scholarly journals A redesigned training and staff support programme to enhance job retention in employees with moderate-severe depression

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Walker ◽  
Rachel Dobbing
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Treatment Programme ◽  
Programme Theory ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Support Programme ◽  
Peer Facilitators ◽  
Group Cbt

Purpose Closing the treatment gap in depression is vital to prevent people from losing their jobs. Delivering group-based interventions at work could reach more employees than delivering 1:1 interventions in a clinical setting. This study aims to redesign a Treatment Programme to make it more acceptable and accessible for employees with depression. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods exploratory sequential design with a high level of stakeholder consultation was used to redesign an interdisciplinary Work-focussed Relational Group CBT Treatment Programme for moderate-severe depression. Qualitative data from focus groups and quantitative data from a small feasibility study were integrated to develop the new Training (and Staff Support) Programme (TSSP), which was fully specified and manualised in line with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) for future delivery. Findings Focus groups identified a need for improved acceptability and accessibility of the tertiary preventative Work-focussed Relational Group CBT Treatment Programme. This programme was, therefore, simplified for delivery by peer facilitators at the worksite as an intervention for all employees rather than an indicated/targeted intervention for only those with symptoms/risk of depression. The TSSP comprised a compulsory trauma-informed educational/experiential workshop over four days plus optional open-ended, peer-led base groups set up and run by volunteer peer facilitators. Research limitations/implications The focus groups comprised a convenience sample who knew the researchers as a colleague or therapist, so there is a risk of selection or relationship bias. They were not involved in the data analysis which undermines the element of co-production and increases the risk of analytic or confirmation bias. Practical implications Delivering the new intervention in a group format will require peer facilitators to acquire skills in co-facilitation using a structured-directive leadership style and an awareness of the potential side effects of group-based interventions. Social implications The worksite TSSP provides a democratic learning space and empowers employees to stay at work by self-managing their symptoms and by challenging the interpersonal dynamics and organisational structures that might precipitate and perpetuate depression. Originality/value This intervention is fully specified and manualised with an explicit programme theory, unlike most universal worksite-based CBT programmes.

The effect of corporate social responsibility in the environment of high religiosity: an empirical study of young consumers

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-346
Author(s):  
Irfan Butt ◽  
Bhasker Mukerji ◽  
Md Hamid Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Religious Beliefs ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This paper aims to examine the issue of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Pakistan, where religiosity is very strongly prevalent. Based on literature, it is conceptualized that the consumers’ perception and awareness about the CSR activities influence their purchase intentions, but the effect from consumers’ CSR perception is to be mediated by their trust in the company and their religious beliefs. Design/methodology/approach Both qualitative and quantitative methods are applied to investigate the research issue. The qualitative method is applied in the initial phase and conducted in two steps. First, focus groups discussions are conducted to understand the consumers’ knowledge on CSR and other factors influencing their purchase intention. Next, a number of descriptive and interpretive approaches are applied to examine the contents of focus group discussions. A total of three focus groups discussions are conducted in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. Each of the focus group includes 10 individuals from different social classes. Based on the focus group discussion outcomes, a survey is designed to conduct the quantitative study in the next phase. A set of 310 was randomly selected as a convenience sample from the university student population. This non-probability random sampling method ensures data availability for the study, but also risks that the sample might not represent the whole population of the society, and it might be biased by the volunteers. Findings Based on 230 respondents’ data, it is found that the CSR perception and awareness do influence the purchase intention of consumers, which provides corroborating evidence to confirm that CSR is important for business development in different environments. However, religiosity in society does not play a significant role in determining the effect of CSR perception; but the consumers’ trust in the CSR activities of companies is found to be an important factor. Therefore, it is concluded that CSR has a business value if the consumers have a good perception of CSR which is determined by their trust in the company, but not by the religious orientations. Hence, companies need not overemphasize religious aspects in CSR campaigns, instead working on the building of consumers’ trust is more important. Originality/value Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a widely studied issue because of increasing pressure from global society to ensure ethical corporate behavior. However, there is a trend to dress up CSR within the broader business framework because CSR initiatives eventually pay off through expanding business as result of more engagement with the customers and society. Because the social structure widely varies across the world, it is important to understand how the different social dynamics influence CSR initiatives and their impact on the customers’ buying decisions. This paper examined the issue in Pakistan, where religiosity is very strongly prevalent. Based on literature, it is conceptualized that the consumers’ perception and awareness about the CSR activities influence their purchase intention, but the effect from consumers’ CSR perception is to be mediated by their trust in the company and their religious beliefs. The survey study using 230 respondents’ data confirm that CSR perception and awareness positively influence consumers’ purchase intention. This corroborating evidence generally suggests that CSR initiatives may add value for the companies in different environments.

Cognitive dissonance revisited

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1759-1782
Author(s):  
Roger Brooksbank ◽  
Sam Fullerton
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cognitive Dissonance ◽  
Cognitive State ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cognitive States ◽  
Manifest Content ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
Post Purchase

PurposeIn revisiting Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance, this paper seeks to go beyond traditional business-to-consumer (B2C) research parameters and explore the full extent of its potential application within a New Zealand business-to-business (B2B) purchasing context.Design/methodology/approachThe study's core findings are based on four separate focus group discussions with B2B salespeople. Responses were recorded and analysed according to the manifest content of the discussions. These focus groups were preceded by, and followed up with, two other enquiries that sought the perspectives of B2B buyers.FindingsIntended for use as a learning tool for aspiring B2B salespeople and their instructors, a new typology of four generic potential post-decision ‘cognitive states’ is proposed, which, depending on the scenario at hand, will likely reflect the buyer's mindset.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalisation of findings may be somewhat limited because the focus groups were drawn from a convenience sample totalling just 20 practitioners. Some participants might also have felt slightly constrained, leading to opinions that are subject to bias.Practical implicationsExamples of differing buying scenarios are profiled and explained from the perspective of their implications for salespeople. Suggestions as to how sellers can best accommodate the post-decision cognitive states experienced by their buyers are delineated.Originality/valueConventional wisdom suggests that post-purchase cognitive dissonance is the sole ‘cognitive state’ towards which a B2B salesperson needs to be attuned to for the purpose of taking some form of accommodating action. However, this study indicates that three other states relating to the aftermath of a buyer's decision, whether a purchase is made or not, also merit attention.

scholarly journals A feasibility study of a novel work-focused relational group CBT treatment programme for moderate to severe recurrent depression

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Walker ◽  
Madeleine Vernon-Smith ◽  
Michael Townend
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Job Retention ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Programme ◽  
Recurrent Depression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Interpersonal Difficulties ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Purpose No current psychotherapeutic intervention is designed to enhance job retention in employees with moderate–severe recurrent depression. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of a new, interdisciplinary work-focused relational group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment programme for moderate–severe depression. Design/methodology/approach The programme was based on a theoretical integration of occupational stress, psychological, social/interpersonal and bio-medical theories. It consisted of up to four 1:1 psychotherapy sessions; 12 work-focused, full-day, weekly CBT sessions facilitated by a cognitive behavioural therapist and occupational therapist; and up to four optional 1:1 sessions with an occupational therapist. Depression severity (primary outcome) and a range of secondary outcomes were assessed before (first CBT session) and after (twelfth CBT session) therapy using validated instruments. Findings Eight women (26–49 years) with moderate–severe depression participated. Five were on antidepressant medication. While there was no statistically significant change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale depression scores after therapy (n = 5; p = 0.313), Beck Depression Inventory-II depression scores significantly decreased after therapy (n = 8; –20.0 median change, p = 0.016; 6/8 responses, 7/8 minimal clinically important differences, two remissions). There were significant improvements in the secondary outcomes of overall psychological distress, coping self-efficacy, health-related quality of life and interpersonal difficulties after therapy. All clients in work at the start of therapy remained in work at the end of therapy. The intervention was safe and had 100% retention. Research limitations/implications A major limitation was recruitment shortfall, resulting in a small sample of middle-aged women, which reduces representativeness and increases the possibility of methodological weaknesses in terms of the statistical analysis. A definitive trial would need much larger samples to improve statistical power and increase confidence in the findings. Another major limitation was that two of the authors were involved in delivering the intervention such that its generalisability is uncertain. Practical implications This novel programme was evaluated and implemented in the real world of clinical practice. It showed promising immediate positive outcomes in terms of depressive symptoms, interpersonal difficulties and job retention that warrant further exploration in a longer-term definitive study. Social implications Empirical studies focused on enhancing job retention in employees with moderate–severe recurrent depression are lacking, so this study was highly relevant to a potentially marginalised community. Originality/value While limited by a recruitment shortfall, missing data and client heterogeneity, this study showed promising immediate positive outcomes for the new programme in terms of depressive symptoms, interpersonal difficulties and job retention that warrant exploration in a definitive study.

Food “buycott” as an ethical choice against mafia in Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 490-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Rivaroli ◽  
Arianna Ruggeri ◽  
Roberta Spadoni
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Type Systems ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Marketing Ethics ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Italian Law ◽  
Critical Choice

Purpose As indicated in the Italian law (No. 109-1996), agri-food co-operatives can also play a role in combatting mafia-type systems by choosing to grow their food products in lands confiscated from mafia-type organisations. These food products provide individuals with a new opportunity to fight criminal organisations on the marketplace. The purpose of this study is to explore how people react to a social marketing initiative devoted to promoting food “buycotting” to counteract mafia-type organisations in Italy. Design/methodology/approach The data were obtained from a convenience sample of 339 Italians, and the study adopted a model inspired by the general theory of marketing ethics. A structural equation model was applied to estimate both the parameter and coefficient functions. Findings Individuals recognise the ethical value of “buycotting”. However, they perceive this form of critical choice as not yet being fully effective in counteracting mafia-type systems in Italy. Practical implications The results suggest that promotional and psychological approaches from marketing literature can be effectively used to influence the consumer’s ethical judgement by selectively communicating and emphasising the benefits of the critical consumption investigated. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to address consumers’ ethical judgments and their reactions towards buycotting food as a critical choice to reward socially responsible corporations.

scholarly journals Recovery, quality of life and issues in supported housing among residents with co-occurring problems: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-87
Author(s):  
Linda Nesse ◽  
Marianne Thorsen Gonzalez ◽  
Geir Aamodt ◽  
Ruth Kjærsti Raanaas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Supported Housing ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Housing Satisfaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sense Of Home

Purpose Recovery for residents who experience co-occurring problems and live in supported housing takes place in everyday contexts. This study aims to explore residents’ self-reported recovery and quality of life and examine the relationships between these factors and issues in supported housing. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was conducted at 21 supported housing sites in six cities across Norway. A total of 104 residents (76 men and 28 women) responded to measures of recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale – Revised), life satisfaction (Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life), affect (single items), staff support (Brief INSPIRE) and sense of home (single items). Findings Linear regression analyses indicated associations between recovery and staff support (B = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.01-0.02, ß = 0.39), housing satisfaction (B = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.07-0.22, ß = 0.38), sense of home (B = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.14-0.32, ß = 0.49) and satisfaction with personal economy (B = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.05-0.17, ß = 0.33). Similarly, associations were found between life satisfaction and staff support (B = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.02-0.04, ß = 0.46), housing satisfaction (B = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.46-0.80, ß = 0.60), sense of home (B = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.42-0.87, ß = 0.51) and satisfaction with personal economy (B = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.19-0.50, ß = 0.39). Originality/value The findings imply that core issues in supported housing, namely, staff support, housing satisfaction, sense of home and satisfaction with personal economy, are associated with recovery and quality of life.

Clinical trials and American Indians/Alaska Natives with substance use disorders: identifying potential strategies for a new cultural-based intervention

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 175-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel L. Dickerson ◽  
Kamilla L. Venner ◽  
Bonnie Duran
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
American Indians ◽  
Alaska Natives ◽  
Treatment Setting ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address a significant public mental health disparity affecting American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs): the shortage of clinical trials research analyzing the benefits of AI/AN traditional-based treatments, e.g. drumming. Design/methodology/approach – A total of four focus groups were conducted among outpatient and inpatient AI/AN substance abuse patients and providers serving AI/ANs. The purpose of these focus groups was to obtain insights relating to the recent challenges of conducting a clinical trial within the outpatient treatment setting seeking to analyze the benefits of a new substance abuse treatment intervention utilizing drumming for AI/ANs [Drum-assisted Recovery Therapy for Native Americans (DARTNA)] and to obtain recommendations to successfully conduct a similar study within an inpatient treatment setting. Findings – The most prevalent barriers to conducting a clinical trial within an outpatient setting were transportation and child care issues. Recommendations were obtained with regard to optimizing recruitment and retention for a future study within an inpatient setting. Originality/value – This research offers the field rare information that helps toward identifying strategies to successfully conduct clinical trials investigating the benefits of culturally-appropriate treatments for AI/ANs with substance use disorders.

scholarly journals The impact of young people's participation in events

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliza Hixson
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Transitional Period ◽  
School Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Sense Of Involvement ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the social impact that two events, the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the Clipsal 500, have on young residents (16-19 years old) of Adelaide. The purpose of this paper is to examine how young people participate in these events and how this affects their sense of involvement in the event and contributes to their identity development. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methods approach was adopted in which focus groups and questionnaires were conducted with secondary school students. As an exploratory study, focus groups (n=24) were conducted in the first stage of the research. The results of the focus groups were used to develop a questionnaire that resulted in 226 useable responses. The final stage of the research explored one event in further depth in order to determine the influence of different participation levels. Findings – This study found that young people demonstrated more involvement in the Adelaide Fringe Festival and their identities were more influenced by this event. Further investigation of the Adelaide Fringe Festival also indicated that level of participation affects the social outcomes gained, with those participating to a greater degree achieving higher involvement and increased identity awareness. This is demonstrated through a model which aims to illustrate how an event impact an individual based on their role during the event. Originality/value – This paper applies two leisure concepts in order to analyse the impact of events. Activity involvement is a concept which examines the importance of the activity in the participant's life. Also of importance to young people is how activities contribute to their identities, especially because they are in a transitional period of their lives.

scholarly journals Second Life as a research environment: avatar-based focus groups (AFG)

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Gadalla ◽  
Ibrahim Abosag ◽  
Kathy Keeling
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Purpose – This study aims to examine the nature and the potential use of avatar-based focus groups (AFGs) (i.e. focus groups conducted in three-dimensional [3D] virtual worlds [VWs]) as compared to face-to-face and online focus groups (OFGs), motivated by the ability of VWs to stimulate the realism of physical places. Over the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in using 3D VWs as a research tool. Design/methodology/approach – Using a two-phase reflective approach, data were collected first by using traditional face-to-face focus groups, followed by AFGs. In Phase 2, an online, semi-structured survey provided comparison data and experiences in AFGs, two-dimensional OFGs and traditional face-to-face focus groups. Findings – The findings identify the advantages and disadvantages of AFGs for marketing research. There is no evident difference in data quality between the results of AFGs and face-to-face focus groups. AFG compensates for some of the serious limitations associated with OFGs. Practical implications – The paper reflects on three issues, data quality, conduct of AFGs (including the moderator reflection) and participant experience, that together inform one’s understanding of the characteristics, advantages and limitations of AFG. Originality/value – This is the first paper to compare between AFGs, traditional face-to-face focus groups and OFGs. AFG holds many advantages over OFGs and even, sometimes, over face-to-face focus groups, providing a suitable environment for researchers to collect data.

Do young consumers care about ethical consumption? Modelling Gen Z's purchase intention towards fair trade coffee

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Robichaud ◽  
Hong Yu
Keyword(s):  
Peer Influence ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Fair Trade ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Subjective Norms ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fair Trade Coffee

PurposeA global shift in ethical/sustainable purchase drivers highlights Generation Z (persons aged 15–24) as an important market for producers and marketers. Although much research has touched on fair trade consumption, very little has focused on Gen Z's consumption patterns. This study provides insights into and implications of younger consumers' motivations in ethical/sustainable consumption.Design/methodology/approachThis research examines Gen Z's purchase intention towards fair trade coffee with the theory of reasoned action framework. Data were collected with a convenience sample, and analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe research found a significant influence of knowledge of fair trade towards product interest. Furthermore, general attitudes towards fair trade had a significant influence on product interest, product likeability and convenience. Lastly, product interest and subjective norms significantly influenced Gen Z's purchase intentions towards fair trade coffee.Originality/valueFindings suggest that Gen Z's shift in ethical/sustainable consumption revolves around their subjective norms or peer influence circles and contributes to the notions of self-branding, identify claims and social currency. Younger generations are digital natives, and social media has created a looking glass into their actions. This digital expansion has created more opportunities for individuals to monitor the actions of others and release information in real-time. Therefore, ethical/sustainable consumption by Gen Z can be used as a communication tool among their peers to project personal values and ideological shifts and to influence others close to them.

Brand personality of fabric content: an application of the multidimensional implicit association test (md-IAT)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung-Eun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Implicit Association Test ◽  
Brand Personality ◽  
Association Test ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Implicit Association ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Personality Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Personality Traits

Purpose This study aims to explore whether fabric contents, specifically cotton and polyester, possess particular personality dimensions, as posited by Aaker (1997). The author examined both explicit (conscious, deliberate) and implicit (unconscious, automatic) perceptions of brand personality traits of cotton and polyester. Design/methodology/approach The convenience sample of this study included 51 students from different merchandising classes in a Midwestern university. Participants were first directed to the multidimensional implicit association test (md-IAT) and their implicit perceptions were measured for the content of the two fabrics (cotton and polyester) on five different personality attribute dimensions (sincerity, excitement, competence, sophistication and ruggedness). After the IAT, participants completed the post-IAT survey, including explicit measures of brand personality attributes of cotton and polyester. Findings The findings of this study show that fabric contents can be successfully described and differentiated by Aaker’s brand personality dimensions. Compared with polyester, the distinctive brand personality of cotton was the favorable association between cotton and sincerity. This association was significantly higher than all other personality dimensions in both consumers’ implicit and explicit perceptions. Neither cotton nor polyester was significantly associated with the exciting, competent and sophisticated personality dimensions. Originality/value A unique contribution of this study is that it examines implicit perceptions of the brand personality traits of cotton and polyester. The use of the md-IAT in this study allowed the assessment of consumers’ automatic associations with cotton and polyester of which they may not be aware.

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