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Professionality : A Concept Analysis Supporting Peer Support Workers (and Interprofessional Learning) in Mental Health Care
No full textPeer support workers (PSWs), who through their experience-based expertise support the recoveryof people using mental health services, have been shown to facilitate interprofessional learning.However, due to hierarchical teams, this learning has been challenged. To facilitate interprofessional learning, mental health professions need to understand the nature of the professionality of PSWs.This study aims to explore the concept of ‘professionality’ through conceptual analysis, applying Walker and Avant’s stepwise approach. The findings show that the key attribute of PSWs’ professionality is equality. By being characterized by equality, presupposes that PSWs may need tocross boundaries. This boundary crossing needs to be considered to be able to use the PSWs’ expertise and facilitate interprofessional learning in teamwork. The conclusion is that by acknowledging this professionality, which means that the transgression of professional boundariescan be justified, hierarchy can be counteracted. This is important to stimulate interprofessional learning and increase the quality of services.CC-BY 4.0</p
Challenges and propositions for research in quality management : Relevance gap revisited
No full textThis study explores the enduring relevance gap between academic research and practical application in quality management (QM). It assesses how well scholarly literature addresses the key organizational challenges identified by practitioners, aiming to enhance research impact. Employing the Delphi method, the study captures the top practitioner concerns in 2024 and compares them with data from 2012 and 2018. A systematic review of highly cited academic publications is then used to evaluate alignment with these priorities. Findings highlight significant misalignment, especially in areas such as strategic integration, agility, leadership, and co-creation. The research traces the evolution of QM from compliance-oriented models toward innovation-driven approaches, while identifying barriers, including the increasing lag between research production and application. The study emphasizes the need for more timely, practitioner-relevant outputs and advocates for closer researcher–practitioner collaboration. By combining longitudinal practitioner insights with a citation-focused review, this research contributes original evidence on the persistence of the relevance gap and offers strategies for narrowing it. Limitations include the focus on expert input and established literature, which may overlook emerging topics. Practical recommendations involve fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing knowledge translation, and improving dissemination practices to increase the real-world utility of QM research.CC-BY 4.0 </p
Do you trust what you see?
No full textDeepfake is a digital manipulation technique that has become popular over the past decade. It is a technology that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to create fake news and spread disinformation, primarily through social media. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to a greater understanding and knowledge of the deepfake phenomenon, as well as to examine the differences in how various generations identify digitally manipulated videos. A combination of both quantitative and qualitative strategies, survey and interview, was used, as the methods work in such a way that findings from one method are used to complement the other. This provides the study with a broader perspective on the similarities and differences that may exist between generations when identifying manipulated content. The study suggests that there are generational differences in the ability to identify deep-fakes, for example, younger generations tend to rely more on heuristic and quick signals, while older generations are more likely to trust their gut feeling and personal judgment. However, in the end, the findings show that all generations are equally vulnerable to being deceived by deepfake videos.Deepfake är en digital manipulationsteknik som har blivit populär under det senaste de-cenniet. Det är en teknologi som använder sig av maskininlärning och artificiell intelli-gens för att kunna skapa falska nyheter och sprida desinformation, främst genom sociala medier. Det är därför viktigt att denna studie bidrar med ökad förståelse och kunskap kring fenomenet deepfake samt undersöker skillnader mellan hur olika generationer identifierar digitalt manipulerade videor. Kombinationen av både kvantitativa och kvalitativa strategier, enkätundersökning och intervju, användes eftersom metoderna fungerar på så sätt att fynden från den ena meto-den används för att komplettera den andra, vilket ger denna studie ett bredare perspektiv på de likheter och skillnader som kan finnas mellan olika generationer när de identifierar manipulerad innehåll. Denna studie kommer fram till att det finns skillnader i förmågan bland generationer att identifiera deepfakes, till exempel att de yngre generationerna främst använder sig av heuristiska och snabba signaler, medan de äldre generationerna i större utsträckning litar på sin magkänsla och egenbedömning. Men i slutändan visar det sig att alla generationer är lika sårbara för att luras av deepfake-videor
Retention of Key Competence : A Qualitative Study on Employer Branding, Employer Value Proposition, and Leadership in Swedish Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
No full textAtt behålla nyckelkompetens är en avgörande strategisk utmaning för många organisationer i en arbetsmarknad som präglas av globalisering, teknologiska framsteg och demografiska skiften. Svenska små och medelstora organisationer (SMF) möter särskilda svårigheter då de ofta saknar tillräckliga resurser att konkurrera med större aktörer. Tidigare forskning har visat att ett starkt arbetsgivarvarumärke, ett trovärdigt värdeerbjudande (EVP), kan stärka medarbetares engagemang och lojalitet. Samtidigt är tidigare forskning om hur svenska SMF konkret arbetar med dessa strategier begränsad. Syftet med denna studie är att fördjupa förståelsen för hur svenska SMF strategiskt använder Employer Branding, Employer Value Proposition och ledarskap för att öka retention av nyckelkompetens. Studien bygger på en kvalitativ forskningsansats med semistrukturerade intervjuer med HR-chefer och ledare inom 15st SMF. Studiens resultat visar hur olika EVP-komponenter används i praktiken och identifierar faktorer som upplevs mest avgörande för retention. Studien bidrar med en fördjupad kunskap till praktisk tillämpning inom HR och ledarskap.Retaining key talent is a critical strategic challenge for many organizations in a labor market characterized by globalization, technological advancement, and demographic shifts. Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) face particular difficulties, as they often lack the resources to compete with larger organizations. Previous research has shown that a strong employer brand, a credible Employer Value Proposition (EVP), can strengthen employee engagement and loyalty. However, there is limited research on how Swedish SMEs concretely implement these strategies. The purpose of this study is to deepen the understanding of how Swedish SMEs strategically use Employer Branding, Employer Value Proposition and leadership to increase the retention of key talent. The study is based on a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with HR managers and leaders from 15 SMEs. The findings illustrate how various EVP components are applied in practice and identify the factors perceived as most critical for retention. This study contributes valuable insights for practical application in HR and leadership contexts
Item response theory modelling of the trait emotional intelligence questionnaire-short form : Item streamlining, differential item functioning, and validity in a Swedish multicenter cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Trait emotional intelligence (EI) is often assessed using the 30-item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF). However, previous research using item response theory (IRT) modelling has identified several underperforming items. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate, refine, and optimize the TEIQue-SF using IRT, with the goals of identifying and eliminating underperforming items, and examining whether items in the refined version function differently across sexes. Furthermore, the study sought to further validate the Swedish version of the TEIQue-SF. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 845 first-year students aged 19–59 (87% women) from seven healthcare and social work programs across six universities in southern Sweden. Participants completed the TEIQue-SF and health-related measures for convergent validity. IRT modeling employed the Graded Response Model (GRM) using the 2-Parameter Logistic Model in IRT for Patient-Reported Outcomes (IRTPRO). Marginal reliability and differential item functioning (DIF) were assessed with IRT, internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha and mean inter-item correlations, and validity through evaluating Direct Discrepancy Dynamic fit index (DDDFI) and bivariate correlations. Results: The IRT modeling identified underperforming items, leading to a refined 12-item TEIQue-SF that effectively captures trait EI with high-quality items. The item selection process is detailed and supplemented. The shortened measure showed a strong correlation with the original (r = .94), demonstrated good reliability, and exhibited uniform DIF for only one item (Item 15). A comparison of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model fit statistics using the DDDFI indicated a fair fit for the TEIQue-SF. Consistent with previous research on the TEIQue-SF, both 30-item and 12 item versions demonstrated strong convergent validity with health-related measures within the Swedish context. Conclusions: The 12-item TEIQue-SF is a brief, precise, and valid measure for assessing trait EI while preserving its global conceptual structure. IRT modeling and validity testing against health-related measures confirm that 12-item TEIQue-SF effectively captures trait EI.CC-BY 4.0</p
The relations among depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and optimism during adolescence : Longitudinal evidence from nine countries.
No full textPrevious research has suggested bidirectional relations between depressive symptoms and both internal and external core beliefs (self-esteem and optimism, respectively) in adolescence. However, little work has examined the cultural commonality versus specificity of these developmental pathways in adolescence across diverse contexts. To address this gap, the current study traced bidirectional associations among depressive symptoms and two forms of core beliefs (self-esteem and optimism) in adolescents from 12 cultural groups in nine countries. Longitudinal data were collected from 1,090 adolescents at ages 15 and 17. Significant associations emerged between age 15 depressive symptoms and both age 17 core beliefs across all cultural groups except Sweden. No significant associations between age 15 core beliefs and age 17 depressive symptoms were found in the multigroup model. However, the pathways from core beliefs to depressive symptoms and from depressive symptoms to core beliefs did not significantly differ in strength. These findings provide cross-cultural evidence for the scar theory (depressive symptoms → core beliefs), but no clear support for the vulnerability theory (core beliefs → depressive symptoms), perhaps due to the measurement and stability of depression. These findings have implications for understanding the adolescent development of psychopathology and cognitions, such as core beliefs, across diverse cultures.CC BY 4.0</p
The Swedish longitudinal Gothenland Millennium Cohort for studying wellbeing from early adolescence through adulthood
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this article is to present the Gothenland Millennium Cohort, describe the data collection process, present key measures used and summarise some of the key findings to date in order to stimulate collaboration and use of the cohort data. This research programme was originally established to study pathways to alcohol and drug use, behavioural problems, mental health issues, and the factors that promote or prevent these outcomes. The Cohort aims to support scientific research and doctoral education through a longitudinal study that tracks individuals from early adolescence through adulthood. This programme is multidisciplinary (social work, psychology, disability research) with the goal of producing high- quality research that deepens our understanding of how early- life vulnerabilities, risks and protective factors influence long- term wellbeing, including health and welfare, in diverse populations. Participants: In 2013, all school- registered adolescents, in grades 6 and 7 (aged 12 and 13), in four municipalities in Gothenland region (ie, southern Sweden) born in year 2000 or 2001, were invited to participate. Of 2150 invited adolescents, 1885 (88%) accepted participation in the programme and 1760 (93.4%) participated in at least one of the annual data collection waves up to grade 9 (Wave 4), with participation rates ranging from 70% to 85% per wave. Wave 5 questionnaires were collected during the second year of upper secondary school (grade 11). In Wave 5, half (50.4 %; n = 949) of the adolescents participated. In Wave 6, interviews were conducted with a selection of participants in their last year of upper secondary school (grade 12). Parents were surveyed in Waves 1 and 2 by self- report questionnaires (response rate = 32%; 41%). Data were also gathered from teachers (attrition <30% across Waves 1–4). Child welfare service records and population- based register data have also been collected. Findings to date: Over 240 publications have been produced as of September 2025 in the areas of disability and everyday functioning, child- parent relationships, child welfare, substance use and criminal behaviour, mental health, trauma, harassment, and sexuality. Future plans: These include continued investigation of wellbeing and its related indicators during adolescence as well as in emerging adulthood, continued efforts to secure funding and an age 25 expansion of the cohort da
Psychological Empowerment and Rural Women Farmers : Evidence from Tumkur District, Karnataka, India
No full textThis study examines how an integrated women’s empowerment model in the agricultural sector can foster psychological empowerment among rural women farmers in Tumkur District, Karnataka, India. Guided by Zimmerman’s (1995) psychological empowerment theory, with emphasis on the behavioral component, the research draws on ten semi structured group interviews with 64 participants and complementary field observations over two weeks. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed substantial improvements in women’s outlook on life, self-perceptions, and everyday practices after four years of participation in BAIF’s Praerna project. Participants reported acquiring new agricultural and health-related competencies, gaining greater influence in household and community decision-making, and expanding their exposure through Self-Help Groups and the “Champion Women Farmers” initiative. At the same time, patriarchal norms, lack of control over household income, and resistance to high-risk innovations such as tractor driving remain significant obstacles. The findings suggest that integrated empowerment programs can generate meaningful behavioral empowerment when combined with exposure, peer support, and context-specific training. By situating empowerment in a semi-exposed rural setting, this study contributes to bridging the gap between research on women’s empowerment in remote rural communities and research conducted in urban or Western contexts, offering practical insights for designing interventions that move beyond awareness toward sustainable behavioral change
Mellan språk och asyl : andraspråkslärares dilemman i arbetet med ensamkommande asylsökande ungdomar
No full textAndraspråkslärare som är föremål för denna studie har alltid haft en särskild roll i utbildningssystemet (Fejes et al., 2018; Lønsmann, 2023; Nordanger & Ljung Egeland 2024; Wedin & Straszer, 2023). Att arbeta med mycket heterogena grupper är inte bara svårt när det gäller pedagogiska utmaningar, utan också känslomässigt krävande på grund av många inlärares svåra sociala omständigheter, särskilt när det gäller elever med flyktingbakgrund (t.ex. Fejes et al., 2018; Popov & Sturesson, 2015; Svensson, 2019; Wedin & Straszer, 2023). I sin yrkesutövning agerar lärare ofta som frontlinjebyråkrater, det vill säga som offentligt anställda som i sitt dagliga arbete ansvarar för tolkning och för implementering av samhällspolitiska beslut som de själva inte har inflytande över (Lipsky, 2010). Ett sådant exempel är införande av den så kallade nya gymnasielagen (SFS 2017:353), som ger ungdomar som fått avslag på sin asylansökan en möjlighet att få ett tidsbegränsat uppehållstillstånd för gymnasiestudier. Den nya ansökan grundas på godkända betyg i svenska och på god närvaro i skolan, dokumenterat av lärare. Med utgångspunkt i positioneringsteorin (Davies & Harré, 1999; Kayi-Aydar, 2019; Van Langenhove & Harré, 1999;) och Lipskys teori om frontlinjebyråkrater (Lipsky, 2010), analyserar artikelförfattaren åtta kvinnliga andraspråkslärares berättelser om deras arbete med ensamkommande asylsökande ungdomar i kontexten av den nya gymnasielagen. Studiens resultat avslöjar hur lärare upplever att de ofrivilligt blir involverade i asylprocessen och hur deras motstridiga professionella positionsidentiteter leder till känslor av stress och inre konflikter i undervisningsvardagen.CC BY 4.0</p
Solar Power Potential in Africa : A Case Study on Cost Reduction in a Malian Household Through Photovoltaic Solar Power and Lithium-Ion Battery Storage
No full textThis study explores the potential for PV solar power and battery storage to reduce energy costs in a typical Malian single-family household, highlighting significant cost savings and improved energy reliability. The high solar irradiance throughout the year makes solar power viable for household energy needs. However, most electricity is consumed at night due to air conditioning, with an annual consumption of 12,504 kWh. Cost models for solar power plants and battery energy storage systems, including installation, were developed. Cost parameters were reviewed using the latest literature, distinguishing between current and future cost trends, referred to as Case I and Case II, respectively. Additionally, a feed-in tariff of 0.04 per injected kWh of electricity into the AC mains was considered. The annual return in USD and the return on investment were considered as economic parameters. A small solar power plant with a peak power of up to 3 kW can achieve a high ROI between 70% and 100%. Due to reduced future cost prospects, this ROI could increase to 90% to 130%. However, such a plant can only reach a maximum self-sufficiency of about 40%, as most of the electricity is consumed during nights. A 4 kW power plant can achieve a self-sufficiency of about one-third for an ROI of 57% to 82%, costing approximately 1760. When using battery energy storage, a self-sufficiency of 95% has been targeted. With battery storage, the maximum ROI varies from 22.5% to 32.0% with an investment cost of about 13,139.CC-BY 4.0This research is funded by MORE (Munich Mobility Research Campus), Germany as part of dtec.bw—Digitalization and Technology Research Center of the Bundeswehr </p