Marilyn K. Potts

A structured interview version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: Evidence of reliability and versatility of administration

A structured interview version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (SI-HDRS) is described. Data are presented in support of its inter-rater and internal consistency reliability. SI-HDRS scores were reproducible by trained interviewers who lacked psychiatric backgrounds. Test-retest scores of a subset of patients who were interviewed twice (once in person and once by telephone) were highly correlated. Scores on the SI-HDRS did not differ between face-to-face and telephone administration groups, controlling for demographic factors, depression-specific indicators, and social and physical functioning. Since the SI-HDRS does not require a face-to-face interview by an experienced clinician, this instrument can be used economically in large-scale, community-based research projects.

Going the Distance: Using Systems Theory to Design, Implement, and Evaluate a Distance Education Program

In the interest of developing a conceptual framework for distance education, the authors describe the use of systems theory concepts in designing, implementing, and evaluating a distance education program. They describe input, throughput, and output factors used in creating and operating the program, as well as the incorporation of feedback in making modifications to the program. The systems perspective allowed the authors to better understand the interaction of variables affecting the operation of the program and where changes can be made to address problems and enhance student learning.

Reproductive Attitudes and Behavior Among Latina Adolescents

SUMMARY This study examines the relationship between acculturation and sexual activity, contraceptive use and attitudes toward self. The sample consisted of 290 Latinas participating in a statewide adolescent pregnancy prevention program funded by the California Department of Health Services. Respondents were divided into three groups for purposes of analysis: those born outside the United States, those born in the United States who spoke primarily Spanish in the home, and those born in the United States who spoke primarily English in the home. Results indicated that less acculturated adolescents were less likely to engage in sexual activity. Place of birth was the most important predictor of differences in reproductive attitudes and behavior; language spoken in the home was not a predictor of sexual activity. There were no significant differences in contraceptive use among the sexually active respondents in the three groups. Respondents born outside of the United States had more negatives attitudes toward self on one measure; respondents born in the United States who spoke primarily Spanish in the home were more likely to plan to attend college, and to delay sexual activity because their parents would be upset, than the other groups. The authors suggest factors that may explain these differences in attitudes and behavior among the three groups.

Stress exposure among mexican americans and non-hispanic whites

In this article we examine differences between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites, and between U.S.- and Mexico-born Mexican Americans, in exposure to two sources of stress: life events and ongoing strains. Data were obtained from a survey of 1,244 Mexican-American and 1,149 non- Hispanic White randomly selected community residents. There were few ethnic differences in life events, although non-Hispanic Whites were more likely to report desirable or ambiguous events. Mexican-American immigrants were less likely than their U.S.-born counterparts to report most events. In contrast, Mexican Americans, especially immigrants, reported greater ongoing strain than non-Hispanic Whites. Different kinds of life events were associated with each type of strain.

Long-term effects of trauma: Post-traumatic stress among civilian internees of the japanese during world war II

This study examined predictors and health-related effects of post-traumatic stress among 129 civilian internees of the Japanese during World War II. Post-traumatic stress disorder was noted in 36.7% within the 6 months after their release and in 15.0% within the most recent 6 months. Women were more likely than men to indicate post-traumatic stress disorder within the 6 months after their release. Higher incomes were associated with lower levels of post-traumatic stress within the most recent 6 months. After controlling for demographic and internment-related factors, higher levels of post-traumatic stress were associated with poorer physical health. This association was stronger among older internees than among their younger counterparts. Implications of the findings for clinical gerontology are discussed.

Distance education alumni: how far have they gone?

SUMMARY This evaluation compared 34 distance education (DE) and 38 on-campus alumni regarding employment-related outcomes; professional activities; satisfaction with MSW program components; and development of knowledge, skills, and values. Findings showed equivalent outcomes in most respects. DE alumni were generally positive about the extent to which the program enabled them to develop professionally.

ADJUSTMENT OF GRADUATE STUDENTS TO THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS: EFFECTS OF PART-TIME ENROLLMENT AND EXTRACURRICULAR ROLES

Although empirical evidence suggests that part-time and full-time graduate programs in social work are equivalent with respect to various academic outcomes, little is known about the effects of enrollment status on students’ psychological adjustment to the educational process. The effects of extracurricular role enactment similarly are unclear. The author surveyed graduate students at a large state university and found that, among those students, enrollment status, the total number of roles enacted, and the interaction between these variables had no effects on psychological adjustment scores. However, students who were both enrolled full-time and employed full-time had lower levels of adjustment than did other students. Among part-time female students, the extracurricular role of marriage was associated with lower adjustment. The author discusses the study results in light of the scarcity and expansion hypotheses, as derived from role theory. Practical implications for social work graduate education are p...

Areas of discharge agreement and disagreement between older adult patients and nurses.

The objectives of this study were to identify areas of agreement and disagreement between nursing staff and older adult patients about discharge needs, and to explore relationships between hospitalized older adults’ perceived postdischarge Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) dependency, social networks, and quality of life. Differences between patients and nurses for the ADL scale showed that patients perceived themselves as being more independent with respect to ADLs upon discharge than did their nurses. Agreement between patients and nurses for the Quality of Life Index indicated high agreement about patients’ general well-being upon discharge. Positive relationships between overall IADL and both overall Social Network and Friend subscale scores were indicative of the positive effects of social support on patients’ perceptions of IADL independence. Implications for case management practice were suggested.

Prevalence and Correlates of the Type a Behavior Pattern in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Type A behavior pattern was noted less frequently in a group of 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis than was expected based on standardized norms for the Jenkins Activity Survey. Patients manifesting Type A behavior with respect to factors of Speed and Impatience and Job Involvement tended to have better physical status than those exhibiting Type B behavior. These aspects of the Type A behavior pattern may be associated with good physical health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.