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Development and Validity Evaluation of the Index of Social Work Process in Promoting Social Participation of Welfare Recipients (SWP-PSP) in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Yukiko Takagi

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan)

  • Hideki Hashimoto

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan)

Abstract

Social workers are required to have the capacity to effectively support welfare recipients to restore their labor participation for social inclusion. However, a systematic method for process evaluation of this capacity has not yet been established. In this study, we developed the Index of Social Work Process in Promoting Social Participation of Welfare Recipients (SWP-PSP) to address this gap. Item domains and pools were prepared by referring to existing social work guidelines and human capital management theories, and content and face validity were confirmed by an expert panel review. The initial 75 items were revised to 44. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 139 social workers working in public livelihood support at various municipal authorities in Japan. Item response theory analysis was performed for item selection, followed by the criterion-related validity test for convergent validation using Utrecht Work Engagement (UWE) scale scores as a reference. The selected 20 items with four domains were moderately correlated with UWE scores (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0.35). Certified social workers demonstrated a stronger correlation with UWE (r = 0.44) than social workers without certification (r = 0.26). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients in each domain were over 0.77. These results indicate the reliability and validity of the SWP-PSP. This measure may be helpful for the evaluation of social workers’ capacity to promote social inclusion of welfare recipients.

Suggested Citation

  • Yukiko Takagi & Hideki Hashimoto, 2025. "Development and Validity Evaluation of the Index of Social Work Process in Promoting Social Participation of Welfare Recipients (SWP-PSP) in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(9), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:9:p:1458-:d:1754102
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    1. Pohlan, Laura, 2019. "Unemployment and social exclusion," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 273-299.
    2. Kunze, Lars & Suppa, Nicolai, 2017. "Bowling alone or bowling at all? The effect of unemployment on social participation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 213-235.
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