The Hong Kong Journal of Social Work

This exploratory study examined the relationship between family functioning and individual’s well-being across seven East Asian cities. 3,834 participants recruited through convenience sampling completed a family survey. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVAs, and hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Results showed that, among the survey respondents, overall 31.1% of families were diagnosed as dysfunctional, 11.3% were scored as low functioning, and 50.7% were classified as high functioning. In various cities, 21.2% to 40.6% of the families were diagnosed as dysfunctional, 6.5% to 16.6% were scored as low functioning, and 33.2% to 68% were classified as high functioning. Income per head and divorce predicted low family functioning. After controlling demographic variables, family functioning significantly predicted subjective happiness (ΔR² = .17), depression (ΔR² = .11), mental health (ΔR² = .05) and physical health (ΔR² = .02). More cross-cultural studies on Asian families were recommended for improving our understanding of family dynamics and functioning of Eastern families.

This paper discusses the effectiveness of an intervention model that was targeted at facilitating consciousness-raising and community participation of low income women in achieving the objectives of reducing gender stereotypes and cultivating a belief in gender equality. A quantitative study was conducted by adopting the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale and 11 questions were developed with regards to family and gender equality. The research results provided evidence that the intervention model had effectively reduced gender stereotyping in five areas; raised the sense of self of the participants in their relationship with in-laws; and strengthened belief in gender equalities in family and society.

Using a large-scale dataset from Hong Kong, this study describes the prevalence of cyberbullying and examines how gender and grade level relate to cyberbullying among secondary school students in Hong Kong. Participants were 1,855 students from secondary schools (Forms 1 to 7). Students were given an anonymous questionnaire that included a scale for reporting their experiences of cyberbullying. Responses indicated that 17.8% of students reported cyberbullying and 30.9% experienced at least one type of cyberbullying in the past three months. Curses, insults, and humiliation were the most common types of cyberbullying. Males reported higher rates of bullying and victimization than did females. The overall rates of bullying and victimization peaked in Forms 2 or 3 and in Form 6. Cyberbullying among secondary students in Hong Kong is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Potential intervention programs should target males and students in Forms 2, 3, and 6. Programs should mainly aim to reduce online curses, insults, and humiliation by students.

The turnover issue among social workers in Mainland China has been a challenge for the past ten years. Research studies on organizational effort in handling turnover problems of social worker have been lacking in the country. A recent qualitative study has been conducted in the summer of 2017. The study examines turnover issues and how to tackle them by management practices. It helps to answer a question, that is, “what organization can do to retain social workers?” Cultural issues are discussed as well. The role and responsibilities of social work managers in implementing management strategies are mentioned in this study.

Little is known about the level of youth participation in voluntary services and “Other Learning Experiences” (OLE) related community service among secondary school students in Hong Kong. This study attempts to provide a preliminary descriptive overview of youth participation in volunteering and OLE related community service. A total of 1,046 secondary school students were recruited to fill in a self-administered questionnaire. This study is relevant to social workers who should be aware of the current volunteer situation in Hong Kong. Such information is an essential foundation for them to plan, organize, execute and evaluate service programs.

Case manager for persons with mental illness is a skilled professional who works directly with clients and administers specialized care to them. The ultimate goal is to facilitate clients to re-integrate into the community during their recovery process. In Hong Kong, professionals usually employed as case manager in the community setting are social workers, psychiatric nurses and occupational therapists. In principle, every member of the recovery team could be the case manager. However, who is the best fit for this role? This article discusses which professional would best fill the role of case manager. The role of case manager and their relationship with clients are examined. The article explores the core values, roles, functions and work practice of three disciplines in caring for the mentally ill. The code of ethics, training and characteristic of approaches employed from each discipline are reviewed and discussed. In conclusion, social workers, nurses and occupational therapists share similarities in philosophy and theoretical foundations. Expertise from each discipline complements one another and contributes to the symphony in the recovery journey.