Susan Meyers Chandler

Sexual assault trauma during the acute phase: an exploratory model and multivariate analysis.

An exploratory model of variables affecting sexual assault trauma during the acute phase is proposed and tested, using a multivariate statistical analysis. As predicted, trauma level is affected by variables relating to the attack, the victims demographics, and social support systems, but most important are the prior-stress variables. Some demographic variables of the victim affect trauma directly, others indirectly. Thus, sexual assault trauma is a complex phenomenon resulting from an interplay of various independent variables. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of the victimization literature, prevailing stereotypes about rape, methodology of rape studies, and treatment-related issues.

Polydrug Use and Self Control among Men and Women in Prisons.

This article describes research conducted to examine the patterns of alcohol and drug use and self concepts of incarcerated adult offenders in relation to age, gender, and ethnicity in a western state. The purpose of this research was to estimate the extent and variety of alcohol and drug use in the prison population and design a data collection instrument. Individual interviews with every newly admitted sentenced felon (N = 157 men and 39 women) were conducted. Inmates reported nearly universal alcohol use and marijuana use and extensive use of cocaine, crack, heroin, crystal methamphetamine (ice) and using various other schedule drugs, usually in combination with alcohol and other drugs. The problem for the interviewers was not how to elicit admissions of drug use but how to categorize the large number of combinations. Polydrug use, often in combination with alcohol, is the rule, not the exception. Starting, switching and quitting, and combining or substituting drugs is reported by the vast majority of inmates. While patterns varied, it was difficult to discern a special class of drug addicts among the inmates. Our findings suggest that large percentages of prison inmates are frequent substance abusers, perceive problems from use, but are often not interested in drug treatment in prison. Many inmates who by their own reports seem appropriate for alcohol or drug treatment do not seek treatment. This is not influenced by the extent of drug use or experience with previous treatment. Female prisoners seem to be more often and more extensively involved in addicting drugs than male prisoners. This is particularly problematic because there are very few specialized treatment or training programs for women offenders. Since drug use is very widespread, urine monitoring is increasing and continued criminalization of all drugs except alcohol enjoys wide support, correctional agencies must search to develop effective and affordable strategies for dealing with drug use.

Drug-Alcohol Dependence of Women Prisoners in Hawaii

This article reports the results of research on the patterns of drug-alcohol use of incarcerated women in Hawaii. It explores the womens use of multiple versus single drugs, histories of physical and sexual abuse, and previous experience with drug treatment programs and presents recommendations for improved correctional programming.

Limits of predictability in forecasting in the behavioral sciences

Abstract A series of methodological problems in forecasting which arise out of the humanness of the predictor and/or predictee are reviewed. These include (1) perceptual disordering, in which the imperfect nature of data collected by human sensation is investigated, (2) model disordering, in which the imperfect nature of models and theories arising out of human information processing limitations is investigated, and lastly, (3) obtrusive reactive disordering, in which the human tendencies of the predictee, to guess the forecast, and to alter his or her behavior so as to reinforce or interfere with the forecast, are explored. The implications of these methodological dilemmas for forecasting are discussed.

Antipsychotic drugs in community-based sheltered-care homes

Abstract This research describes the extent of use of antipsychotic drugs in sheltered-care and examines the effect of these drugs by dosage, age group and psychopathology on rehospitalization and social integration. Data were collected from a large sample of former mental patientsmentally ill between 18 and 65 a living in community based Findings suggest that antipsychotic drugs, when used with limited medical supervision, have detrimentaleffects on the social functioning of the least disturbed. While antipsychotics may short circuit the psychotic process and thereby reduce mental hospital readmissions, social programming is necessary to promote better social functioning.

The Application of Collaboration Models to Family Group Conferencing

This article analyzes models of collaboration and family group conferencing. As the public sector tries to improve its service delivery, innovations are occurring in child protection and child welfare services. Family group conferencing uses many elements of collaboration to empower families, improve social work practice and keep children safe. Collaborative theories note that efforts to align goals, build trust and mutual respect, be transparent, share resources, and understand the issues of interdependence are essential to success. Social work administrators and practitioners can improve child protection practice with attention to these concepts.

Cross Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health: Toward a Synthesis

This paper discusses some of the similarities and differences between Pacific-Asian and Western cultures and their influence on the construct of mental health. Culturally sensitive social work practice may need to expand from the traditional treatment perspectives of the West to ones that include mental health consumers, their families, social networks and communities; approaches currently being used in non-Western cultures.

Self-Perceived Competency in Cross-Cultural Counseling

This research study was designed to assess the self-perceived levels of competency of practitioners of several ethnic backgrounds when counseling members of their own and different ethnic groups. An assessment inventory is discussed to delineate which ethnic groups and which problems are perceived as most difficult to treat.

Managing Innovative Collaborations: The Role of Facilitation and Other Strategies for Working Collaboratively

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to share an example of a successful collaborative effort designed to better coordinate and improve services for high-risk children and their families in the child welfare system. This case analysis will examine many propositions developed in the research literature on successful collaborations, and on failed ones, and then make suggestions to develop work-arounds when the hoped for conditions for a good collaboration process may not be possible or the conditions cannot be sufficiently met. The role of a neutral facilitator is highlighted as an important addition to collaborative work.