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This paper explores the information-seeking behaviors newcomers engage in relating to their psychological contract and addresses the impact of work values (autonomy, advancement, group orientation and economic rewards) and work locus of control (LOC). We propose that these individual characteristics could explain differences in the frequency with which newcomers search for information about the promises their employer has made to them. A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted in which 527 newcomers from eight organizations participated. The results largely support the proposed relationships between work values and contract-related information seeking, while the relation between work LOC and contract-related information seeking is rather weak. Implications for psychological contract formation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the theoretical framework of newcomer sensemaking this study examines factors associated with changes in newcomers' psychological contract perceptions during the socialization process. More specifically, two mechanisms are addressed that could explain changes in newcomers' perceptions of the promises they have exchanged with their employer: (1) unilateral adaptation of perceived promises to reality and (2) adaptation of perceived promises as a function of the reciprocity norm. To test our hypotheses, a four-wave longitudinal study among 333 new hires has been conducted, covering the first year of their employment relationship. Results show that changes in newcomers' perceptions of the promises they have made to their employer are affected by their perceptions of their own contributions as well as by their perceptions of inducements received from their employer. Changes in newcomers' perceptions of employer promises are affected by their perceptions of employer inducements received, but the impact of perceived employee contributions is less clear. The data provide limited support for the idea that the adaptation of perceived promises to perceived inducements and contributions occurs to a stronger extent during the encounter stage than during the acquisition stage of socialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationships between the Type A behavior pattern, work overload, role-related stress, and well-being in computerized office work. Five hypotheses were formulated. A questionnaire measuring these variables was administered to a sample of 893 employees holding office jobs in a large insurance company, a library, and a staffing organization. Path analysis showed that work overload partially mediates the relationship between Type A behavior and well-being, and that role-related stress and work overload strongly affect well-being in this type of work. Work overload did not moderate the relationship between Type A behavior and well-being. One implication for personnel management is that Type A individuals should be trained to perceive the job demands in a realistic way. Another implication is that communication should be improved to solve the problems of role-related stress and work overload. [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]

Partnership research projects between academic researchers, service providers, policy makers, and persons from vulnerable populations are increasingly promoted as a means to inform and improve research and practice. Key elements in partnership research are the participation of multiple stakeholders and a shared responsibility and control over ideas, processes, and outcomes. This sounds clear, yet it is susceptible to various interpretations and coloring, creating the risk of unbalanced power between stakeholders and researcher. In this article, we present a case study in which partnership research is applied in the form of multistakeholder participation. In combination with theoretical concepts, we provide insight into how a partnership based on a nonhierarchical relationship between stakeholders and researcher is developed. We highlight three issues, being the reach, the depth of participation, and the power dynamics between stakeholders and researcher. The findings presented here focus on the partnership research process and the participation of multiple stakeholders as partners. Further research is needed to gain insight in the effectiveness of partnership research, that is, in how a partnership succeeds or fails to reach research goals, for example, improvement of practice, impact, and empowerment of stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the present study we examined care-related and demographic predictors of well-being among 225 (formerly) homeless clients of a Dutch organisation providing shelter services and ambulatory care (shelter facility). The role of social participation as a mediator was considered. Social participation is important for homeless people, as they are often socially isolated. Moreover, social participation enhances well-being and induces happiness. In this study we used the following care-related predictors: (1) participation in various group activities in the shelter facility, and (2) client's experiences with care, such as their satisfaction with the social worker and the shelter facility. Additionally, age and education level were included as demographic predictors. Results from Structural Equation Modelling show that the client's experiences with care and education level are predictors of well-being with a mediating role for social participation, and that participation in activities at the shelter facility is a direct predictor of well-being. However, age is not significantly related to social participation or well-being. We suggest that interventions for the homeless should be based on a combination of individual and group approaches. Special attention should be given to the client–worker relationship. We also recommend that vulnerable children are provided with solid education, and we call for research into the cost-effectiveness of group-based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This case study explores the views and attitudes towards Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) of social workers and staff working in a social work organization in the Netherlands that recently committed to EBP. Method: Qualitative data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with 10 staff members and 12 social workers. Results: Confusion about the meaning of EBP was a major theme among both social workers and staff and EBP was conceptualized in several different ways. Some respondents perceived EBP as using interventions for which there is scientific evidence that it is effective, i.e. Research-Supported Treatments (RSTs), other's used a broader conceptualization that, besides scientific evidence, also takes into account professional expertise and/or client circumstances (EBP process). A strong preference for the EBP process as opposed to RSTs was another major theme among both social workers and staff. Conclusion: The results suggest that organizations preparing for EBP implementation will need to increase both staff's and social workers' understanding of EBP by providing a clear explanation of the difference between RSTs and the EBP process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has suggested that professional youth work settings empower socially vulnerable youngsters, strengthening their personal development and social participation. It is expected that youth work can prevent personal and social problems of youngsters, which may have longer term positive social returns. How the underlying methodical way of acting of youth workers contributes to prevention-focused outcomes remains unclear. This article presents a four-wave longitudinal cohort study (16 months) that investigated longitudinal associations between 12 individual methodical principles that youth workers apply in interactions with youngsters and four prevention-focused outcomes: prosocial skills, self-mastery, social network and civic participation. The sample consisted of 1,597 Dutch youngsters with a mean age of 16.5 years (SD = 3.60). Findings: Linear mixed models analysis found that all individual methodical principles were longitudinally associated with one or more outcome. The strongest associations were observed with regard to prosocial skills and civic participation. Depending on the outcome measure, methodical principles seem to be more effective for boys, for youngsters who participate for 3 years or longer in youth work settings and for youngsters between 10 and 19 years old. With regard to the effect of methodical principles on improving self-mastery, 9 of the 12 principles appeared to play no positive role in increasing self-mastery of youngsters. Applications: This study provides youth workers with a better understanding of which methodical principles are positively associated with prevention-focused outcomes as well as reinforcing the evidence-based practice of professional youth work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on how length of participation in professional youth work is associated with five outcome variables: prosocial skills, self-mastery, social network, civic participation (volunteering and organizing activities) and finding support from social care services. The study was designed as a longitudinal cohort study of four waves during a 16-month period, gathering the data of 1597 youngsters aged 10–24 who participated in Dutch professional youth work. The results show that, on average, youngsters who participated longer in youth work scored significantly higher on the outcome variables. Respondents did not show individual improvements on outcome variables over the period, but the results demonstrate a cautious positive trend over time in volunteering. Referring youngsters (33%) by youth workers to care services could prevent an exacerbation of existing problems. The results provide knowledge that legitimizes the role of professional youth workers and which can be used by them to improve the support of socially vulnerable youngsters in their personal development and social participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-mastery plays a basic role in strength-based and recovery-oriented approaches applied by (mental) health-care institutions and social services. However, no research has been conducted on a comprehensive model that could provide insight into enhancing self-mastery and outcomes, such as social participation and quality of life, for individuals experiencing homelessness. The current mixed-method study investigated associations between person-related variables (optimism, age, education level) and care-related variables (experiences with care, duration of support) as predictors of both social participation and quality of life through the mediator of self-mastery among clients of a Dutch shelter facility. Quantitative analysis (Structural Equation Modeling; n = 97) showed that: (1) Self-mastery is related to social participation and quality of life; (2) Optimism predicts social participation and quality of life through self-mastery; (3) Age squared predicts social participation through self-mastery, but is not related to quality of life; (4) The variable, clients' experiences with care, is not related to self-mastery, but directly to social participation and quality of life; (5) Education level and duration of support do not predict self-mastery, social participation and quality of life. Qualitative analysis (semi-structured interviews; n = 36) revealed: (1) Contrary to the results of the quantitative study qualitative data indicated that there is a positive association between experiences with care and self-mastery; (2) Social participation and health are associated with self-mastery; (3) The absence of external locus of control should also be included as an aspect of self-mastery; (4) Additional promoting and impeding factors for self-mastery (e.g., a daily structure, privacy, house rules). Based on these results we formulated guidelines for social and mental health-care workers to enhance their clients' self-mastery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Girls Work is a method of professional youth work that support girls in vulnerable circumstances to develop agency (Bandura, 2006). In doing this, girls mediate between who they personally want to be and what is expected of them by their social environment. Currently, youth workers do not know which social environment influence girls, and in what way. This study uses a mixed-method approach; the respondents participated in various Girls Work activities in the Netherlands. The quantitative data were gathered using questionnaires completed by 393 girls and qualitative data were collected using a creative instrument with 14 respondents. Results show that the influence of different social environments on girls' agency takes a different form for girls of different ages. These influences are discussed in full. Youth workers should be aware of the ever-changing role of specific social environments and of the (sometimes contradictory) expectations they have of girls. • The influence of different social environment is different for girls of different ages. • Youth workers are important for girls without adult support or with multiple problems. • Family and peers have the strongest influence on girls in the development of agency. • Friends have little influence on girls, possibly because of bad experiences. • Religion, culture and Dutch society have a high influence on girls with non-Western backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This two-wave longitudinal study among 121 entrepreneurs in The Netherlands investigated bi-directional relationships between entrepreneurs’ well-being and performance. Results of Smart PLS analyses showed positive well-being at Time 1 (work engagement; life satisfaction; and job satisfaction) predicted subjective entrepreneurial success 2 years later, both as indicated by entrepreneurs’ reports of achieved financial success (including personal income security and wealth, business turn-over, sales and profit growth), as well as perceptions of achieved personal success (personal fulfilment, community impact and employee relations). No relations were found with objective indicators of business performance (profit; turnover; and number of employees) over time. The expected recursive relationship between performance and well-being was only found in the short term; a better objective financial situation immediately preceding the second measurement moment, predicted better well-being at T2. These results are both in line with a well-being-performance (gain) cycle, and the happiness set-point thesis that predicts resilience in the face of events. This paper contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurs’ well-being as a key factor in long-term subjective financial and personal entrepreneurial success. The practical implication is that entrepreneurs should maintain and improve their own well-being to achieve positive long term business outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• To respond to youngsters needs, youth workers apply a multi-methodic approach. • A multi-methodic approach contributes to personal and social development. • Collaboration with the social environment accelerates positive development. • The findings in this study provide insight into the preventive value of youth work. • The insights in this study support youth workers to improve their practice. The central question in this study is how, for whom, and under which conditions professional youth work contributes to the personal development of socially vulnerable youngsters, the reinforcement of their social network, the enhancement of their social participation, and the timely finding of appropriate specialized care services in relation to contextual factors such as life events and the influence of significant others. This research used a multiple case study with a comparative design. During a 12-month period, youth workers (N = 20) participated in group intervision meetings and kept diaries reporting on their actions and the development of the youngsters (N = 23). An analysis of this data revealed four patterns of development of socially vulnerable youngsters in youth work settings. Each pattern consisted of a specific form of multi-methodic action that resulted in a specific outcome. The study also revealed how these processes of development are influenced by important life events and significant others. The findings suggest that youth work contributes to personal development and social participation and thereby may lessen the need for formal social care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Background: Advanced statistical modeling techniques may help predict health outcomes. However, it is not the case that these modeling techniques always outperform traditional techniques such as regression techniques. In this study, external validation was carried out for five modeling strategies for the prediction of the disability of community-dwelling older people in the Netherlands., Methods: We analyzed data from five studies consisting of community-dwelling older people in the Netherlands. For the prediction of the total disability score as measured with the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS), we used fourteen predictors as measured with the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). Both the TFI and the GARS are self-report questionnaires. For the modeling, five statistical modeling techniques were evaluated: general linear model (GLM), support vector machine (SVM), neural net (NN), recursive partitioning (RP), and random forest (RF). Each model was developed on one of the five data sets and then applied to each of the four remaining data sets. We assessed the performance of the models with calibration characteristics, the correlation coefficient, and the root of the mean squared error., Results: The models GLM, SVM, RP, and RF showed satisfactory performance characteristics when validated on the validation data sets. All models showed poor performance characteristics for the deviating data set both for development and validation due to the deviating baseline characteristics compared to those of the other data sets., Conclusion: The performance of four models (GLM, SVM, RP, RF) on the development data sets was satisfactory. This was also the case for the validation data sets, except when these models were developed on the deviating data set. The NN models showed a much worse performance on the validation data sets than on the development data sets., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2023 van der Ploeg et al.)

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., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

The greying of the population and trends that will change the future institutional context have implications for the social care for people with dementia and their caregivers. Based on the data of services provided by 50 organisations in a region in the South of the Netherlands, an organisational analysis revealed that better coordinated care is needed to fit the changing needs of clients in different phases of the disease process.

Background: In the Netherlands, the distinction between Bachelor degree and diploma nursing educational levels remains unclear. The added value of Bachelor degree nurses and how they develop professionally after graduation are subject to debate., Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate whether Bachelor degree nurses have higher critical thinking skills than diploma nurses do and whether there is a positive relationship between higher critical thinking skills and self-efficacy beliefs. Outcomes might provide instruments that are helpful in positioning of nursing levels in education and practice., Participants: Questionnaire data were used of a sample of 95 registered mental health staff nurses (62 diploma nurses and 33 Bachelor degree nurses)., Methods: First, ANOVA was performed to test whether the two groups were comparable with respect to elements of work experience. Second, t-tests were conducted to compare the two groups of nurses on self-efficacy, perceived performance and critical thinking outcomes. Third, relationships between the study variables were investigated. Finally, structural equation modelling using AMOS was applied to test the relationships., Results: The hypothesis that Bachelor degree nurses are better critical thinkers than diploma nurses was supported (p<0.01). Years in function turned out to be positively related to self-efficacy beliefs (p<0.01). No significant relation was found between the level of education and self-efficacy beliefs., Conclusions: The results of this study support career development and facilitate more efficient positioning of nursing levels., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The prevention of sickness absenteeism of nurses is an important issue for organizations in health care as well as for nurses. The role of work-related attitudes, such as organizational commitment, as a cause of absenteeism is still unclear., Objectives: To examine the influence over time of organizational commitment, health complaints, and visits to a general practitioner on sickness absenteeism., Design and Participants: This was a longitudinal, three-wave study in two nursing homes in the Netherlands among 224 nurses., Methods: Questionnaire data (self reports of organizational commitment, health complaints, visits to a general practitioner), as well as absenteeism data retrieved from personnel files was used., Results: Health complaints and visits to a general practitioner were found to predict absenteeism behaviour. Commitment was related to health complaints at the same point in time, but did not predict future sickness absenteeism., Implications for Nursing Management: With respect to managing sickness absenteeism of nurses it should be acknowledged by managers that nurses call in sick when they perceive that there is a real health problem, not because of negative work attitudes. It is important, however, for managers to signal signs of decreasing organizational commitment because this is associated with increases in health complaints. This can eventually result in increases in absenteeism., (© 2011 The Author. Journal compilation © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Purpose: To assess the relationship between quality management and employee commitment., Design/methodology/approach: Analysis of the state of affairs with respect to (TQM) programs in The Netherlands based on the literature and interviews with key informants., Findings: Description of an approach that tries to integrate employee commitment and quality management based on the concept of employees' psychological contracts with their organization (ideas about mutual obligations between them and their employer)., Research Limitations/implications: The interviews with key informants provide limited information; the study is done in only one country. Research in a broader context and on a larger scale would give a more general overview., Practical Implications: The crucial factor in making quality management work can be better described by "quality fails when employees' psychological contracts are neglected" than by "quality fails when system fails"., Originality/value: This paper highlights the essential relationship between quality management and employee commitment and offers suggestions on how to approach this issue.