Reflections on the Evaluation of a Cambodian Youth Dance Program

Evaluating a youth program whose goals are to provide instruction in Cambodian dance, increase awareness and pride in Cambodian culture, promote healthy behaviors, and create linkages within the community has been a challenge. A primary source of conflict was incorporating evaluation methods that were required of all funded programs with our own specifically tailored measures. One of our concerns was that the required tools were not culturally appropriate for our participants. Our experiences reinforce the importance of forming partnerships that embrace principles of respect, equity, and empowerment among all involved before establishing a research agenda. The choices we made and did not make contributed to our struggles and frustration and also to the insight that was gained. Our analysis examines the importance of clear communication, cultural awareness, tailoring evaluation, and meaningful participation. We believe that the lessons we learned will help facilitate the conduct of culturally sensitive community-based research.     

Trust in hybrid human-automated decision-support

Research has examined trust in humans and trust in automated decision support. Although reflecting a likely realization of decision support in high-risk tasks such as personnel selection, trust in hybrid human-automation teams has thus far received limited attention. In two experiments (N₁ = 170, N₂ = 154) we compare trust, trustworthiness, and trusting behavior for different types of decision-support (automated, human, hybrid) across two assessment contexts (personnel selection, bonus payments). We additionally examined a possible trust violation by presenting one group of participants a preselection that included predominantly male candidates, thus reflecting possible unfair bias. Whereas fully-automated decisions were trusted less, results suggest that trust in hybrid decision support was similar to trust in human-only support. Trust violations were not perceived differently based on the type of support. We discuss theoretical (e.g., trust in hybrid support) and practical implications (e.g., keeping humans in the loop to prevent negative reactions).     

A future for community psychology practice

Community psychology has never really looked at its practice as a profession, though many of us as students came to the field with high expectations that we could learn how to make a difference in communities. This article discussed what I think about community psychology practice and how I have tried to approach it. I thank and recognize several people: Paul Florin for his colleagueship, friendship and his contributions to what I have done in the field; Tom Wolff for never letting me give up on the field; Bob Newbrough for his consistent support, encouragement and as my teacher; and Julian Rappaport for his comments on an earlier draft. I thank my colleagues at Rutgers for helping make the dream come true. This article is dedicated to students, past, present, and future.     

Collaboration and Guided Discovery

Collaboration and guided discovery, collectively described as collaborative empiricism, are two primary features of Aaron T. Beck’s Cognitive Therapy (CT) that remained central to his work throughout his long and productive career. This commentary highlights how collaboration and guided discovery were described during the early development of CT. In addition, conversations with Beck are cited that reveal how his own life may have influenced their inclusion and importance in his therapy.     

TheoArtistry: practical perspectives on ‘theologically informed art’

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the TheoArtistry Composers’ Scheme (2016–2018), in light of the developing concept of ‘theologically informed art’. Based at the Institute for Theology, Imagination, and the Arts (ITIA) (University of St Andrews), the scheme partnered emerging theologians and composers to create six new choral settings of Hebrew Bible ‘annunciations’. In addition to producing new music, the project became a practical touchstone for reinvigorating dialogues between theologians and practising artists, as well as Christians and non-Christians. First, the author assesses the scheme’s contributions to the study and practice of theologically informed art in the future. Second, she outlines some methodological issues associated with the scheme’s unique breadth of participants. Finally, she assesses ecclesiological and theological ambiguities within the scheme. The author argues that clarifying these ambiguities expands horizons for future collaborations in theologically informed art.     

The Benefits of Interprofessional Collaboration for a Pharmacist and Family Therapist

Abstract

Medical family therapists (MedFTs) and pharmacists in the context of interdisciplinary collaboration will be discussed. In an effort to build and reflect on their own professional experiences, recognizing the need to address wellbeing from a multitude of perspectives, and with the goals of improving access to care by identifying potential partnership opportunities between the two professions, the authors synthesized findings from pertinent articles using Medline and PsycInfo. This paper will illuminate the precise roles of MedFTs and pharmacists, how they fit into the interdisciplinary healthcare team, and anticipated facilitators and barriers in this undertaking to enhance patient care.     

Synergic inquiry and evolution of consciousness

Challenged by overwhelming social and ecological problems and crises, a new alternative that re‐explains the world is called for to transform human consciousness. The author argues that an alternative should meet the following criteria: (1) corresponding to the total reality, (2) contributing evolution of consciousness, and (3) coming with an adequate action methodology. Based on an understanding of the coherent patterns—the processes of differentiation and integration—through which the universe evolves, the Synergy Principle of the universe is established. Dimensionality of consciousness—the visible, logical, and mythical—is also presented. Further, the Synergic Inquiry methodology designed to guide human action work for consciousness transformation at various levels of human systems is developed. Finally a few levels of synergy are also discussed.     

Therapeutic Relationships Re-Defined

Abstract

The therapeutic relationship has traditionally been central to occupational therapy. This study surveyed 129 practicing occupational therapists in Connecticut, concerning how they define and use the therapeutic relationship with clients in today's cost-conscious health care environment. The following four hypotheses: (1) Therapeutic relationships are related to functional outcome, (2) Definitions of therapeutic relationships include words and phrases expressed in the literature and by experts, (3) There are differences in perceptions of therapeutic relationships among pediatric, adult, and geriatric specialty subgroups, (4) Most occupational therapists learned skills in developing therapeutic relationships “on the job,” rather than during professional education, were all supported. This study reaffirms the importance of the therapeutic relationship in occupational therapy practice and provides an updated definition: A trusting connection and rapport established between therapist and client through collaboration, communication, therapist empathy and mutual understanding and respect.     

Collaborating on Family Safety

Summary

The problems of child maltreatment and violence against women have traditionally been viewed and treated as two distinct issues. In response to these two forms of family violence, two separate service systems with different approaches to prevention, treatment and intervention have developed. This article outlines sources of conflicts between child protection workers and battered women's advocates, and elaborates on these conflicts using child protection workers' and battered women's advocates' own words elicited in a series of focus groups. Models of cross-system collaboration in the United States are then described, and recommendations are made for practice and policy which support collaboration across systems.     

Initial Implementation of the ARC Framework in Juvenile Justice Settings

Virtually all youth in detention have been exposed at least one traumatic event in their family system or in the community, and a vast majority have experienced cumulative traumatic events that led to major dysregulated states. Building on several seminal works on trauma-informed juvenile justice programs and on implementation research, this theoretical research-based paper aims to describe the preparation stage for implementation of the Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency framework (ARC) to a population of youth in detention. The ARC framework is well-suited to meet the complex needs of young offenders by focusing on building blocks that promote resiliency, including caregiver affect management and attunement, affect identification and modulation, and executive functions and self-identity. Based on this extensive preparation stage and a case illustration, recommendations and best practice protocols for making a shift towards a trauma-informed youth justice system are highlighted.