Social Network Members Research Articles

Social support and reference group: the dual action mechanism of the social network on subjective poverty

The social network is an important way to promote subjective poverty alleviation. Based on China Labor Dynamics Survey (CLDS) data from 2014, 2016, and 2018, this paper analyzes the action mechanism of social networks on the subjective poverty of Chinese residents. The results find that social network acts on subjective poverty through social support and reference groups. Specifically, social networks provide emotional and instrumental social support for individuals, which can effectively alleviate subjective poverty. In addition, when the social network members serve as the reference group, the higher the status of individuals in the network, the weaker the subjective poverty. Secondly, objective poverty is the mediating path between the social support function of social networks and subjective poverty. Finally, objective poverty is a regulator of the effect of social networks as a reference group on subjective poverty. When individuals are objectively poor, the alleviating effect of social networks as a reference group on subjective poverty is weakened. In summary, placing social networks’ social support and reference group functions under the same framework helps fully grasp social networks’ social benefits. As a result, consolidating China’s poverty reduction achievements and focusing on the informal social insurance role of social networks are conducive to alleviating subjective poverty.

Associations between frequency of exposure to peer-generated alcohol-related posts and alcohol use within a social network of college students

Peer alcohol use, commonly assessed via perceptions of how many drinks peers consume, is a robust predictor of college drinking. These perceptions are formed by in-person exposure to peer drinking but also may be affected by seeing alcohol-related content (ARC) shared on peer social media accounts. Most research assesses exposure by asking about the frequency of ARC sharing by a whole friend group, potentially missing influences from specific friends. Social network methods collect information about specific friends and their behavior but few studies have used these methods to examine the effects of ARC on drinking, nor have they examined potential moderators of this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine whether perceived frequency of exposure to ARC shared by social network members on social media is associated with participant alcohol use after controlling for network members’ self-reported alcohol use, and if participant gender and relationship qualities with network members moderate this association. Participants were 994 college students (Mage = 21.17, SD = 0.47; 61.8 % female; 55.4 % White; 12.3 % Hispanic) who completed a web-based survey. Due to the social network design, network autocorrelation analyses were conducted, which revealed that greater perceived frequency of exposure to network member ARC was significantly associated with higher alcohol quantity above and beyond network members’ alcohol use. Peer ARC had a unique association with drinking behavior independent of in-person peer alcohol use, although the cross-sectional design precludes making causal inferences. Clinicians delivering alcohol interventions to college students may wish to discuss exposure to ARC as another important source of peer influence and how media literacy may help reduce the effects.

Unequal loss: Disparities in relational closeness to a COVID-19 death among U.S. older adults.

COVID-19 mortality occurred unevenly across U.S. demographic subgroups, leaving some communities harder hit than others. Black and Hispanic/Latino older adults are among those disproportionately affected by COVID-19 mortality, and in turn, COVID-19 bereavement. Because disparities in COVID-19 mortality may extend to COVID-19 bereavement, it is important to understand the incidence of COVID-19 bereavement among older adults at various degrees of relational closeness (e.g., spouse vs. household member vs. friend). We used the National Social Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) COVID Study to evaluate disparities in loss of a social network member to COVID-19 among U.S. older adults by race/ethnicity, language, and relational closeness. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of experiencing a COVID-19 death in one's social network. None of the English-speaking, non-Hispanic White respondents reported the loss of a household member or spouse to COVID-19. English-speaking, non-Hispanic Black and English-speaking, Hispanic older adults were overrepresented in reporting a death at every degree of relational closeness. However, close COVID-19 bereavement was most prevalent among Spanish-speaking older adults of any race. Although Spanish speakers comprised only 4.8% of the sample, half of the respondents who lost a spouse to COVID-19 were Spanish speakers. Language and ethnoracial group disparities persisted after controlling for age, sex, marital status, and education. Known ethnoracial disparities in COVID-19 mortality extend to COVID-19 bereavement among older adults. Because bereavement impacts health, Black, Latino, and Spanish-speaking communities need greater protection and investment to prevent disparities in bereavement from exacerbating disparities in later-life mental and physical health.

Experiences of women with physical disabilities in labor and delivery assistance.

To understand the meaning attributed by women with physical disabilities to the health care received and expected during labor and delivery. Qualitative study, based on Social Network Theory, conducted through an online workshop in April 2022, with the participation of six women with physical disabilities. Data, collected through the focus group technique, underwent thematic content analysis with the assistance of the IRaMuTeQ tool. Three thematic categories emerged: Challenges experienced during pregnancy; The experience within the maternity ward; and, The importance of social networks. The assistance provided by healthcare professionals sometimes differed between what was expected and what was received by women with physical disabilities during labor and delivery. Experiences were predominantly negative, resulting from inappropriate professional conduct due to ableist attitudes. Support from members of social networks is crucial for preventing stressors.

Determining the Relationship Between Interpersonal Mindfulness, Social Media Use, and Marital Satisfaction

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the relationship between interpersonal mindfulness, social media use, and marital satisfaction. Methods and Materials: This research is an applied study in terms of its objective. Additionally, it is a field study regarding data collection and analysis methods. The population under investigation consisted of married residents of Tehran who are members of social networks. Simple random sampling was employed for sample selection. To estimate the sample size, the formula proposed by Tabachnick and Fidell (2007) was utilized, resulting in a required sample size of 106 participants. In this study, data were collected using the Interpersonal Mindfulness Questionnaire (IMQ) (Paucho et al., 2018), the Social Networks Questionnaire (Khwaja Ahmadi, Pouladi, & Bahraini, 2016), and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. To assess the structural model of the research, the four-stage structural model evaluation proposed by Hair et al. (2017) was applied. Findings: The results of the covariance analysis test indicated that interpersonal mindfulness has a positive relationship with marital satisfaction, whereas social media use has a negative relationship with marital satisfaction. Conclusion: Given the significant relationship between interpersonal mindfulness and social media use with marital satisfaction, it is recommended to design programs to enhance interpersonal mindfulness and appropriate social media use for increasing marital satisfaction among couples and implement these through virtual and electronic workshops.

SIMILARITY IN HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIORS WITHIN OLDER ADULTS’ CLOSE SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract Health-related behaviors are socially contagious, spreading through social networks via multiple mechanisms. It remains unclear though which mechanisms are most salient among older adults. Guided by Social Contagion Theory and the Convoy Model of Social Relations we examine similarity in health-related behaviors (exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption) between older adults and their closest social network members and investigate associations with multiple social factors (homophily, network structure, relationship quality). Data are from Wave 3 of the Detroit-based Social Relations Study collected in 2015. Panel respondents nominated people who were close and important in their lives, and up to the first three nominated were interviewed. Analyses were conducted at the dyad-level, and we selected dyads in which at least one member was age 60 or older (n=247 dyads). Generalized estimating equations were used due to some panel respondents being in multiple dyads. Greater homophily was found to be associated with similarity in both exercise frequency and number of alcoholic drinks consumed per week. Specifically, pairs of close social network members who were more similar in self-rated health were significantly more similar in exercise frequency, and those of the same gender and more similar in age were significantly more similar in alcohol consumption. Network structure, specifically greater contact frequency, was associated with significantly more similarity in alcohol consumption, but less similarity in exercise frequency. Findings suggest the salience of multiple aspects of older adults’ close social relationships that can be incorporated into behavior change interventions and leveraged to encourage healthy lifestyles in later life.

SOCIAL NETWORKS: BUILDING RESOURCES FOR DIVERSE AGING FAMILIES

Abstract Social networks provide tangible resources for older adults and their families. Yet, their formation and characteristics may vary across diverse aging contexts. Friedman and colleagues examine multiple dimensions of caregivers’ networks using a nationally representative sample (N=2,176). Latent profile analysis identified three classes of caregiving networks: (1) Large, sparse networks with relatively few kin and only some people who assist with caregiving tasks for care recipients; (2) Moderately-sized, somewhat dense, kin-based networks; (3) Small, very dense family networks where caregiving is shared across network members, all of which uniquely influence caregiver well-being. Hu and colleagues evaluate measurement invariance of objective and subjective social isolation between US-born and foreign-born older adults using a regionally representative sample (N=611). Findings show indicators of social network structure and perceived relationship quality may be useful for examining social isolation among older immigrants. Ajrouch and colleagues show distinct dimensions of networks differentially influence older adult’s cognitive function. Larger networks and higher proportion of family are positively related while higher contact frequency is negatively related to cognitive function. Using data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study, Webster and Chin show the extent of similarity in health-related behaviors between older adults and their closest social network members. Analysis of 247 dyads illustrate associations between multiple social network factors (homophily, structure, and relationship quality) and similarity in these behaviors. Together, these papers advance theoretical and methodological approaches to the ways in which social networks serve as a resource across diverse aging contexts.

SOCIAL NETWORKS AND COGNITIVE HEALTH IN RACIAL/ETHNIC CONTEXT

Abstract Social networks provide tangible resources for older adults and their families. Yet, their formation and characteristics may vary across diverse aging contexts. Friedman and colleagues examine multiple dimensions of caregivers’ networks using a nationally representative sample (N=2,176). Latent profile analysis identified three classes of caregiving networks: (1) Large, sparse networks with relatively few kin and only some people who assist with caregiving tasks for care recipients; (2) Moderately-sized, somewhat dense, kin-based networks; (3) Small, very dense family networks where caregiving is shared across network members, all of which uniquely influence caregiver well-being. Hu and colleagues evaluate measurement invariance of objective and subjective social isolation between US-born and foreign-born older adults using a regionally representative sample (N=611). Findings show indicators of social network structure and perceived relationship quality may be useful for examining social isolation among older immigrants. Ajrouch and colleagues show distinct dimensions of networks differentially influence older adult’s cognitive function. Larger networks and higher proportion of family are positively related while higher contact frequency is negatively related to cognitive function. Using data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study, Webster and Chin show the extent of similarity in health-related behaviors between older adults and their closest social network members. Analysis of 247 dyads illustrate associations between multiple social network factors (homophily, structure, and relationship quality) and similarity in these behaviors. Together, these papers advance theoretical and methodological approaches to the ways in which social networks serve as a resource across diverse aging contexts.

Developing a Grounded Theory Model of Effective Factors and Consequences of Gender-Affirming for Transgender People and Those with Undifferentiated Gender in Iran

Background: Transgender people and those who have an undifferentiated gender identity face various personal and social challenges due to their dissatisfaction with the gender role and the desire to behave differently from the gender role. Thus, focusing on this group of people is one of the issues in health and psychology. To this end, the present study aimed to explore more deeply the challenges and problems faced by this group of people. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted based on the grounded theory proposed by Corbin and Strauss on 15 members of social networks and the Association of People with Gender Dissatisfaction. The participants were selected through purposive sampling from among those with undifferentiated gender identities from childhood to adulthood. The data were collected via individual in-depth interviews with the participants. The collected data were analyzed using the systematic grounded theory approach to extract related categories and codes and develop a conceptual model. Results: The analysis of the data revealed 54 themes that were grouped into 9 subcategories and 5 main categories. Gender affirming was extracted as the core phenomenon. The causal factors included the feeling of living in another person’s body and problems in social relationships. Contextual factors were divided into 4 subcategories including family challenges, positive and negative public reactions, peer relationship problems, and economic challenges. The intervening factors were school problems and the role of media. In addition, the consequences were the positive and negative experiences of life in another body. Finally, the extracted strategies were support and individual coping strategies. Conclusion: Social factors and family and school play an important role in aggravating the problems of people with gender dissatisfaction. Focusing on empowering these people can help them adopt effective coping strategies. Besides, given the lack of recognition for people with gender dissatisfaction, raising public awareness of the challenges faced by these people is particularly important.

Diabetes in South Asians: Uncovering Novel Risk Factors With Longitudinal Epidemiologic Data: Kelly West Award Lecture 2023.

South Asian populations have a higher prevalence and earlier age of onset of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases than other race and ethnic groups. To better understand the pathophysiology and multilevel risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, we established the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study in 2010. The original MASALA study cohort (n = 1,164) included 83% Asian Indian immigrants, with an ongoing expansion of the study to include individuals of Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin. We have found that South Asian Americans in the MASALA study had higher type 2 diabetes prevalence, lower insulin secretion, more insulin resistance, and an adverse body composition with higher liver and intermuscular fat and lower lean muscle mass compared with four other U.S. race and ethnic groups. MASALA study participants with diabetes were more likely to have the severe hyperglycemia subtype, characterized by β-cell dysfunction and lower body weight, and this subtype was associated with a higher incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis. We have found several modifiable factors for cardiometabolic disease among South Asians including diet and physical activity that can be influenced using specific social network members and with cultural adaptations to the U.S. context. Longitudinal data with repeat cardiometabolic measures that are supplemented with qualitative and mixed-method approaches enable a deeper understanding of disease risk and resilience factors. Studying and contrasting Asian American subgroups can uncover the causes for cardiometabolic disease heterogeneity and reveal novel methods for prevention and treatment.

Understanding the impact of computer-based technology storytelling for help seeking and help receiving among victims' of flood disaster

Despite the increasing use of social media for help-seeking and receiving, less focus has been devoted to social media's role in seeking and receiving help during disaster periods like flooding, especially from a developing country perspective like Nigeria, which is facing recent worrisome flood disasters. In this study, we looked at the impact of social media storytelling on seeking and receiving help among victims of a recent flood disaster in Nigeria. An online survey was employed to collect data from 470 flood victims in Nigeria. SPSS version 25 and Smart PLS version 4 were used for data analysis. We found a positive association between social media storytelling and help-seeking among flood victims in Nigeria. The inference is that social media storytelling gives Nigerian flood victims a crucial platform to ask for assistance because of the ongoing flood disaster in the nation. Additionally, we discovered a positive connection between social media storytelling and the support provided to flood victims in Nigeria. Accordingly, assistance grew as Nigerian flood victims told more stories on social media. Finally, the study discovered that presenting stories on open platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook drew more immediate feedback and support than storytelling on Facebook and WhatsApp groups as well as interpersonal communication between social media network members. Flood victims, their families and all relevant authorities are encouraged to present flood stories on open platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook to draw more immediate feedback and support.

The Role of Social Networks on Depression and Anxiety Among a Sample of Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults

PurposeMental health inequalities continue to persist among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. However, few studies have examined the association of social networks and depression and anxiety among urban emerging AI/AN adults. MethodsThis study analyzes the association of social network characteristics with depression and anxiety among a sample of urban AI/AN emerging adults. A second set of regression models tested the same associations but controlling for respondent sexual and gender minority (SGM) status. Data were from a sample of 150 AI/AN emerging adults residing in urban areas from 20 different states (86% female; mean age 21.8; 48.0% SGM) who participated in a randomized controlled trial analyzing the effects of culturally grounded interventions on alcohol and other drug use and cultural connectedness. ResultsParticipants with a higher proportion of network members who were around the same age reported significantly less anxiety. Those who had a higher proportion of network members who they sometimes/often argue/fight with were more likely to report greater depression and anxiety. Participants with higher proportions of social network members who have ever lived on a reservation/Rancheria/tribal land/tribal village reported significantly less depression. However, participants with higher proportions of social network members who lived 50 miles away or more reported significantly more depression. Controlling for SGM status, results were largely similar. DiscussionResults highlight the role of social connections on the mental well-being of urban AI/AN emerging adults.

Social network as a catalyzer of adherence to risk factor control in subjects with a subjective memory complaint

AbstractBackgroundSubjective memory complaint (SMC) is defined as the perception of memory deficits despite a normal cognitive assessment, it is related to long‐term cognitive decline risk. The guidelines recommend medical advice about risk factor control, a healthy diet, and regular exercise for lower risk. However, there is no evidence that would guarantee good adherence. Social networks are conduits of support, information, and health behavior flows, they may have an impact on SMC adherence to the suggested changes. Our aim is a) to assess long‐term adherence of SMC to lifestyle changes b) to evaluate social networks as a predictor of adherence.MethodsProspective cohort study recruiting SCM participants with a normal UDS3 neuropsychological battery. Participants were evaluated on individual risk based on CAIDE score and received guideline‐based recommendations about lifestyle changes. Subjects were re‐evaluated 6 months after recommendations to assess their adherence to a healthy diet (MIND score), physical activity (IPAQ), risk factor control, and their social network (Figure 1). We fitted a generalized linear model to predict IPAQscore and MINDscore with social network features.ResultsWe recruited 200 participants (age 68.1 ± 6.5; 62% female; 57% first‐degree family history of dementia, and 15.91±2.28 years of education). Participants presented a 7.55±2.04 CAIDE score (Table 1): 37% high blood pressure, 51% obesity, dyslipidemia 43%, Social isolation 25%, 51% sedentarism, 9% smoking, and 22% heavy drinking. Six months after medical advice, 15% stopped drinking, 5.1% quit smoking, 37% started physical activity, and 66% a healthy diet. Regarding social networks, the median size of the network was 8 IQR[5‐12], 50% were kin, gender diversity: IQV = 0.77; 50% IQR[20%‐60%] sedentary, 20% IQR[0%‐44%] unhealthy diet. The percentage of sedentary social network members was a predictor of the intensity of the weekly physical activity of participants (in METS/minutes/week)(β ‐2.82 95%CI[‐4.7,‐9.27] p = 0.005) (Table 2).ConclusionParticipants showed good adherence to the proposed intervention. Social networks have an impact on adherence and it is a potential target to prevent dementia.

Acquisition, application, and distribution of health literacy from culturally sensitive type 2 diabetes education among Arabic-Speaking migrants in Denmark: A longitudinal qualitative analysis.

Effective self-management of type 2 diabetes requires adequate health literacy (HL) and a supportive network. Diabetes self-management education and support programmes play a crucial role in improving these factors. However, limited research exists on how such programmes can support health literacy among migrants and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge within their social networks. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Arabic-speaking informants with a migrant background in relation to how their type 2 diabetes-related health literacy was acquired, applied and distributed within social networks through participation in a culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programme. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 informants during the programme and three to 7 months later, from September 2019 to May 2020. Abductive analysis was applied using HL and distributed health literacy (DHL) theory as frameworks. The analysis generated three themes: (1) sources of health information and the development of health literacy; (2) changes towards active self-management; and (3) distributed health literacy. Prior to programme participation, informants faced challenges in navigating conflicting information from family, friends and social media. After participating in the programme, they reported improvements in HL, particularly in knowledge acquisition. Many became more actively engaged in decision-making and exhibited improved health behaviours, such as dietary choices. Nonetheless, some informants continued to struggle with choosing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies. Notably, certain informants acted as HL mediators, sharing their newly acquired knowledge within their social networks in Denmark and abroad. Culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education programmes have the potential to enhance HL among migrants, leading to the distribution of relevant diabetes knowledge within their social networks. Future studies should explore how members of migrants' social networks perceive their supportive role in type 2 diabetes management. Programmes can benefit from emphasising critical HL and exploring how participant-informants effectively communicate diabetes-related knowledge within their networks to address misinformation and conflicting information.

Electronic Word of Mouth (Ewom) and the Travel Intention of Social Networkers Post-COVID-19: A Vietnam Case

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to quantitatively determine the impact of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on the travel intention of Vietnamese social network users. The study proposes solutions to develop online marketing strategies in tourism to quickly restore the tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. Theoretical framework: This study combines two theoretical models, the Information Acceptance Model (IAM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), to explore how electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) impacts travel intentions in Vietnam, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. IAM focuses on factors like information quality and credibility, while TRA addresses additional behavioral factors. By integrating these models, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of eWOM's influence on travel intentions among social media users in Vietnam during the pandemic. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in Vietnam. The questionnaire was administered to respondents via an online survey. The results were 262 valid feedback forms conducted in 2023. Linear structural modeling (SEM) was used to measure the relationship between factors in the research model. Findings: Research results show that all factors have a positive impact on travel intention through other factors, or will directly impact travel intention of social network users in Vietnam. Research, Practical & Social implications: It is critical to focus on building marketing channels that support electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) in order to successfully promote trip ambitions. The Tourism Office has adopted digital marketing as a cutting-edge strategy for promoting the region's tourism potential (Burhan, 2023). Furthermore, because travel intentions are positively related to information acceptance, these channels must prioritize improving the quality and dependability of eWOM information. Furthermore, channel managers should keep a careful eye on customers' opinions regarding eWOM-related concerns. Finally, administrators should create unique, context-based solutions that might increase travel intentions among social network members while taking Vietnam's cultural context into consideration. This proactive strategy enables rapid revisions and customized solutions to successfully engage with the Vietnamese audience. Originality/Value: The unique contribution of this paper lies in its innovative introduction of a modified theoretical model of rational action. This model aims to elucidate factors influencing tourist travel behavior in a way that has not been explored in previous research. Specifically, it amalgamates elements from three existing models (TRA, IAM, and TPB) and introduces an additional eWOM factor to enhance the understanding of behavioral intentions. This novel factor, devised by the authors in their research model, holds particular relevance for a country like Vietnam, characterized by its developing technological landscape and strong traditional culture. This novelty significantly enhances our ability to analyze the impact of eWOM on travel intentions among social media users in Vietnam, especially during the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Determinants and Consequences of Living Donor Discussion Direction.

Introduction: Living donor discussions in which kidney transplant candidates discuss living kidney donation with their social network are an important step in the living donor kidney transplant process. No prior research has investigated whether who initiates discussion or influences evaluation agreement rates or how these processes may contribute to disparities. Research Questions: This study aimed to determine how common candidate- and potential-donor-initiated discussions were, at what rate each discussion type resulted in agreement to be evaluated for living donation, and what sociodemographic characteristics predicted living donor discussion and agreements. Design: A 2015 cross-sectional survey at a single, large Southeastern US transplant center measured kidney transplant candidates' social networks, including whether they had a donor discussion, who initiated it, and whether the discussion resulted in the donor evaluation agreement. Candidate-network member pairs' probability of having a candidate-initiated discussion, potential-living donor-initiated discussion, or no discussions were compared in multinomial logistic regression, and the probability of the discussion resulted in evaluation agreement was evaluated in multinomial logistic regression. Results: Sixty-six kidney transplant candidates reported on 1421 social network members. Most (80%) candidate/network-member pairs did not have a living donor discussion, with candidate-initiated discussions (11%) slightly more common than potential-donor-initiated discussions (10%). Evaluation agreement was much more common for potential-donor-initiated (72%) than for candidate-initiated discussions (39%). Potential-donor-initiated discussions were more common for White candidates (16%) than for Black candidates (7%). Conclusion: Potential-donor-initiated discussions resulted in evaluation agreement much more frequently than candidate-initiated discussions. This dynamic may contribute to racial living donation disparities.

Partner choices in the age of social media: are there significant relationships between following influencers on Instagram and partner choice criteria?

Social Media Influencers (SMIs) are active members of social networks who have a huge number of followers. Some studies have called them the opinion leaders of the age of social media. These people are likely to affect the different aspects of beliefs and/or behaviors of the people who follow them. The current study aimed to investigate the relationships between people’s partner choice criteria on the one hand, and the amount and type of attention they dedicated to influencers on the other hand. A survey was conducted to see if people who pay more or less attention to influencers perceived appearance, wealth, religiousness, culture, and personality as important criteria in their partners. The results showed that there were direct relationships between dedicating attention to influencers and perceiving wealth and appearance to be important. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between dedicating attention to influencers and religiousness but it was an indirect relationship.

How do North Korean refugees in South Korea utilize social support to cope with acculturative stress?

Geographic resettlement induces acculturative stress in refugees. In response, they utilize social support to deal with acculturative stress and to adapt to the host community. In this study we sought to understand how North Korean refugees (NKRs) utilize social support to reduce acculturative stress. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 NKRs in South Korea and 20 South Koreans (SKs) who were friends or acquaintances of NKRs. Purposive and snowballing sampling strategies were used to recruit participants at two sites. Following a Grounded Theory approach, we analyzed the data using initial coding, focused coding, and constant comparison. We found that NKR participants coped with loneliness by exchanging emotional support with other NKRs who share their lived experiences and by building solidarity with them. NKRs described expanding their social networks to include SKs in order to assimilate into their communities. Many SKs tried to develop family-like relationships with NKRs. While SKs were important resources for informational or instrumental support early on, their roles were sometimes replaced by other NKRs as social ties among NKRs were strengthened. All NKRs who reported that they strategically approached SKs to learn about South Korean culture had held full-time jobs and appeared to be better adjusted to South Korea. Appraisal support was the least reported type of social support, but some NKRs tried to deal with social discrimination through positive appraisal. To reduce acculturative stress, NKRs sought varied types of social support from different kinds of social network members. Findings highlight the need to diversify and strengthen social support for NKRs, thereby fostering coping strategies and reducing acculturative stress.

BAGAIMANA AGAR PENYANDANG TUNADAKSA MAMPU MENJADI PRIBADI YANG BAHAGIA ?

Being disabled as an adult or not since birth can have a big psychological impact on people with disabilities such as being hopeless or unable to accept their condition. This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the welfare of disabled people due to accidents. This research uses a qualitative approach with the instrumental case study method. The participants in this study were two men with disabilities due to an accident. Data collection techniques using in-depth interview techniques. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. The results of the study show that social support is an important factor determining the welfare of disabled people after an accident. Family support and social networks (friends and members of the disabled disabled community) can raise the spirit of life for disabled people after an accident and can make their lives happier.

Increased Knowledge Mediates the Effect of Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention on Diffusion of Cervical Cancer Screening Advocacy Among Social Network Members in a Pilot Trial.

Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention (GC-CCP), a peer-led, group advocacy training intervention, increased cervical cancer (CC) prevention advocacy not only among intervention recipients, but also their social network members (referred to as "alters") who were targeted with advocacy in a pilot randomized controlled trial. We examined mediators and moderators of this effect on alter advocacy, to understand how and for whom the intervention had such an effect. Forty women (index participants) who had recently screened for CC enrolled and were randomly assigned to receive the GC-CCP intervention (n = 20) or the wait-list control (n = 20). Up to three alters from each participant (n = 103) were surveyed at baseline and month 6. Measures of CC-related cognitive constructs (knowledge, enacted stigma, and risk management self-efficacy), as well as extent of advocacy received from index participants, were assessed as mediators of the intervention effect on alter advocacy using multivariate regression analyses. Alter characteristics were examined as moderators. Increased CC-related knowledge partially mediated the intervention effect on increased alter engagement in CC prevention advocacy; those with greater gains in knowledge reported greater engagement in advocacy. No moderators of the intervention effect were identified. The effect of GC-CCP on alter CC prevention advocacy is enhanced by increased alter knowledge pertaining to CC prevention, causes, and treatment and suggests this may be key for diffusion of intervention effects on increased CC prevention advocacy throughout a social network. NCT04960748 (registered on clinicaltrials.gov , 7/14/2021).