Structuring perceptions of children's emotional and behavioral health: The use of concept mapping for planning with with key stakeholders


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4081.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - Board 3

Abstract #116257

Scott R. Rosas, PhD, Center for Children's Health Innovation, Nemours Health and Prevention Services, 252 Chapman Rd., Christiana Building - Suite 200, Newark, DE 19702, 302-444-9131, srosas@nemours.org

Operationalizing perceived need of key stakeholders is compounded by variability in the expression of what people think or feel the needs to be. Planners have emphasized the use of process techniques to structure participation within group settings because attendance will not necessarily result in effective and equal participation from those present. Several techniques have been suggested for formalizing perceived need.

One promising approach to structuring conceptualizations of need is concept mapping: a multistep process that helps describe and delineate concepts and their interrelationships through group process, multivariate statistical analyses, and group interpretation.

This project used concept mapping to develop a conceptual framework of key factors influencing children's emotional and behavioral health in the state of Delaware, with the purpose of eliciting perceptions from influential stakeholders in a way that would help facilitate program development and planning.

Seventeen stakeholders, from different parts of the system, generated 67 specific items that, from their perspective, either supported or inhibited the emotional and behavioral development of children in the state. Items were sorted on the basis of their relationship and each was rated along two dimensions: degree of relative importance and degree to which it is currently being addressed. Analysis and construction of “concept maps” was facilitated through the application of multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. Further analysis to identify gaps between areas viewed as important and those not currently addressed was conducted using the two sets of ratings.

Implications of the results that emerged from the concept mapping process will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

1. Recognize the methodological foundations of concept mapping
2. Identify key benefits of concept mapping for conceptualization and planning purposes
3. Recognize how concept mapping can be used as a technique for structuring perceived need with a group of stakeholders
4. Recognize how information derived through concept mapping can be used for planning

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Promoting Child Health: From the Womb Through Childhood

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA