Women's acceptance of the diaphragm: The role of relationship factors

The vaginal diaphragm is a candidate for a female‐controlled method that could reduce risk of HIV/STI acquisition. We examined the association between relationship and partner factors and three measures of diaphragm acceptability: current use, consistency of use, and satisfaction with use. We conducted a telephone survey with 448 female members of a managed care organization, aged 18–49, who currently used contraception (including 140 diaphragm users, 187 pill users, and 121 male condom users). Use of a specific contraceptive was significantly associated with relationship length, condom‐use negotiation self‐efficacy, importance of covert use, perceived motivation of partner to prevent HIV/STIs, and perceived satisfaction of partner with current method. In addition, among diaphragm users, communication about HIV/STIs and perceived partner motivation to use a diaphragm were related to consistent use. These results suggest that acceptability of contraceptive methods among women is influenced by their perceptions of their male partner and relationship factors.     

Implications of welfare reform on the elderly: a case study of provider, advocate, and consumer perspectives

Whereas many studies of welfare reform have focused on effects on children and families, little research has examined the implications of welfare reform for the elderly. This case study incorporates interviews with service providers for the aging, members of advocacy organizations, and two focus groups of older consumers conducted in the multi-ethnic urban community of San Francisco. Study findings suggest that welfare reform has had both direct and indirect effects on the elderly and their services in the study community. Direct effects derive primarily from changes in the welfare reform legislation that had the effect of undermining both immigrants' eligibility for and claiming of public assistance benefits. Indirect effects on older persons include increased child-care demands upon grandparents. The case study data bear on a significant policy change within the broader trend of devolution at a historical point when anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States was running high.     

Relationship education among incarcerated populations

Abstract

Incarceration represents a significant shift in the life course trajectories of the nearly seven million inmates in the American criminal justice system and their families and can have far-reaching effects on intimate and family relationships. Prior research has highlighted the relationship difficulties that inmates face while incarcerated and upon their release. Using a life course perspective, we review the disruptive impact of incarceration on relationships. We examine how relationship education targeted to incarcerated individuals may be an opportunity to provide knowledge and skills that help improve and maintain healthy relationships both during incarceration and upon release. Relationship education courses have consistently been shown to be effective within a variety of settings, and preliminary studies indicate that they may be effective within incarcerated populations as well.     

Study on Work and the Workplace: Implications of the Psychological Aspects for Health Education and an Occupational Health and Safety Program on a University Campus

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to examine social and psychological factors accounting for satisfaction and dissatisfaction at work and to relate levels of job satisfaction to physical and psychological well-being. Eight hundred eighty-seven male and female employees at all job levels at a large mid-Atlantic university completed the questionnaire, responding to questions on job satisfaction, health characteristics (chronic conditions and physical symptoms) and psychological well-being. Job satisfaction was a function of those variables associated with occupational status, particularly the intrinsic dimension of challenge. Overall satisfaction was highest among the occupational group with highest status — faculty/administration — and lowest among the secretarial/clerical group. Health status appeared also to be related to occupational group; secretarial/clerical, the group with the lowest job satisfaction, also reported significantly more physical symptoms than faculty/administration. Faculty/administration reported highest levels of overall psychological well-being, significantly higher than associate staff and secretarial/clerical. A major implication to be drawn from these data is that the relationship between job satisfaction and physical and psychological well-being indicates the need for modification of certain job characteristics to minimize or eliminate unnecessary stressors. Health professionals from different disciplines all play a role in promoting a healthful and safe work environment.     

Practices and Policies for Doctoral Education and Leadership

ABSTRACT

This study explored bachelor’s-level social work students’ readiness to practice with individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and their attitudes toward individuals with ID. Fifty-eight students completed a Web-based survey that assessed their knowledge of four etiological conditions and their willingness to maintain social contact with individuals with various etiological conditions. Students also participated in focus groups that further explored their understanding of ID and readiness to practice in the ID field. The survey results indicated scientific understanding of causes and effective interventions as well as openness to interact with individuals with ID. Thematic analyses of focus group interviews highlighted four themes underlying students’ readiness to practice in the ID field. Discussion includes implications of findings for social work education.     

Comparing Families and Staff in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living: Implications for Social Work Practice

Nursing homes and residential care/assisted living settings provide care to 2.4 million individuals. Few studies compare the experience of, and relationships between, family and staff in these settings, despite ongoing family involvement and evidence that relationships are problematic. Data from 488 families and 397 staff members in 24 settings examined family involvement and family and staff burden, depressive symptoms, and perceptions; and staff absenteeism and turnover. There were few differences across setting types. Although conflict rarely occurred, there was room for improvement in family–staff relations; this area, and preparing family for their caregiving roles, are appropriate targets for social work intervention.     

Helping Young Children Cope with Community Violence: A Proposal for the Reduction of Social Distress in the Inner Cities

The authors discuss the crisis of violence in our society and its impact on young children. Research on early violence prevention is reviewed, and a rationale for building parent-teacher coalitions to attempt solutions to the problem of violence is presented. A curriculum for co-training ofparents and early childhood professionals in violence prevention is outlined. The need for longitudinal research on the implementation and impact of early violence prevention programs is noted.     

Personality,Pentecostal ism,and Glossolalia: A Research Note on Some Unsuccessful Research*

L'auteur a d'abord tenté de mettre en rapport l'attrait des offices religieux d'une église de la Pentecôte et les résultats d'un test psychologique basé sur I'achévement de phrases incomplètes. II ne réussit àétablir aucune association entre les deux mesures. II tenta ensuite de mettre en relation les résultats obtenus dans un inventaire multidimen-sionnel de la personnalité, le M.M.P.I., et l‘évaluation de deux films: l'un décrivant un “revival” d'une église de la Pentecôte et l'autre, une réunion où Ton avait provoqué expérimentalement une manifestation du don des langues. A nouveau, aucune association statistique ne put être établie. L'auteur est néanmoins d'avis que la manifestation du don des langues produite expérimentalement offre suffisamment d'intérét pour en faire état dans le présent rapport de recherche.