Covariate-defined latent space random effects model

Latent factor models are a useful and intuitive class of models; one limitation is their inability to predict links in a dynamic network. We propose a latent space random effects model with a covariate-defined social space, where the social space is a linear combination of the covariates as estimated by an MCMC algorithm. The model allows for the prediction of links in a network; it also provides an interpretable framework to explain why people connect. We fit the model using the Adolescent Health Network dataset and three simulated networks to illustrate its effectiveness in recognizing patterns in the data.     

The Family Outreach Model: Tools for Engaging and Working With Families in Distress

The purpose of this article is to present a family intervention model to family service providers that builds on previous research in areas of social support and family problem solving. The Family Outreach Model provides a set of strategies for engaging and working with families in five phases of family coping at different points in time in the family's life. The strategies reflect intentional choices by family service providers about both collaborative and directive styles of therapeutic alliance and highlights ways to determine which style best fits with what specific families want and need, depending on the manner of family coping that it is using. Implications for programs and public policy are presented.     

Stepparent Family Membership Status

In this study, 143 participants experiencing a parental divorce completed surveys regarding their relationship with a stepparent. Using semantic-differential items, participants were asked to indicate how much they trusted their stepmother, stepfather, or both. Participants were then asked to indicate why (and if) they considered the stepparent to be family. Most participants considered their stepparent to be part of their family, and were able to articulate reasons or events that caused them to see the stepparent as a family member. These reasons were coded and compared to trust scores. Results indicate that participants reporting positive, positive-neutral, neutral, negative-neutral, and negative responses about their stepparent were significantly different on trust scores. Analyses also reveal that stepfather trust scores were significantly related to the participant residing with the stepfather, but this was not the case for stepmothers.     

Examining the Development of Positive Space in Health and Social Service Organizations: A Canadian Exploratory Study

All health care sectors are currently examining factors that influence delivery of high-quality services for diverse groups with an understanding that minority populations experience barriers to service access that contribute to well-documented ill health and health inequities. With a goal of understanding dynamics that can improve access to care in the home care sector, this qualitative exploratory study examined processes to create inclusive, positive space for diverse lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in community-based health and social service agencies. A purposeful sample of eight key informants from agencies in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which offer programs and services to LGBTQ communities, completed in-depth interviews. Conventional content analysis and a critical lens were used. Themes offered insight into the histories, challenges, and turning points which shaped the development of LGBTQ-positive spaces in these organizations. Community engagement and leadership emerged as relevant, as did strategies to embed LGBTQ voices and visibility within everyday organizational functioning. Given the gap in literature addressing LGBTQ access to home care and the unique dynamics that shape care in the home, implications address the application of these study findings for creating positive space in the home care sector.     

Culture Clash and Second Home Ownership in the U.S. Northern Forest

Culture clash, or intracommunity tensions related to rapid in‐migration, between permanent and newcomer residents has been well studied in relation to environmental conservation in natural amenity communities; however, less is known about culture clash within communities characterized by high rates of second home ownership. We examine the causes of perceived culture clash in communities of the U.S. Northern Forest using mail survey data from four case studies within New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. In contrast to past culture clash research, we consider multiple dimensions of cultural capital that are independent of second home owners' rural or urban origins, and how key aspects of culture compare to economic standing and social interaction as drivers of perceived culture clash. Permanent residents perceive greater levels of culture clash than second home owners, net other measures, indicating that seasonal migration in and of itself encourages notions of otherness between residents. More frequent social interaction between resident groups helps to ameliorate intracommunity tensions. Cultural capital and social interaction measures were equally effective in explaining variation in perceived culture clash. Our findings indicate that the culture clash concept extends beyond scenarios of environmental conflict and applies to more general forms of intergroup tensions.     

Students' Use of Self: Teaching Implications

Social workers acknowledge that they bring more than their professional skills and knowledge to practice, hence the emphasis in many social work programs on enhancing students' self knowledge. After a general overview of self‐knowledge activities for students, the gap between insight and practice is highlighted. The empirical literature is reviewed to find specific and purposeful self enactments, defined as functional ways in which workers intentionally apply their self to practice. Located within professional boundaries, such self enactments potentially form the basis upon which students might consider how to apply their own personal self.     

Working With LGBT Baby Boomers and Older Adults: Factors That Signal a Welcoming Service Environment

Many providers recognize the importance of creating culturally competent services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Although multiple resources list steps to make professional practices more LGBT-welcoming, these resources provide no empirical data to support their recommendations. LGBT older adults (N = 327) were asked to describe what signals that a provider is LGBT-welcoming. Six of the top 10 signals related to provider behavior and suggest the importance of staff training; the balance included display of signage and rainbow flags, use of inclusive language on forms and the presence of LGBT-identified staff. Results provide evidence-based recommendations for working with LGBT older adults.