Strengths-based Framework Research Articles

Strengths-based Counseling with International Students of Color: A Community Cultural Wealth Approach

Faced with multiple interpersonal (e.g., isolation), and systemic barriers (e.g., biased national policies) due to their intersectional racial and immigrant identities, international students of color (ISC) may particularly stand to benefit from interventions that foster resilience and a sense of agency. Extant research indicates that counselors’ focus on strengths (e.g., strong community ties, resilience) of minoritized clients has several benefits, including increased resilience and empowerment. However, counseling literature fails to offer counselors an explicit strengths-based framework to support ISC. In this article, the author outlines the unique challenges ISC face as a result of their marginalized identities. Next, using Yosso’s theory of Community Cultural Wealth, I offer counselors specific suggestions on ways to explore and leverage ISC’ strengths in mental health settings. Lastly, future directions and limitations are discussed.

Resiliency-Focused Supervision Model

Social workers often deal with complex, challenging, and emotionally exhausting situations that can negatively impact their mental and physical health. When a helping professional is in distress, client care may be compromised. Therefore, the necessity of wellness practices to reduce stress and mitigate burnout is gaining recognition in the social work profession. The National Association of Social Workers (2013) asserts that supervisors are responsible for recognizing and responding to supervisees’ work-related angst. However, there is little research published that addresses pre-burnout symptoms and self-care practices in the supervisory process. The Resiliency-Focused Supervision Model (RFSM), a culturally-responsive, strengths-based framework, was developed to assist supervisors in helping supervisees to manage stress, avoid burnout, and be successful in the workplace. The RSFM’s interrelated domain areas include: 1) structural/environmental, 2) relational, 3) work self-care, and 4) life self-care. The RFSM is a practical, pragmatic option for supervisors to use in partnership with social workers to promote good health, well-being, and resiliency.

Street Gang Intervention: Review and Good Lives Extension

Tackling street gangs has recently been highlighted as a priority for public health. In this paper, the four components of a public health approach were reviewed: (1) surveillance, (2) identifying risk and protective factors, (3) developing and evaluating interventions at primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary intervention stages, and (4) implementation of evidence-based programs. Findings regarding the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs for street gang members were mixed, with unclear goals/objectives, limited theoretical foundation, and a lack of consistency in program implementation impeding effectiveness at reducing street gang involvement. This paper proposes that the Good Lives Model (GLM), a strengths-based framework for offender rehabilitation, provides an innovative approach to street gang intervention. Utilizing approach-goals, the GLM assumes that improving an individual’s internal skills and external opportunities will reduce the need to become involved in street gangs. Wrapping the GLM framework around current evidence-based interventions (e.g., Functional Family Therapy) increases client engagement and motivation to change, which is notably poor amongst those at risk of, or involved in, street gangs.

Pandemic policing: Highlighting the need for trauma-informed services during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis

There has been a move towards trauma-informed services in multiple systems whose services are provided by police, medical doctors, nurses, teachers, and social workers, to name a few. Trauma-informed practices are best described as understanding the psychological and physiological impacts of trauma in a strengths-based framework. This becomes increasingly important in a policing context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential for increased intimate partner violence, child abuse, trauma, and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) may have implications for years to come that will impact justice systems, health care, and education. Having trauma-informed police services may mitigate this and provide police with the skills to identify and address issues early on to work towards getting the necessary supports to families in need.

Body appreciation and intuitive eating in eating disorder recovery.

Eating disorder recovery research has emphasized the absence of symptoms over the presence of adaptive aspects like positive body image and healthy eating attitudes. The current study examined how body appreciation and intuitive eating related to eating disorder recovery using a comprehensive recovery definition (physical, behavioral, and cognitive recovery). Data were collected from 66 women with an eating disorder history and 31 controls with no history of eating pathology. Participants completed an online survey followed by a phone interview. The fully recovered group did not differ from controls on body appreciation, with both groups endorsing significantly higher levels of body appreciation than the partially recovered and current eating disorder groups. Similarly, the fully recovered group did not differ from controls on overall intuitive eating, with both groups endorsing significantly higher levels of overall intuitive eating than the partially recovered and current eating disorder groups. Positive psychological constructs such as body appreciation and intuitive eating relate to eating disorder recovery status. Understanding recovery within a strengths-based framework may inform intervention and relapse prevention.

Multi-dimensional wellness interventions for older adults with serious mental illness: A systematic literature review.

Aging persons with serious mental illness present unique challenges for community mental health services. This population is increasing in numbers in mental health treatment settings. The combination of serious mental illness with the vicissitudes of aging suggest that a broader conceptualization of this population may improve services. SAMHSA's 8 Dimension of Wellness offers a comprehensive strengths-based framework for interventions to maximize older persons' abilities and address the complex bidirectional effects of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, financial, intellectual, and environmental challenges to wellness. This systemic literature review identifies unidimensional and multidimensional wellness interventions for older adults with mental illness. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify wellness interventions provided to persons with serious mental illness with a mean age of 45 or higher. Twenty-six articles representing 14 distinct wellness interventions were identified. None of the articles used SAMHSA's 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework. The physical wellness (n = 21) and social (n = 15) dimensions were the most frequently described in the literature. There was no mention of either the intellectual or spiritual dimensions. The quality of the research of these interventions varied; 14 papers described a randomized controlled trial. The SAMHSA wellness framework has not been used to design interventions for older persons with serious mental illness. Interventions for aging persons should support comprehensive wellness, including the intellectual and spiritual domains. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Building God's Kingdom Through Strengths-Based Teaching.

Teaching nursing students using a strengths-based instructional framework provides an encouraging and positive learning environment. The authors advocate learning one's own strengths and gifts through the Strengthsfinder tool, then applying that self-understanding to teach in a way that instills confidence in students.

Adult mental health clinicians\u2019 perspectives of parents with a mental illness and their children: single and dual focus approaches

BackgroundWhen clinicians in the adult mental health sector work with clients who are parents with dependent children, it is critical they are able to acknowledge and respond to the needs of the parents and their children. However, little is known about clinicians’ personal perspectives and reactions towards these parents and children or if/how they balance the needs of both.MethodsSemi structured interviews were conducted with eleven clinicians from adult mental health services in Australia. Interviews focused on clinicians’ experiences when working with parents who have mental illness. Transcripts were analysed within an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework to examine participants’ perspectives and personal reactions to parents and children.ResultsThere was considerable divergence in participants’ reactions towards parents and children and the focus of their perspectives when working with parental mental illness. Feelings of sympathy and responsibility made it difficult for some participants to maintain a dual focus on parents and children and contributed to some adopting practices that focused on the needs of parents (n = 3) or children (n = 1) exclusively. Other participants (n = 7) described strategies and supports that allowed them to manage these feelings and sustain a dual focus that incorporated the experiences and needs of both parents and children.ConclusionsIt is difficult for some mental health clinicians to maintain a dual focus that incorporates the needs and experiences of parents and their children. However, findings suggest that the challenges of a dual focus may be mitigated through adequate workplace support and a strengths-based practice framework that emphasises parental empowerment.

Adaptive Recruitment and Parenting Interventions for Immigrant Latino Families with Adolescents

Parenting programs are an effective strategy to prevent multiple risky outcomes during adolescence. However, these programs usually enroll one caregiver and have low attendance. This study evaluated the preliminary results, cost, and satisfaction of adaptive recruitment and parenting interventions for immigrant Latino families. A mixed methods study was conducted integrating a pre-post design with embedded qualitative and process evaluations. Fifteen immigrant Latino families with an adolescent child aged 10-14 were recruited. Two-caregiver families received a home visit to increase enrollment of both caregivers. All families participated in an adaptive parenting program that included group sessions and a one-to-one component (online videos plus follow-up telephone calls) for those who did not attend the group sessions. The intervention addressed positive parenting practices using a strengths-based framework. Primary outcomes were the proportion of two-parent families recruited and intervention participation. Secondary outcomes were change in parenting self-efficacy, practices, fidelity, costs, and satisfaction. Participants completed questionnaires and interaction tasks before and after participating in the intervention. In addition, participants and program facilitators completed individual interviews to assess satisfaction with the program components. Overall, 23 parents participated in the intervention; 73% of two-parent families enrolled with both parents. Most participants completed 75% or more of the intervention. Fathers were more likely to use the one-to-one component of the intervention than mothers (p = .038). Participants were satisfied with program modifications. In sum, adaptive recruitment and parenting interventions achieved high father enrollment and high participation. These findings warrant further evaluation in randomized trials.

Language Skills of Bidialectal and Bilingual Children

This article examines the language and cognitive skills of bidialectal and bilingual children, focusing on African American English bidialectal speakers and Spanish-English bilingual speakers. It contributes to the discussion by considering two themes in the extant literature: (1) linguistic and cognitive strengths can be found in speaking two languages or dialects, and (2) advantages accrue when considering the groups together (or at least side-by-side) rather than separately. A strengths-based framework is proposed, whereby the goal is to identify the linguistic and cognitive strengths of these two groups that might support assessment, intervention, and culturally appropriate characterization of key language and cognitive skills. Morphosyntax, complex syntax, and narrative discourse are explored for both groups. In addition, executive function and code-switching are discussed because they relate to language and cognitive development of both bidialectal and bilingual speakers. Although some differences between the two groups are obvious, the possible similarities or intersection between the two language groups is potentially informative and may provide direction for researchers and clinicians alike.

Take These Broken Wings and Learn to Fly: Applying Resilience Concepts to Practice with Children and Youth Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

ABSTRACTA credible body of research has evolved on resilience and children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). This information can be drawn on for resilience-informed approaches specifically aimed at working with children exposed to IPV. Child exposure to IPV has been an area of growing interest with rates in both child welfare and community samples remaining at concerning levels. It is commonly accepted that a number of these children experience harmful effects. However, extant studies also indicate some children show resilience after IPV exposure. Yet little has been written on how resilience can be fostered with exposed children who are negatively affected. The authors offer a working definition of it, discuss related concepts, and summarize the resilience research regarding IPV-exposed children. As well, two case examples are presented for ways to foster resilience with IPV-exposed children. Suggestions are made for a resilience-informed approach with this population, and it is demonstrated how social workers can use this to reinforce a strengths-based framework. Suggestions for future research and practice are also made.

Community Data Collection with Children of Mothers Living with HIV: Boundaries of the Researcher Role.

The TRACK-II program is a multi-site, community-based randomized controlled trial evaluating an intervention to assist mothers living with HIV (MLH) in disclosing their HIV status to their young children. Many participants-both mothers and children-reported significant depression and/or suicidal ideation, a phenomenon that presented ethical challenges. This article focuses on participants at one site (Atlanta). Through the vignette of "Jordan," we describe ethical challenges that may arise when faced with the responsibility of maximizing participants' safety while maintaining the boundaries of the researcher role. Guided by community psychology values, our team has taken measures within our role as researchers to empower and protect children and mothers endorsing suicidal ideation. For example, we have relied on relationships with community-based organizations and AIDS service organizations to connect HIV-affected families to mental health services. Furthermore, we have expanded our system of documentation to follow-up adequately with families at risk, and we track family resources to promote a strengths-based framework. We have solicited families' feedback about their supports and needs to understand how we may best serve them by connecting them to the resources they report needing most and empowering them to care for themselves.

I'm more driven now: Resilience and resistance among transgender and gender expansive youth and young adults experiencing homelessness

ABSTRACT Background : Little is known about the resilience strategies of transgender and gender expansive youth and young adults (YYA) experiencing homelessness. In addition to difficulties accessing trans-affirming supports and services, transgender and gender expansive YYA must contend with structural constraints and oppressive messages about who they are and who they can become. Despite these challenges, transgender and gender expansive YYA experiencing homelessness are finding innovative ways to resist the multiple and overlapping institutionalized challenges they face. Methods : This qualitative study examined the ways a group of transgender and gender expansive YYA demonstrate resilience and resist dominant narratives about what it means to be young, transgender and experiencing homelessness. Results : Two primary themes were identified through which transgender and gender expansive YYA experiencing homelessness demonstrated resilience in the midst of structural constraints and oppressive narratives about who they are and who they can become: personal agency and future orientation. Participants exercised personal agency through self-definition and making their own choices. They oriented themselves to future possibilities through positive meaning-making and re-visioning the meaning of home. Participants engaged in these acts of resilience and resistance despite receiving negative messages about themselves. Conclusions : Study findings illustrate the capacity of transgender and gender expansive YYA experiencing homelessness to reframe their challenges as positive experiences, integral to the people they have become or will be in the future. Findings point to the need to expand conceptualizations about people experiencing homelessness, and to utilize a strengths-based framework in practice and research.

A qualitative investigation that applies an ecological strengths-based perspective to veterans' experience of reintegration into civilian life

ABSTRACTReintegration to civilian life continues to be challenging for many veterans despite numerous programs that were developed to assist with this process. Emerging literature suggests veteran engagement in volunteer organizations promotes their reintegration. Our exploratory study applies an ecological strengths-based framework to enhance our knowledge of veteran volunteerism and reintegration in the context of a disaster relief organization: Team Rubicon. Findings suggest ecological factors, such as re-creating a familiar culture of camaraderie among veterans and building upon individual strengths that allow veterans to apply their specialized skills, helped instill feelings of connectedness and contribution to their respective civilian communities.

Engaging students and staff with educational development through appreciative inquiry

Appreciative inquiry (AI) offers a constructive, strengths-based framework for engaging students and staff in the enhancement of academic programmes of study. This paper explores the basis of AI, its potential for educational development and the many agendas it might help address. Students and academic staff involved in an AI project, focused on improving inclusivity across an Institute of Education, share their experiences and reveal how the approach can be used in practice. In the process, they discuss their learning from the experience and establish the power of envisioning development on the basis of hearing the positive student voice.

A Strengths-Based Framework for Social Policy: Barriers and Possibilities

ABSTRACT Is it possible to create and implement social policy that adheres to the key principles of strengths-based practice? Most social policy development and analysis is based in a problem-centered approach. However, the strengths-based approach to practice is at the heart of social work. Although it has been applied in many social work settings, its application to policy practice has been infrequent, at best. This article examines previous writings on strengths-based policy practice, applies a strengths-based analysis framework to current youth policy, and discusses the barriers and opportunities for a strengths-based approach in the current policy climate.

Mental Health Recovery

Strengths-based approaches that emphasize culturally competent services and naturally occurring community support may be more appropriate than traditional mental health services for African American adults with psychiatric disabilities. An examination of the literature on service utilization and treatment needs for this population highlights the paucity of empirical studies in these areas, while an exploration of the literature related to psychiatric recovery, a prominent strengths-based framework, reveals insufficient application of the approach to the specific interests of African American service recipients. We suggest that recovery is in fact highly compatible with such culturally relevant approaches as the Afrocentric model, and argue that the concept of recovery may therefore provide a resonant and particularly useful framework for practice with this population. Implications for research, practice and policy are discussed.

Counselor Self-Care in Work with Traumatized, Addicted People

Abstract This chapter examines the impact on substance abuse professionals of working with traumatized, addicted clients in terms of secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, burnout, and countertransference. Each of these is examined in turn, and then individual, team, and organizational strategies and recommendations for counselor self-care are presented within a strengths-based framework.

Integrating solution-focused and art therapies for substance abuse treatment: guidelines for practice

The mental and physical health consequences of substance abuse are numerous, ultimately affecting all biological systems in the body and significantly impairing psychological functioning. Substance abusing individuals are at significant risk of incarceration for substance-related criminal offenses (Maruschak, 1997); and those who are able to avoid the criminal justice system may find themselves with mounting legal and financial problems. Adults who abuse substances are likely to have a co-occurring mental or emotional disorder (SAMHSA, 2001) and a violent trauma history, which have been shown to increase the severity of drug use (Clark, Masson, Delucchi, Hall, & Sees, 2001). In addition to these numerous individual consequences, substance abuse can undermine family and community stability, as the problem creates marked impairment in social and occupational domains. Innovative treatment strategies are critical to help individuals stop the destructive behavior patterns and learn to live without substances. Solution-focused techniques in combination with art therapy methods offer a strengths-based treatment framework for helping individuals move into more functional behaviors, without getting stuck in the shame of past dysfunction. Developed by deShazer, Berg, and colleagues (Berg, 1994; Berg & Miller, 1992; Cade & O’Hanlon, 1993; De Shazer et al., 1986; DeJong & Berg, 2001; O’Hanlon & Weiner-Davis, 1989), solution-focused therapy (SFT) is one of the most recent psychotherapy models to emerge. With its roots in constructivism and the field of strategic family therapy, solution-focused therapy is client-centered, with a focus on building existing resources and past successes