Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)最新文献

Purpose: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are rapidly expanding across diverse contexts. As the reach of AI continues to grow, there is a need to examine student perspectives on the increasing prevalence of AI and AI-based practice approaches in social work.

Materials and methods: In this qualitative study, we conducted structured interviews with 15 students in bachelors and masters social work programs. We developed an interview guide with a list of questions to ask students and no prior knowledge of AI was required by the students. The study was framed based on an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach.

Results: Through thematic analysis, five key themes were developed, including 1) Risks associated with AI, 2) Ethical Concerns in AI and Technology Use, 3) Bias and Fairness in AI, 4) Applications and Possibilities of AI in Social Work, and 5) Training and Awareness of AI in Social Work.

Discussion: Social workers can help disadvantaged clients by ensuring access to the various AI technologies and facilitating social welfare interventions created using these technologies. There is a need to address the gap in the existing literature about the use of AI in social work practice and education. Social work researchers can explore and conduct future studies that utilize mixed methods methodologies that can evaluate the use of AI in social work domains.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need to increase awareness of AI in social work education and practice settings given the potential of these technologies to aid various aspects of social work practice.

Purpose: Immigrant survivors are disproportionately vulnerable to domestic violence (DV) and face complex barriers to DV help-seeking. Several Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorizations sought to address these barriers. This study explores immigrant survivors' experiences of utilizing VAWA provisions from service providers' perspectives.

Materials and methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 11) to learn how service providers are supporting immigrant survivors of DV as it relates to VAWA. A convenience sampling method and inductive coding were used, followed by a thematic analysis of data obtained from the interviews.

Results: We identified three main themes: "Provider Support for VAWA Utilization Through Their Agency or Referrals," "Barriers," and "Provider Recommendations to Support Survivors." Providers highlight the gaps in access to service provisions and strategies that ensure empowerment, safety, and support for the needs of immigrant survivors.

Discussion and conclusion: Future research should include service providers from across all regions of the U.S. Social workers should utilize a client-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach when working with immigrant survivors. Policy implications include (a) that "any credible evidence protection" recognized by VAWA provisions is acknowledged for U-Visa approval decisions, (b) making optional the requirement that survivors assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of the crime, and (c) increasing the U-visa cap.

Purpose: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global issue requiring a thorough understanding of risk factors to inform prevention strategies. This study applies Kraemer et al.'s (2005) categorization system to classify risk factors for IPV perpetration, addressing two research questions: 1) What variables or attributes are commonly employed to assess the risks associated with IPV perpetration, and how can these be thematized? 2) Which non-correlates, correlates, fixed markers, variable markers, and causal risk factors related to IPV perpetration are identified and examined in the existing literature?

Material and methods: A scoping review of 62 publications on risk factors for IPV perpetration in married- and cohabiting couples was conducted. Risk factors were categorized using Kraemer et al.'s (2005) system.

Results: The risk factors were classified into eight themes based on their shared characteristics. All variables fit Kraemer et al.'s categorization system. The majority showed correlational relationships. Fixed markers appeared in two themes, while variable markers appeared in six themes, however publications on these were limited. No causal risk factors were found.

Discussion: The risk categorization system by Kraemer et al. enhances understanding of IPV perpetration risk factors. Priority areas for preventing IPV include reducing the risk of experiencing violence in childhood and ensuring access to higher education. More longitudinal research is needed for the remaining categories to establish temporal relationships.

Conclusion: The study highlights the value of Kraemer et al.'s categorization system for distinguishing correlation from causality in IPV risk factors, advancing prevention efforts. Important areas for preventive measures were targeted.

Purpose: Police departments are developing co-response programs to provide a more supportive approach for individuals in mental health crises. While prior studies examine officer attitudes, little research explores program participants' perspectives. This study examines participants' experiences with a co-response team (CIRT) and its impact on their lives. Understanding these experiences can help refine existing programs and inform new initiatives.

Materials and methods: Using a mixed methods approach, this study includes qualitative interviews (N = 15) and quantitative surveys (N = 37) to assess perceptions of CIRT encounters. Surveys measured feelings during interactions, overall perceptions of CIRT, and likelihood of seeking further treatment. Thematic analysis explored participants' narratives.

Results: Findings highlight CIRT's use of alternatives to arrests and citations, fostering a helping attitude. Survey data indicate generally positive perceptions, with participants feeling safer contacting the police after encounters. Key themes include: 1) Connections to community services with barriers removed; 2) Personal changes following CIRT interactions; 3) Need for greater CIRT availability and community awareness; and 4) Persistent systemic barriers.

Discussion: Participants reported positive experiences with CIRT and highlighted feelings of safety, trust, and connection when CIRT responded to their crises. Still, participants noted minimal community awareness of the program, limited operational hours, and systemic barriers to services in the area as limitations to CIRT's effectiveness.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of continued investment in, and refinement of co-response programs, along with the need to address systemic barriers to supportive services and quality mental health care.

Introduction: Veterans often face a unique combination of physical and mental health challenges resulting from their military service. Often, these health concerns require different approaches to care, resulting in gaps service and increased overall stress levels; however, mindfulness-based strategies have demonstrated potential for simultaneously addressing multiple physical and mental health concerns, such as chronic pain, anxiety and stress.

Methods: This work presents the results of a collaboration with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) assessing the preliminary acceptability and usability of a newly developed virtual reality-based mindfulness tool, DawnVR^TM.

Results: Results indicate that the DawnVR^TM software had high levels of preliminary acceptability and usability. Moreover, the majority of users reported a decrease in their anxiety, pain and overall stress levels after one session of use.

Discussion: These data lend support for the acceptability, ease of use and provide initial effectiveness data on the use of DawnVR^TM to assist in decreasing physical pain and anxiety in a sample of military service Veterans. Adding VR-based approaches to routine treatment has the potential to improve Veterans' overall experiences with care and may provide an option to improve Veterans self-management of their symptoms of pain and anxiety.

Background: Nigeria is a nation characterized by diverse cultures, religions, and policies that often foster discrimination, oppression, and violence against sexual minorities. This hostile environment can significantly impact social work practices involving these groups. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the health and psychosocial realities of queer men in Nigeria and their implications for social work practice.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted for the study. Data were collected from 28 participants, including 16 queer men and 12 social workers, and analyzed thematically.

Results: The findings revealed experiences of discrimination and insecurity, which contribute to both physical and psychological health issues. Additionally, the study highlighted a lack of understanding and acceptance among social workers regarding practices involving sexual minorities in Nigeria.

Discourse: The results highlight how queer individuals may experience limited access to healthcare and receive limited support from social workers in advancing their healthcare needs.

Conclusion: It is recommended that social work education incorporate discussions around working with sexual minorities, as a better understanding of this population will enhance acceptance, improve practice, and encourage advocacy for reform in discriminatory policies and practices.

Purpose: A good fit between program theory and the needs of the target population is essential to the success of an intervention. Still, empirical investigation of fit is a rare activity in theoretical frameworks for intervention development. The study objective was to inform the development of relevant support for youth transitioning from out-of-home care (OHC) in Sweden in light of intervention fit. Self-efficacy, mental health, resilience, and self-determination have been identified as potentially important malleable mediators that can be targeted by independent living services (ILS). This study aimed to establish the extent to which measurement instruments used to capture these mediators measure similarly across youth that belong to a potential target population for ILS and those who do not.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to compare youth with and without experience of OHC on the four study outcomes using a multi-group measurement invariance analysis and latent mean comparison.

Results: All scales demonstrated scalar invariance or partial scalar invariance. Contrary to initial hypothesis, no differences in latent means were found.

Discussion: Four potential interpretations of the results were discussed. Conclusion: The study identified a potential discrepancy between theoretical assumptions and empirical characteristics relevant to development of ILS for youth with experience of OHC in Sweden. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of exploring theoretical core mediators empirically in the target population in the process of intervention development and evaluation.

Purpose: Human trafficking survivors' successful social reintegration is of paramount importance. However, survivors found it difficult to build their lives in Bangladesh upon return. The specific challenges encountered by Bangladeshi trafficking survivors remain underexplored, particularly regarding individual, socio-cultural, and systematic factors. We aim to investigate the obstacles survivors encounter during social reintegration by examining survivors' experiences, and subjective perspectives of experts and social workers who provide life-skill and vocational training to survivors.

Materials and method: This qualitative study intends to gather in-depth insights by conducting 40 semi-structured interviews with the key stakeholders, including survivors, experts, and service providers.

Results: After thematically analyzing the qualitative data, the study denotes that survivors encountered several challenges to social reintegration, including social stigmatization, victim blaming, family rejection, limited access to essential support services, economic hardship, health issues, and difficulties in relationships. Notably, social reintegration is more challenging for female survivors than for male survivors in Bangladesh due to the widespread misconceptions about sex work and trafficking.

Discussion and conclusion: Our findings contribute to the literature by offering new insights regarding previously underexplored challenges to social reintegration, highlighting significant gender differences in social stigmatization and systematic barriers like the scarcity of essential support services. Finally, the article puts forward actionable implications for social workers and policymakers in developing targeted interventions to foster survivors' successful social reintegration in Bangladesh, ultimately contributing to achieving the UN SDGs, especially Goals 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Purpose: Little is known about depression's impact on Master of Social Work (MSW) students' academic success and career trajectory. This study explored the experiences of students living with clinical depression and enrolled in a MSW program at a singular large Midwestern University.

Materials and methods: Participants were recruited using convenience and purposive sample techniques. Data were transcribed and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework, and the iterative processes associated with qualitative data analysis.

Results: Participants addressed their depression by (a) recognizing, identifying, and addressing their childhood triggers, (b) finding healthy coping techniques to address their depression while also addressing previous negative behaviors, (c) incorporating intentional decision-making techniques to help them once they were enrolled in the MSW program, and (d) incorporating behavior change techniques learned in their classes to help them deal with their depression.

Discussion: Students noted that classes presented opportunities to help them balance and address their triggers while also providing opportunities to holistically engage with academic demands. While there is no singular blueprint to ensure academic success, having clearly defined expectations within the academic setting (e.g. program expectations, studying for exams, course expectations, and personal responsibilities), helped to reduce stress, anxiety, and other unhealthy skills that may be correlated with their depressive symptoms and episodes.

Conclusion: Recommendations for faculty and students were made.