Social Network Variables Research Articles

The Impact of Social Support and Social Network Characteristics on Trauma Symptoms Among Violence-Exposed Women with Substance Use Disorders

Background: Women with substance use disorder (SUD) experience higher rates of violence exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) than their non-substance-using peers. Exposure to violence in women with SUD is associated with PTSS symptom severity and leads to lower rates of treatment adherence, poorer treatment outcomes, and a higher risk for relapse. Little is known about the buffers to PTSS among violence-exposed women with SUD. Methods: A sample of 375 women with SUD were recruited from three inner-city intensive treatment centers, in a midwestern city. Using ordinary least squares regression models, we sought to identify the direct effects of violence, general social support, recovery-specific social support, and social network composition on PTSS. Moderation was also examined using the Bootstrapping function in PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results: General social support, recovery social support, and greater duration of network relationships were associated with lower trauma symptom scores. General social network composition variables were directly associated with lower trauma symptom severity. Recovery-specific social network variables moderated the association between violence exposure and PTSS for Black participants only. Conclusions: These data suggest that providers should target the quality of the client’s interpersonal relationships to reduce PTSS among violence-exposed women with SUD. Maintaining social network relationships should be the focus of treatment interventions for women with SUD who have experienced violence.

From Extreme Ideas to Violent and Nonviolent Outcomes: An In-Depth Analysis of Probation Files on Terrorist Suspects in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT How do individuals who commit violent terrorist crimes differ from those who commit nonviolent terrorist crimes? In this study, we compare characteristics and pathways of violent (VTS) and nonviolent (NVTS) individuals prior to being suspected or convicted of crimes with terrorist intent (e.g. planning an attack, financing terrorism) in the Netherlands through an analysis of probation files. Departing from a social control and life-course perspective, we examine possible signs and triggers leading up to the terrorist suspicion, various life domains (socio-demographic characteristics, social network, and personality related variables), mental health, criminal histories, and online activities. Findings demonstrate primarily resemblances between both groups. Nonetheless, compared to NVTS, VTS showed more indications of signs of acting in accordance with extreme ideological beliefs and feelings of injustice, had a more disadvantaged socioeconomic background, were more often involved with other radicals (e.g. in groups and/or online), had more substance abuse problems, and were more active online in relation to their terrorist suspicion. NVTS, on the other hand, had more regularly a turbulent youth, more commonly ever showed indications of aggressive behavior, had more often mental health problems, and, consequently, received more social care compared to VTS. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.

The Influence of Digital Marketing on Consumer Purchase Decisions of Shopee Application Users

The development of e-commerce in Indonesia is increasing, slowly people are starting to abandon conventional shopping habits and switch to online shopping. E-commerce is used as a solution as a buying and selling medium that can save time and costs. Shopee is an e-commerce company that already has a name and is one of the big players in the business world. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the influence of digital marketing on Shopee application users on purchasing decisions. This research is an analytical observational study with a cross sectional approach. The sample used in this research was 100 Bali International University students who were calculated using the Slovin formula. The sampling technique uses Consecutive Sampling. The data collection tool uses a questionnaire and the results are then analyzed using Path Analysis. Validity and reliability tests were carried out to ensure that the instruments used in this research had a high level of accuracy and consistency. Website, search engine marketing, web banner, social network and affiliate marketing variables have a significant influence on consumer purchasing decisions using the Shopee case study application at Bali International University with a total determination value of 0.761. Digital marketing is reaching as many consumers as possible in an efficient manner through various web-based media such as blogs, websites, emails, AdWords or social networks.

Associations of Adolescent School Social Networks, Gender Norms, and Adolescent-to-Young Adult Changes in Male Gender Expression With Young Adult Substance Use

PurposeMale gender expression (MGE), which is shaped by sociocultural pressures around masculinity, has been previously associated with health. This study examines associations of adolescent social network variables and school gender norms with MGE changes from adolescence to young adulthood, and associations of these changes with young adult substance use. MethodsAnalyzing data from Waves I (1994–95, adolescents, aged 12–18) and IV (2008–09, young adults, 24–32) of a nationally representative longitudinal cohort study, male participants' MGE was assessed in each wave using a validated, empirically derived measure. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations of adolescent-to-young adult MGE changes between waves with adolescent social network characteristics and school gender norms. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between adolescent-to-young adult MGE changes and young adult substance uses (cigarette, marijuana, heavy alcohol, and recreational drug use, and prescription drug misuse). ResultsAmong 4,776 male participants, adolescent-to-young adult MGE changes were significantly associated with school gender norms such that adolescents whose MGE markedly departed from their schools' average exhibited greater MGE changes in the direction of their schools' average (β = −0.83, p < .01) relative to those who were more similar to school means. Adolescent-to-young adult increases in MGE were significantly associated with greater odds of all young adult substance use behaviors except prescription drug misuse. DiscussionAdolescents' MGE relative to other males at their school was associated with MGE changes toward school norms, with implications for young adult substance use. Adolescent gender norms may be an underexplored strategy for interventions to reduce substance misuse.

Organizational or Individual? The Effect of Social Networks on Volunteer Activities in Japan

This paper investigates what kinds of social networks nudge volunteering by applying social network analysis. Unique Japanese data with various social network variables are used to explore the association between formal and informal social networks and volunteering. The results show that “attending meetings of neighborhood associations” and “enrollment in a membership association,” which involve forms of formal social networks, are positively correlated with the probability of both “any volunteering” and five kinds of volunteering. “Frequency of meals with friends,” an indicator of informal social networks, has statistical significance for volunteering. Notably, friendships, even if meals are infrequent, are enough to lead to volunteering opportunities. The author thus concludes that greater social participation can be fostered by promoting not only organizational assistance but also friendships.

INNOVATION AS A MEDIATOR FOR FAMILY SUPPORT AND SOCIAL NETWORK TOWARDS WOMEN'S SMES PERFORMANCE

Women's SMEs contribute to the economy, so attention to business performance is important to improve. Efforts to improve the performance of women SMEs require knowledge of the factors that play an important role in SME performance. This research was conducted on women SMEs in Belitung district by examining several factors that affect performance, namely social networks, family support and product innovation. In previous studies, there were differences in the results of several researchers on the influence of determining factors on performance, so this research will fill this gap as well as test the role of product innovation as a mediator of social networks and family support on business performance. By using the cross-section method, 113 women’s SMEs were obtained who have been running a business for a minimum of 1.5 years and are engaged in the processing industry. Data analysis with Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), SmartPLS v.4.0 was used in data processing. The path coefficient results show that social network variables and product innovation have a positive and significations effect, while family support has no significations effect on SME performance. Product innovation partially mediates social networks towards women’s SMEs performance, while product innovation fully mediates family support on women’s SMEs performance. Family support has no significations effect towards women’s SMEs performance, this illustrates that women’s SMEs lack family support in their business activities.

Factors Associated with the Development of High Nutrition Risk: Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

This study aimed to determine which social network, demographic, and health-indicator variables were able to predict the development of high nutrition risk in Canadian adults at midlife and beyond, using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Multivariable binomial logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of the development of high nutrition risk at follow-up, 3 years after baseline. At baseline, 35.0 per cent of participants were at high nutrition risk and 42.2 per cent were at high risk at follow-up. Lower levels of social support, lower social participation, depression, and poor self-rated healthy aging were associated with the development of high nutrition risk at follow-up. Individuals showing these factors should be screened proactively for nutrition risk.

Academic performance and social networks of adolescents in a caribbean city in Colombia

BackgroundSocial factors and networks of friends can influence an adolescent’s behavior, including academic performance (AP) in school. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between AP and adolescents’ social networks in a Caribbean city in Colombia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with 806 schoolchildren from 12 to 17 years old of both sexes (52.7% girls), selected by multi-stage sampling from schools in the rural and urban areas of the city of Montería, Colombia. The AP was obtained from the school records; the sociodemographic variables included the location of the school (rural or urban), family structure, family functioning (Apgar score), and family affluence scale. Social network variables included social activity, popularity, reciprocity, homophily, friends’ academic performance, network size, network density, cluster of friends, and centrality.ResultsThe AP was inversely associated with the Apgar score in boys. No associations of AP with the school location, family structure, family affluence scale, and age were observed. In social network variables, AP was positively associated with popularity and friends’ academic performance in girls and boys, and negatively associated with homophily in boys.ConclusionsAP was associated with social network variables. These results could help implement interventions to improve adolescents’ social environment and AP.

Predictors of loneliness onset and maintenance in European older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loneliness is a major public health concern. Duration of loneliness is associated with severity of health outcomes, and further research is needed to direct interventions and social policy. This study aimed to identify predictors of the onset vs. the maintenance of loneliness in older adults before and during the pandemic using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Age, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Groupings of persistent, situational, and no loneliness were based on self-reports from an ordinary pre-pandemic SHARE wave and a peri-pandemic telephone interview. Predictors were identified and compared in three hierarchical binary regression analyses, with independent variables added in blocks of geographic region, demographics, pre-pandemic social network, pre-pandemic health, pandemic-related individual, and country level variables. Self-reported loneliness levels for the persistent, situational, and no loneliness groups were stable and distinct through 7 years preceding the pre-pandemic baseline measure. Shared predictors were chronic diseases, female sex, depression, and no cohabitant partner. Persistent loneliness was uniquely predicted by low network satisfaction (OR: 2.04), functional limitations (OR: 1.40), and a longer country-level isolation period for older adults (OR: 1.24). Interventions may target persons with depression, functional limitations, chronic health issues, and no cohabitant partner. The added burden of the length of isolation on those who are already lonely should be taken into account when employing social policies that target older adults. Further research should distinguish between situational and persistent loneliness, and seek to identify predictors of chronic loneliness onset.

The financial performance of Islamic boarding school in the domain of social networking, trust, and morality of financial accountability

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of social capital and Morality of Financial Accountability (MoFA) on the financial performance of modern Islamic boarding schools.Method - The population of this research is Islamic boarding schools in Central Java with 40 samples. Measurements were made using a questionnaire with indicators contained in the variables of social networks, trust, MoFA, and financial performance. Data processing was carried out using WarpPLS software with small sample .Result - The results of this study are social network and trust variables have a significant and positive effect on financial performance with an influence value of 23% and 33% respectively. Meanwhile, if it is moderated by spiritual capital, it has an influence on the relationship between social network variables and trust on financial performance, respectively 28% and 21%. Thus spiritual capital will strengthen the relationship between social networks and trust.Implication - The relationship between MoFA in social capital can strengthen the financial performance of Islamic boarding schools due to additional information about plans to use donated funds for good.Originality - MoFA is the development of additional information on the basis of compilation on the legality of kindness, disclosure of consistent reports, honesty in transactions.

Subjective social status and mental health among adolescents in Ethiopia: Evidence from a panel study

Numerous studies have found that a relationship between subjective status and measures of human health persists even after controlling for objective measures, including income, education, and assets. However, few studies have probed how status shapes health among adolescents, particularly those in low-and-middle-income settings. This study examines the relative effects of subjective and objective status on mental health among Ethiopian adolescents. Using data from two waves of the Jimma Longitudinal Family Survey of Youth (N = 1,045), this study uses a combination of linear regression and linear mixed-effects models to examine the relationships between objective social status, subjective social status, and mental well-being among adolescents in Ethiopia. Three measures of objective status, including household income, adolescent education, and a multidimensional measure of material wealth, were assessed. Social network and support variables were constructed using factor analysis. A community version of the 10-rung McArthur ladder was used to assess the subjective socioeconomic status of adolescents. The self-reporting questionnaire was used to assess mental well-being during both waves of the study. The significant effect of higher subjective status on reports of fewer non-specific psychological distress (−0.28; 95% CI: −0.43 to −0.14) was not mediated by objective status, material deprivation, or social support covariates. The observed relationship between status and mental well-being was consistent across successive study waves. Among a cohort of adolescents in Jimma, Ethiopia, several measures of objective status are associated with subjective status. However, akin to research among adults, the findings of our study suggest that the relationship between adolescent subjective social status and mental health persists above and beyond the effects of objective status. Future research is needed on the factors, environments, and experiences that inform adolescent perceptions of status and well-being over time.

Exploring the impact of sentiment on multi-dimensional information dissemination using COVID-19 data in China

The outbreak of information epidemic in crisis events, with the channel effect of social media, has brought severe challenges to global public health. Combining information, users and environment, understanding how emotional information spreads on social media plays a vital role in public opinion governance and affective comfort, preventing mass incidents and stabilizing the network order. Therefore, from the perspective of the information ecology and elaboration likelihood model (ELM), this study conducted a comparative analysis based on two large-scale datasets related to COVID-19 to explore the influence mechanism of sentiment on the forwarding volume, spreading depth and network influence of information dissemination. Based on machine learning and social network methods, topics, sentiments, and network variables are extracted from large-scale text data, and the dissemination characteristics and evolution rules of online public opinions in crisis events are further analyzed. The results show that negative sentiment positively affects the volume, depth, and influence compared with positive sentiment. In addition, information characteristics such as richness, authority, and topic influence moderate the relationship between sentiment and information dissemination. Therefore, the research can build a more comprehensive connection between the emotional reaction of network users and information dissemination and analyze the internal characteristics and evolution trend of online public opinion. Then it can help sentiment management and information release strategy when emergencies occur.

The intermediary mechanism of social fairness perceptions between social capital and farmers' political participation: Empirical research based on masking and mediating effects.

Political scientists have conducted extensive research on the factors influencing political participation, but empirical analyses examining them from the perspective of social fairness perceptions are not common. Using large-scale data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study explores the intermediate mechanisms of social fairness perceptions in the influential relationship between social capital and farmers' diversified political participation based on the structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show that the positive relationship between social capital and farmers' political behavior is indirectly influenced by different dimensions of the sense of social fairness. Among them, social trust and social network variables affect political participation mainly through the mediating role of outcome fairness perceptions, while opportunity fairness perceptions significantly widen the gap in political participation between low and high social trust. Therefore, the government should nurture the social capital of rural geo-relational networks and formulate policies based on a social justice perspective inorder to enhance rural residents' outcome fairness perceptions and increase the political participation of farmers.

Improving Student Academic Performance through Knowledge Sharing

The study aims to find empirical evidence regarding the positive influence of social network variables and information and communication technology variables on knowledge sharing. The study also aims to find empirical evidence regarding the positive influence of knowledge sharing variables on student academic performance. The population of the study were all students at universities in the City of Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. Meanwhile, 296 samples were taken using the quota sampling method. Data processing was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) with the help of the WarpPLS application. This study succeeded in proving that social network variables and information and communication technology variables positively influenced knowledge sharing. The study also found empirical evidence that knowledge sharing has a positive effect on student academic performance. The research has theoretical and practical implications. From the theoritical implication, the findings give clearer description about the relationship among variables used in the current research. From the practical one, the findings can be used by main stakeholders to improve academic performance by increasing knowledge sharing activities. The study also has limitations and future research agendas. Keywords: social network, knowledge sharing, student academic performance. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55463/hkjss.issn.1021-3619.60.14

Social Network Factors Affect Nutrition Risk in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

To determine which social network, demographic, and health-indicator variables are associated with SCREEN-8 (nutrition risk) scores at two time points, three years apart, using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. A retrospective cross-sectional study. 17051 Canadians aged 45 years and older with data from baseline and first follow-up of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Nutrition risk was measured using SCREEN-8. Social network factors included social network size, frequency of contact with social network members, social participation, social support, self-rated social standing, and household income. Demographic variables included age, sex assigned at birth, marital status, educational attainment, and living situation (alone or with others). Health-indicator variables included depression, disability, and self-rated general health, mental health, healthy aging, and oral health. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the social network, demographic, and health-indicator variables and SCREEN-8 scores at two time points, three years apart. Among the social network variables, individuals with higher social participation, self-rated social standing, and social support had higher SCREEN-8 scores at baseline and follow-up. Among the demographic variables, individuals who were single or widowed, compared to married or partnered, had lower SCREEN-8 scores at both time points. For the health-indicator variables, individuals who screened negative for depression, and those with higher self-rated general health, healthy aging, and oral health had higher SCREEN-8 scores at both time points. At baseline, as age increased, SCREEN-8 scores also increased. Individuals with low social participation, low social standing, and low social support may be at increased nutrition risk and should be proactively screened by healthcare professionals. Interventions and community programs designed to increase levels of social participation and foster social support may help to reduce the prevalence of nutrition risk.

SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED PERFORMANCE ON MEDIAL TEMPORAL LOBE FUNCTION IN OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS

Abstract Research links social connectivity to cognitive function in older adults. However, many of the studies relating social connectivity to cognitive function focused on global cognition—orientation/attention, memory, verbal fluency, language, and visuospatial ability domains. In this study, we aimed to assess the association of social connectivity with generalization, a domain of cognition which relies on hippocampal function, in a population of older African Americans residing in the Greater Newark area. Specifically, we examined the impact of social connectivity on generalization using sensitive measures that tap into medial temporal lobe (MTL) function. Participants (N = 74; M = 73.84) from an ongoing study, Pathways to Healthy Aging in African Americans—a Rutgers University-Newark community partnership fostered over 16 years of community engagement, health education, and public service—responded to measures of cognitive function, social network, social engagement, mental health, and demographic details. Also, they completed a task-based functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Results showed that marital status was negatively associated with MTL function, with those that are either single, divorced, or separated outperforming those that are married. Similarly, depressive symptoms had a negative association with MTL function. Further, the linear combination of social network variables and covariates significantly predicted MTL function. Our findings illuminate the benefits of social connectivity and resources on cognitive skills, and amplify the need to study the brain in the social context.

Entrepreneurial Financing in Africa during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Access to finance by small-to-medium-enterprises (SMEs) remains an enigma that still warrants further research. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the funding gap and necessitated the need for entrepreneurs to seek alternative financing due to tight credit rationing by the traditional finance institutions. There is a marked increase in demand for alternative online finance known as crowdfunding amid social distancing and lockdowns occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of this study was to examine the trends in the financing of African SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic with a particular focus on crowdfunding. The postpositivist research philosophy and deductive strategy was adopted in this study with the view to test an existing theory and hypothesis. Secondary data sourced from TheCrowdDataCentre were utilised for the study. Eight hundred and fifty-nine African crowdfunding campaigns were employed as the unit of analysis. The study employed econometric techniques to test the research objectives of this study. The probit model was employed in the analysis. The results of the study revealed that backers, the COVID-19 and social network variables were positively and significantly related to campaign success. On the other hand, duration was found to be negatively and significantly related to crowdfunding success. The study contributes to the growing literature on the impact of COVID-19 on crowdfunding performance, as well as the literature on alternative sources of finance.

A gendered perspective on climate change adaptation strategies: a case study from Yunnan, China

ABSTRACT Climate change impacts are distributed unequally, despite affecting the entire world and its inhabitants. Economically, socially and culturally deprived groups are more vulnerable to climate change impacts. Women comprise the majority among these vulnerable groups, and it is, therefore, crucial to stress gendered perspectives in climate change adaptation strategies that promote gender equality and sustainable development. To that end, this paper documents the adaptation strategies employed by farmers and examines gender differences in climate change adaptation practices in Yunnan Province, China. A random sampling technique was used to select 1520 household heads for the survey. We used descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit model to document four categories of adaptation measures against a set of household features, social network, financial assets and perception variables. We discovered that female and male respondents do not significantly differ in their knowledge and perceptions of climate change, but female- and male-headed household respondents did differ in adopting climate change adaptation measures. The adaptation measures of female- and male-headed households were influenced by different sets of factors. The most significant determinant for both female- and male-headed households was perception of drought events in the last 20 years, followed by access to loans, while income from non-farm-based work had positive and significant impacts only for male-headed households. Findings from this study will help to elucidate the determinants of climate change adaptation decisions for female- and male-headed households in farming communities and the strategic interventions necessary for effective adaptation.

Social network size and personality traits independently and prospectively predict distress disorders and suicidal behavior in U.S. Army soldiers.

Personality traits (e.g. neuroticism) and the social environment predict risk for internalizing disorders and suicidal behavior. Studying these characteristics together and prospectively within a population confronted with high stressor exposure (e.g. U.S. Army soldiers) has not been done, yet could uncover unique and interactive predictive effects that may inform prevention and early intervention efforts. Five broad personality traits and social network size were assessed via self-administered questionnaires among experienced soldiers preparing for deployment (N = 4645) and new soldiers reporting for basic training (N = 6216). Predictive models examined associations of baseline personality and social network variables with recent distress disorders or suicidal behaviors assessed 3- and 9-months post-deployment and approximately 5 years following enlistment. Among the personality traits, elevated neuroticism was consistently associated with increased mental health risk following deployment. Small social networks were also associated with increased mental health risk following deployment, beyond the variance accounted for by personality. Limited support was found for social network size moderating the association between personality and mental health outcomes. Small social networks also predicted distress disorders and suicidal behavior 5 years following enlistment, whereas unique effects of personality traits on these more distal outcomes were rare. Heightened neuroticism and small social networks predict a greater risk for negative mental health sequelae, especially following deployment. Social ties may mitigate adverse impacts of personality traits on psychopathology in some contexts. Early identification and targeted intervention for these distinct, modifiable factors may decrease the risk of distress disorders and suicidal behavior.

Role of Social Networks, Attidude, and Motivation in Informal Foreign Language Learning: A Case Study of the Tourism Industry in Mombasa County, Kenya

The current paper investigates the predictive values of five independent variables including attitude, motivation, social networks, and problems encountered during the process of informal language learning. These values were calculated based on the dependent variable, that is, the scores on Test de Niveauenfrançais (TNF) of the informal learners of French working in the tourism industry in Mombasa, Kenya. A quantitative descriptive survey design was used. Data was collected through a set of three questionnaires and TNF was administered to 45 informal learners of French working in different tourism sectors in Mombasa County. The results revealed that instrumental motivation and interest in the language were the most significant predictors of the TNF score of the respondents. A multiple linear regression model was used to estimate the predictive value of social networks, attitude, and motivation in informal language learning. The results revealed a significant combined effect of variables on foreign language mastery. Furthermore, the results also revealed that the sum effect of the remaining social network variables on the respondents’ mastery of French was not significant. We discovered a highly positive correlation between learners’ social networks and their mastery of the language. Network density was found to be the most significant predictor when all the social network variables were factored into the model. In the first step, it was determined that the respondents’ initial proficiency level and the percentage of native French speakers in their network were the most significant predictors of French language mastery. The second step added overall size and density in the model and they were found to be significant as well. Finally, it was concluded that informal foreign language learning seems to be a viable model of language learning that should be given attention by stakeholders in the tourism industry.&#x0D; Keywords: attitude, French language competence, motivation, informal language learning, social network