Geri Miller

Spiritual Well-Being Scale Ethnic Differences between Caucasians and African-Americans

The Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWB) has been used to examine the various levels of well-being with a variety of groups. However, the scale has not been examined in terms of the impact of ethnicity on scale results specifically comparing Caucasians and African-Americans. This study, which was a follow-up to previous quantitative/qualitative studies, examined the impact of ethnicity in terms of Caucasians and African-Americans. The SWB Scale was administered to 119 Caucasians and 97 African-Americans. Factor analysis was used to determine the validity of the scale with regard to ethnicity. The results showed three scale factors for the Caucasians (religious well being, life satisfaction/purpose, future) and five scale factors for the African-Americans (connection with God, satisfaction with God and day-to-day living, future /life contentment, personalized relationship with God, meaningfulness). Ethnic differences in the SWB Scale are addressed with recommendations for further research.

Construct Validity of the K-ABC with an At-Risk Preschool Population.

The purpose of the study was to explore the construct validity of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) for an at-risk preschool population. The sample consisted of 122 preschoolers from two Midwestern states. Because the K-ABCs authors conceived of an instrument that would measure processing and achievement as separate constructs, two confirmatory factor analyses were done. One analysis compared correlated and uncorrelated models for only the processing variables. The second analysis compared correlated and uncorrelated factor models for the processing and achievement subtests combined. In each case the correlated models fit the data significantly better than the uncorrelated models. We concluded that district constructs of simultaneous and sequential processing could not be verified by this test alone. However, further analyses supported the K-ABC subscales as strong measures of g.

Preparing Students for Research and for Work with the Transgender Population: Exploring the Results of an Innovative Course Pairing

In an effort to provide opportunities for social work students to develop competencies for research and for working with transgender individuals, the authors paired content in two separate undergraduate courses: cultural competence and research methods. A qualitative research study was designed to assess the impact of this curricular approach. Following completion of the two courses, students participated in focus groups to discuss their experiences and what they learned through the unique course pairing. Analysis of the focus group transcripts revealed that students developed new understanding and knowledge related to research, the transgender population, attitudes about this population, and how to advocate for this population.

Helping Mothers in Incestuous Families

Abstract This article reviews studies which examine the biases of researchers and mental health professionals toward non-offending mothers in families where sexual abuse has occurred. The article also reviews the importance and nature of supportive approaches in working with these mothers. Specific recommendations for both researchers and mental health professionals are given.

Hope in the Face of Evil

This chapter focuses on how counselors can maintain hope in the face of evil. Beginning with a brief philosophical discussion of evil, the chapter presents a framework for understanding the concept as it presents itself in client’s stories of human suffering, and focuses on approaches counselors can use to maintain hope for both themselves and their clients.