Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons^™

Professional Autonomy In Community Mental Health Centers, William E. Buffum

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Professional community mental health workers want considerable autonomy in doing their work, but too much autonomy can lead to frustration and less satisfaction with work. This finding of a study of 93 mental health professionals in three community mental health centers is in sharp contrast with a comparison group of 60 professionals in a chemical plant. The article cautions against the direct translation of research on all professionals to community mental health professionals.

Holidays As Multiple Realities: Experiencing Good Times And Bad Times After A Disabling Injury, Mary Jo Deegan

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Holidays are idealized as times of celebration. They are embedded in cultural symbols, family patterns, and lived experience. Because all holidays are not good times, however, the lived experience of holidays is considerably more complex than its symbolization. This ambivalence is dramatically deepened for recently disabled adults who view holidays as a specially strained time of remembrance. Past holidays are often idealized in a new way as one's biography is placed into a new embodied reality. Simultaneously, holidays remain days when one is supposed to celebrate, and often denote some celebration for the injured. The resulting experience is a melange …

A Perspective On Differential Services In Counseling: Altruism And Likeness, James Latimore

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In this exploratory study using a small sample, an attempt is made to understand the differential services provided by vocational counselors in a non-profit agency, a setting in which a strong identification with clients is encouraged. The services are measured and the unequal measures of service are related to the degree to which the client is seen as an image of the counselor in certain respects. Counseling is viewed as an altruistic occupation and the differential services are analyzed in this context. In general, it is suggested that the differential counseling and psycho-therapeutic services noted by other writers all reflect …

Measuring Domestic Violence In An Alcoholic Population, Larry R. Livingston

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A survey of 107 adults receiving residential treatment for substance abuse was conducted, to determine characteristics of domestic violence in relationships. The survey incorporated instruments to measure the degree of substance abuse (the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test or MAST) as well as types and frequencies of domestic violence (the Conflict Tactics Scale or CTS-N). Findings are then compared to a national study of 2143 normals (Straus, Gelles, & Steinmetz, 1980) to ascertain differences in domestic violence.

Findings indicate that 83% of alcoholic subjects behaved violently in past relationships, compared to 28% of the normal population. Fifty-five percent of the alcoholics …

The Sociology Of Alcoholism Counseling: A Social Worker's Perspective, Katherine Van Wormer

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

An occupation - alcoholism counseling - strives to gain professional status. Still a field largely dominated by counselors who derive their status more from personal attributes - the fact of being recovering alcoholics - rather than from achievement of impersonally applied standards, chemical dependency counseling is in a state of flux. This sociological analysis examines recent developments in the field. Special emphasis is on roles for social workers.

Scientific Technology And The Human Condition, Vernon R. Wiehe

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Society applauds the recent advancements of scientific technology in fields such as medicine, energy, and communication. While humankind profits in many ways from this technology, a few voices are heard cautioning society to consider the implications of these developments. This paper discusses the gulf which appears to exist between scientific technology and the human condition. Reasons for this gulf are: I ) the failure to develop a philosophy of science in which human values, and aspirations are viewed within the context of scientific technology, 2) the reductionist approach to science in which the parts are emphasized at the expense of …

Medicine, Technology, And Genetic Engineering: Reflections From The Outside, Jeffrey R. Plittman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Advances in technology are producing many changes in the ways humans view and manage their lives. The refinement of genetic engineering techniques has created vast opportunities for humankind, along with novel problems and dangers. Accordingly, the questions that must be addressed pertain to the nature of life itself. Yet the scientific community can not be given sole discretion In managing todey's technologies. Instead, all segments of society must be Involved In determining how genetic engineering will be used.

Developing Social Work Interviewing Skills Through A Micro-Video Analysis Training Program, Peter C. Iverson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Effective interviewing techniques are required for successful social work practice. Consequently, mastering this relatively complex technology is vital for both social work students and agency professionals. This article will provide a descriptive analysis of the Micro-Video Analysis Training Program which may be operationalized in either an academic classroom or agency. Also discussed are the primary components of the training program and their inter-relationships within the context of the Micro-Video Analysis approach. Hopefully this material will assist those with social work education responsibilities to teach interviewing skills more effectively.

Applying Computers To Clinical Social Work, James Gripton, Paul Licker, Leo De Groot

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper discusses the application of computer technology to clinical social work. It is based on a three-year research and demonstration project on microcomputer applications to clinical social work. The paper reviews the use of computers in social work, contrasting the developments in this field with those that hove occurred in psychiatry and clinical psychology. It then describes the two major components of the integrated software package for supporting clinical social work that has been developed and is currently being tested. The paper concludes with a discussion of the misconceptions and realities of introducing computer technology to a clinical social …

Predictors Of Depressive Symptoms And Unemployed Black Adults, Diane R. Brown, Lawrence E. Gary

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Using data from a probability based survey of unemployed Black adults residing in an urban area, this study explores factors related to the presence of depressive symptoms. Findings indicate that depressive symptoms are less among unemployed persons with higher levels of income, education, religiosity, age and satisfactory social support. Age, however, is the single best predictor of depressive symptoms among unemployed Blacks. There were no significant differences by gender.

Issues In Assessing Community Resources For The Leisure-Time Needs Of The Elderly, Jordan I. Kosberg, Juanita L. Garcia

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The growth of leisure-time, following retirement, is potentially problematic for the elderly and can result in such adversities as depression, problem drinking, loneliness, and boredom. Leisure-time resources include recreation, education, volunteerism, training, voluntary associations, familialism, and solitary activities. The use of resources for leisure-time needs of the elderly are influenced by idiosyncratic differences; cultural background, financial resources, geographic variations; and the characteristics of programs and services. There is a need to better prepare individuals for the use of leisure-time. Each community must ensure that leisure-time resources exist and do not exclude any elderly from possible involvement, for either structural, programmatic, …

Understanding A Presented Problem From A Phenomenological Perspective, Anant Jain

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social work and other helping professions utilize knowledge generated by social sciences to understand human behavior and human problems. Social sciences follow positivistic and humanistic philosophies. The former claims that methodologies applicable to natural sciences should be applicable to social sciences. The latter believes that positivistic methods are reductionist and social sciences should develop their own methodology because they deal with a unique subject matter--human beings. Phenomenology, a branch of humanistic thinking, has been offered as a perspective to understand the presented problem by the client. Several cases are utilized to highlight the role of a professional in understanding the …

Editor's Introduction To The Special Issue "A Sociology Of Survivors: Post-Traumatic Shock Syndrome", Dennis L. Peck

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

It is estimated that between 500,000 and 1.5 million Vietnam veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the nature of which includes sociological and psychological manifestations. However, despite past research efforts, an adequate understanding of the social consequences of PTSD and its effect upon veterans and their families remains largely unexplored.

Coping Strategies Of Female Holocaust Survivors, Marlene Sway

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper describes how Holocaust survivors learned to help themselves and to reestablish their sense of community and self-worth. Sixteen female survivors were interviewed regarding their post-war adjustment. Data from the interviews revealed three themes which the women employed to cope with their post-war stress. These important factors in the adaptation process include establishing a family, building a community, and using work as therapy.

Post-Traumatic Stress And Attributions Among Incest Family Members, Inger J. Sagatun

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper presents a discussion of the relationship between attribution models of self-blame and coping strategies among members of incest families. The findings suggest that incest victims are more likely to experience prolonged post-traumatic stress than are offenders and their spouses. The argument is made that by focusing on individual adjustment, therapy programs may be neglecting the interactive effect of attributions made by other family members, the legal system and outside observers. The author concludes by suggesting that a sociological model in which the relationship between social reactions to incest and attributions is addressed would enhance the effectiveness of self-help …

Occupational Stress And Depression Among Vietnam Veterans, Christian Ritter

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

An exploratory analysis was conducted to assess the effect of exposure to a distal source of extreme trauma on current levels of depression. The purpose of this study was to assess the nature of the relationships among: (1) exposure to the extreme stressor of combat in Vietnam; (2) persistently difficult life conditions; and (3) psychological distress. The impact of various stressors on current psychological distress is evaluated in light of the mediating influence of personal coping resources. Findings suggest that exposure to combat has neither a direct nor an indirect effect on current levels of depression. Exposure to combat was …

Research Issues Surrounding Holocaust Survivors: Adaptability And Aging, Benjamin J. Hodgkins, Richard L. Douglass

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The thesis of this article is that, in spite of a large body of literature on the subject, a significant need exists for sociological research on the long-term consequences of the trauma experienced by survivors of Nazi concentration camps. Most of what is known about the adjustment of Holocaust survivors is based upon limited case histories of survivors who sought psychiatric aid, or requested assistance in qualifying for indemnification payments from the German government. The social and psychological dynamics of successful adjustment to life after the traumatic Holocaust experience by the majority of survivors has largely been ignored. Reasons for …

The Effects Of The Holocaust: Psychiatric, Behavioral, And Survivor Perspectives, Zev Harel, Boaz Kahana, Eva Kahana

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In this paper the authors review perspectives related to Holocaust victims, limitations of Holocaust studies are discussed, and suggestions for viewing the long-range post-traumatic effects of the Holocaust upon its victims from social and behavioral science perspectives are advanced. The views of survivors toward post-war adjustment, drawn from interviews with Holocaust victims, are also presented.

Toward An Understanding Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: An Historical And Contemporary Perspective, Sangeeta Singg

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article traces the historical views that led to development of current scientific perspectives of the diagnostical concept post-traumatic stress disorder. Examples of the catastrophic precipitants of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as war, natural and man-made disasters, and rape are presented, and a description of the current clinical perspective is provided. Because post-traumatic stress disorder often involves all aspects of a person's life, the use of multimodal therapy soon after the trauma is experienced is recommended to prevent the symptoms from occurring.

Grief And The Treatment Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Charles P. Flynn, Alexandra Teguis

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The effects of grief and grief-repression are described as being critical aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Qualitative interview and extant program material are utilized to assess the role of grief in the PTSD syndrome, and a program that incorporates grief-related therapy is described. Implications of grief-related therapy for the treatment of PTSD are also discussed.

A Comparative Analysis Of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome Among Individuals Exposed To Different Stressor Events, John P. Wilson, W. Ken Smith, Suzanne K. Johnson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The purpose of the present study was to compare post-traumatic stress syndrome among persons involved in nine different stressor events: combat in the Vietnam War; rape; serious life-threatening events; divorce; the death of a significant other; critical, near fatal illness of a significant other; family trauma; multiple traumatic events; and no stressful event. To assess the severity of the symptoms which define post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the Impact of Event Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Stress Assessment Scale for PTSD from the Vietnam Era Stress Inventory (Wilson & Krauss, 1980) and the Sensation Seeking Scale were administered to the …

Post-Traumatic Stress And Life-Destructive Behavior, Dennis L. Peck

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Results of content analysis of investigative reports and suicide notes illustrating the association between traumatic stress and life-destructive behavior are reported. A breakdown of interpersonal relationships and the inability to adapt to situational arrangements over which they lack control are shown to be factors critical to understanding committers' motivations to suicide.

Holocaust Survivors And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: The Need For Conceptual Reassessment And Development, Jerome Rosenberg

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The recent interest in various aspects of the Holocaust focus on survivors and their children. One major part of this research has focused on the medical and psychological sequels of the concentration camp and other Holocaust related experiences for which Eitinger (1981) identified seven distinct areas of inquiry. The literature in each of these areas is extensive; however, this work is fraught with problems both at the conceptual and at the treatment levels. This paper is specifically concerned with reviewing research and treatment programs, identifying the major problem areas, and concludes with a suggested conceptual alternative to the prevailing clinical …

Some Principles Of Decision Making Under Uncertainty In Long-Term Treatment Situations, Julius A. Roth

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Comparative information from field notes of four studies of long-term treatment institutions form the basis for developing propositions about decisions made under conditions of uncertainty. These propositions fall under the general rubrics of decision making when action involves danger, when decisions are made to control clients' or subordinates' behavior, and when a choice must be made between alternatives. The propositions are illustrated with examples taken from the four studies.

Improving The Mental Health Care Delivery System For Elderly Nursing Home Patients, Richard J. Caston, Sharon Kohls, Susanna Bozinovski

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

It is well known that the mental health care delivery system for aged nursing home patients is inadequate. Based on information gained from face to face interviews and from a mail survey of nursing home personnel, the range and usefulness of the resources and services available for mental health care in nursing homes are identified. This information is then used to derive recommendations for the development of a more effective mental health care delivery package for nursing homes.

Empathy/Role Taking: A Theoretical Model For Feminist Therapy, Michele Wilson, Gayle Twilbeck Wykle

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Feminist therapy is directed not only at individual, but also at social change. Because of this dual aim of feminist therapy, the symbolic interactionist perspective, which describes individual initiative as a source of social change, is suggested as a theoretical orientation which can provide a useful model for feminist therapy. More specifically, the empathy/role-taking model for the clienttherapist relationship is outlined here.

Social Work Intervention With The Aged: Toward A Change In The Institutionalized Thought Structure, Shimon S. Gottschalk, Michael Frumkin, Allan V. Kaufman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The social problems associated with aging are viewed as derived from a series of socially defined meanings in the areas of: (1) power/authority,(2) responsibility, (3) productivity/work, (4) dependence/ independence,and (5) knowledge/rationality. A parallel series of alternative meanings is proposed which make possible the creation of alternative institutional forms which hold promise for making contemporary problems substantially obsolete. An era of post-professinalism is envisioned in which helping agents become political activists committed to social change on the cognitive, as well as the material level.

Child Abuse And Mental Health: An Examination Of Some Long Term Effects For Prison Inmates, Michael J. Belyea, Matthew T. Zingraff

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study examines the effects of childhood abuse on future adult mental health. A statistically significant relationship was found between abuse and mental health problems. This relationship remained even after controlling for parental characteristics and the effects of an abusive environment. These findings suggest that one way to deal with the consequences of abuse would be to develop long term intervention strategies.

The Politics Of Mental Health After Care, Steve Rose

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Essential to the development of a positive practice in mental health after-care is a precise formulation of clients' needs. Clarity about a statement of needs provides added information about anticipated obstacles to meeting those needs, both at the client and systemic levels. To accomplish this preliminary task, it becomes necessary to create what we refer to as a "problem definitional" level of theory. Problem defining theory mediates between more global theory, which establishes a larger context for understanding the broad policy issues and direct implications,* and the articulation of practice theory.

The Non-Orthodox Cancer Therapy Movement: Emergent Organization In Health Care Crisis, Joseph Behar

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The ideology and organization of the non-orthodox cancer therapy movement are analyzed as social constructions in an area of professional ambiguity and failure. The movement articulates, integrates, and orders the personally and socially disabling consequences of health care failure in cancer. The protest activities of the movement are characterized by political opposition to medical "orthodoxy" and "monopoly." The challenges of the non-orthodox movement are generally ineffective, non-legitimated, or coopted. Yet, in providing conceptual and organizational frames for the disordering consequences of medical failure and in establishing a politically polarized deviant position in relation to conventional practice, this movement socially organizes …