The production of therapy:the social process of construction of the mother of a sexually abused child

This study qualitatively examined the perspectives of clinical social workers on non-offending mothers of sexually abused children. The study examined whether clinicians still used collusion to explain mothers' behavior, despite research refuting collusion. Findings revealed that, although workers did not use collusion, they still constructed mothers negatively. Multiple contexts of agency practice influenced constructions. Administrative use of authority to implement external constraints led to workers' resistance, which involved humor with gender and ethnic components. The agency's role as a graduate social work teaching site contributed the following: Field instructors transmitted the belief that incest typified severe family difficulties and posed complex assessment and intervention problems. Implications for effective practice are discussed.     

Predatory online behavior: modus operandi of convicted sex offenders in identifying potential victims and contacting minors over the internet

Sex offenders have used the Internet to identify and contact minors for sexual exploitation (Armagh, 1998; Hernandez, 2000; Lamb, 1998; Lanning, 1998). Yet little is known about how these individuals select their online victims. In order to gain a better understanding of this behavior, the online activity of 31 men who perpetrated or attempted to perpetrate contact sex offenses against minors they communicated with via the Internet, was examined. Three-fourths of the participants monitored chat room dialogue and almost one-half reviewed online profiles of minors in an attempt to identify potential victims. Recommendations to increase the online safety of children and adolescents are discussed.     

Systemic lupus erythematosus and hormone replacement therapy

The indications for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women is the treatment of climacteric symptoms and the prevention of osteoporosis. Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are more likely to have a premature menopause, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. HRT can induce SLE flares and cardiovascular or venous thromboembolic events. Therefore it should not be used in women with active disease or those with antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. In general, it should be used only for patients without active disease, a history of thrombosis or aPL antibodies. Non-oral administration of estrogen is recommended because of its lesser effect on coagulation. With regard to the progestogen, progesterone or pregnane derivatives are preferred. Otherwise, non-estrogen-based strategies should be used.     

Impact of the Olmstead decision five years later:a national perspective for social workers

The Olmstead Decision of 1999 continues to have the potential to radically transform the long-term care system in the United States. This article will review the components of the decision and steps being taken by the federal and state governments to address its challenges and mandates. A number of key areas where social workers can play important roles will be described.     

The Research Environment Norm Inventory (RENI): a study of integrity in research administrative systems

University research administrators have been generally ignored in basic studies of research integrity. Hensley noted that research administrators are "essential... to the achievement of the specific missions of postsecondary institutions... and to science and the academic infrastructure". The following study sought to extend the scope of research on research integrity to research administrative structures with a new instrument called the Research Environment Norm Inventory or RENI. University research administrators and their professional association were targeted for data collection. Evidence suggested that research administration in the United States supports integrity in the research environment through: (1) respect for community; (2) respect for institutional boundaries; (3) professionalism; (4) respect for authority structures; (5) sensitivity to system conflicts. The study suggested that integrity structures are dictated largely by the institutional settings and environments.     

Relocation stress syndrome in older adults transitioning from home to a long-term care facility: myth or reality?

Relocation stress syndrome is a nursing diagnosis characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, and loneliness. It usually occurs in older adults shortly after moving from a private residence to a nursing home or assisted-living facility. The primary purpose of this study was to validate the symptoms of relocation stress syndrome. Eight nursing home residents and 8 assisted-living facility residents were interviewed 2 to 10 weeks after admission, when symptoms of relocation stress syndrome are most likely to appear. Results of this study indicate that the incidence of relocation stress syndrome may be overestimated. More accurate diagnosis and treatment of depression in older adults is needed.     

Camera-Related Behaviors during Video Recorded Medical Interactions

Video recording provides an objective record of the content of medical interactions. However, there is concern that cameras may be reactive measurement devices that alter what normally transpires during interactions. This study addressed potential reactivity of cameras in medical interactions. Interactions between 45 patients and 14 medical oncologists were video recorded and coded for camera-related behaviors. Eleven of 45 patients performed none of the behaviors. Among the other patients, camera-related behaviors were infrequent and, on average, constituted about 0.1% (one-tenth of one percent) of total interaction time. Behaviors occurred most often in very early stages of interactions, and when physicians were absent from the room. Seven physicians showed camera-related behaviors, comprising less than 0.1% of the time they were in the interaction. Results suggest video recording can provide nonreactive means of studying medical interactions.