Full Author Titles and Affiliations
Ruijie Ma, MSW (Contact Email: rum79@pitt.edu)
PhD Student, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
PhD Student, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Bio: Ruijie (Ray) Ma, MSW, is a PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Her research focuses on promoting flourishing among children and adolescents with complex mental health needs, particularly those at risk of hospitalization or service disruption. She uses mixed-methods approaches, including concept mapping and causal inference methods, to examine how service systems can better support youth and families during critical transition periods. Her work aims to bridge practice, measurement, and policy to advance more equitable and developmentally responsive mental health services.
Deborah Moon, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Charles Pemberton, EdD
OMNI Family of Services, Louisville, KY, USA
OMNI Family of Services, Louisville, KY, USA
Amanda Cruce, PhD
School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Abstract / Brief Description
This study explores how mental health service providers identify child and youth flourishing within high-acuity, in-home crisis stabilization settings. While existing child mental health systems are largely oriented toward symptom reduction and risk management, emerging research suggests that flourishing involves broader dimensions such as relationships, meaning, and positive functioning. However, current frameworks are often inconsistently defined and insufficiently tailored to crisis-oriented contexts.
Using a concept mapping approach, this mixed-methods study engaged 18 mental health providers from Family Intervention Treatment Team (FITT) programs in Kentucky. Participants generated 237 statements, which were synthesized into 108 unique items and organized through multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. The final model yielded 11 clusters (stress = 0.3053), representing key clusters of statements promoting child flourishing. Participants also rated each item on importance and feasibility.
Findings revealed a notable misalignment between importance and feasibility (r = 0.12). Structural supports, including basic needs and coordinated services, were rated as highly important but least feasible to implement within short-term crisis services. In contrast, relational and interactional practices—such as emotional validation, trauma-informed care, and youth voice—were perceived as more actionable. These findings highlight a critical tension between what providers view as essential for flourishing and what current service systems are equipped to deliver, with implications for measurement, intervention design, and policy.