Moshe Sherer

INTRODUCING COMPUTERS TO FRAIL RESIDENTS OF HOMES FOR THE AGED

This paper presents the results of a half‐year study of the use of a number of computerized tools by residents of a nursing home and day care center for the elderly in Israel. A total of 33 residents (research n = 19; control n = 14) participated in the study. Results indicated that the residents were eager to learn and to use the new tools. Physical disabilities apart, the subjects experienced no special problems in using regular software. Men used the computer for longer periods than women, but the gender differences were not very large and may have been a result of the kind of software used. The preferred software in terms of minutes of use was word processing. Both research and control group members improved their attitudes toward the computer on the computer attitude scale (Nickell & Pinto, 1986). The characteristics of computerized tools and their utilization are indicated. Guidelines for planning for and using computerized tools in other settings for elderly people are suggested.

Cancer patients and their spouses : Gender and its effect on psychological and social adjustment

The aim of this research was to examine the effects of gender on the social adjustment and psychological distress experienced by cancer patients and their spouses. A total of 87 patients and spouses participated in the study, with the patients undergoing active medical treatment (chemotherapy, radiation or both) and three months post-diagnosis. Three questionnaires were used to collect data: a personal information one; the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), in which stress was examined; and the PAIS-SR, in which psychosocial adjustment to physical illness was examined. Both cancer patients and their spouses reported the same level of psychological distress and difficulties in social adjustment in most areas studied. Patients reported more difficulties in relationships with extended family and in sexual relations than their spouses did. In the area of social environment, spouses reported higher levels of difficulties than patients. Both men and women reported difficulties with social adjustment in most areas studied. Women reported more difficulties with social environment. As for psychological stress, generally men as patients and as spouses reported higher levels of anxiety. As patients, men reported higher levels of paranoia.

DIFFERENCES OF TEACHERS', FIELD INSTRUCTORS', AND STUDENTS' VIEWS ON JOB ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS

This study compares the assessment of 30 teachers, 120 field instructors, and 287 students with regard to what students of social work do during their fieldwork practice and the importance they attach to these activities. The study used a Job Analysis Questionnaire developed specifically for this study. Results indicated differences among the three groups. Implications call for more attention and tighter follow-up of teachers on student field work and greater clarity on expected and actual performance of roles as perceived by teachers, field instructors, and students.

Effect of Gender on the Social and Psychological Adjustment of Cancer Patients

Abstract The purpose of this article is to examine gender differences in social and psychological adjustment among cancer patients. The social adjustment and psychological distress of 49 patients (34 women and 15 men) undergoing active medical care (chemotherapy and radiation) were assessed. Socio-demographic and medical parameters were also examined to account for differences in adjustment. Three questionnaires were used: A personal information questionnaire; a Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS-SR) (Derogatis & Lopez, 1983); and a psychological distress one (BSI) (Derogatis & Spencer, 1982). Significant differences were found between men and women patients in several dimensions of the social adjustment, psychological distress and medical variables. Possible explanations, recommendations for further research and clinical intervention are suggested.

The Nature and Correlates of Dating Violence among Jewish and Arab Youths in Israel

The objectives of this research were to assess the prevalence and severity of dating violence among Jewish and Arab, male and female Israeli youths, to examine the sociodemographic variables related to dating violence among Israeli adolescents, and to assess whether the variables correlated with dating violence differ among Jewish and Arab, male and female youths. The random sample consisted of 1357 students (640 Jewish and 717 Arab youths). We used five types of dating violence measures: threatening, relational, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The principal finding is that dating violence is very high among Israeli youths, especially among Arabs. Males show higher mean scores of dating violence, but females are involved in every type of dating violence. The discussion attempts to explain the differences between the two cultures and genders, and considers the theoretical and practical implications of the results.

Attitudes Toward Sex and Sex Offences Among Israeli and Former Union of Soviet Socialist Republic Youth Implication for Prevention Strategies for New Immigrants

The phenomenon of sex offences among new immigrants from the former USSR is a source of concern in Israel. This research studied students from Israel (n = 257) and the Ukraine (n = 195) to learn about their system of social norms and values regarding sex and sex offences. For the purposes of this study, a new tool was structured and validated that examines attitudes toward 11 spheres of life connected with the research topic, such as the status of men and the victim’s responsibility for rape. The principal findings show significant differences in the norms and values of the surveyed groups, reflecting negative norms among Ukrainian youth. Results are examined in light of the possible implications for understanding the phenomenon of sexual violence among immigrant youth from the former USSR and the appropriate methods for treating them in Israel. The discussion highlights possible implications for other countries that face similar issues.

Peer group norms among Jewish and Arab juveniles in Israel

Peer group norms of Jewish and Arab street-corner youth groups in Israel were studied using a peer norm indicator that measures two clusters of norms: three positive (motivation, respect for authority, helping others) and three negative (aggression, manipulation, criminality; Grissom, 1977). The norms of these groups were compared with those of two control groups (one Jewish and the other Arab) consisting of junior and senior high school students. The results indicated higher negative norms among the Arab street-corner youngsters than among their Jewish counterparts. The findings may provide an explanation for the occurrence of high levels of crime among Arab youth. An alternative explanation is discussed as well, taking into consideration possible discrimination against Arab youth by the criminal justice system in Israel.

Criminal activity among Jewish and Arab youth in Israel

Abstract This study examines data deriving from the self-reported criminal activities of Israeli Jewish and Arab street corner youth and junior and senior high-school students in Israel. Differences were found between the groups as regards type and levels of criminal activity. The findings indicate that (a) street corner youth committed more crimes than did students; (b) Arab juveniles committed more crimes than did Jewish juveniles; and (c) Arab street corner youth committed more crimes than did members of the other groups. The data are analyzed to determine if the differences revealed between the two ethnic groups reflect (a) possible discrimination against Arab juveniles by the criminal justice system in Israel, and (b) the influence of Arab-Jewish tensions in the region. Special attention is given to the types of juvenile crime typically committed during the current disorders in the occupied territories.

Attitudes toward dating violence among Israeli and Thai youth

The objectives of this research were to assess the prevailness and severity of attitudes toward dating violence among Jewish, Arabs, and Thai male and female adolescents. The random samples consisted 9th to12th grade pupils. The study assessed attitudes toward psychological, physical, and sexual dating violence. Jewish youth reflected lower endorsement of dating violence than Thai and Arab participants. The Thai youths held the highest support toward dating violence, with no difference between the Thai and Arab youths on psychological attitudes toward dating violence. While females reported less endorsement of dating violence than males, differences among the three female subgroups on attitudes toward dating violence were indicated. The discussion focuses on explanations for the differences between the three ethno cultural groups and genders, and presents the theoretical and practical implications of the study.

Delinquent Activity Among Jewish and Arab Junior and Senior High School Students in Israel

This study compares the criminal activities of male and female Jewish and Arab junior and senior high school students in Israel based on self-reported criminal activities. The sample consisted of 906 randomly selected junior and senior high school students. The findings indicate that Jewish students committed more types of delinquent acts when compared with their Arab counterparts; males committed more delinquent acts than females; and Arab females had very low rates of delinquency. The findings are discussed in light of possible influences of cultural and ethnic origin and knowledge about possible discrimination against Arab juveniles by the Israeli criminal justice system. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are suggested.