Social Constructionist Approach Research Articles

Leaders’ experiences of embedding a simulation-based education programme in a teaching hospital: an interview study informed by normalisation process theory

There is limited research on the experiences of people in working to embed, integrate and sustain simulation programmes. This interview-based study explored leaders’ experiences of normalising a simulation-based education programme in a teaching hospital. Fourteen known simulation leaders across Australia and North America were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis sensitised by normalisation process theory, an implementation science theory which defines ‘normal’ as something being embedded, integrated and sustained. We used a combined social and experiential constructivist approach. Four themes were generated from the data: (1) Leadership, (2) business startup mindset, (3) poor understanding of simulation undermines normalisation and (4) tension of competing objectives. These themes were interlinked and represented how leaders experienced the process of normalising simulation. There was a focus on the relationships that influence decision-making of simulation leaders and organisational buy-in, such that what started as a discrete programme becomes part of normal hospital operations. The discourse of ‘survival’ was strong, and this indicated that simulation being normal or embedded and sustained was still more a goal than a reality. The concept of being like a ‘business startup’ was regarded as significant as was the feature of leadership and how simulation leaders influenced organisational change. Participants spoke of trying to normalise simulation for patient safety, but there was also a strong sense that they needed to be agile and innovative and that this status is implied when simulation is not yet ‘normal’. Leadership, change management and entrepreneurship in addition to implementation science may all contribute towards understanding how to embed, integrate and sustain simulation in teaching hospitals without losing responsiveness. Further research on how all stakeholders view simulation as a normal part of a teaching hospital is warranted, including simulation participants, quality and safety teams and hospital executives. This study has highlighted that a shared understanding of the purpose and breadth of simulation is a prerequisite for embedding and sustaining simulation. An approach of marketing simulation beyond simulation-based education as a patient safety and systems improvement mindset, not just a technique nor technology, may assist towards simulation being sustainably embedded within teaching hospitals.

Barriers to Learning From Crisis: A Neglected Aspect of Disaster Risk Reduction in the Tourism SMEs in Sri Lanka

The survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is a critical necessity due to their economic and social contributions. Organizational crises, on the other hand, pose a threat to the viability of SMEs. Thus, DRM has become increasingly important in the organizational management of SMEs. As a strategic approach to DRR in organizational context, SMEs need to practice crisis management, particularly need to learn from crises. However, the high crisis vulnerability of SMEs indicates ineffective crisis management on their part, mainly due to failure to learn from crises. Using a social constructivist approach, this phenomenological study attempts to identify the various barriers that hinder the crisis learning of SMEs. An in-depth investigation was conducted with 19 selected tourism SMEs located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The results revealed the existence of several crisis learning barriers classified using IPA, namely personal, organizational, and industry level barriers. Among them, the organizational level barriers brought attention to the lack of internal resource integration for crisis management in tourism SMEs. These findings could assist SMEs and stakeholders to identify the corrective measures required to eliminate such learning barriers. They may also help policymakers and supporting organizations in launching their services.

The suffering of students in physical education. Unsettling experiences and situational conditions

ABSTRACT Background The state of research on unsettling experiences of students in physical education can be characterized as fragmented. The available studies focus on select emotions (e.g. fear), specific forms of discrimination (e.g. ableism), or different types of social interactions (e.g. bullying). In this way, the state of research reveals different aspects of students’ suffering in physical education (PE) in a puzzle-like manner, while systematic investigations of the overall picture of PE as a complex meaningfully structured phenomenon remain open. Purpose The study presented in this paper aims to systematically capture the breadth of unsettling PE experiences by taking different perspectives of students into account, while also doing justice to PE in its situational logic. Based on a social constructivist approach, the following research questions will be addressed: (1) What kind of experiences are interpreted as unsettling by students in PE? (2) Which situational conditions are associated with students’ unsettling PE experiences? Methods A qualitative research approach based on written short narratives was employed to answer the research questions. Current and former secondary school students (N = 677) from Germany participated. Grounded theory coding methods and sequential analysis were used for the data analysis. Results Our data indicates a wide range of students’ unsettling PE experiences (e.g. public humiliation, social exclusion, and forms of violence). On a supra-individual level, two major categories of unsettling PE experiences were identified: (1) The vulnerability of the students perceived through revealed inadequacies and (2) the social oppression of the supposedly ‘lazy, weak and unfit’. Students’ experience of vulnerability can be traced back to situations of physical exposure and performance failure while their experience of social oppression draws back to suppressive actions by teachers and fellow students. For each of these categories, we identify typical ways in which students deal with their unsettling experience. On a structural level, a hierarchizing culture of PE that fosters unsettling experiences is revealed. Discussion As a central strength, our study can provide condensed explanations for the emergence and consequences of unsettling PE experiences from the students’ perspective. Our findings relate to and enrich existing discourses regarding the situational emergence of vulnerability, overarching mechanisms of marginalization, and the hierarchizing culture of PE as a basis for social oppression. It is particularly tragic that affected students feel left alone and can hardly escape harmful situations, which perpetuates their suffering. Thus, pedagogical concepts that emphasize students’ diversity and the dismantling of hierarchies are needed and should be advanced further.

What should the travel industry do as the world becomes more of an office?

PurposeThis study aims to guide travel agencies to adapt their services to the expectations of digital nomads and to create new packages.Design/methodology/approachThis study, which is undertaken with the social constructivism approach, is designed as a case study. Secondary data on Remote Year as the case, experiences were obtained within the Trustpilot application. Four hundred and eighty-seven useable comments made between 2016, the year of its establishment, and 2024 were accepted as documents. These data were supported by interviews.FindingsThe findings of the study basically identify that the services provided by RY provide physical, social and psychological support to the digital nomad and are therefore preferred.Originality/valueThis study attempts to address the lack of supply-side studies in the digital nomadism literature. The concept of NomadEase was introduced to the literature and the need for entrepreneurs to manage physical, social and psychological resources together and in harmony was emphasized.

Exploring Engagement and Efficacy in Secondary English Education in China: A Problem-Based Social Constructivism Approach

The English learning environment, both online and offline, can be improved through the implementation of effective pedagogical approaches. In response to secondary education needs, it is critical to establish comparable curriculum paradigms that address the knowledge acquisition gap and psychometric variation. This study aims to promote student engagement and self-efficacy in English education by implementing a problem-based learning (PBL) approach integrated with social constructivism (SC). A t-test and a correlation test were used in a single-group quasi-experiment with 45 participants. The results of paired samples t-tests show a significant difference in engagement (M = 4.78, SD = 2.95, p = .001, p < .05) and self-efficacy (M = 6.49, SD = 16.59, p = .01). Admittedly, both cognitive engagement and social engagement enhance grammatical and textual competence efficacy dramatically, leading to a spectacular improvement. After controlling for the pre-test, a correlation between engagement and efficacy remains significant (r (43) = -0.40, p = .01). In conclusion, the combination of PBL with SC education has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in facilitating English language learning, meeting the needs of secondary education teenagers, whether in a physical classroom or engaging through online platforms.

The expression of compassion in leadership in intercultural organizational situations: The case of Japanese leaders in India

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the role played by compassion in leadership in intercultural situations. Focusing on the growing and important economic context of Indo‐Japanese business, we develop a model that identifies contingent factors that affect Japanese leaders' expressions of compassion in intercultural organizational contexts. We engage with the spiritual capital construct and analyse leaders' lived experiences leading to a novel extension of the well‐established Nested Spheres Model of Culture. By adopting an inductivist and social constructivist approach, semistructured interviews with Japanese business leaders operating in India are employed to generate data. The empirical data show how changes in time and place cause deeply embedded cultural values (such as compassion) to surface and become more explicit in leadership. The study also underlines the need to explore the wider spatial, temporal, and economic contingencies that affect both the dynamics of compassion in “intercultural” business situations and spiritual leadership in intercultural contexts.

CSR perceptions and practices in small hotels in urban cities

PurposeThis study aims to examine the perception and practices related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implemented in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), focussing on small hotels in London.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design comprising detailed semi-structured interviews was employed with 12 small hotel owner-managers in central London and its outskirts. The study adopts a social constructionist approach to explore CSR perspectives and practices, along with a social capital framework to investigate how CSR is perceived at the individual level and consequently manifested into CSR practices.FindingsThe findings indicate that a small hotel’s implementation of CSR is influenced by long-term versus short-term considerations, as well as socio-economic and socio-political conditions. Individual-level factors, like hoteliers’ CSR conceptualisation and personal and business values, affect CSR adoption in small hotels. Lastly, institutional-level factors, such as ineffective institutional participation and the hotelier’s cultural background against the cosmopolitan context of a big city, have contributed to a muted response to socially responsible issues.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted with a limited sample of 12 participants from small hotels in London and its outskirts, which may limit the generalisability of the findings. Future research could enhance these findings by involving a larger and more diverse group of participants from various urban areas, potentially employing a quantitative research approach for broader applicability. This study’s insights can guide policymakers in educating small business owners on CSR benefits and implementation. It also proposes how governments could encourage sustainable practices among small hotels seeking to enhance their reputation. Moreover, these findings enable small businesses to develop their stakeholder strategies for greater CSR initiatives.Originality/valueThis study integrates social capital theory into investigating CSR in small hotels in London, broadening the literature on CSR perception and integration, particularly in SMEs and the hospitality sector.

Sustainability on the horizon? An investigation into sustainable banking practices in an emerging economy

Purpose This study aims to investigate sustainability practices in the banking industry, focusing on a developing economy. It uses the triple-bottom-line framework to answer the following research question: how do banks in Nigeria conceptualise sustainability, and what role does it play in their banking practices? Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a social constructivist approach in its exploration of banking sustainability practices in an emerging economy, and the research design is a purpose-based (exploratory) approach. The qualitative data was collected from 33 bank personnel from various bank units and departments through semi-structured interviews to achieve the research objective. Findings The study reveals a lack of sustainability policies and programmes, as banks focus mainly on profitability. It uncovers unfair treatments of bank workers through casualisation, low wages and work overload. It indicates that most banks in developing countries ignore environmental considerations, as they still carry out paper-based transactions and use diesel-powered generators, which cause various negative environmental impacts. It also confirms that governments and banks in the country are not doing enough to propagate sustainable practices and banks have also not taken advantage of the sustainability concept to promote their brands; instead, they consider it as requiring additional operational costs. Practical implications The findings demonstrate the need for banks to see sustainability from a marketing point of view and adopt sustainable practices to create additional value that will improve their brand image and enhance their competitiveness. Originality/value The importance of sustainability in the banking industry in emerging economies is considered a viable means of contributing to the overall development goals of the United Nations as the world tries to preserve the environment. It also highlights the consequences of inaction or unsustainable banking practices.

Eliciting the views of left breast cancer patients' receiving deep inspiration breath hold radiation therapy to inform the design of multimedia education and improve patient-centred care for prospective patients.

The currently accepted best practice radiation treatment for left breast cancer patients is Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) where patients hold a deep breath to reduce late cardiac and pulmonary effects from treatment. DIBH can be challenging and induce or exacerbate anxiety in patients due to the perceived pressure to reduce radiation treatment side effects. This study explored the experiences of patients treated with Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Radiation Therapy (DIBH-RT) to improve patient-centred care and inform the design of multimedia educational tools for future patients undergoing DIBH. This descriptive qualitative study was underpinned by a social constructivist approach to create new educational and patient care approaches based on previous patients' experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who had completed DIBH-RT for breast cancer. Data was analysed with reflexive thematical analysis. Twenty-two patients were interviewed with five key themes identified: (1) informational needs, (2) care needs, (3) autonomy, (4) DIBH performance influencers and (5) other centredness. Recommendations were derived from these themes to improve future treatments of DIBH patients. These recommendations revolved around improvements to education, patient-centred care and strategies to improve self-efficacy with breath holding. Patients offer a wealth of knowledge regarding their lived experiences with treatment which can enhance future patients' experiences if incorporated into their education and care. Eliciting patients' views of their DIBH-RT treatment highlighted the need to improve patient self-efficacy with DIBH through familiarity with their planned treatment from new multimedia education, and foster patient care to enhance their experience.

Does voice endorsement by supervisors enhance or constrain voicer's personal initiative? Countervailing effects via feeling pride and feeling envied.

While the previous research has examined antecedents of supervisors' voice endorsement, it has generally overlooked its effects on voicers' affective and behavioral reactions, probably because of the underlying assumption that supervisors' voice endorsement is inherently beneficial and likely to encourage more proactive behaviors in the future. In this research, we offer a theoretical model of the double-edged effects of supervisors' voice endorsement on voicers' subsequent personal initiative. Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory and related research, we proposed that supervisors' voice endorsement prompts two different cognitive appraisal processes in voicers that evoke two distinct emotional experiences-feeling pride and feeling envied-with countervailing effects on voicers' subsequent personal initiative. Specifically, voice endorsement results in voicers not only feeling pride, which enhances their subsequent personal initiative, but also in their feeling envied, which reduces their later personal initiative. Moreover, we extend the cognitive appraisal theory of emotion from a social constructionist approach by incorporating coworker support-an important relational context-as a contingent factor shaping the effects of voice endorsement on feeling pride and feeling envied and on voicers' subsequent personal initiative. The results from two field studies-a weekly experience sampling study with 574 observations from 119 employees and an event-based daily experience sampling study with 787 observations from 180 employees-largely support our theoretical model. This research suggests the importance of considering the perspectives of all the stakeholders in the proactivity triad (i.e., the focal employee, the supervisor, and coworkers) in order to sustain employee proactivity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Liminal Athletes: Abusive Hazing and Masculinities in Homosocial Team sports1

ABSTRACT In this study, we aimed to reveal the dimensions and qualities of violence and abuse in sports through hazing in Turkish sample. We also consider hazing, which involves inhuman and deviant behavior, through masculinities, homosociality, and liminality. We applied qualitative research method with social constructionist and pro-feminist approach. We used in-depth interview and visual painting application technique with a retrospective design. We carried out painting application and interviewed 28 athletes from team branches such as football, basketball, volleyball, rowing, water polo, underwater hockey and American football. We applied content analysis based on thematic coding and revealed 4 themes: 1) “foggy” and “hazy” locker rooms, 2) knowing your place as a rookie, 3) interfering with bodily integrity, 4) “prospective” members on the threshold. We can say that within the masculine culture of sports, liminal athletes can make the teams by experiencing a masculinity that is often subordinated to hegemonic masculinities. In this process, liminal athletes harden because they have been crushed so much; and as they harden, they crush those coming from below.

Developing feedback literacy, scaffolded writing, and resilience through intervention on feedback processes for L2 writing students

Recent research on feedback processes posits that furthering students’ feedback literacy leads to scaffolded learning by effectively engaging them in seeking, understanding, and using feedback information. This study examined effects of a social-constructionist approach to feedback literacy on students’ development of feedback literacy, scaffolded learning, and resilience. Accordingly, we raised students’ awareness of feedback dynamics within the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), while engaged in collaborative writing with co-writers. A mixed-methods design was adopted comprising measures of feedback literacy, writing, and resilience before and after the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were also held to probe students’ post-intervention attitudes. Posttest scores and ratings showed significant improvement in the experimental group’s feedback literacy, writing proficiency, and resilience. Further, interviews revealed that feedback literate students developed positive perceptions of feedback processes arising from scaffolded writing and that their enhanced awareness brought them opportunities for engagement, collaboration, graduated scaffolding in the ZPD, and sustained motivation for writing.

How Can Social Understanding in Adolescence Be Enhanced? Observations Based on Short-Term Conversation-Based Training

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by significant changes and intensified social interactions. The role of parents decreases and the importance of peer groups increases. Peers, especially friends, may deliver instrumental aid and emotional support; they may also promote a sense of security and be a significant source of affection and intimacy. Additionally, peer relations provide a testing ground for exercising many competencies necessary in complex social situations, such as social problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation. The intensified contact with peers may also enhance adolescents’ social understanding skills. Therefore, practicing social understanding skills within a peer group may enhance one’s social functioning in adolescence. For these practical and educational reasons, we aimed to confirm the effectiveness of conversation-based training in these skills and identify what factors potentially support or hinder its effectiveness. Social understanding, the ability to understand oneself and others in various social situations, develops in childhood and adolescence. As this ability impacts satisfactory social functioning in adolescence and develops in a social context, a training process was proposed with the aim of enhancing the development of this ability based on the social-constructivist approach to social understanding. The efficacy of the training to enhance the understanding of one’s own and others’ mental states was verified using a sample of 65 Polish adolescents (mean age: 14.6 years). They participated in nine one-hour sessions and were divided into an experimental group (social understanding, n = 26) and two control groups: attention/perception (n = 17) and film/text literacy (n = 22). Although no direct effect of the theory of mind training was found, the results provided important observations for further work on adolescent social understanding training programs.

Autonomy and its relevance for the construction of personhood in dementia– a thematic synthesis

BackgroundThis article examines the concept of autonomy in the context of person-centred dementia research and care, which is frequently being used but not clearly defined. Also, there is no clear conceptual relation between autonomy and personhood in this context.MethodsTherefore, literature on person-centred dementia research and care was examined to answer the following question: How is the concept of autonomy discussed in person-centred dementia research and care literature?ResultsThis analysis revealed heterogeneous perspectives on autonomy within the context of dementia. These were assigned to two different perspectives on personhood: one that links personhood to the existing cognitive abilities and the other one, that understands personhood relationally as the result of a socially constructed process. These results are discussed with regard to a nursing and care practice that could be considered as being deficit-oriented, but also with regard to the concept of social health in dementia.ConclusionsDerived from this analysis, there is a clear need for general conceptual sensitivity in this field. Also, an in-depth examination of the social constructionist approach to personhood in the context of dementia is warranted.

Factors responsible for student nurses’ use of non-sterile gloves: An exploratory qualitative study

Background Disposable non-sterile gloves are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) to be considered to protect oneself from the risk of infection. They have subsequently become the topic of concern related to increased use, inappropriate use, and potentially increasing the risk of cross-infection and environmental impact of plastic waste. Aim/objective This study aimed to explore the views of pre-registration student nurses about non-sterile glove use in clinical practice and to identify the factors that impact student nurses’ decision on whether to wear non- sterile gloves. Methods Using a social constructivist approach, the study was organised in a higher education institution. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with second year student nurses, utilising a theoretical domains framework (TDF). Findings/Results The key findings showed that students had limited awareness of the national infection prevention and control best practice procedures. The primary influential factors for non-sterile gloves use behaviour were personal protection, the type of care interventions required and the observations of peers and role models. Discussion The study found limited awareness on the importance of infection prevention and control precautions, including the correct procedure for donning, and doffing of personal protection equipment, along with a lack of confidence to challenge non-compliance.

Case of Marital Therapy Using I-ATTACH: An Indian Model of Marital Therapy Intervention

ABSTRACT The following case study demonstrates the potential of a culturally sensitive, integrated model of marital therapy intervention designed and developed using data from and research done in India. This integrated approach utilizes humanistic-existential approaches as the base frame of reference and techniques from the approaches falling within the theoretical frame of systemic and social constructionist approaches have been assimilated into it. The model is called the Indian model for Attunement To Tackle Active Conflict And Helplessness with married couples (I-ATTACH). This case demonstrates the application of the approach with a couple married for 2 years who saw an escalation of marital problems leading to talks of separation post the birth of their child 6 months ago. The couple completed both pre-treatment and post-treatment assessment measures that included a self-reported standardized questionnaire, a 5 point scaled questionnaire designed by the authors and a semi-structured questionnaire to assess for the couple’s assessment regarding the effectiveness of the intervention. After the pre-treatment assessment, the couple engaged in 16 joint and 2 individual intervention sessions of I-ATTACH. A description of the model and the stage-wise progress of the couple is discussed and the assessment data presented for both pre-treatment and post-treatment.

The reality of e-Learning: Success and failure of learning management system

A learning management system (LMS) is a digital learning platform for developing, delivering, and managing courses, learning resources, activities, and assessments (to name but a few). Traditional classroom-based, online, blended, and distance learning are all possible learning methods that could be executed in LMSs. Learning management systems and associated tools have brought significant benefits to higher education institutions worldwide, including improved content deliverability, accessibility, and retrievability. This is also valid in the case of Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED), Nepal. In 2011, KUSOED launched LMS and continued online and blended learning practices. The LMS follows a social constructivist approach to education, allowing educational stakeholders (parents, students, leaders, facilitators) to engage in learning activities to scaffold the learning experiences. However, the perception of LMS as only a management system for storing data limits the implications of fostering learning through a technology-integrated education model. This article aims to discuss the success and failure aspects of LMS in the context of the KUSOED. The discussion will cover various perspectives on LMS as an emerging learning technology and draw conclusions based on our experiences at KUSOED. For the success aspects of LMS, we discovered four factors: sign-in, resources and learning management, content management, and integration. Nevertheless, for the failure aspects, we found content creation and sharing, communicative features, course structures, learning engagement, and assessment. Overall, this research has implications for educational institutions, instructors, developers, and system providers. These stakeholders can make more informed decisions about implementing and using these systems to their fullest potential in learning.

Preserving Batik Trusmi’s image: Public relations strategies in Cirebon’s heritage

Background: Batik, as an Indonesian art form, has not only evolved but also adapted to present needs while maintaning its cultural roots. Moreover, the current surge in batik sales brings both benefits and challenges for artisans. Purpose: The study examines public relations strategies aimed at enhancing Batik’s image, promoting cultural heritage, and supporting the local economy. Methods: This study employed the social constructivism approach to gain insight into the cultural heritage of Trusmi Batik. The research methodology encompassed the use of observation, interviews, and documentation as techniques to thoroughly comprehend the subject matter. Results: Trusmi Village, renowned for its distinctive batik art, has transformed into a popular shopping center and tourist hotspot. The batik industry seeks to boost household income and capitalize on its proximity to transportation routes. This expansion has not only generated new employment opportunities but has also inspired ventures beyond the field. Additionally, government support and the role of social media in corporate communications have played crucial roles in contributing to the success of Trusmi. Conclusion: The batik industry in Trusmi has brought about a transformation in the region, providing job opportunities and fostering economic prosperity for entrepreneurs and the overall economy. Government investments in branding and the role of social media have played significant roles in contributing to its growth. Additionally, community efforts have resulted in economic benefits, population growth, and advantages in terms of tourism. Implications: The growth of the Trusmi Batik industry holds significant implications, highlighting the significance of promoting cultural heritage and storytelling. Furthermore, it contributes to economic progress, social cohesion, and community ties. Government assistance is paramount in ensuring the enduring sustainability and expansion of the sector.

The Impact on Peer Mentorship After Implementation of a Competency-Based Residency Curriculum in Canadian Radiation Oncology Training Programs

Peer mentorship provides professional and personal support between physicians with similar experiences and levels of training. While peer mentorship has shown to benefit academic success and professional growth, little data has examined contextual factors, such as curricular change, that may affect the quality of these relationships. This study aims to explore the impact of a new, nationwide radiation oncology (RO) residency curriculum, known as competence by design (CBD), on peer mentorship experiences between Canadian RO residents. A qualitative study, with a social constructivist approach, was conducted with 2 groups of Canadian RO residents. The first were those in the academic year before CBD implementation (non-CBD cohort), and the second were those in the inaugural year of CBD (CBD cohort). Semistructured 1-on-1 interviews were conducted to explore experiences of peer mentorship as it related to curriculum change. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with deductive and inductive methods until data saturation. Between April and December 2021, 14 participants (6 non-CBD and 8 CBD residents) from 8 out of 10 eligible English-speaking RO training programs across Canada participated. Three major themes were identified: (1) the CBD cohort identified fewer opportunities for peer mentorship, with specific concerns regarding new evaluation processes and uncertainty about the later stages of training; (2) there was minimal impact on specialty-specific learning; and (3) peer mentorship thrived when occurring as spontaneous in-person interactions. Inaugural residents of a CBD curriculum perceived fewer opportunities for peer mentorship. There were specific concerns about new evaluative processes, though this did not affect specialty-specific learning. Peer mentorship was most impactful as informal and in-person interactions. Our findings suggest that unintended consequences of curriculum change may be mitigated by improving communication about new training objectives and increasing opportunities for informal interactions between residents.

Is participation always appropriate? Social workers' perspectives on when to exclude children from conversations about contact visits

AbstractPrevious studies suggest a widespread notion among social workers that children should be involved in child protection processes. Nevertheless, children are found to be unsatisfied with the degree to which they feel involved and heard in those processes. This study explored social workers' reasons to exclude children from conversations about contact visits. It applied a social constructivist approach, in which the dominant understandings of children—‘child constructions’—in the social workers' responses were identified and then used to discuss the concepts of ‘participation’ and ‘conversation’. Findings reveal that social workers' reasons to exclude children from conversations about contact visits align with prevailing notions of children as rights holders, as vulnerable and as mentally immature. This study suggests that broadening the concept of conversations could provide social workers with the latitude to explore innovative approaches to conversing with children. Furthermore, conversations about contact visits should be performed to be as a tool that empowers children to influence and make meaning of their lives.