Understanding Process in Group-Based Intervention Delivery: Social Network Analysis and Intra-entity Variability Methods as Windows into the “Black Box”

Abstract

Although the majority of evidence-based programs are designed for group delivery, group process and its role in participant outcomes have received little empirical attention. Data were collected from 20 groups of participants (94 early adolescents, 120 parents) enrolled in an efficacy trial of a mindfulness-based adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program (MSFP). Following each weekly session, participants reported on their relations to group members. Social network analysis and methods sensitive to intraindividual variability were integrated to examine weekly covariation between group process and participant progress, and to predict post-intervention outcomes from levels and changes in group process. Results demonstrate hypothesized links between network indices of group process and intervention outcomes and highlight the value of this unique analytic approach to studying intervention group process.

The effect of workplace lifestyle programmes on diet, physical activity, and weight‐related outcomes for working women: A systematic review using the TIDieR checklist

“…Group delivery of PA interventions can make use of already established employee relationships, improve outcomes, and may be more cost-effective than interventions targeted to the individual. 66 PA interventions incorporating a high number of sessions should enable strategies to support weight loss; however, care should be taken to adapt this finding according to the local context based on previous literature. 33 Future research could explore whether an optimal group size or number of sessions exists to facilitate desired health outcomes.…”

“…65 Group dynamics can facilitate both interpersonal relationships between participants and establish group cohesion through shared challenges and experiences. 66 Additionally, these relationships can make participants more amenable to change and may support improved wellbeing, given enough time by interventionists. 66 Further, peer motivation could enhance PA outcomes by making use of the inherent social relationships within a working environment.…”

“…66 Additionally, these relationships can make participants more amenable to change and may support improved wellbeing, given enough time by interventionists. 66 Further, peer motivation could enhance PA outcomes by making use of the inherent social relationships within a working environment. 64 Social support is an important resource for maintaining or initiating behaviour changes and improving self-efficacy, 67 both of which are required to sustain the effects of PA interventions.…”

Value of social network analysis for developing and evaluating complex healthcare interventions: a scoping review

“…Reported strengths and limitations of the application of SNA Table 3 provides an overview of the reported strengths and limitations. Of the included studies, 6 studies (24%) reported only strengths in the application of SNA for developing and evaluating complex interventions, [31][32][33][34][35][36] 1 study (4%) reported a limitation, 37 4 studies (16%) did not report any strength or limitation, [38][39][40][41] and the remaining 14 studies (56%) reported strengths as well as limitations in the application of SNA. Reported limitations of the application of SNA were focused on the study design and data collection.…”

“…31 40 47 Regarding analysis, the quantitative results that SNA yields can be combined with other statistical approaches. 34 In addition, sociometrics may have superior value for overcoming the shortcomings of ego network self-reported measures, but data collection from ego networks is more feasible and less expensive than sociometric network data collection. 44 SNA analysis is further strengthened because it is based on the number of relationships instead of only the number of individuals.…”