Social Work, Psychiatric

The aging process is considered not only as a phase characterized by changes in physical functioning, but also as a multidimensional life stage affecting psychosocial well-being, social participation, and quality of life. The World Health Organization's healthy aging approach and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health emphasize that the health status of older adults should be evaluated through the interaction of biological, psychological, and social dimensions. The literature indicates that physical activity and rehabilitation-based interventions not only improve functionality in older individuals but also enhance psychological well-being and social participation; however, the sustainability of these gains is largely determined by social support and environmental factors. In this context, the integration of social work and physiotherapy practices has gained importance in terms of interdisciplinary and holistic intervention models in elderly care. The aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effects of a social work-supported physiotherapy intervention, implemented among students enrolled in a Third Age University (60+ Refresher University) and older adults living in a nursing home in Turkey, on functionality, psychosocial well-being, and social health levels within the ICF framework. The study is designed as a pretest-posttest controlled quasi-experimental research model. The study population consists of students of Munzur 60+ Refresher University and individuals aged 60 and over residing in a nursing home in Tunceli. Participants selected through stratified random sampling will be assigned to intervention and control groups. A 6-week social work-supported physiotherapy program will be implemented for the intervention groups by physiotherapists and social workers. During the data collection process, physical functioning, psychosocial well-being, and social health-covering the components of the ICF-will be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized measurement tools. The study is expected to provide evidence-based contributions to holistic and interdisciplinary intervention models for older adults.

My Avenue to HelP (MAP) is a non-randomized feasibility study testing the implementation of a cross-sectoral collaboration targeted youths, aged 12-17 years, with multiple social and psychological problems. MAP is a one-year intervention based on Adaptive Mentalization-Based Integrative Treatment (AMBIT). MAP is not a new treatment method, but rather a new way of offering and organizing support in the existing network around the young person. The objective is to create a new way for professionals across sectors to collaborate in supporting our most vulnerable youth. Thereby, the investigators aim to benefit the youths by incorporating a mentalizing stance to promote lasting changes beyond the intervention period. The MAP Project will run from 2025 to 2027. The research will consist of two work packages (WPs) * WP1 will test the feasibility of the MAP project examining a) whether young people can be successfully recruited to the project b) if the evaluation design and methods are feasible and c) if the intervention is feasible to participants and employees (quantitatively). * WP2 will assess implementation determinants and evaluate the implementation strategies employed in the project. Furthermore, the acceptability of the intervention will qualitatively be assessed by interviews with selected participants, their parents, as well as employees. Participants: In total 60 youths aged 12-17 years from Region Zealand, Denmark: * 40 youths will be enrolled and receive the one-year MAP Intervention; 30 youths residing in Roskilde Municipality and 10 residing in Lejre Municipality * 20 youths from other municipalities in Region Zealand will be included in the trial as a control group. To assess the nature and extent of the mental health problems and potential psychiatric disorders among the participating youths, the parents and the young person will be asked to complete an online questionnaire (Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA)).