Suchergebnisse

Background:Research impact is at least partly generated through collaborative interactions, yet the associations between knowledge production and impact are far more complex than relatively simple linear models generally describe.
Aims and objectives:In this case study, we focus on a community-university partnership and try to answer the question, 'What are the conditions that facilitate or hinder successful collaborative interactions aimed towards solving a shared challenge between partners from different organisations?'
Methods:A set of four co-creation sessions with diverse stakeholders was organised with the aim of tackling the nuisance caused by youth in a specific deprived neighbourhood in Belgium. The sessions were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed following a Grounded Theory (GT) approach to develop theoretical understandings of the process of knowledge production and research impact.
Findings:Roles and mandates of individual stakeholder representatives determine (and hinder) their access to (confidential) information, but also their visibility and accessibility towards youth as end users. Achieving positive outcomes through collaboration was perceived by stakeholders as slowly evolving towards small successes, and was facilitated by being able to accept failure, working in a climate of trust, developing a shared identity, managing expectations, informally sharing information, and being able to connect with youth.
Discussion and conclusions:We reflect on the importance of overcoming organisational asymmetries in collaborative interactions through installing feedback loops, and through the particular roles of boundary organisations, boundary objects, and practical tools that can help steer iterative collaborative interactions towards positive impact.

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined sex and sexual orientation differences in the context of the effects of coping strategies on relationship satisfaction.BackgroundThe sex and sexual orientation differences on the association between coping strategies and relationship satisfaction are not yet fully understood.MethodThe participants were 3,805 Belgian individuals who self‐identified as heterosexual (n = 2,024), bisexual (n = 790), or gay/lesbian (n = 991).ResultsResults showed that (a) task‐oriented and emotion‐oriented coping was positively and negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, respectively; (b) social diversion–oriented coping was positively associated with relationship satisfaction only among those who identified as heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; and (c) distraction‐oriented coping was positively associated with relationship satisfaction only among those identifying as bisexual. Multiple group tests based on sex within each sexual orientation category confirm that (a) a stronger association was observed between task‐oriented coping and relationship satisfaction for bisexual men compared to bisexual women; (b) the negative association between emotion‐oriented coping and relationship satisfaction is only significant for heterosexual women, and not for bisexual women; and (c) the negative association between distraction‐oriented coping and relationship satisfaction is significant for bisexual women, but not for heterosexual women.ConclusionThis study enhances our comprehension of the variations in the utilization of coping strategies and their effect on relationship satisfaction among individuals based on their sex and sexual orientation.ImplicationsThese findings might lead to improved interventions related to coping strategies for reducing the effect of stress in romantic relationships.

Visibility management (VM) refers to the regulation of disclosure of one's sexual orientation for the purposes of maintaining privacy as well as minimizing stigma, harm, or marginalization. Research on how lesbian women and gay men (LGs) managethe visibility of their sexual orientation in the workplace is scarce. In this study, we tested a model that investigates the relationships between VM on the one hand, and specific job characteristics, experiencing the work environment as more or less LG friendly, and personal homonegative experiences on the other. In a non-representative sample of 4,080 employees of the Flemish government, 6.3% identified as gay or lesbian. Within this LG subsample (N = 265) we found that specific job characteristics (having a managerial position, or having a tenured or non-tenured position) were not associated with VM. Knowing other LGs within the work environment who are open about their sexual orientation was associated with being more likely to apply open VM strategies, as was perceiving the atmosphere at work as permissive towards LGs. Having witnessed negative events towards LGs at work was associated with taking the characteristics of a social setting (e.g., public or private) into account when deciding to disclose one's sexual orientation. Finally, participants who experienced homonegative events (such as unsolicited sexual innuendo or abusive language) felt less inhibited about disclosure. Potential theoretical as well as practical implications are discussed.

Sexual health in Flanders describes the results of the first representative population-based study on this topic in Flanders (the Northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium). A research team of psychologists, sexologists, sociologists and medical doctors, affiliated with Ghent University, KU Leuven and Ghent University Hospital collaborated on this research project that aimed to explore various aspects of sexual behavior and sexual health in men and women living in Flanders. Apart from providing in reliable, valid, descriptive scientific data, this study offers important information on which a more targeted policy to promote sexual health can be developed.

This reference work is based on a survey in which 1832 Flemish men and women – aged 14 to 80 years old – participated and that covered various aspects of sexual health. The focus is not only on sexual experiences and practices; attention is also paid to the relational and social context in which these experiences occur. In addition, a number of chapters elaborate on the sexual start (the first sexual experiences), reproductive health, sexual dysfunctions, cross-border sexual behavior, and profiles of sexual health.

The detailed description of the methodology that was used, allows the reader to evaluate the accuracy of the many tables, figures and numbers that are presented. In short, Sexual health in Flanders is an essential reference work for anyone with an interest in a reliable, detailed and scientific image of a broad range of aspects of sexual health in Flanders.

Background: The mental healthcare treatment gap (mhcGAP) in adult populations has been substantiated across Europe. This study formed part of MentALLY, a research project funded by the European Commission, which aimed to gather qualitative empirical evidence to support the provision of European mental healthcare that provides effective treatment to all adults who need it. Methods: Seven focus groups were conducted with 49 health professionals (HPs), including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, general practitioners, and psychiatric nurses who worked in health services in Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. The focus group discussions centered on the barriers and facilitators to providing quality care to people with mild, medium, and severe mental health problems. Analyses included deductively and inductively driven coding procedures. Cross-country consensus was obtained by summarizing findings in the form of a fact sheet which was shared for triangulation by all the MentALLY partners. Results: The results converged into two overarching themes: (1) Minding the treatment gap: the availability and accessibility of Mental Health Services (MHS). The mhcGAP gap identified is composed of different elements that constitute the barriers to care, including bridging divides in care provision, obstacles in facilitating access via referrals and creating a collaborative 'chain of care'. (2) Making therapeutic practice relevant by providing a broad-spectrum of integrated and comprehensive services that value person-centered care comprised of authenticity, flexibility and congruence. Conclusions: The mhcGAP is comprised of the following barriers: a lack of funding, insufficient capacity of human resources, inaccessibility to comprehensive services and a lack of availability of relevant treatments. The facilitators to the provision of MHC include using collaborative models of primary, secondary and prevention-oriented mental healthcare. Teamwork in providing care was considered to be a more effective and efficient use of resources. HPs believe that the use of e-mental health and emerging digital technologies can enhance care provision. Facilitating access to a relevant continuum of community-based care that is responsive coordinated and in line with people's needs throughout their lives is an essential aspect of optimal care provision.