Roni Berger

Now I see it, now I don't: researcher's position and reflexivity in qualitative research

This article addresses potential effects on reflexivity of researcher’s social position (e.g. gender, age, race, immigration status, sexual orientation), personal experiences, and political and professional beliefs. Because reflexivity is a major strategy for quality control in qualitative research, understanding how it may be impacted by the characteristics and experiences of the researcher is of paramount importance. Benefits and challenges to reflexivity under three types of researcher’s position are discussed and illustrated by means of case examples: (1) reflexivity when researcher shares the experience of study participants, (2) reflexivity when researcher moves from the position of an outsider to the position of an insider in the course of the study, and (3) reflexivity when researcher has no personal familiarity or experience with what is being studied. Strategies are offered for harvesting the benefits of researcher’s familiarity with the subject and for curbing its potentially negative effects. Directions for future research are suggested.

Reliability and Validity of a Spanish Version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.

Objectives. This study was designed to adapt and validate a Spanish translation of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) for the assessment of positive life changes following the stressful experiences of immigration. Method. A cross-cultural equivalence model was used to pursue semantic, content, conceptual, and technical equivalence. Translation teams and back translations were employed for semantic and content equivalence. Conceptual and technical equivalence were assessed through field-testing the reliability and factor structure of the translated PTGI in a sample of 100 Latina immigrants. Results. The translated version was highly reliable. Factor analysis failed to replicate the original five factors but the three factors identified were consistent with the conceptual underpinnings of the PTGI and another translated version. Conclusions. Semantic, content, conceptual, and technical equivalence of the Spanish version of the PTGI were supported and thus its valid use for research and practice with the study population.

Posttraumatic growth and culturally competent practice: Lessons learned from around the globe.

Foreword, ix About the Editors, xi About the Contributors, xiii Acknowledgements, xix Introduction, xxi Chapter 1 The Posttraumatic Growth Model: Sociocultural Considerations, 1 Lawrence G. Calhoun, Arnie Cann, and Richard G. Tedeschi Chapter 2 Posttraumatic Growth in Israeli Jews, 15 Avital Laufer and Zahava Solomon Chapter 3 Posttraumatic Growth in Middle Eastern Context: Expression and determinants among Palestinians, 31 Raija-Leena Punamaki Chapter 4 Posttraumatic Growth in the Turkish Population, 49 Cengiz Kilic Chapter 5 Thriving in Postwar Kosova, 65 Aliriza Arenliu and Moshe S. Landsman Chapter 6 Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth in Germany, 73 BirgitWagner and Andreas Maercker Chapter 7 Posttraumatic Growth in the Netherlands, 85 Grieteke Pool, Mirjam J. Nijdam, & Marijke E. Oostingh Chapter 8 Posttraumatic Growth in Spain, 97 Carmelo Vazquez and Dar o Paez Chapter 9 Posttraumatic Growth in U.S. Latinos, 113 Roni Berger and Tzipi Weiss Chapter 10 Posttraumatic Growth in Japan: A Path toward Better Understanding of Culture-Constant and Culture-Specific Aspects, 129 Kanako Taku Chapter 11 Posttraumatic Growth in Chinese Culture, 147 Samuel M. Y. Ho and Yu Bai Chapter 12 Posttraumatic Growth in Australian Populations, 157 Jane Shakespeare-Finch and Bronwyn Morris Chapter 13 Posttraumatic Growth in International Study: The Case of Chinese in Australia, 173 Thomas A. Whelan and Winifred A. Cunningham Chapter 14 Posttraumatic Growth Around the Globe: Research Findings and Practice Implications, 189 Tzipi Weiss and Roni Berger Author Index, 197 Subject Index, 207

Field education in international social work: Where we are and where we should go

A critical review of current knowledge about international field education yielded four main conclusions. First, an unresolved debate exists relating to the meaning of international social work (ISW). Second, various motives drive students, faculty and professionals to participate in ISW. Third, developing a curriculum for ISW presents unique challenges. Fourth, four competing models of international field placement exist: (1) Independent/one-time; (2) Neighbor-country; (3) Onsite group; and (4) Exchange/reciprocal. Based on the review, principles for effective ISW field placement, especially intensive preparation and collaboration between sending and host schools, as well as directions for future research are offered.

Immigration and Posttraumatic Growth-A Missing Link

Abstract This paper applies contemporary conceptual models and empirical knowledge about posttraumatic growth to the experience of immigration. Current models and knowledge about potential positive effects and personal growth in the aftermath of trauma are reviewed and their relevance to immigration is discussed and illustrated, challenging the exclusive focus in the existing immigration literature on the hardships of relocation and their negative effects. Implications for clinical intervention are offered.

Posttraumatic growth and social support in individuals with infertility

BACKGROUND While research on the psychological experiences of infertility has focused almost exclusively on the negative aspects, clinical experience with individuals and couples facing infertility has demonstrated that personal gain can also arise from the struggle involved. This study examined whether individuals who struggle with infertility report posttraumatic growth (PTG), and if perceived availability of and satisfaction with social support are associated with such growth. Other correlates of PTG are reported as well. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 121 individuals with infertility completed a background questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and the Social Support Questionnaire. RESULTS While individuals reported moderate PTG, moderate availability of, and high satisfaction with social support, there was no significant association between the variables. Infertility-related variables emerged as central to explaining PTG with those with non-female related diagnoses and unexplained diagnoses demonstrating lower PTG than others (t = 2.96, t = 3.6, respectively, P < or = 0.05). Additionally, live birth deliveries was positively associated with PTG (r(2) = 0.22, P < or = 0.02), and those who engaged in clergy counseling had higher PTG than those who did not (t = 2.34, P < or = 0.02). Determinants were unexplained infertility (lower PTG) and number of live birth deliveries (higher PTG). CONCLUSIONS In spite of limitations related to the convenience sampling, correlational design and subjective self-report nature of the data, findings suggest that individuals who suffer from infertility can experience personal growth. Further research will help identify correlates and provide guidance for mental health practitioners on counseling infertility patients to promote growth.

EBP Practitioners in Search of Evidence

• Summary: This article identifies challenges to the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) as a result of the dearth of empirical knowledge relevant to issues and populations typically addressed by social workers leading to practitioners’ being trapped between the demand and desire to practice on the basis of evidence and the unavailability of the necessary knowledge. Strategies for addressing the issue are offered. • Findings: The current professional environment requires social workers to employ EBP. Contemporary literature has identified components, principles and steps of EBP as well as practitioners’ and organizational-related barriers to implementing it, including lack of resources (time, access to technology, capacity to train practitioners in new treatment modalities), organizational culture, reluctance to change, absence of leadership commitment, and, conflicting as well as inconsistent findings. Specifically, the absence of knowledge about minority population groups and relational issues is discussed as a barrier to effective EBP. • Application: Strategies to bridge the gap and make research relevant to issues and populations faced by practitioners are suggested, including practitioners’ involvement with and leading of relevant research with the support of consultants, collaboration with researchers and developing their own research skills as well as conducting knowledge needs assessment and population-specific and action research.

The Posttraumatic Growth Model: An Expansion to the Family System

This article focuses on expanding Calhoun and Tedeschis model of posttraumatic growth (PTG) to the family system level. PTG has been conceptualized as an outcome on multiple levels, including individuals, families, and communities. However, in the original model the family is mostly viewed as the context for individual growth, whereas in this article the family is the unit that grows. The proposed conceptualization is consistent with the paradigmatic shift from a deficit-based perspective to a strength-based perspective of family functioning in general and in the aftermath of trauma in particular. The first part of the article briefly introduces the PTG model. The second part identifies and illustrates the family system parallels of the six components of the model: pretrauma characteristics, a traumatic/ highly stressful event, challenges, rumination, social context, and posttraumatic growth. The third part addresses future directions.

Adolescent Immigrants in Search of Identity: Clingers, Eradicators, Vacillators and Integrators

This conceptual article explores mechanisms used by adolescent immigrants from the former Soviet Union to cope with issues of identity. Based on her experience in the Russian Adolescents Project of the Jewish Board of Services for Families and Children in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn New York, the writer identifies four patterns of coping with identity issues among immigrant adolescents and discusses individual and social factors that impact on the choice of a coping pattern.

Gay Stepfamilies: A Triple-Stigmatized Group

Gay parents in stepfamilies are stigmatized by the general public for their sexual orientations and by the gay community and society at large for being gay parents and for being in a stepfamily. This experience of triple stigmatization is discussed and illustrated, and measures to change the situation are offered.