VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Benson, Mark J."

Browsing by Author "Benson, Mark J."

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Abandonment Fears in Persons with Alzheimer's at Adult Day Care Centers
Judkins, Wayne A. (Virginia Tech, 1998-04-10)
In my research, I examined abandonment fears in persons with Alzheimer's disease at the Salem Veterans Affairs adult day care center. I observed fifty hours at the center, and conducted open-ended interviews with two of the participants and their respective caregivers. These two participants (Ellen and Opel) at the center expressed abandonment fears much more frequently than any of the other participants. I found that most of the time, these two women would express their abandonment fears in the form of repetitive questions about going home. Staff used two different methods to deal with the problem: 'reassurance by fact' and redirection. The staff was divided as to the efficacy of their methods and whether more frequent attendance would help Ellen and Opel to adjust to the center. Some participants were bothered by the their constant questions, while others were not. Using an existing attachment questionnaire, Ellen's daughter classified her mother as having an avoidant attachment style, but Opel's daughter classified her mother as having secure attachment. Although Ellen's behavior at the center fit with the description of a person with avoidant attachment (e.g., extreme self-reliance, activity disturbance), Opel's fearful nature did not suggest that she had a secure attachment style as her daughter believed.
After the Breakup: Adult Perceptions and Expectations of Post-Divorce Intimate Relationships
Schneller, Debora P. (Virginia Tech, 2001-12-17)
The purpose of this study was to examine the complex process adults traverse in their passage through divorce and in their establishment of post-divorce intimate relationships. The goal of this work was to describe how adults interpret their divorce experience, particularly in terms of how it connects with their ideas about intimacy and post-divorce intimate relationships. Four theoretical frameworks guided this study. Social constructionism provided a framework for understanding that reaction to a divorce may be impacted by language, in terms of the explanations an individual makes, by social interchange with others, and by the cultural meanings of marriage and divorce that have influenced a person’s thinking and perceptions. Attribution theory contributed a systematic approach to understanding how people may construe their divorce in ways that may damage trust, promote a sense of mastery and optimism regarding future relationships, or encourage creative change. Attachment theory provided a conceptual basis for examining the interplay between stability and change in adult conceptualizations of intimate relationships, processes that underlie how adults cope with changing interpersonal situations. Finally, theories of loss and renewal offered a conceptual basis for understanding how reactions to loss evolve over time, and enter post-divorce relationships. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 divorced men and women. Analysis of data was guided by the research questions and structured by a phenomenological approach to the analysis of themes and variations of themes found in the interviews. Peer review and triangulation of data were used to ensure trustworthiness in the findings. This study contributes new understandings about the connection between divorce experiences and post-divorce intimacy. Three conclusions can be drawn from this study. First, data analysis revealed divorce served consistently as a catalyst for interpretation and personal growth. An important component of this interpretive endeavor was the social context within which divorce occurred. Because divorce still carries some stigma in our society, divorce provided a challenge to create positive meanings from this experience. Second, the idiosyncratic understandings developed through the interpretive process shaped adults’ post-divorce perceptions and experiences in intimate relationships. From the attributions made regarding causes of divorce, these adults claim to have made deliberate changes in communication patterns, interactions, attitudes, and expectations from self and partner in intimate relationships. Third, during this process, some fundamental shifts in mental representations occurred. Changes were linked to gender, with women viewing themselves as more assertive in relationships, and men viewing themselves as more egalitarian and responsible for relationship maintenance.
Asian American Adolescent Identity
Ohm, Julie Juhye (Virginia Tech, 2004-04-05)
The formation of ego identity in Asian American late adolescents attending Virginia Tech was examined within the frameworks of Erikson's psychosocial theory and Berry, Trimble, and Olmedo's model of acculturation. Ego identity was measured using the Achieved sub-scale of the Revised Version of the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, an instrument based on the theoretical constructs of Erikson. Ethnic identity was measured using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure and American Identity was measured using the American Identity Measure, both developed by Phinney. It was hypothesized that ethnic identity and American identity would be significant predictors of ego identity status. One hundred students of Asian descent attending Virginia Tech participated in this study. There were significant results for the T-test comparisons between the Asian-born and American-born subgroups for the variables ego identity, ethnic identity, and American identity. This study revealed that American-born respondents had higher average scores on the three identity measures. It also revealed that ethnic identity and American identity are significant predictors of ego identity for this group of individuals, supporting the hypothesis.
Attitudes and Moral Development During a College Course on Human Sexuality
Galway, Mary Alison (Virginia Tech, 1998-04-14)
The goal of this research project was to understand better how classroom teaching, as purposeful social construction, can influence student attitudes in the direction of increased sensitivity to the diversity and complexity of issues involving human sexuality and individual choices. To develop this understanding, pre- and post-semester attitudes about the topics of gender, sexual orientation, sex education, and sexual coercion were gathered along with demographic information. Written end-of-class comments regarding the four topics were coded for evidence of level of moral development and factors contributing to cognitive effort and commitment to one's opinion. Demographic influences on attitudes included sex, in which women scored higher on average attitudes than men in the topics of gender, sexual orientation, and sexual coercion. Self-described religious background was significant in that religiously conservative participants scored lower in attitudes about sexual orientation than liberals or those with no religious background. Women scored significantly higher regarding the gender topic on relevance to own life, in favorability toward the presentation, and level of affect. Attitudes about sexual orientation and, to a lesser extent, sexual coercion changed over the semester in a direction of increased sensitivity to diversity and individual choice. Semester attitude differences were significantly higher than differences recorded for the single multimedia session early in the semester for sexual orientation, sex education, and sexual coercion, and for the single multimedia session late in the semester for sexual orientation. Attitudes were not influenced by affect or commitment to one's opinion, but attitude scores were significantly related to personal relevance, especially regarding gender and sexual orientation, life experience regarding sexual orientation, and favorability toward the class presentation for all topics. Repetitive exposure to information about sexual coercion was significant for higher attitude scores for participants reporting little prior exposure and considerable prior exposure, and lower attitude scores for participants reporting only some prior exposure. Level of moral development, significantly higher for women regarding sexual orientation and sexual coercion, was significantly and positively related to overall attitudes about sexual orientation and sexual coercion. Level of moral development scores were significant also regarding gender perspective-taking, favorability toward the class presentations on sexual orientation and sex education, repetitive exposure to a topic, distraction from the sexual orientation presentation, and cognitive effort exerted in considering the messages of the gender, sexual orientation, and sex education presentations.
Biblical Family Systems
White, Richard J. (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-17)
Systemic thought has been utilized to deconstruct various works of literature and art, such as novels, plays, and even sculptures. Even though the Bible is viewed as a work of faith by many, it also combines aspects of mythology and history with prose and poetry. Using four major theories of family therapy, namely structural, contextual, Bowenian, and narrative, the family of King David, as presented in the first and second Books of Samuel and the beginning of the first Book of Kings, is investigated and explored. Using the King James Version of the Bible as the main text, consideration is given to what each theory has to offer in expalining what occurs throughout this narrative, as well as what the David story has to say about each theory. Confirmation of certain aspects of a given theory and possible refinements to these are also given consideration. Reflexivity on the part of the author is also given consideration in the final chapter.
Clients' Views Regarding the Inclusion of Religious Issues in Couple Therapy
Zitzman, Bryan K. (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-18)
Despite the critical role that religion plays in the lives of many clients, therapists often do not ask about or address religious issues in therapy. Argument is given for why religious issues should not be excluded from therapy as well as why religion has historically been avoided by many therapists. To understand what clients' views are on this issue, eight couples who had participated in marital therapy were interviewed. The stratified sample included two Catholic, two Protestant, and two Latter-day Saint couples, as well as two couples in which spouses differed in their religious affiliation. Most couples were interviewed in their home for the initial interview, and then by phone for a brief follow-up interview. Qualitative analysis revealed themes centered around the therapist's role, assessment and joining, tapping into religious resources, and addressing problems associated with religion. Findings revealed that all sixteen participants believed that therapists should routinely inquire about religious issues. Beyond assessment, therapists should give permission for couples to explore religious issues in therapy. Numerous examples are given for how religious issues may be related to or serve as a resource in overcoming presenting concerns. Participants provide numerous suggestions for how therapists might respectfully work with religious issues. Moreover, including religious leaders in the marital therapy sessions was generally seen as uncomfortable and unhelpful to the participants. Issues associated with the therapist's religious affiliation are also addressed. Clinical and theoretical implications as well as suggestions for future research are highlighted.
Community Connections Factors Related to Army Wives' Adaptation
Keller, Christine (Virginia Tech, 2003-05-06)
When military members deploy or temporarily relocate, spouses are left behind to maintain not only their normal day-to-day activities, but also assume the responsibilities of the absent spouse. In cases such as these potentially stressful events, it is important to have adequate support networks within the community to assist individuals in sustaining a sense of personal well-being. The data source of the study is the 2001 Survey of Army Families IV. The survey focuses on randomly selected wives of active duty Army members (n=6451). The research model for this study includes wives' adaptation as the criterion variable, with community connections as independent variables and a set of contextual influence measures also considered as independent variables. Regression analysis for the entire sample indicated that wives with greater adaptation utilized more formal network resources. Among wives of officers, the most important predictors were volunteering and having a close confidant, whereas among wives of enlisted military members most important factors were participating with the Family Readiness Group and employment status.
A comparison of two training models for the enhancement of quality of care for family child care providers
DeBord, Karen (Virginia Tech, 1991-08-05)
Thirty-six family child care providers were divided into matched pairs, then randomly assigned to two treatment groups; catalyst and self-study. The purpose was to investigate how training affects quality of child care and to determine what provider characteristics interact with self-paced learning methods to change quality of care. The Family Day Care Rating Scale (Harms & Clifford, 1989) was used to rate quality of care. Three pretest and three posttest ratings were collected for each provider before and after a three-month treatment period. Ratings were collected from trained validators, from the providers as a self-rating, and from parents with children in care. An additional score was collected from providers regarding their perception of training method using a ten-item rating scale. There was a 38% attrition rate in the original sample resulting in a final sample size 8 Pp of 22. Results from this study suggest that at least two key criteria affect quality of care in family child care; (a) provider training in child-related areas and, (b) provider affiliation with family day care organizations. Providers not previously affiliated with a family day care association had a greater initial margin for improving their quality (E=9.21 p<.007) than affiliated providers. All providers improved their quality of care scores during the three month period. When asked to evaluate the training, all providers perceived their assigned training method as flexible and convenient. Providers in the catalyst training group rated two items significantly higher than self-study; the value of new information (E=11.30 p<.003), and the degree of personal growth experienced (F=9.28, p<.007). Parents differed from both validators and providers in their evaluation of the provider’s child care environment. This suggests that parents are not fully aware of either the components of quality child care or the daily operations in the home of their own family child care provider.
Developmental outcome in preschoolers: Interrelations among maternal depression, perceived social support, and child's age of entry into Head Start
Papero, Anna L. (Virginia Tech, 2004-03-22)
This study tested a mediated-moderator model that was developed to explore whether age of entry into a Head Start Program moderated the relationship between maternal depressive symptomology and child cognitive and social outcome. In addition, the mediating role of maternal social support was examined. The study sample included 43 low-income mothers and their pre-school aged children who were enrolled in a large Head Start program in Southwest Virginia. Maternal depressive symptomology was measured using the CES-D and perceived social support was measured using the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSS). Child cognitive data included scores on two working memory tasks and the PPVT. Child social outcomes were assessed using the Social Skills Scale and the Classroom Conduct Scale developed for use with Head Start Populations. Results of the study did not support a moderating role for age of entry to Head Start. Level of maternal education was found to predict both child working memory skill and receptive language ability, and high levels of maternal depressive symptomology were found to predict child social skills. In addition, exploratory analyses were conducted to examine gender differences in the relations between variables when girls and boys were analyzed separately. A significant interaction effect was found for gender and maternal education in predicting preschool receptive language ability. Preliminary data suggests that boys may be more highly impacted by maternal factors than are girls. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Dimensions of Parenting and Identity Development in Late Adolescence
Romano, Jennifer Joyce (Virginia Tech, 2004-06-11)
Previous research examining the link between parenting and identity have either indirectly assessed a single dimension of parenting or explored the degree of achievement rather than the process of identity development. The present study examines the influence of maternal and paternal parenting behaviors on the identity formation process in late adolescence. Participants (N = 1134), ranging in age from 18 to 25, completed questionnaires to assess their perceptions of parental behaviors and their current identity status. The results indicate an association between maternal acceptance and identity achievement, and moratorium was correlated with lax control and psychological control. Parental acceptance and psychological control were linked with foreclosure, and all three dimensions of parenting were found to be associated with identity diffusion. The findings are discussed from an intervention standpoint as to which specific parental behaviors can protect against the unachieved identity statuses and facilitate the identity formation process.
An Ecological Examination of Ego and Ethnic Identity Formation Within Second Generation Korean-Americans
Im, Janice H. (Virginia Tech, 1999-04-23)
Investigation of first and second generation Korean-American ego and ethnic identity formation was explored through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Seventeen self-identified Korean-American young adults, aged twenty-one to twenty-nine, were asked to describe their identity development within Bronfenbrenner's five ecological realms. Grounded theory methodology was used to link Erikson's theory of identity formation (1968) with Bronfenbrenner's Theory of Ecology (1979). Unlike Erikson's prescribed identity crisis for adolescents, Korean-Americans were found to delay their identity exploration until college or young adulthood when they were able to gain geographical and emotional distance from their parents. This was found to be primarily due to Korean culture's emphasis on three main areas--importance of family, respect for elders, and strive for excellence--which served to reinforce collective identity with one's family along with strong parental authority, which inhibited deviation from parental expectations. Subsequently, Korean-American ego identity was found to be significantly influenced by parental adherence to Korean culture. Furthermore, Korean-Americans during adolescence were found to marginalization their Korean culture, due to experiences of discrimination and prejudice from American peers. Depending on the degree of experienced prejudice and discrimination from American peers along with degree of socialization and exposure to other Koreans, Korean-Americans' ethnic identity either proceeded in stages or became fluid, where their ethnic identity changed depending on the environment .
Economic and Parent-Adolescent Relationship Capital Predicting Educational Outcomes
Faas, Caitlin S. (Virginia Tech, 2010-05-04)
Using the perspectives of social capital theory (Coleman, 1988) and life course theory (Elder et al., 2003), this study examined how economic capital and particular dimensions of the parent-adolescent relationship predicted educational outcomes. The economic capital variables were family income, parent education, and parent occupational prestige. Relationship capital variables included: closeness to parents, expectations for schooling, parental values, and parent trust. The three economic capital variables, expectations for schooling, and parent trust all significantly predicted final GPA and educational attainment. However, parent-adolescent closeness and parental values did not predict educational outcomes in the overall model. This study extended research in the field by examining both final GPA and educational attainment as educational outcomes. By using a nationally representative sample and four time points of data collection, this research was able to explore how various forms of capital predict early adulthood educational outcomes.
The effect of situational context on playful behaviors of young preschool children
Dodd, Arleen Theresa (Virginia Tech, 1995-11-05)
This study was designed to assess the effect of Situational context on the playful behaviors of young preschool children ages 18 to 24 months. Playfulness was defined as a psychological construct involving the disposition of play (Rogers, Meeks, Impara, & Frary, 1987). Playful behaviors were observed and coded from videotapes of toddlers interacting with a teacher/experimenter in both assisted play and direct instruction conditions. The research question addressed was as follows: What is the effect of situational context (teacher interaction style) on the playful behaviors of toddlers as measured by the Playful Behaviors Observation Inventory (PBOI)? Data were analyzed using a 2 x 2 x 2 (Condition x Order x Gender) analysis of variance with repeated measures. In the direct instruction condition, children accomplished goals in more varied ways, invented more uses of objects, and attended longer than in the assisted play condition. Those who received the direct instruction condition first also persisted longer at goals than those who received the assisted play condition first. Although pretend play rarely occurred, the number of times children engaged in pretend play was also higher in the direct instruction condition than in the assisted play condition. Results of PBOI scales correlated with age showed an interesting pattern which was not significant but indicated a relationship between age and playfulness. Findings suggest that toddlers are more playful in direct instruction than in assisted play. However, it is difficult to determine from this study if direct instruction is developmentally appropriate for very young preschool children since the children in the late sensorimotor period are in a transitional period of development. It is possible that direct instruction was beneficial because of the age of the children in this study. Toddlers learn through repetition and imitation and need more direction. Results indicate that context has an important role and that imitation, not play, is characteristic of toddlers during the late sensorimotor period.
The effect of videotape training on teacher's use of "bridging strategies" within an interactionist framework
Baiyee, Martha Ndako (Virginia Tech, 1995-09-15)
The purpose of this study was fourfold: to further our understanding of the effect of training on teachers' use of "bridging strategies"; to identify variables that influence teachers' use of the strategies; to explore the feasibility of using the Bridging Strategy Rating Scale (BSRS) as a feedback/evaluation tool for members of the child care and school community; to establish which strategies were least/most used. A series of two-way, 2 x 2, ANDV As, !-tests, and descriptive statistics revealed that training was partially effective in assisting teachers in their use of the "bridging strategies"; comfort with, clarity of concept, and simplicity, were identified contextual variables that influenced teachers' use of some of the strategies. T-test of control group's pretest and posttest mean score was statistically significant whereas the experimental group's was at a level that approached significance. Observing, validating, participating/conversing, managing/organizing/providing were the most used strategies and extending, problem initiating, role modeling and instructing were the least used. Interpretations and implications for early childhood teacher educators are discussed.
The effects of rewarding on first and second grade children's computer task performance according to classroom rewarding experiences
Gadomski, Marilyn L. (Virginia Tech, 1991-06-15)
Intrinsic motivation, the preferred facilitator of performance, may be a relatively stable trait or specific to a given task. This study compared the computer task performances of 207 children in two schools, on the basis of their teachers' reward practices and the experimental reward conditions. Parents' reward practices, teachers' reward practices, and children's trait intrinsic motivation were measured. Baseline task performance scores and the chosen level of difficulty were statistically higher for children who were higher in the Judgment subscale of trait motivation than for those who scored lower on the Judgment subscale. The trait measure was positively related to most of the game scores and difficulty levels of the task motivation. Higher parent reward usage was related to lower SES and to lower achievement. Higher teacher reward usage was positively related to Grade 1 and to higher levels of difficulty. Children who had usually received rewards or who had not usually received rewards, according to a teacher survey of rewarding attitudes and behaviors, were given a challenging task with (a) no mention of rewards or (b) the promise of a reward. Experimental reward conditions consonant with reward experiences related to higher game scores, especially in Grade 1. Experimental reward conditions which differed from reward experiences related to lower game scores after the experimental condition. All scores were higher for Grade 2, except the number of minutes played. The subjects' choice of level of difficulty tended to increase throughout the three trials. The number of minutes played tended to increase during trials in Grade 1 and to decrease in Grade 2. Affect for the task was higher For Grade 2, higher For girls, and higher for Grade 2 children who were lower on the internal Judgment subscale of trait intrinsic motivation.
Empowerment in the Transition to Adulthood: Supporting Career Exploration in College Using Participatory Design
Mouchrek, Najla (Virginia Tech, 2019-07-02)
Developmental challenges in the transition to adulthood call for a process of empowerment that supports young people in guiding themselves and building capacities toward adult commitments and roles. The purpose of this study is to investigate empowerment in emerging adulthood, aiming to develop interventions to promote college student developmental outcomes, particularly in career exploration processes. A process of theory construction generated an innovative model of developmental empowerment in the transition to adulthood. Empowerment is conceptualized as a systemic process that emerges through the ongoing interaction between individual and relational environment. Empowerment constructs include personal agency and sense of purpose (as internal experiences), and mentoring and engagement in community (as external experiences). In the first study, a survey investigated empowering experiences in college among Virginia Tech students (N= 255). The findings support the theoretical model, confirming the salience and interdependence of the four main empowerment constructs. Preliminary evidence suggests relevant connections among the empowerment constructs and outcomes such as definition of life goals and career identity. Additionally, qualitative findings offered insights about the role of mentors and community in relation to empowerment. In its second phase, the research project narrowed the focus to study how the empowerment framework may be used to support the process of career exploration in college. The final study integrates the conceptual model and findings from the first study in a participatory design-based intervention for Virginia Tech first-year students exploring career options (N=126). A series of workshops generated an extensive data collection, yielding further investigation about empowerment, definition of life goals and career identity. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis demonstrate that the intervention improved scores for agency and purpose, besides improving student career adapting responses, major decidedness, and progress in career choice. Participants also advanced self-knowledge and purpose-driven orientation, and developed personal criteria for choice of major and career.
Evaluation of two coaching education programs: measuring effects of content and instruction on novice youth soccer coaches
Carr, David Brian (Virginia Tech, 1994-07-06)
Coaching education programs, both non-sport specific and sport specific, have been developed by a number of sponsoring agencies. The purpose of these coaching education programs is to develop coaching competencies leading to safe programs that foster skill development, positive social-emotional development, and enjoyment. Little research has been done to support these claims. The purpose of this study was to (1) analyze the content of one non-sport specific and one sport specific (soccer) coaching education program, (2) assess novice coaches' knowledge base and specific coaching behaviors prior to participating in a coaching education program, (3) assess novice coaches' knowledge base and specific coaching behaviors after participating in a coaching education program, and (4) contrast the differences that exist between generic and sport specific coaching education programs to determine if the coaching education programs actually influence novice youth soccer coaches to change their behaviors and does this change reflect the content that was delivered in the course they took part in. Eight novice youth soccer coaches of boys and girls aged 6-12 were assigned to one of two coaching education groups. A descriptive profile of each coach was established using videotape analysis, field notes, and interviews. The Instructional Observation System for Analyzing Coaching Performance (IOSACP) was utilized to assess pre and post coaching education practice behaviors. Results were analyzed following a pretest-posttest design. Pre-intervention analysis demonstrated the novice soccer coaches as a group possessed little soccer content knowledge, had limited pedagogical content knowledge, and had little understanding of what ought to be done in a youth soccer context. The non-sport specific coaching education course was delivered as designed and was presented in a three hour lecture/discussion format. This course provided sound philosophical and structural coaching information but no content knowledge and little pedagogical information. The content presented did not influence the participants to change their practice behavior. The five hour sport specific coaching education course, delivered in both a lecture and field based format was not delivered as designed. It provided more specific soccer content knowledge through a field based component that tied the content and the philosophy of coaching youth soccer together. This was deemed sound and this combination led to this group of coaches to change their practice structure and delivery. This change was based on the philosophy and soccer coaching content delivered in the course. The coaches’ pedagogical skills did change slightly but the changes cannot be attributed to the pedagogical content delivered in this course. The major difference between these two courses was the field based content knowledge component that was presented in the sport specific course. This component had a direct impact on the coaches that participated in the sport specific coaching education course as they completely changed the structure for conducting a youth soccer practice. This change represented the content delivered in the coaching education program.
An Exploration of Musical Intelligence
Kendra, Melanie A. (Virginia Tech, 2000-05-10)
This study explored the meaning teachers and children in an elementary school setting make of music. This study utilized an adapted version of Thomas Armstrong's musical intelligence checklist, as well as additional questions probing both teachers and children to relate their past and present experiences with music and how they are musically intelligent. This study was conducted with two third grade classes and two fifth grade classes, with the researcher spending one class period with each group. Implications for how music is affecting elementary students, as well as the meaning it holds for teachers, were discussed. In addition, recommendations for future study of music in early education were made.
Exploration of session perceptions in the words of clients and therapists
Batzel, Donna (Virginia Tech, 1997-02-10)
This qualitative, baseline study collected information from clients and therapists about their perceptions of their first three sessions together. Four pairs of clients and therapists, matched on gender, participated in the study. Clients were adults seeking individual therapy for problems related to relationship issues and/or depression. Each participant provided a written document of their sessions, answered questionnaires about the helpfulness of their sessions together, and participated in semi-structured interviews following each session. Written notes and questionnaires were used as a springboard for discussion during interviews. Data were analyzed qualitatively regarding their perceptions of their sessions together. Themes related to the valued contributions participants made in a collaborative, conversational dialogue as part of helpful therapy. Informed by constructivist and social constructionist principles, the methodology of this study supported a relationship with research participants that allowed them to elaborate and comment openly about their perceptions of their therapy experience. Building on previous literature that tended to rely on more close-ended, response limited opportunities, this study elicited detailed, descriptive information about perceptions of therapy by both clients and therapists. Results supported theoretical literature about therapy that is more collaborative and conversational (e.g., narrative and solution-focused) as helpful for client change. In this study, clients and therapists similarly valued aspects of therapy that supported clients in an empowered, responsible role. Meaning-making was viewed as an important part of negotiating between therapist and client to find a fit that was most help4ful for client change towards a desired goal. A "friend"-like atmosphere was appreciated in which less hierarchy and a down-to-earth and relaxed style between therapist and client was facilitated. These aspects of their experiences provided more fertile ground for change.
Exploring the Contribution of Videotaped Documentation to Children's Symbolic Play
Carrick, Nathalie R. (Virginia Tech, 1999-01-21)
This study explored how documentation contributed to children's symbolic play. The naturally occurring symbolic play of two children, five-years-old, was videotaped in their classroom for four weeks. Edited segments of their symbolic play were then given to the children to revisit and reflect on with the researcher through questions on themes, roles and object substitutions. Each child participated in three interview sessions. The children's thoughts on themes, roles, object substitutions, pretense and play negotiation were described. The children's symbolic play in the classroom and during the interviews was described in relation to the claims of documentation. The role of documentation in children's symbolic play was discussed. Recommendations for future use of documentation and children's symbolic play were made.

Browsing by Author "Benson, Mark J."

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