Evidence-Based Social Work Practice Calls For The Use 048279

Evidence Based Social Work Practice Calls For The Use Of Research Data

Evidence-based social work practice calls for the use of research data to guide the development of social work interventions on the micro, mezzo and/or macro-levels. Kearney (2001) described ways qualitative research findings can inform practice. Qualitative findings can help social workers understand the clients’ experiences and “what it may feel like”. Therefore, social workers can develop clinical interventions that take into account the experiences of their clients. Qualitative findings can also help social workers monitor their clients. For example, if after reading a qualitative study on how domestic violence survivors respond to stress, they can monitor for specific stress behaviors and symptoms (Kearney, 2001). In addition, they can educate their client what stress behaviors to look for and teach them specific interventions to reduce stress (Kearney, 2001). Given the increasing diversity that characterizes the landscape in the United States, social workers need to take into account culture when formulating interventions. Social workers can utilize qualitative findings to plan interventions in a culturally meaningful manner for the client. To prepare for this Discussion, read Knight et al.’s (2014) study from this week’s required resources. Carefully review the findings, the photographs, and how the researchers wrote up the findings. Finally, review the specific macro-, meso-, and micro-oriented recommendations. Then read Marsigilia and Booth’s article about how to adapt interventions so that they are culturally relevant and sensitive to the population the intervention is designed for. Finally, review the chapter written by Lee et al. on conducting research in racial and ethnic minority communities. By Day 3 Post the following: Using one of the direct quotes and/or photos from Knight et al.’s study, analyze it by drawing up a tentative meaning. Discuss how this would specifically inform one intervention recommendation you would make for social work practice with the homeless. This recommendation can be on the micro, meso, or macro level. Next, explain how you would adapt the above practice recommendation that you identified so that it is culturally sensitive and relevant for African Americans, Hispanics, or Asian immigrants. (Select only 1 group). Apply one of the cultural adaptations that Marsigilia and Booth reviewed (i.e., content adaption to include surface and/or deep culture, cognitive adaptations, affective-motivational adaptations, etc.). Be as specific as you can, using citations to support your ideas.

Paper For Above instruction

Evidence-based social work practice emphasizes the critical role of research data, particularly qualitative findings, in shaping effective interventions across various levels—micro, mezzo, and macro. As Kearney (2001) illustrates, qualitative research offers profound insights into clients' lived experiences, enabling social workers to develop more tailored and empathetic interventions. For example, understanding how domestic violence survivors perceive and respond to stress can inform targeted strategies for stress management and trauma recovery. This approach not only enhances individual client care but also fosters a deeper understanding of underlying social factors influencing behavior.

In the context of homelessness, qualitative data can shed light on the personal narratives and systemic challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Knight et al.'s (2014) study provides a vivid depiction of the lived realities of impoverished women residing in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels, showcasing how policy, trauma, drug use, and urban space intersect to shape their experiences. For instance, a direct quote from the study states, “Many women feel trapped between the city’s shadows and their scars,” illustrating their feeling of powerlessness and social marginalization. This quote conveys a sense of entrapment and social invisibility, which can inform interventions aimed at empowerment and systemic change.

Based on this interpretive understanding, one intervention recommendation for social work practice with homeless populations could be focused on community empowerment through policy advocacy and capacity building at the macro level. For example, social workers could facilitate community organizing efforts to advocate for affordable housing and improved access to mental health services, addressing structural barriers identified in Knight et al.'s study. This macro-level intervention recognizes that individual change is often contingent upon systemic reforms, aligning with the social justice framework central to social work.

To ensure cultural relevance and sensitivity when working with African American communities, it is vital to adapt this intervention to resonate with their cultural values and lived realities. Marsiglia and Booth (2015) highlight that cultural adaptations can include surface-level changes, like language and visuals, and deep cultural modifications, such as integrating community-specific narratives and values. For African Americans, integrating cultural pride, historical resilience, and community solidarity into advocacy efforts can enhance engagement and effectiveness. For example, framing policy advocacy within a narrative of racial justice and collective empowerment aligns with cultural values of communal support and resistance (Lee et al., 2016).

A specific adaptation aligned with this perspective is content adaptation that incorporates the deep culture of the African American community. This involves embedding historical narratives of resilience and collective activism into the intervention’s messaging, which can foster trust and participation. For instance, developing advocacy campaigns that highlight historical struggles for civil rights and emphasize collective action can resonate more profoundly than generic messages, thereby increasing community buy-in and participation (Marsiglia & Booth, 2015). This approach recognizes and respects the community’s cultural identity, thereby fostering a culturally sensitive practice that promotes social justice and systemic change.

References

• Kearney, M. H. (2001). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage Publications.
• Knight, K. R., Lopez, A. M., Comfort, M., Shumway, M., Cohen, J., & Riley, E. D. (2014). Single room occupancy (SRO) hotels as mental health risk environments among impoverished women: The intersection of policy, drug use, trauma, and urban space. International Journal of Drug Policy, 25(3), 389-397.
• Lee, M. Y., Wang, X., Cao, Y., Liu, C., & Zaharlick, A. (2016). Creating a culturally competent research agenda. In A. Carten, A. Siskind, & M. P. Greene (Eds.), Strategies for deconstructing racism in the health and human services (pp. 51-65). Oxford University Press.
• Marsiglia, F. F., & Booth, J. M. (2015). Cultural adaptations of interventions in real practice settings. Research on Social Work Practice, 25(4), 453-465.
• Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., & Bondas, T. (2013). Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study. Nursing & Health Sciences, 15(3), 398-405.