Self-Differentiation, Psychological Flexibility, and Difficulties in Practice in Social Workers and Social Work Students.

Practicing social work involves unique difficulties, which may vary with seniority. This study aimed to identify these difficulties among social workers and social work students and to examine the associations between psychological flexibility (PF), self-differentiation (SF), and difficulties in practice in both groups. Ninety-one social work students and seventy-five social workers completed the following questionnaires: Difficulties in Practice, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and Differentiation of Self Inventory. Results showed higher difficulties among social work students regarding their professional competence. Social workers demonstrated higher levels of PF, while no significant difference was found in SF. SF and PF were positively correlated, and both were negatively correlated with difficulties in practice in both groups. Among social work students, a moderating effect of PF was found for the association between SF and difficulties in practice. The current study emphasizes the importance of developing SF and cultivating PF during social work education to enhance professional competence and reduce difficulties in practice.

Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Outcomes for Israelis With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Community.

This study is among the first pre-post examinations to explore differences in subjective well-being, adaptive and maladaptive behavior, close relationships, community integration, family members' satisfaction with residential and community living settings, and family contact before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants demonstrated better life satisfaction and adaptive behavior before COVID-19 than after COVID-19. Participants reported closer relationships with family members and peers before COVID-19 and closer relationships with staff members after COVID-19. The findings reveal mixed, although mostly negative, effects of the pandemic on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community in Israel, in accord with extant comparative research.

Parental reflective functioning and coping among parents of toddlers with severe developmental disabilities: An early integrative bio-psycho-social rehabilitative intervention in daycare facilities.

BACKGROUND: Parental reflective functioning has a positive effect on parents' wellbeing. It is associated with positive outcomes for their children. However, there is little research on it among parents of toddlers with severe developmental disabilities. AIMS: We examined an early bio-psycho-social rehabilitative intervention with parents of toddlers with severe developmental disabilities in daycare programs and its contribution to their parental reflective functioning and coping. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Seventy parents of children (ages 3 months to two and half years) responded to measures before and after the intervention in their children's daycare programs. Structural equation modeling of the mediation model revealed that the therapeutic inputs were associated with more adaptive coping strategies by increasing parental reflective functioning. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Parents who participated in an intervention of 13 sessions or more significantly increased their reflective functioning. The path analysis showed that parental reflective functioning after the intervention mediated the association between its prior level and the therapeutic inputs, and the parents' proactivity and search for support. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Parental reflective functioning positively affects parents' adaptive coping styles. A bio-psycho-social intervention targeting parental reflective functioning benefits parents of toddlers with severe developmental disabilities.

Psychological flexibility of parents of children with disabilities: A systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: Psychological flexibility, a popular concept in clinical psychology, is still evolving in the context of studying parents of children with disabilities. This study systematically reviewed the literature on the psychological flexibility of parents of children with disabilities to identify contributions of the literature and make recommendations for practice and future study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and identified studies on the psychological flexibility of parents of children with disabilities using five electronic databases: PsychNet, PubMed, ERIC, Social Services Abstracts, and EBSCO. Twenty-six articles met the criteria and were included. A thematic analysis was conducted to extract major themes. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged from the data: (1) psychological flexibility is associated with various aspects of mental health; (2) psychological flexibility is associated with parental functioning in caring for children with a disability; (3) acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) based interventions effectively enhance the psychological flexibility of parents of children with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that psychological flexibility is extremely relevant to disability studies and should be further explored in relation to different parental well-being and functioning aspects. Professionals are encouraged to incorporate principles of acceptance and commitment therapy into their work with parents of children with disabilities.

Facilitators of Sense of Belonging Among People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review.

Background: This review synthesizes the available literature regarding factors which facilitate a sense of belonging in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and provide a comprehensive integrative view of the subject. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched, and 13 studies met inclusion criteria for review. The "standard quality assessment criteria for evaluating primary research papers from a variety of fields" indicated satisfactory quality. Factors which facilitate a sense of belonging in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were analyzed into themes. Results: Sense of belonging is enhanced by feeling respected, accepted, and valued (Subjectivity). These experiences are more likely to be achieved in a familiar and safe environment (Dynamism), and with access to platforms for social interactions (Groundedness), where a sense of relatedness and connectedness achieved by shared experiences with others (Reciprocity). Sense of belonging is associated with committed action of people with disability, taking assertive action or being agentic (Self-determination). Conclusion: Sense of belonging is a unique concept that should be addressed in disability research and practice.

Ethical and legal dilemmas experienced by Israeli social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Summary: The Covid-19 pandemic (Coronavirus) has created complex challenges for recipients of social services worldwide and for the social workers entrusted with assisting them. This article presents a study of the decision-making process of Israeli social workers when coping with ethical and legal dilemmas arising during the pandemic. Method: A qualitative self-administered survey was completed by 478 social workers who worked during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes. Findings: We identified three major themes. The first theme was concern over the potential violation of the service users' privacy and confidentiality due to the unique circumstances of the pandemic. The second theme was the danger to the social workers' health when serving clients during the pandemic. The third theme focused on difficulties in providing professional services during the pandemic. Applications: We present several recommendations to help social workers cope with ethical and legal decisions in national emergencies.

The contribution of distress factors and Coping Resources to the motivation to use ICT among adults with intellectual disability during COVID-19.

The current study focused on people with intellectual disability (ID), who have unique disadvantages that place them at greater risk for negative outcomes due to COVID-19. The study goals are three-fold: (a) To examine whether differences in distress factors (loneliness and stress) would be found between adults with ID who used the Zoom application, and those who did not use Zoom during the pandemic; (b) To examine whether differences in psychological and coping resources (psychological capital), and practical-technological resources (attitudes and motivation to use information communication technology) would be found between the groups; (c) To examine the contribution of background variables (gender, type of residence, Zoom use), distress factors and psychological and practical technological coping resources on the motivation to use technology. The sample included 35 adults with ID (MCA = 40.06, SD = 11.02). Of these, 57% learned to use the Zoom application during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 20), and 47% did not (N = 15). Participants answered seven questionnaires examining distress factors and psychological and technological resources. Both groups exhibited distress factors. However, the Zoom users demonstrated higher scores in hope and motivation to use technology. Regression analysis indicated that the resilience and attitudes toward technology among the Zoom users contributed to the explained variance of motivation to use technology. In light of the higher coping resources among Zoom users, we may carefully say that using Zoom might increase the independence of individuals with ID in learning, develop their communications possibilities, and help them to cope better in distress situations.

Exploring fathers' perspectives on family-centered services for families of children with disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Family-centered service is recognized as a recommended approach to help families of children with disabilities. However, the Israeli family-centered program does not explicitly propose intervention strategies for fathers of children with disabilities. AIMS: This study explored fathers' perspectives on family-centered services for families of children with disabilities and focused on their use of the services and experiences with them. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We employed a mixed-methods design using an online survey completed by 33 fathers of children with disabilities who participated in the Israeli family-centered program for families of children with disabilities. Data analyses included descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The majority of fathers said the Israeli family-centered program fit their needs. Participation in the program yielded psychological, familial, and social benefits. Psychologically, the program allowed fathers to mentally recharge and grow. In addition, more than three-quarters of the fathers thought their participation strengthened their family, as evidenced in more shared experiences, more effective family communication, and positive feelings. They also appreciated society's recognition of their unique life circumstances. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Family-centered services should make special efforts to reach out to fathers and create father-friendly services.

The Role of Grandparents in Israeli Muslim Families with Intellectually Disabled Fathers: Social Workers' Perspectives.

Within Israeli Muslim society, men with intellectual disabilities are likely to marry nondisabled women through arranged marriages and create families. This article explores the role of grandparents with these families from the perspective of each family's social worker. A thematic analysis was conducted of 19 semistructured interviews with Muslim social workers serving Muslim families with intellectually disabled fathers. Consistent with cultural norms, paternal grandparents are extremely involved in the lives of these couples and hold responsibilities in many aspects of these couples' family lives. Social workers reported that the nondisabled wives, however, viewed the engagement as intrusive and controlling. Maternal grandparents' contributions were crucially supportive, albeit limited by Muslim cultural norms that placed households under paternal family control. Social workers had conflicted feelings regarding paternal grandparent involvement. Social workers working with Muslim fathers with intellectual disabilities should promote supportive paternal grandparent involvement and ensure that such engagement does not undermine the autonomy or well-being of the nondisabled mothers. Practice guidelines are presented.

Parents' psychological, social and financial outcomes as related to the transition of their offspring with ID from adolescence to adulthood.

BACKGROUND: In general, there is extensive research on parents of young children with ID, particularly studies on stress and coping, social support as associated with quality of life. Unfortunately, there is scarce evidence -based knowledge on parental coping resources and well-being during the transition of their offspring from childhood to adulthood and thereafter. AIMS: This research responds to the scarce knowledge on the effect of the transition of children with ID into adulthood and particularly within adulthood on families. It examined the social, psychological, and financial differences among caregivers of offspring with ID in three age groups: (1) under the age of 21; (2) 21-30; (3) 31 and above. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Three hundred and one caregivers completed an income and expenditure survey, including out-of-pocket expenditures, assets and liabilities index, services use survey, financial and other types of assistance from friends and family, a questionnaire regarding resources and stress levels, a social participation scale, and personal wellbeing index. RESULTS: A statistically significant differences have been detected in the three caregivers' groups regarding the number of hours spent outside the house, social support, negative feelings such as frustration, sadness, and concern, life satisfaction and well-being. No significant differences have been identified in financial outcomes among caregivers' groups. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings are discussed in respect to research and practice and highlight caregivers' concerns regarding the transition of their offspring from adolescence to adulthood and afterward and in parallel to their own aging process.

Social worker attitudes toward parents with intellectual disabilities in Israel.

Purpose: United Nations human rights treaties and domestic law require social workers to support the parenting rights of persons with intellectual disabilities. Social workers are also required to protect the health and well-being of those clients' children. This study explores the experiences, challenges, and complex attitudes of Israeli social workers regarding parenthood by their clients with intellectual disabilities.Methods: A qualitative method employed semi-structured interviews with twenty-one social workers. A thematic analysis identified major themes.Results: Social workers recognized the parental desires of clients with intellectual disabilities and acknowledged their role in supporting those individuals. Nevertheless, most of the social workers expressed negative perceptions regarding the right or capability of clients with intellectual disabilities to parent. Social workers thus felt the tension between their personal reservations and their professional duty to support these clients. Regardless of individual attitudes, social workers uniformly asserted that greater state and community support was needed to enable the parental capacity of their clients.Conclusions: In addition to increasing state and community support for parents with intellectual disabilities, additional training is needed for empowering social workers to act on behalf of these clients in Israel.Implications for RehabilitationSocial workers hold critical roles for parents with intellectual disabilities and are required to support their clients' parenting while ensuring the health and well-being of their children.Israeli social workers balance negative or ambivalent attitudes regarding the capability of parents with intellectual disabilities against a desire to honor their duty to support these clients.State and community support for parents with intellectual disabilities must be increased.Additional training is needed for empowering social workers to act on behalf of these clients in Israel.

Caregiving of offspring with intellectual developmental disabilities in Israeli Jewish and Arab households: Financial and psychosocial differences.

BACKGROUND: This research responds to the lack of evidence-based knowledge regarding the psychosocial and financial gaps among caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities living in Jewish and Arab households. It examines the financial gaps and explores whether caregivers' social economic status and households' affiliation (Jewish vs. Arab) can explain the psychosocial variables such as levels of stress, social participation types and rates, and use of public services. METHOD: One hundred and twenty-five Jewish and Arab caregivers completed an income and expenditure survey, including out-of-pocket expenditures, a services use survey, a questionnaire regarding resources and stress levels, and a social participation scale. RESULTS: Arab households are more likely to have a low socioeconomic status (SES) than Jewish ones, characterized by lower per capita income, less spending, fewer out-of-pocket expenditures, and less ability to deal with an unexpected expense. In respect to psychosocial measures, Arab caregivers report lower use of public services than Jewish caregivers and lean more toward contact with relatives and religious participation than do Jewish caregivers. Caregivers' social economic status and households' affiliation do not have any interaction effect on psychosocial variables. CONCLUSIONS: Findings are discussed regarding research and practice.

Social worker perception of grandparent involvement where a parent has an intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Family members of parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are viewed as their main source of support. However, the existence of family involvement itself does not guarantee that such support will be beneficial. AIMS: This study draws on the perspectives of social workers to describe and evaluate involvement by Israeli family members (grandparents) in the lives of their adult children with ID (parents with ID) who themselves have become parents. METHOD: A thematic analysis was conducted in 21 semi-structured interviews with social workers serving parents with ID through social service departments. RESULTS: From the social workers' perspectives, grandparent attitudes regarding their adult children with ID procreating and parenting ranged from strong resistance to active encouragement. Two sub-themes of grandparent involvement were identified from the social workers' perspectives: the critical role of grandparent support, and the complex relationships between grandparents and the parents with ID. Two further and interrelated subthemes emerged on the role of social worker engagement with grandparents. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals should be aware that grandparent involvement can either support or undermine the parenting function of parents with ID. Social service professionals need to promote family involvement that empowers parents with ID by supporting their needs and roles, but without supplanting their primary parenting activities.

Online Activity, Offline Sociability, and Life Satisfaction Among Israelis With and Without Disabilities.

The Internet has the power to enrich the lives of persons with and without disabilities, and increase independence and subjective well-being. Using path analysis, the study examines the role of Internet use, offline social participation, and connectedness in explaining life satisfaction among people with and without disabilities. Two mediating models have been examined: the first hypothesizes that social participation and connectedness are mediating variables between online use and life satisfaction; the second posits that the association between participation and connectedness to life satisfaction is mediated by Internet use. The secondary data utilized measures from the Kessler National Organization on Disability, 2000 and 2004-Harris survey on a national sample of 557 Israelis with disabilities and a parallel sample of 551 people without disabilities. Findings indicate that people with disabilities tend to participate less and have weaker level of connectedness, and consequently are less satisfied with their life, than persons without disabilities. No significant difference has been found between the two groups in social and other online activities. In terms of the mediating models, the first mediation model has been confirmed for people with disabilities-both connectedness and participation serve as mediators between online social activity and life satisfaction. Interestingly, among those without disabilities, only connectedness has been a mediator in the path between social and other online activities and life satisfaction. Findings are discussed is respect to future research and rehabilitation practice.

Challenging behavior, functioning difficulties, and quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Objective: The current study aimed at examining the correlations between challenging behaviors, difficulties in functioning, and quality of life in institutionalized adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods: A sample of 53 people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behavior who resided in a large institutional care facility was recruited. The research questionnaire included the following instruments: (1) The challenging behavior scale; (2) The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0; and (3) The Personal Well-Being Index. Results: No significant correlation was found between challenging behavior and quality of life. However, more challenging behavior found to be correlated with greater difficulties in functioning. Furthermore, a weak correlation was found between difficulties in functioning and quality of life. Participants who had greater difficulty functioning tended to exhibit lower levels of quality of life. No significant associations were found between the sample's personal characteristics (gender, age, and the severity of intellectual disability) and challenging behavior, difficulties in functioning, and quality of life. Conclusion: Empowering personal functioning of people with intellectual disabilities is important in planning rehabilitation interventions. Such interventions are likely to promote a higher quality of life. There is the need for future research to further investigate the relationship found in this study.

Personal and social life of Israeli aging mothers to adult children with intellectual disabilities: differences related to family status and living arrangement.

This study explores whether aging mothers living in two-parent families whose offspring with intellectual disabilities do better in respect to their undesired daily life events, level of social support and well-being scores than mothers of one-parent families and whether there is difference related to their living arrangement (living with their offspring at home or out-of-home)? Sample consists of 160 Israeli aging mothers of adult children with intellectual disabilities living at home or out-of-home. Core findings show that one-parent mothers do worse in respect to undesired life events than those living in two-parent ones. However, mothers of one-parent families whose adult children live at home report more engagement with family members than those of two-parent families whose children live out-of-home.