A mathematical framework for the complex system approach to group dynamics: The case of recovery house social integration.

Abstract

The complex system conception of group social dynamics often involves not only changing individual characteristics, but also changing within-group relationships. Recent advances in stochastic dynamic network modeling allow these interdependencies to be modeled from data. This methodology is discussed within a context of other mathematical and statistical approaches that have been or could be applied to study the temporal evolution of relationships and behaviors within small- to medium-sized groups. An example model is presented, based on a pilot study of five Oxford House recovery homes, sober living environments for individuals following release from acute substance abuse treatment. This model demonstrates how dynamic network modeling can be applied to such systems, examines and discusses several options for pooling, and shows how results are interpreted in line with complex system concepts. Results suggest that this approach (a) is a credible modeling framework for studying group dynamics even with limited data, (b) improves upon the most common alternatives, and (c) is especially well-suited to complex system conceptions. Continuing improvements in stochastic models and associated software may finally lead to mainstream use of these techniques for the study of group dynamics, a shift already occurring in related fields of behavioral science.

Recovery home networks as social capital

“…The social network instrument (SNI; Jason & Stevens, 2017) was utilized to capture the social dynamics within each OH. This instrument has been used in several investigations on the social networks of recovery home residents (Jason & Stevens, 2017;Jason et al, 2014;Jason et al, 2018;Light et al, 2016) The SNI measures several relationship characteristics, including friendship, loan, and advice-seeking. Data were also collected on help, frequency, and strength, but these measures are not included in the current study.…”

“…Recent studies have examined friendship, willingness to share resources and advice‐seeking social network resources in recovery homes. Jason et al () and Light, Jason, Stevens, Callahan, and Stone () collected baseline and 3‐month follow‐up data on several OH recovery houses and found a distinction between mentors and willingness to lend money. Although willingness to lend money tended to be reciprocated between two individuals, mentorship relationships did not show this pattern, indicating that advice‐giving and advice‐seeking are not usually mutual in friendship dyads.…”

Our Reflections on the Reactions to "Theories in the Field of Community Psychology"

“…As proposed by Barile and Smith (2016), two recent papers (Jason et al, 2014;Light et al in press) specifically propose the social network framework as one way to capture social context under some circumstances. These papers are as methodological as they are substantive in tone, arguing that the theoretical conception of small group dynamics as complex systems fits quite naturally with the methodological approach supplied by networks, and the longitudinal modeling framework of conditional Markov processes (e.g.…”

Friend Selection and Influence Effects for First Heavy Drinking Episode in Adolescence

“…This approach uses a matrix of relationships for each wave for all five districts together, with interdistrict choices not permitted. The model assumes that all parameters are identical across districts, as the full-pooling description implies, and is useful when individual networks are difficult to model individually (Light et al, 2016).…”