Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2017"
TL;DR: The acceptance of Global Positioning System (GPS) used to help people with dementia, who are at risk for wandering in their communities, was high; dyads were likely to continue using the GPS.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the acceptance of Global Positioning System (GPS) used to help people with dementia, who are at risk for wandering in their communities. We used a mixed methods research approach that included use logs, pre and post paper-based questionnaires, and focus groups. Forty-five client-caregiver pairs (dyads) were included to use one of the GPS devices for an average of 5.8 months over a 1-year period. GPS acceptance was high; dyads were likely to continue using the GPS. According to the participants, the GPS provided caregivers peace of mind and reduced anxiety in dyads when clients got lost.
44 citations
TL;DR: With the growing use of technology in social work practice, social workers and their agencies need to update and enhance their policies to promote the highest standards of practice and to manage risk as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: With the growing use of technology in social work practice, social workers and their agencies need to update and enhance their policies to promote the highest standards of practice and to manage ri...
39 citations
TL;DR: This systematic review of electronic databases and annual reviews from randomly selected college counseling centers revealed that mHealth is a promising resource for infusing technology into the delivery of mental health support services.
Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the use of mobile health (mHealth) for communicating wellness-related resources and mental health interventions to college students. An extensive review was conducted of electronic databases and the annual reviews from randomly selected college counseling centers across the United States. Results revealed that mHealth is a promising resource for infusing technology into the delivery of mental health support services. Recommendations for integrating mHealth into the delivery of mental health support services on college campuses are provided.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the views of young Australian women on using a website or application to address intimate partner violence (IPV) and highlight the potential for technological interventions to become a valuable addition to the resources available to young women.
Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social issue. Younger women tend to experience the highest rates of violence, associated with a range of negative health outcomes. Although interventions in health settings have shown promise, younger women may be reluctant to access services or discuss relationships with a health professional. Delivering an IPV intervention online or via a smartphone has the potential to overcome some of these barriers. Little is known, however, about how young women might perceive such an intervention, or what factors might influence its uptake. Drawing on focus groups interviews, we explore the views of young Australian women on using a website or application to address IPV. Azjen’s Theory of Planned Behavior is used to help understand the beliefs and norms around technology and help-seeking for IPV. Findings highlight the potential for technological interventions to become a valuable addition to the resources available to young women.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the role of mobile communication technologies in establishing social presence with service users, and an argument is made for the proactive use of mobile devices as a component of direct practice.
Abstract: The findings of a small-scale empirical study are drawn upon to explore the concept of social presence and the way in which it can contribute to meeting service users’ expectations of relationship-based social work. Findings from the study highlight the role of mobile communication technologies in establishing social presence with service users, and an argument is made for the proactive use of mobile devices as a component of direct practice. However, such emerging digital social work practices will require practitioners, and social work organizations, to respond positively to new ethical and organizational challenges.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the value of technology education in the social work curriculum and advocate an integrated approach where students study potential technology applications in a real-world context, and include, by way of illustration, a descriptive account of an inquiry-based learning class where students conducted research on how digital media might support education and therapy for children with special needs.
Abstract: This article explores the value of technology education in the social work curriculum and advocates an integrated approach where students study potential technology applications in a real-world context. We include, by way of illustration, a descriptive account of an inquiry-based learning class where students conducted research on how digital media might support education and therapy for children with special needs. The resulting student learning is mapped to the U.S. standards for technology and social work practice, and the main challenges arising from this approach are reviewed.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe iterative stakeholder interviews conducted with adolescents, young adults, parents, advocates, and clinicians and use of human computer interaction techniques to inform major design changes which underscored the role of online interaction to provide emotional support and information, importance of anonymity, desire to share positive media, and need for frequent moderation.
Abstract: Two moderated social media websites were designed for increasing likelihood for mental health treatment engagement for depressed adolescents (sova.pitt.edu) and for parents (wisesova.pitt.edu). This article describes iterative stakeholder interviews conducted with adolescents, young adults, parents, advocates, and clinicians and use of human computer interaction techniques to inform major design changes which: (a) underscored the role of online interaction to provide emotional support and information, (b) importance of anonymity, (c) desire to share positive media, and (d) need for frequent moderation. Future studies will examine acceptability and effectiveness of revised websites in helping depressed adolescents and their parents engage with treatment.
17 citations
TL;DR: The role of online social messaging applications on perceived stress, anxiety, and depression in relation to the moderating influence of age and gender in an Iranian sample was investigated in this paper.
Abstract: The role of online social messaging applications on perceived stress, anxiety, and depression in relation to the moderating influence of age and gender in an Iranian sample was investigated in this study. A demographic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) were utilized in the present research. The resulting data indicated that social networking nonusers had significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression than users of Viber, WhatsApp, Line, Telegram, Tango, Instagram, Facebook, and other social networking applications. Users of WhatsApp, Viber, and other social networking applications had significantly lower levels of anxiety in comparison to users of the Line, Telegram, Tango, Instagram, and Facebook social networking applications. Young adults and females had a significantly higher anxiety level than adolescents and males in this sample.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a program for expert-guided parenting support to be carried out in face-to-face groups, where one goal of such support is to target, help, a...
Abstract: Today, many countries spend a great deal of money and effort on programs for expert-guided parenting support to be carried out in face-to-face groups. One goal of such support is to target, help, a ...
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the issue of parental self-efficacy in guiding and supervising children to use mobile devices in Hong Kong and found that support for parents to adopt involvement methods more frequently and better manage parent-child conflicts are crucial in enhancing their selfefficacy.
Abstract: This article examines the issue of parental self-efficacy in guiding and supervising children to use mobile devices in Hong Kong. Data were collected from a sample of 1,561 students and 1,233 of their parents. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses showed that the frequency with which parents adopted involvement as a parenting method and the frequency of minor parent–child conflicts triggered by parental supervision were significantly associated with parental self-efficacy in supervising children to use mobile devices. Findings suggest that support for parents to adopt involvement methods more frequently and better manage parent–child conflicts are crucial in enhancing their self-efficacy.
13 citations
TL;DR: The husITa international conference was co-chaired by Walter LaMendola (University of Denver) and Stuart Toole (Birmingham Polytechnic) as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Thirty years ago, in Birmingham, England, the first husITa international conference was co-chaired by Walter LaMendola (University of Denver) and Stuart Toole (Birmingham Polytechnic). Over 3 days, from September 8 to 10, 1987, several hundred delegates from 17 countries participated in over 100 human service technology presentations. In the conference program notes, Toole (1987) described the intentions and the need for husITa with the following words:
TL;DR: Computer access appears to offer a constructive role in ameliorating pediatric hospitalization experiences and may be augmented by Internet access, using a qualitative description methodology.
Abstract: Hospitalized children and their families face information and support needs that may be augmented by Internet access. Using a qualitative description methodology, this study examined computer/technology use by hospitalized children. Thirteen pediatric patients who accessed hospital-based computers while hospitalized and 11 parents participated in qualitative interviews. Children used computers for gaming, chatting with peers, homework, social media, and general browsing. Benefits of computer use included distraction from unpleasant treatments, social support, and normalization of experience. Barriers to use included computer inaccessibility, lack of privacy, and technology-based challenges. Computer access appears to offer a constructive role in ameliorating pediatric hospitalization experiences.
TL;DR: Members of a closed Facebook group, established to discuss professional social work issues, were surveyed to explore what they valued about the group, the problems or issues associated with membership, and factors associated with participation or reluctance to participate as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Members of a closed Facebook group, established to discuss professional social work issues, were surveyed to explore what they valued about the group, the problems or issues associated with membership, and factors associated with participation or reluctance to participate. A non-probability, self-selection sample (N = 53) completed an online survey during January and February 2016. Survey findings suggest that participants valued feeling connected to a community of practice, the ability to post and share information, and access to news and information. However, participants also expressed concern about online incivility and experienced reluctance to post opinions because of concerns about the critical comments of others.
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative study examined the feasibility of utilizing gaming technology that will ultimately assess task performance and stress among caregivers of dementia patients, and found that caregivers expressed interest and identified potential ways to further develop the system in order to increase ease of use, decrease time commitment, and improve suitability for daily use.
Abstract: This exploratory qualitative study examined the feasibility of utilizing gaming technology that will ultimately assess task performance and stress among caregivers of dementia patients. The long-term goal is to use this unobtrusive application (app) to detect caregiver burnout for the purposes of early intervention. This preliminary study examined participant interface with a specific gaming technology called CAST (Caregiver Assessment Using Serious Gaming Technology). Ten dementia caregivers participated. Participants attended a demonstration and then interacted with a preliminary version of the CAST tablet application. Social work researchers interviewed participants using open-ended questions to gauge interest, technology skill level, and comfort with the app. Participants expressed interest and identified potential ways to further develop the system in order to increase ease of use, decrease time commitment, and improve suitability for daily use. The provided feedback will be used to refine th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the results of the use of a cognitive behavioral therapeutic intervention tool to improve the mental, physical, and social health of a group of long-term unemployed women in Spain.
Abstract: We present the results of the use of a cognitive behavioral therapeutic intervention tool to improve the mental, physical, and social health of a group of long-term unemployed women in Spain. Metho...
TL;DR: Telepsychiatry via video conferencing is now being utilized in larger health settings due to increasing patient demand and cost-effectiveness, especially within the emergency department context.
Abstract: Telepsychiatry via video conferencing is not new to mental health but has been expanding at a rapid rate over recent years. Initially it was introduced for treatment in remote and rural communities...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the user experience of an online acceptance and commitment therapy program for anxiety and found significant improvements on all mental health measures from pretest to follow-up, except for stress.
Abstract: This exploratory, nonclinical study evaluated the user experience of an online acceptance and commitment therapy program for anxiety. Forty young Australian adults aged between 18 to 25 years old completed the online program over 2 weeks. System usability and perceived helpfulness were evaluated at posttest. Self-rated levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and psychological flexibility were measured at pretest, posttest, and 2-week follow up. System usability was rated above average and significant improvements were found on all mental health measures from pretest to follow-up, except for stress. These results warrant further scrutiny in a clinical randomized controlled trial on the intervention.
TL;DR: Differences in perceived ease of use and usefulness of a web-based referral system by caseworker tenure are investigated and it is suggested that differences in perception are related to differences in actual use.
Abstract: In the child welfare system, technology may help caseworkers make service referrals efficiently. However, acceptance and use of new technology does not occur equally for all caseworkers. Influenced by the Technology Acceptance Model, we investigate differences in perceived ease of use and usefulness of a web-based referral system by caseworker tenure, and how these perceptions relate to use of the system. Results from 31 interviews with newer and more tenured caseworkers suggest important similarities and differences in how these groups perceive the technology, and suggest that differences in perception are related to differences in actual use.
TL;DR: This article examined results from a study of social media in social work education and found that little research exists on the outcomes of using social media for social work in the classroom; however, the results from the study showed that social media was beneficial to the students.
Abstract: Incorporating social media into social work education is on the rise. Yet little research exists on the outcomes of social media in the classroom. This article examines results from a study of stud...
TL;DR: A comprehensive mental health referral inventory based on the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was posted online as an alternative to the informal tests the public now uses to self-diagnose mental health problems in 2007, and test scores proved to be good predictors of a variety of self-reported criterion measures.
Abstract: In 2007, a comprehensive mental health referral inventory based on the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) was posted online as an alternative to the informal tests the public now uses to self-diagnose mental health problems. A validation study was published in 2011 (Epstein & Muzzatti, 2011). In 2013, a revision of that inventory that was consistent with the DSM-5 was posted. The present study evaluates the new inventory with a diverse sample of 201,625 people from 184 countries (mainly the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom). The 63-item inventory screens for 21 common problems and typically takes about 5 min to complete. Test scores proved to be good predictors of a variety of self-reported criterion measures, including happiness, personal and professional success, history of hospitalization, history of therapy, current participation in therapy, and employment. Females were found to have slightly more mental health problems than males, an...
TL;DR: The Journal of Technology in Human Services (JTHS) as discussed by the authors was established by Ballantyne, Wong, and Morgan (2017) with the goal of bringing forward technology-related research and conceptual articles that manuscript reviewers in other social science journals missed.
Abstract: It is our great honor and privilege to be appointed as the new Editor in Chief and Associate Editor in Chief of the Journal of Technology in Human Services (JTHS). We expect that the journal will continue to lead the field in many of the exciting and new areas of technology in human services. We aspire to support the journal’s turning a new page, scaling new heights, making it even more commonly referenced by researchers. The expertise of the JTHS editorial board is situated at the intersection of three core domains: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), human services, and social development. As leaders and explorers in the state of the art and edges of the field, we hope to bring forward technology-related research and conceptual articles that manuscript reviewers in other social science journals. In addition, we are also supported by an excellent group of reviewers and copy editors. Articles reviewed by JTHS are reviewed promptly and receive high quality feedback. This is an exciting time for our field. As Ballantyne, Wong, and Morgan (2017) noted, technology development has been driven by different waves, and the world is now entering a new industrial revolution powered by cyber-physical systems. This new era is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the boundaries across almost all disciplines. As with the effects of the previous eras, the impact of this new iteration is difficult to forecast. New technology brings new opportunities for human services, and it also “disrupts” human services (Goldkind & Wolf, 2015). “Disruptive” does not mean “destructive,” it refers to the possibility that new technology may create a new value network, and eventually disrupt the existing value network. Yet, this is where the mission of researchers plays out—we explore possibilities, and create new knowledge.