Importance of Dialogicality in Professional Development of Social and Health Care Workers: A Case of Preventing Radicalization
Keywords:
Preventing Radicalization, Social and Healthcare Professionals, Professional Development, Dialogicality, Online LearningAbstract
Addressing global challenges such as violent radicalization and extremism requires cross-sector collaboration among different authorities and professionals, which is essential in developing sustainable solutions that promote violence prevention. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how multi-professional dialogue can be facilitated among the stakeholders involved in preventing radicalization and violent extremism (PVE). This study aimed to explore the meanings that social and healthcare professionals attribute to the prevention of violent radicalization after completing an online course on the subject. Data were collected through semi-structured, individually conducted interviews (n = 12), and the data analysis employed an inductive thematic content approach. The results showed that social and healthcare professionals emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in preventing violent radicalization, valuing it for enhancing work efficacy, client support, and professional development. Participants highlighted the need for cross-organizational discussions, locally guided practices, and service pathways involving experts by experience as key to advancing future prevention efforts. The results of this study can inform training interventions for social and healthcare workers, highlighting the importance of preventing violent radicalization in these sectors. We suggest that the development of local operational models could be part of the training.
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