The increasing frequency of disasters destabilizes global communities, thus elevating the prominence of hazard management. This study endeavors to probe the scope, breadth, and potential of integrating social work within the disaster management spectrum, with a specific emphasis on the macro level. Despite their potential, social workers remain underrecognized in global DRR. The study employs a bibliometric analysis of research articles indexed in the Scopus database, using curated keywords. This process used selected keywords and was analyzed with VOSviewer and Voyant Tools. The study reveals that while social workers possess the skills to engage with community entities and governmental agencies, the practice remains heavily skewed toward micro- and mezzo-level interventions. Macro-level social work has limited recognition in the disaster management spectrum. The study identifies key macro-level domains for engaged and compiles 100 potential areas for social work interventions in DRR. The study highlights the need for a paradigm shift in social work practice from predominantly micro- and mezzo-level short-term service delivery interventions to stronger macro-level engagement in DRR. This work highlights the imperative for comprehensive curriculum reform and the advancement of policy-oriented practice to institutionalize social work as a vital component of global DRR frameworks.
Amid rapid population aging and shifts in family structures, improving the quality of life (QOL) for elderly individuals living alone has become an urgent challenge. This study analyzed factors influencing life satisfaction among rural- and urban-type elderly one-person households using data from the 2023 Korean Elderly Survey. Applying a Bayesian LASSO regression model, 18 significant variables were identified for urban elderly and 13 for rural elderly out of 44 total variables. The results showed that health status, economic conditions, social relationships, community environment, and digital accessibility all significantly affect life satisfaction, with differences between rural and urban elderly. In rural areas, a diagnosis of depression had the strongest negative impact, while in urban areas, receipt of Basic Livelihood Security Benefits was the most influential negative factor. Positive influences for both groups included general health status and opportunities for interaction with neighbors. The study also found that difficulty adapting to the information society negatively impacted rural elderly more than urban elderly, highlighting the digital divide as a key factor in disparities. These findings suggest that region-specific and integrated policy strategies addressing health, mental health, economic stability, social connectedness, and digital inclusion are essential to improving life satisfaction among the elderly.
Higher education presents substantial challenges as students navigate diverse academic and career expectations. In China, final-year university students experience considerable stress due to societal, familial, and personal pressures related to employment. This study examined the relationships among employment stress (ES), job-seeking anxiety (JSA), career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE), and social support (SS), focusing on the mediating role of CDMSE and the moderating role of SS in the ES-JSA relationship. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 800 final-year students at two universities in Chongqing, China, through structured questionnaires and a multistage sampling strategy involving cluster sampling and stratified quota-based recruitment. Structural equation modeling (SEM), supplemented by PROCESS-based robustness checks, showed that ES significantly and positively predicted JSA. CDMSE partially mediated the relationship between ES and JSA, whereas SS moderated this association by weakening the adverse effect of ES on JSA. The findings refine understanding of employment-related psychological adaptation by supporting an integrated framework combining stress process theory, social cognitive theory, and the social support buffering model. These findings provide theoretical and practical implications for reducing job-seeking anxiety among Chinese university students.
Although child abuse is a universal social problem, each society has a unique social and cultural context where it occurs. This study examined the effects of South Korean adolescents' perceived academic stress and parent-child conflict on the incidence of child abuse. Utilizing latent class analysis (LCA), the study identified distinct subgroups of adolescents (n = 1, 743) based on their levels of stress and conflict. Recognizing that the influence of the subgroups on child abuse might differ by family income, LCA and logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for low-income and middle- or high-income families. The results indicated that in middle- or high-income families, adolescents who experienced academic stress without parent-child conflict were less likely to face emotional abuse (OR = 0.40, 95% CI [0.20, 0.78]) compared to those experiencing both high stress and conflict. Furthermore, lower academic grades were identified as a significant risk factor for physical abuse within this income group. More effective child abuse prevention strategies are discussed for South Korean adolescents across different income groups.
Street-Based Female Sex Work (SFSWs) refers to a form of prostitution in which sex workers solicit clients in public spaces, most commonly on streets, street corners, or nearby public areas such as parks and benches, in exchange for money, goods, or other benefits. This qualitative study explores the challenges experienced by SFSWs in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected through 20 in-depth interviews with female street sex workers using the snowball sampling technique. The thematic analysis revealed that SFSWs encounter numerous forms of vulnerability and hardship in their daily lives. Participants reported experiencing exploitation, harassment, and violence from various actors, including clients, law enforcement officials, security personnel, local thugs, and vagrants. These women are frequently exposed to physical abuse, sexual assault, and other forms of mistreatment, which significantly affect their safety and well-being. The findings also indicate that the lack of adequate understanding among service providers and relevant stakeholders regarding the complex needs of SFSWs further intensifies their marginalization. The study concludes that addressing the vulnerabilities of this population requires a comprehensive understanding of the broader cultural, structural, and institutional factors that sustain and shape street-based sex work.
Microfinance borrowers oftentimes borrow funds for purposes other than investing. Subsequently, they use that fund for non-investment purposes. This can dodge the poverty alleviation goal of microfinance. The objective of this study is to examine this idea empirically to determine whether microfinance fails to achieve its purpose of poverty alleviation when borrowers borrow and use funds for purposes other than investment. A total of 2571 loans are analyzed and divided into classes according to borrowing purpose and subsequent fund usage using the LCA model. It is found that funds from 26% of loans are used for investment purposes, while the rest are used for some other purposes. This study argues that if the borrowing objectives are other than investment, microfinance can fail to achieve its purpose of poverty alleviation. The study recommends a better understanding of the ulterior objectives of the borrowers before making any loan, and rigorous monitoring of fund usage afterwards.
This study examines the experiences of NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth who participated in online-based social support programs in South Korea. Guided by social support theory and computer-mediated communication (CMC) theory, the study adopts a qualitative case study approach focusing on a nonprofit organization that provides innovative online social support programs for NEET youth. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 13 program participants and analyzed using NVivo-based thematic analysis. The findings identify four key thematic dimensions: motivations for participation, key processes of program engagement, program strategies, and perceived outcomes. Participants joined the program seeking a sense of belonging, opportunities to rebuild daily routines, and support for pursuing personal aspirations. The program's emphasis on respect, empowerment, and peer support created a psychologically safe online environment that facilitated gradual changes in participants' daily habits, self-efficacy, social relationships, and career development. These findings suggest that online social support programs may represent a particularly effective intervention for NEET youth who hesitate to engage in face-to-face activities due to stigma associated with their NEET status. The study provides practical implications for the design of youth intervention programs and policies aimed at supporting socially withdrawn youth.
This study aims to examine the association between single parents' pandemic-induced job loss (PIJL) and parenting difficulties (PD) in Korea, with particular attention to investigating the moderated mediating effect of parental depression by child gender. A nationally representative sample of 2550 single parents with adolescent children were used for data analyses. The results showed that single parents' PIJL was positively associated with PD, and this association was fully mediated by parental depression. Moreover, the mediating effect of PIJL on PD through parental depression was stronger for single parents with male children than for those with female children.
The current study aimed to examine the direct and indirect linkages between economic pressure and adolescent depression. A total of 971 adolescents completed the questionnaires regarding economic pressure, loneliness, school connectedness, and depression. Path analysis was conducted to examine the hypothesized model. Findings revealed that economic pressure significantly predicts adolescents' loneliness, which exacerbates their depressive symptoms. School connectedness moderated the direct and indirect associations between economic pressure and adolescents' depression. The results suggested that future preventive and intervention programs should consider psychological-based techniques and prevent adolescents from being influenced by economic pressure.
The Myanmar military coup in February 2021 exacerbated the existing severe humanitarian crisis, resulting in the displacement of over 3.5 million civilians as of June 2025. Additionally, 78,731 individuals sought asylum in neighboring India as of 2023, fleeing the persecution and armed conflict in their homeland. This qualitative study examines the lived experiences and coping mechanisms of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, India, after the 2021 coup through interviews with camp leaders, refugees and camp helpers. This study findings highlight the challenges faced by displaced populations, including insufficient humanitarian assistance for basic needs, restricted livelihood opportunities, and barriers to accessing healthcare have worsened their psychological distress and well-being. This study findings also revealed that due to lack of formal mental health support in refugee camps, refugees have to rely on religious coping strategies and communal gatherings as resilience mechanisms. This research findings underscore the need for structured humanitarian interventions, including the enhanced provision of essential services, COVID-19 vaccination programs, and psychosocial support for displaced Myanmar populations in Mizoram. This study contributes to the refugee welfare discourse in conflict-induced displacement settings by highlighting the role of international and local aid agencies in addressing asylum seekers' vulnerabilities.
Given the higher demands on parenting and the limited resources available, parents of autistic children experience high levels of parental stress. Chinese parents of autistic children experience elevated levels of parental stress. Prolonged and severe stress may lead to distress, which adversely affects their mental well-being. In this cross-sectional study, 112 Chinese primary caregivers of autistic children were invited to complete online questionnaires, including the Parental Stress Index, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale, and the Child-Parent Relationship Scale. Nine separate bootstrap moderation analyses were conducted. Parental stress significantly and positively predicted distress (ps < 0.001). The effect of parental stress on distress was moderated by the non-acceptance of emotional responses (B = -0.202, SE = 0.089, p = 0.026) and attachment anxiety (B = -0.176, SE = 0.081, p = 0.032). To conclude, there was a significant association between parental stress and distress. High acceptance of emotional responses and low attachment anxiety moderated the relationship, exerting protective effects.
This study aims to examine the life experiences of people who simultaneously possess disability and queer identity in Korea and to provide related policy recommendations. To confirm this, we sampled individuals who self-identify as queer and have been diagnosed with disabilities. A total of nine research participants were interviewed in the summer of 2024, and based on the in-depth interview content, thematic analysis was conducted utilizing a generic qualitative research method. The analysis results showed that regardless of which identity, the identification process was a confusing process, and the hateful social atmosphere operated as a powerful pressure, which made them constantly doubt themselves. To respond to this, research participants either resisted by revealing their existence or created safe spaces through solidarity with others. The results of this study argue for the necessity of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that can embrace everyone as a fundamental countermeasure for the protection of minorities and the eradication of the reproduction of hate, and present the need for extensive improvement of Korean social policies based on this.
Previous studies find limited evidence about public opinion towards social welfare attitudes (SWAs) in developing countries. This paper attempts to reveal the international positioning and associating factors of the SWA in China. The data come from both the "International Social Survey Program" (ISSP, 2016) and an empirical investigation in Mainland China (2022); 2411 Chinese respondents from four provinces were investigated. This study reached three significant conclusions. First, respondents in Mainland China possess a positive SWA, considering that the government has the responsibility to ensure socioeconomic security. Second, the degree of economic development dominates SWA, while the East Asian welfare regime has an auxiliary effect. Third, SWA in Mainland China is deeply influenced by individuals' self-interests; whether they can profit from the welfare system has a deep impact on their SWA. This study finds that Chinese respondents have a unique SWA compared with people in rich democracies, which not only is related to the collectivism and self-reliance concepts influenced by Confucianism in East Asia but also originates from the inadequate welfare supply in China's social welfare system.
This study seeks to explore and synthesize recent studies on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) and evaluate the information to determine potential implications for future research and innovative interventions. An integrative review of studies published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted using five electronic databases, focusing on CBT-based intervention for FCR among BCS. Thirty-two studies met inclusion criteria, with randomized controlled trials comprising the majority (n = 20). The included studies employed a range of CBT approaches, from traditional to third-wave and integrative forms, with variation in delivery method, frequency, and duration. All included studies reported significant reductions in FCR over time and complied with quality assessment guidelines, receiving good or fair ratings. This study confirms recent trends and the effectiveness of CBT interventions in reducing FCR among BCS. Future research should develop tailored interventions that reflect the diverse needs of survivors and ensure rigorous methodology with high-quality appraisal.
Social work is a helping profession that promotes the autonomy and empowerment of service recipients. It encourages individuals to recognize their needs and actively involves stakeholders in the design and implementation of services. This article explores the practice of professional social work within social services in Bangladesh. Through qualitative approaches, the study found that social work values serve as the foundational philosophy for public sector social service programs in Bangladesh. However, social work methods and strategies have been somewhat overlooked over time. Most services focus on addressing immediate needs, while efforts to empower clients and foster self-reliance are often neglected. Additionally, very few services address psychosocial issues, and service recipients are rarely consulted in designing and implementing these services. The article advocates for establishing a professional body and seeks official recognition to enhance social work practice in Bangladesh.
Motherhood is not only highly revered but adequately protected by patriarchal norms in Indian society. However, labor migration due to livelihood emergencies exposes women to a harsh and unusual reality. The current study attempts to capture the subjective experiences of women undergoing motherhood in a migrant situation. The research design for the current study was explorative; thus, the researcher used an unstructured interview schedule to collect qualitative data from 14 women regarding their pregnancy and childcare experiences. The respondents were selected using a purposive sampling method. The study highlights a blend of traditional as well as some overlooked policy gaps. Inadequate healthcare access, overengagement in work, pathetic living conditions, and absence of childcare facilities are some of the conventional policy challenges, while absence of family members, mental distress due to isolation, and frequent commuting between workplace and home are nonconventional challenges.
The COVID-19 restrictions led to a shadow pandemic, disproportionately affecting women through increased violence. Lifestyle changes imposed by local governments to combat the pandemic exacerbated domestic violence, coining the term "Shadow Pandemic" by UN Women. This study explores the experiences of violence faced by married women in Kerala during the COVID-19 lockdown. A phenomenological approach was used to examine narratives from 35 women victims of domestic violence. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify significant themes. The findings reveal a spectrum of abuse, categorized into key themes: marital disharmony, constant surveillance, entrapment in fear, denial of freedom, challenges due to lockdown, and coping mechanisms. These themes highlight the profound distress and how women responded to the adversity. The lockdown-induced shadow pandemic has deeply affected women, illustrating the intersection of a global health crisis and a surge in gender-based violence. This study emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive societal action. Prioritizing the well-being and empowerment of women is critical to ensuring their inclusion in the recovery process post-pandemic.
The purpose of this study is to examine the predictors of prejudice of South Korean adults toward four minority groups: people with disabilities, foreign immigrants/workers, sexual minorities, and North Korean refugees, drawing on social identity, scapegoat, and realistic conflict theories of prejudice. In the initial stage, a secondary cross-sectional dataset comprising responses from 8072 South Korean adults was used to perform latent profile analysis. Subsequently, a multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictors of prejudice. The findings revealed five distinct prejudice profiles in Korean society. Additionally, realistic conflict factors, such as antipathy to additional tax payment and social mobility expectation, were identified as significant predictors of prejudice, alongside the scapegoat and social identity determinants. Based on these findings, the study concluded that prejudice toward social minority groups in South Korea is associated not solely with personal attributes or psychological characteristics but also with broader national and socio-institutional contexts. The results may contribute to the broader discourse on intergroup relations, presenting actionable insights for policy, educational initiatives, and subsequent scholarly inquiry.
Newer generations have prioritized workplace happiness and well-being, which, despite its inherently subjective nature, has a significant impact on their career trajectories, organizational transitions, and job choices. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the predictors of happiness and well-being among women working in a modern corporate environment. With the growing emphasis on workplace happiness, especially among young generations, this research explores factors such as job experience, job performance, job satisfaction, organizational environment, professional development, and psychological empowerment. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 400 female employees in Lahore's corporate sector through structured questionnaires. The study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships between the predictors and outcomes of happiness and well-being. The findings suggest that job satisfaction, professional development, and a supportive organizational environment significantly enhance happiness and well-being. However, psychological empowerment has a more complex effect, negatively impacting well-being when employees face stress and responsibility overload. The insights underscore the importance of cultivating a balanced and supportive work environment to enhance employee happiness and well-being, ultimately benefiting organizational performance.
Understanding the motivations behind charitable giving is crucial, particularly among emerging social work professionals. This study presents the development and validation of a novel "Donation Motives Scale" specifically designed for social work students. Drawing upon established theories of donation behavior and existing measurement tools, a comprehensive item pool was generated. Through rigorous analysis, a 17-item scale emerged, structured around four distinct factors: social dignity and appreciation, social responsibility, personal satisfaction and self-evaluation, and humanity and empathy. The scale demonstrated strong validity and reliability within a sample of university students, indicating its potential as a robust tool for investigating donation motives within this population.
