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Empowerment is central in gerontological social work. Operationalizing empowerment from the perspective of the target population is important to align with context specific interpretations of what empowerment means. This study aims at operationalizing psychological empowerment from the perspective of older people. A design was chosen that is based on the concept mapping method, though tailored to accommodate the specific principles we assume in empowerment research and to align with target specific conditions that come to play with older persons. The results show an empowerment with 58 statements divided over four components of empowerment; emotional, cognitive, relational and behavioural component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The target group of this study concerns young people with a mild intellectual disability. The central research question is: What evidence can be found in the literature for common and specific factors for a play therapy intervention for young people with a mild intellectual disability struggling with aggression regulation. Method: The criteria used for selecting articles are presented according to the PRISMA, and the PRISMA guidelines for writing a review have been applied. Results: Common factors have been found in the literature that relate to the relationship between therapist and client and the therapeutic skills of the play therapist. Clues have also been found for specific factors of play therapy, such as the use of play as a language and a connection with the child's inner world. In addition, certain factors have been found that are specific to the target group of this article. The non-verbal element of play therapy is an active part of this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study assesses social workers' orientation toward the evidence-based practice (EBP) process and explores which specific variables (e.g. age) are associated. Methods: Data were collected from 341 Dutch social workers through an online survey which included a Dutch translation of the EBP Process Assessment Scale (EBPPAS), along with 13 background/demographic questions. Results: The overall level of orientation toward the EBP process is relatively low. Although respondents are slightly familiar with it and have slightly positive attitudes about it, their intentions to engage in it and their actual engagement are relatively low. Respondents who followed a course on the EBP process as a student are more oriented toward it than those who did not. Social workers under 29 are more familiar with the EBP process than those over 29. Conclusions: We recommend educators to take a more active role in teaching the EBP process to students and social workers.

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Research impact is high on the agendas of governments and funders all over the world. As participatory action-oriented research (PAR) intends to have an impact – positive changes in policy and practice – interest in PAR is rising. But although impact may sound clear, it is susceptible to various interpretations. Hence assessing the impact of PAR is a challenge. In this article we describe a PAR project with multi-stakeholder participation at its core, and focus on the effectiveness (co-impact) of this project. We elaborate on two interpretations of impact: findings-based and process-based impact. Although interest in research impact tends to prioritise findings-based impact which focuses on substantive results and shows little or no attention for the effects of the participation process (process-based impact), we acknowledge both types of impact. We equally value the process-based impact, as it does justice to the potential richness of participation. In presenting our research approach and findings, we provide insight in how both findings-based (substantive results) and process-based (less tangible effects) impact can be generated and assessed. We experienced that strict vigilance was crucial for detecting process related effects, without comprising the findings-based ones. Our research approach, with its consciously chosen sequence of actions, a variety of data gathering methods, and informed selection of stakeholder groups, appears to pay off in generating co-impact. Additionally, the operationalisation of a conceptual impact framework in an applicable impact assessment tool, proved to be useful for discovering less tangible and even hidden effects at the individual and group levels of stakeholders both within and outside the PAR setting. We believe that focusing on substantive results only undervalues the richness of the process of participation and its related effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the motivating effects of goal congruence on outcomes in teams. Building on psychological contract theory and theories of person–environment fit, we proposed at the team level of analysis a mediating role of psychological contract fulfilment (PCF) and moderating effects of task interdependence and team identification. The results indicate partial mediation of shared PCF in the goal congruence – team performance relationships and a significant moderation effect of team identification with team alignment in learning goal orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite social policies aiming to realize an inclusive society, social exclusion of vulnerable groups happens. We analyse the experiences of vulnerable persons with the implementation of social policies. The analysis of in-depth interviews highlights vulnerable persons' interactions with social policy practitioners. This insider's perspective provides insight in how they experience access to social rights. Respondents report feelings of intensified vulnerability, a confrontation with too much bureaucracy, and a range of insufficiencies in practitioners' approaches. The bureaucratic contexts often fail to meet persons needs due to protocols and budget restrictions. To implement a more individualized approach, practitioners need discretionary space in which they can apply moral-ethical considerations and be responsive to personal requests. Based on the acknowledgment of the insider's perspective and addressing the shortcomings of the social policy practice, practitioners can pave the way for more social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Self-reliance and social participation are strongly promoted by social policy. Both concepts are linked to the concept of vulnerability, for people who do not meet these standards are labelled "vulnerable people". In this paper, the insider's perspective takes central stage by seeking to explore what it means to be labelled a "vulnerable person", and through this to further our insight into the meaning of the concept of vulnerability. Method: Thirty-three in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 allegedly vulnerable people. The data were subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: Our analysis revealed three main dimensions and eight sub-dimensions of perceived vulnerability, outlining an insider's concept of vulnerability. This concept includes manifestations of vulnerability, feelings coexisting with vulnerability, and the image of vulnerable people. Conclusion: The perception of vulnerability changes when interacting with others in society, especially with social policy implementers. In this interaction, the perceived vulnerability increases and becomes societal vulnerability. It concerns a dependency situation in which one's strength and self-determination are not recognized, and the help needed is not provided. By acknowledging the insider's perspective, social policy can fulfil a more empowering role towards "vulnerable people" and contribute to people's well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]