Browsing by Author "Mancini, Jay A."

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    Adolescent development and parental alcohol use patterns
    Carroll, Kathleen (Virginia Tech, 1991-09-05)
    During the past decade increased attention has been directed toward alcoholism as a family system problem. Recent publications have identified characteristics of the "alcoholic family" system and a model of psychosocial development specific to children of alcoholics. Both theoretical frameworks proposed that family and individual growth and development were delayed or stagnated by the effects of parental alcoholism. This study explored possible effects of problem parental alcohol use or alcoholism on adolescent development. The variables studied were differentiation from family, identity achievement, and intimacy in close relationships. Two data collection methods were used: a mailed questionnaire and an interview with a subgroup of respondents who returned the questionnaire. Respondents were classified as children of alcoholics (COAs) or children of nonalcoholics (NCOAs) based on answers to one of two questions posed in the demographics' section. Questionnaires were distributed at a four-year college to sophomores, juniors, and seniors residing on-campus. A total of 160 questionnaires were returned. Twenty-four percent of the respondents reported one or more problem drinking parents. Interviews were completed with ten students, four of whom were in the COA group. Student's t tests, analysis of variance and multiple regression tests were performed an the data between and within groups. Results from the between groups analyses indicated that differentiation From family was more developed for the NCOA group. Overall development did not appear affected by parental problem drinking. The within group analysis tested for differences based on gender of problem drinking parent. ANOVA results indicated no significant differences among mean scores on the measures of differentiation, identity, and intimacy. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that differentiation and identity were statistically significant in the prediction of intimacy, although the model best explained intimacy for the COA group. Results suggested that development is most delayed for daughters of alcoholic mothers.
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    African American couples at midlife: life course and gender perspectives
    Carolan, Marsha T. (Virginia Tech, 1995-06-15)
    This study was designed to investigate the experiences of midlife and relationships of 20 African American individuals, aged 35-52, in 10 couples, married or cohabiting for 3-30 years. Basic to this study was the assumption that men and women are capable of and competent at intimate relationships. Guided by the theoretical perspectives of life course and gender, this research examined how men and women construct intimate relationships within the temporal circumstances of midlife and the interlocking cultural and social context of their lives. The following research questions guided this study: (a) What aspects of couples' lives contribute to the maintenance of intimacy in romantic relationships? (b) How do gender constraints, from within and without the relationship, act as barriers to such intimacy? (c) How does membership in a particular ethnic group affect such intimacy? (d) How do life course circumstances, such as work and family responsibilities, contribute to or restrict the process of intimacy? (e) How do life course transitions unique to midlife, such as the sandwiching of caregiving and the physical and sexual changes of midlife, act as constraints or contributors to intimacy? Qualitative in-depth interviewing was the method of data collection; participants were interviewed individually and conjointly. Individuals identified themselves as middle aged members of the African American ethnic group who were participating in a committed married or cohabiting heterosexual relationship for at least three years. The results of this study showed that African American couples were deeply devoted to their families and to their spiritual beliefs. The foundation of their intimate relationships was based on spiritual commitments as well as the capacity to be both friend and lover. Midlife emerged as a time of both change and stability, as a time of confidence for women, and as a time of maturity for men. Midlife was a busy time for couples, with competing demands of work and family. Strategies for successful management and coping were in abundant evidence.
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    Building Communities and Supporting Families: A Social Action Framework
    Mancini, Jay A. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-11-29)
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    Building Community Capacity: A Collaboration Engagement Framework
    Mancini, Jay A. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-11-22)
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    Building Community Capacity: Sustaining America's Promise Partnerships in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
    Mancini, Jay A.; Marek, Lydia I. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-07-19)
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    Building Community Resilience and Supporting Vulnerable Populations: Social Networks and Community Capacity
    Mancini, Jay A. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2009-06-23)
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    Caregiving in later life: an attachment explanatory model
    Rojiani, Rhonda Hurst (Virginia Tech, 1993)
    In this study I proposed and tested a causal model between disruptions in childhood attachment, dimensions of adult attachment, and caregiving in later life. The research was intended to fill a void in both the attachment and the gerontological caregiving literatures. Like the construct of attachment, John Bowlby conceptualized caregiving as an expression of a specific underlying behavioral control system. He and subsequent attachment theorists proposed caregiving quality to be the most critical determinant of both attachment and subsequent personality and emotional development. Gerontologists have studied caregiving from an exchange, equity, and symbolic interactionist perspectives but in general, theory has been underutilized and underdeveloped. This study provides an alternative theoretical perspective. With it’s multidisciplinary origins, attachment theory provides a framework for integrating research on seemingly disparate topics. An interdisciplinary linkage is begun by placing caregiving within the perspective of the lifespan development of prosocial behavior. The sample (N=3,848) consisted of respondents aged 50 to 95 years, from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), a national multistage probability sample. A series of regressions were used to test the explanatory model. Model variables included respondents’ psychosocial characteristics: sex, age, number of childhood separations from mother, current symbolic and physical proximity to mother, adult relationship with mother, emotional support, marital relationship, physical and mental disability, and income. In order to assess propensity for caregiving, the criterion variable was operationalized as number of care recipients per respondent. The variables that accounted for a statistically significant amount of variation in caregiving were maternal proximity, and respondent's age, in that order. Contrary to the predictions, sex, emotional support, marital status, income, and disability level, were not related to caregiving. These findings suggest people may be motivated to provide care not simply by structural factors but by developmental needs with some underlying and unknown physiological component. These results warrant further study of how the dimensions of proximity to multiple attachment figures, and developmental age affect caregiving and attachment behaviors.
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    The Characteristics and Functions of Weak Ties
    Brossoie, Nancy (Virginia Tech, 2007-12-12)
    The primary purpose of this study was to identify dimensions of weak tie relationships including characteristics (e.g., distinctive qualities, traits, or properties), functions (e.g., outcomes, purposes, or meanings derived from the interaction) and determinants of engagement to gain insight into the weak tie exchange process and develop frameworks that can be used to operationalize the concept. Data were collected through stories provided by participants during face-to-face interviews. Respondents recounted a situation when someone they did not know well and to whom they did not feel particularly close provided them with assistance. Over 70 stories were collected from 50 adults aged 65 and older who were active in their community. Stories collected were analyzed using an inductive approach that was supported by the concepts of interpersonal tie strength, loose connections, social exchange theory, and social support. Findings suggest that weak tie relationships occur in a variety of community settings and in response to a variety of daily challenges. The exchanges occur more frequently with acquaintances than strangers and the initiator of the exchange is generally the person offering support. The types of support offered are broad-based and include instrumental, emotional, and informational support. Weak tie exchanges range from one-time brief interactions to intermittent exchanges over extended periods, depending on the circumstances. Findings also suggest that weak ties have a specific task or purpose, encourage awareness about the value and purpose of social interactions, and influence participants' future social interactions. Six factors were identified as determinants of engagement in weak ties: situational factors, personal characteristics, judgments of responsibility, attitudes about helping behaviors, personal network type, and exchange history. The findings from this study provide a foundation for further conceptualization of weak ties and a framework on which to develop instruments to measure tie strength and the potential for engaging in weak tie exchanges.
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    Community Connections and Sense of Community among Older Adults
    Brossoie, Nancy (Virginia Tech, 2003-05-05)
    Many older adults are electing to age in place within their communities. Even though they may be frequent consumers of community programs and services, their role as contributors to community well-being should not be overlooked. Sense of community is a core dimension of well-being because the connections associated with sense of community are important for everyday life. The model in this study was developed to explore the effects of community connections (community capacity, ease of making connections, active participation in the community, and informal supports) and demographic variables on sense of community. A probability sample of 1,499 adults 65 years and older that resided in rural areas responded to questions concerning their sense of community and community connections. Using multiple regression analysis, results indicate that community capacity, ease of connecting with others in the community, and having an informal support network are significant in predicting sense of community. Nonsignificant associations were found with regard to participation in community activities, age, sex, health status, and length of time living in the county. These findings suggest that key dimensions of aging (age, sex, health status) are less relevant when addressing sense of community when compared to associations and connections. Factors that predict sense of community may be amenable to community-level interventions, thus allowing for the development of sense of community among community members, which could ultimately lead to their participation as community resources.
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    Community Connections and Sense of Community among Older Adults
    Brossoie, Nancy; Mancini, Jay A.; Roberto, Karen A.; Blieszner, Rosemary (Virginia Tech, 2003)
    The goal of this exploratory study is to identify what factors predict sense of community in older adult community members.
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    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.
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    Creativity quotient: a statistical instrument for combining cognitive and personality components of creative thinking
    Sobhany, Maryam Saffaripour (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985)
    Creative thinking is a multi-faceted trait. It encompasses a constellation of intellectual abilities and personality characteristics. In this study cognitive and personality components of creative thinking were included in an instrument. From the relevant literature the most important cognitive components in order of importance were problem finding, original problem solving, general problem solving, knowledge, and attentiveness to detail. Lack of conformity was suggested to be the most important personality component. Measures of these components of creative thinking were developed. Data were obtained by interviewing 110 third-grade children (M = 8.9 yrs), from which 80 sets were randomly selected to develop a scoring scheme. The scoring scheme was utilized to derive a statistical equation to quantify creative thinking for each individual. To ascertain the reliability and consistency of the developed scoring scheme, the author and two graduate students independently scored the remaining data (30 sets). The coefficient of variability for the three groups of scores were computed by means of pooled estimate of variance. This quantity was found to be .02 which is remarkably small. The relative contribution of each component to creative thinking and the interrelationship between them have been discussed. whether problem finding and problem solving are two separate cognitive processes was also discussed.
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    Development and Validation of Supervisory and Organizational Support Measures
    Alexander, Jenny Burroughs (Virginia Tech, 2008-03-13)
    Recruitment and retention of public child welfare workforce is in crisis due to turnover caused by 1) dissatisfaction with job; 2) excessive stress and burnout, including vicarious trauma; and 3) a lack of support from supervisors and organizations. No instrument was found to evaluate the impact of supervisory support and the use of organizational and professional strategies. The Supervisory and Organizational Support (SOS) survey instrument was created in response to the need for reliable and valid instruments to measure issues related to child welfare workforce turnover. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the SOS survey instrument and was designed to address the following research questions: 1) Does the instrument have demonstrated content validity? 2) Does the instrument have demonstrated construct validity as developed through factor analysis techniques? 3) Does the instrument have demonstrated reliability? 4) To what extent do the instrument and its' subscales correlate with measures of theoretically related and unrelated variables? The results of this study with a sample of 387 employees in 18 Virginia Department of Social Services agencies provide good beginning evidence of content, construct, convergent, and discriminant validity, and reliability of the SOS survey instrument. As such, the SOS survey can be used in studies of social services workforce turnover/ retention. However, to increase confidence in this recommendation, further research should address the implications and limitations of the current study and provide replication of the results with a different sample using confirmatory factor analysis. Finally, the SOS survey instrument may serve to assist in the evaluation of practice and policy efforts aimed at increasing worker retention.
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    Dimensions of the interorganizational relationship between Area Agencies on Aging and Social Services Block Grant Agencies
    Safewright, Marcia Porter (Virginia Tech, 1990)
    This research employed a model of interorganizational relations (Van de Ven, 1976) based on social action theory to examine the interagency relationships between Title III/Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) agencies across the country. The specific purpose of this study was to investigate five AAA/SSBG agency relationships using case study methodology to determine the adequacy of Van de Ven’s model in portraying the relationships. I also examined possible changes in the framework that might enhance its ability to characterize the relationships. In general, qualitative data analysis supported the model’s ability to depict the interagency relationships. The following factors were influential in the formation and continued functioning of at least three of the five interagency relationships: (a) resource needs, dependence, and exchange; (b) a commitment to serving older adults; (c) a commitment to the interagency relationship; (d) interagency communication, awareness, and information exchange; (e) interagency consensus (i.e., agreement between agency representatives on the goals and expectations of each agency in the relationship); (f) domain similarity (e.g., overlap in client populations and geographic service areas); (g) informal means of interaction and communication; and (h) perceived effectiveness of the interagency effort by agency representatives. Based upon the results of this investigation, I have proposed a revised framework that incorporates the major components of the original model but also simplifies and conceptually clarifies important relationship factors. It places more emphasis on the individuals involved in interagency relationships and is tailored to fit the special circumstances of social service agencies. An important implication of these findings for further research is the need for examining other social service agencies with the original and revised framework to further enhance their usefulness in characterizing interagency interaction. Implications for practice include the use of this information about AAA/SSBG agency relationships to improve interagency collaboration, service delivery and planning, and public policy decisions.
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    Doing the Right Thing: Relational Ethics in Institutional Caregiving for Veterans
    Ford, James Leslie (Virginia Tech, 2008-10-24)
    This research explored psychological, social, and relational aspects of caregiving. It examined documented resolution of ethical dilemmas precipitated by veterans' medical crises and involved formal caregivers, informal caregivers, and veteran patients. The unit of analysis was caregiving relationships. The main research question asked, how does case documentation and documented processes of resolving ethical dilemmas in institutional healthcare for veterans reflect relational ethics? Relational ethics was defined as fairness of interpersonal give and take and included efforts to elicit, understand, and honor veteran's values and care preferences. The caregiving context was a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The research population was 25 male veterans whose cases required intervention by the VAMC ethics committee. The research was conducted in three phases using grounded theory methodology. The research purpose, guided by symbolic interaction theory, was to develop substantive theory in relational ethics. Study analyses used Atlas.ti qualitative software. Main study one, Veteran-Formal Caregiver Relations, focused on relational processes internal to the VAMC. It explored how members of professional healthcare disciplines documented ethical caregiving concerns amongst themselves and in interactions with veteran patients. Agency emerged as the core category. Agency meant that veteran patients could make choices and act on those choices in ways that impacted their care. When veterans' agency was compromised, formal caregivers' roles became more salient. The substantive theory was the dynamic process of clarifying agency. Main study two, Formal-Informal Caregiver Relations, focused on interactions between VAMC staff and veterans' significant others. It explored medical center staff communications with informal caregivers regarding veterans' health problems. Documented interactions confirmed the impact of relational ethics. Agendas and advocacy emerged as key categories that determined and respected veterans' relational autonomy. Relational autonomy validated other ethical concerns and resource demands, considered social context, and included obligations as well as entitlements. The substantive theory was the agenda to advocate for relational autonomy. Substantive theories from the two main studies were integrated. Categorical dimensions were combined into substantive theory; that doing the right thing in institutional caregiving for veterans was the dynamic process of clarifying agency with the agenda to advocate for relational autonomy.
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    The effects of family communication patterns during the middle phase of Alzheimer's disease
    Speice, Jenny (Virginia Tech, 1995)
    The relationships between family communication about the illness experience of middle phase Alzheimer's Disease and caregiver depression were examined in this study of 29 primary caregivers and their family members. Lag sequential analyses and repetitive sequence analyses were conducted on observational data to determine the effects of joint problem solving, joint illness talk, and competing problem solving/illness talk on caregiver depression. The findings indicate that caregivers who compete with family members about the focus of the communication were more depressed. In contrast, caregivers were less depressed when they talked jointly with family members about the illness. Communication about joint problem solving and joint illness talk were also strongly related in these families. Possible explanations for these findings and implications for family therapy and future research are discussed.
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    The effects of intrafamilial ritualistic child abuse on an adult survivor: a systemic perspective on recovery
    Narron, Georganne (Virginia Tech, 1991)
    This exploratory study examined the effects of ritualistic child abuse, with its attendant sexual abuse, on a Single adult survivor. It sought to investigate the impact of such severe psychological, emotional, and sexual trauma on her function in a variety of social roles, such as wife, mother, employee, friend, parishioner, and therapy client, roles which are particularly salient to the practice of marital and family therapy and which offer potential resources for healing. The study employed in-depth interviewing of an adult female who was ritually abused during childhood and adolescence by family members. Her husband, son, friends, minister, and therapist were also interviewed in order to provide understanding of their perspectives about the survivor's recovery process and to determine their involvement. This researcher, also a survivor of similar abuses, utilized direct exposure to the survivor's therapeutic process through participant observation and examined her artistic creations, completed during the recovery period, in efforts to explore creativity as a further resource for healing. This report has attempted to describe aspects of a complex phenomenon, ritualistic child abuse, by capturing the candid recollections of the subject and outlining the interpersonal relationships that formed her recovery context. This researcher has shared a brief analysis of the results, suggestions of questions for further research, and personal reflections.
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    Engagement, Participation and Community Efficacy: Insights into Social Organization
    Mancini, Jay A.; Bowen, Gary L. (Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2007-05)
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    Ethics Adherence as a Predictor of Age Bias in Social Work Practice with Older Adults
    Roberts, Jane (Virginia Tech, 2002-12-04)
    The purpose of this study was the examination of age bias in social work professionals who have direct and influential contact with a growing segment of the population: older adults. Those who work most closely with older people may be at risk for age bias, although much of the research on age bias has been conducted with students rather than with those who work with older people. This study adds to the research on prejudice; the sources from which attitudes, values, prejudices, and stereotypical thinking arise were addressed. Key experiences with older individuals were found to predict age bias. Because social work ethical principles closely align with conditions known to reduce prejudice, it was hypothesized that higher ethics adherence would be associated with less age bias. Specific experiential factors were found to influence prejudice toward older people. Influences from family beliefs and from television and other media were associated with a non-biased attitude, as were influences from caregiving to older people. These sources of one's values and beliefs about older individuals were also found to predict the extent of one's knowledge of aging processes. Although ethics adherence was not a predictor of age bias, the discovery of the influence of family beliefs, media portrayals, and caregiving experiences revealed a need for awareness of ageist beliefs in a professional population that works extensively with older adults.
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    Family caregiving: family strains, coping response patterns, and caregiver burden
    Alley, Janet McDaniel (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)
    This study addressed gaps in the literature on caregiver burden involving lack of information about the multiple strains of caregiving families, their coping patterns, and positive as well as negative aspects of caregiving. The primary objective was to examine the relationship among caregiving strains, patterns of coping responses employed, and the resulting objective and subjective burden. A model describing the relationship of these variables guided the study. The design was a mail survey of 97 caregivers living in Southwestern Virginia who were caring for a sick or disabled family member, age 60 or older (response rate=81%). Family strain was correlated with both subjective and objective burden. Only one coping pattern that dealt with understanding the medical situation was marginally correlated with objective burden at p < .10. No coping patterns were correlated with subjective burden. Based on stepwise multiple regression analysis, the variables that were significant in explaining the variance in objective burden were health of the caregiver and family strain. The presence of home health services and family strain were significant in explaining the variance in subjective burden. Qualitative analysis identified major themes of positive and negative aspects of caregiving, with the majority of caregivers reporting both. Implications of these findings for future research include the importance of examining family strain when studying caregiver burden, assessing problems with the conceptualization of coping, evaluating the effectiveness of different measures of coping patterns, and investigating the balance of costs and rewards related to caregiving. Implications for practice include the importance of health workers considering multiple sources of strain in the family. Caregivers need optimistic but realistic information about the situation. Staff members should promote the caregiver's confidence in the management of the medical situation. Governmental and service agencies need to assist caregivers in relieving problems with restrictions on time and activities, and provide an opportunity for the exchange of information about managing home care. Future researchers need to study the influence of home health services on caregiving by comparing the coping patterns and subjective and objective burden of caregivers who receive this service and those who do not.