SAGE Journal Articles

Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1          Wahab, S. (2005). Motivational interviewing and social work practice. Journal of Social Work, 5(1), 45-60. doi: 10.1177/1468017305051365
 
Abstract
Motivational interviewing was proposed as an alternative model to direct persuasion for facilitating behavior change. Social work behavior change interventions have traditionally focused on increasing skills and reducing barriers. More recent recommendations tend to encourage practitioners to explore a broad range of issues, including but not limited to skills and barriers. The article defines and explains motivational interviewing by presenting its essential spirit and techniques, and provides a brief case example within a domestic violence context.
 
Questions to consider:

 

  1. Is there supportive literature to validate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing interventions across settings? How has motivational interviewing demonstrated an alignment with social work value specific to human relationships?
  2. Does the social worker’s practice style or “spirit”(philosophy, techniques) influence the effectiveness of motivational interviewing? Provide an example.
  3. Describe the basic concepts of motivational interviewing for the behavior change process and its application to addiction settings.
  4. What skills do a social worker need to effectively model and intervene using motivational interviewing constructs?
  5.  
 
Abstract
Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans constitute a large portion of police officer recruits. Women applicants present with similar gender-specific health-care practice needs. To improve the quality of care for this vulnerable and underserved veteran population, it is essential to begin with a systematic assessment using a biopsychosociocultural approach. Internationally, shortages in compensation and pension health-care professionals within Veterans Affairs have resulted in the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Female OEF/OIF veterans may need additional health-care services for PTSD or mTBI after they enter another male-dominated culture. Evaluating female veterans using a biopsychosociocultural approach provides a framework for early identification, intervention and prevention. This paper offers an educational and training perspective aimed at sensitizing hiring authorities to clinically relevant transition and adjustment issues as female veterans shift into civilian police departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
 
Questions to consider:
  1. Is there a relationship between active military service in war zones and negative psychological outcomes? Is this relationship gender specific? How do females compare to males in the extent of their psychological injuries?
  2. Are there military related measures taken to transition returning female veterans to civilian life? Can all psychological difficulties be detected upon return?
  3. Summarize the organizational cultures of military duty and civilian law enforcement. How are they similar and different? Are new veteran recruits for law enforcement psychologically screened for another stressful work environment?
  4. What impact does sexual harassment or sexual assault (military sexual trauma, MST) have on a female veteran or law enforcement well-being both short and long-term?
  5. How can social workers best meet the unique health care needs of this population in exploration & engagement as well as assessment and interventions? Should law enforcement agencies train department personnel in wellness issues?