Social Work | Open Access Articles | Digital Commons Network™

Recalibrating Micro And Macro Social Work: Student Perceptions Of Social Action, Amy Krings Phd, Charla Truby-Hockman Msw, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Susan Grossman Phd

Michael P. Dentato

As underscored by their professional code of ethics, all social

workers are called to engage in social action that advances social

justice. Yet, the focus of the profession has drifted toward individual

treatment and away from social reform. Drawing upon data

from an online survey of graduate social work students (N= 199) in

the United States, this study explores the role of student perceptions

relating to the importance of and their confidence in engaging

in social action. Specifically, we assess whether perceptions

vary according to practice level (micro or macro), social identity, or

survey completion date (before or after the …

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Peer-Based Education And Use Of The Sbirt Model In Unique Settings With Transgender Young Adults, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Reyna Ortiz, John Orwat Phd, Brian L. Kelly Phd, Trevor G. Gates Phd

Michael P. Dentato

Transgender young adults are at higher risk for alcohol and substance

use that could lead to other health and mental health complications.

Utilization of the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment

(SBIRT) model might be effective to identify members of this

minority community at risk for alcohol and substance use, provide

early interventions for those not meeting diagnostic criteria, and link

them to care. A tailored, peer-based approach to universal screening

with SBIRT could offer affirming experiences for transgender young

adults to openly discuss substance use within unique practice settings

such as the house/ball community. In addition to examining …

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Unravelling Intersecting Identities: Understanding The Lives Of People Who Practice Bdsm.Pdf, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Cassandra Damm, Nikki Busch

Michael P. Dentato

The BDSM community comprises a diverse group of individuals who engage in bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism, among other practices associated with role play, fetishes and leather. To date, there remains a limited amount of literature and research surrounding the personal and professional lives of those who practice BDSM, along with subsequent implications for health and mental health practitioners. A mixed method online survey was conducted to examine the lives and experiences of individuals who practice BDSM. A total of 63 participants, predominately white, North American, heterosexually identified and college educated responded to the survey. Main qualitative …

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Intersecting Sexual, Gender And Professional Identities Among Social Work Students: The Importance Of Identity Integration, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Gio Iacono, Megan S. Paceley, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Kerrie E.H. Boyle

Michael P. Dentato

Discrimination toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) social work students can negatively affect academic performance and personal and professional identity development. Intersectionality is a conceptual approach that states that social identities interact to form different meanings and experiences from those that could be explained by a single identity. This study explored how the educational experiences of LGBTQ social work students in the United States and Canada influenced their professional and personal identities. Using an intersectional analysis, three major themes emerged: the need for social work programs to better promote LGBTQ identity and emerging social work professional identity integration, …

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Homophobia Within Schools Of Social Work: The Critical Need For Affirming Classroom Settings And Effective Preparation For Service With The Lgbtq Community, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Michael R. Lloyd Phd, Brian L. Kelly Phd, Caitlyn Wright Msw, Ashley Austin Phd

Michael P. Dentato

Social work programs must effectively meet the needs of their diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) student populations as well as effectively train all students to work with minority groups including the LGBTQ community. While many undergraduate and graduate social work programs provide open, supportive, and affirming experiences for LGBTQ students, there remain ongoing challenges related to hostility, stigma, heterosexism, and homophobia within classroom settings across programs in the US and Canada. This study examines classroom experiences of homophobia among 1,018 social work students. Qualitative data associated with three optional open-ended questions were analyzed utilizing grounded theory. Main …

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Outness Among Lgbtq Social Work Students In North America: The Contribution Of Environmental Supports And Perceptions Of Comfort, Michael P. Dentato, Shelley L. Craig, Lori Messinger, Michael Lloyd, Lauren B. Mcinroy

Michael P. Dentato

This study examines various environmental factors that may impact a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) social work student’s level of ‘outness’ (disclosure) with regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity. An internet-based survey was conducted, comprised of LGBTQ undergraduate and graduate students from social work programs across North America (n ¼ 1,018). Utilizing Pearson’s chi square analysis, significant associations correlated between outness and the following six areas: (1) LGBTQ student perception of other students’ overall level of comfort with their sexual orientation or gender identity within the program; (2) the number of faculty that know about their …

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Minority Stress Theory: An Examination Of Factors Surrounding Sexual Risk Behavior Among Gay And Bisexual Men Who Use Club Drugs, Michael P. Dentato, Perry N. Halkitis, John Orwat

Michael P. Dentato

Background: Few studies have examined the impact of minority stress theory (MST) upon sexual risk behavior among gay and bisexual men using club drugs. Similar studies have focused on ethnic minorities and women; however, gay and bisexual men demonstrate greater likelihood for risk behaviors leading to HIV/AIDS. Objective: This study examines sexual risk behavior from the perspective of minority stress theory upon substance-using gay and bisexual men and their partners. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined minority stress associations with participant sexual risk behaviors, drug use, and partner type, controlling for demographics. Results: 396 gay and 54 bisexual respondents, ages …

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An Exploratory Study Examining Needs, Access, And Competent Social Services For The Transgender Community In Phoenix, Arizona, Megan E. Salisbury, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw

Michael P. Dentato

Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the United States, with a vibrant yet underserved lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) population. Despite an extensive community presence, social service delivery bias persists among members of the LGBTQ community, but more often among transgender individuals. Existing research has examined social services from the perspective of either the client or the practitioner. This exploratory study specifically examines social services in the Phoenix metropolitan area for the transgender community. Data collected from interviews with participants and providers contributed to an assessment of the current level of social services for the transgender community, …

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Patching Holes And Integrating Community: A Strengths-Based Continuum Of Care For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender And Questioning Youth, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Genevieve E. Iacovino

Michael P. Dentato

This article describes an integrated model of service provision called a continuum of care (CoC), and illustrates the application of this approach to working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth through a case example. The CoC described in this article includes provision of individual and group counseling, case management, housing/family supports, socialization events, and prevention workshops, along with relevant outcomes. The relevance of a CoC model for LGBTQ youth due to the inclusion of community context and potential to empower service users is explored. Key recommendations for CoC models with LGBTQ youth include a focus on collaboration, …

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Social Work Students Speak Out! The Experiences Of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, And Queer Students In Social Work Programs: A Study Report From The Cswe Council On Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity And Expression, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Lauren B. Mcinroy, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Ashley Austin Phd, Lori Messinger Phd

Michael P. Dentato

This online North American study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) social work students (n=1,018) in bachelor of social work (BSW; 24%) or master’s of social work (MSW; 76%) programs explored educational experiences in 126 programs in 44 U. S. states and 7 Canadian provinces. Forty-four percent of students reported limited inclusion of LGBTQ content in classes, yet 64% indicated some degree of support for their LGBTQ identities in their programs. One-third reported homophobic experiences in programs, yet many (63%) were aware of “out” LGBTQ faculty. Overall, students reported fairly low levels of self-assessed practice readiness with specific …

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Educational Determinants Of Readiness To Practise With Lgbtq Clients: Social Work Students Speak Out, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Lori Messinger, Lauren B. Mcinroy

Michael P. Dentato

As health and mental health providers are increasingly called to attend to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) issues, it is critical for social work education to ensure the competency of students to deliver services to these populations. This North American online study investigated the self-assessed readiness of LGBTQ undergraduate and master’s-level social work students (n = 1,018) to practise with LGBT clients, as well as their assessment of their non-LGBTQ peers. Participants were enrolled in Master of Social Work (MSW) (76.0 per cent) or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) (24.0 per cent) programmes, representing 136 schools in fifty-two …

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Examining Cohort Differences And Resilience Among The Aging Lgbt Community: Implications For Education And Practice Among An Expansively Diverse Population, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, John Orwat Phd, Marcia K. Spira Phd, Benjamin Walker Lcsw

Michael P. Dentato

The aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community continues to grow considerably while often being faced with unique and unmet needs separate from younger LGBT cohorts or their non-LGBT counterparts. This article explores some of the differences in attitudes among generational cohort groups regarding coming out decisions; sexual risk and safety; the impact of evolving policies within systems and society; as well as the demonstrated strengths and resiliencies of the aging LGBT community. Implications and suggestions for education, training, and best practices among this expansive and diverse population are considered as well as continued research in the field of …

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Queer Communities (Competency And Positionality).Pdf, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw

Michael P. Dentato

No abstract provided.

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The Effect Of Marginalization On The Healthy Aging Of Lgbtq Older Adults, Jeanne E. Sokolec, Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato

The intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, healthy aging, and community resources can be framed as a human rights issue that affects the psychological well-being of people within the aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) population. Depending on the country and/or culture in which one resides, being an older adult can be celebrated or stereotyped as chronically ill, useless, or uninterested, as well as by other demeaning characteristics. Members of the LGBTQ community may have arrived at stages of older adulthood after experiencing life-long marginalization within a heteronormative environment, geographical location and/or social groups throughout their development. Thus, …

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Substance Abuse Treatment For Lgbt People.Pdf, Brian L. Kelly Phd, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw

Michael P. Dentato

No abstract provided.

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The Vital Role Of Social Workers In Community Partnerships: The Alliance For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender And Questioning Youth, Michael P. Dentato, Shelley L. Craig, Mark S. Smith

Michael P. Dentato

The account of The Alliance for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (GLBTQ) Youth formation offers a model for developing com- munity-based partnerships. Based in a major urban area, this university-community collaboration was spearheaded by social workers who were responsible for its original conceptualization, for generating community support, and for eventual stafﬁng, administration, direct service provision, and program evaluation design. This article presents the strategic development and evolution of this community- based service partnership, highlighting the roles of schools of social work, academics, and social work students in concert with community funders, practitioners and youth, in responding to the needs …

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At "Ground Zero": September 11, 2001, Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato

The author relates his personal experience, and the response of the Body Positive staff members, during the attack on the World Trade Center, a handful of blocks away from the office on September 11, 2001.

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Minority Stress Predictors Of Substance Use And Sexual Risk Behavior Among A Cohort Sample Of Men Who Have Sex With Men, Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato

This study examined the impact of factors associated with minority stress theory, including experiences of external prejudice, expectations of rejection and internalized homophobia, upon a cohort sample of men who have sex with men (MSM). Resultant associations with substance use, defined as one time use of a club drug prior to baseline; and sexual risk behavior, defined as unprotected insertive and receptive anal intercourse with primary and non-primary partners, was examined. In addition, this study compared whether each individual aspect of minority stress (external prejudice, expectations of rejection and internalized homophobia) independently or collectively predicted substance use and sexual risk …

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Full-Text Articles in Social Work

Recalibrating Micro And Macro Social Work: Student Perceptions Of Social Action, Amy Krings Phd, Charla Truby-Hockman Msw, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Susan Grossman Phd

Michael P. Dentato

Peer-Based Education And Use Of The Sbirt Model In Unique Settings With Transgender Young Adults, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Reyna Ortiz, John Orwat Phd, Brian L. Kelly Phd, Trevor G. Gates Phd

Michael P. Dentato

Unravelling Intersecting Identities: Understanding The Lives Of People Who Practice Bdsm.Pdf, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Cassandra Damm, Nikki Busch

Michael P. Dentato

Intersecting Sexual, Gender And Professional Identities Among Social Work Students: The Importance Of Identity Integration, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Gio Iacono, Megan S. Paceley, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Kerrie E.H. Boyle

Michael P. Dentato

Homophobia Within Schools Of Social Work: The Critical Need For Affirming Classroom Settings And Effective Preparation For Service With The Lgbtq Community, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Michael R. Lloyd Phd, Brian L. Kelly Phd, Caitlyn Wright Msw, Ashley Austin Phd

Michael P. Dentato

Outness Among Lgbtq Social Work Students In North America: The Contribution Of Environmental Supports And Perceptions Of Comfort, Michael P. Dentato, Shelley L. Craig, Lori Messinger, Michael Lloyd, Lauren B. Mcinroy

Michael P. Dentato

Minority Stress Theory: An Examination Of Factors Surrounding Sexual Risk Behavior Among Gay And Bisexual Men Who Use Club Drugs, Michael P. Dentato, Perry N. Halkitis, John Orwat

Michael P. Dentato

An Exploratory Study Examining Needs, Access, And Competent Social Services For The Transgender Community In Phoenix, Arizona, Megan E. Salisbury, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw

Michael P. Dentato

Patching Holes And Integrating Community: A Strengths-Based Continuum Of Care For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender And Questioning Youth, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Genevieve E. Iacovino

Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato

Educational Determinants Of Readiness To Practise With Lgbtq Clients: Social Work Students Speak Out, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Lori Messinger, Lauren B. Mcinroy

Michael P. Dentato

Examining Cohort Differences And Resilience Among The Aging Lgbt Community: Implications For Education And Practice Among An Expansively Diverse Population, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, John Orwat Phd, Marcia K. Spira Phd, Benjamin Walker Lcsw

Michael P. Dentato

Queer Communities (Competency And Positionality).Pdf, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw

Michael P. Dentato

The Effect Of Marginalization On The Healthy Aging Of Lgbtq Older Adults, Jeanne E. Sokolec, Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato

Substance Abuse Treatment For Lgbt People.Pdf, Brian L. Kelly Phd, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw

Michael P. Dentato

The Vital Role Of Social Workers In Community Partnerships: The Alliance For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender And Questioning Youth, Michael P. Dentato, Shelley L. Craig, Mark S. Smith

Michael P. Dentato

At "Ground Zero": September 11, 2001, Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato

Minority Stress Predictors Of Substance Use And Sexual Risk Behavior Among A Cohort Sample Of Men Who Have Sex With Men, Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato