Group Social Work Intervention in Improving Peer Relationships

In this study, designed as a mixed-methods research, a mixed-methods experimental (or intervention) design will be employed, in which participants' experiences and opinions about the intervention are embedded within an experimental framework.

In the first phase, quantitative data will be collected and analyzed to assess the effectiveness of a group social work intervention on peer relationships and bullying-related cognitions among boys in institutional care. In the linkage phase, findings from the quantitative analysis will inform the selection of qualitative research participants and the development of the interview protocol. Subsequently, qualitative data will be gathered and analyzed to gain deeper insight into the experiences of the experimental group participants regarding the intervention, and to enhance the interpretation of the quantitative findings. Finally, the results from both data types will be integrated and interpreted.

The quantitative component of the study will be conducted as a parallel-group, single-blind, randomized, waiting list-controlled experimental design. After being informed about the study, all participants who provide written informed consent will be screened for eligibility. Those who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to either the experimental group or the waiting list control group. The implementation phase of the quantitative study will consist of a group social work intervention.

The qualitative component of the study is designed as a phenomenological research approach. In-depth interviews will be conducted to explore the experiences of participants in the experimental group regarding the intervention, as well as their views on its content, applicability, and perceived effects. These interviews also aim to provide a deeper understanding of the quantitative findings. A semi-structured interview guide, to be developed during the linkage phase, will be used to collect the qualitative data.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged between 12 and 18 years
• Residing in institutional care for at least three months
• Literate
• Voluntarily agree to take part in the research

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of an acute psychotic disorder
• Previous participation in a similar intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy
• Missing at least two intervention sessions (after study initiation)
• Leaving the institution or being transferred to another institution during the course of the study (after study initiation)
• Withdrawal of informed consent (after study initiation)