Human Development, Family Studies & Counseling

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/8858

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A content analysis of 10 scholarly journals from 2007-2017: What has been written about long term African American married couples
(12/20/2018) Chism-Nicholas, Edna; Armstrong, Joyce; Gillum, Nerissa
The purpose of this study was to examine what has been written about long term African American marriages in 10 selected scholarly journals. Marriages greatly impact multiple domains and relationships in the African American community. There is a multitude of marital research in many social science fields. However, there is a lack of literature as it specifically relates to African American long-term couples. Due to the lack of literature in this field it would benefit social science professionals, especially family therapists, to learn more about these relationships. In this study the researcher utilized a quantitative and qualitative approach to explore the literature, identifying themes found in the journal articles. The major themes discovered were Spirituality, Cultural issues, Equity, and Family. The Journal of Black Studies had the largest number of articles on the topic with 4 of 3,877 (0.00103%) articles being relevant to the research topic. Recommendations for future research were suggested.
A content analysis of evidence-based romantic adult attachment articles: How marital satisfaction is impacted by couple reports of spirituality/religiosity
(11/27/2017) Hunter, Melissa; Ladd, Linda, Ph. D.; Brock, Linda J.; McCarroll, Elizabeth
The purpose of this research was to examine romantic adult attachment theory and how marital satisfaction is impacted by spirituality/religiosity, while also exploring how spirituality influences conflict and communication in marriages. A content analysis was used to further investigate these variables by comparing ten articles from scholarly peer-reviewed journals. The researcher created a Coding Form and taught two coders to code the data by using a Coding Guide. This dissertation was guided by the research questions: “How have research-based articles published in scholarly journals addressed how romantic adult attachment, marital satisfaction, communication, and /or conflict are impacted when spirituality/ religiosity is added as a variable to these studies?” And “What are the gaps and limitations in the research based on romantic adult attachment, marital satisfaction, communication and/or conflict plus spirituality/religiosity when articles from 1992-2017 are considered?” Currently, there is no review of how spirituality/religiosity and romantic adult attachment interact with marital satisfaction, conflict, and communication in a therapeutic environment. Having the knowledge of this interaction will help therapists better use spirituality/religiosity as a factor in their therapeutic process. When the researcher examined the variables in the ten articles, it became apparent that conflict and communication were insufficiently supported by the journal articles. The prominent variables in this content analysis then became spirituality/religiosity and marital satisfaction. It was found that anxiety attachment is not related to some religious coping such as praying or attending faith services. Those with avoidant attachment demonstrated both higher and/or lower religious coping. Another finding was how attachment to God mirrors romantic adult attachment. Marital satisfaction correlated with commitment level and couple’s attitude. Some factors identified as risks or resilience were community, attitude towards divorce, willingness to seek help, commitment, church attendance, prayer, and forgiveness. Future research is needed on how gender impacts both spirituality and attachment. Several of the articles determined that gender impacted attachment, but had inconclusive findings due to limited attention and/or research. Another area where more research is needed is with intercultural/cultural relationships. Family of origin and the impact it has on an adult’s spirituality/religiosity is also needed to be studied more in depth.
A content analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles: How is mindfulness applied in couples therapy in the mental health field?
(5/2/2018) Runge, Lori J.; Ladd, Linda; Brock, Linda J.; Muro, Joel
ABSTRACT LORI J. RUNGE M.S. A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES: HOW IS MINDFULNESS APPLIED IN COUPLES THERAPY IN THE MENTAL HEALTH FIELD? March 2018 The rationale behind this study is to understand how mental health professionals currently use and apply mindfulness in couples therapy. This study was guided by two primary research questions: “Since 2000, how are mindfulness interventions and techniques applied in couples therapy in the mental health profession with relationship to understanding variables such as well-being, empathy, self-esteem, and emotional regulation?” and “How have researchers explored and expanded the usefulness of mindfulness in evidenced based research journals specific to couple therapy in the mental health profession with particular examination on relationship satisfaction?” This study included articles retrieved from peer reviewed scholarly research journals with emphasis on the mental health profession. Articles that were published between 2000-2017 with content pertaining to mindfulness in couples therapy were retrieved for analysis. There were 13 peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles that met the final criteria for inclusion in this study. The coding procedure began by developing a coding form to assist the coding team in analyzing the collected data. The final sample of 13 articles were then coded for relevant information applicable to mindfulness in couples therapy. Three major themes emerged from the coding process; mindfulness was found to have a positive effect in relationship satisfaction, emotional reactivity and acceptance and awareness. These themes give insight into how mindfulness is being applied and used in the mental health field in couples therapy. The potential benefits of mindfulness on relationships have only recently begun to be explored. The results of this content analysis have multiple implications for researchers to add to the understanding and application of mindfulness in the mental health profession with emphasis on the benefits of mindfulness in regard to relationships. In summary, mindfulness is not just a tool or technique, it is a way of being (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Shapiro and Carlson (2017) stated that, “Mindfulness is both a process (mindful practice) and an outcome (mindful awareness)” (p. 10). Understanding that mindfulness has tools and techniques that can be taught to individuals and couples to benefit their lives can be confusing due to the fact that there is not a definitive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the positive changes reported in research study results. Blending ancient philosophies of the East into the Western world of modern science is indeed encircled with challenges; and yet the possibilities of bringing these two epistemologies together creates enormous potential and opportunities to diminish the suffering of clients in the mental health profession.
A mixed methods approach to investigating self-care, attachment awareness, and burnout in marriage and family therapists
(2022-05-27) Key, Mary Hannah K; Ladd, Linda
The purpose of this convergent mixed methods study was to investigate and expand our knowledge of the experience of burnout among marriage and family therapists in terms of attachment experiences, self-care, and clinical practice during the first year of a global health crisis. This study is significant as the voices of marriage and family therapists are underrepresented in the mental health literature concerning burnout and work-life balance. A major goal of this study was to bring increased awareness of the experience of burnout to the mental health field. This study was funded by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health with grant money from the Frances Fowler Wallace Memorial Award. Participants were predominantly fully licensed LMFTs (n = 67) and licensed LMFT associates (n = 27). The quantitative analyses compared participant burnout scores on the three subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and participant global adult attachment scores on the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures (ECR-RS). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that therapists with an avoidant attachment style scored higher on the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization subscales, and lower on the personal accomplishment subscale of burnout when compared to therapists with an anxious attachment style. Other variables included therapists’ awareness of their own attachment style, frequency of self-care practices, average number of clients per week, and population of clients. A correlation analysis found the strongest significant association between therapists’ frequency of self-care practices and all three subscales of burnout. Responses to the four qualitative open-ended questions explored participant experiences with personal and work-related challenges during COVID-19, self-care practices, and attachment knowledge and its impact on clinical work. A total of 32 participants (16 males and 16 females) shared data that were coded into themes such as Diminished emotional functioning, Disengaged and detached, Professional discontent, and Work-life imbalance. These themes call attention to the challenges MFTs face as they juggle managing their personal and professional lives during an ongoing global pandemic. Strategies and interventions can be developed to support therapists’ ability to cope with the experience of burnout, maintain overall wellness, and ensure quality therapeutic care in clinical practice.
A phenomenological analysis of a girls’ club quilting project
(7/19/2021) Cottle, Jennifer Pierce; Dutton, Catherine
The phenomena of connection, competence, and self-efficacy have not been explored in the context of an after-school girls club. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of 9 girls engaged in a quilting project in an after-school program for expressions of connection, competence, and self-efficacy using a feminist quilting metaphor to stitch together a feminist relational framework, psychosocial framework, and social cognitive framework. Secondary data was collected from the de-identified transcripts of an after-school program evaluation which used semi-structured interviews with the participants. Transcripts were analyzed using a three-stage coding process. Themes were organized into a novel strategy called Code Group Quilt Blocks and found poetry. Findings indicated that the participants expressed connection, industry, specific self-efficacy, and boredom regarding the quilting project. The quilting project provided an opportunity for the girls to develop connection and friendships with one another, as well as an opportunity to develop and learn new skills. This study has implications for improving the experience of children in after-school programs and for the use of a new strategy for qualitative analysis.
A phenomenological study with African American male cardiac peer support volunteers
(4/29/2020) Coleman, Charles Michael; Armstrong, Joyce
This qualitative phenomenological study was designed to focus on the lived experiences of African American male cardiovascular peer support volunteers (AAMCPSV) within a healthcare setting. There is a paucity of African American male peer support volunteers to work with the increasing numbers of African American cardiovascular patients. The scarcity of AAMCPSV warrants the question of factors contributing to the lack of organizational policies, challenges faced within hospital staff, and lessons learned from the few males who have been peer support volunteers in the past five years. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of AAMCPSV with a goal of understanding the phenomena from their perspectives. This research was guided by one overarching research question: What are the lived experiences of African American male cardiac peer support volunteers in a healthcare setting? The findings of this study from the perspectives of the AAMCPSV are that the African American peer support volunteer is the most capable member of the healthcare team to help guide the cardiac patient and family out of the crisis; volunteering to the African American patient improves the cardiac health of the volunteer and the patient; masculinity and sexuality are underlying and under recognized concerns; and the AAMCPSV want to empower other African American males to join the cause.
A post-intentional study of telesupervision experiences of marginalized mental health supervisees
(December 2023) Thompson, Carol Elise 1965-; Aaron Norton; Catherine Dutton; Rebecca Lucero-Jones
The field of professional mental health providers is growing more diverse, and the method of providing supervision to beginning therapists and trainees has become often characterized by a videoconferencing or telesupervision format (Lebensohn-Chialvo et al., 2021; Phillips et al., 2021). There is a need to research and better understand the diversity considerations of telesupervision (Phillips et al., 2021). This phenomenological study provides an exploration into how mental health supervisees who hold one or more marginalized identities experience telesupervision. Seven mental health supervisees participated in one focus group and in follow-up individual interviews. A post-intentional phenomenological inquiry provided the lens for data analyzation. Feminist theory, feminist family therapy and supervision concepts, and telehealth principles also inform the inquiry method. ). Four production themes emerged from the data analysis of the supervisee’s telesupervision experiences. These themes are (a) influences of format on experience, (b) impact on supervisory relationship, (c) connections to self-of-thetherapists concerns, and (d) perceptions of the effect on the field. In addition, three provocation themes surfaced. These themes are (a) requests for more leadership, (b) suggestions for improvement, and (c) professional development opportunities. These resulting themes provide a valuable snapshot of beneficial and challenging supervision practices for underrepresented supervisees. The information provided by the supervisee participants will inform supervisors, iii supervisor training programs, and underrepresented supervisees on ways to improve and maintain competent telesupervision experiences.
A qualitative content analysis of the perceptions of the meanings & experiences of infertile African American couples
(3/28/2019) Jenkins, Eunice; Brock, Linda J.
This qualitative content analysis study examined scholarly peer-reviewed research journal articles, dissertations, and theses published or defended between 1980 – 2018 that focused on the meanings and lived experiences of infertile, African American heterosexual couples. Currently, infertility affects approximately six million men and women in the United States, which estimates to one in eight couples facing difficulty with conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to full term (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008b). Ambiguous loss theory (Boss, 1999) was used to offer a framework for examining and understanding the experience of infertility among African American couples in terms of grief and loss. The findings revealed that infertile African American couples, (1) were aware of how the biological, psychological, and social changes impacted their experience of infertility; (2) understood the impact infertility had on the functioning of the relationship both positively and negatively; (3) openly expressed the meaning they placed on their infertility experience; (4) had deeply held consideration of how sharing their stories was a blessing to others and a coping mechanism for them; and (5) considered their experience of infertility as trauma which led couples to shy away from delving into that part of their experience . Five themes emerged from the data: (a) Biopsychosocial Interaction: Emotional Rollercoaster, (b) Relationship Functioning and Satisfaction, (c) Meaning of Infertility, (d) Sharing our Story: Strength in Release and Support, and (e) Ambiguous Loss: Physical Absence and Psychological Presence. Couples’ responses were included to illustrate the themes. Limitations and clinical implications for African American couples and families, Marriage and Family Therapists, and healthcare providers are discussed. Recommendations for further research include: (a) examining the experiences of infertility among other minority groups for comparison; (b) utilizing a longitudinal study to explore how the meanings and perceptions of infertility change over a longer period of time; (c) exploring how infertility impacts other family members; (d) investigating the experience of infertility among infertile remarried couples; (e) studying how therapy practices when used as a coping resource impacts how infertile couples make meaning and perceive their infertility; and (f) exploration of the experiences of infertility from the male researcher perspective.
A qualitative study: African Americans' perceptions of family therapy and treatment
(5/30/2018) Billingsley, Dauphine L; Armstrong, Joyce; Brock, Linda J.; Norton, Aaron, Ph. D., LMFT
The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine and explore African Americans’ perception of family therapy and treatment as it pertains to key barriers of service utilization. Specifically, the study examined the role that culture plays on the lack of service utilization as well as how cultural factors shape the attitudes and beliefs of African Americans regarding mental health, family therapy and treatment. In addition, this study was designed to link historical and present day ecological systems that continue to impact the African American community. Three separate focus groups were utilized to explore the research question that guided this study: How do African Americans perceive family therapy and treatment? 18 African Americans, 25 years of age and older discussed their perceptions, attitudes and beliefs regarding family therapy and treatment. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. Six themes emerged; cultural understanding, cultural barriers, cause of mental strain, coping mechanisms, cultural support, and cultural communication. Findings support previous research that highlight the uniqueness of African Americans and the important role that culture plays on treatment seeking behaviors. Suggestions for overcoming barriers and future research are discussed.
A thematic analysis of the literature of the lived experiences of collective trauma due to deportation causing separation among Mexican and Central American individuals, couples, and families
(2/10/2020) Garcia, Juana Elida; Ladd, Linda, Ph. D.
Through this thematic analysis study, this researcher examined the experiences of collective trauma as reported by Latina/os individuals, couples, and families separated due to deportation. In this study, four dissertations and one thesis, during the time range of 2013-2017, were reviewed to explore the meanings of the lived experiences of individuals, couples and families facing the challenges of separation. This researcher explored the responses of persons whose origins were from Mexico and Central America and were affected by United States migratory legislation through the lens of phenomenology; the Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS, 1995); the Borderland Theory (1987); and, Anzalduan epistemologies (Anzaldua & Keating, 2002). The focus of the study was to understand the following: (1) the negative and psychological effects of persons experiencing oppression (Cudd, 2006); (2) the three concepts of social exclusion (Mathieson et al., 2008); and, (3) the effect of trauma on the brain, body and mind of the person as expressed through states of dissociation and shame (Kaufman, 1985; van der Hart, 2006; van der Kolk, 2014). Major Themes from Research Question 1: What did Latina/o individuals describe as their experiences of deportation? The three major themes identified for research question one were as followed: 1.1 Fear: Existential threat toward Self and group; Subtheme 1.1a: Self and identity issues: In-between; 1.2 Painful detachments: Sudden loss of family member; Subtheme 1.2a: Shame and secrecy: Remain silent; 1.3 Economic hardships: Double burdens on the family; Subtheme 1.3a: Enculturation trauma: Lost in transmission. Major Themes from Research Question 2: How did Latino couples describe their experiences of separation due to deportation? The two major themes identified for research question two are as follows: 2.1 Lack of economic support from deportee: Living in Canal City; 2.2 Disconnection in the relationship: Unbridgeable; Subtheme 2.2a: Insecure attachments: Illegal love. Major Themes from Research Question 3: How did family members process and construct meaning when experiencing separation due to deportation? The two major themes to research question three included: 3.1 Family reunification: Mr. Coyote; 3.2) Social pain: Broken spirits; Subtheme 3.2a: Psychological homelessness: Open wound. The obligation to conduct research that centralized on transforming societal inequalities to produce positive social change was a genuine effort in sustaining humanity. The commitment in promoting research across cultural contexts involved interdisciplinary focus on the social levels, the mind, brain and body. To address inequalities and heal culture wounds in families required an advanced knowledge of the complexity of social realities.
An action research study investigating children's use of an iPad during free play in a kindergarten classroom: An exploration of teaching pedagogy and children's learning, social interactions, and digital literacy
(2013-03-12) Reynolds-Blankenship, Tara Lynn; Snider, Sharla; Anderson, Nancy L., Ph. D.; Buckley, Rhonda R.; McCarroll, Elizabeth
As part of human development, technology plays an important role in many children's lives. As digital technologies continue to permeate aspects of many children's everyday lives, educators are integrating digital technologies into classroom practices and, as such, have created a need to examine the ways in which children use technologies in their thinking and learning. One such prime area for investigation is how children respond to and incorporate the use of mobile learning devices, such as the iPad, into their play. The purpose of this study was to examine the introduction of an iPad during free play in a kindergarten classroom as a catalyst to enhance teaching and learning, social interactions and support digital literacy. Secondly, the purpose of this study was to explore any pedagogical shifts in teaching as a means for developing best practice. The theoretical frameworks for this study were Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), Bruner, and Kress. CHAT was used to examine the activity theory created by the iPad in a Kindergarten classroom. Teaching was examined using the tenets of Bruner to explore any pedagogical shifts in teaching. Further, recordings were analyzed to pinpoint expressions of digital literacy associated with playing on the iPad. This research study incorporated aspects of qualitative methodology with an emphasis on action research. The information generated from the evidence of this study was used to provide research-based insight into the nature of children playing and learning on an iPad during unstructured playtime in regard to social interactions and digital literacy development. Further, data were gathered to enlighten understanding of any pedagogical shifts in teaching practice and how these could be utilized to shape best practice. Qualitative data consisting of field notes, observations, audio tapes, interviews, and a researcher reflective journal were collected from a teacher and 25 Kindergarten children over the course of a three-month period. A constant comparative analysis was used to examine the data for similarities and differences. Findings revealed that activity mediated by the iPad cultivated a sense of community and a transformation of teaching and learning. The inclusion of the iPad initiated a child centered system of rules for turn taking which allowed for the children to mediate social interactions among the groups and, as a result, teaching practices were altered. The role of the teacher was impacted as the teacher ceded control allowing children to mediate conflicts and be active participants of their learning. This study showed that it was important for me as the teacher to encourage children to make their own rules and to provide less guidance. Furthermore, digital literacy was an important piece of this study. Findings suggested that children need opportunities to publish and share digitally in order to use information fluently and generate new understandings. Actions were mediated by the iPad and it allowed children to make decisions and to collaborate positively (Gee, 2003) with one another.
An action research study using photovoice: College students' perceptions of eating habits during childhood
(2016-12-30) Mason, Man'Dee; Petty, Karen; Armstrong, Joyce; Rose, Katherine K.
The family unit influences a child’s development along with his or her external surroundings. These interactions have an impact on subsequent behaviors during the child’s life. Connectivity of family members, including roles in meal planning, grocery purchases, and meal preparation, directly impresses upon the eating habits of children. The purpose of this research was to provide a greater understanding of consumption habits of college students from a developmental perspective. Qualitative action research was conducted using group and individual childhood questions, and PhotoVoice technology. PhotoVoice was used as a visual, verbal, and analytic tool for college student participants to illustrate obstacles to healthy eating. Results indicated that during childhood the participants were influenced by family dynamics of meal planning, parental food selection, and socializing factors related to peer interaction. Subsequently in college, results revealed factors including availability of healthy options, time, finances, resources, and access impacted the students’ eating habits. This study acted to identify information in two areas. The first was childhood eating habit development from group and individual interviews. The second area focused on obstacles to healthy eating as college students. This also addressed students’ cognitions about their food options on and off campus. Findings indicated students would prefer healthier food and drink options. Students in this sample indicated a desire for food that is of better quality and easier access to better meal options.
Adaptation in American Indian families: Perceptions of older women
(1999-05) Watson, Julie Reed; Hildreth, Gladys; Armstrong, Joyce; Fannin, Ron
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how older American Indian women perceive adaptation to a dominant society and its influences on American Indian family life. The subjects were 10 American Indian women from 50 to 78 years of age, from Ardmore, Oklahoma and the Dallas-Fort Worth areas. The study investigated perceptions held by women about dominant society influences on American Indian family life, traditions, and values. The nine themes that resulted from semi-structured interviews were: (a) importance of education; (b) value of job and employment opportunities; (c) teaching, speaking, and listening to Indian language; (d) attending tribal functions to maintain cultural identity; (e) sharing stories, ceremonies, and traditions with children; (f) adjusting to dominant society; (g) need for dominant society to be more knowledgeable about American Indians; (h) responsibility to the family; (i) less commitment to traditional American Indian family lifestyle. Two additional findings were: (a) influence and changes of American Indian youth and (b) losing American Indian identity.
Administrator competencies in relationship to child care program type
(1982-05) Stearns, Josephine S.; Gershner, Vera; Tate, Deanna; Crews, Carol; Jennings, Glen; Stone, Howard; Marshall, David
Administrators' perceptions of special education
(1999-08-31) Payne, Yolanda; Irons, Jane; Marshall, David; Barbour, JoAnn
Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and restructuring of education have made the administrator's role more important than ever. Research has shown that administrators do not have the knowledge to carry out the demands of the Act. A survey instrument was used to provide descriptive information about school administrators' perceptions of the reauthorized Act. The purpose was to conduct a statewide survey of elementary, middle, and high school principals to examine the current status of their perceptions of knowledge and responsibility for implementing special education programs on their campuses. There were 300 surveys mailed with 128 returned. Results indicated that most principals do not have special education backgrounds and little college training in this area, but believed there was a need to become better educated to appropriately implement students' Individual Education Plans . Major concerns and recommendations from administrators dealt with staying current regarding special education laws and procedures.
Adolescent parents' perceptions toward childrearing
(1980-08) Gardner, Martha; Stafford, Anita; Impson, June; Simpson, Jacqueline
Adolescents' perceptions of fathering factors that influence identity development
(2011-12) Koffi, Lacei R.; Petty, Karen; Buckley, Rhonda R.; Jennings, Glen
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover how adolescents perceive the influence of their fathers on their identity development. This study explored the lived experiences of adolescents and the interactions with the father figures in their lives. The study consisted of 16 participants from a North Texas high school. All participants contributed to the study through interviews, self-stories, and age lines. The following question guided the research: What perceptions do adolescents have regarding their fathers' influence during identity development? Qualitative methods were used to analyze the data and discover themes. The descriptions of interactions were used to determine what fathering factors served to help in developing a positive identity and those elements of fathering that hindered identity development as perceived by the adolescent and found by analysis of emerging themes and patterns from the collected data. The major themes discovered in this research were: Communication, Guidance, Availability and Accessibility, Supervision of Schoolwork, Beliefs, and Discipline. Conclusions of the study support the findings of the current literature and demonstrate that adolescents themselves respect their fathers' guidance during identity development.
Adoption disruption, stability, success, and attachment security of adoptive parents
(2008-12-30) Hudspeth, Doretha; Armstrong, Joyce; Petty, Karen; Jennings, Glen
The purpose of this study was to examine factors that contribute to adoption success and adoption disruption based on parental attachment security. This study, a quantitative cross sectional survey approach, investigated the relationship between adoptive parents' attachment security, and their decision to promote adoption stability and success or to seek adoption disruption. A three phased recruitment process was used to recruit 62 participants in North Central Texas and Washington State: Phase I (Agency Recruitment), Phase II (Participants within Agencies), and Phase III (Snowball Effect). Data were collected from the participants' responses to the Adoptive Parent Demographic Data Sheet (see Appendix C), Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (Horowitz, Alden, Wiggins, & Pincus, 2000; see Appendix D), and The Brief FAM III (Skinner, Santa-Barbara, & Steinhauer, 1983; see Appendix E) as instruments. Data were analyzed using statistical t-tests, Pearson correlations and Chi-Square Tests within the Statistical Packages for Social Studies (SPSS) computer software program. Open ended data, from the participants' responses to seven open ended questions placed at the end of the Adoptive Parent Demographic Data Sheet, were analyzed for additional information on the variables and categorized into themes.
Adult attachment styles as predictors of posttraumatic stress severity and PTSD among U.S. Army soldiers
(2010-05-31) Williams, Robert
This study examined the relationships between adult attachment style and posttraumatic stress in a large sample of U.S. Army soldiers recently returned from a combat deployment. Results from responses to the Relationship Style Questionnaire and the Posttraumatic Stress Checklist (n=742) showed that soldiers with an insecure attachment style (preoccupied, fearful avoidant, dismissing avoidant) had statistically significantly higher rates of PTSD than soldiers with a secure attachment style: Secure, 6%; Preoccupied, 25.6%; Fearful Avoidant, 23.6%; Dismissing Avoidant, 1 1.9%. Soldiers with insecure attachment styles also had statistically significantly higher posttraumatic stress severity (PSS) than soldiers with secure attachment styles. Soldiers with insecure attachment styles that are higher on the anxiety dimension (preoccupied and fearful avoidant) had statistically significant higher intrusion symptom severity than other styles. Soldiers with insecure attachment styles that are higher on the avoidance dimension (fearful avoidant and dismissing avoidant) had statistically significant higher avoidance symptom severity than soldiers with a secure attachment style but not soldiers with a preoccupied style. This study also examined the associations between adult attachment dimensions and PSS. Results from simple linear regressions (n=759) showed higher attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance independently predicted higher PSS. Results from hierarchical multiple regressions (n=737) showed adult attachment dimensions, anxiety and avoidance, were stronger predictor of PSS than combat exposure, perceived danger, and demographic risk factors. Two cumulative R2 series showed similar results. In a regression model that assigned causal priority to the attachment dimensions, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance collectively accounted for a statistically significant greater amount of variance in PSS than combat exposure, 20% versus 7%. Data show perceived danger and being female were also significant predictors of PSS in this sample. The overall hierarchical regression model accounted for 31% of the variance in PSS. This study suggests attachment insecurity and attachment security are risk and resilience factors of PTSD, respectively. The study also suggests contemporary attachment theory is an important theoretical framework with broader implications for the Army. A discussion of implications included Army medicine, the human dimension and capabilities development, leadership, comprehensive soldier fitness, and counseling. The study proposed specific recommendations to use or accelerate attachment research in these areas.
Adult female survivors of commercial sexual exploitation speak about factors that led to their victimization
(2016-05-30) Johnson, Amy; Rose, Katherine K.; Buckley, Rhonda R.; Carroll, Holly
This study used grounded theory to explore how adult female survivors of commercial sexual exploitation talk about factors that led to their victimization. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine women who have successfully exited the sex industry. Data were cataloged using NVivo and coded into themes and categories. The data revealed three main time frames of interest: childhood, entering the sex industry, and exiting the sex industry. Using constant comparative analysis, coding fell into the same three themes for each time period: what was happening, how participants responded, and what happened next. Using action-interaction, a conceptual summary was developed: Overwhelming Issues, Limited Resources, Hollow Solutions. This concept represents three distinct phases that the participants cycled through. They faced overwhelming situations and, presented with limited resources, found solutions that temporarily solved the problems that later became more crushing issues. The cycle was broken when increased resources offered more stable solutions. Implications for further research are discussed.

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