Enid O. Cox

Stability of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale: A Multidimensional Item Response Model and Rasch Analysis

The purpose of this study was to explore the longitudinal structural and measurement invariance of the 17-item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) using a multidimensional item response model and the unidimensional Rasch model in contrast to prior work employing classical test theory. Participants (n = 177) were assigned to three interventions and assessed at three time points. The structural analyses found that a 3-factor model fit better than a 1-factor or a 2-factor model using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Schwartz’s Bayesian information criterion (BIC) though not with the AICPC or the BIC PC. With respect to item fit, differential item functioning (DIF) and correlation of item logit positions, the PGCMS was quite stable. However, Items 4 and 5 were problematic in terms of fit. The internal consistency reliabilities of three factors were also relatively lower than desirable at one point and adequate at others.

Social Justice, Social Policy, and Social Work

ABSTRACT This paper argues that the models underlying the conceptualization of social work functions affect the costs of integrating policy issues into practice, and, therefore, the probability that social justice goals will be pursued. An inclusive approach to policy design is seen as lowering those costs. The nature of the costs and how they vary between the models is discussed.

The U.S. Criminal Justice System: A Role for Radical Social Work

ABSTRACT Characteristics of the current United States criminal justice system include mass incarceration at a rate higher than that of any other Western country, extraordinarily long sentences, rampant racial discrimination, and discrimination against all low-income persons. The impact of this system goes beyond devastation of those subject to supervision of the system to their families, communities, and society at large. This article analyzes the current criminal justice system relative to neoliberalism and ongoing reform efforts. The possible roles of radical social work in facilitating reforms and connecting criminal justice advocacy and issues to larger structural issues as well as direct practice strategies are explored.

Factor Structure Investigation of the Care-Receiver Efficacy Scale–Short-Form Longitudinal Confirmatory Factor Analysis

The present study investigated the factor structure invariance of the Care-Receiver Efficacy Scale–Short Form (CRES) using confirmatory factor analysis. Response data were collected from 177 participants across three time points. The analyses of the five-subscale, 25-item CRES at the individual time points indicated that the first-order and second-order models were acceptable. However, Perceptions of Dependence was not a reliable indicator for the higher order factor defined as Overall Care-Receiver Efficacy. The revised 20-item CRES without Perceptions of Dependence had adequate model fit. A series of progressively more constrained models revealed the higher order 20-item CRES can be used as a stable measure of health care self-efficacy for older care-receivers.