Jeane W. Anastas

Outcomes of Social Work Education: The Case for Social Work Self-Efficacy

This article describes the development and testing of the Social Work Self-Efficacy Scale, which assesses social workers’ confidence regarding a broad range of social work tasks. Pre-post data from two cohorts of social work students are presented showing significant positive change in MSW students’ self-efficacy, suggesting a new approach to outcomes assessment in social work education.

Quality in Qualitative Evaluation: Issues and Possible Answers.

Qualitative evaluation studies can differ markedly from quantitative ones in both purpose and method and therefore must be understood and evaluated on their own terms. This article defines qualitative evaluation research and describes key parameters of quality to be considered when conducting and evaluating these studies in terms that take their epistemological assumptions and unique methods into account. Dimensions discussed include clarity in the research question, identifying the epistemological framework, using theory and prior knowledge effectively, addressing ethical issues, documenting all aspects of the study method, ensuring trustworthiness of the data, and communicating findings effectively.

Breadwinners and caregivers: Interviews with working women.

Until recently, studies of family caregivers for the elderly have not considered the work lives of caregivers. Based on interviews with 77 women who were working full-time while caring for an elderly family member, this study examined the strains experienced and supports needed to balance work and family responsibilities. One in 5 of women interviewed had considered quitting work because of caregiving. The functioning of the elderly family member, the amount of caregiving work performed, and selected job factors affected absenteeism and the likelihood that a woman might consider quitting her job. Implications for the development of employee benefits to assist family caregivers are discussed.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION: A STUDY OF JOBS FOR DOCTORAL GRADUATES

Analysis of a 1-year sample of advertisements for faculty positions in social work examined (1) the number of positions available in 2001–2002, (2) the nature of these positions and their settings, and (3) the qualifications sought in applicants. Findings suggest there were more academic jobs available than there were doctoral graduates seeking them in the year studied. Employment settings were diverse. In addition to the doctorate, the master of social work degree, practice knowledge and experience, and willingness to teach at baccalaureate and masters levels were the qualifications most commonly mentioned in the advertisements.

Predicting length of stay of substance-using pregnant and postpartum women in day treatment

Pregnant and postpartum substance-using women are a special population whose needs do not reflect those of the general substance-using communities. This study examined length of stay in a federally funded day treatment demonstration program in order to identify predictor variables that may help identify pregnant and postpartum substance-using women at high risk for dropping out of treatment. Variables from intake and exit questionnaires on a sample of 163 women were analyzed using multiple regression on both days in treatment and the logarithmic transformation of days in treatment. Few predictor variables were identified, although findings suggest that if a women is younger and self-referred, she may leave treatment sooner. As one of the first sets of published data on pregnant and postpartum women and retention in treatment, this study lays the groundwork for future research on the retention of pregnant and postpartum women in treatment, thereby facilitating the success of these women in overcoming their addiction.

The Impact of Acculturation and Acculturative Stress on Alcohol Use Across Asian Immigrant Subgroups

Acculturation and acculturative stress are examined as predictors of alcohol use among Asian immigrants, using the 2004 National Latino and Asian Americans Survey (NLAAS). Separate regression analyses were conducted for Chinese (n = 600), Filipino (n = 508), and Vietnamese (n = 520) immigrants. Alcohol use varied for the three groups. English proficiency was associated with drinking for all groups. Family conflict was associated with drinking for Chinese immigrants. General acculturative stress and discrimination were associated with drinking for Vietnamese immigrants. Results underscore acculturation and acculturative stress as being contributors to alcohol consumption, and the importance of considering the heterogeneity of Asian immigrants in research on their alcohol use. The studys limitations are noted.

Research Methods with Disabled Populations

Abstract Although social work and related fields need more research involving people with disabilities, such studies can pose special challenges due to lack of understanding of disability issues, the disempowerment and invisibility of many who are disabled, and communication barriers. This article discusses ways of eliminating bias and maintaining ethical safeguards when designing and conducting research on people with disabilities. Participatory action research, which engages those studied in the design and conduct of research, is discussed as a model, as is the use of qualitative methods. Recent methodological innovations in survey research with deaf populations are also described and illustrated.

Philosophical Issues in Doctoral Education in Social Work: A Survey of Doctoral Program Directors

Although debate continues about philosophical, especially epistemological, issues in social work, little attention has been given to doctoral education and curricula in this area. This article reports on a 1997 survey of doctoral program directors about the inclusion of philosophical issues in the curriculum and their satisfaction with it. The survey asks about traditional and emergent epistemologies, including heuristics, social constructivism, and other forms of postmodernism. Responses to Likert-type and open-ended questions suggest that such content is commonly included in research courses, but that program directors face tensions with including content on epistemologies other than logical positivism.

The Science of Social Work and Its Relationship to Social Work Practice

As John Brekke has observed, social work does not use the word “science” to define itself, suggesting a need to articulate a science of social work. This article discusses the science of social work and its relationship to social work practice in the United States, arguing that a “rapprochement” between practice and science should be effected to their mutual benefit. It begins by unpacking both the definitions of social work and of science; considers epistemologies; and underlines the importance of theory in social work science and practice. The article concludes with ideas for identifying common ground and enhancing the practices of both scientists and practitioners in our field. These suggestions include acknowledging shared aims of improving care and services, fully embracing methodological pluralism, using theories and exploring domains within the field that are important to both practitioners and scientists, developing sustainable structures where scientists and practitioners can come together on an equal footing to learn from each other and to collaborate in practice-relevant research, and developing a knowledge broker service for practitioners.

Dimensions of Lesbian Identity During Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Abstract As knowledge about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people continues to mature, social work research must address the complexity of key issues, including sexual identity. The present study examined dimensions of sexual identity among young women who identify as questioning or lesbian, and it illustrates the progress being made in conceptualization and measurement in this area. Three distinct dimensions of lesbian identity were found: “New Identity Possibilities,” “Consolidation and Fulfillment,” and “Stigma and Mistreatment Management.” For these young women, individual and social dimensions of identity development were not distinct as had been previously hypothesized. These findings are discussed in relation to theory and future research that attends to the intersection of gender, age, and sexual identity.