Application and Effectiveness of Play Therapy Using an Online-Game Intervention for Hidden Youth

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 2116-2134
Author(s):  
Gloria Hongyee Chan
Keyword(s):  
Play Therapy ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Developmental Needs ◽  
Alternative Intervention ◽  
Mainstream Society

Abstract Based on the view that hidden youth suffer from disempowerment in society due to their inability to meet mainstream expectations, this study explores an alternative intervention approach for hidden youth by using an online gaming platform to provide Play Therapy. This empowered them and coincides with their culture and interests. The evaluative study of the effectiveness of the intervention involved 502 hidden youth in Hong Kong aged twelve to twenty-one years, of whom more than 70 per cent spent at least ten hours online per day. Correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted to measure the effectiveness of Play Therapy in terms of the empowerment effect, as well as participants’ sense of well-being and coping abilities (psychological capital). Results showed that the three variables were significantly related. Also, while Play Therapy significantly predicted psychological capital in the Level 2 regression model, this relationship was replaced by empowerment in the Level 3 model. This suggests that empowerment is an essential element in Play Therapy for enhancing psychological capital. The implication for social work practice is, rather than re-integrating youth into disempowering mainstream society, practitioners can advocate empowering, localised intervention which unfolds youth’s subjugated strengths and nurtures their self-preferred development to fulfil their developmental needs.

Financial capabilities development: essential discourse in social work

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 1234-1246
Author(s):  
Lambert K. Engelbrecht ◽  
Abigail Ornellas
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vulnerable Households ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose Within a neoliberal environment, financial vulnerability of households has become an increasing challenge and there is a requirement of financial literacy education, a necessary activity to facilitate sustainable development and well-being. However, this is seldom a mainstream discourse in social work deliberations. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach First, introducing the neoliberal impact on financial well-being and capability for vulnerable households, the authors’ postulation is substantiated on a seven-point argument. The contexts of financially vulnerable households are sketched. Second, a conceptualisation of financial literacy is offered, and third, perspectives on and approaches to financial literacy as a fundamental capability are presented. This is followed by a theoretical foundation of community education as a practice model in social work to develop financial capabilities. In the fifth place, prevailing practices of Financial Capabilities Development (FCD) programmes are offered. Subsequently, the implications of a neoliberal environment for social work practice are examined. Findings The revised global definition of social work encourages the profession to understand and address the structural causes of social problems through collective interventions. As a response, it is argued that community education towards FCD of vulnerable households within a neoliberal environment should be an essential discourse in social development. Originality/value The authors reflect on the significance of FCD, highlighting its contribution towards human security and sustainable development. Although this paper draws on Southern African contexts, the discourse finds resonance in other contexts across the world.

Calling Social Work to the Movement for Educational Justice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annahita Ball
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Educational Justice ◽  
Social Work Research ◽  
Conditions For Learning ◽  
History Of

Abstract The persistent and systemic inequities within the U.S. public education system have grave implications for children’s and youth’s outcomes, yet these inequities go far beyond academics. Marginalized and vulnerable students experience injustices across the educational system, including disproportionality in school discipline, unequal access to advanced courses, and poor conditions for learning. Social work has a solid history of addressing issues that intersect across families, schools, and communities, but the profession has had little engagement in the recent educational justice movement. As educational scholars advance a movement to address educational inequities, it will be increasingly important for social work researchers to provide valuable insight into the multiple components that make up youth development and support positive well-being for all individuals within a democratic society. This article encourages social work researchers to extend lines of inquiry that investigate educational justice issues by situating social work practice and research within educational justice and suggesting an agenda for future social work research that will advance equity for all students.

An Ecological Systems Framework for Professional Resilience in Social Work Practice

Social Work ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M Newell
Keyword(s):  
Self Care ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Systems Framework

Abstract The cumulative effects of chronic work-related stress pervasively and persistently affect the well-being of the human services workforce. As a preventive measure, the ongoing commitment to self-care strategies and resources is essential in maintaining a healthy and resilient professional quality of life. This article describes a holistic approach to cultivating professional resilience through the ongoing practice of self-care. A model for self-care using an ecological systems framework with activities across the biological, interpersonal, organizational, familial, peer-related, spiritual, and recreational aspects of the biopsychosocial self is proposed. Within this model, emphasis is placed on the role of compassion satisfaction and vicarious resilience as key components to fostering meaningful and rewarding careers for social workers.

scholarly journals Degrowth for transformational alternatives as radical social work practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-433
Author(s):  
Meredith C.F. Powers ◽  
Komalsingh Rambaree ◽  
Jef Peeters
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Modern Times ◽  
Ecological Justice ◽  
The World

Historically, and in modern times, social workers have been culpable in perpetuating the very systems of oppression that we seek to eliminate. This happens as we are part of cultures and economies that operate out of the growth ideology. Acting in accordance with the growth ideology does not lead to the outcomes that we strive for as professional social workers. Rather, the growth ideology results in growing social inequalities and increasing ecological injustices around the world. Social work can, instead, embrace an ecosocial lens and promote degrowth approaches for transformational alternatives. Rather than reinforcing the existing systems of injustice and oppression, radical social work can take an activist role and bring about urgent and radical changes to promote ecological justice through social and ecological well-being. Examples from radical social work in local and international communities demonstrate the possibility of degrowth for transformational alternatives as radical social work practice.

scholarly journals An analysis of inclusion gaps in sustainable development themes: Findings from a review of recent social work literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 864-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M Bexell ◽  
Jessica L Decker Sparks ◽  
Jacqueline Tejada ◽  
Andreas Rechkemmer
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Human History ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Health And Well Being

Recently, humans have negatively altered ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any other time in human history, contributing to gains in well-being and economic development for some, while threatening the security of most, particularly oppressed populations. We comprehensively reviewed recent social work literature (2010–2015) to examine gaps in environmental sustainability themes relevant to social work practice. Peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations/theses and white papers were examined. A total of 71 papers (less than 1% of social work literature) met inclusion criteria. Although our call is to protect human health and well-being, recent literature does not account for sustainability even with evidence that environmental issues directly impact clients, hindering practice efficacy.

Contextual Meanings of the Strengths Perspective for Social Work Practice in Mental Health

2009 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Probst
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Health It ◽  
Strengths Perspective ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
A Minor

Although the strengths perspective seems a natural framework for social workers practicing in mental health, it often plays a minor role in planning and evaluation. Two issues complicate its use: (a) The concept of strengths has different meanings and functions, depending on whether viewed as part of assessment, intervention, or outcome, and (b) the strengths perspective is an applied concept operating only through the medium of a specific intervention, not a modality whose efficacy can be independently evaluated. When these factors are ignored, the role of the strengths perspective can seem vague, peripheral, too obvious and “soft” to be a serious component of the change process–-yet, understood in context, it is an essential element of social work's unique approach.

All Awareness and No Action: Can Social Work Leverage Creative Arts’ Potential?

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 708-720
Author(s):  
Raphael Travis
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Social Work Research ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Explicit Recognition

Social work is grounded with an emphasis on promoting the well-being being of individuals and families with an explicit recognition of how the environment plays a significant role in the unfolding of well-being. Unfortunately, the profession’s commitment to maintaining the infrastructure for social work research, education, and practice that helps students and professionals focus on the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems of the living sometimes feels superficial. These trends have made it difficult to realize the effectiveness and promise of integrating creative arts into social work practice. The present article discusses how social work efforts with creative arts will have limited influence if their context, underlying assumptions, and framing are misaligned with the experiential realities of clients; if gatekeeping is too rigid or biased to effectively grow the arts-based infrastructure; and if the underlying assumptions that define well-being outcomes are proportionately narrow, deficit oriented, and short-term focused.

scholarly journals The Experiences of Ethiopian Unaccompanied and Separated Migrant Children in Yemen

1970 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Bekele Molla ◽  
Zena Berhanu
Keyword(s):  
Group Discussion ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Developmental Needs ◽  
Military Recruitment ◽  
Hermeneutic Phenomenological

International child migration has become a modern form of brutality. Ethiopia is also one of the source countries for thousands of young migrants leaving their villages in search of better opportunities elsewhere. The article aims to explore the experiences of Ethiopian unaccompanied and separated migrant children in Yemen. The study was conducted using constructivist research paradigm qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry with a cross sectional exploratory study design. Twelve purposefully selected unaccompanied and separated migrant children returnees from Yemen, with the registered age of sixteen and seventeen, had participated in the study. Data collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and observation were analyzed thematically. The finding indicated dreadful experiences such as detention; bomb attack; physical abuses; emotional problems; imprisonment; starvation; military recruitment; and sexual abuse which were part of the lives of unaccompanied and separated migrant children in Yemen. The study concluded that the experiences of the migrant minors in Yemen were against the universally declared basic human and child rights that recognize the inherent dignity of all human beings and the developmental needs of children in particular. Findings implied points for comprehensive social work practice, and further research endeavors on the topic under investigation.Keywords: Child migrants, Unaccompanied Child, Separated Child, Ethiopia, Experiences, Yemen

scholarly journals Animal assisted interventions in social work practices Sosyal çalışma uygulamalarında hayvan destekli müdahaleler

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 1874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emel Yeşilkayalı ◽  
Aslı Ofluoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Victims Of Violence ◽  
Social Work Interventions ◽  
Animal Assisted Intervention

Animal-assisted intervention is an intervention method that is shaped on the basis of human-animal relationships and is defined as the use of animals to solve people's problems. The use of animal support, especially in integrated interventions, is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the world, with the effect of scientific evidence. This method can also be used as a social work intervention in disadvantaged groups such as victims of violence, children at risk, victims of trauma, prisoners, elderly people, and people with disabilities. However, there is no study on the use of this intervention in the field of social work in our country. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a review of the use of animal-based interventions in social work practice, which has been proven in various studies to have positive effects in improving, developing and maintaining physical, psychological and social well-being. In order to reach this aim, the historical process, definition and benefits of animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted intervention are emphasized. Later, the theoretical foundations of the animal-assisted interventions, their use in social work interventions and the role of social workers in these team work required interventions are revealed.  ÖzetHayvan destekli müdahale insan-hayvan ilişkisi temelinde şekillenen, insanların problemlerini çözme amacıyla hayvanların kullanımı olarak tanımlanan bir müdahale yöntemidir. Bilimsel kanıtların da etkisi ile özellikle bütüncül müdahalelerde hayvan desteğinden yararlanma, tüm dünyada giderek yaygınlaşmaktadır. Bu yöntem, şiddet mağdurları, risk altındaki çocuklar, travma mağdurları, mahkumlar, yaşlılar, engelliler gibi dezavantajlı gruplarda sosyal çalışma müdahalesi olarak da kullanılmaktadır.  Bununla birlikte ülkemizde sosyal çalışma alanında bu müdahale hakkında herhangi bir çalışma bulunmamaktadır. Bu nedenle bu çalışmanın amacı, fiziksel, psikolojik ve sosyal sağlığın iyileştirilmesi, geliştirilmesi ve korunmasında olumlu etkileri çeşitli araştırmalarla kanıtlanmış olan hayvan destekli müdahalenin sosyal çalışma uygulamalarında kullanımına ilişkin bir derleme sunmaktır. Bu amaca ulaşabilmek için, önce hayvan destekli tedavi ve hayvan destekli müdahalenin tarihsel süreci, tanımı ve yararları üzerinde durulmuştur. Daha sonra hayvan destekli müdahalelerin teorik çerçevesi, sosyal çalışma müdahalelerinde kullanımı ve ekip çalışması gerektiren bu müdahalelerde sosyal çalışmacıların rollerinin ne olduğu ortaya konmuştur.

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