Research on Social Work Practice

Forced displacement may increase the risk of child maltreatment and mental health problems among children and caregivers. This study assessed the acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a parenting intervention to prevent child maltreatment and improve parental and child mental health among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

292 parents and 88 children participated in a structured assessment before and after a group-based parenting intervention implemented by an international nongovernmental organization serving refugee and vulnerable Lebanese communities.

Paired sample t tests showed significant reductions in harsh punishment and rejecting parenting behavior and significant improvements in measures of parental and child mental health from pre- to postintervention. On average, parents completed 7.7 of 10 sessions.

Preliminary results suggest that the parenting intervention was acceptable to refugee parents and may show promise in reducing child maltreatment and improving parental and child mental health in a humanitarian setting.

To examine the determinants and impacts of implementing the mitigation interventions to combat the COVID-19 disease in the United States during the first 5 weeks of the pandemic.

A content analysis identified nine types of mitigation interventions and the timing at which states enacted these strategies. A proportional hazard model, a multiple-event survival model, and a random-effect spatial error panel model in conjunction with a robust method analyzing zero-inflated and skewed outcomes were employed in the data analysis.

Contradictory to the study hypothesis, states initially with a high COVID-19 prevalence rate enacted mitigation strategies slowly. Three mitigation strategies (nonessential business closure, large-gathering bans, and restaurant/bar limitations) showed positive impacts on reducing cumulative cases, new cases, and death rates across states.

Some states may have missed optimal timing to implement mitigations. Swift implementation of mitigations is crucial. Reopening economy by fully lifting mitigation interventions is risky.

The current study developed a strength-based flourishing intervention (SFI) and examined its efficacy on fostering the resilience of people with physical disabilities in poor areas, using a randomized (1:1) parallel-group controlled, and single-blind trial.

A total of 51 participants (M _age = 42.16, standard deviation = 8.42; 43.14% males; 29 for the intervention group, whereas 22 for the control group) completed preintervention, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up tests.

The 2 × 3 mixed repeated measure analyses and post hoc analyses revealed a significant main group effect (F = 4.46, p = .04) and a short-term effect (i.e., 3 month; F = 6.35, p = .02) of the SFI. The results indicated that the SFI could significantly promote resilience in the intervention group. However, the effects of the intervention did not immediately appear.

The SFI could assist in providing research-based and cost-effective health services to promote flourishing and resilience in vulnerable populations.

There is scant child welfare research on parenting interventions for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This mixed-methods research examined client participation in an in-home parenting intervention, including client characteristics, which clients benefit most from participation, and key aspects of program participation.

The sample included participant program records, client satisfaction surveys, stakeholder interviews, and a staff focus group. The quantitative data were analyzed using growth curves and binary logistic regression. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Time spent in Project Improving Parenting Achievements Together was predictive of improvement in parenting skills and the home environment and reduction in the odds of out-of-home placement for children of parents with I/DD. The intensity of services, tailored education, community engagement, and client–worker relationship were the key aspects of program participation.

With proper supports, parents with I/DD can learn parenting skills, improve the home environment, and keep their family intact.

A strong interpersonal relationship after stroke is important for the prevention of depression in survivors and family caregivers. This study aimed to test the feasibility of quality of relationship intervention for stroke dyads called Hand in Hand (HiH).

Sixteen dyads were randomized into either the HiH group (n = 8) or information, support, and referral (ISR) control group (n = 8). HiH dyads received up to eight sessions, with topics prioritized according to a 17-item screening tool. ISR dyads received up to eight sessions that included information, active listening, and referrals. Feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes data were collected for both groups.

The HiH and ISR groups were feasible and acceptable. Caregivers in both groups, as well as survivors in the ISR group, experienced improvements in depressive symptoms and other select outcomes.

Findings suggest that HiH is feasible to implement with stroke dyads and that it merits further refinement and testing.

This proof-of-concept study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) as a classroom adjunct to improve training bachelor of social work (BSW) students in client engagement strategies.

We codeveloped the ITS with 11 undergraduate students and pilot tested it with six BSW students enrolled in a class on telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy (tCBT). Student competencies in tCBT were assessed by expert review of role-plays. We also examined time spent using ITS and relation with competency.

The majority of students (81.8%) in Wave 1 and all of the students who submitted role-plays in Wave 2 passed the clinical skills role-play. Students advancing through the ITS more quickly had better tCBT competency ratings than those progressing more slowly.

One of the most challenging aspects of training is how to competently deliver evidence-based practices. ITS has the potential to streamline and scale such training.

Recently, public health networks in Australia have introduced clinical research specialists to drive research in the allied health professions by helping clinical social workers engage in research. This study examines the benefits of a flexible research program for busy social work novice and experienced clinicians.

Thirty hospital-based social workers were allocated a total of 12 research projects. Participants were given a mixed-methods survey both pre and post an education program with 17 responses for the presurvey and 12 responses postsurvey. The responses were coded via thematic analysis.

Despite initial clinician apprehension, the majority of participants found it beneficial. In the busy hospital context, support that was valued included simplified information and regular mentorship and training.

The role of a research lead with management support is pivotal in promoting a positive research culture and active research. However, clinical demand still reduces capacity to engage in research.