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The workings of an action learning program for building mental health promotion capacity – A realist evaluation

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  • Hinrichsen, Carsten
  • Nelausen, Malene Kubstrup
  • Nielsen, Line
  • Santini, Ziggi Ivan
  • Meilstrup, Charlotte
  • Rod, Morten Hulvej
  • Koushede, Vibeke
  • Lauridsen, Sigurd

Abstract

Action learning is a promising approach for building mental health promotion (MHP) capacity. The aim of this study is to explore how action learning processes can strengthen MHP capacity within and across organizations in a community setting. We applied an embedded case study design and a realist evaluation framework to explore key combinations of mechanisms and contextual factors that generated the emergent MHP capacity outcomes of an action learning program, i.e. context-mechanism-outcome-configurations (CMO-configurations). Data consisted of 18 semi-structured face-to-face interviews, 10 telephone interviews, two group interviews, observations, and documents. Interviewees (n = 21) were participants and management employees. Our analytical provision of CMO-configurations provides insights into how contextual factors, such as participant motivation, organizational support, and existing task descriptions, in combination with certain program mechanisms, such as legitimization of specific agendas, learning-by-doing, and collaborations across organizational boundaries, explain the identified outcomes. Outcomes ranged across implementation of MHP initiatives, personal development among participants, and relational and collaborative development. Taken together, our results strengthen the notion that mechanisms of action learning hold the potential to build MHP capacity on an individual, organizational, and community level. This study, also, illustrates that realist evaluation offers a relevant methodology for investigating the underlying workings of capacity building programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Hinrichsen, Carsten & Nelausen, Malene Kubstrup & Nielsen, Line & Santini, Ziggi Ivan & Meilstrup, Charlotte & Rod, Morten Hulvej & Koushede, Vibeke & Lauridsen, Sigurd, 2022. "The workings of an action learning program for building mental health promotion capacity – A realist evaluation," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:92:y:2022:i:c:s0149718922000349
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2022.102080
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carsten Hinrichsen & Vibeke Jenny Koushede & Katrine Rich Madsen & Line Nielsen & Nanna Gram Ahlmark & Ziggi Ivan Santini & Charlotte Meilstrup, 2020. "Implementing Mental Health Promotion Initiatives—Process Evaluation of the ABCs of Mental Health in Denmark," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-26, August.
    2. H. Skipton Leonard & Michael J. Marquardt, 2010. "The evidence for the effectiveness of action learning," Action Learning: Research and Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(2), pages 121-136, April.
    3. Sobeck, Joanne & Agius, Elizabeth, 2007. "Organizational capacity building: Addressing a research and practice gap," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 237-246, August.
    4. Jolley, Gwyneth, 2014. "Evaluating complex community-based health promotion: Addressing the challenges," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 71-81.
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