Papers by Ratonia Runnels
Partner Abuse
Purpose: COVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic that has caused an increase in the intimate partne... more Purpose: COVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic that has caused an increase in the intimate partner violence (IPV) victims rate, and social service-providing agencies shifted to emergency online and distance service-providing systems. In our study, we aimed to explore the experiences of IPV service providers during this pandemic.Method: We used a cross-sectional qualitative method containing some quantitative questions. Data were collected by conducting 15 in-depth interviews and a survey with the service providers (22–65 years old) from six IPV service-providing agencies that are located in the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex in North Central Texas. We used a phenomenological hermeneutical method to capture the service providers’ experiences.Results: Four key themes highlight the essence of the experiences of the IPV service providers while providing the services during COVID-19. The four major themes are (a) experiences with telehealth, (b) barriers to social and legal services, (c) a...
This dissertation is dedicated to my father and mother, Roy Gene and Glenn Ella Marie Runnels. My... more This dissertation is dedicated to my father and mother, Roy Gene and Glenn Ella Marie Runnels. My parents taught us many things, one of them being to never quit. This work was completed to honor my father and mother and the legacy of excellence they instilled in each of their children. I am thankful for their continued encouragement and support. They set an example of diligence, service, and commitment that has made me who I am and provided the foundation for me to complete this work. Thanks Momma
African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV comprising only 12% of the U.S. populati... more African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV comprising only 12% of the U.S. population but accounting for nearly 50% of all HIV cases (CDC, 2009). HIV surveillance data estimate that one in 30 Black women will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime. For many HIV positive African American women, treatment of HIV infection and the subsequent psychological stress is complicated by lack of resources and competing life priorities. These women also face additional challenges such as fear of disclosure and lack of adequate social support. The complexity of challenges faced by African American women who are HIV positive highlight the need to explore their preferred ways of coping. Studies show that minority women tend to utilize alternative coping strategies when faced with dual mental and physical health challenges. Spirituality has been found to have a direct relationship with cognitive and social functioning and inversely related to HIV symptoms among African American w...
The integration of religion and spirituality into social work education and practice remains a co... more The integration of religion and spirituality into social work education and practice remains a contentious topic of debate. For Christian social workers, social work students and educators, integrating theories of faith and faith experiences into the educational process can be beneficial. To date there has been little evidence on how teaching spirituality and religion content in accredited programs is enhancing practice. This article presents a conceptual roadmap for instructors and students preparing to enter field practicum. By aligning Fowler's Stages of Faith with students' anticipatory process, instructors can be better equipped to navigate each stage of development.
Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services
Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought
Addressing Racial Disproportionality and Disparities in Human Services, 2014
Addressing Racial Disproportionality and Disparities in Human Services, 2014
Violence Against Women, 2011
Violence Against Women, 2011
Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 2011
Research has shown that spirituality and religion are important sources of resilience and coping ... more Research has shown that spirituality and religion are important sources of resilience and coping in adversity such as disasters, particularly for African Americans. In addition, churches and faith-based service providers are key actors in disaster relief and recovery. ...
Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 2011
Research has shown that spirituality and religion are important sources of resilience and coping ... more Research has shown that spirituality and religion are important sources of resilience and coping in adversity such as disasters, particularly for African Americans. In addition, churches and faith-based service providers are key actors in disaster relief and recovery. ...
Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work, 2011
Research has shown that spirituality and religion are important sources of resilience and coping ... more Research has shown that spirituality and religion are important sources of resilience and coping in adversity such as disasters, particularly for African Americans. In addition, churches and faith-based service providers are key actors in disaster relief and recovery. After Hurricane Katrina, research on survivors has focused little on the role of spirituality and religion in their recovery. This case study illustrates that even without soliciting it, survivors who evacuated to a host city talked about the importance of spirituality and religion in their recovery process. Further, interviews and observations with local service providers illustrate that few practitioners utilized spirituality or religion as a resource and that coordination between faith-based and secular service providers was problematic. Our research highlights a neglected area of cultural competence for those providing services to Katrina survivors. We discuss the implications for social work policy and practice.
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Papers by Ratonia Runnels