ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine qualitatively the experiences of parents participating in Parent to Parent programs. METHOD: Twenty-four parents of children with special needs, a subset of subjects in a larger quantitative study, participated in a semi-structured telephone interview to explore the impact and meaning of being matched with a trained supporting parent. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis reveals a successful match is contingent upon creation of a "reliable ally" in the supporting parent, comprised of four main components: (1) perceived sameness, (2) situational comparisons that enable learning and growth, (3) round-the-clock availability of support, and (4) mutuality of support. CONCLUSIONS: Parent to Parent support creates a community of similar others trained to listen and be supportive and provides an opportunity for matched parents to experience equality and mutuality in their relationship. Findings also identify the need for quality control in Parent to Parent programs and the importance of such programs as an adjunct to traditional professional services.
Subject(s)
Disabled Children/psychology , Parents/psychology , Self-Help Groups , Social Support , Adaptation, Psychological , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Consumer Behavior , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
The effect of a short-term group intervention to reduce self-blame and guilt in parents of children with severe disabilities was examined. Thirty-four mothers were randomly assigned to treatment and waiting list control groups. They participated in classes led by a counselor on topics relating to cognitive processes associated with guilt and self-blame. Results showed significant reductions in measures of guilt, negative automatic thoughts, internal negative attributions, and depression. Theoretical and treatment literature concerning self-blame and guilt was briefly reviewed and the derivative treatment was described.
Subject(s)
Guilt , Mothers/psychology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Adult , Child , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Developmental Disabilities , Female , Humans , Male , Psychotherapy, Group , Social Support , Stress, Psychological/therapy , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
This article describes the development of a microcomputer-based videodisc assessment prototype for measuring children's social skills. The theoretical and empirical foundations for the content are described, and the contributions of interactive microcomputer-based video technology to assessment of children with handicaps are detailed. An application of Goldfried and D'Zurilla's "behavior-analytic" approach to development of the content of assessments is presented, and the related video and computer technology development is detailed. The article describes the conceptual foundations of the psychometrics of the assessment prototype as well as the psychometric methodology that was employed throughout the development process. Finally, a discussion of the potential applications and implications of the social skills assessment prototype is included.
Subject(s)
Microcomputers , Personality Assessment , Socialization , Videodisc Recording/instrumentation , Child , Female , Gender Identity , Humans , Male , Peer Group , Social Behavior , Sociometric Techniques , SoftwareABSTRACT
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 11-thiol-11-desoxy Prostaglandin E2 (SHPGE2) were evaluated in a variety of behavioral and neuropharmacological procedures that are sensitive to neuroleptics. Clozapine (C), thioridazine (T), haloperidol (H), and fluphenazine (F) were also tested for comparison. All agents except T suppressed avoidance responses in trained rats at one or more doses without concurrently disrupting escape behavior. T, H, and F dose-responsively antagonized lesioned rat rotational behavior at nontoxic doses. T, H, and F induced catalepsy at doses considerably higher than those effective on rotational behavior. SHPGE2, PGE2, and C did not cause catalepsy and did not show statistically significant dose-response antagonism of rotational behavior at less than toxic doses. All agents tested blocked d-amphetamine-induced lethality and caused motor incoordination dose-responsively. SHPGE2, PGE2, C, and T caused statistically significant blockade of physostigmine-induced lethality. H and F were ineffective against physostigmine lethality. It was concluded that SHPGE2 and PGE2 demonstrated, qualitatively, a spectrum of neuroleptic like properties remarkably similar to C.
