SWSD 2024

#0051 | Associations Between Parenting Style and Psychological Well-Being in Children and Adolescents Aged 8-14 Years in Singapore

Kareen Tonsing ¹

1 - Oakland University.

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Summary

Family represents a crucial form of socialization in shaping the healthy development of children and adolescents. In the last decades, studies have emphasized the crucial role of parent-child relationships in promoting a child's development and well-being. In addition, these studies also observed the critical role of parenting style in children's development and positive well-being. However, more is needed to know about the impact of parenting styles on children's psychological well-being in Singapore. Therefore, the current study investigates the association between parenting style, family support, and psychological well-being among children and adolescents in Singapore. Data came from 133 children and adolescents (57.9% boys and 42.1% girls) aged 8 to 14 (mean=11.01, SD=1.57). The self-administered questionnaire consists of the Provincial Parenting Style, the Stirling Children Well-Being questionnaire (SCW), and the family support subscale of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (FS). Descriptive statistics examined the distribution of the study variables. ANOVA assesses whether parenting styles and psychological well-being differ by age and gender. Hierarchical linear regression examined the links between parenting style, family support, and SCW scores. Most respondents (55.6%) perceived their parents as authoritative, 29.4% as authoritarian, and 15% as permissive. There was a significant gender difference in parenting style with an authoritarian style more frequent among girls (M=13.96, SD=2.88 compared to BoysM=12.92, SD=2.85), F (1, 131)=4.29, p <.05. However, the authoritative style was more frequent in the younger age group (8-10 years) compared with those aged 11-14 years, F (1, 131)=4.12, p<.05. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that family support (β=5.61, p<.001) and authoritative parenting (β=3.15, p<.01) contributed significantly to children's psychological well-being. Parenting behavior significantly predicts children's and adolescents' psychological well-being. Authoritative parenting and familial support can enhance adjustment and promote psychological well-being in young people.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Parenting styles, psychological well-being, children, adolescence, family support, Singapore

#0136 | Adapting an Evidence-Based Psycho-educational Intervention for Namibian Adolescent Girls Affected by HIV and AIDS: A Qualitative Study Design and Preliminary Findings

Nicole Bromfield ¹ ;

Janetta Ananais ²

1 - University of Houston; University of Namibia. 2 - University of Namibia.

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Summary

Namibia has the 6th highest rate of HIV globally. Almost 29% of new infections are among adolescent girls and young women between 15-24 years of age. A lack of psychosocial support, mental health challenges, and various forms of stigma are significant issues for HIV-impacted adolescent girls and young women in Namibia. Our study aims to identify, adapt, and pilot an evidence-based (EB) psycho-educational intervention with adolescent girls and young women in Namibia between ages 13-19 affected by HIV and AIDS and who live in an informal settlement community. This presentation is on our study’s research design in which the ADAPTT-IT model was used to identify and adapt a psycho-educational intervention to be used with adolescent girls in a culturally and locally appropriate manner. Our presentation will also outline our preliminary findings related to the identification of an appropriate intervention to adapt based on qualitative in-depth interviews (n=27) with adolescent girls and young women. The study used a qualitative research design to explore the cultural and contextual factors that may influence the effectiveness of the intervention in this population. The preliminary results of the study suggest that adaptation of an intervention will be necessary to account for the unique experiences and cultural norms of the girls and young women. The findings of this study have important implications for the development of culturally sensitive interventions for marginalized populations in resource-limited settings. Moreover, the presentation is related to the conference sub-themes social work and child welfare and social work and mental health (our chosen conference sub-themes). The presentation will underscore the importance of fostering locally contextual dialogue and indigenous understanding to inform interventions.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Namibia; HIV and AIDS; ADAPTT-IT model; psycho-educational interventions

#0336 | Evaluating the impact of a training program for mental health service providers in universities: an integrated knowledge transfer perspective

Jianguo Gao ¹

1 - Shandong University, China.

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Summary

Background: Promoting and improving mental health education for college students is an important task in the interdisciplinary professional community. “Linking Hearts” as an implementation science (IS) research project aimed at promoting university student mental health in Jinan, China. By using an evidence-based intervention rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and Group Empowerment Psychoeducation (GEP), we train interdisciplinary professional and student champions to developmental health initiatives and networks for promoting collaborative care system and policy changes at the universities and beyond. Objectives: This presentation will focus on the intertwined RE-AIM and integrated knowledge transfer (IKT)processes in evaluating the initial systemic impact of the second phase of our project. Methods: Data collection and analysis are conducted at the individual and organizational levels of 160 participants in 6 Universities. The RE-AIM framework and measurement indexes are used to examine the process and outcomes of knowledge transfer along five dimensions: Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Results: The scores for the implementation and effectiveness of knowledge transfer in the second stage of the project are higher, while the scores for the adoption and maintenance are slightly lower; there are certain differences in the implementation and effectiveness of knowledge transfer among different organizations; the factors that affect the outcomes of transfer involve different levels of organization, individuals, cross (multi) disciplines, cross cultures, and transfer paths.Implications: IKT processes as embedded within the RE-AIM framework serve as an important vehicle to evaluate the cascading systemic impact of an IS project.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Mental Health, University, Integrated Knowledge Transfer, Program Evaluation

#0915 | Re-authoring Disenfranchised Grief Using Narrative Therapy: Powerful Metaphors from “White Eyes” to “True Love”

Yuk Yee Lee ¹ ; Jing Yang ²

1 - UOW College Hong Kong. 2 - Department of Sociology, Guizhou University.

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#0224 | The Impact of a Short Term, Team Based Community Movement Initiative on Individual’s Wellbeing

Victoria Venable-Edwards ¹ ; Allessia Owens-King ¹ ; Deneen Long-White ¹

1 - Salisbury University.

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Summary

This paper presentation will focus on discussing a study that explores how engaging in short term, team-based movement and exercise activities can positively impact individuals’ overall wellbeing. There have been studies that have investigated the impact of movement on mental health outcomes (Rebar et al, 2015), on health-related outcomes (Anderson & Shivakumar, 2013), and on wellness (Lumsden, Niles, & Macrae, 2014). That research indicates that sustained engagement in moderate movement or physical activity can help to decrease risk of development of several chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, reduce anxiety related symptoms, and duration of depressive symptoms (Centers for Disease Control, 2022; Schuch & Stubbs, 2019). In addition, there is research which indicates that team or group participation in movement activities can increase investment, engagement, and decrease loneliness. It is clear that including a physical activity or movement component in traditional mental health treatment protocols could help to amplify positive gains for clients. In addition, these alternative methods may be more palatable to various cultural groups when compared to traditional treatment components (e.g. talk therapy, medication, etc.). The study involved over 50 participants who participated in a community-based activity challenge over two weeks. The purpose was not only to increase engagement in health-related activities but also assess the impact of activity on individuals’ emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. Preliminary findings suggest that the activity challenge made a positive impact on participants’ level of engagement and their overall wellbeing. During this presentation, additional findings will be discussed and we will also explore how those findings can be used to influence the development and implementation of community-based health-focused initiatives.

Keywords (separate with commas)

movement, activity, exercise, wellness, health, social work, community based, public health

#0477 | Asian Youth Mental Health and Wellness: A Photovoice Project

Dora MY Tam ¹ ;

SIU MING KWOK ¹ ;

Barbara Lee ² ; Tara Collins ¹ ; Sylvia YCL Kwok ³ ; Ron CW Kwok ³ ; Shauna Burke ⁴ ; Louise Ng ¹ ; Julia Kao ⁵

1 - University of Calgary. 2 - University of British Columbia. 3 - City University of Hong Kong. 4 - Western University Canada. 5 - University of British Columbia Okanagan.

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Summary

North America research has documented the underreporting of mental health needs and underutilization of mental health services among Asian youth. With the increase in anti-Asian racism in North America since the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental wellness of Asian youth is an important consideration. As such, this project examined youth mental health through photovoice methodology (Wang & Burris, 1994) during the pandemic between May 2021 and August 2022. A total of 44 youth (age between 12 and 17) participated in six photovoice groups. Using photos, the youth explored the following topics: 1) their perception/understanding of mental health and wellness, 2) challenges to youth mental health, 3) strategies to maintain mental wellness, and 4) community support for youth mental wellness. A subset of photo stories by Asian youth (n=16) were further examined and the Asian youth were invited to a series of follow-up data analysis workshops where manifest coding was used to collaboratively analyze the data. A second cycle of thematic coding (Neuman & Robson, 2015) was subsequently used by the research team to generate broader themes. Findings suggest that the youth characterized mental health with unpredictability and instability as depicted in contrasting imagery and discussed in session. This was a unique finding among Asian youth, compared non-Asian youth in this photovoice project. Majority of these Asian youth reported school and schoolwork to be the biggest challenge to their mental health, specifically for those in high school. Yet, school programs were identified as the primary resources for seeking mental health support. Individual coping strategies identified by youth include listening to music, eating comfort food, engaging in outdoor activities or connecting to nature. Support programs at ethno-specific non-profit organizations, followed by libraries and community centers/gardens were also identified as positive resources. Implications for practice with Asian youth will be discussed in the presentation.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Youth, Mental Health, Wellness, Asian

#0645 | From the side-lines to the forefront: repositioning social work in rural mental health care

Thabisa Matsea ¹

1 - University of Venda.

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Summary

There has been a growing interest on rural mental health care. Most research highlights the short supply of rural mental health services with a specific focus on medical perspective. Given the circumstances of mental health services in rural areas, the involvement of social workers is essential. This paper describes the aspects that should be considered in placing social workers at the forefront of providing effective mental health care in rural areas with the aim of improving the general well-being of mental health service users. Social workers play a crucial role in preventing illness and promoting health and mental health. Influenced by social work values such as social justice, social workers have always been perceived as advocates of human rights for vulnerable populations. With their knowledge of various social issues that impact negatively on service users, social workers are better positioned to address these issues to enhance social functioning. They play a key role in facilitating and coordinating support activities across various platforms. Social workers recognize that reducing health disparities can only be accomplished by addressing the biopsychosocial–spiritual needs of individuals and families, as well as the systemic issues that contribute to poor health outcomes. The paper suggests that, to improve social work’s effectiveness in rendering mental health services, community-based programs should be developed. These will strengthen the prospects of the person’s recovery. Greater emphasis on community-based care will require skilled social workers that can deal with barriers to health care access. Therefore, the development of a detailed mental health curricula content is important. This will ensure that newly graduated social workers have relevant skills to design and implement the developed community-based programs. It is also important to improve social work practice in mental health by providing constant supervision, mentorship and creating opportunities for benchmarking.

Keywords (separate with commas)

community-based programs, mental health, prevention, promotion, rural mental health, social work

#0691 | An analysis of workplace violence in Cooperate environment: A subtle killer

GOITSEONE LEBURU ¹ ;

Matshidiso Tsholetsane ²

1 - UNISA: University of South Africa. 2 - University of South Africa.

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#0934 | „Social Space Orientation“ as a Diversity Concept - Potentials for the Field School Social Work

Felix Manuel Nuss ¹

1 - Catholic University of Applied Sciences Northrine-Wetfalia, Münster.

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#1138 | Preparing social workers for global practice through cross-cultural learning

Avril McIvor ¹ ;

George Palattiyil ¹ ; Kiran Thampi ² ; Sumeet Jain ¹ ; Anne Spiers ¹

1 - University of Edinburgh. 2 - Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous).

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Summary

Social work education in the global North often follows a regulatory framework with students having to evidence certain standards within degree programmes in \ Scotland social work education is informed by Scottish Social Services Council’s (SSSC) Standards in Social Work Education. These standards are largely underpinned by Scottish contextual imperatives and policy and legislative frameworks. Such approaches are pedagogically rooted in Western canons of knowledge, there is little space for students to develop a critical appreciation of \ cultural identities of a population that is ethnically diverse. Curriculum requirements often framed by contextual demands invariably impact on students’ ability to critically engage in a decolonised examination of race, ethnicity, culture and differences. This impacts their ability to recognise the impact of colonisation on those who use services.\ \ With shifting migration trends, social workers are called upon to support service users whose cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds and identities differ from the white Scottish majority population. The shifting demographic profile of Scotland’s population has challenged us to think creatively and open up conversations on how best educators could enable students to develop knowledge, skills and values that would help the graduates to better engage with a diversity of service users.\ Social Work at the University of Edinburgh has been developing international placements to equip students with the knowledge and skills to work with diverse populations. Situated in different cultural and geographic regions, our international placements have allowed students with a fascinating opportunity to develop their learning in a different cultural context, yet closely aligned to the Scottish regulatory standards. Such international placements have become an integral part of our qualifying social work programme. Drawing on student feedback, the presentation will examine the history and benefits of cross-cultural learning and how to overcome the challenges that come in the way of such innovative approaches.\

Keywords (separate with commas)

Social Work, Education, Cultural, fieldwork, student experience, Scottish regulatory standards, international placement development, cross-cultural learning

#0367 | Religion, gender and the care of older persons in Muslim communities

Somaya Abdullah ¹

1 - University of Cape Town.

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#0783 | Quality of Life as an Outcome Measure of the Use of New Services for Older Persons in Georgia

Natia Partskhaladze ¹ ; Shorena Sadzaglishvil ² ; Ketevan Gigineishvili ³

1 - Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. 2 - Ilia State University. 3 - Georgian Association of Social Workers.

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Summary

Georgia is an ageing country, ranking 95th in the world. According to the latest census, 14.3 percent of the population is over the age of 65, 3.1 - is aged 80 or older. With increasing number of older adults, promoting the QoL becomes a priority for healthy and active aging. QoL is a complex phenomenon, and it is considered as a central concept in ageing research. According to WHO QoL is an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. QoL is measured using objective and subjective indicators and pre-defined life domains. This abstract presents the study of the new service and its impact on the QoL of older persons. The study highlights three domains of QoL, which are knows to influence each other and have a significant effect on healthy ageing (health, social inclusion and participation).\ A mixed method research design in the context of quantitative interviews (N=45, mean age 72.69) and qualitative focus groups (N=4, 27 participants) were used to study two healthy aging centers in Georgia.\ 32.5% of the respondents showed high levels of\ social inclusion, 13% - high level of health, 11% - high levels of participation.\ Qualitative data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach. Five major themes were identified\ - "satisfaction with services," "satisfaction with life conditions," "access to social, health and legal services," "security" and "hope." The participants showed that their inclusion was increased by attending the service.\ The study contributes\ to a paradigm shift towards evaluating service use outcomes using older persons' judgments of their QoL and promoting QoL concept. This can inform the development of needs-based policies, services and academic curricula for social workers, promoting active and healthy aging of older persons.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Quality of Life, older persons, outcomes of service use, Georgia

#0931 | Home and School Support Project (ISTOS/the web) for adolescents who are at risk of dropping our of school due to family dysfunctionning.

Christos Panagiotopoulos ¹ ; Gregory Neocleous ¹

1 - University of Nicosia.

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#1169 | Developing an MSW Specialization that Recognizes the Global Dimension of Social Work

Katie Lopez ¹ ;

Mieko Yoshihama ¹ ;

Odessa Gonzalez Benson ¹ ; Ashley Cureton ¹ ; Rogério Pinto ¹

1 - University of Michigan School of Social Work.

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Summary

As a part of the MSW curriculum reform, our School of Social Work developed a specialization on Global Social Work Practice. This specialization grew from three core principles adopted by the faculty. These principles included advancing social justice, raising awareness of the world around us, and recognizing the global dimension of social work.\ Incorporating a global perspective is an essential component of social work education as globalization and neoliberal forces continue to widen the gap between the Global North and Global South in income, wealth, and health disparities and exacerbate social issues tackled by social workers. Global issues, such as COVID-19, climate change, migration, technological advances, continued wars, ethno-religious persecution, and the persistence of racial injustice, pose new and ongoing challenges to social work education. To prepare students for working with diverse and contending with historical and structural inequalities globally, we must go beyond teaching about cultural competence and provide future social workers with the skills for meaningful dialogue, critical thinking, reflexive practice, and transformative leadership.\ In developing this new specialization, we engaged students, faculty, field instructors, and the larger community to better understand the challenges faced in global social work practice. The Global Social Work \ Pathway is for students interested in dedicating themselves to global issues. Students take 12 credits of global-focused courses including the two required courses focused on Power in the Global Context\ and Critical Reflexive Global Practices. Specifically, this pathway aims to problematize global social work pedagogy that is ethnocentric and Western-centric and calls attention to issues of power and positionality within global social work pedagogy in its micro, mezzo, and macro dimensions.This oral presentation will share how this process emerged and the way the coursework was conceptualized to capture the values and principles at the center of our practices.

Keywords (separate with commas)

social work education, MSW curriculum, global social work pedagogy