Social Participation Of Adults Research Articles

Examining factors associated with social participation in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)

Examining factors associated with social participation in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)

Understanding the interaction between support and social participation for people with physical disabilities: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionAround the world, the disability rights movements and the social model of disability have placed emphasis on the importance of social participation for people with disability. People with physical disability...

Digital Interventions for Social Participation in Adults with Long-term Physical Conditions: A Systematic Review.

This review aims to identify and evaluate digital interventions for social participation in the growing population of adults with long-term physical conditions. Articles were sourced from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases using subject headings and keywords related to "social participation" and "digital technology". Studies that adopted digital technology interventions to improve social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions were included. Data on study methodology, participant and digital intervention characteristics, and findings related to social participation were extracted. The search yielded a total of 4646 articles and 14 articles met criteria for final review with five randomized controlled trials, two non-randomized clinical trials and seven one-group pretest-posttest clinical trials. Studies were organized based on the digital intervention strategy implemented to improve social participation: group support (n = 4), individual skill training or counseling (n = 6), education and support (n = 3), and mixed intervention (n = 1). The group support interventions developed a social network among participants through videoconference, app, or virtual reality platform. Three studies reported positive improvements in different aspects of social participation. Individual skill training or counseling mainly utilized phone calls to help participants cope with activity participation and interpersonal relationship issues. Only two studies demonstrated benefits for social participation. The education and support intervention, which used messages and website information to increase participants' knowledge and provide support, showed positive findings in three studies. This review suggests digital interventions for improving social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions are feasible and the effectiveness of different strategies may vary.Registration: This review was prospectively registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registry number: CRD42021254105).

Designing evidence-based support aids for social media access for individuals with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury: A preliminary acceptability study.

Adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) report significant barriers to using current social media platforms, including cognitive overload and challenges in interpreting social cues. Rehabilitation providers may be tasked with helping to address these barriers. To develop technological supports to increase social media accessibility for people with TBI-related cognitive impairments and to obtain preliminary data on the perceived acceptability, ease of use, and utility of proposed technology aids. We identified four major barriers to social media use among individuals with TBI: sensory overload, memory impairments, misreading of social cues, and a lack of confidence to actively engage on social media platforms. We describe the process of developing prototypes of support aids aimed at reducing these specific social media barriers. We created mock-ups of these prototypes and asked 46 community-dwelling adults with TBI (24 females) to rate the proposed aids in terms of their acceptability, ease of use, and utility. Across all aids, nearly one-third of respondents agreed they would use the proposed aids frequently, and the majority of respondents rated the proposed aids as easy to use. Respondents indicated that they would be more likely to use the memory and post-writing aids than the attention and social cue interpretation aids. Findings provide initial support for social-media-specific technology aids to support social media access and social participation for adults with TBI. Results from this study have design implications for future development of evidence-based social media support aids. Future work should develop and deploy such aids and investigate user experience.

774 Digital Interventions for Social Participation in Adults with Long-term Physical Conditions: A Systematic Review

IntroductionBurn survivors experience significant social participation challenges in their recovery. However, enrolment and compliance with face-to-face interventions for such issues are often limited by time, location, and financial resources. Digital technologies are increasingly utilized in healthcare and provide a flexible, accessible, and low-cost treatment option. Given the sparse literature on this topic in the burn field, this review evaluated digital interventions for social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions to inform future use in the burn population.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched using keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to ‘digital intervention’ and ‘social participation’ for studies published in English between January 2010 and May 2021. Studies that adopted digital technology interventions to improve social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions were included. Study quality was evaluated using Oxford Levels of Evidence. Data on study methodology, digital intervention and findings related to social participation were summarized.ResultsThe search yielded a total of 4646 articles, of which 158 were full-text screened and 14 met inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were five randomized controlled trials, two non-randomized clinical trials and seven one-group pretest-posttest clinical trials. Twenty-five different measurement tools were utilized to assess social participation and two of them were used twice. Three types of digital interventions were implemented to improve social participation: group support, individual skill training or counselling, and education and support. The group support intervention developed a social network among affected people through videoconference, app, or virtual reality platform (3 of 4 studies with positive results). Individual skill training or counselling utilized phone calls or videoconference to help participants with activity participation and interpersonal relationships (2 of 6 studies with positive results). The education and support intervention used messages and website information to increase participants’ knowledge and provide support (3 of 3 studies with positive results).ConclusionsThis review presents evidence of different digital interventions’ effect on improving social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions. However, the existing literature is limited by the heterogeneity of outcome measures and varied methodology quality that preclude larger generalizations.

Physical multimorbidity, depressive symptoms, and social participation in adults over 50 years of age: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Objectives The aim of the current study was to identify specific patterns of physical multimorbidity and examine how these patterns associated with changes in social participation over time. Methods We used latent class analysis to identify clusters of physical multimorbidity in 11,391 older adults. Mixed effects regression models were used to assess associations between physical multimorbidity clusters and changes in social participation over 15 years. Results Four clusters of physical multimorbidity were identified. All physical multimorbidity clusters were associated with a reduction in cultural engagement (e.g. visits to theatre, cinema, museums) over time, with the strongest association seen in the complex/multisystem cluster (β = −0.26, 95% CI = −0.38 to −0.15). Similar results emerged for leisure activities. Adjusting for depressive symptoms fully attenuated some associations. All physical multimorbidity clusters were associated with an increase in civic participation over time. Conclusions Physical multimorbidity reduced some aspects of social participation over time, with specific combinations of conditions having increased risk of reductions. Supplemental data for this article is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2021.2017847

Evidence for Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Work and Social Participation for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

Evidence supports interventions for work and social participation for adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). To systematically collect and evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to improve or maintain the performance of and participation in education, work, volunteering, leisure, and social participation among adults with MS. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, OTseeker, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews searches for articles published from January 2011 to December 2018. Study Selection and Data Collection: Two independent reviewers analyzed articles using Cochrane methodology. Articles were assessed in terms of inclusion and exclusion criteria, quality, and risk of bias. Although the review was developed to address education, work, volunteering, leisure, and social participation, only work and social participation outcomes were found in the literature. Six hundred eighteen articles were reviewed, and 4 articles met the inclusion criteria. One Level 1b study and 1 Level 3b study provided moderate strength of evidence with moderate risk of bias for an online work intervention to improve self-esteem and better understand career goals. One Level 3b study provided low strength of evidence for interdisciplinary rehabilitation to address work. Finally, 1 Level 1b study with a yoga group intervention provided moderate strength of evidence with low risk of bias to improve social participation. This review highlights the lack of evidence related to various types of participation for adults with MS. The evidence focused on work and social participation was limited. What This Article Adds: This review highlights the need for interventions within the scope of occupational therapy for increased participation for adults with MS.

The adult phenotype of Schaaf-Yang syndrome

BackgroundMAGEL2-associated Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SHFYNG, OMIM #615547, ORPHA: 398069), which was identified in 2013, is a rare disorder caused by truncating variants of the paternal copy of MAGEL2, which is localized in the imprinted region on 15q11.2q13. The phenotype of SHFYNG in childhood partially overlaps with that of the well-established Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS, OMIM #176270). While larger numbers of younger individuals with SHFYNG have been recently published, the phenotype in adulthood is not well established. We recruited 7 adult individuals (aged 18 to 36) with molecularly confirmed SHFYNG and collected data regarding the clinical profile including eating habits, sleep, behavior, personal autonomy, psychiatric abnormalities and other medical conditions, as well as information about the respective phenotypes in childhood.ResultsWithin our small cohort, we identified a range of common features, such as disturbed sleep, hypoactivity, social withdrawal and anxiety, but also noted considerable differences at the level of personal autonomy and skills. Behavioral problems were frequent, and a majority of individuals displayed weight gain and food-seeking behavior, along with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual function. Classical symptoms of SHFYNG in childhood were reported for most individuals.ConclusionOur findings indicate a high variability of the functional abilities and social participation of adults with SHFYNG. A high prevalence of obesity within our cohort was notable, and uncontrollable food intake was a major concern for some caregivers. The phenotypes of PWS and SHFYNG in adulthood might be more difficult to discern than the phenotypes in childhood. Molecular genetic testing for SHFYNG should therefore be considered in adults with the suspected diagnosis of PWS, if testing for PWS has been negative.

Daily activities, participation, satisfaction, and functional mobility of adults with cerebral palsy more than 25 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy: a long-term follow-up during adulthood

Purpose To determine changes in level of accomplishment and satisfaction in daily activities and social participation, and functional mobility in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) more than 25 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). Materials and methods This long-term observational nine-year follow-up study included 26 adults (median age 35 years) with CP and spastic diplegia, and 26 matched typically developing adults. Assessment tools used were the Life-Habits questionnaire and the Functional Mobility Scale. Results Most of the adults with CP were independent and satisfied with accomplishing life habits and no changes were determined, except for a small change in the Housing accomplishment level. Compared to typically developing adults, the CP cohort was more dependent in accomplishing Mobility and Recreation. However, the level of satisfaction was similar for most life habits except for Mobility. Functional mobility did not change, but correlated with Life-Habits results. Conclusions Adults with CP showed high and stable levels of accomplishment and satisfaction in daily activities and social participation more than 25 years after SDR. This is in contrast with the literature, where functional decline was shown for individuals with CP as they age. The relation with functional mobility highlights the importance to focus the rehabilitation on maintaining walking ability in order to enable high level of daily activities and social participation in adults with CP. Implications for rehabilitation Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a valuable treatment option for a selective group of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in order to reduce spasticity. The long-term outcomes of SDR on level of accomplishment and satisfaction in daily activities and social participation as well functional mobility in adults with CP are not clear. More than 25 years after SDR adults with CP experienced stable and lasting high levels of functioning regarding daily activities and social participation and were satisfied with the way they accomplished life habits. Functional mobility was correlated to level of accomplishment and satisfaction in daily activities and social participation, which highlights the importance to focus rehabilitation programs on maintaining functional mobility in order to enable daily activities and social participation in adults with CP.

Perceptions of Adults With Autism of an Inclusive University-Based Social Group

Abstract Date Presented 04/05/19 Adults with autism shared perceptions about Towson University's inclusive social group model via a descriptive survey study with closed and open-ended questions. Data from 18 respondents reflect the positive impact of university student peers and adult participants with autism feeling welcome, safe, and accepted. They also identified social skills goals associated with attending. This model for supporting social participation of adults with autism has potential for replication in other settings. Primary Author and Speaker: Charlotte Exner Contributing Authors: Alyson Frydman

Characterizing computer-mediated communication, friendship, and social participation in adults with traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACTBackground: Adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) report loss of friendship and reduced social participation after injury, but there is limited information regarding quantity of friends and methods of communication. Our objective was to characterize friendship networks, social participation, and methods of communication, including computer-mediated communication (CMC), used by adults with TBI compared to uninjured adults. Methods: Participants were 25 adults with TBI and 26 uninjured healthy comparisons (HC) adults, who completed the Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools-Objective (PART-O) and the Social Network Questionnaire (SNQ). Results: Adults with TBI had significantly fewer total friends and significantly lower levels of productivity and overall social participation. Face-to-face interaction was the preferred method of contact for both groups. Adults with TBI were significantly less likely to use texting as a primary method of communication than their uninjured peers, but used other methods of communication at similar rates. Conclusion: Our study supports prior findings of reduced friendships and reduced social participation after TBI and adds new information about similarities and differences in communication methods between adults with and without TBI.

Refinement and Validation of the Social Participation Restrictions Questionnaire: An Application of Rasch Analysis and Traditional Psychometric Analysis Techniques.

The primary aim of this research was to refine and validate the Social Participation Restrictions Questionnaire (SPaRQ). The SPaRQ is a hearing-specific, patient-reported outcome measure that was originally developed through consultation with adults with hearing loss, clinicians, and researchers. This research comprised two studies. Study 1 aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the SPaRQ and to improve these properties by amending the questionnaire (e.g., removing items) as required. Study 2 aimed to validate the refined SPaRQ. In study 1, 279 adults with hearing loss completed a long-form, 53-item SPaRQ. Rasch analysis, a modern psychometric analysis technique, was used to assess a range of psychometric properties for the questionnaire (e.g., unidimensionality, fit to the Rasch model). The properties of the individual items were also assessed (e.g., response dependency, differential item functioning). In study 2, 102 adults with hearing loss completed the refined SPaRQ. In addition, they completed three questionnaires that had been designed to measure related constructs. These were a hearing-specific questionnaire (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly), a generic health and disability questionnaire (shortened World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0), and a brief depression and anxiety screening questionnaire (Patient Health Questionnaire-4). Traditional psychometric analysis techniques (e.g., Cronbach's alpha) were used to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the refined SPaRQ. Rasch analysis was used to refine the SPaRQ. The result was a 19-item measure divided into two subscales. The 9-item Social Behaviors subscale measured difficulties with performing actions in a social context due to hearing loss. The 10-item Social Perceptions subscale measured negative thoughts and feelings experienced in a social context due to hearing loss. Both Rasch analysis and the traditional psychometric analysis techniques demonstrated that each subscale had strong psychometric properties. In particular, each subscale passed the test of unidimensionality, displayed good fit to the Rasch model, and had high internal consistency. In addition, it was found that, as predicted, each subscale had strong, positive correlations with the hearing-specific questionnaire and moderate, positive correlations with the generic health and disability questionnaire and the depression and anxiety screening questionnaire. Taken together, these findings support the construct validity of the 19-item SPaRQ. This was one of the first studies to devise a new hearing-specific outcome measure using Rasch analysis. Rasch analysis proved to be a powerful technique for supporting decisions regarding which items to retain in order to achieve a psychometrically robust questionnaire. Additional support for the robustness of this questionnaire came from the utilization of traditional psychometric analysis techniques. Therefore, this questionnaire has the potential to be used in research and clinical practice to evaluate whether auditory rehabilitation interventions improve social participation in adults with hearing loss. The next stage of this research will be to further validate this questionnaire by assessing its responsiveness in a clinical population. The combined use of modern and traditional psychometric analysis techniques should be considered in future questionnaire development and validation research.

Wheelchair Skills Training for Functional Activity in Adults with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Wheelchair skills training can improve independent wheeled mobility for daily living activities as well as functional and social participation of adults with cervical spinal cord injury (C-SCI). The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of wheelchair skills training in improving both wheelchair skills and upper arm skilled performance in adults with C-SCI. In a randomized controlled study, 24 adults with tetraplegia were randomized and allocated to training group (n=13) or control group (n=11). The training group attended wheelchair skills training sessions, whereas the control group attended conventional exercise sessions. All interventions lasted 8 weeks, with a frequency of 3 days per week. All individuals were tested with the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) and the Van Lieshout Test (VLT). The test was repeated at pre- and post-training (after 4 weeks and 8 weeks). For WST, univariate analysis demonstrated significant main effects in between-group, within-group, and group-by-time interaction (p<0.05). VLT showed no significant effect in between-group comparison (p>0.05), whereas within-group comparison of test times and group-by-time interaction showed significant main effects (p<0.05). Thus, wheelchair skills training is more beneficial for adults with C-SCI than conventional exercise.

작업 중심 전환 프로그램이 지적장애인의 자기효능감 및 사회참여에 미치는 효과

본 연구는 본 연구는 지역사회에 거주하는 18세 이상 성인 지적장애인을 대상으로 작업 중심 전환 프로그램을 실시하여 자기효능감 및 사회참여에 미치는 효과를 알아보고, 실제 사회참여가 필요한 성인기 이후의 작업 중심 전환 프로그램 개발에 기초자료가 되기 위해 지역사회에 거주하는 18세 이상 성인 지적장애인 44명을 대상으로 작업 중심 전환 프로그램을 적용한 실험군과 작업 중심 전환 프로그램을 실시하지 않은 대조군으로 나눠 자기효능감 및 사회참여의 변화를 알아보았다. 자기효능감의 변화를 알아보기 위해 자기효능감 척도(Self-Efficacy Scale)를 사용하였으며, 사회참여를 알아보기 위해 사회참여척도(K-Community Participation Indicators; K-CPI)를 통해 평가하였다. 연구의 결과 자기효능감의 경우 실험군에서 대조군에 비해 자기효능감의 점수가 더 많이 증가하였고, 실험군에서는 점수의 변화가 유의하였으나(p<.05), 대조군에서는 유의하지 않았다. 사회참여의 경우 실험군에서 더 많은 증가와 함께 유의한 증가를 보였다(p<.05). 이러한 결과는 18세 이상 성인 지적장애인에게 작업 중심 전환 프로그램이 자기효능감 및 사회참여의 향상에 효과를 가져다 준 것으로 사료된다. This study applied an occupation-centered transition program to adults, aged 18 years or more, with intellectual disabilities and residing in a local community, and examined the effects of the program on participants' self-efficacy and social participation. To obtain basic data for the program, 44 adults with intellectual disability were divided into two groups: the experimental group, to which an occupation-centered transition program was applied, and the control group, to which the program was not applied. A self-efficacy scale and the K-Community participation indicators (CPI) were used to assess self-efficacy and social participation, respectively. The results showed that the experimental group showed a greater increase in self-efficacy than the control group (p<0.05). Similarly, a greater increase in the CPI scores was observed in the experimental group than in the control group. The changes in the experimental group were significant (p<0.05), but those in the control group were not. These results suggest that an occupation-centered transition program can improve self-efficacy and social participation in adults with an intellectual disability.

Test-Retest Reliability and Validity of the Malay Version Life Habits Assessment (LIFE-H 3.1) to Measure Social Participation in Adults With Physical Disabilities.

Social participation restriction is a common barrier encountered by older adults and individuals with physical disabilities. To best direct the limited resource to support social services for individuals with disability, there is a need to objectively measure social participation restriction. A number of tools to measure levels of social participation are available, but none of them has been translated into the Malay language. This cross-sectional study examined the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Life Habits Assessment (LIFE-H 3.1) that had been translated and culturally adapted to the Malay language. Seventy-five individuals with physical disabilities (age, mean [standard deviation] = 58 [10] years; 49 males) participated in this study. Participants were interviewed twice with the Malay version LIFE-H 3.1, approximately 1 week apart. The Barthel Index (BI) and the World Health Organization Assessment of Quality of Life-Brief version (WHOQoL-BREF) were administered in the first interview as well. Intraclass correlation coefficients and the Bland-Altman Bias D were used to examine test-retest reliability. The Spearman correlation coefficients were computed to quantify the correlation between the Malay version LIFE-H 3.1 and the BI and the WHOQoL-BREF, respectively, to examine the concurrent validity of the Malay version LIFE-H 3.1. Furthermore, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were calculated. The Malay version LIFE-H 3.1 had excellent test-retest reliability as evidenced by good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (0.71-0.95) and minimal Bland-Altman biases (0.01-0.12). The correlations between the Malay version LIFE-H 3.1 and the BI were fair to good (r = 0.28-0.69). The correlations between the Malay version LIFE-H 3.1 and the WHOQoL-BREF were weak to fair, ranging from 0.02 to 0.57. The Malay version LIFE-H 3.1 demonstrates excellent test-retest reliability and satisfactory validity. This questionnaire is an appropriate tool to assess social participation in rehabilitation for native Malay language speakers.

The LIFE-H to Assess Social Participation of Mental Health Service Users

Few validated tools assess social participation of adults with mental health disorders. This study aimed to: (1) examine the convergent validity of the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H), which evaluates perceived accomplishment and satisfaction with social participation in twelve life domains, with the Independent Living Skills Survey (ILSS); (2) compare quantitatively and qualitatively self-administered and interview modes of administration of the LIFE-H. Mental health service users (n = 24) were met twice to complete the LIFE-H (two modes) and the ILSS. The “Accomplishment” dimension of LIFE-H was significantly and moderately correlated with the ILSS. The two modes of the LIFE-H were significantly and moderately correlated. The interview format of the LIFE-H was preferred. Findings from this first validation study indicate that the interview format of the LIFE-H is useful to examine in depth accomplishment, types of assistance used and satisfaction with various domains of life with adults with mental health disorders.

A novel approach for measuring social participation in adults who stutter

This paper reports a preliminary study which trialled a novel approach for measuring speech output and social participation. The amount of phonation was accumulated via an objective measure called an Ambulatory Phonation Monitor (APM). Purpose(1) To establish whether adults who stutter will tolerate wearing an APM for an extended period of time (three days), (2) to test whether the APM can accumulate useful data about the amount of phonation adults who stutter produce in the course of a normal day and (3) to examine a possible relationship between stuttering severity and amount of phonation. MethodThree adults who stutter wore an APM for three consecutive days during their waking hours. Each completed a questionnaire regarding the device and kept a speech diary outlining daily speaking activities and self-reported stuttering severity. APM data regarding amount of phonation was collected, analysed and compared with the participants’ speech diaries. ResultsEach adult tolerated wearing the APM and while they felt comfortable speaking wearing the device, it was somewhat cumbersome. Variations in the amount of speaking across each day and in different speaking situations were evident. For two participants there was a positive correlation between phonation time and severity rating. ConclusionsPreliminary data suggests that the APM can provide valuable information about the amount adults who stutter speak. The APM is sufficiently sensitive to differentiate variations in the amount of phonation during different speaking situations. These favourable preliminary results suggest the value of a larger scale study.Educational Objectives: The reader will be able to: (a) describe the different aspects of stuttering currently routinely measured in clinical practice; (b) discuss the limitations of current measurement procedures; (c) discuss the advantages of speech measures obtained by an Ambulatory Phonation Monitor APM); (d) describe the perspectives of adults who stutter who have worn an APM to measure phonation time.

The role of positive affect on social participation following stroke

Purpose: To examine the association between positive affect and social participation in adults with first-time stroke after in-patient medical rehabilitation. Methods: A prospective cohort design using information from the Stroke Recovery in Underserved Populations database (SRUP) for the years 2005–2006. Data were collected at discharge from in-patient medical rehabilitation and 3 months post-discharge. Participants were aged 50 and older with first-time stroke (n = 605) and admitted to 1 of 11 in-patient medical rehabilitation facilities across the United States. Primary measures included a positive affect scale and a home and community social participation instrument. Results: The mean age was 71.6 years, 50.3% were women, and 56.5% were married. Results of cumulative logit models showed each 1 point increase in positive affect was significantly associated with a 17% odds of higher social participation (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.10, 1.25), after adjusting for demographics, clinical characteristics, and negative affect. Conclusions: High positive affect at discharge from in-patient medical rehabilitation was associated with higher levels of social participation 3 months post-discharge. The significant association between higher positive affect and higher levels of social participation adds to accumulating evidence linking positive affect with beneficial physical and psychological outcomes after an acute event such as stroke.Implications for RehabilitationThis study shows positive affect associated with greater social participation 3 months post-discharge from in-patient medical rehabilitation.Positive affect may be a critical factor in the recovery trajectory of the stroke patient.The assessment of positive affect during in-patient medical rehabilitation may identify those at risk for poor social participation post-discharge and may lead to the design of innovative interventions aimed at the re-integration of stroke individuals into the community.

A prospective study of group cohesiveness in therapeutic horticulture for clinical depression

This study aimed to assess changes in psychological distress and social participation in adults diagnosed with clinical depression during and after participating in a therapeutic horticulture programme, and to investigate if the changes covaried with levels of group cohesiveness during the intervention. An intervention with a single-group design was repeated with different samples in successive years (pooled n = 46). In each year, five groups of 3-7 participants went through the intervention. Data were collected before, twice during, and immediately after a 12-week therapeutic horticulture programme, as well as at 3-months' follow up. Mental health assessments included the Beck Depression Inventory, the State Subscale of Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Positive Affect Scale from the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Therapeutic Factors Inventory-Cohesiveness Scale. The analysis of the pooled data confirmed significant beneficial change in all mental health variables during the intervention. Change from baseline in depression severity persisted at 3-months' follow up. Increased social activity after the intervention was reported for 38% of the participants. The groups quickly established strong cohesiveness, and this continued to increase during the intervention. The average level of group cohesiveness correlated positively, but not significantly, with change in all mental health outcome variables.

Promoting Social Participation for Adults Through Arthritis Self-Management: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACTThe focus of this study was to determine how a self-management program impacted social participation and social roles in clients living with arthritis. Ten participants over the age of 50, with arthritis, participated in the 6-week Arthritis Foundation's Self-Help Program conducted by a team of occupational therapy students and faculty researcher. Related pre- and postsurveys were administered to participants to measure self-efficacy behaviors, social roles, social participation, and energy and level of fatigue. Based on participants’ responses, increased levels of participation in social activities and expansion of social roles following the program implementation were evident. The results of this study suggest a potential connection between self-efficacy, self-management programs, and participation in social contexts for persons living with arthritis. Occupational therapists and other professionals should conduct further research on this topic to validate the importance and means of enhancing social roles and social engagement of clients living with arthritis.