Using Bimodal Social Network Analysis as a Descriptive Evaluation Tool for Examining Process Changes in a Youth...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Social Network Analysis

Background:

• Place-based collective impact strategies aim to align multisector resources for community well-being.
• Evaluating such strategies requires robust methods to assess network dynamics and goal alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess a place-based collective impact strategy's effect on multisector resource alignment and perceptions of youth wellness needs.
• To evaluate changes in social relationships, idea alignment, and investment willingness within a youth wellness zone (YWZ) initiative.

Main Methods:

• A partnership developed a youth wellness zone (YWZ) in Pierce County, Washington.
• Two surveys administered 9 months apart (2023-2024) assessed network social relationships, youth needs perceptions, and pooled fund investment willingness.
• Bimodal social network analyses were used to evaluate changes in idea alignment over time.

Main Results:

• Social network resource sharing increased within social clusters (C=0.33 to 0.45).
• Idea alignment strengthened concurrently with YWZ planning activities.
• No significant changes in overall network growth were observed; pooled fund motivation was mixed due to early implementation.

Conclusions:

• Place-based initiatives like YWZs can foster goal alignment and resource sharing within communities.
• Social network analysis serves as a valuable tool for evaluating collective impact efforts.
• Measuring social connectedness and goal alignment is crucial for implementing place-based initiatives successfully.