Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 11, No. 4 (December 1984)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Editor ‘s Introduction to the Special Issue “A Sociology of Survivors: Post-Traumatic Shock Syndrome” - DENNIS L. PECK
• Toward An Understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: An Historical and Contemporary Perspective - SANGEETA SINGG
• Grief and the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders - CHARLES P. FLYNN, ALEXANDRA TEGUTS
• A Comparative Analysis of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome Among Individuals Exposed to Different Stressor Events - JOHN P. WILSON, W. KEN SMITH, SUZANNE K. JOHNSON
• Occupational Stress and Depression Among Vietnam Veterans - CHRISTIAN RITTER
• Post-Traumatic Stress and Attributions Among Incest Family Members - INGER J. SAGATUN
• Post-Traumatic Stress and Life …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

Student Racial Atitudes And Perceptions Of Causal Events At Entry To Graduate Social Work Education, Larry E. Davis, Enola K. Proctor

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study assessed the racial attitudes and perceptions of causal events of 174 graduate students at the time of their entry to social work training. Results indicate that social work students had more egalitarian attitudes than nonsocial work students and were more likely to attribute causality to environmental or external factors. black students were significantly more external than white students in tneir perceptions of causality. Some differences in racial attitudes and perceptions of causal events were found among social work students, depending upon area of practice specialization. Student attitudes and perceptions did not differ according to geographical regions. implications for …

Symposium: The Social Security Controversy - Has The Solution Become The Problem?

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This a collection of two of four papers presented at the Annual Meeting of the society for the Study of Social Problems in Detroit, August 27-30, 1983. The theme of the meeting was "The Making of Social Problems: Social Construction and Maintenance of Social Problems over Time." This symposium sought to explore the theme by using the social security program as a framework for discussion.

The Social Security Controversy And The 1983 Amendments, Bruno Stein

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

As domestic political crisis go, the Social Security crisis has had a rather long run. The little monster made its first formal appearance in the 1974 Annual Report of the Trustees (1974), (1) and retained its ability to generate headlines and political grief until March 1983, when passage of the current Amendments put it to rest, at least for the time being. There is some measure of irony here. The original Social Security Act of 1935 was a rather modest venture, as these things go. Over time, the Act was expanded to cover more people, insure against more contingencies, and …

The Social Security Controversy: Does The Solution Ignore The Problem?, Martin B. Tracy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In 1982 the income levels of 18 percent of women age 65 and over were below the poverty line compared to 7.6 percent of men in the same age group (Kutza, 1982). The reasons for a higher incidence of poverty among older women are often correctly attributed to the generally unfavorable position of women in the labor market. A less frequently discussed contributing factor is the programmatic deficiency of old-age pensions under social security.

Two fundamental aspects of old-age pensions have been particularly unresponsive to meeting the economic needs of older women. These are: 1) relating income protection to paid …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 11, No. 3 (September 1984)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Symposium: The Social Security Controversy--Has the Solution Become the Problem? - pp. 510
• The Social Security Controversy and the 1983 Amendments - BRUNO STEIN - pp. 512
• The Social Security Controversy: Does The Solution Ignore The Problem? - MARTIN B. TRACEY - pp. 527
• Services for Battered Women - DECKY FIELDER, KATHARINE HOOPER BRIAR, MARIANNE PIERCE - pp. 540
• Anticipatory Socialization Towards Occupational Retirement - YAEL KRENER, ITZHAK HARPAZ - pp. 558
• Some Principles of Decision Making Under Uncertainty in Long Term Treatment Situations - JULIUS A. ROTH - pp. 585
• Income and Personal Resources: Correlates of …

Services For Battered Women, Decky Fiedler, Katharine Hooper Briar, Marianne Pierce

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Counseling, case management and advocacy services for battered women seeking legal aid broaden their resources and options for dealing with abuse. Findings from a demonstration project specify the range of needs and services mobilized to effectively aid these women with the major life adjustments they and their children face.

Anticipatory Socialization Toward Occupational Retirement, Yael Kremer, Itzhak Harpaz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The willingness of older workers to participate in a retirement planning program served as an indicator of their anticipatory socialization toward retirement. Six independent variables were introduced in order to examine their effect on the workers' attitude toward pre-retirement counseling (dependent variable). A path analysis revealed that intention to continue working after retirement had a significant negative effect on the dependent variable. The most significant positive effect was that of Educational Level. In the discussion of the findings it is shown that the desire of pre-retirees to continue working is interpreted as un-realistic anticipatory socialization, indicating their reluctance to assume …

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.

Income And Personal Resources: Correlates Of Psychological Adjustment To Widowhood, Martha N. Ozawa, Susan Whitelaw Downs, Daniel Frigo

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study investigates factors that may determine the level of psychological adjustment to widowhood. Independent variables considered in this study are income and human capital. The population from which the study's sample was drawn consists of all nonremarried widows with at least one child receiving survivor benefits from social security in 1978 (N=3,041). The results support the importance of human capital variables for their predictive power. On the other hand, family income has not been found statistically significant. The source of data for this study is the 1978 Survey of Survivor Families with Children conducted by the Social Security Administration.

Social Workers As Magistrates Or Jps?, Donald E. Maypole

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

An inspection of data on magistrates and justices of the peace revealed that in many states the statutes do not require law degrees for the positions. A survey of a randomly selected sample of magistrates in one midwestern state found support for the claim that a law degree was not a pre-requisite for a magistrate's position. The author argues that social workers have the education and skills for magistrate and justice of the peace positions and proposes them as areas of employment.

Moving From Professionalism To Political Advocacy In The Human Services--How To Organize A Successful Statewide Political Effort In Youth Services, Milan J. Dluhy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The current funding environment makes political advocacy on the part of social work professionals mandatory. The social work literature on political advocacy is reviewed and categorized into schools of thought. The major portion of the paper, however, presents and then analyzes a case study of a statewide youth services association in order to gain more insight into how professional social workers can develop and use more successful political strategies and tactics.

The Relative Effectiveness Of Legislative Campaigning In A School Of Social Work, L. K. Northwood, Mike Parker

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

There are three interrelated strategies commonly used by social workers for coping with the conservative attack on social welfare institutions: client advocacy, electoral, and policy strategies. The paper evaluates the relative effectiveness of the policy strategy when 532 members of a school of social work were asked to write their legislators in support of progressive legislation. Five indicators of the relative effectiveness of this campaign were identified and assessed. The campaign is adjudged relatively effective from the standpoint of enlisting and motivating participants "ready for service or action' (action potential); in implementing a formal plan or organization--a "connected series of …

Slicing The Pie: Classes And The Distributive Effects Of Post-Wwii U.S.Governmental Fiscal Policies, Joel A. Devine

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Time series analysis of the relative class income distributional consequences of postwar U.S. fiscal practices reveals that governmental revenue policies have had a procapital bias while state expenditures have tended to favor labor. The net impact of these processes has served to leave the marketgenerated income distribution largely intact, despite the historically unprecedented growth of the public sector during this period. Finally, in light of these findings, the distributive impact of the current administration's fiscal program are considered.

Book Reviews, Paul Adams

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

• Contradictions of the Welfare State - CLAUS OFFE - Reviewed by PAUL ADAMS - pp. 743
• The Rank and File Movement in Social Work - RICK SPANO - Reviewed by LESLIE LEIGHNINGER - pp. 746
• Women and Public Policies - JOYCE GELD - Reviewed by SUSAN MEYERS CHANDLER - pp. 748

Professional Retention Of Bsw Social Workers: Planned And Actual Career Choices, Paul R. Raffoul, James G. Mccullagh

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The assumption that BSW students will remain in social work was examined with a survey of 107 current students and 177 graduates from 1977 through 1980. The findings suggest that most of the current students planned to practice social work and most of the graduates entered social work practice upon graduation. Recent graduates, however, had more difficulty obtaining social work jobs than graduates in 1977. Characteristics of social work education are not associated with retention, leading to the hypothesis that factors outside the control of social work education are more predictive of BSWS' retention in the profession.

Critical Criminology, Traditional Crime, And Public Policy, Ronald C. Kramer

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Critical criminologists have often ignored the serious problem of traditional or common street crime. As a result, crime prevention policy has been forfeited to the political right or to those who advocate ineffective liberal reforms. This paper argues that critical criminology can make a contribution to the formulation of public policy concerning traditional crime. Recent theoretical developments within the criitical perspective on crime, as.well as a variety of supporting data, are reviewed and specific policy recommendations to reduce traditional crime are offered. These progressive recommendations constitute an important alternative to the individualistic approaches (liberal or conservative) which now dominate crime …

The Welfare Crisis Of Central America, David Stoesz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The crisis of Central America, fundamentally due to social injustice, is exacerbated as the Reagan administration seeks a "military polution" to political problems of the region. A humane approach to alleviating the devastating poverty of Central America necessitates reconciling two strategies of national development: a techno-economic strategy and a sociopolitical strategy. Both strategies leave important issues unresolved. The prospect of improving conditions for the people of Central America-diminishes as the region is increasingly militarized.

Behavioral Social Work In Community And Organizational Settings, Jack Rothman, Bruce A. Thyer

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Principles and methods of behavioral social work have found little application at the community and organizational levels of intervention. It is the contention of the authors that integration of such content would enhance practice at these levels. Components of behavioral community intervention are indicated and illustrated in micro/macro settings, with advantages to practice specified. Ethical Considerations in using this methodology are discussed.