School of Social Work

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Aging in a confined place: an exploration of elder inmate health and healthcare
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Jennings, Lisa Kitchens; Roff, Lucinda L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This qualitative case study investigates and analyzes the health and healthcare experience of elderly offenders. Four substantive areas which were examined included: 1) To explore how changes in an inmate's personal health and functional status influenced the healthcare process, 2) To explore how family relationship awareness and involvement affected prisoner health and healthcare, 3) To explore the influence of policy on prisoner health and healthcare and, 4) To explore the influence of the larger societal discourse on prisoner health and healthcare. The study was conducted within three theoretical frameworks: standpoint theory, Cantor's (2000) model of social care of the elderly, and the social construction of the aging inmate. Face-to-face and phone interviews were conducted with sixteen participants. Four of the participants were elder inmates between the ages of 50 and 90 years of age, and had served time in the state of Alabama's only correctional facility designed for the aged and infirm male prisoner. The additional twelve collateral participants were correctional staff, medical personnel, family members, and church and community volunteers. This research contributes to the literature on elderly offenders, and the understanding of experiencing health changes and healthcare in a correctional institution. The study concludes with several recommendations intended to better prepare prisons, healthcare providers and communities for the growing elderly inmate population.
We've come a long way baby . . . or have we?: the phenomenon of community re-integrated for incarcerated women
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Baldwin, Joshua Thomas; Nelson-Gardell, Debra M.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The current study explored the phenomenon of community re-integration with incarcerated women. Each of the women were six months or less from release and had at least one prior experience with community re-integration. Qualitative methodology and a phenomenological mode of inquiry were used to explore the pre-incarceration, incarceration and post-incarceration experiences of these ten incarcerated women. The following themese emerged from data analysis: 1) Family relationships, 2) Traumatic events, 3) Change, 4) Treatment from jail staff, 5) Programs/Classes, 6) Anxiety, and 7) Motherhood as motivation. These themes are discussed as they relate to each research question; as well as their relationship to the pre-incarceration, incarceration, and post-incarceration experiences of the participants. Implications for social work practice include the improvement of rehabilitative services to incarcerated women, as well as, the development of a discharge plan that could be used to begin the process of community re-integration on the first day of incarceration
Bereavement services for Hispanics: an exploratory study of Florida hospices
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Arriaza, Pablo; Kosberg, Jordan I.; Csikai, Ellen L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the United Sates, numbering over 42 million and making up 15% of the total population. Hispanics are a diverse, intricate, and heterogeneous group that experiences various disparities in health care, including care at the end of life. One specific area, bereavement care, has received minimal attention in the literature, and previous national bereavement studies have not discussed ethnic variations related to the provision of bereavement services. This exploratory study, conducted in Florida, was undertaken to address existing policy, research, and practice gaps regarding bereavement services available to Hispanics. An on-line survey was developed to explore five research questions that centered on bereavement services offered by hospice agencies, bereavement coordinators' perceptions about the needs of Hispanics, and the strengths and challenges of hospice agencies when offering bereavement services to Hispanics. The sample consisted of all hospice bereavement coordinators in Florida. Initial contact was made by telephone to solicit participation and confirm contact information. An electronic survey was responded to by 73% (n = 30) of the total state sample. Results of this study reveal language and cultural barriers as major challenges in communicating with Hispanics and in offering and delivering bereavement services. Embedded within these challenges were reports by bereavement coordinators of the lack of Spanish-speaking personnel available to provide bereavement services. Additionally, results disclose that the number of Hispanics participating in bereavement services was much lower than the estimated number of potential Hispanic families and individuals eligible to participate in these services. Referrals to religious and spiritual support systems were considered an important referral source for Hispanics in bereavement agencies. Implications for social workers include the need to increase access to and the effectiveness of bereavement services for Hispanics through efforts in research, policy, and practice. Social work practitioners and researchers need to focus on the creation of instruments and processes for tracking bereavement services, and establishing practice standards for bereavement services. Needed policy efforts include advocating for more attention to the bereavement needs of Hispanics in state and national venues in addition to securing funds for creating grass-roots interventions.
The creation of federal services for crippled children, 1890-1941
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Hitchcock, Laurel Iverson; Pryce, Josephine G.; Stuart, Paul H.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This historical study examines the factors that led to the creation of a federal program of services for crippled children in the United States during the 1930s. Established as part of the Social Security Act (SSA) of 1935, the Crippled Children Services (CCS) program was one of the first medical programs for children supported by the federal government. As early as the 1890s, many state and local governments developed services for crippled children through private and public efforts, making the federal government a relative late comer to supporting the needs of children with significant physical handicaps due to disease, birth defects and accidents. The development of a national reform agenda based on state and local efforts for crippled children began during the Progressive Era and culminated during the New Deal Era with the passage of the SSA. Several factors influenced the creation of the federal CCS program including the role of reformers and professional groups, the role of state-level private charities and children's institutions, and the increasing authority of the federal government in social programs. Under the SSA, states and territories quickly developed state-level CCS programs during the late 1930s. The United States Children's Bureau (USCB) administered the program for the federal government and helped states to incorporate preventive services and interdisciplinary approaches to service provision into state-level CCS programs. Factors that influenced the implementation of these programs included the availability of matching state funds, the establishment of state programs for crippled children prior to the SSA, and the accessibility of qualified health care professionals and facilities. The United States entry into World War II in 1941 slowed the growth of state-level CCS programs until 1945, and serves as a natural end point to this study.
Community and individual factors that influence housing need among low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Bennett, Russell Lee; Roff, Lucinda L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The objective of this research was to study the influence of individual- and community-level conditions on the housing needs among low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Secondary data analysis was conducted on HIV/AIDS housing survey data collected in 2006 in a four-county metropolitan area. The study sample consisted of 384 low-income PLWHA living in 78 ZIP Code areas. Community-level data were compiled from 2000 Decennial Census, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other affordable housing databases. Using hierarchical linear modeling, two housing need outcome variables (a) need for housing assistance and (b) housing stability were studied. The first research question concerned the influence of individual conditions (socio-demographics, housing situations, and social histories) on housing need. In predicting need for housing assistance, none of the socio-demographics of age, gender, race, or ethnicity was a significant predictor of housing need. Of the housing situation predictors (housing burden, household composition, potential impact of rent increase, housing subsidy), only housing burden was a statistically significant predictor. Lastly, considering social history (work status, history of homelessness, mental illness and substance use history), a history of homelessness and substance use history were significant predictors. Only a history of homelessness statistically significantly predicted housing stability. The second research question concerned the influence of the community conditions of distress, degree of rurality, and social infrastructure on housing need. All the community predictors, except number of affordable housing units (a measure of social infrastructure), were statistically significant predictors of need for housing assistance. None of the community variables was a statistically significant predictor of housing stability. The findings suggest that community conditions are associated with the need for housing assistance. The third research question concerned interactions between the individual- and community-level conditions. The relationship between history of homelessness and need for housing assistance was stronger in areas where there were more affordable housing. The findings of the study support the conclusion that both individual and community conditions are associated with housing need among PLWHA. The report concludes with a discussion of these results and offers implications for social work practice, policy, and research.
Retaining foster parents: factors influencing retention and attrition
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Samya, Misty Marie; Nelson-Gardell, Debra M.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The objective of this study was to uncover factors that contributed to the decision to continue or stop foster parenting from a social exchange theory perspective. The study sample consisted of 53 former foster parents and 101 current foster parents. Participants completed a survey designed to examine how four variables--quality and availability of services to support foster care provision, respect and recognition given by caseworkers, financial assistance and work benefits, and crisis response of caseworkers--related to foster parents' decisions to continue or give up fostering. The first research hypothesis was that high or low satisfaction for these variables would predict those who continued to foster and those who had quit, respectively. Logistic regression analysis did not support this hypothesis. Further examination of those participants who had stopped fostering identified an over-representation of those who had fostered in order to adopt, a problem for the study since this group may not have set out to foster long term. Those participants were selected out and further analyses were conducted comparing mean scores of those who quit (and presumably were not fostering to adopt) and those still fostering. This further analysis also failed to support the hypothesis. The second hypothesis was that those who were still fostering and who indicated a commitment to continue would evidence higher satisfaction on the four variables. A within-group analysis employing simple regression supported a directional relationship between commitment to continue and all variables, except perceived satisfaction with financial assistance and work benefits. The report concludes with a discussion and possible explanations for the findings and potential policy implications.
Exploring the uptake of evidence-based practice in social work
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Wharton, Tracy; Bolland, Kathleen A.; Church, Wesley T.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This document reports findings from a research study that used an online survey to explore the reported experiences of social work practitioners with evidence and evidence-based practice. This research best describes a mature, experienced group of licensed American social workers, largely female and Caucasian, the majority of whom work in private practice settings. Data are explored both quantitatively and qualitatively to help determine how the responding social workers make practice-related decisions, where they get evidence for practice, how they assess the utility of evidence and the trustworthiness of sources, and whether workplaces are oriented towards EBP. The data also considers barriers and facilitators to the uptake of EBP, and attitudes about the movement. Two models of practice-based decision making were considered--one being used to help frame the survey, and one being compared post-hoc to the data--and suggestions made for new modeling that might help to shed additional light on how research evidence is used in practice.
Identifying gendered trajectories of offending for a panel of first time youth offenders: exploring the influence of time-stable covariates
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Weaver, Cynthia; Nelson-Gardell, Debra M.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Gendered trajectories of juvenile offending over an eight year observation period are specified for a retrospective longitudinal sample of 15,959 female and male first time offenders up to age 18 in a southeastern state. Semiparametric group modeling is used to specify offending trajectories for a response variable operationalized as a frequency count of unique complaints by age. Time-stable psychosocial and systems-level covariates are also investigated as predictors of likely trajectory group membership. The probability of trajectory group membership is investigated as a predictor for secure incarceration. Results specify a three-solution model for juvenile females and a six-solution model for juvenile males. Prior child maltreatment - substantiated as well as alleged but dismissed - is a predictor of moderate- to higher-level offending across all gendered trajectories (with the exception of one higher-level but decreasing male trajectory). Living in a blended family (mother plus stepfather or father plus stepmother), living with grandparents, and living with relatives at first offense are all correlated with moderate -level offending for male juveniles. Living in foster care at first offense is a predictor for both lower-level and higher-level female offending. Both the three-solution female model and the six-solution male model predict incarceration. Further research is warranted to investigate severity of offending as a response variable for the juvenile offending trajectories identified in the dissertation study.
Permanency outcomes of children in foster care: an analysis of kinship and nonkinship foster care
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Gaddis, Angela; Nelson-Gardell, Debra M.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study examined permanency outcomes of children in custody of the Mississippi Department of Families and Children. Outcomes for children who were placed in kinship care were compared with outcomes of children placed in traditional foster care. Secondary data from years 2006-2008 were analyzed. Using a correlational design relying on secondary data, an analysis of the effect of placement type (kinship or nonkinship care) on placement outcome was examined. The outcome variables examined were reunification with parents, adoption, and emancipation or aging out of the system. The degree to which a relationship exists between demographic variables of age, ethnicity, and gender, and the type of placement was also examined. Street level bureaucracy theory provided a framework for the research and an explanation of factors influencing workers' decisions regarding placement for children. These decisions are often influenced by personal discretion, agency policy, and resources. This research provides knowledge addressing the outcomes of children placed in kinship or nonkinship settings that can be used to better inform social workers as they formulate plans of care. Findings of the study show that children in kinship care have higher rates of reunification with parents, but lower rates of adoption and emancipation than children in nonkinship care. Children in kinship care were also found to experience fewer placement disruptions as well as shorter lengths of stay compared to children in nonkinship care. Additional findings suggest different outcomes for African American children in placement when compared to those of other races. The findings of this study can be used to guide policy and practice decisions related to supporting children in kinship and nonkinship placement settings.
Perceptions of family involvement and quality of life among older African Americans with mental disorders
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Peterson, Tina Leigh; Hall, James A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study used secondary data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) to examine factors that impact general happiness and life satisfaction. The sample consisted of 168 African Americans aged 55 to 74 with at least one lifetime mental disorder. The conceptual model consisted of 13 independent variables. Perceived control was included as a mediating variable. The dependent variables were life satisfaction and general happiness. In bivariate analyses, 8 of 13 variables were significantly related to life satisfaction and general happiness. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) found statistically significant differences between education on general happiness [F(3, 163)=2.78, p=.04]. In the two-way ANOVAs, gender and education emerged as significant for general happiness alone. There was a statistically significant main effect for gender [F(1,164)=5.02, p=.03] but not marital status. When controlling for gender, the main effect for education [F(3, 159)=2.77, p=.04] was statistically significant. Additionally, there was a significant main effect for education F(3, 160)=3.21, p=.03] but not marital status. Overall, older African American males with lifetime mental disorders with less than a high school education reported more general happiness. In the regression models, depressive symptoms were the strongest predictor of higher life satisfaction and general happiness scores. Higher life satisfaction was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and higher importance of religion scores. Moreover, higher general happiness scores were significant with higher perceived income adequacy and fewer depressive symptoms. In the general linear model, statistically significant multivariates were gender, physical health, depressive symptoms, and positive family interaction. Univariately, general happiness scores were significantly associated with self-rated physical health, depressive symptoms, frequency of family contact, negative family interaction, and education. Life satisfaction scores were significant with self-rated physical health, depressive symptoms, and negative family interaction. Overall, the univariate models explained 13% (adjusted R squared) of variance in life satisfaction scores and 21% (adjusted R squared) of variance in general happiness scores. Perceived control fully mediated the relationship between the predictors of family involvement and general happiness. In conclusion, the findings suggest a combination of variables impact general happiness and life satisfaction among older African Americans with lifetime mental disorders.
Parental closeness and problem behaviors in a national welfare sample
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) DeLisle, Barbara Elizabeth; Drolen, Carol S.; Church, Wesley T.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study is a secondary data analysis that examines the links between child reports of parental closeness with their out-of-home caregivers and behavior problems for maltreated children placed in out-of-home care in the US. This cross-sectional analysis used panel data from The US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) to evaluate responses from an earlier time point and to determine a correlation between measures at a later time point. The measures for Parental Closeness were taken from Wave 1 of data collection; the measures for Problem Behaviors were from Wave 4, the last wave of data collection for this sample. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship between parental closeness scales and problem behavior scales within a subsample of children, 11 years and older in Long-Term Foster Care (LTFC), taken from NSCAW data, Waves 1 and 4 (n =188). The model that best reflects theory and research is also the most parsimonious: a two-construct, seven- indicator recursive model with an inverse correlation between the exogenous and endogenous variables. A good fit for the model gives some support to the hypothesis that experiences and perceptions about caregivers explain some of the variance in problem behaviors, with a nonsignificant chi-square statistic indicating a good model fit to the sample variance-covariance matrix (x² = 9.35, df = 13, p = .74). Other model fit indices indicate a good data-to-model fit, thus confirming the final model (e.g. GFI = .99, NFI = .98, CFI = 1.0, and RMSEA = 0.0).
Changes in emotional well-being and self-perceived physical health over time among African American and White male caregivers of older adults
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Durkin, Daniel William; Roff, Lucinda L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study is a longitudinal, secondary data analysis of the Family Relations in Late Life (FRILL) 2 study. Using the Pearlin stress process model (SPM) as a guide, the purpose of this study was to test whether there was overall change and/or significant individual variability in emotional well-being and self-perceived physical health over 36 months among African American and White male caregivers of older adults living in the community. A two-level Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM) was used to predict individual changes over time for each of the five outcome variables (anger, anxiety, depressed affect, resentment, and self-perceived physical health) and examined the influence of race and constructs suggested by the Pearlin SPM among male caregivers. Race was not a significant predictor of any of the outcome variables. This finding suggests that African American and White male caregivers may be similar in their emotional and physical response to the demands of caregiving. Emotional well-being and health also appear to remain relatively stable over time. An examination of the social context appears to be important to understanding the male caregiving experience and how it changes over time. The quality of the pre-illness relationship was a significant predictor of change over time for every outcome except anger and depression. Caregivers who reported a higher quality pre-illness relationship reported less anxiety and resentment and better self-perceived health over time. Activity restriction was a significant predictor of changes in time for emotional well-being but not health. Caregivers who reported more activity restriction also reported more anger, anxiety, depressed affect, and resentment over time. Social support was a significant predictor of two emotional well-being outcomes. Caregivers who reported greater social support reported less depressed affect and resentment over time. These findings support previous findings that an increased sense of social isolation and lack of support from family and friends contributes to negative emotional well-being. Further, the findings suggest that these deficits may have a cumulative effect over time for both African American and White male caregivers. Findings from this study may be used to develop programs and interventions tailored to meet the needs of male caregivers.
Exploring Korean older adults' perceptions of and decisions to volunteer
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Shin, Hae Jung; Csikai, Ellen L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Volunteerism has long been seen as a positive civic engagement activity for people of all ages in the Western countries, but has only relatively recently taken on a similar importance in Korea. Given that the older population has dramatically increased in Korea and is expected to grow even more, from 11% in 2010 to 38% by 2050, senior volunteerism is being promoted by the Korean government (through a series of policies) as a promising way to engage older adults in the community and society. Little is known however about older adults' perceptions of the value of volunteer experiences and how they decide whether or not to volunteer. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of Korean older adults, ages 60 and older, about the phenomenon of volunteerism. Data were collected from thirty older adults, ages 60 and older, (Volunteers N=20; Non-volunteers N=10), recruited from one senior welfare center in Seoul and one community welfare center in Gwangmyeong City. This study consisted of semi-structured in-depth interviews. Each interview was audio-taped and transcribed in Korean. The transcribed interviews were examined and the meaning units and the essence of the experiences were extracted using the data analysis methodology developed by Moustakas (1994). From these, common themes that emerged were examined for possible theory development. Two exploratory decision-making models were proposed from the data/common themes. The models illuminate the perceptions of volunteerism among these Korean older adults as influenced by background contextual factors and a range of facilitators/barriers, including recruitment and supportive strategies that seem to be linked to the decision to volunteer or to continue to volunteer. The in-depth understanding of volunteer motivations and experiences gained from this study provided insight into social work and gerontology practice strategies, such as creation of collaborative agency networks to promote volunteerism, that can be developed to address the needs of both older adults and the larger society. These efforts can contribute to the recognition of older adults not just as a growing segment of the population in need of care, but as healthy, active, and productive contributors in society.
Compassion fatigue in public child welfare casework supervisors
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Weiss, Dennis John; MacNeil, Gordon; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The current study explores the phenomena of Compassion Fatigue and its impact on supervisors in public child welfare settings. The study is a secondary analysis of data collected by Pryce, Shackelford, and Pryce during a series of workshops in 1997 on the topic of Secondary Traumatic Stress. During the workshops, 458 child welfare caseworkers and 103 supervisors were administered the Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction Self-Test for Helpers providing scores on Burn Out, Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction. Demographic data was also collected on the 561 participants. Data analysis was conducted on the supervisors' responses and then compared to those from caseworkers. Results of the data analysis revealed that the supervisors experienced Compassion Fatigue but at a lower level than was reported by the caseworkers. Moreover, the impact of the demographic variables on the level of Compassion Fatigue was contrary to that seen with the caseworkers and as was predicted in the literature. The variables of age and years of experience, for example, held an inverse relation with Compassion Fatigue levels for caseworkers but not for supervisors. The variable of gender did not impact levels of Compassion Fatigue for either caseworkers or supervisors, in contrast with the literature's indications. Of particular interest was the relation between formal education and Compassion Fatigue level. Those respondents who held a bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) as their highest degree experienced the greatest level of Compassion Fatigue. This outcome was in contrast to expectations and prompted discussion on what aspects of Social Work education may be facilitating experiencing Compassion Fatigue.
A Feasibility Study of Virtual Reality-Based Coping Skills Training for Nicotine Dependence
(Sage, 2012) Bordnick, Patrick S.; Traylor, Amy C.; Carter, Brian L.; Graap, Ken M.; University of Houston; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Objective: Virtual reality (VR)-based cue reactivity has been successfully used for the assessment of drug craving. Going beyond assessment of cue reactivity, a novel VR-based treatment approach for smoking cessation was developed and tested for feasibility. Method: In a randomized experiment, 10-week treatment feasibility trial, 46 nicotine-dependent adults, completed the 10-week program. Virtual reality skills training (VRST) combined with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was compared to NRT alone. Participants were assessed for smoking behavior and coping skills during, at end of treatment, and at posttreatment follow-up. Results: Smoking rates and craving for nicotine were significantly lower for the VRST group compared to NRT-only group at the end of treatment. Self-confidence and coping skills were also significantly higher for the VRST group, and number of cigarettes smoked was significantly lower, compared to the control group at follow-up. Conclusions: Feasibility of VRST was supported in the current study.
Social support as a mediator of demographic disparities in contraceptive use among U.S. women
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Taylor, Jessica Averitt; Simon, Cassandra E.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study is a secondary data analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2010). Using a selective sample of 2,688 participants, this study examines contraceptive use among U.S. women of reproductive age. The overall aim of this study is to examine the effects of seven demographic variables, and receipt of social and emotional support as a possible mediator variable, on whether women report using contraception. The chi-square analysis results indicate that, of the original demographic variables, employment status and marital status are not significantly related to contraceptive use. The remaining five demographic variables are all significantly related to contraceptive use. These variables include region of residence, age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and total household income. In addition, contraceptive use is significantly related to receipt of emotional and social support. Mediated logistic regression revealed that social support does, in fact, mediate the effects of age and race/ethnicity on contraceptive use. Findings from this study may be used to develop more comprehensive and appropriate interventions and public policies to affect contraceptive use among women of reproductive age.
The influence of cultural adaptation on depressive symptoms among young Hispanic immigrants
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Jaggers, Jeremiah W.; MacNeil, Gordon; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study examines how cultural adaptation and family cohesion impact depressive symptoms in Hispanic immigrants that migrated to the U.S. by the age of 17. Using the National Latino and Asian American Study, a recursive regression was conducted on a hypothesized model demonstrating the relationship among the study variables: acculturation, acculturative stress, subjective social status, discrimination, ethnic social identity, dissonant acculturation, family cohesion and depressive symptoms. Psychosocial contextual variables are also included in the analysis and include gender, age, years in the U.S., education, income, and ethnicity. Results revealed two important themes in the data. The first is the importance of family in the adaptation process. As hypothesized, dissonant acculturation leads to the development of depressive symptoms. Additional findings concluded that family cohesion moderated the effect of dissonant acculturation. The second theme revealed in the data was the risk posed by acculturative stress in the adaptation process. Acculturative stress contributes directly to dissonant acculturation and to depressive symptoms.
Family environment and adolescent hopelessness in low-income, urban African American families
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Wimberly, Joshua Charles; Simon, Cassandra E.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Literature on the subject of adolescent development in high-risk, low-income neighborhoods has detailed negative consequences for mental health outcomes. These neighborhoods not only affect adolescents, but can increase stress and strain on families. Urban, African American families who reside in high-risk, low-income neighborhoods are not immune from the potential hazards of economic stress, strained familial relationships, social disorganization, and other negative consequences which impact optimal family functioning. Utilizing HLM techniques, this study examined the relationship between dimensions of the family environment and adolescent feelings of hopelessness. In general, a more supportive family environment resulted in lower scores of adolescent hopelessness. However, higher conflict in families also resulted in lower scores of adolescent hopelessness, indicating a need to further explore the nature of conflict in families who reside in high-risk neighborhoods. Directions for future research and implications for social work practice are outlined.
Old age support to parents and parents-in-law in contemporary China
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2013) Li, Xiao Allison; Csikai, Ellen L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
China's aging population is increasing at an unprecedented rate and along with increasing life expectancies, need for formal and informal sources of old age support will likely grow as well. Chinese traditional family-based old age support has been practiced for centuries. According to this tradition, in a married couple, support is focused primarily on the husband's parents. However, given the changing aging demographics, economic and social policies (including one-child policy) in contemporary China, families may have greater demands in daily life and have fewer resources to provide to either set of aging parents. Gerontological researchers and policy-makers have previously examined influential factors in the provision of old age support to parents, however, the family's efforts to provide old age support to parents-in-law specifically and to both parents and parents-in-law simultaneously has received little attention. This study examined these aspects of old age support through secondary analysis using the e 2006 panel data of the China General Social Survey. Among the 1486 eligible respondents, provision of support to parents-in-law was widespread and similarities were found between support provided to parents and parents-in-law. Factors that influenced whether support was provided included reciprocity/exchange of support and parents/parents-in-law's needs (health status). Both men and women were seen to support both sets of parents, regardless of their blood relationship with the care recipients. Adult children did not tend to favor either set of parents in terms of financial or instrumental support provision. Also, only-children provided comparable support to parents and parents-in-law as families with multiple siblings. Implications from this study for social work education, practice and policy advocacy are based on the strengths and challenges that will continue to influence old age support among Chinese families. Traditional family-based old age support was seen as a continuing strength, and changes may be occurring in strict adherence to prescribed gender roles in the provision of support to parents and parents-in-law. Building on these strengths, social workers can help families plan for future care and advocate with local and national policy-makers for services that can further support the care of older parents within the family system.
Long-term survival among individuals diagnosed with end stage renal disease: an exploratory study
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2013) Williams, Jacqueline Trask; Csikai, Ellen L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
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