Statement of problem: Older adults face many life‑threatening and disabling illnesses, which make... more Statement of problem: Older adults face many life‑threatening and disabling illnesses, which make them think more about their own mortal limit. One of the strategies they employ in coping with death attitudes is religious faith and spirituality beliefs. However, the ameliorating influence of religious orientation on personal death anxiety remains inconclusive. Aim: This study explored the association of religiosity and spirituality with fear of death and death acceptance attitudes in older adults. Method: a questionnaire was administered to 50 older persons from two Romanian counties. Hierarchical regression models were constructed for predictor variables and the outcomes of fear of death and approach acceptance of death attitudes. Results: Religiosity was significantly associated with the fear of death and approach acceptance of death attitudes. Demographic factors and spirituality did not play a significant contribution to the regression models.
Transition to adulthood is a continuous process grounded in the daily choices youth make regardin... more Transition to adulthood is a continuous process grounded in the daily choices youth make regarding the focusing of their energies across the multiple social contexts of family, peers, school, work or romance. This current examines future family‑related plans adolescents might have on the verge of exiting high school and its relation to their self‑confidence, family, peer group and teacher support. An online survey was adminis‑ trated to 3,524 XII th graders. Results suggest that adolescents with high levels of support from their peers are more likely to plan moving with the partner, getting married or having a child in the near future. The level of family support is related to the likelihood of plan moving with the partner or getting married, while self confidence is a significant
Acest număr special şi-a propus să ofere un spaţiu academic şi profesional pentru a descrie şi an... more Acest număr special şi-a propus să ofere un spaţiu academic şi profesional pentru a descrie şi analiza critic unul dintre scopurile fundamentale ale asistenţei sociale: capacitarea copiilor, tinerilor şi familiilor. Evaluarea, planificarea şi livrarea intervenţiilor acestor categorii de beneficiari tind să se centreze în mod semnificativ pe problemă. Prin urmare, asistenţii sociali îşi vor explica eşecurile intervenţiilor prin raportarea la clienţi ca "nemo tivaţi", "rezistenţi la schimbare" şi/sau "nepregătiţi" să-şi asume schimbarea. Profe sioniştii tind să facă mai degrabă lucruri pentru clienţi, şi nu împreună cu aceştia, în special în cazul situaţiilor şi/sau clienţilor "problematici".
The goal of this paper is to plan working task for preschool children in order to deliver origina... more The goal of this paper is to plan working task for preschool children in order to deliver original and creative outputs. The theoretical background of the paper is set in defining creativity as the capacity to create something new, original, and adequate to reality Jaoui, 1975; Boden, 1992). The research hypothesis states that if preschoolers are asked to comply with some predefined working rules in drawing they will deliver original outputs. The independent variable is the working task and the dependent variable is the output. The empirical research involved children enrolled in preparatory group from Floreşti Kindergarten (Cluj). The learning content involved elements from Math, Biology, and Decorative Art: circle, square, triangle, leaves, flowers. Children were involved 13 comparative experimental contexts. Therefore, their progress for each output was monitored. Preschoolers delivered original drawings, different from their peers' but similar in using the same decorative element. The research hypothesis confirmed. Results are to be judged with caution as future researches should use fewer tasks as the independent variable
Journal of evidence-informed social work, Jan 6, 2015
In this article the authors report on a small survey of Romanian social workers regarding their a... more In this article the authors report on a small survey of Romanian social workers regarding their attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP) and thoughts on the factors affecting its implementation in their clinical work. Eighty social workers were asked to complete a pen-and-paper questionnaire on their attitudes toward EBP, the use of research, and perceived barriers on implementation. Social workers have generally positive attitudes toward EBP. Insufficient time surfaced as the greatest barrier to successful implementation. Previous training during academic programs on the EBP foundations was associated with more positive attitudes and beliefs and also with stronger commitment toward implementation. Given the constant pressure that the limited resources pose on the social services, practitioners from the social work field must assure that their clients will have access to the best available programs and interventions. However, as the transfer of research into practice appears m...
Journal of evidence-informed social work, Jan 28, 2015
Knowledge and familiarity of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key competence to social workers ... more Knowledge and familiarity of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key competence to social workers entering the workforce. The literature review revealed no studies on Romanian graduates that have measured the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors students have about EBP in the final semester of their bachelor's of social work (BSW) degree program. A sample of 89 students drawn from one public school in Romania completed the instrument. The questionnaire included measures of familiarity, attitudes, feasibility, and intentions for future use as well as demographic information. Overall, students are familiar with EBP steps and principles and have quite positive attitudes. However, only familiarity significantly predicts their intentions to engage in the EBP process upon graduation. Attitude does not contribute to the regression equation, meaning that these are not yet consolidated. These results indicate a need for attention to teaching EBP in BSW programs. To provide optimal...
ABSTRACT Computer–Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS Software (CAQDAS) refers to the use of compu... more ABSTRACT Computer–Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS Software (CAQDAS) refers to the use of computer software to aid qualitative research. Literature describes its advantages (e.g. high speed at handling volumes of data and improvement of rigor analysis), but also its cautions (e.g. over-coding leading to cluttered coding trees). The current study uses NVivo in order to analyse the children’s perceptions about family functions in the context of maltreatment. A small sample of children with official record of abuse or neglect were asked to describe family functions in terms of communication, behavior control, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, roles and problem solving. Descriptive outputs reveal that boys attach more negative content to family functions than girls. Also, as a compact group, maltreated, children assert a negative content especially to affective involvement and responsiveness, roles and communication. The model generated by the software allows discussions and future research questions.
Job orientation, defined as how adolescents anticipate and construct their future employment, is ... more Job orientation, defined as how adolescents anticipate and construct their future employment, is a multidimensional and multistage phenomenon. Studies have indicated that how adolescents anticipate and plan for their future job is greatly influenced by the particular context in which they are placed, but most of the research in this area has been conducted with adolescents from western cultures. As Romanian senior high school students face a complex set of future occupational options, how and if the decision is influenced by personal or social factors is an important question of interest. This study examines future job planning of adolescents in contemporary Romania and its relation to adolescents' self-confidence, family, peer group and community support. We administered a questionnaire to 905 senior high schoolers. Results show that adolescents' future job planning is influenced mainly by the level of self-confidence and family support while peer group and neighborhood support were less successful as predictors. Compared with boys, girls are more likely to plan having a job in the near future; adolescents from urban areas are more likely to think about employment.
International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 2013
ABSTRACT This study examines the future achievements of adolescents from Romania and their future... more ABSTRACT This study examines the future achievements of adolescents from Romania and their future worries about the pending transition to adulthood. The study examines the hypotheses that personal variables (e.g. gender, a personality trait of optimism) and social support variables (the support of family, peers) predict their future expectations. A total of 905 adolescents participated in the study. The self-report questionnaire covered several areas including demographic background, optimism, family and peer support and future expectations. Results indicate that most adolescents perceived their future positively. Their future achievements and worries were related to gender. Self-confidence and optimism were positively correlated with positive future expectations. At the same time, lack of the peer-support group was related to negative future expectations, whereas family support did not seem to play a role in this relation. These findings suggest that there are areas of concern that should be addressed through programmes to prepare youth for adult transition. Follow-up and longitudinal studies are suggested.
Friend support Future planning Parent support Statement of problem: Future orientation is a multi... more Friend support Future planning Parent support Statement of problem: Future orientation is a multidimensional and multistage phenomenon. Studies have indicated that how adolescents anticipate and plan for their future is greatly influenced by the particular context in which they are placed, but most of the research in this area has been conducted with adolescents from western cultures. Aim: This study examined the personal (getting married, moving with the partner, having a child) and professional (having a job, starting a business) future planning of adolescents in contemporary Romania and its relation with adolescents' background and with parents and friends support. Method: We administered a questionnaire measuring their future orientation and support from parents and friends to 3524 high school seniors from Romania. Results: Adolescents' personal future planning varies across different life domains. Females were more likely to plan moving with the partner and getting married, while males were more likely to plan a career option. Family had an effect on professional plans, but the effect is negative, while friends were positive associated with all the future planning.
The constantly changing nature of social care practice necessitates continuous development of edu... more The constantly changing nature of social care practice necessitates continuous development of educational programs to prepare current practitioners. Basing social work practice on methodologically sound research evidence is an appealing prospect for the child protection services. However, Romania, once considered an Eastern European model for child welfare policy and practice, is somehow lagging behind. In this article the author gives a short overview of where the Romanian Child Protection System currently stands in terms of evidence-based practice.
This study examines a mediation model for the relationship between emotional intelligence and lif... more This study examines a mediation model for the relationship between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction for students. Self-esteem and social support were used as mediators. The participants were 131 Romanian undergraduate students. Data were collected by using the Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Bootstrap analysis showed that both self-esteem and social support partially mediated the relationship between EI and life satisfaction. Implications for future research and limitations of the present findings are discussed.
The social work profession has been undergoing a period of change and has been encouraged to prov... more The social work profession has been undergoing a period of change and has been encouraged to prove the effectiveness of clinical interventions by scientific evidence. This study was therefore designed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of a sample of Romanian social work professionals to evidence-based practice (EBP). 62 social workers were required to complete a 37-item closed ended questionnaire, which collected information on demographic data, practice settings, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding EBP. Respondents agreed that the use of EBP was necessary and that the quality of patient care was better when evidence was used, with the younger physiotherapists at the fore front. About 50% of the respondents had access to online information; the majority of these respondents only had time to access the internet more at home rather than at work place. The primary barrier to implementing EBP was insufficient time. The respondents had a positive attitude towards EBP and were interested in improving the skills necessary to implement EBP. There was a need to increase the use of EBP in clinical practice and decision making among social workers. The respondents who were recently licensed and those with post-graduate education expressed more positive attitudes toward EBP than those who were not. Results also point out the issue of appreciative inquiry (AI) as a key-component in successful implementation of EBP in social work clinical settings.
There is little research-based data on how child maltreating families experience their level of f... more There is little research-based data on how child maltreating families experience their level of functioning and lack of data is even more stringent for Romanian space. Such knowledge generated primarily by qualitative methods is needed to deepen the different quantitative findings. Therefore, employing a qualitative design, the purpose of this study is to develop a preliminary theoretical model of functioning of child maltreating families. Child maltreatment was defined as physical, psychological or neglect caused by the one of the child's parents. Family functioning referred to well-being or performance of the family unit in such domains as relationships within the family health/competence, conflict resolution, cohesion, leadership, and expressiveness. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with open-ended questions from children subject to maltreatment within the family (n=10). Transcribed interviews were analysed by using the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. Dysfunctional roles and lack of problem solving abilities within the family emerged as the core categories which described the phenomenon in general and was connected to all other categories of family functioning. The findings can be useful in developing future parenting programs for child maltreating families, in nursing education and in preventing child maltreatment.
Statement of problem: Older adults face many life‑threatening and disabling illnesses, which make... more Statement of problem: Older adults face many life‑threatening and disabling illnesses, which make them think more about their own mortal limit. One of the strategies they employ in coping with death attitudes is religious faith and spirituality beliefs. However, the ameliorating influence of religious orientation on personal death anxiety remains inconclusive. Aim: This study explored the association of religiosity and spirituality with fear of death and death acceptance attitudes in older adults. Method: a questionnaire was administered to 50 older persons from two Romanian counties. Hierarchical regression models were constructed for predictor variables and the outcomes of fear of death and approach acceptance of death attitudes. Results: Religiosity was significantly associated with the fear of death and approach acceptance of death attitudes. Demographic factors and spirituality did not play a significant contribution to the regression models.
Transition to adulthood is a continuous process grounded in the daily choices youth make regardin... more Transition to adulthood is a continuous process grounded in the daily choices youth make regarding the focusing of their energies across the multiple social contexts of family, peers, school, work or romance. This current examines future family‑related plans adolescents might have on the verge of exiting high school and its relation to their self‑confidence, family, peer group and teacher support. An online survey was adminis‑ trated to 3,524 XII th graders. Results suggest that adolescents with high levels of support from their peers are more likely to plan moving with the partner, getting married or having a child in the near future. The level of family support is related to the likelihood of plan moving with the partner or getting married, while self confidence is a significant
Acest număr special şi-a propus să ofere un spaţiu academic şi profesional pentru a descrie şi an... more Acest număr special şi-a propus să ofere un spaţiu academic şi profesional pentru a descrie şi analiza critic unul dintre scopurile fundamentale ale asistenţei sociale: capacitarea copiilor, tinerilor şi familiilor. Evaluarea, planificarea şi livrarea intervenţiilor acestor categorii de beneficiari tind să se centreze în mod semnificativ pe problemă. Prin urmare, asistenţii sociali îşi vor explica eşecurile intervenţiilor prin raportarea la clienţi ca "nemo tivaţi", "rezistenţi la schimbare" şi/sau "nepregătiţi" să-şi asume schimbarea. Profe sioniştii tind să facă mai degrabă lucruri pentru clienţi, şi nu împreună cu aceştia, în special în cazul situaţiilor şi/sau clienţilor "problematici".
The goal of this paper is to plan working task for preschool children in order to deliver origina... more The goal of this paper is to plan working task for preschool children in order to deliver original and creative outputs. The theoretical background of the paper is set in defining creativity as the capacity to create something new, original, and adequate to reality Jaoui, 1975; Boden, 1992). The research hypothesis states that if preschoolers are asked to comply with some predefined working rules in drawing they will deliver original outputs. The independent variable is the working task and the dependent variable is the output. The empirical research involved children enrolled in preparatory group from Floreşti Kindergarten (Cluj). The learning content involved elements from Math, Biology, and Decorative Art: circle, square, triangle, leaves, flowers. Children were involved 13 comparative experimental contexts. Therefore, their progress for each output was monitored. Preschoolers delivered original drawings, different from their peers' but similar in using the same decorative element. The research hypothesis confirmed. Results are to be judged with caution as future researches should use fewer tasks as the independent variable
Journal of evidence-informed social work, Jan 6, 2015
In this article the authors report on a small survey of Romanian social workers regarding their a... more In this article the authors report on a small survey of Romanian social workers regarding their attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP) and thoughts on the factors affecting its implementation in their clinical work. Eighty social workers were asked to complete a pen-and-paper questionnaire on their attitudes toward EBP, the use of research, and perceived barriers on implementation. Social workers have generally positive attitudes toward EBP. Insufficient time surfaced as the greatest barrier to successful implementation. Previous training during academic programs on the EBP foundations was associated with more positive attitudes and beliefs and also with stronger commitment toward implementation. Given the constant pressure that the limited resources pose on the social services, practitioners from the social work field must assure that their clients will have access to the best available programs and interventions. However, as the transfer of research into practice appears m...
Journal of evidence-informed social work, Jan 28, 2015
Knowledge and familiarity of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key competence to social workers ... more Knowledge and familiarity of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key competence to social workers entering the workforce. The literature review revealed no studies on Romanian graduates that have measured the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors students have about EBP in the final semester of their bachelor's of social work (BSW) degree program. A sample of 89 students drawn from one public school in Romania completed the instrument. The questionnaire included measures of familiarity, attitudes, feasibility, and intentions for future use as well as demographic information. Overall, students are familiar with EBP steps and principles and have quite positive attitudes. However, only familiarity significantly predicts their intentions to engage in the EBP process upon graduation. Attitude does not contribute to the regression equation, meaning that these are not yet consolidated. These results indicate a need for attention to teaching EBP in BSW programs. To provide optimal...
ABSTRACT Computer–Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS Software (CAQDAS) refers to the use of compu... more ABSTRACT Computer–Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS Software (CAQDAS) refers to the use of computer software to aid qualitative research. Literature describes its advantages (e.g. high speed at handling volumes of data and improvement of rigor analysis), but also its cautions (e.g. over-coding leading to cluttered coding trees). The current study uses NVivo in order to analyse the children’s perceptions about family functions in the context of maltreatment. A small sample of children with official record of abuse or neglect were asked to describe family functions in terms of communication, behavior control, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, roles and problem solving. Descriptive outputs reveal that boys attach more negative content to family functions than girls. Also, as a compact group, maltreated, children assert a negative content especially to affective involvement and responsiveness, roles and communication. The model generated by the software allows discussions and future research questions.
Job orientation, defined as how adolescents anticipate and construct their future employment, is ... more Job orientation, defined as how adolescents anticipate and construct their future employment, is a multidimensional and multistage phenomenon. Studies have indicated that how adolescents anticipate and plan for their future job is greatly influenced by the particular context in which they are placed, but most of the research in this area has been conducted with adolescents from western cultures. As Romanian senior high school students face a complex set of future occupational options, how and if the decision is influenced by personal or social factors is an important question of interest. This study examines future job planning of adolescents in contemporary Romania and its relation to adolescents' self-confidence, family, peer group and community support. We administered a questionnaire to 905 senior high schoolers. Results show that adolescents' future job planning is influenced mainly by the level of self-confidence and family support while peer group and neighborhood support were less successful as predictors. Compared with boys, girls are more likely to plan having a job in the near future; adolescents from urban areas are more likely to think about employment.
International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 2013
ABSTRACT This study examines the future achievements of adolescents from Romania and their future... more ABSTRACT This study examines the future achievements of adolescents from Romania and their future worries about the pending transition to adulthood. The study examines the hypotheses that personal variables (e.g. gender, a personality trait of optimism) and social support variables (the support of family, peers) predict their future expectations. A total of 905 adolescents participated in the study. The self-report questionnaire covered several areas including demographic background, optimism, family and peer support and future expectations. Results indicate that most adolescents perceived their future positively. Their future achievements and worries were related to gender. Self-confidence and optimism were positively correlated with positive future expectations. At the same time, lack of the peer-support group was related to negative future expectations, whereas family support did not seem to play a role in this relation. These findings suggest that there are areas of concern that should be addressed through programmes to prepare youth for adult transition. Follow-up and longitudinal studies are suggested.
Friend support Future planning Parent support Statement of problem: Future orientation is a multi... more Friend support Future planning Parent support Statement of problem: Future orientation is a multidimensional and multistage phenomenon. Studies have indicated that how adolescents anticipate and plan for their future is greatly influenced by the particular context in which they are placed, but most of the research in this area has been conducted with adolescents from western cultures. Aim: This study examined the personal (getting married, moving with the partner, having a child) and professional (having a job, starting a business) future planning of adolescents in contemporary Romania and its relation with adolescents' background and with parents and friends support. Method: We administered a questionnaire measuring their future orientation and support from parents and friends to 3524 high school seniors from Romania. Results: Adolescents' personal future planning varies across different life domains. Females were more likely to plan moving with the partner and getting married, while males were more likely to plan a career option. Family had an effect on professional plans, but the effect is negative, while friends were positive associated with all the future planning.
The constantly changing nature of social care practice necessitates continuous development of edu... more The constantly changing nature of social care practice necessitates continuous development of educational programs to prepare current practitioners. Basing social work practice on methodologically sound research evidence is an appealing prospect for the child protection services. However, Romania, once considered an Eastern European model for child welfare policy and practice, is somehow lagging behind. In this article the author gives a short overview of where the Romanian Child Protection System currently stands in terms of evidence-based practice.
This study examines a mediation model for the relationship between emotional intelligence and lif... more This study examines a mediation model for the relationship between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction for students. Self-esteem and social support were used as mediators. The participants were 131 Romanian undergraduate students. Data were collected by using the Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Bootstrap analysis showed that both self-esteem and social support partially mediated the relationship between EI and life satisfaction. Implications for future research and limitations of the present findings are discussed.
The social work profession has been undergoing a period of change and has been encouraged to prov... more The social work profession has been undergoing a period of change and has been encouraged to prove the effectiveness of clinical interventions by scientific evidence. This study was therefore designed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of a sample of Romanian social work professionals to evidence-based practice (EBP). 62 social workers were required to complete a 37-item closed ended questionnaire, which collected information on demographic data, practice settings, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding EBP. Respondents agreed that the use of EBP was necessary and that the quality of patient care was better when evidence was used, with the younger physiotherapists at the fore front. About 50% of the respondents had access to online information; the majority of these respondents only had time to access the internet more at home rather than at work place. The primary barrier to implementing EBP was insufficient time. The respondents had a positive attitude towards EBP and were interested in improving the skills necessary to implement EBP. There was a need to increase the use of EBP in clinical practice and decision making among social workers. The respondents who were recently licensed and those with post-graduate education expressed more positive attitudes toward EBP than those who were not. Results also point out the issue of appreciative inquiry (AI) as a key-component in successful implementation of EBP in social work clinical settings.
There is little research-based data on how child maltreating families experience their level of f... more There is little research-based data on how child maltreating families experience their level of functioning and lack of data is even more stringent for Romanian space. Such knowledge generated primarily by qualitative methods is needed to deepen the different quantitative findings. Therefore, employing a qualitative design, the purpose of this study is to develop a preliminary theoretical model of functioning of child maltreating families. Child maltreatment was defined as physical, psychological or neglect caused by the one of the child's parents. Family functioning referred to well-being or performance of the family unit in such domains as relationships within the family health/competence, conflict resolution, cohesion, leadership, and expressiveness. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with open-ended questions from children subject to maltreatment within the family (n=10). Transcribed interviews were analysed by using the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. Dysfunctional roles and lack of problem solving abilities within the family emerged as the core categories which described the phenomenon in general and was connected to all other categories of family functioning. The findings can be useful in developing future parenting programs for child maltreating families, in nursing education and in preventing child maltreatment.
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