George A. Jacinto

The Self-Forgiveness Process of Caregivers After the Death of Care-Receivers Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease

ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship of self-forgiveness and adaptive coping, religious/spiritual practices, social support, decreased grief, and mental well-being. 133 caregivers were surveyed. Bivariate analysis and stepwise regression models revealed that decreased grief, adaptive coping, and social support were significant in explaining the variation in self-forgiveness. This is one of the first studies to address self-forgiveness as part of the grieving process of Alzheimers caregivers. Future directions are explored supporting inclusion of self-forgiveness as an aspect of grief and adaptive coping; which is further enhanced by the level of social support experienced by the caregiver.

Social work practice and psychopharmacology

A working knowledge of psychotropics is a must for all in clinical practice today. This book supplies social workers with a basic understanding of psychotropic drugs, including medication use and misuse. Readers will also learn how to identify side effects and adverse reactions, and how to tailor treatment for clients who are taking antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other commonly prescribed medications. Including discussion of alternative herbal remedies as well as drug therapies for younger and older clients, this volume provides essential up-to-date information in clear, accessible prose.

Domestic Violence Survivors: Spirituality and Social Support

A review of the literature revealed that few domestic violence programs include ongoing social support or a focus on the spiritual concerns of domestic violence survivor. The literature appears to support the development of this spirituality and support group theory and confirms the importance of caring communities for domestic violence survivors and thrivers. The focus of this article is to propose a model of spirituality and social support for domestic violence survivors and thrivers. A synthesis of the Rite of Passage framework in combination with the Dance of the Spirit spiritual growth theory of Maria Harris is presented. An outline of a seven week spirituality group for those who have left the domestic violence situation is presented and implications for practice are discussed.

Caregivers' Coping and Self-Forgiveness After the Death of a Care-Receiver

ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship of self-forgiveness with adaptive coping and nonadaptive coping. This study addresses self-forgiveness as part of the grieving process of Alzheimers disease caregivers. One hundred and thirty-three caregivers who had recently lost a loved one were surveyed. The bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between self-forgiveness and adaptive coping and non-adaptive coping. Furthermore, stepwise regression models computed for the study variables revealed that adaptive coping and non-adaptive coping were statistically significant in explaining the variation in self-forgiveness. Based on these findings, future directions in research are explored.

Reality Therapy and the Labyrinth: A Strategy for Practice

This paper presents a strategy for the use of the labyrinth as an adjunctive feature of reality therapy (RT). The introduction of the paper overviews complementary and alternative practices and positions labyrinth work within this context. A literature review that includes brief descriptions of RT and the person-in-environment perspective, history of the labyrinth, and uses of the labyrinth for various purposes will be explained. A discussion of the walking and finger types of labyrinths that are useful for therapy will be presented. The stages of labyrinth work in the context of RT will be described. Implications for the use of the labyrinth as an adjunctive method will be explored.

Self-Determination and Confidentiality: The Ambiguous Nature of Decision-Making

ABSTRACT This article seeks to further clarify the ambiguous nature of two of social works most important values: self-determination and confidentiality. Previous research indicates that many ethical decisions in social work practice are difficult to make; and, many times decisions are made based on the workers values and experiences rather than on written ethics, laws, and agency policy. To explore this concept further, an open-ended survey instrument was distributed to 82 social work students after completing the required practice classes. The participants were asked whether they would break confidentiality based on a specific vignette and describe what decision was made and why. Results indicated that degree level (MSW versus BSW) proved to be a significant factor related to whether and/or why the respondent would break confidentiality. In addition, students with more paid work experience were more likely to question the issue of confidentiality and were more likely to break it. Two issues reflected in the decision-making process involved ensuring client safety and self-determination. In conclusion, this article explores possible reasons for breaching confidentiality and pitfalls that can occur for all professionals in making these types of decisions. Furthermore, it explores the ambiguous nature of problem solving in this area, and suggests ways that social workers can improve their decision-making skills.

Running Away: A Rite of Passage?

While on the street, youth encounter many circumstances that have the potential to bring physical, psychological, and spiritual harm to them. Homelessness for youths seems to occur as a process or journey that appears to parallel a Rite of Passage Framework. This article develops a conceptual model called the Runaway Rite of Passage Framework, which may provide service providers with a way to categorize the stages through which homeless youth transition. Also, this article explores the typologies of homeless youth. Assessment strategies at the different stages in the runaway rite of passage are discussed to assist in identifying possible intervention buffers that may help the youth. The focus of this theoretical reflection addresses how to reverse the transition toward homelessness with strategies that will lead to stable living situations for street youth.