Highlights:

Vol. 16, No. 1-2, 2025

1. General Overview and Focus of the Journal

* The journal publishes interdisciplinary research in social work and health intervention.
* It emphasizes innovative and non-traditional topics aimed at improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
* A significant portion focuses on social challenges in Central Europe with a global perspective.
* The current issue addresses complex social and health problems including homelessness, youth educational struggles, elder care demands, and the impact of digital technologies on social work effectiveness.

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### 2. Key Topics and Articles

* **Evolving Paradigms in Social Work** – exploring new theories and practices with a holistic approach integrating spirituality, medicine, and sociology.
* **The Impact of Labelling on Roma Integrity** – an in-depth study on how labeling affects Roma communities’ identity, discrimination, and social exclusion.
* **Functioning of Centers for Children and Families in Slovakia** – examining the role of social centers in child protection and social guardianship.
* **Tele-education and Mobilization of Mothers Post Cesarean Section** – assessing the impact of remote education on postpartum mothers.
* **Women with HIV/AIDS and Healthcare Stigma** – analyzing challenges faced by women with HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.
* **Psychological Stability of Higher Education Teams During the Russian-Ukrainian War** – study on psychological resilience in academic teams amid conflict.
* **Impact of Social Media Addiction on Cognitive Failures in Young Adults** – cross-sectional study on social media addiction and cognitive issues.
* **A Social Worker’s Case Study on Forgiveness in Senior Care** – reflections on trauma, Alzheimer’s, and end-of-life forgiveness.
* **Structural Deficits in Prison Healthcare in Germany** – cross-sectional analysis of healthcare quality for prisoners.
* **Empirical Typology of Gifted Adolescents** – study on realization of personal potential in gifted youth.
* **Digital Benefits to Seniors’ Social Participation** – qualitative study on how social networks support seniors’ engagement.
* **People’s Attitudes Towards Voluntary or Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination and Their Quality of Life** – exploring social conflicts and impacts on life quality during the pandemic.

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### 3. Notable Findings from Selected Studies

**Labelling and Roma Communities**

* Labelling reinforces negative stereotypes and leads to social exclusion of Roma.
* Schools and media are major environments where stigma begins.
* Negative stereotypes impact educational outcomes, employment opportunities, and self-esteem.
* Highlights the need for policies promoting diversity and combating prejudice.

**Impact of COVID-19 and Vaccination Attitudes**

* COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on quality of life globally.
* Society divided into supporters and opponents of vaccination, causing social conflict.
* Study examines how these opposing attitudes affect subjective quality of life.
* Long COVID symptoms remain a public health challenge.

**Influence of Digital Technologies on Social Work**

* Technologies like AI, VR, and social media are transforming social work practice.
* Ethical frameworks are needed to protect privacy and maintain empathy in digital contexts.
* Digital addiction affects mental health and social interactions, especially among youth.

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### 4. Editorial Team and Publisher

* Editor-in-Chief: Dr.hc. Mult. Dr. Daniel J. West, Jr., PhD (University of Scranton, USA)
* International editorial board with experts from the USA, Europe, and Africa.
* Published by the International Society of Applied Preventive Medicine (i-gap), Austria.
* Impact factor: 1.21 (2019).