Jason B. Whiting

Intergenerational Transmission of Violence: the Influence of Self-Appraisals, Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse

Although research has demonstrated connections between experiencing abuse as a child and being in a violent relationship as an adult, the specific mechanisms through which this transmission occurs are unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between certain personal factors (self-appraisals and mental/substance use disorders) and experiencing violence as an adult. Data from the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) 1990–1992 were utilized. Respondents who reported experiencing childhood abuse or victimization and were in a current intimate partnership (N = 590) were selected for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that low self-esteem, past year PTSD, and past year alcohol dependence were significantly associated with intimate partner violence after controlling for other self-appraisals and mental disorders.

Foster Children's Expressions of Ambiguous Loss

The theory of ambiguous loss is useful in understanding the experiences and challenges of the foster care system. Its indications are illustrated with foster childrens perceptions and stories. These include semi-structured interviews with 23 foster children aged 7 to 12 years, and stories provided by 182 foster children, aged 2 years to 10, to the Blacky Pictures. The pervasive presence of ambiguous loss in the stories of these foster children illustrates that many behavioral indicators of cognitive and emotional discomfort in foster children are normative and that our interventions with them and their institutionalized caretakers could be effectively guided by this knowledge.

Appraisal Distortions And Intimate Partner Violence: Gender, Power, And Interaction

In relationships characterized by control, abuse, or violence, many appraisal distortions occur including denial and minimization. However, the nature of the distortion varies depending on the individuals role in the relationship (i.e., abuser or victim). Reducing these distortions is an important component in treatment success and involves accepting responsibility for actions and attributions. This study used constructivist grounded theory methods to explore the following questions: (1) What are the types of distortions that are used by individuals who have been in violent or abusive relationships? (2) What are the gender and power differences in the appraisal distortions used? (3) What are the functions and interactions of the distortions in the relationship dynamics? Qualitative analysis of interviews with 29 individuals who had been in abusive relationships found that there were several types of distortions used by participants, but there were differences in the function of the distortion, depending on the individuals role in the abuse. These generally corresponded to power and gender, where the male as perpetrator used different distortions (or used similar distortions for different reasons) than did the female as victim. Suggestions for research as well as treatment implications for both offenders and survivors of abuse are given.

Illicit Drug Use Among Women with Children in the United States: 2002–2003

PURPOSE Given research that shows youth exposed to maternal addiction have increased rates of cognitive, socioemotional, and behavioral problems, we examined the prevalence and correlates of past year illicit drug abuse or dependence among women with children younger than 18 years of age in the home to identify maternal risk factors. METHODS Data were from the 2002 and 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a nationally representative sample of the U.S. civilian population. The current analysis utilized a subsample of women (N=19,300) who reported having children younger than 18 years in the home. Past year abuse or dependence on cocaine, heroin, marijuana, stimulants, and hallucinogens as well as nonmedical use of prescription medications were assessed. RESULTS The prevalence of illicit drug abuse or dependence was 1.9%. Mothers reporting drug abuse or dependence had increased odds of being unmarried, controlling for other demographics. They also were more likely to report stress, poorer health status, and meet the criteria for serious mental illness (SMI). CONCLUSIONS Prevention and intervention strategies should focus on developing and testing methods to screen for both risk factors associated with maternal drug abuse and actual substance abuse in primary and emergency care settings to reduce youth exposure and improve child developmental outcomes.

Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Women’s Mental Health

This study aimed to explore the mental health needs of women residing in domestic violence shelters; more specifically, we aimed to identify commonalities and differences among their mental health needs. For this purpose, qualitative and quantitative data was collected from 35 women from a Midwestern domestic violence shelter. Hierarchical clustering was applied to quantitative data, and the analysis indicated a three-cluster solution. Data from the qualitative analysis also supported the differentiation of women into three distinct groups, which were interpreted as: (A) ready to change, (B) focused on negative symptoms, and (C) focused on feelings of guilt and self-blame.

Clinical Training of MFTs for Adoption, Foster Care, and Child Development Settings: A Comparative Survey of CACREP, COAMFTE, and CSWE Accredited Programs

ABSTRACT Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are well prepared to work with clinical issues related to adoption, foster care, and child welfare. Yet, it is unclear how many MFTs see these as viable career opportunities, and it is also unclear if typical clinical training includes content in these areas. Surveys were sent to Commission for Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) clinical training programs to assess levels of training in three content areas: adoption, foster care, and child development. Results indicated that many graduates from COAMFTE accredited programs enter adoption and foster care work settings. Although COAMFTE graduates are well trained in child development, most MFTs, social workers, and counselors lack specific training in adoption and foster care. This study has curricular, funding, and mental health parity implications.

Developing a Domestic Violence Protocol for Marriage Education: Critical Components and Cautions

It is important for professionals involved in marriage education initiatives to address domestic violence. One way to do this is to create and use a violence protocol. This article discusses why this is important and reviews lessons learned from the development of a protocol in one federally funded marriage education initiative. Recommended components for violence protocols are reviewed, including mechanisms to encourage safety in disclosure and referral, sensitivity to culture, and understanding the scope and impact of domestic violence. The importance of collaboration with and adaptation to each community is discussed, and suggestions for educators, clinicians, and researchers are provided.

Clinical Implications of Internet Infidelity: Where Facebook Fits In

The Internet can enhance existing relationships or facilitate the development of new relationships, including illicit ones. Increased research in this area has predominately been on online sexual addiction and pornography, with few about social networking sites. Facebook, a popular social networking site boasting 1.15 billion active users. This article reviews existing literature on Internet infidelity, comparing online activities and Facebook-specific behaviors. Five areas related to Internet infidelity will be explored, such as definitions and the impact on relationships. Although several similarities exist between general Internet and Facebook-specific infidelity, unique differences exist. Implications for future research and clinical practice are presented.

Challenges and Retention of Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates: a Grounded Theory

Using grounded theory methods, this study examines the experience of shelter advocates and the relationship between the challenges of advocacy, shelter culture, and retention. Challenges fell into three categories: managing shelter shock, letting go of being the hero, and balancing advocate roles. Sub-challenges included hearing client stories, managing crisis, accessing resources, accepting clients going back to abusive situations, facilitating empowerment, and enforcing rules. Shelter culture strongly influenced advocates’ adjustment. Advocates with supportive cultures expressed less frustration and were more likely to continue employment, while those with less-supportive cultures expressed more frustration and were more likely to leave the domestic violence field or promote within the field to create macro-level change. Implications for shelters and future directions for research are included.

Experiences of Latino Couples in Relationship Education: A Critical Analysis

There exists a need to better understand the applicability of Marriage and Relationship Education (MRE) initiatives with diverse populations. This study presents findings from focus groups with Latino men and women (N = 16) who participated in MRE classes. A critical theory approach guided the researchers who used grounded theory methodology to analyze the group transcripts. From the participant’s words, two types of meaning categories were generated. The first category, “Cultural Values,” included shared values or cultural influences that were identified as relevant to how participants experienced the MRE course. These included values such as familismo or cultural obligation. The second category was “group benefits,” which included concepts that described ways that the MRE experience was helpful to the participants (e.g., emotional awareness and motivation for change). These categories and concepts are presented in a model depicting the cultural values as an overlay through which the group benefits were filtered. The model offers implications for class content (e.g., relevant portions of the curriculum) and process (e.g., the importance of offering the courses in Spanish). Other implications for research and practice are given.