Alice M. Hines

Former foster youth attending college : Resilience and the transition to young adulthood

The primary purpose of this study was to further research and theory development in the area of risk and resilience by exploring factors associated with academic success among former foster youth--a group at high risk for developmental failure. Using data obtained from in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 former foster youth currently attending a 4-year university, the study described in this article explored factors related to their academic success. Results indicated that factors at the individual, family, and community levels and encompassing more than 1 system at a time were integral in understanding developmental pathways of these youth. Results further suggested that resilience in 1 developmental or functional domain was not necessarily reflected in others. Findings are discussed in terms of conceptual and theoretical directions for further research in the area of resilience and the transition to young adulthood, with a particular emphasis on former foster youth.

Divorce-Related Transitions, Adolescent Development, and the Role of the Parent-Child Relationship: A Review of the Literature.

For the adolescent undergoing multiple developmental changes, divorce and its related transitions present additional challenges, promoting growth for some and constituting developmental vulnerabilities for others. A review of the literature on adolescent development, family relationships, and the impact of divorce on adolescents reveals that adolescents experience divorce differently than younger children and that a positive parent-adolescent relationship can ameliorate the negative effects of divorce. Major gaps in the literature, particularly in the areas of differential effects for ethnic and minority youth and families and the effect of diverse family configurations on development, are identified. Specific suggestions for further research are proposed. Key Words: adolescent development, divorce, parent-child relationships. Due to the continuing high rates of divorce, reconstituted families, shared custody, and single-parent homes have become commonplace in the lives of children and adolescents (Cherlin, 1992). In contemporary research, divorce and remarriage are viewed not as single, static events, but as part of a series of transitions, modifying the lives of children (Hetherington, 1989; Wallerstein & Johnston, 1990). In addition to the trauma of divorce itself (i.e., the conflict between parents that often precedes, accompanies, and follows divorce, the possible loss and diminished contact with a parent, the potential of diminished parent effectiveness, and decreases in economic support), divorcerelated transitions often involve geographic moves, the addition of stepsiblings, and a new set of extended family members. Divorce followed by remarriage can involve the introduction of parent figures with multiple roles and overlapping relationships. Taken together, these divorce-related factors have a direct impact on the life courses of children and may be especially challenging for the adolescent who is simultaneously involved in critical developmental transitions (Anderson, Hetherington, & Clingempeel, 1989; Hetherington, Stanley-Hagan, & Anderson, 1989; Springer & Wallerstein, 1983; Wallerstein & Kelly, 1980). For the adolescent undergoing multiple developmental changes, divorce and its related transitions present additional challenges, promoting growth for some and constituting developmental vulnerabilities for others (Hetherington & Anderson, 1987). As a consequence of altered family structure, patterns, and routines, some adolescents acquire certain strengths, notably a sense of responsibility and competence (Demo & Acock, 1988). Another body of research has found that multiple life transitions occurring in a relatively short time place certain adolescents at risk (Rutter, 1981, 1987; Simmons & Blyth, 1989). Studies in this vein reveal that a high percentage of adolescents in residential treatment homes are from families disrupted by separation or divorce (Glick, 1984). Research on antisocial behavior among adolescents has found that adolescents in mother-only households and in conflict-ridden families are more likely to commit delinquent acts (Demo & Acock, 1988). These findings on the negative effect of multiple, stressful events have been corroborated by those from large national surveys that reveal that, compared with youngsters from families with two biological parents, more than twice as many adolescents from divorced families have seen mental health professionals (Zill, 1988; Zill & Peterson,1983). The literature on adolescent development traditionally has emphasized the important role the family plays in negotiating various transitions encountered during this phase, including the formation of a sexual identity (Freud, 1958) and a sense of self (Erikson, 1968), in shaping future life choices and in forming values (Blos, 1979). More recently, the family, especially the parent-child relationship, has been viewed as the main source of support for the adolescent (Feldman & Elliott, 1990), acting as a buffer to help ameliorate some of the stress encountered during this period (Garmezy & Rutter, 1983). …

A Scale to Assess African American Acculturation

This study examined an acculturation scale designed for use in the African American population. Consisting of 10 items presented in Likert-scale format, the scale asked about: race-related cultural and media preferences (music, radio, television); racial balance in contexts of social interaction (friends, church congregation, parties, neighborhoods); race-related attitudes (relying on relatives for help, desirability of interracial marriage); and degree of comfort in interaction with Whites versus Blacks. Responses were gathered from a national probability sample of more than 900 African Americans. The data generally indicated an African American orientation within the sample but demonstrated notable variation on all items. The scale showed good reliability (internal consistency). Results from factor analysis pointed toward unidimensional structure. Evaluation of construct validity by examining sociodemographic correlates provided notable evidence of validity.

Face-to-Face versus Telephone Interviews: Using Cognitive Methods to Assess Alcohol Survey Questions:

This research compares retrieval strategies and comprehension problems encountered by 30 heavier drinking respondents using protocol analysis on three alcohol use items: In the last 12 months, maximum quantity consumed in one day, frequency of drinking only one to two drinks, and frequency of drunkenness. We compare two modes of administering the questionnaire: face-to-face and telephone interviews. Results indicate that respondents in both modes used similar retrieval strategies. Anchoring (giving a response immediately) and context (describing a context in or around which drinking occurs) were most often used by respondents. Comprehension problems varied by question rather than by interview mode. The maximum quantity question was more likely to invoke issues around time frame; the one to two drinks item elicited problems concerning misinterpretation (“only” versus “at least”), and the drunkenness item was more likely to stimulate questions of definition. Overall, the findings from this study lend some support for moving from face-to-face surveys to telephone surveys in the next U.S. national alcohol survey and provide some direction for strengthening the transition.

'Unstandard' ways of answering standard questions: protocol analysis in alcohol survey research*

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the history and development of protocol analysis as a useful approach for survey research in the alcohol field, and to describe the results of a pilot study which used protocol analysis to assess the recall strategies used for four standard alcohol questions commonly used in surveys. Twenty-nine subjects were interviewed and asked to think aloud their responses to four alcohol items: frequency of drinking, average quantity, frequency of drinking over 5 drinks, and frequency of drunkenness. Results indicate that respondents most often used anchoring and adjustment and context strategies to arrive at their answers. Suggestions for facilitating the use of specific strategies during an interview are given.

Factors Related to Sex Differences in Suicidal Behavior among Black Youth Implications for Intervention and Research

A review of suicidal behavior among Black youth, IS to 24 years of age, indicates significant differences between males and females in rates and patterns of attempted and completed suicide. The heuristic value of three major theories of suicide is discussed in terms of Black youth suicidal patterns. Methodological issues of the validity and reliability of suicide statistics for Black youth are also examined. Socioculturalfactors contributing to sex differences in Black youth suicide are analyzed, as well asfamily, school, peer, and community experiences that reinforce thesefactors. Young Black males appear to be more vulnerable than young Black females to suicide because of their differential exposure to multiple risk factors in all of these domains. Implications for future research on this neglected topic are discussed and proposals are offered to enable practitioners to develop more effective strategies of prevention and early intervention in order to reduce the rates of Black youth suicide.

The Development of Social Work in Vietnam: The Role of International Collaboration

This paper explores the emergence of social work as a profession in Vietnam and the ways in which international collaboration can play a role in its development. The paper reviews the literature pertaining to the social issues that have accompanied recent rapid social and economic change in Vietnam. The authors then describe recent developments in social work and social work education in Vietnam in response to these emerging problems. The role of international collaboration is explored and examples of four recent collaborations are provided that illustrate exchanges of curriculum and related social work knowledge, capacity building, technical assistance, and teaching. Factors that influence successful international collaborations are delineated and conclusions about future opportunities for such collaborations in Vietnam are presented.

Targeting children at risk through adult health and social services: An analysis of family and environmental risk factors

Abstract This study utilized data from representative probability samples of five social service and health care populations and the general population to assess the prevalence of parent and family-related problems that are known to place children at risk for mental and developmental disorder. Risk factors were analyzed according to a theoretical conceptual framework. Chi-square analysis was used to determine how subsamples of the five clinical populations differed from a subsample of the general population on a set of eight risk factors. Results indicated that compared to the general population, the percentage of respondents with family-related risk factors was significantly higher across the five clinical subsamples. Findings suggest that a fruitful way to identify and intervene with children at risk for mental and developmental disorder may be in conjunction with services that treat their parents. Joint parent-child interventions that aim at prevention as well as treatment can be designed.