Questioning the merits and demerits of electronic communication in Social Work

This paper examines the social dynamics of electronic exchanges in the human services, particularly in social work. It focuses on the observable effects that email and texting have on the linguistic, relational and clinical rather than managerial aspects of the profession. It highlights how electronic communication is affecting professionals in their practice and learners as they become acculturated to social work. What are the gains and losses of the broad use of electronic devices in daily lay and professional, verbal and non-verbal communication? Will our current situation be seriously detrimental to the demeanor of future practitioners, their use of language, and their ability to establish close personal relationships? The paper analyzes social work linguistic and behavioral changes in light of the growth of electronic communication and offers a summary of merits and demerits viewed through a prism emerging from Baron’s (2000) analysis of human communication.

Ecuadorian migration and family strategies of social mobility: dialectic relation between emotional and financial capital

This text deals with transnational strategies of social mobility in Ecuadorian migrant households in Spain. We apply the capital accumulation model (Moser, 2009) for this purpose. The main target of this article is, beyond thinking in terms of capital stock and accumulation, the analysis in depth of the dynamics of the different types of capital, that is to say, how they interact with each other in the framework of the social mobility strategies of the migrants and their families. We are bringing into light the way some households adopt investing decisions in capitals that don't translate into any addition or earnings in all cases, on the contrary, concentrating all their efforts on the accumulation of a certain asset they may, in some cases, lead to a loss of another. We will concentrate our analysis primarily on the dynamics between the physical and financial capital and the social and emotional capital, showing the tensions produced between these two types of assets. At the same time, we will highlight how migrants negotiate their family strategies of social mobility in the transnational area. Our study is based in empirical material obtained from qualitative fieldwork (in-depth interviews) with families of migrants in the urban district of Turubamba Bajo -(south of Quito) and in Madrid. A series of households were selected where interviews were carried out in the country of origin as well as in the context of immigration, with different family members, analysing the transnational social and economic strategies of families of migrant members. Family members of migrants established in Spain were interviewed in Quito, as well as key informants in the district (school teachers, nursery members of the staff, etc.). The research was framed within the projects "Impact of migration on the development: gender and transnationalism", Ministry of Science and Innovation (SEJ2007/63179) (Laura Oso, dir. 2007-2010),"Gender, transnationalism and intergenerational strategies of social mobility", Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (FEM2011/26210) (Laura Oso, dir. 201-1-2015) and “Gender, Crossed Mobilities and Transnational Dynamics”, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (FEM2015-67164).

Acceptance of relapse fears in breast cancer patients: effects of an act-based abridged intervention

Objective: Relapse fear is a common psychological scar in cancer survivors. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of an abridged version of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in breast cancer patients.Method: An open trial was developed with 12 non-metastatic breast cancer patients assigned to 2 conditions, ACT and waiting list. Interventions were applied in just one session and focused on the acceptance of relapse fears through a ‘defusion’ exercise. Interference and intensity of fear measured through subjective scales were collected after each intervention and again 3 months later. Distress, hypochondria and ‘anxious preocupation’ were also evaluated through standardized questionnaires.Results: The analysis revealed that ‘defusion’ contributed to decrease the interference of the fear of recurrence, and these changes were maintained three months after intervention in most subjects. 87% of participants showed clinically significant decreases in interference at follow-up sessions whereas no patient in the waiting list showed such changes. Statistical analysis revealed that the changes in interference were significant when comparing pre, post and follow-up treatment, and also when comparing ACT and waiting list groups. Changes in intensity of fear, distress, anxious preoccupation and hypochondria were also observed.Conclusions: Exposure through ‘defusion’ techniques might be considered a useful option for treatment of persistent fears in cancer patients. This study provides evidence for therapies focusing on psychological acceptance in cancer patients through short, simple and feasible therapeutic methods.

Terapia de aceptación y compromiso en un caso de tras¬torno mixto de ansiedad y depresión en una paciente con cáncer

This paper introduces the case of a woman with breast cancer who had developed a mixed depressive-anxiety disorder with avoidance behaviors. The patient presented depressive symptoms like listlessness, insomnia, weeping, food disorders and hopelessness though. Also, she exhibited physiological arousal and restlessness feelings. Additionally, the patient had an avoidance patron behavior in relation with all stimulus she believed could hurt her. Based on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) the intervention planted the following objectives: the patient will learn to accept her illness and the emotional distress that she was experiencing, also, the patient will recover the other areas of her life that she had abandoned. The treatment was developed in 14 sessions. The therapist used these techniques: creative hopelessness, disabling verbal functions, values clarification and loss of control over private events. In the results, it was observed a positive change in the behavior of the patient as well as a decrease in emotional distress that was his reason for initial consultation

Chemotherapy patient perception regarding communication with the healthcare staff

Purpose: To qualitatively explore the communication between healthcare professionals and oncology patients based on the perception of patients undergoing chemotherapy.Method: Qualitative and exploratory design. Participants were 14 adult patients undergoing chemotherapy at different stages of the disease. A socio-demographic and clinical data form was utilized along with semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and content analysis was performed. Two independent judges evaluated the interview content in regards to emerging categories and obtained a Kappa index of 0.834.Results: Three categories emerged from the data: 1) Technical communication without emotional support, in which the information provided is composed of strictly technical information regarding the diagnosis, treatment and/or prognosis; 2) Technical communication, in which the information provided is oriented towards the technical aspects of the patient’s physical condition, while also providing psychological support for the patients’ subjective needs; and 3) Insufficient technical communication, win which there are gaps in the information provided causing confusion and suffering to the patient.Conclusions: Communication with emotional support contributes to greater satisfaction of chemotherapy patients. Practical implications: the results provide elements for the training of healthcare professionals regarding the importance of the emotional support that can be offered to cancer patients during their treatment.

Consumer reactions to different forms of CSR communication

Aim Companies around the world are making sizeable investments into CSR initiatives, but ensuring appropriate returns on these investments remains challenging. Therefore, it is of value to study the communication of corporate CSR efforts. The purpose of this study is to investigate how consumers react to rational versus emotional message strategies in CSR communication. Two categories of consumer reactions were considered: trust and purchase intention. Methods Qualitative research with four focus groups was conducted. Participants discussed three texts regarding a CSR project, utilising a rational, emotional and a hybrid rational-emotional message strategy respectively. The conversations focused on trust towards the communication and purchase intention. Results Trust - All of the respondents viewed the rational text over the emotional text as more trustworthy, but they most positively reacted to the combined strategy. Rational information was viewed as more reliable by many participants, with emotional cues adding value by better holding their attention. Purchase intention – Participants more positively reacted to the rational CSR communication strategy, compared to an emotional strategy. For approximately half of respondents, the hybrid strategy targeting both rational and emotional cues was the most successful in terms of purchase intention. Upon further analysis, it was identified that this division in respondents’ opinions may reflect a gender difference, where men portrayed the more task oriented and women the socially sensitive consumers. Conclusions The findings support previous research championing the use of rational strategies over emotional strategies in CSR communication. A number of managerial implications that can be used by companies in order to better communicate their CSR activities and increase returns on CSR-related investments are provided.

Movies and the Enchanted Mind : Emotional Comprehension and Spiritual Meaning Making Among Young Adults in Contemporary Sweden

The outcome of an empirical audience study in Sweden including questionnaires, focus groups and ten in-depth individual interviews discussing favorite films supports claims about viewers as active and playful (cf. Frampton 2006, Hoover 2006, Plantinga 2009). The soft side of mediatization processes is illustrated showing young adults experiencing enchantment through films (Jerslev 2006, Partridge 2008, Klinger 2008, Oliver & Hartmann 2010). The outcome is in line with a growing number of empirical case studies which support conclusions that both thinking and behavior are affected by film watching (Marsh 2007, Suckfüll 2010, Oliver & Hartmann 2010, Axelson 2014). The results of the interviews exploring specific scenes of idiosyncratic relevance support theories about fiction films as important sources for moral and spiritual reflection (Partridge 2004, Zillman 2005, Lynch 2007, Plantinga 2009).  The concept thick viewing is proposed for capturing these moments of film experience when profound and enchanted emotional interpretations take place.

Objetivos de Vida e Satisfação na Vida Conjugal em Pais/Progenitores de Crianças com Autismo

Introdução: A presença do diagnóstico de autismo numa criança é algo marcante no seio familiar. Implica inúmeros desafios para os seus pais/progenitores, podendo influenciar os objetivos delineados para as suas vidas e a satisfação na relação conjugal. Os nossos objetivos foram: caraterizar progenitores de crianças com autismo quanto aos objetivos de vida e satisfação na vida conjugal e explorar as associações existentes entre estas duas variáveis (e com variáveis sociodemográficas e relativas ao apoio recebido). Não deixamos de explorar os níveis de depressão, ansiedade, e stress, vivenciados por estes pais. Metodologia: 66 progenitores (sexo feminino, n = 52, 78,8%; idade média, M = 40,2, DP = 6,45) de crianças com autismo preencheram um questionário sociodemográfico, o Teste dos objetivos de vida/PIL-R, a Escala de Avaliação da Satisfação em Áreas da Vida Conjugal/EASAVIC e a Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21/DASS-21. Resultados: Os progenitores revelaram valores médios de objetivos de vida (PIL-R). Foi na dimensão vivencial (PIL-R) e nas dimensões Comunicação e Intimidade Emocional (satisfação em áreas da vida conjugal/EASAVIC) que os progenitores apresentaram valores médios mais elevados. No caso da DASS-21, foi na escala Stress que os progenitores apresentaram valores mais elevados. Porém, em todas as dimensões da DASS-21, os níveis encontrados foram normais. Não se verificaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas por sexo em todas as dimensões do PIL-R, da EASAVIC e DASS-21. Ambas as dimensões do PIL-R, dimensional e existencial, bem como a sua pontuação total mostraram estar associadas com todas as dimensões da EASAVIC (satisfação em áreas da vida conjugal). As três dimensões da DASS-21 (Depressão, Ansiedade e Stress) revelaram estar associada (negativamente) com praticamente todas as dimensões da EASAVIC e do PIL-R. Os progenitores que pertenciam a associações de apoio apenas se diferenciaram dos progenitores que pertenciam a um grupo (de apoio e partilha) numa rede social na dimensão Ansiedade, com estes últimos a apresentarem um nível mais elevado. Discussão: Neste estudo (ainda que numa amostra de tamanho reduzido), inovador pelo tema explorado, os níveis dos objetivos de vida e de satisfação em áreas da vida conjugal (bem como de sintomas de psicopatologia) pareceram “não sofrer” o impacto associado ao facto dos progenitores terem um filho com autismo. Os objetivos de vida mantidos por estes pais influenciam a sua satisfação com a vida conjugal e vice-versa, indicando a importância das equipas que trabalham com estes pais não esquecerem a promoção destas variáveis. / Introduction: The presence of the diagnosis of autism in a child is something remarkable in the family. Involves many challenges for parents/progenitors, which can influence the goals they define in their lives and their satisfaction with the marital relationship. Our objectives were to characterize parents of children with autism on the objectives of life and satisfaction with marital life and explore the associations between these two variables (and with sociodemographic and support variables). We will not forget to explore the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, experienced by these parents. Methodology: 66 parents (females, n = 52, 78.8%, mean age, M = 40.2, SD = 6.45) of children with autism completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Test of Life Goals/PIL-R, the Areas of Marital Satisfaction Rating Scale/EASAVIC and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21/DASS-21. Results: Parents showed a mean value of life goals (PIL-R). Was in the experiential dimension (PIL-R) and the Communication and Emotional Intimacy dimensions (satisfaction in areas of marital life/EASAVIC) that the parents presented higher mean values. Regarding DASS-21, Stress was the scale in which the parents had higher values. However, in all the DASS-21, levels were “normal”. There were no statistically significant differences by gender in all the PIL-R, EASAVIC and DASS-21 scales. Both dimensions of the PIL-R, dimensional and existential, as well as the total score were found to be associated with all the dimensions of EASAVIC (satisfaction in areas of marital life). The three dimensions of the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress) revealed to be associated (negatively) with virtually all dimensions of the EASAVIC and the PIL-R. Parents who belonged to associations only differed from the parents from a social network group (of support and sharing) in the anxiety dimension, with the later presenting an higher level. Discussion: In this study (even if in a small sample size), innovative by the theme explored, levels of life goals and satisfaction in areas of marital life (as well as symptoms of psychopathology) seemed not to suffer from the impact of the parents having a child with autism. The life goals held by these parents influence their satisfaction with marital life and vice versa, indicating the importance of teams working with these parents of not forgetting the promotion of these variables.

The Influence of Informational and Emotional Advertising Appeals on Advertising Effectiveness – Consumers’ Perspective on the Over-the-Counter Product Advertisements in Finland

Consumers face enormous amounts of promotional messages daily whereas the pharmaceutical companies among other industries spend considerable time and money developing effective advertising strategies. There are multiple possible ways to appeal the target customer in order to increase the effectiveness of the advertisement. In spite of the various possibilities to categorize persuasive communication, the informational and the emotional appeals are the typical approaches. This study assesses the influence of the informational and emotional advertising appeals on the advertising effectiveness in the context of OTCs in Finland. The research method applied in this study is a quantitative survey. The data consists of 461 responses from the target population of 18–80 years old Finnish speaking consumers. The results from the marketing research indicate that the positive correlations of the emotional appeals are much stronger than the positive correlations of the informational appeals relating to the advertising effectiveness. However, on average the Finnish consumers experience the OTC advertisements relying on the informational appeals more effective than the OTC advertisements relying on the emotional appeals. Furthermore, within emotional appeals there is a much greater variety in the experienced advertising effectiveness not providing as stabile and consistent experienced advertising effectiveness compared to the informational appeals. Thus, the OTC advertisement relying more on the emotional appeals are much more risky in terms of advertising effectiveness. There are also differences with the experienced advertising effectiveness between the Finnish consumer groups and the information can be utilised when designing tailored OTC advertisements. The Finnish men consider humorous advertisements more effective than the Finnish women. In addition, the people living outside Uusimaa Region experience higher advertising effectiveness with the advertisements relying more on the informational advertisements compared to the people living in Uusimaa Region. In similar vein, the people with lower education experience higher advertising effectiveness with the advertisements relying more on the informational advertisements compared to the people with high education. Additionally, the older generation perceive an OTC advertisement with a middle-aged celebrity more effective than the younger consumers

O Contributo dos Sistemas de Informação para a Eficácia da Liderança e para a Mudança do Comportamento Organizacional

O presente trabalho debruça-se sobre os constructos da liderança e do comportamento de auto-eficácia da liderança nas organizações. Reflecte-se sobre a importância dos sistemas de informação no clima organizacional, com efeitos sobre a eficácia na liderança. Trata-se de uma perspetiva pertinente na conjuntura organizacional atual, dado que incide sobre valores patrimoniais intangíveis que, quando dinamizados, dão suporte à performance organizacional. A nossa preocupação central é a auto-eficácia. Através dela pretende-se melhorar a eficiência organizacional, porque minimiza prejuízos e desperdícios. Também se relaciona a eficácia com o desempenho da liderança organizacional e com o capital ‘confiança’. Dessa forma, os novos caminhos passam por auscultar a percepção dos colaboradores sobre a importância da cultura organizacional face ao desempenho e à eficácia de longo prazo na organização. Com a presente reflexão, evidencia-se que a espiritualidade no local de trabalho é um factor de apoio ao desenvolvimento holístico dos colaboradores. Fica sublinhado que é fundamental que os líderes tenham noção e consciência de “si” e dos seus papéis, e como estes se reflectem no seu comportamento quotidiano na organização. O estudo assenta num trabalho de campo, elaborado numa organização intensiva em informação e que presta serviços de consultoria e informática. Os resultados apurados tentam dizer que, globalmente, no estudo longitudinal das hetero-percepções dos gestores directos e indirectos, o gap cultural diminuiu em todas as dimensões relativas às competências dos papéis, sendo vital destacar o quadrante designado por Apoio. As hetero-percepções dos gestores directos demonstram que o menor gap cultural mantem-se no quadrante de Objectivos Racionais e Competir no modelo de CVF, caracterizado por uma cultura de mercado, e relacionado com a fase da Combinação no modelo de SECI (processos que fomentam os relacionamentos e intercâmbios informais – conversão do conhecimento explícito para o explícito). Enquanto que o maior gap cultural reside no quadrante Apoio e Colaborar no modelo CVF, relacionado com a fase da Socialização no modelo de SECI (processos que fomentam os relacionamentos e intercâmbios informais – conhecimento tácito para tácito). Como o gap cultural diminuiu em todas as dimensões, pode realçar uma melhoria das percepções do desempenho organizacional. Contudo, um resultado inesperado está associado ao quadrante Apoio com a cultura de clã, uma vez que são os gestores indirectos na empresa em estudo que fomentam esta cultura, e não os gestores directos, conforme seria desejável. Um resultado favorável para o estudo da auto-eficácia da liderança demonstra que as médias são mais elevadas para atributos de Gestão e Resolução de Problemas. Os resultados que não corresponderam às expectativas iniciais estão associados às médias baixas relativamente aos atributos Sociais/de Comunicação, o que pode ser uma debilidade porque seria desejável que a equipa de gestão tivesse maior sensibilidade perante os capitais sociais, emocionais e espirituais, os quais estão relacionados com estes atributos.

Sexuality in the media and emotional well-being among lesbian, gay, & bisexual adolescents

LGB teens’ feelings, desires, and physical attractions run contrary to the heteronormative standards of American society. As such, LGB youth often experience feelings of sadness and dejection that can lead to depression and suicidal tendencies (Russell & Joyner, 2001). Evaluating the factors that could possibly influence the emotional well-being of LGB youth would be an important undertaking given the hindrances LGB adolescents face during sexual socialization. The purpose of this dissertation was to study the portrayal of sexuality in media popular with LGB adolescents and to assess the relationship between media exposure and emotional well-being among LGB teens. In particular, this dissertation distinguished between mainstream media and gay- and lesbian-oriented (GLO) media. GLO media were defined as any media outlet specifically designed, produced, and marketed for gay and lesbian audiences. Two studies were conducted to serve as the initial investigation in a program of research that will be designed to better understand the role of media in the lives of LGB individuals. The first study of this dissertation was a content analysis of the television programs, films, songs, and magazines most popular with LGB teens as determined by self-reports of media consumption in a survey of media use. A total of 96 media vehicles composed the content analysis sample, including 48 television programs, 22 films, 25 musical artists, and 6 magazines. Using a coding scheme that was adapted from previous media sex research, Study 1 measured the frequency of sexual instances as well as the type, nature, and source characteristics for each sexual instance. Results of the content analysis suggest that heterosexuality reigns supreme in mainstream media. When LGB sexuality is depicted in mainstream media, it is often sanitized. LGB sexual talk is rarely sexual; rather it is primarily about the social or cultural components of being lesbian, gay, or bisexual. LGB sexual behavior is also rare in mainstream media, which tend to depict LGB individuals as non-sexually as possible. LGB sexuality in mainstream media exists, but is more about proclaiming LGB identity than actually living it. GLO media depicted LGB sexuality more frequently than mainstream media did. GLO media often depict LGB sexuality in a more realistic manner. LGB sexual talk is about LGB identity, as well as the relational and sexual aspects of being a sexual minority. LGB sexual behavior is commonplace in GLO media, depicting LGB individuals as sexual beings. LGB sexuality in GLO media is prevalent and relatively authentic. The second study was a survey that assessed the relationship between media exposure (both mainstream media and GLO media) and LGB teens’ emotional well-being, considering self-discrepancy as an important mediating variable in that relationship. Study 2 also considered age, sex, and sexual identity commitment as possible moderating variables in the relationship between media exposure and emotional well-being. In Study 2, emotional well-being was defined as lower levels of dejection-related emotions. LGB adolescents (N = 573) completed a questionnaire that was used to investigate the relationships between media exposure and emotional well-being. Results of the survey indicated that mainstream media exposure was not significantly associated with dejection-related emotions. In contrast, GLO media exposure was negatively related to feelings of dejection even when controlling for age, sex, race, perceived social support, school climate, religiosity, geographical location, sexuality of peers, and motivation for viewing LGB inclusive media content. Neither age nor sex moderated the relationships between media exposure variables and dejection, but sexual identity commitment did act as a moderator in the relationship between GLO media exposure and dejection. The negative relationship between GLO media exposure and dejection was stronger for participants lower in sexual identity commitment than for participants higher in sexual identity commitment. In addition, the magnitude of discrepancies between the actual self and the ideal self mediated the relationship between GLO media exposure and dejection for LGB adolescents low in sexual identity commitment. However, self-discrepancy did not mediate the relationship between GLO media exposure and dejection for LGB teens highly committed to their sexual identities. Results of both the content analysis and the survey are discussed in terms of implications for theory and method. Practical implications of this dissertation’s findings are also discussed, as well as directions for future research.

Social support in cyberspace: A content analysis of communication within a Huntington’s Disease online support group

Objective: Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an inherited disorder, characterised by a progressive degeneration of the brain. Due to the nature of the symptoms, the genetic element of the disease and the fact that there is no cure, HD patients and those in their support network often experience considerable stress and anxiety. With an expansion in Internet access, individuals affected by HD have new opportunities for information retrieval and social support. The aim of this study is to examine the provision of social support in messages posted to a HD online support group bulletin board. Methods: In total, 1313 messages were content analysed using a modified version of the Social Support Behaviour Code developed by Cutrona & Suhr (1992). Results: The analysis indicates that group members most frequently offered informational (56.2%) and emotional support (51.9%) followed by network support (48.4%) with esteem support (21.7%) and tangible assistance (9.8%) least frequently offered. Conclusion: This study suggests that exchanging informational and emotional support represents a key function of this online group. Practice implications: Online support groups provide a unique opportunity for health professionals to learn about the experiences and views of individuals affected by HD and explore where and why gaps may exist between evidence-based medicine and consumer behaviour and expectations.

Computational approaches to emotional decision making

Findings on the role that emotion plays in human behavior have transformed Artificial Intelligence computations. Modern research explores how to simulate more intelligent and flexible systems. Several studies focus on the role that emotion has in order to establish values for alternative decision and decision outcomes. For instance, Busemeyer et al. (2007) argued that emotional state affects the subjectivity value of alternative choice. However, emotional concepts in these theories are generally not defined formally and it is difficult to describe in systematic detail how processes work. In this sense, structures and processes cannot be explicitly implemented. Some attempts have been incorporated into larger computational systems that try to model how emotion affects human mental processes and behavior (Becker-Asano & Wachsmuth, 2008; Marinier, Laird & Lewis, 2009; Marsella & Gratch, 2009; Parkinson, 2009; Sander, Grandjean & Scherer, 2005). As we will see, some tutoring systems have explored this potential to inform user models. Likewise, dialogue systems, mixed-initiative planning systems, or systems that learn from observation could also benefit from such an approach (Dickinson, Brew & Meurers, 2013; Jurafsky & Martin, 2009). That is, considering emotion as interaction can be relevant in order to explain the dynamic role it plays in action and cognition (see Boehner et al., 2007).

Evidence in promoting positive parenting through the Program-Guide to Develop Emotional Competences

This study aims at providing evidence of the effectiveness of the Program-Guide to Develop Emotional Competences in promoting positive parenting. Contextual, institutional, methodological and professional issues were taken into account to develop a social innovation experience to support parenting as a preventive measure to family conflicts. The study describes both the contents of the Program-Guide and the methodological and evaluation issues that trained professionals need to consider when delivering the Program-Guide to families in natural contexts. Information was gathered and analyzed from 259 parents with children of ages 1-18 who participated in 26 parent training groups. A pre- and post-test design showed that after finishing the sessions parents perceived themselves more competent as parents according to the five dimensions of parenting competences considered: (1) emotional self-regulation abilities; (2) self-esteem and assertiveness; (3) communication strategies; (4) strategies to solve conflicts and to negotiate; and (5) strategies to establish coherent norms, limits and consequences to promote positive discipline. The study presents a discussion on these results from evidence-based parenting programs, as well as some strengths and limitations of the study, together with some suggestions for further research.