David A. Julian

The emotional quality of scenes and observation points: A look at prospect and refuge

Abstract This research examined affect as a function of both prospect and refuge. Four sites — an open view with a protected observation point, an open view with an open observation point, a closed view with a protected observation point and a closed view with an open observation point — were selected such that each was similar along a variety of other attributes. Subjects (Ss) were stopped at each site until 60 (15 per site) had agreed to take part in the study. Ss were asked to assess the view on nine bi-polar adjective scales. Ss rated the more open view as safer than the enclosed one. For the open as compared to the protected observation point, this effect was more pronounced. Assessed safety for females was less than that for males, and the preference scores for females were higher from the protected location than the unprotected one, while the opposite was true for males.

Citizen Participation—Lessons from a Local United Way Planning Process

Abstract This research evaluated a local United Way planning process that was designed to provide a forum for citizen participation in United Way policy decisions. Study participants were randomly assigned to high, moderate, or low levels of participation. High level of participation represented the traditional mechanism by which United Way has elicited citizen contributions to planning decisions. The researchers predicted that as a result of participation, participants at the high level of participation would exhibit a relatively strong sense of empowerment, congruence with United Way policy decisions, and sense of community. Results indicated a significant effect of participation related to sense of empowerment, but no differences between the groups at the high, moderate, and low levels of participation in either the congruence of their attitudes with United Way policy decisions, or their sense of community.

Planning for Collaborative Neighborhood Problem-Solving: A Review of the Literature

This review addresses a number of questions concerning collaborative neighborhood problem-solving. Theoretical conceptualizations, case studies, and empirical literature are reviewed in an effort to understand the nature of the collaborative process. Although this review focuses on mandated collaboration in human services activities, the information is relevant to a wide variety of planning applications. A model for neighborhood-based collaborative problem-solving developedfor the United Way of Franklin County is also presented.

Using Technology to Enhance Prevention Services for Children in Primary Care

Primary care is the principal setting for implementation of prevention services for children and their families. However, aspects of primary care practice and lack of patient adherence to therapeutic regimens that ultimately lead to lifestyle and behavior changes are barriers to the delivery of prevention services. The authors of this paper present descriptive information about how a web-based computer application is being used to assist physicians in a major medical center overcome some of these impediments. This information is presented in the hopes of generating discussion about the utility of computer based support for prevention services in primary care settings. Additional steps to optimize the care of patients are also described.

A Case Study of the Implementation of Outcomes-Based Funding Within a Local United Way System: Some Implications for Practicing Community Psychology

This case study provides an overview of significant organizational change within the United Way system in Franklin County/Columbus, Ohio. Franklin County is a major urban center with a population approaching 1 million. The implementation of outcomes-based funding proved to be a critical factor that served to promote change within the local United Way system. Adoption of outcomes-based funding principles resulted in significant shifts in United Way funding and major policy changes. A chronology of events and stakeholder reactions over a multiyear period are reviewed. The implications of this effort to initiate major, system-level change for the practice of community psychology are discussed.

Residential and community treatment services utilized by a sample of youth with severe emotional disturbances

Analyzed case records to determine the costs and service usage patterns for a group of 25 youth randomly selected from the case load of a regional mental health agency. Study participants had extensive histories of publicly supported psychiatric hospitalizations. An average of 36.2 contacts per youth (905 total contacts) with human services providers were documented. Approximately 2 out of every 5 contacts resulted in out-of-home placements. The estimated cost of providing services to the 25 youth exceeded 3 million dollars. The types and costs of treatment services provided to study participants are discussed.

Effects of labelled meaning on the affective quality of housing scenes

Abstract A series of studies examined the effects of labelled meaning on affective response to housing scenes. Students at Ohio State University assessed their feelings towards imagined housing (public or private) and cities (Memphis, Houston and San Francisco). Expected differences in the affective quality were found. Responses to color photographs of specific housing scenes labelled as either private condominiums or public housing were obtained. Differences in scene-affect as a function of labelled meaning were found. Responses to housing scenes labelled as located in either Memphis, Houston or San Francisco revealed no differences in scene-affect as a function of label meaning. This latter finding was confirmed in a non-repeated measure examination. Differences in the fittingness, potency or relevance of the information provided may account for the pattern of findings.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Implementing Functions to Support Collaborative Community Problem Solving

The purpose of this article is to explore infrastructure and functions to serve as a foundation for collaborative community problem solving. The literature reviewed in this article focuses on problem solving in the health, education, and social services arenas. However, the recommendations and perspectives would appear to apply to collaborative community problem solving focused on any complex social issue. It is imperative that as local, state, and national policies and practices evolve supporting collaborative efforts to address a variety of issues, planners be prepared to facilitate community dialogue designed to build strong partnerships at the local level.