Survivors of sexual violence are at risk for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. There are several emp... more Survivors of sexual violence are at risk for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. There are several empirically supported treatments (EST) that are effective for addressing these trauma symptoms; however, uptake of these ESTs among Rape Crisis Center (RCC) counselors is low. This research project sought to determine counselors' attitudes toward evidence-based practices (EBPs); their perceptions of the intervention characteristics of three specific ESTs: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy; and differences in attitudes and perceptions based on agency setting (urban/rural) and counselor education. The Consolidated Framework for Advancing Implementation Science (CFIR) was used to construct a web-based survey to send to all RCCs in Texas (n=83) resulting in an overall agency response rate of 72% (n=60) and responses from 76 counselors. Counselors' attitudes towards EBP and perspectives on specific ESTs suggest that dissemination and implementation efforts are needed within the RCC service sector to advance the uptake of CPT, EMDR and PE.
The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized experimental evaluation of the effectivenes... more The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by examining its ability to reduce trauma symptoms among adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. These survivors, who suffer a variety of symptoms that are persistent and at times debilitating, comprise a large target population for social workers.
Community college (CC) students make up 45% of American undergraduates, but little is known about... more Community college (CC) students make up 45% of American undergraduates, but little is known about their experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV), or accompanying service use and needs. The current study used a sequential confirmatory mixed methods design among a simple random sample of female CC students (n = 435), of whom 112 have experienced IPV in the past 12 months. Of these IPV survivors, 20 participated in qualitative follow-up interviews. The study assess use and perceived usefulness of college and community based resources, extent of social support, and perceived need for and barriers to service access. Campus based resources were rated as more useful than community based resources. Faculty were identified as important supports for survivors. Those experiencing IPV reported lower rates of social support compared to other students. A range of supports and services were endorsed as possibly useful by survivors. Survivors need services to address life generated risks that compound barriers to college completion created by abuse. CC survivors often balance work and parenting with education, and may benefit from different services than survivors in other educational settings.
Counselors in Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) provide crucial services to survivors of sexual violence... more Counselors in Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) provide crucial services to survivors of sexual violence. However, little is known about RCCs, including the treatment goals and assessment strategies of counselors. Counselors in all Texas RCCs (n = 83) were invited to participate in a web-based survey. Participants were asked to indicate which treatment goals they frequently identified and assessed, as well as their usual assessment techniques. Counselors endorsed treatment goals around self-esteem, empowerment, and relational functioning, along with trauma and mental health. Fewer counselors endorsed goals around drugs/alcohol or school/work/sexual functioning. Few counselors reported use of standardized measures. Counselors in urban settings were more likely to endorse goals related to mental health. There are discrepancies between counselors’ goals and how often outcomes are assessed. Increased assessment could promote the provision of effective services and access to funding.
This study sought to open the black box of services at rape crisis centers (RCCs), particularly r... more This study sought to open the black box of services at rape crisis centers (RCCs), particularly related to counseling, to better understand what is available to survivors in urban and rural settings. Findings from a survey of directors and counselors in Texas RCCs reveal a number of strengths: supporting services for survivors of sexual assault and insights that can help to further advance the implementation of evidencebased trauma treatments in this sector. Although many areas of congruence were found between urban and rural settings, differences were noted that have implications for implementation of evidence-based trauma treatments.
ABSTRACT This study evaluated a continuing education training program designed to increase field ... more ABSTRACT This study evaluated a continuing education training program designed to increase field educators’ capacities to support students in their application of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. A cohort of social work field instructors and task supervisors from agency-based settings (N = 186) attended a 1-day interactive skill-based training. Pre- and postsurveys assessed learning outcomes. Findings reveal a significant improvement from pre- to posttraining in the social work educators’ familiarity, t(179) = 22.8; attitude, t(180) = 12.73; and intentions, t(178) = 11.89, regarding EBP. Results indicate that skill-based training in the EBP process model via continuing education is feasible and acceptable.
Youth emancipating from foster care have been found to be at higher risk for many adverse outcome... more Youth emancipating from foster care have been found to be at higher risk for many adverse outcomes. Only one prior published study exists, however, about the dating violence experiences of foster youth. Asking similar questions about dating violence, this study attempted to replicate the prior findings regarding prevalence and to explore associations between foster care placement history, maltreatment history and mental health/substance abuse and self-reported dating violence. The youth reported a higher prevalence of dating violence than found in studies of the general youth population. Self-reported PTSD symptoms and drug use were associated with higher likelihood of dating violence victimization. The majority of youth self-reporting as dating violence perpetrators also self-reported as victims. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The current study aimed to identify the correlates of post-traumatic stress among a sample of wom... more The current study aimed to identify the correlates of post-traumatic stress among a sample of women on probation and parole with a history of victimization. Community-based sampling was used to recruit 406 women on probation and parole in Jefferson County, Kentucky. The post-traumatic stress diagnostic scale was used to measure three indicators of post-traumatic stress: post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, symptom severity, and the number of life domains impacted by symptoms. Shaped by the comprehensive health seeking and coping paradigm, logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between sociodemographic factors, criminal justice involvement, cumulative victimization, substance use, social support, material loss, homelessness, and post-traumatic stress. Models identifying correlates of post-traumatic stress accounted for between 18.6% and 26% of the variance and point to critical opportunities for intervention surrounding the dynamic factors of recent intimate partner violence and material loss. Targeting these important factors during community supervision is anticipated to decrease post-traumatic stress and increase the likelihood of success under criminal justice system supervision.
assault/abuse affects and compromises parenting behavior, symptom ramifications can have multigen... more assault/abuse affects and compromises parenting behavior, symptom ramifications can have multigenerational effects (Bohn & Holz, 1996; Wilson, 2010). Sexual violence also has significant mental health consequences for many survivors, with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse being the most frequently observed (Chen & Ullman, 2010; Kilpatrick, Resnick, Ruggiero, Conoscenti, & McCauley, 2007). In a systematic review of the research on the psychological effects of sexual assault, Campbell, Dworkin, and Cabral (2009) found that 33%-45% of women with a history of sexual assault had PTSD in their lifetime. The impact of PTSD can severely compromise one's quality of life. Many of those who suffer from it experience a chronic condition with symptoms that are so persistent and debilitating that it substantially interferes with marital and social relationships, vocational abilities, and often results in the need for extensive psychiatric and social services (Foa, Keane, Friedman, & Cohen, 2009).
Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, Oct 1, 2013
ABSTRACT Forty-three spiritually distressed older women (aged 55–83) who had survived multiple ty... more ABSTRACT Forty-three spiritually distressed older women (aged 55–83) who had survived multiple types of interpersonal trauma participated in a spiritually focused group intervention designed to address spiritual struggles related to earlier abuse and to enhance spiritual coping. It was hypothesized that the intervention would increase spiritual well-being and that religious/spiritual coping would mediate the relationship between the intervention and the outcomes of depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and spiritual well-being. The results provide strong initial support for the importance of understanding the effect of negative religious/spiritual coping on depression and anxiety symptoms in older religious survivors of interpersonal trauma.
ABSTRACT Fifty women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) were recruited from a legal adv... more ABSTRACT Fifty women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) were recruited from a legal advocacy program to participate in a study designed to assess current rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and alcohol and substance abuse among a sample of abused women and to examine the types of services survivors of IPV had used in the previous 12 months. In addition, the authors sought to understand how the presence of substance abuse, PTSD, and/or depression affects access and utilization of services by IPV survivors. Fifty-four percent of these IPV survivors were experiencing either PTSD, clinical depression, or both. While women with either PTSD or depression used a significantly larger number of services overall, the majority had not used any mental health services, even though they frequently reported services were accessible. Given the high rates of PTSD and depression in this sample, these abused women were clearly not receiving adequate mental health care. Furthermore, many reported having trouble accessing housing, legal services, crisis lines, and medical care—services that are fundamental to safety. Practitioners working with abused women should assess for PTSD and depression, and be prepared to either treat each condition or provide effective referrals.
A randomized experimental evaluation found support for the effectiveness of eye movement desensit... more A randomized experimental evaluation found support for the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)in reducing trauma symptoms among adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Fifty-nine women were assigned randomly to one of ...
Counselors in Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) provide crucial services to survivors of sexual violence... more Counselors in Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) provide crucial services to survivors of sexual violence. However, little is known about RCCs, including the treatment goals and assessment strategies of counselors. Counselors in all Texas RCCs (n = 83) were invited to participate in a web-based survey. Participants were asked to indicate which treatment goals they frequently identified and assessed, as well as their usual assessment techniques. Counselors endorsed treatment goals around self-esteem, empowerment, and relational functioning, along with trauma and mental health. Fewer counselors endorsed goals around drugs/alcohol or school/work/sexual functioning. Few counselors reported use of standardized measures. Counselors in urban settings were more likely to endorse goals related to mental health. There are discrepancies between counselors’ goals and how often outcomes are assessed. Increased assessment could promote the provision of effective services and access to funding.
Coping with Intimate Partners ’ Substance Use and Gambling Problems: The Role of Intimate Partner... more Coping with Intimate Partners ’ Substance Use and Gambling Problems: The Role of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) by
Survivors of sexual violence are at risk for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. There are several emp... more Survivors of sexual violence are at risk for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. There are several empirically supported treatments (EST) that are effective for addressing these trauma symptoms; however, uptake of these ESTs among Rape Crisis Center (RCC) counselors is low. This research project sought to determine counselors' attitudes toward evidence-based practices (EBPs); their perceptions of the intervention characteristics of three specific ESTs: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy; and differences in attitudes and perceptions based on agency setting (urban/rural) and counselor education. The Consolidated Framework for Advancing Implementation Science (CFIR) was used to construct a web-based survey to send to all RCCs in Texas (n=83) resulting in an overall agency response rate of 72% (n=60) and responses from 76 counselors. Counselors' attitudes towards EBP and perspectives on specific ESTs suggest that dissemination and implementation efforts are needed within the RCC service sector to advance the uptake of CPT, EMDR and PE.
The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized experimental evaluation of the effectivenes... more The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by examining its ability to reduce trauma symptoms among adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. These survivors, who suffer a variety of symptoms that are persistent and at times debilitating, comprise a large target population for social workers.
Community college (CC) students make up 45% of American undergraduates, but little is known about... more Community college (CC) students make up 45% of American undergraduates, but little is known about their experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV), or accompanying service use and needs. The current study used a sequential confirmatory mixed methods design among a simple random sample of female CC students (n = 435), of whom 112 have experienced IPV in the past 12 months. Of these IPV survivors, 20 participated in qualitative follow-up interviews. The study assess use and perceived usefulness of college and community based resources, extent of social support, and perceived need for and barriers to service access. Campus based resources were rated as more useful than community based resources. Faculty were identified as important supports for survivors. Those experiencing IPV reported lower rates of social support compared to other students. A range of supports and services were endorsed as possibly useful by survivors. Survivors need services to address life generated risks that compound barriers to college completion created by abuse. CC survivors often balance work and parenting with education, and may benefit from different services than survivors in other educational settings.
Counselors in Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) provide crucial services to survivors of sexual violence... more Counselors in Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) provide crucial services to survivors of sexual violence. However, little is known about RCCs, including the treatment goals and assessment strategies of counselors. Counselors in all Texas RCCs (n = 83) were invited to participate in a web-based survey. Participants were asked to indicate which treatment goals they frequently identified and assessed, as well as their usual assessment techniques. Counselors endorsed treatment goals around self-esteem, empowerment, and relational functioning, along with trauma and mental health. Fewer counselors endorsed goals around drugs/alcohol or school/work/sexual functioning. Few counselors reported use of standardized measures. Counselors in urban settings were more likely to endorse goals related to mental health. There are discrepancies between counselors’ goals and how often outcomes are assessed. Increased assessment could promote the provision of effective services and access to funding.
This study sought to open the black box of services at rape crisis centers (RCCs), particularly r... more This study sought to open the black box of services at rape crisis centers (RCCs), particularly related to counseling, to better understand what is available to survivors in urban and rural settings. Findings from a survey of directors and counselors in Texas RCCs reveal a number of strengths: supporting services for survivors of sexual assault and insights that can help to further advance the implementation of evidencebased trauma treatments in this sector. Although many areas of congruence were found between urban and rural settings, differences were noted that have implications for implementation of evidence-based trauma treatments.
ABSTRACT This study evaluated a continuing education training program designed to increase field ... more ABSTRACT This study evaluated a continuing education training program designed to increase field educators’ capacities to support students in their application of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. A cohort of social work field instructors and task supervisors from agency-based settings (N = 186) attended a 1-day interactive skill-based training. Pre- and postsurveys assessed learning outcomes. Findings reveal a significant improvement from pre- to posttraining in the social work educators’ familiarity, t(179) = 22.8; attitude, t(180) = 12.73; and intentions, t(178) = 11.89, regarding EBP. Results indicate that skill-based training in the EBP process model via continuing education is feasible and acceptable.
Youth emancipating from foster care have been found to be at higher risk for many adverse outcome... more Youth emancipating from foster care have been found to be at higher risk for many adverse outcomes. Only one prior published study exists, however, about the dating violence experiences of foster youth. Asking similar questions about dating violence, this study attempted to replicate the prior findings regarding prevalence and to explore associations between foster care placement history, maltreatment history and mental health/substance abuse and self-reported dating violence. The youth reported a higher prevalence of dating violence than found in studies of the general youth population. Self-reported PTSD symptoms and drug use were associated with higher likelihood of dating violence victimization. The majority of youth self-reporting as dating violence perpetrators also self-reported as victims. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The current study aimed to identify the correlates of post-traumatic stress among a sample of wom... more The current study aimed to identify the correlates of post-traumatic stress among a sample of women on probation and parole with a history of victimization. Community-based sampling was used to recruit 406 women on probation and parole in Jefferson County, Kentucky. The post-traumatic stress diagnostic scale was used to measure three indicators of post-traumatic stress: post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, symptom severity, and the number of life domains impacted by symptoms. Shaped by the comprehensive health seeking and coping paradigm, logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between sociodemographic factors, criminal justice involvement, cumulative victimization, substance use, social support, material loss, homelessness, and post-traumatic stress. Models identifying correlates of post-traumatic stress accounted for between 18.6% and 26% of the variance and point to critical opportunities for intervention surrounding the dynamic factors of recent intimate partner violence and material loss. Targeting these important factors during community supervision is anticipated to decrease post-traumatic stress and increase the likelihood of success under criminal justice system supervision.
assault/abuse affects and compromises parenting behavior, symptom ramifications can have multigen... more assault/abuse affects and compromises parenting behavior, symptom ramifications can have multigenerational effects (Bohn & Holz, 1996; Wilson, 2010). Sexual violence also has significant mental health consequences for many survivors, with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse being the most frequently observed (Chen & Ullman, 2010; Kilpatrick, Resnick, Ruggiero, Conoscenti, & McCauley, 2007). In a systematic review of the research on the psychological effects of sexual assault, Campbell, Dworkin, and Cabral (2009) found that 33%-45% of women with a history of sexual assault had PTSD in their lifetime. The impact of PTSD can severely compromise one's quality of life. Many of those who suffer from it experience a chronic condition with symptoms that are so persistent and debilitating that it substantially interferes with marital and social relationships, vocational abilities, and often results in the need for extensive psychiatric and social services (Foa, Keane, Friedman, & Cohen, 2009).
Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, Oct 1, 2013
ABSTRACT Forty-three spiritually distressed older women (aged 55–83) who had survived multiple ty... more ABSTRACT Forty-three spiritually distressed older women (aged 55–83) who had survived multiple types of interpersonal trauma participated in a spiritually focused group intervention designed to address spiritual struggles related to earlier abuse and to enhance spiritual coping. It was hypothesized that the intervention would increase spiritual well-being and that religious/spiritual coping would mediate the relationship between the intervention and the outcomes of depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and spiritual well-being. The results provide strong initial support for the importance of understanding the effect of negative religious/spiritual coping on depression and anxiety symptoms in older religious survivors of interpersonal trauma.
ABSTRACT Fifty women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) were recruited from a legal adv... more ABSTRACT Fifty women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) were recruited from a legal advocacy program to participate in a study designed to assess current rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and alcohol and substance abuse among a sample of abused women and to examine the types of services survivors of IPV had used in the previous 12 months. In addition, the authors sought to understand how the presence of substance abuse, PTSD, and/or depression affects access and utilization of services by IPV survivors. Fifty-four percent of these IPV survivors were experiencing either PTSD, clinical depression, or both. While women with either PTSD or depression used a significantly larger number of services overall, the majority had not used any mental health services, even though they frequently reported services were accessible. Given the high rates of PTSD and depression in this sample, these abused women were clearly not receiving adequate mental health care. Furthermore, many reported having trouble accessing housing, legal services, crisis lines, and medical care—services that are fundamental to safety. Practitioners working with abused women should assess for PTSD and depression, and be prepared to either treat each condition or provide effective referrals.
A randomized experimental evaluation found support for the effectiveness of eye movement desensit... more A randomized experimental evaluation found support for the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)in reducing trauma symptoms among adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Fifty-nine women were assigned randomly to one of ...
Counselors in Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) provide crucial services to survivors of sexual violence... more Counselors in Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) provide crucial services to survivors of sexual violence. However, little is known about RCCs, including the treatment goals and assessment strategies of counselors. Counselors in all Texas RCCs (n = 83) were invited to participate in a web-based survey. Participants were asked to indicate which treatment goals they frequently identified and assessed, as well as their usual assessment techniques. Counselors endorsed treatment goals around self-esteem, empowerment, and relational functioning, along with trauma and mental health. Fewer counselors endorsed goals around drugs/alcohol or school/work/sexual functioning. Few counselors reported use of standardized measures. Counselors in urban settings were more likely to endorse goals related to mental health. There are discrepancies between counselors’ goals and how often outcomes are assessed. Increased assessment could promote the provision of effective services and access to funding.
Coping with Intimate Partners ’ Substance Use and Gambling Problems: The Role of Intimate Partner... more Coping with Intimate Partners ’ Substance Use and Gambling Problems: The Role of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) by
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