Judith A. Nelson

Mixed Research as a Tool for Developing Quantitative Instruments

In this methodological article, the authors present a meta-framework—comprising several frameworks and models, as well as multiple research approaches—that they call an Instrument Development and Construct Validation (IDCV) process for optimizing the development of quantitative instruments. Using mixed research techniques, the IDCV contains 10 phases that detail the progression from an interdisciplinary review of the literature to the development of the instrument to the evaluation of the instrument development and construct validation process and product(s). Crossover analyses represent a key mechanism in the IDCV, wherein analysis types from one tradition (e.g., quantitative analysis) are used to analyze data from a different tradition (e.g., qualitative data). Finally, the authors provide a heuristic example of a rigorous way to develop a Likert-format scale.

Assessing Schoolwide Cultural Competence: Implications for School Leadership Preparation

Purpose: The initial purpose of this mixed methods study was to assess the instrument fidelity and construct-related validity of a 33-item instrument called the Schoolwide Cultural Competence Observation Checklist (SCCOC) by eliciting school leaders’ views. The SCCOC was designed as one tool for use in conducting school culture audits, which determine how well a school responds to the needs of diverse groups. The results revealed unexpected qualitative findings from school leaders’ narrative responses to open-ended items. The implications of these findings for school leaders and school leader preparation are discussed. Research Design: On a Web-based questionnaire, practicing school leaders in two large western states responded to open- and closed-ended items on the relevance of SCCOC items to cultural competence in actual school settings. Participants’ narrative responses were analyzed using an iterative process of coding and constant comparison to identify emerging themes. Themes were validated using intercoder reliability. Findings: Research team members reached consensus on four primary themes that emerged from analysis of narrative data: policy as a paradox, programs as instrumental to culturally competent practice, school culture and climate as integral to schoolwide cultural competence, and numerous barriers to cultural competence. Under the theme of barriers, five subthemes were revealed. Conclusions: The findings inform future research and the need to focus school leader preparation on examining personal biases, privilege, and beliefs about others who are different, as well as guiding leaders to develop culturally responsive skills and knowledge and the ability to assess schoolwide cultural competence.

Intercultural Couples: Coping With Culture-Related Stressors

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify potential culture-related stressors in intercultural marriages and uncover some of the conscious and unconscious strategies applied by couples to cope with these stressors. In-depth ethnographic interviews were conducted with five intercultural couples. Interview data were then analyzed using a phenomenological reduction process to synthesize the meanings and essences of participant experiences. Results revealed that the intercultural couples studied used similar coping strategies to manage marital stressors that might be attributed to or accentuated by cultural differences. Six primary coping strategies were identified: (a) gender-role flexibility; (b) humor; (c) cultural deference by one partner; (d) recognition of similarities; (e) cultural reframing or the development of blended values and expectations that redefined the intercultural relationship; and (f) a general appreciation for other cultures. These intercultural coping strategies were supported by prior empirical research in the fields of intercultural communication and marital counseling. Further research is needed to understand better the unique stressors and coping mechanisms experienced by intercultural couples. Practical considerations for therapists who counsel intercultural couples are discussed.

A Service-Learning Model for At-Risk Adolescents

This article describes a service-learning case study and program description involving the development and the delivery of services in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program for secondary students. Following an overview of the philosophy of constructivist theory applied to the concept of the dissemination of information concerning adolescent service-learning, a description of the service-learning model is featured. Specific recommendations for educators for both involving youth in the planning and then working collaboratively with them in the actual implementation of service oriented community projects are provided.

For Parents Only: A Strategic Family Therapy Approach in School Counseling

Schools are excellent resources for families whose children are experiencing behavioral problems at home and at school. School counselors who have training in systems theory are situated to help families make lasting positive changes in family structure and to avoid costly interventions that may or may not be helpful. According to Selvini-Palazzoli (1986), the problems between parents and children can be addressed using a universal set of directives that immediately restore the proper authority to the parents so that the parents can, in effect, help the child give up the symptomatic behavior. This article presents a technique based on Selvini-Palazzoli’s “invariable prescription” (p. 342) for professional school counselors working with families and their acting-out children.

A Developmental Model for Counseling Infertile Couples

The authors used Combs, Bustamante, and Onwuegbuzie’s Interactive Literature Review Process (ILRP) to identify, collect, and evaluate the literature on infertility. During this process, we noted that couples experiencing infertility had different concerns depending on what stage of the process they were situated. Thus, the authors identified positive methods and interventions for treating infertile clients using a developmental approach. The Developmental Model for Counseling Infertile Couples is specifically geared for mental health counselors who work with infertile couples.

The Impact of Father Absence on Daughter Sexual Development and Behaviors Implications for Professional Counselors

Our study investigated the relationship among daughters from father-absent homes, daughters’ age of menarche, and daughters’ first sexual intercourse. This study was conducted as a paper-and-pencil survey with a total of 12 questions answered by 342 undergraduate female students. Results indicated that females from father-absent homes reported experiencing menarche significantly earlier than females from father-present homes; significant correlations at the p < .001 level were found between first reported menarche and first reported consensual intercourse. There was a significant group difference found between father-present and father-absent homes in terms of the age at which participants reported the first onset of their menarche. As there was a significant correlation between onset of menarche and age of first intercourse, it could be surmised that pubertal timing could serve as a mediating factor between father absence and initial engagement in sexual activity.

Incorporating Adlerian and Feminist Theory to Address Self-Objectification in Couples Therapy:

Objectification and sexualization of women starts at a young age and carries with it negative consequences for a woman’s self-worth. A person’s self-worth is one component on the Wheel of Wellness, but it can affect many other aspects of an individual. The lack of self-worth that a woman may experience can affect her ability to enjoy her sexual experiences with her partner and inhibit her from reaching a state of connecting with her spirituality, especially during sexual encounters. The lack of enjoyment for a woman can then affect the partner’s enjoyment and, in turn, can affect the enjoyment of the relationship. This article discusses incorporating Adlerian and feminist theoretical perspectives into the practice of couples counseling in order to address relational issues related to a process of self-objectification.

Adolescent Recovery From Substance Use in Alternative Peer Groups A Revelatory Case Study

The researchers conducted a revelatory case study of the alternative peer group model through an exploration of experiences of former clients of a recovery support group for youth. A phenomenological approach was employed, and 11 alumni who have maintained long-term sobriety since attending the program in the 1970s and 1980s were interviewed. Findings are presented on the lived experiences of the participants including the following themes that were identified: relationships, before and after sobriety, and resentments.