Access to Mental Health Services: The Struggle of Poverty Affected Urban Children of Color

It is estimated that, in the United States, one in ten children and adolescents suffer from illness severe enough to cause some level of psychosocial dysfunction. Urban children, and in particular low-income children of color, are at greater risk of developing mental health problems, and are less likely to receive effective child mental health services. Prompt and effective access to mental health services by urban children of color is a critical direct practice and social policy concern. This article provides an overview of significant barriers to mental health care experienced by poverty affected urban children of color and their families. It also addresses a broad range of practice and policy issues that need to be raised in order to ensure competent delivery of mental health services for children living in urban environments. The role of social work in assisting poor urban children of color to access and benefit from mental health services is stressed. Manny John González, D.S.W., is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service.     

From the new left to the new enlightenment: the methodological implications of public attention on private lives

Research on Rajneeshpuram was partially supported by the Center for the Study of Women in Society and a Summer Research Grant from University of Oregon. Research on the fate of Santa Barbara activists was partially supported by grants from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the Graduate Division of the University of California at Santa Barbara.     

Depression and childhood illness

Childhood depression as a component of the impact of childhood illness or developmental impairment on the latency age child is studied in relation to three diagnostic groups: children with asthma, cancer, and psychiatric diagnoses of behavioral disorders. The study revealed a range of coping styles to deal with the anxiety, loss and feelings induced by the specific crises. The special dimensions of stress and coping adaptations affected the child's developing self concept, the separation individuation process and the child-parent relationships. Depressive symptoms were variously present within and between the three groups of children.This study was funded, in part, by grants from the University of Michigan Medical School and the Horace Rackham Graduate School of the University of Michigan.     

Must Schools of Social Work be Freestanding? Yes!

Abstract

Point/Counterpoint is a regular feature of the Journal of Social Work Education. Its purpose is to provide a vehicle for the expression of contrasting views on controversial topics in social work education. Our goal is to illuminate important debates and explore the diverse perspectives that are shaping social work education.

In each issue of the Journal, social work educators are invited to comment on a topic about which they have differing viewpoints. Each commentator is given an opportunity to make a brief rebuttal. In this issue, Barbara Shank (Chair, Department of Social Work, University of St. Thomas and the College of St. Catherine), Irving Piliavin (Director, School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison), and Marsha Seltzer (Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison) address the question: Must schools of social work be freestanding?     

Interview with Howard E. Gruber

Howard E. Gruber is currently Adjunct Visiting Professor of Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. He is one of the world's foremost experts on the creative process. Gruber was educated at Brooklyn College and at Cornell University, Ithaca, USA, where he received a Ph.D. in 1950 in psychology. His interest in the history of science, particularly in the work of Charles Darwin, led to several important discoveries about the creative process and to additional study of developmental psychology in Geneva, Switzerland with Jean Piaget.Gruber taught at Queens University (Canada) and at the University of Colorado, USA. He was Chair of the Psychology Department in the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research, New York and Co-director at the Institute for Cognitive Studies of Rutgers University, USA. From 1983 to 1988 he was Professor of Genetic Psychology at the University of Geneva. He has been a Guggenheim Fellow and a Fellow of the Ford Foundation for Higher Education.Gruber's book, Darwin on Man: A Psychological Study of Scientific Creativity (2nd ed.) (1981) received the Phi Beta Kappa Award for books in science, was recognized by the New York Times Book Review as one of the seven best books of the year, and was nominated for the National Book Award. The Essential Piaget (1977/1995) (written and edited with Jacques Vonèche) is considered the most authoritative anthology of Piaget's work. Gruber's most recent book, co-authored and co-edited with Doris B. Wallace, is Creative People at Work: Twelve Cognitive Case Studies (1989).     

Parent-child separation: A comparison of maternally and paternally separated children in military families

In recent times children have adapted to parental separation as parents balance the demands of family and job responsibilities. While job-related separation affect many in today's society, no population is affected more than children of military families. Changes in the Armed Services have resulted in more children being separated from their active-duty mothers. Although studies have documented the relationship between father-absence and a child's psychosocial development, little is known about mother-child separation in military families. This study compares the psychosocial functioning of children who have experienced extended maternal separation with that exhibited by children who have separated from their fathers. Implications for social work practice are addressed.This research met the dissertation requirement for a D.S.W. at Catholic University of America with Dr. Elizabeth Timberlake as chair and Dr. Barbara Early as committee member.Dr. Applewhite is Chief, Social Work Service, Beyne-Jones Army Community Hospital and Dr. Mays is Social Work Consultant to the Army Surgeon General, Walter Reed Army Medical Center.     

Clinical Writing of a Therapy in Progress: Ethical Questions and Therapeutic Challenges

Clinical implications and ethical dilemmas of the use of confidential case material in clinical writing are examined, including a review of the discourse among professionals who publish clinical work. This literature is applied to a clinical illustration of psychotherapy with a client who gave consent for publication and read the clinical write-up of her case material. It is suggested that clinical writing may increase client “self-reflection” if there is a “secure base” of attachment between therapist/author and the client. The impact on the client’s treatment process is examined, in addition to a discussion of ethical questions and professional recommendations. ²Dr. Susanne Bennett is an Assistant Professor, National School of Social Service of the Catholic University of America. Dr. Bennett is also a psychotherapist in private practice in Falls Church, VA.     

Results of an Alcohol Prevention Program with Urban American Indian Youth

In comparing alcohol use among American Indian and non-Indian youth, the age at first involvement with alcohol is younger for Indians, the frequency and amount of drinking are greater, and the negative consequences are more common. This article presents the results of an innovative alcohol prevention program for urban Indian youth, blending mainstream prevention approaches with culturally appropriate intervention. A quasi-experimental treatment/non-equivalent control group research design was used to evaluate the Seventh Generation Program, comparing scores over time on measures assessing alcohol beliefs as well as decision-making, social support, locus of control, self-concept, depression, and ethnic identity. Results of repeated measures analysis revealed significant effects for treatment in the areas of alcohol beliefs, social support, locus of control and depression. James R. Moran is Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA. Marian Bussey is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA.

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Ultra-orthodox women in Israel: A pilot project in social work education

The Hebrew University School of Social Work initiated a 2-year BSW program for ultra-orthodox women with a prior BA degree from a recognized university. This program adhered to the curriculum of the school and courses were taught by university faculty and field instructors. To encourage enrollment and show sensitivity to the needs of this population, classes were held on the campus of an ultra-orthodox women's seminary. The culture of social work consists of professional beliefs, values and behaviors. This program enabled an interface of students entrenched in the ultra-orthodox world, as encoded in the halacha (Jewish law representing beliefs and values, and dictating behaviors), with that of the social work profession. We were confronted with the challenge of integrating these two cultures. The main objective was to make the knowledge and skills of social work available to these women. Because of the two different systems, there are inherent conflicts which are bound to arise. An ongoing educational challenge was to resolve these conflicts. Minda Garr, lecturer at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work, is the academic coordinator of the program described, and Goldie Marans of the Baerwald School of Social Work, is the field coordinator of this program.     

Neighborhood Organization for Community Action,John B. Turner,Editor. New York,National Association of Social Workers, 1968. 220 Pages. $2.50 Paperback

A social welfare agency, owned and operated by the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, is depicted as an innovative field placement setting. The model offers an alternative to traditional agency-based field practice. Additionally, the model is examined relative to one view of the stages of development of the social work profession.     

Does the client have a gambling problem?

Representatives from 40 New York City social agencies were interviewed in order to determine the extent to which gambling is a problem among their clients. The findings indicate that (a) agency personnel rarely ask clients about gambling behavior either on intake or with continued agency contact; (b) rarely do clients spontaneously mention gambling as a problem; (c) problem gambling is usually brought to the attention of the agency by the wives of problem gamblers; and (d) gambling is a hidden family problem associated with marital discord and financial disarray. In order to have a better understanding of problem gambling and its vicissitudes it is recommended that agency personnel keep statistics on gambling and gambling related problems.This paper was revised after the untimely death of Leonard S. Kogan, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Social Research, The Graduate School and University Center, The City University of New York.     

Book Reviews

Abstract

Author: Jacquelin Tivers and Michael Day Title: The Viking Children's World Atlas Publisher. The Viking Press-Junior Books 40 W. 23rd St. NY, NY 10010 Date of Publication: 1983 Price: $6.95 Audience: Ages 5 to 12 Introductory Atlas Reviewed by Tom Collins.

Title: Preserving America's Past. Publisher: National Geographic Society Date of Publication: 1983 Price: $6.95 Audience: Middle School to Adult Reviewed by Barbara Harris.     

Therapist pregnancy and maternity leave: Maintaining and furthering therapeutic gains in the interim

A therapist's pregnancy and maternity leave is a time of multiple transitions for both patient and therapist. This article reviews the literature on therapist pregnancy and its therapeutic implications. It discusses the treatment planning choices of: trial termination, therapeutic hiatus, and temporary transfer. The article further addresses the clinical and administrative issues of planning the maternity leave as well as the issues of time-limited treatment with the interim therapist. It included illustrative case examples based on the author's experience as an interim therapist during a six month maternity leave.This paper in its original form was presented as part of the requirement for The Hunter College School of Social Work: Post Masters Program in advanced Clinical Social Work.     

Treatment for Children with Trauma-Attachment Disorders: Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

Children with histories of maltreatment are at significant risk of developing severe psychiatric problems. Treatment of such children is difficult and there are no empirical studies evaluating the effectiveness of outpatient treatment for children with trauma-attachment disorders. The present study examines the effectiveness of Dyadic Developmental Therapy, a treatment based on attachment theory, provided by one therapist in an outpatient setting. The 64 subjects all had trauma-attachment disorders, met the DSM-IV criteria for Reactive Attachment Disorder, and had histories of serious maltreatment. The 34 children in the treatment group were treated in weekly outpatient therapy at The Center For Family Development with Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. The 30 children in the control group were evaluated but did not received Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and received treatment from other providers at other clinics. Eligible subjects were children between the ages of five and seventeen years whose case had been closed in 2000 or 2001. All children had significant past histories of abuse, neglect, or orphanage care. Findings for children in the treatment group, as measured by the Achenback and Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire, were significant decreases (p<.01) in symptoms of attachment disorder, withdrawn behaviors, anxiety and depression, social problems, thought problems, attention problems, rule-breaking behaviors, and aggressive behaviors. The findings for children in the control group showed no changes in the variables measured. Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy appears to be an effective treatment for children with trauma-attachment disorders.The author would like to gratefully acknowledge Ms. Geraldine Gallucci, a master’s level social work intern, who was placed with The Center For Family Development. Ms. Gallucci ensured that the follow-up questionnaires were mailed to the families and returned to the agency.Arthur Becker-Weidmann is affiliated with Center for Family Development, Williamsville, USA.     

Third Shift Women in Business-Owning Families

Using data from the 1997 National Family Business Survey (NFBS), this study identifies factors associated with married women’s employment involvement in business-owning families. While focusing on married women in a third shift situation—working for the family business, for the marketplace, and for managing the household—this study compares business and family characteristics by women’s employment status. The results of multinomial logit regression analysis indicated that family cash flow problems, presence of children age under 6, age of women, business assets, age of business, home-based family business, establishment of business, and industry type were significant predictors of women’s employment decision. The results of the study have further implications for women in a third shift situation among business-owning families.Yoon G. Lee, Utah State University, 2905 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-2905, USA; e-mail: yoonlee@cc.usu.edu.Gong-Soog Hong, The Ohio State University, 1787 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1295, USA; e-mail: ghong@hec.ohio-state.edu.Barbara R. Rowe, Utah State University, 2949 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-2949, USA; e-mail: browe@ext.usu.edu.     

Book Reviews

Families at Work: Expanding the Bounds, Naomi Gerstel, Dan Clawson, & Robert Zussman (Eds.). Nashville, TN: The Package Deal: Marriage, Work, and Fatherhood in Men's Lives. Nicholas W. Townsend. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. Inside the American Couple: New Thinking, New Challenges. Marilyn Yalom & Laura L. Carstensen (Eds.); Estelle Freedman & Barbara Gelpi (Consulting Eds.). My Baby's Father: Unmarried Parents and Paternal Responsibility. Maureen R. Waller. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. 2002. Invisible Caregivers: Older Adults Raising Children in the Wake of HIV/AIDS. Daphne Joslin (Ed.). Perfectly Japanese: Making Families in an Era of Upheaval. Merry Isaacs White. Berkeley: University of California Press. 2000. The Decline of Substance Use in Young Adulthood: Changes in Social Activities, Roles, and Beliefs. Jerald G. Bachman, Patrick M. O'Malley, John E. Schulenberg, Lloyd D. Johnston, Alison L. Bryant, & Alicia C. Merline. Mahwah, NJ: Remaking Chinese America: Immigration, Family and Community, 1940–1965. Xiaojian Zhao. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.     

Nonverbal communication between parents and adolescents: A study of approach and avoidance behaviors

This study investigated nonverbal approach and avoidance behaviors exhibited by 30 families with a target child between 7 and 16 years old during a family interaction task. It was hypothesized that avoidance in the form of shame and contempt would be displayed more frequently by early and mid-adolescents than by younger pre-adolescents. It was also expected that approach behaviors would not differ across these age groups. Results provided evidence for increased avoidance and stability of approach behaviors in the parent-child dyad from pre-adolescence to mid-adolescence. Compared to pre-adolescent children (7–10), early adolescents (11–13) displayed more avoidance behaviors toward their parents, particularly shame. Both older adolescents (14–16) and their parents displayed increased avoidance in the form of reciprocated contempt. Despite increased avoidance in adolescence, no age group differences emerged in the amount of approach displayed between mothers, fathers, and children. This dynamic of attachment and separation occurred in both mother-child and father-child dyads, suggesting that both parents play an important role in the adolescent's developing autonomy.This research is based on the doctoral dissertation of Patricia E. Kahlbaugh under the direction of Jeannette M. Haviland at the Graduate School at Rutgers University. We thank the families who gave of their time to participate in this project and the individuals who helped in data recruitment, collection, and coding.     

Why social work should care: Television violence and children

There is an abundance of research on the influence of television violence on children. The convergence of research demonstrates an association between heavy viewing of violence and aggressive behavior. Despite thirty years of research, regulatory policy has failed to decrease violence on children's television. Children exposed to high rates of violence on television may be at greater risk of developing school and social problems. This paper highlights both research and theory which explains the relationship of television violence to children. It further makes the case that television violence should be an important and legitimate concern for social work.Ms. Lazar is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Southern Maine and a Doctoral student at Simmons School of Social Work.