bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Empirical Development of an Instructional Product on the Religion of Islam from a Missiological Perspective
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Farah Raja
Published: May 2023

Problem. There is considerable misunderstanding in the contemporary world about the religion of Islam. Its swift growth has been a challenge to Christianity, and efforts to share Christ's message with Muslims have been relatively fruitless. The purpose of this study was to prepare a pedagogical module to instruct Seventh-day Adventist college students about the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam. Topics include the Judaistic and Islamic heritage, Jesus and Muhammad, Islamic fundamentalism, Islamic marriage and family, the Muslim worldview, and practical Christian channels of missionary outreach to Muslims. Method. The methodology of this instructional product development followed the pattern of Baker and Schutz (1971) and Naden (1993). After identifying the need, behavioral objectives were established, and criteria were derived from the current literature on the religion of Islam. The instructional product was prepared in the form of ten classroom lectures. Mastery was set at 80 percent of the learners scoring at least 80 percent on each of the twenty-eight behavioral objectives. The learners were Andrews University college students enrolled in a class on world religions. The lectures were presented first to small groups of the target audience. The lectures were modified, and as mastery improved, the group size was increased. The product was considered presentation ready when mastery was attained by a group of thirty learners from the target audience. Modification of affect was measured by a Likertstyle instrument consisting of attitudinal statements related to Islam. Results Mastery was achieved on all of the twenty-eight behavioral objectives in the final tryout. Modification of affect was significant at the .05 level. Conclusions. Because the Seventh-day Adventist Church lacked an instructional product on the religion of Islam, and because this instructional product was developed empirically, it could be utilized as an instructional tool for undergraduate Seventh-day Adventist religion majors who are training to become ministers or teachers of the Gospel.
An Assessment of Marital Satisfaction in Stepfamilies Toward an Integration of Three Conceptual Models of Relationship Satisfaction
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hamel Lorie
Published: May 2023

Problem. Much more is known about determinants of marital satisfaction in first marriages than remarriages. Although the stepfamily is a dominant and unique family type, it lacks its own theoretical framework from which to investigate factors that contribute to marital satisfaction and stepfamily success. Method. This study evaluated marital satisfaction in stepfamilies in light of the contextual, problem-solving, and investment models of relationship satisfaction. A questionnaire developed to assess marital satisfaction in stepfamilies using variables from the three conceptual models with the Kansas Marital Scale as a global measure of assessment was sent to 660 stepfamilies selected from the mailing list of the Stepfamily Association of America. A total of 405 individuals (163 men and 242 women) responded. Results. Each model explained a large proportion of the variance in marital satisfaction for men and women in stepfamilies, and for respondents in stepmother and complex stepfamilies. Contextual model variables of social support were more useful in predicting marital satisfaction in stepfamiliesthan were demographic or spiritual support variables. The contextual model was the best predictor of marital satisfaction for men in stepfamilies. Problem-solving model variables of conflict resolution styles were more useful in predicting marital satisfaction in stepfamilies than were joint decision-making variables. However, the problem-solving model variables had less impact on marital satisfaction for men in stepfamilies. Investment model variables of relationship costs and relationship benefits effectively predicted marital satisfaction in a stepfamily. The investment model was the best predictor of marital satisfaction for women in stepfamilies. A model was developed that integrated significant variables from each of the three conceptual models which predicted a larger proportion of the variance in marital satisfaction than did any single model. Conclusions. Whereas the contextual, problem-solving, and investment models of relationship satisfaction predicted a large proportion of the variance in marital satisfaction in a stepfamily, there were differences between the models for men and women in stepfamilies and between stepfamily types. A more predictive model is proposed that selects fewer variables from each of the three conceptual modes to form an integrated model of relationship satisfaction to be used with stepfamilies.
The Effects of Perspective-Taking Training on Empathy Development in Adult Male Sex Offenders
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Haugen Randall
Published: May 2023

Problem. Empathy training is considered a critical part of a sex offender program. Research has revealed that sex offenders are deficient in empathy, which may be a factor that contributes to their abusive behaviors. There is a surprising lack of research on empathy program outcomes, and there is a need to determine whether program formats are producing the desired outcomes. Research supports that sex offenders are deficient in perspective-taking, which is considered a critical part of the empathy process. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the inclusion of perspective-taking training in a traditional empathy-training module. Method. Two groups of 10 sex offenders were administered a traditional empathy training module. One group was selected randomly to receive an additional three sessions of perspective-taking training prior to the onset of the traditional empathy module. The group with additional perspective-taking training was predicted to have: (1) increased empathy skills, (2) decreased endorsement of cognitive distortions predisposing child sexual abuse and rape, and (3) a decreased use of narcissistic defenses. Six tests were administered before and after the empathy modules to measure these constructs. Analysis of Covariance was used to compare the means between the groups. An interview was performed with each subject after the empathy training, and a qualitative analysis was performed. Results. No differences appeared on the six pretests and posttests administered to the groups. The qualitative results revealed that additional perspective-taking training to the offenders' naturalistic setting. The additional training may have contributed to a decrease in narcissistic features, increased awareness of societal denial of sexual crimes, and a utilization of perspective taking to decrease aggression. The additional training may have also created more significant emotional experiences for the group. Conclusions. Results reveal that perspective-taking training may be beneficial addition to a traditional empathy-training module More research is needed to confirm this finding.
Key Administrative Decisions in the History of the Seventh-day Adventist Education in Bermuda
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Holder Leslie
Published: May 2023

Problem. In 1993, during the celebration of fifty years of continuous Christian education in Bermuda, it became strikingly evident that the Seventh-day Adventist Church had no single literary, historical compilation of SDA education in the country. This research can help to fill this information void. Method. Seven key administrative decisions have been identified as being of paramount importance in influencing the manner in which SDA education has developed in Bermuda: (1) the initial decision to found an SDA school, (2) the relocation of the school to the Sandringham property, (3) the expansion from eight grades to twelve, (4) the choices made between an American and a British curriculum, (5) the decisions concerning the best use of limited land, (6) the selection of a financial plan for operating the school, and (7) decision-making processes involved in selecting successive principals. This research covers the period from the year 1943 through 1997, the period of continuous SDA education in Bermuda. The scope of this research excludes any schools which may have existed before 1943. The intent of this research is not to provide a complete historical record of the period, but to examine certain key administrative decisions and their effects on the development of SDA education in Bermuda. Results. These key administrative decisions have been important for the evangelistic thrust of the SDA Church in Bermuda and for training workers for both the Church and the broader community. They have enabled Bermudian students to have the convenience and financial benefits of acquiring more of their education at home, have made the teaching process easier for the mostly American trained staff, and have facilitated the transfer of students' academic credits between Bermuda Institute and American schools. These decisions have raised the quality of education and accommodated a growing student population by constructing buildings on the limited open land spaces. They have enabled the Bermuda Conference to operate the school for the most part without recurring deficits but have contributed to a rapid turnover of principals. Conclusions. The SDA school in Bermuda has grown from humble beginnings to a respected and competitive institution due largely to certain key decisions made by successive administrators and administrating committees.
Educational Administrators and Computer Usage: Leadership Styles and Computer Attitudes in Small Secondary Schools in North America
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Lim Daniel
Published: May 2023

Problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between the computer attitudes of educational administrators and teachers, the leadership styles of educational administrators, and computer usage in secondary schools. Method. The design of this study used the questionnaire survey to collect data investigating relationships between educational administrators' attitudes toward computers, their leadership styles, and computer use in schools. The sample of the study was derived from educational administrators and teachers from 58 Seventh-day Adventist senior academies (i.e., high schools) found in the United States and Canada. Two instruments were selected for this study. The Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) developed by Loyd and Loyd was used for measuring attitudes toward computers of the educational administrators. The Leadership Behavior Analysis II-Other was administered to assess the leadership styles of the educational administrators as perceived by teachers. Results. Educational administrators' primary leadership styles had significant correlations with computer anxiety, computer liking, and combined scales whereas leadership style effectiveness and leadership style flexibility had no significant correlations with educational administrators' attitudes toward computers. The t-test of the two dominant leadership styles S3 and S4 indicated a significant difference between S3 and S4 leadership styles for computer anxiety, computer liking, and combined scales. The age and ethnicity of educational administrators also had no significant impact on their attitudes toward computers. No significant relationships were found between attitudes toward computers of educational administrators and attitudes toward computers of teachers. Conclusions. Leadership styles and attitudes toward computers of educational administrators did not have any impact on teachers' attitudes toward computers and computer usage for instructional purposes. Teachers' computer attitudes had a significant correlation with computer usage for instructional purposes.
Experiences Assisting or Hindering the Academic and Social Integration of African American Students at Southwestern Michigan College
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Ludman Naomi
Published: May 2023

Problem. Attrition rates of minority students in general and African American students in particular have remained high in postsecondary education, particularly at community colleges. To gain information that is most useful for implementing policies and actions that will increase the retention and achievement of minority students, Tinto has maintained that colleges should not rely solely on systems-wide research, but should study their own students. Method. This case study used Tinto’s longitudinal model of institutional departure to investigate the experiences of six African American students at a rural community college in southwestern Michigan. Analysis of the data from a series of semi-structured interviews revealed a variety of experiences that assisted or hindered the academic and social integration o f students at the institution. Findings. Students identified the small number of African American students, the lack of minority faculty and staff, and the absence of courses in African American studies as negative experiences, and the quality of teaching and personal attention on the part of faculty and staff as positive experiences in their time at the college. Five themes run through the experiences of the students in this study: 1. Colleges need enough African American students to support at least some social activities and to provide a sense of belonging. 2) Students sometimes sense a lack of cultural understanding on the part of students, staff, and faculty. 3) Minority students are themselves diverse. 4) Students are aware of sterotypes and their own internal dissonance regarding ethnicity issues. 5) Students prefer classes that provide active learning and personal involvement. Recommendations include adding more culturally relevant materials to the curricula and recognizing the primacy of the classroom as a source of both academic and social interactions for students at commuter colleges.
The Development of a Church-Based Seminar on the Impact of Historicist Eschatology upon Seventh-day Adventist Marital Life
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Obas Etzer
Published: May 2023

Problem. The reading of Eph 5:25-27 shows that Christ will marry the church in a state of holiness and blamelessness. Family life on earth must follow the model of the love of Jesus for the church. But there are no guides, seminars, or studies that combine marital life and preparation for Christ's second coming. Method. This dissertation developed a seminar that emphasized the belief in the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as accepted by the Apostolic Church. Such belief affects all aspects of the Christian life and particularly the family lifestyle. The seminar tied together eschatology and family life in a way that shows that Christ can return at any time to marry the church, His bride, in a state of holiness and blamelessness. Each church and family member must be in that perfect state in order to go to heaven with Christ in that day. A questionnaire was also developed to test the effect of the seminar. The Philadelphia Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church of Boston formed one group to which were applied a pretest and a posttest. Results. On the basis of fifty-three respondents who filled out the questionnaires and the final evaluation form, it was found that the idea of an eschatological family was well appreciated. In the beginning it seemed awkward to want to tie eschatology and family life together, but at the end of the seminar it made sense to participants. The love of Jesus and the need to prepare for His second coming or for the eschatological wedding served as the basic motivation for the Adventist family member. The respondents appreciated the brotherly love of the church although it needs to be developed even more. The felt need of the church is prayer and fasting to consolidate family ties and prepare for Christ's second coming. Conclusion. The respondents recognized that seminars like this one are needed not only for the Philadelphia Church but also for all churches and on a regular basis, probably once a quarter. This seminar can be repeated in different countries and among different ethnic groups to establish its generalizability. It can also be enhanced by using slides or other visual aids in addition to the transparencies.
Integrated Thematic Instruction : a Descriptive Case Study of Students' Attitudes Toward School and Learning
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, O'Neil Ginger
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the study was to describe the operational form of the innovation— Integrated Thematic Instruction within the context of its implementation. An embedded single case study design was used to carry out this gualitative study, with Integrated Thematic Instruction (ITI) as the unit of the case study. The questions that guided the study were: What does ITI look like when implemented by the teacher? What are the contextual elements of implementation of this program? What variations are found in the implementation of this innovation by different teachers? A review of related literature revealed the historical, philosophical, and theoretical underpinnings of ITI. Several innovative educational practices were compared with ITI and parallels were drawn between them and ITI. Since this was the first descriptive research study of ITI, an Innovation Configuration of the program was developed. Interviews of the program developer, local program coordinators, as well as users (teachers), and observation of classroom implementation of ITI, helped in delineating its critical components; the ideal, acceptable, and unacceptable variations of its components were identified. The implementation context of ITI and the variations in teacher use of the components of the program were also studied. The case study was conducted at two different schools using ITI. The description of its context included school demography, the support systems, students, and selected psychological characteristics of the teachers. Implementation of the program is described first in general, and then in detail, focusing on its use by two teachers at each school. A brief analysis was made of the use of ITI at the two different sites. Several implications derived out of the study; these include those for further research, for staff developers and change facilitators, for principals, and for teachers using or intending to use ITI.
Negative Consequences of Undergraduate Alcohol Usage : a Multivariate Gender Comparison
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Robinson Leonald
Published: May 2023

Problem. While the literature indicates that many male undergraduates suffer numerous negative consequences from alcohol usage, little is known about what, if any, consequences female undergraduates experience. Therefore, this study empirically tested if female undergraduates, ages 17-24, who share similar demographics, perceptions, and alcohol use locations as male undergraduates, also share similar alcohol usage patterns, negative consequences, and predictors for both. Method. Secondary analysis was conducted on 1992 and 1993 United States Department of Education CORE Survey data collected from 345 male and 584 female undergraduates at two Midwestern private liberal arts colleges. Frequency, chi-square (p <.01), and correlational analysis (p<.01) data were used to compare gender usage patterns and negative consequences. Male and female multiple regression predictor models for alcohol usage and negative consequences were created and compared. Results. Both genders' demographics, perceptions, usage locations, alcohol as the drug of choice, age of first usage, and moderate usage were similar. Females, however, preferred occasional drinking, whereas, males preferred heavy drinking; except in residence halls where both were heavy binge drinkers. Despite their predominately occasional and moderate drinking, females were still similar to men in suffering 15 negative consequences. Inter-correlation r values between the independent variables (demographics, perceptions, use locations) were non-existent or low for both genders. Use location and wanting alcohol on campus had moderate r values with each gender's usage patterns and negative consequences. Male and female predictor models were similar in explaining 17-54% of the usage patterns' variance. As usage increased, so did the number of predictors and the amount of variance explained for males, whereas both remained fairly constant for females. Male and female predictor models contained similar numbers of predictors for 15 of the 19 negative consequences while simultaneously explaining similar percentages of variance for 18 of the 19 negative consequences. Conclusions. With little exception, females use less alcohol than males but they suffer similar negative consequences. Therefore, male and female undergraduates need similar alcohol intervention and prevention programs. Why female undergraduates experience similar negative consequences as males, while not using as much alcohol, warrants further research.
The Empirical Development of a Curriculum on Faith Development
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Selmanović Samir
Published: May 2023

Problem. Professional and lay leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist church need to be sensitive to the dynamics of faith development as it interfaces with human development over the life span, and with its practical implications. Currently, there is no curriculum available, empirically developed or otherwise, to explore this issue. Method. The underlining philosophy of the approach to curriculum design utilized in this study is that curriculum is likely to be more effective when it is developed in a cooperative spirit between an instructor and learners rather than written in isolation, and when there is emphasis on both the cognitive and affective domains of the learning process. The product was empirically developed through 10 systematic steps. They included establishing the need for the product, formulation of behavioral objectives, design of the pre- and post-tests for each session, and the process of trial and revision of the instruction and all supplemental materials. General mastery for cognitive domain was established at the 80% level; that is, at least 80% of the subjects would need to achieve the specified mastery of the criteria established for each of the 24 behavioral objectives. The test for the affective domain was administered and analyzed before and after the series of lectures. In order to complement the objectives of the curriculum in the cognitive and affective domains, a process objective was formulated and outcomes were discussed. After the sessions with a small number of learners, the curriculum was modified. This process was repeated with increasing numbers of learners until mastery was achieved at the predetermined level. Results. The development included four trials of the curriculum with four groups of subjects. The last group of 35 subjects achieved cognitive mastery at the specified levels for each of the objectives, achieved statistically significant modification of affect as measured by the instrument of affect, and realized the process objective. Conclusions. This empirically developed curriculum on faith development provided an insight into the role of the curriculum developer in the process of empirical development. The product is ready for adaptation by qualified instructors in the Seventh-day Adventist church in North America, or, in an appropriately modified version, with other audiences.
The Three Parts of Babylon : Teaching a Historicist Interpretation of the Leopardlike, Lamblike and Scarlet Beasts (Rev 13 and 16:19 as Reflected in Rev 17) Based upon the Douglas Waterhouse Construct
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Taggart William
Published: May 2023

Problem. In the field of religious education, a need exists for a broad teaching strategy through which the biblical three parts of Babylon (Rev 16:19) and the visual imagery of apocalyptic Babylon (Rev 13 and 17) might be taught effectively within the historicist tradition. This study was designed to present a teaching strategy based upon the historicist apocalyptic three-part construct developed principally by Douglas Waterhouse. The Theoretical Organizing Principle of Geographic Relationships. The concept that helped guide and bring together this study was the understanding that Rev 17 is based on personification which were well known in the contemporaries of John the Revelator. In this sense, Rev 17 was viewed as a unified picture which encompassed a universal worldview. Each symbol had its own unique contextual interrelationships with one another. Only then, was it seen that geographical relationships were critical. Three geographical relationships were identified by the study. Together with Babylon’s role in history, these geographic relationships serve as a “key" which unlock a biblically rooted teaching strategy for correctly explaining Babylon as an apocalyptic symbol. Pedagogical Theses. The three geographic relationships function as the hermeneutical foundation of the broad teaching strategy. They are biblically and historically rooted within the historicist school of interpretation: and they provide a systematic and logical pedagogical procedure for teaching the three parts of Babylon within the historicist tradition. Conclusions. A teaching strategy on apocalyptic Babylon within the historicist tradition was developed. The three major parts of Babylon dominating Rev 13 within a historical setting are biblically represented by the Leopardlike Beast, the Lamblike Beast, and the Sea underneath the Leopardlike Beast. Within the plague setting in Rev 17, the previous three iconographic images have the following corresponding identities, though under alternate guises: the Harlot/Woman/City imageries, the Daughter Cities, and the Scarlet Beast. Further, questions in teaching the Scarlet Beast imagery were resolved according to the Waterhouse construct. The life span of the Scarlet Beast with its seven heads was seen existing during the seven last plagues (Rev 17:1). Subsequently, the seven heads of the Scarlet Beast could not be identified with past historical political powers, nor with the seven heads of the Leopardlike Beast. Further, this study concluded that the Harlot of Rev 17:3 was not sitting upon the Leopardlike Beast (as is generally assumed).
Volunteers as Tutors and Trainers of Tutors : a Qualitative Study
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Thogmartin Mark
Published: May 2023

Problem. The Seventh-day Adventist church/North American Division initiated a Tutoring and Mentoring project in response to President Clinton’s America Reads literacy campaign. This study documents the efforts of the church and the first cohort of trainees as they sought to establish tutoring projects in their home locales. Method. The author of this study was involved as a co-trainer and a participant-observer during the initial 1-week training session held at the North American Division Headquarters. This training was intended to equip the participants to become tutors of children and trainers of tutors in a primary-level tutoring project. During the school year immediately following the training, two of the original participants were successful in establishing tutoring projects. Their successes were examined in-depth by observations and interviews and reported through case studies. The other initial trainees did not establish projects during the first year. The author maintained contact with a majority o f the trainees by telephone, and reported their frustrations by telling fictional composite stories based on their accounts. Results. A framework of critical components was developed as a result of a literature review which examined characteristics of successful programs. The two successful projects which were established were analyzed using this framework. Most characteristics of successful programs were evident and documented in these fledgling projects. Other themes related to their successes were elucidated and added to the framework. The lack of successful implementation by the other trainees was primarily due to critical components that were neglected or not accessible. Conclusions. The two trainees who were able to immediately implement tutoring projects had many of the necessary skills and resources already available to them. The training they received acted as a catalyst which enabled them to establish projects. The other trainees expressed concerns related to the lack of personal confidence immediately following the initial training session, and these concerns were never sufficiently addressed. Their primary concerns regarding the need for more training and the lack of resources need be considered if the initiative is to realize its ambitious goals.
Characteristics of Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Adolescents Who Attempted Suicide
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Trivino Juanita
Published: May 2023

Problem. Hispanic adolescent suicide attempts appear to have been understudied, while suicidal behavior continues to be a concern as a youthful phenomenon. The present study sought to contribute to the understanding of Hispanic youth suicide and its association with acculturation, family, religion, and gender in a sample of Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist adolescents. Method. The data used for this study came from the Avance survey, the largest denominational survey conducted among Hispanic Seventh-day Adventists in the U.S. (1993-1994). The sample consisted of 869 adolescents, comprised of 380 males and 489 females. Chi-square, t test for means of two independent samples, and discriminant analyses were used to examine acculturation, family, religion, and gender to identify characteristics of Hispanic SDA suicide attempters. Results. The results indicated that several variables were significantly correlated with suicide attempts (p < .05): family cohesion, parental religiosity, abuse (verbal, physical, and sexual), faith maturity, church climate, and family status. Furthermore, the discriminant function was statistically significant (p < .05). The function indicated that an Hispanic who perceived less family cohesion, was highly acculturated, perceived a less warm church climate, was female, and who had suffered sexual and physical abuse was more likely to have attempted suicide. Conclusions. There are some characteristics that seem to influence Hispanic SDA adolescents to attempt suicide. However, caution must be exerted so as to not draw definite conclusions from this study to other Hispanic populations. More studies among Hispanics are needed in this field.
Intentional Classroom Humor in Nursing : a Multiple Case Study
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Ulloth Joan
Published: May 2023

Problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived connections between the intentional use of humor in the nursing classroom and student learning in the cognitive and affective domains while seeking to understand student and teacher perceptions and responses to humor. Method. This study used a case study approach and the end result is a multiple case study of three associate degree nursing instructors in the Midwest. The data collection methods included observations, interviews, and surveys. Data from the different sources were examined within and across cases for commonality or difference of experience. Connections were made between humor and cognitive and affective learning. Results. This study portrayed the successful use of intentional humor in three nursing classrooms. Teachers and the students at all stages of their education expressed benefits they believed were received from humor. The students of all three classes observed were remarkably homogeneous and there were no obvious differences among the student responses to classroom humor that could be attributed to demographic factors. Nursing faculty members incorporated relevant humor to support educational points. All three teachers in the study used cartoons and spontaneous humor, inserting a humorous event about every 10 to 15 minutes. They included other humor forms; each teacher favored certain forms. The teacher in Illinois used song and dance routines, role-playing was preferred by the teacher of freshmen in Ohio, and the Indiana teacher specialized in puns and funny stories. Conclusions. Humor can be an effective, multi-purpose teaching tool for nursing educators to convey course content, hold students’ attention, relieve anxiety, establish rapport with their students, and make learning fun. Guidelines are included to help faculty learn to incorporate humor in their classrooms.
A Case Study Comparison of Brief Group Treatment and Brief Individual Treatment in the Modification of Denial Among Child Sexual Abusers
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Ulrich John
Published: May 2023

Problem Statement. O'Donohue and Letourneau (1993) demonstrated success in modifying denial among child sexual abusers with brief group treatment when probable incarceration existed for subjects who did not admit. This current study replicated and enhanced their treatment model while omitting the adverse legal consequences for subjects remaining in denial. Brief individual therapy was used as a comparison treatment condition. Factors theoretically contributing to denial were explored. Methodology. Ten subjects were evaluated as individual case studies in two non-randomly assigned treatment conditions. Five subjects received nine group therapy sessions and five received nine individual therapy sessions. Subjects were selected from three counties through probation, child welfare, and other treatment providers. The Perception of Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ) was developed to measure subjects' beliefs and perceptions of what would happen if they admitted to the abuse. Five theoretical domains were measured: reaction of family, internal reactions, social, legal, and financial consequences. Pretest and posttest assessments included the MMPI-2, the PCQ, and a denial assessment interview with non-blind, independent raters. Results. At posttest, four of the five subjects (80%) in group treatment admitted to the offense, while two of the five subjects (40%) in individual treatment admitted. The two subjects with the highest pretest PCQ scores were the first to admit. The legal and financial domains had the strongest correlation with treatment outcomes. Subjects in partial denial at pretest anticipated more negative social consequences at posttest than others. Defensiveness on the MMPI-2 increased regardless of treatment outcomes. A case study account is provided for each subject's treatment. Conclusions. Some inherent therapeutic aspects of the brief group treatment model appear to be effective in the modification of denial among child sexual abusers without adverse legal consequences. In spite of the changing legal contexts for treating sex offenders in denial, this model is effective. The PCQ offers a useful and systematic measurement of offenders' perceptions of consequences for admitting. Measuring defensiveness on the MMPI-2 has limited utility in distinguishing between offenders who admit their offense and those who do not. Larger replication studies are needed to identify essential treatment components which facilitate admissions.
Discontinuance from the Ministry by Seventh-day Adventist Ministers : a Qualitative Study
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Van Rooyen Smuts
Published: May 2023

Problem. This study explored discontinuance from the ministry by Seventh-day Adventist clergy. The inquiry first investigated the general factors that led to discontinuance from the ministry, and then focused specifically on the cessation from the ministry for doctrinal reasons. Method. In this qualitative study the initial data were obtained by means of a survey instrument and written responses. From these responses. three individuals were chosen for in-depth interviews. Seventy-one former Seventh-day Adventist ministers completed a questionnaire exploring factors that may have influenced discontinuance from the Seventh-day Adventist ministry. The areas the survey addressed were family life, the work environment, and the personal belief system of the minister. The survey also invited the former Seventh-day Adventist ministers to write about their experience working for the denomination. Fifty-four chose to do so. In addition, the ministers were asked to indicate their interest in being interviewed. Sixty volunteered as interview candidates from which three individuals were chosen. In-depth interviews were then conducted to understand their experience of leaving the ministry. The theoretical approach was symbolic interactionism. Attribution theory was taken to be an aspect of symbolic interactionism and used in the data analysis. Results. The survey did not find any one reason for discontinuance common to all ministers. Each pastor who discontinued the ministry was part of a small group with a similar experience. Survey findings indicated more satisfaction with the local congregation than with the denomination at large. In the written responses, ex-ministers expressed a wide range of perceptions germane to non-persistence in the ministry. Eight reasons for leaving ministry were identified from the written materials. They were: pull factors, inability to cope, marital difficulty, doctrinal dissonance, restrictions on freedom of the mind, discovery of a new hermeneutic, problems with administrators, and the stability of the status quo. The in-depth interviews revealed a metamorphosis of hermeneutics and doctrinal beliefs that altered the thinking and the ministry of the respondents. Stages were traced in the process of discontinuance from the ministry. In conclusion, the causal attributions motivating non-persistence in the Seventh-day Adventist ministry were described.
ДІДЖИТАЛІЗАЦІЯ ЕКОНОМІКИ В УКРАЇНІ: ПРОБЛЕМИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ
Authors: Безрук Д. І.
Published: May 2023

Метою статті є дослідження та оцінка рівня цифровізації економіки України, її місце у глобальному цифровому ринку та виокремлення перспектив розвитку діджиталізації національної економіки. У статті підкреслено, що глобальна цифровізація, спричинена Четвертою промисловою революцією, прискорилася COVID-19, посиливши потребу в гнучкості, адаптивності та позитивних трансформаціях національних економік. Оскільки світова економіка стрімко цифровізується, приблизно 70% нової вартості, створеної протягом наступного десятиліття, базуватиметься на бізнес-моделях цифрових платформ. Але також варто зазначити, що майже 2,7 мільярда населення все ще не мають доступу до мережі Інтернет. Цифрові технології мають потенціал створити нові цінності для кожного, пришвидшити розвиток економіки, зробити більш якісні послуги, але вони ризикують ще більше посилити відчуженість, нерівну концентрацію влади, надприбутків та соціальну нестабільність. Підкреслено, що Україна теж прагне стати однією з конкурентоздатних цифрових економік та зайняти свою нішу в європейському просторі. Відзначено, що, незважаючи на війну, в країні не зупинилися процеси діджиталізації, а навпаки лише прискорилося створення нових цифрових послуг (Дія.Сіті, карта повітряних тривог, е-ворог, електронна подача на відшкодування майна, електронні військові облігації та інші). У статті проаналізовано основні індекси діджиталізації економіки та визначено місце України у загальносвітовому рейтингу. Зроблено висновки про рівень діджиталізації економіки України та її основні пріоритети на майбутнє. Встановлено основні індекси, за якими національна економіка України конкурує з іншими країнами світу. Окреслено основні напрями державної політики у сфері діджиталізації. Сформовано висновки про перспективи розвитку цифрової економіки в Україні.
ОБЛІГАЦІЇ ВНУТРІШНЬОЇ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ ПОЗИКИ ЯК ІНСТРУМЕНТ ІНВЕСТУВАННЯ В ЕКОНОМІКУ УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ
Authors: Мединська Т. В. , Боднарюк І. Л.
Published: May 2023

В умовах війни зростає навантаження на державний бюджет, що, з однієї сторони, зумовлено збільшенням видатків на оборону, соціальну сферу, а з іншої, – зменшенням доходів з огляду на руйнування житлової та промислової інфраструктури, зменшення обсягу ВВП та міграцію населення. Окрім того, доходи населення стрімко знижуються, а відтак і можливості громадян донатити та підтримувати матеріально ЗСУ стають дедалі меншими. У таких складних макроекономічних умовах ОВДП, у тому числі військові облігації, – потужний фінансовий інструмент залучення коштів до державного бюджету і фінансування армії фізичними, юридичними особами та територіальними громадами. Важливим аспектом підтримки бюджету країни є популяризація такого способу інвестування коштів для підтримки держави в умовах війни. Метою дослідження є особливості емісії, розміщення, купівлі та погашення ОВДП, в тому числі військових облігацій. Основними результатами дослідження є визначення класифікаційних ознак та видів державних облігацій, особливостей інвестування в ОВДП, встановлення взаємозв’язку повноважень органів державного управління у процесі емісії та розміщення ОВДП, аналіз динаміки та структури операцій суб’єктів економіки та НБУ з ОВДП. У статті проведено прогнозування облігацій, які знаходяться у власності НБУ залежно від загального обсягу емітованих облігацій, методом апроксимації тренду. Використовуючи рівняння тренду, можемо прогнозувати обсяг ОВДП, за допомогою якого НБУ здійснює грошово-кредитне регулювання та забезпечує залучення коштів до державного бюджету. Перспективним напрямком досліджень у даному напрямку є розробка прогнозних моделей для інших суб’єктів економіки: юридичних та фізичних осіб та територіальних громад. Важливою є також популяризація даного виду інвестування задля збільшення фінансових ресурсів держави в умовах війни для забезпечення обороноздатності країни.
ПРІОРИТЕТИ МОДЕЛІ СТАБІЛЬНОГО МАКРОЕКОНОМІЧНОГО ЗРОСТАННЯ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Перепьолкіна О. О.
Published: May 2023

У дослідженні наголошено на актуальності формування та реалізації державної політики формування моделі стабільного макроекономічного зростання в Україні. Метою дослідження визначено актуалізацію уваги до найбільш проблемних аспектів, чинників та перешкод, а також обґрунтування пріоритетів моделі стабільного макроекономічного зростання країни. Показано масштаби втрат економіки України в умовах повномасштабної війни. Доведено, що модель економічного зростання являє собою візію з сукупності системних поетапних кроків, реалізація яких докорінно змінює характер економічних відносин, погляди на розвиток і ціннісні орієнтири, структуру суспільного відтворення і пріоритети розвитку майбутніх поколінь. Обґрунтовано концептуальну модель стабільного макроекономічного зростання країни, що складається з 10 принципових послідовних кроків, проходження яких дозволяє досягти макроекономічної стабілізації, а також перейти до структурно збалансованого розвитку національного господарства. Визначено домінантні етапи змін, які мають відбутися в Україні у підсумку реалізації моделі державної політики стабілізації макроекономічного зростання, а саме: викорінення системних вад функціонування та розвитку національного господарства (завданнями регулювання на цьому етапі визначено подолання системної корупції, системну детінізацію економічних відносин, деофшоризацію та збереження капіталів), поетапний перехід до економічного зростання (визначено такі завдання цього етапу, як зміцнення макроекономічної безпеки, реалізація підприємницького потенціалу, використання внутрішніх резервів, реалізація зовнішньоторговельного потенціалу) та формування ресурсної бази довгострокового стабільного планомірного розвитку (із завданнями забезпечення макроекономічної стабілізації, реалізації потенціалу зовнішнього інвестування). Ідентифіковано галузеві пріоритети моделі стабільного макроекономічного зростання в Україні. Визначені пріоритети політики спрямовані на локалізацію та нівелювання викликів і загроз функціонування та розвитку таких базових видів економічної діяльності, як промисловість, АПК, транспорт і зв’язок, ІКТ, креативні індустрії.
Percorsi di abbinamento: analisi comparativa dei criteri e delle prassi utilizzate
Authors: Vitrano Francesco
Published: May 2023

L'articolo si ripromette di effettuare un'analisi comparativa dei criteri, riguardo alle caratteristiche delle coppie istanti all'adozione e alle criticità dei bambini adottivi, utilizzati in alcuni tribunali per i minorenni italiani relativamente ai processi di abbinamento. La comparazione si è realizzata attraverso un questionario proposto ai giudici onorari delle camere di consiglio di abbinamento di Palermo, Napoli, Salerno, Roma, Milano e Sassari. La riflessione di sintesi cerca di definire alcuni presupposti utili a proporre prassi virtuose utili a realizzare degli abbinamenti che possano costituirsi come un buon inizio di un percorso adottivo.
L'ascolto nelle procedure di accesso alle origini nel caso di "donna che non ha consentito di essere nominata". L'apporto fondante del giudice onorario minorile
Authors: Carocci Vanessa , Iraso Enrico
Published: May 2023

Il presente articolo intende procedere a una disamina delle principali difficoltà che si riscontrano in ambito di procedure di accesso alle origini ex art. 28 legge n. 184/1983 e succ. modificazioni e integrazioni, nel caso in cui la madre originaria sia una "donna che non ha consentito di essere nominata". Sono passate in rassegna le caratteristiche peculiari e necessarie di un ascolto dedicato e specializzato, mettendo in evidenza come, per la delicatezza e la specificità dei temi trattati, esso debba essere condotto necessariamente da professionisti esperti e qualificati, come nel caso della componente onoraria che forma parte della compagine degli attuali tribunali per i minorenni.
Appartenere per sentirsi a casa: un percorso di costruzione di sé tra passato e presente
Authors: Scalzo Eleonora
Published: May 2023

Lo scritto, attraverso il supporto fornito dal lavoro clinico, propone alcune considerazioni sul tema della doppia appartenenza, intensa come un processo di costruzione nel quale l'esperienza e il vissuto, di cui l'adottato è portatore, si inscrivono in un duplice registro: quello originario e quello attuale. Dati gli alti livelli di complessità che tale processo introduce, sono chiamati in causa i differenti ruoli che l'adottato ricopre come singolo individuo, componente della famiglia e, infine, membro del gruppo sociale. La trattazione sul senso di appartenenza coinvolge quindi molteplici piani, strettamente interrelati tra loro: individuale, intrasoggettivo, intersoggettivo e relazionale.
Chinese Painting: Exploration and Comparison
Authors: XUAN JUNLIN
Published: May 2023

Chinese painting is full of poetic, expressive power and rhythm, which is different from Western painting and could be unique in global art history and research. The poetic, expressive power and rhythm in Chinese painting have been unique in the global art world. Therefore, it should be evaluated correctly, thoroughly and accurately but not be included only as an example in the dominant Western art world. Doing comparisons between Chinese painting and Western painting is supposed to compare them with one another equally. Learning about the Chinese language and culture is also quite significant when studying Chinese painting to get to know it deeply enough and profoundly.