Browsing by Author "Sporakowski, Michael J."
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- Adolescent contraceptive use: an ecological perspectiveConklin, Melinda M. (Virginia Tech, 1994-03-15)The purpose of this study was to discriminate between adolescent contraceptive users and nonusers on the basis of five variables; sexual self-concept, family life education, father communication, mother communication, and years of fathers' education. Included in the sample were 116 college freshmen men and women. The results revealed four out of the five variables were able to predict group membership. Adolescent contraceptive users had scores indicating higher sexual self-concepts and more open communication with their fathers, while noncontraceptive users had more months of family life education and had more open communication with their mothers.
- Adolescent development and parental alcohol use patternsCarroll, 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.
- Adolescents whose parents are divorced: an interview study and ethnographic analysisBirch, Dianne (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986)Eleven adolescents whose parents were separated or divorced were interviewed regarding their experiences. Emphasis was on their positive and negative experiences and their ways of coping with their problems. The interviews of these high school freshmen were systematically analyzed using Spradley’s ethnographic methodology. The 6 girls and 5 boys lived in maternal, paternal, and joint custody. Two of the adolescents had experienced death of a parent as well as divorce. The adolescents volunteered to participate in this study and were a non-clinical sample. Contrasts were drawn based on sex, age at the time of divorce, and availability of both parents to the adolescent. Differences in maturity and responsibilities followed sexually stereotyped patterns. Age at the time of divorce seemed to have little effect on their experiences. Availability of parents was important in providing continuity and stability. If the adolescent did not have access to both parents, other adults such as grandparents or other family members sometimes served a mediating function in the experiences of the family. An overriding theme for all of these adolescents was the need for stability and predictability in their families. Each had experienced losses of important major relationships and changes in family patterns. These losses threatened the stability needed. Their coping efforts involved ways to increase the stability and predictability in their lives. Many adolescents thought they were more mature as a result of their parents’ divorce. Some adolescents became closer to their families, assuming major household and childcare responsibilities. Others withdrew from family interaction and were very lonely. With stability in the family, these adolescents could focus on age-appropriate activities and continue developmental progress.
- Adolescents' sexual attitudes: a Mennonite sampleLehman, Gloria L. (Virginia Tech, 1987-05-05)One hundred fifty-six adolescent respondents from the Virginia Mennonite Conference were surveyed regarding their perceived influences of their attitudes toward sexuality and the Mennonite Church's position on various sexual issues. The adolescents were more sure of their own beliefs about sexuality than they were about the church's position. The church was not perceived as a major source of influence on their attitudes when compared to friends, the media, and the family. A comparison of early and late adolescents did not reveal any significant difference in the amount of perceived influence of the church. The gender of the respondent was not found to differentiate significantly on any of the variables under investigation. The type of school the adolescent attended--either public or Mennonite--was related to a difference in the response to beliefs about premarital sex and pregnancy outside of marriage. Students at public schools held more accepting views on these issues.
- Adult new readers: the impact on familyDarden, Ellen Clough (Virginia Tech, 1993-04-05)The purpose of this research was to explore the changes that occurred in marital, child and family of origin relationships when an adult who was previously illiterate became literate. Eleven adult new readers participated in in-depth interviews. The results indicate that learning to read is not an isolated skill but changes the "self" of the new reader and subsequently his or her interactional patterns with family members. Six of the participants marriages improved, three of the marriages were ambivalent and two of the marriages deteriorated. All relationships with children improved. Relationships with family of origin members varied. The various outcomes were connected to the levels of support participants received and to how much the participants had previously defined their identities and their lives in relation to their previous illiteracy.
- Alcoholism and family relationsLipscomb, Abigail Allen (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1987)The purpose of this study was to build upon a conceptual model of the alcoholic family system. The variables investigated were: differentiation of self, as represented by quantity and quality of involvement with family of origin; and nuclear family structure, as represented by hierarchy and primary coalition types. These variables were chosen in order to provide some theoretical understanding of how alcoholism is both maintained and transmitted by family systems. Forty-two families in which the father was an alcoholic took part in this study. Both the alcoholics and their spouses completed an abbreviated form of the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire (PAFS-Q), the Family of Origin Involvement Questionnaire, and the Madanes Family Hierarchy Test. At least one child from each family also completed the Madanes Family Hierarchy Test. Chi-square test results indicated that these families reported significant amounts of hierarchy reversal, nonmarital primacy, and nonaverage contact with family of origin. When compared to norm group scores on the PAFS-Q, alcoholic subjects and their spouses indicated more nuclear family triangulation, intergenerational fusion, and intergenerational triangulation. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation results indicated that nuclear family triangulation was related to intergenerational fusion, presence of hierarchy reversal, and nonmarital primacy. For alcoholics only, more time spent recovering, more contact with parents, nonmarital primacy, and more intergenerational triangulation were related. These study results were interpreted as supporting a developmental model for the maintenance and transmission of alcoholism in the family. Clinical implications include the necessity of doing family of origin work with alcoholic families as well as the importance of including as many members as are willing in family therapy.
- Alcoholism and family structurePreli, Rona (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1987)The purpose of this research project was to explore the structural variables of hierarchical reversals, cross generational coalitions, cohesion, and adaptability as they were manifested in families with an alcoholic member, families with a recovered member, and non-alcoholic families. One hundred and twenty-five families responded to written questionnaires including The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES III), the Madanes Family Hierarchy Test (MFHT), and a Demographic Questionnaire. Adult participants also completed the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) to ensure that control families had no potentially alcoholic members, as well as ensuring that recovered families had no actively addicted members. Information was obtained on age, ethnicity, educational employment status, family income, and the sex of participating children, to ensure that the three groups were demographically comparable. The statistical analyses confirmed structural family therapy theory and the current research on alcoholic families. The results further expanded the understanding of the nature of coalitions and hierarchical reversals as they were manifested in these samples.
- Analysis of an adventure-based marriage enrichment programHickmon, William Adrian Jr (Virginia Tech, 1993-08-05)The effectiveness of an adventure-based marriage enrichment program in increasing marital intimacy was studied. Thirty seven married couples from a relatively conservative Protestant religion composed the sample. The sample was composed of volunteer participants ranging in age from 21-47. The participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups and a control group. The Waring Intimacy Questionnaire, a participants' Self-Rating of Intimacy Scale, a participants' Intimacy Change Scale, and an open-ended questionnaire were used to collect data. Analysis of Covariance was use to determine differences in post-test scores using the pre-test as the covariate. The findings showed statistical significance for group post-test scores on the WIQ Total Intimacy Scores, E (2,70)= 3.96, p < .05. Significance was shown for group post-test scores on the WIQ cohesiveness subscale, F (2,70) = 8.71, p < .001.
- An analysis of the relationship between clothing conformity and personality type in a selected group of adult malesUmscheid, Joan M. (Virginia Tech, 1988-05-05)The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between clothing conformity and personality type according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), of a selected group of adult males. Past research indicated that the MBTI had been used in relation to many characteristics such, as creativity, management style, and conformity. Clothing conformity had been investigated in relation to group membership and self-esteem. The researcher was unable to find any research done prior to this study in which clothing conformity and the MBTI had been used to study the relationship between personality type and clothing conformity. The sample consisted of 83 fraternity men from four Greek organizations at Georgia State University. Each respondent filled out the MBTI questionnaire, a clothing conformity scale, and a demographic form. A two to the fourth factorial ANOVA was used to analyze the relationships between clothing conformity scores and various personality types. The results indicated a significant difference in clothing conformity between extraverted and introverted personality types, with extraverts being more conforming than introverts. It also indicated a tendency for judging types to be more conforming than perceiving types. Although not statistically significant, the analysis showed some interaction effect between the extraversion-introversion and the thinking feeling dimensions on clothing conformity. The conclusions from this research are that the extraverts are more conforming in their clothing behavior than introverts, that judging personality types tend to be more conforming than perceiving types, and that the interaction between extraversion-introversion and thinking-feeling shows a tendency for the dependency of one dimension on the other.
- Antecedents and consequences of negotiation in marital decision- makingFreeman, Gudrun (Virginia Tech, 1990-12-05)The relationship between marital negotiation strategies and various context and outcome factors are examined using responses from 249 women and men. Multiple regression analysis confirmed significant links between context factors and negotiation strategies. Self-esteem was important in explaining degree of reliance on some types of negotiation, as was emotional interdependence and perceived past cooperativeness of the marital partner. Training in communication skills did not affect women's style of negotiation but was significant for men. The strategy of simply telling the spouse what is wanted or needed was more important to reaching agreement and having a sense of fairness about the outcome than were strategies like bargaining, reasoning or threatening. These findings are discussed within a theoretical framework that gives consideration to negotiation as a process important to understanding marital power.
- Attitudes and Moral Development During a College Course on Human SexualityGalway, 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.
- Behavior assessments of pregnant adolescents using TFA Systems (tm)Bundy, Patricia Pulliam (Virginia Tech, 1991-04-07)The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the thoughts, feelings, and actions of pregnant teens at significant decision-making times: time of intercourse, confirmation of pregnancy, and six weeks post delivery. Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy and patterns of behavior were analyzed. Examination of the extant literature on adolescent pregnancy yielded insight into parental, socio-economic, and partner factors. The interview protocol emanated from the literature analysis. The interaction of these factors on the thoughts, feelings, and actions of female teens was the focus of the study. Data from personal recurrent interviews of pregnant teens over a four-month period served as the basis for analyzing thoughts, feelings, and actions. Analysis of individual and group thoughts, feelings, and actions generated behavior patterns relevant to each of the three decision-making times.
- A behavioral portrait of the attempted adolescent parricide offenderFlanigan, Marjie Miller (Virginia Tech, 1993-05-01)Few studies exist which systematically address the topic of attempted adolescent parricide, particularly within a family violence context. This study, through qualitative research techniques: (a) determined the incidence of attempted adolescent parricide; (b) examined variables associated with the phenomenon; (c) derived a behavioral portrait of adolescents who attempt parricide through TFA Systems (tm); and (d) compared actual and attempted parricide. Select case studies from the research literature served as the actual parricide group for comparative purposes. This descriptive study identified counselors in Virginia and West Virginia who had worked with parricidal clients within the preceding 2 years. Through questionnaire completion and personal interviews with respondents, counselors provided substantive information on youth who attempted parricide, including: (a) detailed demographic data; (b) youth and family social history variables; (c) circumstances surrounding the act; (d) counseling involvement; and (e) a TFA behavioral portrait. Although precise figures are lacking, it was found that adolescent parricide comprises approximately 2% of all yearly murders, and that for each successful parricide, there is at least one additional attempt where the parent does not die. Youths who attempt and those who commit parricide are close cousins who share many commonalities, including: an abusive home environment; youth and parental alcohol or drug use or abuse; a runaway history; problem behaviors; and school difficulties. The fact that the victim survives in attempted parricide is explained more by fortuity and weapons choice than by differing motive. A TFA profile analysis revealed that, at the time of the killing, youths who committed parricide fell into the Acting-Feeling or Acting-Thinking behavioral patterns. Youths who attempted the act shared the Acting-Feeling and Acting-Thinking patterns, but also evidenced a Feeling-Acting pattern. A stronger affective component appeared to be evidenced by attempters, when compared with actuals. Actual and attempted parricide offenders were found to share many variables with other high-risk or at-risk youths. Future research may wish to focus on some of these common variables. Recommendations for further study of attempted adolescent parricide were presented.
- Biculturalism and Identity in Contemporary Gullah FamiliesVogel, Peggy MacLeod (Virginia Tech, 2000-02-25)A qualitative study, using an oral history method was completed. Seven participants (2 men, 5 women) of Gullah descent from the St. Helena's Island and Charleston, South Carolina area were extensively interviewed. Symbolic interactionism provided the theoretical framework for the study. Findings included the recognition of the Gullah as a unique cultural group and the possible effects of slavery on identity formation for individuals as well as the Gullah community. Striking differences in physical space utilization between Gullah and non-Gullah residents were suggested. The presence of conflict between African and European beliefs and practices were seen in areas such as religious traditions, child rearing, and language. The pervasive effect of racism on identity and its relationship to biculturalism was discussed. Biculturalism appeared to be strongly related to survival as well as being an integral part of the participants' identities.
- Children coping with divorce: a test of the circumplex model of family functioningJohnson, Brenda Hayes (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1982)The major purpose of this research was to test the circumplex model of family functioning as a possible source of variance in children's coping during the transitional period following parental divorce. The dimensions of cohesion (family closeness) and adaptability (family flexibility) theoretically incorporate 14 of the 18 factors identified by previous researchers to be related to more or less effective coping. The remaining four factors were controlled statistically. The sample of 89 single parent, female headed households was drawn from court records of families who had been divorced for two months, one year and two years. The method of sample selection is recommended in future research, since it resulted in a more representative sample than that of previous researchers. Coping among the children (ages 6-16) was measured by the mother's report of problem behaviors (internal and external) and social competency scores on the Achenbach Child Behavior Profile. Family interaction patterns were measured using a modified version of the FACES self report measure. Variables of cohesion, adaptability, time since divorce, income, age and sex were hypothesized to be related to child behavior problems and social competency, using a regression model. Social desirability was controlled statistically. Cohesion explained a statistically significant portion of the variance for problem behaviors, particularly internal problems (i.e., withdrawal, somatic symptoms, anxious behavior). Income was an important contributor to variation with all the coping measures. However, the regression models did not provide support for the moderate versus extreme levels of cohesion and adaptability which had been hypothesized in the circumplex model. But, a Chi Square test of independence, excluding families with high social desirability scores, did provide some support for the continued testing of the circumplex model. A supplemental analysis of other variables was conducted. Family stressors such as moving, parent conflict, mothers' changes in employment and mothers' regularly dating were related to increased difficulties in coping. Enjoyment with visits with father was related to improved coping. Number of changes in child care arrangements and frequency of visits with the father were not related to coping.
- Choice, Chance, or Circumstance: A Qualitative Study of Never-Married and Once-Married Women's Marriage Beliefs in MidlifeSoukup, Karla S. Jr. (Virginia Tech, 1998-04-15)Although previous research on singlehood has often focused on middle-class career women, little is known about the life experiences of non-career path single women. This study examined the core marriage beliefs of never-married and once-married child-free, midlife women and the ways in which those beliefs have evolved over time. The sample consisted of 10 women, 5 never-married and 5 once-married between the ages of 35 and 48. For the purposes of this inquiry, non-career path was co-determined on the basis of occupation and educational background. The theoretical framework that guided this study combined a life course approach with a feminist perspective. Respondents were recruited through extensive networking and the sampling technique of snowballing. A qualitative methodology was employed utilizing the research strategy of in-depth interviewing. Data were analyzed on the basis of emergent themes and patterns. This study produced 3 salient findings. First, the process of forming core marriage beliefs is similar between never-married and once-married women. Although an experience of marrying (or an experience of not marrying) may change the way a woman views herself within the context of her marital beliefs, those core marital beliefs do not necessarily change. Second, whether never-married or once-married, single midlife women live ambivalent lives: acknowledging their singlehood status while simultaneously remaining hopeful of attaining a marital union. Finally, women made a clear distinction between getting married and marrying successfully. While most believed that getting married was a choice, having a successful marriage was a result of chance. Despite this appraisal, the ideal of marriage remained pervasive regardless of age or past experience.
- Clinical Counselors and the Internet: A National Survey Evaluating the Impact of the Internet on the Counseling ProfessionGreene, Ryan Thomas (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-24)The purpose of this exploratory dissertation was to gather data regarding information technology and the internet as it related to clinical counselors. The findings have the potential to add to the sparse information base regarding use of technology and the internet in clinical counseling practice. The data for this dissertation was collected by surveying a national sample of 534 clinical counselors who were recruited from state clinical counseling organizations. The survey instrument was done on-line and disseminated via the internet. Of those recruited, 215 counselors were used in the final data analysis. The survey instrument was designed to assess a) the extent to which counselors are knowledgeable of computer technologies, b) the extent to which their clients make use of the internet, and c) the extent to which they believe computer technology contributes to their professional practice. The study found that clinical counselors in this sample rate themselves highly in terms of internet competence and their knowledge of information technologies. However, despite these high rates of knowledge, counselors are not implementing the internet in their counseling practices at very high rates. This research suggests that clients are increasingly becoming more internet savvy and are using the internet in their own mental health research. As such, counselors need to begin to implement internet components into their practice when appropriate.
- A closer look at self-image in male foster care adolescentsLyman, Susan Bell (Virginia Tech, 1993-03-15)Using the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire this study attempted to determine what differences exist between 58 male adolescents in foster care and their peers in the normal population and to establish if there are specific characteristics of the adolescent's background or foster care experience that are related to specific domains of self-image. Characteristics from foster care history included number of placements and length of time at the current placement. The individual background characteristics included were race, educational achievement and age. Foster care youth had lower family self-image and emotional health and higher social self-image when compared to the normative popUlation. When compared separately to the normative population, white youth had higher than normal moral self-image and sexual attitudes and lower scores on family relations and emotional health. Black youth had higher social self-image scores. Lower scores on several domains of self-image were associated with being younger, being white, having lower academic achievement, having more placements, and staying at the current placement for a longer period of time. The implications of these findings for foster care placement decisions are discussed.
- Comparison of Adult Day Services in Atlantic Canada, Maine, and VermontWeeks, Lori E. (Virginia Tech, 1998-09-11)Comparisons of aging services in Canada and the United States reveal similarities and differences in the structure and function of the two systems. In both countries, adult day services (ADS) is an integral component in the array of services available to older adults. In this study, I compared structural characteristics of programs, participant characteristics, and examined the National Adult Day Services Association classification model of ADS in demographically similar areas of Canada and the United States. Directors of 47 ADS programs in demographically similar provinces and states in Atlantic Canada, Maine, and Vermont responded to a mailed survey. Adult day services programs in each province and state exhibited some unique structural and participant characteristics. Statistically significant differences emerged between ADS programs in the two countries on the following structural variables: town population, center affiliation, center location, levels of government support, participant fees, organizational structure, hours of operation, months of attendance, hours attended per day, service frequency, and service provision. Participant characteristics that significantly varied between the two countries involved educational level and functional characteristics. A minority of programs exhibited a match between participant needs and services provided. However, very few programs belonged to the most mismatched category of providing core services to intensive level participants. The findings of this study support the importance of individual programs providing services appropriate to meet the needs of participants rather than adhering to a predetermined model of care.
- A comparison of the financial situations and practices of remarried and first-married familiesLinzey, Juanita Bird (Virginia Tech, 1993-08-05)This study was designed to compare the financial situation of both remarried and first-married families from a large randomly selected sample. An adaptation of Campbell, Converse, and Rogers' "Model of Life Satisfaction" was used as the theoretical basis for this investigation. Data were compared to assess differences in (a) personal characteristics; (b) objective attributes, the personal resources of homeowners hip, income, education, employment status, and occupation; (c) perceived attributes, financial attitudes and management behaviors of respondents; (d) evaluated attributes, an assessment of financial situation; and (e) satisfaction level with financial situation. The respondents were a sub-set from pre-collected data sets entitled Financial Attitudes and Practices of Virginia Citizens, Form A and Form B, (N=1098). Responses to items identical in both survey forms were merged to create a new data base which was used in this study. A sample of 173 remarried and 173 first-married respondents was used. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the two respondent groups. Independent t test and chi-square analyses were used to compare responses by marital status. Remarried and first-married respondents were similar in personal characteristics except in ethnicity and gender role philosophy with the remarrieds having a more egalitarian than traditional philosophy. The two groups were similar in objective attributes except in educational attainment. The remarried spouses were not as well educated as their counterparts. Financial management behavior and attitudes were similar for both groups except in the area of risk management and capital accumulation. Both groups reported a positive net worth and adequate income, however, remarrieds were less satisfied with their financial situation than first-marrieds. The results of this study demonstrated differences in the financial domain of remarried and first-married households and pointed to areas of concern for educators and family life specialists.