Social Work Commons^™

A Descriptive Study Of The Pragmatic Issues In Obtaining An Abortion Among Sixty-Five Women At Lovejoy Specialty Hospital, Portland, Oregon, Barbara E. Bordner, Wendy Green, Susie Milberg

Dissertations and Theses

In view of the current diversity of public opinion concerning the legalization of abortion in this country, it appears timely that a study of the pragmatic issues faced in obtaining an abortion be undertaken. The researchers see this as a step toward narrowing the lag between the enactment of the abortion law and the delivery of services that allow the right of abortion to be an accessible choice for women.

There has been a change in public opinion, regarding the right of abortion, only recently. In 1960, a public opinion poll showed that fewer than 15 percent of the population …

Psychiatric Emergency Services In Oregon, Maren L. Hersrud, Karalee Kiser, Catherine M. Knox

Dissertations and Theses

Psychiatric emergency services are recognized as an essential component in the provision of mental health care. This study describes the delivery of psychiatric emergency services in selected Oregon comm.unities. The theoretical framework was developed to consider the problem of psychiatric emergency service delivery from the perspective of the individual experiencing the emergency, the social milieu, and the health care system. The literature describing psychiatric emergency service programs, the characteristics of those who use these services and the roles of direct service providers was reviewed. On the basis of the review a study was undertaken to describe the delivery of psychiatric …

Social Impact Assessment At The Neighborhood Level, William H. Triest

Dissertations and Theses

This paper originated as a result of one of the stated objectives of the Salem Primary Prevention Project. That project, operating jointly with Marion County Community Mental Health, Salem School District 24J and the City of Salem’s Community Development Department, has had as one of its stated objectives, the development of a mechanism to review the impact of planned change at the local level.

For several years both the staff and Advisory Committee for the Primary Prevention Program had wrestled with the complexity of developing such a review or assessment mechanism. Existing literature on social impact assessment appeared to deal …

A Survey Of Neighborhood Attitudes Toward The Mentally Retarded And Community Group Homes, Fred T. Cooprider

Dissertations and Theses

This paper will cover the following subject areas: a brief history of attitudes toward and treatment of the retarded, to give an historical perspective to current developments; a review of current research of attitudes toward the retarded; a statement of the research question and the research design; the results of this research; and a concluding discussion.

An Investigation Of The Combined Effect Of Agency Support And Professional Social Workers' Training On The Type Of Family Therapy Practiced By Agency-Based Social Workers, Betsy Marsh Mccartor, Margaret Labby

Dissertations and Theses

All persons are born into some form of family unit. The traditional family is a unit of people who live together over periods of time and have ties of marriage and kinship. Even if that unit is separated, as in death or adoption, qualities of one's personhood are closely connected with forebears and parents. Whether for good or bad, the family profoundly affects the individual.

The family is an important unit. Many stresses impinge upon it. The church and extended family are less influential on the family today. The school is less influential. Where does the family turn for support? …

Motivational Factors Behind Repetitive Abortions, Kelly Osmont, Ellen Wolfford

Dissertations and Theses

This practicum intends to explore the motivational factors behind repeat abortions. The underlying assumptions of this study include: (1) women have abortions; (2) women have repeat abortions. Based on these assumptions, the two research questions are (1) are there significant factors in the causation of repeat abortions, and (2) what are the implications regarding the lack of information and service to women which have a direct relationship to repeat abortions.

Self-Report Of Illicit Adolescent Drug Use: A Methodological Discussion, Mario Bolivar, Judy Casey, Susan Goldsmith, Stanley Hahn

Dissertations and Theses

In this paper we will discuss our unsuccessful attempt to conduct a self-report study of delinquent behavior in an urban multi-racial high school in Portland, Oregon. Much of this report reflects our preparation in conducting a self-report study and our analysis of why if failed.

The contention of this study is that delinquent behavior, and not juvenile delinquency is the major problem facing youth serving agencies and the public. The purpose of this study is an attempt to refine an often used method of measuring delinquent behavior – the self–report.

Favoring a self–report technique of data collection rather than an …

Toward An Understanding Of Men And Masculinity: Some Dimensions Of The Social Construction Of Knowledge In Social Work Professional Journals, Robert Bailey, Denny Patella

Dissertations and Theses

This work is an attempt to critically evaluate the way men and masculinity have been portrayed in and through social work journals and to develop an annotated bibliography of the professional periodical literature as it relates to the masculine gender role. It is also an analysis of authorship in order to determine differential participation by the sexes in social work journals. These analyses will be used to assess the current status of “masculinity” and gender role issues in the profession and to suggest areas of future growth.

A Model For Decision Making: A Systems Approach, Eleanor Weitman

Dissertations and Theses

This paper addresses itself to the problem of the analysis of the decision making processes in the area of Human Resources Planning.

Social Profile Of The Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan Area, Terry L. Cross

Dissertations and Theses

The objective of this research study is to identify the Metro area in such a manner as to give planning personnel a composite picture of the area. Such a picture should not only give physical and statistical data but should also provide a feeling for the area and its parts. The reader of this report should be able to perceive from it the conscience of the community. It should show strengths and weaknesses of the communities, methods of solving problems, intra-and inter-community relationships and roles and community identity. It should be concerned ·with how well the community (and subparts) meets …

Social Work Intervention And Patients' Utilization Of The Kaiser Health Care System, Pegi Sten, Liz Swint Young

Dissertations and Theses

This study was an analysis of social work practice in a medical setting: analyzing the work of a medical social worker in an outpatient clinic located in a metropolitan area. The primary purpose of this descriptive study was to evaluate the performance of a medical social worker in a Kaiser-Permanente outpatient clinic and to determine if there were possible associations between social work intervention and patient utilization of existing services offered by the Kaiser Health Care system, also referred to herein as Kaiser. Specifically, the study attempted to determine if there were quantitative changes in patient contacts, and utilization of …

The Therapeutic Community: Treatment As Viewed By Former Addicts, Barbara Ward, Robert York

Dissertations and Theses

The research effort is an outgrowth of the authors exposure to the field of drug treatment in general, and therapeutic communities in particular. Both were acquainted with people who were graduates of therapeutic communities, and had been involved in m.any discussions concerning the relative merit of therapeutic communities as opposed to other methods of drug treatment.

Historical Aspects Of Indian Life And Their Effects On The Urban Indian, Ramona Cliff

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore one aspect of American Indian life: the personal situations and political implications of the American Indian residing in an urban setting.

Coordination In Social Service Systems: The Area Agency On Aging As A Case Study, Terrie Todd Wetle

Dissertations and Theses

It is the purpose of this research to examine the interactions between organizations and the work of coordinating agencies in influencing those interactions using social exchange theory. A model was developed, incorporating elements of exchange theory, and the components of that model examined in the community. Techniques of change and the outcomes of activities of the coordinating agency were examined in an effort to develop a "case study" of a coordinating agency's activity in the community.

Historically, social services were provided in the community through informal, often familial, networks. With the urbanization of society, social services have become more formalized …

A Holistic Approach To Social Work Education, Lynda M. Wright

Dissertations and Theses

The thesis examines social work education from a broad perspective, examining aspects of stress (empathy, self awareness, needs of students, needs of professionals), trends in graduate education and the mind-body-spirit connection from other fields, specifically Hatha yoga, Gestalt Therapy, Aikido, Meditation and other modes of treatment.

Maternal And Child Health Training Assessment, Robert H. Abrams

Dissertations and Theses

The School of Social Work at Portland State University has administered a Maternal and Child Health Training Project over the past ten years which has focused on two major objectives: 1) providing medically oriented social workers for the state of Oregon, and; 2) stimulating interest in maternal and child health in the field of social work. The purpose of the study was to obtain some data in order to evaluate the degree of success experienced in realizing these objectives. The study sought to determine where the 53 graduates who have been trained through the project are employed, what aspects of …

Postdivorce Parental Roles: A Descriptive Study, Victor R. Congleton, Lisa Christina Londos

Dissertations and Theses

Divorce is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon in American society. Its occurrence is increasing both in absolute and relative numbers, and also in its involvement of minor children. As will be demonstrated below, very little is actually known about the process of divorce or about its impact on the members of the family. Of particular concern is the effect of divorce on the children invo1ved, and the decisions and practice of the divorcing parents regarding their subsequent parenting relationship to the children.

The authors of this report intend to study a random sample of divorcing couples and to derive a …

A Descriptive Study Of Eleven Parent Conferences In A Child Development Center, Yolanda A. Moser

Dissertations and Theses

This is a report of a descriptive study of eleven video-taped diagnostic conferences involving parents of developmentally delayed children who have been assessed at a training facility which provides diagnostic services to a variety of delayed or handicapped children. The variables described were: (1) the amount of verbal participation of staff and parents; and (2) parent ratings of satisfaction obtained from a brief questionnaire administered orally.

The data revealed that: (1) there is no relationship between parent verbal participation and parent satisfaction with the conference; and (2) there is a relationship between parent satisfaction and process and content factors in …

A Descriptive Study Of Oregon Literacy Tutors In Multnomah County, Marva Schwiebert, Kathleen Whittle

Dissertations and Theses

Oregon Literacy, Inc., requested a study of the volunteer tutors in Multnomah County. This study is primarily based on responses to questionnaires sent to all volunteer tutors on the active list with the program in Multnomah County, including all persons who were certified in the training workshops held in 1975. Results of the questionnaire are examined, and the thesis offers a descriptive analysis of Oregon Literacy Tutors in Multnomah County, Oregon.

Male Client Expectations Of Female Therapists, Phyllis Whitman Heims, Susan Annette Ofstad

Dissertations and Theses

This practicum intends to explore the existence and nature of male client expectations of female therapists. The underlying assumptions of this study include: (1) clients have expectations; (2) sex roles exist in society; and (3) the sex of either the therapist or the client is a variable in the therapeutic situation.

To carry out this study it is necessary to pursue the following tasks. The first step will be to define possible client expectations of therapists. Using this information, a questionnaire will be developed to verify the existence of these expectations. In addition, the questionnaire will hopefully indicate whether these …

An Exploratory Study Of The Effects Of Parenting Relationships On Children's School Adjustment, Raymond M. Lappin, Lisa J. Posner, Marcia S. Smith

Dissertations and Theses

As indicated in the National Vital Statistics Report of April 1973, the rate of divorces involving minor children is increasing rapidly in this country. Consequently, concern about the effects of divorce on children has been growing. In 1974, a collaborative effort between the Clackamas County (Oregon) Circuit Court and the Portland State University National Justice Educational Development Project was begun to study the impact of divorce on children and their parents (IDCAP). Heading the team of researchers are Stanley N. Cohen, Ph.D., and Nolan Jones, Research Associate. Of special interest to Cohen and Jones is the parenting relationship of the …

Lifespring's Basic Seminar: An Evaluation Study, Patricia A. Percival

Dissertations and Theses

This was a three part study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Basic Seminar, a five-day personal growth training designed and presented by Lifespring, Inc. The instrument used in this study was the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) published in 1963 by Everett L. Shostrom and copyrighted by Edits Publishing Co., San Diego, CA. This inventory consists of 150 two-choice comparative value and behavior judgments. Two basic scales measure personal orientation, inner directed support and time competence. Ten subscales measure different conceptually important elements of self-actualizing. The items are scored twice, once for the two basic scales and second for …

Specialized Out-Of-Home Care Project: An Outcome Study, Carol Teresa Arden, Bonnie Jean Braeutigam, Dennis Schilling, Charlotte Mary Wellman

Dissertations and Theses

This research practicum is an outcome study of the Specialized Out-of-Home Care project (S.O.H.C.). The project, administered by the Oregon Children's Services Division, was designed to provide alternative care resources to specifically meet the needs of Portland's juvenile target offenders, who required out-of-home care. The juvenile offenders accepted into the S.O.H.C. project were between the ages of ten to eighteen, and had been adjudicated for target ctimes. The S.O.H.C. project was federally funded for a twenty-nine month period beginning on May 1, 1974 and extends through September of 1976. This study will include only the clients referred and placed during …

An Exploratory Study Concerning Reasons Given For Termination Of Provision Of Foster Care, Linda Ann Nelson

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this practicum is to determine reasons given by former foster parents for their termination of provision of foster care.

Research was completed through a survey of the literature in the field of roster care and through inquiries with personnel currently working with foster care programs in Columbia and Multnomah Counties. Utilizing the concerns of the personnel and issues raised in the literature, a questionnaire was developed which was intended specifically for former roster families currently residing in Columbia County. 48.9 percent of the questionnaires were returned.

The results showed that fifty percent of the foster families who …

The Evolution Of The Birth Control Movement In The United States, Linda B. Mcmahan

Dissertations and Theses

The evolution of the birth control movement in the United States is the focus of this dissertation. The period of emphasis is 1873 to the present, though earlier history is briefly dealt with.

The research method used was an extensive library search of the literature, followed by categorization and analysis of the data.

The birth control movement was found to adapt to the sociological model of social movements and was discussed within this context. Two parallel movements were found to be of importance: the birth control movement itself and the population control movement. The orientations and relationships between these two …

An Exploratory Study Of Runaway Female Adolescents In A Residential Treatment Center, Mary E. Cook, Stan Jasper

Dissertations and Theses

If correctional institutions are to function according to established criteria, that is, to "correct" the deviant behavior of juvenile delinquents, then one obvious requirement is to have continuous contact with that individual over a period of time. This research project is one attempt to study runaways from the juvenile delinquent girls institution. This study specifically focuses on what factors influence a girl to run away and what factors encourage her to stay at Villa St. Rose.

Both researchers discovered in working at Villa St. Rose that one the biggest obstacles for the treatment program was the number of runaways that …

Post-Discharge Adjustment Of Children Treated At Edgefield Lodge, Sandra M. Erickson

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess the adjustment of 157 children discharged from Edgefield Lodge in an effort toward accountability to both clients served and the public.

Level of adjustment of the children was determined by checking the records of various community agencies including the Police, Sherriff, Youth Service Centers, Juvenile Court, Children’s Services Division, and the schools. Using the information gathered, the adjustment of each child was scored using the Community Adaptation Scale which was developed for that purpose. Theses adjustment scores were the main outcome variable in the study.

The Utilization Of Preventive Health Care Services By Low Income Members Of A Comprehensive Prepaid Health Plan : The Impact Of Outreach Services, Linda Elmlund Mahoney

Dissertations and Theses

A reading of recent studies in preventative health care behavior recalls the proverb about the blind men and the elephant: each man is able to describe the part of the animal he is closest to, but none can see, and so none can put their diverse and often contradictory opinions together to come up with an accurate description of the whole elephant. Similarly, in preventative health care studies, each researcher or research group is able to observe the preventative health care utilization patterns of specific populations at particular times, but the conclusions reached are often based on less than complete …

Differential Adherence To Community Mental Health Ideology Among First Year Social Work Students, Leo Munter

Dissertations and Theses

Sixty first year students in the Portland State University School of Social Work were given the Baker--Schulberg Community Mental Health Ideology Scale. The resultant scores are reported for Community Mental Health Training Project (CMHTP) Students, Direct Service Students and Planning Students. The Scores are compared with each other and with the original norming groups for the instrument. CMHTP students were found to have a significantly stronger adherence to the community mental health ideology than other students, but all groups examined were found to be sympathetic to the ideology.

A Survey Of Myths Concerning The Crime Of Rape, Marilyn Hammon, Joyce Jerabek, Michèle Mairesse

Dissertations and Theses

In view of the proliferation of recent publicity on the topic of rape via the news media and popular publications, the researchers decided that a study concerning rape would be timely and informative. An examination of the literature resulted in the discovery that there were only two principal studies published. These were by John MacDonald, Rape Offenders and Their Victims, 1971, and Menachem Amir, Patterns in Forcible Rape, 1971. Other sources invariably used the results of these studies as a basis for their comments and conclusions. The recurring emphasis on the commonly held myths (as described later in this study) …