whereby the perpetrator's goal is to inflict or threaten damage to relationships, including harm to the target child's social standing or reputation. This form of aggression may result in long-term psychological harm to victims. This article defines RA, summarizes its development, and highlights some recent prevention and intervention strategies to address RA in early childhood and elementary school settings. Studies span across urban, suburban, and rural schools, along with various ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. Although most interventions are universal in scope, designed to prevent the onset of RA, some target specific groups at risk of developing RA, such as girls. Of the 13 programs reviewed, 12 are classroom-based prevention programs, with the length of implementation ranging from six weeks to three years. Several longitudinal studies are presented (covering at least two academic years). RESULTS indicate that although most interventions decrease relationally aggressive behaviors and increase prosocial behaviors, effect sizes of interventions vary. Whole-school antibullying programs do not appear to be effective. Suggestions for incorporating new interventions are given, along with implications for school social work practice, education policy, and intervention research. Language: en

Beliefs about Research and Social Work Practice: A Systematic Psychometric Review of Scales

The purpose of the author in this systematic psychometric review includes: providing social work researchers, educators, and administrators with a summary of descriptive psychometric information pertaining to scales which measure social workers' beliefs about research and social work practice, evaluating chronological changes in psychometric/statistical methodology, and summarizing the role current and future scale development efforts have in improving the use of evidence-based social work practice. Using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, electronic databases and reference lists of included studies were reviewed and coded for methodological and psychometric properties. Seventeen studies satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eleven unique scales measuring social worker beliefs regarding research and social work practice were identified. The majority of scales and subscales had Cronbach's alphas that exceeded .70. Most of the scales had evidence of content, factorial, construct, and/or criterion validity. Strategies for improving psychometric research and implications for evidence-based social work practice are discussed.

Social Work and the Challenge of Entrepreneurship in Africa

One of the most difficult and challenging areas of research in social work practice is to create a philosophy of integration whereby some presumed assumptions are questioned and new areas of collaboration designed for best practices. It is the function of philosophy to question such assumptions and design newer areas of research for the practice in Africa. In this article, we have deigned to question the collaborative work of social work and entrepreneurship. This is what one might describe as the duty of the social innovator, social problem solver in business practices of the commonly defined deliverables from the social entrepreneur. In the social business innovator or entrepreneur, we have the best skills of the entrepreneurship, social philosophy, social work and social interested innovator. Many would have questioned the conjunction between the aggressive business entrepreneur who is profit oriented and the charity oriented non-governmental organizer who cares and works for others happiness. If both are for business and are investors, what kind of investment and profit is the social entrepreneur committed to in his business as different from the profit orientation of the business mogul. In Africa, such questioning and questions lead to a paradigm change in the popular understanding of the emerging area of the social entrepreneurship and the challenge of solving social problems of poverty and crisis in Africa. This article seeks to contribute to such social problem solving by enhancing the public awareness and education on the developmental possibilities of social entrepreneurship in Africa.

Perceived Skills, Self-Efficacy, and Attitudes Toward Technology: A Pilot Study of BSW Students

The Council on Social Work Education has called for the increased use of relevant technology; however, limited research is available on social work students’ perceived skills, self- efficacy, and attitudes toward technology. This study examined 215 BSW students’ perceived confidence, skills, attitudes, and self- efficacy regarding technology use before and after taking a social work and technology course. Significant differences were found in all factors except attitude. Age was negatively correlated with perceived skills and self- efficacy. Qualitative data on how students felt about technology in their future roles as social workers identified six themes: better service provision, changes in communications, improved access and productivity, client involvement, concerns with confidentiality, and role of technology. Recommendations for future research and implications for social work education and practice are discussed.

Helsinki statement on social work practice research

Helsinki statement on social work practice research