Research on parental bereavement has focused historically on single or partnered cross-gendered (heterosexual) bereaved parents. No previous studies have examined the unique experiences of same-gendered bereaved parents. This multiple-case study focused on child death in same-gendered-parent families. The goal of this study was to yield…

It is almost taken for granted that social relationships benefit mental health, yet these relationships may not always be protective. This study examines how the support and strains individuals derive from family and friends may be related to depression and anxiety among Asian Americans. Data come from the 2002-2003 National Latino and Asian…

Mentoring for youths transitioning out of the foster care system has been growing in popularity as mentoring programs have enjoyed unprecedented growth in recent years. However, the existing empirical literature on the conditions associated with more effective youth mentoring relationships and the potential for harm in their absence should give us…

From a global perspective, the typical person living with HIV/AIDS is likely a sub-Saharan African woman. Yet despite calls from NASW to adopt a global outlook on the HIV/AIDS crisis, little research has examined how such women cope. In this study, the authors used a mixed-methods approach to explore how one sample of sub-Saharan African women (N…

In many instances, departments of social work in universities and community-based social services agencies have common interests in improving professional practice and advancing knowledge in the profession. Effective university-community research collaborations can help partners achieve these goals jointly, but to be effective these collaborative…

Although gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) adolescents face many of the same developmental challenges as do heterosexual adolescents, they must also deal with the stress of being part of a stigmatized group. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which family support and involvement with the queer community may buffer the effects of…

Although significant numbers of social service clients experience mental health problems, virtually no research has examined the responsiveness of social service agencies to mental disorder. This article examines the extent to which client depression is reflected in records of a public social service agency, community long-term care (CLTC).…

Describes a group called "Fathering: The First Time" formed to help new fathers cope with stress and to share support and information. Discusses the therapists' role and group process from euphoria to competency. (JAC)

This study examined the effect of involvement in mutual support groups on long-term recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other vulnerable individuals. From qualitative interviews with nine group members, the study identified key themes, benefits, and barriers related to involvement in the groups. Content analysis of the…

Discusses some assumptions, dilemmas, and questions in (1) facilitating support groups for caregivers whose relatives have Alzheimer's disease, (2) talking with other such facilitators around the country, (3) reviewing the literature, and (4) talking with group members themselves. Suggestions are made for a wider variety of support-group models.…

Studies spouseless, childless elderly women living in a metropolitan area including women who had never married, women who were widowed, and women who were divorced or separated. Most of the women had developed substitute supports for the close kin they lacked. Most younger elderly respondents, aged 65 to 74, considered themselves in good health.…

Guidelines are given to assess the sources and types of social support people use as first and direct lines of defense in coping with life events and chronic hardships and to highlight how these ties mediate access to other supportive peer relationships. Suggests social workers organize groups and workshops to assess and strengthen network…

Discusses factors involved in parental bereavement, including the unnaturalness of the child predeceasing the parents, social reactions to the death of a child, the loss of the spouse as a primary support during the grieving process, and grief-related problems with surviving children. Treatment recommendations are presented. (NRB)

Examined effects of incarceration on family life among 63 inmates and 38 inmate wives. Contrasted those who participated in Family Reunion (conjugal visits) Program with nonparticipants. Found that coping was in normal range for both groups of inmates and wives and, except for measures of wives' passive appraisal, did not differ according to…

Used ethnographic participant-observation research methodology to determine human services available through three Buddhist mutual assistance associations for Southeast Asian refugees living in Midwest. Found that Buddhism was linked to both traditional lifestyle and current efforts to overcome effects of war and trauma. Identified physical,…