What was the objective or the goal of the study?
Overall, the goal of the study was to investigate the experiences of senior male individuals in assisted living communities, with a focus on the male residents. The goal was to establish whether gender diversity has an important role in how the assisted living (AL) communities’ residents socialize and what specifically are the male residents’ experiences. At that, the authors define socialization as socially and emotionally engaging with other residents of the given community. In the pursuit of their goal, the authors have set several research questions. Firstly, they want to find out how senior male residents communicate with their peers and the AL center personnel. Secondly, they question the part that the environment—presumably the AL center environment—has in the residents’ socialization. Lastly, they seek the opportunities for improving the residents’ socialization experiences.
What is the relevance of this study (why is this an important topic?)
The researchers explain the relevance of their study as follows. Firstly, the necessity to give an account of the experience of socialization that geriatrics have is caused by the lack of intimacy in the atmosphere of AL centers. Other researchers have reported that in contrast to relationships with families and friends, the contacts between AL communities’ residents tend to be less meaningful (Park, Knapp, Shin, & Kinslow, 2009, pp. 769-770). In this respect, male residents tend to get less family support. Another important point is the gender differences that influence the modes and outcomes of social interaction. The authors state that males tend to be persistent in their denial of their socialization needs due to socially assigned gender identity. Because of this, the needs of male residents tend to be overlooked for several reasons. Consequently, the authors perceive the potential vulnerability of male residents and maintain the necessity for this research to enhance the quality of their lives in AL communities.
In one paragraph, state how well did the authors summarize and synthesize the literature related to the topic
The researchers conducted a review of relevant literature, which can be categorized by the aspects of gender diversity and socialization as well as the social dimension of AL communities. The evidence provided by these literature bodies is substantial and forms a comprehensive background for the study: in general, males tend to receive less social support than women; as a result, considering the non-intimate atmosphere of AL communities, senior males tend to experience severe isolation. The timespan of the literature they have used varies from the 1990s to the early 2000s, which can probably be explained by the lack of sufficient research on this specific subject.
List the ethical considerations or issues that were discussed in this article
To determine if the participants were treated ethically, it is worth considering if they were able to receive and comprehend the information about the interviews, if they decided to participate on a voluntary basis, and if their mental condition allowed them to make a decision. These considerations are explicitly discussed in the “Participants” section (Park et al., 2009, 771). An important criterion here is the diagnosis: residents diagnosed with dementia were excluded because the imparity would not allow them to estimate the potential risks and make a balanced decision. Such residents would be easy to coerce into participation as well, which is another reason they were excluded. The study was overviewed by the IRB of Alabama University and approved as ethical.
What were the criteria the authors used to determine who data would be collected from (also called inclusion criteria)?
The study used a mixed-method approach, adopting both the quantitative and qualitative design of preliminary and follow-up in-depth interviews. Consequently, the residents had to meet inclusion criteria on two levels. To be involved in the quantitative interviews, the participants were considered as to their age, diagnosis, and comprehension capabilities. To meet the inclusion criteria, the residents had to be aged 65 or more. Further, their diagnosis had to be other than dementia to ensure they were capable of comprehending the questions and providing answers. To proceed to the qualitative interviews, they only had to state their agreement since the inclusion criteria opted for maximum heterogeneity, admitting residents of diversified gender, social status, health, mobility, etc. (Park et al., 2009, p. 771).
In one paragraph describe the sampling strategy used by the authors. Be sure to include any limitations that you notice in their chosen approach
The study sites (n= 8) were sampled purposively to meet the maximum heterogeneity goal the authors set. The site sample includes AL establishments of diverse sizes and locations. The participants were sampled using maximum variation sampling. If they met the inclusion criteria (65 years of age or older, no dementia, and the ability to comprehend and respond to questions), they were included with regard to their variability in terms of gender, marital status, etc. Some limitations can be singled out on the stage of site sampling: a purposive is a type of non-probability sampling technique. Such a sample is non-representative and can be prone to biased assumptions. On the other hand, the researchers aimed at maximum variation, which is why they account for all sizes of the facilities and regard different locations (urban and rural). Consequently, the limitations of purposive sampling are reduced here. Another group of limitations concerns the small size of the participant’s sample. Despite the maximum variation, such a sample can be insufficient in predicting causality. In addition, the inclusion criteria excluded mentally impaired residents. It can be the case that such residents are still further isolated than others and require more social help and support, but the study does not account for them.
What was the qualitative data collection strategy and what was this sample size?
To illustrate their qualitative data collection strategy, the authors provide a comprehensive guide with the samples of the questions asked (Park et al., 2009, p. 773). The method used was an in-depth interview. The data collection process was in the form of person-to-person interviews with open-ended questions. The duration of the interviews was 40–75 min. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and later codified. At this stage, the sample size was n = 29, 9 males and 20 females.
What was the quantitative data collection strategy and what was this sample size?
The strategy was reliant on random sampling and gathering of well-structured data through surveys with close-ended scalable questions (questionnaires). Although the authors do not state it explicitly, one can assume that the questionnaires were completed on-site as opposed to a web-based approach. Such a strategy ensures the participants complete the questionnaires and return them to the researchers. In this initial stage, the sample size amounted to n = 82, 21 males and 61 females.
What were the data collection instruments used for the quantitative portion of the study?
Indicators such as cognitive function, psychological well-being, life satisfaction, perceived social support, reciprocity, participation in activities, and atmosphere in the AL facility were measured using quantitative instruments. The data was collected via questionnaires, e.g., MMSE, LSI-A, CES-D, MSPSS, QOL questionnaire, and additional questions to measure reciprocity. The data was then independently coded and leveraged.
In one paragraph describe the strategies the researchers used to ensure the qualitative portion of the study was of high quality (or rigorous)
Rigor in research, especially in qualitative research focused on patient-reported outcomes, means the validity of the content. The study by Park et al. (2009) is just that type of study, relying largely on what the participants report in the interviews. In their pursuit of rigor, the researchers use the following strategies. Firstly, they distinguish the common themes present in the AL residents’ responses; more importantly, to maintain authenticity, they use the participants’ own words as examples (Park et al., 2009, p. 776-778). Secondly, the sample size and sampling method are the factors that constitute the authenticity of the research. Considering that the given study was not aimed at predicting causality but rather on exploring the phenomenon and setting the base for further research, the sample size and methodology are adequate. Additionally, a study such as this should develop a framework to measure what the participants report rather than describing their experience in the narrative form. As said, the given study distinguishes common topics in the participants’ responses and successfully interprets them through quantitative findings. Thus, the researchers are adherent to rigor and authenticity in the qualitative aspect of the study.
In two paragraphs, describe what you think are the most important qualitative and quantitative findings from the study?
Considering that quantitative interviews preceded the qualitative ones, it seems appropriate to enlist them first. Among the statistically significant findings, it was established that the percentage of married male residents was more than that of females. Further, the comparative chart of psychosocial well-being across the genders demonstrates lower rates of well-being among the males. Males tend to have higher depression rates (M = 12.90, SD = 10.76) than females (M = 8.95, SD = 8.88) and report lower life satisfaction. Furthermore, male residents claim to receive less social support than females and estimate their social engagement to be lower than females, mainly in terms of social networking, reciprocal relationships, involvement in activities and perceived friendly attitudes from other AL inhabitants, including the personnel (Park et al., 2009, p. 775).
In-depth qualitative interviews reveal why males tend to rate their socialization experiences that low. During the interviews, male residents tended to speculate on the lack of relationships they would want to have, the difficulties in communicating their emotions, and the monotony of routines. The absence of common interests and the fear—or the experience—of losing friends were the factors that facilitated isolation or fostered relationships with the staff. Their gender roles complexify the emotion-sharing process in male residents, and so does the lack of trust between the residents of any gender. Additionally, the routines practiced by the AL facilities do not favor outdoor activities. The residents demonstrated distress in relation to passive pastimes like watching TV and playing bingo, which badly affected their emotional well-being. These findings, together with the quantitative interview results, reveal that men are generally dissatisfied with their lives and social engagement.
List 2 ways the results of this study may shape policies or practices related to older men in assisted care facilities
Firstly, the study suggests an approach to the AL residents’ social engagement that diversifies from traditional family participation encouragement. Because male residents report to value communities other than families, service providers can attempt to involve communities such as neighborhoods, churches, etc. Secondly, the authors suppose that male residents aged 65 or more have grown up engaging in active pastimes, which is why they do not approve of the passivity of bingo and musical TV shows (activities generally provided by AL establishments). Feeling their activity needs were not properly met, the residents reported lower quality of life than they could have if they were provided with outdoor activity options. Thus, the findings imply that service providers should consider providing their residents with opportunities to play outdoor games, organize their own activities, and make trips to some events or performances outside the AL facilities. Such an approach would sufficiently enhance the quality of life and social engagement of the male AL residents.
Reference
Park, N. S., Knapp, M. A., Shin, H. J., & Kinslow, K. M. (2009). Mixed methods study of social engagement in assisted living communities: Challenges and implications for serving older men. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52(8), 767-783.