Karen Sowers-Hoag

Teaching Social Work Practice: A Review and Analysis of Empirical Research

Abstract This paper reviews, summarizes, and analyzes recent empirical research on social work practice education. It describes general directions of social work practice education and discusses implications of research findings. Findings attest to the professions commitment to developing social work practice methods based upon testable theories, knowledge, and skills. Important questions remain, however, about the effectiveness of various teaching programs, methods, and procedures.

Women in Social Work Education: Progress or Promise?

Abstract The literature on the status of female social work educators has addressed the problems these educators face in the areas of salaries, academic rank and tenure, publication rates, and level of decision making. Given this attention to the status of these educators, one might expect positive resolutions to these problems. This article, which is based on a review of both the current literature and statistics on US social work faculty, evaluates the status of women faculty in social work academia to determine if progress has been made. Findings reveal that female educators are seeing slow improvment in some areas; however, inequalities continue. The authors suggest strategies for supporting the development and retention of women faculty.

Behavior Therapy for Separation Anxiety Disorder

The empirical research on the condition labeled separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is reviewed, including studies on its diagnostic criteria, etiology, natural history, and response to behavior therapy. Although the available treatment reports are promising, little experimental evidence exists that specifically demonstrates the efficacy of behavior therapy or any other approach to care for the child with separation anxiety disorder. It appears that SAD is a variant of other anxiety disorders and has a similar positive response to treatments incorporating elements of therapeutic exposure to anxiety-evoking stimuli.

Faculty Hiring in Social Work: Dilemmas for Educators or Job Candidates?

Abstract The paper reports the results of a national survey completed in 1986 which identified factors affecting recruitment and hiring decisions in graduate and undergraduate schools of social work. A total of 387 responses were received. Implications for job candidates and faculty are discussed.

Elders' attitudes and access to health care: a comparison of Cuban immigrants and native-born Americans.

We report on findings of an empirical study of attitudes and access to health care by elderly Cuban immigrants and native-born Americans in Southeast Florida. Major findings based on a random sample of 1,216 respondents indicate a need for bilingual educational materials to inform consumers of health support services available and ethnic-sensitive public health services for the indigent Cuban population.

SELECTING A FAMILY THERAPY MODEL: THE ROLE OF PERSONALITY ATTRIBUTES IN ECLECTIC PRACTICE*

The expanding knowledge and skill bases within the interdisciplinary family therapy profession pose a significant challenge for evolving practitioners, at whatever stage along the professional development process they find themselves. This challenge raises a basic question regarding whether there are any constraining forces to the level of eclecticism in practice towards which one can aspire. This paper empirically explores the role played by the personality attributes of the family therapist in facilitating and/or inhibiting ones adherence to a variety of approaches to family practice.

Using Structured Study Questions as a Teaching Method in Social Work Education: Initial Validation Studies.

The use of study questions to guide student learning and in-class discussion is presented as an alternative to the traditional methods of instruction in social work which rely upon formal lectures, and mid-term and final examinations and term papers to motivate studying. The positive results of two separate investigations on the value of study questions is described, and the instructional technique is suggested as worthy of consideration by social work educators.

Effects of Sex Composition on Behavior in Groups

The behavior of men and women in groups changes as a result of the sex composition of the groups, according to a summary review of research. Therefore, implementation of specific interventions and the manipulation of sex-group composition can enhance a groups functioning and goals and minimize negative effects on individual members.