bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resident Perceptions of Community Well-Being in a Resource Town
Authors: Glick Isaac
Published: October 2014

The traditional image of resource towns emphasizes problems and negative self-image. In an effort to redirect planning efforts away from the mitigation of negative impacts, thirty residents of Fort McMurray were interviewed to establish factors which promote or hinder community well-being. Subsequently, these factors were rated by a larger sample of residents. The findings indicate that residents value such factors as commitment, initiative and local involvement—indicating that community residents, themselves, constitute an important resource in the development of community well-being. These findings have implications for resource development communities and community services.
Psycho-Social Influences of Health Care Professionals in the Single Industry Mining City of Thompson, Manitoba
Authors: Redekop T. D.
Published: October 2014

Reflections on fifteen years as a Family Practitioner in Thompson, Manitoba highlight some of the problems in providing health care to a regional population of 40,000. High turnover rates coupled with little or no prior experience create a constant challenge to the health and social service staff. Unimaginative government administrators and fragmented service structures add unnecessary impediments to quality care—problems which are less noticeable in times of expansion but become critical in times of constraints. Future planning should focus on comprehensive services, on stable administration and on efforts which maximize the positive aspects of “frontier towns.”
The Impact of Resource Development on Native People
Authors: Stickel Anthony
Published: October 2014

Cultural differences such as differences, for example, in the customary level of consciousness among native and non-native peoples, account for a large measure of the existing conflicts. The period of meditation at the beginning of this presentation seems appropriate and “valuable” in the traditional native culture, but out-of-place and surprising to members of the non-native culture who value much more highly the alert, attentive, problem-solving orientation in consciousness. Ultimately, a more balanced perspective may be found to be more successfully—one that does not negate native values of conservation and contemplation.
Psycho-Social Problems Experienced by Native Population Groups in the Canadian Arctic Involved in Resource Development
Authors: Schaefer Otto
Published: October 2014

Physical health and psycho-social impacts are very much related. There are indications that not only the psychological and social well-being of native peoples but also the physical health and nutritional status has deteriorated in the face of resource development activities in the Arctic. Examples are provided of nutritional anemia, infection of the gastro-intestinal and respiratory tracts in children, obesity, arteriosclerosis and metabolic problems in adults, as well as family break-down, alcohol abuse, venereal disease, and deaths due to violence.
A Response from the Perspective of a Mohawk from the Bay of Quinte
Authors: Brant Clare
Published: October 2014

It should be amply clear that exposure to the society of the dominant culture has not been good for the Indians of Canada. Concerns for their future welfare based on lack of familiarity and fear of the unknown can be very misguided. In the end, native people, if given control over thier own affairs, will take over and manage their affairs well in their own interest.
Psycho-Social Problems of Women in Primary Resource Communities
Authors: Evans Jennifer , Cooperstock Ruth
Published: October 2014

Relevant literature on the psychosocial impacts of resource development upon women resident in isolated single-industry communities comes primarily from academic research, government-sponsored planning studies, community self-studies, reports of women's meetings, as well as from a variety of indirect indices. There is evidence to suggest that these women are at particularly high risk of psychosocial disturbance resulting from geographic and social isolation, alcohol-related violence, lack of opportunities for employment or skills upgrading, and a perceived lack of adequate health and social support services. Studies which systematically assess the contributions of these conditions to the risk of development of clinically-defined minor psychiatric illness are now necessary. Recent research on the nature of depression, and the positive effects of social support systems and of employment upon health may be of particular relevance in the design of preventive mental health policies.
Psycho-Social Problems Associated with Resource Development in Three Northern Native Communities
Authors: Hobart Charles
Published: October 2014

Analysis of data from three contrasting northern resource developments showed differing patterns of psycho-social stresses on native populations. At Coppermine, many Inuit employees travelled to distant work sites with frequent rotations between home and work. Relatively few North Baffin Inuit travelled to the lead-zinc mine at Nanisivik for lengthy periods in camp. In contrast, the Syncrude developments in the Fort McMurray area affected native community life over a broad region and particularly in Fort MacKay. The Coppermine and Nanisivik experience indicated that rotation employment was the source of most disruptive impacts: whereas the experiences of Fort MacKay illustrated major negative impacts to communities in close proximity to major resource developments.
Myths and Realities: A Comparative Examination of the Impact of “Boom” and “Bust” Conditions on the Quality of Community Life
Authors: Neufeldt Aldred , Doherty Gillian , Finkelstein Jeff
Published: October 2014

Popular perceptions of “boom” and “bust” communities, supported by some of the earlier literature and anecdotal descriptions of life in such circumstances, have suggested that the quality of life in these conditions is seriously jeopardized. On the basis of an examination of one “boom” and two “bust” communities in Northern Ontario along with several comparison communities, and an examination of the available literature, some of the earlier claims of large scale social casualty rates are questioned. Both “boom” and “bust” communities appear to experience predictable phases of development. It is suggested that the principal human service needs vary from stage to stage in both. A number of implications for program planners are identified. It is suggested that future research would most profitably be devoted to longitudinal studies of communities entering either a “boom” or “bust” phase.
Rapid Growth, Health and Well-Being: A Comparison of Ten Communities
Authors: Gartrell John W.
Published: October 2014

Conventional wisdom and existing research on the psycho-social impacts of resource development supports the view that social disruption causes a wide range of social problems in rapid growth communities. The validity of this conclusion is difficult to access. A study of the residents of Fort McMurray compared to nine other populations found little evidence that they were negatively affected by rapid growth or that psychological well-being deteriorated with longer residence in the community.
Research into the Socio-Economic Impact of Resource Development in Northern Canada Priorities and Strategies of Interest Groups
Authors: Macdonald Scott , Giesbrecht Norman
Published: October 2014

An examination of different interest groups (e.g. government, natives and industry) in Canada's north indicates that each group utilizes divergent strategies to research the socio-economic impact of rapid economic development. Furthermore, strategies and outcomes of research by each group generally reflect their priorities. On one extreme, studies sponsored by industry tend to downplay negative social impacts and stress positive economic gains from development. On the other extreme, the native people stress the social disruption of their traditional lifestyles and minimal economic benefits to be gained from development. The federal and provincial (Ontario) governments, in attaching priorities to different interest groups, have tended to implement the views of the majority of the population—those that benefit from the economic aspects of the development. Accordingly, negative social consequences related to northern resource development have only received cursory attention.
Response to Human Disaster: The Ocean Ranger
Authors: Hawco Ray
Published: October 2014

In February, 1982 the drill rig Ocean Ranger sank in a storm on the Grand Banks with the loss of all on board. This paper examines the aftermath of this disaster from a service delivery perspective. After a total disaster, all is secondary to the immediate psychosocial needs of those involved. The delivery system of response services that evolved in this instance pointed out a number of Contingency Plan weaknesses relative to anticipation and planning especially in the human needs sector. In a disaster, a special component focused on human needs should coordinate existing agencies to identify needs; respond to the physical, emotional, psychological, religious and security requirements; and monitor and need for continuing support for those affected in other than the immediate post-disaster period.
Situational Research
Authors: Leighton Alexander
Published: October 2014

In considering the power of knowledge in the service of mankind, recent experiences, particularly since World War II, have moderated the optimism and confidence that typified the scientific and technical expansion of the past two hundred years. Societies are now concerned with maximizing the positive impacts and mitigating the negative impacts of “progress.” Against a background description of some very negative impacts of well-intentioned changes to the Navajo economy, a conceptual framework is presented which may facilitate the synthesis of various disciplines into more realistic and effective designs for research and planning. A situational or “cross-disciplinary” orientation enhances the broadest possible perspective of a particular situation—a perspective which might help prevent similar unintended and unwanted consequences of development in the future. Any shift to a situational perspective in the clinical, social and behavioural sciences will require conscious and concerted efforts on the part of all professionals and academics involved.
Community Residential Facilities for the Mentally Ill and Mentally Retarded: Environmental Quality and Adaptive Functioning
Authors: Hull John T. , Keats James G. , Thompson Joy
Published: October 2014

Environmental quality of the entire Manitoba population of community residences, boarding homes and independent living units (278) was examined by an adapted version of Program Analysis of Service Systems (P.A.S.S.-3). The adaptive functioning of residents (665) was also determined by use of sections of the Adaptive Functioning Index (A.F.I.). The findings indicated the need for more promotion of socially integrative activities for residents such as recreation, community awareness and citization of community resources. Improvements in environmental quality were indicated in areas such as integration versus segregation, intensity of special placements exceeding the integrative potential of certain neighborhoods and restrictions on autonomy of residents. Strong, positive correlations were found between environmental normalization and the adaptive functioning level of residents.
Efficient and Effective Human Services: Some Assumptions about why and how to Involve Community Residents
Authors: Hodgson Susan
Published: October 2014

It is the thesis of this paper that involving community residents in the planning and delivery of human services can improve service efficiency and effectiveness. For example, residents can help at the staff level by replacing professionals when they are not needed and by providing a critical supplement to professionals' expertise in holistic approaches. They can help at the agency and system levels by increasing the utilization of allocated resources, by advocating programs which professionals are unlikely to advocate and by focusing program objectives so that they are responsive to local and cultural concerns. In the past, efforts to involve community resident have been hampered by a variety of obstacles, arising within the individual, the team and the system. Residents can lack confidence. Professionals can find it hard to acknowledge their interdependence with those they serve. Teams can lack sufficient power to motivate their members and, without extensive institutional backing, residents and professionals can lack the resources to participate. Dealing with the obstacles that arise requires careful preparation and follow through at each of these levels.
Relativisation de la Santé Mentale et de Ses Concepts
Authors: Joshi Purushottam
Published: October 2014

Mental health and illness are relative concepts in the sense that they vary from one culture to another, in the same way as they may acquire different values in the same cultural context according to the individual to whom they get applied. The present paper offers a brief historical overview of the limitations of mental illness model and identifies a few factors responsible for the relative aspect of the medical model. Relativity in the area of mental health can explain, at least in part, why certain models and theoretical approaches were long in use before they were finally abandoned. Thus, the main challenge of the researchers in the area of mental health is that of defining the optimal criterion for an impirical validation which may be applicable not only to all the facts but may also permit to apprehend several implications of the cultural relativity of mental health.
Adult Education and Change in Rural Communities
Authors: Waldron Mark , Fuller Tony
Published: October 2014

Traditional rural communities are experiencing significant and, in some cases, drastic change. The stereotypical image of a rural community of prosperous farmers, vigorous small businesses, clean air and water and neat farmsteads is being severely challenged by today's economy, ecology and urbanization. This article will review some of the current statistics related to farm bankruptcies, farm accidents and stress related occupational harzards as a means of providing a background to some of the changes and challenges facing rural communities. An awareness of these issues will be related to some approaches that rural communities are taking in dealing with mental health. Three major components of this process will be examined: (1) the development and response of traditional as well as emerging rural organizations to the new demands being placed on them; (2) the changing role of adult educators and extension change agents in dealing with the new realities of rural living; and (3) the role of community development in an approach to comprehensive rural planning and the identification of problem areas. A case study of the University of Guelph's recently completed “Rural Development Outreach Project” will be presented as a means of relating how one educational institution became involved in helping several rural communities face the issue and realities of contemporary rural life. This case study will be related to new approaches to education and training for those interested in the “health” of rural communities.
Affirmative Action: Shared Responsibility?
Authors: Segal Judith
Published: October 2014

It is neither useful nor productive to categorize people in business according to their gender, since most categories tend to create dysfunctional blocks which are highly visible in organizational affirmative action programs. Most women have been led to accept that men were here first. Now women who want “equality,” “affirmation,” and financial mobility are faced with reeducating both themselves and other women in redefining their relationships with those who have the power to affirm. This article addresses the interim survival strategies that women training women must learn if they are to be able to empower each other through the transition from being protesters to effective team players; if they are to be able to trade a victim identity for a competency-based identity; and if they are to be able to move from unrealistic, grandiose goals to systematic and strategic rist-taking that will pay off in the future.
Problems and Priorities in Research on Suicidal Behaviours: An Overview with Canadian Implications
Authors: Bagley Christopher , Ramsay Richard
Published: October 2014

This paper reviews research progress and research priorities in the study of suicidal behaviour as a preliminary to implementing a community-based program of education and prevention of suicidal behaviours. Among the priorities for Canadian research and evaluation which this review has identified are better statistical base for Canadian suicidology; the study of regional and ecological variations in suicidal behaviour in Canada; the role of social stress, unemployment, and social change; family stability and disruption; the role of biological factors, mental illness, and alcoholism; the taxonomy of suicidal behaviours; the social meanings of suicide at the community level; and the increasing rates of suicidal behaviour in young people and associated age cohorts.
Attitudes of Professional and Community Groups Toward Male and Female Suicide
Authors: DeRose Nancy , Page Stewart
Published: October 2014

Further to the work of Broverman et al. (1972) and others, this study explored whether different attitudes exist toward female as opposed to male suicidal behaviours, and, in turn, whether these conceptions would vary according to one's professional discipline. Psychologists (N = 38), social workers (N = 45), registered nurses (N = 43), and 42 lay persons completed the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (Domino et al., 1982). Half of each group's questionnaires referred to a female target person, and half referred to a male. Judged seriousness of behaviour for males vs. females was significantly different on 22 items, and significant differences between professional groups appeared on 36 items. Some female suicide behaviours were perceived as less serious than were the same behaviors when performed by a male. Further analyses, and implications for theory and practice in the community, are outlined.
Wife Abuse: An Overview of Salient Issues
Authors: Mackenzie Dale A.
Published: October 2014

Although gains are very recently being made in the area of wife battering due to an increase in publicity regarding the prevalence of this issue, much remains to be done in terms of basic consciousness raising within the human service sector. This article provides an overview of the literature dealing with the problems faced by battered women with particular attention being paid to rural and native battered women. Explanations for the causes and effects of this social problem are discussed. The primary objective of the paper is to highlight the current inadequate response of human service agencies to this long standing problem. Recommendations offered focus on program and policy issues for the human service network that comes in contact with cases of wife abuse.
Social Support for Single Mothers: A study of Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Authors: Campbell R. Elaine , O'Neill Patrick
Published: October 2014

This study used a waiting-list control design to investigate the hypothesis that receiving service from Big Brothers/Big Sisters enhances a single mother's social adjustment and general well-being. Mothers who had children matched with a big brother or big sister were compared with mothers who were awaiting service. Mothers receiving service were significantly better on both dependent measures. Interview data supported Gottlieb's (1983) contention that family and friends are more important sources of social support than are professionals.
The Occurrence of Sexual Abuse in a Small Community
Authors: Van Dam Carla , Halliday Linda , Bates Chuck
Published: October 2014

The number of victims of child sexual abuse in a community with a population of 16,000 was studied, Because of the active work of a self-help group in promoting treatment of victims and prosecution of offenders, the courts have convicted 32 offenders in this community during a three year period (1980-1983). Victims were identified in various ways. The sentencing of the offenders was based on specific charges involving 56 victims. Another 29 victims were identified in court but were not included in the final sentencing, as a result of plea-bargaining and other legal procedures. Counsellors in the self-help group were aware of another 33 victims who claimed to have been sexually abused by these same 32 convicted offenders but whose names were not identified in court. While courtroom convictions reflect only the tip of the iceberg, they do give a picture of the minimum number of victims of child sexual abuse in a small community.
Acquérir la Compétence Pour Agir Sur L'Environnement Physique
Authors: Jutras Sylvie
Published: October 2014

The adequate relation or fit between a person and his/her environment contributes to maintaining and developing mental health. This paper addresses the user's competency in dealing with the physical environment in order to maximize person-environment fit. Environmental competency comprises an understanding of the psycho-environmental potential that is, the capacity of a setting to produce person-environment fits or misfits. The psycho-environmental potential is defined in respect to the six basic functions of a setting. Environmental competency manifests itself finally through an action on environment. In an organizational setting, psycho-environmental intervention should be based on an evaluation in order to maximize its effectiveness.
La Prévention en Santé Mentale Communautaire: À La Recherche d'une Méthodologie Évaluative Appropriée
Authors: Lafortune Denis , Kiely Margaret C.
Published: October 2014

Various considerations of theoretical, ethical and strategical order, should incite community psychologists to pay more interest to the evaluative questions. In doing so they will have to face two major problems. First of all, they will have to avoid the traps given by the methodological and theoretical debates: specifically, the medical and ecological models, and the quantitative and qualitative methods. And then, they will have to locate new decision criteria that will permit them to make their methodological choices in a less routine-minded way. These criteria will undoubtedly have to be found among the question asked by the evaluation, the pragmatic characteristics of the program and the nature of its theoretical base.
The Use of Theory-Relevant Goals as a Means of Enhancing Utilization
Authors: Korabik Karen
Published: October 2014

This article describes an evaluation of the Rural Development Outreach Project (RDOP), a broad-aim rural development project designed to improve the quality of rural life by providing personnel and resources from the university to aid in the solution of problems in the community. Rather than assessing the outcomes of the project, this evaluation used a goal attainment scaling approach to examine the extent to which the individual programs comprising the project followed principles of rural development theory in establishing their services. Results indicated that an integrated approach to problems and active participation and involvement of community members was most likely to lead to above expected goal attainment.
The Interaction Between Evaluator and Program: Lessons from an Evaluation of a Parent Resource Centre
Authors: Resnick Gary
Published: October 2014

This paper reports the results of an evaluation of a parent-child resource center in a suburb of Toronto. The resource centre was designed as a prevention program to strengthen and support mothers with young children by offering social support, recreational and education programs for both parent and child. The findings suggest that the program was effective in improving the mother's self-esteem and social supports, and enhancing the child's developmental progress. However, there was no evidence of program impact on parent-child interactions, and improvements were not correlated with frequency of attendance at the Centre. This study is a case example of the constraints placed on evaluations by program considerations, especially during the formative stages of program implementation.
L'évaluation des Ressources Alternatives: À La Recherche De Modèles Alternatifs En Évaluation
Authors: Mercier Céline
Published: October 2014

Following the current literature, alternative resources for the mentally ill have already demonstrated their efficiency. However, the question remains of their role and specificity within the general service network in the field of mental health, especially when looking at their development and financial support. Social research, especially evaluation research, can contribute an answer to these questions concerning the organization of the service delivery system. This paper focuses on various evaluation approaches (systemic model, course of implementation and formative evaluation) of alternative resources and expectancies towards research.
Participation and Utilization: Assessing the Skills Training Needs of the Chronically Mentally Ill
Authors: Crocker Peter J. , George Margo S.
Published: October 2014

Utilization-focused and stakeholder-based approaches to evaluation attempt to enhance utilization through the participation of individuals with a vested interest in evaluation outcomes. The present study sought to determine the skills training needs of the chronically mentally ill, and involved program participants (clients and staff) in measurement and design issues. Client interview, nominal group, and key informant strategies were used to obtain a variety of perspectives on client needs. Program clients were given a voice in decision-making and program planning, and research results were used to develop a skills training program relevant to client's needs.
Program vs. Evaluation: Reconciling the Needs of Service Providers and Program Managers
Authors: Pancer S. Mark
Published: October 2014

One reason often cited for the difficulty in implementing and utilizing evaluation in mental health settings is the resistance of clinical staff. This resistance can often be traced to the lack of involvement of front-line staff in the research process, despite the fact that they are major stakeholders in the evaluation and its results. This article outlines a number of ways in which the needs of program staff can be addressed by involving them more in the design, implementation and reporting of the evaluation, by providing information that can be used in the assessment and treatment of individual clients, and by minimizing the negative consequences resulting from evaluation activities. An evaluation of a camp for children with learning disabilities and behaviour problems is used to illustrate some of the principles discussed.
Sheltered Housing for the Chronic Psychiatric Patient: The Influence of Operators of Board and Care Facilities on Community Participation of their Residents
Authors: Trute Barry
Published: October 2014

Home care settings remain a primary alternative for the community placement of individuals with chronic psychiatric disabilities. This exploratory study employed survey data collected from randomly selected sheltered care facilities in the City of Winnipeg. The intent was to study the influence operators of sheltered care facilities had both on levels of alienation experienced by their residents and as well, on the level of actual contact residents had with people living in the neighbourhood. It was found that alienation in residents was not related to the level of social alienation expressed by the operators of the board and care homes in which chronic patients resided, but seemed directly tied to the individual resident's level of psychopathology and sex. However, level of psychopathology was not found to be directly related to the degree of actual contact the chronically disabled had with people living in their immediate neighbourhood. Contact with neighbours achieved by the mentally ill was found to be directly related to the level of social alienation of the people operating their board and care residences. Overall, it appeared that women residents under the care of less socially alienated board and care operators, experienced the highest levels of neighbourhood contacts.
The Psychiatric Paradox and Women
Authors: Penfold P. Susan , Walker Gillian A.
Published: October 2014

While purporting to be benign, compassionate, and helpful, psychiatry functions as a social regulator. Its unrecognized inter-relationship with the social system allows psychiatry to participate in women's oppression, locating the problem within the individual woman and obscuring the invidious effects of social structures. Psychiatric theories can reflect and reinforce longstanding beliefs about women's status and role, contribute to her devalued status, blame her for her difficulties, minimize violence against her, and suggest that her behaviour should be shaped so that she can conform to the traditional role. A feminist perspective provides a different view and alternative treatment approaches.
The Social Reconstruction of Sexual Assault by Women Victims: A Comparison of Therapeutic Experiences
Authors: Hutchinson Chris Huntley , McDaniel Susan A.
Published: October 2014

In this study, the conventionally accepted view of sexual violence against women as manifested by traditional therapy is contrasted with the feminist perspective represented by feminist therapy and feminist self-help groups for victims of sexual assault. The focus of the research is on the ways in which consumers of different therapies are taught socially to reconstruct their sexual assault experiences. On the basis of intensive interviews with victims of sexual assault or incest who have subsequently experienced therapy, the reconstructions of the assault encouraged by conventional therapeutic approaches are found to differ sharply from those developed in feminist modalities. The conclusion is that conventional therapies for victim of sexual assault tend to perpetuate the existing belief structure about rape and incest by isolating and blaming the victim. In contrast, feminist counselling and feminist self-help groups remove the woman's false sense of guilt, validate the woman's experience with sexual violence, and enable the victim to develop an understanding of the social structural context in which sexual assault occurs.
Single Mothers in Canada: An Analysis
Authors: Morrison Wendy , Page Gwen , Sehl Mary , Smith Heather
Published: October 2014

This paper explores the social context of single mothers in Canada. Areas of concern in the literature include role strain (both at home and at work), poverty, employment, and the inaccessibility of child care. Past interventions for single mothers at the governmental, organizational, and individual levels are discussed. These include strategies to reduce the numbers of single-parent families living below the poverty line, to ensure greater flexibility for single mothers in the workforce, and to improve the overall self-image of women through further education, assertiveness training, and confidence building. Finally, the authors make recommendations for policy changes and future interventions, proposing a strategy which combines elements of the Employment Resource Program, an innovative model used in a mid-size Ontario city, and the former Vancouver Opportunities program. The model employs self-help techniques, career counselling and job training, child care and financial assistance.
Perceived Stressors and Coping Responses of Employed and Non-Employed Career Women with Preschool Children
Authors: Canam Connie J.
Published: October 2014

Women today are involved in multiple roles. While some research shows that multiple roles are health enhancing, other research findings indicate that particular role combinations create major stress and result in poor health. The present study was designed to examine the effect of particular role combinations on women's health by comparing the health of employed and non-employed career women with preschool children. A convenience sample of fifty career women was utilized and a multi-item questionnaire was self-administered. Twenty of the participants were interviewed. The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings related to women's perceived stressors and coping responses. Findings indicate that the type of stressor experienced by these two groups is different and as a result they require different kinds of support to enable them to cope effectively with their chosen roles.
An Evaluation of a Treatment Package Designed for Women with a History of Sexual Victimization in Childhood and Sexual Dysfunctions in Adulthood
Authors: Gazan Marjorie
Published: October 2014

This study systematically evaluated the effectiveness of a treatment package developed for women who had been sexually victimized in childhood or adolescence and who were experiencing sexual dysfunctions in adulthood that they attributed to these earlier experiences. The treatment package consisted of three components: (a) relaxation training, (b) cognitive restructuring of the women's erroneous beliefs about sexual victimization, and (c) treatment of the sexual dysfunctions. A multiple-baseline across-subjects design was utilized (Hersen & Barlow, 1976). Participants included five women and their partners who voluntarily sought therapy from the Psychological Services Centre, University of Manitoba. Repeated measures were collected at specific intervals through the treatment and at follow-up using interview data and several standardized questionnaires. The results indicated the treatment package was successful in assisting the women in the study to achieve the first two goals of therapy: (a) to modify the woman's erroneous beliefs about sexual victimization, particularly those beliefs related to psychosexual functioning, and (b) to increase the woman's sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. The treatment package intervention had only limited success in assisting the couple to achieve sexual satisfaction. Reasons for this may relate to (a) the women's reported increased sense of self-worth and self-confidence following the cognitive restructuring, (b) subsequent demands by the women for a more egalitarian sexual relationship, and (c) the incorrect assumption that partners were prepared to assist the women in achieving overall sexual satisfaction.
Life Skills for Single-Parent Women: A Program Note
Authors: Whittington Barbara
Published: October 2014

This article presents a description and consumer report of an eight-week life skills training program for single-parent women. The results of the study, although based on a post-test only self-report design, indicate that the program participants found the course helpful. The feedback indicates that for low-income women, skills in self-esteem, parenting, and assertiveness were improved. There was slightly less, but still significant progress reported in gaining and maintaining skills in the areas of stress management and problem-solving skills. Single-parent mobility and financial stress are consistently mentioned as worries or serious concerns. The report concludes that while the support and skill-building functions of life skills programs are encouraging, the major problems facing women single parents must be addressed as part of a broader public issue.
Sexual Assault: Social and Stranger Rape
Authors: Renner K. Edward , Wackett Carol
Published: October 2014

The Service for Sexual Assault Victims in Halifax reviewed 474 cases of sexual assault handled over a three-year period to determine the nature and relative frequency of social and stranger sexual assault. Women are most likely to be sexually assaulted by a man who is known to and often trusted by them. Women who are raped in a social context are less willing than those raped by a stranger to seek help at the time of the assault, to receive medical attention, or to report the rape to the police. They are also less likely to be threatened with physical harm or to receive physical injury. The cultural values which are responsible for the high frequency of sexual assaults by men who are known to their victims, and for the reluctance of the women to disclose the assault, are discussed.
Le Suicide Chez Les Personnes Agees
Authors: Lavigne-Pley Claire
Published: October 2014

In general, suicidal elders truly want to die, hence they tend to use drastic and effective methods of suicide. Unlike among the young, suicidal threats or attempted suicide is uncommon in the older population. This article presents some explanations of the contributing factors that precipitate suicide among the aged. Particular attention is given to retirement, widowhood, depression, and loneliness as related to suicide. Also reviewed are the warning signs or the clues to potential suicide, and the assessment of the suicidal elderly. Finally, suicide intervention and prevention are discussed.
Human Services and the Self-Help Clearinghouse Concept
Authors: Wollert Richard
Published: October 2014

Self-help groups hold the potential for helping many persons adjust to life stresses. The self-help clearinghouse concept is a community-centred approach toward developing and realizing this potential. This paper presents a history of clearinghouses and an overview of the services they provide. Planning issues and implementation strategies are also discussed. Although the clearinghouse concept has evolved considerably in the last 10 years, many issues remain to be addressed if clearinghouses are to become established community resources. With the resolution of these issues, however, clearinghouses may give rise to an exciting new practice specialty that integrates service and research. Professionals who are self-help movement by contributing to the development of the clearinghouse concept.
Employment Practices and Opportunities for Women: Why Voluntary Affirmative Action is Inadequate
Authors: Renner K. Edward , Gillis Leslie
Published: October 2014

In a survey of employment practices and the employment structure in Halifax, extensive segregation of work was found. Only 17% of 978 categories of work offered by 195 employers contained both male and female employees. The official policy of the Government of Canada is for voluntary rather than mandatory affirmative action. This policy was reaffirmed in 1984 for another five-year period. It was concluded that voluntary programs are unlikely to be successful because employeres who are the source of the segregated work must either correct a situation which is not recognized as discrimination, or alter the segregation of work they prefer.
Vulnerability, Locus of Control, and Worry About Crime
Authors: Sacco Vincent F. , Glackman William
Published: October 2014

The concept of vulnerability has been widely used to explain the empirical relationship between certain sociodemographic characteristics and anxieties about criminal victimization. Building upon this conceptual base, the present study proposes a psychological operationalization of vulnerability. Specifically, the relationship between locus of control and worry about crime is explored through an analysis of data generated from a survey of urban residents. Attention is focused upon two particular issues. The first concerns the extent to which locus of control scores mediate the relationships involving sociodemographic indicators of vulnerability and worry about crime. The second issue relates to an investigation of the mechanisms that provide the theoretical and empirical linkage between locus of control and worry.
Neighbourhood Response to Community Mental Health Facilities For The Chronically Mentally Disabled
Authors: Tefft Bruce , Segall Alexander , Trute Barry
Published: October 2014

Deinstitutionalization has markedly decreased the physical and psychological distance between residential neighbourhoods and the chronically mentally disabled (CMD), who often rely extensively on community mental health facilities for necessary services. Few empirical studies of neighbourhood response have focused on different types of community mental health facilities, even fewer on facilities for the CMD. The present research compares the attitudes and behavioural intentions of neighbours toward community mental health facilities classified on two dimensions, namely (a) residential versus nonresidential and (b) serving primarily the CMD versus moderately disabled clients. The results indicate that neighbourhood attitudes and intentions toward facilities for the CMD do not differ significantly from those toward facilities for moderately disabled clients. In contrast, residential facilities were rated by opponents as having more negative, long-range impacts than nonresidential facilities and produced strongly polarized intended actions between supporters and opponents. Overall, most respondents rated facilities for the CMD as either desirable or neutral, even when on their block, and many would take supportive action if such a facility were proposed for their neighbourhood. Several qualifying conditions were identified which would increase support for community mental health facilities in residential neighbourhoods.
Housing For The Chronically Mentally Disabled: Part I—Conceptual Framework And Social Context
Authors: Hall G. Brent , Nelson Geoffrey , Fowler Heather Smith
Published: October 2014

This paper reviews research concerned with community housing programs for the chronically mentally disabled (CMD). In the first section, the ecological perspective is presented as a conceptual framework for the study of housing for the CMD. Several key concepts, such as the least restrictive environment, normalization, and integration, are tied into the ecological perspective. In the second section, literature on three dimensions of the social context of housing for the CMD is reviewed: (a) the geo-social environment: (b) responses from informal social systems; and (c) the planning, policy, and service delivery system. This literature is summarized within the framework of the ecological perspective, and the paper concludes with directions for further research and action.
Evaluation D'Un Programme De Sante Mentale Pour Jeunes Adultes Psychotiques
Authors: Cormier Hugues J. , Allard Luc , Vaillancourt Sylvie , Gingras Christian
Published: October 2014

L'organisation des services de santé mentale pour les jeunes adultes psychotiques est un problème très important en santé publique. Le but de la présente étude était d'évaluer un programme de santé mentale offert à cette clientèle par un centre psychanalytique. Les effets du programme ont été mesurés au moyen de trois indicateurs: les séjours hospitaliers en psychiatric, la dose de neuroleptiques prescrite, et le type d'occupation. Les usagers du programme à l'étude ont été comparés à cux-mémes avant et après leur admission au programme, puis ils ont été comparés aux usagers d'un programme témoin offert par la clinique externe d'un centre hospitalier de courte durée. Les résultats ont montré que le programme à l'étude réduisait de fačon statistiquement significative les séjours hospitaliers; cependant, lorsque l'on tenait compte des journées de résidence au centre, on ne trouvait pas de changement significatif quant au temps passé dans la communauté. On a également observé, pour les sujets du programme à l'étude, une tendance à la diminution de la dose de neuroleptiques prescrite et une augmentation de la proportion des personnes qui occupaient un emploi rémunéré. D'autres indicateurs devraient étre étudiés afin d'évaluer plus précisément les avantages et les coúts de la mise sur pied d'un programme comme celui à l'étude par rapport aux programmes classiques offerts par les centres hospitaliers.
Les Enjeux Sociaux De La Pratique Dite “Alternative”
Authors: Rheaume Jacques , Sevigny Robert
Published: October 2014

Cette recherche a pour but de dégager les principaux éléments de la “sociologie implicite” présente dans le discours d'intervenants “alternatifs” dans le champ de la santé/maladie mentale. Elle montre comment ceux-ci se définissent dans des rapports sociaux conflictuels en regard d'un modèle considéré comme dominant dans les institutions de santé: le modèle bio-médical. Cependant, cette base conflictuelle n'est pas pure contestation et s'appuie aussi sur l'affirmation d'une compétence et d'une vision propres à une pratique alternative en santé/maladie mentale. Les enjeux posés (le pouvoir des experts, le rapport personne-société, etc.) dépassent les seules pratiques dites “alternatives” et concernent l'ensemble de la pratique en santé/maladie mentale et la société.
A Gender-Based Analysis of The Consequences of Employment Reductions on Well-Being: Plant Workers in Two Newfoundland Fishing Outports
Authors: Taylor Marilyn
Published: October 2014

This study, conducted among fish plant workers in Newfoundland fishing outports, reports a gender analysis of the consequences of employment reductions. Quantitative and qualitative interview data were collected from 19 women and 23 men who ranged in age from 18 to 56 years. Both men and women reported statistically significant negative changes in the frequency of emotional and physical symptoms before and after the employment reductions. There were no significant differences between men and women with respect to changes in symptom frequency, indicating that the impact of the reductions was no less serious for women than for men. Qualitative data raise questions for further study about differences in the dynamics of employment loss impacts based on gender roles and responsibilities within the family. Differences in the number of sources of social support for, and emotional support offered by women and men also support the need for further research about gender differences in coping resources.
Les Groupes Vulnerables En Sante Mentale: Etude D'Archives
Authors: Caron Jean , Martel Frančois , Vitaro Frank
Published: October 2014

Dans une perspective de prévention, it s'avére de plus en plus important et urgent pour les intervenants communautaires en santé mentale, d'identifier correctement les groupes les plus vulnérables. Une étude d'archives effectuée dans une clinique externe de la région de l'Abitibi-Temiscamingue permet d'identifier certaines populations à risque en santé mentale et certains facteurs environnementaux pouvant contribuer à perturber l'équilibre biopsychosocial des individus. Des comparaisons effectuées en d'autres régions ou d'autres pays indiquent que ces analyses sont en grande partie généralisables.
Commitment As A Function of Stress Reactions Among Nurses: A Model of Psychological Evaluations of Work Settings
Authors: Leiter Michael P.
Published: October 2014

Unionized nurses in Nova Scotia (N = 906) completed questionnaires measuring organizational commitment, burnout, social support, and various aspects of work settings. Regression analyses established that both stressors and supports from social and nonsocial aspects of organizations are independently associated with the way workers evaluate their work settings. The analysis also indicated that the various nursing specialities are associated with distinct organizational stressors and supports. Directions for further studies assessing the results of planned interventions on these factors are necessary to develop work settings which are more conducive to professional development in nursing and avoiding burnout.