identifier: Nelson, Dawn Laurel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nelson=3ADawn_Laurel=3A=3A.html>   (1992) The responses of two Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) to objects: an analysis of behaviour patterns with respect to incidental entrapment in fishing gear.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Incidental entrapment of cetaceans in fishing gear poses serious problems for fishermen due to the time required to disentangle the animals and to repair damaged gear.  Entrapment can also result in drastic losses to cetacean populations. -- The factors which may influence entrapment are discussed in this paper.  One basic question which has received little experimental attention is how cetaceans respond to fishing gear, or objects in general, and whether the response depends upon object type or familiarity.  The main objectives of this study were to promote awareness of the work needed on this topic, to develop a workable methodology that will answer the questions involved, and to exemplify the types of information that can be gained.  This study also served to categorize and quantify some aspects of the behavioural lexicon of two captive Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus).  The study animals had originally been found stranded, and were being rehabilitated at an aquarium for eventual release.  They were housed together in an outside pool 12 m in diameter and 3 m deep. -- Introduction of an object to the pool appeared to increase the arousal level of the dolphins, and also resulted in avoidance of the object's immediate vicinity.  Response was greatest to a rope lying across the surface of the water, which the dolphins would not swim underneath.  Rope avoidance disappeared within several hours, although it reappeared on subsequent days for one of the dolphins.  After four days, there was no response to the rope from either dolphin, and there was no dishabituation after the rope has been absent for twelve days. -- Objects in or under water were infrequently contacted.  A rope stretched above the surface was repeatedly hit as the dolphins rose to breathe, although collisions decreased with time.  All contacts with objects appeared to be accidental and seemed to be caused either by a lack of attention or through misjudging distances.  Reactions to collisions were minimal. -- The dolphins exhibited a high degree of social cohesiveness and engaged in complex forms of social interaction which may not have been recorded before.  Several other behaviours were also observed which do not seem to have been documented elsewhere. -- The results from this study must be viewed with caution, as the health of the dolphins was not stable while the experiment was conducted. -- Key Words: incidental entrapment; marine mammals; cetaceans; whales; Atlantic white-sided dolphin; Lagenorhynchus acutus; behavior; novel objects


identifier: Rattenbury, Christine Ruth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rattenbury=3AChristine_Ruth=3A=3A.html>   (1991) A large-scale longitudinal study of the therapeutic value of reminiscence intervention with elderly institutionalized adults.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

format: application/pdf application/pdf

abstract: Two experiments were conducted in order to ascertain the therapeutic value of reminiscence intervention for elderly adults.  In Experiment 1, subjects were selected from five different nursing homes in St. John's, NFLD.  The reminiscence group consisted of 75 subjects whereas 101 subjects formed the no-treatment control group.  This study was divided into three phases which spanned approximately 18 months.  Dependent measures included indices relevant to mental and physical well-being, and a loneliness scale for the institutionalized elderly (LSIE) that was developed and validated for use in this study.  Reminiscence subjects obtained significantly more favorable levels of psychological well-being relative to the controls in each of the three phases of study.  Also, across the first and second phases, reminiscence subjects reported significantly fewer limitations in their capacity for physical activity, and they were less likely to drop out of the study in the second phase because of illness.  As the study progressed into the third phase, the physical health of all subjects deteriorated substantially.  However, reminiscence subjects who participated in all phases reported a higher capacity for physical activity than those control subjects who participated in all phases.  The use of reminiscence intervention in nursing homes was supported by these findings. -- In Experiment 2, reminiscence groups were conducted with cognitively impaired elderly subjects.  Reminiscence participants were compared with a no-treatment control group on measures of happiness/depression, physical symptoms and mental status.  Results supported the conclusion that psychological well-being cannot be assessed reliably in cognitively impaired adults using a self-report measure.  No improvements were obtained in mental status.  It was concluded that reminiscence group discussion should not be the intervention of choice if the goal of therapy is to promote cognitive functioning in demented adults.


identifier: Sullivan, Elizabeth Michelle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sullivan=3AElizabeth_Michelle=3A=3A.html>   (1975) A survey of a total population of children of specified age in a specified geographical area of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, to determine prevalence rates of child psychiatric disorders.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A total population of children of specified age in a designated geographical area in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador were surveyed to determine prevalence rates of child psychiatric disorders.  The study population consisted of all children age nine or ten years who were in attendance at any of six schools in the Goulds-Kilbride, Petty Harbour areas (416). -- The following methods were used: -- 1)  Parents were approached by mail for permission to screen the specified children for the presence of disorder.  Positive response was obtained from the parents of 277 (66.58%). -- 2)  The 277 children were then screened as follows: -- a)  Questionnaire completed by Parents -- b)  Questionnaire completed by Teachers -- c)  Records search of relevant agencies to determine previous contacts -- These steps identified 53 (19.1%) of the 277 children to be at risk of having a psychiatric disorder. -- 3)  A random sample of the ‘at risk’ group together with an equal number of normal children, randomly selected and matched for sex and denomination of school attended, were then subjected to more extensive study as follows: -- a)  Interview with Parents -- b)  Interview with Child -- c)  Psychological Testing -- From the accumulated information on the individually assessed group, final global psychiatric diagnoses were established.  From these results prevalence rates of psychiatric disorder were calculated for the positive response population.  A corrected prevalence rate of 21.12% was obtained for definite psychiatric disorder of any degree.  Emotional disorders were prevalent at a rate of 11.9% and mixed, conduct-emotional disorders were prevalent at a rate of 7.09%, contrary to expectation pure conduct disorder was absent in the current study.  Emotional disorder was found to be more prevalent among children of mothers with certain neurotic symptoms, while mixed disorder was more common among children of fathers with neurotic symptoms. -- A generally high frequency of individual items of deviant behavior was noted.  Neurotic items of behavior were very common particularly among the children of large families.  Boys were observed to show more conduct problems and girls more emotional problems.  A tendancy was noted for children from lower classes to have lower tested I.Q. scores and for children of higher social classes to have higher tested I.Q. scores. -- The method used in the current study was found to be applicable to local conditions and with further testing might well be a productive method for use in a provincial total population survey of the prevalence of child psychiatric disorder.


identifier: Barrett, S. Dawn (Sylvia Dawn) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Barrett=3AS=2E_Dawn_=28Sylvia_Dawn=29=3A=3A.html>   (1993) Revivalism and the origins of Newfoundland Methodism, 1766-1774.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Laurence Coughlan, SPG missionary in Conception Bay from 1766 to 1773, published An Account of the Work of God in Newfoundland, North America (1776), containing his parishioners' first-hand accounts of their religious experiences.  The thesis seeks to interpret these accounts in the context of the religious revival that produced them, with emphasis on its sociological, historical and theological horizons. -- Societal conflict, based on long-standing enmity between merchants and boat-keepers, was exacerbated in Conception Bay in the 1760's by a wave of Irish immigration.  Harbour Grace merchants responded by building a church in order to control the populace.  In neighbouring Carbonear, many of whose inhabitants originated from Poole in Dorset where dissenting religions predominated, steps were taken to have Laurence Coughlan, a former Wesleyan lay preacher, ordained for the Newfoundland ministry. - The dysphoria caused by social stress predisposed an emotional and ecstatic religious response.  The needed catalyst was provided by Coughlan, whose sermon contrasting the agonizing death of a man who opposed his born again theology with the joyful death of a redeemed sinner initiated a religious revival in the winter of 1768-69. - The conversion narratives indicate that Coughlan was preaching an experiential heart religion in which justification was described in emotional and ecstatic terms.  A comparison with the theology of John Wesley indicates that perfection, the central Methodist doctrine, received little emphasis, and the soteriological principles espoused approached those of the London enthusiasts whom Wesley had repudiated and with whom Coughlan had previously associated. -- Central to the community's religious experience was the sharing of conversion narratives and the relating of after-walk accounts at weekly class meetings.  Conveying their personal experience of the grace of God to others marked a decision to surrender to a new ideal, and involved a change in self-concept and the emergence of a new social persona.  The after-walk accounts illustrate the integration of the new ideal into the personality of the convert, a period marked by emotional disequilibrium, which the converts interpreted as attacks from the jealous Devil. -- Also interpreted as attacks of the Devil was opposition from Harbour Grace merchants who petitioned the Governor to remove Coughlan.  The converts, mostly boat-keepers and their wives from Carbonear and surrounding villages, referred to the Anglican merchants as the Enemy.  The polarization which resulted from their support of their ostracized religious leader formed a basis for the denominational strife which became a mark of religious life in Newfoundland in the ensuing years.


identifier: Duke, Patrick J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Duke=3APatrick_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1995) The numinous experience and self-understanding in 1QH.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study has aimed to examine one of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Thanksgiving Hymns (1QH), in terms of the method outlined and put forth by Rudolf Otto in his book, Das Heilige (The Idea of the Holy).  It focuses primarily on whether the complex categories and characteristics of the holy found in numinous experiences can be discerned in these texts; and if so, can this lead to a discussion of the self-understanding of the community responsible for the text? -- Otto believed that through the unfolding expressions of holiness which he saw as brought about by the numinous experience we could learn many things about the holy including how those who have had experiences of the holy wished to be understood as to their religious identities.  This study looks at both aspects of what the holy or God was for the sectarian and the community and what can be said about the community responsible for the text.


identifier: Hodder, Bryce S. 1949- <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hodder=3ABryce_S=2E_1949-=3A=3A.html>   (1995) Christianity's burden of guilt: an examination of Lynn White's thesis on the ecological crisis in the light of the biblical data.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The second half of the twentieth century has seen increased interest in ecology, in particular, in showing a more caring attitude towards creation. Much of this interest is the result of the survival instinct and the awareness of the interdependency of all forms of life on this planet. There has, however, been an awakening regarding the intrinsic worth of all of creation. Humanity is finally coming to the conclusion that the inherent value and right to protection for all living things is vital for the survival of each species of life (plant, animal and human). -- There have been those, Lynn White in particular, who have argued that our ecological problems result from Judeo- Christian teachings and the root of the problem can be traced to the Genesis creation stories; this argument makes the point that Judaism and Christianity are the most anthropocentric of all of the world's religions. The present thesis seeks to examine this accusation and through a study of various scriptural passages and Judeo-Christian teachings through the ages show that White and others who share the same opinion have reached invalid conclusions. It will be shown that the burden of guilt for the ecological crisis cannot be placed solely on the shoulders of Judaism or Christianity. -- In this examination the interpretation of the Genesis creation stories through the ages and their connection to the current ecological crisis will be of significant interest. Various other Scripture passages, which have been used to support what Cameron Wybrow refers to as the "mastery hypothesis," will also be examined. As well, I will examine the importance of Judeo-Christian teachings during various historical periods. -- An examination of Biblical interpretations and various teachings or philosophies on humanity's place in the created order will refute the arguments of Lynn White and others. It will also determine that Judeo-Christian teachings, properly interpreted and followed, portray a creation made up of many components, each with intrinsic worth.


identifier: Dawe, Ronald Herbert <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dawe=3ARonald_Herbert=3A=3A.html>   (1993) Jews and Judaism in Mark's gospel: an examination of Mark 4:11-12 in its literary context.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Since the Holocaust there has been renewed interest in the question of Christianity's contribution to modern anti- Semitism. For many, the root of modern anti-semitism is found in the New Testament itself. Advocates of this position argue that the New Testament contains anti-Judaic sentiments and attitudes that are to be linked inextricably to the development of later Christian anti-semitism. Mark 4:11-12 is sometimes cited as an example of a New Testament text which is anti-Judaic. The present thesis seeks to examine this particular claim by a thorough examination of the meaning and context of Mark 4:11-12. -- Traditionally, scholars have interpreted Mark 4:11-12 either in the immediate context of the parable chapter or have treated it as an isolated pericope. The literary connections between Mark 4:11-12 and the whole of Mark’s Gospel, however, indicate that both these approaches are too narrow. Methodologically, this thesis demonstrates that Mark 4:11-12 is an integral part of the Marcan composition and should, therefore, be interpreted as part of a much larger whole. In addition, the literary connections between Mark's Gospel and the Old Testament are also deemed significant in assessing Mark's attitude toward the Jews and their religion. The use of Isaiah in Mark is especially important since the source of Mark 4:11-12 is Isaiah 6:9-10. This thesis concludes that Mark 4:11-12 cannot be taken to reflect a polemic against the Jews. In the first place, there is no indication that Mark's use of Isaiah (or any other Old Testament text) reflects an aversion toward the Jews or Judaism. An analysis of Mark's use of Isaiah 6:9-10 and his appropriation of other Old Testament themes and motifs indicates that his attitude toward his literary heritage is, in fact, quite constructive and positive. -- Secondly, the seemingly negative portrayal of the Jews throughout the Marcan narrative, and especially in 4:11-12, must be seen as part of Mark's total theological agenda. In attempting to account for the failed mission to the Jews, Mark utilizes Isaiah 6:9-10 to argue that Jesus' identity was intentionally hidden from the Jews because this is part of God's sovereign plan. On the one hand, the blindness of the Jews allows for the preservation of the intended destiny of Jesus. On the other hand, the obduracy of the Jews serves a pedagogical purpose to bring about not only their own salvation, but also the salvation of the Gentiles. The function of characters within the Marcan composition as well as Mark's answer to the question of mission attests to these conclusions. -- Finally, anti-Judaic statements in Mark must be viewed from the perspective that the teachings of Jesus represent one form of a multiform Judaism operative during the first century. Consequently, Marcan statements that appear to be against "Judaism" are in fact representative of a debate which took place within a diverse and pluralistic Jewish faith.


identifier: Gregory, Krista <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gregory=3AKrista=3A=3A.html>   (1995) I John in the light of the debate on orthodoxy and heresy in earliest Christianity.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis examines I John in the light of the debate on orthodoxy and heresy in early Christianity. I argue that the theory of H.E.W. Turner, with its fixed and flexible elements, is the most accurate explanation of the example of early Christianity that we see in I John a In my attempt to prove the validity of Turner's thesis I look at the classical view and Walter Bauer's theory of the development of early Christianity, examining the inaccuracies contained in both of these views when compared to Turner's theory. A study of the Johannine community of I John and the polemic contained within provides a valuable opportunity to look into an early Christian group. The debate that takes place in I John mirrors the growth of the faith at this early period. An application of Turner's thesis to I John will further demonstrate the value of Turner's theory in helping readers to a greater understanding of the complexity of early Christianity.


identifier: Lambe, Anthony <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lambe=3AAnthony=3A=3A.html>   (1994) Genesis 38: literary design and context.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Genesis 38: literary design and context

abstract: This thesis is a study of Genesis 38 as a distinct literary unit which is intimately related to its literary context. The study concentrates on the literary dimensions of Genesis 38 as a architectonic unity and interconnected with the Joseph cycle. By using a narratological methodology, its parallel, surface, and plot structures are elucidated and shown to form a structural whole. Focusing upon the relationship between Genesis 38 and the surrounding Joseph cycle, it is shown that Genesis 38 is interconnected to the Joseph cycle by way of repeating motifs, key-words, themes, and narrative situation. The study, in sum, is a literary-critical interpretation of Genesis 38 which focuses upon its intricate and subtle narrative art.


identifier: Bungay, Roy G. W. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bungay=3ARoy_G=2E_W=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1995) Narrative structure and character development in 2 Samuel 11.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis is a study of 2 Samuel 11 from a literary perspective and is considered as a complete and coherent unit with its own inner logic.  A narratological methodology is employed to ascertain the relationship between structure and content in the character development of David in 2 Samuel 11.  By using narratological techniques to examine the parallel, surface, and plot structures, the methodology demonstrates the manner in which form and content are equal partners in the shaping of character.  The structure of the David-Bathsheba narrative is divided into two distinct but dependent episodes that form a double-plot structure.  By focusing upon the relationship between the two plots it is evident that the motifs, key-words, themes, and narrative situations portray two symmetrically parallel structures that serve to shape the character of David.  In essence, this study seeks to understand 2 Samuel 11 through the questions that arise from the use of a literary-critical methodology.


identifier: Jenkins, Carla E. P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jenkins=3ACarla_E=2E_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1994) The reader and the Samaritan woman in John 4:1-42.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Literary criticism, which has gained wide acceptance in the field of biblical studies, is still considered a new development in Johannine studies.  This thesis attempts to examine the implications of literary criticism for Johannine studies through a detailed analysis of one section of the text, John 4:1-42, focusing on three aspects: the narrator, characters (particularly the Samaritan woman), and the function of time within the narrative.  By looking at the ways in which each of these elements shapes the response of the reader, I attempt to explain how the text communicates meaning to the reader.


identifier: Brodie, Ian Bernard <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Brodie=3AIan_Bernard=3A=3A.html>   (2001) Bernard Lonergan's method and religious studies: functional specialities and the academic study of religion.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis asks the question, In what way can the generalised empirical method of Bernard Lonergan contribute to an understanding and development of the methodology of religious studies as it is currently practised in Canada?  The author first presents a brief history of Bernard Lonergan's understanding of the academic study of religion, including his encounter with the phenomenon upon his return from Rome, his revaluation of 1968, the development of functional specialisation, and his subsequent reflections on the relationship between religious studies and theology.  Following a presentation of functional specialisation as an empirical method is an analysis of The Study of Religion in Canada, a series of state-of-the-art reviews published by the Canadian Corporation for Studies in Religion.  The author is able to discern patterns of critique amongst the reviewers and ground their findings in Lonergan's method.  Finally, the author presents a series of methodological questions concerning religious studies in Canada and his own tentative answers.


identifier: Brett, Kayla V. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Brett=3AKayla_V=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2001) Doing the truth and the conflict within the Johannine community.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: It is now generally agreed that behind the Johannine literature there is a Johannine community. The history of this community has been the subject of much scholarly inquiry. The consensus which has emerged from these inquiries is that it was a community which had its inception sometime in the 50s, developed through several distinct phases, and finally dissolved sometime around 100 C. E. The latter stages of this history are vividly attested to in 1 John, which describes some of the issues which led to the breakup of the community (I John 2:19). The central focus of my thesis is on the reason for this breakup. 1 John 1:6 says that those who had split away from the community (the "secessionists") did not "do the truth." I examine the possible connotations of this phrase and argue that its use in 1 John is very distinctive and reflects a Hebraic background. The secessionists, on the other hand, understand αληθεια or truth against a Greek intellectual background. This is a fundamental difference which, I suggest, not only throws light on the dispute reflected in 1 John, but also illuminates our general understanding of the development of early Christianity.


identifier: Meade, Sonya R.,1972- <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Meade=3ASonya_R=2E,1972-=3A=3A.html>   (1997) Bless God and die: an examination of the role of Job's wife in the Masoretic text of Job.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis is a study of the first two chapters, or the Prologue, in the Book of Job.  The concentration is on the character of Job's wife who is heard from only in 2:9.  By studying the parallel structure of chapters one and two in the Prologue to Job, the role of Job's wife becomes highlighted.  Her inability to fit into this parallel structure becomes the focus of this thesis as it is questioned why and how she does not fit, and her purpose or role is examined.  The first chapter reviews the history of misogynist commentaries that portray Job's wife in a less than favourable light.  An examination of this history allows for the feminist-critical study of Job's wife which follows in chapter two.  In pursuing the role of Job's wife, chapter three studies her character to see how she does, or does not, fit structurally in the Prologue to the Book of Job.  Finally, chapter four examines the speech of Job's wife in 2:9 in detail to see if she can be reconstructed.  Her character will be revealed as one who, like her husband, experiences a range of emotions and feelings, and who, also like her husband, can be said to suffer.  In summary, this thesis is a feminist-critical study of the often underestimated character of Job's wife in Job 2:9.


identifier: Simms, Madonna Dean <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Simms=3AMadonna_Dean=3A=3A.html>   (1985) An investigation of the school social worker's role as perceived by high school principals in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In process


identifier: Tucker, Bonita Ann <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tucker=3ABonita_Ann=3A=3A.html>   (1980) Enhancing interviewing skills: a structural approach to the initial field placement in social work.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In process


identifier: Fulcher, Connie E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fulcher=3AConnie_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1984) Social service organization policies on confidentiality in St. John's, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Surprisingly, little is known about the attitudes and practices of the Canadian social work profession with respect to confidentiality.  This study documents and evaluates formal and informal confidentiality policies of a group of social service organizations in St. John’s, Newfoundland. -- The study sample is comprised of 14 social service organizations.  Each organization submitted documentation about their formal policies on confidentiality and also responded to a questionnaire concerning informal practices on confidentiality.  Background data on the participating organizations were also collected by means of a questionnaire. -- The study found that only six organizations had formal policy documents on confidentiality while all the organizations had informal policies.  The formal policies were, on the whole, not comprehensive or highly protective of client rights to confidentiality.  An examination of the informal policies revealed that client rights to confidentiality were generally well protected. -- A relationship between the content of the policy and the administrator's formal training in social work, policy-making responsibilities and interest in confidentiality issues was noted.  Policies more supportive of client rights to confidentiality were most frequently found in organizations where the administrator lacked formal training in social work and was personally responsible for, and interested in formulating confidentiality policies.  On the other hand, policies which were less supportive of client rights were more frequently found in organizations where the administrator had formal training in social work, did not hold personal responsibility for formulating policies on confidentiality and claimed little interest in the subject area. -- It is apparent from the study sample that there is a need for more definitive policies on confidentiality and in particular, more formal policy documentation.  The study concludes with suggestions as to how a developmental process can be used to raise the awareness of both administrators and workers regarding confidentiality issues.


identifier: Cameron, Carmen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cameron=3ACarmen=3A=3A.html>   (1987) Social work periodical literature on battered women, 1970-1984: a content analysis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A review of literature on wife abuse suggests that there is no systematic study to date of the periodical literature using the methodology of content analysis.  A systematic study of the social work periodical literature on wife abuse reveals the current status of knowledge, practice and concerns of the social work profession.  These data serve to identify avenues of future research in this field. - A total of 68 articles on the subject of wife abuse appearing in the Social Work Research and Abstracts 1970-1984 form the sample of this analytical study.  To carry out the methodology of content analysis, an instrument, the Wife Abuse Inventory (W.A.I.) was developed by the writer.  The content of the articles was examined under the categories:  authorship, dimension of wife abuse, theoretical perspectives, research orientation, service delivery, social intervention and social treatment modalities. - Data analysis revealed that 71% of the articles are published in nine journals.  Over half of the articles are written by female authors.  The profession of social work is well represented among the authors.  The authors are predominantly from the United States.  The majority of the articles are contributed by writers affiliated to a university. - The dimension of “psycho-social characteristics” of battered women received the most attention in the periodical literature.  The socio-cultural model emerged as predominant and as the basis of social work knowledge on wife abuse.  It is also apparent that the social work perspective on wife abuse has been influenced by the socio-psychological model.  Non-empirical studies make up the larger portion of the articles. - This study revealed an emphasis on the use of a comprehensive service delivery system.  This system is seen to have various deficiencies related to fragmentation, inaccessibility, non accountability and discontinuity.  Various forms of intervention are presented as a means to improve the system of service delivery. - The analysis indicates that social workers use a direct individual client focused approach in their intervention with battered women.  These interventions are primarily directed to the battered women.  Finally, no single treatment modality emerged as being the optimal approach or the primary basis for social work practice with battered women.


identifier: Hurley, Audrey Land <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hurley=3AAudrey_Land=3A=3A.html>   (1987) The use of an extended axial model for examining social work core knowledge about early attachment.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This examination of social work core knowledge about early attachment proposes a methodology for identification of the major contributors to core knowledge, and suggests the use of an epistemic inventory and extended version of Lally's axial model for analysis of selected work by these primary theorists.  The 10 primary theorists were identified by citation count of 19 periodical articles published between 1974-1984.  These articles, representing the social work early attachment literature base, were identified by a keyword search of Social Sciences Citation Index social work journals and Social Work Research and Abstracts.  A selection of the primary theorists’ work was examined using an epistemic inventory to focus on issues pertinent to social work, and to plot the conceptual perspectives of the theorists. -- The findings suggest that the methodology was effective in identifying authors whose work is consistent with the definition of core knowledge.  This methodology is an inversion of Garfield's clustering technique, and might be useful in identifying core knowledge about a variety of topics germane to social work practice.  Conversely, Garfield's technique could be straight forwardly applied, using core theorists, to generate a wider cluster of social work literature about a specific topic, literature suggestive of applied-derived knowledge in social work. -- The use of the epistemic inventory and axial model was effective in locating the underlying assumptions of primary theorists, and in highlighting troublesome issues for social work practitioners within the core knowledge base.  This analysis predicts difficulties for practitioners in extrapolating from core knowledge about early attachment to active intervention, particularly in the area of policy and ethical considerations.  This study lays the groundwork for further investigation of both the applied-derived literature base and the implementation of early attachment knowledge in social work practice.  The findings suggest the importance of exposure to a broad range of sometimes conflicting theoretical orientations in training social work professionals.


identifier: McCormack, Marilyn Howell <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McCormack=3AMarilyn_Howell=3A=3A.html>   (1986) A study of the effectiveness of group counselling as a treatment modality for adolescent female incest victims.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This qualitative-descriptive study reports data on the effectiveness of a time-limited, goal-oriented group counselling approach for a specialized group of adolescent victims of incest. The sample of seven girls (n ~ 7) had all been confirmed victims of father-daughter incest. The girls were all involved in eight group counselling sessions between October 6, 1981 and October 29, 1981 at the Department of Social Services, St. John's, Newfoundland. The group counselling sessions were planned and conducted by the author and a co-leader, both graduate students at the School of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Data was collected by a questionnaire which was administered before and after the group sessions. The questionnaire was broken down into two parts: Part I dealt with factual data of a general nature such as age, education, employment background, family background, duration of incest, and frequency of incest. Part II was made up of six self- report standardized and two non-standardized measures. Measures of the criterion variables were determined by the girls' pre and post self-ratings of the Index of Self- Esteem (ISE), the Index of Family Relations (IFR), the Index of Peer Relations (IPR) , the Child's Attitude Toward Mother (CAM), the Child's Attitude Toward Father (CAP), and the Rathus Assertiveness Scale (RAS). The two non-standardized scales, the Index of Responsibility and the Index of Guilt were comprised of self-report open-ended questions.  -- Analysis indicated that all seven girls were of adolescent age and most had been involved in incestuous relationships with their fathers for several months or years. All of the families were dysfunctional and socially disruptive activities such as alcoholism, violence and promiscuity were frequent occurrences. Following incest disclosure, four of the parental couples remained living together. -- Analysis of the major indices or scales used in addition to clinical observation and judgement indicated that the characteristics of the girls in this study resembled the characteristics of girls from incestuous families and their members as depicted in the literature. The objective measures revealed significant positive change in some of the domains for most of the participants in the group counselling. In this regard, all group members appear to have been helped by the group counselling sessions.


identifier: Robbins, Dorothy B. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Robbins=3ADorothy_B=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1990) Babies and work: a study of employed parents of infants.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study examined the absence from paid work for child birth and infant care by mothers and fathers in thirty-five, dual-earning families. Respondents were also asked about their division of child care and household tasks; how satisfied they were with current infant care arrangements and what kind of system of parental leave and benefits should be available through public policy. The sample was recruited through obstetrical care hospitals and a family practice physicians' clinic in St. John's. All respondents were in the workforce at the time they were recruited for the sample. Mothers and fathers were interviewed by telephone, using a research instrument constructed for this study, 5 to 12 months after their infant was born. All but one of the mothers had returned to work at the time of the interview and all the fathers were in the workforce. All mothers took time off from work for child birth and infant care. Most took 17 weeks, the time that corresponded to the 15 weeks benefit period through Unemployment Insurance, plus the required 2 week waiting period, that was available when the research was conducted. Most fathers, not being eligible for paternity leave or benefits f took only a few days off around the time of child birth. Approximately one-quarter of the sample were egalitarian with respect to the division of child care and household tasks. One-quarter were quite traditional, with the mother being responsible for these tasks most of the time, and the remainder were semi-traditional with the fathers "helping out" but not primarily responsible for these tasks. The majority of the sample favoured a longer period of paid maternity leave than was available to them and a period of paid paternity leave. The majority of respondents agreed with the concept of mothers and fathers sharing a period of parental leave. In 22% of the sample both the mothers and the fathers said they would have shared the leave, had that option been available to them. Thirty-three per-cent of the egalitarian families would have shared parental leave, compared to only 10% of the traditional families.


identifier: Crawford, Elizabeth A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Crawford=3AElizabeth_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1990) Children in care: victims of the system.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Children in care: victims of the system

abstract: This is a study which explored the reasons children entered care in Newfoundland during a two year period. The study is an exploratory one utilizing secondary analysis. One hundred case files were randomly selected from the files of all children who entered care during the period under study. Five propositions were formulated from the literature. These provided direction to the data collection and presentation. Reasons for care were analyzed in relation to these propositions. Briefly stated, the study found that children under 6 years entered care primarily for reasons related to parental behaviour. Children 12 - 15 years entered care primarily for reasons related to their own behaviour. There was no strong trend established for reasons for entry into care for children between 6 and 11 years. The findings also indicated that the majority of children who entered care came from single parent families and that the main source of income for families was social assistance. The study indicated that children who entered care were victims of a system which failed to meet their needs and those of their families.


identifier: Bennett, Bert J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bennett=3ABert_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1992) Communication, commitment, intimacy, and dyadic perception in lasting marriages: implications for social work assessment and couple therapy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The main direction of much research on the clinical and theoretical applications of marital and family counselling focuses on pathology. The position of this inquiry is that clinicians need more knowledge regarding positive models of family and marital functioning as guidelines for assisting families and couples experiencing problems. This inquiry focuses on family strengths and marital satisfaction in lasting marriages. Data from 67 couples, who have been married for 15 years or more, is analyzed to describe those characteristics associated with family strengths and lasting marriages. Particular reference is made to those characteristics which exist in strong families/lasting marriages – communication, commitment, intimacy, and dyadic perceptions. The concepts were operationalized using the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI) (Snyder, 1981) and a thirty-one item questionnaire devised by the researcher. Included in this study was the Family Strengths Scale (Olson, 1985), which was used to operationalize family strengths. The questionnaires were hand delivered or mailed to respondents who volunteered to participate in the study. Some of the data obtained supports a U-Shaped curvilinear trend in marital satisfaction throughout the life cycle. The data also supports the premise that the longer the lasting marriage, the stronger the family strengths and the higher the level of marital satisfaction. This study offers some suggestions for more expansive research which explores the characteristics of strong families and lasting marriages.


identifier: Fagan, Carol(Carol Patricia) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fagan=3ACarol=28Carol_Patricia=29=3A=3A.html>   (1990) Issues of elderly caregiving: an exploratory study of the caregivers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This is an exploratory study of caregivers who provide home care to elderly relatives aged 75 years or more, who require 24 hour supervision and whose only alternate care option is institutionalization. -- The study addresses those factors that make home care possible for the caregiver; the usefulness of formal services presently in place; the impact on the lifestyle of the caregiver; and the relationship between enjoyment/satisfaction and the demands of the caregiving role. -- A questionnaire was devised and administered by the researcher to each of the 29 respondents in a personal interview. -- The caregivers reported that family support, their own commitment and formal services were crucial factors in their continuing ability to provide home care. -- The respondents in this study are in receipt of an average of four hours of formal services weekly, primarily in the area of personal care. Over 90% rated these services as essential. The results of thin study have shown that the majority of the caregivers do not enjoy their role but derive satisfaction in care provision. Their lack of enjoyment is attributed to the experiencing of a high level of frustration, aggravation and anxiety almost daily. In addition, the caregivers are unable to take a vacation, socialize outside the home, entertain at home, sleep soundly at night and have very little privacy. Satisfaction appears to be related to their own personal sense of responsibility and commitment to the care recipient. -- The results of this study also indicate a descrepency with regard to the issue of family support. Family visits, while relatively frequent, were not seen to be useful by the respondents. The issue of family dynamics and its impact on the caregiving role is a subject that needs to be addressed by future research.


identifier: Barbour, Roy E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Barbour=3ARoy_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1989) A study of client perceptions of the St. John's Work Activity Project and the perceived benefits of program participation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: One of the greatest social problems in Canada today is unemployment. It is particularly difficult for young persons who may be considered socially disadvantaged to find employment. Various programs in this country and others have been developed to help the unemployed upgrade their academic skills and/or learn new skills which will enhance their ability to find work and become independent members of society. -- This study describes such a program, The St. John's Work Activity project, and how it was perceived by social assistance recipients who participated in it. There were two purposes to the study: -- (1) to obtain the perceptions of participants about the program and their experiences in it and -- (2) to ascertain the perceived benefits of the program. -- A random sample of 50 persons was selected from a population of 150 clients who attended The St. John's Work Activity Project. Data was collected from questionnaires administered to persons in their homes. In addition to the clients' perception and experiences of the program and how it benefitted them, the study instrument also provided a demographic profile of participants and a measure of their self-esteem and life satisfaction. The results of the study showed that the St. John's Work Activity Project was perceived quite positively by the participants as 72 percent reported they were very satisfied with the program. Eighty-four percent said they benefitted from the project and that their expectations were met. Among other things the data also showed that while these persons may be considered to be socially and economically disadvantaged, they appear to be reasonably happy, have high self-esteem and enjoy significant social contact and support from family and friends.


identifier: Newlands, Elizabeth Anne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Newlands=3AElizabeth_Anne=3A=3A.html>   (1978) A study of self concept in women as heads of one-parent families.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this study was to discover what effect the one-parent family situation had on the self concept of women who were one-parent family heads. -- Information for the study was obtained from a random sample of single female parents, and a comparison group of randomly sampled married women. A measure of the self concept of the subjects was obtained from an analysis of their responses to questions about the amount of satisfaction they felt with the performance of selected family roles. An assumption was made that the state of the self concept is affected by what is done and how it is done in carrying out roles. The roles used were based on the usual activities of housewives and mothers in their family lives, and included providing for the family income, housekeeping, child raising, recreational activities, the sexual role, and a role involving giving and receiving emotional support with an adult of the opposite sex. -- A review of the literature on one-parent families revealed that in general they tended to suffer from deprivation in several areas - financial, social and emotional, and that women were more affected than men. Therefore it was deduced that one-parent families, especially those headed by women, would tend to show the effects of this deprivation in their family lives, and this deduction led to the development of a central proposition on which this thesis was based, and to the generation of eighteen hypotheses testing each family role. The central proposition stated that women who were heads of single parent families would feel less satisfaction with the performance of their family roles than married women, and this proposition was confirmed by the results of the study which showed statistically significant differences between the responses of single parents and dual parents in most of the hypotheses tested. -- The general conclusion drawn from the results of the study was that single parent women felt less satisfied with their family lives than married women, and by inference had a low opinion of themselves as adequate people. -- Since these findings are relevant to a significant proportion of the population, it was recommended that a more complete program of social services should be developed for single parents - a program that would take emotional factors into account as well as providing for material needs.


identifier: Smith, B. Wayne(Bronson Wayne) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Smith=3AB=2E_Wayne=28Bronson_Wayne=29=3A=3A.html>   (1993) Impaired driving programs : a review of the Canadian experience: what makes for an effective intervention?  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Driving while impaired (DWI) continues to present a serious problem, both nationally and internationally, and current countermeasures in prevention, intervention and rehabilitation have had questionable impact in the reduction of DWI incidents and recidivism. Various national and provincial initiatives have recently been implemented, centered around primary prevention, however the re-education and rehabilitation efforts aimed at the second and subsequent offenders have not received the same public attention. This study looks at the past and current programming related to DWI intervention programs and has identified, through a literature review and an explanation of existing evaluations, essential components that need to be present in the construct of an "effective" DWI intervention. Using these components, which include psychosocial assessment, qualification of personnel, and course content, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 11 existing programs across Canada. The results of the questionnaire indicate that many programs are deficient in several of the components and substantial efforts would be required in order to advance many of the programs to a stage where these components are established and maintained. The study contends that without these improvements, programs would continue to have mixed outcomes, would be difficult to evaluate in terms of measuring impact, and of greater importance, be able to demonstrate to key stakeholders that DWI programming warrants the attention and support of the public sector.


identifier: Griffin, Dianne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Griffin=3ADianne=3A=3A.html>   (1989) Adolescent pregnancy and changes in family functioning: the views of pregnant adolescents living at home and their mothers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Adolescent pregnancy was examined as to whether or not its impact on the family was distinguishable from that associated with adolescence in general. The perceptions of a group of thirty-two (32) pregnant adolescents and their thirteen (13) mothers was analyzed. The Family Assessment Device (FAD) was applied to indicate the teenagers' and their mothers' recollection of family functioning before and after the pregnancy. Mean scores were collected within and across the scales which made it possible to compare the subject's perception prior to and after the pregnancy occurred. Results indicated there were no significant differences found on the scales before and after the pregnancy, nor between mothers' and daughters' perceptions of family functioning.


identifier: Bolger, Donna M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bolger=3ADonna_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1990) Female and male voices in social work revisited: a systematic critique of Liane Davis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Eating disorders have emerged over the last decade as a serious health and social problem. The challenge in understanding the developmental processes for eating disorders is in moving past the strange and fascinating behaviour. The literature points to three constellations of factors as significant in the emergence of eating disorders. These are: socio-cultural norms and expectations, family composition and relationships, and personal characteristics. This study explores three women's experiences with the emergence and treatment of an eating disorder. The study examines, through the medium of in-depth personal histories, the life and treatment experiences of women who had been diagnosed as having anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or both. The data analysis attempts to bring together the collective wisdom of the existing literature and the information provided by the women in this study. There was a great deal of consistency between the participant's stories with respect to their obsessions and rituals related to body shape, weight, and control of eating. The analysis revealed that the eating disorder is symbolic of more deep-seated emotional problems. Family experiences and socio-cultural pressures towards thinness were also seen as significant factors. These issues are further analyzed to develop an understanding of the role of social work in the treatment of eating disorders. Consideration is given to the directions indicated for the development of early intervention strategies.


identifier: Antle, Beverley J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Antle=3ABeverley_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1990) Guilt, food, and control: three women's experience with eating disorders.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Eating disorders have emerged over the last decade as a serious health and social problem.  The challenge in understanding the developmental processes for eating disorders is in moving past the strange and fascinating behaviour.  The literature points to three constellations of factors as significant in the emergence of eating disorders.  These are: socio-cultural norms and expectations, family composition and relationships, and personal characteristics. -- This study explores three women's experiences with the emergence and treatment of an eating disorder.  The study examines, through the medium of in-depth personal histories, the life and treatment experiences of women who had been diagnosed as having anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or both. -- The data analysis attempts to bring together the collective wisdom of the existing literature and the information provided by the women in this study.  There was a great deal of consistency between the participant's stories with respect to their obsessions and rituals related to body shape, weight, and control of eating.  The analysis revealed that the eating disorder is symbolic of more deep-seated emotional problems.  Family experiences and socio-cultural pressures towards thinness were also seen as significant factors. -- These issues are further analyzed to develop an understanding of the role of social work in the treatment of eating disorders.  Consideration is given to the directions indicated for the development of early intervention strategies.


identifier: Dunne, Gordon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dunne=3AGordon=3A=3A.html>   (1991) Stress in child welfare: a study of perceived causes and levels of stress among child welfare workers in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The phenomenon of stress has received considerable attention in recent years.  However, no studies have been done in Newfoundland to examine the subject of stress amongst social workers and particularly child welfare workers.  This study was designed to : (1) identify elements in the Newfoundland Child Welfare Work environment which social workers perceive as being stressful; (2) to determine to what extent stress is being experienced by these social workers; (3) to examine variation in stress levels perceived by workers in different work settings and with varied biographical backgrounds and; (4) to identify the ways in which the child welfare workers cope with stress. -- A review of the literature revealed a theoretical framework for stress and the effects job stress can have on human service workers particularly social workers employed in the area of child welfare. -- The instrument used in this study was an adapted version of the Wilson Stress Profile for Teachers published in 1979 by Dr. Christopher Wilson.  The adapted stress profile uses respondent self-reporting of perceived stress in relation to a range of subject categories.  The instrument was modified to reflect the nature of the child welfare work situation, different than the teaching environment for which the original instrument was designed. -- The sample consisted of child welfare workers employed by the Department of Social Services in the province of Newfoundland, a total of 62 people. -- The study shows that the primary stressors reported by Child Welfare Workers in Newfoundland are Organizational Factors, Time Management and Relationship with Child's Family.  Specifically, workers cited lack of on-the-job training, policy constraints, insufficient resources, role conflict and work overload as being very stressful.  The stress level most often reported was moderate to high stress. -- Workers reported least stress in the areas of relationships with colleagues and supervisors.  They also reported relative success in utilizing various strategies to cope with stress.  The most frequently cited coping mechanism was physical exercise. -- Of the five geographic regions of the Province, the Labrador region reported the greatest stress, possibly as a result of isolation and fewer opportunities for peer group interaction and support. -- In the area of management style, workers reported a laissez-faire management style to be most stressful.  In regard to office size, workers in larger offices reported less stress than their peers in smaller offices.  Peer support may have accounted for this finding. -- Male child welfare workers reported significantly more stress than females.  In addition, it was found that workers who were single experienced more stress than those who were married. -- Based on the findings, recommendations are made suggesting areas for further study as well as specific actions to reduce current stressors in the work environment.


identifier: Skinner, George William Newman <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Skinner=3AGeorge_William_Newman=3A=3A.html>   (1989) Public perceptions of alcohol problems, treatment policies and treatment services: a Newfoundland perspective.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Alcohol abuse has been under serious investigation particularly in the past forty years.  This study explores and describes public perception and beliefs regarding alcohol problems; specifically it explores the association between these perceptions and beliefs and the public's willingness to utilize psychosocial treatment services; and it describes public expectation of treatment services and treatment personnel.  Within this context, the study also investigated the impact of information regarding the competence of social workers in psychosocial treatment of problems related to alcohol abuse, in increasing the respondents' expressed willingness to utilize social workers as professionals in primary care for alcohol problems. -- The review of the literature indicates that an understanding of the use of alcohol in any population requires a knowledge of drinking behaviour and cultural interpretations of drinking and drinking problems within the population (Ablon, 1980).  The perceptions of various facets of society in which the individual functions such as the family, the work setting and the community at large must be considered in order to arrive at an understanding of alcohol use, abuse and treatment. -- Recent studies have demonstrated the limitations of a unitary concept, that is the disease concept of alcoholism and have turned toward multi-dimensional factors relating to alcohol problems which require various forms of rehabilitative services (Mendelson and Mello, 1985).  Ward (1980) suggested that alcohol problems be viewed as a symptom of a complex interactional process of the individual and his/her environment. -- With respect to professional social work responsibilities in the area of alcohol problems, it is important to consider that approximately 15-35% of clients who use various social services exhibit at least a secondary problem related to alcohol abuse (Kimberley, 1985).  Considering specific addictions programs, social workers are responsible for a broad range of intervention, including psychosocial intervention and therapy within hospitals, psychiatric services, outpatient clinics, residential centres and private practice (Kimberley, 1985). -- This study focuses on an urban population utilizing a descriptive design with the target population being the male or female head of families within the city of St. John's, Newfoundland.  The sample was a stratified random sample consisting of a survey population of two hundred households selected randomly from one of five census tracts as described by Statistics Canada. -- The findings of this study support a psychosocial orientation to the intervention with persons with alcohol problems.  The family, workplace and community are seen as the agents severely affected by alcohol problems and as being agents for change in the intervention of drinking problems.  Medical practitioners, social workers and psychologists were identified as potential care givers for individuals and families experiencing problems with alcohol.  The results are discussed in relation to their implications for policy and program development.  Recommendations are formulated on the basis of the survey results.


identifier: Smyth, Mary A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Smyth=3AMary_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1989) Psychiatrists' and social workers' disclosure practices with regards to the diagnosis of schizophrenia.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Psychiatrists' decisions regarding disclosure of the diagnosis of schizophrenia have implications for social work practice as well as for patient and family treatment.  Ongoing controversy still exists on how disclosure of this diagnosis should be handled. -- This descriptive study examines Newfoundland psychiatrists and social workers who work in psychiatry as to what they report on their practices of disclosure, their opinions, and the various factors that influence them in this area.  Sixty-three respondents representative of both populations were given personal interviews utilizing an open-ended semi-structured questionnaire.  There was one hundred per cent participation. -- The study reveals that the practice of disclosure is not uniform among psychiatrists and social workers.  Some psychiatrists generally disclose to all of their patients, some to a portion, and a few are refraining from revealing the diagnosis.  Similarly, not all social workers disclose the diagnosis of schizophrenia to patients.  Over half of the workers require participation in relation to disclosure from psychiatrists when working with uninformed schizophrenic patients. -- Some notable examples of the many factors which influence psychiatrists and social workers include: the certainty of the diagnosis, patients requests for the diagnoses, the degree of social stigma, the activity of the psychosis, the patients ability to understand, and individual patient characteristics. -- A diversity of issues were raised relating to disclosure; some of these include: the patient has a right to know his/her diagnosis, there is more than one illness lumped under the classification of schizophrenia, some patients prefer euphemisms to the term schizophrenia, knowledge of diagnosis allows patients and their families to increase their educational and therapeutic opportunities, social work's role is affected when patients do not know, it is important, when revealing, to consider where one's client is at, revealing often reduces the blame for patients and their families, and revealing can at certain times be countertherapeutic. -- Overall, the psychiatrists and the majority of social workers believed that under most circumstances the psychiatrist should be the individual who reveals the diagnosis of schizophrenia but that this does not preclude other trusted individuals (including social workers) revealing or being present when disclosure occurs. -- This study concludes that disclosure is a complex phenomenon and is only a small part of educating patients about their schizophrenic illnesses.  Ultimately, each case needs to be examined individually as to whether disclosure should occur, how it should be handled, and who is the most appropriate person to disclose the diagnosis and follow up the disclosure.


identifier: Schledermann, Peter <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Schledermann=3APeter=3A=3A.html>   (1971) The Thule tradition in northern Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis explores the origin and cultural development of the Thule Eskimo Tradition in Northern Labrador, based on an analysis of archaeological material excavated during the summer of 1970 in Saglek Bay. The Thule Eskimo occupation of this region extends in time approximately from the mid-fifteenth century to the present. Specifically the objectives were: to establish the presence of the Thule Tradition prior to Euro-American contact; to investigate the cultural affinity and direction from which their ancestors migrated to the east coast of Labrador; to view the development of the Thule Tradition in relation to climatic changes as well as acculturative Euro-American influences; to investigate the changing settlement patterns and relate these changes to similar events in other areas of the arctic. The time span of Thule Eskimo occupation in Saglek Bay has been analysed with reference to three phases. The Early Phase (A.D. 1450 to 1700) establishes the presence of a prehistoric Thule Eskimo population on the Labrador coast and indicates a close affinity with the early Thule cultures in northern Baffin Island and NW. Greenland. The Communal House Phase (A.D. 1700 to 1850) is characterized by the appearance of large rectangular communal houses similar in structural design to communal houses in Greenland. The Late Phase (A.D. 1850 to PRESENT) represents the recent disintegration of the traditional Thule Eskimo culture in Saglek Bay, initiated by the establishment of the Moravian Mission at Hebron.


identifier: Kennedy, John M.(John Michael) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kennedy=3AJohn_M=2E=28John_Michael=29=3A=3A.html>   (1987) Organizational linkages, ideological association and small group political protest: a case study of an unemployment protest organization.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This is a participant-observation study of how links to various local reformist/radical protest organizations help to shape the ideology of a group formed to protest unemployment.  The ideological orientation of this unemployment political action group is examined in relation to a network of political activist groups that constitute a 'radical horizon'.  Participation in this network limits the development of political sectarian tendencies among the unemployed protest group under study.  The horizon provides external ideological inputs that help to broaden the political worldview of the activists who compose the protest organization known as the Committee of the Unemployed (COUP).  Furthermore, participation in the horizon serves to explain why the political worldview of these unemployed activists differ considerably from the political worldview of the unemployed in general.


identifier: Parsons, Linda Ann <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Parsons=3ALinda_Ann=3A=3A.html>   (1986) Passing the time: the lives of women in a northern industrial town.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Newfoundlanders are generally familiar with both the idea of working in the north and with towns built by resource-extracting companies to house workers and their families.  Not as well known is what the experience of migration to the north and life in such a single-industry town is like, particularly for women.  This thesis examines that experience, presenting data collected during a two month period of interviews with a sample of female residents from Labrador City. -- Relying heavily on a phenomenological tradition of ethnography, the author attempted to allow her respondents to define the aspects of their lives which were of salient importance to their own sense of well-being.  This data was then organized and interpreted to bring out the features of migration and subsequent residence in Labrador City which are particularly crucial for women's happiness and to emphasize the strategies which they use to cope with their problems. -- The thesis devotes attention, in particular, to early efforts to recruit women to Labrador City, to female migration experience and its motivation, and to women's problems related to the demographic, economic and even climatic features of life in a northern, single-industry town. - Women have quite different experiences in northern industrial towns than do men.  This is the focus of the following text, which examines the attractions and difficulties women have found in living in Labrador City and the solutions they've devised for coping.


identifier: Fuchs, Richard P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fuchs=3ARichard_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1973) The career orientations and commitment adaptations of male homosexuals.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This exploratory study examines the contingencies of subjective career growth and sex role commitment in the lives of publicly known homosexuals.  The survey, test, and interviews employed in this investigation were conducted during six months field work in Minneapolis, Minnesota. -- The different adaptations which self-enhancing and self-degrading homosexuals make in order to manage their discreditable status were assessed.  An analysis of the homosexual actor's familial, peer group, sub-cultural, and occupational interaction patterns was also carried out.  A chronological examination follows the homosexual actor from the scene of his first same-sex experience, through self-admission and coming-out, to management of his present sex status, including his perceptions and feelings about aging. -- The theoretical background employed is symbolic interactionist and phenomenological.  Emphasis is placed on the dynamic process of commitment emergence and change, unified by career.  Hypotheses are generated, through-out, for future verification and replication.


identifier: Flight, Claude B. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Flight=3AClaude_B=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1984) Rocking the boat: a change in the power balance of a modern corporation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis studies the effect which a union campaign to organize the clerical white-collar workers of a modern corporation had upon the attitudes and behavior of those workers.  The Corporation referred to provides a utility service to the majority of the province of Newfoundland.  Throughout the unionization attempt, both the Union and the Company vied for the clerks support by issuing bulletins and holding meetings which expounded their respective points of view. -- In researching this process over its one-year duration the author utilized both participant observation and ethnographic interviews.  Factors such as peer pressure, physical work environment, social group participation, managers’ attitudes, work benefits, perceived differences with blue-collar and higher management employees, feminization of the clerical workforce, masculination of management and style of the Union and Corporate campaigns were all investigated and found to play roles in the unionization process. -- These elements were then incorporated in an effort to formulate a theory of white-collar unionization which groups them into six important components.  Each of these components are capable of producing a significant impact on a worker's attitudes towards supporting some form of collective representation.


identifier: Helliker, Kirk David <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Helliker=3AKirk_David=3A=3A.html>   (1984) The South African townships: social crisis and state policy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis focuses on recent developments in the Black residential areas or townships in the urban areas of White South Africa.  More than anything else, these developments are marked by crisis and by attempts on the part of those in power to deal with crisis.  During the past decade there has been an intensification of political struggle by township residents.  Important here was the 1976-7 ‘Soweto Revolt’, in which thousands of residents literally took to the streets on an unprecedented scale to express their anger with apartheid and to mobilise against it.  This immersed the townships and their administration in a deep crisis.  It also highlighted underlying economic problems for residents.  To counteract this, there has been a rethinking and reworking of existing, township policies.  The major force behind this has been big business.  The new policies involve continuing repression and racial domination, but also a process of reform and deracialisation.  The official intention is to defuse the struggles of residents by co-opting them within a framework of liberal capitalism.  But there are many limitations to the successful implementation of this ‘new deal’.  These include resistance from conservative Whites, the ongoing struggles of urban Blacks, and policy contradictions.  It is argued that crisis in the townships is likely to continue throughout the 1980s. -- All this is situated within a wider empirical and theoretical context through discussions of the political economy of contemporary South Africa and the recent debate within South African studies about economy and society.  In both cases, certain unresolved issues are raised which are then taken up in the conclusion to the thesis.  It is argued that reform is indeed a significant process in South Africa requiring sustained inquiry.  And it is shown that a sensitivity to human volition in social change, and in particular to the agency, consciousness and interests of state officials within the realm of state theory, is important.


identifier: Perry, Philip Francis <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Perry=3APhilip_Francis=3A=3A.html>   (1978) The worldwide Church of God: a study of sectarian evolution.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Worldwide Church of God had its beginnings in the early thirties and since that time it has experienced considerable change.  Upon close examination, I have found that this change is not random, but orderly and consistent.  I have labelled it sectarian evolution. -- I studied this process by examining examples of change in many major doctrinal areas of the Worldwide Church God such as tithing, healing, Sabbath observance, etc.  I concluded that significant change had occurred and that the Worldwide Church of God is moving toward a “church-type religious organization in contrast to a “sect-type”. -- On the basis of my investigation of the many areas of Worldwide Church of God sectarian evolution I formulated an explanation of its cause.  I found that the need for a religious sect to remain in a workable state is the basic reason why constant change is necessary. -- A pivotal area which I concentrated on in the latter stages of the thesis is concerned with the Worldwide Church of God remains united and how it maintains a growing membership in the face of ongoing sectarian evolution.


identifier: Eades, Joseph William <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Eades=3AJoseph_William=3A=3A.html>   (1971) Locals and outsiders in Aklavik, N.W.T.: an anthropological analysis of a multi-ethnic community.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This work concerns the relationships and interaction that exist between Outsiders and Locals in a multi-ethnic settlement in the Canadian sub-arctic.  The Outsiders are non-permanent white residents, usually, but not always, representatives of various government, commercial and religious institutions.  The Locals include Eskimo, Indian, Metis and white residents who look upon Aklavik, or at least the North, as their permanent home.  Each of these groups, Locals and Outsiders, displays its own particular social and cultural characteristics.  The development of the two groups and the type of relationship that exists between them is described in historical and contemporary perspective. -- Specifically, the work focusses on two influential Aklavik residents and their relationship is analysed in respect to two settings.  In the context of the Settlement Council the government administrator (Outsider) has considerable influence and emerges as patron with Mrs. Stockholm (Local) as his client.  Their relationship is reversed in the setting of some special events in Aklavik and Mrs. Stockholm demonstrates her ability to recruit the administrator as her client. - The norms, values and behaviour pertaining to both Outsiders and Locals are discussed in relation to these two settings.  On the macro-level (e.g. the Council) Outsider values predominate and the Locals respond with behaviour characteristic of 'atomistic'-type societies while symbolically competing with the Outsiders.  On the micro-level (e.g., special events) Local values predominate and the Locals are seen to display situational leadership and communalism while engaging in direct competition with the Outsiders.


identifier: Scott, David <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Scott=3ADavid=3A=3A.html>   (1993) Bureaucratic orientation and counselling in contrasting settings.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The objective of this thesis is to explore the relationship between bureaucracies and counselling. More specifically, this research will examine how bureaucratic structures influence counsellors' attitudes and occupational behaviour. Based on the distinction between autonomous and heteronomous bureaucracies, two contrasting work settings were defined and operationalized. The attitudes of counsellors were measured using the concept 'bureaucratic orientation' and counsellors' jobs were examined using the dimensions standardization and specialization of occupational practice. -- Forty counsellors were interviewed. Nineteen counsellors were from autonomous settings and twenty-one from heteronomous settings. Interviews consisted of open and close-ended questions and lasted approximately one hour. -- The findings indicate that counsellors' attitudes within bureaucratized settings are determined not only by the degree of bureaucratization within each organizational setting, but also by the length of time spent in the work unit, level of education, and the position held within the organization. The findings also indicate that specialization and standardization of occupational practice are positively correlated with bureaucratization. -- Differences by gender were found to be significant. Women in counselling were found to be marginalized. On all the dimensions measured, women were subordinate to men. Women were also over- represented in highly bureaucratized settings. Female counselors were more bureaucratically oriented than males, had spent less time in the organization than males, and were more likely to possess vocational as opposed to academic degrees. In contrast, males were over-represented in autonomous settings, displayed lower levels of bureaucratic orientation than females, had spent more time in the organization, and were more likely to possess advanced academic degrees. -- The evidence does not support the existence of bureaucratic- professional conflict, although the potential for this conflict exists to a greater degree in autonomous work units than in highly bureaucratized (heteronomous) work units. The research also points to the socialization aspect of education and the type of education undertaken by counsellors as being major factors in formulating attitudes towards bureaucracies and in determining the place of employment.


identifier: Morris, Anne M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Morris=3AAnne_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1992) "Lost in the shuffle": follow-up with victims of child abuse.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Child abuse has become an important topic in today's society. Increased awareness of abuse as a problem has led to a rise in the number of reported cases, which has put pressure on already overburdened social service agencies. In an effort to improve service to clients the Department of Social Services in St. John's, Newfoundland established a Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Unit. This thesis looks at the ability of the social workers at the Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Unit and the district offices of the Department of Social Services, within the St. John's area, to provide adequate treatment and follow-up to their clients. Information is based on a period of participant observation at the Unit during which time the social workers there and at the district offices were interviewed. Interviews were conducted with 36 clients who had been referred to the Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Unit to determine their perceptions of the types of services they received. These clients discussed positive and negative aspects of their treatment and offered suggestions for improvement. -- The findings suggest that the social workers' efforts to help their clients were constrained by the bureaucratic structure in which they operated. They were overworked and overburdened with large case loads. They lacked sufficient financial and referral resources. Workers experienced feelings of isolation in the district offices where job satisfaction was low and staff turnover high. The workers at the Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Unit developed an informal organization or sub-culture which did not solve the structural problems but allowed them to acquire informal mechanisms to cope with the situation and thus provide a better service to clients. -- These findings suggest that changes are necessary in the organization of Child Protection Services as part of the bureaucratic structure. The positive aspects of the Unit, e.g. the support network for the workers, need to be reviewed and extended to others involved in child protection services. An ongoing evaluation that consults with clients as the service receivers should be a component of child protection services. This would enable adjustments to be made on a regular basis that would improve service to clients and make the social workers’ job easier.


identifier: Stockwood, Pauline <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Stockwood=3APauline=3A=3A.html>   (1988) Mobilization of the anti-pornography movement in Newfoundland (1983-1988): an analysis of ideology, structure, and strategy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The focus of this thesis is the mobilization of the anti-pornography movement in Newfoundland through the efforts of the Coalition of Citizens Against Pornography (CCAP), a St. John's based group that formed in 1983. The study places the movement within the context of the national anti-pornography movement, identifying structural, historical, and political conditions giving rise to the movement's formation. By exploring the ideology of those involved in the pornography debate, i.e. the liberal, conservative, and feminist perspectives, the study analyses how different world views affect attitudes about sexuality, and in turn, how these attitudes determine one's philosophical position on pornography. By identifying the key players in the mobilizing effort and their attitudes, opinions, and ability to secure the resources to initiate a province-wide lobby effort, the analysis demonstrates how ideology and resource mobilization interact to help form the structural base of the movement, the strategies undertaken by the CCAP, and the position supported by the group as a whole. -- An ethnographic and historical approach was used to conduct the research. Data collection was facilitated by the use of personal interviews, observation, organizational file documents, and newspaper clippings. The involvement of three organizations make up the focus of this thesis. These include, the CCAP, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and the St. John's Status of  Women Council (formally the Newfoundland Status of Women Council).


identifier: Ripley, Paul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ripley=3APaul=3A=3A.html>   (1989) Economic restructuring and technological change : resistance and control among inside workers and letter carriers at Canada Post Corporation, St. John's, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis is a comparative study of the changing work experience and relations of two groups of Canadian postal employees in St. John's, Newfoundland.  Two related factors are identified as underwriting these changes: technological based reorganization of work and the demand of a conservative state for a move to a private sector model of operations.  The latter factor includes the requirement for a deficit free, and even profit-generating, operation at Canada Post Corporation and the divestment of public ownership.  Underlying this empirical analysis is a theoretical interest in the labour process, technology and the managerial problem of control. -- I argue in this thesis that among inside postal workers, members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, technological change and the bureaucratic reorganization of work which has surrounded it has undermined their ability to resist management incursions on the shop floor.  The subsequent shift in the frontier of control has enabled management to implement a number of productivity and efficiency measures, which from the workers' point of view, has had a major negative effect on their work experience and relations.  Moreover, the recent move toward privatization and the generation of more flexible, casual labour further undermines the ability of workers to defend themselves. -- While inside workers have had a continuous history of conflict over the degradation of work through technological change, letter carriers have experienced a relatively stable, institutionalized relationship with management during the past 15 years.  This relationship, in contrast to the inside workers', may be characterized as "consent" based.  However, with growing pressure on management to solve the economic "crisis" at Canada Post, the status quo between letter carriers and management is eroding and an ultimately antagonistic set of interests is being revealed. -- The data from this comparative study lead to the conclusion that recent interest in the notion of consent within the labour process literature has definite theoretical and empirical limits which become apparent in examining production relations in periods of economic instability.  On the other hand, the question of control of labour and technologicl change cannot be addressed in formulistic, determinist fashion.  Rather, the unique organizational and historical characteristics of "each" labour process must be understood in its own context.


identifier: Flint, John David <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Flint=3AJohn_David=3A=3A.html>   (1995) Family farming in western Newfoundland : production and exchange strategies in a remote agricultural region.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In Canada, government policies and programs and the market structure itself encourage the rationalization of agriculture; large, cost efficient regionally specific monocrop operations. In Newfoundland farms continue to survive and in some cases flourish in ways that seem to flout state policy and the dictums of the agrifood market. Based on field research conducted in a small farming region in western Newfoundland, this thesis examines the multiple production and exchange strategies of farmers in that region and attempts to find social explanations for this diversity.  Changes in the provincial market structure and transportation system have been influential. The fairly recent vertical of integration of Newfoundland's food delivery system has had a profound effect. The thesis also considers the influence of kinship and community ties and obligations on the modes of production and exchange and reveals ways that farmers have adapted to the constraints of unfavourable land tenancy arrangements and a generally unsympathetic local non-farming community. -- In order to describe and explain the various production and exchange strategies taken by the 17 farm units surveyed, this thesis develops a farm typology with its roots in the political economy of Kautsky and Chayanov and their successors. While farm typologies - particularly those developed in North America - have tended to rely on quantitative data, the typology presented here is based on qualitative data and particularly the social relations of production and exchange  within and outside each farm unit. In the analysis, three districts of "family farm" emerge within the survey area, each relying on a particular set of social, economic and political resources for success. In conclusion, this thesis suggests that the varying needs of each of these types must be taken into consideration when agricultural policy is formulated.


identifier: Leamon, Anthony Walter <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Leamon=3AAnthony_Walter=3A=3A.html>   (1994) From the bottom-up? : community control in two community development corporations.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Uneven economic growth across regions is a continuing feature of Canadian Society. Locally initiated development efforts are increasingly being examined in political and academic circles as an appropriate strategy to address issues of community marginalization. In this respect, community development corporations(CDCs) are viewed as democratic community-based organizations that provide residents with the means to plan and implement development strategies that address community needs. -- CDCs are expected to integrate principles of democratic community control with private sector economic activity. This thesis explores the extent to which the Great Northern Peninsula Development Corporation, a CDC located in Newfoundland, and New Dawn Limited, a CDC located in Sydney Nova Scotia, were able to manage the tension between operating in a market economy and following principles of community control. -- Interviews with the boards of directors of the CDCs and leaders of relevant community-based organizations indicated that both CDCs adopted the style and strategies of market-oriented private sector firms. Few opportunities were given to community residents to participate effectively in the planning and implementation of development policies. Almost all of the limited resources were focused on establishing and managing business enterprises. Leaders of neither organization saw community economic development in terms of an alternative development strategy with community empowerment as the goal.


identifier: Ottenheimer, Susanne M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ottenheimer=3ASusanne_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1993) 'Fish and oil don't mix' : power relations at the Bull Arm construction site, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis attempts to answer the underlying question of the extent to which social actors are constrained to act and think in the ways they do. More specifically, this research examines how a multinational oil corporation negotiated with local residents of Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, in such a manner that the interests of fishing men and women in protecting their culture and way of life were effectively masked by the industry. These negotiations resulted in the omitting of fishers' grievances from the agenda, the inadequate articulation of fishers' intrinsic interests and the exclusion of women's issues from the negotiation process. Underlying this empirical investigation is a theoretical analysis of social power, in particular the three-dimensional perspective advanced by Steven Lukes. The analysis is based mainly on 78 interviews with fishers and plant labourers, company and government officials, community leaders and other local residents.


identifier: White, Sheila Mary <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/White=3ASheila_Mary=3A=3A.html>   (1992) New found life : return migration to the Great Northern Peninsula.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis has a particular focus on Return Migration and its explanation in terms of the dynamics of the largely hidden social economy of rural Newfoundland.  Often people think Newfoundlanders move back home to be with their families.  What most do not realize is that moving back home to be with one's family is not as culturally associated as originally believed.  Moving back home to be with one's family often means having more money to spend and being able to acquire material things that are unobtainable on the mainland.  This is largely because of the hidden social economy. -- This thesis discusses in detail the social and economic benefits of living in rural Newfoundland.  It explains that theorists who believe people move in search of work or those who believe that people move to be near family are not fully understanding return migration to rural Newfoundland.  These theorists have not uncovered the economic benefits of living near family. -- The research for this thesis was completed through formal and informal interviews including participant observation of the lifestyle of the people on the Great Northern Peninsula.  It was based on grounded theory with some preconceived hypotheses that later proved to be irrelevant to the study.  The conclusions in this thesis were made following the research and therefore were conclusive based on hypotheses that became evident during the research.  To demonstrate the presence of a social economy in rural Newfoundland, this thesis discusses the lifestyle on the Great Northern Peninsula and compares Stayers with Returnees.  In addition to demonstrating that there are few differences between the two groups, this thesis discusses the migration experience of those who have gone away and returned home to a better lifestyle which they had not acknowledged before they went away. -- This thesis concludes that typical out-migrants from Newfoundland are searching for what they can only find in their home communities because they have limitations such as low skills and education levels that keep them from obtaining a better quality of life than they can have in rural Newfoundland.  It further explains how the economic life in rural Newfoundland does not prejudice against those without skills or education, and that consequently most people live a lifestyle that is not that different from those who live in other parts of rural Canada. -- List of key words: Return migration; Great Northern Peninsula; Stayers; Returnees; Seasonal employment; Out-migration; Subsistence production; Informal economy; Migration, Fishery.