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This article explores how the creation of a community of practice among early-career librarians effectively fosters change in academic libraries. The authors distributed a survey to evaluate the needs of untenured faculty librarians at their institution and assess the best approach to address these needs. The results indicated that their library's established model of mentorship between untenured and tenured colleagues left gaps that could be best met through the creation of a peer support group. The authors share the survey results, indicate the implications from these findings, and suggest how librarians at other institutions can implement similar communities of practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dilemma of disclosing one’s illness experiences in real life has led to a proliferation of online health communities. It is worth exploring the nature of such communities. Drawing on the community of practice (CoP) theory, this article explores how members enact online health communities by studying the support group “Philosophical Treatment of Depression,” one of the largest online depression communities in China. The findings show that participants enacted the CoP by constructing negative individual identities and positive collective identities, participating and engaging in the common enterprise, and building a shared repertoire. Constructing negative individual identities and positive collective identities enhanced group cohesion and clarified community goals. Participation and mutual engagement facilitated members’ sharing of illness experiences and seeking/providing support in the community. Sharing treatment and coping experiences and tactics contributed to a shared repertoire that sustains the community. This study provides insights into understanding the nature of online health communities. It also has practical implications for social support to people living with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how contextual factors influence support providers' motivations and message provision. Participants (N = 602) provided supportive messages in response to support-seeking posts sent either publicly or privately through either Facebook or an online support group. Findings revealed that providers' motivations and message provision varied as a function of the channel and privacy of communication. Moderated mediation analyses showed that privacy moderated the indirect effect of channel on verbal person-centered message provision through approach motivation. This project advances extant understanding regarding direct and indirect effects of contextual factors and motivations on the quality of supportive messages people produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined visually impaired individuals' impression management strategies through Goffman's dramaturgical perspective. Consistent with the biomedical model of disability and ableism, participants managed appearance, suppressed emotions, and strategically asked for help in the frontstage to combat stereotypes, present as less of a burden, and serve as low-vision ambassadors. Backstage, participants expressed emotion privately, engaged in solitary pursuits, and coped through support groups and therapy. While therapy helped some resist ableist ideology, even backstage many participants struggled to decompress and find peace. Thus, a true backstage does not apply to people who are oppressed, as frontstage challenges constrained participants' backstage coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) surgery presents an opportunity for shared decision-making (SDM) and may be facilitated by decision-making tools. Currently, no diagnosis or treatment-specific decision-making tools exist for this patient population. Understanding patient PAO surgery decision-making experiences and processes would enable development of a treatment-specific decision-making tool and would help hip preservation surgeons with SDM practices. Questions/purposes: Qualitative methodology was used to address the following questions: (1) What were the information support needs of adult patients with hip dysplasia who decided to have PAO? (2) What was important to adult patients with hip dysplasia who decided to have PAO? (3) How did adult patients with hip dysplasia who have undergone PAO experience the surgical decision-making process? (4) What elements of SDM did adult patients with hip dysplasia experience with their surgeons when deciding to have PAO? Methods: Fifteen volunteer, English-speaking patients in the United States who had been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and who had undergone PAO surgery 6 to 12 months prior to the study were recruited through five PAO surgery Facebook support groups. Individuals were excluded if they had an underlying neuromuscular condition or other diagnosis related to nondevelopmental dysplasia of the hip or if they had a previous PAO surgery > 12 months before data collection. We used purposive sampling strategies to promote sample heterogeneity based on age and preoperative activity level, as these are characteristics that may impact decision-making. Participants were categorized into three age groups: 20 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years, and ≥ 40 years. Participants were also categorized as having "low activity," "moderate activity," or "high activity" preoperatively based on self-reported University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Scale scores. Participants were enrolled consecutively if they met the inclusion criteria and fulfilled one of our sampling categories; we had plans to enroll more participants if thematic saturation was not achieved through the first 15 interviews. Participants included 14 women and one man ranging in age from 23 to 48 years, and all had undergone PAO surgery for hip dysplasia 6 to 12 months prior to the interview. One-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted with each participant by a single interviewer through Zoom video conferencing using video and audio recording. Participants answered semistructured interview questions and provided verbal responses to survey questions so researchers could gain demographic information and details about their symptoms, diagnosis, and PAO surgery between June 2021 and August 2021. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed by three researchers using principles of reflexive thematic analysis. Candidate themes were iteratively defined and redefined until central themes were developed that were distinctly different, yet centrally relevant, and answered the research questions. All codes that informed category and theme development were generated within the first six transcripts that were analyzed. The team felt that thematic saturation was established with the 15 interviews. Results: The main information needs for adult patients with hip dysplasia included diagnosis and treatment-related information, as well as logistics related to surgery and recovery. Many patients described that their information needs were only partially met by their surgeon; most engaged in additional information-seeking from scientific research and online resources and relied on patient peers to meet information needs about the lived experience and logistics related to surgery and recovery. It was important to patients that PAO surgery could preserve their native hip or delay THA and that PAO surgery was likely to reduce their pain and improve function; decision-making was facilitated when patients were able to identify how the indications and goals of PAO surgery aligned with their own situation and goals for surgery. Patients' experiences with decision-making were more positive when information needs were met, when indications and goals for PAO surgery aligned with their personal values and goals, and when their preferred and actual decision-making roles aligned. Adult patients with hip dysplasia described high variability in the extent to which patients were invited to share personal preferences, values, and goals around PAO surgery and the extent to which preferred patient decision-making roles were assessed. Conclusion: We found that elements of SDM are not consistently integrated into hip preservation practice. The knowledge gained through this work about patient PAO surgery information needs, what matters to patients when deciding to have surgery, and their experiences with PAO surgery decision-making can inform future PAO surgery decision-making tool development. Future studies are needed to validate the findings of this study and to determine whether they are generalizable to adult patients with hip dysplasia with different demographic characteristics or to patients who do not participate in social media support groups. Clinical Relevance: Surgeons should recognize that patients are likely to leave their office without their information needs being met. SDM strategies can promote more effective information exchanges in the clinic so surgeons can help patients identify their information needs, provide education and direction to accurate and reputable resources to meet those needs, and help patients appraise information they gather and apply it to their personal situation. Hip preservation surgeons can use the sample SDM script and checklist offered here to support adult patients with hip dysplasia who are making PAO surgery decisions until a future diagnosis and treatment-specific decision-making tool is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite significant advancements in HIV treatment, virological outcomes remain a critical issue. Ethiopia did not meet the 90:90:90 targets set for 2020, which aimed for 90% of people on antiretroviral therapy to achieve viral suppression. As the country shifts its focus toward the 95:95:95 targets for 2030—seeking to achieve 95% viral suppression among those on ART—it is crucial to deepen our understanding of viral suppression and the factors that influence it. Methods: Virological suppression was examined among 410 HIV-positive individuals on ART using the EPHIA survey. The survey employed a two-stage, stratified sampling design across urban areas in nine regions and two city administrations. Data analysis was conducted with STATA version 18, and multicollinearity was assessed using variance inflation factors. A logistic regression model identified significant determinants of viral suppression, with variables having a p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant in the multivariable analysis. Results: The findings revealed that 364 participants (88.78%) achieved viral suppression. Key determinants of virological outcomes included a higher wealth level (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.15–6.22), the presence of active TB (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.14–0.57), hepatitis B virus (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.10–0.31), and the utilization of HIV support group care (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.35–6.30). Conclusion: Viral suppression among HIV patients is 88.78%, which even falls short of the WHO's 90% target for 2020, indicating the substantial work required to achieve 95% by 2030. To improve virological outcomes, it is crucial to increase support for low-income patients, enhance management of co-infections like TB and hepatitis B, and expand access to HIV support groups for better adherence and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the benefits of an arts-based mindfulness program called Holistic Arts-Based Program (HAP), which has been studied for nearly 20 years across various populations. Topics include the program's effectiveness with marginalized children, women leaving abusive relationships, and adults with mental health challenges, as well as its ability to foster creativity, growth, and healing in diverse age groups.

Social workers engaged in combating violence and possessing expertise in group facilitation should demonstrate a thorough comprehension of various group methodologies and be acquainted with exemplar instances of good practice. This article delineates the Fathers' and Men's Group Project, a support group run by Turkish immigrants in Germany since its inception 17 years ago, subsequently evolving into an anti-violence support group recognized nationwide. The paper investigates the manner in which fathers encountering diverse challenges and requirements receive support, which is demonstrated through a practical example. The support group facilitates the provision of assistance to men by individuals sharing comparable experiences, thereby enhancing their social support networks, refining their problem-solving capabilities, and promoting awareness regarding violence. The objective of this paper is to equip social work instructors, students, and graduates with an understanding of the dynamics, functioning, and characteristics of support groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) older adults experience significant behavioral health and healthcare disparities. Facilitators that contribute to positive behavioral healthcare experiences among this population, however, remain uncertain. In this study, we investigate facilitators contributing to positive or satisfactory behavioral healthcare experiences among a sample of TGNC older adults in the United States (US). Method: Between September 2021 and January 2022, the first author conducted 47 semi-structured, individual interviews with TGNC adults aged 65 years or over in the US. Using an inductive grounded theory approach, we examined respondents' positive or satisfactory experiences with accessing and utilizing behavioral health services, support, and resources. Analyses were conducted using NVivo (Release 1.6) software. Results: Findings underscore the importance of addressing the specific or unique needs of TGNC older patients to promote positive or satisfactory experiences in behavioral healthcare. Three themes emerged: (1) engaging with behavioral healthcare practitioners who offer compassionate, patient-centered care; (2) accessing and utilizing culturally tailored peer-support groups; and (3) receiving equitable access to gender-affirming care and social services. Conclusion: These findings highlight opportunities for expanding and incorporating these identified facilitators into behavioral healthcare research and practice, especially when promoting gender affirmation in care for TGNC older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article draws on the stories told by Indigenous women in the midwestern United States to explore embodied experiences of violence and how they conceptualize healing in the aftermath of violence. Two focus groups—conducted as talking circles—were completed with 16 Indigenous women. Findings highlight four salient themes: embodied impacts of violence; normalization of violence; (im)possibilities of healing; and strategies for healing. In particular, the women highlighted embodied practices like collective storytelling as a means of healing. This study deepens our understanding of violence against women by promoting Indigenous ways of knowing and uplifting the voices of Indigenous women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual violence/abuse (SV/A) is increasingly recognized requiring improved, evidence-based treatments. Delivery of group-based support in survivor services is common but often lacks evaluation. This qualitative study explored how survivors experienced groups and wanted recovery measured. Semistructured interviews with survivors of SV/A from two groups (N = 13, female: 25–64 years: mainly White British, heterosexual) were analyzed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified including "anger," recovery "in the company of" others and "different destinations." The work contributes recognition of the need for evaluation with meaning to survivors and the potential for anger to be used in group activism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social prejudice, family nonacceptance, and lack of marriage or adoption rights often restrict the formation of conventional social ties among LGBT older adults. As a result, they often rely on families of choice constituted by other LGBT/age peers for support. Using a series of regression analyses with a national sample of LGBT older Americans, this study investigated how characteristics of social network structure (size and composition - LGBT vs. non-LGBT identity and age ≥50 vs. < 50) were related to LGBT older adults' social network function (perceived social support). Larger social networks, especially those composed of LGBT members and older adults, were associated with more perceived social support. In subgroup analyses, larger social networks composed of more LGBT members and older adults were associated with more perceived social support among lesbian and gay respondents. For bisexual + older adults, larger social network size was associated with more perceived social support, but social network composition was not related to more perceived social support. For transgender older adults, neither social network size nor network composition were significantly associated with perceived social support. This study demonstrated that having more people with similar characteristics in their social networks cues LGBT older adults about the availability of social support. Findings may inform strategies for tailoring programs intended to maintain and strengthen LGBT older adults' social support networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The insights of individuals bereaved by suicide who use peer-led social support groups are lacking in much of the clinical research. This review provided a synthesis of the existing knowledge base to support the development of strategies to improve peer-led social support group services. Design and Methods: A systematic search was carried out on eight electronic databases. Data were extracted and a systematic qualitative meta-aggregation was undertaken. Results: Key components of social support for individuals bereaved by suicide were the contribution of group dynamics to the attribution of meaning; the ways in which shared experience leads to the normalization of feelings; and the importance of support group homogeneity, consistency, and training to the participants' experience. Conclusion: Peer-led social support groups can be invaluable for suicide-bereaved individuals, but attention must be paid to the structure, conduct, and training of group leaders and members in order to optimize outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to explain the influence of women's empowerment on innovation. To achieve this goal, we analyzed a global dataset from 1996 to 2020, covering 68 developed and developing countries and regions, which represent the most extensive sample available for the full core specification. In order to address endogeneity concerns, we apply the system GMM and Lewbel 2SLS estimators. Our results indicate a positive and statistically significant impact of women's economic empowerment on innovation. This effect is robust to alternative measures of innovation and women empowerment; the subcomponents of women empowerment; and alternative estimators that address endogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group of rare non-Hodgkin lymphomas characterized by initial localization of malignant T-lymphocytes in the skin. Support and information from nurses and patient support groups have proven useful for patients with CTCL, but little is known about the educational needs of these patients. Objectives: To investigate the self-reported educational needs among CTCL patients using an educational needs assessment tool and to explore differences related to sex, age, disease duration, clinical stage, and education. Methods: This observational single center study analyzed 70 patients with CTCL in routine dermatological outpatient care. The patients were asked to complete a questionnaire to capture their educational needs in regard to CTCL. The questionnaire was inspired by the educational needs assessment tool, designed and validated for patients with rheumatoid disease. The questionnaire included a general question, "In general, how much information do you want to receive about your lymphoma disease?", and five domains covering information relating to disease process (6 items), treatment (4 items), feelings (2 items), self-management of itch, sleep, and rest (2 items), and support systems (3 items). The domain scores ranged from 0 to 18 (total score from 0 to 51). Each domain score was presented as a mean percentage of the maximum possible domain score. Results: When asked "In general, how much information do you need?", females wanted to know more compared with males (2.6 vs. 2.1, p=0.006), and patients with higher education wanted to know more than patients with lower education (2.5 vs. 2.0, p= 0.025). The domains concerning treatment (80%) and disease process (75%) revealed the greatest needs for education. Patients with a disease duration <2 years reported a greater educational need for the domain support system, compared with patients with longer disease duration. Patients with lower education reported a greater educational need about feelings compared with patients with higher education. Conclusions: CTCL patients in the cohort, particularly females, expressed a need for education, especially regarding disease process and treatment. A deeper understanding of the educational needs would enable healthcare providers to give personalized information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) significantly affects social interactions and emotional well-being. Following COVID-19, there has been growing interest in how individuals with TBI use online social media groups for support. This study examined engagement patterns in four Facebook support groups: two for TBI and two control groups. A deductive approach was used to categorize 4,133 posts and comments into a framework of support discourse, including seeking and giving support, and non-social support. Each category was further subdivided to analyze post content in more detail. Comments on posts were coded for helpfulness/appropriateness. Results revealed that posts in all groups fell into the identified discourse categories, with comments generally being appropriate. Minor differences were noted between TBI and control groups, suggesting that individuals with TBI engage in online support similarly to others. These findings highlight the role of online support groups for individuals with TBI, offering insights that can guide the development of more tailored interventions and improve support services for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify and synthesize qualitative literature on the experiences of participants and key stakeholders in dance programs for people living with Parkinson's disease. Synthesizing the available literature can generate new insights into participant experience to inform current and future programs. Materials and Methods: Qualitative and mixed methods studies were identified via a systematic search of six databases: CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE. Articles were synthesized using the meta-ethnographic method developed by Noblit and Hare (1988). Key concepts across studies were related via reciprocal translation, ultimately forming a line-of-argument synthesis. Results: 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Four interrelated, overarching themes were developed: (1) dance communities provide peer support and insight into living with Parkinson's, (2) feeling safe, accepted, and included in the dance experience, (3) overcoming dance-based challenges contributes to sense of achievement, confidence, and connectedness, and (4) dance participation is an opportunity to re-imagine oneself. Conclusion: Participant experience is shaped by the instructor-participant relationship, the social environment of classes, and class difficulty level. In order to support participant experience, classes should be safe, supportive, and have an appropriate challenge-skill balance. These qualities facilitate creative immersion and the potential for personal and collective change. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Physical activity can improve functional ability and quality of life in people living with Parkinson's disease (PD). Dance is a safe, enjoyable form of physical activity for people with PD that creates opportunities for meaningful social engagement and artistic expression. The quality of the instructor-dancer relationship, the wider social environment, and the challenge-skill balance contribute to dancer experience. For a dance class for people with PD to be successful, it must be safe, socially accepting, and provide opportunities for dancers to experience positive growth and a sense of achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: As an increasing number of birth events have been observed and documented in non-human mammals in recent decades, it has become apparent that for some social mammals, social dynamics during parturition events may be important for reducing maternal anxiety, facilitating labour progression, and improving birth outcomes, maternal-neonate bonding, and aspects of long-term health for parturient females and their impending neonates. The mere presence of group mates may have an important social buffering effect on parturient females, and in some cases, socially supportive behaviours may be performed by group mates toward labouring females and/or their newborn neonates after delivery. In this commentary, after discussing diverse examples of socially supportive behaviours at birth events across a range of mammalian taxa, we also discuss the potential adaptive significance of aspects of sociality around parturition events in some social mammals. We also highlight the importance of further research to enhance knowledge in this field in order to improve both maternal and neonatal health and to contribute to improved long-term population health and fitness in some social mammals. In recent decades, it has become apparent that during parturition events in a number of social mammals, social support behaviours from group mates can be directed to parturient females (and their newborn neonates). Such behaviour has been documented in diverse taxa, across non-human primates, Elephantidae, Cetacea, and Chiroptera, living in a range of social group organisations, from matrilineal groups to cooperatively breeding groups and multi-male, multi-female groups. Since sociality, in association with parturition, has been demonstrated to confer several health benefits to human mothers and neonates, here, we also consider the potential adaptive significance of social support behaviours for other, non-human, social mammals. If appropriate social environments reduce a parturient female's dystocia risk and improve her responsiveness to her neonate following a successful birth, then the impacts of the peri-parturient social environment may ultimately have far-reaching impacts on the mother–neonate dyad's fitness. This seems a logical sequela since the health condition of a neonate at birth and the successful establishment of a strong maternal-neonate bond are often the most critical factors influencing mammalian offspring survival to independence. The principles of kin selection and alliance enhancement may serve to explain the fitness benefits to individuals who support group mates during their parturition and thus the selective advantage conferred to those exhibiting such behaviours. Older, multiparous females appear to hold a particularly important role in the assistance they can provide during the parturition of their group mates, given their greater level of experience of these events. Furthermore, a social birth may have an important influence on horizontal information transfer within a group. In particular, in long-lived, cognitively advanced social mammals (e.g., non-human primates, Elephantidae, Cetacea), witnessing birth events, early neonate responses, and maternal care, and engaging in allomaternal care with young neonates may be essential for nulliparous females' normal development. Such events may serve to prepare them for their own parturition and may improve their own parturition-related survivorship and that of their first-born offspring. Thus, it is vital that a better understanding is gained of the importance and salient features of social births in improving the health and survivorship outcomes for both the mother and her offspring in highly social species. The aim of this commentary is to assemble our current understanding of these highly interconnected themes. We suggest in the future, insights gained through observation of non-human social parturition in domestic and non-domestic species, by a wide and highly interdisciplinary range of stakeholders (including zookeepers, wildlife tourism guides, breeders of domestic animals, indigenous people, and ethologists), will be critical for enhancing our understanding of the influence of social environment on this rarely witnessed, yet highly important life event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No study has unequivocally proven that chemotherapy prolongs overall survival (OS) in advanced esophageal cancer. We conducted a Phase III randomized study in first‐line advanced unresectable/metastatic esophageal/GEJ cancer. Patients aged 18–70 years, with performance status 0–2, were randomized to best supportive care (BSC) alone, or BSC with weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2. BSC comprised, as indicated, education, counselling, radiation, stenting, feeding tube placement, nutritional supplementation, medications like analgesics, and referral to a support group and palliative care. The primary endpoint was OS; secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS), response, toxicity, and QoL. Between May 2016–December 2020, we recruited 281 patients: 143 to chemotherapy and 138 to BSC. Histopathology was squamous in 269 (95.7%) patients. Median number of paclitaxel doses was 12 (IQR, 7–23). Median OS was 4.2 months (95% CI, 3.42–5.32) in BSC, and 9.2 months (95% CI, 8.02–10.48) in chemotherapy; HR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.39–0.64); p <.001. As compared to BSC, chemotherapy increased response (2.9% to 39%), median PFS (2.1 to 4.2 months), 1‐year OS (11% to 32%), 2‐year OS (0 to 9%), median dysphagia‐free survival (2.9 to 14.8 months), and global and esophagus‐specific QoL, without significantly increasing all‐grade or grade ≥3 toxicities. Using ESMO clinical benefit scale and ASCO Value Framework, palliative chemotherapy scored as having "substantial value." Our study provides the first level 1 evidence that chemotherapy prolongs survival in advanced esophageal/GEJ carcinoma. BSC alone is no longer appropriate. Weekly paclitaxel is an attractive option, especially in LMICs with limited access to immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Misokinesia, the reduced tolerance to others' repetitive bodily movements, impacts individuals' personal, social, and professional lives. The present study aimed to elucidate the factors contributing to Misokinesia Sensitivity (MKS) by exploring the subjective experiences of affected individuals, thereby guiding future empirical research and informing clinical awareness. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 participants from an online support group on Facebook. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis to uncover patterns and themes in their lived experiences. The thematic analysis revealed three main themes: internal cognitive and affective impacts, external social impacts, and pragmatic factors related to MKS triggers and responses. These findings provide a foundational understanding of MKS, highlighting its significant personal and social consequences and suggesting areas for targeted interventions. The insights gained aim to enhance clinical recognition and support the development of effective management strategies for those affected by MKS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiracial people are a rapidly growing group who may still lack social support from similar others in their offline lives. This study aimed to understand the user experiences in online groups for multiracial individuals. In a cross‐sectional online survey, 300 multiracial emerging adults (79% women; mean age = 23; most common ethnic identity components: 86% White/European, 44% Chinese, 17% Japanese, 16% Southeast Asian, and 13% Filipino) answered open‐ended questions about their experiences in Facebook groups for multiracial people. Participants described aspects of the groups they liked and disliked most, as well as their identity‐related experiences in the groups. We used reflexive thematic analysis to generate four themes within participants responses: (1) online groups as a gateway into connections with other multiracial individuals, (2) deriving a sense of belonging and community, (3) an opportunity for exploration and validation of racial identity, and (4) negative intrusions such as negative content (e.g., trolling, repetitive posting) and racism. For racial and ethnic minorities such as multiracial individuals, Facebook groups provide a space for community‐building and identity‐related experiences. Although online groups can foster a strong sense of community, validation, and belonging, findings also highlight potential challenges and limitations (e.g., how to delineate group boundaries, difficulty forming close relationships). Online group users and researchers should explore novel ways of maximizing these positive experiences while addressing users' concerns and negative experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Peer supporters play a crucial role in mental health and support services, but their own mental health and emotional well‐being are often neglected by themselves, and, frequently, their organisations. Here, we report findings from a qualitative interview study of peer supporters who completed a co‐produced emotional well‐being training programme. Method: Ten semi‐structured interviews with peer supporters working in the North East of England were conducted to explore their experiences of the training programme. Results: Thematic analysis of the data produced three overarching themes. In Theme 1, 'Increasing psychological preparedness and identifying self‐care and coping strategies', we found that peer supporters improved their knowledge of how to manage sensitive topics such as aggression and suicide and felt more confident in their peer support roles resultantly. In Theme 2, 'It's good to know you're not alone', peer supporters discussed their experience of loneliness in their roles, and as a consequence realised their own need for peer support to help maintain their well‐being. Theme 3, 'Toward the future: next steps', encapsulated peer supporters' willingness to continue their role development and to create a peer support network to continue to obtain mutual support. Conclusion: Our findings emphasise the perceived emotional well‐being benefits of a co‐produced peer supporter training programme. Participants highlighted the need for co‐produced training programmes that are (1) emotion‐focussed, (2) provide access to other peer supporters and (3) provide future avenues for a peer supporter network of mutual support and professional development activities and training opportunities. Patient or Public Contribution: Individuals with lived experience of mental ill health and peer support were consulted in the development of interview questions and provided feedback on the finalised themes to ensure the analysis and interpretations were congruent with their experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports outcomes from a preliminary study of an online, peer-led support group intervention for family members of people experiencing addiction. A mixed-methods design, comprising within-subjects analysis of intervention data and semi-structured interviews, was used. Seventy-eight participants received the intervention. Participants completed baseline and exit surveys: (i) General Self-Efficacy Scale, (ii) Personal Well-being Index, and (iii) Social Connectedness Scale; and at exit: (i) Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, (ii) Group Sessions Rating Scale, and (iii) Perceived Personal Benefits Scale. Eleven participants were interviewed. There was a significant improvement in mean general self-efficacy for the 23 participants who completed baseline and exit surveys. Most were satisfied with the intervention and reported it to be beneficial. Three themes were identified through a conventional content analysis of interviews: connection with others who share experiences, expertise of facilitators, and accessing support when in crisis. Online peer-led support groups may provide an opportunity for affected family members to share and learn coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism literature has emphasized the potential of agritourism in empowering women in rural areas. Recently, there has been a rise in agritourism enterprises managed by women in rural regions of Albania. However, less attention has been paid to the role of agritourism in the empowerment of rural Albanian women and its impact on traditional gender roles. Assessing the role of women in entrepreneurship and societal gender perception, this article explores the potential link between agritourism development and women's empowerment in rural regions of Albania. Drawing on data collected from 2022 to 2023, through a focus group and semi-structured interviews, the findings highlight various positive outcomes. These include a reduction in poverty and unemployment among rural women, as well as enhanced social and economic empowerment. Furthermore, agritourism emerges as a catalyst for self-development and social empowerment for rural women across multiple dimensions. To capitalize on these benefits and promote gender equity in rural areas, future agritourism policies in Albania should incorporate more inclusive incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how virtual spaces facilitated by NPOs are becoming catalysts for personal growth and collective strength. The primary finding indicates that social interaction among peers in an online support group tends to foster personal growth and development. This result is based on a grounded theory analysis of interview data from an online peer group and an interpretation of the data using symbolic interactionism. The study showcases how engagement in these spaces can lead to meaningful outreach and support for vulnerable populations, particularly single mothers. This research contributes to the understanding of collective behavior and its impact on individuals within a virtual group, shedding light on the dynamics of online support communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, interventions have focused on female victims due to intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionate occurrence. Consequently, male victims face significant challenges and unmet needs due to lack of tailored interventions. In under-resourced countries like Nigeria, where male victimization is under-researched and under-documented, the situation is even worse. Using the grounded theory methodology, this study examined the needs and challenges of male victims from the perspective of victims, and professionals who served as key informants. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews from 35 male victims aged ≥18 across 12 states in the southern region of Nigeria, and four professionals were interviewed based on their availability. Data were analysed using content analysis based on category development of the grounded theory method. The challenges and needs identified include balance in the law, need for mental health services, creating a safe space, communal involvement, and victims need to speak up. They were all discussed around an overarching theme of masculinity and societal stereotypes. Re-examination of the existing laws as they apply to male victims, enlightenment campaigns, establishment of tailored institutions or rebranding of existing institution, and creation of support groups were recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examine the small amount of research to date that describes and/or evaluates waitlist interventions as a precursor to treatment for an eating disorder (ED) with the intent to provide recommendations for future research that can further test the efficacy and effectiveness of waitlist interventions. Method: A review of published studies showed the standard of proof about the usefulness of waitlist interventions to be slight, with important gaps in our knowledge. One such gap was whether recovered people with lived experience could provide support to adults waiting for treatment. We briefly present new research evaluating this approach (N = 40), where people waiting for treatment were randomized to waitlist as usual or guided self‐help with a trainee psychologist or a person with lived experience. Results: Eight published studies across 10 different programs are described; N = 7 addressed waitlists for children and adolescents, and only three were randomized controlled trials. Our new research did not support the involvement of people with lived experience at this stage of the treatment journey. Discussion: The results suggest some promise of waitlist interventions. Parents waiting for family‐based treatment were able to improve weight and nutritional health in their children and experienced improved self‐efficacy with respect to managing the ED. Provision of a waitlist intervention to adults may increase the probability of later engagement in treatment. It is still not possible to conclude whether waitlist interventions improve outcomes over treatment compared to those who did not receive such an intervention. We make five recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To fulfil a need for greater access to social support postoperatively, adults who have undergone bariatric surgery have turned to Online Health Communities (OHCs). Prior research has signposted the potential "functional" dimensions of social support found via OHCs. However, the "structural" dimensions experienced on OHC have yet to be explored. This study aimed to explore users' experience of the "functional" and "structural" dimensions of social support facilitated within bariatric surgery OHCs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 adults who were waitlisted or had undergone bariatric surgery. Data were analysed with both deductive and inductive methodologies utilised. Deductive analysis was mapped to social support theories thus themes reflect "informational", "emotional", "belonging", and "tangible" social support. Results: There were five subthemes generated under the theme of "informational" social support, two under "emotional" and "tangible" social support, and one under "belonging" social support. Participants believed that the "informal" structural support in their life was insufficient and a contributing factor to turning to OHCs. For some participants, "formal" structural social support was facilitated via OHCs; however, most were seeking different types of support than what they can receive from their medical support team. The inductive analysis generated two themes including "access to reliable social support 24/7" and "satisfied with the support available on OHCs", highlighting key advantages and value of OHCs. Conclusions: There seems to be value for OHCs in bariatric surgery for social support. However, fundamentally the shared experiences and "belonging" social support seem to be a linchpin for the success of OHCs. KEY POINTS: What is already known about this topic: In Australia, to fulfil a need for greater access to social support postoperatively, adults who have undergone bariatric surgery have turned to Online Health Communities (OHCs). Results from previous analysis of bariatric surgery OHCs suggest that they facilitate different "functional" dimensions of social support. Little is known about the "structural" dimensions of social support concerning bariatric surgery OHCs. What this topic adds: The shared experiences and "belonging" social support seem to be a linchpin for the success of OHCs. OHC users may be good at self-moderating the content shared. Thus, OHCs as part of a bariatric surgery health service may only require minimal moderation and oversight by health professionals. Findings have the potential to help healthcare professionals see the value that OHCs can bring to patients and highlight key considerations in developing, implementing, or recommending them in a health service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the multifaceted character of depression and its related symptoms, an adolescent living with it is at increased risk for a wide range of adverse events. This research aimed to understand and characterize the psychosocial rehabilitation experiences of depressed teenage participants in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional semi-structured interview design influenced by an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) technique was adopted. We employed a nonprobability, purposeful sampling approach to recruit twenty-one adolescents (6 males, 15 females) diagnosed with depression from the community after one month of discharge from admission and undergoing psychosocial rehabilitation. Using separate interviews, we gathered and analyzed data using interpretive phenomenological analysis to produce themes and sub-themes. These were presented with the participants' direct quotations. We discovered that the perspectives of adolescents' psychosocial rehabilitation experience include hopelessness and suicide ideation, coping difficulties, undesirable attitudes from support networks, challenges related to school, and isolation. Participants suggested appropriate therapeutic environments, encouraging support systems, and the media's role in preventing and treating depression among young people as rehabilitation approaches that could assist adolescents to remain lucid for longer intervals. These results shed light on the tragic realities faced by depressed adolescents. There is an urgent need to put well-defined structures in place to aid their rehabilitation and develop coping strategies for a better life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Between 2018 and 2025, a national implementation programme is funding more than 500 new mental health support teams (MHSTs) in England, to work in education settings to deliver evidence-based interventions to children with mild to moderate mental health problems and support emotional wellbeing for all pupils. A new role, education mental health practitioner (EMHP), has been created for the programme. Aims: A national evaluation explored the development, implementation and early progress of 58 MHSTs in the programme's first 25 'Trailblazer' sites. This paper reports the views and experiences of people involved in MHST design, implementation and service delivery at a local, regional and national level. Methods: Data are reported from in-depth interviews with staff in five Trailblazer sites (n = 71), and the programme's regional (n = 52) and national leads (n = 21). Results: Interviewees universally welcomed the creation of MHSTs, but there was a lack of clarity about their purpose, concerns that the standardised CBT interventions being offered were not working well for some children, and challenges retaining EMHPs. Conclusions: This study raises questions about MHSTs' service scope, what role they should play in addressing remaining gaps in mental health provision, and how EMHPs can develop the skills to work effectively with diverse groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to gain in-depth insights into the challenges and needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) throughout their disease to detect increased needs for support. Methods: We conducted face-to-face interviews with 15 patients 18–39 years old at the time of diagnosis of malignancies who had completed treatment at the time of the interview. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The unexpected diagnosis of a serious illness shocked the participants, especially since many were in a life phase of transition at that time and had little knowledge about cancer and its therapy. They reported feelings of helplessness, unfairness, and insecurity triggered by side effects, divergent information from health care professionals (HCPs), or lack of information. After the end of the therapy, many AYAs were challenged by prolonged changes in their lives since they gained strength from the hope of returning to "the life before." The primary needs were social and psychological support, connecting with peers, orientation, and guidance. Conclusion: AYAs face special challenges requiring support and guidance from HCPs that should extend beyond the end of the therapy. There is a need for exchange opportunities with other AYAs. Trial Registration Number: DRKS00030277 (German Clinical Trials Register); September 27, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have drawn attention to people's perceptions of reproductive health in Vietnam. Disabled people in Vietnam have been shown to have particularly low awareness and knowledge of reproductive health, in particular, women with disabilities have varied reproductive health knowledge because some of them have access to better reproductive health information than others. In this situation, non-government organizations (NGOs) and self-help groups (SHGs) contributed great value and provided a great resource for people with disabilities. This article explores the important roles of NGOs and SHGs, as they provide reproductive health information to people with disabilities. This article is concluded with some recommendations and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autistic people demonstrate poor outcomes on objective measures of wellbeing, yet research centring lived experience provides a more nuanced picture. There is growing support for person-centred, holistic and community approaches to enhancing wellbeing for autistic people. Social prescribing may be one such approach. This qualitative study explored the concept of wellbeing for autistic adults – including barriers and self-management – and the implications of this for modifying social prescribing. It involved semi-structured interviews with 21 autistic adults in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data supports research suggesting that self-determination may underlie many aspects of wellbeing for autistic people. The COVID-19 pandemic provided new opportunities to develop wellbeing strategies but also had negative impacts. Social prescribing could promote self-determination by signposting autistic people to peer support opportunities building on intrinsic interests. Points of interest: This interview-based study asked autistic adults to define wellbeing in their own words. The ability to pursue personal wellbeing goals and interests encouraged feelings of competence, connection, acceptance and a positive identity. Social and environmental factors, as well as autistic traits, could have both positive and negative impacts on wellbeing. Receiving an autism diagnosis and accessing support promoted rather than diminished independence and choice, suggesting a need for support should not be considered a poor outcome for autistic people and an accurate diagnosis at any age can be helpful Social prescribing approaches, which connect people to community-based supports, could assist autistic adults with finding and approaching supportive communities and building on interests to enhance wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This invited commentary reflects on Wandersman and Scheier's (2024) call for a more evidence-based model of training and technical assistance (i.e. TTA or implementation support). Their clarion call prompts us to consider what steps need to be taken to refine and scale a solution that genuinely enhances the effectiveness of TTA through a re-imagined model of implementation support. We highlight eight priorities to re-imagine a more effective and efficient model of TTA that reflects best practice and simultaneously contributes to continuous, collective evidence-building. The eight priorities include: (1) an ecosystem of TTA connecting TTA research and practice; (2) TTA capacity building; (3) health equity, and equitable partnerships; (4) trust and relationships; (5) TTA evaluation; (6) continuous quality improvement; (7) implementation support mechanisms; and (8) cost-effective solutions. We advocate for an international, cross-disciplinary, applied agenda aimed at establishing a robust empirical foundation for TTA to foster a culture of continuous quality improvement and knowledge generation across government agencies and philanthropies that fund TTA Centers. We describe a potential scenario for how funders can initiate and support evidence-based TTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass violence incidents (MVIs) result in significant psychological distress for survivors and the broader community. Support services (mental health services, support groups, religious support) can buffer negative effects of MVIs and facilitate recovery. However, the extent to which community members are aware of and use support services post-MVIs is unknown. A probability sample of 5991 adults (M ean age = 45.6, SD = 17.6), mostly female (53%) and White (71%), were recruited from six communities that had experienced an MVI. Participants answered questions on their awareness and use of support services after the MVI and completed measures assessing predisposing, enabling, and need factors that may influence service use. Approximately 20% of participants reported they were aware of mental health services, 20% reported awareness of support groups, and 16% reported awareness of religious support. Younger participants with higher income (predisposing factors), high social support (enabling factor), and direct MVI exposure and psychological distress (need factors) were more likely to report awareness of support services. Of those aware of services, approximately 21% reported using support services. Those with direct MVI exposure and psychological distress were more likely to use each type of service. Otherwise, use of mental health services, support groups, and religious support varied across predisposing factors (race, age, income). Overall, findings suggest there is limited awareness of support services post-MVI, despite the well-documented mental health burden after these incidents. This suggests the need for improved communication about available services after MVIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the psychosocial outcomes of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) youth attending a community social support group in Central Texas from October 2019 to October 2020. SGM youth are at an increased risk of experiencing depression and social challenges due to hetero and cis-normative social norms. This study examined the efficacy of a group intervention for addressing the challenges of 128 SGM youth who participated in this study. Data collection included levels of social support and depression. Analysis between three groups, newcomers (n = 67), <6 months attendance (n = 30), and >6 months attendance (n = 29), found significant differences among Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale 10 total scores, peer support, significant other support, and overall support with greater support seen in participants with greater attendance. We provide recommendations for community-based organizations to better serve SGM youth per our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of peer support workers to support suicidal adolescents is underdeveloped. This study focuses on the effects of a one-year intervention with peer support workers on a chronically suicidal adolescent residing in a secure residential youth care facility in the Netherlands. Moreover, we explore the mechanisms that underpin the role of peer support workers in detail. Method: This study employed a single case study design. We conducted seven semi-structured interviews with staff, peer support workers, and a chronically suicidal adolescent. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis. Results: The results indicate that the suicidal tendencies of the adolescent decreased significantly one year after the peer support intervention compared to the initial baseline. Working mechanisms that underpinned the peer support intervention emphasized building meaningful and trust-based relationships, providing recognition and hope, and practical support from a recovery-oriented perspective. Conclusion: The results suggest that peer support has a beneficial impact on the adolescent and treatment teams. Peer support workers contribute to a sense of belonging and connection, coping with suicidality, rediscovering life goals, and improving adolescent self-management. Barriers and facilitators to implementing peer support workers are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eldercare workers experience higher levels of moral distress than other health and social care service workers. Moral distress is a psychological response to a morally challenging event. Very little is known about moral distress in the context of eldercare and about the mechanisms of preventing or mitigating moral distress. This qualitative study was conducted as part of the "Ensuring the availability of staff and the attractiveness of the sector in eldercareservices" project in Finland in 2021. The data were from 39 semi-structured interviews. This qualitative interview data were examined using two-stage content analysis. The key finding of this study, as reported by eldercare professionals, is that strategies to mitigate moral distress can be found at all organizational levels : organizational, workplace and individual. The tools that emerged from the interviews fell into four main categories: 1) organizational support and education 2) peer support 3) improving self-care and competence and 4) defending patients. The main identified categories confirmed the earlier findings but the qualitative, rich research interview data provided new insights into a little-studied topic: mitigating moral distress in eldercare. The main conclusion is that, in order to mitigate moral distress, ethical competence needs to be strengthened at all organizational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In England and Wales, Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) have the ultimate responsibility, based on doctors' medical recommendations, for deciding to detain a person, without consent, under the Mental Health Act (1983). The work can be traumatic, yet its emotional impacts are often unacknowledged. Consistent themes include erratic levels of supervision and an overdependence on peer support, despite the longstanding recruitment and retention difficulties arising from high levels of stress and burnout. This article draws on findings from two research projects with AMHP services: one a national study using questionnaires and focus groups, and the other a doctoral research study using ethnography. Findings suggest that a lack of peer support, teamwork and debrief opportunities, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensified stress and burnout ('buckling under') as well as undermining socialising opportunities for trainees. AMHPs used metaphoric language to articulate their difficult experiences. Workplace environments including hot-desking and lone working may undermine casework discussions, social relations, informal peer support and supervision. Overall, AMHPs perceive their teammates as an essential source of support (a 'safety net') without which there are negative implications for practice. Ultimately, stress is exacerbated when there is no space to reflect and no team to do this with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstinence self-efficacy, belief in one's ability to abstain, has been identified as a predictor of substance use behavior change. Yet, many people who use substances do not want to abstain. Self-efficacy for achieving a range of goals (i.e. abstinence or harm reduction) would be more widely applicable and might also predict substance use behavior change. The current study reports on the development of the Harm Reduction Self-Efficacy Scale (HRSES), adapted from the Situational Confidence Questionnaire and other measures of behavioral regulation, to assess one's self-efficacy to limit their substance use consistent with their own substance use goals. Participants were recruited from online support groups for individuals with varied personal goals for substance use. The current primary analyses included 226 individuals who completed the HRSES. Using exploratory factor analysis, we found support for a four-factor solution reflecting self-efficacy in different situations that might promote substance use: negative emotions and situations, positive social situations, low self-regulation, and pleasant emotions. Each subscale was generally negatively correlated with substance use and positively correlated with quality of life, indicating greater self-efficacy was associated with less substance use and greater quality of life. Additional work is needed to test the psychometric properties of the HRSES, particularly confirmation of the factor structure in larger and more racially and ethnically diverse samples. The HRSES has promising psychometric properties and high clinical utility with wider applicability to a range of substance use goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) transcends cultural, social and economic boundaries, affecting countless individuals globally. Recovery for IPV survivors is supported by their social networks, yet the readiness of these networks is often poorly understood. This perspective paper proposes an extension to existing network‐oriented IPV support models by integrating a focus on the readiness and well‐being of informal supporters towards the goal of enhancing IPV survivor recovery through effective networks. This paper presents the extended social network‐oriented support model, incorporating the Informal Supporter Readiness Inventory. This tool assesses the readiness of informal supporters, incorporating factors, such as normative and individual beliefs about IPV, and context‐specific factors, to enable identification and targeted assistance where needed. Additionally, the proposed model emphasises the importance of supporting the well‐being of informal supporters, who frequently endure elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression. By integrating these elements, the extended social network‐oriented support model is designed to help professional supporters foster resilient and sustainable support networks for IPV survivors, with potential applicability across various healthcare disciplines. The extended model underscores the necessity of assessing and fostering both the readiness and well‐being of informal supporters to enhance the recovery journey for IPV survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer support is a collaborative practice where people with lived experience of mental health conditions engage in supporting like‐minded. Peer support impacts on personal recovery and empowerment and creates value at an organisational level. However, the implementation of peer support into existing mental health services is often impeded by barriers embedded in organisational culture and support in role expectations. Non‐peer professionals' recovery orientation and attitudes towards peer support workers (PSWs) are essential factors in the implementation of peer support, and this study explored non‐peer professionals' understanding of recovery and their attitudes towards PSWs joining existing community mental health teams in one region of Denmark. In total, 17 non‐peer professionals participated in three focus groups. Thematic analysis led to three themes: (1) Recovery is a process of "getting better" and balancing personal and clinical perspectives; (2) Realising recovery‐oriented practice: a challenging task with conflicting values; and (3) Expectations and concerns about peer support workers joining the team. Recovery‐oriented practice faces challenging conditions in contemporary mental health services due to a dominant focus on biomedical aspects in care and treatment. Implementation facilitators and barriers in the employment of PSWs point towards fundamental aspects that must be present when employing PSWs in an organisation. The issues described leading up to the employment of PSWs reflected in this study underpin the importance of preparing an organisation for the employment of PSWs based on the available knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted in-depth, largely unstructured interviews with 31 involved family members in a metropolitan area of the United States (US) Midwest on their experiences of BPD in a close relative. Narrative analysis employing concepts from anthropology (the logic of care and family assemblage) was used to examine the nature and quality of care practices and identify human, environmental, and cultural supports needed for family recovery. Findings indicate that these US family caregivers provided intensive and extensive care over the long term. They acted in situations of risk to their relative, and often disconnected from professional support. Parents labored under unforgiving normalizations: judgments (real or perceived) of not properly raising or "launching" their children and norms of parental self-sacrifice. The dearth of housing options for the young person hindered recovery. While duly recognizing the care practices provided by family members for a relative with BPD, I argue that there is a significant omission. Our conceptualizing of supports for family members of a relative with BPD needs to encompass supports for their own recovery. Respite, mental health care for caregivers, housing, support groups, and collaborative care (with professionals, peers and family members) could productively assist recovery of all family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer support models of service provision have become increasingly prevalent in recent decades across multiple health and human services fields. In this scoping review, we examine peer support work within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV) service provision, including an examination of how this approach is conceptualized, the mechanisms underlying it, the impact of professionalism, and the benefits and challenges experienced by IPV peer support workers (PSWs). Three social science databases were searched with keywords related to IPV and peer support work, with additional articles and materials identified via targeted Google searches. The final sample of materials meeting criteria for the study (i.e., focusing on trained peer workers and their experiences serving IPV survivor clients) includes 10 papers and reports published from 1983 to 2022. We find that peer support work is conceptualized as a holistic alternative to traditional forms of IPV service provision, and that PSWs are viewed as occupying a unique role in relation to clients that enhances their ability to provide comprehensive care. However, we also identify several challenges resulting from the increasing professionalization of the IPV field, including a lack of role clarity for PSWs, a need to balance structure and flexibility in peer work service settings, and skepticism toward PSWs from credentialed professionals. Lastly, we find that although PSWs experience advantages from providing services, including enhanced personal growth and healing, they also navigate challenges related to maintaining their own emotional well-being and would benefit from additional training and institutional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the social capital of families with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in South India receiving a community‐based early intervention (Enabling Inclusion®) program and to explore determinants and associations between social capital and program duration, socio‐demographic factors, family empowerment, and caregiver burden. Method: Using purposive sampling in a cross‐sectional study design, 217 families (n = 71 received short Enabling Inclusion [<5 months]; n = 146 received long Enabling Inclusion [>9 months]) were recruited and completed the Short Adapted Social Capital Tool (SASCAT: cognitive, structural), measures of family empowerment, and caregiver strain. Descriptive statistics, regression, and correlations were used for analyses. Results: In 52.1% of participants, low cognitive and structural social capital was observed. Higher odds of low structural social capital were observed for mothers with primary versus secondary education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13–0.90; p = 0.029); and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy versus autism (OR = 4.66; 95% CI 1.02–21.21; p = 0.046). Significant associations were found between structural social capital, the child's age, and support group membership (χ2 = 6.29; 4.70; degrees of freedom [df] = 2; 1; p = 0.04; p = 0.02 respectively), as well as between cognitive social capital and other disability in the family (χ2 = 4.62, df = 1, p = 0.03). Interpretation: While program duration was not found to mediate social capital, mother's education and child's diagnosis emerged as key influential factors, warranting their consideration in interventions supporting families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in low‐ and‐middle‐income countries and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interest in online and in‐person psychological support services in Italy during the COVID‐19 pandemic, stimulated by the implementation of the government‐issued 'bonus psicologo' for psychotherapy sessions. Methods and Measures: Public interest was measured using data from Google Trends, a resource that offers open access to actual search requests, within the time frame of 2 July 2017 to 13 November 2022. These data were stratified for Italian regions to explore regional differences. We conducted interrupted time series analyses to assess changes in interest before, during and after the lockdown. Results: Results indicated a significant increase in interest in online psychological support during the lockdown, which was sustained over time and was positively correlated with the implementation of the 'bonus psicologo' (p <.001). Interest in in‐person support decreased during the lockdown but began to rise post‐lockdown (p =.028), with no notable impact from the economic incentive. High interest in online support continued in certain regions even 1 year post‐lockdown, warranting further analysis. Conclusion: The study underscores a heightened post‐pandemic interest in psychological support, both online and in person, in comparison with pre‐pandemic levels. Google Trends emerges as a valuable tool for monitoring public interest during specific events, though the findings must be interpreted with care, given the study's time frame and reliance on relative search volume as a measure. Future research is needed to validate these findings and to compare them against epidemiological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suicide is a major public health issue that increases the risk of suicide for those bereaved by suicide themselves. There is a lack of evaluation of the effectiveness and acceptability of suicide postvention services supporting those bereaved by suicide. Aims: This review aimed to assess evaluations of postvention services supporting those bereaved by suicide and the acceptability of methods of postvention. Methods: Searches of peer-reviewed literature identified 36 studies for inclusion. 22 studies evaluated specific postvention services, 14 evaluated models of postvention. Results: Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, mixed-methods and qualitative postvention evaluation and acceptability research produce high-quality studies. Studies rated as low quality reflect poor reporting, rather than ineffective services. Conclusion: Further evaluation of community-based postvention services within the UK is needed. This would evidence that services in the UK are effective in supporting those bereaved by suicide. Evaluation would benefit services in accessing funding, improve service development and provide holistic support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been estimated to affect about 13% of veterans returning from Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF). For some veterans, the process of transitioning back to civilian life and learning how to reconnect with others can be complicated by PTSD symptoms. The purpose of this literature review is to understand how peer support services can improve a veteran's psychological functioning and aid PTSD recovery. Reviewing the literature has revealed reports from veterans involved in peer support groups. These peer support groups have helped in the promotion of social bonds, in gaining a sense of acceptance and belonging, as well as a decrease in PTSD symptoms. The results contribute to identifying a process by which peer support services could positively impact veterans with PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The median survival time in ALS is approximately 3 years, but survival times range from less than a year to more than 10 years and much variance in disease course remains to be explained. As is true for physical outcomes, there is considerable variance in QOL, which is influenced by psychological health, coping, and social support, among other psychosocial factors. The Seattle ALS Patient Project Database (SALSPPD) provides a unique opportunity for researchers to address established and novel hypotheses about disease progression and QOL in ALS. Methods: The SALSPPD is a longitudinal dataset of people with ALS (n = 143) and their partners (spouses, significant others, or caregivers; n = 123) from clinics and community-based ALS support groups. Participants were interviewed in their homes every 3 months for up to 18 months between March 1987 and August 1989. Follow-up phone calls were completed in 1990, 1994, and 2008, primarily to ascertain disease outcomes. Results: The provided data dictionary includes details of the over 500 variables measured in the study, which have been subsetted into domain datasets. Domains address physical, psychological, social, and behavioral status on the person with ALS and their partners. Missing data were coded according to their mechanism. Data are available in two formats: The person-level (wide) databases and the time-level (long) databases. Discussion: The SALSPPD will provide a rich resource to scientists interested in the natural history of ALS, psychosocial effects on ALS outcomes and vice versa, and psychosocial and disease outcomes of treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]