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This paper examines the principal ideas from Jacques Lacan's psychoanalytic theory of psychosis. According to Lacan's theory in the 1950s, the central organizing element of symbolically organized mental life, the Name-of-the-Father, is missing in psychosis. That theory changes with later conceptual developments in Lacan's work that focus on the incompleteness of symbolic functioning. This connects with how, in his works from the late 1960s and the 1970s, Lacan embraces the idea of a fundamental non-rapport and symbolic non-existence at the basis of mental life. In a second step, the paper explores what the Lacanian model of psychosis implies with regard to ethical positioning, addressing the unconscious, handling transference, and crisis and stability in psychosis. A clinical case discussion focuses on a yearlong therapeutic trajectory with a young man with Down's syndrome who suffered from psychotic experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to explain and update Kurt Lewin's concept of topological psychology and show how it can improve how we think about and undertake organizational change. To illustrate the use of this concept, we have created an imaginary dialogue in which Lewin helps an organization to move from fixed- to hot-desking. In this dialogue, we draw on Lewin's writings to show how he might have responded to criticisms of his work (e.g., that his diagnostic approach is too mechanistic to work in a socially constructed world). Based on our discussion of topological psychology, we offer three recommendations to better connect theory building with managerial thinking: (1) use plain language to explain your concepts; (2) use drawings to illustrate and explain the change situation; and (3) focus on the exceptions and not the rules in order to generate a better understanding of the nature of organizational life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a collaborative auto-ethnographic approach, this paper examines how external stakeholders can influence organizational change processes and outcomes in a public sector context. Existing change literature suggests that stakeholder management and collaboration are critical for achieving change results. Although the role of internal stakeholders has been documented, we know less about how external stakeholders can influence planned change. To explore this, we adopted a variant of collaborative auto-ethnography in which the first-hand experiences of a top manager combined with extensive media coverage were retrospectively made sense of through joint reflection and theorizing with an outside academic. Drawing on stakeholder theory and the concept of momentum for change, we show how external stakeholders can either amplify or suppress the momentum for change, thereby ultimately affecting goal attainment. The slightly adjusted CAE methodology offers new opportunities for academic/practitioner collaborations to advance change practice and theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea that implicit and explicit mindreading form a continuum is controversial. This paper presents a systematic review of longitudinal findings on the development of mindreading in children to compare the main theoretical explanations of this capacity (enrichment and conceptual change theories, submentalizing theory and two-system theory). The longitudinal findings on the predictive relationships between implicit and explicit measures of mindreading demonstrate a continuum between children's implicit and explicit capacities to understand others' mental states. Moreover, the findings support the theory of continuous conceptual enrichment and change and provide evidence against submentalist theories. This paper proposes that implicit mindreading is based on the interactive processes of joint attention and shared intentionality that precede explicit mind comprehension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While neonatal mortality is a critical measure of national health and well-being, efforts to reduce it in post-colonial, global south national contexts continue to yield unsatisfactory (sometimes worsening) odds of such events. This paper applies the intersectionality framework and dependency theory to time-based changes in neonatal mortality in Tanzania from 1991 to 2016 as a new model for understanding these persistent odds of neonatal mortality in the underdeveloped world. Analysis of data from the Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (from 1991 to 2016) discloses an unambiguous intersection between residence, region, and socioeconomic status in Tanzania. At the national level, neonatal mortality decreased slightly between 1991 and 2016. However, the likelihood of neonates dying increased during that time for women living in rural and unprivileged areas with lower socioeconomic status. An intersectionality framework and dependency theory contextualize these findings by considering structural elements within Tanzania from 1991 to 2016. This new model affords fresh insights, recommendations, and policy discussion for reducing neonatal mortality in Tanzania and other post-colonial, global south nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technologies are profoundly reshaping how people relate to unknown others, yet urban studies and geographies of encounter have yet to adequately incorporate these changes into theory and research. Building on a longstanding concern with stranger encounters in social and urban theory, this paper explores how digital technology brings new possibilities and challenges to urban life. With examples ranging from GPS-enabled apps for sex and dating to sharing economy platforms that facilitate the peer-to-peer exchange of services, new practices mediated by digital technology are making many stranger encounters a matter of choice rather than chance, and they are often private as much as they are public. This paper examines these changes to develop a conceptualisation of stranger intimacy as a potentially generative form of encounter involving conditional relations of openness among the unacquainted, through which affective structures of knowing, providing, befriending or even loving are built. We offer an agenda for researching stranger intimacies to better understand their role in generating new kinds of social and economic opportunity, overcoming constraints of space and place, as well as generating dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, privilege and disadvantage. The paper concludes by considering what critical attention to these encounters can offer geographical scholarship and how an emphasis on digital mediation can push research in productive directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the issue of empowerment in participatory budgeting (PB). We position empowerment as part of the generally agreed theory of change in PB yet acknowledge the limits of an individual construction of empowerment that neglect sufficient attention to dynamic relations of power in participatory spaces and surrounding social contexts. Using the three forms of power theorized by Lukes (1974) and Gaventa (1980), we examine the ways in which these forms of power constrain individual and collective agency and transformative outcomes in participatory projects. We shift the gaze from empowerment to the concept of community power to suggest that getting beyond small adjustments to local services and resource allocations to substantive changes in relations of power may depend on ordinary citizens coming together in sites of radical possibility to define themselves, deliberate, and then act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I compare the methodology of two of the most famous epidemiological studies: The Midtown Manhattan Study (1952–60) and the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study (1980–5). At first sight, there are few features that distinguish them; both were studies of large samples of the general population; they both used highly sophisticated methods of data analysis and standardized instruments; and they involved interviewers who were not professional clinicians. However, if we carefully compare the protocols that define how 'clinical' information is collected, we realize that some important changes in methodology were not only due to practical necessities, but also involved an important transformation in the role of the interviewer and the skills traditionally associated with the clinician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We spoke with Sophy about her interest in pursuing an academic career, and about the paper that captures and compares the orthodontic retention experience of dental and non-dental students from the University of Leeds, UK. i b B What motivated you to become interested in research? Graph B I Sophy Barber supervised the research paper, 'Orthodontic retention experience of university students: a qualitative study', which is published in this issue. We thought it would be really interesting to see if there was a difference in orthodontic retention experience and long-term wear, between dental and non-dental students, to see if the extra dental knowledge made a difference. [Extracted from the article]

We revisit the predictive ability of dividend changes for firms' future earnings and extend the literature by examining the effect of management forecasting ability. Although prior studies have examined the relationship between dividend changes and future earnings, the empirical evidence is mixed. The belief that dividend changes have implications for future earnings depends on the assumption that managers can accurately assess future earnings prospects. In this regard, we posit that the predictive ability of dividends can vary with managers' forecasting ability. Analyzing a large sample of Japanese dividend-paying firms, we find that dividend changes, particularly dividend increases, are positively associated with increases in future earnings. Consistent with our hypothesis, this positive association is more pronounced for firms with high-forecasting ability managers. Our findings support the signaling theory of dividend changes and indicate that management forecasting ability has a moderating effect on the linkage between firms' dividend changes and future earnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effects of waste on the environment and human health continue to increase despite behavioral, technological and policy actions for the management and minimization of waste. We plan to undertake a realist review of waste management and minimization interventions within New Zealand to inform effective approaches to waste minimization and management interventions. This protocol paper describes the steps of the realist review, including the objectives, theoretical frameworks and steps used. Methods: Realist review is a theory guided approach that seeks to understand the context-mechanism-outcome configuration of an intervention and generate insights on what works for whom, under what conditions and how. The protocol presents an integrated working theoretical framework comprising of three social theories (Social Learning Theory, Collective Action Theory and Social Practice theory), set within an indigenous Māori implementation framework, He Pikinga Waiora. The initial program theory generated from a first stage rapid review is presented. This initial program theory will be tested through a full literature review and analysis, as well as participatory sense making workshops with key stakeholders. Discussion: The review will help to generate insights on the generative causal mechanisms of waste minimization interventions in the context of New Zealand. This protocol emphasizes the initial program theory of change as a starting point for further review and design of improved interventions for waste minimization. Through identifying and testing the program theory, with insights from both indigenous and social practice theories, the proposed review will support the design of policies, programs and activities required to achieve the desired outcome of waste minimization in the context of New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent articles have introduced ideas from Physics, specifically, negentropy, to the social sciences. Applications have been primarily in higher education, online learning, and organizations. This article applies negentropy to PK-12 school contexts, discussing the principles for application of systemic school reform and improvement. Negentropy is the reversal of common disintegration and degradation of systems through explicit attention to the reversal of energy losses. Negentropic actions can be taken by school stakeholders to release new energy and recapture energy that is leaving the organization. This paper describes the principles of negentropy in schools, distinguishes it from other common school change theories (systemic school change, entrepreneurial, innovation) and offers implementation advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), major mental disorders often remain untreated because of barriers related to access and resources. In rural areas and in conflict-ridden regions, the problem can be exacerbated by increased rates of mental illness and by reduced access to care. This paper describes a project designed to provide mental health services for major mental disorders among youth using a low-cost model in a rural district of the troubled Kashmir valley.Methods: We describe the geographic and political context, the guiding principles and adaptation of the service model (through partnership with a voluntary organization and use of technology), and the implementation of the model using Theory of Change framework. The core of the intervention was to train a pool of lay health workers (LHWs) to provide mental health services to young (aged 14-30 years) people with major mental disorders in their own communities, supported by clinical professionals.Results: Despite political turmoil and major floods, 40 (male and female) LHWs were trained. The LHWs efficiently engaged in case identification, basic interventions, and data collection on outcomes. Several different stakeholders were engaged in activities relevant to the objectives of the project; however, the use of technologies was moderated by several challenges, including access to internet services and patient preference for personal contact.Conclusions: This service model is applicable in an environment where protracted political and armed conflict, low resources, and geographical isolation make exclusive reliance on scarce professional services impractical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers interviewed higher education professionals, asking: How do professionals working in higher education equity and access sectors, both public and private, assign responsibility for improving access, and what solutions do they propose? Informed by Kingdon's multiple streams framework and Guajardo et al.'s theory of change in action, researchers spoke with professionals to analyze inequities in college access. Respondents disagreed on responsibility for improving access, with solutions varying based on vantage points, values, and privilege. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In 2018, The Live Well Allegheny: Lifting Wellness for African Americans (LWA2) Initiative was developed to support six priority, Black communities in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to address health equity in chronic disease. The LWA2 coalition members participated in ongoing anti-racism and racial equity sessions with a nationally recognized anti-racist facilitation team. The sessions included a 2-days experience in January 2020 along with follow up meetings throughout 2020. Methods: Surveys were administered to understand their perceptions related to anti-racism and oppression and subsequent actions as a result of the sessions. Additionally, we conducted nine in-depth interviews with organizational partners (January -May 2020) to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the coalition and inform future activities. Results: Ten participants completed the post session surveys. Seven out of 10 survey respondents felt they had a good understanding of how oppression (racism, sexism, capitalism) influenced their life and work. However, the majority indicated needing the tools to implement anti-racist strategies in their work. The in-depth interviews with organizational partners revealed that racial equity was of concern to all partners but there was variability in intentionality around racial equity as a core element of each organization's mission, goals and subsequent actions. Discussion: As a result of the interviews, coalition members developed a racial equity statement and theory of change for implementation in the coalition work and within individual organizations along with a plan for implementing an equity audit of the coalition. Coalitions of this kind should be intentional about implementing continuous strategies related to anti-racism for structural changes toward achieving racial equity in their overall work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic and practitioner interest in how market-based organizations can drive positive social change (PSC) is steadily growing. This paper helps to recast how organizations relate to society. It integrates research on projects stimulating PSC—the transformational processes to advance societal well-being—that is fragmented across different streams of research in management and related disciplines. Focusing on the mechanisms at play in how organizations and their projects affect change in targets outside of organizational boundaries, we (1) clarify the nature of PSC as a process, (2) develop an integrative framework that specifies two distinct PSC strategies, (3) take stock of and offer a categorization scheme for change mechanisms and enabling organizational practices, and (4) outline opportunities for future research. Our conceptual framework differentiates between surface- and deep-level PSC strategies understood as distinct combinations of change mechanisms and enabling organizational practices. These strategies differ in the nature and speed of transformation experienced by the targets of change projects and the resulting quality (pervasiveness and durability), timing, and reach of social impact. Our findings provide a solid base for integrating and advancing knowledge across the largely disparate streams of management research on corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and base of the pyramid and open up important new avenues for future research on organizing for PSC and on unpacking PSC processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little consideration has been given to the process of technological change in political theory. Given that ideas about this process play an important role in many strands of normative political thought, and are especially crucial to climate change politics, this is a remarkable oversight. It risks political theory being irrelevant to climate change mitigation. The implications of this oversight for political theory are explored here through an analysis of the liberalism-ecologism debate. The article argues that attempts to green liberalism – to move it beyond environmentalism – cannot succeed while liberalism is silent about technological change. More broadly, given that most political theory traditions make claims about technological change, claims crucial to their worldviews and normative goals, it argues that much more theorisation of the concept is necessary. Especially now that they shape how the world understands climate change mitigation, contests over the meaning of technological change are intensely political contests. Political theory needs to get much more involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leading school turnaround has been conceptualized as a school-level issue focused on immediate change. There has been little consideration about how district leaders change systems to sustain school turnaround successes. This case study research conducted through the lens of Change Theory explores the leadership struggles of one mid-sized urban district's effort to build on its successful launch of a school turnaround initiative for a subset of underperforming schools. The results suggest that the same pressures that spur initial action can interfere with sustaining success. The dual issues of systems leadership and a sustainable change process are considered as implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do some states project military force to seek control of resources, while others do not? Conventional wisdom asserts that resource-scarce states should have the strongest interest in securing control over resources. Counter-intuitively, I argue that, under existing conditions, the opposite is true. It is not resource-scarce states that will be more interested in militarily seeking additional resources, but rather states that are resource-abundant and dependent on income from extracting those resources. I test this proposition by leveraging a natural experiment that analyzes how states reacted to an exogenous shock that exposed resources in the Arctic in 2007. I employ original data that measures the change in states' Arctic military presence before and after the shock. I find that dependence, not scarcity, explains how states responded to the shock. The findings enhance our understanding of the causes of resource competition and the geopolitical implications of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues for the importance of theory and theorizing for an evaluation in the form of a process theory of change. A process theory of change centers its theoretical attention on key episodes that explain how things worked, in which the causal linkages are unpacked. The key lies in answering why actors do what they do (and thus whether these actions can be traced back to the intervention). This theorization has three steps: (1) definition of intervention and potential contribution; (2) theorization of potential contribution pathways; and (3) unpacking the process. This procedure is illustrated with a hypothetical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article nuances the poverty-inducing effect of political dynasties. We argue that local dynasties in the Philippines can pursue different development trajectories based on their ownership of local businesses and their province's initial state capacity. Adapting a framework developed by Bourguignon and Verdier, we develop a typology of political dynasties that acknowledges heterogeneity in their motivations as well as in the political opportunity structures that they work in. This outlines a theory of change that fosters the necessary conditions for political and economic competition over time, even in areas ruled by political dynasties. While the focus is on the Philippines, research on the nexus between political and economic competition provides insight into issues of political dynasties, competition policy, governance, and accountability faced by a broader set of countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identity formation is a fundamental developmental process that has significant consequences for youth adjustment during adolescence and beyond. This article presents evidence indicating that ethnic-racial identity, specifically, is an important developmental competency on which prevention science should focus in the interest of promoting positive youth development. Findings from the initial efficacy testing of the Identity Project, an ethnic-racial identity prevention program grounded in developmental theory, are presented and discussed. Moreover, preliminary evidence of the intervention's potential when implemented by teachers is introduced, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data from a recent study. Taking a broader perspective, future directions for research are presented with a specific focus on considering how experiences of ethnoracial marginalization and racialized othering in countries across the globe may make this work relevant to contexts outside the United States. Finally, the possibility of a global theory of change is introduced, and the potential benefits of implementing programs such as the Identity Project in other countries are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the wealth of academic research on large-scale urban developments, a comprehensive meta-analysis of the literature is yet to exist. On the one hand, theories on urban change and development have offered useful frameworks for explaining the processes and outcomes of large-scale developments. On the other hand, in-depth case studies have provided profound insights into specific examples. Nevertheless, how the case studies relate to the theoretical debates is unclear. In response, this article undertakes a systematic review of the theories and case studies on large-scale developments and identifies the multitude of ways in which case studies relate to theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research brings together the recent empirical contributions related to the capital structure of microfinance institutions. Based on the review of the literature, we examine the implementation of standard finance theory to explain the change in the microfinance's capital structure. The lack of appropriate theories to explain the microfinance's capital structure entails the importance of this review of the literature. The review of empirical researches shows that the pecking order theory is applicable in the microfinance industry with respect to some specification while the industry's business model evolves aligning with the life-cycle theory. Lastly, the impact of capital structure within the sector affirms the predictions of the profit-incentive theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state remains an undertheorized actor in studies of market change. Further, when the state's market-shaping activities are considered, they are generally characterized by notions of control over, or conflict with, market actors. In this project, we draw on theories of institutional change and management to develop and deploy an alternative perspective on state involvement in markets—one premised on collaboration. Using this conceptual framework, we examine how the state works to shape markets disrupted by ostensibly innovative entrants. Specifically, we examine the state's response to the market entry of transportation businesses Uber and Lyft, whose strategies of disregarding existing regulatory arrangements attempt to deliberately exclude the state from markets. Leveraging an institutional work perspective, we find the state engaging in four novel practices as it works to understand and shape market arrangements in conjunction with an array of interested market actors. We discuss the implications of this collaborative state behavior for studies of market change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored how managers implement complex strategic changes with multiple, often conflicting, influences and initiatives. A large, regional operating division of a French electrical utility was implementing a top-down, enterprise-wide digital transformation and developing broad agile capabilities in a participative way. Conclusions from the 18-month collaborative research effort suggest that three change activities made pragmatic and theoretically insightful contributions. First, diagnosis – a process not integrated in theories of strategic change and adaptation – served as a powerful source of tailored solutions that orchestrated diverse change activities. Second, the organization's existing culture and identity – typically considered a target of or constraint to change – became an important source of change congruence. Third, managers collectively leveraged and re-framed hierarchical authority in leading the change. Exercising authority in traditional ways kept emerging changes safe. Reframing authority as the power to convene conversations helped to focus expertise on key issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How should we reconcile covert war with normative theories of the democratic peace? Proponents argue that these interventions are consistent with democratic peace theory, as leaders intervene covertly to escape backlash by a public that has internalized liberal norms. Yet we know little about public opinion regarding the covert use of force. Using a survey experiment, we find that respondents are more favorable towards covert interventions against democratic targets than our theories assume, and that even citizens who value transparency the most still wrestle with a trade-off between their normative commitments and the instrumental benefits they perceive covert actions to hold. Our results thus help to explain why American leaders have repeatedly chosen to conduct covert military operations against fellow democracies, and raise important questions about the scope conditions of normative theories of the democratic peace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study assessed how participation in the Transformational Coaching Workshop (TCW) influenced youth sport coaches' perceived capability, opportunity, and motivation to incorporate transformational coaching behaviors into their coaching practices. Sixty-three volunteer youth sport coaches participated in the study as part of an intervention (n = 31; Mage = 45.65 years; SDage = 8.82 years) or comparison group (n = 32; Mage = 44.59 years; SDage = 11.86 years). The study employed a two-arm, pre- and post-intervention, non-randomized intervention design. Dependent- and independent-sample t -tests were conducted to assess within and between-group differences. Results indicated that participants in the intervention group reported slight improvements in their perceived capability and opportunity to use transformational coaching behaviors post-intervention. There were no significant differences between groups post-intervention. This study provides support for the effectiveness of the TCW, and the application of behavior change frameworks to evaluate coach development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coaching has expanded as a method of facilitating individual change, performance, and learning. It is generally described in terms of its functions, referring to cognitive and organisational psychology as well as theories of change, theoretical stances, and methodologies from psychotherapy. Theoretical concern for the body as part of the meaning-making process has been piecemeal in coaching, despite growing interest in embodiment in psychology and learning. There are widespread calls in relevant disciplines for stronger theorisation of embodiment. The Merleau-Pontian concept of "intervolvement" is adopted as a frame, which is tentatively operationalised and illustrated using an example study observing the interactions of a coaching dyad. The case study demonstrates how the coaching practice can be understood from an embodied perspective. A model is proposed, which conceptualises specific ways in which the interaction can be described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship is an innovative solution for many businesses, communities, governments, nonprofits, and social innovators to address societal issues, such as poverty and social injustice. Civic wealth creation (CWC) is one type of entrepreneurial change process that engages diverse stakeholders to enact positive social change (PSC). However, resistance to change and low stakeholder engagement often impede efforts to achieve desired outcomes. Because stakeholder theory holds that stakeholders with joint interests create new value when they interact, we propose a stakeholder engagement framework that uses the awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement (ADKAR) change methodology to enhance CWC stakeholders' propensity to participate in the entrepreneurial change processes that create PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the evaluation of the Children's Community programme, addressing the question: how can evaluators effectively address complex place-based system change initiatives, particularly those working across differing contexts? After considering alternatives, including what we describe as 'first-generation' linear, logic model-based approaches and second-generation Theory of Change approaches, we discuss the development of 'third-generation' systems-change evaluations and articulate a novel comparative maturity matrix approach, developed for the evaluation of Children's Communities with potential wider applicability for evaluation of complex systems change interventions. The article discusses the evaluation approach in depth and concludes with reflection on what learning points may be derived for use in subsequent evaluations of place-based and complex systems change initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, levels of mental health problems among children and adolescents have risen alongside an increased demand for services, which has driven the demand for a transformative systems change in how child and adolescent mental health services are delivered. Theory of change methodology is a valuable approach for advancing systems change. This article describes the theory of change process to evaluate a strategic partnership approach to advancing systems change improvements in child and adolescent's mental health. This article describes the development and application of a theory of change methodology for these strategic partnerships, discussing the benefits derived from developing the theory of change and its use by the programme staff and evaluation team. This article also discusses the challenges and limitations of using this approach and recommendations for use more widely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is increasingly utilized in clinical trials. A SDMT score change of 4 points is considered clinically important, based on association with employment anchors. Optimal thresholds for statistically reliable SDMT changes, accounting for test reliability and measurement error, are yet to be applied to individual cases. Objective: The aim of this study was to derive a statistically reliable marker of individual change on the SDMT. Methods: This prospective, case–control study enrolled 166 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). SDMT scores at baseline, relapse, and 3-month follow-up were compared between relapsing and stable patient groups. Using data from the stable group and three previously published studies, candidate thresholds for reliable decline were calculated and validated against other tests and a clinically meaningful anchor—cognitive relapse. Results: Candidate thresholds for reliable decline at the 80% confidence level varied between 6 and 11 points. An SDMT change of 8 or more raw score points was deemed to offer the best balance of discriminatory power and external validity for estimating cognitive decline. Conclusion: This study illustrates the feasibility and usefulness of reliable change methodology for identifying statistically meaningful cognitive decline that could be implemented to identify change in individual patients, for both clinical management and clinical trial outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, social research methodologies have been construed as being less significant in their contribution to social change. This perception emanates from those who view social research methodologies as an accessory to the natural sciences. Contrary to this view, this article, on the schooling experiences of children who have been left behind by their parents in Zimbabwe, is used to contribute to the debate. It seeks to present our experiences in the application of social research methodologies, including challenges and their contribution to social change. However, this change remains a contested issue in research because there is no consensus on how to measure it. The study followed a qualitative research approach, using an interpretive phenomenological study design. A purposive sampling strategy was used to select 12 secondary school children (12–18 years old). Data were constructed through two methods, interviews and document analysis. The overall finding of the study revealed that social sciences methodologies can make a contribution to social change. This was illustrated by the fact that when social methodological approaches were used, children were enabled to confidently express their lived experiences by creating a child-friendly environment such as child-centeredness, democratic participation and inclusivity. Consequently, the findings have shed some light on the way in which policy makers should develop policies with regard to left-behind children (LBC). On the basis of these findings, the article argues that social research methodologies can make a difference in social change, despite challenges that may emerge. The findings may have implications for social researchers and for our study. For example, the findings could minimise hermeneutics injustice by mediating what the marginalised groups, such as children, may express despite scepticism about their authenticity which is important for social change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the challenges of the Anthropocene, it is common today for evaluators to propose a systems rather than a program perspective. A program perspective is reproached for its simplicity and linearity, while the systems perspective is praised for its ability to account for complexity and emergence. This article argues that even before the systems perspective appeared on the horizon, the story of program evaluation had been characterized by a confrontation between "simplifiers" and "complexifiers." It enquires into the lessons that the complexifiers of the evaluation of programs have handed on to evaluators who are facing the current challenges of sustainable development. On the other hand, when analyzing what a systems perspective contributes, the article is alert to the risk that a "holistic" view may ignore lessons complexifiers have to offer. This argument is supported by considering the way in which a systems perspective is understood in the practice of evaluation. Conclusions invite readers to overcome a misleading opposition between the two perspectives and indicate possible cross-fertilization across different units of analysis and approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sustainable development and sustainability transformations have reached high urgency on national and international agendas and involve new knowledge and learning processes. Transdisciplinary co-production of knowledge as a research approach in combination with the methodological elaboration of theories of change have potential to support transformative learning processes. Both approaches engage with questions about the actors involved, impact pathways, or the role of power and agency in a given context. Intervention: We introduce the THEORY OF CHANGE GAME, which applies theory of change thinking to transdisciplinary projects aiming for sustainable development. A combination of board and card game, it evolves around collaborative discussions. Method: We explain the iterative development rounds of the game through several game sessions in different settings and analyse whether and how the game supports social learning for sustainable development. To assess social learning, we draw on the typology developed by Baird et al. (2014) , which includes cognitive, relational, and normative learning. Results: The iterative development rounds took place first in academic settings and then in a non-academic event. Our observations during the game and the debriefing rounds after the game demonstrate that social learning takes place in the form of cognitive and relational learning. Verified findings on normative learning would need other assessment approaches. Discussion and conclusion: Several development rounds supported the design of a game that is suitable to support social learning for sustainable development. We see the potential of the game mainly in cognitive and relational learning. Further work on gamification elements could help to enhance the entertainment component of the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anchored on environmental change and migration theory, this article aims at gaining understanding of the extent to which gradual and long-term environmental factors contribute to human migration. Using long-term rainfall data and scoping opinion on environmental risk among respondents, the extent to which gradual and long-term environmental change is a factor in the least understood form of migration of rural–rural is investigated. Insofar as findings suggest, the environmental factor appears to be the main driver of rural–rural movements. However, we also find that the economic factor makes it difficult for some to leave when they want to while some choose to stay due to their traditional attachment to land. Given their strong cultural attachment, they are ready to face and experience additional or incremental exposure to shocks in this sort of 'voluntary trap'. We conclude that while gradual and long-term environmental factors dominate other drivers in rural–rural migration, economic factors play a major but secondary role in influencing the migration process. Based on the lack of land tenure security, and given the climate change projections, we conclude that migration (which appears to be an immediate survivalist option in rural–rural movements) may prove to be maladaptive in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have empirically tested the linkage between transformational leadership and employees' reactions to organizational change. However, no systematic attempt has been made to organize and summarize those findings. Based on a sample of 30 empirical studies that included 39 independent effect sizes and 12,240 participants, this meta-analysis found that transformational leadership exhibited (a) a positive relationship with commitment to change, openness to change, and readiness for change; (b) a negative correlation with resistance to change and cynicism about change; and (c) a nonsignificant correlation with support for change. Moderation analyses showed that in cross-sectional (vs. longitudinal) designs, transformational leadership exhibited a stronger correlation with openness to change and cynicism about change. Using Bass and Avolio's scale (vs. Podsakoff et al.'s), transformational leadership exhibited a stronger correlation with resistance to change. In the Eastern (vs. Western) cultural context, transformational leadership exhibited a stronger correlation with commitment to change and resistance to change. In low-level (vs. high-level) journals, transformational leadership exhibited a stronger correlation with commitment to change, openness to change, and support for change. This study highlights the value of incorporating transformational leadership theory into the literature on change reactions to obtain a better understanding of how leaders facilitate or hinder organizational change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emerging body of literature suggests that systemic efforts to change institutions are enhanced when change actors utilize multiple approaches or strategies to change that capitalize on their individual, team, or organizational assets. Given that little research in higher education has examined the ways leaders deploy multiple strategies in service of change, this study sought to fill this gap in the literature by studying an effort that deployed several strategies or theories of change. Building on emerging literature about the value of multiple theories of change, the study followed the Association of American Universities (AAU) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Initiative, which aimed to improve undergraduate teaching in STEM at research universities and utilized multiple theories to inform a complex strategy. This research shows the value of using multiple theories of change and also provides guidance on the best way to harness or use multiple change approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reflects on a participatory action research process in partnership with segregated Roma communities in Hungary. It will focus on the "non-positivist good theory"-building capacity of participatory action research in situations where social distance between participants is high and where action-oriented cooperation involves numerous actors, continuously extends to new stakeholders and areas, and aims to contribute to long-term and general social goals. Special attention will be paid to the effects of three phenomena: extreme poverty, extreme egalitarianism, and community hierarchy. We show that as cooperation shifts from discussions to actions and theories-in-use start dominating the process, PAR might become a complex and fuzzy process, characterized by numerous pragmatic and ethical challenges and contradictions. Thus, in a setting described above, it is a rather challenging task for PAR to create a "non-positivist good theory": one which enables and empowers community members to make pragmatic and sustainable changes in their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little guidance on which behavior change theories should be taught in undergraduate courses addressing health behavior change. Delphi consensus methods provide a formal, systematic, and reproducible method for establishing consensus among experts. Objective. Use a Delphi methodology to establish consensus regarding behavior change theories that should be taught to undergraduate students enrolled in health behavior change courses. Method. An online Delphi consensus exercise was completed by instructors who were identified through a systematic search of 94 University course calendars to be teaching health behavior change content to undergraduate students in Canada. In Round 1, 22 participants generated a list of theories taught in undergraduate courses. In Rounds 2 and 3, participants indicated their level of agreement using an 11-point Likert-type scale as to which theories should be taught. Theories that reached predetermined consensus criteria were retained in each round. Results. In Round 1, participants listed over 50 different theories being taught in undergraduate courses. After Round 2, nine theories met consensus criteria which were refined to only six theories in Round 3 (i.e., behavior change wheel, self-determination theory, self-efficacy theory, social ecological model, social cognitive theory, theory of planned behavior). Conclusions. A wide range of theories are taught in undergraduate courses. However, only a minority of these theories reached consensus criteria as being theories that should be taught to undergraduate students enrolled in courses addressing health behavior change. Findings can be used to improve the consistency and quality of instruction of behavior change theories at the undergraduate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory of Change diagrams are commonly used within evaluation. Due to their popularity and flexibility, Theories of Change can vary greatly, from the nuanced and nested, through to simplified and linear. We present a methodology for building genuinely holistic, complexity-appropriate, system-based Theory of Change diagrams, using Participatory Systems Mapping as a starting point. Participatory System Maps provide a general-purpose resource that can be used in many ways; however, knowing how to turn their complex view of a system into something actionable for evaluation purposes is difficult. The methodology outlined in this article gives this starting point and plots a path through from systems mapping to a Theory of Change evaluators can use. It allows evaluators to develop practical Theories of Change that take into account feedbacks, wider context and potential negative or unexpected outcomes. We use the example of the energy trilemma map presented elsewhere in this special issue to demonstrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this piece, I comment on Heather Boushey's David Gordon Memorial Lecture at the 2020 Allied Social Science Association meetings in San Diego. I identify the theory of change presented in Boushey's lecture and discuss it in the context of contemporary economic thought. I argue that Boushey's theory of change makes an important normative intervention in economics science. I evaluate Boushey's theory of change from the perspective of philosophy of science as well as drawing on historical evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the use of pay-for-performance systems has rapidly expanded into new industries. However, many employees resist these changes, mitigating effectiveness. Unfortunately, little scientific research has examined underlying reasons for the support or nonsupport of such systems, informed by theory. Grounded in behavioral reasoning theory and organizational change frameworks, this study examined antecedents and consequences of employees' reasoning process to support or not support pay-for-performance systems. Structural equation results on 245 employees demonstrated that reasons for and reasons against supporting pay-for-performance systems predicted attitudes and intentions to support the systems. Significant antecedents of the reasoning included pay valence, top management support, and coworker support. Top reasons for supporting the systems included increased opportunities to make money and being recognized for high performance. Top reasons against supporting the systems included the political nature of pay-for-performance and concerns that performance would not be measured accurately. Implications for organizational change programs are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian prison population in 2016 had increased by more than 700%, compared with the situation in the early 1990s, from 90 thousand to 726.7 thousand. The ordinary response to prison overcrowding came through changes to the justice system, such as Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Restorative Justice. Although these new processes are socially relevant, there are few studies about them anywhere, but especially in Brazil. This study seeks to discuss the perceptions of Brazilian judges upon these new ways of dispensing justice from the perspective of institutional change theory. The data collection involved document analysis, court-hearing observations, and interviews with 14 key-actors in the Brazilian justice system. The results show four dimensions-beliefs, motivations, commitment, and intergroup relations-that characterize the roles played by Brazilian judges working with Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Restorative Justice. This movement can be classified as the modal type of institutional change called layering and "radical" frame blending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article opens discussion on theories in futures studies by analyzing survey results from Finland Futures Research Centre and using the results as an entry point to discussing theoretical lineages found in the literature. The survey, conducted in 2019, included twenty-four responses from researchers and postgraduate students. Altogether 192 different theories or theoretical frameworks were identified. Social science theories and conceptual frameworks were particularly prevalent in the responses, and the most common recurring themes included systems, complexity, and anticipation. The responses are discussed in terms of three levels: philosophy of science, theories of futures studies, and theories in futures studies. Theories in futures studies are further divided into theories of action, practices, and behavior; theories of change; and theories on the micro-, meso-, and macro levels. The results are contextualized and complemented by proposing five functionally differentiated theoretical approaches: (1) theories for forecasting, (2) theories for representing futures, (3) theories for pursuing desired futures, (4) theories for making sense of anticipatory processes, and (5) radical epistemological critiques. The analysis is intended to open discussion on theories rather than provide an exhaustive list of the most important theories. Nevertheless, we can conclude that the field has a rich theory base which could be emphasized in futures education and developed further. It is crucial that actors in the futures field are aware of the theories that guide them because influential theories take part in making the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why, when so many educational interventions demonstrate positive impact in tightly controlled efficacy trials, are null results common in follow-up effectiveness trials? Using case studies from literacy, this article suggests that replication failure can surface hidden moderators—contextual differences between an efficacy and an effectiveness trial—and generate new hypotheses and questions to guide future research. First, replication failure can reveal systemic barriers to program implementation. Second, it can highlight for whom and in what contexts a program theory of change works best. Third, it suggests that a fidelity first and adaptation second model of program implementation can enhance the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions and improve student outcomes. Ultimately, researchers can make every study count by learning from both replication success and failure to improve the rigor, relevance, and reproducibility of intervention research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation is essential to understand whether and how policies and other interventions work, why they sometimes fail, and whether they represent a good use of resources. Evaluability assessment (EA) is a means of collaboratively planning and designing evaluations, seeking to ensure they generate relevant and robust evidence that supports decision-making and contributes to the wider evidence base. This article reports on the context, the process undertaken and evidence from participants in an EA facilitated with public service workers involved in implementing a complex, area-based community improvement initiative. This is a novel context in which to conduct an EA. We show how the process allows practitioners at all levels to identify activities for evaluation and co-produce the theory of change developed through the EA. This enables evaluation recommendations to be developed that are relevant to the implementation of the programme, and which take account of available data and resources for evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse in nature, style, and approach, life histories enjoy a rich and established position within the broader narrative and qualitative research traditions. Nevertheless, such a position may be rendered considerably more complicated given new technologies and post-humanist developments. Rather than shy away from such new complexities, the life history field, it is argued, should embrace these developments and explore the fertile ground that might well lie at the intersections of the postqualitative, Indigenous, and place-based turns. What happens when "place" becomes the central character—the complex, entangled protagonist—of a life history focus? Exploring just such a re-imagining, this article examines the potential for creating fecund new ground for a life history of place. As a concrete example—although perhaps an unlikely source for inspiration—Phil Jenkins's An Acre of Time: The Enduring Value of Place will be offered as a potential prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]