Outcomes of Diaconal Work Promoting Social Inclusion at Lahti Diaconia Institute, Finland
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21820936 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anne-Maria Karjalainen, Tiina Mäkelä (0000-0001-6896-7515), Lars Leemann (0000-0003-3268-5780), Marko Nousiainen (0000-0003-2418-5049) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 93-114 |
| Publication date | 2025-06-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Diaconia (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1869-3261 • E-ISSN: 2196-9027 |
| Publisher | Walter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.13109/diac.2025.16.issue-2.93 |
| OpenAlex | W7165628968 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 7 |
The aim of this study is to review how information on experiences of social inclusion can be used to assess the outcomes of diaconal work promoting social inclusion among people living in underprivileged circumstances. To this end, we investigated how participants’ experiences of social inclusion changed while they were taking part in the non-profit activities and services of Lahti Diaconia Institute (DILA). The longitudinal data consisted of 255 participants’ baseline and follow-up scores on the Experiences of Social Inclusion Scale (ESIS), obtained in participation situations in 2022 and 2023. DILA is a non-profit foundation based on Christian values which activities are aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of people living in the Päijät-Häme region in Southern Finland. DILA has adopted the promotion of experiences of social inclusion as one of its strategic objectives. Compared to other evaluations using the ESIS, the results of this study show very positive outcomes. The mean ESIS score increase after participating in DILA activities was 5.7 points. The ESIS proved to be a valuable instrument for examining outcomes social inclusion outcomes in diaconia work, which would otherwise be imperceptible. The information it provides can be used to publicise the achievements of diaconal work among stakeholders, including its funders. However, the observed changes in experience of social inclusion were not homogeneous, and there were both positive and negative changes. The findings can therefore help to address the needs for the development of the activities
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| Highly cited | No |
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