Diversity in Health and Care, 6(3), September 2009, pp.171-80.
Publisher:
Radcliffe Publishing
There is relatively little research exploring how people with a visible difference naturalistically manage the reactions of others and much of what there is focuses largely on negative reactions. There is marked variation in the psychological impact associated with disfigurement. This study explored the experience of a group of self-selected individuals who felt that they successfully managed the reactions of others. Six women and two men with a variety of disfiguring conditions participated in a semistructured interview. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The results suggest there are two over arching processes labelled here as managing the internal impact and managing the external impact. Participants used a range of emotion-focused and problem focused strategies to cope. Despite the self-perceived coping, it was apparent that some of the participants were still experiencing difficulties in adjusting. The findings suggest that adjustment to disfigurement is an ongoing process. The authors believe these findings have application in emerging stigmatisation theory and could also inform the development of clinical interventions for people who are struggling to cope with stigmatising reactions.
There is relatively little research exploring how people with a visible difference naturalistically manage the reactions of others and much of what there is focuses largely on negative reactions. There is marked variation in the psychological impact associated with disfigurement. This study explored the experience of a group of self-selected individuals who felt that they successfully managed the reactions of others. Six women and two men with a variety of disfiguring conditions participated in a semistructured interview. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The results suggest there are two over arching processes labelled here as managing the internal impact and managing the external impact. Participants used a range of emotion-focused and problem focused strategies to cope. Despite the self-perceived coping, it was apparent that some of the participants were still experiencing difficulties in adjusting. The findings suggest that adjustment to disfigurement is an ongoing process. The authors believe these findings have application in emerging stigmatisation theory and could also inform the development of clinical interventions for people who are struggling to cope with stigmatising reactions.
British Journal of Social Work, 52(2), 2022, pp.1089-1109.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Due to the indirect exposure to traumatic realities, social workers may experience emotional responses of vicarious traumatisation or vicarious resilience. Previous research indicated that risk factors (workload and trauma caseload) provoke vicarious traumatisation and that protection factors (recovery experiences and organisational support) can buffer this relationship. However, the empirical testing of these associations was scarce amongst social workers. This cross-sectional study aims to answer two main research questions: (i) can workload and trauma caseload predict vicarious resilience and vicarious trauma? (ii) Can recovery experiences and organisational support mediate the influence of risk factors on emotional responses? A sample of 373 Spanish social workers (87 per cent females) completed a questionnaire online. The structural equation modelling analyses showed that workload and trauma caseload make recovery experiences and organisational support less likely, facilitating the emergence of vicarious trauma. Recovery experiences and organisational support protect people from vicarious trauma and promote vicarious resilience, both directly and by limiting the influence of workload and trauma caseload. These results highlight the need for interventions enhancing recovery experiences and organisational support as a means to promote vicarious resilience and to decrease vicarious trauma. The need to reduce other risk factors, enhancing protective factors, is also noted.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Due to the indirect exposure to traumatic realities, social workers may experience emotional responses of vicarious traumatisation or vicarious resilience. Previous research indicated that risk factors (workload and trauma caseload) provoke vicarious traumatisation and that protection factors (recovery experiences and organisational support) can buffer this relationship. However, the empirical testing of these associations was scarce amongst social workers. This cross-sectional study aims to answer two main research questions: (i) can workload and trauma caseload predict vicarious resilience and vicarious trauma? (ii) Can recovery experiences and organisational support mediate the influence of risk factors on emotional responses? A sample of 373 Spanish social workers (87 per cent females) completed a questionnaire online. The structural equation modelling analyses showed that workload and trauma caseload make recovery experiences and organisational support less likely, facilitating the emergence of vicarious trauma. Recovery experiences and organisational support protect people from vicarious trauma and promote vicarious resilience, both directly and by limiting the influence of workload and trauma caseload. These results highlight the need for interventions enhancing recovery experiences and organisational support as a means to promote vicarious resilience and to decrease vicarious trauma. The need to reduce other risk factors, enhancing protective factors, is also noted.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Health Expectations, 25(1), 2022, pp.4-37. Online only
Publisher:
Wiley
Background: The demand for family caregiving in persons with chronic neurological conditions (CNCs) is increasing. Psychological resilience may empower and protect caregivers in their role. Thus, a synthesis of resilience evidence within this specific population is warranted. Aim: this systematic review aimed to: (1) examine the origins and conceptualizations of resilience; (2) summarize current resilience measurement tools; and (3) synthesize correlates, predictors and outcomes of resilience in family caregivers of persons with CNCs. Design: sourced English articles published up to July 2020 across five databases using search terms involving CNCs, family caregivers and resilience. Results: A total of 50 studies were retained. Nearly half (44%) of the studies used trait-based resilience definitions, while about one third (36%) used process-based definitions. Twelve different resilience scales were used, revealing mostly moderate to high-resilience levels. Findings confirmed that resilience is related to multiple indicators of healthy functioning (e.g., quality of life, social support, positive coping), as it buffers against negative outcomes of burden and distress. Discordance relating to the interaction between resilience and demographic, sociocultural and environmental factors was apparent. Conclusions: Incongruity remains with respect to how resilience is defined and assessed, despite consistent definitional concepts of healthy adaptation and equilibrium. The array of implications of resilience for well-being confirms the potential for resilience to be leveraged within caregiver health
(Edited publisher abstract)
Background: The demand for family caregiving in persons with chronic neurological conditions (CNCs) is increasing. Psychological resilience may empower and protect caregivers in their role. Thus, a synthesis of resilience evidence within this specific population is warranted. Aim: this systematic review aimed to: (1) examine the origins and conceptualizations of resilience; (2) summarize current resilience measurement tools; and (3) synthesize correlates, predictors and outcomes of resilience in family caregivers of persons with CNCs. Design: sourced English articles published up to July 2020 across five databases using search terms involving CNCs, family caregivers and resilience. Results: A total of 50 studies were retained. Nearly half (44%) of the studies used trait-based resilience definitions, while about one third (36%) used process-based definitions. Twelve different resilience scales were used, revealing mostly moderate to high-resilience levels. Findings confirmed that resilience is related to multiple indicators of healthy functioning (e.g., quality of life, social support, positive coping), as it buffers against negative outcomes of burden and distress. Discordance relating to the interaction between resilience and demographic, sociocultural and environmental factors was apparent. Conclusions: Incongruity remains with respect to how resilience is defined and assessed, despite consistent definitional concepts of healthy adaptation and equilibrium. The array of implications of resilience for well-being confirms the potential for resilience to be leveraged within caregiver health promotion initiatives via policy and practice. Patient or Public Contribution: The findings may inform future recommendations for researchers and practitioners to develop high-quality resilience-building interventions and programmes to better mobilize and support this vulnerable group.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
systematic reviews, carers, long term conditions, resilience;
This article examines how "resilience" appeared and became embedded as a keyword in Arts Council England's (ACE) policy discourse from 2010, initially in response to the financial crisis in Britain and the government's call for austerity. The general dynamic of what we call policy keywords here is thereby exemplified, while throwing light on Arts policy making at a specific historical juncture in Britain. Some of the features of such policy keywords are considered here: in terms of connotative ambiguities and associations, definitions, and naming or branding practices. Their distinctive purchase in ACE's "resilience" policies is analysed in the process. The policies were designed to reduce public spending by appealing to normative agendas which, in this instance, seemed contingent on a larger
(Edited publisher abstract)
This article examines how "resilience" appeared and became embedded as a keyword in Arts Council England's (ACE) policy discourse from 2010, initially in response to the financial crisis in Britain and the government's call for austerity. The general dynamic of what we call policy keywords here is thereby exemplified, while throwing light on Arts policy making at a specific historical juncture in Britain. Some of the features of such policy keywords are considered here: in terms of connotative ambiguities and associations, definitions, and naming or branding practices. Their distinctive purchase in ACE's "resilience" policies is analysed in the process. The policies were designed to reduce public spending by appealing to normative agendas which, in this instance, seemed contingent on a larger and immediate impetus and were derived from the field of "ecological economics".
(Edited publisher abstract)
... a portrait of the complex ecosystem of employment for autistic individuals that reveals multilevel and interconnected influencing elements. We then apply learning from systems and resilience thinking to deepen understanding about how positive change can occur in such an ecosystem. Overall, we propose new paradigms, questions, and actions toward transformative change for this and other systemic challenges
(Edited publisher abstract)
Inspired by a 2020 collective awakening to societal inequalities, we introduce a conceptual framework to address systemic issues around employment for one of society’s vulnerable populations—people with autism. We do so as advocates, researchers, practitioners, a family member for one author, and an autistic individual for one author. We first draw upon ecological systems theory to develop a portrait of the complex ecosystem of employment for autistic individuals that reveals multilevel and interconnected influencing elements. We then apply learning from systems and resilience thinking to deepen understanding about how positive change can occur in such an ecosystem. Overall, we propose new paradigms, questions, and actions toward transformative change for this and other systemic challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objectives: Older adults are more likely to encounter adverse life events and have protective factors that are different from other populations. Currently, there is no resilience scale designed exclusively for older adults. This study aims at developing a new measurement scale for assessing resilience of older adults. Methods: Items of Resilience Scale for Older Adults (RSOA) was generated from The RSOA is a reliable means of assessing psychological and physical resilience of older people as well as predicting their satisfaction with life. The study may also provide important information about elderly coping with adversity.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objectives: Older adults are more likely to encounter adverse life events and have protective factors that are different from other populations. Currently, there is no resilience scale designed exclusively for older adults. This study aims at developing a new measurement scale for assessing resilience of older adults. Methods: Items of Resilience Scale for Older Adults (RSOA) was generated from thorough literature review. A multiple stage method was applied to examine the psychometric properties of the scale. In pretesting, items that did not meet the psychometric criteria were removed. A sample of 368 older adults was collected in the main survey to perform preliminary item selection and removal, reliability and construct validity analyses. Another survey on 76 samples was then conducted to assess test-retest reliability of the scale. Results: RSOA that comprised four constructs (personal strength, meaning and purpose of life, family support, and social support) with a total of 15 items was developed with good reliability and validity. Cronbach’s α of the scale was 0.882. All the four constructs were found significantly correlated with life satisfaction of older adults. Conclusions: The RSOA is a reliable means of assessing psychological and physical resilience of older people as well as predicting their satisfaction with life. The study may also provide important information about elderly coping with adversity.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The current study examined posttraumatic stress (PTS), resilience, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among social workers (SWs) in Israel exposed to trauma both directly and indirectly through their work. Two groups of SWs were examined: SWs with high exposure to rocket attacks (n = 50) and SWs with low exposure to rocket attacks (n = 52). Measures included objective, subjective, and professional exposure; PTS; vicarious traumatization (VT); resilience; and PTG. Differences between the two groups were found regarding objective, subjective, and professional exposure, as well as PTS, VT, and PTG. No differences were found regarding resilience. PTS and PTG were positively associated. An interaction between group and resilience in predicting PTS and PTG was found. In the highly exposed group, resilience was negatively associated with PTS and positively with PTG, whereas for the low-exposed group resilience was not associated with PTS and was negatively associated with PTG. The discussion focuses on the need to understand the role of resilience and PTG in the psychological reaction of SWs to direct as well as indirect trauma; it also weighs the possibility that PTG serves as a salutogenic
(Edited publisher abstract)
The current study examined posttraumatic stress (PTS), resilience, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among social workers (SWs) in Israel exposed to trauma both directly and indirectly through their work. Two groups of SWs were examined: SWs with high exposure to rocket attacks (n = 50) and SWs with low exposure to rocket attacks (n = 52). Measures included objective, subjective, and professional exposure; PTS; vicarious traumatization (VT); resilience; and PTG. Differences between the two groups were found regarding objective, subjective, and professional exposure, as well as PTS, VT, and PTG. No differences were found regarding resilience. PTS and PTG were positively associated. An interaction between group and resilience in predicting PTS and PTG was found. In the highly exposed group, resilience was negatively associated with PTS and positively with PTG, whereas for the low-exposed group resilience was not associated with PTS and was negatively associated with PTG. The discussion focuses on the need to understand the role of resilience and PTG in the psychological reaction of SWs to direct as well as indirect trauma; it also weighs the possibility that PTG serves as a salutogenic variable under high-trauma exposure but as an illusionary means of self-enhancement under low-level exposure.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
resilience, social workers, post traumatic stress disorder, traumas;
European Journal of Social Work, 24(6), 2021, pp.1028-1050.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Child protection social workers (CPSWs) are exposed to several workplace risks, often leaving them vulnerable for negative outcomes like burnout. Some CPSWs do well despite exposure to these risks, which could be described as resilience. This scoping review was guided by the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA checklist. Our findings, from analysing 13 articles on CPSWs resilience, are embedded in the socio-ecological model which reveals that the resilience of CPSWs in included studies was informed by intrapersonal resilience processes (e.g., agency, and having emotional intelligence) and interpersonal resilience processes (e.g., supportive relationships). It appears as if CPSWs mostly initiate and sustain resilience enhancing processes, although supportive ecologies also play a role. Most research on CPSW resilience between 1995 and 2020 was conducted in developed countries, with only three studies done in low-income countries. It is important to understand CPSWs' resilience in developed countries, but there is a lack of research on CPSW resilience in low-income countries, such as Nigeria for instance, where there are high rates of child abuse and a need for effective CPSW services. Continued explorations of CPSW resilience across the globe, is necessary to respect and give voice to individual experiences and diversity
(Edited publisher abstract)
Child protection social workers (CPSWs) are exposed to several workplace risks, often leaving them vulnerable for negative outcomes like burnout. Some CPSWs do well despite exposure to these risks, which could be described as resilience. This scoping review was guided by the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA checklist. Our findings, from analysing 13 articles on CPSWs resilience, are embedded in the socio-ecological model which reveals that the resilience of CPSWs in included studies was informed by intrapersonal resilience processes (e.g., agency, and having emotional intelligence) and interpersonal resilience processes (e.g., supportive relationships). It appears as if CPSWs mostly initiate and sustain resilience enhancing processes, although supportive ecologies also play a role. Most research on CPSW resilience between 1995 and 2020 was conducted in developed countries, with only three studies done in low-income countries. It is important to understand CPSWs' resilience in developed countries, but there is a lack of research on CPSW resilience in low-income countries, such as Nigeria for instance, where there are high rates of child abuse and a need for effective CPSW services. Continued explorations of CPSW resilience across the globe, is necessary to respect and give voice to individual experiences and diversity
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
literature reviews, resilience, child protection, social workers;
International Social Work, 64(5), 2021, pp.663-675.
Publisher:
Sage
Any health outbreak is beyond the biomedical approach. The COVID-19 pandemic exposes a calamitous need to address social inequalities prevalent in the global health community. Au fait with this, the impetus of this article is to explore the calls of humanistic social work in the face of the pandemic. It calls for the pursuit of social justice during the pandemic and after. It also calls for a holistic service provision, technological innovation and stewardship. Wrapping up, it challenges the global community to rethink their priorities - egotism or altruism. It emphasizes the ultimate way forward of addressing the social inequalities.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Any health outbreak is beyond the biomedical approach. The COVID-19 pandemic exposes a calamitous need to address social inequalities prevalent in the global health community. Au fait with this, the impetus of this article is to explore the calls of humanistic social work in the face of the pandemic. It calls for the pursuit of social justice during the pandemic and after. It also calls for a holistic service provision, technological innovation and stewardship. Wrapping up, it challenges the global community to rethink their priorities - egotism or altruism. It emphasizes the ultimate way forward of addressing the social inequalities.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
Covid-19, social work approaches, medical social work, resilience;