Whiting & Birch (E-Journals)
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Structured activities with adolescent boys
No full textThis article describes and evaluates an activity group. The idea for a group using work and play to achieve treatment goals came from a wide variety of sources. The guiding principle is that being in a group should be fun, active and high in participation and interest. As Rose and Edelson (1987) note, these features make the group more attractive to members. They also maximise the effectiveness of certain elements of cognitive-belmvioural groupwork - cognitive restructuring, group discussion, problem-solving, exercises, modelling, rehearsal, feedback and setting and reviewing homework assignments (Rose and Edebon, 1987; Rose, 1981).Publisher’s note: We are now putting all back issues of Groupwork on line. Articles in this issue have been scanned to pdf files as viable original typesetting files no longer exist. Though they may not look it, these files are searchable. This issue was published nearly 30 years ago. We have stated author professional details as received at time of publication
Using biographical narrative interviewing methodology to research adults’ experiences of disclosing childhood sexual abuse
Get PDFDisclosure of sexual abuse can be a process rife with barriers, setbacks and trauma. Those who have experienced sexual abuse in childhood tend to delay disclosure, possibly until adulthood, and can be silenced by structural, societal and personal barriers. Those who do disclose are often referred to as the ‘tip of the iceberg’, highlighting the potentially large hidden population who never come forward. This paper is drawn from a wider study which presented narratives of adults who have disclosed their experiences of childhood sexual abuse to social work services in the Republic of Ireland. In Irish child protection policy such disclosures are called ‘retrospective disclosures’. Recent reports by Irish State bodies have shown that those who have reported their childhood experiences to child protection authorities have not always received the response they would have hoped for (Office of the Ombudsman, 2017; Health Information and Quality Authority, 2016). Since the ‘narrative turn’ in social work research a rich body of work has been produced which explores the use of narrative approaches to address pertinent issues affecting social work practice. Biographical Narrative Interviewing Methodology (BNIM) is one such approach to narrative research and focuses on the presentation of voice and life experience. This paper presents the BNIM data collection process as it was used in the wider study and justifies the rationale for using such a methodology as a means of conducting research on a sensitive topic with a population that are too often silenced. This paper presents how an awareness of the socially constructed environment, the dynamics of abuse and the use of appropriate methodologies can bring such silenced and marginalised voices to the fore
Children with Down syndrome and their communication partners participating in research about communication
No full textEven though 2018 marked the 70th anniversary of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948), published research examples which include the voices of children with disabilities are few. In the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1989), Article 12 states that the child has a right to express an opinion and Article 13 states that the child has the right to express their views. Communication is a fundamental human right, it allows for independence, contributes towards self-esteem and influences an individual’s identity. For those who rely on unconventional methods to communicate, this ‘right’ may be inaccessible due to external barriers such as attitudes or lack of awareness. Because the voices of children with intellectual disabilities have been rarely heard we need to explore ways to make their participation a reality. There is a pressing need to include children with disabilities as participants in research and practice in order to understand their micro- and meso-systems. This paper will share an example where three children with Down syndrome participated in research to share their views. How these children were included in terms of research design, purposeful and snowball sampling and data collection methods will be shared. The discussion in this paper will contribute to the research field where children with disabilities are generally excluded. Therefore, participatory research which includes the voices of children with disabilities is vital. This paper celebrates how children shared their views in research and shares the lessons learned aiming to support further research, policy and practice
The worker and the group process: A dilemma revisited
No full textThis article comments on the discrepancy between the wide acceptance of the of the ‘use of the group’ and the frequency with which practising groupworkers maintain an active, focal role. It is suggested that this is partly a residual confusion about the ‘leadership’function, Tim author proposes that Redl's ‘central person’ role concept is applicable and points to both situational and emotional factors which place the groupworker in such a position, The worker may gradually abrogate this role, but may also wish not to do so in order to achieve gains connected with Modelling and ego-support. Gerontological groupwork is the main source of exemplification.Publisher’s note: We are now putting all back issues on line. Articles in this issue have been scanned to pdf files as viable original typesetting files no longer exist. Though they may not look it, these files are searchable. This issue was published nearly 30 years ago. We have stated author professional details as received at time of publication
Use of the Labyrinth in Mutual-Aid Group work
No full textLabyrinth walking is a centuries old practice that has been used by many diverse cultural groups for spiritual growth and self-awareness. In the last few decades, labyrinths have been used in hospitals, schools, prisons, and churches for psychotherapeutic purposes. Today social workers and mental health practitioners, to aid in individual and family counseling, use the finger labyrinth, wherein participants use the index finger to trace within lines of a paper labyrinth. The purpose of this article is to introduce the use of the finger labyrinth in mutual aid group work, because it offers a dynamic approach to problem solving and enhances cognitive, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of group work. The auditory, visual, and kinesthetic nature of finger walking the labyrinth allows group members to use all the senses when working through a range of issues. This article discusses and demonstrates how the finger labyrinth can be utilized in mutual aid group work. An example of a 7-week mutual aid group using the finger labyrinth technique is presented. Group workers are encouraged to incorporate the finger walking labyrinth techniques into mutual aid groups in a variety of settings. Keywords: group work, labyrinth, finger labyrinth, problem solving, mutual aid group
Transitioning out of the asylum system in Ireland: Challenges and opportunities
No full textAbstract: Asylum seekers are often considered by researchers to be ‘hidden’ or ‘hard to reach’. Yet, issues that impact on them are relevant to social work and its social justice remit. This paper presents research conducted with former asylum seekers to explore their experience of transitioning from ‘Direct Provision’ accommodation into the wider community following the granting of international protection. Ireland’s strategy for integration effectively excludes asylum seekers. They have limited access to work or education and are deprived of supports provided to programme refugees. Using a community-based participatory research methodology, the study illuminates challenges encountered transitioning out of the asylum system and charts the benefits of utilising a collaborative approach to access participants, to facilitate their engagement and to ensure that the research had an impact. It suggests that a partnership approach to research with hidden populations can raise awareness and influence positive social change
Review of Participatory Qualitative Research Methodologies in Health, Edited by Gina Higgenbottom and Pranee Liamputtong
No full textPromoting the Sexual Self-efficacy of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth through a Group Intervention
No full textThe current study examined the efficacy of an affirmative group cognitive behavioral intervention on the sexual self-efficacy level of sexual and gender minority youths (SGMY). SGMY (n=30) between the age of 15 and 18 participated in a series of eight cognitive behavioral-focused groups. They also completed measures on sexual self-efficacy before and after the intervention. Paired sample t-test was chosen as method of analysis. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in protection sexual self-efficacy but not in abstinence sexual self-efficacy post intervention.The current study concluded that affirmative groups that utilize cognitive behavioral therapy show promise for SGMY. Group content and process is detailed, and key components of groups designed to improve the sexual health of SGMY are discussed