Role Of Support Networks Research Articles

Religiosity’s Links to Adolescent Wellbeing and the Role of Supportive Networks and Sex

Research has extensively examined religiosity’s links to youth wellbeing, but it is unclear how the relationship may vary by supportive networks and sex. Analyzing data from the 2015 to 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the results showed that religious salience was negatively associated with the risk of having a past-year major depressive episode (MDE, OR = 0.65), a substance use disorder ( OR = 0.77), and delinquency ( OR = 0.94). Supportive networks also indicated similar associations. Furthermore, supportive networks and sex appeared to moderate religious salience’s links to having an MDE and delinquency in some aspects. The study concludes that religious salience appears to be a protective factor for adolescents’ mental and behavioral wellbeing, though some of its impact may vary by sex and supportive networks. The findings advance the understanding of religiosity’s role in adolescents’ wellbeing and suggest considering tailored plans for optimized outcomes.

Understanding Treatment Resistance in Depression

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) represents a significant challenge in psychiatric care, affecting a substantial portion of patients who do not respond to conventional treatment modalities. This qualitative study aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with TRD to better understand the personal, social, and systemic factors that contribute to treatment resistance and identify potential avenues for more effective interventions. The study utilized a qualitative design, conducting semi-structured interviews with 33 participants diagnosed with TRD. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software to facilitate thematic analysis and ensure comprehensive data exploration and theme identification. Four main themes were identified: Personal Experiences with Depression, Interactions with the Healthcare System, Treatment Efficacy and Options, and Psychological and Social Insights. These themes encompassed subthemes such as emotional impact, coping mechanisms, quality of care, medication efficacy, alternative treatments, stigma, and the role of support networks. Each category provided deep insights into the challenges faced by individuals with TRD and the factors influencing their treatment outcomes. The study highlights the complex nature of TRD and underscores the need for a more personalized, empathetic approach in treating this condition. Insights gained suggest that enhancing patient-provider communication, increasing access to alternative treatment options, and addressing societal stigma could improve treatment outcomes for individuals with TRD.

What to do after Bariatric Surgery: Developing a Comprehensive Roadmap for Surgeons and Patients

This review article examines the importance of postoperative management and follow-up for individuals who undergo bariatric surgery. The study covers various aspects of postoperative care, including patient selection and preparation, nutritional management, physical activity, monitoring and follow-up, and psychosocial support. The article provides recommendations for each aspect and discusses the factors that influence weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. Strategies for addressing psychological and emotional challenges are also explored, along with the role of support networks in achieving long-term success. The findings suggest that a comprehensive approach to postoperative care, including regular monitoring and follow-up, nutritional management, physical activity, and psychosocial support, is crucial for achieving optimal weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. The study has important implications for clinical practice, and future research should focus on identifying ways to improve postoperative care and outcomes for individuals who undergo bariatric surgery.

Pioneer Legislation on Second Order of Sexual Harassment: Sociolegal Innovation in Addressing Sexual Harassment

BackgroudCountless efforts to combat sexual harassment have been proposed, and for the first time in history, the second order of sexual harassment (SOSH) has been legislated under the term second-order violence (SOV) by a unanimous vote of the Catalan Parliament. Advances in preventing and responding to sexual harassment contribute to highlighting the intervention as being crucial to supporting survivors against retaliation. A lack of support provides a general explanation on why bystanders tend not to intervene and highlights the reality that reprisals are suffered by those who support victims.MethodsFrom the existing knowledge about sexual harassment prevention and response mechanisms, this paper analyzes scientific evidence through a review of the literature published in databases, as well as legislation, reports, and other materials.ResultsThe context that enables SOV legislation is grounded in three realms: (1) bystander intervention and protection, (2) the role of support networks in protecting survivors, and (3) awareness and legislation of SOSH. An active bystander refers to the involvement of someone who is aware of potential sexual harassment situations.ConclusionsThe lack of legislation against SOSH limits bystander intervention and support; therefore, legislating protection for supporters has become urgent and necessary. Legislating SOSH has great social implications because gender equality cannot be fully achieved if bystander protection is not legally considered. Policy Implications: As no legal system has previously contemplated SOSH, its pioneering parliamentarian approval and establishment by Catalan law constitute a legal key innovation for the field of gender and women’s studies. In fact, evidence reported here are important in developing further regulations and policy.Policy ImplicationsAs no legal system has previously contemplated SOSH, its pioneering parliamentarian approval and establishment by Catalan law constitute a legal key innovation for the field of gender and women’s studies. In fact, evidence reported here are important in developing further regulations and policy.

DINÂMICA FAMILIAR E REDES DE APOIO NO TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a psychopathology whose symptoms manifest in the first 36 months of life, with a concentration in three major areas, language, social interaction and behavior. Even in the mildest grades, there are family implications, changes in the routine of those involved and the need for social and professional support. This article presents the results of a study conducted with mothers of children diagnosed with ASD about family dynamics after diagnosis and the role of support networks. A qualitative descriptive-exploratory research was carried out, using semi-structured interviews with five mothers appointed by the Association of Parents, Friends and Professionals of the Autistic of Tocantins, whose children had been diagnosed within a minimum of six and a maximum of thirty and six months. For data analysis, content analysis with thematic axes was used. Among the results, a significant change in family dynamics with restructuring of the routine and restriction of social living environments; in the support networks, the role of the professionals involved, as well as the groups of mothers of children with the disorder, was highlighted. It was evident that both the child and the family need monitoring, support and guidance. Keywords: Family. Diagnosis. Psychopathology. Professional. Autism.

Social implications of children's smartphone addiction: The role of support networks and social engagement.

Background and aimsMost studies have regarded smartphone addiction as a condition stemming from individuals’ psychological issues, so research has rarely examined it in relation to a lack of social resources and its social impacts. However, this study reinterprets smartphone addiction as a social problem stemming from a lack of offline social networks and resulting in a decline of social engagement.MethodsThis study drew on a survey of 2,000 children in Korea consisting of 991 males and 1,009 females with an average age of 12 years old. Using the STATA 14 structural equation modeling program, this study examined the relationships between children’s lack of social networks, smartphone addiction, and social engagement.ResultsSocial network variables, such as formal organizational membership, quality of relationship with parents, size of the peer group, and peer support, decrease smartphone addiction. Simply having good relationships and reciprocal feelings with peers do not have any influence on the smartphone addiction. The more the children become addicted to smartphones, the less they participate in social engagement.Discussion and conclusionsThis study provides a new understanding of smartphone addiction by focusing on its social aspects, augmenting prior studies that have addressed psychological factors. Findings suggest that children’s lack of social networks may inhibit comfortable social interactions and feelings of support in the offline environment, which can heighten their desire to escape to smartphones. These children, unlike non-addicts, may not take advantage of the media to enrich their social lives and increase their level of social engagement.

Understanding Challenges, Strategies, and the Role of Support Networks in Medication Self-management Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the challenges and strategies of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regarding daily management of their medication regimen focusing on the role of their support networks. Methods A purposeful sample of 25 patients with T2DM was recruited from local self-help groups, general practitioner practices, and a university hospital in southwestern Germany. Four semi-structured focus groups were conducted to identify the challenges patients experienced, the strategies they used, and their collaboration with support networks to assist them in self-managing their medication regimen. Sessions were audio- and video-recorded, fully transcribed, and subjected to computer-aided qualitative content analysis, guided by the Self- and Family Management Framework (SFMF). Results Patients with T2DM experienced numerous challenges affecting medication self-management arising from their personal situation, health status and resources, characteristics of their regimen, and how health care is currently organized. Patients' self-initiated strategies included activating health care, community, social, and online resources; taking ownership of medication-related needs; and integrating medication-taking into daily life. Patients drew on self-help groups, family, and friends to discuss concerns regarding medication safety and receive experience-based information and advice for navigating within the health care system as well as practical hands-on support with daily medication self-management. Conclusions Understanding the challenges and building on strategies patients with T2DM devised help diabetes educators to better address patients' needs and priorities and guide patient-centered interventions to support patients' self-management activities. Community and social support networks operating in patients' lives need to be engaged in the self-management support.

Sexiled in Mexico City: Urban Migrations Motivated by Sexual Orientation

Migration processes have been studied primarily from an economic or work‐related standpoint. We analyse the extent to which sexual orientation becomes a key factor in the decision, made by men who are attracted to other men, to move to Mexico City. A qualitative study was carried out based on in‐depth interviews and participant observation. With this data, we analysed: (a) the men's motivations and strategies for moving to Mexico City; (b) the process of coming out; (c) the role of support networks in the city; and (d) the perception of their place of origin, having completed the migration process.

The Role of Support Networks in the Initial Stages of Integration: The Case of West African Newcomers in the Netherlands

AbstractThis study focuses on the role of support networks in West African migration to the Netherlands. The authors examine the interactions of non‐State support groups with West African newcomers and explore the nature, scope and function of support. What type of support networks do respondents rely on, under which circumstances, and for how long? What is the scope of support? Is it to be taken for granted? What alternatives are there for those left out of the loop? The findings suggest that support is mainly punctual, in response to a specific need, and for a limited period of time. It is not to be taken for granted, as support groups have limited capacities, and protect themselves from excessive demands. They play a significant role in providing assistance to migrants, yet this role should not be overestimated.

Migration Patterns and Influence of Support Networks: A Case Study of West Africans in the Netherlands

This article explores the infl uence of support networks in the migration process of West African migrants to the Netherlands. Taking a case-oriented biographic approach, the article analyzes the migration stories of several West African migrants with a focus on the networks that facilitated their journey and their initial stages of integration. It highlights the role of support networks in different moments of the migratory process—pre-departure, arrival and settlement—and discusses the scope of support and the obligations that emerge from these social interactions. The article shows that respondents received different types of support, from different types of groups, at different stage of their migration, which shaped the distinctive features of their individual trajectories. An interesting aspect is the support that settled West African migrants give to West African newcomers, which suggests the existence of a regional collective identity. Limited resources, however, pose serious constraints on this type of support.

Becoming Custodial Dads: Exploring Parenting Among Low‐Income and Working‐Class African American Fathers

The authors use an ecological framework and grounded theoretical analysis to explore the circumstances in which working‐class and low‐income custodial African American fathers gain custody of their children, their transition from part‐time to full‐time parents, and the role of support networks in enhancing or inhibiting these men's parenting. Twenty‐four men from an impoverished Midwestern urban area participated in the study. The findings suggest that these men, and perhaps others sharing their demographic profiles, generally become parents by default and are often reluctant to take on a full‐time, single parenting role. Adaptation to the role seems to be enhanced by these men's use of extended kin support networks and shared living arrangements. However, low wages, a lack of sufficient assistance from public assistance programs, and informal custody arrangements often inhibit their fathering.

Role of support networks in maintenance of improved cardiovascular health status.

This study was undertaken to clarify the relationship between maintaining an improved cardiovascular health status and social support networks. Two hundred and ninety participants from a national trial that was carried out to specify the impact of reducing risk for cardiovascular disease were rescreened 3 years after completion of the trial. Original risk status of the participants was compared to risk status at the end to identify who had an improved risk status (n = 204). Risk status of 204 improvers was calculated from the rescreening data to identify maintainers (n = 63) and nonmaintainers (n = 143). No significant differences were found between maintainers and nonmaintainers in sociodemographic status, or in level of general support. Highly significant differences were found for four types of support provided specifically for risk reduction: information/advice (P = 0.002), appraisal (P = 0.004), emotional support (P = 0.01) and availability (P = 0.019). Most of these differences in support were accounted for by the larger support network identified by the maintainers. In addition, compared to nonmaintainers, maintainers' networks were more family-centered (P = 0.012), and were correspondingly more dense (P = 0.021). A discriminant function analysis using the significant variables was able to predict maintenance in 72% of the cases. The significant variables also accounted for 10% of the variance between maintainers and nonmaintainers. The implications of this study are: (1) assessment of support should be specific to the health outcome being studied: (2) research on the impact of social environment on health status will benefit from clearly specifying individual components of social support and social networks; (3) amount of social support provided is related to size of the network and relationship of supporter to the at-risk individual; (4) because social support and social networks account for a small but significant amount of the variance between maintainers and nonmaintainers, these concepts should be included in patient assessments prior to developing a treatment or maintenance plan.

Social support networks and the crisis of bereavement

Selected social network and urban community literature is reviewed and various models of support structure are then assessed in terms of their adequacy in meeting the diverse needs of individuals under stress. The role of support networks during the bereavement crisis is examined specifically and a brief description of the Community Resources Service's project “A Preventive Intervention for the Newly Bereaved” illustrates how understanding of network supports can aid the mental health professional in crisis intervention.