{"title":"Deconstructing Social Work Exam Bias: Advocacy Practice Guidelines to Close the Gap.","authors":"Quincy Bloxom, Brandi Anderson","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2278691","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2278691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The social work profession is in a precarious situation regarding licensure. Test takers of color are struggling to pass social work licensure exams at rates comparable to their White counterparts, per data released by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). As a nation, we are required to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse population. Yet the recruitment and retention of a diverse body of social workers is unlikely to be actualized if disparities persist in these exams. Given ASWB's monopoly on social work exams and the likelihood that many states will continue to require the exams for licensure, we sought to explore public responses to the data released, using the National Association of Social Work (NASW) as our starting point. As the nation's largest association of social workers, having local chapters within each state, NASW serves as an area of connection between social workers nationwide.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We utilized content analysis to explore emerging themes and conduct a review of the state chapter's public responses to exam pass rate data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A variety of state chapter's responses, with few states engaging in advocacy efforts or taking action to facilitate change.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Advocacy efforts play a pivotal role in the restructuring of fragmented systems. This study revisits seemingly ignored disparities diverse test takers may face, while also serving as a call-to-action in advocacy engagement. We conclude with a set of advocacy practice guidelines for use in the promotion of equitable licensing opportunities for all test takers.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"236-264"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71523703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In Pursuit of Equity: Examining ASWB Exam Disparities and Legislative Responses.","authors":"Lauren Ricciardelli, Stephen McGarity","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2024.2310598","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2024.2310598","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"141-144"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139572138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Do Peers, Neighborhood Disorder, Religiosity, Spirituality, and Family Support Influence Polysubstance Use Among Older Youth Transitioning from Foster Care?","authors":"Susan M Snyder, Lionel Scott","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2252417","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2252417","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Few studies have explored polysubstance use among youths aging out of foster care, despite higher rates of substance misuse for youths exiting foster care than those in the general population. Polysubstance use has been linked to substance use disorders, health problems, cognitive impairment, suicide, and overdose.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study investigates understudied risk and protective factors associated with polysubstance use with data from 384 youth who turned 17 years old between December 1, 2001, and June 30, 2003, and were transitioning out of foster care from the Missouri Children's Division. We conducted bivariate analyses with chi-square tests for categorical variables and Analysis of Variance with continuous independent variables. Then we conducted a multinomial logistic regression to explore differences between individuals who used 1 or no substances, individuals who used only alcohol and marijuana, and individuals who used 2 or more substances.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bivariate analyses found that being white, having deviant peers, and living in a more disordered neighborhood were risk factors for polysubstance use. Multinomial logistic regression results found that being white (RR = 6.89, <i>p</i> < .001), having deviant peers (RR = 1.15, <i>p</i> < .001), and living in a more disordered neighborhood (RR = 1.13, <i>p</i> < .05), increased the risk engaging in polysubstance use.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Similar to findings in other studies, we found that deviant peers and neighborhood disorder increase the risk of polysubstance use, but family support, church attendance, and spirituality were not protective against polysubstance use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Interventions should work to reduce deviant peer relationships among foster youth.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"18-31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10466201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Focused Group Perspective of Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Middle-Aged Adults in Rural Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria.","authors":"Chinyere Onalu, Paulinus Okah, Uzoma Odera Okoye","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2252411","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2252411","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Recent records by the World Health Organization show that hypertension is more prevalent in Africa than in other parts of the world, and remains the foremost common risk factor for cardiovascular-related diseases, stroke, renal diseases, and death. However, little is known about the risk factors for hypertension by people from rural areas, especially among middle-aged adults. Therefore, the study examined the knowledge of the risk factors for hypertension among middle-aged adults in rural areas of Anambra state, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Materials, and method: </strong>Focus group discussions were used to collect data from 40 middle-aged adults (20 males and 20 females). Two key themes stood out from the data collection guides. These are \"awareness of hypertension and its' symptoms\" and \"knowledge of risk factors of hypertension\".</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings showed that the participants were aware of hypertension but lacked in-depth knowledge of the risk factors for the disease. Most participants did not believe that intake of certain foods like starchy foods and excess alcohol consumption could lead to one being hypertensive.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>There is a need for social workers to sensitize and enlighten the middle-aged adults in the study area on the risk factors for the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10138708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michelle-Ann Rhoden-Neita, Hui Huang, Nicole M Fava
{"title":"The Effects of Childhood Adversity and Self-Regulation on the Well-Being of Adults with Delinquency Histories: A Mediation Model.","authors":"Michelle-Ann Rhoden-Neita, Hui Huang, Nicole M Fava","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2265923","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2265923","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Most youth with delinquency histories experience childhood adversity leaving them vulnerable to poor adult well-being. Previous research indicates that self-regulation difficulties could explain how childhood adversity affects adult well-being. Yet, very few studies target adult self-regulation intervention. Therefore, this study examined the intervening effects of emerging adult self-regulation on the association between childhood adversity and adult well-being.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Using data from the first four waves of the Add Health Study, the researchers conducted structural equation modeling for mediation with bootstrapping. The researchers tested the mediation effects of emerging adult self-regulation on the association between childhood adversity (child maltreatment and violent victimization) and later adult well-being (mental health problems, alcohol and drug use, criminal behaviors) among people with delinquency histories and/or arrest prior to age 18 (<i>N</i> = 1,792).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Several significant direct effects and one partial mediation effect were found. For example, child maltreatment significantly predicted adult mental health problems and criminal behaviors. Self-regulation (via the dissatisfaction with life and self subscale) mediated the association between child maltreatment and adult mental health problems.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Findings highlight the need for social workers to focus on prevention services and trauma-informed treatment for people with delinquency histories. In addition, evidence-based practice requires self-regulation interventions for adults with histories of childhood adversity and delinquency to focus on their emotional and cognitive functioning as well as self-esteem.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Implementing self-regulation interventions during emerging adulthood can be useful to mitigate later adult mental health problems among people with histories of childhood adversity and delinquency.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"117-139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41241817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
María Eugenia Contreras-Pérez, Eric Wagner, Michelle Hospital, Staci Morris, Suzanne Colby, Molly Magill
{"title":"Outcomes of a Brief Motivational Intervention for Heavy Alcohol Use in Racial or Ethnic Minority Compared to White Emerging Adults.","authors":"María Eugenia Contreras-Pérez, Eric Wagner, Michelle Hospital, Staci Morris, Suzanne Colby, Molly Magill","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2263454","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2263454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study used secondary data from a randomized controlled trial of a Brief Motivational Intervention (BMI) to examine whether Non-White participants had different treatment results compared to White participants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The outcome variables of this study were divided into primary outcomes (heavy drinking and consequences associated with alcohol use) and secondary outcomes (cognitive variables such as motivation to change alcohol use, and behavioral variables, including protective behavioral strategies). Linear regression analyses were conducted with the PROCESS macro for SPSS, to test if race or ethnicity moderated the relationship between BMI and each treatment outcome. Data was collected at two time points, six weeks and three months after treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study showed that race or ethnicity did not moderate treatment results for the four outcome variables. Additional within-group effect sizes were calculated for all racial and ethnic categories, showing that Hispanic/Latine and Black participants had larger effect sizes in all the outcome variables.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The discussion examines the potential strength of Motivational Interviewing due to its client-centered spirit, which naturally allows for incorporating values and identity-based factors, such as culture, into the session.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results suggest similar BMI outcomes among White and Non-White emerging adults who engage in heavy drinking, potentially due to its client-centered approach. This is a preliminary study, and the results are therefore tentative.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"75-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41165081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anniina Kaittila, Henna Isoniemi, Katri Viitasalo, Meri Moisio, Anu Raijas, Enna Toikka, Jarno Tuominen, Mia Hakovirta
{"title":"A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Intervention for Social Work Clients with Children Facing Complex Financial Problems in Finland (FinSoc): A Study Protocol.","authors":"Anniina Kaittila, Henna Isoniemi, Katri Viitasalo, Meri Moisio, Anu Raijas, Enna Toikka, Jarno Tuominen, Mia Hakovirta","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2257174","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2257174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Social work clients often face complex financial problems. We have developed a financial social work intervention, FinSoc, to increase financial literacy and economic self-efficacy and reduce financial anxiety among parents with financial problems in Finland. The aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention. This paper, a study protocol, describes the design and implementation of the trial. Study protocols are articles detailing a priori the research plan, rationale, proposed methods and plans for how a clinical trial will be conducted.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study is a pilot randomized controlled trial with a mixed methods approach applying both quantitative measures and qualitative interviews. Participating social work clients with children are randomly assigned to either the treatment or the waiting list control group at a ratio of 1:1. The treatment group receives the intervention and the control group receives services as usual. The quantitative data from social work clients are collected at three measurement points. Qualitative interviews are conducted post-intervention with both clients receiving, and professionals implementing the intervention. The feasibility is assessed through recruitment and retention rates and the interviews with social work professionals providing the intervention. Acceptability is assessed through feedback from participants on satisfaction with the intervention and usefulness of the specific intervention components. Potential effectiveness is measured by financial literacy, economic self-efficacy and financial anxiety.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The intervention is hypothesized to increase financial literacy and economic self-efficacy and reduce financial anxiety among social work clients with children. The results of this pilot study will increase the evidence base of financial social work and offer new insights for developing interventions for clients experiencing financial difficulties.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"32-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10243801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sean Mullen, Yan Luo, John Adamek, Madhura Phansikar, Michael Mackenzie, Brent Roberts, Christopher R Larrison
{"title":"Path Analysis of Effects of First-Generation Status on Physical Activity and 4-Year College Degree Completion.","authors":"Sean Mullen, Yan Luo, John Adamek, Madhura Phansikar, Michael Mackenzie, Brent Roberts, Christopher R Larrison","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2265922","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2265922","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>First-generation college students (FGCS) face a myriad of sociocultural, financial, and emotional challenges that impact their educational journey. With less academic capital and lower odds of obtaining a bachelor's degree than their non-FGCS peers, understanding the factors affecting their academic success is pivotal for social work professionals aiming to provide tailored interventions and support systems. This study delved into the potential differences between these groups concerning physical activities, which are linked to learning, cognition, and overall well-being, and evaluated their influence on degree completion.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A path model was developed to analyze the relationship between degree completion, physical activities, FGCS status, and background variables, using a sample of 1,625 participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The model showed a strong fit (CFI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.055, SRMR = 0.010) and accounted for 29.5% of the variance in degree completion. Walking to school was positively associated with degree attainment. FGCS status was associated with decreased walking to school, reduced degree completion, and increased walking for exercise. An indirect effect suggested that FGCS were less likely to achieve their degree, potentially due to a greater reliance on transportation like buses or cars.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings emphasize the critical role of campus resources for FGCS. Enhancing access to fitness centers and offering affordable housing options nearer to campus may aid FGCSs' academic success. These insights can guide social work practices, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in the academic experiences of FGCS.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"104-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41147232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kerrie Ocasio, Nancy Rolock, Joan Blakey, Roni Diamant-Wilson, Frances Bass, Jonelle Brom, Allison Budzinski, Ronald Hermes, Danielle Karnopp, Katie Sepnieski, Lixia Zhang, Rowena Fong, Monica Faulkner, Laura Marra
{"title":"A Pilot Study of the Adoption and Guardianship Enhanced Support (AGES) Program: Preventing Discontinuity by Walking Alongside Adoptive and Guardianship Families Who are Struggling.","authors":"Kerrie Ocasio, Nancy Rolock, Joan Blakey, Roni Diamant-Wilson, Frances Bass, Jonelle Brom, Allison Budzinski, Ronald Hermes, Danielle Karnopp, Katie Sepnieski, Lixia Zhang, Rowena Fong, Monica Faulkner, Laura Marra","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2259905","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2259905","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>There is a strong preference for evidence-based child welfare services, however, there are few well-researched programs for families that struggle post-permanence. Following adoption or guardianship, some families experience significant challenges, struggle to find effective programs, and run the risk of family instability. This study described the process used to develop the Adoption and Guardianship Enhanced Support (AGES) intervention and explored: 1) the needs of families participating in the program and 2) how AGES worked with families to address those challenges.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This descriptive study utilized quantitative structured assessment data and qualitative data from case records to explore the needs of families and provide context for qualitative, in-depth interviews with families regarding their experiences with the AGES program, presented using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pre-service structured assessments indicated multiple dimensions of parenting strain, with case record reviews and interviews with families providing a nuanced picture of multiple sources of strain, suggesting the project was reaching the intended audience. Record review and interviews demonstrated strong alignment between needs of families and the support provided by AGES workers. Intended analysis of quantitative post-assessment data was not possible, due to lower enrollment and higher staff turnover than expected, as well as study timeframes.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>The approach utilized by AGES workers, one that walked alongside families and provided flexible responses to identified needs, showed promise for adoptive and guardianship families. Replication and additional research are needed to assess the program with a larger sample and more rigorous methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"50-74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41164302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Exploratory Study of the Situation of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria: Practice Consideration for Social Workers.","authors":"Chinyere Onalu, Ngozi Chukwu, Chinwe Ulaebuchukwu Nnama-Okechukwu, Anthony Iwuagwu, Agha Agha, Nkemdilim Anazonwu, Paulinus Okah, Uzoma Odera Okoye","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2265920","DOIUrl":"10.1080/26408066.2023.2265920","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Disability is one of the various challenges that people face around the world. People with disabilities are confronted with a lot of challenges, and they experience depression, social marginalization, and isolation. The study aims to explore the situation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>To conduct this study, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data from 45 purposively selected study participants (40 persons living with disabilities, and 5 chairpersons of a joint association of persons living with disabilities).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings showed that some of the challenges facing persons living with disabilities in Nigeria include environmental, educational, and socio-economic challenges.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, to overcome some of these challenges social workers should advocate for inclusive strategies and one way this can be realized is by the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"90-103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41159377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}