Social Service Users Research Articles

Autonomous Motivation and Self-Disclosure Intention

Studies that specifically discuss the formation of autonomous motivations of users of social networking services (SNSs) and how such motivation influences SNS user intention to disclose personal location-related information (PLRI) are absent from the literature. Consequently, this study, based on the self-determination theory and the information system success (ISS) model, investigates the relationships among key system-related quality factors, SNS users’ autonomous motivations and user satisfaction regarding an SNS, and their intentions to disclose PLRI. Survey data collected from 514 students at six universities were analyzed to validate our research model. Research results show that three system-related quality factors have different influences on user satisfaction and autonomous motivation, while both autonomous motivation and user satisfaction are significant antecedents of user intention to disclose PLRI. The research results have extended the application and advanced the understanding of ISS model and self-determination theory in the context of SNS.

Understanding how retweets influence the behaviors of social networking service users via agent-based simulation

The retweet is a characteristic mechanism of several social network services/social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Weibo. By retweeting tweet, users can share an article with their friends and followers. However, it is not clear how retweets affect the dominant behaviors of users. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of retweets on the behavior of social media users from the perspective of networked game theory, and how the existence of the retweet mechanism in social media promotes or reduces the willingness of users to post and comment on articles. To address these issues, we propose the retweet reward game model and quote tweet reward game model by adding the retweet and quote tweet mechanisms to a relatively simple social networking service model known as the reward game. Subsequently, we conduct simulation-based experiments to understand the influence of retweets on the user behavior on various networks. It is demonstrated that users will be more willing to post new articles with a retweet mechanism, and quote retweets are more beneficial to users, as users can expect to spread their information and their own comments on already posted articles.

Digital social work practice through social networking sites. Case study with users of Social Services Community Centre from Malaga (Spain) on Facebook

Isolation is a clear indicator of social exclusion. To tackle it, we wondered if it would be possible to improve digital skills and strengthen bonds through online groups on a social networking site. This paper presents the results of an experimental study carried out in Malaga (Spain) with unemployed users of social care services. From the perspective of social work practice with groups, this study aims at strengthening bonds and mutual help through improving digital skills. This was carried out using a Facebook group as a shared space for community empowerment. To know the impact of these interactions, netnography and social network analysis were conveyed, as well as algorithms to identify communities and assess cohesion. Results showed that Facebook groups may be effective tools to promote active learning and mutual support and which can be used effectively by social workers.

A Study on the Perceived Value of Social Network Service Users Based on Web Text Analysis: Taking renren.com as an Example

A Study on the Perceived Value of Social Network Service Users Based on Web Text Analysis: Taking renren.com as an Example

Child-focused practice in social services for adults in Norway

Summary Children of social service users are at risk for developing mental health problems as well as social and behavioral problems. Social service counselors should therefore be aware of service users’ children and provide support for them. In fact, they are obligated by law to consider children's views and their best interests in cases affecting them. Despite this, little is known about social service counselors’ child focus in their practice. In this study, self-reported survey data from 93 counselors working for the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration (NAV) were analyzed to explore their child focus. Findings Findings suggest that a particular focus on children is no part of common practice among NAV counselors; nor is use or knowledge of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Knowledge and use of the CRC may be a predictor of child-focused practice. The results showed a significant difference of medium effect size between NAV counselors who ask about children and NAV counselors who do not when it comes to knowledge and use of the CRC. Applications Policy makers and practitioners should utilize NAV's potential as a preventive arena. For NAV counselors to be aware of and support children of social service users they need a stronger focus on children and hence know and use the laws concerning children's rights. Incorporating children's rights into social workers’ education and internal training may strengthen the focus on children in NAV counselors’ practice.

Design recommendations for socially assistive robots for health and social care based on a large scale analysis of stakeholder positions: Social robot design recommendations

ObjectivesSocially assistive robots (SAR) may have an important role in health and social care. Design of such SAR can be informed through detailed studies with end-users, but we also need shared understanding of SAR between developers and those influencing policy. We aimed to explore the acceptability of using SAR across a broad range of stakeholders who could influence policy and identify design considerations for developers. MethodsWe gave live demonstrations of a range of SAR rather than passive materials such as pictures, and used an acceptability model (Almere Model) as framework for analysis. Eight exhibitions involved live demonstrations and interaction with two robot animals (Paro and Miro), a humanoid (Pepper) and function-oriented telepresence robot (Padbot). 223 health and social care professionals, service users and small companies participated. Unstructured free interactions with robots were video recorded, transcribed, and content analysed. Themes were mapped onto the Almere Model of acceptability where components and design recommendations were deduced. ResultsThree-quarters of attendees interacted with robots (n=167). Practical design changes identified were: (i) improved mobility for uneven floors and carpets, (ii) improved voice recognition and accent interpretation, (iii) better ease of use (mainly Pepper), (iv) enhanced robustness and battery life/autonomous charging, (v) soft, friendly aesthetics, (vi) anthropomorphic or biomorphic design (non-robotic) for friendliness and social presence, (vii) androgynous appearance. ConclusionHealth and social care stakeholders are open to use of SAR and see potential in this field, however, practical issues such as robustness, battery life, voice/accent recognition and mobility need to be addressed. Public Interest SummaryRobots that interact with people in health and care settings may have an important role in improving wellbeing. Detailed studies with end-users should inform SAR design for specific settings, however policy makers and robot developers must also share understanding of suitable design, for robots to be developed appropriate for health and care contexts.We gave live demonstrations of two robot animals (Paro and Miro), a humanoid (Pepper) and telepresence robot (Padbot) at eight events with 223 health and social care professionals, service users and small companies.Interactions with the robots were video recorded and used to assess their acceptability. Participants saw potential for robot use but identified practical concerns. These were: (i) improved mobility for uneven floors and carpets, (ii) improved voice recognition and accent interpretation, (iii) better ease of use (mainly Pepper), (iv) enhanced robustness and battery life/autonomous charging, (v) soft, friendly aesthetics, (vi) anthropomorphic or biomorphic design (non-robotic) for friendliness and social presence, (vii) androgynous appearance.

Understanding the 100 highest users of health and social services in San Francisco

Health system leaders and clinicians recognize the importance of integrating data that elucidates both the medical and social needs of patients.1 Research on frequent emergency department (ED) users - variably defined as patients with ≥4 annual ED visits 2 - has focused primarily on medical services. Frequent ED users have a high prevalence of mental health and substance use diagnoses, and complex social needs like homelessness, but few studies have examined their service utilization across multiple medical and non-medical domains.3.

Social workers and refugee service users (re)constructing their relationships in a hostile political climate

Summary This article explores the relationship between social workers and adult Eritrean refugee service users in the context of a hostile political climate and restrictive state policies. It examines the implications of politics and policies on the formation of this relationship based on findings from a qualitative study conducted in Israel and Germany. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 38 participants – 16 Eritrean refugees and 22 social workers who work with refugees. Findings Despite different political, social and organizational contexts, especially in the asylum policies towards Eritrean refugees, our thematic analysis yielded two main themes common to both countries: First, changing relationship structures, in particular moving away from a ‘traditional’ conceptualization of the social work relationship towards ‘informal’ practices. These included modifications of the setting, of professional boundaries and of the therapeutic language. Second, shifting power relations, characterized by a friend-like dynamic, which enabled more egalitarian relations, and a parent–child dynamic, which included increased power imbalances and dependency. Implications An increased understanding of the role of restrictive policies, everyday racism and exclusionary political discourse in the reconstruction of the user-worker relationship dynamics could inform social work education and practice. Beyond the refugee arena, establishing informal relationship structures could help to reduce power differentials, increase trust-building and improve therapeutic outcomes with refugees and other service users. The possible risks of informal relations, such as misunderstandings or worker burnout, are also discussed.

Does Foreign Language Proficiency Help to Enhance Sustainable Online Brand Community Experiences? Modeling the Predictors of Movie Information Sharing Behavior for Young Chinese Students Staying in Korea

Building upon studies on the information diffusion theory of a viral marketing survey, this study aims to understand the effect of young Chinese students’ online information sharing behavior on online brand community and determine the relationship among telepresence, flow-attention focus, flow-perceived enjoyment and electronic word-of-mouth depending on the level of the foreign students’ Korean language proficiency. Here, 178 valid data are obtained from an online survey of social networking service users who live in Korea and are experienced in using online movie brand communities. SmartPLS 2.0 is utilized to determine the relationship between variates. Statistical analysis shows that telepresence is applicable to the Chinese students’ online perceived enjoyment and attention focus, which both positively affect trust and movie information sharing behavior. Language proficiency has a significant moderation effect on the model. This study offers insights toward attaining a better understanding of online communication behaviors and establishing marketing strategies that are extendable to young Chinese students staying in Korea. This finding helps movie distributors to develop effective foreigner-inclined information diffusion strategies. This study contributes to the impact factor on consumer information sharing behavior and adds language proficiency as a moderator to determine consumer behavior.

Minding the maps: Using visual mapping methodology and installation art to understand differences in client service accessibility among nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles.

This study highlights the pathways of clients' social service usage through qualitative interviews and visual mapping methodology. Undergraduate students interviewed clients at diverse social service agencies in Los Angeles that include homeless shelters, child welfare organizations, domestic violence organizations, LGBTQIA youth-oriented agencies, nonprofits serving older adults, schools, and organizations serving low-income families. Students used the information gathered from the interviews to visually map their clients' environmental and structural barriers, as well as their pathways to service. The research team then analyzed the students' visual maps to create one cohesive, complex, and multilayered visual map representing clients' overall barriers and pathways to social services in Los Angeles.

‘Anxiety, frustration and understanding’. Swedish personal social service workers’ cognitive appraisals of encounters with violent clients

ABSTRACT Workplace violence and threats from social service users towards social workers (client violence) is a problem in Sweden and internationally. This article explores the circumstances that make client violence stressful to social workers who exercise public authority in Swedish individual and family social services. The empirical data are based on qualitative interviews with social workers (n = 19) who, according to their own perception, have been threatened or assaulted by a client in relation to work. Theory on cognitive appraisal of threat and harm is used. The results, analysed by Inductive Thematic Analysis, show that client violence is stressful because it poses a threat to social workers’ professional identity and private life, and occurs in uncertain and repetitive ways. The results suggest that a negligent safety culture in social service agencies, characterized by normalization of client violence and limited organizational support, may contribute to stress related to client violence. The results are discussed in light of how social workers and social service agencies transact and affect each other.

Family APGAR Scale: evidências iniciais de validade para utilização em familiares de pessoas com deficiência intelectual

A presença de pessoas com deficiência intelectual em uma família pode modificar o funcionamento e relações familiares. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar as evidências iniciais de validade de estrutura interna e convergência da versão brasileira da Family APGAR Scale, a fim de avaliar a percepção da funcionalidade familiar em familiares de pessoas com deficiência intelectual, usuárias de serviços da Assistência Social. Participaram deste estudo 185 familiares de pessoas com deficiência, usuárias de um serviço de uma entidade não governamental de atendimentos a pessoas com deficiência em uma capital do sudeste brasileiro. Os resultados a partir de procedimentos fatoriais exploratórios demonstraram a estrutura interna unidimensional da medida adaptada, composta por cinco itens, tendo bons indicadores de precisão do tipo coeficiente de Alpha (α = 0,96) e Ômega (ω=0,96). Também foram observadas evidências de validade convergente entre a medida adaptada neste estudo e a Escala Total de Apoio Social do Medical Outcomes Study (MOS). Com isso, os resultados indicam que a versão brasileira adaptada da medida apresentou propriedades psicométricas adequadas e pode ser utilizada neste contexto e população.

‘Modelling social exclusion in a diagnostically-mixed sample of people with severe mental illness’

Background:Social inclusion is an important indicator of recovery in individuals with severe mental illness. The Social Inclusion Questionnaire User Experience (SInQUE) is a new measure of social inclusion for mental health service users which assesses five domains (consumption, production, access to services, social integration and civil engagement). It has good psychometric properties and is acceptable to service users and mental health professionals. It is not clear whether individuals with different diagnostic conditions experience a similar reduction in social inclusion.Aims:(1) Investigate whether current social inclusion differs between diagnostic groups (people with schizophrenia/other psychotic disorders, common mental disorder or personality disorder); (2) Identify factors associated with lower social inclusion; (3) Examine associations between social inclusion and stigma, quality of life and loneliness.Method:Mental health service users with psychotic disorder, personality disorder or common mental disorder, living in the community, completed the SInQUE, alongside other validated outcome measures. Multiple regression investigated associations.Results:About 192 service users (55% with psychotic disorder; 26% with common mental disorder; 19% with personality disorder). Current social inclusion did not vary according to diagnosis, except for the sub-domain of productivity, where individuals with personality disorder were more socially included than the other two groups. Lower social inclusion was associated with older age (p = .008), lack of higher education (p < .001), more previous admissions (p = .005), severity of current symptoms and greater experienced stigma (p = .006) and anticipated stigma (p = .035). Greater social inclusion was associated with better quality of life (p < .001) and less loneliness (p < .001).Conclusions:Barriers to social inclusion in individuals with severe mental health problems include factors related to the illness, such as symptom severity and external factors, such as stigma and discrimination. Social inclusion is a recovery goal and should be routinely assessed. Increasing people’s social inclusion benefits service users in terms of improved mental health, better quality of life and reduced loneliness.

An Information Recommendation Technique Based on Influence and Activeness of Users in Social Networks

Over the past few years, the number of users of social network services has been exponentially increasing and it is now a natural source of data that can be used by recommendation systems to provide important services to humans by analyzing applicable data and providing personalized information to users. In this paper, we propose an information recommendation technique that enables smart recommendations based on two specific types of analysis on user behaviors, such as the user influence and user activity. The components to measure the user influence and user activity are identified. The accuracy of the information recommendation is verified using Yelp data and shows significantly promising results that could create smarter information recommendation systems.

From the Strengths Perspective to an Empowerment–Participation–Strengths Model in Social Work Practice

AbstractOver recent years, the strengths perspective has been promoted as a practice model with a range of social service users. Despite acknowledging its positive aspects, there has been increasing discussion about its application in actual practice, underlining the need to advance a practice model that helps enhance its use in social work practice. This article aims to do this by proposing the adoption of an Empowerment–Participation–Strengths (EPS) model that integrates the strengths perspective with two other important concepts in social work, participation and empowerment. The EPS model integrates these three concepts by proposing that social workers use the strengths perspective to look at service users, encourage their participation and then help them to empower themselves. The strengths perspective is the base, participation is considered as a useful method, and empowerment is the goal. These three concepts are equally important, and none can be disregarded. This article first reviews the issues in applying the strengths perspective. It then presents the special features of the model and discusses how this enhances the strengths perspective in social work practice.

Who is mentally healthy? Mental health profiles of Japanese social networking service users with a focus on LINE, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

BackgroundBoth negative and positive associations between social networking service (SNS) usage and mental health have been suggested by previous studies; however, their differences by type of SNS and age remain unclear. We addressed this issue based on the frequency of traditional communication such as face-to-face and non-face-to-face communication (e.g., phone, email, and letters).MethodsIn total, 8,576 individuals participated, including 2,543 aged 18–39, 3,048 aged 40–64, and 2,985 aged over 65 years. They were asked to indicate their frequency of SNS usage, both for posting and checking, of LINE (a popular message application in Japan), Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with frequent usage defined as posting or checking more than a few times a week. To determine mental health status, WHO-5 (i.e., well-being), K6 (i.e., distress symptoms), and feelings of loneliness were assessed. Multiple and logistic regression analyses were adjusted for the frequency of traditional communication. To avoid type 1 error, a Bonferroni correction of p ≤ 0.002 was applied in the regression models (p = 0.05/18, a number of regression models).ResultsThe most frequently used SNS across the three age groups was LINE; frequent usage (both posting and checking) among older adults was independently associated with better well-being. Frequent posting on Facebook was associated with better well-being in middle-aged adults. Young adults who frequently checked on Instagram showed a tendency toward better well-being and lower distress symptoms. On the contrary, frequent usage of Twitter was associated with distress symptoms or feelings of loneliness across all three age groups.ConclusionsWe found generational and SNS-type-dependent negative and positive associations between SNS use and mental health, indicating the possible influences of SNS use and the importance of non-SNS communication.

Development and Validation of a Self-Neglect Scale Among Older People: The Study on Challenges for Neglect and Self-Neglect in Poland.

The study aimed to develop and validate a tool to recognize the presence and to evaluate the level of self-neglect in community-dwelling older people. The cross-sectional study included 2,894 face-to-face interviews with randomly selected individuals from among the general population, social service users, and hospital patients. In addition, specially trained interviewers assessed the physical appearance and standards of living. Reliability, content, and construct validity were assessed. The Item Response Theory was used. The following scales were developed: the Self-Reported Self-Neglect Scale (SRSNS), the Objective Assessment of the Level of Self-Neglect-Physical Appearance (OALSN-PA) scale, concerning physical health risks based on the appearance of an individual, and the Objective Assessment of the Level of Self-Neglect-Standards of Living Arrangements (OALSN-SLA) scale, which assesses the physical and personal living conditions. The brevity of the scales makes them useful for the daily practice of health care and social care professionals.

The Resilience of Social Service Providers and Families of Children With Autism or Development Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Community Case Study in Hong Kong.

Background: Hong Kong is one of the earliest cities to have hampered by the COVID-19. When preventive public health measures are enforced, specific groups, who have already been facing inequality before the outbreak, are likely to become more overlooked and vulnerable.Aim: This community case study aims to describe the additional needs of families of children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental issues, as well as unexpected difficulties and challenges social service professionals encountered when delivering service and their solutions toward these challenges.Methods: A focus group with 10 professionals providing the Caregiver Skills Training Program was conducted.Results: Poor families of vulnerable children were found to be challenged, more than average, in finding daily necessities during the initial stage of the outbreak. Most vulnerable children displayed additional problematic behaviors and emotional problems during the quarantine. The social service professionals addressed the family needs by providing tangible resources and offering online training, workshops, and programs to meet their needs. Several important lessons were learned. First, technology know-how on conducting online training, workshop, and program could be a challenge to some social service professionals and the parents. Second, the professionals reported that they made huge efforts to produce guidelines in protecting services users' privacy, to equip themselves with necessary skills in executing privacy-protection measures, and to keep exploring for safer alternatives. Third, providing tele-services in online mode represented a different interaction pattern between social service professionals and service users, especially in the recruitment processes and group dynamics.Conclusion: In comparison with other cities, Hong Kong has responded to the COVID-19 efficiently and effectively based on the citizen's strict adherence to behavioral advice and the innovative altruistic efforts from the multi-sectors in the community.

Challenges and Prospects for Digitizing the Social Service Providers' Activities

This article presents the author’s definitions of “digitization of social service provision” and “digitization of social services” concepts and identifies the difference between them. It presents the results of an interview with 18 experts — the heads of institutions and organizations of social service provision implementing the rehabilitation of disabled people in Perm region. The research was conducted in 2019 and sought to identify problems and prospects for the digitization of the social services sphere. Interviewees rated their satisfaction regarding the convenience and time cost of automated systems that are currently being used in their organizations; characterized their needs in introducing various innovative interactive services, mobile applications, and other digital software; and expressed their attitude to various innovations. Social innovations were developed by the researchers and offered to experts by interviewers (for example, services for assessing the quality of work of specialists by service users, quick selection of the right social service, filing a complaint, referring a citizen to another organization, counseling in video mode, electronic appointment service, etc.). The research has shown how innovations can improve the performance of social service providers’ work and the quality of their interactions with citizens, which will ultimately increase the satisfaction of social service users and will positively affect the level of social well-being in society as a whole. A number of problems have been identified that currently impede the development of digitization: they are related to staff resources, the level of computerization, the lack of motivation among managers and personnel of social service organizations to implement innovative IT, and a certain distrust that such technologies can facilitate the activities of the organization and increase its effectiveness.&#x0D; Keywords: digitization, social service provision, social services, social institutions, social work

ТЕОРІЇ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ Й ОЦІНКИ ПОТРЕБ І ПРОБЛЕМ КОРИСТУВАЧІВ ПОСЛУГ ВІЙСЬКОВО-СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ РОБОТИ ЯК ДІЄВОЇ СЛУЖБИ ДОПОМОГИ ЛЮДЯМ

The article is devoted to the review of theories of assessment of needs and problems of servicemen and members of their families in modern Ukraine as users of military and social work services. Military and social work is seen as an effective service to help people during military conflicts and pandemics, humanitarian crises. The article highlights the types of problems of modern servicemen and members of their families