In view of the proliferation of recent publicity on the topic of rape via the news media and popular publications, the researchers decided that a study concerning rape would be timely and informative. An examination of the literature resulted in the discovery that there were only two principal studies published. These were by John MacDonald, Rape Offenders and Their Victims, 1971, and Menachem Amir, Patterns in Forcible Rape, 1971. Other sources invariably used the results of these studies as a basis for their comments and conclusions. The recurring emphasis on the commonly held myths (as described later in this study) became obvious as progress was made into a review of the literature. Nowhere in the literature was reference made to any studies which had been done to substantiate the existence of the myths cited. References to the myths were made in generalities only. The researchers determined to investigate the validity of the assumptions that the stated myths were, in fact, commonly held beliefs.

Few researchers have examined the relationship between earlier stages of breast cancer and its effect on staging of the disease process and the co-occurring coping and communication patterns between mothers and their children. The purposes of this qualitative study with a multiple case study design were to examine (a) coping mechanisms that mothers used to manage the uncertainty of their breast cancer status and (b) the impact of early-stage breast cancer on communication patterns between mothers and their children. The Lazarus and Folkman theory of psychological coping and the McMaster family systems communication theory informed the conceptual framework for the data analysis. The instrument for data gathering was a researcher-designed, semistructured interview guide. The sample consisted of 20 maternal breast cancer survivors and their children. Qualitative data analysis involved member checking and content analysis to confirm the frequency of similarities and differences occurring among participant responses. Key findings were that participants: (a) adapted to their diagnosis while refining their preexisting coping mechanisms, (b) found motherhood to be a source of emotional strength throughout the duration of their cancer process, and (c) managed changes in communication with their children during each phase of cancer treatment by using combinations of communication styles. Oncology social workers can use the findings of this study as an opportunity to develop models of best practices that are effective in helping patients cope with early stage breast cancer. The findings of this study impact social change by informing clinical social work with an effective paradigm that helps mothers and their children cope with the different phases of breast cancer.

A value critical policy analysis of school finance equity. This study examines Iowa's school finance equity as it relates to school district tax rates and per pupil general fund revenue.

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ABSTRACT This research study examines the supervision of paraprofessionals in the human services using a qualitative methodology. It focuses on the views of the paraprofessionals, who were all women, with the central research question: What are paraprofessionals’ views of supervision in the human service field? The literature on this topic is scarce and the goal of this research is to improve our understanding of the most effective supervisory practices for paraprofessionals and ultimately to improve practice in this area. The qualitative methodology was based on a phenomenological approach and used one on one interviews to capture the views and experiences of the participants. The findings indicated that women paraprofessionals clearly value and benefit from supervision and respond best to approaches that are highly supportive, empowering and collaborative in nature, and use a variety of formats including one on one sessions, group meetings and peer support. It is important to ensure adequate job orientation and relevant training. The supervisory relationship is key to the success of supervision and should include ongoing feedback and validation. Concerns regarding safety in the workplace as well as burnout need to be addressed to improve working conditions and job satisfaction for the paraprofessional. Issues related to oppression and culture are important in understanding the unique experience of the paraprofessional and need to be addressed by both supervisors and the agencies that employ them. Further research on this topic is recommended. / October 2006