Object relations family therapy as a model for practice

This paper provides an introduction to a new approach to the practice of family therapy called object relations family therapy. It is viewed as especially appropriate for social work practice due to its ability to combine individual, couple and family modalities. In addition it permits work on multiple levels of latent and manifest content. Its derivatives in the work of the objects relations theorists, Klein, Fairbairn, Guntrip, Winnicott and Bion are described. Illustrative case examples are provided.     

Genetic Diversity of Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Versus Their Eurasian Source Populations: Insights for Risk Analysis

Combining DNA variation data and risk assessment procedures offers important diagnostic and monitoring tools for evaluating the relative success of exotic species invasions. Risk assessment may allow us to understand how the numbers of founding individuals, genetic variants, population sources, and introduction events affect successful establishment and spread. This is particularly important in habitats that are "hotbeds" for invasive species--such as the North American Great Lakes. This study compares genetic variability and its application to risk assessment within and among three Eurasian groups and five species that successfully invaded the Great Lakes during the mid 1980s through early 1990s; including zebra and quagga mussels, round and tubenose gobies, and the ruffe. DNA sequences are compared from exotic and native populations in order to evaluate the role of genetic diversity in invasions. Close relatives are also examined, since they often invade in concert and several are saline tolerant and are likely to spread to North American estuaries. Results show that very high genetic diversity characterizes the invasions of all five species, indicating that they were founded by very large numbers of propagules and underwent no founder effects. Genetic evidence points to multiple invasion sources for both dreissenid and goby species, which appears related to especially rapid spread and widespread colonization success in a variety of habitats. In contrast, results show that the ruffe population in the Great Lakes originated from a single founding population source from the Elbe River drainage. Both the Great Lakes and the Elbe River populations of ruffe have similar genetic diversity levels--showing no founder effect, as in the other invasive species. In conclusion, high genetic variability, large numbers of founders, and multiple founding sources likely significantly contribute to the risk of an exotic species introduction's success and persistence.     

Working together as culture brokers by building trusting alliances with bilingual and bicultural newcomer paraprofessionals

The authors' reflect on the challenges and rewards of partnering as casework supervisors with bilingual and bicultural newcomer paraprofessionals in resettlement work with refugee youth. Such individuals are generally recruited for their linguistic abilities and cultural knowledge, but they can lack formal clinical training or licensing credentials. Drawing on their own experience as supervisors of bilingual and bicultural newcomer paraprofessionals from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, the authors compare their early attempts to establish trust and communication with insights gained in more recent supervisory experiences. Recommendations are offered that promote mutual understanding between newcomer paraprofessionals and their Western-trained supervisors.     

Prevalence and correlates of interpersonal violence victimization in a junior enlisted Navy cohort

This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of interpersonal violence victimization in a cohort of 493 male and 220 female junior Navy personnel who participated in a cross-sectional follow-up study on health-related behaviors. Survey data were obtained during 2000 about past-year prevalence of physical violence and sexual victimization. Chi-square tests of independence and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate prevalence rates and to assess correlates of interpersonal violence. No gender differences were found for rates of violence victimization (16.4%) or sexual victimization (4.5%). Significant correlates of interpersonal violence victimization among males were depression and tobacco use; among females, significant correlates were depression and frequent heavy drinking. Findings suggest that large numbers of young enlisted adults serving in the military may be victims of interpersonal violence.     

Revisiting the “Myth” of Feminine Masochism

Masochism, an enigmatic concept and clinical entity, has long posed one of the most difficult therapeutic challenges. Clinical observation supports the view that both men and women can exhibit masochistic traits. However, by virtue of their gender specific developmental paths, men and women may differ in their respective masochistic manifestations. Female patients often report a tendency to inhibit aggression which can lead to its somatic expression. Women also tend to be more prone to certain types of self-defeating behaviors and affective states, such as eating disorders, depression, and victimization. Factors contributing to the development of masochism in women include the influence of pre-oedipal and oedipal relations with the parents, narcissistic needs, and the internalization of societal attitudes toward women.     

Factors Influencing Adolescents' Income and Expenditures

Using the 1992 National Survey of Families and Households, this study examined factors influencing sources and amounts of adolescents' income and family expectations regarding expenditure of market earnings. Special attention was given to gender differences. There were 1165 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 in the sample. About half the sample received an allowance with younger adolescents and Black adolescents significantly more likely to receive one. About 43% of the sample were paid extra for doing jobs at home. Boys were significantly more likely to be paid for jobs at home than girls. However, girls received more money for the extra jobs than boys. Half of the sample was employed in the market place. Girls were significantly more likely to be employed than boys. White adolescents were more likely to be employed than adolescents of other racial groups, and older adolescents were more likely than younger ones to be working outside the home. Approximately 20% of the sample were expected to contribute to family expenses, 25% were expected to save half or more of their income for the future, and close to half of all respondents were expected to spend all of their income on whatever they chose.