School of Social Work

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Addressing the "Digital Divide" and Impact to Educational Equity and Access: A Qualitative Inquiry of Students in Higher Education
(2023) Thorn, Lauren; Jackson, Sebrena; Tuchmayer, Jeremy
In March 2020, much of higher education transitioned to emergency online education as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of colleges and universities, with many students being sent home to communities that were not able to support reliable broadband internet service or to environments that lacked the necessary devices and software for their educational studies (Ibacache et al., 2021). Universities were provided with funding to address student emergency needs, including providing additional devices to students and families, utilizing technology to make courses mobile-friendly and to connect students to the internet through hot spots or supplementing the costs of increased internet usage in their homes (Ratledge et al., 2020). This study explores the research question, “As online education and digital access remain an integral part of the higher education experience, what programs can colleges and universities implement to ensure equitable student access to technology and highspeed internet needed for academic success?” Through a review of current literature, relevant questions were identified, and a qualitative research study protocol was established to host focus groups with students who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to assess their experiences and identify potential services and resources for additional support. Following review and coding of the focus group transcripts, key themes emerged around access to digital course codes and texts, technological efficacy and skills needed to engage in online classes, addressing financial barriers associated with external software and platforms, and integrating training and educationinto existing programs for faculty, students, and staff. The project explores systemic practice implications, legislative and policy impacts, and related theoretical framework that will guide future research in this area.
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.
All I was Thinking About was Shattered: Women's Experiences Transitioning Out of Anti-Trafficking Shelters During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Uganda
(Sage, 2023) Namy, Sophie; Namakula, Sylvia; Nabachwa, Agnes Grace; Ollerhead, Madeleine; Tsai, Laura Cordisco; Kemitare, Jean; Bolton, Kelly; Nkwanzi, Violet; Carlson, Catherine; Harvard University; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Human trafficking is an egregious violation of fundamental human rights and a global challenge. The long-term harms to survivors' physical, psychological and social wellbeing are profound and well documented, and yet there are few studies exploring how to best promote resilience and holistic healing. This is especially true within shelter programs (where the majority of anti-trafficking services are provided) and during the transition out of residential shelter care, which is often a sensitive and challenging process. The current study begins to address this gap by centering the lived experiences of six women residing in a trafficking-specific shelter in Uganda as they unexpectedly transitioned back to their home communities due to the COVID-19 lockdown. We explore this pivotal moment in participants' post-trafficking journey, focusing on how these women described and interpreted their rapidly changing life circumstances-including leaving the shelter, adjusting back to the community setting, and simultaneously navigating the uncertainties of a global pandemic. Four core themes emerged from the analysis: economic insecurities as a cross-cutting hardship; intensification of emotional and physical symptoms; social disruptions; and sources of hope and resilience. By centering their personal stories of struggle and strength, we hope to elevate survivors' own accounts and draw on their insights to identify actionable considerations for future programming.
Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 and Race-Based Trauma on the Mental Health of Black Social Work Providers
Foster, Carmen Reese; Davis, Curtis; Held, Mary; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 and race-based trauma on the mental health of Black social workers and to identify support systems. An explanatory sequential design was used to measure mental health, COVID-19, quality of life, race-based trauma, and support systems. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which dependent variables would significantly correlate with COVID-19 and race-based trauma. Depression, anxiety, and stress were significant. Several themes emerged from the qualitative interviews, with 85% reporting a lack of support from their White colleagues. Identified sources of support were therapy and positive relationships.
Assessment of Integration of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Field Education Among Students and Field Instructors
Creech, Sean C.; Ruggiano, Nicole; Curington, Allison; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
In recent years, there has been an increase in the interest to integrate spiritual and religious perspectives into social work practice. Understanding religion and spirituality in practice is developed through and supported by exposure in social work education programs and field education. As more social work programs integrate religion and spirituality into practice, a reliable instrument to measure student perceptions and attitudes about its integration into practice is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Religious and Spirituality Integrated Practice Assessment Scale (RSIPAS) was a reliable instrument for use with social work field students. This study also explored the extent to which educational courses and training have been provided to those affiliated with social work programs. Furthermore, the study compared the views of self-efficacy, attitudes, perceived feasibility, and behaviors with integration into practice between social work field instructors and field students and again between MSW and BSW field students. The research was collected utilizing a correlational research design using a quantitative cross-sectional survey. Participants included students in their field placements at accredited social work programs and field instructors affiliated with those programs. The study found that the RSIPAS was a reliable instrument to assess student familiarity with and views about integrating religious and spiritual needs into practice. The study also revealed significant correlations between education and the impact on the agreement to items in the instrument. Lastly, there were statistically significant differences between the responses of social work field students and social work field instructors regarding their views around self-efficacy and between MSW and BSW students regarding the frequency of engaging in practice behaviors. The results of this study support opportunities to increase course content around religion and spirituality and that those who receive education around the content can better integrate religion and spirituality into social work practice.
Assessment of Integration of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Field Education among Students and Field Instructors
Creech, Sean C.; Ruggiano, Nicole; Curington, Allison; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
In recent years, there has been an increase in the interest to integrate spiritual and religious perspectives into social work practice. Understanding religion and spirituality in practice is developed through and supported by exposure in social work education programs and field education. As more social work programs integrate religion and spirituality into practice, a reliable instrument to measure student perceptions and attitudes about its integration into practice is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Religious and Spirituality Integrated Practice Assessment Scale (RSIPAS) was a reliable instrument for use with social work field students. This study also explored the extent to which educational courses and training have been provided to those affiliated with social work programs. Furthermore, the study compared the views of self-efficacy, attitudes, perceived feasibility, and behaviors with integration into practice between social work field instructors and field students and again between MSW and BSW field students. The research was collected utilizing a correlational research design using a quantitative cross-sectional survey. Participants included students in their field placements at accredited social work programs and field instructors affiliated with those programs. The study found that the RSIPAS was a reliable instrument to assess student familiarity with and views about integrating religious and spiritual needs into practice. The study also revealed significant correlations between education and the impact on the agreement to items in the instrument. Lastly, there were statistically significant differences between the responses of social work field students and social work field instructors regarding their views around self-efficacy and between MSW and BSW students regarding the frequency of engaging in practice behaviors. The results of this study support opportunities to increase course content around religion and spirituality and that those who receive education around the content can better integrate religion and spirituality into social work practice.
Attitudes and opinions toward stress-related support services among police in a southern state: a qualitative study
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2020) Barber, Brad W.; Albright, David L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Police work is considered one of the most stressful occupations in the world and the high levels of stress associated with police work place officers at high risk for developing mental and physical health problems. Police officers also pose a threat to themselves, their families, and the general public when work-related stress is unresolved; high levels of stress among police can manifest into self-destructive, violent, and deviant behavior. Although stress management interventions have been available to police since the 1940s, the health and behavioral problems associated with unresolved stress have not shown any signs of improvement. The purpose of this study was to explore and identify (1) how police officers appraise stress-related support services, (2) suggestions they have regarding ways to improve these services, and (3) recommendations for new support services that would help to reduce and better manage work related stress. A pragmatic qualitative research approach was used to guide this study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 20 patrol officers with at least two years of police experience. Findings showed that overall attitudes toward support services were positive, but two external factors were identified as major barriers to using services. Distrust toward confidentiality protections with intervention workers resulted in a perceived threat of being deemed unfit for duty by supervisors for using a support service. Similarly, a fear of appearing weak to other officers keeps officers from seeking needed services. However, participants recommended several feasible implications for lowering these barriers and to increasing officers’ willingness to using support services if needed. Most participants endorsed mandatory counseling after a critical incident because a standardized policy would reduce the fear of looking weak and the threat of being deemed unfit for duty. Suggestions for increasing trust in confidentiality protections included allowing police to meet counselors at private and discrete locations, giving officers the option of choosing their own counselor rather than assigning them one, and requiring external intervention workers to conduct “ride alongs” to build rapport with officers and better understand the unique stress associated with police work.
Attitudinal professionalism among social work license holders in China
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Tang, Ning; Smith, Brenda D.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The social work profession has become a crucial political tool in China’s welfare and social service delivery system. In the Mid- to Long-term Planning of Building Social Work Professional Community (2011-2020), the state calls for 1,450,000 professional social workers by 2020. The social work licensure exam has become the most convenient path to create a large amount of professional social workers within a short period of time. Yet little is known about the characteristics and the professionalism of the social work license holders. This study aimed to examine the relationships between formal education, professionalism, and bureaucracy level experienced by the social work license holders from Shunde, Guangdong. The population of social work license holders in Shunde was invited to participate in an online survey. A total of 256 social workers completed the survey, representing sixteen percent of the population. Regression models were conducted to assess associations with level of professionalism, educational background, and experiences with organizational bureaucracy. The findings of this study demonstrated that the majority of social work license holders had not received social work formal education; formal education failed to predict greater professionalism; some aspects of bureaucracy were positively associated with some aspects of professionalism; and the professional socialization occurring in the field may be more effective than current formal social work education in cultivating practitioners’ attitudinal professionalism. Four suggestions were drawn from this study to promote social work professionalism: encourage social work educators and researchers to be more active in the field, create more social work positions/titles in the traditional social service delivery system, strengthen the functions of professional associations, and enforce continuing education among social work license holders. These suggestions may also be useful for other countries that lack educational resources to develop social work profession.
Barriers and incentives to mammography screening among African American and Caucasian women in the Mississippi Delta
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2014) Collins, Shani Kehinde; Smith, Brenda D.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study examined barriers and incentives to mammography screening among African American and Caucasian women in the Mississippi Delta. This study sought to identify the most salient barriers and incentives to mammography screening; determine if those barriers and incentives differed by race; and determine if barriers and incentives influenced mammography screening behavior. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The Breast Cancer Screening Measure was administered to 175 African American and Caucasian participants at eight different churches in Leflore County, and at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi. The survey measured barriers and incentives to mammography screening as well as breast cancer screening behavior. The study found that fear of breast cancer, perceived benefits of mammograms, and health motivation were the most salient barriers and incentives. It was also determined that African American women were more fearful of breast cancer and more motivated to care for their health when compared to Caucasian women. Finally, there were no differences in screening behavior by race; however, women who were more fearful of breast cancer were likelier to be overdue for a mammogram, and women who were motivated to care for their health more likely to be current. This study's findings have important implications related to the continued need to address psychological barriers to breast cancer screening among "high-risk" women in the Mississippi Delta. Ultimately, the findings may be instrumental in helping future practitioners address fear of breast cancer as a barrier to mammography screening among African American and Caucasian women in rural areas.
Behavioral Health Needs and Barriers to Care Among Soldiers Who Report Past Year Sexual Harassment and/or Sexual Assault
(2023) Kunhavijit, Michael; Shah, Avani; Ruggiano, Nicole
Background: Sexual harassment and sexual assault (SH/SA) continue to be a problem in the military despite extensive efforts to mitigate incidents. The mental health needs of military SH/SA survivors are often unmet due to stigma, military cultural values related to self-reliance, and logistical barriers. This secondary analysis assessed data related to the prevalence of past-year SH/SA across demographics, identified the mental health needs among those who experienced it, and ascertained the perceived barriers to treatment among members of an Army brigade combat team (BCT).Methods: For this analysis, any affirmative response to either 1) past-year sexual harassment, and/or 2) past-year sexual assault was combined to create a past-year SH/SA indicator variable. Mental health outcomes included major depression, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation, alcohol use, and insomnia. Perceived barriers to treatment outcomes included stigma, self-reliance, and logistical barriers. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistical regression were used to report findings.Results: SH/SA incidents were concentrated among young (17-24) junior enlisted (E1-E4) female soldiers; SH/SA survivors reported psychological problems at a higher rate compared to non-victims (73% vs. 31%); and SH/SA survivors reported higher occurrences of stigma and barriers to care compared to non-victims.Conclusion:The results of this study were mixed. The SH/SA survivors that indicated psychological concerns reported higher rates of stigma and barriers to care but sought mental health care at higher rates than non-victims that indicated psychological concerns. The gap between SH/SA victimization and BH utilization needs improving as unmet BH needs can lead to a myriad of issues. Changing perspectives on self-reliance as it relates to coping with mental health problems is a way to address this gap. Leaders must emphasize that mental health care is a form of self-reliance, while military mental health professionals must implement effective self-care initiatives and promote available resources to aid soldiers in overcoming their mental health problems.
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.
Breast cancer literacy and health beliefs related to breast cancer screening among American Indian women
(Routledge, 2018) Roh, Soonhee; Burnette, Catherine E.; Lee, Yeon-Shim; Jun, Jung Sim; Lee, Hee Yun; Lee, Kyoung Hag; University of South Dakota; Tulane University; San Francisco State University; Wichita State University; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The purpose of this article is to examine the health beliefs and literacy about breast cancer and their relationship with breast cancer screening among American Indian (AI) women. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and hierarchical logistic regression with data from a sample of 286 AI female adults residing in the Northern Plains, we found that greater awareness of breast cancer screening was linked to breast cancer screening practices. However, perceived barriers, one of the HBM constructs, prevented such screening practices. This study suggested that culturally relevant HBM factors should be targeted when developing culturally sensitive breast cancer prevention efforts.
Breast cancer risk factors in a sexual minority population: an examination of the 2014 and 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017) Carter, Vicky L.; Simon, Cassandra E.; Pryce, Josephine G.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2014 and 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Using a sample of 3,082 respondents, in three racial categories- White, African American, and Hispanic, this study examined sexual orientation and breast cancer risk factors. The sample size included 1,544 randomly selected heterosexual and 1,534 self-identified lesbians. The overall aim of this study is to explore behavioral and non-behavioral/demographic breast cancer risk factor differences between heterosexual women and lesbians. Chi-square analysis revealed significant demographic differences between heterosexual women and lesbians in age, educational attainment, employment status, household income, and having health insurance. Race was not found to be significant. Analysis of behavioral factors also indicated higher rates of alcohol consumption and tobacco use, lower mammogram use, and lower fruit intake in the lesbian population compared to heterosexual women. Physical activity, obesity, and diet-vegetable intake were not significantly different between the two populations. Loglinear analysis indicated that the introduction of race when examining these significant demographic non-behavioral and behavioral findings, had little effect on previous chi-square analysis findings. Sexual orientation was found to be the main effect on the findings with the exception of educational attainment and health insurance. Findings from this study may be used to develop comprehensive, appropriate, culturally competent, interventions, in addition to advocating in areas of public policy to address the breast cancer risks of lesbians.
Can a Schoolwide Advisory Program Reduce Discipline Referrals and Boost Feelings of School Connectedness?
(2022) Manning, Conor; McKinney, Robert; Ruggiano, Nicole; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Introduction/Background: School discipline procedures are harmful to students and programs that reduce the likelihood of suspension are important for students’ wellbeing. School connectedness is a known protective factor for students. This study explores the implementation of a schoolwide advisory program’s impact on discipline referrals and students’ feelings of school connectedness. Methods: Data were collected over the course of an entire school year and results were compared pre- and post-intervention. The intervention took place during the 2nd semester of the school year. School discipline data and survey data (Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire [SSWQ]) were compared pre- and post-intervention. Results: Mean out-of-school suspension rates were reduced at statistically significant levels. Mean ISS rates increased. There was not a statistically significant change in mean SSWQ scores. Discussion: This might serve as foundational work that a schoolwide advisory program could use to help reduce rates of out-of-school suspension.
Care transitions in outpatient cancer settings: processes and social work roles
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Broussard, Crystal Scroggins; Csikai, Ellen L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
About 1.6 million new cancer diagnoses are expected in 2016 and most individuals will receive treatment in one of 1500 outpatient community cancer centers (ACS, 2016). While many are successfully treated, other individuals will transfer from cancer care to alternative forms of care, including hospice. Positive transitions to new care settings result from good, clear communication between professionals and patients/families. The present study was designed to examine how care transitions are carried out, including team communication (interdisciplinary team and family meetings) about changing goals/plans of care, transition protocols, and follow-up procedures. Also investigated were the specific social work roles and activities that help prepare and support patients and families throughout changes in treatment and care settings, with a particular focus on transitions near the end of life. Distress screening practices were examined along with their impact on social work services. An online quantitative survey constructed for this study was conducted with a national random sample of outpatient oncology social workers drawn from facilities accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) and stratified according to center classification. Of 481 cancer centers contacted, 119 had no social workers on staff. A total of 329 social workers were surveyed; 111 responded for a response rate of 34%. Findings indicated that patients/families were more prepared for the transition to hospice care when patients and families participated in family meetings addressing goals of care and were more involved in decision-making processes. Most centers did not have procedures to follow-up after the transition to another formal care provider. Social workers indicated challenges with the inclusion of distress screening measures (CoC mandate), including variation in administration, interpretation, and notification of distress screening scores. Greater demand for social work services has resulted in higher caseloads, with no promise of increased staff forthcoming. Study implications include the need to improve patient/family preparation for care transitions in cancer centers through improved communication and education, especially for transitions to hospice. Social workers can take the lead in development of clear protocols for care transitions that will ensure continuity of care and positive quality of life outcomes.
A Case for Social Workers as Investigators in Public Defender Offices
Hurd, Amy L.; Cheatham, Leah P.; Davis, Curtis; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Social workers play a critical role in modern public defender offices, whether performing mitigation work for pre-trial negotiations and sentencing hearings or helping clients to secure access to basic human needs. Although social workers have held in-house positions in public defender offices since at least the 1970s, their service is largely limited to mitigation practice and traditional social work. This article raises an opportunity for social workers to broaden their capacity within public defense by pursuing investigator positions. A case is made for interested social workers to draw upon their education, training, and experience to showcase the alignment between their talents and the requisite skills and performance required of investigative work. Evidence is offered to support the notion that social workers bring skills and a social justice orientation to investigative work that can provide for fresh insight and innovation in investigation and defense strategy. The value brought to investigation by social workers throughout a legal defense is specified, as are considerations for applying and interviewing for investigator positions as social workers.
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.
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.
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.
Conceptualizing the Use of Critical Race Theory as a Teaching Tool and Intervention Approach
Williams, Erika J.; Davis, Curtis; Agee, Jarralynne; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Critical Race Theory can be a useful framework in helping to address the racial disparities and social injustices occurring in the United States. Embedding the framework in the social work curriculum is needed as it provides a method to broaden students’ knowledge of the racial and social injustice that remains pervasive in the country. It is imperative that social work educators help students to understand that although the country has made considerable strides in the quest for equality, racial injustices still exist. In this paper I postulate that social work education programs should give considerable attention to weaving the use of Critical Race Theory tools into the classroom to increase students’ knowledge of racial justice and anti-oppression.

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