Eileen Mazur Abel

Comparing the social service utilization, exposure to violence, and trauma symptomology of domestic violence female “victims” and female “batterers”

Although some authors have suggested that women “batterers” may really be self-defending victims, to date, no research has been initiated to empirically support this assertion. This paper describes the design and outcomes of a research project that investigated the similarities and differences between women adjudicated as domestic violence “batterers” and women identified as domestic violence “victims.” Findings indicated group similarities in the areas of exposure to violence and social service utilization. Although both groups reported high levels of trauma symptomology, “victim” scores were significantly higher.

Psychosocial Treatments for Battered Women: A Review of Empirical Research

Despite the high incidence of domestic violence, information about the effectiveness of practice with battered women is scant. The purpose of this article is to critically review the research on practice effectiveness with abused women. Toward this end, the author examines the outcomes of practice research with battered women in terms of its conceptual adequacy, methodology, and findings. Implications for social work research and practice are drawn.

The Effectiveness of a Psychoeducational Group for HIV-Infected/Affected Incarcerated Women:

Objective: The effectiveness of a psychoeducational group intervention for HIV/AIDS-infected and affected women was examined at a large southeastern county jail facility. Method: A quasiexperimental pretest-posttest design was used to examine depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms of women inmates. Results: A multivariate analysis of covariance yielded significant differences between the experimental and comparison groups. Subsequent analysis of covariance for each dependent variable indicated significant differences between groups as well. Effect sizes ranged from moderate to strong. Conclusions: The psychoeducational group intervention appeared to be effective in alleviating depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms among women inmates infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Understanding the barriers to physician error reporting and disclosure: A systemic approach to a systemic problem

Introduction The issues of medical errors and medical malpractice have stimulated significant interest in establishing transparency in health care, in other words, ensuring that medical professionals formally report medical errors and disclose related outcomes to patients and families. However, research has amply shown that transparency is not a universal practice among physicians. Methods A review of the literature was carried out using the search terms “transparency,” “patient safety,” “disclosure,” “medical error,” “error reporting,” “medical malpractice,” “doctor-patient relationship,” and “physician” to find articles describing physician barriers to transparency. Results The current literature underscores that a complex Web of factors influence physician reluctance to engage in transparency. Specifically, 4 domains of barriers emerged from this analysis: intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and societal. Conclusion Transparency initiatives will require vigorous, interdisciplinary efforts to address the systemic and pervasive nature of the problem. Several ethical and social-psychological barriers suggest that medical schools and hospitals should collaborate to establish continuity in education and ensure that knowledge acquired in early education is transferred into long-term learning. At the institutional level, practical and cultural barriers suggest the creation of supportive learning environments and private discussion forums where physicians can seek moral support in the aftermath of an error. To overcome resistance to culture transformation, incremental change should be considered, for example, replacing arcane transparency policies and complex reporting mechanisms with clear, user-friendly guidelines.

Investigating the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Risk-Propensity in Black/African-American Women

This study explored the relationship between Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Risk-Propensity in African-American women. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by a community based sample of 200 African American women with a varied history of intimate partner violence, to determine whether being in a violent relationship impacts HIV risk. Various statistical techniques, including structural equation modeling (SEM), bivariate correlation analyses and ANOVA were used to examine the data. A strong positive correlation was found to exist between sexual coercion and Intimate Partner Violence. In the effort to fortify prevention strategies, and reduce the rates of HIV infection in African-American women, additional factors that impact disease transmission were discussed. Implications for social work/mental health practice and suggestions for future research were made.

Protective Strategies and Alcohol Use Among College Students: Ethnic and Gender Differences

This study investigated differences in alcohol consumption and the use of protective strategies (i.e., eating and designated drivers) between European American, African American, and Hispanic American college students. Gender differences were also examined. The study sample was drawn from a large southeastern university (n = 567). Data analysis employed regression, factor analysis, and analysis of variance. Results indicate that European Americans students reported a higher incidence of “drunk” episodes per week than other racial/ethnic groups and greater use of specific pre-drinking behaviors such as protective strategies than their non-European American peers. No statistically significant differences were found between the drinking patterns between genders.

A Preliminary Evaluation of an Abstinence-Oriented Empowerment Program for Public School Youth

Objective: This article describes the process and outcomes of an abstinence-orientated empowerment program that was delivered to an adolescent multicultural population. Method: The study employed a time-limited pretest—posttest OXO design with an N of 130 drawn from youth in public schools from fifth grade to ninth grade. A paired-samples t test was utilized. Effect size was calculated using Cohens d. Results: Statistically significant differences between the pre- and posttest scores of the treatment group were found for all study variables. Effect sizes were small. Conclusions: Outcomes suggest that a psychoeducational approach that is based on a developmental assets model may be a desirable strategy for those working to help teens to reduce high-risk behaviors.

Obesity Related Stigma as a Form of Oppression: Implications for Social Work Education

Obesity is a growing health problem in the US. In addition to the health problems associated with being grossly overweight, obese individuals also must confront stigma and social exclusion. Weight bias and negative attitudes towards the obese have been widely confirmed in numerous professions. The purpose of this article is two-fold: (1) to discuss the implications of weight-related stigma on obese clients; and (2) to offer pedagogical approaches for reducing discriminatory attitudes against overweight individuals, among MSW students, so that they may provide more effective clinical services to clients struggling with obesity.

Student‐Centered Learning in an Advanced Social Work Practice Course: Outcomes of a Mixed Methods Investigation

Using mixed methods, the investigators assessed student perceptions of teaching/learning in a second year Masters‐level advanced practice course. The study sample included 59 MSW students enrolled in one of two sections of the course of an advanced direct practice course. Outcomes of both the qualitative and quantitative components of the evaluation indicate that students were cognizant of the differences between teacher‐centered and student‐centered instruction and appeared to prefer the latter. Outcomes also suggest that development of advanced practice skills was enhanced in the student‐centered class. Implications for social work educators, along with a discussion of the studys limitations are provided.

Abused Latina Women's Perceptions of Their Postdivorce Adjustment

This qualitative study explores the postdivorce adjustment of battered Latina immigrants. Three focus groups were conducted. Data were analyzed utilizing a grounded theory approach. Five conceptual themes were unearthed including: (a) intimate partner violence (IPV) as the precipitator for divorce; (b) motivations for leaving; (c) the impact of the Latino culture on marriage, separation, and postdivorce; (d) immigration and other legal and social issues; and (e) postdivorce/post-IPV experiences. Implications for practice are drawn. The authors wish to thank the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office and the SafetyNet Program in Florida for their permission to conduct this study. Special thanks to Ms. Marlene Rivera for her assistance in recruiting the participants. This study could not have been done without the women who participated in the focus groups. The authors would like to thank them all. This study was supported by a grant from the Shifting Foundation.